Motorcycle touring distance planning

When motorcycle touring, how far should I go in a day? In this video, I discuss five times I’ve gone further than I wanted to and look at the reasons that led to such long days. I also provide some resources for trip planning that help you avoid too long days. #AfricaTwin #NC750 #BMWR1200RS
Timecodes
Intro - 00:00
About me - 00:23
Mistake #1 - 00:55 - 00:56
Mistake #2 - 02:39
Mistake #3 - 03:48
Mistake #4 - 04:28
Mistake #5 - 05:28
Planning tips - 06:17:22
Forestry Campsites - 06:33
Conclusion - 07:07
US Forest Service campsites are at the US Forest Service website at www.fs.usda.gov/
Reservations for some sites can be made through www.recreation.gov/
British Columbia Forest Service campsites can be found at www.sitesandtrailsbc.ca/

[@jimthompson717]

Just discovered your channel. I admire your adventures. I recommend you dial back the quick narration edits.

[@RetiredAdventureRider]

Thanks. You're not the only one to mention that. It's a learning process. I want to get my editing skills ready for my travel plans for the summer. In the past, I ended up with footage with no clear idea of how to use it.

[@karlbishop7481]

I am an old guy, 78 and have been moto camping for many years with about a 10 year break inmy 60's. I was always kind of a long hauler. I am trying to cut down on the number of miles ridden in a day. That has been my biggest problem sitting in the saddle too long resulting in dehyration and fatigue. I am planning on three trips this summer, I am going to force myself to limit the miles I ride in a day. Stop more often, see the sights, smell the roses and drink more water.

[@bjb7587]

Same. 75 yo. This year I cut back my mileage from 350 per day to 275 per day. Gives me more time to stop at nice rest areas, and I'm not so beat when I'm done. I'm just glad to still be riding.

[@MotoYogiAdventures]

How many miles do you like to do? …or how many hours of riding? I’m just got a touring bike, and want to do some long trips.

[@karlbishop7481]

@@MotoYogiAdventures I am going to try and limit myself to about 250 miles a day or less. I just got a new sport tourer so I may be able to do more but I don't think I will. I want to do more quality riding as opposed to trying to get somewhere as quickly as I can. I will leave the 1,000 mile days back to when I was 20 something. Lol

[@MotoYogiAdventures]

@@karlbishop7481 that sounds do-able. I’m a new-ish rider (3years) and I think I might want to do an iron-butt at some point…just to do it…but I mostly enjoy sitting back and enjoying the scenery at a somewhat leisurely pace.

[@marc123work]

I have been all over Europe, I live central England. My simple mantra is ride for time not miles, this way I look at the map to see where I can get to in 4 hours. Google maps is good for this 👍

[@richardvarnold6245]

I usually plan 300 miles a day + or -, my favorite thing to do is to stop in the middle of the day for an ice cream cone when it's really hot out. Preferably inside with a/c. It just breaks the rhythm. Lay on a picnic table at a secluded rest area, walk a short trail , stop at a roadside mart. anything that refreshes the soul, pumps the blood and moves some muscles will make the next 100 miles a little easier.

[@williammahaffy4642]

Same-same... 380 has been my max on a Tiger 1200 and those aren't slab (at least very little). 275-325 seems to be my sweet spot for pushing the envelope but not exceeding. Stretch, hydration and some calories are essential, more so when riding in the edges of comfortable temps. I also find it rewarding to chat up locals and learn about the parts of the country I had not previously visited.

[@BlackdogADV]

Been riding 60 years or so. I’m 75 with the normal health issues that come with this age. I travel a lot, I’ve ridden from Oregon to the Arctic Ocean 4 times and Ushuaia Argentina once. I ride a BMW 1200GS with nearly 100,000 miles on the clock. I plan my route as I go and never make reservations. I generally will camp for 2 days then motel it the 3rd night. I like to remote/stealth camp and I’m always solo. I use a Garmin Zumo XT and an Inreach mini 2. I’m thinking of riding the Trans Taiga road this year but things could change.

