Interstate highway travel is safer - So why do so many avoid them?

[Checkswrecks]

Steve's idea about checking Google Earth for interesting points along the way is great.
And a person from Iowa sure would know long straight roads.

 

[Dirt_Dad]

... but what about the opportunity cost. But how much more expensive? An extra 4 days at work would about pay for all the shipping, flights, and riding.

Especially for somebody paid by the hour, as opposed to a flat salary.

Sometimes it's almost spooky how well you guys know me. I've thought all these things. The cost of shipping/storage/flights, the extra billable time. I've considered all of it. If this were an ordinary year I might be very serious about investigating the shipping option. I did a quick check and it's too much money. Between paying for a wedding, to a cap on billable hours, and a possible contract change, it's not a good time to be spending more needed. We will be riding the entire trip.

I've been using this site http://www.motorcycleroads.com to help me figure out the most interesting and efficient way possible. So far it's a mix of highway and back roads. When it comes to the highway would take 6 hours and the interesting way would take 7 hours...I'm picking the more interesting way.

Can't really say how many miles we'll do a day. We've gotten into a zone before where we felt we could just keep going as long as it took. Other times I get so bored and hypnotized that I'm dying to get off the highway. My wife and I are really trying to psyche ourselves up for the ride to the good stuff. We'll be fine.

Like eemsreno said, it's an accomplishment to do the ride, even the boring parts. I do realize this is stuff sails2xxs does on a long weekend. I don't want to make too big a deal out of it.

 

[Checkswrecks]

I find that the first day out is the best for burning miles across the Plains States. The other side of Des Moines is a relatively easy Iron Butt Saddle Sore 1000 award if interested, and what we did for my son. And if you don't sleep too long, then Denver makes a relatively easy SS1500. It still kills 2 days of leave each way.
:

Of course, being a block-head kid at the time, he said that he wanted the award but never submitted his receipts and log.

::024::

 

[Ramseybella]

All this tear-assing across the interstate does get fatiguing, pace yourself appropriately like an Enduro racer.
When I was in my 20's I did some monster runs from Florida to Santa Fe, NM to Flag Staff on my 1100 Gold Wing non stop on both.
What kept me alive was I was in my 20's, rambunctious and wanting to see it all!
Riding out early am before the sun comes up is a good start, the wind has not woke up all the way if at all, the sun is not burning your eyes all day and it's a lot cooler. I did lot's of my riding on my return trips at night.
Around 3:00 pm or so if you are toast top off the tank get a place to crash take a shower eat something if you must, get all your gear ready by the door and go to bed.
If you are up at 2:00 am then get going.
Being delirious on a motorcycle is dangerous One time I do remember I was seeing things in my peripheral vision through Mississippi at 3:00 am that made me realize this is not good, I pulled over at a rest stop and napped on a Picnic table with helmet full gear on and a 44 Mag under my coat and my bike right next to me.
I agree I-40 from Memphis west all of it to me is insanely boring to just about the end and Windy as all get go any time of the year.
April is side saddle riding month that alone will tire you out.
Take it easy I never get to see everything and I still push myself even in my mid 50's but know when to stop now.
11 to 14 day vacations are not enough time to see it all on a bike, be awake be alert drink lots of fluid (not Red Bull), I use a Camel back when I ride, watch your oil level and enjoy what you can see.
As it always gets better when you hit the Rockies! ::008::

 

[NittanyXT]

East coast to Colorado? Trailer! find a place to park it out there via the forum. Did this for the Ouray rally and no regrets.

 

[bigbob]

One time I do remember I was seeing things in my peripheral vision through Mississippi at 3:00 am that made me realize this is not good

be awake be alert drink lots of fluid (not Red Bull), I use a Camel back when I ride, watch your oil level and enjoy what you can see.

A 5 hour in the tank bag helps with things that are not there or you do not see!

Or a red coke (caffeine and sugar) and a snickers (sugar) after 500 miles also works.

 

[2112]

It's hard work to keep motivated and alert on longer, 'less interesting' roads, especially as the day wears on. I find Northern France a bit of a slog after getting through the Channel tunnel but the thought of those lovely Alpine roads keeps smiling in anticipation. Myself and Littledave have a nice little Euro tour lined up this year with the longest day scheduled to be just over 400 miles (I say scheduled as I'm prone to 'navigational errors' which can add to the day's mileage tally...). This means plenty of time for stops and soaking in the ambiance, which is what a holiday is all about after all ::008::