Crazy road trip coming. Asking for advice.

DevoManchild · Post by **DevoManchild** » Sun Aug 26, 2012 11:00 pm

I'm planning a rather ambitious road trip from Atlanta to Front Royal, Va. via The Blue Ridge Parkway in a few weeks for me and the 170i. Should be a pretty good test of the machine and my butt. I'm finalizing my equipment checklist, and wanted to doublecheck I wasn't forgetting anything obvious.

I figure the normal small tools for tightening things that come loose, a can of fix a flat, my little compressor, spare oil, and I was going to pick up some spare 1 amp fuses, as I'll be using the power plug a lot for the iPhone/gps.

Any advice and recommendations appreciated

Skootz Kabootz · Post by **Skootz Kabootz** » Sun Aug 26, 2012 11:38 pm

Here's a pretty thorough thread for you: topic17021.html
I goes beyond just a road trip but should be helpful.

DevoManchild · Post by **DevoManchild** » Sun Aug 26, 2012 11:53 pm

What a great checklist. thanks!
I thought about spare bulbs, but since I wasn't planning on riding at night anyway, I thought it might be overkill. I wasn't planning on bringing my battery tender, but now you've got me thinking...

TVB · Post by **TVB** » Mon Aug 27, 2012 1:38 am

The list I posted has remained essentially the same for several one-week trips, so (if I may say so myself) it's pretty well tested. I prefer to travel as light as possible, so any just-in-case item that I can reasonably expect to be able to buy at a motorcycle shop or hardware store along the way... I generally don't bring.

Skootz Kabootz · Post by **Skootz Kabootz** » Mon Aug 27, 2012 2:31 am

TVB wrote:... I prefer to travel as light as possible, so any just-in-case item that I can reasonably expect to be able to buy at a motorcycle shop or hardware store along the way... I generally don't bring.

+1

A good roadside assistance plan should also be at the top of any list. They are very cheap. You can join the AMA for $45/year (as I recall) and if you choose to "auto-renew" you get their roadside assistance added on for free. A great deal.

BootScootin'FireFighter · Thu Aug 30, 2012 1:04 pm

-Cold weather gear (it does get cold this time of year in the higher elevations in the early mornings).

-Rain gear, uncluding covering up any tied down luggage

-Spare belt, variator tool and torque wrench to remove the variator nut and swap belt, spare spark plugs, tire plug kit, LED light for roadside repairs, canyon dancers and ratchet straps, assorted metric sockets and screwdriver set, travel 12v air compressor.

-Aux power outlet from the battery to plug the air compressor in when needed, with a 15amp fuse. I use the "slime" tire top off travel compressor.

-Change oil and consider changing gear oil before you leave. Check your belt, rollers, spark plug, tire pressure, tire tread.

-Download all applicable maps ahead of time while you have a wi-fi or 3G signal. Sucks to be out in the middle of nowhere hoping your software will keep up.

-Emergency medical information sheet for yourself, as well as contacts for family members. Also get a list of shops in close proximity to the route and tow companies... just incase.

http://www.myersmotorcycles.com/ <--- Genuine dealer in Asheville, NC
http://www.harpercycle.com/ <---- Genuine dealer in Hendersonville, NC
http://www.scootrichmond.com/ <--- Genuine dealer in Richmond, VA
http://www.modernclassicsdc.com/ <---- Genuine dealer, Washington, DC

I'm 70 miles east of Front Royal, just south of Washington. If you need anything, or are intown to toy around, give me a shout.

I had hoped to do this trip in early October, but I can only wing a 6 day stretch, and I think I need 8 days to do out-and-back to Brasstown Bald. I was hoping to hit Mt. Mitchell, Clingmans Dome, Brasstown Bald, Deals Gap, and Fontana Dam. I was also hoping to camp the entire trip. Mt. Pisgah and Peaks of Otter are great layover camping spots, but the lodges book up very early, so make reservations ASAP. Now it's postponed until spring for me. Good luck, take lots of pictures!

noisymilk · Post by **noisymilk** » Thu Aug 30, 2012 5:34 pm

Hey!

