You're Not Dumb. Just Avoid these 5 Long Distance Mistakes

[@kennethcole1551]

I ride back-and-forth across the country Twice a year in the spring and once in the fall I leave From New York to Florida By way of Colorado in the spring Haile Florida and go to the New York By way of Arizona. I travel five hours a day at60 miles an hour taking breaks every time I need to fill up. I got my 2021 Harley Davidson. And I pull my camper behind it. If I get tired, I pull out the rest area and take a nap.. I’m 86 years old and I got the rest of my life to make my trips. I love this country and I love traveling through it.

[@tezzrterry7485]

Well done buddy, enjoy.

[@bwnco]

86!!! wow... Great Job an God Bless!!!! so cool!

[@kdsowen2882]

Well-done Mate ! Hope I'm still riding then , turn 70-soon and love my bikes , off for a late-autumn (Fall) ride today , Try The Tibetan 5-Rites..yoga , sort-of . Turned the-clock back for me , can do more press-ups and pull-ups than before and now I Don't get sea-sick . It really helped me heal from a bad bike-accident and got me back on two-wheels . Dave , New Zealand

[@kennethcole1551]

@@kdsowen2882 that’s great to hear mate Keep riding Be safe and maybe we’ll meet on the highway to Heaven on our motorcycles

[@connieparsons1673]

Way to go, Kenneth.

[@justtom6077]

My personal tip is to get a hotel that allows you to walk to dinner. I like to stop, take a shower and walk to/from dinner. Makes a difference to me when on the road.

[@snoking1127]

I just did a five night six day ride and only 1 of the 5 nights required me to drive to dinner, the rest were in the parking lot or across the street walks to dinner. Even that one had a Burger King next door. I need a micro SD card for my dash cam, so driving to Target and Red Robin in the same stopping complex worked out ok.

[@shaneking5610]

I 100% endorse this. Once I get to where I'm sleeping I don't want to get back on the bike until the next day. To this end I also like to leave a little space in my packing if I need to get groceries without having to drop stuff off and go back out.

[@LTVoyager]

Same for my wife and I. We try to get an early start in the morning and then be in a hotel no later than 5 pm. This gives us time to change out of our gear and walk to a restaurant before the main evening crowd sets in. A very civilized way to end each day.

[@dhbrantley]

Absolutely! When I'm tired from riding, I do not want to get back on the bike to search out a restaurant.

[@roythompson6137]

Yeh, and if you're not having to ride your bike to diner, you can have a beer or 2.

[@ericcsuf]

The advice to prepare with a satellite phone and GPS was fun. Imagine none of that, not even a cellphone. That's how my wife and I put over 600k Miles touring in the 70's through the 90's. We crossed the US 6 times, and a solo trip to AK and Inuvik above the Arctic Circle. I still tour at 82, though my wife passed in the early 2000's. So much more relaxing knowing I can pick up the phone and get help even if only directions. I don't miss looking for pay phones in the middle of nowhere, but I still enjoy using paper maps. Great channel. Real advice, without the youtube crap many bike channels employ.

[@kennethcole1551]

@@ericcsuf that is a really great thing to enjoy those trips with your wife there can’t be a greater pleasure. I lost my wife 14 years ago, and I’ve been riding on trips ever since . I go to Florida in the winter in New York in the summer directly. The trip would be 1000 miles, but I usually go out to Utah, Colorado, Texas Arizona each way now and this year I plan to go the trans Canada highway from Ottawa to Winnipeg. Keep the rubber on the road and be safe.

[@vangoodwin7335]

After my last two graduated I took off on my old Roadking for a year. A year and half later I pulled into my oldest son's driveway. Being cheap and proudly self sufficient, I found work as a carpenter to money up or pay for parts from the three break downs I had. To me, the most important part of every trip is being fit enough to walk away from the bike or campsite and enjoy Mother Earth and America. Financial insecurity keeps so many at home. Just set a budget and travel within your capabilities. With Love and Respect You are in my prayers Hoka Hey

[@bwnco]

One guy on here has toured all over usa on a DR650 on 30 bucks per day. Like 68 or something n just has social security..

[@stevebryant5299]

Such Good Advice and such a true statement.

[@jameslee5428]

Doodle, i’ve been watching your videos since you started on and off, and man oh man, you’ve really progressed with all your training, your persistence, the laughter, the slow speed training crashes, and so on and so on. Everything that you mentioned in this video, I fully agree with. Two thumbs up for you. Be safe out there, Enjoy life to the fullest, and keep on riding, and smiling. Peace to you this day.

[@MrThespian4]

My best advice is buy some heated gear , and every 200 miles stretch ,and take a 15 minute walk. Heated gear takes little space, and if it gets really cold put rain gear over your clothes ,and heated gear. The 15 minute walk is a game changer. I rode the 4 corners of the US in 3 weeks. It will test you, but nothing better to think.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Every little bother on short trips, turns into a massive point of fatigue on a long trip. Anything that makes the body uncomfortable takes away attention from control; not a good thing. In cold weather, layers are awesome, but the cold will eventually get through everything if the body isn't able to crank out more heat than the wind is taking out. Heated gear is a must.