[@UncleWally3]

After fifty years of riding at 71 years old I’m glad to hear of your experience. Thing is, there’s plenty of us riders in our 70’s riding, but not too many in our 80’s! Best take advantage of the remaining years!

[@williammahaffy4642]

Great trips! Wish I had the time/resources to do rides like that! Subbed your channel. I looked at doing the trans Tiaga but numerous videos show it to be kinda boring and a road-to-nowhere (which is usually my cuppa tea.). Saw your short on the Tuk trip and would expect the same greeting from our anophelean torturers. Looking forward to your adventures.

[@albertpeugh9367]

When riding Hwy 101, and ESPECIALLY Hwy 1, make sure you have reservations, even at camp sights. I planned my first night at Ft. Bragg, CA which is a minimum 6-1/2 hour ride from home. My mistake was assuming I could get a room, but I couldn’t, every room was full. I found a room in Point Arena, another 1-1/2 hours in the dark rain. I got to my room well after midnight. I was drenched, crabby and exhausted. I now make reservations!

[@RetiredAdventureRider]

Good advice. I had planned to get all the way to Coos Bay Oregon, but I ended up in Crescent City, and even there, some motels were full.

[@bondradman7353]

I think we all tend to get excited when planning a big trip and try to cover too much ground. I'm getting better at smaller days (3,4,500km) and generally only ride for about 6 or 7 hours. Safe travels.

[@Kraigmire]

This is exactly my problem. I keep trying to squeeze more into a day every time I plan it out.

[@kztrekz3329]

You can combine those 5 things into 1..............dont plan so freakin much :) My only plans are where do I want to go? I ride till I dont want to anymore then find a place to stay. I usually start looking early afternoon, between then and early evening Ive found a place.

[@BlazinBlades]

Been riding for 32 years just retired at 55 and your insight is a great asset to us oldies but goodies 😄 New Sub 🍻

[@Nezarus0]

Right at the video start I was, 'hmmm, I think I know that highway', then you hit the tunnel! Howdy from the Fraser Valley!

[@RetiredAdventureRider]

I love the Fraser Canyon. Especially since they put in the Coquihalla.

[@gregevancio3591]

Good tips for those who have yet to do long-distance traveling. Last thing I'd need is a long day in the saddle, and arriving at my destination late, sore, tired, and wet! I want to enjoy the trip, not be pressed for time.

[@chrisb5086]

Well done. I’m an older rider and really falling back on my life experience to plan my trips relying heavily on the common sense I’ve gathered through the years. Thank you.

[@RonTG_MediaArts]

Thank you, Well noted and loged into my database of "things you should know", Tortuga.

[@karnijj1]

This video is incredibly helpful. Thankyou for sharing such humble and well explained information. I am wanting to plan a long american tour and I'm so glad I found your vid. Thanks again!

[@RetiredAdventureRider]

The US is a big country and there is a lot to see. Make you build in enough time to enjoy it. Thanks for your comment.

[@peterholst8875]

Finally a video made by an adult, sharing real life lessons. Thank you! KZbin now a days is so crowded with "professional KZbinrs" who have nothing to contribute, but have to release videos to have an income. Those videos are not based on experiences or common sense.

[@RetiredAdventureRider]

I'm relatively new to making videos. I did take footage on most of those trips, but I didn't save it. I didn't have time to learn the editing software until recently. As I move toward the riding season, I'm trying to make videos to practice my editing skills so I can share the upcoming adventures. My focus is on my own riding. I don't need to make money from this.

[@jeffanderson8384]

Been there, done that. My wife and I have come to a common agreement (we ride two-up). We stop EVERY hour for a short break regardless the situation. It greatly reduces fatigue and doesn't lead to tunnel vision and "just one more mile"... that eventually leads to 10 - 20 additional miles that feel like a slog. It might add to the trip time but we arrive at our destination less fatigued and happier. If we do anticipate a long day we go into it with that knowledge (I usually plan these days early in the trip while we're still feeling fresh) - put those ugly, boring highway miles in the rearview.

