Help with tour plans...

[48Rob]

Sorry if this isn't the right place to post this...

I've been riding since I was 13, and am now 48, but I've never done any real tours.
My son, now 21, asked me last year if I wanted to do some cross country riding/tours with him Of course I said yes!

I told my boss about our plans, and he invited us to a BMW rally in Wyoming (he rides too).
I agreed to do the planning and schedules since he doesn't care how or where as long as he has some company.

We weren't planning to go to Wyoming, but since the boss invited me, and is allowing me to take two weeks off work in the middle of the busy season (July) I found it hard to refuse

The trip is from Urbana, Illinois to Gillette Wyoming for the rally, but he wants to see the Little Bighorn battlefield, and Yellowstone, and my son wants to ride through the mountains...so, we're going considerably further than the original plan called for.

My concerns are; daily mileage, weather (this is in the middle of July) and turning this trip into an endurance run, as opposed to a decent touring trip/vacation.

All opinions from you seasoned touring riders are appreciated!

The trip schedule is below.

Rob

____________


Gillette trip rough draft # 4

Urbana, Illinois to Gillette Wyoming for the National BMW motorcycle rally, with touring in the States of;
Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, and Kansas.

Trip is 17 days, 3333 miles, with side trips, closer to 4000 miles.
331 Miles will be on Interstate highways, the remaining 3002 miles will be on State and County highways.

________________________________

Day 1 Friday July 11th

Depart Urbana mid afternoon.
Destination is Peoria, Illinois. Total miles; 106
Drive time, 2 hours. Total time, 2.5 hours.

____________________

Day 2, Saturday July 12th

Destination is Red Oak, Iowa. Total miles; 329
Drive time, 7 hours, total time, 9 hours.

________________________
Day 3, Sunday July 13th

Destination is Kearney Nebraska. Total miles; 235
Drive time, 5 hours, total time, 7 hours.
Ride along the Oregon Trail, see historic areas.

_________________________
Day 4, Monday July 14th

Destination is Sidney, Nebraska. Total miles; 218
Drive time, 4.5 hours, total time, 6.5 hours.
Ride along the Oregon Trail, see historic areas.

_________________________________

Day 5, Tuesday July 15th

Destination is Crawford Nebraska. Total miles; 150
Drive time, 3 hours, total time, 3.5 hours.
Enjoy Historic Fort Robinson State Park.
__________________________________

Day 6 Wednesday July 16th

Destination is Spearfish South Dakota. Total miles; 168
Drive time, 3.5 hours, total time, 5.5 hours.
See Mount Rushmore, scenic drive through Spearfish canyon.
________________________

Day 7 Thursday July 17th

Destination is Gillette Wyoming. Total miles; 94
Drive time, 2 hours, total time, 2.5 hours.
Relax and enjoy the BMW Rally.

____________________________

Day 8 Friday July 18th

Destination is Billings Montana. Total miles; 233
Drive time, 4 hours, total time, 5.5 hours.
Tour the Little Bighorn/Custer Battlefield.

____________________________________


Day 9 Saturday July 19th

Destination is Yellowstone Nat. Park. Wyoming. Total miles; 233
Drive time, 6.75 hours, total time, 10 hours.
Ride Bear tooth scenic highway and back roads.

___________________________
Day 10 Sunday July 20th

No destination, Total miles; 150?
Tour Yellowstone National Park.
_______________________________

Day 11 Monday July 21st

Destination is Muddy Gap Wyoming. Total miles; 308
Drive time, 6 hours, total time, 8-10 hours.
Ride the backbone of the Rocky Mountains.
Twisty mountain highways.
_____________________________

Day 12 Tuesday July 22nd

Destination is Fort Morgan Colorado. Total miles; 305
Drive time, 6 hours, total time, 9 hours.
Ride out of the Rockies onto the high Plains.

____________________________

Day 13 Wednesday July 23rd

No destination, rest and relax.

___________________________

Day 14 Thursday July 24th

Destination is Phillipsburg Kansas. Total miles; 328
Drive time is 7 hours, total time is 9.5 hours.
_______________________

Day 15 Friday July 25th

Destination is Cameron, Missouri. Total miles; 276
Drive time is 6 hours, total time, 8 hours.

_______________________________

Saturday July 26th Day 16

Destination, Laclede, Missouri. Total miles;
60 Drive time, 1 hour.
Destination is Pershing State Park.
Relax and rest.
____________________________________

Day 17 Sunday July 27th

Destination is Urbana, Illinois. Total miles; 290
Drive time is 6 hours, total time, 8.5 hours.

