Quick trip - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

**Louis** · 06-14-2005, 08:23 AM

It's decided. I'm riding back home in two weeks to pay a surprise visit for my Mother's 65th birthday. The trip is 667km (414 miles) one way. This is gonna my first long trip. I'm going alone, the wife and daughter are staying at home. I'lle riding Thursday June 30th, and coming back Saturday July 2nd. My inlaws are coming on July 3rd so I have to be back home. I'm eager and a bit anxious about the upcoming trip.

Things so far that I've to complete before going:
-Buy real riding pants. Didn't have them. When I went shopping for some the other I was told to wait until I changed my jacket (which is planned but maybe only next year) since the zipper wouldn't fit a manufacturer to another.
-Clean and lube chain (will be due before I leave anyway)
-Plan stops for gas (and rest) in advance.

**inspiron** · 06-14-2005, 08:39 AM

Take a look at Dale's post about his "survival pack" of things to carry with you ... for a trip of that length, you'll need a large tank bag, or a large bag on the pillion seat. Plan the trip carefully, know the range of your bike, and make sure that you fill the tank before it gets critical. Carry enough cash to fill the tank and get something to eat on the ride. Drink A LOT of water and take frequent breaks (pull over, get off the bike and stretch your legs and arms). If you feel yourself getting tired - look for a hotel and continue the journey the next morning. 667 KM at 60 kmh (average) means you'll be on the bike for 11 hours...don't underestimate the strain on your body (arms, legs, back and butt), especially if you do this twice in three days.

**Louis** · 06-14-2005, 08:48 AM

In a car it takes about 7 hours of driving. Except for the first leg of about 100KM, the rest is on highway with 90 or 100 KM/h speed limit. The first leg is a mix of small towns so it goes from 90 back to 50 back to 90 again...

**Uncle Bob** · 06-14-2005, 08:57 AM

So where does your mom live ?

themeatmanlandry · 06-14-2005, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle Bob

So where does your mom live ?

Yeah . . . hook a brother up!! She gotta sister??

**Louis** · 06-14-2005, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle Bob

So where does your mom live ?

My Mother is still in Chicoutimi, my hometown. According to the Ministry of tranportation, the distance is 690KM

Quote:

Originally Posted by themeatmanlandry

Yeah . . . hook a brother up!! She gotta sister??

She had 7 sisters. Two have passed away. My Mother's is number 7 of the family.

**Uncle Bob** · 06-14-2005, 09:08 AM

Oh man Chicoutimi !

What a crazy airport they have there, it's in a valley surrounded by mountains, when the pilot sees the runway he has to dive down in order to land.

Sounds like a great trip, beautifull scenery in those parts.

**Louis** · 06-14-2005, 09:17 AM

Yes, I'll bring the camera for sure. I'll put a camera mount on my X-mas wish list...

As for the airport, you talking about the Bagotville airport? Next to the army base? THere ain't no mountains near by!

**Uncle Bob** · 06-14-2005, 09:22 AM

Oops, I was thinking of something else .........

Yes it is Bagotville I used when going to chicoutimi, you're right about the lack of mountains, last time I went it was visibility that was a problem and our pilot dove through an opening in the clouds, that was the only way he could get a visual on the landing strip.

**inspiron** · 06-14-2005, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Louis

In a car it takes about 7 hours of driving. Except for the first leg of about 100KM, the rest is on highway with 90 or 100 KM/h speed limit. The first leg is a mix of small towns so it goes from 90 back to 50 back to 90 again...

Yes, but keep in mind that you won't be able to keep up that kind of speed for hours on end ... in a car, you are protected from the wind and weather, and don't tire as easily. On a bike, you have to fight the wind, so you'll need to stop and rest more often. It's alot harder to ride for 7 hours than to sit in a car and drive...

Gixxerdale · 06-14-2005, 09:28 AM

Hey Louis, like Jim said, be sure and carry all you need. Buying things along the route can be a pain to find a source plus burn up valuable time.

If you're not 100% (have a cold etc) consider rescheduling.

