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longest ride in a day???

I've only had to stretch as far as 350 miles in one day... :opps:. If you plan for the trip wisely, you should be more than capable of managing it.
If it was me; I'd leave early in the morning; get perhaps on re-fueling stop in just after daybreak. That gives lots of time to pile up the miles before a second fuel and food stop. (My army travels on its stomach!). You can kind of figure that the 500 miles will take a total of about four re-fueling stops, so "mid-afternoonish" might have you at about 375 miles, and then thie final stop and drop for the day with the last fillup...
And a bed and a Bible... :thumbup:
 
Dave,

Do it. Take some rain gear just in case. Take a long sleeve shirt to spare your arms the sun, but also bring the sun screen.

You are roughly 500 miles one way. I've done near 700 on my GS with stock seat and the bead riders. Everyone is different and to be honest, every day is different. There are days my butt can only do 200 miles and days like that 700 where I could have done 1000. You'll never know until you do it. ;)

Please do it and please make sure you stop at the BBQ... you have no idea how awesome Lamont's BBQ is and you'll be able to sit on a lot of RT's that have custom seats, highway pegs and other accessories. That alone will be worth the trip to the BBQ to get a good idea on the accessories you'll most want to add and their quality/fit and finish.

I picked up one of the Tourmaster mesh jackets (the one with the waterproof and quilted liners) Just in case I decided to go for it, so I'll have that, and will probably just start with a long sleeve Tee shirt. I have the Scorpion modular helmet, so I can convert to open face if it gets too hot.

I've been looking at the GPS to get an idea of a route to take to stop by Lamonsters BBQ, and now, I'm thinking of leaving my moms on Friday, so I can spend Saturday there, and maybe tag along home with someone from the BBQ.
 
I've only had to stretch as far as 350 miles in one day... :opps:. If you plan for the trip wisely, you should be more than capable of managing it.
If it was me; I'd leave early in the morning; get perhaps on re-fueling stop in just after daybreak. That gives lots of time to pile up the miles before a second fuel and food stop. (My army travels on its stomach!). You can kind of figure that the 500 miles will take a total of about four re-fueling stops, so "mid-afternoonish" might have you at about 375 miles, and then thie final stop and drop for the day with the last fillup...
And a bed and a Bible... :thumbup:

I think the wife starts her 6:00AM to 6:00PM days on the Sep 1, so maybe I'll head out about the same time...
 
As others have said, just take your time and walk around a little at every gas stop. If you see something interesting along the way pull over and check it out. The miles will pass by much easier if you check your route and see if there is a "sight to see" about half way, just to have something to do for an hour or so. I enjoy the spyder so much that I could just keep going even at the end of a 500 mile day. By the way, mine was stock when I went across country and back (4,525 miles), I still have the stock seat, some people change to after market but mine seems to fit me o.k. I have added Lamonts NBV's and it does help to have a different foot position for sure. Enjoy the ride.
 
I picked up one of the Tourmaster mesh jackets (the one with the waterproof and quilted liners) Just in case I decided to go for it, so I'll have that, and will probably just start with a long sleeve Tee shirt. I have the Scorpion modular helmet, so I can convert to open face if it gets too hot.

I've been looking at the GPS to get an idea of a route to take to stop by Lamonsters BBQ, and now, I'm thinking of leaving my moms on Friday, so I can spend Saturday there, and maybe tag along home with someone from the BBQ.

I'll be heading home after the BBQ - not sure what rt I'll take yet. We'll talk
 
Wishing you have a safe and enjoyable trip. All the above have you covered as to advice. Those stops for gas every 100 miles or so to take a rest and refresh are very helpful. They break up the ride into easy doable parts.

I like the idea as to looking at the ride as so many stops--not, how many miles do I have left. Your goal for a day in miles is very doable. I used to to that on a regular basis in the "good ol days".

Enjoy the scenery and the time will fly by. No matter where you drive, there is always something interesting to see.
 
I find it helps to have something to listen to while riding on the long stretches of higway. I have an ipod hooked into the intercom system. Don't get complacent, but sometimes the highway can be a bit boring.
And of course, as others said, I have a utopia backrest, but anything will do, some people have used their duffle bags on the passenger seat as a back rest.
Get gas and make sure you can stretch out the time. I find a rest stop of 15 minutes at each gas stop makes a big difference. God knows, you'll have enough people yakking at you to help pass teh time away.
Take your helmet off, walk around a little bit.
Take raingear with you. With a long trip, you will most likely hit some rain, somewhere.
I also find the 5 Hour energy drinks very helpful.
If you are going to try an energy drink, make sure you try them out well enough in advance of your trip to know how your body will react to them. You don't want to find that you get the shakes when you are 150 miles away from home.
Gatorade and granola bars are good. I generally try to eat as little as possible on a big trip. I prefer to eat small snacks more often rather than sit down for a big meal in the middle of the trip.
You might also consider a SPOT so your family can track your progress. This is just something nice to do, not required.
This may also go without saying, but don't make any major mods to your bike right before a big road trip. You don't want that new set of lights vibrating loose and hitting you in the knees, or worse, some engine modification that fails in the middle of your trip.
Hope this helps. Keep us posted so we know how you made out.

As always, my free advice comes with a double your money back guarantee.
 
