Patience please - long post

[meistre]

Well, I’m now 318 miles away from returning home after a month-long, 5500 mile outing on the Rockster. And while I have had an incredible time and the scenery has been spectacular, my biggest discovery has been that I am not a big fan of touring by motorcycle.

I write this not to judge or criticize avid iron-butt masters of the road. Rather, I would like to learn from those who enjoy two-wheeled travel. What compels you to ride a motorcycle instead of driving a car on an extended road trip? What am I doing wrong? Why did I find the bike to be so inconvenient? Do I need an entirely different outfit or could it be that it’s just not my sport?

Please don’t let my opinions anger you, but I would be greatly interested in your feedback.

Briefly, the trip started on a route north from Los Angeles, up the coast to Monterey where I headed east across California, Oregon and Idaho to Yellowstone National Park, then north to Glacier National Park and Waterton Lakes in Canada. The return trip was a route back to the west coast through the Idaho panhandle and Washington. One of the highlights of the trip was a pair of ferry rides across the Puget Sound to and from Vancouver Island which left me with a ride home, covering the entire west coast of the United States. As I write this, I’m sitting on a balcony in Carmel-By-The-Sea overlooking the ocean and the small, quiet town. Tomorrow I’ll complete the circuit that started with great excitement, 28 days ago, in my driveway in Echo Park, CA on August 1.

I have unquestionably connected with my bike and I love riding it. On occasion I’ve also connected with the road when I find myself navigating tight switchbacks and scenic twisties. There was even an entire day of rain that increased the level of adventure and was not altogether that unpleasant (though I was very happy to move from the seat to the hot tub after 5 hours).

I’ve had plenty of road time to ponder the pros and cons of touring by motorcycle and I can honestly say that I find no logic in the use of a motorcycle over an automobile for an extended road trip. I truly feel that, had I been in my car for this same excursion, the advantages I would have gained would have far outweighed the ones that I would have lost and that my enjoyment of the trip would have increased enormously. Here’s why:

1. I could have covered the miles more easily and in greater comfort. In my car, when my butt gets stiff, I have a number of optional positions that will help alleviate the discomfort. 350 miles in a single stretch is not uncommon. On the bike, however, I could only find one or two workable positions and subsequently had to stop about every 90 miles to stretch and recharge. While several stops can add flavor to a road trip, more often than not, these stops were not at a time and place of my choosing and I might find myself wilting in the sun or dodging the rain inside the stall of a self serve car wash.

2. It seems that no matter how alert I am, I seem to forget some part of the “take-off” procedure until I’ve already gained my position in traffic. In the car, I can reach for the sunglasses and put them on, or switch on the stereo without having to stop and plug in. Too often I would have to make another stop just to scrub that smeared dragonfly off my face shield after forgetting to do so at the fueling station. Worse, I would occasionally find myself by the side of the road, removing my helmet so I could insert the earphones that never made it back into my ears after the last butt-stretch. Admittedly, I can be a bit of an airhead (or, oilhead in my case?) but I’m usually pretty sharp. Still, it was a rare and celebrated event when my “take-off” didn’t require a supplementary (and usually very irritating - no matter how quick) visit to the shoulder of the road.

3. I think I would have enjoyed a much stronger element of spontaneity – having the option of sleeping in my car in a pinch. I’m used to spending as much time on the road each day as my wandering nature requires, without the cloud of finding a place to sleep hanging over my head. While other times of the year may be different, I was traveling during a peak season so motel rooms were often very difficult to find after 4 or 5 in the afternoon. Campgrounds were even more scarce (and those, almost any time of day). Consequently, since I couldn’t imagine sleeping on my 12-inch square motorcycle seat, I repeatedly found myself riding past places that I know would have entirely absorbed me and helped create an incredibly fulfilling vacation. Conversely, I can always rely on my trusty VW to provide a safe and restful, if not entirely comfortable nightly shelter when nothing else is available.