[@RetiredAdventureRider]

Good point. When I'm riding on main roads, I take advantage of the rest areas. But sometimes on back roads, I find it harder to find a place just to get off and stretch my legs. It may mean just riding a short way down a logging road.

[@MicheleLilyannaFineart-vs1eb]

Awesome! You are such a resource! Thank you for sharing.

[@gcprost]

I appreciate you documenting the events of these trips. I too, am a retired adventure rider, although we have different kinds of destinations that we seek out. I seldom camp although in some of the remote areas I travel I carry camp gear as a back up.

[@curtisbarrow7650]

Yup. Done them all! Another one is realize the days are different lengths depending on your latitude: don't depend on your eyeball to determine the time...maybe this one is under common sense, but you have to think of it first...I was riding in a 24 hour rally out of Edmonton that started at 5pm on the Friday nearest the longest day of the year. Riding around, having fun, collecting points. I noticed my low fuel light on, and thought it was time to fill up. Then I noticed the small town I was riding through had rolled up the sidewalks: it was after 11pm and still light out! I carefully rode until I found a Husky station, where I filled up. They shut their station down as I rolled out of the parking lot. Just because it is still daylight up North does not mean places are still open! Check your clock even if you are not in a Rally! Great video! {!-{>

[@jameshardy6277]

Very helpful video. I'm heading over to the US from the UK next week to begin a 3-month / 14,000m motorcycle tour. Air freighting my UK bike into New York and setting off South towards Key West to begin. Thanks for the info.

[@RetiredAdventureRider]

Have a great trip! I've never been around the south east of the US, so that's on my list for the future. I hope to come over to your side some day, as well. My only motorcycle experience in the UK was on the back of my dad's scooter as a small child before we came back to Canada. Maybe that's when I caught the bug.

[@bjb7587]

Plenty of great riding here, particular in the western US.

[@MotoYogiAdventures]

That’s sounds like an epic adventure!

[@jameshardy6277]

I hope so! It's been 20+ years of keeping the dream alive, and 10 years of saving. Hopefully by the time I'm done I'll have seen 26+ states. I'll have some videos up next week - JFK down the NJ coast to Cape May. @@MotoYogiAdventures

[@1999zrx1100]

I’ve done some long trips, the key is travel with just one other person preferably around your own age, groups never work, I’ve been caught riding in the rain at 9:00 pm looking for a motel in the Maritimes here in Canada because the two younger guys in our group wanted to keep riding and had no regard for the older guys. Luckily nothing happened but riding exhausted at night in the rain on a deserted road is just asking for trouble. I’ve ridden with guys where the amount of mileage is some sort of bragging right. It doesn’t take much to ruin a trip, usually by day 3 you know if the group you’re in is going to work. From my experience if it’s not, go off on your own and save your trip. My most enjoyable days were after I left the drama behind. Long road trips were my most enjoyable thing to do on a bike, highly recommended it, just find someone who is on the same page. 😎

[@RetiredAdventureRider]

I always ride solo, but I get what you're saying.

[@1999zrx1100]

That old saying, It’s the Journey not the destination really holds true on bike touring. 😎

[@LuckyTown77]

Yes. My 17 day trip was only 6,000km due to massive rain. Accepting this was a new concept.

[@aBluegrassPicker]

All great advice. You have picked some excellent routes.

[@RetiredAdventureRider]

With more to come. So many roads, so little time.

[@WeAreOne-31]

I'm ready to start planning my first trip. Thanks for sharing.

[@RetiredAdventureRider]

Have fun!

[@jimbroen]

I'm retired, mid sixties and just getting into this. I live in Edmonton and have family to visit in Calgary, Victoria and Los Angeles. This is the first of your videos I've seen and you are addressing many of the questions I have. I look forward to perusal of your catalog.

[@RetiredAdventureRider]

Thanks. I'm looking forward to making more, and I hope the quality improves over time.

[@timsimmons9026]

Great video thanks

[@drdopesec]

As someone young, planning to do trips, this helps a lot. It's like Grandpa giving advice haha. Thanks.

[@RetiredAdventureRider]

Feels like yesterday that was me. Enjoy every moment on the road.

