Roadtrip: Texas to Colorado

[jbtoups]

I am going to be making a trip from Central Texas to Colorado Springs Colorado and then beyond. The first leg of the trip is right at 1000 miles. I was wondering if anyone had any advice about doing a trip like this. I intend to make this drive in one day. Is there anyone our there that has done a 1000 mile day before? If so, I am looking for all the pointers I can get.

Jeff

 

[Schnauzer]

Sounds like your more concerned about just getting there than the ride. Keep in mind the fuel mileage of the Spyder. The economy has made a lot of the small towns shut the streets at dusk. So taking the country rioute is out of the question. Run the interstate, a bit further route but fuel is abundant. Still hot weather out there, so leaving in the pm will get you out of the Texas heat by the time the sun starts to boil your bubble. keep us posted on this adventure. Some of us just got back from Durango but took the scenic 2 day route..

 

[NancysToy]

1,000 miles a day is rough even for seasoned riders. It qualifies a rider for an Ironbutt Saddlesore 1000 award if they apply up front and follow the rules. The relatively small percentage of riders that do this usually work up to it. I'd urge you to consider taking longer....or at least allow a little leeway in case of breakdown or a sore behind.

That being said, here are some tips:
Wear versatile protective gear, preferably something that doubles as rain gear. If you choose to wear mesh, be sure to take good rain gear.
Drink plenty of water. Either stop often or wear a camelback.
If you are going to push the gas stops as far as possible, carry some extra fuel. Gas stops in the West can be spaced inconveniently, and you won't have time to stop in every town.

Best of luck on your journey. Let us know how you make out.

 

[mtbear]

It has been extremely hot here in Co.
Also consider the fires up by the Springs, they have them pretty much under control but you never know.
A 1000 miles is an awful long day, just make sure you are up to it. You will also be gaining in altitude so make sure you are ready for that and have a lot of water with you.
A lot of rain is finally forcast for this weekend so be prepared for flash flooding along the way depending on when you are heading out.
Be careful and have a good time:thumbup:
mtbear

 

[oldblindjohn]

Where are you headed after Colorado Springs?


jcf

 

[flamingobabe]

Be safe and hydrate, hydrate, hydrate....you can always pour water on yourself at gas stops...you be cool for about 15 to 20 minutes...always helps me

 

[bikeguy]

A lot of good advice so far. I'll just add a couple of points. I don't normally like to plan where I want to stop but for a trip like this I would. The reason being, as others have suggested, that gas is not always available in convenient locations. If I were you, I'd be sure that I knew where I could stop and get gas and I don't know that gasoline is any more readily available on the interstate than anywhere else in west Texas, New Mexico and eastern Colorado. The second point is that the Spyder's lack of fuel range can actually be a blessing on a long trip because it forces you to stop, get off, move around and rest just a bit. Take advantage of each stop by stretching, walking a bit, moving around, massaging sore places, etc. It will make the trip much more enjoyable. Lastly, just keep thinking of each fuel run as it's own little trip. A thousand miles is a lo-o-o-o-ong way but 120 - 150 miles isn't so far at all. Enjoy the trip.

Cotton

 

[BitSlayer]

As others have said, gas can be a scarce commodity. If you are planning on taking the western Oklahoman and Kansas route, towns are far apart and some will not have gas stations in them. Take an extra can of gas with you just in case. It is always better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

It is still pretty warm in Oklahoma right now as well. It is supposed to cool off this weekend, but even then, it can still be in the mid to upper 90s. Wear a cooling jacket and drink plenty of water. We use a camel back and that works out well for us.

1000 miles is a long way in one day. If no one is taking the trip with you, you will need to pay attention to your attention span. Don't let yourself get so tired your mind starts to "drift" on you. When that happens, the possibility of you dozing behind the wheel starts to become a problem. Plenty of stops and talking with others always helps.

Good luck on that leg of your trip and let us know how your trip goes. We were hoping to do the Rocky Mountain NP ride this year, but with all the fires, we will probably put that off until next year.

 

[vondalyn]

We were hoping to do the Rocky Mountain NP ride this year, but with all the fires, we will probably put that off until next year.

You might find that this is a good year to do it -- all the fires seem to have scared everyone away from the mountains. I was able to get a room in Grand Lake with about 3 hours notice last Friday, and we pretty much had Trail Ridge Road to ourselves as we drove from the front range to the other side of the divide.

I've never seen the parking lot at the visitors center at the top empty before, but it was last Friday on our way over.



Quite the different experience we had from the usual slow bumper to bumper drive inside the park.

 

[jbtoups]

Thanks everyone for all the advice. I still have about 5 or 6 weeks before the trip so, I am doing all I can to prepare. Liked the 1000 miles is a long way but 120 or so at a time isn't so bad. After reading some of the posts I am thinking maybe of going straight up 35 and then 70. Might be better as far as fuel goes. It does add about 100 miles though. Ill have to think about all that.