[tvkjcltdkhgk]

Newbie rider, hoping to check off a slot in my buck list of motoring cross country. Plan is to learn and ride this year to cross the country in 2023. Starting from North Carolina to California and back. Routes are still in the works, I'll have about 2 weeks to do the trip. Still researching and reading about others experiences to help me plan mine. Question is what would you have done differently if you had to do your trip again? What to pack and not to pack, best times of the year to travel...etc.

 

[Steven Lyle Jordan]

If you're looking for a touring bike, the CTX700 does a great job of it. I take mine on day-trips regularly (presently coming off of a temporary riding hiatus due to a not-bike-related injury). Overall very comfortable, depending mostly on your seat: Some people kvetch about the stock seat ergonomics, so you might want to look into a custom seat, Cobin or the like, for all-day comfort. And you've got a number of options for gear-carrying: I recommend Givi or Shad cases, not the overpriced Honda cases.

 

[Bangorbob]

Your trip sounds like fun. Realistically, 2 weeks won't give you much time to stop and site see. I've driven in cars and rvs from the left coast across country and driving on the super slabs in my opinion is boring. I agree with Steve-you better have a good seat or you ain't going to make it to far. Good luck and ask a lot of questions for your preparation.

 

[tvkjcltdkhgk]

If you're looking for a touring bike, the CTX700 does a great job of it. I take mine on day-trips regularly (presently coming off of a temporary riding hiatus due to a not-bike-related injury). Overall very comfortable, depending mostly on your seat: Some people kvetch about the stock seat ergonomics, so you might want to look into a custom seat, Cobin or the like, for all-day comfort. And you've got a number of options for gear-carrying: I recommend Givi or Shad cases, not the overpriced Honda cases.

I have a 2015 CTX700, 6spd with top and side shad cases. It's the flared version with a big windshield.

 

[tvkjcltdkhgk]

Your trip sounds like fun. Realistically, 2 weeks won't give you much time to stop and site see. I've driven in cars and rvs from the left coast across country and driving on the super slabs in my opinion is boring. I agree with Steve-you better have a good seat or you ain't going to make it to far. Good luck and ask a lot of questions for your preparation.

Sadly 2 weeks at a time is the longest I am able to get away from work. Plan is to go as far as I can within that 2 weeks time. Will only be riding during the daylight hours so I don't miss anything, no set distances I have to travel. If I run out of time I'll restart the following year from my end point from year before. Idea is to start the trip from states that I can't visit on a weekend trip. Just still feeling everything out as I plan.
What are must see places and roads that you wished you would have done or spent more time doing?

 

[Bangorbob]

It really depends on the route you take. What city/town are you starting in?

 

[tvkjcltdkhgk]

It really depends on the route you take. What city/town are you starting in?

I am in Hickory, North Carolina. Right by I40

 

[Bangorbob]

The best thing to do is to start looking at maps and then use the internet to map different routes. Start narrowing down the route(s) and then start looking for things to see or do along the way. It is time consuming but in the end well worth the prep work. Everyone has an opinion of what to see. Only you can decide your interests.

 

[Hondafan]

I did that in the summer of 2008, with my wife and 2 daughters, on a Toyota Highlander and a popup trailer in tow. We spend 38 days going from New York City to Los Angeles and back. Of course that included many stops, visiting some National Parks, and other attractions on route. This is the itinerary, I am sorry that some things are in Spanish, but you can get the idea, and maybe it may help you organize your coast-to-coast trip.

Jul 26) New York - Toledo, Ohio. (500 millas)
http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toledo_(Ohio)

Jul 27) Tour por la ciudad y actividades.

Jul 28) Toledo, Ohio - La Crosse, Wisconsin. (530 millas)

Jul 29) Tour por la ciudad y actividades.

Jul 30) La Crosse, WI - Custer, South Dakota. (670 millas)
Nota: Esta sera la etapa mas larga del viaje, con 670 millas, unas 11 horas de viaje.
Jul 31) Mount Rushmore. Monumento a los presidentes de USA, tallado en la montaña.
http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monte_Rushmore

Ag 01) Custer, SD - Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. (570 millas)
http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parque_Nacional_Yellowstone
Ag 02) Actividades en Yellowstone.

Ag 03) Actividades en Yellowstone.

Ag 04) Yellowstone, WY - Elko, Nevada. (450 millas)

Ag 05) Tour por la ciudad y actividades.

Ag 06) Elko, NV - San Francisco, California. (513 millas)

Ag 07) Visita a Alcatraz, Puente Golden Gate, tour por la ciudad.
http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alcatraz_(isla)
http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puente_Golden_Gate
http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Francisco_(California)

Ag 08) Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, parque de diversiones de la cadena de "La Gran Aventura."
http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Six_Flags

Ag 09) San Francisco, CA - Yosemite National Park, California. (208 millas)
http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parque_Nacional_de_Yosemite
Ag 10) Actividades en el parque.