If you find yourself not staying totally focused on the ride, take a break, get a high energy snack and a drink. Best if you carry them in a tank bag. Also walk and stretch before returning to the road.

Don't sit still for hours until it hurts. Alter your riding position every few minutes before you feel a cramp or pain. Get creative with the footpegs. I use both sets with various foot positions. It's like stretching while riding.

If you are not ready to buy pants to match a jacket buy overpants, like from Tour Master. Reasonable price, easy on off, good armor, and really handy to put on for those last minute rides to the market etc. Lot faster than changing for a short ride somewhere. Plus I use them to commute, with my work pants underneath.

Since it's your first long ride, take mental notes, or written about your journey. So you can make changes or corrections for your next journey.

Above alll have safe fun journey and check in with the family often. I'm sure they will be concerned. Let us know how it goes!

PS. Get Microsoft Streets and Trips for route planning, you'll love it.

themeatmanlandry · 06-14-2005, 09:34 AM

Gold Bond Powder will fight the monkey butt.

You've been warned.

**Louis** · 06-14-2005, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gixxerdale

If you are not ready to buy pants to match a jacket buy overpants, like from Tour Master. Reasonable price, easy on off, good armor, and really handy to put on for those last minute rides to the market etc. Lot faster than changing for a short ride somewhere. Plus I use them to commute, with my work pants underneath.

Yes, Overpants is want I want. Since I'll also use them to come to work wearing them over my regular pants.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gixxerdale

Since it's your first long ride, take mental notes, or written about your journey. So you can make changes or corrections for your next journey.

Above alll have safe fun journey and check in with the family often. I'm sure they will be concerned. Let us know how it goes!

Good idea, I'll post the notes here anyways and on my blog.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gixxerdale

PS. Get Microsoft Streets and Trips for route planning, you'll love it.

I'm a Mac user, but I do have PC as well at home. How much is it?

ion54 · 06-14-2005, 12:27 PM

I'll go 138/172. It is a longer ride but I found it much nicer.
138 along the St Lawrence is a nice ride, but 172 is nicer. Make sure you ride it during the day.
Enjoy your trip and ride safe!
And I know they take credit cards so the luggage can be lighter.

**Louis** · 06-14-2005, 01:12 PM

The plan is:
-Highway 50 in Gatineau to Road 148 up to Lachute -> 142 KM
-Lachute, back on Hway 50 (the 50 is split in two parts, don't ask) to the 15 in order to reach the 640 East to avoid Montréal. -> 86 KM
-640 to Highway 40 up to Trois-Rivieres -> 106 KM
-Trois-Rivieres to Quebec City (still on Highway 40)-> 132 KM
-From Quebec City, grab the 175 up to L'Etape (rest stop in the middle of the Parc des Laurentides. The Parc is about 200 KM of monutain road) -> 103 KM
-L'Etape to Chicoutimi -> 103 KM

stevie c · 06-14-2005, 06:33 PM

Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!

Gixxerdale · 06-14-2005, 06:58 PM

MS Streets and Trips, I believe is around $60.00. Sure makes planning rides, routes and fuel stops a breeze. It'll even show you roads that most maps don't even show!

ion54 · 06-14-2005, 11:07 PM

$24.99 after rebates at www.futureshop.ca

06-14-2005, 08:23 AM	#1 (permalink)
Louis Administrator Joined: Sep 2003 Bike: SV650S '05 (Blue) Location: Gatineau, QC, Canada Posts: 10,657	Quick trip It's decided. I'm riding back home in two weeks to pay a surprise visit for my Mother's 65th birthday. The trip is 667km (414 miles) one way. This is gonna my first long trip. I'm going alone, the wife and daughter are staying at home. I'lle riding Thursday June 30th, and coming back Saturday July 2nd. My inlaws are coming on July 3rd so I have to be back home. I'm eager and a bit anxious about the upcoming trip. Things so far that I've to complete before going: -Buy real riding pants. Didn't have them. When I went shopping for some the other I was told to wait until I changed my jacket (which is planned but maybe only next year) since the zipper wouldn't fit a manufacturer to another. -Clean and lube chain (will be due before I leave anyway) -Plan stops for gas (and rest) in advance. __________________ Louis

