my first 3 long rides! (and what I learned)

Message

ElektraSpitfire · Mon Jul 10, 2006 6:18 am

I recently took three 100 miles rides: 1) Philly to NY, 2) Manhattan out to the Hamptons, and 3) Hamptons back to Manhattan.

These were my first long rides and I learned A LOT!

1) EARPLUGS ARE A MUST! During the first ride, the humming didn't seem very loud through my helmet, but after I got to my apartment and got off the bike I had a splitting headache and ringing in my ears. Oh yea, and my butt hurt like no other on the stock ninja 250 seat

2) I was going over the Manhattan Bridge and naturally the second half of the bridge was downhill. However, I had to take an off ramp on this part of the bridge so it was a downhill CURVING off ramp...which I had never done before and didn't pull this one off too nicely..but I survived somehow.

3) I had to use my reserve tank on the way back, because I thought my gas tank held 5 gallons. On the way back it started spluttering at 60mph and I reached down and switched it to reserve. But at least now I know that my tank holds 4 gallons of gas from filling it up from empty!

4) Tank bag is my best friend.

5) Drivers really don't see you. (but you already knew this!)

6) the ninja 250 is still a sweet thing at 85mph for 1.5-2 hours straight.

7) there are always drivers in the carpool lane (or HOV lane as they call it here..stupid east coast) who like to go slower than highway traffic flow (aka at 75 when everyone else on the freeway is going 85).

I also got through the tolls pretty easily, my tank bag has a side pocket that i zip open, pull out a bill to give to the toll person, and dump change back in the pocket. Not too bad!

Anyway they were awesome rides and I had tons of fun. My butt still hurt but it hurt consecutively less each ride..haha

DieMonkeys · Mon Jul 10, 2006 6:26 am

Congratz! I can't wait to get my Ninja 250 and pull pretty much the same thing you did except down South on the east coast.

Loonette · #3 Unread post by **Loonette** » Mon Jul 10, 2006 6:35 am

That's the way to do it. Lots of smaller, challenging rides will continue to help you build up to something longer. Sounds like you're fully enjoying this learning experience. Good job!

Cheers,
Loonette

VermilionX · Mon Jul 10, 2006 6:37 am

glad to hear you're having fun.

#5 Unread post by **bok** » Mon Jul 10, 2006 6:51 am

always good to hear stories that confirm that the 250s aren't just glorified mopeds

just hope you don't build up too big a callous from that stock seat

Lion_Lady · #6 Unread post by **Lion_Lady** » Mon Jul 10, 2006 7:08 am

Congratulations on your growing confidence and success!!!

Here's a tip for TOLLS!!! (Hubby and I rode from Baltimore into NYC and back for a wedding...)

Use a plain old zip lock bag. Put some singles, a five and an assortment of change in it. Stick that in the easiest to get to pocket of your tankbag.

Pull up to the tollbooth, pull out the ziplock and hand it to the toll taker, (They look so relieved not to have to wait for you to fiddle out the money)
and tell them to take what is needed and seal the bag for you. I noticed that they were ALL very careful to count in my full view, and close it up as well.

We went thru about 5 tolls each way for our trip... hubby used your method and lost a bill when it blew out of his hand. At least it was just a $1.

Pam

Mon Jul 10, 2006 8:05 am

Sounds like an awesome ride!

Here in Florida we have prepaid tolls so I just put the reciever in the top clear portion of my tank bag and go right through the "Sunpass" lane.

DirtyD86 · #8 Unread post by **DirtyD86** » Mon Jul 10, 2006 9:00 am

DieMonkeys wrote:Congratz! I can't wait to get my Ninja 250 and pull pretty much the same thing you did except down South on the east coast.

a couple months ago i rode down to charleston on my ninja250 from atlanta. if you decide to roadtrip to atlanta, pick a different route than I26 to 20 to 285. the scenery never changes. the entire 300 and something miles is exactly the same. your 250 is perfect for roadtripping IMO. i came down on the 250, and got an 06 r6 at yamaha seadoo of charleston on dorchester. i rode the r6 back, and i can honestly say that the 250 is better for long distance rides, maybe its the upright seating position, who knows.

ElektraSpitfire · Tue Jul 11, 2006 1:21 am

thanks everyone! it was definitely exciting.

lion lady, that is a great idea. i'll try that next time

Andrew · #10 Unread post by **Andrew** » Tue Jul 11, 2006 2:16 am

I'm glad we don't have to deal with tolls down here in TX. A while ago when I first moved to NY, the first time I ran into a toll booth I had no idea what it was. I never carry cash, so I learned the hard way what happens when you can't pay. I haven't had to go through one on my bike, but those are good tips.

Elektra, how did the earplugs work out for the other rides?