WB0SPL said:
However...if you have never done a long trip, I would recommend doing several 200-250 mile round-trips around home before you leave to get the butt conditioned. Some of the other guys/gals may have suggestions also.
Since I usually work on Saturdays, my days off are Thursdays and Sundays. It's not unusual for me to ride a 300-400 mile loop around the state on those days...just because I have a Wing :wink: Those rides are usually in the 7 - 10 hour range, obviously at lower average speeds.
I agree 100% with the above statement. If you don't condition yourself and your ass ahead of time, it could turn great expectations a miserable trip. I would suggest more on working on "saddle time" rather than focusing too much on mileage. Work yourself up to riding an 8 - 10 hour day and you'll be fine. Don't forget to stop and smell the flowers along the way, not to mention taking lots of pictures.
Last year, I rode straight through on the way back from the Hoot, to WI. The trip was about 750 miles and took around 14 hours, so the 50 mph esitmate is about right. I stopped about every 2 hours for a stretch and for food as needed. I have a 16oz insulated cup for water that I pretty much consumed between each stop. Keep hydrated or you will loose focus and bad things can happen.
With that said, I would not want to do 750 legs every day. I think your goal of 450 miles/day is very doable.
Just off the top of my head, in no particular order, here are a few thoughts:
- Make sure you have riding gear for any type of weather you may encounter. You want to avoid riding too hot or cold and/or wet and all costs. Unless you have all the time in the world, you also don't want rain to prevent you from traveling. Put the rain gear on and go...
- Make sure you riding gear is comfortable. Gloves, pants, jacket, helmet, boots, socks, underwear (don't laugh, it can make a difference.)
- Have water with you to drink when you stop. Keeping it cold sure helps too.
- Have a way to clean your windshield (if you look through it) or visor.
- Pack stuff to fix a flat, know how to use it.
- Cell phone, credit card.
- If you're tired, stop. Do not push yourself if you're not up to it.
There's probably a ton more and the people on this forum are great for providing long distance riding tips. Soak it all in and use what works for you.