Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Travlr on August 30, 2017, 05:46:34 PM
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I'm a big fan of Daniel Kalal's posts. Mostly because he takes the time to explore the area he is traveling thru. Not just getting somewhere as fast as he can. (A bad habit of mine.)
I'm doing a fly and ride next week. Picking up a bike in Chicago and riding it to my home in Arizona. I've blocked out a week to do it rather than my usual 3-4 days. I want to take my time and explore the countryside I'm riding thru.
I could use some pointers from those of you who prefer the "stop and smell the roses" approach to touring. For instance
1. How many miles a day do you plan for?
2. How do you decide where to stop?
3. How do you select your roads, restaurants and motels?
Just some general thoughts on enjoying the ride. Not just getting to the destination asap.
Mike
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About 330 miles a day , depending on what time you start in the morning . That will give you time to explore local environs .
The over riding thing to keep in mind ,*Ride in a place , not through it* .
Stay on back roads , watch for the unusual , stay away from any city that is highlighted in yellow on a map .
Eat where the locals eat , ask , they will tell you where the good places are. Stay away from chain eateries .
Visit a couple of small town museums .
Dusty
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1. Ideally 3 - 4 legs each about 90 min., depending on fuelling and interesting stuff on the way.
2. Plan ahead, or on the spur, depending on the trip. Do I have a destination, or am I just riding?
3. Roads: Plan ahead for scenic roads and interesting stuff.
Restaurants: In Belgium and France, this is a serious matter. Pick the place in the village that the locals go to.
Hotel: On longer trips i usually find places in villages or small towns, and choose from instinct. If I want to stay a particular place I will call ahead.
Will add that I, too, thoroughly enjoy and admire Daniel's reports from his travels. I'm just can't understand how he's able to take all those interesting photos!
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If you play your cards right you could see the worlds biggest ball of twine out in Kansas. Don't get no better than that! Remember, If there are no pictures, it never happend! Have fun and be safe!
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I'm a big fan of Daniel Kalal's posts. Mostly because he takes the time to explore the area he is traveling thru. Not just getting somewhere as fast as he can. (A bad habit of mine.)
I'm doing a fly and ride next week. Picking up a bike in Chicago and riding it to my home in Arizona. I've blocked out a week to do it rather than my usual 3-4 days. I want to take my time and explore the countryside I'm riding thru.
I could use some pointers from those of you who prefer the "stop and smell the roses" approach to touring. For instance
1. How many miles a day do you plan for?
2. How do you decide where to stop?
3. How do you select your roads, restaurants and motels?
Just some general thoughts on enjoying the ride. Not just getting to the destination asap.
Mike
So that's about 250 miles a day if you take a week.
You can take some fairly twisty roads, and a few detours and make that OK. Staying off the Interstates is always a goal of mine.
Like everyone else, I try to stay out of chain restaurants. Sometimes breakfast places other than Huddle Houses or Waffle Houses can be a bit hard to find, but otherwise there are lots of decent little places.
You'll only need gas once a day or so, so that won't be a limitation. I admire people who camp on a long trip ... but it takes me too long to set up camp in the evening, and break down a wet (dew or rain) tent in the morning, and set the wet tent back up (maybe in the rain) .... so I'd spend 2 or 3 hours fightings things into stuff sacks instead of riding. But it's money when you do motels ....
Have fun!
Lannis
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I've got a shepherd, so I don't do the overnight rides,,, but I do a lot, of long day tours 200-350 miles in the Upper Ottawa Valley. I've learned of the routes, businesses and highlights mainly from the Ride The Highlands website,,,, there is probably a promotion group or local tour guide available on line that you could access for the area you will be travelling through.
I'm always looking for a place with a washroom, coffee and a culinary treat. If you search out small town gas stations, general stores, post offices etc you can find some real treasures.
ie The small General Store with a post office in McDonalds corners, usually has fresh baked butter tarts & carrott cake with cream cheese icing made by an old lady that lives up the road,,, some of those sweets with a coffee are to die for,lol.
The gas station/post office/ diner in Hopetown will do breakfast any time of day,,, or whatever else you want fresh on the the grill in front of you,,, the comical teasing banter that is always taking place inside amongst the locals,,, is the best free entertainment I've ever heard,lol.
I found Charlie D's biker friendly poutine truck way up in Barrys Bay makes for a great oasis in the middle of literally hundreds of miles of twisty pavement.
