Long trip in 100 degrees lessons learned

[stevenolts]

I am only willing to share this story with you because I hope you all can learn from my mistakes.
So there I was last night a usually very well equipped and experienced motorcycle enthusiast ridding down the interstate damn near blind in the dark in very hard rain at 60 miles an hour with my flashers on with no fuel or working cell phone. I feel like this all changed in a matter of seconds but the truth is I should have been better prepared because I was an accident waiting to happen.


I just got back from an 850 mile each way trip to Panama City Beach, FL this morning. I have made this trip earlier this year in March and it was no problem.

The trip to Panama City beach, FL
I rode 10 hours on Thursday in 85 - 97 degree heat from St Louis, MO to Montgomery, AL with no problems. I finished up Friday morning the last 3 hours which has nice high speed sweepers through back country roads where I can zoom along between 80 and 100 as needed. A really nice fun ride to say the least!!! At one point I passed 10 cars and a truck carrying a house in one pass. Man was I in the zone!!! Please do not do this at home!!! This is not recommended and extremely unsafe. I need to keep myself under control when riding this section in the future.

The trip home tested my endurance to say the least.
I rode the trip home on Sunday from Panama City Beach, FL to St Louis. It was in the mid 90's when I left and was up to 100 degrees for nearly 10 hours of the trip. I had originally planned on stopping in Paducah, KY but I decided to make the whole 13 hour trip in one shot. The last 3 hours would be in the dark so the temperatures would be lower in theory. I had my yellow fuel light come on so I was just turning off to get gas before getting onto highway I-64 for the last 70 miles to my house when the rain of biblical proportions started. I was wearing the Scorpion Transformer helmet as a 3/4 with pull down visor. The visor got rain on both sides immediately and I could not see anything so with the other cars zooming by I could not take the exit to get gas. I pulled over under an overpass and put on rain gear but was already soaked to the bone. I then realized that in my packing I had forgotten the full shield part of my Scorpion EXO-900 Transformer helmet. I have never ridden in the rain without it. I tried switching to sunglasses with the foam but this caused my night time vision to be even worse. After missing the fuel stop exit I was now on I-64 and needed gas ASAP and I could not see anything. I put my flashers on and maintained 60 mph so I would not be run over. I went down the road a few miles and saw the first sign telling me that it was 7 miles to the next exit. I pulled down that exit and there was nothing there at all. I got back on the highway and the next sign a few miles later told me 9 miles to the next exit. In my head while trying to keep the bike upright at highway speed without being able to see anything I was calculating how many miles I had to go before I would run out of gas. I figured that if there was not gas at this next exit I would have to turn around and go back to the exit before I pulled of on I-64 and hope to make it back to the exit on fumes. During the next 9 miles all I could think about how could this happen to someone like me. Here I was at night and I was running out of gas in biblical rain with no cell phone almost 20 miles from where I last saw an exit with gas and people. I forgot to tell you my phone had died an hour before this.

These simple mistakes forced me to pull off and check into a hotel.


Lessons learned:

1. Always have complete rain gear.
I don't know how anyone could ever ride in a heavy rain without a full face helmet. I have ridden for 8 hours in the rain in the past with no problem. The Scorpion EXO-900 Transformer helmet is a great helmet but when transformed into a 3/4 helmet with only the pull down sun visor it will not work in the rain. I had a clear full shield but not the part that connect to the helmet and holds the shield. It had been so hot lately that I had been riding with the 3/4 and the visor. I guess I have been too lucky this year and had not been caught out in the rain this year.

2. Have a means to keep your cell phone charged.
One other mistake I made was not getting my USB charger port installed in the left fairing pocket. I installed it the night before my trip to Panama City Beach, FL in March but it did not work. I had not needed it until this trip and once again it cost time because my Android phone battery does not last more than a few hours when using music and GPS.

3. Always pull over and get gas at a half tank

[dickiedeals]

I'm sure most of us have had similar experiences while traveling cross country. Nothing like riding 450 miles in a Hurricane wearing a Half shell. .When you have to lean the bike over like you are going around a corner to just go forward without blowing off the shoulder of the road the wind my be blowing too hard to ride................'windy'..been there done that.............:yikes:Dickie

[unsub]

Steve thanks for sharing your story. I'm glad you arrived home safe.

