Hey guys, this summer my parents have rented a condo in San Francisco like they did last year. Last year my buddy and I drove out there and stayed with them for about a week. This year they invited the both of us again, but we're playing with the idea of riding out there. I do have an uncle that lives in LA that we would stop by so that we could break up the riding. First question is for those of you who have made a trip like this before, how much did it suck and would it be really bad on sportbikes? The next one is what little things should we bring/wear to make the ride more bearable (friend had the idea of wearing CamelBaks)? The only one concern that we have would be what would we do if one of us got a flat? Thanks for the input guys!

 

Summer riding is hard to do. Make sure you're properly hydrated. The CamelBaks (or similar hydration system) are a good idea, but I usually quench my thirst at gas station stops.

As for your gear, bring something that covers your body. I had a 2piece leather suit, but a textile suit would suffice. Nothing too baggy. You will lose more water through your skin if it's exposed to the elements. I used a t-shirt under my leathers and every time I stopped for gas, I'd soak them in water. It helped a lot with riding in hot, dry conditions. Bring along ear plugs - the constant wind noise and droning along the highway is murder to your hearing. If possible, bring along an extra visor. Not necessarily for switching between day/night, but if the shield gets cracked.

Flats are always an issue. Bring a can of that goop tire sealant, and possibly a flat kit. It shouldn't be too big of an issue, since there are several places in LA to get your tire fixed if you get a flat.

As for riding on a sportbike, it's not horrible. Be sure to keep your head tucked down as much as possible to reduce strain on your neck. Flex your ab muscles to help take the load off your back. And don't forget to stretch when you stop for gas.

And remember, it's not all about getting from point A to point B as fast as you can. Maybe try to find some side roads along the way to get you to LA. And as for LA to SF, I hear Highway 1 is really nice.

 

Highway 1 is DOPE!!!! do it up!!!!

 

The perfect camel back...

http://www.camelbak.com/rec/cb...=true

The perfect tank bag...

http://www.rideicon.com/gearPr...NKBAG

 

While it sounds fun, and generally can be a blast... LONG trips on some of the modern sportbikes can be tiresome. A sport touring bike is much different, more forgiving, more relaxing. The fun bits of the ride will always be a blast, but tolling along a flat can be overly dull, taxing. and remember, you have to ride back again. I would say if your young and full of beans, go for it. Just give your self plenty of time to stop and rest... see the sites... pick the bugs out of your teeth

 

If this is your first long trip, then do the following, mostly already stated:

1) stop often, rest & stretch. Most importantly is not to be in a hurry to get back on the road to make good time!

2) at the first sign of fatigue, stop, gather your senses and rest before you continue.


3) be very alert, even harder on boring roads. Need to watch out for the usual road hazards, drivers, crap in the road, trucks, etc...

4) at every stop, inspect the bike carefully. ( tires, fluid levels, possible damage due to rocks, etc...)

5) watch out for the LEO. It is very easy to reach tripple digit numbers especially on a wide open road, or when your pissed off by some jackass driver.

6) carry a fully charged cell phone & charger. In the event that you need road side assistence, your able to call then and there.

Your *** will hurt, moving around on the seat helps, but be prepared.

 

I say go for it, you'll never forget it.

Get this tire plugger kit http://stopngo.com/Contents/1000.htm

and a small bicycle tire pump from target/walmart, or they have co2 kits but you'll need like 5 cylinders to fill the tire.


I recommend stoppincg regularly and rehydrating - which means dont mess with camelbacks - they will encourage you to push farther than you should... Stop regularly for gas/drink but keep the stops short unless you feel out of sorts. Get textile riding pants / jacket as a minimum - keep skin covered as marmalade said.

Also bring a leatherman tool type thingy.

I recommend not wearing a backpak for long trips, get some kind of dufflebag and secure it to your tail/rearseat as a minimum if you dont have any kind of saddlebags.

bring TWO pairs of gloves, in case one pair gets wet.

earplugs are a must. as is ibuprofen.

on the long boring straights, i found shifting my weight from left to right as if i was setting up for corners got the blood flowing to the *** cheeks worked great for preventing butt burn.

i found earplugs / headphones with mp3/satellite radio is invaluable for entertainment.

 

Are you guys in top physical shape? It's okay if you are not, but you need to be at least in good physical shape. Workout your arms and core section(ab and back), because they will take the most abuse during the ride.

 

Thanks guys. You all have a lot of really good ideas and made me feel not as worried to go for it now. If there are still any more good ideas let us know. Im sure this thread can help out some others pondering whether he or she can take a long ride.

If anyone has any stories about their trips, please throw those in as well; and please include how far you've gone. Thanks guys.

 

Check out this article link

Good luck and stay safe.

 

good tips- anything anyone wants to add? taking a short(3 hour) bike trip this weekend-if the rain holds up.
thanks in advance.

 

it's all covered above... don't get exuberant on your way out cause it's a long way, and you have to go all the way back. Prepare a route in advance that has as many side explorations as you can stand, have cash and a or a good bank card and go for it... you WILL be tired when you get home

Take tools

 

A lot of good information in this thread

All of the links you guys posted are dead though.. I'm planning an 8 hour, 370 mile trip for this summer on my 600RR. I should probably get a gel cover for my plank seat and definately some gel grips. I'm planning on leaving at like 2-3am in the morning so we pass the desert before it gets 110+

Good luck!

 

good tips. im planning a ride from riverside to palm desert via palms to pines (highway 74). im gonna have one of my friends ride passenger on my r6, is there anything extra or different i need to do riding with a passenger? thanks for the help and good thread especially for the summer!

 

hahaha... Dude, I hope your joking? I can make that in less than an hour

 

ok its not a long trip, but its not down the street for an errand either...

 

true... but people commute from palm desert on a daily basis