[@bsmukler]

One additional insurance tip: Even if you have a new bike covered by roadside assistance, check with your motorcycle insurance agent. You can likely add their roadside assistance coverage for a few dollars and have it piggyback on the manufacturer’s coverage, augmenting or filling in any lapses (for example, towing longer distances or at greater cost). Also, great point about self-confidence, as one is continuously reminded throughout life. Self-doubt drags you down more than gravity (or, the two sneakily conspire).

[@39MercFlathead]

In 2012 my wife and I rented a couple bikes in Quito, Ecuador and spent 2 weeks touring the Andes and Amazon. Going from mountain passes at 15,000 feet to the Amazon we were overpacked, and then we bought souvenirs. So at 66 yrs old I dropped a KLR 650 with a full gas tank and 100 lbs on the back in a ditch 3 feet wide and 5 feet deep. I struggled for a couple minutes to get it upright and luckily, a local teenager got tired of watching me and came to help. Not overloading and practicing for every eventuality certainly makes a huge difference. And when I can't do that, I remind myself not to take shortcuts or risks. Once I passed 50, I found that I didn't bounce as well as I did in my youth and body parts fail or break.

[@kennethcole1551]

@@39MercFlathead I hear that be safe

[@jonakers704]

I've done about the same magnitude of mileage in road trips, from across the country to runs through Canada. I've also done an Iron Butt challenge. My preference will always be the self-paced road trip where you can move along at your own pace, and do the "Ooooh! What's That!" side trips whenever you want. My suggestion for interesting road trips, if you are into seeing things? Don't take the Interstate unless you absolutely must. I rode from Florida to California, and the only time I took an Interstate was when I was in Salt Lake City and the only way across was I-80 without a 100 mile detour. I saw so many different things and experienced the country so much better than all those poor souls in cages.

[@WildBikerBill]

Interstates are about pounding out miles and rarely anything else. The downside is the smaller roads may not have cellphone coverage if you're relying on that for emergencies.

[@FiddlerKeith]

Smiles before miles

[@mtkoslowski]

I’m Le. The days of an ‘iron butt’ challenge are far behind me but I certainly do admire those who are capable of it.

[@mtkoslowski]

You’re correct which is why I ride with a satellite phone.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Absolutely. Get off interstates. Also stay off State highways, which aren't all that much better. The only scenic interstate is the section west of Denver though the mountains.

[@Wtpoohsr0004]

I just returned from my latest trip. Seattle to Anchorage and return, solo. What a great solo trip, nice people, cool animals, and beautiful scenery. The average temp was about 40 degrees. Being prepared for the elements made the trip enjoyable. Electric glove liners made the difference.

[@mikimilarky]

Doodle, if you're hurting on the bike, try changing up the ergonomics. I have an R1200GS & I've always had pain across my upper back across the shoulder blades after about an hour. I just had handlebar risers installed that didn't so much raise them as it pulled them closer to me. I did two 350 mile days back-to-back this past weekend & my back pain completely disappeared! May be worth looking into for something that could help. Ergonomics go a long way for comfort!

[@chrisnielsen9885]

I’ve got a GSXS1000 and the bars are just far enough forward that you end up with a very sore neck from the weight of your helmet. I know people have sold their bikes for the same reason. I put a 1” bar riser on mine and it’s incredible how it tilts me more upright. Now my ass hurts on every ride so I bought an air seat

[@exothermal.sprocket]

@@chrisnielsen9885 OEM seats suck on just about every sporty bike ever made. Nothing like feeling like your butt is stuck in a bear trap to make a trip enjoyable. Fortunately for some models, there's aftermarket upgrades. For many others, there's nothing. Only a custom seat builder will make it better. Sheep skin is great too, to keep moisture, heat, chafing down. Also a quality undergarment is a must.

[@chrisnielsen9885]

@@exothermal.sprocket I’ve added an Oxford brand air seat to my bike. I can pump it so it’s harder or softer, took a bit of getting used to but I like it now

[@exothermal.sprocket]

@@chrisnielsen9885 I've used an air chamber seat pad before. Really didn't work for me, regardless of how I set the pressure. The main issue was the isolation from the bike, lack of control and communication from the bike and feeling like my butt was on a slick of oil.

[@chrisnielsen9885]

@@exothermal.sprocket yep all of that. But you can get used to anything and I barely notice now after a few thousand kms. Funny to hear my mechanic come back after a test ride with ‘how can you ride this thing like that!’ 😂

[@tim_g3478]

All of your tips are spot on! I find on longer road trips after about 5 days on the bike, you need a rest day. Makes a big difference in overall trip enjoyment.

[@rdownmakeITbetter]

Much as I love a warm, dry, sunny ride, there is something special about those long runs late at night in foul weather with heavy rain, floods, wind etc - just you and the trusty machine against the wild elements. Those memories are special too.

