First long distance ride.

bargovic · May 30, 2006, 07:45:49 AM

So I'm thinking of heading up to Lake George, NY next week to meet some friends, and ride up to the americade. That means me doing about 260-280 miles on a friday afternoon to get to where I will be staying. Longest I usually ride is like ~ 100 miles. I was thinking about stoping every 60 miles along the way to ya know take off the helmet, pee, relax a second. 120 miles of the trip is on a highway. How often do you guys make stops on long trips? comment? 2 cents?

GS Jenn · May 30, 2006, 07:53:57 AM

I haven't done any long trips by myself, but have done a fair amount 2-up with my boyfriend on his bike. I like to stop every hour, 2 hours max, to get off the bike and shake out my numb ass and legs.

Phaedrus · May 30, 2006, 08:03:29 AM

260-280 miles is a a hefty ride, but I've done it and it is not as bad as it sounds

I'd probably stop every 100 miles or so. Every 60 is too much, I think..it would take you forever to get where you want to go! But somewhere between 100-150 is likely what I would do. Stop at a gas station and fuel up, take a piss brake, get a drink, stretch your legs, and if it is hot..cool off! Don't underestimate the importance of hydration. DRINK WATER!

The exception would be if you see something cool and need to stop for a fantatic photo op.

Chuck · May 30, 2006, 08:09:46 AM

Yeah I'd do 100 mile stops. On a long trip I usually keep two steel thermoses in my tank bag. One with hot hot coffee, one with cold cold water (or milk). A couple extra bottles of water in the side bags, and some snacky bar type stuff (granola or cereal bars). Hungry, thirsty, hot, or cold will distract you from the road which is why I have all that. Coffee just because I'm an addict.

Know where your fellow GSTwinners are in case you feel you need an extended break.

Alphamazing · May 30, 2006, 08:17:43 AM

I've done a 300 mile day of hill country riding (twisties, sweepers, etc...), two 300 mile days of highway riding, as well as several 200 to 250 mile a day rides. It's really not that bad so long as you stop when necessary and make sure you're coherent and alert.

Since this is your first long ride, I wouldn't suggest going a full tank before stopping. As said before, stop every 100 miles or so to rest, stretch, rehydrate, grab a snack, and make sure you are coherent and alert. You don't want to be zoning out, which is very easy to do on long stints on the highway on a bike.

You'll be fine, don't worry.

Phaedrus · May 30, 2006, 08:30:44 AM

Quote from: Chuck on May 30, 2006, 08:09:46 AM
Know where your fellow GSTwinners are in case you feel you need an extended break.

Yeah. I'm around Binghamton area, Norwich specifically. Chuck is obviously Albany area. Onlypastrana199 is also out toward Albany. I can't think of any other active GSTwinners in upstate NY off the top of my head. Could always check the http://www.frappr.com/gstwin site but I don't think there is anyone.

bargovic · May 30, 2006, 08:49:40 AM

I plan in heading up Friday afternoon. Im originally from saratoga, so im going to crash at my parents fri night. Sat i plan to ride up rt 9 into lake george with some friends from stillwater. Sat is the demo day so honda, triumph, suzuki, etc are doing demos. Sunday its over, so ill head back to PA sunday morn. Im always open meeting up with some GSTwins, let me know if you guys are interested.

bargovic · May 31, 2006, 08:25:24 AM

i see how it is

NiceGuysFinishLast · May 31, 2006, 08:25:44 PM

Good thread! I'm picking my GS up in early july, and will be making my first long distance trip in early August, to take it back up to Atlanta for school. It's 600 miles, so I'm planning on doing two 300 mile days.. should be fun...

Onlypastrana199 · May 31, 2006, 08:30:22 PM

I'm not too far off 87 (i'm assuming thats the way you're going?) Off exit 9. What days are you going? Thats my territory

some good riding up there, Warrensburg too.

melloGS · May 31, 2006, 08:47:58 PM

I go til i hit reserve...then i stop for gas...

rangerbrown · May 31, 2006, 08:57:55 PM

don't drink soda. drink plenty of water. any ting with caffeine will dehydrate you faster.
If you feel numb,dizzy,light headed, mind wondering etc.. pull over and rest and get some water.

