Planning my first long trip

[SSLT1KID]

First let me introduce myself. I have had a couple R6s. I bought a first gen Yamaha FZ1 last summer. I did a few 400 and 500 mile days and immediately decided to purchase a Sargent seat. I am planning a trip from Florida to California. Unfortunately the only vacaction I was able to get is in February and March.  I bought a cold weather jacket and I have been very happy with it. I ordered cold weather pants. Just waiting on them to show up on my door step. I will most likely wear my Alpinestar SVX 5 boots. I have a tank bag, soft saddle bags, a duffle that fits on my passenger seat and a hard tail case. I have a tent, cold weather sleeping bag and an air mattress that all fit in the duffle and hard case. I have a compact air pump, a Droid X (phone, navigation, music, internet, etc), a helmet blue tooth and a cigarette lighter power source on my bike. Any advice? I have friends and family along the way so I wont tent camp all the time, but I would like to camp along the way.

[mugwump58]

Once on a long trip I experienced a 40^o temprature drop. I ended up doing my best Tour de France rider impression, stuffing my jacket ect... with newspaper. I almost always take my heated gloves and vest with me now on long trips. Hypothermia ain't no fun and no I'm not smart enough to stop, I never leave myself any leeway, time wise.

I didn't see what you are carrying for gloves.

Tire repair kit? Chain lube? Tools?

[UHOH]

sounds like a good time/trip.
  Be sure to have a waterproof cover for your duffel bag; even a couple garbage bags (overlapped from the ends) over the top works.
I don't like to camp if I'm by myself now because I like to talk and socialize at the end of a day alone.  -  But I sure used to camp by myself.

advice?
A) if March weather is favorable, or at least not bad, and you can save space in your camera's memory chip -
on way east return thru Zion Park, UT and then further east to Monument Valley.   Absolutely stunning scenery.
B)  get a small 4x6 photo album and fill it with 12 - 15 photo prints of your life and surroundings in Florida.  ... makes a great aid to meet people.
C) west of the Mississippi R, I assume peeps are friendly, so I'd be outgoing.   Possibly also true east of river, but I have limited experience there.

enjoy

[still kickin]

Just did the same trip but in early September. Some thoughts

1. Be SURE you buy Long Distance(LD) Riding shorts.
2. Avoid I-10 like the crabs(couldn't remember how to spell syphilis)
3. A Gerbing liner and gloves will be worth a look.
4. Watching your altitude BE SURE and see Colorado and Utah. Awesome.
5. Be sure you want to camp-that gear is heavy and takes a long time to set up when tired.
6. Watch the crosswinds in Texas and Colorado.
Have a ball and ride safe..

[kyzrex]

Heated gear can make all the difference
Don't keep all your money together
Carry a small bottle of water when crossing southwest states
Don't over plan

[Cheddarhead]

Post into the various regions you're planning to traverse...along with your date(s) and general route info.  You will be amazed at how many folk offer advise on campsites, restaurants, good (or great!) roads to ride, etc.

Soem may even offer up camping space in their yard / family room.  The opportunity to share experiences from the road (plus a hot shower and perhaps laundry services!) isn't to be missed.

Enjoy!  It's an awesome way to expand your circle of friends exponentially....

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Post into the various regions you're planning to traverse...along with your date(s) and general route info.  You will be amazed at how many folk offer advise on campsites, restaurants, good (or great!) roads to ride, etc.

Some may even offer up camping space in their yard / family room.  The opportunity to share experiences from the road (plus a hot shower and perhaps laundry services!) isn't to be missed.

Enjoy!  It's an awesome way to expand your circle of friends exponentially....

Plus, heated gear is a godsend. Go forth and buy a heated jacket   and if your grips aren't heated already do so, or get the heated gloves. It can make all the difference in a fun, long day or a miserable slog to get to your next destination  

[vulcanbill]

Make sure you DISTANCE TEST all your gear.  What works in the garage for 15 minutes might really suck after 5 hours.  Specifically, earplugs or whatever earbuds you'll be using.  There are a ton of threads on the subject to research.  When you get your new clothes, find a way to test them before you hit the road.  Never start a trip of that magnitude w/out doing the stuff that's free, easy and smart like gear testing.  I second heated gear and not planning too much.  