A regular stop on my way home is the neat Cafe in Burnstown, I try to time it so I stop by when they have a nice live music act on the patio,,, nice mellow tunes, coffee and cigarette at the end of a glorious day of riding,,, it doesn't get much better.
I could go on,,, but I'm sure you get the drift,,,,,, you're right,,, now is the time to lay out a good game plan, check reviews, recommendations and also,,, places to avoid, fwiw ymmv
good luck with your trip
Kelly
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300-350 miles per day makes for a pleasant trip. Note, I have done 1,000 mile days before and they are not fun...just necessary to cover the miles needed in the time allowed. On a perfect trip I'll find an older motel/hotel in the middle of town. These are frequently near a bar/restaurant and many are now owned by members of the Patel family. That's just fine for me. I want to be able to get off the bike, grab something to eat/drink, and maybe walk around the town. Talk to some of the locals. They frequently have some neat suggestions for places to see in the area. Plan to ride at least an hour before breakfast. Then stop in a cafe to meet the folks who gather for coffee in the morning. Take pictures of the people you meet so you don't forget all the neat stuff that happens on the trip. Most of all, just smell the roses. Sounds like the making of a neat trip.
Peter Y.
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Let's see , Chicago to Arizona . Give us an idea of your route , lunch or dinner meetups are always fun .
Dusty
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300-350 miles per day makes for a pleasant trip. Note, I have done 1,000 mile days before and they are not fun...just necessary to cover the miles needed in the time allowed. .....
Peter Y.
Sounds like my numbers (well, 800 not 1000) ...
but the great thing is, since I've retired, I'M the one who does the "allowing" of "time".
And I don't allow no schedules that make me ride 1000 or even 800 miles in a day. 500 if I'm just trying to get on home because I've had enough of the road, but not more. All riding and no breaks makes Lannis a dull, poorly-reacting boy ...
Lannis
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As been stated 300-400 max a day to do it in any kind of leisurily fashion. Much less in slow terrain. Agree, eye the restaurant parking lots, that can tell you a lot. Convinance store & liquor store clerks ( or people in line over hear you and help out) can be a great help. As much as possible I use Mom & Pop Motels with the direct entrance to your room doors.
Get into the Willian Heath-Moon mode if you can afford the time. If you are not familiar with him Google or Wiki him.
GliderJohn
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Lots of good advice and many fine ideas so far.
Herewith, my 2�: National Parks.
Plan your route to hit one National Park or Monument per day. when you get there, spend some time talking to the park rangers and docents. There are a LOT of very interesting stories out there.
The twisties can easily start to all look alike. Not so with the people and places of the NPS.
Best,
Carlo
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As been stated 300-400 max a day to do it in any kind of leisurily fashion. Much less in slow terrain. Agree, eye the restaurant parking lots, that can tell you a lot. Convinance store & liquor store clerks ( or people in line over hear you and help out) can be a great help. As much as possible I use Mom & Pop Motels with the direct entrance to your room doors.
Get into the Willian Heath-Moon mode if you can afford the time. If you are not familiar with him Google or Wiki him.
GliderJohn
That would be William Least Heat Moon . Sorry John :grin: Good advice though .
Dusty
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Quote from Dusty:
That would be William Least Heat Moon . Sorry John :grin: Good advice though .
Dusty
You are quite right, thanks for the correction. He doesn't ride but he knows how to absorb the country he travels through.
GliderJohn
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I don't have much to add on how many miles in a day or where to eat. But...
This site has roadside attractions that might be of interest. Mainly odd stuff. Might have some fun stops on your trip? http://www.roadsideamerica.com
Have fun, take your time and enjoy!!
Tom
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Speaking of odd stuff, if in Kansas check this out:
http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/2103
GliderJohn
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instinct and a bad compass will get you anywhere you don't want to go...ever used a Tates compass?
He who has a Tates is lost..... :whip2:
try reading maps for rivers and mountain ranges...watersheds, CCC camps, locks and canals, river ferry crossings, the blank spots inbetween, bicycle route suggestions (see state resources for bicycle touring) can be incredible out of the way off the beaten path way to get around some big cities, random wandering with a vague sense of going toward your eventual destination...your not lost, just haven't picked your way home yet
it takes total committement to not pick a route.
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Now this is really getting fun! So many great ideas.
First of all, since it is a Guzzi, here's a link to the bike I'm riding home.
http://www.motoworkschicago.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=3756695&p=1&make=moto%20guzzi&s=Year&d=D&t=preowned&fr=xPreOwnedInventory
>www.roadsideamerica .com
A real treasure trove of great places to visit. I gotta hit one or two.
