Motorcycle touring distance planning

When motorcycle touring, how far should I go in a day? In this video, I discuss five times I’ve gone further than I wanted to and look at the reasons that led to such long days. I also provide some resources for trip planning that help you avoid too long days. #AfricaTwin #NC750 #BMWR1200RS

Timecodes
Intro - 00:00
About me – 00:23
Mistake #1 - 00:55 - 00:56
Mistake #2 - 02:39
Mistake #3 - 03:48
Mistake #4 - 04:28
Mistake #5 - 05:28
Planning tips - 06:17:22
Forestry Campsites - 06:33
Conclusion - 07:07

[jimthompson]

Just discovered your channel. I admire your adventures. I recommend you dial back the quick narration edits.

[karlbishop]

I am an old guy, 78 and have been moto camping for many years with about a 10 year break inmy 60's. I was always kind of a long hauler. I am trying to cut down on the number of miles ridden in a day. That has been my biggest problem sitting in the saddle too long resulting in dehyration and fatigue. I am planning on three trips this summer, I am going to force myself to limit the miles I ride in a day. Stop more often, see the sights, smell the roses and drink more water.

[BlackdogADV]

Been riding 60 years or so. I’m 75 with the normal health issues that come with this age. I travel a lot, I’ve ridden from Oregon to the Arctic Ocean 4 times and Ushuaia Argentina once. I ride a BMW 1200GS with nearly 100, 000 miles on the clock.
I plan my route as I go and never make reservations. I generally will camp for 2 days then motel it the 3rd night. I like to remote/stealth camp and I’m always solo. I use a Garmin Zumo XT and an Inreach mini 2.
I’m thinking of riding the Trans Taiga road this year but things could change.

[richardvarnold]

I usually plan 300 miles a day + or -, my favorite thing to do is to stop in the middle of the day for an ice cream cone when it's really hot out. Preferably inside with a/c. It just breaks the rhythm. Lay on a picnic table at a secluded rest area, walk a short trail, stop at a roadside mart. anything that refreshes the soul, pumps the blood and moves some muscles will make the next 100 miles a little easier.

[Hydraulic]

When riding Hwy 101, and ESPECIALLY Hwy 1, make sure you have reservations, even at camp sights. I planned my first night at Ft. Bragg, CA which is a minimum 6-1/2 hour ride from home. My mistake was assuming I could get a room, but I couldn’t, every room was full. I found a room in Point Arena, another 1-1/2 hours in the dark rain. I got to my room well after midnight. I was drenched, crabby and exhausted. I now make reservations!

[gregevancio]

Good tips for those who have yet to do long-distance traveling. Last thing I'd need is a long day in the saddle, and arriving at my destination late, sore, tired, and wet! I want to enjoy the trip, not be pressed for time.

[kztrekz]

You can combine those 5 things into plan so freakin much :) My only plans are where do I want to go? I ride till I dont want to anymore then find a place to stay. I usually start looking early afternoon, between then and early evening Ive found a place.

[bondradman]

I think we all tend to get excited when planning a big trip and try to cover too much ground. I'm getting better at smaller days (3, 4, 500km) and generally only ride for about 6 or 7 hours. Safe travels.

[chrisb]

Well done. I’m an older rider and really falling back on my life experience to plan my trips relying heavily on the common sense I’ve gathered through the years. Thank you.

[peterholst]

Finally a video made by an adult, sharing real life lessons.
Thank you!

YouTube now a days is so crowded with "professional YouTubers" who have nothing to contribute, but have to release videos to have an income. Those videos are not based on experiences or common sense.

[qdllc]

Lessons I’ve learned from things I anticipated and things I didn’t anticipate.

1. Be anal about your planning. I do a lot of research of where I want to go and what I want to do. Plans might have to change but knowing the plan makes mid-trip modification easier.

2. Every gas stop is planned…if for no other reason than to ensure there is gas available when I need to fill up. When calculating time, I attribute 15 minutes per stop for gas, bathroom break and a snack bar/hydration. I also use multiple sources. The POI database for my GPS and Google maps can both be incomplete, but if you can confirm there is gas someplace, it won’t matter if it matches exactly what your software said was there.

3. End of day lodging is planned as much as possible. I tried camping and hated it. I prefer mom and pop motels because they provide what I need (hot shower and clean bed) for less than most hotels. I’m an early riser, so a complimentary breakfast isn’t a deal maker. I try to plan in advance because it sucks to get somewhere and realize nothing is available. The importance of this varies based on destination…of course.

