"Visited States" sigs

[MadOzodi]

Does it *have* to be only the states I've visited on the motorcycle?  Cuz if so, that's just too damn embarrassing for me.  Oh well, someone's gotta be a n00b and it may as well be me since I haven't even been riding for a year yet.  

[ridingfar]

Yes, so get over it and go ride. Everyone starts at the begining, and the longest journey begins with the first step.

There is no shame in begining your journey...

Safe travels.

[swimmer]

One day this could be yours.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/HOG-10-000-Mile-Patch-and-Pin_W0QQitemZ120528695743QQcmdZViewItemQQptZApparel_Merchandise?hash=item1c1011f1bf

[dsmith41]

Hahaha, 10,000 miles?  I did half of that just last summer and it didn't even seem like much.  In fact, I am shooting for 10,000 miles or close to it in 2010.  I wanna get my 100k mile patch.

As for the original poster, get out and ride and don't be ashamed.  I have only ridden in 5 states which is nothing compared to many on here so I'm with you.  Even if you have only ridden in one state, that's no biggie.  Its about YOUR riding, not someone else's.  Worrying about what other riders are doing can get you killed.  

[MadOzodi]

One day this could be yours.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/HOG-10-000-Mile-Patch-and-Pin_W0QQitemZ120528695743QQcmdZViewItemQQptZApparel_Merchandise?hash=item1c1011f1bf

Seriously?  

 

I guess embarrassing wasn't really the right word.  I can't think of a word that sums up the thought, "damn, I got a lot of riding to do to get all those states marked!"  Only ridden in two states so far.  Technically, it's three, but I don't count following the eastern bank of the Mississippi for several miles as having ridden the bike in Illinois.  Adding 3 states is already being planned this year, with the option of 2 additional.

I'm over it.  

[tor]

Yes, so get over it and go ride. Everyone starts at the begining, and the longest journey begins with the first step.

There is no shame in begining your journey...

Safe travels.

+1...........stay safe..

[SuperHans]

Think of it as an opportunity for some really great adventures in the future.

[ridingfar]

Dood, you're even in the same town as I am!

Not sure what states you've visited but I'll ping you when a ride's brewing and see if you're game to go along.

Arkansas, Kentucky and Tennessee are favorites during the spring (in addition to the Missouri Ozarks, of course). NC, WV and Virginia are nice too, if a bit further. And then there's the West, big and beautiful, or the Northeast in the fall. So many roads, so little time...

I usually ride in the states of Elation, Confusion, or Denial, but that's just me...still managed to get to a lot of places over the years, and hope to see many more!  

Keep an open mind and calendar, a good sense of wonder at the marvels of our world, and a recognition that adventures are not always fun when they're happening and you'll do well.

[MadOzodi]

Sweet, another StL person!

You have an '08 Tiger...r u going to the Ozark RAT Raid in April?  My C14 buddy is riding down with me.

I try my best to always ride in the state of level-headedness.  

[kendenton]

Hahaha, 10,000 miles?  I did half of that just last summer and it didn't even seem like much.  In fact, I am shooting for 10,000 miles or close to it in 2010.  I wanna get my 100k mile patch.

As for the original poster, get out and ride and don't be ashamed.  I have only ridden in 5 states which is nothing compared to many on here so I'm with you.  Even if you have only ridden in one state, that's no biggie.  Its about YOUR riding, not someone else's.  Worrying about what other riders are doing can get you killed.  

I doubt HOG even makes a 100,000 mile patch  

[bomber]

AMA has (or had, anyways) a series of "Long Rider Pins/Patches."

I believe they start at 100K.

[kyzrex]

depending on where you live reaching a large number of states can be very easy or very hard.  Case in point...

I live in Kentucky, but can reach Ohio and Indiana on I-275 around Cincy by travleing only about 10 miles.  In fact, I can reach 7 states while doing a lap of the State.

However, If I lived out west, where the states are MUCH larger, it could a 2-3 day trip to reach that many states.  

May look cool to have alot of states colored in, but if you don't enjoy the trip(s) to reach them...what's it worth?

[MadOzodi]

...May look cool to have alot of states colored in, but if you don't enjoy the trip(s) to reach them...what's it worth?

Good point.  A trip on the bike from StL to Indianapolis would be mind numbing for me, but two states in the other direction would end up being much more enjoyable.

[ridingfar]

Sweet, another StL person!

You have an '08 Tiger...r u going to the Ozark RAT Raid in April?  My C14 buddy is riding down with me.

Yes, RAT Raid looks like fun and is on my calendar, although I have made no reservations yet. Are you guys booked at the HUB? I was thinking of starting to look for someone(s) to throw in with for lodging.

Regardless on the accomidation arrangments I'd be up to the trip down and back; I'm shooting to go there on Thursday and come back on Sunday. Lotsa nice roads between here and there!

[Mrs. DantesDame]

One day this could be yours.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/HOG-10-000-Mile-Patch-and-Pin_W0QQitemZ120528695743QQcmdZViewItemQQptZApparel_Merchandise?hash=item1c1011f1bf

 I had to do a double take. 10,000???? I thought I overlooked a zero in there.