>Let's see , Chicago to Arizona . Give us an idea of your route , lunch or dinner meetups are always fun .
Another great idea. As I put the route together I'll post up here. I do know the first night will
likely be in Hannibal. Mo. and the Mark Twain Museum. Night 2 and 3 will be at my sisters house in Topeka, Ks.
and family things. After that I'll turn that big 1200 loose and head west.
Mike
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That would be William Least Heat Moon . Sorry John :grin: Good advice though .
Dusty
The book is "Blue Highways".
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This site or app will help you find off the beaten path sights to see:
https://roadtrippers.com/ (https://roadtrippers.com/)
-AJ
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Now this is really getting fun! So many great ideas.
First of all, since it is a Guzzi, here's a link to the bike I'm riding home.
http://www.motoworkschicago.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=3756695&p=1&make=moto%20guzzi&s=Year&d=D&t=preowned&fr=xPreOwnedInventory
Wow, nice bike, you stole it!
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Now this is really getting fun! So many great ideas.
First of all, since it is a Guzzi, here's a link to the bike I'm riding home.
http://www.motoworkschicago.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=3756695&p=1&make=moto%20guzzi&s=Year&d=D&t=preowned&fr=xPreOwnedInventory
Good deal! And this is going to be a great way to "bond" with the bike. My favorite bike is always the one that gets me home from 2000 miles away .....
Lannis
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Humm, 10 year old bike with 3K miles. I'd take a close look at the tires, probably rock hard from age. Otherwise that looks like a screaming good deal!
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Plenty of good advice here. One tip I'll add is to head west from Chicago and ride the Great River Road south along the Mississippi.
Lots of interesting history and small-town Americana. You can order a free map and get a preview of some of the sites and attractions here: https://experiencemississippiriver.com/
Anyway, nice bike, and have a great trip!
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Most KOA campgrounds have those sleeping huts that rent pretty cheap . Negates the need for a tent .
Dusty
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Most KOA campgrounds have those sleeping huts that rent pretty cheap . Negates the need for a tent .
Dusty
That sort of depends where ... the KOA huts (just an electric light, nothing else, no bedding etc) at the KOA where we used to have the MD/DC Guzzi rally were $45 a night in the same area that an EconoLodge was $59.
At our BSA rally in Petaluma CA, the same little hut was $105! The motels started at $120, but still, you don't save much over a motel.
Still, though, as you say, no "setting up camp" and fooling with wet gear - just spread your pad and bedroll on the bed frame, stand up to take your boots and pants off instead of rolling around on a tent floor being a contortionist, and off first thing in the morning ...
Lannis
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I use Google and Kim uses Yelp for food. Always find some good stuff on either one.
Tripadvisor has some good reviews (top 10 things to do for each city/location).
Motorcycleroads.com lists rides and reviews by State.
350 per day on a long weekend trip is a good target. I always push the first leg of the day a little too long an that makes the rest of the day a little less fun. Now days I take off without having my coffee and breakfast; that pretty much guarantees that first stop will come early :)
Make sure you know when sundown is scheduled. This time of year critters are everywhere.
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Wow, great bike and a great deal! Those are rare machines, and I think one of the better CARC Guzzis, well done. You have plenty of tips but I add a few more thoughts.
Only you know what interests you, but I recommend thinking about your personal preferences and tailoring your trip to that.
You like history? Then maybe a trip through a few historic spots like St. Charles, MO. Where Lewis and Clark started their journey (good museum), Dodge City, KS, and Taos.
Scenery? Maybe route through the Black Hills and down thru CO.
Quirky? Don't miss that ball of twine!
Anyway, you get the idea. A little research can set you up for a fun trip and then pick roads to connect the sites you want to see.
I did just recently learn about a fantastic out of the way road in your home state that I can highly recommend. About 6 mikes south of Shiprock, NM, turn west on Indian Service Road 13, and take this to Lukachukai, AZ. From there, you can go on to Chinle, AZ following google maps, roads are all good. I don't want to spoil it for you, but you file this one under TWISTY, and SCENERY.
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I'm a big fan of Daniel Kalal's posts. Mostly because he takes the time to explore the area he is traveling thru. Not just getting somewhere as fast as he can. (A bad habit of mine.)
I'm doing a fly and ride next week. Picking up a bike in Chicago and riding it to my home in Arizona. I've blocked out a week to do it rather than my usual 3-4 days. I want to take my time and explore the countryside I'm riding thru.