[jukief]

It looks like you don't have any long days. 300 miles in one day is really a reasonable day's ride, especially for a long trip. Sounds very manageable to me.

What is your route from Muddy Gap to Fort Morgan? (And why Muddy Gap? I've never heard of it! ) I can help with information about roads in this area. And, if you plan to come through Fort Collins (or nearby), you should definitely get in touch.

[cmptrmn.1]

Looks like a good ride. Not many days that are long rides. Be prepared for the unexpected.

[48Rob]

Hi,

The "unexpected" is part of my concern...
There just aren't any "extra" days in there for problems.
We just can't "stretch" the trip any further than it is.
We started with 12 days and left two extra days open at the end, but now the distance has increased so much that all the
"extra" days are used up.
The onlyoption I can come up with is to Run a couple of very long days to free up a day in the middle...but then we're back to an endurance run instead of a pleasant tour.

The daily miles are low so we can enjoy the USA. without blowing past it in a blur.
I'm figuring 50 mph as an average speed, and in many places that shouldn't be a problem, but in others, it may drop lower?

The route out of World famous Muddy Gap (Just joking) is Highway 287 South.
Looks like we may be rolling through Fort Collins on the way.
I had planned to ride the divide as long as possible, down route 130 and 230, but we may not have enough time in the day if we have to run slow due to the mountain roads.

Muddy Gap is 230 miles West Northwest of Fort Collins.
I chose it because it was the right distance for the day, and it was at an intersection of highways, where one would be more likely to find lodging.
Again, this is just a rough draft.
The first plan that I scrapped, has each nights lodging researched and reserved, along with lunch stops, and other places of interest.
Of course that takes a bit of time to put together so when we're all happy with the general plan, then I'll fine tune it to the point of making reservations for each stop.

So what do you think of the time/mileage estimates?
Say we have a 300 mile day.
At an average of 50mph, drive time is 6 hours.
Actual time is 2-2.5 hours more.
1 hour for lunch, and two 1/2 hour fuel/bathroom stops, with another 15 minutes to a half hour for sight seeing or whatever catches our interest.

Is this way off, or does it work?
Of course if we spend two hours driving 75mph the average changes, but in general the highways route us through plently of small towns with stop lights and stop signs and the ever important speed limits...

Rob

[mkelley]

When I rode in the eastern Australian mountains in December, I was glad my days averaged around 200 miles. It wasn't the distance per se, but having enough time to stop and look around and do things as well as the fatigue factor. 300 miles isn't even a warmup for Ispeed77, but six hours of twisty mountain roads at < 40 mph was enough for me.

I suggest you have a plan B in case you need to delete some destinations when you're out there and need to make up some time or you get stuck dealing with mechanical problems.

A big part of the adventure is the unknown, so stay positive and enjoy the trip. It sounds great! A short day 7 and day 13 off is a smart idea.

[trikebubble]

Originally Posted by mkelley

When I rode in the eastern Australian mountains in December, I was glad my days averaged around 200 miles. It wasn't the distance per se, but having enough time to stop and look around and do things as well as the fatigue factor. 300 miles isn't even a warmup for Ispeed77, but six hours of twisty mountain roads at < 40 mph was enough for me.

I suggest you have a plan B in case you need to delete some destinations when your out there and need to make up some time or you get stuck dealing with mechanical problems.

A big part of the adventure is the unknown, so stay positive and enjoy the trip. It sounds great! A short day 7 and day 13 off is a smart idea.

Too true, when Tracy and I travel we try to limit our days to 200 odd miles. We usually put a couple high mileage days in, to get somewhere but from there we like to take it easy.
I would much rather travel a shorter distance, and have the extra time to relax, be a tourista, and explore the area I'm travelling in........than to put down heavy mileage every day.

Sounds like fun.

[tomdenise]

I think your times are a little optimistic.

I haven't done any heavy touring like this.. just weekend trips (3-4 days), but it always takes longer than you think it will. We went on a trip last year and the first day was just over 400 miles and took 14 hours. We also did no interstates (as much as possible) and just state highways/farm roads. With that (lights, low speed limits), rain, fog and dark, it just keeps adding up.

I agree with mkelley and trikebubble's thoughts.... you may want to add some "endurance" days to keep up with your schedule or be willing to omit some of your destinations/stops.