Ag 11) Yosemite Park, Ca - Pismo Beach, California. (226 millas)
http://www.thisisthelife.com/es/dune-biking-pismo-beach.htm
Ag 12) Dia de playa, arena, y sol.

Ag 13) Pismo Beach, CA - Los Angeles, California. (205 millas)
http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angelino

Ag 14) Visita a Hollywood, Universal Studios, El Paseo de las Estrellas, casas de famosos, etc.

Ag 15) Six Flags Magic Mountain, parque de diversiones de la cadena de "La Gran Aventura."
http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Six_Flags_Magic_Mountain

Ag 16) Tour por la ciudad.

Ag 17) Los Angeles, CA - Las Vegas, Nevada. (240 millas)
http://www.usatourist.com/ESPANOL/PLACES/lasvegas/index.html
Tour nocturno de la ciudad, visita a los casinos, shows al aire libre, actividades.

Ag 18) Tour diurno de la ciudad, visita a los casinos, shows al aire libre, actividades.

Ag 19) Las Vegas, NV - Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona. (225 millas)
http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parque_Nacional_del_Gran_Cañón
Tour y actividades en el parque.

Ag 20) Tour y actividades en el parque.

Ag 21) Grand Canyon, AZ - Albuquerque, New Mexico. (365 millas)
http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albuquerque

Ag 22) Tour por la ciudad y actividades.

Ag 23) Albuquerque, NM - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. (550 millas)
http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City

Ag 24) Tour por la ciudad y actividades.

Ag 25) Oklahoma City, OK - Memphis, Tennessee. (450 millas)
http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memphis

Ag 26) Visita a la casa de Elvis Presley, y tour por la ciudad.

Ag 27) Memphis, TN - Asheville, North Carolina. (533 millas)
http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asheville

Ag 28) Tour por la ciudad y actividades.

Ag 29) Asheville, NC - Virginia Beach, Virginia. (413 millas)
http://www.vbfun.com/visitors/downloads/VAspanishbrochure06.pdf

Ag 30) Playa, actividades en la ciudad, descanso.

Ag 31) Playa, arena y mas mar.

Sep 1) Virginia Beach, VA - New York, New York. (360 millas)
Regreso a New York City.

 

[tvkjcltdkhgk]

The best thing to do is to start looking at maps and then use the internet to map different routes. Start narrowing down the route(s) and then start looking for things to see or do along the way. It is time consuming but in the end well worth the prep work. Everyone has an opinion of what to see. Only you can decide your interests.

I am using google maps and reading about places to see or ride in each state. Just trying to get others opinions on their actual trips and see what they thought were places "you can't miss" or didn't have enough time to enjoy. Must have things I should have taken...etc...any input would help me. I am a normal Joe and wanted opinions from our members. You guys and gals are part of my research, I know everyone's opinions are different.

 

[tvkjcltdkhgk]

Hondafan

That looked like an awesome trip. I've traveled mostly the east coast and have never been out west except by plane.

 

[rossmcgrath]

In 1986 my wife and I took my 1982 Honda GL500 Silverwing Interstate on an 8 day ride from Houston to Tampa.
We first stopped in New Orleans and spent the night. Then Panama City, then down Hwy 19 to St Pete, and Tampa.
We stopped often and enjoyed the trip. We then had to make a mad dash on the hwy, 1017 miles in two days, to get back in time for work.
We have taken several trips since then. But we always take the time to stop and enjoy, appreciate, the sights, sounds smells and local flavor. I learned that the destination is not nearly as important as the trip.
Your trip is ambitious. The CTX700 is 4 times the bike I took for our 1986 trip. Good thing, because I am twice the size I was in 1986. But this bike is more than enough for your trip.
My wife and I ride two-up from Houston to San Antonio, and Dallas at least twice a year to visit the grand kids.
Here is a pic of a bike set up the way we rode it in 1986 .

This is not my bike, but the same model, color and set up.
The engine is a 497cc V-Twin putting out a top 38 HP and getting about 42 miles to the gallon.
I think about the bikes I have had since and I am amazed at the trips and miles we put on this one.