[@mikegraham5020]

Your points are spot on. I have made the same errors as you many times. If you’re adventure takes you a bit farther away you also need to keep in mind that a 500 km day in Canada or the US can be equivalent to only maybe 100 km in a place like Guatemala or Honduras or similar less developed areas. My biggest concern when realizing that I’d pushed a bit too far on a particular day was the fatigue, both from mental and physical exhaustion, a tired rider is not a safe rider. Keep sharing your adventures. As a fellow Canadian and new subscriber, I look forward to the trips and stories.

[@RetiredAdventureRider]

Thanks for your comment. For now, my riding is in Canada and the US, but I hope to be able to take a trip to South America in the future.

[@MotoYogiAdventures]

Liking and subscribing! I’m a new KZbin creator and am looking to document my trips this summer. I got a touring bike this past fall, and am planning some longer trips and camping this summer. Great tips! …my best trips are always those with a very loose plan with lots of options. 🥰

[@RetiredAdventureRider]

Welcome. My plan is to learn more video editing skills before the riding season really gets going. I think the best advice is to focus on doing what you love and learning to document it with skill to build a community. For me, the next few months are all about experimenting with camera settings, position, and filming details, as well as production skills. The whole workflow process is complex and a steep learning curve. I'm lucky I don't have a full-time job while I learn these things.

[@OldGuyonaBike]

It's hard to break old touring habits from the days of a 2 week vacation. I now try to plan on 350-500 km. days so I can enjoy the sights and find a decent campground. At peak times I know I should reserve sites but as I travel a lot after Labour Day I don't find it too hard to find a campground.

[@DwightManley]

Spent 7 weeks and 11k miles on the road in 2010 on my 97 HD RK. Visited 55 national parks, monuments, historic sires, parkways, etc. I think 250 miles per day is perfect. Beware of how insidious dehydration can be. Drink water every if you do not feel thirsty.. I carried a small gas stove that was meant for white gas that worked fine on regular non-lead pump gas even though that made it a bit sooty. Hot lunches are great! Be very flexible! I found 3’ of snow still in the campground at cedar breaks national monument Utah in late June.

[@RetiredAdventureRider]

Nice tip. Yes I got dehydrated in my 2019 trip riding across Nevada. Lesson learned. Last year I ended up free camping in the woods when the campsites that were supposed to be open were still snowed in. This was in northwest Oregon.

[@SemiDad]

Start at 9am and ride until 11am. Rest, explore and have lunch until 1pm. Ride from 1 to 3pm. Set up camp & explore. 4 hour ride and about 200 miles in distance. Have a motel as backup 👍

[@RetiredAdventureRider]

Sounds like a great system.

[@daveh5625]

Super video... I like how you are to the point... Dave, 65, 3 yr rider... 650 versy

[@RetiredAdventureRider]

Thanks. A couple of comments were less kind.

[@garymaclean6903]

I like your BMW RS. Great bike for sport-touring.

[@RetiredAdventureRider]

Me too!

[@kedwardsTWO]

For me the top tip is to know what your riding for. Is it the end destination or the journey? That will dictate how you plan and ride.

[@RetiredAdventureRider]

Wise words.

[@gdog5558]

I'm one who enjoys putting on miles and finding interesting roads - stops for sightseeing and relaxing a bit less interesting for me. My tip for people that motel on their trips who like flexibility is to make a daily plan. Motels are generally available 24 hours in advance but can fill up quick the day of. I book my next motel when I'm relaxing in the room with my feet up. Plan a reasonable distance and add time for meals and a few stops to look around. I like to do about 700km a day and I travel solo.

[@RetiredAdventureRider]

Good for you! That sounds like a good system.

[@bunniebray]

I do underestimate my time often, last time I was left with a 13 hour ride across hot desert on a road that was straight and barren of anything interesting to look at! would love to ride with you the next time your passing through/by Idaho.

[@RetiredAdventureRider]

Last year my longest day was through Idaho because I took a side trip to see Craters of the Moon before heading up 93 to Montana.

