Two weeks of vacation, need ideas

[ArmyJoe]

I have two weeks of vacation from October 1-18 and was looking for some Spyder-related ideas for things to do. This is my first bike and I've never been out of the state, so epic touring is probably not a good idea, but I'm open to suggestions.

 

[Bersquack]

Au contraire mon frere! Two weeks with nothing to do... pack your bags and go.hyea:

 

[docdoru]

I have two weeks of vacation from October 1-18 and was looking for some Spyder-related ideas for things to do. This is my first bike and I've never been out of the state, so epic touring is probably not a good idea, but I'm open to suggestions.

The FL Keys and Key West, 3,000 miles round trip :thumbup:

 

[jnt]

Pack whatever you need and RYDE!!:spyder: Hocking Hills. WV valleys. Ride the canal route. Cross the y-bridge (assuming it is still there). Go find Blue Hole (it is still there, just not as popular anymore). PA has some great roads, too, but be careful on the PA Turnpike.

 

[dltang]

From Ohio, you have some very cool options. In upper western MI there is the tunnel of trees and Mackinaw city. I have posted some videos of our rides there. Very cool and some nice twisties. West Virginia is beautiful countryside and has wonderful roads for the spyder. I haven't been lucky enough to take my spyder there yet but have been there three or 4 times and I know it is on my list. Chicago, maybe not downtown for spydering but a nice stop over before some riding in the outskirts.

So many options, how far do you want to ride? How long in a day do you want to ride? Are you trying to go on a budget or is the sky the limit? Or just start riding and after you are lost punch home into a GPS and head back.

 

[COOLMACHINE]

what are some of your interests?

Hello GIJoe,
I have no idea what your interests are but fall is fast approaching. I mentioned this to some of the Missouri spyderriders of a ride I would like to do sometime. Probably not this year though. but anyway, If covered bridges interest you, Google some of the following words.

Park county covered bridge festival
Spanning time america’s covered bridges

 

[Kjen]

What fun and how exciting. Yes, make sure to get out and GO. First check the extended weather forecast in each direction to see which way would be best to aim for. I'm not familiar with your section of the country although we were in the area sort of last month. Hopefully you will get other :spyder2eople commenting and hooking up with you. Sure to be lots of great areas to see. Check online for attractions in different states as a place to start. Heading east is nice but should be getting chilly. South could be rain, north snow, west some cold stuff too, lol. Doesn't sound hopeful but it is. You'll have a wonderful time whatever you chose to do as long as you go and DO IT. Good luck.

 

[bjt]

... north snow, ...

Hopefully not before November unless you are talking about way, way up north (Canada someplace). I know it's predicted to be a cold winter but let's pray it doesn't start that early.

 

[Dragonrider]

I'm sure you will be able to get one or two days with decent weather to ride -

However, you could put it in a covered trailer and go to Texas, or Aridzona...

 

[NancysToy]

If you want to stay close to home, there are a lot of good roads in southern Ohio. Lots of historical locations in Ohio, too. Or, you might take a day trip to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum or the Air Force Museum in Dayton. Then there is always the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. For a longer trip, maybe a circle tour of Lake Erie, or just ride along the Lake Erie shore.

 

[BRPjunkie]

Three words: Blue Ridge Parkway.

 

[ArmyJoe]

Three words: Blue Ridge Parkway.

That's not a bad idea. I used to live in the DC area and my wife and I spent our honeymoon hiking in Shenandoah National Park. Camping is cheap, too.

To everyone else, thanks for all the suggestions so far. I'm planning a few day-trips between now and Oct 1 to build up my stamina. The air museum at Dayton, Hocking Hills, and the AMA Museum are definitely on the list.

And I've found that Ohio has it's own mini Tail of the Dragon:
http://www.motorcycleroads.com/routes/MidWest/OH/OH_20.shtml

 

[Spyder2780]

What do you have for mods? Maybe you can customize your ryde? That'll take up some time.

 

[ArmyJoe]

As of this writing, it's still stock, but I do have a CHAD on order. I should be getting the Spyder back from the shop on Friday or Saturday. I'm getting the 600 mile check and the DPS update (fingers crossed).

 

[Recluze]

My first bike is this Spyder. When I got it, I got on route 66 and rode it from Santa Monica to Chicago and it was probably one of the best land based adventures I had. Just go.

 

[jedd]

A loop north throught lower MI to upper MI back down through WI west side along the mississippi river through Savanna Illinois stop at Mr. Poopy's hwy 64 east to Chicago the back home thats my thinkin' You'll be in prime Leaf season and all that territory is awesome for fall foilage.:thumbup:

 

[ArmyJoe]

After checking some Military Welfare and Recreation sites, it's looks like there's camping available in just about every state for $5 - $10 a night.

Ohio, to Kentucky, to Tenessee, to Georgia, to Florida... Looks like Key West might be do-able after all.

 

[MarkLawson]

How about riding your Spyder to my house & taking care of my dogs & cats & fish while my wife & I take a two week vacation! :roflblack:

 

[ArmyJoe]

How about riding your Spyder to my house & taking care of my dogs & cats & fish while my wife & I take a two week vacation! :roflblack:

I think I'll pass, especially since the Army has scheduled me for a 4 1/2 month "vacation" at Fort Gordon (Augusta, GA) next year.

 

[ArmyJoe]

As of this writing, it's still stock, but I do have a CHAD on order. I should be getting the Spyder back from the shop on Friday or Saturday. I'm getting the 600 mile check and the DPS update (fingers crossed).

The CHAD came in the mail today. Now, I just need a Spyder to attach it to.