Sport-tourer's Roll Call

[Nelson]

Let me get this started to see if it goes somewhere......

It is hard sometimed to find touring buddies because schedules, capabilities, etc. So what are you set up to do? It might help to pair up with a like-minded touring partner. In my case I have a hard time finding cheap bastards who want to do the bang for your buck camping thing.


BIKE - WHAT BIKE DO YOU HAVE, A SPORT-TOURER, GRAND TOURER, SPORTBIKE, ETC. What milage can you do, 300, 400, 500?

CBR600 F4.....but I can still do 500 miles days, 140-160 miles per tank and even carry a liter of gas in case I get stranded. If I am riding for fun in the twisties and not just to get somewhere, I like to keep it from 300-400, if a slab is required to get there I'll do more.

AVAILABILITY: HOW EASILY CAN YOU TAKE OFF? ASAP, JUST WEEKENDS, YOU NEED A LONG ADVANCE WARNING, DOU YOU HAVE A WEEKDAY JOB, FLEXIBLE HOURS, YOU OWN BOSS?

I can plan ahead for short overnight trips if I get a two week notice......I tour best from Monday to Wednesday because I have a flexible job and like lonely roads. Weeklong trips need to be planned ahead of time.

ACCOMODATIONS: DOU YOU NEED TO STAY AT A 5 STAR HOTEL?, OR YOU ARE READY TO CRAM 4 IN A ROOM AND SLEEP ON THE FLOOR? DO YOU NEED A HOT SHOWER EVERY MORNING?, ARE YOU SET UP FOR CAMPING......IF YES AT WHAT TEMPS?

I am a cheap bastard. I'll take the floor if it means we can split a room in four. Yes!!!....I can camp as long as temps hold around 45 F. I find cheap state parks and will squat if its possible. I've once went three days without a shower...I did give myself a cleaning with a moist towell though!

WEATHER: DOU YOU TOUR ONLY IN THE SUMMER? DO YOU RIDE IN THE WINTER? CAN YOU STAND A LITTLE COLD? A LITTLE RAIN?

I can tour anytime depending on the weather of course. I could do some rides this winter if breaks in the weather provide sustained riding at over 40F. I'd rather not ride in the rain but if it pours a little I am 100% weatherproof gearwise, so a little rain in a trip I can stand. I do not have electrics but can ride so snowy rides under 40F might be hard.

WHAT HAVE YOU DONE, WHAT DOU YOU WANT TO DO?

I've ridden plenty on NorCal up to Eureka, east to the sierra passes, Tahoe, western Colorado, Hwy 50 into Nevada, Yosemite, Hwy 1.

I want to head up to Oregon, Hwy 96 in NorCal weather permitting. I am looking to do Kings Canyon if the weather permits it in the Winter and anything south of Coalinga- Big Sur. Zion and Grand Canyon would be nice.

[RydTher]

already been started, at least as far as our mounts, but

Bike - Sport-tourer

couple days warning good, not necessarily required, that is until I find a job, then that will change.
anytime, any road -- if I havent been there yet, all the better -- any temp, prefer no ice conditions though.
Any hotel with a pot to piss in and a warm shower. ;) prefer my own bed. AND coffee. Got to have coffee. :)

Not set up for camping yet. Thats the plan for this winter, need to get some basic gear - sleeping bag, small tent, cooking stuff etc

Ridden a couple 2-3 day rides, latest was a little over a month ago, 1300 miles/3 days. Quite a few 400-500 mile days.
Headed out for a 2 death valley run in two weeks, had planned on running out to Zion and Bryce canyon late October, but didnt make my planned take off date and will likely hit snow this late so that is my planned first trip of the Spring.

Dont have electric vest yet, but do have outlets. Still researching that one.

Places I want to visit, or revisit? Pretty much all of pashnit.com :teeth
first on the list? Zion/Bryce north Rim Grand Canyon

goal for next spring. Iron Butt Association Bun Burner 1500 (1500 miles/36 hours) to visit relatives in Oklahoma.

[Raghu]

Originally posted by B12Bill
Dont have electric vest yet, but do have outlets. Still researching that one.


Bill, if I may suggest: The Gerbing electric jacket. Do not get the vest. Get the jacket.

Gerbing is way better than Widder. The way the neck flap comes up is one of the finer details they have paid attention to...

[Raghu]

BIKE - WHAT BIKE DO YOU HAVE, A SPORT-TOURER, GRAND TOURER, SPORTBIKE, ETC. What milage can you do, 300, 400, 500?

