Sept 9th I plan to ride the bike from Scranton Pa to visit my brother in Pittsburgh Pa.
About 280 miles one way.
Got stuck replacing my front tire when it arrives in the mail because I just dont trust the current one for such a long ride. (it woulda been fine for local rides the rest of the year tho)
But what should I be checking specifically.
and what to have a mechanic check. (plan to stop by this friendly shop by my dads for a good look over)
Basics I know.
Tire condition & pressure. (back tires only got like 2K miles on it and front one is going to be brand new)
Chain tension (going to ask mechanic to make 100% sure on the condition of it)
Oil level (+1 qrt extra in my bag)
Quick check over on bolts and make sure nothing is loose.
Front brakes only have 2500 miles on them, back ones are still good too.
Just want to make sure I am not missing anything and not get stuck doing something to the bike at the last minute.
Thanks
Maybe a small tool kit, a few zip ties and something to wipe the bug juice off your visor.
Quote from: mimikeni on August 27, 2011, 04:29:11 PM
Maybe a small tool kit, a few zip ties and something to wipe the bug juice off your visor.
which is the item you are most probably going to need
About what to check I think you got it covered, if it's running fine and you are doing the regular maintenance I don't think you need a mechanic to check it.
And if it's not burning much oil, I don't think you really need to carry oil with you, just check the level before the trip, 280 miles is not that much.
Quote from: Yuri. on August 27, 2011, 04:34:30 PM
Quote from: mimikeni on August 27, 2011, 04:29:11 PM
Maybe a small tool kit, a few zip ties and something to wipe the bug juice off your visor.
which is the item you are most probably going to need
About what to check I think you got it covered, if it's running fine and you are doing the regular maintenance I don't think you need a mechanic to check it.
And if it's not burning much oil, I don't think you really need to carry oil with you, just check the level before the trip, 280 miles is not that much.
yeah, just better safe then sorry. ya'know.
and Thank You!!!
Yes DEF. something for the buggies!
and zip ties are def. a good suggestion, didnt think of that and they can come quite in handy.
yeah its not That far, I do that on a nice day almost but locally and not all at once.
This'll be a straight run, minus probably one stop for gas and numerous stops to sooth my rear from being raped by Suzi! HAHAHA
- Take water with you and drink it. Also good for if you are stranded on the side of the road waiting for a while.
- Some onboard snacks in case you are stranded and need a fix. Mars or Snickers should suffice.
- Pull up for a brief rest stop every 60-90 minutes - do some stretches while stopped, clean your visor.
- Make sure your cell phone is fully charged.
- Map out your route and fuel/rest stops before you go.
- Call your end destination at each stop to let them know of your progress - and call your wife/gf/whatever as well to reassure them you are fine.
- Ear plugs - you'll feel less fatigued wearing them
- Comfy underpants (flannel boxers or bicycle shorts)
- Puncture repair kit
- Small handheld UHF radio in case your cell is out of range and you need assistance
- Paracetamol in case your muscles start to tense - shoulder, neck esp.
Michael
To add about bike shorts, they do make ones that have memory foam in the crotch and butt area. I used them riding from Nashville to Deals Gap and around to back home. Made the ride easier on the tush. And if its a little warm, maybe a Camelback backpack. Or put the reservoir in a tank bag so you can hydrate while driving.
Sean
Quote from: smackdoogie on August 27, 2011, 06:11:52 PM
To add about bike shorts, they do make ones that have memory foam in the crotch and butt area. I used them riding from Nashville to Deals Gap and around to back home. Made the ride easier on the tush. And if its a little warm, maybe a Camelback backpack. Or put the reservoir in a tank bag so you can hydrate while driving.
Sean
Im not a fan of the drinking on the go. Just another distraction to deal with buggering around with straws and visors. If you pull up every hour to hour and a half do your drinking then. Just my opinion though. If you try and push to long between stops you will really fatigue quickly and your butt will never forgive you.
One thing I always manage forget to do on long trips is clipping my helmet strap so its not flapping about in the wind and slapping my helmet and neck. This becomes
really annoying after an hour of riding.
Quote from: Twisted on August 27, 2011, 07:23:07 PM
Quote from: smackdoogie on August 27, 2011, 06:11:52 PM
To add about bike shorts, they do make ones that have memory foam in the crotch and butt area. I used them riding from Nashville to Deals Gap and around to back home. Made the ride easier on the tush. And if its a little warm, maybe a Camelback backpack. Or put the reservoir in a tank bag so you can hydrate while driving.