I could use some pointers from those of you who prefer the "stop and smell the roses" approach to touring. For instance
1. How many miles a day do you plan for?
2. How do you decide where to stop?
3. How do you select your roads, restaurants and motels?
Just some general thoughts on enjoying the ride. Not just getting to the destination asap.
Mike
Guys, I get out a little bit on my Norge and really there are no rules.
Except these...
Go where you want to
Go as far as you want to
Stop when you want to
All roads are good.(even the bad ones) The Road of Bones is shithouse, but a pinnacle of riding "enjoyment"
The Transfagarasan is a pile of junk compared to theStelvio, but it's nice to be able to say "oh yeah" when asked if you've done it...
Good topic for a chat though !
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Guys, I get out a little bit on my Norge and really there are no rules.
Except these...
Go where you want to
Go as far as you want to
Stop when you want to
All roads are good.(even the bad ones) The Road of Bones is shithouse, but a pinnacle of riding "enjoyment"
The Transfagarasan is a pile of junk compared to theStelvio, but it's nice to be able to say "oh yeah" when asked if you've done it...
Good topic for a chat though !
Those rules sound good ... but in your case, are you "looking ahead" to where the next place to eat or stop and sleep might be with some sort of technology, or are you just taking what comes over the horizon, and if nothing shows up, you just eat a Clif bar and sleep under a tree?
The reason I ask is because we're planning to be 6 or 8 weeks on the road next year in one nice long trip, and (I say it's for Fay's sake but it might be me) I've considered getting some sort of device to "see ahead".
I can have a Clif bar for dinner and sleep on a rest stop picnic table, Lord knows I've done it before, but I'm not doing that to Fay even though she wouldn't complain ....
So, take your chances the old fashioned way or use the Crystal Ball to find storms, Chevrons, Starbucks, and Super 8s .... ?
Lannis
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Well, I usaually guts myself around lunch time and sometimes leave evening meal out.
But to respond in the same spirit that you asked. The only thing I really PLAN is to be somewhere decent (Agostini's), when the bike is going to need something (oil change), and sorta' just let the rest of it "happen". At least that's how it feels...
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Well, I usaually guts myself around lunch time and sometimes leave evening meal out.
But to respond in the same spirit that you asked. The only thing I really PLAN is to be somewhere decent (Agostini's), when the bike is going to need something (oil change), and sorta' just let the rest of it "happen". At least that's how it feels...
What I really meant was, for the sort of touring you do (and I follow your treks in some detail) do you use a GPS or Smart Phone or something to plan ahead for the day, or just take it as it comes ...?
I've never used one on a trip, and don't have any sort of schedule to meet, but ....
Lannis
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What I really meant was, for the sort of touring you do (and I follow your treks in some detail) do you use a GPS or Smart Phone or something to plan ahead for the day, or just take it as it comes ...?
I've never used one on a trip, and don't have any sort of schedule to meet, but ....
Lannis
Lannis, once you join the 20th century :smiley: and get a smart phone, there's nothing you can't find, etc. It can be very handy to know if there is a gas station in the little town that you'd like to visit, etc.
What it *does* do, however, is take away the "adventure" somewhat. You're never really lost, for instance. Used as a tool and not a toy it can be valuable.
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If the timing is right (Sept 7-10 in southwest Colorado), join the gang in Ouray for a day, or for dinner.
http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=89216.30 (http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=89216.30)
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A smart phone takes a lot of the stress out of travel. We usually don't make plans or reservations ahead of time just a general direction or destination which could change. About mid day we decide where we want to end up for the night and use booking.com to locate a motel around that area. We have never been left without a room since we started using this method. Previously we had been left stranded without a place to stay at night and having to drive far into the night to .find a place. I still like to use hard maps for planning and day to day routing.
That's just my method, I'm sure others have their own method that works as well.
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Those devices are handy for (if needed) calling in a strike. But for general use I prefer to use my wits and a compass/map...no batteries needed.
I'm sort of the same way at the moment, although Chuck has a point too. I don't have another $100 a month in my budget at the moment anyway.
When Pete and Jude came out to Colorado, since we were going to be out late, I went ahead and booked a room in the same hotel they were in. I went up to the desk - Pete took a seat in the lobby and got his device out. I booked straight at the desk and it was $109. Pete booked on the device and walked up to the desk with his registration number and it was $89.
I was a bit peeved, since he wasn't using some midget-porn or goat-keeper discount that I couldn't get. So I told the lady I wanted the same deal, and she gave it to me. Otherwise I wouldn't have known ...