4. And the convenience factor! Obviously there was a considerable amount of sightseeing on this trip. I pull up to a sight (say Diablo Lake overlook) and I have to: a) find a stable place to lean the bike on its stand b) unclip myself from the sound system (an iPod of course) c) remove my gloves, sunglasses, helmet and earplugs and, d) stumble down a hot dusty trail in my 2 or 3 layers of protective gear and my biking boots. At times only staying long enough to snap a few pictures, I then have to reverse this entire process before I can ride (sometimes only a few minutes) to the next stop. Contrast that with touring in a t-shirt, shorts and flip-flops. I pull in to any available parking spot, switch off the ignition, grab the camera out of the console and wander down the path in comfort.

Needless to say, though I’ll keep my Rockster for commuting (nothing beats the way it negotiates LA traffic) and occasional day trips, the next time I get a chance to spend an irresponsible amount of time on the road, I will be in my car with the windows down and the sunroof open all the way (which, incidentally, gives me much more of a “wind in the hair” feeling than riding in full armor with 4 of my 5 senses dampened by a full face helmet). I’ll take an ice chest full of sandwiches and lemonade over the exhilarating rush at the twist of a throttle. And for me, being able to carry my large, down pillow now wins out over the tiny savings in fuel economy (35mpg v. 40mpg).

[wncbmw]

I will not be judgemental or rude, but if you took that route on a motorcycle in decent weather and even debated that you could have enjoyed it more in a cage, then I believe you are not in the right sport. I have ridden much of that country in a car and most assuredly would love to do it again but not in a car!

Most of us would be overjoyed to be free of the responsibilities of work and family to do that very ride, and if I was free - there would be no debate. I would even ride across the Kansas and Nebraska again on the R do do those roads if I had the time!

[yjleesvrr]

meistre - I can certainly understand your observations. Traveling by bike will take a greater toll on your senses than a cage for sure. The most comfortable vehicles for touring purposes I have are an '05 Toyota Camry and Sienna minivan. Their six cylinder engines are silky smooth and the vehicles are very quiet and velvet-like.

I've found that the best way to enjoy riding long distance is to ride at 9/10ths of the pace I usually go by car. The aforementioned Toyotas will sail along at 75 - 90 mph all day and night while esconcing me in quiet tranquility. On my Roadster, I adjust the speed to 70-75mph for the most comfortable ride to keep the buffeting to tolerable levels. With that pace, I found I can traverse over 700 miles in a day without much difficulty. Stopping every 150 miles or so helps me take the necessary breaks I need, and taking a good hour and a half break for lunch or dinner helps me to rest up a bit before tackling the wind and sun again.

The most inconvenient thing I find about touring by bike is the inability to sit back in a chair when stopped at a long stoplight or the ability to take a nap at a rest area unless I lie prostrate on a picnic table. If it's raining, even that won't be possible.

So yes, you're right. Touring by car is by far the easier of the two possible modes of transportation available to most people. That's why most people drive cars.

You gotta ask yourself though. Is droning along in a cage all the time fun? Not really, at least for me. There are times and weather I enjoy a trip more in a car, but on a good spring/summer/fall day, I'd rather ride.

[priapismic]

If the benefits of riding your motorcycle - i.e., the sheer thrill of the experience of being on the bike - do not outweigh the disadvantages, the discomfort, the inconvenience - then I concur, you are not meant for motorcycle touring. Use your bike for commuting and daytrips, and enjoy it for what it is. Touring is a distinct subset of our sport, and it is clearly not for everyone.

[popgazer]

meistre,
I used to do alot of cycling (bicycle). Everytime I was coming back from a long trip 100mi or more, the cold wind in my face, the rain sometimes, all made me hate it soooo much that sometimes I swore I'd never ride a bicycle again.

As soon as I got home, took a shower, had some food and rested, I had a totally different feeling about the trip, and I'd already decided to do it again.

So, maybe it's too early for you to judge your own experience.
I'll bet once back at home you will feel differently about it.
You will think that was an awsome experience not many do have a chance to do.

