Fairly long road trip in May

[will]

My wife and I are travelling from Eastern WV to Northern MN for the summer on our 2020 Spyder RTL with the freedom trailer. While I have the clothing gear down (though we may take heated gear as it was early May last year before the ice was off the lakes up north), I would be interested in hearing what others bring like tire repair kit, any fluids etc.

Also, when we drive this in the car it takes us 3 10 Hour days on interstates. This time I am looking at US highways rather than interstates at least when I get to Ohio and taking longer to enjoy the journey more. Also, this July we will be attending the Deadwood rally.

I have watched a lot of YouTube videos and have good ideas, but I am always open to more insights.

Thanks.

 

[fatboy]

Take 36 out of Hannibal Mo it goes all the way to Denver or cut up depending on where you need to go Very enjoyable ride

 

[will]

Thanks, I will take a look at that route. I also like to avoid tornados if possible, on a goldwing trip in Ohio I was too close for comfort.

 

[ARtraveler]

Yes, early to mid May for ice to go off a lot of the Northern Lakes. I used to live in Duluth, and am very familiar with Northern MN. We did a lot of BWCAW canoeing and camping back in the 90's. Also liked the Gunflint Trail area and N. Shore.

Are you going to any of those areas? Also did some walleye fishing in Lake of the Woods.

A tire repair kit might be a good add on....but your new 2020 has brand new tires...that would be a low priority for me. Also, leave the oil at home....the 1330's do not use any oil between changes.

 

[will]

Well in college I worked as a guide in Quetico Provincial Park in the late 60’s, I love the canoe country. But then I left MN after college. We now have a summer place about 90 miles west of Duluth. But the North Shore of Lake Superior is about my favorite place in the world. I am glad you got to experience it and it is the reason we returned.

 

[reknhevn]

You might consider a tire gauge and air pump to check and adjust tire pressure if necessary. Also water to keep hydrated and snacks.

 

[will]

Thanks, good points. I was thinking of looking for a battery powered air pump after watching the YouTube of a guy with a flat on Forty Times around. It took him forever to hand pump a tire after a flat.

 

[JayBros]

If you've ever wanted to see the headwaters of the Mississippi River include a leg through Itasca State Park. Remember too that the mosquito is the MN state bird.

 

[KenInMN]

Northern MN in May (and into June) can be like late Fall early winter. In the Duluth area the weather on top of the bluff can be significantly warmer than along the North Shore. Make sure you have cold weather riding gear with you.

WI 35 is a nice ride north to Superior, WI. Cross the Bong bridge into MN. Place called Amazing Graze is an awesome place to eat in Duluth. And one can't go to the Northshore with out stopping at Betty's Pies!~

 

[carbonation]

I'm in the camp of if you bring something, it will ward off the evil spirits that happen, and you won't need it. A small air pump and tire plugs should be in your kit. I ran a cigarette lighter plug to the underseat area on my 12, and now again on my 19. I use it for GPS, but it is centrally located, and will run my compressor. Stop N Go, Slime, Dynaplug, all small compressors. Harbor Freight, TSC, WalMart all have plug kits that can get you moving. A pack of hand cleaners. Bandaids . A decent LED flashlight. Rain gear, and layers for temp changes. Extra gloves. I hate putting on damp gloves the next day if it's rained. Microfiber towel and visor cleaner for gas stops. AMA membership for roadside assistance and hotel discounts.
And 2 credit cards. I was in DC a few years back and my card was hacked at a local restaurant. I found out 2 days later when it was shut off, but the card company could not get me a card overnight, or to where I was. Home address only.

 

[ARtraveler]

RE: Post #8 Yes on Itasca State Park. Went there in the 60's with a summer camp group. We brought canoes and put in the Mississippi when it got wide enough. Spend the whole day down and back exploring the headwaters of ol Miss. An interesting swamp where the Mississippi meandered back and forth for the whole time we were on it. Thousands of Red Winged Blackbirds that day.

RE: Post #9 And who can go up the North Shore without stopping at Betty's Pies...just North of Two Harbors. We did that as a regular stop on our return trips. It has also appeared on TV. I think Andrew Zimmern did it on one of his tours of North Shore attractions.

Back to the program. :bowdown:

 

[a99miata]

carry a can or fixaflat for those flat tire issues....

 

[will]

Thanks for all the feedback. Yes the North Shore is my favorite part of the world and we usually go to Betty's Pies. But I will look for Amazing Graze as a place to eat. My summer place is about 90 miles west of Duluth in Mosquito country, though last year they weren't bad, though my wife disagrees. I will go to Itasca State Park this year as I have not been there since I grew up in SW MN. As far as cold goes we have heated gear as needed and with the Freedom Trailer we should be good. This year we won't have a car in MN, but my brother-in-law covers that plus there are a lot of off highway trails to explore with his Can Am four wheelers.

I will take everyone's comments and add them to the list. I don't fish, but my brother-in-law does so we have a lot of summer fish fries. I tend to go to the lakes with the camera and looking for wildlife. Last year I saw one wolf and no live bears though one came through our parking lot.

Since I will be fully retired by then, theoretically, we can take off from WV anytime we feel like to look at the weather fronts coming across the US to get the best travel weather.

I will look at the flat tire options. I had not seen fixaflat before.

We also plan to go to the Ely Blueberry Festival this summer and the Deadwood Rally.

Again, Thanks.

 

[Raprider]

I don't have personal experience with either, but my impression from earlier threads is that most seem to prefer the mushroom-style plug over the strips...

https://www.amazon.com/Stop-Go-1075...=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B0018EUDHW


This jump start kit includes a portable compressor

https://www.amazon.com/Portable-Bat...&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B07HRYR7MF&th=1


Enjoy the ryde!

 

[Michaelscs]

Will, If your going over to Itasca State Park, make sure you ride Cty Rd 113 that starts on the south side of Itasca at Hwy 71 and heads west. It is one of my favorite roads in Minnesota. You won't regret it!

 

[will]

Thanks, I will check Cty Rd 113 that starts on the south side of Itasca at Hwy 71 and heads west out as I will have plenty of time. I really appreciate the feedback. Do you live up north?

 

[will]

Thanks, I. Will check them out.

 

[will]

That is the links from Raprider.

 

[Michaelscs]

Thanks, I will check Cty Rd 113 that starts on the south side of Itasca at Hwy 71 and heads west out as I will have plenty of time. I really appreciate the feedback. Do you live up north?

Up north from WV, yes, but central MN near St. Cloud. I've driven 113 with my Spyder, my Cobra, and the truck with a snowmobile trailer. Great fun with the Cobra and the Spyder. Not so much fun when snow covered with the truck and the trailer!

 

[will]

We live in Hill City MN in the summer and I just looked up the details on 113, I will ride it this summer as I like to head over to Walker with my camera. I ordered and just received the big Chippewa National Forest map which I was planning to use to plan rides this summer and explore the area which is just east of Walker (or Walker is on the sw side of the map).

I grew up in Pipestone, MN and remember Cold Spring beer (late 60's - early 70's) since I see that is where you live. I also came up highway 23 through Cold Spring many times. Have a great day.