Need help with our big travel plan!...

[Tisunac]

My wife and I have a big travel plan for the summer of 2017 and I need your help. I know it's quite early to talk about it but I would like to plan it well. In July of 2017 we will celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary and I will turn big 5-0. So, we would like to celebrate that by taking a month off and riding our beautiful country. This is where I would need your help - our plan is to leave central Virginia and make some kind of loop, visiting as much as we can within 30 days, without "killing" ourselves. In other words, we would like to ride a couple of days (500-700 miles) and than stay somewhere for a day or so, exploring and enjoying the area. So, my "plan" is to find out as many interesting places I can, find a backroad way to get there (will try to avoid highways whenever possible) and than plan our trip day by day. Certainly, some spontaneous short trips and changes will happen, but we would like to have a general plan and stick to it for the most part.

 

Any suggestion would be greatly appreciated - places to see, roads to ride, places to avoid hahaha, any ideas regarding the trip..... I'm hoping this thread will also help others planning their trips, bigger or smaller. We all know "our" areas and we can suggest each other what to see and visit. Also, sometimes is as equally important what not to see and waist your time, or which road to avoid for whatever reason.

 

We will get a big map of the USA and will start marking the places once we get suggestions. Then, we can start planning "the circle", marking trips from point A to point B, based on suggestions, distances, etc... That's part of the fun, too.

 

Another suggestion/opinion - we will need to purchase a new(er) bike for that trip since we are planning to put 4000 to 6000 miles on it within 30 days or so. We both love our '99 Venture but I'm not sure it would be smart to rely on 18-year old bike that will (by then) have 50-ish thousand miles. I hope you can suggest us a replacement. I truly hope Yamaha will come out with a new Venture (no new model for 2013 or 2014, they do have a new Vmax engine they can use - all good signs...) but if not, we need to get something. I tried the Goldwing and unfortunately that's not happening - being 6'3", I cannot fit on that bike. Best long touring bike but there's no way... Rode an Ultra Classic and liked it but not sure that I can justify spending that kinda money for it (and maintain it!...). Sat on Victory Cross Country Tour and Vision - liked the seating position a lot but, for some add reason, felt both models are "plasticky" (almost cheap). Yea, it didn't help the people at the dealership were rude and not interested in sales at all - strange... Still would like to ride the Victory models but have to find another dealership, I guess... Any other suggestions???...

 

Thanks everybody in advance for all your suggestions and thoughts. It will help us greatly in planning our dream trip!... Ride safe!...

[GAWildKat]

Have you sat on the Kawasaki Voyager, those are really nice bikes too. As far as trip planning, Head south or north depending on where you want to go before going west I envy you, it will be several years before the hubby and I can follow in your steps. We celebrate 10 yrs married this thurs. Still trying to figure out what to do thurs night, sides, just eat out then come home.

[dfitzbiz]

Planning a trip like this is always part of the enjoyment. Just don't make it to rigid, be flexible. As for your '99 with 50-ish thousand miles by that time, if it has been well maintained, I wouldn't hesitate to make the trip. I just rode my '99 with 110,000 miles on the odo from Pennyslvania to Daytona Beach last month. Many members with 30 year old Gen 1's have found them to be reliable enough to make a similar trip. Also you have plenty of help from Ventureriders along the way. Good Luck and have fun.

[Evan]

Been coast to coast on a five week VentureWest and four week VentureEast trip in the past two years on my 88VR which is much older than your 99 and I would not hesitate to strike out again. With proper maintenance, these are amazingly reliable bikes. In fact, our plan is to head south from Toronto (yes, the home of the infamous mayor Rob Ford) and spend some time in your area next summer.

 

While everyone is different, which is probably a good thing, I can share with you what has worked best for us. In addition to the amazing information available from this site, I have found the state AAA and province CAA maps to be very helpful in planning a trip. One of the reasons for that is because they show the most scenic roads including secondary highways based on actual user feedback. I also use a very helpful app called "Greatest Roads" (powered by SocvialNav Inc) which allows you to tap "show me" anywhere on a North American map and it give you actual reviews by bikers of best roads in that area including ratings of fun, twisty, scenic and road surface for each route.