From now on, you will be able to compare your motorcycle trip to another motorcycle trip, rather than to compared to a cage trip!

I'd really be interested in an update, once you are at home and rested. Be safe.

[rdsmith3]

Did you have anyone to share the trip with? Did you wish you had someone to share it with?

I have only done a very short (400 mi) trip but it was with my brother-in-law and a friend of ours. To me, the best part of the trip was sitting around the one night we stayed somewhere and talking with them -- talking about the ride and just life. We still talk about the trip, and it has strengthened our friendships.

[Boxer]

This past summer I didn't do much riding compared to the previous two summers. Last year I went with some other riders out to the MOA Rally in Spokane, via Colorado, Utah, Montana, Idaho, etc. then up into Canada for a week. 7,000 miles in three weeks! The summer before I rode across the southerly route from Atlanta to Los Angeles and back across Nevada, Utah, etc. That one was a little over 6,000 miles in about two weeks.

I have to agree with you on some points. There were times I thought how ridiculous this is when I could be riding in the comfort of my little Toyota Tacoma truck. Especially when I did the stopping thing to take pictures, just as you related. And because of that, I took far fewer photos than I probably would have taken had I been in the truck.

The upside of doing it on the bike, for me anyway, was the absolute sheer feeling of being closer to the wind and other natural elements. I absolutely worship that feeling of dodging birds and bugs while smelling every variety of roadkill as well as every variety of wildflower...the honeysuckles are right there in your helmet and then gone...replaced by a dead skunk...or any number of other odors.

The thrill of looking down at the blur of hot asphalt just inches away from your toes!

And to be doing this day after day after day. Yes, it is tiring and annoying in a way, if you want to stop and take pictures. There was an active R11560R.NEt member once upon a time, who has gone on to ADVRider, who took us all on the most scenic and wonderful photographic tours I have ever experienced. CONARY was his ID. He made a point of stopping and enjoying the places he visited, while he took really good photos. Most of these places were desolate isolated spots with few people and not really tourist type stops.

I think you have to force yourself to do this and just slow down on the bike...and literally smell the roses. That's really the only way to make it more pleasurable, and comfortable, than a car.

But I'll be the first to admit, it isn't for everybody.

[peterbulgar]

You've exposed one of the little secrets of our pastime - except for a few very specific applications (such as commuting in urban areas) motorcycles are not a very practical mode of transportation for all the reasons you listed and a few more that you left out. What they are is fun, but not for everyone. Some people think that it is fun to chase a little white ball around several acres of grass, others prefer to spend their time trying to fool a trout to snap at a few grams of feathers. I would rather ride my motorcycle anywhere.

If you don't like traveling by motorcycle I won’t attempt to convince you otherwise. However, before you relegate your Rockster to commuting and short ride duties, consider the following:

"You can't travel well if you are always trying to get somewhere." I can't remember who said that, but it gets to the center of my philosophy of motorcycle touring. "The end is nothing - the journey is all." says essentially the same thing. I always have a destination, but the destination is really just an excuse to go on a long ride. You spent a lot of time on the road and visited a lot of places. I expect that considerable planning went into your month long vacation. Could it be that you were concentrating too much on the places you were going and not enough on enjoying the moment? The only motorcycle trip I ever took that I didn't thoroughly enjoy was back in 1987 when I rode from CA to Ohio to my parents' house. My wife and small daughters flew to Ohio ahead of me, and all the way east I was anxious to get there because I missed them. I wasn't enjoying the journey because I was concentrating on the end.

Also, before your trip had you ever taken an extended ride of more than a day or two? You wrote your post at the end of a very long trip (time and miles) - could you have been fatigued or having an anticlimactic letdown, being anxious to return home? Did you feel the same way two days into the trip as you did at the end?

