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  1. #1
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    Default 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.
    Last edited by Peter Aawen; 05-24-2023 at 04:08 PM. Reason: Expanded title to briefly ask the question... ;-)

  2. #2
    Very Active Member ARtraveler's Avatar
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    Enjoy. Sounds like a great trip.

    Currently Owned: 2019 F3 Limited, 2020 F3 Limited: SOLD BOTH LIMITEDS in October of 2023.

    Previously : 2008 GS-SM5 (silver), 2009 RS-SE5 (red), 2010 RT-S Premier Editon #474 (black) 2011 RT A&C SE5 (magnesium) 2014 RTS-SE6 (yellow)

    MY FINAL TALLY: 7 Spyders, 15 years, 205,500 miles

    IT HAS BEEN A LONG, WONDERFUL, AND FUN RIDE.
    2020 F3L , Magma Red

  3. #3
    Very Active Member EdMat's Avatar
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    Just remember to stay hydrated and stop when you need to. Safe travels. Don't forget the pics!
    2019 RTL Phoenix Orange
    2019 RT Limited , Phoenix Orange

  4. #4
    Very Active Member safecracker's Avatar
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    Looks like you well covered. Enjoy your trip.
    New to Sue and I
    2021, LTD, Asphalt Gray, 22,000 miles
    Gone but not forgotten
    RTS 2011 SM5, 95,000 miles


  5. #5
    Very Active Member canamjhb's Avatar
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    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
    Last edited by canamjhb; 05-24-2023 at 07:23 PM.
    2005 Windveil Blue Premium Mustang Convertible
    2008 Honda GL1800/California Sidecar Trike, SOLD
    2014 Platinum Silver Satin Spyder RTL, SOLD
    Semper Fi


  6. #6
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    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

  7. #7
    Very Active Member Bfromla's Avatar
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    just maybe a solid list of dealers(address & phone#) along route,& AMA membership with roadside, unless have the BRP package sunblock & hydration - more hours in the day. Enjoy

    2013 STL SE5 BLACK CURRANT
    SpyderPop's: LED bumpskid
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    T r * * LED:foam grip covers, Tricrings, FenderZ,
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    SENA 20S EVO
    2013 STL , Stock Stock Black currant

  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by canamjhb View Post
    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
    I've driven it before...after the first week of snowfall! It's spectacular when everything is white and the road is still open.

  9. #9
    SpyderLovers Ambassador Little Blue's Avatar
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    Default Let the Trip be Fun

    ...Definitely post up pictures of your Trip. Stay Healthy and Be Safe. I have always enjoyed traveling on my Spyder. ....
    ENJOY YOUR LIFE WITH A SPYDER
    Ryde with a Friend and be Safe

    My Spyder .....'Little Blue-Boy'
    2016 RT Limited , Orbital Blue

  10. #10
    Very Active Member Isopedella's Avatar
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    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.
    2017 F3 Ltd

  11. #11
    Active Member Jesster72's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Isopedella View Post
    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.
    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!
    2022 Sea to Sky

  12. #12
    Active Member Stache's Avatar
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    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.

    MWO (Ret'd) SJ Barnes
    ‘20 RTL Stone Grey
    named Britannia in honour of EE Doc Smith’s
    Grey Lensman’s ship.
    Farkles:
    Bestem Carplay
    canamsypderaccessories hitch and wiring harness,
    showchrome trunk rack,
    12v AND dual USB direct to battery in the frunk,
    dual USB switched in the blank console switch spot (parasites the power off the seat heater switch),
    frunk lid organizer,
    trunk organizer,
    showchrome rider backrest,
    ryder and passenger cup holders,
    ram mount for the iPad mini I use for GPS
    quadlock phone mount
    Nautilus horn
    Data blocker on the glove box USB
    Big Bike Parts highway pegs
    Spyderzone dash pouch
    Convex mirrors

    ‘20 Ryker 900 (my wife’s ryde)
    Farkles
    Slingmods fwd/rev ‘suicide shifter’
    frunk organizer
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    Rear seat with tall back rest (not mounted)
    Ryder backrest (not mounted)
    Side bag
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    top bag makes a good backrest. Will swap on the rear seat if she ever wants to 2up
    2020 RT Limited , Stone Gray

  13. #13
    Very Active Member Isopedella's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Jesster72 View Post
    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!
    Hangononononon. Ya didn't mention a trailer.
    2017 F3 Ltd

  14. #14
    Very Active Member JKMSPYDER's Avatar
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    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.
    2020 F3 Ltd

    Spyderpops Bumpskid
    Spyderpops Brake/Run/Turn Signal LED's
    Lamonster Garage LED Fog Lights and Headlights
    2013 ST-S retired 1/9/16 at 25,061 miles
    2015 F3S sold at 77,565 miles.
    2015 F3-S , BajaRon Plugs Can-Am Red

  15. #15
    Very Active Member JayBros's Avatar
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    Taos and Durango? If you haven't planned to visit Mesa Verde, IMO you're missing a very interesting national park.
    Artillery lends dignity to what would
    otherwise be a vulgar brawl.
    ******************************
    Cognac 2014 RT-S

  16. #16
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    Rule 1 of road tripping - don't get a ticket! 1100 miles...I've only gotten a single warning so far!

  17. #17
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    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.

  18. #18
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    Quote Originally Posted by ollicat View Post
    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.
    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.

  19. #19
    Ozzie Ozzie Ozzie Peter Aawen's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by ollicat View Post
    .... Also, it might just be me, but for a road trip, I like make sure I pack heat - just for the unexpected.
    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.

    Mind you, some might want to carry a Jar of NESCAFÉ® Blend 43 Instant Coffee as well.

    https://7news.com.au/sunrise/on-the-...3-jar-c-460974
    2013 RT Ltd Pearl White

    Ryde More, Worry Less!

  20. #20
    Very Active Member Isopedella's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by javajaws View Post
    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.
    Married 44 years anniversary in recent times.

    Think I would say oh well, it happens.

    And always remember

    20230509_082456.jpg
    2017 F3 Ltd

  21. #21
    Very Active Member vtrider's Avatar
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    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

  22. #22
    Very Active Member SLICE's Avatar
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    In case no one has mentioned it.


    Don't come home on probation.

  23. #23
    Member Arachnerds's Avatar
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    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.
    2011 Spyder RT Limited

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