Preparing for a 4000+ mile trip June 22.

[Clint]

My buddy (also with a Bandit and Givi hard cases) and I are heading from St. Cloud, MN west through SD, MT, ID, OR and down to the Grand Canyon and back in nine days starting June 22. I'm working out the final details over the next week and a half, so I thought I'd start a discussion to accumulate tips and share my experience.

We're riding 1029 miles on Day 1, going from St. Cloud to Red Lodge, MT in order to earn our Iron Butt Bunburner certification. Somewhat insane, yes, but what's life without adventure, right? So far, in preperation for that day specifically, I bought a Camelback bladder that I'll fill with icewater and keep in the tank bag. I can slide the tube up under my chinbar with no trouble, and I can slide it back into the tank bag easily.

I've ordered a Garmin Quest 2 and a RAM mount along with the powered cradle. It's a good upgrade from my eTrex Legend since it does autorouting just in case, and we'll plan our route very carefully ahead of time since our daily mileage goals are fairly ambitious. We're splitting our nights between relatives in Montana, hotels and camping, with a tent being our shelter on four nights.

Should be a heck of a trip. More later.

[DrBob]

Cool! Have fun and ride safe!

[Louis]

Wow, that's quite a trip!

[Freakinout]

Long trip. When your at red lodge you can go visit Jim @ beartooth kawasaki (sister sites owner )

Come down to texas while your at it, I've got a garage and couch.

[Mavman]

+1 to Dr.Bob....and yeah...WOW!

Wanted to add something concerning the "icewater", I've been told that drinking it that cold, makes you thirsty for more...which IMO, seems to hold true for me.

Don't want to see your water supply (possibly) run dry too quick before your next water hole visit or make too many stops for more.

Sorry I don't have any facts/figures to support my statement, just wanted to share what happens in my case.

Enjoy yourself.

[Clint]

I'd like to stop in at Beartooth if they're open early enough on Friday. If the icewater makes me want to drink more that'll help me prevent dehydration, right? Of course I may have to make more frequent 'tree' stops.

[Freakinout]

Nothin' like peein on the side of the road.

[dragbar]

I'd definately add an extra gas can strapped tight somewhere. I hear some places have quite a gas stretch (especially at night when they all close up) in some parts of MT and points in between.

Being stuck in some parts of the upper plains would suck as bad at the desert..long walk.

[Rockhead]

I thought you were going to ride Route 66? Maybe it was someone else.

Anyways have a great time; inputting trip routes has been invaluable for me this year. Sometimes when pulling off the byways, other riders are looking at me saying where he is going, he must know something. Last week, somehow one of the routes I planned was a shut down road and now is a bike path, Oops.

You’re going to need to hard wire the thing. It might be fine at first, but after a while it’s going to start With the GPS on the bike shutting down because of the vibrations. (Unlike women) Also carry some fuses with you, stash a map and the e-trax and plenty of money for hookers.

[Mavman]

Originally Posted by RowdyRed94

I'd like to stop in at Beartooth if they're open early enough on Friday. If the icewater makes me want to drink more that'll help me prevent dehydration, right? Of course I may have to make more frequent 'tree' stops.

True, no dehydration, maybe more water stops though.....but now that you've thrown in the "tree stops".....I don't know what to say, hhhmmm maybe an IV and foley catheter.

[inspiron]

A lot of preparation is needed for such a long ride. Keeping hydrated and maintaining a constant blood-sugar level is critical. As you get down to the warmer regions, I would suggest carrying water and some sports drinks (Gatorade) to replace some of the minerals you'll lose through sweat and urine. Also, take some beef jerky or other high-protein snacks. Stay away from high sugar snacks (candy bars, etc.). If you can avoid it, don't drink cola or other sugary drinks, either. Stick to water or fruit juices.

I doubt if "ice water" will remain cold for very long. However, if you are very warm, I would drink water that is "room temperature" and not ice cold. When I'm hot, drinking ice cold liquids can give me some nasty cramps, so I stick to room temperature fluids.

[Louis]

Good tips Jim!

[Clint]

Thanks, Jim. We're going to be 200 miles between fill-up stops, so I'll use enough ice to keep the water cool in a black tank bag for the majority of the time. I'd rather it not be 80 degrees. I'm pretty good about caffein and sugar, but sometimes I don't get enough protein on a trip like that. I'll focus on that.

[S2Design]

I can't offer much advice. However, the Camelback bladder will sweat profusely with ice water in it. You can get an insulated sleeve to carry it in. This will keep the condensation from soaking everything in your tank bag and keep your water cooler longer.

[stp1971]

If you can get the extra gas tank on there that is really a good idea. Especially with the summer driving season and the storm season approaching. Never know if we might run into another summer of stations running out of gas and that would truly suck.

I wouldn't allow the tank to drop below halfway in those remote areas if you cna help it.

[Clint]

Thanks for the tips. I'll use something to insulate the bladder.

I grew up in Montana. Stations aren't as far apart as you'd think, but we'll still have to be careful. I don't like the idea of a loose bottle of gasoline in my luggage, so I probably won't do that.

[inspiron]

Gixxerdale recommended keeping one or two bottles of "emergency" gasoline in your saddlebags. You don't need more than half a gallon, but I would definitely carry a couple of pints if there is a risk of running out between stations...

[Louis]

Weird, I don't mind riding with a few gallons between my legs but like Rowdy, I'm reluctant to have some anywhere else!

[inspiron]

Originally Posted by Louis

Weird, I don't mind riding with a few gallons between my legs...

Louis, are we back to that kilt again?

[Louis]

Nope, not at all!


Pervert!