The CTX700 is a much better touring bike.
The only advice I can give is pack a little LESS than you think you will need. Make it really easy for yourself when you stop and have to unload.
Don't be afraid to buy a new shirt or jeans on the road. You might spend too much time in the laundromat otherwise. Easier to buy a new shirt.
Do this trip. But if you are tired and burned out after it, do NOT let that stop you from taking road trips. Just make them shorter. 500 miles a day is easy in a car. Not so much on a bike. And doing it day after day for two weeks
might be a bit much.
Everyone wants to take an Iron Butt trip once. Just to say "I did it" but traveling with someone, and enjoying the sights and restaurants and people in new towns and places is a real treat.
My wife and I just got back from a short trip to Tampa, FL to spend some time in Ybor City and enjoy the Cigars and Cuban sandwiches.
You will Love this bike. It will do the job and you will enjoy great comfort.
The only other thing I would do is get a good seat. I have a Seth Lam but Corbin makes a great one.
The stock seat is a little "wanting" in the long haul.
Good luck.
Ross and Angela

this is the ride we have as it is set up now, only we have added front crash bars and sliders

 

[alloo]

I think that you should look at Traveling in Every State on their Scenic Byways. It's a lot more interesting than Interstates.

 

[crazyjackcsa]

That’s realistically 400 miles a day. That’s going to be hard to do for two weeks straight. But I wish you the best.
Bigger trip than I have ever done. But I have done some 1000 mile 5 day trips on a 40 year old gold wing.

You can do all that with just a backpack if you want, but saddlebags and a top case would help.
I’d make sure I have a AAA membership just in case. A fuel bottle and a GPS or a set of maps and a tank bag to follow directions.
Good set of rain gear you’ve got miles to do no matter the weather.
The road is a dirty place. I usually embrace it. Same pants/shirt three days at least between washes. Extra socks is a must. That’s about it really. The thing about your ride is that it’s going to be 90% mental. Getting up every morning and knowing that you’ve got to get those miles in, rain or otherwise. It can be draining.

 

[Steven Lyle Jordan]

That’s realistically 400 miles a day. That’s going to be hard to do for two weeks straight.

I was thinking the same. When I was getting in a day trip one day a week, I would average 400-600 miles, with stops to gas, eat or take in the scenery. But that was for one day.

Although I regularly think about riding from the DC area down to Orlando to see my Dad, that would be about 850 miles in two days with an overnight stop. I like touring, but that's a trip.

 

[tvkjcltdkhgk]

Destination is California "west coast" eventually but doesn't have to be in this first trip. 2 weeks is pretty short to visit everything so goal is to have fun and enjoy it rather then just pushing through. I can always restart kinda where I ended or start the following year a different route if I didn't like the 1st.

2 bikes: One is the 2015 CTX700, top and side cases, 2nd is a 2006 Yamaha Royal Star 1300 with side cases. Haven't decided on which to take, both great at different things.

Things to bring: "Water, food-snacks, clothes, cash and cards are a given", GPS, paper map, rain gear, cold weather gear..."depends on season I chose to travel", basic tools, extra fuel, sun glasses, blue tooth head set, flat tire kit,

What else am I missing on ...things to bring?

 

[Steven Lyle Jordan]

What else am I missing on ...things to bring?

If you have a phone, or to use with your bluetooth set, make sure you bring a charger. I like to carry a plug-in charger that I use at overnight stops, but I also have a battery-powered charger that allows me to charge devices while on the road (your bike can do a lot of charging, but sometimes you want an extra charging line). Make sure you have the right charging plugs for all your gear.

Flashlights are useful, but if you have a modern phone, it probably has a flashlight on it.

Also, find a basic travel-type first aid kit. And if you can find one, a pocket sewing kit comes in handy. Finally, any kind of rag... you never know when you need to wipe something down.

 

[Bill_S]

Sunscreen, I learned the hard way.....

 

[SusieQTN]

Newbie rider, hoping to check off a slot in my buck list of motoring cross country. Plan is to learn and ride this year to cross the country in 2023. Starting from North Carolina to California and back. Routes are still in the works, I'll have about 2 weeks to do the trip. Still researching and reading about others experiences to help me plan mine. Question is what would you have done differently if you had to do your trip again? What to pack and not to pack, best times of the year to travel...etc.

2 weeks is very short. I understand that’s all the time you get though. I recommend taking that two weeks to tour a region of the country - you get to see a lot more and you will be able to ride backroads which is so much better than superslab. I kind of did the same thing. Learned to ride some in a year then took a 3 week tour on the CTX700 of the northeast. Have fun and enjoy it!
I was going to camp and cheap hotel it the whole way. Wound up only camping a few times so unless you plan on camping a lot of the trip packing all that camping gear isn’t worth it.
if you plan daytime riding only pick a time of the year when the length of daylight is sufficient.

 

[Ruby]

The best thing to do is to start looking at maps and then use the internet to map different routes. Start narrowing down the route(s) and then start looking for things to see or do along the way. It is time consuming but in the end well worth the prep work. Everyone has an opinion of what to see. Only you can decide your interests.

Hi Bangorbob, Question...do you live in Bangor, ME or are you from there. I lived in Winterport and Veazie, ME. Great place. Just curious.