I live by a few simple rules on the motorcycle, and first rule is that it's crucial to know the limits of your ride...whatever your ride is. Yes we have fuel gages but every person here should KNOW what distances they can ride on a full tank and not to depend on the fuel gage. The second rule you already laid out. Get fuel at prescribed intervals whether you need to or not. First of all you need to get off the bike to stretch and hydrate, and secondly you just never know where the next reliable fuel stop is, as was your experience. It doesn't take long to lose the ability to think critically when you're exhausted and dehydrated.

The rest of my few simple rules I'll save for another finger wagging session. :icon_biggrin:

[Ericb445]

Im glad you made it ok....Did you know your USB in the left saddlebag will also charge a device?

[unsub]

Im glad you made it ok....Did you know your USB in the left saddlebag will also charge a device?

:yes:

[53driver]

Thanks for sharing Steve.
Takes a robust "cup size" to put it all out there.
In military aviation we do the same thing in regularly scheduled safety stand downs - "here's what happened to me and I'm sharing it so it won't happen to you."

So yes, while you were a self acclaimed "accident waiting to happen" you did not become one.
The only armchair quarterback question I have is when you were at the first exit where there was nothing, why did you press on instead of then turning around to the known fuel exit?
My answer is "get-home-itis" as that's what happened to me......:banghead:

Again, thanks for sharing.

[Dirtstiff's F6B]

We just got home last night from a 4 day, 1500 mile on our Street Glide through 5 states, all in the 90'S to 100's.
I have to say the Glide never missed a beat or got too hot.
Rain and a bit of snow in Wyoming, Clear in hot in Colorado, Utah, Idaho and particularly our home state of Oregon. Sun block, good gas and water were the key ingredients.
Jim

[shooter]

Steve the best part of this story is that you know exactly what you did wrong. You didn't listen to your instincts. You know you wanted to stop for fuel earlier , but you pressed on and didn't listen to yourself. We all do it. Especially when so close to home. Sounds like you learned a life lesson. Yeah I've done stupid stuff like that before. We all have. Glad you're OK. You haven't bought me lunch yet.:wheelchair wheelie:;hdrider;

[stroguy]

Yesterday was my first lengthy ride in the TEXAS heat. I did a 5 hour 1 stop, tour from Canyon Lake back to N Houston. An eye opener for sure. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.

Emergency ammo

https://www.batteriesplus.com/Charger/Power-Bank/PWR10176

[Steve 0080]

JMHO...When I ride long distances, I run the first tank dry and then stop every 100 whether I need to or not ...Being from the South we are supposed to be used to the heat...this is both true and false...you need to pre-hydrate and go from there...you have to know your limitations and not try to push it! Better to pay for a motel room than a funeral.....

[fxdl2051]

Sounds like my first 10 years on motorcycles, give or take a few
.

[wiggy]

Thanks for sharing your story. We've all pushed the limits in one way or the other. I've done a few long distance trips in high heat and just this year bought a
Camelbak hydration pack. I know it's important to stop, stretch and recharge oneself at gas stops but I was surprised how well
the hydration pack worked for keeping me hydrated on the fly. With the pack half filled with ice, it also stayed cold for a long time. One tip for using one is after taking a drink, blow back into it to flush the line of water that would otherwise heat up in the sun.

[shooter]

Yesterday was my first lengthy ride in the TEXAS heat. I did a 5 hour 1 stop, tour from Canyon Lake back to N Houston. An eye opener for sure. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.

Emergency ammo

https://www.batteriesplus.com/Charger/Power-Bank/PWR10176

Stro I always worry about how much extra ammo to carry. I've settled on a 50 pack in each bag. Wife complains I'm taking up space in her bag. Told her I'm balancing the bike. She still complained. Told her , shooting starts you're on your own. Now we have two 50 packs in each bag.

