Friday, November 30, 2012

Motorcycle trip planning

Continuing on my previous post....
The Ultra Classic does have plenty of dresser space, but you are going to have to limit your wardrobe. It fills up quick. I pack 1 pair of jeans and wear another one. Maybe a few t-shirts. And of course the all important underwear and socks. I will pack a small bathroom bag with travel size items. I mentioned in the last post that weather plays a large factor in what you will wear and pack. I always pack a sweater and my Harley windbreaker jacket, it doesn't take up a lot of room and it's handy if gets chilly. But depending on the time of year and where you go, you may have to wear the leather jackets or even pack them.
The bad thing about the leathers is they take up a lot of room. Another tricky item is the shoes. I have leather boots.  I like them, but for long trips they aren't very comfortable. And again not conducive to packing away in the dressers. The last trip we took we wore our tennis shoes. That way we would be comfortable riding and also nice when we are walking.
Other important items are: an I Pod. It can be hard to find radio stations. Sunscreen. Maps. Snacks, water. Of course helmets. We always wear ours. In some states it's mandatory. Planning is important, but lets get real...it's all about pointing the bike into the wind and just riding! If you are waffling about trying a multi-day trip, first try a day trip. See how you feel. It may not be the "thing" for you. Or you may wish you didn't have to go back home, that you had a couple more days.

Motorcycle trips

When we bought our motorcycle we had in mind long days of riding and taking trips. So we bought a Ultra Classic. The Ultra Classic is like the Cadillac of Harleys. It is so comfortable to ride on for both driver and rider. The sound system is great for listening pleasure. Plenty of dresser space for packing. She was the perfect motorcycle for us.
We bought her to ride. Now some may only get their bikes out for a spin around town, or for the bar hopping scene. But if you are like us and want to ride into the wind, make sure you get a comfortable bike to match. It makes the trip worthwhile.
We had every intention to go on a multi-day trip. Our first trip was a 3 day trip, just to test the waters so to speak. This is probably a good idea if you're not sure if you're up to the challenge. If you're not sure, I wouldn't recommend a week long trip. We loved it and wished we had a few days more. But there are challenges to be sure...
First of all, you do have to take the weather into account. We've dealt with extreme heat, rain and cold. Check the weather forecast in the area where you are heading. And make sure to check your home area the day you arrive back. This way you can get an idea how to pack and what to wear.

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Memphis trip

Our very first multi-day trip we rode to Memphis. We've never been there and our aim was to eat BBQ.  We left early afternoon and made it almost to Leichfeid Kentucky. It was a pleasant ride into Southern Indiana, and Kentucky.
Out of Elizabethtown, we took the parkway west until we found a Hatfield inn. I'll always remember that ride. It was dark, and there was a single glowing star low in the western sky. The Hatfield was a clean, comfortable hotel. There were a few fast food places within walking distance. A very good breakfast was served in the morning there at the hotel.
The next morning we continued west until the Land between the Lakes. Then we turned south and drove right through the middle of the river island. The island was heavily wooded. It was a pretty ride, every now and then you caught glimpses of the rivers on either side.
We continued south on Hwy 79 riding through small towns and pretty rural areas down to interstate 40. Then it was on to Memphis.  Of course Beale street was our first stop. Now we faced a tough decision. Where to eat? There are all kind of good eateries within a few blocks. The sweet smell of BBQ permeated the street. Jazz music flowed out of each building.
We decided on Pig on Beale. It was a good choice, but somehow I believe there are no bad choices. The BBQ didn't disappoint. We ordered the trash can lid full of BBQ delicacies. Ribs, brisket, pulled pork, chicken, corn muffins, corn on the cob and beans.
We waddled back to the bike and then rode to Graceland. There is a Harley shop across the street where we got pins and tee  shirts.
It was a fun trip. The weather was beautiful. You could probably spend a day with dinner and a tour of Graceland. Memphis was fun.