06-14-2005, 08:39 AM	#2 (permalink)
inspiron Muscle Biker Joined: Jul 2004 Bike: Blue Suzuki GSX 1400 (2003) Location: Canton Basel-Land, Switzerland (47.4493, 7.76536) Posts: 12,073	Take a look at Dale's post about his "survival pack" of things to carry with you ... for a trip of that length, you'll need a large tank bag, or a large bag on the pillion seat. Plan the trip carefully, know the range of your bike, and make sure that you fill the tank before it gets critical. Carry enough cash to fill the tank and get something to eat on the ride. Drink A LOT of water and take frequent breaks (pull over, get off the bike and stretch your legs and arms). If you feel yourself getting tired - look for a hotel and continue the journey the next morning. 667 KM at 60 kmh (average) means you'll be on the bike for 11 hours...don't underestimate the strain on your body (arms, legs, back and butt), especially if you do this twice in three days. __________________ There is nothing worse than aggressive stupidity. - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe blog: gsx1400

06-14-2005, 08:48 AM	#3 (permalink)
Louis Administrator Joined: Sep 2003 Bike: SV650S '05 (Blue) Location: Gatineau, QC, Canada Posts: 10,657	In a car it takes about 7 hours of driving. Except for the first leg of about 100KM, the rest is on highway with 90 or 100 KM/h speed limit. The first leg is a mix of small towns so it goes from 90 back to 50 back to 90 again... __________________ Louis

06-14-2005, 08:57 AM	#4 (permalink)
Uncle Bob Site Admin & Squeegee Boy Joined: Dec 1969 Bike: 2003 Volusia SE Location: Montréal, Québec, Canada Posts: 107	So where does your mom live ? __________________ Yadda yadda yadda, whatever, they ain't going to listen anyway.

06-14-2005, 09:08 AM	#7 (permalink)
Uncle Bob Site Admin & Squeegee Boy Joined: Dec 1969 Bike: 2003 Volusia SE Location: Montréal, Québec, Canada Posts: 107	Oh man Chicoutimi ! What a crazy airport they have there, it's in a valley surrounded by mountains, when the pilot sees the runway he has to dive down in order to land. Sounds like a great trip, beautifull scenery in those parts. __________________ Yadda yadda yadda, whatever, they ain't going to listen anyway.

06-14-2005, 09:17 AM	#8 (permalink)
Louis Administrator Joined: Sep 2003 Bike: SV650S '05 (Blue) Location: Gatineau, QC, Canada Posts: 10,657	Yes, I'll bring the camera for sure. I'll put a camera mount on my X-mas wish list... As for the airport, you talking about the Bagotville airport? Next to the army base? THere ain't no mountains near by! __________________ Louis

06-14-2005, 09:22 AM	#9 (permalink)
Uncle Bob Site Admin & Squeegee Boy Joined: Dec 1969 Bike: 2003 Volusia SE Location: Montréal, Québec, Canada Posts: 107	Oops, I was thinking of something else ......... Yes it is Bagotville I used when going to chicoutimi, you're right about the lack of mountains, last time I went it was visibility that was a problem and our pilot dove through an opening in the clouds, that was the only way he could get a visual on the landing strip. __________________ Yadda yadda yadda, whatever, they ain't going to listen anyway.