[@RonDoiron-pz3ee]

Well, I’m 78 this coming summer. I rode for 43 years. My longest solo trip was 560 miles. Two lane twisty highways. Rode through all kind of weather, on time, in October, on black ice. Rode with both feet on the ground, kicked the bike up whenever starting to lean. Wet snow!!…the worst, but I did it. Got soaked so bad one time, stopped at a Laundry mat and dried my clothes.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Adversity burns itself into the memory bank more than other things in life, it seems.

[@normandegeorge6526]

I don’t care for the bad weather but I love riding at night.

[@jvl4832]

Agree! Getting out of the comfort zone is a challenge, and when we accomplish it, there is a sense of pride.

[@smokysantana]

@@normandegeorge6526 you won't love riding at night anymore when a 2000 pound black Angus bull walks out into the road in front of you. but that might be a south texas thing. but I've had a 1200 pound elk walk in front of me in southern Colorado with a vertical cliff on one side and a 400 foot drop off on the other side. I don't ride at night anymore.

[@ImHarrisB]

I’ve just turned 60. I’ve been riding for the past 35 years. My rule of thumb on interstates is speed limit +5mph, stay in the right lane and use cruise control. I have an Indian pursuit and I pack for five days of seasonal riding, add rain gear, 2 cold weather pieces, and a pair of sneakers to wear when I’m not wearing boots on the bike. I have a six gallon tank and my rule there is to ride until I’m down to 1/4, then I look for a place to stop, chill for 30 minutes to an hour, and hydrate as much as possible. This past summer I did 3750 miles in two weeks, with two 600 mile days which left me tired but not completely wiped out. I love distance riding, love travelling off the beaten path and love meeting new people. I will say, however that when I’m doing a challenging ride, like Colorado Springs to glenwood springs via independence pass and aspen, that I take more time. That day was only about 200 miles or so, and absolutely gorgeous, but it took the day and happily so.

[@lenbeaudry]

I only do 200 miles a day now and found it's so enjoyable compared to my younger self. This is the video more riders should do so thanks Bub, you're great 👍

[@Martin-gc9jy]

Great advice! You are correct on the memories you will make. The feeling of freedom you get on a bike is something I can’t put into words you just need to experience it.

[@mikemcgovern309]

I rode from England to Italy 2 years ago. I booked every hotel, knew exactly where I had to be and what I had to do on each day. And I spent so much time chasing the clock that it took away the enjoyment. I'm doing the same trip next week, am taking more time and have hardly booked anything. Learning from my mistakes, even at 62!

[@GARamblinMan]

Very good tips on road trips and packing. I’m with you on taking it easy as far as the miles go each day and taking breaks. The one thing I’ve learned is don’t overpack on clothes. There are always laundry facilities in hotels and I use them. I also have decided that a good quality jacket with Gore-Tex liner, waterproof gloves and boots are all I need. That way no stopping to change into hard to get on rain suits on the side of a road. I figure it’s only water and I will dry out. If the rain is too intense I just get off the road. Great topic and well done!

[@j.t.5826]

I have to give it to you. Traveling the country by yourself is not a joke. Thanks for your content. I find it enjoyable.

[@denniseaton8136]

Those of us who can't or don't want to take those long trips lice vicariously through you.😊 I hope to do some 200-300 mile trips this summer. I bought a trailer to haul my bike to my general destination so I can park, rest, then ride. Keep your feet on the pegs and your toes tucked in.

[@jasonkarimi1849]

@@denniseaton8136 toes tucked in? Weekend riders are a trip

[@denniseaton8136]

@@jasonkarimi1849 I've been riding over 50 years.

[@rickpetersonphotography]

Great video!!! The key point is “take your time”… I’ve been to Alaska and back to Southern Mississippi 3 times and after each ride, I would say “why did I push myself? The ride is over now…” Second key is don’t overpack… and lastly the get off the bike and walk around, stretch! It all GREAT ADVICE! Love your channel!!!

[@ja-bv3lq]

Doodle - you are SOOO right! Me and my Dad took our first LONG motorcycle ride (Denver to San Francisco) and we, unintentionally, ruined our trip in two days by riding for too long and going too far! Since then (25 years ago), we've learned to ride less and f-around a LOT more! Also, I pack for my MC trips with OLD underwear, socks and undershirts. Rather than washing, I throw them out because I have new ones waiting at home. Tangent to that is T-shirts. We're big Harley guys - we ALWAYS stop at HD dealers to buy a shirt. I only need 2 (old shirts, that I can throw out) at the beginning of our trips!😂

[@anaverageperson5436]

Thanks

[@DoodleOnAMotorcycle]

Thank you, Ana!

[@JoeGoeMotorcycleAdventures]

Watching this video makes me want to go on a road trip now! All great points. You’re right about riding with luggage, it’s pretty much a mind game. All of the same fundamentals apply!