Also, take real maps and not just a GPS system for the areas you are traveling too/through. We took only a GPS and when we got to where roads were closed, it didn't react well (I'm sure this will depend on the system and level of expertise of using such system). We eventually bought some hard maps and used both.

And, I might add, I'm way jealous.

[skewterdewd]

The mileages look pretty good. Just remember it can be broiling hot in July, so fatigue will be an issue if you're not conditioned. It couldn't hurt to have plan B in your back pocket in case something goes sideways.

[lh4x4]

In 06 my son and I did a 12 state 12 day tour from Illinois west to Colorado then south to Los Vegas and east back to Ill. The daily totals were from 350 to 525. We had time to see the local things and visit my oldest son and a co-worker who had retired in Vegas. I was 66 and the ride distances were no problem. It will be a great memory for you and your son. You seem to have a very good plan. Just take time to smell the roses.
[IMG][/IMG]

[anrfknm]

i don't think you mentioned what bikes you all had.

[jukief]

I don't see a problem with 300-mile days. To me, that's not bad at all, even if it's all twisty mountain riding. And, especially if they're interspersed with shorter-mileage days, it shouldn't be too wearing. The 500-mile days are tough, though. I've done plenty of them and it's just too much.

We usually stop every 100-125 miles so I can gas up (Alan gases up every other time to mine), have a toilet break, drink some water, and stretch. When you break it up like that, 300 miles goes by really quickly.

[jukief]

Rob, PM me before you leave so I can give you my contact information. If we can hook up for a meal (at least) when you come through Fort Collins, that would really be great. I'll be in Red Lodge for the get-together in mid-July, but it sounds like you'll be coming through later than that. Not sure what your timing will be like when you come through, but we'd love to have you over for dinner (you'll probably enjoy a home-cooked meal by that point after all the restaurant meals) and also keep in mind that we have room for overnight guests if your plans for the night change.

[48Rob]

Hi,

I have an 06 Vulcan Nomad, my son has an 03 Suzuki Bandit, 600, and the boss has an 01-03 BMW K series touring.

I have some concern about the Bandit... it has plenty of power and speed, but it is a very light bike.
He's going to install risers for a more upright position, and add throw over saddlebags, but still the fairing and screen are so small...
We're going to do several 200-300 mile test runs, fully loaded, to make sure we're all tuned in where we need to be.
If he makes those runs okay, I guess he'll make the trip okay too.

Rob.

[anrfknm]

you and your boss will be fine, but i hope your son is young. i've been on trips when i was young (35) of 2500 & 4500 miles and riding a yamaha xs650 special. you get beat up pretty bad, but the short hops will make it do-able along with a lot of breaks. you may just have such a great time, like we did, that you won't notice the discomfort, only the fun. i like the way you planned it to stay off the interstates.

that makes it much more enjoyable. take a few weekenders to learn and check out gear needs. have fun.

[HellBent]

Just a couple of thoughts. Early to mid July is harvest time in the wheat country of Nebraska. Back roads will be filled with slow moving farm trucks. Watch those property line 90 degree corners, there are ALWAYS grain spills.

Be prepared for anything from 100 degree heat to 30 degree frost in Montana and Wyoming. Mid-July is the busiest time in Yellowstone, prepare for huge traffic jams and blistering heat during the day and freezing your butts off at night.

Have a great trip.

[48Rob]

J.

Thank you SO much for your offer of hospitality, it is very much appreciated!

A home cooked meal and nice people to talk to is really special out on the road.
Meeting people while touring is what America is all about.
I go touring in my 29 Ford roadster a lot in the summer, and make more friends than I can keep track of

Anyway, I've rearranged the plan again to make things work, and the Colorado portion had to be cut...

We'll be too late to see you at the Beartooth rally, but perhaps somewhere down the road...

Rob

[48Rob]

Well, I'm on draft # 8, and I think I have it worked out now.

The advice about the crowds and huge traffic jams did it for me!
Thanks!
Our original trip didn't include Yellowstone or the beartooth highway.
When we added Beartooth, it seemed pretty silly to not see Yellowstone too...

I made it all work, but I wasn't very comfortable with it.
I know I can "do it" but I'd rather have a nice relaxed trip with time to make unscheduled tourist stops instead of such a rigid schedule.
This required that Yellowstone, Beartooth highway, and Colorado be struck off the list...

So we all met and everyone agreed the new plan looked a lot better.
If anyone cares to comment on the new plan (below) I'd be much obliged.