4. Have a GPS…if even a cheap one. I can do maps, but in the rain or in the dark, maps just don’t cut it. A smart phone is only a viable option if you know there will be cell coverage where you’re traveling.

5. If the day’s plan has no shortcut option (eliminating part of the plan to reduce distance or dealing with road closures), leave as early as possible (pre dawn). This way you aren’t running after sundown trying to get to the destination.

6. Pack all OTC meds you MIGHT need (particularly cold, indigestion, diarrhea, allergies, etc.) in addition to your prescription Rx. You don’t need the whole bottle or package. A full blister pack will do until you get to a town with a drug store.

7. Pack camping toilet paper (more compact than standard TP) and hand sanitizer. When nature calls, you can’t be sure a place will have TP or a way to wash your hands. Also consider a travel pack of baby wipes for problematic bowel movements.

8. Pack a tool bag with EVERYTHING you normally need for working on the bike. With some planning, you’d be amazed how small a footprint you can make it. Likewise have a tire plug kit and reliable inflation system (electric or manual). As far as bringing spare parts, only do so for items you know on your bike are prone to premature failure that can be repaired in the field.

9. As I age, I more and more how much I want to cover per day. I’ve done 1, 000+ days, but at a cost. I find 500 is a good maximum. I also find that, on average, you cover 50 miles per hour over the course of a day. So, that’s 10 hours of riding.

10. Now for the blasphemy…trailering. Honestly, unless your trip is a loop and not an “A to B” situation, the benefits of trailering is not wasting your tires and stamina getting to the destination and getting home. I’ve done both, and I can attest that for motorcycle events, I much prefer trailering so I can truly enjoy my time at the event and not worry about having the juice to make it home.

11. You always need less than you think you need. Some people buy crap clothing and throw them out when soiled (works for many situations), but at least have good gear you can wash in the bathroom sink and hang dry. If it’s a long enough trip, pack stuff that’s machine washable and stop someplace with laundry facilities.

[BlazinBlades]

Been riding for 32 years just retired at 55 and your insight is a great asset to us oldies but goodies 😄
New Sub 🍻

[jeffanderson]

Been there, done that. My wife and I have come to a common agreement (we ride two-up). We stop EVERY hour for a short break regardless the situation. It greatly reduces fatigue and doesn't lead to tunnel vision and "just one more mile"... that eventually leads to 10 - 20 additional miles that feel like a slog. It might add to the trip time but we arrive at our destination less fatigued and happier. If we do anticipate a long day we go into it with that knowledge (I usually plan these days early in the trip while we're still feeling fresh) - put those ugly, boring highway miles in the rearview.

[jameshardy]

Very helpful video. I'm heading over to the US from the UK next week to begin a 3-month / 14, 000m motorcycle tour. Air freighting my UK bike into New York and setting off South towards Key West to begin. Thanks for the info.

[jimbroen]

I'm retired, mid sixties and just getting into this. I live in Edmonton and have family to visit in Calgary, Victoria and Los Angeles. This is the first of your videos I've seen and you are addressing many of the questions I have. I look forward to perusal of your catalog.

[LuckyTown]

Yes. My 17 day trip was only 6, 000km due to massive rain. Accepting this was a new concept.

[RonTG_MediaArts]

Thank you, Well noted and loged into my database of "things you should know", Tortuga.

[PainterD]

That's my only concern when going on a long trip, is finding a camping spot every night. If it's a remote site, all I would need it to top off my water supply. I wouldn't always need anything fancy but every other day running water would be nice. I'm sure I'll figure it out and learn as I go (the hard way like most) Looking forward to some longer trips with camping gear instead of always trying to find a motel.

[gcprost]

I appreciate you documenting the events of these trips. I too, am a retired adventure rider, although we have different kinds of destinations that we seek out. I seldom camp although in some of the remote areas I travel I carry camp gear as a back up.

[curtisbarrow]

Yup. Done them all! Another one is realize the days are different lengths depending on your latitude: don't depend on your eyeball to determine the time...maybe this one is under common sense, but you have to think of it first...I was riding in a 24 hour rally out of Edmonton that started at 5pm on the Friday nearest the longest day of the year. Riding around, having fun, collecting points. I noticed my low fuel light on, and thought it was time to fill up. Then I noticed the small town I was riding through had rolled up the sidewalks: it was after 11pm and still light out! I carefully rode until I found a Husky station, where I filled up. They shut their station down as I rolled out of the parking lot. Just because it is still daylight up North does not mean places are still open! Check your clock even if you are not in a Rally! Great video! {!-{>