[@czm2000]

Just compared Dairyland with my GEICO policy. Figured it couldn't hurt since my GEICO policy is renewing at the end of the month. At first blush, the Dairyland quote came back as $50 less for the year. So not much of a difference. But it was for a fraction of the coverage. As soon as I updated the quote to include the same coverages (for bodily injury, liability, property damage, etc) Dairyland was more expensive. Thanks for the suggestion, but I'll stick with GEICO. Not gonna pay more for the same or worse coverage.

[@mtkoslowski]

Me too - I’m happy with Geico as well.

[@KaelanRios]

I found State Farm to be the cheapest for motorcycle insurance, but that’s here in California, and you may have varying factors. But maybe check it out!

[@mandytuning]

Probably by regions, in Florida it was way cheaper thru dairyland for motorcycles,but not for car.

[@conniewaite1371]

I am paying 80 for 2 bikes,with Foremost.covered all year but I only pay for summer months.

[@czm2000]

@@conniewaite1371 $80 a month? You can't mean $80 for the whole year. I'm paying $53 per month and that includes FULL 100k/300k coverage with road side assistance for two bikes and two riders for Annual coverage, and can ride whenever we want. I'm in NY.

[@upsidedowndog1256]

While I have been riding for decades, the longest trips I have taken on motorcycle was never more than 2 or 3 days at a time. Mainly due to time constraints. I will remember these tips when the time comes. Thankyou!

[@MichaelH416]

I ride an Ultra Limited or a Road Glide Special. I’ve ridden 1000 miles in a day several times from my home in Chicagoland to Sturgis or back home. I think the type of bike you’re on makes a huge difference. Riding big miles starts a few days ahead of the ride too. Lots and lots of water and rest. Whit Meza is about to crush a huge trip in a short amount of time. I agree you get to learn who you are in your core. Start small. 100 miles in a day if you have never done it. Then double it. Then double it again. If you can do 600 miles in a day, you can do 1000 with proper planning.

[@rodneyhanbaum697]

This is just one example of so many why I love your channel! motivational, educational and REFRESHINGLY HONEST!!!❤❤❤ THANK YOU!!!

[@eddiemcdonald4461]

@Doodle - Love your channel! One of the few bike channels on KZbin that doesn't preach, tell me how I'm riding wrong, or say I need a specific mod added to my bike. Keep it up and stay safe!

[@MrFube]

Your comments on the mentality of crushing miles vs. enjoying the journey at a more relaxed pace really resonates with me. In the UK, particularly considering the distances aren't so vast as they are in the US, and there is not so much distance between areas of urban sprawl (and the traffic congestion it always brings), I have found that touring on scooters is the perfect solution. I rode from London to Munich with my son as pillion on a 2014 Honda Forza 300 once. When you're avoiding fast/straight motorways in order to keep the riding interesting, the speed limits on A or B roads in the UK are typically 60 or lower anyway, and these machines are usually inherently more comfortable than full size motorbikes, with a whole load more built-in storage space under the seat. They also consume about a 3rd of the fuel of a much larger capacity bike, which makes the whole trip significantly cheaper when you have sky-high fuel costs like we have in the UK. A lot of bikers dismiss scooters due to some sense of macho bravado. I love both for different reasons, but riding a mid-size maxi scooter is the best for carefree touring - sustainable motorways speeds combined with easy lane-splitting in heavily congested urban areas.

[@CGR89]

I’m taking a trip from New York to Newfoundland and back next month, planning on taking a full 2 weeks to do it. Lot of good advice so I’ll be taking these tips, thank you!

[@sdavey10]

Such a wonderful person, and clearly, an excellent motorcyclist. Huge thanks for your videos.

[@johnasbury9915]

Just got back from a 2000 mile trip to Key West w my buddy from 7th grade onwards, we had room there but everywhere we just winged it. We’ve done that all across the Lower 48 over the last 20 years and have had a ball. Long distance travel on a bike is another level of adventure that is hard to find in our modern “soft” world. I love your channel BTW! Don’t do the most miles on the first day, try to slow down a little and enjoy the ride, get a pad for the seat(I have an airhawk), hydrate, take frequent breaks. Enjoy the suck, at least you aren’t at work!!😀

[@mr_fnh]

Strap a Camel Back water bladder to the back of your bike & you can drink while riding. I fill mine with ice cubes & top it off with cold water. Works great everytime.

[@hectorkidds9840]

The closest i came to trouble on a road trip, the batteries in my key fob went flat in the middle of Spain. It led to a trip to a little jewelers that did watch repairsin a back street via a gas station, a hardware store and a jewelry place that didn't do repairs. I speak very little Spanish and it was one of the best experiences of my trip!

[@PriceAllen-um4on]

I tried all three panniers on a Laguna Seca trip once. Totally overkill (mind you, I am moto-camping). Since then, I've gone from San Diego to Oregon and Washington three times ONLY using my top box, and it was just enough. Just bought a newer GS and this time I ordered a Kappa 56 liter top box which holds two full helmets, so I don't think I'll ever end up using the side panniers again. Funny enough, the one bit I tell people is a MUST HAVE for long trips is.......a thermal neck sock!