06-14-2005, 09:28 AM	#11 (permalink)
Gixxerdale Forensic Bug Splatter Analyst. Joined: Mar 2004 Bike: 02 GSXR 1k Location: The warm and twisty roads of SoCal Posts: 3,028	Hey Louis, like Jim said, be sure and carry all you need. Buying things along the route can be a pain to find a source plus burn up valuable time. If you're not 100% (have a cold etc) consider rescheduling. If you find yourself not staying totally focused on the ride, take a break, get a high energy snack and a drink. Best if you carry them in a tank bag. Also walk and stretch before returning to the road. Don't sit still for hours until it hurts. Alter your riding position every few minutes before you feel a cramp or pain. Get creative with the footpegs. I use both sets with various foot positions. It's like stretching while riding. If you are not ready to buy pants to match a jacket buy overpants, like from Tour Master. Reasonable price, easy on off, good armor, and really handy to put on for those last minute rides to the market etc. Lot faster than changing for a short ride somewhere. Plus I use them to commute, with my work pants underneath. Since it's your first long ride, take mental notes, or written about your journey. So you can make changes or corrections for your next journey. Above alll have safe fun journey and check in with the family often. I'm sure they will be concerned. Let us know how it goes! PS. Get Microsoft Streets and Trips for route planning, you'll love it. __________________ Proud Father of a U S Army Soldier... The key to life is to die young...at a very old age... Ride like you own the road...and...someday the road will own you.. My Favorite Ride? Tomorrows!

06-14-2005, 09:34 AM	#12 (permalink)
themeatmanlandry Happy-ass Lunatic Joined: Dec 2003 Bike: 2002 Bandit 600S (Black); 2006 GSXR750 (Black) Location: Memphis Posts: 11,423	Gold Bond Powder will fight the monkey butt. You've been warned. __________________ Go to hell

06-14-2005, 12:27 PM	#14 (permalink)
ion54 Seat Tester Joined: Jan 2004 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 77	I'll go 138/172. It is a longer ride but I found it much nicer. 138 along the St Lawrence is a nice ride, but 172 is nicer. Make sure you ride it during the day. Enjoy your trip and ride safe! And I know they take credit cards so the luggage can be lighter.

06-14-2005, 01:12 PM	#15 (permalink)
Louis Administrator Joined: Sep 2003 Bike: SV650S '05 (Blue) Location: Gatineau, QC, Canada Posts: 10,657	The plan is: -Highway 50 in Gatineau to Road 148 up to Lachute -> 142 KM -Lachute, back on Hway 50 (the 50 is split in two parts, don't ask) to the 15 in order to reach the 640 East to avoid Montréal. -> 86 KM -640 to Highway 40 up to Trois-Rivieres -> 106 KM -Trois-Rivieres to Quebec City (still on Highway 40)-> 132 KM -From Quebec City, grab the 175 up to L'Etape (rest stop in the middle of the Parc des Laurentides. The Parc is about 200 KM of monutain road) -> 103 KM -L'Etape to Chicoutimi -> 103 KM __________________ Louis

06-14-2005, 06:33 PM	#16 (permalink)
stevie c Sit speling cheker Joined: Mar 2004 Bike: GSX-R 600 K1 Location: Northants,UK Posts: 1,631	Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy! __________________ Stevie C '02 Gixer 600 K1,Yellow and Black (fastest colour!), always beats red ones!! Why put off until tomorrow what you can get someone else to do for you today.

06-14-2005, 06:58 PM	#17 (permalink)
Gixxerdale Forensic Bug Splatter Analyst. Joined: Mar 2004 Bike: 02 GSXR 1k Location: The warm and twisty roads of SoCal Posts: 3,028	MS Streets and Trips, I believe is around $60.00. Sure makes planning rides, routes and fuel stops a breeze. It'll even show you roads that most maps don't even show! __________________ Proud Father of a U S Army Soldier... The key to life is to die young...at a very old age... Ride like you own the road...and...someday the road will own you.. My Favorite Ride? Tomorrows!

06-14-2005, 11:07 PM	#18 (permalink)
ion54 Seat Tester Joined: Jan 2004 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 77	$24.99 after rebates at www.futureshop.ca

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Pakistan Trip	Pay_The_O	The Paddock	23	09-14-2005 04:59 PM
Trip meter	Ann Brown	Cruisers	24	05-26-2005 05:09 PM
Bike Trip	Canadarider	The Paddock	25	04-22-2005 09:53 AM
Day Trip	Gixxerdale	Members Photo Gallery	3	05-31-2004 10:14 PM