Planning first long ride: Interstate vs back roads

[ARtraveler]

I also agree that it is pretty much up to you.

Speed vs. Leisure.
Sometimes the scenery is better on the back roads.

Do take into account the warnings about gas or lodging. The situation will vary from place to place.

When I can, I try to do a little of both. Will generally go one way and return via an alternate route if possible. This has always worked for me in the lower 48.

In AK: sometimes we are lucky to just have one road to where we are going. Side roads can be dangerous or impassible after a few miles.

 

[thehawk]

I find what usually happens for me is I plan a back road/long way scenic route to my destination, then take the interstate/fastest way home.

We just got back from a Houston to Fredericksburg trip; 585 miles all total.

Do what you feel comfortable with and if you're going to be taking the path less traveled, consider also carrying an extra gallon of fuel just in case that next gas stop turns out to be further than you expected.

glad we got to meet you in Brenham. hope you had a great trip.

thehawk

 

[spydrluvr]

My wife and I are planning our first "long" ride to San Antonio, Tx in July. My question is: use the interstate or use back roads when possible.

Thanks for your input.

Johnny

I am a back roads kinda gal....unless I need to get to someplace in a quick hurry. But cruising on the backroads, through the small towns, and farmers fields..:thumbup: That's what it's all about. Which ever you choose, enjoy the ryde:yes: and be very safe :lecturef_smilie:
:yes:hyea::yes:hyea::yes:hyea:

 

[Rockwall]

See as much of the little, wide open spaces as you can. That is what wheelin is all about! My dream ride would be to cover the entire country and never hit an interstate. Real life won't allow it, but someday...:doorag:

 

[budro]

Back roads are very cool, BUT the slab has no driveways or side roads to contend with.

 

[Johnny_Swindle]

Thanks to everyone........

Lots of great information......

I had been "stalking" for a while and I had already incorporated almost all of your suggestions into my current plan by reading the exploits of the various members on this site. I am comfortable on the interstate (in fact, I picked up my spyder in Tallahassee, Fl and rode it with my wife following all the way back to Louisiana) but I do agree with ABQAndy. Spending an extended period of time next to an 18 wheeler is right up there with getting a root canal.

 

[NancysToy]

Lots of great information......

I had been "stalking" for a while and I had already incorporated almost all of your suggestions into my current plan by reading the exploits of the various members on this site. I am comfortable on the interstate (in fact, I picked up my spyder in Tallahassee, Fl and rode it with my wife following all the way back to Louisiana) but I do agree with ABQAndy. Spending an extended period of time next to an 18 wheeler is right up there with getting a root canal.

:roflblack: A genuine motorcycling root canal is riding the center of five lanes of I-80 outside Chicago, sandwiched between semis that are traveling 20 over the speed limit...although I hear parts of I-10 aren't much better. :roflblack:

 

[Rockwall]

You clearly have spent some time on our local highways! They make you long for the back roads.

 

[jScotD]

In my riding days I always chose the blue highways as much as possible..

on I-10 that trip is only 510 miles// and 7 hrs there about.. But You have to drive in Houston traffic.. it's been over 20 years since I worked there.. and traffic was a nightmare then.... I remember on highway 10, locked in traffic, at 80 mph, on my BMW MC and a pickup in front of me had a 50 gallon drum with a lid on it... daNcInG... then it blew off in front of me .. no where to go.. timed it perfectly and ran over it when it started , yet another time on it's flat side..

May I suggest the long route? Austin has some great back roads

however.. sometimes back roads lead you to the unexpected.. like when I was trying to cross the Continental Divide on a dirt road the maps called highway 60

 

[Osros]

however.. sometimes back roads lead you to the unexpected.. like when I was trying to cross the Continental Divide on a dirt road the maps called highway 60

Agree

Prior to my trips I would use Google Maps and use the camera view small person icon to zoom in to those unknown areas to see how the road looks like I found some dirt and gravel roads I would have ran into. I just adjust my route prior.

Funny in my Jeep trips I look for the dirt and gravel roads now on Spyder Im avoiding them!


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