[@vidright]

Hi, guy from Germany here. Thanks a lot for your honesty to talk about possible mistakes an not only positive things. Imho everyone can learn more from mistakes than from successes. I’m riding motorbikes since 40 years and i agree with actually ALL of your advice. Only the daily distances i have to „reduce“ for Europe, expecially the Alps, due to the much more curvy roads.😉 In the Alps imho 300 km/ 185 Miles per day is the maximum, especially if you are on a longer trip. Best wishes for you and stay safe.

[@thomasjefferson1457]

What I like about your video's is your personality is so pleasant to listen to. You have a natural ability to speak to people and your English is easy to understand without any weird accent. You also sound very sincere about everything you're saying. It will make many friends in life. ☺

[@Wyodrillavf]

You have listed a lot of good points in a clear concise way. Good job! Just two days ago I went for a day trip on a beautiful day that turned in to a wet, muddy mess. Left the gortex gloves and under coat because I didn't think I would need it. Wrong! Thanks for listing this stuff out and making me think.

[@johnsikes5404]

My last 6 day trip I didn't look a the "total trip" miles until after i got home. Made deciding when to head home a day to day gut decision. Waiting too long to ( switch to gps when phone service lost-stopping and check a map-checking weather-getting gear adjusted to weather) make adjustments can ruin a days ride. Great video.

[@stevecarr323]

I remember when you posted your first vlog.....300-400 miles a day is a great goal, for taking pix, drinking coffee, and eating. 350,000 miles ridden, but why rush?? One great packing strategy is to lay everything out, let it sit on the floor for a bit, then put back a third of it, LOL

[@MichaelRoberts-t7c]

One tip not mentioned is highway/road numbers. I write them down on my mirror with a grease pencile and don't have to look at a map or Google. A lot easier to know the roads looking at your mirror than paper or electronic maps. Nice when you need to change roads often.

[@Scotsman_on_the_Road]

I so agree! I had the best tour EVER!! Spending 80 days on the road. 16500 miles but had a great time. Love your videos...keep them coming xxx

[@higherkite]

You bring up very good points. I took my Triumph Tiger 900 from Albuquerque New Mexico to San Francisco and back. just got back a few days ago. You touched on many challenges I faced. The 30% rule for travel time is true. The weather, true. The butt hurting, body aches, true. I wish I could have watched this vid before leaving.

[@MsPiapiraya]

after years and years off pushing hard and long, doing all the mistakes you talk about, me and hubby have a new life. stoppin early, not stting on the bike from early morning till late night. taking long stops, eating, enjoing. When ridin small vinding roads in the western norway, you need a clear head every day, and lots of concentration Love your channel!

[@davegoldspink5354]

Great video Doodle and excellent advice as someone who’s over 60 and got back into riding in March after many Kilometres of getting my feel back on a bike I’m getting ready for my first bike road trip in 30 years so videos like this are great for working what a head these days as opposed to how things were in the 80s and 90s when I was doing a lot of long bike road trips.

[@dcijams]

I set every hour of ride time by 50 mph. (this will compensate for gas stops & food), and also add, 1.5 hours in for Rain, Road construction & delays. So, a 400-mile day on all Backroads, is the plan (I hate riding on the highways) I set up my trips (for me) based on where KOA campground is along my route. allowing off routes, up to 30 miles.

[@ccwingnut]

Enjoyed the video! Thanks. Good info, which I had to learn the hard way! My longest ride was San Clemente CA to Greenwich CT & back on a 1980 GL1100 back in 1989… went through 29 states & took an entire 3-month summer to do it, and I did it from a position of ignorance about long distance, but it was epic!! Done Vegas to Glacier NP & back twice on my GL1800, and just got a 2022 Goldwing DCT and enjoyed 4k miles in the first month…. Finally feel better after a week’s rest! 🤣

[@Gregafinley]

Hey doodle. I was looking for the checklist for long rides. I don’t see it. Could you post that again. Thanks Greg

[@aruekca18det]

Thank you. Do you have a video showing your paniers set up and the bags you use? I have the same bike with only the top case.

[@57eleven1]

Excellent. I’ve been on about 12 CC’s as well but from coastal Alabama through Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, Illinois, etc. The eastern region basically on a 2013 Triumph Bonneville I bought new. Nearly 80k miles later I just bought a Tiger 800 and did 2,400 miles the last few weeks. You literally crossing the country sounds much better. You’ve inspired to try that next year. Thanks!

[@stevelawrie9115]

I ride a K1300S, with BMW panniers, large bag on a luggage rack and I sometimes have a tent and sleeping back on the back seat. I always take just what I need and have the bike packed the night before I leave. One good tip is always have your wet weather gear on the top of the back, so you can get it out quick. I can get by in the coldest weather with jeans, t-shirt, a flannelette shirt, sloppy joe or jumper and wet weather gear. I stay warm enough with the clothes I just mentioned and the wet weather gear keeps the breeze out.

[@jwmoffat]

Great tips! I also add 20-25% to the estimated time if the journey is more important than the destination.