To me it always feels like an adventure when I'm riding my motorcycle, even if I'm just running errands on the weekend. On the open road I feel much more a part of the landscape and the road than I do in any car, even in a riding suit and full-face helmet. I'm more alert, I'm aware of smells that I don't get in a car, I feel the subtle shifts in temperature when the road goes through a forest. I feel more alive. Logic has nothing to do with this.

Many people just don't like traveling. Many others will take a plane if they are going more than 200 miles. Some people love traveling on the road, but want to take everything with them - hence the numerous motor homes I'm sure you saw on your trip. If you really don't like long distance travel by bike - for all the good reasons you pointed out - you are better off for having discovered this fact and recognized it. Don't force yourself to do something you aren't interested in.

The Iron Butt Rally just finished and I followed Bob Higdon's daily postings with interest. Personally, I think that the participants are certifiable, and I am completely uninterested in riding in such an event myself. But, I know that everybody has his own passion. For some it is motorcycle touring.
peter '73 R75/5, '04 R1150RA

[jbuzbee]

Remember the time you got caught with that stripper and your wife almost left you? How about the time we got wasted and ended up stranded in the desert all night? Oh - and - I'll never forget the time I broke my arm; you remember, with the guy in the place with that thing???

[Guest]

Get a convertible, perhaps even a Miata. Do a search on Miata roads, and you can see they are essentially motorcyclists on four wheels.

[Ian Leadley]

I've gone from Nova Scotia west to Windsor, Ontario and then down to Florida and back the same route on a motorcycle and enjoyed it very much. Key is to travel quite light and as others have already noted - stay in the 70 - 75 mph zone. Two key factors are (1) have dry clothing and waterproof clothing for when it rains and, above all else - wear earplugs. It is unbelievable how the noise of any bike (even the beloved R1150R wears you down.

[gelbe Kulter]

The upside of doing it on the bike, for me anyway, was the absolute sheer feeling of being closer to the wind and other natural elements. I absolutely worship that feeling of dodging birds and bugs while smelling every variety of roadkill as well as every variety of wildflower...the honeysuckles are right there in your helmet and then gone...replaced by a dead skunk...or any number of other odors.

"You can't travel well if you are always trying to get somewhere."

From my point of view, these two arguements nail it. I've done trips of two weeks, but these involved a long day to reach a place where I could set up a home base for a few days, taking smaller trips, then another long day to another locus. The long day after long day thing does not appeal to me. That is what cars are better at.

I try to plan a motorcycle trip so that I can enjoy the ride. Anything over a 500 mile day is work. Many tourers do not like to stop for anything but a break - no museums, no hiking ... That's a trip, but not a vacation, so I shorten the distance (or increase the time) and hit the essential stops.

If you want to make frequent stops, then winnow your gear down to the quick, easy and necessary. An Aerostich comes off in seconds. Wear boots you can walk in, gloves that come off easily, etc... And don't be in a hurry.

[Acacia]

Interesting.

There are more comfortable ways of travelling than on 2 wheels. Of that there is no question.

Hillary, when having climbed Everest in '53, was asked why he had done it. His reply was a profound, to some, "... because it was there."

In my youth - the late 60's, I travelled, not once, but twice, 3000 miles round trips in South Africa, on a twin cylinder 100cc Yamaha - with some 600 mile plus days too. It was not to confound those who said I would not get out of the city limits, but because I enjoyed it. The joy of riding. Not the destination, or how fast, but the ride. 30 plus years later I can still recall their detail.

Torrey Bash in May - 3400 miles in 6 1/2days. I am still re-living the miriad sensations and textures. It is what we each see in the detail. Some don't see anything. Some dont know what to see.

[zweige]

I've done my share of touring, including a 5 day round-trip from San Diego, through Yellowstone in May with tons of rain and snow as well as 2 week Alpine tour. I agree with what you've said in regards to taking pictures and general comfort. It is definitely a hassle to stop and start. Especially in poor conditions.

I think the key is what Peter said. When you have to be somewhere at a certain time you just don't want to stop that often and smell the roses. My best trips have been shorter in miles but longer in time so that I have the time to stop and enjoy the sights.