2001 XRCBR600F4iST. Ready to take on fire roads, pavement, goat trails, & track :)

How many miles I can do depends on the terrain. I can do 500 miles w/o tiring.

AVAILABILITY: HOW EASILY CAN YOU TAKE OFF? ASAP, JUST WEEKENDS, YOU NEED A LONG ADVANCE WARNING, DOU YOU HAVE A WEEKDAY JOB, FLEXIBLE HOURS, YOU OWN BOSS?

Available for riding ASAP mostly during weekends :). If the ride invovles a weekday, I need 2 week's advance notice to work something out with boss.

ACCOMODATIONS: DOU YOU NEED TO STAY AT A 5 STAR HOTEL?, OR YOU ARE READY TO CRAM 4 IN A ROOM AND SLEEP ON THE FLOOR? DO YOU NEED A HOT SHOWER EVERY MORNING?, ARE YOU SET UP FOR CAMPING......IF YES AT WHAT TEMPS?

I am a cheap bastard. I'll take the floor if it means we can split a room in four. Yes!!!....I can camp as long as temps hold around 45 F.

I have done all the above except camping. Never done moto-camping, but ready to try :). The cheaper the better :teeth

WEATHER: DOU YOU TOUR ONLY IN THE SUMMER? DO YOU RIDE IN THE WINTER? CAN YOU STAND A LITTLE COLD? A LITTLE RAIN?

as long as the road is not icy, I am ready for a ride.

WHAT HAVE YOU DONE,

Day trips all over the sierras, marin to cloverdale/berryessa/clear lake, coalinga & back via coast. Frequent 2-day trips to Quincy + Sierras, Eureka & Sierras. One crazy 2 day trip all the way to Oregon border & back. One 3 day SPORT touring trip to Oregon & back. Couple trips to Lassen.

WHAT DOU YOU WANT TO DO?

Ride. See this great country & ppl.

[Bronto]

Life long Camping enthusist. Only natural it's now applied to the bike. At least a week notice to prepare. Gotta get in right state of mind :D
Bike is Sport Tour type. Proven reliable machine. 250 mile tank range, 200 on high reving twisties. Should be able to repair independently tires, chain and minor mechanical problems. Have a trailer to Pickup a bike if it's out of commission. Time for a Greyhound charter bus, Hitchiking and rent a car :D
Tie downs that holds camping gear to the tail section of the bike. Included is 4 person tent.
Recently did first bike camping. A 3day weekend starting early Friday. 1st day got to camp spot. That night painted the town red. Net day from the base camp took twisties to 350 miles out 700 mile round trip from base camp. Slept like a log, next day little touring then drove back.
Conclusion I need a better sleeping bag, it got to 35 degree, had to use one of those space blankets to make up the difference.
The 3 day over the weekend is best in my case. Distance to base camp can be thousands of miles away. Ride up, Ride around and ride back.
Darkness, cold and rain doesn't matter. Prefer not being wet tho during camping :D riding no prob anything goes.
Refining the gear now to remain dry. Already got the cold part done.

Like the principle of making a Motorcycle trip very cost effective. The gas cost nothing compared to cars. The Room can be hundred bucks a night. Splitting cost for Motel rooms is OK, I like rollaways. Apolgize in advance for the nazal snoring :D

Flexible enough to adhere to the group ride's parameters. Less apt to go on big spender tours tho. $ 300-500 dollar weekends. Heheh no ride up to a Colorado Ski resort stay at the lodge, ski all day and eat at five star restaurants.
More like Ride to Las Vegas the scenic route. Next day do the town or ride around Vegas . Ride back the scenic route. Get back at midnight on Sunday.
Ride to San Diego stay the night do local fare, then ride back on Sunday.
Ride to Grand Canyon, Set up base camp. Take the mule ride, and some riding round. Ride further set up camp. Do some rides the next day. return to camp then last day on major straight no frills ride back home.
I think this is longest post ever had on a forum, allright

:twofinger

[Sidewalk]

Originally posted by Nelson
BIKE - WHAT BIKE DO YOU HAVE, A SPORT-TOURER, GRAND TOURER, SPORTBIKE, ETC. What milage can you do, 300, 400, 500?Sport bike, Buell X1. I have done 450 miles in a day, then returned a couple days later. I think I could easily do 400 mile days. About 160-200 miles per tank (depends on the throttle :D).

