Advice on Planning First Tour

[Av8girl]

Hi All,
I'm planning a trip July 17-21 going from a little south of Daytona to Hunting Island S.C. I'm riding a 09 Vulcan 500. I plan to make the drive up in one day with plenty of stops, camp four days at the Hunting Island State park and check out Hilton Head, etc. My friends think I'm crazy and it's too long of a trip for one day. Please tell me I'm not nuts and it's doable.

Also, I have saddle bags and brackets for the bike but never put them on, i'm still debating if I want them on the bike (waste of money so far). I was thinking about a trunk bag that would provide back support for me, since the trip is a little long I figured back support would be nice. I guess if I packed correctly, the sleeping bag could be back support. Anyway, I'm looking for some general advice about packing, camping and thoughts about taking the trip on a 500cc bike. Thanks very much.

[2WheelFun]

Your riding ability...skill...and conditioning wil determine if the miles are too many or not. Stopping along the way for gas and breaks usually allows most riders to make their destination as planned. For longer rides I usually take some Aspirin/Tyelnol with me and use it along the way as it really helps with the aches/pains in longer rides. Be sure to add rain gear so if/when you hit storms you won't get soaked!

About the trunk/packing...look at what the load limit is on your 500 and pack accordingly. Anything that can be used as a backrest will help on longer rides and help with the comfort factor.

Good luck and have fun on your trip! Don't forget the camera!

[anamosity]

+1 what Cary said.
If I am on a long ride, I pop a couple of Advil/Tylenol before the ride begins. It will fix the problem before it ever gets started.

[Av8girl]

I'm checking into raing gear now. Read some good and bad things about Frog Toggs. I like the fact that they pack down small. The max weight on the 500is 399 lbs. I"m about 150 so I figure that leaves plenty of room to pack since I plan on packing only essentials. Not the kind of girl that needs a bunch of outfits (no offense to those who like that sort of thing). Also pretty much convinced myself to leave Thursday after work and drive for a few hours and crash in a cheap hotel before it gets dark. That way Friday travel is only a few hours and it gives me time to relax and see some sights. Can't imagine going through Savannah without spending a little time there.

Also having some custom work done on my seat this weekend, it has to be the most uncomfortable seat in the universe. Also will definitely take some pics and post them. Still trying to find someone to go with me but, since I got the bike I've been riding alone. I need to hook up with some riding folks.

Thanks for the advice.

[Badrocks]

That trip shouldn't be much more than 3.5-4 hours. The bike should barely warm up in that time.

[Av8girl]

Originally Posted by Badrocks

That trip shouldn't be much more than 3.5-4 hours. The bike should barely warm up in that time.

LMAO, That's pretty funny. I have it at about 5 hours based on Google Maps and all interstate. Being that it's my first long ride, I have to admit that I'm a little nervous, but also very excited.

[flrbrddrggr]

Originally Posted by Av8girl

LMAO, That's pretty funny. I have it at about 5 hours based on Google Maps and all interstate. Being that it's my first long ride, I have to admit that I'm a little nervous, but also very excited.

Are you planning do all of that by interstate?

-Dwain

[Av8girl]

Originally Posted by flrbrddrggr

Are you planning do all of that by interstate?

-Dwain

Probably not, but I'm still in the planning phase, I figure it'll take me the next 30 days to plan. The only thing that's set in stone right now is the dates because I've booked a campsight and there's an Air Show that I want to go to in Beaufort that weekend . I've pretty much convinced myself to leave on Thursday July 16th after work and get a jump start. This way I have time to relax, see some sights and not feel rushed. Also, that way when I get to Hunting Island I won't be exhausted.

[Badrocks]

I came back home from bike week in Daytona and took 1A up the coast. It's a really nice ride and it will keep you off the interstate until you're north of Jacksonville. You even get a ferry ride thrown in for good measure. I-95 isn't as bad once you get north of Jax.

[Av8girl]

Originally Posted by Badrocks

I came back home from bike week in Daytona and took 1A up the coast. It's a really nice ride and it will keep you off the interstate until you're north of Jacksonville. You even get a ferry ride thrown in for good measure. I-95 isn't as bad once you get north of Jax.

That's what I'm looking at now. I hate going through Jax in a car, much less a bike. No matter where I go, it seems like it takes forever to get out of Florida!

[Badrocks]

Originally Posted by Av8girl

That's what I'm looking at now. I hate going through Jax in a car, much less a bike. No matter where I go, it seems like it takes forever to get out of Florida!

Yup, going up the coast won't be quick but at least it's an enjoyable ride. Take your time and enjoy the ride!

[mcwrath]

I took a trip this weekend on my 800, back roads from Kankakee IL to Richmond KY. It was about a 9 hour trip, and did it all in the same day. I would say even at 5 hours, you will be fine. As the day wears on, you will find yourself taking more frequent, and a bit longer stops. But when you are fresh in the morning, you will be able to ride tank to tank (at least I was, about 130 miles between fillups)

Its always nice to have a riding partner (I went with my brother) but I would have done it alone if I had to. I think you will be fine. Have fun, & ride safe!