[Old Ryder]

Having stories are what makes for an interesting life. I have quite a few--but none like that. I have been caught in a hail storm with cars parked in the middle of the Interstate because they could not see--yes I was lane splitting on the I-40. They may have the luxury of stopping in the middle of a 70 MPH zone, but I did not. Frog Toggs may help keep you dry, but they do very little with marble size hail and the pain. There was another time following my buddies nose and instincts we ended up 400 miles from home at 5:30 PM on Sunday night and we both had to be at work bright and early Monday morning----oh--by the way, on that adventure all I had was a tinted shield on my 3/4 helmet on my VTX1800. Yea, no windshield either. It was 80 MPH following him in the dark just being able to focus on his tail light cause that was all I could see. I have learned some valuable lessons, too and a clear shield and extra glasses go with me all the time, because I know that you CAN wake up with "pink eye" in Dillard, Ga on Memorial Day. Contact lenses are useless if your eyes are swollen shut and vision IS a requirement to get home:icon_mrgreen:. As for the gas, a rule I use without exception for the last few years is that I only use the odometer and the first station I see after 160 miles is where I am stopping. FORGET THE GAUAGE. While it may not seem like fun at the time, it is stories like this that I look forward to hearing and sharing at Franklin in a few weeks.

Thanks for sharing.

[stevenolts]

Someone mentioned the USB charger in front left pocket. I bought that on the way out of the dealer when I picked up the bike.

Have a means to keep your cell phone charged.
One other mistake I made was not getting my USB charger port installed in the left fairing pocket. I installed it the night before my trip to Panama City Beach, FL in March but it did not work. I had not needed it until this trip and once again it cost time because my Android phone battery does not last more than a few hours when using music and GPS.

I must have a bad part from Honda or a blown fuse. I just have not needed it until on a long trip again.
I will have it working in a few days now after this trip.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Yes, I should have turned around after the first exit but I thought there should be gas ahead. (and there was) But after I saw the sign for 9 more miles I was thinking how stupid I was for letting myself get into this situation.

I feel like I am always prepared and things like this should not happen to me.

I do not skimp on riding gear, I just left that damn shield at home by mistake. (That will never happen again / for god sake we have saddlebags and if nothing else fits we need gear for the ride first over luggage)

[flat6bagger]

When it comes to unfamiliar areas,if there is a gas station there I stop and get gas.
I can see the gas station in front of me and know that it exists.
I can't see a gas station at the next exit,so I don't know if one exists there. :icon_wink::icon_biggrin:

Doug

[stroguy]

Shooter, 2 50's sounds like a good spot to start. Just going to have to do without the lipstick honey.

[ths61]

Stro I always worry about how much extra ammo to carry. I've settled on a 50 pack in each bag. Wife complains I'm taking up space in her bag. Told her I'm balancing the bike. She still complained. Told her , shooting starts you're on your own. Now we have two 50 packs in each bag.

How many magazines do you take ?

[shooter]

I have ten loaded mags I carry. Three on me.

[Doug44]

How many magazines do you take ?

Why do think he is called "Shooter" :clap2:

[unsub]

Someone mentioned the USB charger in front left pocket.

Hi Steve, I think Ericb [excuse me if I'm answering out of turn Ericb] was referring to the left saddlebag.There's a factory USB port there for iphone/ipod/USB stick. Ericb made an excellent point that it may be used for charging a phone too. I haven't tried it on any other phone platform other than an Iphone, but if it charges any platform by USB that's a great tip.

[Ericb445]

Hi Steve, I think Ericb [excuse me if I'm answering out of turn Ericb] was referring to the left saddlebag.There's a factory USB port there for iphone/ipod/USB stick. Ericb made an excellent point that it may be used for charging a phone too. I haven't tried it on any other phone platform other than an Iphone, but if it charges any platform by USB that's a great tip.

Yep, thats the one I was talking talking about. Thanks for the clarification.

[unsub]

Yep, thats the one I was talking talking about. Thanks for the clarification.

Thanks for the tip brother.

[stevenolts]

Thank you guys I don't know why I never thought of that. I am a tech guy at work and I should have thought of that. I put a usb stick in there and never thought about it again.


Thank you,

Steve

[Ridlikhel]

Buy yourself a Camel Back and keep it with you. It comes in many sizes and can save your life. Having lived in Texas for 34 years I started using them when ever I ran or went mountain bike riding. I am now using it again on my hikes in the Chattanooga mountains this week. At 90 degrees or more, you can become an accident very quickly.