[@marcfalardeau6058]

Sir, you made my day this morning! We both have two things in common: 1/ Ride a motorcycle ( BMW 1250 GS ) 2/ Retired high school teacher used to being ignored! 😂😂🤣 Good episode, ride safely! Marc, Quebec 😉🏍

[@RetiredAdventureRider]

Thanks for watching to the end!

[@marcfalardeau6058]

@@RetiredAdventureRider 🤣👍

[@garychester5430]

As I get older, I'm content with 300-350 miles per day. I once accomplished the Iron Butt Sattle Sore ride. Ugh!!

[@howardelzey2760]

I follow the rule of "3". 300 miles a day, Off the road by 3:00pm and use a hotel on every 3rd day (while on camping trip).

[@RetiredAdventureRider]

It's good to have a system. I'm a cheap bugger, so I look for places with enough water to clean my body in. But, in reality, I probably end up in a hotel or at a friend/relative about the same frequency.

[@randycallow3736]

I plan on at least half of my mornings being bad intentionally. I wake up as early, very early as possible and eat a pre purchased pastry and a cup of coffee or 2 and get on the road before sunrise, roads are open, little to no traffic and your body gets a natural boost from sunlight, ride up to 7-8 hours and snack getting gas, and get to my next stop, often campgrounds, with plenty of sun, time to stop for water, food, liquor store and make camp at a relaxing pace..if water is available, wipe off bike, helmet and let all my gear air out.. not everyday but I pick some high mileage days and don't ride in rush hour,late at night,in the evening and especially don't push it being tired..I can buy fast food, not great anyway, at it's flavor is about the same lukewarm or cold and my meal is @5 minutes, no cleaning, no dishes and taking more time to relax and do a once over on my bike and equipment. Small alcohol stove and Melita pour over coffee can get you oatmeal and coffee in the morning and get you a hot noodle soup or freeze dried meal in @5-8 minutes.. smaller than a single tennis shoe for packing and storage.. Yellow Heat fuel additive works great and you can buy it at any auto parts or Walmart, and you don't need to travel w lots of liquid.. bungee cord and collapsed water container, enough for coffee, soup, wipe off your body

[@RetiredAdventureRider]

Sounds like you've got the system down. I love getting on the road early before it's hot and the traffic builds.

[@russellborn515]

Couple years ago my route took me on a very remote road through a tribal reservation. At the entrance to the res was a huge sign that basically said "white man stay out". Had to make a huge backtrack and detour, got dark before I got to where I planned to camp, me and the bike were both running on fumes when I pulled into a town. On Memorial Day weekend. Luckily found a hotel with a vacancy. Not sure what my point is, other than Stuff Happens. and then you deal with it.

[@RetiredAdventureRider]

Unknown obstacles will happen. Good point.

[@Papawcanner]

If I had a plan other than when to leave , return and destination I wouldn’t go .

[@grprather]

Biggest mistake I ever made was thinking I could ride farther than I actually could before running out of gas. My buddy got way better gas mileage on his Kawasaki Concourse than I did with my Harley Ultra Limited. I ran out about 20 miles short of the nearest gas station and he rode on to get a fuel can and a gallon of fuel to bring back to me, as we had NO cell phone coverage where I ran out!

[@RetiredAdventureRider]

I only ran out of gas once, but it was in the olden days when you could turn the petcock to reserve. But I had one trip where I was way up north in BC and my warning light came on with a long way to go to the next town. I was riding as cautiously as I could, which turned out to be lucky because I had a police officer behind me for the last 20 miles.

[@kensoutham6828]

Been there, done all those mistakes 😢. I now plan on max 500 km day but try to keep it around 400 km except third world countries it’s only 300-350 max. I don’t like fixed destinations as often stuff happens and I always want to arrive in the light.

[@RetiredAdventureRider]

We learn from our errors. And there's always more to make. That's half the fun of riding and exploring.

[@spudgunson]

Those are some brilliant tours. Have you considered touring Europe?

[@RetiredAdventureRider]

I'd love to come to Europe but right now my focus is on trips that begin and end at home. My wife doesn't like to ride, so I keep my trips relatively short. I'm lucky to have thousands of km of great roads not too far away.