[@randywhite8366]

Love your videos! Your humble approach to teaching is refreshing and relatable. I have 153,000 miles on my '03 Road King and still get nervous doing U-turns (which we all need to practice more) especially with my wife on the back. I agree about travel on a bike is so much more fun than a car. "Only a biker understands why a dog sticks his head out the window".

[@michaelvadney5803]

Thanks for the video. I crossed the US in 94 and now I'll do it again. I think that I will take your advice and pack up for that trip and just do an overnight trip to see if I packed right. Before, I just lived with my choices. And the GPS tagging too

[@theorthobiker]

Sound advice. :). Taking my 4th annual road trip this year. 30K miles over the last 3-4 years so far.

[@ChaserTiponi]

Gr8 advice throughout! I've taken my share of road trips that were thousands of miles. But one habit I need to break is pushing to hard. If it's a 200 mile one day ride or 3000 mile multi week ride I always rush to much and really need to quit that. Stop and smell the roses so to speak! Awesome video! THX!

[@jimmarshall807]

Great video! I may be missing something, but I couldn't find a link to your recommended packing list. (I'm well used to cycle touring, looking to do it with an engine this year...)

[@thinkingwhilewalking]

Same here. I enjoyed the video, and I'd really like to see the packing list. :)

[@kordoliver]

Hello , I just restored my 1988 FLHS and now has 1762miles on the bike so I plan out some trips again and ride to stay comfortable and not stressed so I take a lot more time but enjoy it so much better if I go over 300miles a day that's alot for me Im in no hurry so when I find a place I like I stay a few days , Camping if I want to or if its just that beautiful of a place , be safe and take care

[@kaymason3206]

Definitely agree with you on time factors and considerations. Take your time and enjoy it, is what I remind myself. I think I pack pretty light, but I always seem to take a few things that I never touch or actually need.

[@DoodleOnAMotorcycle]

I prefer to err on that side I think 😜

[@mike17032]

I can do one mega day for distance, but trying two in a row is a lot harder. I like to put down a lot of miles on the 1st day, and that gets me past areas I ride often anyway.

[@karentunkel4545]

Every trip I take, I find a new tweak or two to what I'm packing, my gear, or how I plan things that makes the next trip even better. For me, that's part of the fun!

[@Richard-dh8ny]

Thanks for this excellent video Doodle! I think you offered to include a link to your recommend road trip pack list, but I can't find it'

[@relazed3243]

Just got my license this Monday and your advices sound really good. I did my first cross country ride back and forth on Monday and back Thursday (only 8 hours one way here in Norway) and after doing that trip and then come across your content makes it more relatable than if I was only riding in my city. Keep up the good work 🔥🔥 and yeah, it’s addictive to go on long rides and just get to know yourself and the bike 😁 funny thing though… I actually ran out of gas on Monday as the fuel gage light don’t work, so now I have to use the trip counter and reset that one on each fueling 😂 luckily I actually got help from the local Wino’s crew to get refueled 😁 got to say the mc community seems so far to be really good 🔥👍

[@OldBikerG]

I did the Iron Butt across the tip of Africa (Cape Town to Durban and back) on a sport bike. I ride a ZX10 R. What I could carry was strapped to the bike with bungie cords, plus I had a backpack. I had so many near death experiences on those bad roads, from unmarked roadworks to cows standing in the middle of the road at night... but at least I got the "worlds toughest riders" patch! Fun times...

[@josephbrown8905]

Dairyland quotes $735/yr for my 1996 Magna with the same coverage I currently have from Nationwide... For $106/yr. I'm glad it works for some folks, but it's always good to shop around.

[@kybourbonboy]

One thing I have learned, car or bike. Regular stops/breaks pay for themselves timewise. They add surprising little to the time at the end of the day, but your fatigue level is significantly lower. Ditto for stress.

[@Pococnosurvival]

i rode from pa to wyoming 600 mile days to get there in 3 days. first 600 in the rain. but i am also on a newer goldwing. i think it was the wind and sun that beat me up the most. coming home, i still did the 600 mile days to get home. but yeah, i was shot. now i do 300 to 400 miles days and its just more relaxed. also what people dont realize is the weight of your helmet. make sure your neck can take a 400 mile day. dont expect to jump on a bike and do 600 mile days wearing a heavy helmet if you are not used to it.

[@R.S.Outdoors]

I was with Dairyland and progressive actually was a good bit cheaper. Almost half for the year. Good video I have crossed the country several times and it always takes longer and a locator is king.

[@mcmneverreadsreplys7318]

RE: Mark 14:23 - Bike lift: put in gear (locks the real tire), turn the front tire away from you (front on far side - rear on lift side), LIFT the front of the bike - the front tire will roll toward you helping the bike to stand up by itself using gravity) as the front tire rolls the bike will reorient its direction slightly, moving towards you - be prepared to grab the handlebar brake to stop the roll once the bike is upright. This all takes only a fraction of the energy/muscle/strength of any other method I've ever tried.

[@PHL215]

This is one of your best videos! Love the tips... Don't push yourself is the same for a car too!