Originally posted by Nelson
AVAILABILITY: HOW EASILY CAN YOU TAKE OFF? ASAP, JUST WEEKENDS, YOU NEED A LONG ADVANCE WARNING, DOU YOU HAVE A WEEKDAY JOB, FLEXIBLE HOURS, YOU OWN BOSS? Need advanced warning. Military don't like you up and disppearing :laughing

Originally posted by Nelson
ACCOMODATIONS: DOU YOU NEED TO STAY AT A 5 STAR HOTEL?, OR YOU ARE READY TO CRAM 4 IN A ROOM AND SLEEP ON THE FLOOR? DO YOU NEED A HOT SHOWER EVERY MORNING?, ARE YOU SET UP FOR CAMPING......IF YES AT WHAT TEMPS?Strap a sleeping bag on the tail, and I am good.

Originally posted by Nelson
WEATHER: DOU YOU TOUR ONLY IN THE SUMMER? DO YOU RIDE IN THE WINTER? CAN YOU STAND A LITTLE COLD? A LITTLE RAIN?My car is a project car only, the bike is my main transportation, rain or shine.

Originally posted by Nelson
WHAT HAVE YOU DONE, WHAT DOU YOU WANT TO DO?Only long ride was to southern California to visit my folks. I was in a hurry, so I took the I-5 down. Did a bunch of riding around over the weekend (hit one of the road my father used to ride ), then rode home Sunday. If it wasn't for the heat, it would have been killer.

Have intentions of:
Riding all the way north in Alaska.
Riding cross country.
Riding with no destination for some period of time, that I do not currently know. Got to work around the family though, don't want to abandon them :D

[Spurber]

Bike (Gran Tourer): Kawasaki ZZ-R 1200 range ~220 miles but I have toured with an SV650 and a SuperHawk before so stopping every two hours is no big deal.

Mileage: 300~400. I like to stop and take pictures

Availability: I have flexible hours @ work I just need to grease the wheels at home ;) a weeks notice is good for pretty much any length ride.

Accomodations: I must bathe everyday. I usually get my own room although I have been know to share. :shhh More than 2 guys in a room with one bathroom ain't touring. It's "Real World". Probably not ready to camp anytime soon

Weather: I'll tour anytime. I can deal with cold and rain as long as it is not to ridiculous. Bitter cold is not to much of a problem for multiple days but a torrential downpour might suck.
Keyword: "might". It could be a hilarious adventure too.
If there is snow on the side of the road I am turning around and grabbing my board.

What have you done: most recently I tried to catch B_12Bill for 3 days all over Northern California. :p
What do you want to do: Ride :cool

Death Valley in two weeks read more about it here (http://www.sport-touring.net/cgi-bin/msgboard/ikonboard.cgi?;act=ST;f=5;t=9440) * you should book your room or find a roomie asap.

[viper3256]

I think I am to far (Ukiah, mendocino County) to be a Sport Touring buddy, but if you ever come up this way, I will ride with you. I have VFR, I ride 300-400 miles, will do more, get 180 per tank, and I ever sleep on the floor at home.... when the wife is mad. I work sun-thur, but can take time off with two week notice. So I may not be the best riding buddy, but look me up when you head past my way. Your on ST.N also right?



Rob

[madkiwi]

1996 Suzuki RF900RT

350 mile days, ok, but like less.

Tour mode- 250 miles per tank

I have 48 unused vacation days banked. Last time I gave 3 days notice I was taking Mon-Wed off (I told them Friday).

Accomodations- spartan OK, I like a bed and hot shower. AAA rated 1 star or better. See * below...

What is "rain"? I rode as a commuter in New Zealand because I couldn't afford a car (imagine Seattle without the good coffee). I can afford to not ride in bad weather now, so what makes you think it is something I would do "for fun"?

I don't mind cold, I wear a perforated jacket year round (of course, not in "rain").

I have been to Seattle via 101, then 1 to Tillamook, inland to Portland, then 5 to Seattle. To Portland via Crater Lake, Bend, Mt Hood. So far I have biked the following roads in the Sierra- 140, 120, 108, 88, 89, 49, 267, 50, 80 (when I had to- for about 15 miles), 395. I think the only pass I have not ridden is Donner. Done some biking through Humbolt. In 1986 I rode a borrowed BMW R100RT from San Juan Island to San Diego, with stops in LA and Phoenix. Only ticket I ever got was on the last day of that trip, from an Arizona State Trooper just outside of Yuma on my way from Phoenix to San Diego.

madkiwi

* Sorry guys, riding with camping gear has left the domain of "sport-touring" and is ensconsed firmly in "touring".

A motorcycle laden down with the kitchen sink is no longer a fun sport-tourer. I think by definition you have to leave the load a little light to enjoy your motorcycle, otherwise you might as well ride a Gold Wing.

I travel with Eclipse P-38 saddle bags and a tank bag. With that setup I can carry gear for a 5 day road trip without re-wearing anything (except my leathers).

