travel suggestions

[playboy]

hello everyone taking a test ride here my name is Vincent Owen i live in sw Ar. finally got another bike after many years 07RSMV replacing a Vstar 1100 kids are gone an were ready to try our first long distance trip to eastern Tenn. It was suggested that i post questions here about any suggestions on making our trip pleasant. We have seven days to travel an limited space as you all are aware of. Just wondering whats a reasonable distance to travel a day and not be wore out I know that will vary from person to person. Suggestions on packing etc. Also any great reasonable places to stay in the Gatlinburg an Pigeon Forge area. Anything a newbie tourer might need to know.

 

 

Experience is the best teacher but often has the hardest lessons

[MidnightSpook]

For me, I like to ride about 400 to 500 miles per day.

I suggest looking at a cabin in Gatlinburg. They aren't that expensive and you will love it.

when do you plan on making the trip?

[gunboat]

hi vincent

welcome to the ventureriders. reguards on you purchase of your venture. we are all family here. feel free to ask questions, you will get answers. i my self have done over 500 mile days and felt fine doing it. you have one of the best touring bikes around. especially two up riding. my # is in my profile if i can help.

reguards

don c.

Edited September 12, 2011 by gunboat

[playboy]

We are planning around the 16th of October. 500 sounds like a reasonable distance I was thinking a lil further the first day to get us closer to our destination and maybe taking a little more time there and on the way home.

[KarlS]

Couple years ago after the International Rally in Dog Patch AK, Daughter and I rode down to Russellville then took the e-way to Lebanon TN just east of Nashville. 520 miles. Don't usually ride e-way but wanted to ride the Dragon the next day. Wasn't a bad ride at all and made good time.

[Venturous Randy]

Also any great reasonable places to stay in the Gatlinburg an Pigeon Forge area. Anything a newbie tourer might need to know.

 

 

First of all, welcome to our little family. Second, welcome to east Tennessee.

Given we are now past Labor Day, I would do a search in the Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg area and make some phone calls. You may be able to get some good deals and during the week there are many motels that have rooms in the $30 range.

If, when you put some plans together, post them and we may be able to throw together a little meet & eat.

RandyA

[MidnightSpook]

You are going to have a great time in east tn that time of year. I will be leaving Norfolk value on the 15thmarket and heading through that area going to mancheater tn to see my daughter.

[Gray Ghost]

Vincent, I went from a V* 1100 to the Venture. Some of my observations on the distances you can reasonably go are:

 

Everybody's sitting time is different, it is best to do some day trips to get a feel for how comfortable you both are for a day in the saddle. A few years ago we did a weekend trip from NJ to OH and down to GA with a lot of time on backroads in PA (really I wasn't lost). It was very uncomfortable for both of us, doing over 700 miles a day.

 

Then we got our seats modified by Rick Butler. Didn't do any really long rides 2 up on them, but did some long ones solo and it made a bunch of difference on how long I could ride comfortably.

[playboy]

Thanks everyone The vstar became painful after a tank of fuel on the venture we have already made a trip to Eureka Springs up the Pig Trail around town next day an then to Springfield Ms. an back to Eureka Springs the following day and back home the next. Mostly took our time all weekend we were tired after we got home in the rain but overall a great first trip. Was really surprised how dry we stayed with no rain gear. Did a round trip to Ft. Worth one Sat. about 400 miles the heat was miserable think i got wetter on that trip. That is probably the furthest we have been in one day but we took about a six hour break at my sisters checking out my brother in-laws 69 ss elcamino. Was kind of thinking about trying for Nashville the first day 532 miles according to yahoo maps an 8 hrs is that a reasonable travel time on a bike I would have thought it might take a bit longer.

[SMSgt]

Hi Vincent and welcome to the forum.

532 if doable as others have said. When I travel I like to take the back roads and see what is out there and there is so much pretty country in GA and TN that I would love to see all of it.

I normally do 400 or so a day because I like stoping early and getting a nice dinner.

Things will take longer on a scooter than in a cage because your stops will come closer together and you will normally stop for longer breaks than most do in a cage. You butt just needs a rest some time and it is alot tougher fighting the wind all day long.

Have a great trip and be safe.

Kent