am i ready? ... long distance ride

[Marilee]

Sounds like a wonderful trip to me, enjoy!!

[sv-wolf]

Hi halouis

Listen mate! It doesn't sound like an obviously stupid idea, so just do it. You know you want to. (You are going to anyway, aren't you?)

Maybe you'll stretch yourself. Maybe it will be a doddle. Whatever happens, you'll learn something about yourself and your riding. That will make it worthwile in itself.

Nothing is wasted.

Have a great trip.

[Z (fka Sweet Tooth)]

It sounds like you're right on target. The 400 miles home will be the one that gets ya, but stay hydrated, keep the sun off of you and try to leave as early in the morning as humanly possible to avoid the mid day heat

[Flting Duck]

Be aware that if the rear end is loadedup with gear that it changes the weight distribution on your bike and it will handle a bit differently. Not a big deal but something you need to be aware of.

When you stop for gas, take a few extra momnets to go through some stretching exercises - it will help reduce fatigue. And don't be afraid to stop in between either - take some pictures, hydrate, check out the view.....

Staying relaxed (but attentive) is the key to enjoyable LD riding.

[halouis]

thanks everyone for the good words. encouragement and all. the trip I am doing incidentally is mainly to a 20 yr high school reunion. I've seen maybe 5 pals during the 20 yrs. so it will be interesting to see the others.

I am also taking the extra time to go see my little sister and her family, and then separately, my folks and big brother. and also my best friend. hence the many days and many stops.

I did my first oil + filter change today and it's running so nice and smoothly now. I added on saddlebag supports and my new bags. I had to hold off on installing the sissybar and rack as I need some slightly longer bolts.

Flting Duck : yes, you make sense regarding the load. while I will have my saddlebags, and a backpack strapped to the sbar rack, I will be travelling pretty light. I am very used to traveling light whether its' planes trains or automobiles. i've been known to travel overseas with nothing more than a small backpack or stowaway case. I will be light on this virgin MC long distance trek.

[NightNurse]

Do it! Im sure you will have a blast . Im glad you have the option of taking an extra night if you need too...I think thats really important.

[Bubba]

been riding since beginning of March. so about 4 1/2 months. i've put on about 3,000 miles on my Spirit. i've ridden on essentially every type of road: back-country roads. scenic bi-ways. city streets. 4 lane highways. interstates (not a tremendous amount however). I've ridden in the rain. ridden at night.

i feel very comfortable on my bike even in this short time. my longest ride in a day has been maybe 200 miles.

i have a trip planned for early august where i am planning on visiting a bunch of people over 5 days. rides range from a few 250 mile runs. a short 70 miler. and one 400 miler. 1 day will be a no ride day. i DONT plan to ride any of it at night.

1 thing i will have before the ride is a new mustang seat to replace my stock one.

whaddaya think?

Go for it. I do more than that on any given Saturday.