First and foremost, unclench and enjoy.

[Justin]

5. Be sure you want to camp-that gear is heavy and takes a long time to set up when tired.

No need for a tent if you're camping a lone, just a sleeping pad and sleeping bag does the trick. At least that's how I do it .. don't like playing around with a tent, just sleep under the stars, particularly out here in the west; you get great stargazing.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

No need for a tent if you're camping a lone, just a sleeping pad and sleeping bag does the trick. At least that's how I do it .. don't like playing around with a tent, just sleep under the stars, particularly out here in the west; you get great stargazing.

You DID read that he'll be "camping" in February/March, right? I'd recommend a tent; too much chance of rain and cold  

[ConPilot1]

Camelback hydration pack. A 70oz'er. Stay hydrated steadily through the day.

Mucho Importanto.

[SSLT1KID]

Thanks everyone for the replies.  My gloves are Alpinestars SP-2s.  I inadvertently purchased them a size too big, which will be beneficial because I can fit some liners in them.  My bike has heated grips already.  I have been daily riding my bike in 20-30 degree temps with no problem.  I did some time in the Marine Corps, so I am fairly tolerant to inclement weather.  My cold weather pants came in today and they are awesome.  I will be carrying two Camel Back hydration systems (2 tours in Iraq) because hydration is key.  I have water proof liners for all my bags.  I'm probably going to load up everything on the bike and start daily driving it fully loaded just to get used to it and see what works and what doesn't.  

[SSLT1KID]

Test run with all the bags

[vulcanbill]

Looks good and makes me wanna hit the road.  

Might wanna think about tightening up the saddlebags just a tad.  You can afford to have them a smidge higher than they currently are without losing space for the duffel.  The extra height will keep the potential differences in loading technique from putting your bag on your pipe.  Things change.  You buy a couple things on the road or just pack differently and the slightest difference in weight might have your bags shifting a little.  I did Givi soft bags for years and found them sitting on or near the pipe more than once.  Maybe some high temp tape on the bottom of the right bag?  You were a Marine...  figure it out.  

[Wockman]

Looks good and makes me wanna hit the road.  

I was thinking the same thing !

Have fun, dont push yourself hard just trying to keep to a schedule.  Stay in a hotel on the cold and wet nights.  Tool and tire kits were mentioned.  You might look into roadside assitance plans (I have the MOTOW from the AMA but have never had to use it). I put clear contact paper on my tail section so my bags wouldn't rub the paint.

[SSLT1KID]

I put clear contact paper on my tail section so my bags wouldn't rub the paint.

Thats a good idea.  I have been trying to do something similar with static cling tint, but it does not adhere to curved surfaces well. I was thinking about just using masking tape.

[notarian]

Enjoy. What you don't know now you'll learn and adjust on the road. Sounds good!

[Wockman]

Thats a good idea.  I have been trying to do something similar with static cling tint, but it does not adhere to curved surfaces well. I was thinking about just using masking tape.

Instead of masking tape try blue painters tape, I originally tried it but since my bike is black it looked like ass.  But it might match your bike better?  The contact paper/shelf liner worked pretty well on my last trip.  It is cheap, fairly tough and peels off easily, I just put a few small pieces along where the bags touch the paint.  

[Fun Dog]

Looks like you've thought of everything.  After 2 tours in Iraq I'll bet anything you encounter out on the open road will seem like small potatoes.  Even if you get cold you can take comfort in the fact that at least nobody is shooting at you.

I've never taken a trip that far.  Most I've done is a couple of states out of town, but I wish I were you right now.  I sure do.

[bomber]

much good advice here -- I'll simply add thank you for your service, and enjoy yourself now that you're home safe and sound.