The more tips and information, the better!
I liked the one about the spilled grain on the backroads, thanks!
I live in farm country, and am used to the equipment, but they don't spill much grain here

Rob

Gillette trip rough draft # 8

Urbana, Illinois to Gillette Wyoming for the National BMW motorcycle rally, with touring in the States of;

Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, and Kansas.

Trip is 17 days, 2745 miles, with side trips, closer to 3300 miles.
__________________________

Day 1 Friday July 11th

Total miles; 106

Depart Urbana mid afternoon.
Destination is Peoria, Illinois.
Drive time, 2 hours. Total time, 2.5 hours.
Lodging in Wildlife Prairie State park cabins.
_______________________________

Day 2, Saturday July 12th

Total miles; 280

Destination is Creston Iowa.
Drive time, 5.5 hours, total time, 7.5 hours.
Lodging at a hotel.
___________________________________

Day 3, Sunday July 13th

Total miles; 290

Destination is O’Neill, Nebraska.
Drive time, 6 hours, total time 8.5 hours.
__________________________________

Day 4, Monday July 14th

Total miles; 272

Destination is Crawford Nebraska.
Drive time, 5.75 hours, total time, 8 hours.
Lodging is cabins at Fort Robinson State Park.
___________________________________
Day 5, Tuesday July 15th

Total miles; -0-

Rest and relax in Crawford Nebraska.
Enjoy Historic Fort Robinson State Park.
Lodging is cabins at Fort Robinson State Park.
___________________________________

Day 6 Wednesday July 16th

Total miles; 159

Destination is Custer South Dakota.
Drive time, 5 hours, total time, 8 hours.
See Mount Rushmore, scenic drive through Custer State park.
Camping at Custer State Park.
______________________________

Day 7 Thursday July 17th

Total miles; 114

Destination is Gillette Wyoming.
Drive time, 3 hours, total time, 4 hours.
Ride scenic roads to Gillette.
Relax and enjoy the BMW Rally.
Camping on the rally grounds
_____________________________

Day 8 Friday July 18th

Total miles: -0-

Relax and enjoy the BMW rally.
Camping on the rally grounds
______________________________

Day 9 Saturday July 19th

Total miles; 187

Destination is Hardin, Montana.
Drive time, 3 hours, total time, 4 hours.
Tour the Little Bighorn/Custer Battlefield.
Lodging at a hotel.
____________________________

Day 10 Sunday July 20th

Total miles; 233

Destination is Casper Wyoming.
Drive time, 4.5 hours, total time, 8 hours.
Ride through two mountain ranges.
Lodging at a hotel.
________________________________

Day 11 Monday July 21st

Total miles; 298

Destination is Ogallala, Nebraska.
Drive time, 5.75 hours, total time, 8 hours.
Some mountains, then high plains.
Ride the Oregon Trail.
Camping at Lake Ogallala Park.
_________________________________

Day 12 Tuesday July 22nd

Total miles; -0-

No destination, rest and relax.
See Oregon Trail wagon ruts at Ash Hollow.
Camping at Lake Ogallala Park.
______________________________

Day 13 Wednesday July 23rd

Total miles; 282

Destination is Belleville, Kansas.
Drive time is 5.75 hours, total time is 8 hours.
Lodging at a hotel.
_________________________________

Day 14 Thursday July 24th

Total miles; 244

Destination, Laclede, Missouri.
Pershing State Park.
Drive time is 5 hours, total time, 7.5 hours.
Camping at Pershing State Park.
______________________________

Day 15 Friday July 25th

Total miles -0-

Rest and relax at Pershing State Park.
Camping at Pershing State park.
____________________________

Saturday July 26th Day 16

Total miles; 290

Destination is Urbana, Illinois.
Drive time is 6 hours, total time, 8.5 hours
_______________________________________

Day 17 Sunday July 27th

-0- Miles

Available for schedule change if we have a breakdown or other problems.

[jukief]

Well, I'm sorry to hear you had to cut Colorado out of your route, but you're smart to do what you feel comfortable with. Man, though, you're going to see a LOT of corn! Guess it can't be helped. You *do* have to cross the great plains!

[jukief]

Oh, I just want to say something about the comment regarding the heat. We went through Casper one July and it was 100 degrees in the shade (not to mention the heat coming off my exhaust). I got seriously dehydrated. I was drinking water. I should have been drinking something like Gatorade. None of the people I was riding with got dehydrated, and they drank Gatorade at every stop. If it's that hot and you're sweating that much, water just doesn't do it.

Don't forget to pack the sunblock!