Another example of "Retail is changing". If you're just some unconnected fool who walks up to the desk, you'll get it rough with no lube. But if you're in the "club" ... "Sure, pal, how much you want off of the bill ....?"
Lannis
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I have explored the lower 48 and some of Canada.
What I do is several months of research leading up to each trip. You don't have that kind of time, so I would start with googling the top 100 motorcycle roads in the states and see if any of them are somewhat between you and home. String a few together.
I avoid interstates and make my routes as far away from cities as I can. I also try to cross busy interstates where there are not on/off ramps because those roads don't build up with businesses and traffic like roads with on/off ramps do.
I talk with locals when I stop for lunch when I can especially if they are riding.
I build custom routes in my GPS so that it is taking me on the roads I planned to take instead of just getting me there.
For a while I was using a website that told you where all the historic markers are located and would string a bunch of them together to make an interesting ride.
I have also used motorcycleroads.us to find some interesting local roads in the area I am visiting.
Also, look up what national parks might be near your route, or other things that interest you. Motorcycle museums, etc.
You could ride the Great River Road if you head west before heading south.
So many choices.
Have fun.
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What I really meant was, for the sort of touring you do (and I follow your treks in some detail) do you use a GPS or Smart Phone or something to plan ahead for the day, or just take it as it comes ...?
I've never used one on a trip, and don't have any sort of schedule to meet, but ....
Lannis
Yeah to be dead serious I do.
Although in a loose manner. As an example, when I left Nordkapp. I entered Sicily which represents days of riding. I deviate regularly from the designated route and let it re calculate.
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It's been said somewhere else here already, but I do like to be able to bring up overnight accommodation options on the fly and say yes with a button push.
It has saved a massive amount of grief over the years. If you are on the entry roads to Paris , Berlin, Rome etc.... there's a lot of concentration you don't need to devote to keeping mental track of where you are. At night in Paris on the roads it is not easy and frustration for me is a bigger crash trigger than fatigue. I can dominate fatigue, but not frustration.
In addition, I've come to think that on the major toll roads you see not much of a hell of a lot, and on the small roads it's a hell of a lot of not much... The Tom Tom is great 'cos you can hop from one to the other, and I don't buy the argument completely that smashing out 1000 k's in a day @ cruising speeds of 150 (ish), has no particular merit. You know you're starting to absorb it all, when you feel more comfortable on the bike than off..
Dunno for sure, could be wrong.
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Humm, 10 year old bike with 3K miles. I'd take a close look at the tires, probably rock hard from age. Otherwise that looks like a screaming good deal!
Good point. Get the dealer to put on some new skins as part of the deal.
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You know you're starting to absorb it all, when you feel more comfortable on the bike than off..
I wondered if anyone else felt that? :smiley:
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I wondered if anyone else felt that? :smiley:
Can't say that I ever absorb the "total experience", but after a couple thousand miles on a particular bike, I'm five times as easy and confident and "skillful" with it than I am when I get on one of many bikes at first ...
It's why I should have just one bike, really.
Lannis
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I am curious , how many of you GPS addicts can no longer rely on instinct to identify compass points?
Dusty
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I am curious , how many of you GPS addicts can no longer rely on instinct to identify compass points?
Dusty
I don't believe compass points have ever been considered instinctive. It is a learned skill that comes from observing your surroundings. You have to know the time of day and time of year to use the sun. If cloudy, landmarks like rivers, etc. But knowledge of a map is necessary for landmarks to work. Many other examples of learned behaviors regarding direction.
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I too have always subscribed to the single bike idea. They (like aircraft or horse) become an extension of "you", an old friend that your comfortable with.
Yes, just the way I feel. My "reflexes" or "muscle memory" seem to take a LOT longer than most people's to get used to another system. Makes it especially bad because I own four different shift patterns and I really have to think about it for a long time (days or weeks) before it becomes reflex.
So I have a good traveler (rockster), a good classic(CX) and a good track day machine (VFR). In Europe I have gone to a big? dual sport (R80GS). Any one could be changed but its seems to be enough (the # of machines).
I SHOULD do that but I never do. Always afraid I'll regret getting rid of one, but can't just let it set and rust away or it worries me. "Shackled" to "things", I suppose; the right thing would be simply to have one two-up bike for me and Fay and one sporty roadster (I guess that's where the term Sportster came from now that I've written it) ...
Lannis
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Most important for beginners is, do not wheelie on ice unless you are equipt with spike studded tires.
