Any Motorcycle Riders?

[theredhead]

Has anyone ever taken a cross-country trip on a motorcycle? I'd be interested in knowing if you found it difficult on long rides to be comfortable. Did you feel safe?

My DH has been riding all his life and my DD18 enjoys riding around town with him some. She even recently got her license, but hasn't gotten a chance to ride by herself yet. I'm pretty comfortable riding around town with him, but I'd never want to do a long trip because my fanny gets so tired.

DD18 has always dreamed of going to California and trying to get on the Price is Right. They will finish taping for good in January, so this summer would be a good chance. She's talked her Dad into taking her on his motorcycle from Texas to LA next week. They've gone out and bought some good protective wear with armour in the elbows and knees. They also have zipper vents to help keep cooler.

I'm not thrilled about this, but I've accepted that they want to give it a try. They'll take their time coming home and see some of the beautiful sites of our country. I like that idea. They'll be riding through desert areas only at night. I trust my DH's riding skills, but of course I'm not in control of anything else. I think they'll enjoy this and that it'll be okay, but my parents have gone ballastic. They think my DH is being irresponsible and that my DD18 has no idea of the discomfort she's going to feel, riding for so many hours. I don't know what to tell them. My DH says he personally has talked to many riders who've made trips like this and it's not that unusual.

Anyway, I just wondered if anyone can share some experiences that might make me feel better about it. But please, save your horror stories. They're going, and I have to live with it.

[boonie stomper]

Re: Any Motorcycle Riders?

Used to ride with my XH from Charlotte NC across the Smokies into TN & KY. Yer @ss really gets sore when you're new to riding, plus he used to scare the bjeezis outta me by showing off when opportunity presented itself on windy-curvy roads up in the hills.

My advice is have the stop and call you regularly to keep you in the loop what sights they are seeing. (At the same time, of course, you'll actually just be checking up on them, and giving them periodic breaks to get off the bike.) Have them collect soil/rock/sand samples and label them with every town/county etc. is another way to slow them down. It will also be a nice souvenir.

[dotsamantha]

Re: Any Motorcycle Riders?

I've been on a few rides up and down the east coast. Butt cushioning is vital. No investment too great with that, and safety gear.

[vJosie]

Re: Any Motorcycle Riders?



*pic I made of myself riding the Sportster 1200.

I love to ride. I'll tell you my take - I personally believe that when your time comes, it comes, no matter what you're doing. Freak things happen all the time and the reason is simply that it was time. I have lost so many people in my life to very strange freak accidents. I'm married to a career Army guy. If I didn't take this point of view about death, my life would be ****. Everytime he left, I would be in panics, but I don't. I know that he will die when it is his time and so will I, whether we're on bikes or flying, or sitting at home watching TV.

My daughter plans to get a bike when she's able to and at first my husband was hesitant - until I whispered to him - "Can't make out hiding on the back of a bike... can't ride six friends around town letting them distract you while you drive... can't eat on a bike and drop the sandwhich in your lap, swerving off the road... "

But we agree - it's always important to assume that nobody sees you, even if they make eye-contact. People will look right at you then pull out in front of you so you have to be ready.

[theredhead]

Re: Any Motorcycle Riders?

Your pic made me smile, Josie!

You know, I tend to agree with you. I've always been a sort of fatalist about things. I pray for the safety of my family every time they leave the house, and I do truly trust God to take care of them. But I also know that they are in His hands and He is in charge, not me. I think the reason I was feeling so uneasy was because my parents are freaking out. My Dad called my DH and begged him not to take DD18 on the motorcycle. He offered to use his frequent flyer miles to get them airline tickets, or loan them his mini-van. My DH had to sit down and compose a tactful email to him tonight to assure him the best that he could about this.

My DD18 got her motorcycle license today. She was the best student in the motorcycle safety course she recently took. My DH fixed up a little Kawasaki 100 for her and she's about to take it to college with her in a few weeks to ride around campus. That makes me a little uneasy, too, but I know that traffic is slow around there and people are used to bikes. She's very sensible, mature, and coordinated! LOl!

They've bought some cool protective gear with armour in the elbows, knees, and hips. They have vents they can open to let some air through and today I picked up their Sahara vests. They have gel in them so that when you wet them, they stay wet and cool you down for hours. They're planning to ride through the desert areas at night.

dotsamantha, you're so right about the butt cushioning! They're getting a gel cushion that sounds like it'll help keep them comfortable.

boonie stomper, that's a good point about the fact that they can call me on their cell phones every time they stop if they want to, so I'll feel good, knowing where they are and what they're seeing. I know they'll be making some wonderful memories.

Thanks again, everyone. I'll update when they get back!

[theredhead]

Re: Any Motorcycle Riders?

Just a quick update! They're leaving tonight and I'm getting really excited for them. This week, a friend of my husband's heard about his plans and offered to rent them a Honda Goldwing for an exceptional price (that's his business). In return, my DH is going to tune this guy's piano.

They went and picked it up this afternoon and it's a beautiful bike. I think it'll be MUCH more comfortable than my husband's Kawasaki 1000 ST. The passenger seat is very cushy and more like sitting in a convertible and there's some good storage space under the seat and in the side saddle bags. It's got a honkin' stereo, even! Now, I think they're going to have fun and be comfortable. I think that was one of my biggest fears. If DD18 ended up being miserable, so would DH and they might even have to turn back. She was convinced she could take it, but she's never ridden very far.

So, I'll update when I get news.

[vJosie]

Re: Any Motorcycle Riders?

We'll be praying for a safe trip, but not just because they're on a bike! Update us on their return and let us know how much fun they had.