[@zemquoi]

Great trip planning advice! I have made all of those same mistakes. When in the western USA, look for BLM land areas. You can camp anywhere. Is there an equivalent in Canada? Crown Land perhaps?

[@RetiredAdventureRider]

In Canada, Crown Land is controlled by the provincial government. In BC, there are forestry sites. You can find a list at www.sitesandtrailsbc.ca/ I'm not sure about other provinces.

[@scott_brudahl]

I never book a room in advance.

[@billsteeves2974]

I will be riding from South Carolina to Niagara Falls and plan to ride through Ontario to Detroit. Do I just need my passport?

[@RetiredAdventureRider]

I think so, but check with the Canadian government website. You don't need extra motor vehicle insurance, but you may need travel insurance.

[@Weretherussos]

A suggestion from a fellow KZbinr...don't edit out your pauses in the VO and leave little gaps. It sounds unnatural not to hear someone take a breath and pause when speaking. A good example are audio books...when the person reading the book gets to a period or comma, they take a measured break.

[@RetiredAdventureRider]

Thanks for the advice. I think I took this technique from another genre, and it doesn't work as well here. There is a lot to learn. I didn't expect this video to get so many views. I thought I had a couple of months of making videos that no one watched to hone my skills.

[@jamiereid40]

I have always lived by the rule of on the average I will do 40 mile an hour when traveling So if i got to go 300 miles in a day then it will more likely be done in 7.5 hours

[@RetiredAdventureRider]

That's a smart way to approach it.

[@tomakafrankconlon3207]

Tell your editing software to take a breath after each sentence before starting the next.

[@RetiredAdventureRider]

I'm trying to keep the overall time short, but I appreciate the feedback. Video production is a work in progress.

[@philo5096]

Get a jetboil for coffee, I've used mine now for 15 yrs. Fresh coffee every morn for about 20 cents a cup. There is no excuse not to have fresh coffee everyday.

[@maximusmiles8435]

2 main mistakes that moto campers make is 1 packing too much. And 2 overly ambitious on the ground they plan to cover. It's not about the destination, but the journey. You see a lot more when you take the time to enjoy where you are. Rather than just trying to get there.

[@RetiredAdventureRider]

Both very good points. I'm continuing to refine my journeys in both areas. There's so much to see that I realize I need to take more trips, not cram more sights into one trip.

[@LTVoyager]

Your problem is planning and measuring your rides in kilometers rather than miles. 300 miles sounds so much shorter than 500 kilometers. 😂

[@danielklopp7007]

Interesting content, but the pacing on the voice-over is too fast and sounds unnatural.

[@RetiredAdventureRider]

Feedback appreciated. You are not the only one who mentioned that. I'll work on the pacing in future videos. I think my natural tendency is to talk too slow, so I over compensated. Also, I took advice intended for different genres.

[@danielklopp7007]

@@RetiredAdventureRider - More than the actual pacing, I think it maybe the editing... there is no natural pause between thoughts (as there would be if you were giving a live talk in front of a group... you need time to take a breath and let your last thought "sink in" ). Good luck with future videos !

[@shin4655]

So much BS before getting to the main point. Such a time waster

[@RetiredAdventureRider]

Finally! A brutally honest review!

[@salmonsoule3203]

@@RetiredAdventureRider May be honest, but you do know what you do both right and wrong! He is not old, I am guessing.

[@gregorydonohoe5012]

Good content, but I can't watch it because of the editing: the sentences are jammed together with no space between them, making it feel frantic and breathless. Why the hurry? If you leave breathing space between sentences, we can absorb and appreciate what you have to say.. Otherwise, it's just too frustrating and I click away.

[@RetiredAdventureRider]

Fair point. And you're not the only one making it. I was concerned about overall length, plus I followed advice that was not appropriate for this genre of video. Still learning.

[@FC64002]

Lord, you talk too fast

[@RetiredAdventureRider]

I think I talk too slow. But I overcompensated with the editing. Point taken.