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I don't believe compass points have ever been considered instinctive. It is a learned skill that comes from observing your surroundings. You have to know the time of day and time of year to use the sun. If cloudy, landmarks like rivers, etc. But knowledge of a map is necessary for landmarks to work. Many other examples of learned behaviors regarding direction.
All mammals are born with an innate sense of direction . It deteriorates rapidly with non-use , or is improved with practice . Have you ever asked for directions in a large city where most folks don't drive ? The locals usually have almost no sense of NSEW , they can however tell you which bus , subway route , or trolley will take you to a destination .
Dusty
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Herds of animals such as cattle horses etc. w/ little wind or other wx reasons will very often align themselves on one to the 4 cardinal compass points.
Really.
Yep .
Dusty
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I have always been directionally challenged. In unfamiliar surroundings and especially indoors I have little to know sense of direction. My first wife could find NWES much better than me but I knew left and right much better than her, she really had to think about left and right. :grin:
GliderJohn
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I wondered if anyone else felt that? :smiley:
If they were on a Norge they bloody well would! :bike-037:
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I am curious , how many of you GPS addicts can no longer rely on instinct to identify compass points?
Dusty
Being a qualified pilot helps a bit, but I'm useless in the Northern hemisphere.
Not quite so bad on a totally overcast day, but over here, if I'm riding @ midday and the sun is behind me....I still FEEL, like I'm riding South even though I KNOW, I'm riding North.
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My dad, according to my mom, "had a gyroscope in his belly," and never got lost. I can get disoriented in old-country cities where the streets follow old cow paths, but after decades of sailing, flying and backcountry skiing I have pretty good directional sense unless it's really foggy -- even down under. It does weird me out a bit to see the half-moon divided horizontally (near the equator).
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Hint
The vast majority of TV sat. dishes point to the equator.
I'll be the my flat tappets Kirby, that you've done hundreds of nav's where you plotted your course, put it your expected drift, did you ETA, then your revised ETA and crossed overhead your destination strip at the time you planned. But did you always "feel" you were right or sometimes just "believe" you were?
I've never been lost on a Nav, but have been "temporarily unsure of my position".
Like someone said, direction is not instinctive to us (opinion only), it's learning to rely on successful conditioned behavioural responses.
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On long care-free multi-day rides, I have a general direction I'm heading, sort of a goal for the daily end-point and then dig out the physical maps to see what looks like a good way to get there. Sometimes the end point is based on the local (think West Texas as opposed to Louisiana), other times it's an interesting sounding town or area. Central and East Texas had a bunch of fun little towns with great roads and nice folks. Same with Arizona. Lots of history around there.
On my last NorCal trip, I came across several places I need to revisit as I was on a time schedule that didn't allow for as much back road exploration as I would have preferred. I did find some interesting restaurants and great little towns I hadn't visited before, so it was all good.
Enjoy the trip and find the fun roads. Those all seem to lead to fun places.
jdg
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On long care-free multi-day rides, I have a general direction I'm heading, sort of a goal for the daily end-point and then dig out the physical maps to see what looks like a good way to get there. Sometimes the end point is based on the local (think West Texas as opposed to Louisiana), other times it's an interesting sounding town or area. Central and East Texas had a bunch of fun little towns with great roads and nice folks. Same with Arizona. Lots of history around there.
On my last NorCal trip, I came across several places I need to revisit as I was on a time schedule that didn't allow for as much back road exploration as I would have preferred. I did find some interesting restaurants and great little towns I hadn't visited before, so it was all good.
Enjoy the trip and find the fun roads. Those all seem to lead to fun places.
jdg
Is that red Norge below your donor history like yours ?
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Of course the best advice is to actually stop and smell the roses , and the bakeries , and the hay fields , the bean fields , the locals , and maybe a few fellow Guzzisti along the way .
Dusty
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Ok fair enough mate.
I guess the threads been hijacked a bit too.
I don't have many "tips".
Seriously, don't ride after you're tired/bored and try to stay comfortable.
Buy the best gear you can afford first time, so you don't end up with 10 pairs of boots you don't wear etc.
Do whatever you enjoy, 'cos these bastards aren't cheap to own or run, so you may as well enjoy it!!
Share whatever you think is valuable with Guzzi Gal. She may not ( or may) be across this thread...
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I'm a big fan of Daniel Kalal's posts. Mostly because he takes the time to explore the area he is traveling thru. Not just getting somewhere as fast as he can. (A bad habit of mine.)
