Highway riding advice :~)

2wheelNsanity · Post by **2wheelNsanity** » Sat Jun 09, 2012 2:00 am

Well a year of applications and I finally got a bite, I had a phone interview today and was told to call back first thing on Monday. The next step is a face-to-face interview if all goes well. If it does I will need travel 300 mi. to the interview, mostly on 60-65 mph hilly and twisty highways (mostly on US Hwy 54 in Missouri, from Nevada Mo. to Columbia, Mo.). The problem is a couple of weeks ago my wife avoided hitting a large animal on the way to work and ended up going off the road into the ditch, hitting a large tree with the right side, needless to say the car is a total and we only had liability on it (stupid me) so we are down to one cage and one scooter for three adults to get to work in/on. Seeing how I am the only one able to drive the scooter, the scooter will get the nood for the trip.
I was wandering what measures I can do to increase my safety, any suggestions? I am searching for alternative, slower, roads to travel.

Skootz Kabootz · Post by **Skootz Kabootz** » Sat Jun 09, 2012 2:30 am

Plan a good route with Google maps. You can even check it all out using street view before you go. Allow extra time. It will always take longer than you think. And take good tunes! That's a must IMO. Also, a good roadside assistance plan is inexpensive and can save the day if needed.

I assume you are going to ride there the day before your interview and stay overnight so you can be clean and fresh, yes?

Beamster · Post by **Beamster** » Sat Jun 09, 2012 2:42 am

Scooter on a high speed highway is going to be far from safe.
Take the car.

jprestonian · Post by **jprestonian** » Sat Jun 09, 2012 3:39 am

On a People 250. using interstates, it took me ~9.5 hours (including needed stops and refueling) to go from Nashville, TN to Poplar Bluff, MO (~350 miles), so yes -- this is going to be the longest ride of your career, possibly. My suggestion: Ride the day before, and take your time. Stay in a cheap motel, get up, interview, and ride home.
.

BootScootin'FireFighter · Sat Jun 09, 2012 3:44 am

Be visible, especially riding around the morning or evening on East/West highways. Watch your 6 and be aware of whose approaching or about to overtake you. It's pretty scary to suddenly see a semi in the oncoming lane passing you, and you never seen it coming. Watch the semi's coming head on. If they are boxy, carrying a full load, and don't have a fairing above the cab, the draft they create is like a large gusting crosswind. Be ready for it. Nothing to be freaked out about, but probably not the best time to be adjusting the mirrors or taking a sip of water.

gbjbany · Post by **gbjbany** » Sat Jun 09, 2012 5:38 am

Skootz Kabootz wrote:............Also, a good roadside assistance plan is inexpensive and can save the day if needed.

Join the AMA lots of benefits including road side assistance I paid $49 fora year get discounts on other things too

http://www.americanmotorcyclist.com/Mem ... Assistance

Capt_Don · Post by **Capt_Don** » Sat Jun 09, 2012 5:40 am

Be always vigilant, I ride the highway, for short periods, daily. You will be as a P-51 flying amongst jet fighters, with a 9mm handgun for armaments.

Mutt the Hoople · Post by **Mutt the Hoople** » Sat Jun 09, 2012 6:02 am

Highway 54 is a beautiful route but yikes... I don't want to sound stupid, but what about renting a car? You might find a deal on the Internet. Regardless of how you get there, have a safe trip and good luck on the interview.

michelle_7728 · Post by **michelle_7728** » Sat Jun 09, 2012 6:13 am

Mutt the Hoople wrote:Highway 54 is a beautiful route but yikes... I don't want to sound stupid, but what about renting a car? You might find a deal on the Internet. Regardless of how you get there, have a safe trip and good luck on the interview.

+1 on renting a car, for many reasons. It takes us about 7 hours to go 187 miles, on the backroads, during our summer trek to visit my dad, which allows us time to stop, stretch our legs, let the scooters cool down periodically, and gas up. Long trips are also a time when you find out how comfortable your helmet really is...ours are comfortable for the first 2-3 hours, then the time period between needing to stop to give the top of your head a break starts to shorten to around 30-45 minutes towards the end of that time. (you may be among those lucky enough not to experience this issue, but if you are not, what a pain! No pun intended).

IMHO unless you are going to take a couple of days to ride down, then a couple of days to ride back, that's asking for sleepiness and inattentiveness, neither being good things on 2 wheels. (Even on rides of a couple of hours I can start feeling sleepy)

Plus what happens if you get there and it's pouring rain when you need to ride to your interview?

Sorry...I probably shouldn't have posted the above, as really your subject was highway riding advice.

Capt_Don · Post by **Capt_Don** » Sat Jun 09, 2012 6:24 am

michelle_7728 wrote: IMHO unless you are going to take a couple of days to ride down, then a couple of days to ride back, that's asking for sleepiness and inattentiveness, neither being good things on 2 wheels. (Even on rides of a couple of hours I can start feeling sleepy)

Plus what happens if you get there and it's pouring rain when you need to ride to your interview?