[Deeter]

Originally posted by madkiwi
1996 Suzuki RF900RT

350 mile days, ok, but like less.

:wtf

You're a disgrace to RF riders everywhere! :twofinger (Just kidding :p)

I'd chime in with all my relevant information, but with a newborn youngun' on the scene, I'm out of the spontaneous, multi-day, sport-touring business for a while. :(

[Nelson]

Originally posted by Deeter
:wtf

You're a disgrace to RF riders everywhere! :twofinger (Just kidding :p)

I'd chime in with all my relevant information, but with a newborn youngun' on the scene, I'm out of the spontaneous, multi-day, sport-touring business for a while. :(


Not to bastardize my own thread, but is your RF still alive?
I thought it burned.

[Deeter]

Originally posted by Nelson
Not to bastardize my own thread, but is your RF still alive?
I thought it burned.

No, the BattleKouch has gone off to devour gold-lined backroads in the sky. :(

R.I.P. :rose

[Nelson]

Originally posted by viper3256
I think I am to far (Ukiah, mendocino County) to be a Sport Touring buddy, but if you ever come up this way, I will ride with you. I have VFR, I ride 300-400 miles, will do more, get 180 per tank, and I ever sleep on the floor at home.... when the wife is mad. I work sun-thur, but can take time off with two week notice. So I may not be the best riding buddy, but look me up when you head past my way. Your on ST.N also right?



Rob

Yup. STN. Actually I go past Ukiah whean I head north. Might try a winter jaunt to 96 and 299 whenever I see a break in the weather during winter.

[madkiwi]

Hey!!!

Give an old guy a break!

I did Medford to SF one day (approx 400 miles) and I thought my wrist was broken. I don't understand how people can do 500 miles a day on a bike. That's not fun, that's torture. I drove from Jackson Hole to Reno in one day (700 miles) in my Pathfinder, that almost killed me.

Recent trip through Yosemite, around Tahoe and up vie Downieville etc comprised 3 days of 250-280 mile days. That was comfortable, time for stopping for photos and sightseeing, rest stops etc. Driving from A to B via interstates is easier than mountain passes and winding roads.

madkiwi

[Sidewalk]

Originally posted by madkiwi
I drove from Jackson Hole to Reno in one day (700 miles) in my Pathfinder, that almost killed me.Try Haines, to Homer Alaska over night (1000 miles). Of course, that was in a car. Did cross country several times now, rarely staying in a motel (only on my trip for the actual vacation).

Now I look forward to doing that, on my bike :D

[ghan]

BIKE - WHAT BIKE DO YOU HAVE, A SPORT-TOURER, GRAND TOURER, SPORTBIKE, ETC. What milage can you do, 300, 400, 500?

Sport-Tourer - BMW K1200RS. Mileage? 300 - 500 mile day rides. Fairfield to Tacoma, WA and back on a weekend. Utah and back in 5 days. Usually get 180 to a tank.

AVAILABILITY: HOW EASILY CAN YOU TAKE OFF? ASAP, JUST WEEKENDS, YOU NEED A LONG ADVANCE WARNING, DOU YOU HAVE A WEEKDAY JOB, FLEXIBLE HOURS, YOU OWN BOSS?

Need about a months notice for multiday weekday rides - have to reschedule patients. Usually weekends/overnighters any weekend I don't have family stuff planned. The wife likes to go too.

ACCOMODATIONS: DOU YOU NEED TO STAY AT A 5 STAR HOTEL?, OR YOU ARE READY TO CRAM 4 IN A ROOM AND SLEEP ON THE FLOOR? DO YOU NEED A HOT SHOWER EVERY MORNING?, ARE YOU SET UP FOR CAMPING......IF YES AT WHAT TEMPS?

No camping yet, but would like to try it. I've done a lot of camping in remote areas to go hunting trout. Otherwise sleeping on the floor and the occaisional shower are OK.

WEATHER: DOU YOU TOUR ONLY IN THE SUMMER? DO YOU RIDE IN THE WINTER? CAN YOU STAND A LITTLE COLD? A LITTLE RAIN?

Anytime is a good time to ride unless it's below 40.

WHAT HAVE YOU DONE, WHAT DOU YOU WANT TO DO?

I've ridden all over Norccal and the Sierras, but still have roads to explore in those areas.