[dup's Connie 14]

If I could recommend a few things. I don't know how long you have until you go, but it is a good idea to take a few longer rides before you go. Just to see where you get the aches and pains. There might be a few things you can change on the bike before you head out.
I would also load the bike up with what you want to take just to see how the bike handles the extra weight. Last thing you need is to find out you get head shake with a loaded bike the day you leave.
My 2 cents. Cheers and have fun on your ride.

[Av8girl]

I'm leaving in a month and I definitely plan to load the bike before hand and see how it feels and make sure that everything can be secured tightly. I'm also planning to ride long distances before then as well. I've been riding to work the back roads lately and it's about 45 minutes each way, so I'm working on it.

Yesterday I had my seat customized at a local customization shop. The OEM was very uncomfortable and had me siting way to close to the tank IMO. The cut about two inches off the drivers back (where the seat goes up and begins the passenger part) cut out a lot of bottom foam then replaced it with a much nicer foam and the seat is awesome now. It probably pushed me back at least 2 inches, got me off the tank and much softer. I only rode it about 20 miles afterwards but will take a longer ride in a few days. The owner told me to bring it back if I had any issues with the seat or if he needed to adjust anything.

[dasher]

I’m taking my first trip (this coming Sat – Fri) in Arkansas. I know what you mean by excited and nervous! Try to be flexible in your pace, depending on weather and how you feel and what you may see. Having a firm schedule may cause you to rush and press the ride. I have to get it through my head that it’s the journey and not the destination! I went with Nelson Rigg luggage and rain suit – they seem to have good stuff. I guess I’ll find out. Have you thought about AAA? I think they’ll take M/C. You have to wait longer if you need a tow but at least you’ll know help is on the way. If you’re riding by yourself, think about giving someone your route, just in case.

Have fun and be safe.

Dasher

[Av8girl]

Originally Posted by dasher

I’m taking my first trip (this coming Sat – Fri) in Arkansas. I know what you mean by excited and nervous! Try to be flexible in your pace, depending on weather and how you feel and what you may see. Having a firm schedule may cause you to rush and press the ride. I have to get it through my head that it’s the journey and not the destination! I went with Nelson Rigg luggage and rain suit – they seem to have good stuff. I guess I’ll find out. Have you thought about AAA? I think they’ll take M/C. You have to wait longer if you need a tow but at least you’ll know help is on the way. If you’re riding by yourself, think about giving someone your route, just in case.

Have fun and be safe.

Dasher

I have supplemental insurance on the bike that covers towing and also a loaner bike if necessary. Should be good there, but very good advice about providing someone else with my route, I hadn't thought about that one yet. I'm also trying to figure out how to hook a phone charger to my bike, I have two Electric Accessory Connectors on the bike, one under the seat and one inside the headlight housing. Wish me luck with that one.

[elr658]

Make sure your phone is charged before you leave and bring a plug in charger.
I like the bags sold by the T-Bag co. Put it on backwards so you can lean against it. A sleeping bag makes a terrible backrest as it is too fluffy to offer any appreciable support. The universal one works well if you have a backrest. You'll probably find it at a local Hardly-Ableson dealer. Make sure your bike is serviced AND YOU HAVE TEST RIDDEN IT TO SHAKE IT DOWN before you leave.

No, Myrtle Beach, SC to Laconia, NH in 12 hours is nuts.

Have fun, bring maps, ATGATT.

[Sabrehawk]

You Can wire a Ciggarette lighter in on the acc lugs on the fuse block . Then find a place to mount it out of the way, can be very handy for mini tire pumps also.

I would mount the saddle bags and use the sleeping bag/ camping gear for back support. The bags are easier to balance, you may want to consider how much of your trip can be done on Hwy 17 or US1. The 500 is a good bike but running speeds high enough to keep you from being a target on I-95 could be tough on it. Good luck and ride safe, Hawk.

[CTRider]

Originally Posted by Av8girl

LMAO, That's pretty funny. I have it at about 5 hours based on Google Maps and all interstate. Being that it's my first long ride, I have to admit that I'm a little nervous, but also very excited.

Only 5 hours?

That's about how long it takes to get to my parents place when I visit them and I do that in one shot except to stop for fuel (I have a small 3.2 gallon tank, so I have to stop at least once). That's on an 83 Nighthawk 550, which is not exactly the paramount of comfort, especially with the stock seat.

However, being your first long ride, I'd plan on a lunch stop in the middle to regroup. I'd also stay off the interstates as much as possible. The wind tends to be very fatiguing. In addition, the occasional traffic light on smaller roads will give you the opportunity to stand up and stretch a bit while you wait. However, make sure the route you take has a reasonable number of points along the way where you can get fuel if needed.

The big thing is, take it easy in the curves. Rural highways tend to have a lot of decreasing radius turns that can send you into the ditch if you take them too hot. Pay attention to the warnings and choose your speed carefully. Plus, watch for animals and other vehicles intruding on your lane. Watch out for gravel and rough pavement, too.

Of course, the upside of the rural roads is they're a lot more fun and keep you more alert.

[rbentnail]

Anyone mention this? Take sunblock. 5 hrs in the sun can make for a nasty burn on the arms and back of the neck, maybe even your face.