[@erich.4305]

wow. I have been watching you since your early days. I didn't realize you have ridden so many miles. Your videos are greatly appreciated. Enjoying getting my day started with my coffee and watching your video.Stay safe. Peace from a viewer here in Connecticut.

[@streetglidescott6424]

Quality suggestions, as usual. Keep the rubber down and enjoy!

[@nsanerydah]

Like that minimoto tag on your keys. Loving mine so far. Great video. Keep up the great work.

[@Kerry-fw6jt]

I don’t do any long distance rides on my Hypermotard for obvious reasons but good advice for longer trips on the bike. I add RV coverage with my regular AAA membership which covers my bike. Entitled to one or two 250 mile tows for free vehicle or bike.

[@tsh7090]

Great Tips, and insights! 👍 Will be headed out soon for the first multi-month trip, and sincerely appreciate you sharing your experience.

[@jamesmcnulty3035]

Enjoy taking your time, and not overdoing it like I’ve always done. Looking forward to one more long trip myself a year and a half away on my 80th birthday. No more iron butt for me. Two years ago it took me 24hrs at one go to get 500mi. Falling asleep in 100°F at 8am, two miles later coastal fog so thick that traffic had to slow. Then 200mi of rain. Cut inland to warm up not thinking about the climb in altitude and freezing my ex-iron butt off for another 200mi in rain and cold till 5am when I tried to sleep on the bike parked in a school parking lot to rest. The third time I started to fall off I decided to just finish the last 70mi. Ugh! Never again. So good luck, and definitely don’t my lead. 😏

[@Longdistance2020]

I love to lolligag on my bike trips. Lots of stops and enjoy the flavor of different areas. Meeting people and talking to them. Travel on a bike is the best.

[@deanbalouris330]

I completed 2900 miles over 10 ten days returning home last week. I have had AAA motor club towing insurance for 20 + years. Recently, they have had major issues actually getting a flatbed out to tow bikes. The wait can be several hours to the next day. During my trip I needed a tow. Five hours later some guy in an unmarked truck towing a trailer for basically lawn equipment showed up. No wheel chock and straps that would never secure a full size bagger. I refused his service, found a bike shop that came out and fixed the problem on the spot. It’s the second time I’ve had problems with this company. I’m due to renew my insurance and I won’t be giving them any more business.

[@BrandonSnow-e6t]

You inspired me as a shorter rider to go for it and now I have my dream bike. Thanks

[@justinneill5003]

Great channel, thanks for the tips. I’ll be riding across Europe next summer; I’m not sure if you’ve mentioned it, but breakdown assistance cover (valid for wherever the trip will take you) seems pretty important too.

[@paulbertorelli9044]

Recommend an AAA membership. Not very expensive and you get free maps and towing service. I've used it twice for motorcycles with excellent results. My Progressive policy also has towing. Never used it. One way of avoiding needing is to carry a tire plug kit. Always. Plus basic tools. Last summer, my wife and I did a week long trip on a Super Duke GT averaging 625 a day. Lots of breaks and a hydration pack. Not doing that anymore. At 74, I have nothing to prove. Just back from 1900 miles in the northeast and mid-Atlantic and we averaged 275 a day. Never sore, but the good kind of tired at the end of the day. Packing now for a week in Spain.

[@DaveSlate-q9x]

All great items we all forget about. Thanks Doodle. Even with many years of riding we all need to humble that ego and listen to this.

[@isaalghazi9131]

I did 1600 miles from Greensboro NC to Colorado springs.. and back. 22.5 hours To Colorado.. 27.5 back. I got saddle sores, and had to take a rest break on the way back, but otherwise the rain, night darkness, colder temps at night, heavy winds across Kansas, and big trucks were not that much of a problem. But I'm a guy, and I wasn't sight seeing. Still I was sore after each trip, and took a couple of days to recover. Forewarned is forearmed. Plan ahead, and take caution when necessary, and enjoy the trip!!

[@allenbschwartz]

great content! i'm planning a 3000 mile trip and this has me rethinking some of the stretches of riding per day. Thank you!!!

[@walterelmore1017]

Your safety vids are great. I recently bought a tire pressure monitor for my 600.. plug and play and now peace of mind.

[@tinaeve_414]

I’ve only done one long road trip on my Bonneville t120 and IT’S ALL I WANT TO DO!!! It is so fun, and there’s just something about being on the bike, just you and the bike and packing it up and unpacking it, and keeping the weather in mind, and just being IN IT! I am going to try to make a point of exploring my home state of WI on it more this summer 😊

[@theodavies8754]

All spot on. Ear plugs for the wind noise or have ringing while trying to pass out from exhaustion in a cr*p hotel bed. Low temperature fog at night really cuts down how far you can go without a fairing. The visor is useless and there's only so long your face can take it. 100 miles feels like it's never going to end. You get home and forget the water will take an hour to heat up if you have a tank and left it off while away. Leave time to climb a mountain but remember you are fully kitted for riding not climbing. Happy days.