I think there's a place for both cages and bikes for different types of trips. You'll know you're a biker when you're in your car and you're on a great road and the thought isn't what CD should I listen to next, but damn I wish I was on my bike right now.

[fnfalman]

Motorcycling is not about logic and convenience. That's all I can say about this matter.

[Pat]

I'm older now, fatter, tire more easily, and prone to aches & pains that I knew nothing of when biking 'round the states 27 years ago.........

-- and I would do it again, IN A HEARTBEAT! --

One thing has changed though, I HATE setting up a tent and breaking camp. If I had money enough for "credit card camping", I'd bring a tent & sleeping bag just so I can exercise the option if I WANT to kick it somewhere other than a Motel 6.

I'm bothered by the notion of sticking an IPOD in my head, but I'd love to have access to music without all the hassle.

I learned a long time ago NOT to take a pleasure trip with a designated minimum or maximum mileage in mind.

I love talking to strangers, and nothing invites strangers more than to pull up on a motorcycle obviously from a distant land.

Saddle sore....... jeez, I HATE that!
Two words, "Woolly Bully" aka "Butt Pad" aka a sheep's wool seat cover. Add to this equation an out of the way sleazy looking bar with a dirty restroom...... you can make putting on the miles a little more enjoyable (albeit "interesting").

Bottom line, if taking an extended motorcycle ride/trip is not your deal.....
no probs! no worry! no big deal. We each and all enjoy different aspects of "the experience"....... why should you apologize if your experience was just a little more work than you anticipated.

Oh..... that's another thing. Don't anticipate, just enjoy (if ya can).

- no guilt -

[darthrider]

This is the best answer I can give you. I wrote this a while back and posted it to the Great Rides forum.
Either you get it - and love it - or you don't.




Coming back to Texas from my business trip/ride to Daytona Bike Week in March I was really bored. The entire trip was over 2700 miles and 90% of that was on Interstates. And 90% of those were straight. I really had no choice...I had to get there quick and get back. I was on the clock, on the company tab and I needed to be there. So “super-slab” it was for me. It was the longest motorcycle trip I had ever been on and not seen a mountain…Bo-ring!

Early the second bright, chilly morning out of Daytona, I entered Louisiana. And having about 800 miles to go I decide “screw it”, I'm off the slab and into the hinterlands. What followed was one of the most pleasant short-two day rides I've ever done. Nothing spectacular like the Rocky Mountains or dramatic like the Tetons or entertaining like the Ozarks or enchanting like the Smokies. Just Pine trees and forests, gently curving roads, easy hills and the natural rhythm of the road you can only experience alone...on a motorcycle.

I was actually hoping for rain as I had some new rain gear I needed to test. The storm cells and I played tag for a couple of hours until we caught each other in central Louisiana. The smell of the approaching, inevitable rain was nearly breathtaking inside my Arai with all vents open. Then the sudden change in temperature and smell of the gentle rain itself was like running into an old friend by chance in a favorite bar. For mile after mile I thought how wonderful this was...to be in my totally dry, warm cocoon, astride my favorite motorcycle, reveling in the smell of the fresh-washed Pines, all alone with my thoughts…and with those of the ghosts of all the other riders who rode that way before me, and the ones who will follow, wondering about we who rode before.

As I slowed for a very small town, I first saw, then smelled the lumber mill where the fragrance of the cut Pine was almost intoxicating. Then it changed to the smoky smell of burning wood scraps and bark and just as quickly was gone again, leaving only the rain and the steady, reassuring heartbeat of the big twin.

As I passed out of the little town, one final magical olfactory astonishment nearly made me laugh out loud in delighted amazement. At a small roadside fruit stand someone was boiling shrimp! I don't know why I didn't stop and sample this feast but I think now I was just so "in the zone" of the whole experience - the ride, the rain, the smells, the nearly overpowering beauty – and appreciation - of it all, just made me want to ride on. Forever if I could, but knowing I could not, as none of us can.

