Long road trip checklist?

Hello all,

I'm just starting the planning stages of a long (~2-week) road trip, and
I've never experienced one before or know exactly what to plan on or
things to keep in mind. All I've done so far is around the state, 1-day
trips.

I'm shooting for probably May, maybe June, so several months out still,
and going from Des Moines, IA to Las Vegas and back. I was looking to
stay off the Interstates where possible but state highways are probably
good.

If it matters, I'm planning on it just being me, so no passengers. Kind
of a me-time type of jammie without having to deal with
work/friends/girlfriend/et al. It'd be great getting to meet others from
reeky or other clubs along the way as well though.

Some questions:

1) what are some ideal bike modifications or additions for extra
storage, creature comforts, etc? (I've got an 06 Vulcan 900 classic with
windshield and Tour Master saddle bags)

2) what maintenance issues should I know how to do in an emergency or
get out of the way ahead of time?

3) are there any good routes that anyone knows about? Time permitting,
I'd definitely like to hit up other sites, like possibly Yellowstone,
Grand Canyon, etc.

4) What types of clothing or gear should I be looking into and things of
that nature?

5) Any suggestions that I may be over looking.

I know this is VERY generalized, but like I said I'm early in the
planning stages and nothing really is set yet. Please feel free to ask
any questions or just throw out ideas or call me a jackass


Thanks,

Brandon

"Brandon Buckner" <brandon RemoveThis @NO.SPAM.kamikos.com> wrote in message
news:dLnmh.336010$1i1.93480@attbi_s72...
> Hello all,
>
> I'm just starting the planning stages of a long (~2-week) road trip, and
> I've never experienced one before or know exactly what to plan on or
> things to keep in mind. All I've done so far is around the state, 1-day
> trips.
>
> I'm shooting for probably May, maybe June, so several months out still,
> and going from Des Moines, IA to Las Vegas and back. I was looking to stay
> off the Interstates where possible but state highways are probably good.
>
> If it matters, I'm planning on it just being me, so no passengers. Kind of
> a me-time type of jammie without having to deal with
> work/friends/girlfriend/et al. It'd be great getting to meet others from
> reeky or other clubs along the way as well though.
>
> Some questions:
>
> 1) what are some ideal bike modifications or additions for extra storage,
> creature comforts, etc? (I've got an 06 Vulcan 900 classic with windshield
> and Tour Master saddle bags)
>
> 2) what maintenance issues should I know how to do in an emergency or get
> out of the way ahead of time?
>
> 3) are there any good routes that anyone knows about? Time permitting, I'd
> definitely like to hit up other sites, like possibly Yellowstone, Grand
> Canyon, etc.
>
> 4) What types of clothing or gear should I be looking into and things of
> that nature?
>
> 5) Any suggestions that I may be over looking.
>
> I know this is VERY generalized, but like I said I'm early in the planning
> stages and nothing really is set yet. Please feel free to ask any
> questions or just throw out ideas or call me a jackass

1) Decide what you what to do. Route, how many miles a day(>200), hotels
vs camping, that kind of thing
2) Acquire any needed gear to support what you want to do
3) Practice with said gear, even if its just the backyard (assuming you are
camping)
4) Create an expense plan (camping fees, gas, food)
6) Get the bike fully serviced. New tire(s) if you will need them on the
trip.
7) Install any of the new gear (GPS, radios, seat....)
Do a short ride, say 200 miles or so each way. Stay overnight
9) Fix the problems found in #8
10) Build contingency plans (what if it rains, bike breaks etc) for each
leg/day
11 Double your budget (trust me on this)
12) Change the oil, check the rest of the fluids, air the tires
13) Go ride

Gear is a function of what you are going to do and forecast weather.
Rainsuit and waterproof gloves are a no brainer. I would add first aid kit
and light sticks to any bike. Beef up the tool kit. Include a tire patch
kit. Practice with it too. You will be riding in Bambi country. Dress for
the crash, not for looking good in the bar. ATGATT if you are man enough.
Beanie and jeans are for fools who don't have people counting on them. Flip
front is a good as a full face and more convenient when on the road.

Bring enough layers so you can be comfortable at any temp. Mesh gear with
liners works well for me in the summer. The liner are bulky, plan on space
for them.

Sunscreen. You will need it. Also carry lots of water. Some in the tank
bag (regular use) some in the saddle bags (hard to get to/emergency use).

I hate camping on a bike, others love it. Many places have rustic cabins as
a compromise. The price of bike suitable camping gear pays for a lot of
nights in a cabin. Your budget, your call. If you go the camping route,
practice with it several times before you leave after a ride. This choice
is a religious issue for many, I belong to the Sacred Order of the Motel,
others do not.

Do not plan on more than 200 miles per day if you want to have any fun, do
any sightseeing. Also have a nearer spot for the night if one is needed.
Pushing to a location when exhausted or late due to weather is not the
brightest move. This is a vacation, not the Iron Butt.

Cell phones are you friend. So is a bike towing package. Make sure you
have both. Make sure you can charge the phone on the bike.

XM radio or an IPOD will help with any boredom. Fit it to the bike early
and be prepared for ground loops.

Bring a camera with a large memory. Its beautiful country...

Check in 2-3X a day with someone. That way the Sherriff will know where to
start looking for you if you don't show up where you are supposed to be.
Alternatively, ride with a buddy.

Never make mods to a bike just before a big event. Do it ahead of time and
get at least one shakedown cruise on it. That is the goal of #7-#9.


My rambles for the moment...