 

On a more personal note, my wife and I have found that what has worked best for us is to plan your trip to enjoy the journey as much as the destination. For example, the two days that we enjoyed least on our five week Venture West trip were the only days where we had a fixed destination to make by the end of that day. Also, we found that two of our best riding days occurred when we headed off in a different direction than planned after talking with bikers that we met along the way, based on their advice. If you wish you can see the highlights and routes we took on our trips to the east and west coasts at www.venturewest-evan-anne.blogspot.com and www.ventureeast.blogspot.com

[Tisunac]

Have you sat on the Kawasaki Voyager, those are really nice bikes too. As far as trip planning, Head south or north depending on where you want to go before going west I envy you, it will be several years before the hubby and I can follow in your steps. We celebrate 10 yrs married this thurs. Still trying to figure out what to do thurs night, sides, just eat out then come home.

 

 

I rode a Voyager before I purchased my Venture about 3 years ago (that's what "switched" us from our Vulcan to a touring bike) and we both liked it. We end up with the Venture just because I found a great deal on it but Voyager was very nice. Recently, I was reading some comparative reviews (Venture vs Ultra Classic vs Voyager vs etc...) and they all put that bike dead last in comparison. Not sure exactly why but that was "common opinion". I know, don't trust it... Ride and decide yourself... I should give the Voyager a second look. Do you have any experience with the Voyager (durability, comfort, passenger space, luggage, problems,...)?

 

Last year my wife and I spent our 20th anniversary at am absolutely great B & B in Elisabeth City, NC. Fantastic food, great room (actually, more like a suite), great hosts, loooow price, close to Outer Banks,... Highly recommended! Let me know if you need more info about that place (if it's not too far from you). Well worth the trip. If not, I guess any B&B would do.... Some personal time can't hurt every once in a while...

[Tisunac]

Planning a trip like this is always part of the enjoyment. Just don't make it to rigid, be flexible. As for your '99 with 50-ish thousand miles by that time, if it has been well maintained, I wouldn't hesitate to make the trip. I just rode my '99 with 110,000 miles on the odo from Pennyslvania to Daytona Beach last month. Many members with 30 year old Gen 1's have found them to be reliable enough to make a similar trip. Also you have plenty of help from Ventureriders along the way. Good Luck and have fun.

 

You know, I was thinking the same way - what if we use our "old" bike, check everything out and make sure it will get us there and back?... But then again - it's a good excuse to get a new bike, right?!? Definitely something to think about, since every time I sat on a different (new) bike I realize how good my bike is. In all honesty, the main reason why my bike feels better is because I "adjusted" it to my liking - backrest in the "right" position, highway pegs in the "right" position, the "right" windshield, the "right" grips, the "right" lights,... That's the reason why (if I decide on a new bike) I will buy a bike about a 6 months to a year PRIOR to our trip - so I can "adjust" it to my/our liking. Add all the toys and farkles, make sure I know how to ride it, how it will respond in curves and on a different road surfaces, etc...

 

Still, I have a darn good bike now, I know... I totally see your point...

[bongobobny]

Well, there is a lot to see and do in the Western New York area so be sure to include our area in your plans!

 

Unless you already have well over 200,000 miles on your Venture you should have no hesitation taking it. Any bike can have the normal problems like brakes and tires, even new ones. As long as you give it a good tune up prior to leaving and change the oil regularly you should be good to go...

[Tisunac]

Been coast to coast on a five week VentureWest and four week VentureEast trip in the past two years on my 88VR which is much older than your 99 and I would not hesitate to strike out again. With proper maintenance, these are amazingly reliable bikes. In fact, our plan is to head south from Toronto (yes, the home of the infamous mayor Rob Ford) and spend some time in your area next summer.