And then a thought crossed my mind that actually saddened me, a little, for a bit. I thought of all the insulated, isolated, uninvolved, unknowing, unmoved, unconscious people in their cars with windows rolled up, air conditioners on, cruise controls set, stereos playing, cellphones at the ready, who had missed this simple, wonderful thing that had left a lump in my throat and made my spirit soar even higher than the young hawk I had seen before the rain.

They never even knew it was there...

[bakernks]

Consider that I do almost all of my riding in Kansas. The spot almost all touring riders hate to ride in. It's all I have available most of the time, being yoked to a job 2080+ hours a year!!!
From that sort of spot, I've added XM radio now to BOTH bikes, and it's a soul-saver for me. Between being on my bike, not at the job, and having Jazz to listen to anywhere I am in Kansas, it is all worth it.
I think you fundimentally have to enjoy a "suffer" sport such as distance motorcycling, rock climbing, mountain climbing, snowshoeing, distance bicycling, and the like to "get it". I think maybe this rider doesn't. Enjoy your R1150R around town then, no foul. The man in a Zodiac river patrol boat and the watch captain of an Aegis missile cruiser are both sailors...

[rph802]

Not a very experienced tourer here but some things not mentioned that I'd be curious to hear about..

What are you using for a windshield (if any)?? I've taken my Parrebellum (sp??) off for riding around town and day trips but when I go out for a few days (as I hope to this coming week) its going back on. That wind on the chest is a great sensation for a few hours but definitely would wear me out after a while.

Helmet?? you said you have a full face. Is it a flip up?? That would certainly increase the conveinence of the swapping off shades, putting in earphones, plugs etc. Might even be able to take those pics you seem to covet w/o de-helmeting.

Jacket?? Heavy leather or mesh?? As much as I love the comforting feel of my heavy leather, knowing the extra protection in would afford in a lay down, for the I'm presuming warm weather you were probably in, I wuld have used my mesh almost exclusively. Certainly more comfortable for getting on and the bike quickly.

Tunes...I keep my Creative Zen player tucked in my inner jacket pocket on trips. If I had the funds, I would love to invest in some kind of Autocomm system that I could run into a helmet speaker system for the same reasons you speak of.

Boots.. I use a hiking/work boot type shoe for anything other than commuting. Just havent heard many good things about "motorcycle" boots for off the bike comfort.

Positioning...Again not much of an iron butter. My longest personal day is only about 350miles, but Im working on it!! I got a Corbin front and rear seat off Ebay for $350. This drastically improved my comfort on anything over 100 miles. Perfect?? No but huge help. I havent mastered the using of the "jugs" as footrests yet and havent been much impressed with the look or price of the aftermarket pegs. But if i was planning a trip like yours, they woudl be tops on my list for that comfort factor. I found that when I cant or dont want to stop for a stretch, just standing up on the pegs for a few seconds repeatedly can give some significant relief both butt burn and leg cramps.

Lodging... yeah if you want to spontaneous travelling (pick a direction and see where it goes!!) you have to run that risk. If you dont mind being locked into more of an itinerary, can you get reservations a couple weeks ahead of time?? Sounds like you had some camping gear with you to at least give you the flexibillity of the campground as an option.

Like most mentioned, long distance touring aint for everyone. Just some stuff I've thought for my dreams of that extended kind of a trip, Use what you can, recycle the rest. If nothing else, you can still say you did that trip on the bike. Thnk back on the good stuff when you get back. I bet you'll do another trip, maybe just not that long right off the bat.

Craig

[GJBushman]

I would rather ride 1000 miles on a bike with a sore ass than 500 miles in a car listening to great music. A car is simply a method of transportation to me. Riding a bike is an active, in the moment experience. I cannot even listen to music while riding a bike, its too distracting. Time also passes much more quickly for me while riding a bike instead of driving a car. That's me.