Your first long trip... - Harley Forum

unfknblvbl · #1 10-08-2008, 02:10 PM

So this weekend I have Friday and Monday off. Thinking about going on an 11 hour journey to see the wife and kids. Of course riding the bike, well that's what I'm contemplating right now. The longest I've rode since I've had my bike is about 4 hours and with a buddy. This one will be solo, so I'm a little apprehensive about it. The only cargo room I have on the scoot is a tool pouch on the front so I'd have to carry a back pack to take a change of clothes and some hygiene gear. I don't have rain gear, figured I really don't need it. I'll dry.

When you took your first long journey what would you of done differently? What would you of packed, or not packed? What did you wish you had with you?

I've drove the route on the way to Mississippi and the roads are nice and flat. I'll have my leathers, eye pro, etc. I don't have a full face helmet, but I do have ear plugs. I just don't know if I would wear them. May sound crazy, but I like to hear what's going around me. I'm probably making this to be a bigger deal than needs be. Guess I'll just go for it. Many have done something like this before and many will do it again

rcd · #2 10-08-2008, 02:57 PM

I really don't like getting soaked through. I think the worst was when my boots got really wet, then I started to feel REALLY uncomfortable! I decided then I would never leave on a long trip without a rainsuit, again.

Hammerhead Pat · #3 10-08-2008, 03:34 PM

On my longer riding trips, I have a SAC bag that I bought from HD that goes over my backrest, I make sure the raingear gets packed last so that it can come out first if needed. If the roads you are going to be riding are near populated areas, I wouldn't worry about tools, just make sure your cell phone is fully charged and bring the charger along just in case. On the second day of our trip to Myrtle Beach, we knew we were going to get soaked so we bought some of those large plastic trash bags that would fit over our luggage and bungied(???) them over the bags just to be safe and it worked, everything stayed dry. Also let your family know your route and a timeframe of when you expect to get in. A 4hr trip usually works out just right, 140 miles in about 2 1/2 hrs works out perfectly for gas stops. Have a great weekend!

Hammerhead Pat · #4 10-08-2008, 03:37 PM

My bad,I misread the part about the trip being 11hrs. Ride as long as you are comfortable and alert. Again, have a great ride and weekend.

HarleyCruiser · #5 10-08-2008, 04:28 PM

I would never go over a hundred mile trip without a rain suit, especially if it is for more that two or three days.
Go to Wal-Mart and get a cheap one if nothing else.
Getting wet is miserable even with a good suit, worse without anything.
Also take warm clothes and a change if you get wet.
Roll it all up in a towel and wrap it in a garbage bag bungee it on.
And get used to wearing the ear plugs; once you are on the road for a while you will like them. And they really save the hearing, especially without a windshield.
And Have fun there is no better way to go.

Tbone · #6 10-08-2008, 04:37 PM

In the summer of 2007, I rode in a downpour for about 6 hours with a small break at about hour 4. It was in the middle of summer so being cold wan't a problem. Being wet didn't bother me. I had a 3/4 face shield helmet. I gave my wife the rainsuit.
When we were married, I had a Superglide and she had a Harley dirt bike. Married for 1 day, we set out from Virginia Beach to Cherry Point so I could report to work at the squadron on Monday. It poured down rain the entire ride and it took us twice as long. We didn't have rainsuits, jackets or anything. Just a seabag strapped on the back of my bike and a pack strapped on her bike. T-shirts and blue jeans. We looked like drowned rats when we pulled up to my buddy's house on base housing.
I would try a back pack with a rainsuit in it. October temeratures will be exaggerated if you are soaked. Leave very early in the morning so you are not driving after sunset at the end of the trip when you are fatigued. Take fluids at each gas stop. Go for it. And be careful.

I'm riding to Maxton, NC on the 24th to see Buzz ride his old Harley for speed.

unfknblvbl · #7 10-08-2008, 07:28 PM

So the general consensus seems to be that I should at least have a rain suit. I'll work on that one.

I mainly got the tool pouch to carry my gloves and reflective vest that the military makes me wear. Carrying it in my back pocket starts to get a little hard on the rear. I wouldn't say all areas are populated, but I always have my phone. I'll figure this out and make it work...hopefully.

Definitely need to invest in a set of good old fashion throw over bags and chaps. Looks like fox creek will be getting some business here soon.

EZE RIDER · #8 10-08-2008, 10:04 PM

Yea Un, I was never big on rain suits until I started with the road trips and had a schedule to meet. If your just cruising local with nowhere to go you simply pull over and hangout until it stops. On a roadtrip you dont have that luxury. I always like to have bottled water, beef jerky and trail mix with me as well for quick energy and refreshment. Other than that a cell phone and credit card and your all set. Enjoy!

evoKENevo · #9 10-09-2008, 01:31 AM

Hey UFB..one of the single worst problems (other than wet) you're bound to experience is "Monkey-Butt" on a ride that long. Ever see a female Baboon in heat ??

Make sure you make a pit stop every 100 miles or so..top off your tank..stretch your legs..and "air-your-ass" a bit. I always take medicated powder (not just talc) on long trips..great stuff to get rid of "the-burning" back there. In fact shaking a little in your shorts ahead of time is a good idea..trust me !

JCourneyaP · #10 10-09-2008, 04:54 AM

Better bring some flowers for your wife...She is apt to kick yer butt for volunteering again...