The ride I always wanted to do

Posted: Fri Oct 09, 2009 7:01 pm

Hey Guys, this goes out to any and all you Fer’s .

I am planning a major 14 day ride, one that I have always wanted to do. I will be leaving Long Island sometime in the first two weeks of May and heading out west via down south to the Grand Canyon through Utah to Yellow Stone Park, then down to the outskirts of Denver then over to the Great lakes to Niagara Falls in through New York, then back down home.

The link below is the tentative map, of course it will most likely change a bit from now till the time I leave but it shows the general direction I will be taking. I am hoping some of you guys will chime in with phone numbers and address so I can hook up with you and get some riding time in with all of you as I pass by or even tag along for a while. Also if you live in or around the planned route I would greatly appreciate any suggestions on great roads or areas to see.

For the most part I will be riding around 500-600 miles a day which averages out to anywhere between 65-75 MPH. I am looking forward to this and have wanted to do something like this since I have sat on a bike. Now it’s time.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&utm_campaign=en&utm_source=en-ha-na-us-google-dd&utm_medium=ha

Posted: Fri Oct 09, 2009 8:03 pm

sounds like a sweet ride, be safe

Guest

spike wrote:

Hey Guys, this goes out to any and all you Fer’s .

I am planning a major 14 day ride, one that I have always wanted to do. I will be leaving Long Island sometime in the first two weeks of May and heading out west via down south to the Grand Canyon through Utah to Yellow Stone Park, then down to the outskirts of Denver then over to the Great lakes to Niagara Falls in through New York, then back down home.

The link below is the tentative map, of course it will most likely change a bit from now till the time I leave but it shows the general direction I will be taking. I am hoping some of you guys will chime in with phone numbers and address so I can hook up with you and get some riding time in with all of you as I pass by or even tag along for a while. Also if you live in or around the planned route I would greatly appreciate any suggestions on great roads or areas to see.

For the most part I will be riding around 500-600 miles a day which averages out to anywhere between 65-75 MPH. I am looking forward to this and have wanted to do something like this since I have sat on a bike. Now it’s time.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&utm_campaign=en&utm_source=en-ha-na-us-google-dd&utm_medium=ha

Good luck and enjoy the ride. I just returned from a 24 day 12 state 6336 mile ride from GA hitting a lot of national park (Arches, Yosemite, Death Valley, and the Grand Canyon) I averaged about 450 miles per day ...on the days I rode. Did have a couple stay-overs. It is well worth your time...I can't waitto do it again!

Enjoy!

Steve Very Happy

Posted: Fri Oct 09, 2009 9:57 pm

Sorry guys the link is not working I'll try to fix it

Posted: Fri Oct 09, 2009 10:05 pm

If you can Spike go down through Deleware to the Chesapeak Bay bridge tunnel
into Virginia beach then head west. I just went from Westbury L.I. down that way and it was a nice trip....Tip:when going down take the 113 to avoid stoplights.
Good Luck on the trip.....

Posted: Sat Oct 10, 2009 12:04 am

Westbury LI?What R U doing in Long Island ?Next time let US know when you come to LI.

Posted: Sat Oct 10, 2009 1:54 am

spike wrote:

Hey Guys, this goes out to any and all you Fer’s .

I am planning a major 14 day ride, one that I have always wanted to do. I will be leaving Long Island sometime in the first two weeks of May and heading out west via down south to the Grand Canyon through Utah to Yellow Stone Park, then down to the outskirts of Denver then over to the Great lakes to Niagara Falls in through New York, then back down home.

The link below is the tentative map, of course it will most likely change a bit from now till the time I leave but it shows the general direction I will be taking. I am hoping some of you guys will chime in with phone numbers and address so I can hook up with you and get some riding time in with all of you as I pass by or even tag along for a while. Also if you live in or around the planned route I would greatly appreciate any suggestions on great roads or areas to see.

For the most part I will be riding around 500-600 miles a day which averages out to anywhere between 65-75 MPH. I am looking forward to this and have wanted to do something like this since I have sat on a bike. Now it’s time.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&utm_campaign=en&utm_source=en-ha-na-us-google-dd&utm_medium=ha

A question, and a statement:

1. Is Peg riding with you?

2. A stop in Abq is mandatory!

nuff said!