Yes, rest is best, give yourself and extra day each way. It is not an impossible trip, no different or less safe than riding anywhere else, so long as you are on your game and leave yourself time. A rushed ride across town could be a disaster, amplify that substantially. I am not trying to write you out of it, but I am trying to lay down caution.

Mutt the Hoople · Post by **Mutt the Hoople** » Sat Jun 09, 2012 11:45 am

michelle_7728 wrote:
Mutt the Hoople wrote:Highway 54 is a beautiful route but yikes... I don't want to sound stupid, but what about renting a car? You might find a deal on the Internet. Regardless of how you get there, have a safe trip and good luck on the interview.
+1 on renting a car, for many reasons. It takes us about 7 hours to go 187 miles, on the backroads, during our summer trek to visit my dad, which allows us time to stop, stretch our legs, let the scooters cool down periodically, and gas up. Long trips are also a time when you find out how comfortable your helmet really is...ours are comfortable for the first 2-3 hours, then the time period between needing to stop to give the top of your head a break starts to shorten to around 30-45 minutes towards the end of that time. (you may be among those lucky enough not to experience this issue, but if you are not, what a pain! No pun intended).

IMHO unless you are going to take a couple of days to ride down, then a
couple of days to ride back, that's asking for sleepiness and inattentiveness, neither being good things on 2 wheels. (Even on rides of a couple of hours I can start feeling sleepy)

Plus what happens if you get there and it's pouring rain when you need to ride to your interview?

Sorry...I probably shouldn't have posted the above, as really your subject was highway riding advice.

The other concern is you will be riding in a very rural area. The deer this year have been terrible. A deer was killed in downtown Saint Louis a week or two ago. Plus it can be a gorgeous day in the morning and this time of year thunderstorms can pop up very suddenly, and some can be very bad. Tuesday I was out shooting photographs downtown and I heard someone's radio say that a nasty storm was coming up out of the southwest. It did not look like anything at the moment but I decided to head back home anyway. I got to Olive when the wind kicked up suddenly and it began to rain. By Lindel and SLU it was really bad and I got drenched and hailed on. I only live about three or so miles from there but it was a long scary ride home and the wind visits were disturbing to ride in. I got home and ten minutes later the weather got a lot better. But I would have hated being out in the middle of nowhere in a storm like that. If you don't have any other choice then please be really careful. But I hope you can consider a car rental. Too many variables this time of year.

2wheelNsanity · Post by **2wheelNsanity** » Sat Jun 09, 2012 12:36 pm

Wow, all great advice, Thanx

. As far as the rental car is concerned I/we don't have a credit card so I can't. The road side assistance is a good idea. I also thought of getting a plug kit and take my bicycle pump.
I might be able to borrow a friends car, but I hate to ask.
I'll cross that bridge when I get to it, I tend to put the cart in front of the horse. So I'll find out Monday morning

.
Again thanx for all the advice

TVB · Post by **TVB** » Sat Jun 09, 2012 1:34 pm

300 miles is a long way to go on a scooter. At 30-40mph, the longest I've gone was 210 miles, and with stops for fuel, rest, food, etc. that was a long and tiring day. Unless your wife (or whoever is using the car) is truly unable to ride the scooter for some reason, this might be a good time to try it.

Or see if some other means of transportation (bus, cab, begging a ride) will work for her for a day or two, allowing you to take the car.

If you do ride, the others' advice is all good: stop often, be prepared for the wind you'll get from passing semis, allow for more time than you think you'll need (if you travel at 60mph for an hour, then stop for just 10 minutes, your average speed is only about 50mph), and remember that it's more important to be safe than to assert your rights.

cdwise · Post by **cdwise** » Sat Jun 09, 2012 2:11 pm

It is doable but not particularly pleasant in one full day on a Buddy 125 so I would expect on a 170 it would be a little easier. BSFF gave you good advice about paying attention. Make sure you have good hi-vis rain gear with you too.

I'll add that on the smaller scoots I make sure to get off the scoot at least every 2 hours - gas stops are good for this but stopping even if only for 5 minutes every 1-1.5 hours is better. When you stop - get off the scoot and walk around for a few hundred feet or more, stretch, make sure your ass gets a break. It will help you keep alert and focused when you are on the road. Whatever you do stay hydrated even if you think you don't think you are getting dehydated or fatigued it will creep up on you faster than you think. In hot, humid Missouri you will need it. I'm also a fan of protein and fruit. Eat an apple at a rest stop will wilking around, add some cheese or nuts which will also help you stay focused.

Make sure you get there early enough the night before to have a good rest.