Long trips on scooters are a blast. I haven't posted here much, but I took a trip from Mesa AZ to Banff Springs Nat'l Park last summer on my almost bone stock Buddy 125.

Trackpete (whom I haven't seen here or on Advrider for quite some time....bummer) took the 2stroke....um....Roughhouse? They don't make it anymore....110cc....from DC to Deadhorse Alaska and back a few years ago. There's many other around here who have done equally as amazing trips. Its a good way to see things.

Good luck on your ride. I'm considering another one myself....maybe to Key West?

Take care.

TVB · Post by **TVB** » Thu Aug 30, 2012 6:15 pm

noisymilk wrote: the 2stroke....um....Roughhouse? They don't make it anymore....110cc...

That'd be the Rattler, affectionately known as the "buck-ten" (for 110cc).

Capt_Don · Post by **Capt_Don** » Thu Aug 30, 2012 6:59 pm

I just got back from a trip that was a little over 200 miles, and I did not bring a lot, but I imagine that a longer trip would require many other things. I do know that there are two things, one that i did not bring, and one I did not bring enough of:

1: An anti-inflammatory (did not bring)
2: Water (did not bring enough)

No matter what shape you are in you will need both!

DevoManchild · Post by **DevoManchild** » Thu Aug 30, 2012 10:43 pm

Boot Scoot - Thank you so much for the local dealer info. God forbid I need it, but it could be a real lifesaver.

I think I've got everything other than the spare belt. I know if something happens to it, I'm SOL, so might head down to my local shop to get a little tutorial on replacement.

I did Six Gap about two months ago - went up and back the same day. It was a long day, but got me hooked on the open road and mountains. I was going to try to fit Deal's Gap into this trip, but I estimated it would take an extra day, maybe more, to go that far west and back, and I've got a seven day limit.

Thanks for the encouragement. I'll pick up some anti-inflammatory, too!

DevoManchild · Post by **DevoManchild** » Tue Sep 25, 2012 3:47 am

Just wanted to let you guys know the road trip went off without a hitch. Didn't even need to put air in the tires. Over 1600 miles in 7 days, including a day off because of rain. Super fun. Thanks for all the advice!

neotrotsky · Post by **neotrotsky** » Tue Sep 25, 2012 5:02 am

Awesome to hear! Love it when a long haul scooter trip goes well. Don't be afraid to post pics and experiences for those looking to do the same kind of trip

cdwise · Post by **cdwise** » Wed Sep 26, 2012 12:27 am

noisymilk wrote:Long trips on scooters are a blast. I haven't posted here much, but I took a trip from Mesa AZ to Banff Springs Nat'l Park last summer on my almost bone stock Buddy 125.

Trackpete (whom I haven't seen here or on Advrider for quite some time....bummer) took the 2stroke....um....Roughhouse? They don't make it anymore....110cc....from DC to Deadhorse Alaska and back a few years ago. There's many other around here who have done equally as amazing trips. Its a good way to see things.

Good luck on your ride. I'm considering another one myself....maybe to Key West?

With a new baby? I wouldn't blame your wife if she keelhauled you.

BootScootin'FireFighter · Wed Sep 26, 2012 11:11 pm

sweet, you did it! Must've been epic.

DevoManchild · Post by **DevoManchild** » Thu Sep 27, 2012 3:15 am

It was amazing. I would warn you if you're thinking of doing the whole thing from Alexandria, I would say you're going to need at LEAST eight days if you want to get to Deal's Gap and the dam and dip down to Brasstown. I was hauling ass and didn't really get to do as much sightseeing as I would have liked. You could probably save some time by camping, then you'd never really need to leave the Parkway. It's doable, but you'd have to have good weather for the whole trip. I lost a day in Boone because of the storm that came through, and it took a solid seven days.