Posted: Sat Oct 10, 2009 4:23 am

Yes Jebbysan next time you are anywhere on L.I. let us know

And Rick Peg is not riding with me

and yes Abq is on the map right after Roswell I will be in touch

Posted: Sat Oct 10, 2009 7:39 am

not to be picky but...."via down south to the Grand Canyon through Utah to Yellow Stone Park" might be a little tough to do. sounds like a great trip, though, and if you do head to Yellowstone, you might try a side trip to Beartooth pass, you will not be disappointed. Wink

Posted: Sat Oct 10, 2009 8:12 am

Spike,
Go for it! I did this in my early twenties, 3 weeks and I have to say on your last day, watch out for cows!

Guest

cliffiec wrote:

spike wrote:

Hey Guys, this goes out to any and all you Fer’s .

I am planning a major 14 day ride, one that I have always wanted to do. I will be leaving Long Island sometime in the first two weeks of May and heading out west via down south to the Grand Canyon through Utah to Yellow Stone Park, then down to the outskirts of Denver then over to the Great lakes to Niagara Falls in through New York, then back down home.

The link below is the tentative map, of course it will most likely change a bit from now till the time I leave but it shows the general direction I will be taking. I am hoping some of you guys will chime in with phone numbers and address so I can hook up with you and get some riding time in with all of you as I pass by or even tag along for a while. Also if you live in or around the planned route I would greatly appreciate any suggestions on great roads or areas to see.

For the most part I will be riding around 500-600 miles a day which averages out to anywhere between 65-75 MPH. I am looking forward to this and have wanted to do something like this since I have sat on a bike. Now it’s time.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&utm_campaign=en&utm_source=en-ha-na-us-google-dd&utm_medium=ha

A question, and a statement:

1. Is Peg riding with you?

2. A stop in Abq is mandatory!

nuff said!

What Rick says!!! Grade A++ place to stop! Rick and Margaret are the tops! Very Happy

Posted: Sat Oct 10, 2009 2:35 pm

This is a very ambitious ride for two weeks. Hope you take lots of pics along the way.

Posted: Sat Oct 10, 2009 3:11 pm

wingpilot96 wrote:

cliffiec wrote:

spike wrote:

Hey Guys, this goes out to any and all you Fer’s .

I am planning a major 14 day ride, one that I have always wanted to do. I will be leaving Long Island sometime in the first two weeks of May and heading out west via down south to the Grand Canyon through Utah to Yellow Stone Park, then down to the outskirts of Denver then over to the Great lakes to Niagara Falls in through New York, then back down home.

The link below is the tentative map, of course it will most likely change a bit from now till the time I leave but it shows the general direction I will be taking. I am hoping some of you guys will chime in with phone numbers and address so I can hook up with you and get some riding time in with all of you as I pass by or even tag along for a while. Also if you live in or around the planned route I would greatly appreciate any suggestions on great roads or areas to see.

For the most part I will be riding around 500-600 miles a day which averages out to anywhere between 65-75 MPH. I am looking forward to this and have wanted to do something like this since I have sat on a bike. Now it’s time.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&utm_campaign=en&utm_source=en-ha-na-us-google-dd&utm_medium=ha

A question, and a statement:

1. Is Peg riding with you?

2. A stop in Abq is mandatory!

nuff said!

What Rick says!!! Grade A++ place to stop! Rick and Margaret are the tops! Very Happy

If I were to take this ride and not stop at Ric's place I don't think I would ever be able to show my face at a N/E ride again because Ric flies up to ride with us

warpspeed wrote:

This is a very ambitious ride for two weeks. Hope you take lots of pics along the way.

Jeff I say 2 weeks but I will have 4 weeks va ca time coming to me when this all comes to pass so we shall see what happens I am going to get one of those memory cards that up loads to the web directly from the camera and yes I will take hundreds of pictures and video

Posted: Sat Oct 10, 2009 6:02 pm

Do it..you will have a ball! Nothing like a loooong tour!!
Kid and I taking our f's next yr for 10 dayer , looking forward to it already!