 

While everyone is different, which is probably a good thing, I can share with you what has worked best for us. In addition to the amazing information available from this site, I have found the state AAA and province CAA maps to be very helpful in planning a trip. One of the reasons for that is because they show the most scenic roads including secondary highways based on actual user feedback. I also use a very helpful app called "Greatest Roads" (powered by SocvialNav Inc) which allows you to tap "show me" anywhere on a North American map and it give you actual reviews by bikers of best roads in that area including ratings of fun, twisty, scenic and road surface for each route.

 

On a more personal note, my wife and I have found that what has worked best for us is to plan your trip to enjoy the journey as much as the destination. For example, the two days that we enjoyed least on our five week Venture West trip were the only days where we had a fixed destination to make by the end of that day. Also, we found that two of our best riding days occurred when we headed off in a different direction than planned after talking with bikers that we met along the way, based on their advice. If you wish you can see the highlights and routes we took on our trips to the east and west coasts at www.venturewest-evan-anne.blogspot.com and www.ventureeast.blogspot.com

 

 

Thank you so much for all the info!... Since I'm at work now (ooops!), I've only had time to glance at your blogs and they are impressive! I will certainly spend some time exploring them when I get home. A lot of useful info there...

 

Yea, I need to reconsider taking my bike for that trip, rather than getting a new(ish) one. But, that was my only excuse to get a new bike hahaha... Not that I need one - mine is perfectly fine. We'll see...

 

We will try to be as spontaneous as we can, but in the same time we would like to have a "skeleton" of our trip, some guidelines, some places to see, things to do... And still been able to steer away when we want to . I was planning to check with AAA, I will certainly check that app for some suggestions but I'm so eager to check your blogs, too. That personal experience and suggestion is priceless!...

 

Let us know when you are in the neighborhood next year, we would love to show you the area. We are spoiled with a beautiful roads as soon as you get off your driveway. Skyline Drive, many breweries, waterfalls, caverns, vine country,...

[Tisunac]

Well, there is a lot to see and do in the Western New York area so be sure to include our area in your plans!

 

Unless you already have well over 200,000 miles on your Venture you should have no hesitation taking it. Any bike can have the normal problems like brakes and tires, even new ones. As long as you give it a good tune up prior to leaving and change the oil regularly you should be good to go...

 

We were driving through upstate New York this past summer, coming back from Niagara Falls and Toronto and it was beautiful!... We were in a car though (with kids) but it was still gorgeous.

 

Ha, everybody's suggesting to keep the same bike and take it to the trip. Again, this was my ONLY excuse to get a new bike hahaha.... Seriously, I guess I have to consider that option, too. It was nice to shift six gears on an 110 cubic inch engine on an Ultra Classic on a demo ride but for that money I can buy three very good bikes! Or one bike and several big trips. Or, keep my bike and lifetime worth of trips. Or,... you get the picture...

[GAWildKat]

if you head south to GA, I can mention a few stops everyone must see while here, some I haven't done and I grew up here.

 

Oh and the personal time would be great, but not in the budget this yr, and with thanksgiving next week I need a stiff drink after 5 days with my MIL.

So it would be better to vacation after thanksgiving. Thankfully I'm probably not doing Christmas with them.

Edited November 19, 2013 by GAWildKat
forgot to add stuff

[Tisunac]

if you head south to GA, I can mention a few stops everyone must see while here, some I haven't done and I grew up here.

 

Oh and the personal time would be great, but not in the budget this yr, and with thanksgiving next week I need a stiff drink after 5 days with my MIL.

So it would be better to vacation after thanksgiving. Thankfully I'm probably not doing Christmas with them.

 

Yea, when you have a chance/time please write about some of the places in GA. We would love to see them.

 

And just fyi - night in B&B in Elizabeth City was around $120 in full season. I bet it's less out-of-season.... Good luck on Thanksgiving

[Guest tx2sturgis]

I'm gonna throw a curve ball, but I'm good at that so bear with me.