I want to go back to Torrey, Utah next May through Zion, Capital Reef and Canyonlands NPs. Also want to make it to Colorado and Wyoming next year. Gonna burn some vacation days next year
:)

[deaconblues]

distance record w/o stopping except for gas - albuquerque to fairfield CA - took 20 hours and I blew a catalytic converter (and assoted other engine bits) on Donner Pass. Slept in a motel 6 for three days while the car underwent surgery.

mileage record on a bike (so far) 600 miles in 1 day, was thru severe weather, on a sportbike, no throttle lock, no bar risers, no gel seat. I was 'feeling' that ride for a week afterwards.

these days too damned poor to do recreational rides - when the guv'mint starts taking parts of your paycheck for back taxes, as well as what you're already setting aside for 'next years taxes' you learn to budget real tight. Which means commuting to work cos it's cheaper than the car, and measuring your tire tread with a micrometer every week to get the absolute most mileage from your tires.

Talk to me in 6 months - by then Cali should have stolen (I mean claimed) enough to pay off what I owe them, and I can have a life again.

[SilverBird]

Originally posted by Nelson

BIKE - WHAT BIKE DO YOU HAVE, A SPORT-TOURER, GRAND TOURER, SPORTBIKE, ETC. What milage can you do, 300, 400, 500?



Bike: CBR 1100
Distance: up to 400/600 with no notice, more require a bit of heads up (personal best being 960 miles/17 hours). I can stand some level of pain but I am no record-breaker nor do I enjoy 17 freakin hours of freeway. Riding in the cold is OK, in the rain, I don't really enjoy it.

Originally posted by Nelson
AVAILABILITY: HOW EASILY CAN YOU TAKE OFF? ASAP, JUST WEEKENDS, YOU NEED A LONG ADVANCE WARNING, DOU YOU HAVE A WEEKDAY JOB, FLEXIBLE HOURS, YOU OWN BOSS?

[/B]

Week-ends and 1-2 week notice for the week stuff.

Originally posted by Nelson
WHAT HAVE YOU DONE, WHAT DOU YOU WANT TO DO?

[/B]

Big Sur to Ragged Edge numerous times, AZ, northern NM, a bit of Southern Nevada, Tioga passes, Mendocino.

To do list OR, CO, more NM, anything that is reasonably twisty.

Hugo

[ThatAintChicken]

Shawn aka Thataintchicken

bike: Fast Blue ZR-7 ( for now )

availability: 2 week notice so I can bribe my boss, or quit...whichever works best.

accomodations: Camping is fun, Motels are fun. You provide the booze, I'll figure out a way to feed you. I'll bring nasal strips for Myself and Bronto :cool

weather: I like it all.... not a fan of freezing rain tho.

have done: camping near tahoe, big sur and quick runs to Reno.
Road trips home to Oregon.

want to do: An ST-N meet, a ZR-7forums meet, spend some time thrashing the roads in Oregon and SW Washington.
A trip to Minnesota to visit relatives, maybe do Rt. 66


I need to find a small group of people that enjoy riding.
People that are willing to share, teach and learn from one another. I'm giving BARF another shot... and I'm glad I looked at this clubhouse forum.

[DMc]

BIKE - WHAT BIKE DO YOU HAVE, A SPORT-TOURER, GRAND TOURER, SPORTBIKE, ETC. What milage can you do, 300, 400, 500?

Sprint ST I can do 300 a day. Any more starts looking like work...



AVAILABILITY: HOW EASILY CAN YOU TAKE OFF? ASAP, JUST WEEKENDS, YOU NEED A LONG ADVANCE WARNING, DOU YOU HAVE A WEEKDAY JOB, FLEXIBLE HOURS, YOU OWN BOSS?

I can do long weekends on pretty short notice. Two day trips are easy to pull off.



ACCOMODATIONS: DOU YOU NEED TO STAY AT A 5 STAR HOTEL?, OR YOU ARE READY TO CRAM 4 IN A ROOM AND SLEEP ON THE FLOOR? DO YOU NEED A HOT SHOWER EVERY MORNING?, ARE YOU SET UP FOR CAMPING......IF YES AT WHAT TEMPS?

I like the hotels with the most NEON. They tend to be the most interesting. As long as Willum Defoe isn't lurking around!

WEATHER: DOU YOU TOUR ONLY IN THE SUMMER? DO YOU RIDE IN THE WINTER? CAN YOU STAND A LITTLE COLD? A LITTLE RAIN?

Weather is part of the trip.

WHAT HAVE YOU DONE, WHAT DOU YOU WANT TO DO?

It's been awhile but Ive done several cross country trips. Coast to coast. I have been to New Foundland. Ive been all over Japan. I have camped & cheap hoteled. is that a word? I want to do 36 out of Red Bluff as soon as it warms up. Maybe a Death Valley before it warms up. Vegas!