Id recommend reverse back from red lodge on the Beartooth as the pass is a blast going both directions.. Id also recommend definitely go across the chief Joseph ,then over the bighorns 14A, then south or even zig back west on 16 over the bighorns again on your way south..and there is a nice pass at the bottom of Wy on your route..centennial mtns #130 medicine bow pass..(pics on my site one of the years)

..But for sure check out the non interstate route up from Vegas...you can do some great roads zigging along on the east side of the mtns ..Anyway..check out my 09 ride page for some road pics of that route..here.. http://www.bcsnowcat.ca
heading up thru Salt Lake stinks!

one suggestion ...
You might want to get off them Interstates and go the scenic route thru Co and hit the high stuff ! You are going a half day south of the best riding in the country...and that stretch across to vegas from the middle is pretty dull.
try this just for fun...

[b][b]SOME MAP IDEAS[/b][/b]

check it out anyway.You have so many ride options in that country..nothin like it!

have fun..u got all winter to figure it out!!

Posted: Sun Oct 11, 2009 2:34 am

Well thanks to the lovely wife I can post the tentative route .

I am still up in the air about the Hoover Dam and I added the Beartooth Pass that looks awsome I goggled it and it's a must. If anyone has any suggestions let me know Wink

Posted: Sun Oct 11, 2009 2:53 pm

Of course you cant visit every member of the site on your trip, but if you've got time, you'll be passing right by me. When you get closer to the trip, give a a shout and we'll see if we can get together. I'm in Cleveland now, but I may be moving to the fort wayne/warsaw area shortly.

Posted: Sun Oct 11, 2009 4:12 pm

If you can, go west further into PA, maybe Harrisburg then south. Avoid the New Jersey - Philadelphia crap.
Out to Harrisburg, pa then south is a much nicer ride. Through farmland and Amish country. Maryland through west Virginia is nice out that way too.

Sounds like and adventure. I'm jealous.

Posted: Sun Oct 11, 2009 5:40 pm

Spike, that stretch between Memphis and Las Vegas is REALLY boring.
I can't imagine less interesting two days on a motorcycle than that. I've done it.

You'd be better of spending more time & miles in Colorado, Utah, Idaho and Wyoming.

Hoover dam you could skip, I think. Grand Canyon is better observed from the North Rim.
You can drop down to the North Rim from Utah and forget about Arizona and Las Vegas.

Just a suggestion.

--
Mikko

Posted: Sun Oct 11, 2009 6:39 pm

FlyingFinn wrote:

Spike, that stretch between Memphis and Las Vegas is REALLY boring.
I can't imagine less interesting two days on a motorcycle than that. I've done it.

You'd be better of spending more time & miles in Colorado, Utah, Idaho and Wyoming.

Hoover dam you could skip, I think. Grand Canyon is better observed from the North Rim.
You can drop down to the North Rim from Utah and forget about Arizona and Las Vegas.

Just a suggestion.

--
Mikko

MiKKo thanks these are the things I am looking for and need to know . This way I can tweak the ride to a better one. Thanks a million

Emil

Posted: Sun Oct 11, 2009 7:00 pm

Tdem wrote:

Of course you cant visit every member of the site on your trip, but if you've got time, you'll be passing right by me. When you get closer to the trip, give a a shout and we'll see if we can get together. I'm in Cleveland now, but I may be moving to the fort wayne/warsaw area shortly.

Only if yopu bring that avatar with you Laughing

With out a doubt, Before I head out on the road I would like to get phone numbers of Fer's in route if I can stop and meet fellow Fer's and ride that would just add to the fun Wink

Posted: Mon Oct 12, 2009 4:34 am

some of your route may be subject to some pretty stiff weather once you get through the Midwest if you are starting out in May. Beartooth may still be snowed in until early or even mid July, for instance, and if you run later, you end up hitting thunderstorms and even tornadoes on the plains. and the Colorado mountains can get snow all year around. don't be afraid to "wing" it and find alternate destinations/routes along the way. that is half the fun, anyway. Wink

Posted: Mon Oct 12, 2009 10:33 am

rtabish wrote:

you end up hitting thunderstorms and even tornadoes on the plains. and the Colorado mountains can get snow all year around. don't be afraid to "wing" it and find alternate destinations/routes along the way. that is half the fun, anyway. Wink

Yikes! Better bring a portable radio for weather reports, and don't camp in any dry stream beds!