 

Firstly: Dude! Thats almost four YEARS from now. Lots of things could change...bike might crap out, you could change jobs...change wives...lose your health...I mean..dang, I dont know what I want for lunch TOMORROW.

I would take the trip this coming year..who knows what could happen in 4 years...seriously.

 

 

Next: Assuming you somehow keep that 99 for a few more years, fighting off the 'new bike fever'...I would seriously think about 'triking' it and then you will have more luggage room, add an extra fuel tank for serious range, maybe pull a small trailer full of camping gear...trikes rarely get flats, and you also will be getting rid of two weak points on an 18 year old Venture: The factory rear shock and the factory final drive. Whats left is nearly 99% reliable. Safety and comfort levels go UP...way UP.

 

Routes:

 

Mountains and lakes...think mountains and lakes.

 

Take the southern route across the USA, maybe hug the gulf coast for a bit, then desert southwest, maybe up the west coast (if time or money become an issue, cut off the California leg...nothing to see there anyway!), east over the Rockies, then return via the northern route, taking in the famous Sturgis Rally in early August. Head across the Great Lakes region...beeline for home.

 

Have fun!

 

 

 

 

 

Edited November 19, 2013 by tx2sturgis

[1joeranger]

Did what you are going to do in 09' Left Destin, FL driving up through Blue Ridge Parkway till I hit the Great Lake at Buffalo. Turning east we did not stop till we saw the Atlantic in Nova Scotia. Then back through Maine to Quebec, Montreal, Ottawa finally returning via Sault Ste. Marie to the US. Then it was west toward Wall Drug Store in South Dakota. Skipped Sturgis, which was in full swing, instead heading for the Shasta Mountains of Oregon. Turned left at the Pacific and rode the Coastal Hwy 1 into. Shelter Cove Beach, CA. just south of Eureka. I flew my girlfriend home and waited for money from charitable family members. Hell ride (1 day) to Phoenix AR. Laid over with my oldest daughter celebrating my 51st and then returned east! All in all 12,000 miles, I think!!

 

Favorite: Nova Scotia!! Friendliest people I have ever encountered.

Least Favorite: California, just don't like the country there although the Redwoods had me staring in awed humble amazement!!

 

Averaged 300 miles per day which is a good day ride. Allowed us to take it easy, break camp late, leisurely explore, and make camp before Oh dark thirty that evening! 500 to 700 is definitely doable but sucks up 10 to 14hrs especially off the interstates! Something to consider!

[Dragonslayer]

I'm gonna throw a curve ball, but I'm good at that so bear with me.

 

Firstly: Dude! Thats almost four YEARS from now. Lots of things could change...bike might crap out, you could change jobs...change wives...lose your health...I mean..dang, I dont know what I want for lunch TOMORROW.

I would take the trip this coming year..who knows what could happen in 4 years...seriously.

 

 

Next: Assuming you somehow keep that 99 for a few more years, fighting off the 'new bike fever'...I would seriously think about 'triking' it and then you will have more luggage room, add an extra fuel tank for serious range, maybe pull a small trailer full of camping gear...trikes rarely get flats, and you also will be getting rid of two weak points on an 18 year old Venture: The factory rear shock and the factory final drive. Whats left is nearly 99% reliable. Safety and comfort levels go UP...way UP.

 

Routes:

 

Mountains and lakes...think mountains and lakes.

 

Take the southern route across the USA, maybe hug the gulf coast for a bit, then desert southwest, maybe up the west coast (if time or money become an issue, cut off the California leg...nothing to see there anyway!), east over the Rockies, then return via the northern route, taking in the famous Sturgis Rally in early August. Head across the Great Lakes region...beeline for home.

 

Have fun!

 

 

 

 

 

You tell em Brian, remember back in 08 when I did what he's thinking of doing. Think he can cross that river on a trike. Where was that Palo Dura Canyon?