Sean
Im not a fan of the drinking on the go. Just another distraction to deal with buggering around with straws and visors. If you pull up every hour to hour and a half do your drinking then. Just my opinion though. If you try and push to long between stops you will really fatigue quickly and your butt will never forgive you.
One thing I always manage forget to do on long trips is clipping my helmet strap so its not flapping about in the wind and slapping my helmet and neck. This becomes really annoying after an hour of riding.
Yeah I'm a smoker so I will be stopping every 45 to 60 minutes for a break, smoke, butt relaxer!, and a drink. hahaha
forget your helmet strap? how can you forget such a thing? haha
BIGGGG no no for me, without mine, my helmet would come Flying off if anything ever happened. which would be Real bad!
only forgot once tho for a quick mile run to the store and even in that short distance it annoyed me flying about.
but so far, thanks for the input.
few things listed I would have forgotten. :thumb:
Quote from: Tombstones81 on August 28, 2011, 04:48:24 AM
Quote from: Twisted on August 27, 2011, 07:23:07 PM
Quote from: smackdoogie on August 27, 2011, 06:11:52 PM
To add about bike shorts, they do make ones that have memory foam in the crotch and butt area. I used them riding from Nashville to Deals Gap and around to back home. Made the ride easier on the tush. And if its a little warm, maybe a Camelback backpack. Or put the reservoir in a tank bag so you can hydrate while driving.
Sean
Im not a fan of the drinking on the go. Just another distraction to deal with buggering around with straws and visors. If you pull up every hour to hour and a half do your drinking then. Just my opinion though. If you try and push to long between stops you will really fatigue quickly and your butt will never forgive you.
One thing I always manage forget to do on long trips is clipping my helmet strap so its not flapping about in the wind and slapping my helmet and neck. This becomes really annoying after an hour of riding.
Yeah I'm a smoker so I will be stopping every 45 to 60 minutes for a break, smoke, butt relaxer!, and a drink. hahaha
forget your helmet strap? how can you forget such a thing? haha
BIGGGG no no for me, without mine, my helmet would come Flying off if anything ever happened. which would be Real bad!
only forgot once tho for a quick mile run to the store and even in that short distance it annoyed me flying about.
but so far, thanks for the input.
few things listed I would have forgotten. :thumb:
No it is done up I just forget to attach the bit that you pull through the buckles to that little clip to stop it flapping around. At highways speeds it only becomes apparent as the wind catches that little bit of strap and whips it everywhere. No way would I ride without doing my helmet up properly lol.
I second the zip ties. Such a small thing but they can come in very handy.
When my chain guard bolt thing disappeared and the guarded started bouncing around, zip ties kept it in place nicely.
Michael
Here's my list, although this is for trips of > 500 miles each way or so. These are the tools I carry:
Flashlight, batteries
Knife
Leatherman
(metric) Allen wrenches
regular pliers
Wrench, 6" and 8"
8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 14mm, 17mm, 18mm wrenches
6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 14mm socket + ratchet
Philips, slot screwdriver (small ones too)
Tire gauge
Rag
Bicycle tire pump
Tire patch kit
Tweezers
Hacksaw blade
Spare spark plugs
Replacement bulbs, front & back
Spare clutch/gear levers
Spare cables
Spare chain links, inner & outer
And chain tool
Fuel connectors
Fuel hose clamps (2)
Fuel line
Sand paper
Epoxy & JB Weld
Superglue
Zip ties
cord
Duct tape
Chain Lube
Some wire
Some oil, in a cup-size bottle
Might seem a bit excessive, but if you are prepared for it it never happens ;)
Here's what I'd inspect before leaving. None of this has to get done by a mechanic, this check should take like 5 minutes:
Check brake pads
Air filter (just peek)
Battery levels
Tire pressure (& tires)
Oil level (& fill)
Chain tension
Fork seals
Lights
All gaskets
Brake fluid level & color
Good luck!
printed off the list for future trips, hope it all fits in my pocket :icon_eek:
I'd just give the bike a good once over besides what was already mentioned
Check
- Turn Signals
- Headlight (Lo/Hi)
- Brake Light
- Horn
- Clutch Free Play
- Throttle Free Play
- Brake Fluid Level (Front & Rear)
And make sure to enjoy it! Try to find backroads instead of the interstate if you have the time - I've done 1/2 way accross the country on the interstate...........not as much fun as taking the backroads. Plus on the backroads, when you get to the one stoplight town, it's a good time to take a break.