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All the above info is great. Lots of stops to fuel up and rest a bit.
I also bought a pair of the LDComfort riding shorts. What a difference they made IMHO.
I think my butt is broken and the shorts helped a lot. My butt would get sore after riding for a hour. I added the Bead Rider to my seat and that helped too.
 
750 miles in 13.5 hours. Why did we stop? Destination reached. We are planning a trip to LA in October. Hope to make 1700 miles in 2 days. We'll see how it goes. Total trip at the time will be 4000+ miles in 12 days, visits included.
 
An Airhawk or Alaska Leather sheepskin can extend your comfortable range. While I have done many 500-600 mile days on my Spyder, and a couple of 750s, There is always some protest from the caboose toward the end of a long day. Pushing your limits and seeing what you can manage (or endure) is a good thing sometimes, though. You will feel a real sense of accomplishment after your first long trip. Go for it, there is no way to know your limits (or the need for an aftermarket seat) like trying. Godspeed!

What Scotty is driving at is almost exactly how we do 700+ mile days. The Airhawks are worth their weight in gold and while our sheepskins are just generic black ones, they serve our purpose.Also what Ron and Lamont had to say about gas stops holds true for us as well. I suppose in the end you have to want to do it.
PatrickDSCF0361.jpg
 
Thanks for all the info guys!
I have installed another RAM ball up front so I can move the cup holder there for the trip. We only have one so far as I was "experimenting", and decided to give the wife the cup holder first!. I already have my Nuvi 205 mounted where my fuel gauge was, and wired for sound (My technique is not recommended on units with a warranty), but I get the directions in my helmet :)

I guess the length of riding will always be a personal thing... I started out thinking that I needed to work up to longer rides - sort of training the butt to tolerate, but it seems that we each have a "BTF" - Butt Tolerance Factor. :)

Needless to say, I'm leaning toward taking the Spyder, but I'll have to keep it a secret from my mom - at least until I arrive! I'll turn 50 next month, and she was still worried when I told her about it... She probably doesn't need to know I'm riding it that distance to visit her...
 
Just returned from a 5300 mile trip to Yellowstone from east TN with the longest day being 670 miles, Lexington KY to Topeka KS. I agree with the others that with a good seat for your rear, backrest, proper riding gear, stay hydrated, and frequent breaks you will be just fine. But most of all listen to you body it knows best.
 
Hey Dave, if your in town on Sunday, Teddy's hosting a FireWorks Party at our place

http://www.webn.com/pages/fwx.html?feed=430712&article=8754024
thumbnail.php
EVENT INFO.
Q: What is P&G Riverfest?
A: It’s a full day of excitement for everyone! Performers of all kinds will appear at entertainment areas on both sides of the Ohio River. Family fun and lots of food and beverages will be available in all directions.

Q: What are the Cincinnati Bell/WEBN Fireworks?
A: A fireworks display featuring Rozzi’s Famous Fireworks live on the river, they are the thrilling climax to P&G Riverfest.

Q: When do the Cincinnati Bell/WEBN fireworks take place?
A: Sunday, September 2, 2012 at 9:05pm.

Q: How much does it cost to get in?
A: Nothing. It’s free!
Q: How many years has this been going on?
A: This is our 36th Fireworks show.

Q: What time do the fireworks go off?
A: 9:05 PM

Q: What time is the event held?
A: The event begins at 12 noon and runs all day with the fireworks beginning at 9:05 PM.

Q: Will it still take place if it rains?
A: Yes – we will do everything in our power to make the show go on!

Read more: http://www.webn.com/pages/fwx.html?feed=430712&article=8754024#ixzz251EkQ9eA
 
http://www.webn.com/pages/fwx.html?feed=430712&article=8754024
thumbnail.php
EVENT INFO.
Q: What is P&G Riverfest?
A: It’s a full day of excitement for everyone! Performers of all kinds will appear at entertainment areas on both sides of the Ohio River. Family fun and lots of food and beverages will be available in all directions.

Q: What are the Cincinnati Bell/WEBN Fireworks?
A: A fireworks display featuring Rozzi’s Famous Fireworks live on the river, they are the thrilling climax to P&G Riverfest.

Q: When do the Cincinnati Bell/WEBN fireworks take place?
A: Sunday, September 2, 2012 at 9:05pm.

Q: How much does it cost to get in?
A: Nothing. It’s free!
Q: How many years has this been going on?
A: This is our 36th Fireworks show.

Q: What time do the fireworks go off?
A: 9:05 PM

Q: What time is the event held?
A: The event begins at 12 noon and runs all day with the fireworks beginning at 9:05 PM.

Q: Will it still take place if it rains?
A: Yes – we will do everything in our power to make the show go on!

Read more: http://www.webn.com/pages/fwx.html?feed=430712&article=8754024#ixzz251EkQ9eA

I haven't seen that since 1984!!! I forgot all about that! Right now I can't give a definite for Sunday, since I'll arrive sometime Saturday, and I know my mom wouldn't care to go (she doesn't crowds of strangers). Hopefully, I can make it though :)
 
My wife did 980 miles, she was on the spyder , i was on my triumph, 16 hrs just because she had a soccer game to play and she didn't wanted to miss it.
 
I did St Louis to Melbourne, FL in two days last March...about 550 miles each day. At the end of both days I was half dead, but I was able to do it because I stopped roughly every 100 miles for gas, etc, and really needed to get to FL in that time. Normally I would max out at no more than 300 miles in a day. I had lots to drink, made the stops, used the cruise control, and just kept riding.
 
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