 

My advice is don't wait four years do it now or as soon as possible. Secondly, Don't plan a thing. What I did was refer to the good road atlas each morning before saddleing up and pick whatever scenic route was closest to where I was/you are, no matter what direction it takes you.

 

And, just remember..... It's not the destination it's the journey.

 

55 days, 6,505 miles door to door, 20 states ATL to Sturgis then around the country in circles and eventually finding my way back to a ATL. Did the trip by myself but I was never alone and had the trip of a lifetime. Just ask Brian... I had the pleasure of meeting him and spending a few days with him in Amarillo on that trip. Every biker owes it to himself/herself to do a trip like that at least once.

Oh yeah if you decide to swing south near North Georgia give me a shout and I'll try to arrange to ride a while with you.

Edited November 19, 2013 by Dragonslayer
forgot something

[Dragonslayer]

Planning a trip like this is always part of the enjoyment. Just don't make it to rigid, be flexible. As for your '99 with 50-ish thousand miles by that time, if it has been well maintained, I wouldn't hesitate to make the trip. I just rode my '99 with 110,000 miles on the odo from Pennyslvania to Daytona Beach last month. Many members with 30 year old Gen 1's have found them to be reliable enough to make a similar trip. Also you have plenty of help from Ventureriders along the way. Good Luck and have fun.

Dont believe that for a minute you will have much more fun if everything that happens to you is a surprise and adventure. Planned trips end up sucking.

[Tisunac]

Firstly: Dude! Thats almost four YEARS from now. Lots of things could change...bike might crap out, you could change jobs...change wives...lose your health...I mean..dang, I dont know what I want for lunch TOMORROW.

I would take the trip this coming year..who knows what could happen in 4 years...seriously.

 

 

Firstly - Way to go encouraging me to look for a near future!... Not even ONE good thing you mentioned - winning a lottery, wife or kids buying you a new bike, getting better job with better pay,... :rotf:Hahahaha...

 

In all seriousness, thank you for suggesting the route that would work. Through this post (and this early in the game) I'm trying to collect as many suggestions as possible so we can plan an interesting trip. As I mentioned before, the part of the excitement is planning the trip and seeing all the possibilities. I'm sure people took these kind of trips before (see some responses and their phenomenal blogs!) and they don't mind sharing the experience - so we can learn from their experience and make it memorable. Is it too early to plan the exact route? Definitely. But we can start dreaming, learning about different areas, routes, possibilities,...

 

I guess some people do it one way, others do it different way...

 

And again, thank you (AND EVERYONE ELSE!) for your suggestions. They are greatly appreciated!...

 

 

 

 

 

[Tisunac]

Did what you are going to do in 09' Left Destin, FL driving up through Blue Ridge Parkway till I hit the Great Lake at Buffalo. Turning east we did not stop till we saw the Atlantic in Nova Scotia. Then back through Maine to Quebec, Montreal, Ottawa finally returning via Sault Ste. Marie to the US. Then it was west toward Wall Drug Store in South Dakota. Skipped Sturgis, which was in full swing, instead heading for the Shasta Mountains of Oregon. Turned left at the Pacific and rode the Coastal Hwy 1 into. Shelter Cove Beach, CA. just south of Eureka. I flew my girlfriend home and waited for money from charitable family members. Hell ride (1 day) to Phoenix AR. Laid over with my oldest daughter celebrating my 51st and then returned east! All in all 12,000 miles, I think!!

 

Favorite: Nova Scotia!! Friendliest people I have ever encountered.

Least Favorite: California, just don't like the country there although the Redwoods had me staring in awed humble amazement!!

 

Averaged 300 miles per day which is a good day ride. Allowed us to take it easy, break camp late, leisurely explore, and make camp before Oh dark thirty that evening! 500 to 700 is definitely doable but sucks up 10 to 14hrs especially off the interstates! Something to consider!

