Just logged over 1000 miles

[Dweisman429]

Left the house in southern Indiana at 5:15am eastern time...arrived in Burlington Connecticut a little before 10 pm. I dont remember the exact mileage, but it was a little over 1k mark.

I plan on making a loop through the new England states on thursday...and hopefully the USS Constitution in Boston, then friday go to NYC and check out a few sights before aiming the bike back toward the house.

[VStarRider]

Good God! :shock:

You did that in one day?!?! Anything over 200 miles and I am toast. Especially my :moon:.

I can't log the miles enjoyably the many others seems to be able to. I rode 170 miles through the Finger Lakes yesterday, with multiple stops including a 30 minute lunch break. I was ready to be home.

I wonder if I was given an overdose of Nassatol when I was younger. I will have to check into this.

Anyway, I am glad that you arrived safely. :icon_cool:

[F6Dave]

That's very impressive, especially since I assume the speed limits in those eastern states aren't as high as they are here in the west. I rode 2,000 miles through Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana in 5 days last week, but was greatly helped by the 80 MPH limit on most of the interstates. Even the mountain road below (Beartooth Pass in Montana) was posted at 70! With very little traffic and great pavement I had an incredible ride.

http://dchealy.com/valk/beartooth-mt-rd.jpg

I can't imagine a better bike than a GL1800 for logging these kind of distances. Back in the late 70s I rode 900 miles over a single night (with the 55 MPH national speed limit!) on my Kawasaki KZ-900. Even with a Vetter fairing that trip took a lot out of me.

[wjduke]

You have a nice day today up here....tomorrow not so much. Happy travels. If it wasn't for work, I'd meet up someplace. If you come through Somerset, MA., my bike is out front of the shop.

[opas ride]

Good God! :shock:

You did that in one day?!?! Anything over 200 miles and I am toast. Especially my :moon:.

I can't log the miles enjoyably the many others seems to be able to. I rode 170 miles through the Finger Lakes yesterday, with multiple stops including a 30 minute lunch break. I was ready to be home.

I wonder if I was given an overdose of Nassatol when I was younger. I will have to check into this.

Anyway, I am glad that you arrived safely. :icon_cool:

Me to at this stage of life(almost 78)...I did 300 miles in Northern Michigan last Saturday and was literally "whipped" when I got home and that trip included a lunch stop and 4 rest stops...But I enjoyed the day and the bike ran great as usual ...Ride safe

[Mudflap]

Left the house in southern Indiana at 5:15am eastern time...arrived in Burlington Connecticut a little before 10 pm. I dont remember the exact mileage, but it was a little over 1k mark.

I plan on making a loop through the new England states on thursday...and hopefully the USS Constitution in Boston, then friday go to NYC and check out a few sights before aiming the bike back toward the house.

That is a long day. The longest day for me so far on the B is 750, and that was enough. I still have the stock seat tho. Have not made up my mind if I want to fork over the $. Have a safe trip!

[DTOM]

That's very impressive, especially since I assume the speed limits in those eastern states aren't as high as they are here in the west. I rode 2,000 miles through Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana in 5 days last week, but was greatly helped by the 80 MPH limit on most of the interstates. Even the mountain road below (Beartooth Pass in Montana) was posted at 70! With very little traffic and great pavement I had an incredible ride.

I can't imagine a better bike than a GL1800 for logging these kind of distances. Back in the late 70s I rode 900 miles over a single night (with the 55 MPH national speed limit!) on my Kawasaki KZ-900. Even with a Vetter fairing that trip took a lot out of me.

Amen to that! My friend and I have recently started a tradition of doing an Iron Butt ride every May. Last year was the 50CC and this year was the Border to Border. It is a great way to get somewhere fast and experience the many different climates and terrain of the US in a relatively short period of time. For me, a motorcycle trip is more about the riding and less about sightseeing...but we do build in multiple days to hit the fun roads, eat great meals, and have time to see the "can't miss" sights after the Iron Butt challenge is met. After the 50CC I loved to ride Shenandoah NP, BRP, Dragon, Cherohala, etc in that neck of the woods. This year after the border to border we enjoyed the Washington, Oregon, and N. California coasts. I haven't experienced long distances on any other bike, but I too can't imagine anything being better equipped for it than my former Wing and current F6B. I can honestly say I don't tire of 12 hour days, but I think the fact that we stick to State roads instead of Interstate helps in keeping things interesting.

[Dweisman429]

Yeah...yeasterday was all riding except for a 1 hour stop at the Iron Pony store near columbus ohio...very cool place.

I put just over 500 miles on today...made a big circle through Rhode Island, then to Boston, up to Maine, then N.H. and Vermont before rolling back into CT.

I have to wait and see what this weather is bringing for Friday to decide when I am going to return home, but I am really thinking about dropping through NYC first.