IT DOESN'T TAKE LONG TO GET DEHYDRATED

after my 3rd long trip (over 200 miles) i went and spent 35$ on a throttle lock. i only use it when i need to rest my right hand..

stretch before and after stopping every time. walk around a few Min's 5-10 to get the blood flowing good.

use that time to check the bike as well, i will check brakes, lights, chain and last fuel.

biggest thing will be the seat, it sucks for a trip that long, be prepared for a sour ass.

porsche4786 · May 31, 2006, 10:10:34 PM

Anybody use those other things you can put on your throttle? It kinda sticks under your hand a little on the end of the throttle. I see some cruiser bikes with them.

EDIT: A throttle rocker!!

bargovic · June 01, 2006, 06:56:02 AM

Quote from: Onlypastrana199 on May 31, 2006, 08:30:22 PM
I'm not too far off 87 (i'm assuming thats the way you're going?) Off exit 9. What days are you going? Thats my territory some good riding up there, Warrensburg too.

I have to talk to my friend up in stillwater. I think we plan on riding up rt 9 into lake george. Ill be heading from exit 13 off of the northway (ballston spa), but i will probably ride up rt 9. the northway sucks.

Onlypastrana199 · June 01, 2006, 07:14:59 AM

Stillwater is directly across the river from me, my property goes to the river in Mechanicville. That's maybe 10-15 minutes from me. Rt. 9 is a good ride up to Lake George, if you get a chance see if your friend will take you around the Tomhannok Resevoir, twisties are good and the water keeps it cool down there.

I'm going up on wednesday, possibly thursday, friday I have a bridal shower

not sure otherwise. One other thing, don't eat in Lake George...prices suck alot...I think I paid $25 for a sandwich and chips last year....and don't get on any boats...

bargovic · June 01, 2006, 08:14:08 AM

Quote from: Onlypastrana199 on June 01, 2006, 07:14:59 AM
Stillwater is directly across the river from me, my property goes to the river in Mechanicville. That's maybe 10-15 minutes from me. Rt. 9 is a good ride up to Lake George, if you get a chance see if your friend will take you around the Tomhannok Resevoir, twisties are good and the water keeps it cool down there.

I'm going up on wednesday, possibly thursday, friday I have a bridal shower not sure otherwise. One other thing, don't eat in Lake George...prices suck alot...I think I paid $25 for a sandwich and chips last year....and don't get on any boats...

Oh i know about the prices, ive been there a million times. There almost as bad as toga durring track season. Ill only be up there sat, since i work all week. but at least a few GS's will make an apperance. woot. Have fun.

Chuck · June 01, 2006, 11:19:23 AM

I definitely won't get up there. Just bought a new house, and gotta paint and start moving crap this weekend. I second that you should take a detour and cruise around the Tomhannok Reservoir. Excellent roads and not too many cages when I've been there.

BTW Pastrana, Exit 9 is definitely my territory. I live in Clifton Park. In fact, I'll claim 8 and 8A as well. You can have 10 thru 12. (My profile says Albany because it's easier to explain to people from Utah and such.)

Onlypastrana199 · June 01, 2006, 11:32:43 AM

but those are malta who'd want malta? and I can't take exit 7 off 787 cause thats troylet

Kerry · June 01, 2006, 12:04:13 PM

Quote from: Chuck on June 01, 2006, 11:19:23 AM(My profile says Albany because it's easier to explain to people from Utah and such.)

I appreciate it ... I guess?

rangerbrown · June 01, 2006, 12:22:08 PM

Quote from: porsche4786 on May 31, 2006, 10:10:34 PM
Anybody use those other things you can put on your throttle? It kinda sticks under your hand a little on the end of the throttle. I see some cruiser bikes with them.

EDIT: A throttle rocker!!

yep like i said in my post above yours. here is what mine looks like.

News:

First long distance ride.