[cprbusa]

Bike

[dive1]

Bike: FJR1300 - Bandit 1200S

Mileage: 750 per day easy

Availabilty: Most any time

Weather: Dry

Where: Mostly Nor Cal and Nevada

Accomidations: Need my own room, to old to camp (loud snorer)

[pashnit]

Dive, Welcome!http://www.pashnit.com/backgrounds/emoticons/barf5.gif

You've come to the right place! http://www.pashnit.com/backgrounds/emoticons/wink2.gif

[RydTher]

dive - nice bikes :p :thumbup

[dive1]

Thanks Guys,
I just moved to Disco Bay from San Jose last June. I miss the back roads around there. I am doing a lot of riding in the east foothills. I'll start doing some road reports with some pics next week..
The Bandit is Mama's bike. We had it lowered and a custom seat from Corbin now she can flat foot it..
Dave

[selong]

I have a 1999 F4 set up for miles with all the comfy goodies I wanted. Hard bags, Corbin, centerstand, powerplugs, etc. The most essential item is the Archos Mp3 player… chock full of music and audio books… a real mileage burner. I have done two IronButts. 1000 in 24 and 1500 in 24 though that is not my idea of “touring” but rather endurance. I can do 500+ miles of curvy roads easier than 300 on the slab… it is 90% mental and 20% physical… does that add up?

I can get away with about two weeks notice. I am able to ‘work remotely’ since I cover a large portion of California and Nevada… I can do three-day weekends if I butter the wife up…

I can sack anywhere… and shower, not on the weekends! J I have good sleeping gear and know how to strap it all on the scoot. I can eat food from a can especially if there is beer to rinse it with. The Ritz is nice too but usually funds are better spent on ‘cheer’. If you look a bit, you can find a room for the price of camping… so why not enjoy civilization if it is there?

Weather, schmether… I got stuck in the snow on HWY 4 … that was a slow ride down the hill. Hell, if you get wet and cold, somewhere along the road will be a warm café. Heated clothing items are also your friend… On the flipside, I have done 110-degree days to Southern Utah. Thank God for the Camelback. I would rather avoid snow and sunburn but I can’t take my house everywhere, I am not 65 yet!


I have done all the Sierra Passes, Western Nevada, the Weaverville area, California Coast from top to bottom and any local curvy thing I can find. My repeat offense would be in/around Weaverville. That area is chock full of fun (and CHP at times)

But my ideal thing to do would be an Italian looking brunette with blue eyes…. I better buy the wife some colored contacts and funny accent.

[FASTCONK]

Bike: FZ1 w/ Hard Bags – 230 miles per tank have gotten 275
coming out of the mountains)
Normal Day Ride Mileage: Winter 400 – 500 simply due to
lighting conditions
Summer 500 – 700
Availability: Saturday’s as I need Sunday to recover or to watch
MOTOGP/SBK/AMA/F1
Weather: Threat of rain doesn’t stop ride, don’t head out if
raining unless headed into dry, but pack rain
equipment
Where: Done 75K miles in 3.5 years in California, every Norcal
Pashnit.com road and 80% of So. Cal
Accommodations: Sleep under the credit card

Put 60K in three years on my R6, riding Wednesday nights and Saturdays’ with VERY LITTLE commuting time. Rarely ever do multi-day rides because “hey you can do that in a day”. Read my Ride Report Xmas 2002 which is my one a year multi day ride (1300 miles). Do make a two day ride up the coast to Eureka (Very little 101 miles) to 299 to 96 to Yreka, sleep, then work the Trinity / Hwy 3, Hwy 36, Alderpoint to Hwy 1 south the second day. About 1100 miles round trip.

Longest day ride was San Jose to Red Bluff across Hwy 36 to Fortuna up 101 to Hwy 299, cut-off on Hwy 96 to Yreka then Hwy 5 to Hwy 89 (88?) east into Susanville then 395 south to Reno and finally 80 over Donner and back to San Jose. Total 1080 miles 21 hours (with proper breakfast, lunch and dinner breaks).

Second longest day ride was San Jose to Redding, Hwy 299 to Eureka, Hwy 101 to Hwy 36 to Red Bluff and home to San Jose. Total 850 miles 16 hours (with proper breakfast and dinner breaks).

My riding experience says to plan rides with no more than 40% drone mileage, which gives enough room to dead head to good riding locations. Average ride in the summer time is ~600 miles (do the math 20K miles per year, no commuting) and I don’t ride EVERY SATURDAY.

