After a three month hectic stint in bay area its time for me to go back to san diego, sorry guys things went real hectic the last month and just was not able to go for any rides or organize one, but I have this opportunity to go back to san diego on bike.

This is the trip I am planning,
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=14577769109126550796,35.281501,-120.646362%3B8065859826389300907,35.380093,-119.003906&saddr=Mountain+View,+CA+94040&daddr=N+Santa+Rosa+St+%4035.298450,+-120.673950+to:Rosedale+Hwy+%4035.381010,+-119.038570+to:36.004673,-116.235352+to:92037&mrcr=2,3&mrsp=3&sz=7&mra=dpe&dirflg=h&sll=36.421282,-117.158203&sspn=3.880379,7.283936&ie=UTF8&ll=36.261992,-119.11377&spn=3.888318,7.283936&z=7&om=1

I know it looks bit crazy to go all the way to death valley, but....

I will be alone till bakers field and there one of my friend will join me. If anyone wants to join me for a ride along CA 1 till bakersfield or even till san diego or any segment of the trip  - sorry I wont be able to give you company back to bay area

The plan is to leave friday afternoonish, reach bakersfield at night, then do the rest of the segment in another two days. If you have to come back you can branch off at any place you want.

Some querries:
1. Whats the best map I could take for this non highway trip?
2. I am taking basic tools on me, anything I should definitely not miss?
3. How about a flat tire kit? Where to get an affordable one?

Most auto parts stores will have a patch kit that you will find suitable.


I personally like buying maps at gas stations along the way to supplement my Google Maps or mapquest directions while on trips.  They are usually very up-to-date, cheap enough that you can throw them away or have them get rained on with little regret, and they pack up much easier than a giant atlas of the whole USA.

When you get to SD, hit me up, I've got 4-5 friends in town that have GS500s and one guy with an EX, so we should get a "Small Bikes Rule" bike night up and running.

Hi I want to share some learning from my first long bike ride. First of all, sweet old GS500'99 bike was able to pull of 1000 miles easily without giving any problem even once.

1. Take frequent stops - I tried to do the last stretch of 100 miles in one shot and that was bad, taking stops atleast every 50 miles was best
2. Freeways suck bigtime - As people have already said it before, riding at 75mph continuously is no fun, try to avoid freeways as much as possible
3. Do basic checkup every morning - Although it was not anything really crucial, but when I started my bike the second day, my tachometer stopped working, I should have stopped and taken some time to see that the wire attached to the engine had come out. It was full another day that I realized the problem was as simple as that.
4. Try to have a riding buddy - the first day I was alone, which is a bit scary especially at nights.
5. Get magnetic tank bag - This was the most useful piece of item i had on me. It really convinient for small things - maps, water, tools, wallet etc.
6. ride safe and have fun.

Some pictures from my trip

http://www.confusionart.com/photoblog/index.php?showimage=30

Quote from: nikux on September 28, 2007, 05:27:43 PM
Hi I want to share some learning from my first long bike ride. First of all, sweet old GS500'99 bike was able to pull of 1000 miles easily without giving any problem even once.

1. Take frequent stops - I tried to do the last stretch of 100 miles in one shot and that was bad, taking stops atleast every 50 miles was best
2. Freeways suck bigtime - As people have already said it before, riding at 75mph continuously is no fun, try to avoid freeways as much as possible
3. Do basic checkup every morning - Although it was not anything really crucial, but when I started my bike the second day, my tachometer stopped working, I should have stopped and taken some time to see that the wire attached to the engine had come out. It was full another day that I realized the problem was as simple as that.
4. Try to have a riding buddy - the first day I was alone, which is a bit scary especially at nights.
5. Get magnetic tank bag - This was the most useful piece of item i had on me. It really convinient for small things - maps, water, tools, wallet etc.
6. ride safe and have fun.

Some pictures from my trip

http://www.confusionart.com/photoblog/index.php?showimage=30

BUMP

All excellent points, I'll add a few:

1) GET A CAMELBAK ! The 100 oz one at a minimum.
2) Learn how to soak a plain white t-shirt and wear under your gear for air conditioning. (HELLLLLO MOJAVE!!)
3) Yes, get a tank bag. One with a BIG map window.
4) Beg borrow or steal a GPS. I have finally admitted I'm an easily lost wanderer.
5) Pick out some saddlebags you don't hate, or trunk, or whatever.
6) Sunscreen. Toothpaste. Do it at every stop. While you're waiting for that 'perfect shot' you'll post for us to see !
7) hmmm
Patch kit. Just wanted to say that again.
9) One quart of oil.
10) Slow down. No really, put a note on your tach or speedo. Slow down man, enjoy the road. When you find some fun curves, slow down. Send us pictures. Think how many people hauled ass on those fine curves and missed out.

I envy you. This is one cool trip you've planned.

this is brave! 1000 miles.. long way.
I will not give advices cause I don't have any. I just wish you good luck and I'm waiting for the pictures from the trip

PS. I'd love to go for this kind of trip one day....

Your pictures are AWESOME! 

+1 . there amazing

This is one of my favorite... this has GS Calender written all over it 

I get no good scenery round here

Thanks guys for the appreciation,

I must say I kind of got addicted to slow long journeys  with just doing a one, if done in a mindful manner, it is the best thing next to sleeping