 

 

Oh wow, now that was the ride!!! I'm gonna check everything on the map, all of that sounds great. Thank you very much for a brief "Triptick" of your adventure, as well as some personal opinions about certain areas (and people in them).

 

BTW, when I said 500-700 miles, I thought in two days riding. I meant ride two days (total of 500-700 miles), than rest for a day or so somewhere. Which would match your suggestion of about 300 miles a day. I agree, that sounds about right...

[1joeranger]

What worked, and works, for me is to drive 2 each 100 mile legs before lunch. 100 miles seems to be the magic number. Allows one to get off the bike, stretch legs, pee, check map, talk with locals! Lunch we always tried to find something unique. I remember eating at a golf course club in the middle of nowhere in Canada. The staff was a hoot, us being the only customers! View over the course and surrounding country side was awesome!

 

With only a 100 mile leg remaining after. We could take our time and enjoy the afternoon. It allowed us to divert when something came up, either by info. from a local, or passing something that looked interesting such as a roadside zoo in California. Even with the diverted side trip we still had plenty of time to pull into a campsite set up and visit. I remember one evening somewhere on the St. Lawrence River near Quebec trying to figure out the next day adventure. A french lady who spoke very little english (just like me!) tried to help out. She, and her husband, gave us their map finally which was more detailed than mine.

 

I spent a year saving and planning this trip. But gave myself room for spontaneity, and diversions. Only runnin outta money keep me from doing everything, but that is not a complaint. It was a trip of a lifetime!!

[Guest tx2sturgis]

 

 

Firstly - Way to go encouraging me to look for a near future!... Not even ONE good thing you mentioned - winning a lottery, wife or kids buying you a new bike, getting better job with better pay,...

 

 

 

Yeah...good things could happen too...but you know, every single day is a gift when you're in your fifties and riding motorcycles daily. It really is. And it could all disappear. In a heartbeat. Better to make merry now...in my opinion.

 

I had a friend who wanted to make Sturgis 'someday' but always found an excuse. Then...he got colon cancer, could no longer ride..and died a few years later.

 

So all I'm saying is, take that pretty wife and go enjoy life NOW. Gasoline might be $15 a gallon in four years...who knows...

 

I personally would not put off a trip like that for four years if that is what you want to do.

 

 

 

 

 

[steamer]

Keep it simple. Make a list of all the place's you and your wife have always wanted to visit, and do it! If you can't do it all in the time frame you set aside then pick the top 10 or 15 places for this trip, then plan a second trip later down the road. who says you only get one shot at this rodeo?

[Barrycuda]

Since everyone is telling you where to go, I won't bother, because I haven't done it like the others. My 2 cents is about what ride to take. If you don't NEED a bike, and with a 99RSV at 50k on the clock, almost all of us agree you do NOT need to take another bike. That said, I would take the bike you already are comfortable with and know its nuances. Flip side is the Vulcan, although came up short on these alleged tests, is an extremely reliable machine. It does feel a bit flimsy in the trunk thickness but overall a solid machine. I would suggest you actually ride/ rent one for a day to see if you can deal with its handling and its massive distribution of heat, which Kawasaki claimed to fix. I rode one and they are so nimble and user friendly.

Since you have your fantastic RSV, you don't need another bike. Save that money on spoiling your wife every chance you can one that trip. That's what I would do. And , there is someone on VR in every state to help out if need be, which I doubt...

[Midrsv]

My wife and I started seriously touring by bike in 2006. Prior to that we had flown to Arizona and rented bikes with 2 other couples for a 5 day ride to the Grand Canyon. The next year we rode about 4500 miles from Ky to CO, WY, SD and back and only rode about 20 miles of interstates. Since then we have ridden to all states west of the Mississippi except LA.

 

There are so many must see places that I think it would be hard to hit them all in a single trip. Have you thought of breaking this into 3 or 4 smaller trips. In my opinion you must see: Southern Utah Parks and Monument Valley, Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks while including Beartooth Pass and Chief Joseph Highway, Colorado mountains and Rocky Mountain National Park, Durango and the Million Dollar Highway, The Badlands area of South Dakota along with Mt. Rushmore, Sturgis, Custer State Park, Oregon and N California coasts, Yosemite National Park, Santa Fe and Taos NM.