BTW, some rental car companies will take a debit card for the deposit but they will place a hold on your bank account so it may be worth calling around to find out. Unless you can spare the time to take longer on the road it maybe the best option for a job interview where it is critical that you arrive on time and attired appropriately for the interview. After all this time of year you cna get pretty drenched.

Howardr · Post by **Howardr** » Sat Jun 09, 2012 3:11 pm

You've got to do, what you've got to do.

Buy on of those stick on Deer Whistles and stick it to the front of the Buddy.

I did 250 miles this past Wednesday and it was about 7 hours of riding. So you're looking at a 9-10 hour day. As mentioned earlier, ride up one day and stay in a hotel. Depending on what time your interview is, you MAY be able to ride home same day, but if it's not early, you'll need a second night in the hotel.

The times I wouldn't want to be riding are dawn and dusk. Visibility is worse, but in your case, I think deer or other critter would be the biggest hazard.

Take Tylenol or Ibuprofen. your muscles tend to get sore on this type of ride. A little bit of pain reliever will help a lot. NO ASPIRIN!

Howard

BootScootin'FireFighter · Sat Jun 09, 2012 3:38 pm

I don't think you should get discouraged about doing the trip, it's just about being prepared. My first 300+ mile trip was to Philadelphia and back for a cheesesteak. We got a little rain, had some major bridge crossings, and had to outrun a fast approaching thunderstorm. It takes some planning and preparations. I always love a chance to get out of the city for whatever reason. Last week was an almost 300 mile day out to Dover AFB and back, no reason, just to ride all day.

- Plan rest stops ahead. Try to limit rest stops to every 2 hours or 75 miles, whichever comes first. Keep it simple, spending too much time at a gas station or a coffee shop will eat away lots of time. Pee, top off fuel, walk around for 10 minutes, eat a candy bar or small sandwich, and be back on the road within 20 minutes. Use the halfway stop for a 30 minute break with a meal, avoid dine in, which again takes way too much time.

- Carry a small compliment of tools. Metric sockets, screw drivers, a small air compressor with 12v plug, tire plug kit, "petzl" style headlight, loc-tite, needlenose pliers, vice grips, a spare belt, torque wrench and variator tool for breaking that nut. I believe you'll need a 19mm for the variator and a "variator tool" (scooterworks has them) to take it off and change the belt. It's not a difficult roadside fix, but if you don't have someone that can come rescue you if you belt fails, then go with it. The most common breakdowns are tire punctures and belts breaking.

- Bring your chain and shackle! You'll want to lock up when you get to a hotel/motel

- Camelpaks are great to carry and stay cold most of the day. Hydrate as you go, especially when you're out all day.

- Caffeine. I like to use my Nathan tritan bottle for holding coffee. Stainless steel works best because when you wash it, the coffee smell washes out. It doesn't spill and I wear a modular helmet, so I can sip on it while riding. Don't try that with a FF. Waiting for coffee to cool down is another way to eat away time. If you wear a FF helmet, put ice cubes in your coffee, drink it down, then hit the road.

- Keep your family and close friends informed. Set up a group text message to check in at rest stops. Send your tentative route to someone, as a safe guard. There are also apps like Google Latitude and "Friend Finder" that work off of GPS and people can monitor your progress. I also use Motion-X GPS and it can email update in set increments your position.

- Charge your cellphone! Get a decent charger and keep it topped off. You can charge it on the go by plugging in and leaving your phone in the under seat compartment.

- Cover your ass! Seriously, avoid pressure points. After 100 miles, it could really start to get sore. Find a seat cushion that works for you. There are rider beads, sheepskin, gel, and what I love, the Airhawk 2.

- Cover your ears! Silicone earplugs are great for reducing fatigue and hearing loss. Pharmacys carry them, they come in a small plastic case, and you can cut one plug into 1/2 or 1/4 sizes so it doesn't feel painful under the fullface helmet I hope you're wearing.

- FF or modular helmet, strongly recommended. Good for rain and bug deflection. I won't get into a helmet debate, so there.

- Seriously look into armored pants. Most people ride without them, but they're a blessing in themselves, worth their weight in gold. Armor, comfortable, blocks wind and rain, has reflective piping. I went with the Rev it Tornado trouser. It's pricey, but I plan to get a lot of use out of it.

- High visibility! Gotta be seen. I was always using the ICON Mil spec mesh vest over my riding jacket, but I just order this bad boy.... Firstgear mesh-tex dayglow jacket. This jacket is so bright, I could land a star destroyer with it. You should see how many idiots hesitate to pull out in front of me now, whereas they always would.

