First road trip coming up - any last minute Words of Wisdom?

We have our first week long road trip coming up starting Friday - any last minute words of wisdom for us?

Spyder cleaned and shiny, tires checked, oil changed, creature comforts installed (lol).

In additional to riding gear and personal items, I've got:

Tool kit (thorough enough, I think. Won't list it all here - maybe in a separate post if anyone is interested)
Dynaplug compressor, tire gauge, flat kit
Battery jump starter
Medical kit
Half cover for night
Rain gear for the both of us
Bottle of cleaner for visor/windscreen and a couple rags
Small soft-side cooler to keep some drinks and snacks for the road as well as day trips while out
Got some points of interest as well as routes setup on the XT2

We'll mostly be traveling to places we have been before, so no big surprises hopefully. This is mostly a stretch your legs first big Spyder trip about 1k out and 1k back with some fun thrown in between. Taos and Durango current planned stops, but the second half of next week is "we'll figure it out when we get there". We like to follow the good weather and be spontaneous.

Enjoy. Sounds like a great trip. :firstplace:

Just remember to stay hydrated and stop when you need to. Safe travels. Don't forget the pics!

Looks like you well covered. Enjoy your trip.

When you get to Durango, the Million Dollar Highway is not to be missed......provided it's open. A very worthwhile day road trip. Been doing road trips for over 40 years and experience for me has been that I travel 50 miles for each hour of the day that I'm on the road. (6 hours on the road = 300 miles). And, I always overpack. Last August I did over 4K miles and brought home more stuff that I didn't use than stuff I did. But, in spite of promises I make to myself, this happens every time. Good luck and have fun..... Jim

1K miles sounds too short. It takes 700 miles just to get from New Braunfels to Moriarity. I'm heading there for Memorial Day and plan to do some riding in the mountains in NM. But day trips for me -- I'm trailering my baby the 700 miles there and back.

-- Joe

:congrats::doorag::riding::riding::riding: just maybe a solid list of dealers(address & phone#) along route,& AMA membership with roadside, unless have the BRP package:popcorn: sunblock & hydration - :roflblack:more hours in the day. Enjoy

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Originally Posted by canamjhb

When you get to Durango, the Million Dollar Highway is not to be missed......provided it's open. A very worthwhile day road trip. Been doing road trips for over 40 years and experience for me has been that I travel 50 miles for each hour of the day that I'm on the road. (6 hours on the road = 300 miles). And, I always overpack. Last August I did over 4K miles and brought home more stuff that I didn't use than stuff I did. But, in spite of promises I make to myself, this happens every time. Good luck and have fun..... Jim

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I've driven it before...after the first week of snowfall! It's spectacular when everything is white and the road is still open.

:coffee:...Definitely post up pictures of your Trip. Stay Healthy and Be Safe. I have always enjoyed traveling on my Spyder. ....:thumbup:

Sounds great.

We do 10 day trips, stay in motels and take washing powder for every 3 days or so.

Generally 1/2 the clothes and twice the cash usually works.

Take lots of photos.

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Originally Posted by Isopedella

Sounds great.

We do 10 day trips, stay in motels and take washing powder for every 3 days or so.

Generally 1/2 the clothes and twice the cash usually works.

Take lots of photos.

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This is it exactly, except we don't do laundry on the road. (we pull a cargo trailer that holds a suitcase - plenty of room)
Twice the cash for sure, and take pictures of everything!

My travel rules:
1. 1 gal gas can
2. Rain gear
3. Pack as light as possible, I'm not leaving the land of buying what I need if I forgot something.
4. CAA (AAA) membership
5. Dealer list/reputable shop list for the area being travelled.
6. Bring 1/2 the gear I think i need. (Prune the pack-list ruthlessly)
7. Bring 2X the $ I think i need.
8. Relax into the flow of the trip. It might not be exactly what was planned, could be better than planned.

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Originally Posted by Jesster72

This is it exactly, except we don't do laundry on the road. (we pull a cargo trailer that holds a suitcase - plenty of room)
Twice the cash for sure, and take pictures of everything!

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Hangononononon. Ya didn't mention a trailer. :thumbup:

Before you leave for your trip check your brake pads, brake fluid, and your air filter. You would be surprised how some riders forget to check these things and then they hear scrapeing on a rotor where a brake pad is fully worn down or the engine is not operating at peak power because the air filter is very dirty.

Taos and Durango? If you haven't planned to visit Mesa Verde, IMO you're missing a very interesting national park.

Rule 1 of road tripping - don't get a ticket! 1100 miles...I've only gotten a single warning so far! :ohyea:

I always bring an extra pair of gloves. I hate wearing wet gloves.

Also, it might just be me, but for a road trip, I like make sure I pack heat - just for the unexpected.

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Originally Posted by ollicat

I always bring an extra pair of gloves. I hate wearing wet gloves.

Also, it might just be me, but for a road trip, I like make sure I pack heat - just for the unexpected.

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Lol last day of our trip and what happens? Wife "loses" my $200 pair of insulated waterproof gloves. Oh well, live a little learn a little! I made her clean the Spyder today for penance.

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Originally Posted by ollicat

.... Also, it might just be me, but for a road trip, I like make sure I pack heat - just for the unexpected.

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I used to carry a pair of those little 'pocket warmer' thingies that you crush the worm inside to get them to heat up so that I could slip them inside the back of my gloves if things got too cold, but the heated grips on my 2013 RT Ltd work really well, so I don't usually bother these days. :thumbup:

Mind you, some might want to carry a Jar of NESCAFɮ Blend 43 Instant Coffee as well. ;)

https://7news.com.au/sunrise/on-the-...3-jar-c-460974

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Originally Posted by javajaws

Lol last day of our trip and what happens? Wife "loses" my $200 pair of insulated waterproof gloves. Oh well, live a little learn a little! I made her clean the Spyder today for penance.

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Married 44 years anniversary in recent times.

Think I would say oh well, it happens.

And always remember

Before you leave on your trip, let family and friends know that you are leaving, and when you are returning. So in case if something happens. Also, let family and friends know what routes you are taking, and coming back on, just in case if something happens( Which I hope nothing does).

Have a safe trip!

Post pictures!

Adrien

In case no one has mentioned it.


Don't come home on probation.

We carry a fold-up reflective safety triangle just in case of a stop along the road. Also, a strong beam flashlight that can be set to strobe if needed or can be set up to light a specific area if tire work is needed at night. We attached battery operated lights inside the trunk and in the frunk in case we need to get something out in a poorly lit area. I second the purchase of AAA membership with additional RV(motorcycle) coverage. A list of Can Am service dealerships along your route is also a comfort to have along.