[@stuartv666]

My opinion: Number one mistake people make is wearing the wrong underwear. No cotton against your skin on your bottom! Number two is not being prepared for the climate. Especially, being cold. Being wet doesn’t really matter - except that it can lead to being cold. Being wet but still warm is not dangerous. Being cold is, whether you’re wet or dry. Not sure why your daily mileage goes down during your trips. My very first cross country was a 4 Corners Tour. First day was 250 miles that wore me out. By the end of the first week, I was good for 400. 3 weeks in and 700-800 was the daily norm, and comfortable. The trip ended after 30 days and 14,300 miles. My last cross country was San Francisco to DC, on a GSX-R1000. The scenic route was 3500 miles and took 6 days, including stops for things like Lake Tahoe, Flaming Gorge, Wall Drugs, Custer State Park, and Mount Rushmore. Was never in a rush to get to DC. That’s just how long it took. If you can’t do 400 a day every day for a week, COMFORTABLY, I’d be looking at what you need to change in your gear or on your bike. Something is holding you back. My personal checklist is: Helmet comfortable for 12 hours of riding without taking it off Good underwear Heated jacket liner Waterproof riding gear (no stopping to add/change anything when it starts raining) GPS (not a smartphone)* Cruise control or at least a good quality throttle lock Good seat (aftermarket/custom has been required on every bike I’ve owned) Custom earmold speakers (for hearing protection and listening to music) Every one of those things except GPS will ruin your daily mileage if it’s not right. * how important is this, in my opinion? I flew to Spain, rented a bike, and toured around for 2 weeks. I did a little research ahead of time and took all the tools and parts I needed. I installed my own GPS on the rental bike before I left the parking lot of the rental company.

[@ColinMacharia]

...you get to know yourself! ... Perfectly put @doodle . You are also right in observing that what you learn carries right back into other areas and challenges of life.. Fantastic video !! You are always worth the watching time 😊😊

[@jesucristo1870]

Just did 5000mi from your favorite state of NM to BC. Stayed in the mountains up and the seaboard down. All small roads even 5 days of dirt/gravel

[@Dave-sw2dm]

If you pack stuff on your bike make sure it is in a dry bag with a lot of tie downs. A guy in my area had a bag come loose and get caught up in the rear wheel causing him to crash and lose a foot.

[@shaspaz]

That was sad I saw that 😢

[@rockymtnbri]

Thanks again, Doodle! I'm on a Spyder RT Limited, but your overall tips still apply! I have yet to do more than an overnight, but mental fatigue above physical fatigue is what I need to train myself for.

[@synergy-jera7812]

Yep…my first long range trip, which was from Seattle to Moab, we had to crank out the miles to make our camping reservations. We seriously underestimated time on the road and taking breaks. We need a few days just to recover. We reworked our return itinerary, taking our time traveling along the Pacific coast from SF to Seattle, and it made all the difference. Add extra time and days. Ride safe, and enjoy the journey.

[@masoodkhan3287]

I am 58 and riding a bike for the past 40 years, in my long distance trip what I learnt was, when you plan your trip, relax and plan don’t do lots of time calculations, in my opinion this is the key of an enjoyable trip. When you start your trip from home, with this mindset that you have to calculate only the hours that you ride in a day not the miles. by doing this you will realise how relaxing and enjoyable your trip has become. pack your stuff in just one 30 litre waterproof soft bag only. 😊

[@tightright7561]

This is an excellent channel! Make life fun and take the scenic route! Thank you for encouraging learning living a good life!

[@frallinger]

8:00 - I get you Doodle - and at the same time it's so interesting how we perceive "pushing to hard" differently. Last year I did a 350k (220 miles) highway trip *just* to get to the nearest entry point of the Swedish TET - and then turned 180 degrees do the same stretch, only due north and on gravel on the same day. Trust me - that first stretch on a rally kitted FE450 sucks. It really made me question my choices. But then, the dice was already cast - and once on the trail, all fatigue falls off, my old joints are now in their 20s again, zen - I'm one with the trail and the bike. All that nonsense. To the point where my adult brain has to go "GAS STATION!!!" because that was the last one for a while and my throttle brain just wanted to go BRAAAAAAP. Great content as always and I hope I don't have to run in to the Sherf anytime soon...

[@brycecrousore1985]

Your videos are so interesting!! Thanks for sharing.

[@hughmac7423]

How are the Metzeler tires and there grip on sealed roads? I had Mitas E09+ on my bike for a while, good on dirt and okay on the road or in the wet, but they over heat in hotter weather on curvy roads.

[@MichaelRoberts-t7c]

Metzler tires are great, really grip on the rain, they don't run the cracks in the road and you don't feel or chase the road grooves. Pricey tire but I really have confidence on my bike and skill set.

[@tjhessmon4327]

Excellent video, keep um up, we need this honest sanity in the bikers arena.

[@Rpm68]

I try to do at least 10hrs a day usually more on road trips, some hours i will hammer the throttle, then rest for a few, but you Must have a proper Touring bike, the backrest is a game changer and a total must have.