And speed limits...most of the time through Ohio and Pennsylvania speed limit was 70 so I usually ran about 78. And I was usually the fastest one. New England states on the other hand...EVERYBODY is at least 10mph over...at least. There has been alot of 70 and 75 in 55mph zones and I was just trying to keep up

But now my tail is getting a bit uncomfortable sitting on the bike. I hate to say it but Im almost looking forward to drive my jeep or truck for a few days after I make it back home.

[VStarRider]

Me to at this stage of life(almost 78)...I did 300 miles in Northern Michigan last Saturday and was literally "whipped" when I got home and that trip included a lunch stop and 4 rest stops...But I enjoyed the day and the bike ran great as usual ...Ride safe

Yeah, well I am half your age and I have never enjoyed rides that exceed 150 miles, even with some stops built in. Obviously, it is me. The first 50-60 miles are great. Comfortable and relaxing. I take a break, get gas, drink some water. Then I am good for 30-40, need another break to continue the enjoyment. Throw in a lunch break and I am good for another 50-60 miles, then I have to stop every 30-40 miles or 45-60 minutes. My ass is sore and I feel like I need to move. Standing up and straddling the bike at stop lights/signs seems to buy me a few minutes of comfort after I get going again.

Perhaps my gear is an issue. My Schuberth helmet is hot at any temps above 75, and my armor jacket is black and only partially mesh. I am pretty warm while riding, even at highway speeds. I also wear a hi-viz zip up vest, which is mesh, but it still reduces airflow.

[2wheelsforme]

That's very impressive, especially since I assume the speed limits in those eastern states aren't as high as they are here in the west. I rode 2,000 miles through Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana in 5 days last week, but was greatly helped by the 80 MPH limit on most of the interstates. Even the mountain road below (Beartooth Pass in Montana) was posted at 70! With very little traffic and great pavement I had an incredible ride.

http://dchealy.com/valk/beartooth-mt-rd.jpg

I can't imagine a better bike than a GL1800 for logging these kind of distances. Back in the late 70s I rode 900 miles over a single night (with the 55 MPH national speed limit!) on my Kawasaki KZ-900. Even with a Vetter fairing that trip took a lot out of me.


Beartooth Pass is high on my bucket list!

[F6Dave]

Beartooth Pass is high on my bucket list!

I'd seen it on many '10 best roads' lists but was still stunned by the scenery, even compared to everything I've seen living in Colorado. As I said, it may be my best ride ever. Having a great handling bike, virtually no traffic, and super weather sure helped. Here's a picture on the other (Wyoming) side.

http://www.dchealy.com/valk/beartooth-wy.jpg

[DTOM]

I've been on Beartooth Pass (in a car with the family), but have yet to ride it. It was amazing in a car...can't wait to experience it on the B. I have a friend who just got back from riding it this past weekend and he said it was his best ride ever. I'm planning to get up there later this Summer/early Fall before the snow falls.

[Dweisman429]

Made it home Saturday eveing...a grand total of just over 2600 miles for the 4 day stretch. Friday was spent in Nee york City...very interesting. Especially when it was pouring rain and riding through flooded streets while dodging all the cars.

It was a fun ride but i was definitely glad to get the bike parked in the garage and drive the jeep in to work today. Lol.

[jm21ddd15]

Beartooth Pass is high on my bucket list!

Was there 2 1/2 weeks ago, but was not a sunny day. 35 degrees at the top, sleet and hail, and hi winds. All my concentration was focused on keeping the 6 on the wet slippery road, no time for sight seeing. Guess I will have to go back again. Still was tons of snow up above the tree line.

[bgd8rd]

Was there 2 1/2 weeks ago, but was not a sunny day. 35 degrees at the top, sleet and hail, and hi winds. All my concentration was focused on keeping the 6 on the wet slippery road, no time for sight seeing. Guess I will have to go back again. Still was tons of snow up above the tree line.


I come from flat country here in Missouri. Well, not flat like KS or IA but not elevated like out west. It just amazes me there is still snow on the ground! Boggles my mind! ;-)

[F6Dave]

I come from flat country here in Missouri. Well, not flat like KS or IA but not elevated like out west. It just amazes me there is still snow on the ground! Boggles my mind! ;-)

It gets much worse than that. The day after I rode over Beartooth Pass, several riders from a Valkyrie (VRCC) rally in Billings encountered heavy snow on the pass. Here's one of the pictures they posted, and you can see several more on the VRCC message board: http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,95884.0.html

I'm sure glad I chose to ride the pass when I did!

https://s20.postimg.org/3vb5l26z1/btp07.jpg

[2wheelsforme]

Talking about Beartooth Pass, does anyone know the dates that it is expected to be open? I'm thinking about next spring but need to know the normally open dates to plan my arrival.

[F6Dave]

Talking about Beartooth Pass, does anyone know the dates that it is expected to be open? I'm thinking about next spring but need to know the normally open dates to plan my arrival.

I don't think it would be open until late spring, like early June. Here in Colorado roads at very high altitudes like Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain N.P. usually don't open until Memorial Day. Apparently it can close at any time since on the way up I saw electronic signs stating it was currently open.