A typical day ride is: Meet before sunrise, my primary riding partner David lives in Pleasanton, for breakfast or meet and ride to breakfast (usually 100+ miles before breakfast). Plan the day over breakfast and hit the road. NO “lunch breaks” we pack water (camelbacks) and bird food / jerky or grab a sandwich at a gas stop. Stops are 20 minutes max to eat on the side of the road, usually in some nice mountain area, and rest only breaks 10 min..

We have a formula that says plan 50 – 55 mph average, be out of the mountains / one lane / two lane country roads before sunset (Deer!!) and stop for dinner somewhere be home by around 8 – 9pm. Stops are usually every 75 – 100 miles on twisty stuff and none on drone category roads.

One favorite ride is out to Bass Lake, south of Mariposa, up Minarets down Beasore back up Hwy 49 to Grizzly to 120 cut-off on Cherry Oil, Cherry Lake, down Cottonwood to Jamestown and home. This is about a 650 mile day with about 240 on drone miles.

[jim5150]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Nelson
[B]Let me get this started to see if it goes somewhere......

It is hard sometimed to find touring buddies because schedules, capabilities, etc. So what are you set up to do? It might help to pair up with a like-minded touring partner. In my case I have a hard time finding cheap bastards who want to do the bang for your buck camping thing.


BIKE - WHAT BIKE DO YOU HAVE, A SPORT-TOURER, GRAND TOURER, SPORTBIKE, ETC. What milage can you do, 300, 400, 500?

1992 Yamaha FZR 1000 I can do 5, 6,700 miles a day Easy. I get about 180 per tank.

AVAILABILITY: HOW EASILY CAN YOU TAKE OFF? ASAP, JUST WEEKENDS, YOU NEED A LONG ADVANCE WARNING, DOU YOU HAVE A WEEKDAY JOB, FLEXIBLE HOURS, YOU OWN BOSS?

I need two weeks advance notice. I can on the weekends right now. Since all the holiday weekends are taking for my other, long distance rides.

ACCOMODATIONS: DOU YOU NEED TO STAY AT A 5 STAR HOTEL?, OR YOU ARE READY TO CRAM 4 IN A ROOM AND SLEEP ON THE FLOOR? DO YOU NEED A HOT SHOWER EVERY MORNING?, ARE YOU SET UP FOR CAMPING......IF YES AT WHAT TEMPS?

I don’t need no stinking bed I carry my own! (Air mattress) I am completely set up for the Camping thing. Heck, I even bring my laptop, on my overnight rides.

WEATHER: DOU YOU TOUR ONLY IN THE SUMMER? DO YOU RIDE IN THE WINTER? CAN YOU STAND A LITTLE COLD? A LITTLE RAIN?

You name it I have ridding in it! I ride year round in all conditions.

WHAT HAVE YOU DONE, WHAT DOU YOU WANT TO DO?

I have been to Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Colorado, Utah, and Arizona, Nevada. Multiple times, I have Family and friends in most of these states. If you want to find some FUN roads in Nor Cal. I can show you some that many people do not know about! I try to take the back roads and two lane Hwy’s when possible.
All of the sierra passes. 108, 4, 50, 80, 36 and the list go’s on
I have done many BB, s SS’s none of them certified I have just never seen the need to!
My ridding buddy’s that have got Cert.’s, for theirs have been giving me a bad time about it too. So this year I am planning a BB, SS combo ride, to get them off my back!
Rides I would like to do.
The CC50, four corners, Border to border. And the I.B rally
one possible ride in the next two years is Alaska.


Jim Mc

[faceplant]

Bike - Aprilia Tuono for trips less than a week unless riding 2-up. BMW K1200RS with the SO or longer trips

Availability - Mostly weekends, usually pretty open to just getting up an leaving, but sometimes the SO has other plans.

Mileage - when truly sport touring in the twisties, I prefer to keep it to no more than 300 miles of twisties. Throwing a couple hundred miles of slab in there on the same day doesn't hurt much. Anything longer and I'll probably stay on the slab, but I've done more than a few 1000+ mile days getting across the plains states and such.

Acomodations - I've thrown down on the shoulder of the road in the desert and stayed in resort hotels. I have no problem camping, but on shorter trips (the Aprilia), I usually opt for cheap motels to avoid having to carry extra gear. I prefer to keep it to tankbag and rearseat bag, and camping gear forces the saddlebags to go on.

Weather - Anything short of frozen water is fair game, but if I can avoid inclement weather, I certainly will.

Where I've been by bike - all 48 continental states, but I intend to see them again and again and again. I really want to ride to and through Alaska, and then there is the obligatory 'ride around the world' that I'd love to find the time and money to pull off. I'd prefer to do it in style, using multiple bikes, though: a proper street oriented sport tourer for the north america and europe, and a big dual sport for everywhere else.