I'm pleased to say that I have somewhere over 200,000 miles under me. Maybe 220,000? Anyway, it's not the number of miles - its the number of smiles!  


(god that was cheesy  )

[MadOzodi]

Yes, RAT Raid looks like fun and is on my calendar, although I have made no reservations yet. Are you guys booked at the HUB? I was thinking of starting to look for someone(s) to throw in with for lodging.

Regardless on the accomidation arrangments I'd be up to the trip down and back; I'm shooting to go there on Thursday and come back on Sunday. Lotsa nice roads between here and there!

Aye, booked at the HUB.  You may want to give 'em a call as I believe there aren't very many rooms left.  The coordinator was there this past weekend to finalize the menu for dinner and look into alternative accomodations.  Our plan is to leave Friday morning and return Sunday; we actually did the run down there starting on 21 and going through Mountain View, AR last September.

[sammyseaman]

 I had to do a double take. 10,000???? I thought I overlooked a zero in there.

I'm pleased to say that I have somewhere over 200,000 miles under me. Maybe 220,000? Anyway, it's not the number of miles - its the number of smiles!  


(god that was cheesy  )

Or awesome  

[1KPerDay]

Whatever map you choose, just make sure you make it REALLY BIG so it appears REALLY BIG below everything you say. In case we miss it.

[MadOzodi]

Whether cheesy or awesome, it rings true.  

Whatever map you choose, just make sure you make it REALLY BIG so it appears REALLY BIG below everything you say. In case we miss it.

LOL...so I can have people put me on ignore?

[bluepoof]

 I had to do a double take. 10,000???? I thought I overlooked a zero in there.

Whatever.  A lot of clubs -- Women on Wheels, too -- have incremental patches or pins.  I have 5000, 10000, 25000, and 50000 mile pins from Women on Wheels.  I think it's fun to collect them as I go.  

[sammyseaman]

How do you all keep track of your miles? Guess-timates? Or have you been running a tally from the beginning?

[1KPerDay]

Dunno about other places but the Harley Owners Group has an official miles club and they keep track of them at the dealership when you service/purchase/trade bikes. My brother has a 250,000 mile pin, documented, for example.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

How do you all keep track of your miles? Guess-timates? Or have you been running a tally from the beginning?

Mostly guesses. I consider the bikes I've owned and how many miles I've put on each of them, and then add any "other" riding I've done, such as delivering bikes for people. I'm not looking for a certificate, so exact numbers aren't terribly important.

[sleazy rider]

Region 4 has DavidLSI doing an annual mileage spreadsheet for us.  If you want to add states to your map, just start riding to 'em.  10 years ago, I had never been out of Michigan on a bike, considering a 5000 mile year big.  Since then, I'm averaging 20k a year and  now I've been to all 48 CONUS states.  Every trip has been fun and educational.  All it takes is time, money and a strong desire to see what's over the horizon.     This is a great country to wander aimlessly and meet people.

[MadOzodi]

All it takes is time, money and a strong desire to see what's over the horizon.     This is a great country to wander aimlessly and meet people.

Sadly, these are a precious commodity nowadays.  The spirit is willing, but the # of vacation days and wallet are weaksauce.  

[woodman]

One day this could be yours.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/HOG-10-000-Mile-Patch-and-Pin_W0QQitemZ120528695743QQcmdZViewItemQQptZApparel_Merchandise?hash=item1c1011f1bf

I was only in the U.S. five weeks last year and I did 3,000 miles.

[sleazy rider]

Camping and road food are cheap fare.  Gas for a 600 mile weekend shouldn't be more than $30-$40.  Three day weekends can get you far from home and back again for about $100 if you rough it a bit.  The roads in northern Arkansas are mighty fine, just about 200 miles away From StL and there are several good state campgrounds in the area.  

[sammyseaman]

Sadly, these are a precious commodity nowadays.  The spirit is willing, but the # of vacation days and wallet are weaksauce.  

Yeah, hows come the older I get the less time and money I have  . And I'm not even in debt  

[sammyseaman]

Hmmm.... So if I averaged 10,000 miles a year over 23 years that's 230,000 miles. Now I know some years I only rode about 5-6,000 miles (the 6 years I worked on the road and one summer two years ago) and some years upwards of 20,000 miles or more (my twenties and my later thirties). So I think 10,000 a year is a good average  
So I say 229,418 miles  

[Justin]

Camping and road food are cheap fare.  Gas for a 600 mile weekend shouldn't be more than $30-$40.  Three day weekends can get you far from home and back again for about $100 if you rough it a bit.  The roads in northern Arkansas are mighty fine, just about 200 miles away From StL and there are several good state campgrounds in the area.  

A long weekend ride for me is usually about 1000-2000 miles, and at 40 Mpg your looking at about $100 in gas. I travel very light and sleep on the ground next to the bike, so no lodging costs. Food can be cheap if you pack a little cooler with meals for the ride (sandwiches are good). Of course you also need to factor in the wear and tear on the bike and add the costs that a trip adds to your maintenance - for me, 1500 miles is about 1/4 of a tire, 1/10th of a chain, good part of an oil change etc. So the real "costs" of a trip are significantly more than what you actually spend during a trip.