 

Since 2005 I've been to all of those locations, some more than once and it took us 7 trips to get them all in. Had I taken a month long ride at one time I may have reduced that to 6 years. This country just has too much to see.

 

We don't just roam around. I know some like to wander. But we set an agenda that is thoroughly researched with time to see what we want. Some of the areas you will have to have reservations. You also have to consider the seasons. Like Beartooth and Going to the Sun Highways, they may not open until late June.

 

We try to take a "big ride" each year but we were not able to this year because my wife just completed treatment for breast cancer. So we'll pick up our big rides again next summer. So I know first hand that conditions can change. So if this is a bucket list trip, don't put it off too long.

 

If you're interested in photos of the areas that I mentioned above, feel free to browse my web site at: http://www.traynorphoto.com/3.html

 

Dennis

[Howard B]

You didn't say what your interests are, other than riding. The wife and I enjoy touring manufacturing plants. Harley Davidson in York, Pennsylvania. Cheese and ice cream in Tillamook, Oregon. Plywood in Virginia. Jelly beans in California. (It takes 7 to 10 days to make a jelly bean.) Hockey sticks in Minnesota. Saturn plant? Can't do that one any more. Or, how about pro sports? Time your ride to hit as many games as possible. Touring state capitols? How many National parks can you squeeze in? Let us know what you decide. Maybe you will have company along the way. Ride safe and get back home in one piece..

[Tisunac]

What worked, and works, for me is to drive 2 each 100 mile legs before lunch. 100 miles seems to be the magic number. Allows one to get off the bike, stretch legs, pee, check map, talk with locals! Lunch we always tried to find something unique. I remember eating at a golf course club in the middle of nowhere in Canada. The staff was a hoot, us being the only customers! View over the course and surrounding country side was awesome!

 

With only a 100 mile leg remaining after. We could take our time and enjoy the afternoon. It allowed us to divert when something came up, either by info. from a local, or passing something that looked interesting such as a roadside zoo in California. Even with the diverted side trip we still had plenty of time to pull into a campsite set up and visit. I remember one evening somewhere on the St. Lawrence River near Quebec trying to figure out the next day adventure. A french lady who spoke very little english (just like me!) tried to help out. She, and her husband, gave us their map finally which was more detailed than mine.

 

I spent a year saving and planning this trip. But gave myself room for spontaneity, and diversions. Only runnin outta money keep me from doing everything, but that is not a complaint. It was a trip of a lifetime!!

 

 

What a great suggestion. Thank you very much, that really sounds like a plan - ride two 100-miles rides in the morning, lunch and than enjoy the afternoon with only 100-ish miles to do....

Thanks again...

[Tisunac]

Yeah...good things could happen too...but you know, every single day is a gift when you're in your fifties and riding motorcycles daily. It really is. And it could all disappear. In a heartbeat. Better to make merry now...in my opinion.

 

I had a friend who wanted to make Sturgis 'someday' but always found an excuse. Then...he got colon cancer, could no longer ride..and died a few years later.

 

So all I'm saying is, take that pretty wife and go enjoy life NOW. Gasoline might be $15 a gallon in four years...who knows...

 

I personally would not put off a trip like that for four years if that is what you want to do.

 

 

 

 

No, in all seriousness, I do agree with you - life sometimes throw you a curve ball and all the plans goes down the toilet. No question about it. Our plan (I know, not your favorite word! ) is to celebrate our 25th anniversary that way. Also, with two kids in college we just can't afford it now. So, assuming everything goes well, we will be ready in 2017. Would I like to do it now? Sure I would. I would like to do one trip like that every year. The reality forces us to wait a bit. And plan... And sometimes the planning and anticipating could be fun, too...