I'm doing a fly and ride next week. Picking up a bike in Chicago and riding it to my home in Arizona. I've blocked out a week to do it rather than my usual 3-4 days. I want to take my time and explore the countryside I'm riding thru.
I could use some pointers from those of you who prefer the "stop and smell the roses" approach to touring. For instance
1. How many miles a day do you plan for?
2. How do you decide where to stop?
3. How do you select your roads, restaurants and motels?
Just some general thoughts on enjoying the ride. Not just getting to the destination asap.
Mike
Just a quiet question... What's the bike ?
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Just a quiet question... What's the bike ?
Here you go. 1200 Sport.
Mike
http://www.motoworkschicago.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=3756695&p=1&make=moto%20guzzi&s=Year&d=D&t=preowned&fr=xPreOwnedInventory
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I am good with directions, it is those stupid intersections on some towns. Like the map saying you go straight but there are two turns you have to make in town and signs aren't clear as to which street you turn on. Or the highway number changes in town as different roads merge and split.
Planning trips? It depends. If I am stopping early (and it is off season) I will just stop someplace to see if they have a room. But, I have been caught off guard doing this as well, making me drive an extra hour or two to get a room. Usually I will take time each morning to figure out where I want to go and book a room before I take off.
If I travel with the wife the planning is on another level. Layout each day and book rooms ahead of time.
The cell phones help a lot in some instances. Watch weather radar and see a big winter storm cutting across your route. Call hotels in front of storm and book room. In the old days got caught a few times and faced the dreaded 'no vacancy' signs at every hotel in town.
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Humm, 10 year old bike with 3K miles. I'd take a close look at the tires, probably rock hard from age. Otherwise that looks like a screaming good deal!
Thanks for the safety reminder. I double checked with the dealer. They changed the oil, did a safety
inspection and put new tires on the bike before putting it up for sale.
Mike
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Never done much DR stuff in IMC, used VOR Nav or ADF. RRoads interstates lakes mountains etc. VFR.
I can give a general (close) heading from any major city to any other major city in the States W/O looking at a map/chart.
Yeah, my friend Paul (RIP) used to amaze me. We'd head off for somewhere in the midwest, and he'd not even pull out a chart. Of course, around here everything is laid out at 90 degrees.
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Herds of animals such as cattle horses etc. w/ little wind or other wx reasons will very often align themselves on one to the 4 cardinal compass points.
Really.
Mine orient to the fence, or the corner, or the sun on their backside.
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All mammals are born with an innate sense of direction . It deteriorates rapidly with non-use , or is improved with practice . Have you ever asked for directions in a large city where most folks don't drive ? The locals usually have almost no sense of NSEW , they can however tell you which bus , subway route , or trolley will take you to a destination .
Dusty
As a person who has studied orienteering, and situational awareness, I will agree to disagree with you.
Regarding mammals, many leave a scent trail, and others do have internal magnetic sensors.
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When I first started riding 'long trips', in my youth, it was the destination. Long days with roads and sights, not remembered. Harpers Ferry, MD to Pigeon Forge, on the Parkway/Skyline, in 1 day :whip2:. Now, it's the journey and a lot of roads that are not on my "itinerary", but look interesting. Those are the roads and the rides that I remember. Schedules are great, for guys who really want to keep orderly schedules. However,that creekside stop, with the mist rising, or the barn in Paint Bank,VA, is the spot that makes you love your bike and remember the day.
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Here you go. 1200 Sport.
Mike
http://www.motoworkschicago.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=3756695&p=1&make=moto%20guzzi&s=Year&d=D&t=preowned&fr=xPreOwnedInventory
(Very very) x 10= Nice !! I like that...
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Is that red Norge below your donor history like yours ?
Not like mine - it is mine. Taken in 2011 I believe.
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3366/3594662612_4d891d3b4c_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/6tDzXA)
Cruising on the Snake (https://flic.kr/p/6tDzXA) by John (https://www.flickr.com/photos/33173691@N03/), on Flickr
Although since that photo was taken, I've removed the lowers, gone to Sport 100 mirrors and chin fairing and a Cal-Sci windscreen as shown in this post ->> http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=21281.msg1390400#msg1390400 (http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=21281.msg1390400#msg1390400)
jdg
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Not like mine - it is mine. Taken in 2011 I believe.