Posted: Mon Oct 12, 2009 11:40 am

warpspeed wrote:

rtabish wrote:

you end up hitting thunderstorms and even tornadoes on the plains. and the Colorado mountains can get snow all year around. don't be afraid to "wing" it and find alternate destinations/routes along the way. that is half the fun, anyway. Wink

Yikes! Better bring a portable radio for weather reports, and don't camp in any dry stream beds!

Winging it is what it's all about

I will have my phone with internet service but a small portable radio is a good idea. If I am going to be doing that much riding I think I will not be doing much roughing it (camping ) at all, bed and hot showers will be a welcome comfort.

Any suggestions on spare parts ? I'm thinking just a spare rotor, R/R and cables

Posted: Mon Oct 12, 2009 2:57 pm

Spike, are you trailering at all? If not, I might be able to join you for all or some of the trip, if you want company. This is something I've been wanting to do for a long time.

Posted: Mon Oct 12, 2009 3:24 pm

spike wrote:

Winging it is what it's all about

I love that pioneer spirit. People crossed the country in covered wagons, so I am sure you will be just fine. Enjoy your trip, and take many pictures.

Posted: Mon Oct 12, 2009 5:05 pm

Spike, Your'e going all that way and you're not going to the west coast?

Posted: Mon Oct 12, 2009 7:51 pm

spike wrote:

Any suggestions on spare parts ? I'm thinking just a spare rotor, R/R and cables

a good set of spoons, a bottle of Slime, and some compressed air cartridges or a 12 volt air pump. tires are the biggest casualties in long road trips. if you have the room, a role of paper towels [those blue shop-type ones. i buy a full role and cut it in half to fit nicely in a tank bag pocket], a small can of silicone spray. an empty bottle, possibly a baby bottle that is marked with measurements in ounces and metric, but a Mountain Dew bottle works, and you can find them along the road side [damn litterbugs].
you don't want to pack so much stuff it is a burden, but you do want enough of the right stuff to get you to the next town. if you do a search, we have compiled a pretty thorough list of the right tools to take in your on-board tool kit. spare parts probably are a little too much, though maybe a set of spark plugs or a headlight bulb wouldn't be a bad idea. most consumables are readily available in any town big enough to have a wal mart. this might seem hard to believe, but most people over-think contingencies. if you know your bike well enough, you know its weaknesses. don't worry about what you have no control over, that will take all the fun out of it. Rolling Eyes

Posted: Mon Oct 12, 2009 8:36 pm

rtabish wrote:

spike wrote:

Any suggestions on spare parts ? I'm thinking just a spare rotor, R/R and cables

most consumables are readily available in any town big enough to have a wal mart. this might seem hard to believe, but most people over-think contingencies. if you know your bike well enough, you know its weaknesses. don't worry about what you have no control over, that will take all the fun out of it. Rolling Eyes

Yes I was thinking that, as the I have clocked over 13000 miles on her since this April with no issues and I'll be riding more till the snow> She is rock solid it's just the charging issues always happen with these bikes when you least expect it. I agree thinking about it to much willtake all the joy out of it.

headless wrote:

Spike, Your'e going all that way and you're not going to the west coast?

I have to save that trip for the Peggy and myself, she wants to ride the west coast with me so that one will wait for another year or so.

Posted: Mon Oct 12, 2009 8:50 pm

The Kawasaki forum www.kawasakimotorcycle.org/forum
has their big ride to Red Lodge and Beartooth Pass every year, so there are a lot of pictures. If you join, and tell them you're a friend of elr658's (they won't believe it) you could get some info out of them too.

Posted: Mon Oct 12, 2009 9:09 pm

I will suggest any of the roads that wind through the mountains in north central pa because all of then are nice like rt15 and rt220 but both of those are only good if you stay north of williamsport. all ups and downs and twisties