[53driver]

I have ten loaded mags I carry. Three on me.

I'm all about the loaded mags on my person.....rounds in a box or loaded mags in a saddlebag are "not easily accessible" in a tactical move & shoot scenario - at least not ones I've trained for.
Also, one side of the bike is going to be used initially used as a shield until more cover can be scurried to....
Be very interested to discuss over several beverages in Franklin.
Going to be a great time.

[GaTeach]

Stro I always worry about how much extra ammo to carry. I've settled on a 50 pack in each bag. Wife complains I'm taking up space in her bag. Told her I'm balancing the bike. She still complained. Told her , shooting starts you're on your own. Now we have two 50 packs in each bag.

Laughing. Out. Loud.

[shooter]

Teach I'm having second thoughts about this rally. I may have to put a hitch on and buy a trailer. A week away from home may be like gearing up for a three gun match. My AR and Benelli are kinda long. Maybe I could mount a couple scabbards......................and the ammo requirements could be large.

[willtill]

Teach I'm having second thoughts about this rally. I may have to put a hitch on and buy a trailer. A week away from home may be like gearing up for a three gun match. My AR and Benelli are kinda long. Maybe I could mount a couple scabbards......................and the ammo requirements could be large.

Do what others have done while traveling to a destination on a motorcycle... use UPS and send a package to yourself. :icon_wink:

[shooter]

I wish I could think like that Will. Dang that's a good idea.

[GaTeach]

Teach I'm having second thoughts about this rally. I may have to put a hitch on and buy a trailer. A week away from home may be like gearing up for a three gun match. My AR and Benelli are kinda long. Maybe I could mount a couple scabbards......................and the ammo requirements could be large.

you just gotta have hidey-holes along the route so you can resupply

[shooter]

Teach you're killin me. "Hidey-Holes" LMAO. You realize that most people have never heard of that don't you?

[GaTeach]

Teach you're killin me. "Hidey-Holes" LMAO. You realize that most people have never heard of that don't you?

And that's why we have them!!! Nobody knows about them!

[blueverclear]

Sounds like you had a great trip home lol glad you made it safe brother. Coming back from thunder beach in panama city last month we ran into some pretty heave downpours the last 100 or so miles of out trip and it sucked for sure. Fortunately I always wear my full face on long trips which I think is really important. Couple things I would mention.......

1. Definitely keeping a phone charger and a garmin gps in the left cubby is essential to my traveling. I NEVER rely on the phone as my only gps because up in the mountains it really doesn't work that well because cell phone reception is spotty. Only exception is if you have a program on your phone with the maps already saved but I haven't found a program to work nearly as well as the gamin so it stays with me always when I'm traveling.

2. I need a better rain suit because the one I have is a bit too big but it worked well the last time I used it.

3. I think if you are traveling a long distance stopping for gas every half a tank with make a long trip much longer. I usually aim for 180 to 200 miles between gas stops but my gas stops are planned and loaded into my gps before I leave for my trip. Also if you think you want some extra security, take a couple seafoam bottles and fill them up with gas and leave them in your saddlebags on long trips. That way if something does happen you have some gas as a backup just in case. They also sell 1 gallon reserves gas cans for motorcycles that fit in the saddlebags nicely without sacrificing a lot of room.

4. Staying hydrated is key, I've lived in the south my whole life.......... water water water Gatorade water lol

Grant

[stevenolts]

Blueverclear,

I like the idea of the 1 gallon can or the Seafoam cans with gas. Just a little extra insurance just in case.
Yea you are right / I can say I am going to stop at half tank but we both no that will never happen.
Steve

[Teach]

Steve, the ride you had are what makes the activity fun. You can make 50 perfectly uneventful rides, and they will be fun. It is these less than perfect that you will be talking about for years to come.
PS... I went to a modular helmet decades ago for road trips. You'll never get caught out with one😉

[Teach]

Steve, almost forgot.... wait until you ride into two tornados in the same day, lol.... and you have to stand next to the bike holding it up in the wind, rain, and hail so it doesn't blow over.... I won't mention that this always occurs right after the only off ramp you could have taken to shelter.