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3366/3594662612_4d891d3b4c_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/6tDzXA)
Cruising on the Snake (https://flic.kr/p/6tDzXA) by John (https://www.flickr.com/photos/33173691@N03/), on Flickr
Although since that photo was taken, I've removed the lowers, gone to Sport 100 mirrors and chin fairing and a Cal-Sci windscreen as shown in this post ->> http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=21281.msg1390400#msg1390400 (http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=21281.msg1390400#msg1390400)
jdg
Hmmm...
what condition are the mirrors in, and do you want to sell them ?
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Coming home from the Ohio Valley BSAOC rally last month, I was actually in my home state of Virginia and got as disoriented and lost as I've ever been. I knew ABOUT where I was ... I was in a sort of rectangle defined by US220 on the west, by US250 on the south, by VA42 on the east, and US33 on the north. Home was southeast, anywhere in 90 degree arc southeast. That was a pretty broad target, I thought.
But it was raining, solidly raining. No wind, the clouds weren't moving, and NO indication of where the sun was, it was around noon and just a uniform nimbus gray everywhere. I'd been riding 5 hours or so on the A10, been rallying for 5 days and just wanted to get home.
The roads just went in every direction, were poorly marked, and there's almost no towns in there. And none of the three locals I asked had any idea where anything was except "well, take a right down over the branch, then a left where Jimmison's barn used to be ....".
I rode in at least two circles while TRYING to stay in a straight line to hit one of the roads mentioned above, then I would know where I was.
No sun, no sense of direction whatsoever. If I'd been flying an airplane, I'd have been in an inverted dive and thinking that I was cruising along straight and level. Finally hit Mt Solon and the postmaster there told me which way to VA42 and thus into Churchville, and I got out. Carrying a compass next time!
Lannis
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^^^^^ I did that one time on an overcast day heading to Mid Ohio. Headed just generally east (I thought) on country roads, rode for over an hour, finally came to a US highway, and was about 10 miles from where I started. :grin:
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If your stuck out in the country with no known direction!
These days almost all farm/country houses have Sat. dishes. In the states that means you can find /identify SOUTH.
Of course my machine has a mag compass!
Didn't even think about satellite dishes all pointing in the same direct (southwest).
I've never found a magnetic compass that will work with the vibration and metal of a motorcycle. Is there one? A satellite-based one is about $90, that's doable ....
Lannis
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As cheap as you got that Breva you might consider investing on a new set of tires and having them mounted for when you pick it up.
This may be a trip of a lifetime it would for me so ditching the old tires for new ones would be a good idea.
Mark
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If your stuck out in the country with no known direction!
These days almost all farm/country houses have Sat. dishes. In the states that means you can find /identify SOUTH.
Of course my machine has a mag compass!
Ummmm. Has your bike got any ferrous metals on/in it Kirby ?
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As cheap as you got that Breva you might consider investing on a new set of tires and having them mounted for when you pick it up.
This may be a trip of a lifetime it would for me so ditching the old tires for new ones would be a good idea.
Mark
Dealer says new tires already installed .
Dusty
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Hey Mr. D!
I just noticed...
We've been "orienteering-ized"???
Oh the humanity!!!
:-)
Yeah , but the Navy and the USAF had already done that , or tried to anyway :laugh:
Dusty
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Hmmm...
what condition are the mirrors in, and do you want to sell them ?
I think they have been sitting on my bench for a couple of years - either that or they are mounted to a non-running bike. I'll take a look later today when the temp gets back below 100 or so. Last time I remember looking at them they were in great condition, but I'll check and let you know.
The reason I took them off was that they vibrated so much that they were unusable for actually identifying anything in them. The Sport 1200 mirrors don't for some reason.
jdg
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I think they have been sitting on my bench for a couple of years - either that or they are mounted to a non-running bike. I'll take a look later today when the temp gets back below 100 or so. Last time I remember looking at them they were in great condition, but I'll check and let you know.
The reason I took them off was that they vibrated so much that they were unusable for actually identifying anything in them. The Sport 1200 mirrors don't for some reason.
jdg
If they're really tidy, I'd be interested JD..
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If they're really tidy, I'd be interested JD..
Took a look. They are in pretty good shape, and with a little elbow grease they should look almost new.
PM me your address and I'll ship them to you. I'm not using them, and do not foresee any reason why I would, so they get passed along on their journey.
jdg
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Took a look. They are in pretty good shape, and with a little elbow grease they should look almost new.
PM me your address and I'll ship them to you. I'm not using them, and do not foresee any reason why I would, so they get passed along on their journey.
jdg
Thank you mate. I'll donate the money to the forum.