We began to ask ourselves the question of what would we do different? The biggest point was time versus mileage. Ideally every three or four days on the road it would be a benefit to have a down day or a low mileage day. If you can stay the same place a couple of nights and do small hops from your “hub” it would help your old muscles and bones recover a bit.
When Rick and I began planning our way points over the winter, we would read something or be told about something that might be interesting and see if we could build it into our route.
The original goal was to get across the Mississippi River, since I had never done that. With the limited number of days we had for traveling we were locked into specific mileages and no “down days.” It would have been great to have spent two days at Deal’s Gap at the base of the Dragon and/or two nights at the Old Clark Inn to ride more roads in West Virginia.
What did we miss on our ride? Really there were only a couple of things that we were unable to do and that was because of the weather. I had wanted to stop at Appomattox Court House in Virginia, but it was pouring buckets that day. We also wanted to run up and over the Continental Divide between West Virginia and Virginia and we were afraid we may find ice or snow on the top. We also missed a night with some Red Knights who were hosting us for a night in Pennsylvania. Again, the weather was our trouble and we booked home 700 miles instead of staying in Pennsylvania as we did.
Being flexible also helps – whether it was adjusting the route for another way, or stopping along the way when something drew our attention. One of the way points we had originally flagged was the Mammoth Caves in Kentucky. An article in Backroads magazine shortly before we left talked about this place and said it needed a half-day’s time to visit. So we decided against spending that time and instead did an abbreviated visit to the Corvette Museum on the way through Bowling Green.
What would we do again? Definitely West Virginia needs another visit. There are many super roads. Rick was looking at all the signs in Kentucky that talked about “The Bourbon Trail” and tours of the different distilleries so I see that may have possibilities too. And another “do again” is home lodging – and by that I mean making contact with fellow Red Knights, GWRRA members, or organizations like the Motorcycle Travel Network. Staying at fire stations and “new” friends’ homes was the best part of traveling.
The AMA just printed an article on points for planning a trip which very much run in line with my ideas and what I talk about in my Americade Seminar. As always, everyone needs to keep their sense of humor and respect for each other as well. Because going on a ride like this or any vacation is to have fun. CLICK HERE for the article.
More on planning:
A couple of other things to consider while you are planning are the "what if's." Fred Rau says you should carry half as much clothing as you think you need (Ask Maury what he didn't wear but brought) and carry twice as much money! Fred suggests that you carry about $200 in cash hidden somewhere and an extra credit card in case of emergency. He also says you should carry a spare key and hide it where you can get it or give your spare key to a riding partner. All good advice. Speaking of Credit Cards, call yours to tell them your traveling. On one trip a riding buddy's card was flagged and frozen. After all these little stops buying gas the company had flagged it as fraudulent use. A phone call before you leave will help with this.
Also, what if something happens? Do you have Road Service for your Bike or You? Airmed is one company that will provide air transport insurnace and it is not too expensive. The three of us actually purchased a year-long policy because the Red Knights discount was so reasonable. But we could have gotten it for just our trip too, for under $100. Then if something happens and you are not riding home, your family wont have to figure out how to get you home.
All the thought and planning into any long-distance trip is half the fun... hmmm, where to next?!?
More on planning:
A couple of other things to consider while you are planning are the "what if's." Fred Rau says you should carry half as much clothing as you think you need (Ask Maury what he didn't wear but brought) and carry twice as much money! Fred suggests that you carry about $200 in cash hidden somewhere and an extra credit card in case of emergency. He also says you should carry a spare key and hide it where you can get it or give your spare key to a riding partner. All good advice. Speaking of Credit Cards, call yours to tell them your traveling. On one trip a riding buddy's card was flagged and frozen. After all these little stops buying gas the company had flagged it as fraudulent use. A phone call before you leave will help with this.
Also, what if something happens? Do you have Road Service for your Bike or You? Airmed is one company that will provide air transport insurnace and it is not too expensive. The three of us actually purchased a year-long policy because the Red Knights discount was so reasonable. But we could have gotten it for just our trip too, for under $100. Then if something happens and you are not riding home, your family wont have to figure out how to get you home.
All the thought and planning into any long-distance trip is half the fun... hmmm, where to next?!?
Bobs point about over packing is one of my biggest faults and this trip was no different. Could of gotten by with much less, no need for walking shoes, extra jacket, too many shirts, and then you buy more on the road??
ReplyDeleteI fully agree with having "Mini hubs" for 2-3 days area rides, and really smelling the roses.
Zelda got a good work out, and helped us keep the U turns to a minimum. She even found the spot for Bob and Rick to play in the Mississippi river.