I am planning to ride my drifter from my home in Waterloo Indiana to Bozeman Montana next summer. It's about 1600 miles and I'm thnking 4 days of riding just to get there, unless I stop to sight see along the way. While I have my basic route figured out and approximately where I will stay each night, I need to know a few things, such as:
Am I going to hit stretches where I will not be able to fuel up every 100 miles? And if so, about where? Areas to avoid, keep in mind I'll probably be traveling alone? Anything that is an absolute "must see" en route? Or a place that is an awesome stay over spot? I am planning to take mostly highways, especially in Iowa as I am not fond at all of riding on gravel! Any tips or advice is greatly appreciated!
Cheryl
The further west you get the more fuel becomes a problem. Don't let yourself get too low and don't pass up a chance to fill up. Can't tell you if there will 100 mile stretches... don't know your route. You can look that stuff up too if you think it will be a problem. It is NOT like east of the MS.
CROSSWiNDS! The crosswinds in the plains are worse than you think... be prepared for them. They will tire you out quickly and push you around a LOT.
Have saline nasal spray - the dry heat will kill your sinuses. Be sure and have a lot of water. We use mesh jackets and soak our tshirts as often as possible. Last time we were in Bozeman it was 106 degrees. It gets cool at night and stays relatively cool until noon or a bit later... then it gets blazing hot. You will probably need a jacket in the mornings. Things tend to fill up, ensure you have a place to sleep that doesn't push you too much to get there.
Get a SPOT personal tracker. http://www.outdoorsafetygps.com/ (http://www.outdoorsafetygps.com/) It might save your life. Ensure folks know where you are and where you should be... I always travel armed, but that's up to you and how you handle that will depend upon your route.
Tunes will help... it can get boring.
Ensure you bike is in top shape, fresh oil, coolant checked etc. GOOD TIRES... the heat can really take its toll. PLENTY of water breaks!
Thanks! A couple of things I had not thought about (nasal spray for example). Not really anything I can do about crosswinds, other than being ready for them, so thanks for the heads up! Bike maintenance is not an issue, I'm pretty meticulous, just got tunes, and have looked into the tracker app for my phone. Just took the Utah CC permit course, which gets me everything but Illinois (and nobody gets Illiniois!!!) and have been a lifetime Indiana permit holder for years......so just need to brush up on state and local firearm laws I'll be in....Just talked with some friends yesterday that said fuel is not an issue at least as far as Sturgis, SD anyway, plus I bought an extra fuel can.....so I should be good.
Thanks again!
That would be because nobody in Illinois, other than the mob, is allowed to carry a firearm....Wisconsin JUST joined the rest of the country (except Illinois) with C.C. I did, do and will continue to carry my .45 auto....nobody ever said anything to me, and I don't think they will.
Wisonsin recognizes Indiana and Utah permits effective Nov. 1 of this year. You can carry through Illinois, unloaded, in a "latching" case. Bullets can be in same case, just not in gun........technically a center console of a car is a "latching" case.............
FYI - just thought I would share what I learned.
Also, great site to use: www.handgunlaw.us (http://www.handgunlaw.us) you can click on what states permit you hold and it will show you a map of where you are legal to carry.
Yeah I have a CCW app for my EVO and iTouch so I can look at requirements whenever I need to. It comes in handy if you are travelling and like unplanned, unscripted trips.
If you are going into Montana, a route I would suggest is to go into Cody, Wyoming, take the Chief Joseph Highway, then head up over Beartooth Pass and into RedLodge Montana. The views from Dead Indian Pass on the Chief Joseph Highway and from Beartooth Pass are DEFINITELY worth going out of your way for. Dead Indian Pass tops out at around 8800 feet, and Beartooth Pass around 10947 feet; breath-taking views. Dead Indian Pass is also a historical point of interest, the placards depicting the final retreat of the Nez-Perce Indians form the U.S. Cavalry. The wife and I went over in 2007, didn't have any issues with fuel in that area. However, temp was a minor issue; 104F in Cody, 106F in Red Lodge, and so cold on top of Beartooth we had to put our leathers on at the summit until we got down to lower elevations. Make sure to post pics and updates of your trip for the rest of us not-so-lucky individuals who can only dream of a good road trip next year!!
Have fun and ride safe;
Regards and such,
49Reo