Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP
Posting-Version: version B 2.10.2 9/18/84; site amdahl.UUCP
Path: utzoo!linus!decvax!decwrl!sun!amdahl!pag00
From: pag00@amdahl.UUCP (Pria Graves)
Newsgroups: net.cycle
Subject: Re: Cross Country Ride Info
Message-ID: <2101@amdahl.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 10-Oct-85 17:25:08 EDT
Article-I.D.: amdahl.2101
Posted: Thu Oct 10 17:25:08 1985
Date-Received: Sat, 12-Oct-85 06:38:05 EDT
References: <11100004@uiucuxc> <824@ihlpa.UUCP>
Organization: Amdahl Corp, Sunnyvale CA
Lines: 74

> 
> I'm putting this one on the net in the hopes that we'll get a little
> more discussion on the subject, since what works for me may not work for
> you.
> 

OK, I'll bite.

I, too, have done a number of longish (4000 - 9000 mile) trips on
two different bikes.  I found my first bike, a Honda 550, to be
literally a pain in the rear if I tried to ride more than 400 miles
in one day.  I also found it to be a bit underpowered for the
Canadian rockies where everyone does 70.

My second (and current) bike has turned out to be truely
satisfactory for long distance:  a BMW R100S (short bars
and cafe fairing).  I have it set up with rear sets (both
rider footpegs moved back and passenger pegs up) and I alternate between
leaning forward on my tank bag and sitting up or slouching.
(most of my trips have been with a passenger so I cannot usually
lean too far back).
I also use hard saddlebags which help keep things dry.

The bike is wonderfully reliable and will continue to run even if
minor problems develop.  The American BMW club also publishes
a book for members which lists phone numbers of both repair shops and
private individuals who are willing to render various types of
assistance, a real plus for those travelling in unfamiliar areas.
The bike combines good handling charateristics with the ability to be
driven hard for long periods (200 miles at 80 non-stop, 700+/day) when
the need or desire arises. It is also lighter (~475lbs ) than many
bikes its size.  Best of all, at 65000 miles I know it has a good 30K
left before an overhaul!  It is the only bike you can buy at 40K and
trust it to last you through a good few trips!

I disagree about not wanting to cook.  When there are three family members
on a three week trip eating out gets too expensive.  By devoting
one tank bag to a small backpacking stove and pots and by only
buying one day's groceries at a time, we can eat quite well
(camp style) most of the trip.  It is also nice to be able to sip a
cup of coffee before taking off.

Another thing I find critical on most trips out of the southwest is
a good rainsuit.  I have the Rukka and find it to be most adequate.
(By the way, rainstorms are the only thing that make me wish for
a bigger fairing... for the sake of visibility.)
A spray bottle full of water is also a large plus in the desert:
soak your shirt and pants (even while riding) to help prevent
heat problems.

I'll second the comments about KOA's.  Most we have stayed in have
been very pleasant (but watch out for Odessa-Midland in Texas).
While most major U.S. National parks are always full, many state,
regional and less known parks can be wonderfull - some even have
showers.  In Oregon and Washington (also Michigan as I recall)
there are hardly any other campgrounds. (speaking of that, where
does one camp in Maine?)

Secondary roads are definitely more fun.  If you run into trouble
you are also more likely to 1) be helped and 2) be entertained
while you are being helped.  A person I was traveling with a few
years back ran off the road in West Virginia.  I got a real feeling
for the folks there while they helped rescue his bike and patch
the gas tank - and they would only charge for the epoxy used for the
patching, not the 3 hrs. of everyone's time!
The only first hand account I have ever heard of someone being
openly hostile to a biker was in a small town in Alabama.  My husband
was traveling through in about '78 on his full fairing BMW and got
"escorted" through town by a cop on a similar bike.  At a light the
guy told him to "keep on traveling".  I wouldn't ride through the south
by myself!
-- 
Pria            ...!{ihnp4,hplabs,amd,nsc}!amdahl!pag00
                (408) 746 7539