--sam

[Karen]

'03 Suzuki SV650

120 to 150 miles/tank. (sorry...)

400-500 mile days as long as it's the scenic route. Freeways I can probably do the same but won't feel as good at the end of the day.

Have tent and sleeping bag and have motorcycle-camped, whimpy style by myself... whimpy style meaning I have no motorcycle compatible cooking stuff, so I eat at restaurants. Sleeping bag rated to 30 degrees and I've used it in 30 degree weather.

Definitely like the cheap route as far as hotels go. I take my sleeping bag and pad on road trips and sleep on the floor when hotel is the choice of group.

I ride all year, thanks to my Gerbing's electric jacket liner...

I've done... Grand Canyon, Portland, Seattle... mostly slabbin' it there then exploring once there on the Harley. 3 days of backroads riding in the rain to, around and back from Ft. Bragg over Thanksgiving. 5 days of backroads down, exploring and back in Mailbu hills.

Like the rough roads and don't mind dirt/gravel on the road, but haven't ridden my bike on dirt roads. Something to try...

I've been in California for about 4 years so I just want to go anywhere and everywhere this bike will take me if the other riders can put up with me. FYI, I may be a girlie, but I can usually keep a good pace and leaders don't usually have to wait long for me... I'm usually with them or not far behind waiting for others...

Karen

[Mad_turk]

BIKE - WHAT BIKE DO YOU HAVE, A SPORT-TOURER, GRAND TOURER, SPORTBIKE, ETC. What milage can you do, 300, 400, 500?

bmw R1150GS: Milage isn't really an issue, we travel long distances through out the year.

AVAILABILITY: HOW EASILY CAN YOU TAKE OFF? ASAP, JUST WEEKENDS, YOU NEED A LONG ADVANCE WARNING, DOU YOU HAVE A WEEKDAY JOB, FLEXIBLE HOURS, YOU OWN BOSS?

Most of the time I need this planned ahead of time, sometimes take of on trips on thursday afternoons, and get back sunday.
I have a boss.

ACCOMODATIONS: DOU YOU NEED TO STAY AT A 5 STAR HOTEL?, OR YOU ARE READY TO CRAM 4 IN A ROOM AND SLEEP ON THE FLOOR? DO YOU NEED A HOT SHOWER EVERY MORNING?, ARE YOU SET UP FOR CAMPING......IF YES AT WHAT TEMPS?

Most of my rides (95%) are camping trips.

WEATHER: DOU YOU TOUR ONLY IN THE SUMMER? DO YOU RIDE IN THE WINTER? CAN YOU STAND A LITTLE COLD? A LITTLE RAIN?

The weather isn't really an issue, I ride waterproof and w/ heated clothing. Don't have a car anyway...:)

WHAT HAVE YOU DONE, WHAT DOU YOU WANT TO DO?
rode and camped through 40+ states including AK.
Want to spend some time south in Mexico...:)

[ocserv]

BIKE - WHAT BIKE DO YOU HAVE, A SPORT-TOURER, GRAND TOURER, SPORTBIKE, ETC. What milage can you do, 300, 400, 500?

Kawasaki Concours, ZX6R. Mileage ~ 400 on the ZX6R. 1500 in 22.5hrs on the Conc.

AVAILABILITY: HOW EASILY CAN YOU TAKE OFF? ASAP, JUST WEEKENDS, YOU NEED A LONG ADVANCE WARNING, DOU YOU HAVE A WEEKDAY JOB, FLEXIBLE HOURS, YOU OWN BOSS?

I can usually be flexible as far as the schedule goes.

ACCOMODATIONS: DOU YOU NEED TO STAY AT A 5 STAR HOTEL?, OR YOU ARE READY TO CRAM 4 IN A ROOM AND SLEEP ON THE FLOOR? DO YOU NEED A HOT SHOWER EVERY MORNING?, ARE YOU SET UP FOR CAMPING......IF YES AT WHAT TEMPS?

Hotel/Motel/Camping It's all good.

WEATHER: DOU YOU TOUR ONLY IN THE SUMMER? DO YOU RIDE IN THE WINTER? CAN YOU STAND A LITTLE COLD? A LITTLE RAIN?

I commute year round and did a SS1000 in the snow. Weather schmether.

WHAT HAVE YOU DONE, WHAT DOU YOU WANT TO DO?

Been all over N.Cal, Nevada, Utah and W. Colorado. Always looking for new roads and company to enjoy them with.

see http://www.geocities.com/ocserv/index.html