While on a ride of US50 from Sacramento to Ocean City, I decided to write down some observations on long distance motorcycling. These are my ideas and thoughts; your millage may vary. This isn’t really about US50.
If you are using waypoints to make sure Mr. Garmin stays on a specific road, be careful where you place them. The corollary to this is: If Mr. Garmin says In 1.5 miles leave the road, you probably placed the waypoint incorrectly and should stay on the road.
Head up. Eyes up. Look through the curve. As Enzo (the Golden Retriever in The Art of Racing in the Rain said) “In racing, they say that your car goes where your eyes go. The driver who cannot tear his eyes away from the wall as he spins out of control will meet that wall; the driver who looks down the track as he feels his tires break free will regain control of his vehicle.” Yes, I just quoted a dog.
When it is 1000, closing your face shield makes things cooler.
The evaporative cooling vests really do work.
The faucets in convenience store restrooms these days are almost all motion activated. It is hard to keep enough water running to soak a vest.
When you stop at a convenience store and it is really hot, put your helmet in the ice machine with the bags. It doesn’t stay cold long after you put it on, but the first couple of minutes are glorious.
The smell of pines at high altitudes is different than the smell of pines at the lower altitudes. Both are excellent, but they are different.
Early Sunday morning is a great time to ride through downtown Washington D.C. The corollary is that Sunday afternoon is an incredibly sucky time to leave a beach town.
Have a way of keeping the folks at home informed of where, generally, you are. Use one of the systems such as SPOT, send a text location, call, whatever. They are happy to know that you have kept the rubber side down.
Having routines, both macro and micro, will make things easier. Macro: Find a routine to your day that works for you. For me it is up early and ride. 200 miles before breakfast. Pick your general destination for the night and stop when you get there. Check-in. Shower. Bike maintenance (check tires, oil, clean windscreen, clean helmet shield…). Dinner. Micro: Always put things in the same place. In your pockets, in your room…. Put your keys, your wallet, your phone in the same place every time. When you are tired, looking for your keys is a hassle you don’t need.
Hydration is key. Figure out how you are going to keep hydrated while riding. I use a MotoJug, but there are many other ways.
Take time to make time (I first heard this one from Don Arthur, a.k.a Rear Vice Admiral Donald Author USN ret, a great long distance rider and once Surgeon General USN). If you are getting tired, a short stop and rest will allow you to safely continue. If you find you can’t keep a constant speed or you haven’t selected the right gear (1st) at stop lights, it is time to rest.
When a wildfire goes through an area, it destroys the roads. Expect delays.
It is OK, in fact a good thing, to take a chance on the little roadside motels. You always know what you will get at a Hampton Inn, but that would be the same as always going to McDonalds to eat. Try out different places. Sometimes they suck, but that is an adventure in itself. Sometimes they are wonderful. If you happen to be in Romney, WV, I strongly suggest the Koolwink Motel. It is a real Mom & Pop place right out of the 50s.
The best raspberry jam in the word is in Nevada. I just wish I could remember where it was. If you are in Colorado, the huevos ranchero is a good choice at the local diner.
Nine or ten over the speed limit seems to be pretty acceptable. But do you really need to be doing 95?
Looking at the odo or clock often makes for a very long day. Just ride until you get to the destination you set. The odo doesn’t change that much over ten minutes.
US 50 through Nevada earns its nickname as the loneliest road in America.
There are still places where gas availability is limited. Fuel management is something to think about.
It is a long way across Iowa and Nebraska. The corollary is that it is a long way across eastern Colorado and Kansas.
Good lights are a big deal. They help with visibility, both yours and the ability of other drivers to see you. Ever wonder why there are three lights on locomotives? Just asking.