Some of this can get pretty pricey, but take it in pieces. This may not be all viable options for your upcoming trip, but hopefully people who read this topic later on can use some of these tips. I love long distance riding, it takes some getting used to, but certainly something that's not difficult if you're prepared.

teacherquinn · Post by **teacherquinn** » Sat Jun 09, 2012 3:47 pm

Great advice here! As long as you've already ridden some fairly long mileage days you'll be fine. 300 is a good amount and you'll be a bit sore but the road looks amazing. Be well rested and stop often to enjoy the ride.

k1dude · Post by **k1dude** » Sat Jun 09, 2012 5:20 pm

Make sure there are no stretches over 80 miles without a gas station. I doubt it's a problem where you plan to ride. But out here in the west, you can sometimes get in trouble if you don't plan ahead and carry some extra fuel.

Capt_Don · Post by **Capt_Don** » Sat Jun 09, 2012 5:35 pm

BootScootin'FireFighter wrote:I don't think you should get discouraged about doing the trip, it's just about being prepared....

I just copied and pasted this to a word doc, might come in handy sometime.

bluebuddygirl · Post by **bluebuddygirl** » Sat Jun 09, 2012 9:07 pm

300 miles is a long way on any bike. It will be easier on the butt than most motorcycles but it will still be exhausting. I am repeating what has been said, but if you can leave a day early and break somewhere, either inexpensive hotel, or honestly I usually camp on long trips, much to the dismay of my overly worrisome mother. Otherwise just leave really early allowing for plenty of breaks for gas and some re-hydration. I just rode from Columbus to Akron a couple of weeks ago. It was 130 miles and it took me 3 and a half hours. I only have a 125 and I was on a state route with a 55 mph limit.

2wheelNsanity · Post by **2wheelNsanity** » Sun Jun 10, 2012 12:21 am

My butt is pretty tough

, cycling does that to you, but I am still going to see if a cushion would work better. I have a hi-vis vest, full-face Icon helmet, Armour jacket, and gloves, no armour pants (I've been meaning to).
As far as fatigue is concerned I am an ex-truck driver with over 1 million miles under my butt

, so I don't think it will be an issue, but I never know, riding two wheels may be a whole differrent world so I'll plan for it. As far as planning, I am an obsesive planner. My wife hates it (not really)cuz I have every stop and every scenerio planned out. I take two spares, fuel can, extra water pump, belts, radiator fluid, oil, battery, flash lights, etc. etc. (see what I mean)

. I got stranded in the middle of the New Mexican desert 60 miles from anywhere when I was 18, lesson learned.
So hopefully everything goes well and the interview will be later in the week so that I have time enough to prepare.
On Monday I plan to go to Joplin which is 55 miles away so 110 round trip to see how Kaze does at 60 indicated (52mph). I feel my scooter is the unkown factor even though we've seen 5200 miles together. I'm not sure how it will react when pushed that hard for that long.
Well again I have to say mega thanx

from everyone you guys and gals are amazing people.

Capt_Don · Post by **Capt_Don** » Sun Jun 10, 2012 12:38 am

2wheelNsanity wrote:...As far as fatigue is concerned I am an ex-truck driver with over 1 million miles under my butt , so I don't think it will be an issue, but I never know, riding two wheels may be a whole differrent world so I'll plan for it...

As a veteran truck driver my self I'll say this, driving my 170i on crappy roads is marginally better than that International I used to drive...

2wheelNsanity · Post by **2wheelNsanity** » Sun Jun 10, 2012 2:12 am

Well here is the route, most of it is on 50 to 55mph MO. roads.
This way I avoid US Hwy 54 all together

. I've driven it in a car about 6 times now and its scary as hell from Camdenton thru Osage Beach to Jefferson City, crazy drivers going to the lake.

k1dude · Post by **k1dude** » Sun Jun 10, 2012 2:27 am

2wheelNsanity wrote:Well here is the route, most of it is on 50 to 55mph MO. roads.
This way I avoid US Hwy 54 all together . I've driven it in a car about 6 times now and its scary as hell from Camdenton thru Osage Beach to Jefferson City, crazy drivers going to the lake.

You should hang out at Party Cove for a rest!

jrsjr · Post by **jrsjr** » Sun Jun 10, 2012 2:32 am

I checked Greyhound.com and found that the round-trip "Web Only Fare" for your trip is $54.90. If you ride your Buddy wide open for 600 miles trying to keep up with 65 MPH traffic on a highway, you are not going to get as good gas mileage as you are used to getting around town. Even if you still manage to get 50 MPG, you're easily going to burn up 12 gallons of gas for the trip. What does gas cost per gallon where you are? If it's $3.35, for example, then you're going to spend at least $40 on gas. This is not a totally apples-to-apples comparison, because you may to spend money on cab fare in Columbia, but it gives you a feeling for the cost differential. The actual difference in what you'd end up spending on gas vs the bus ticket price is so small that, honestly, I'd think seriously about taking the bus.

Capt_Don · Post by **Capt_Don** » Sun Jun 10, 2012 2:38 am

jrsjr wrote:I checked Greyhound.com and found that the round-trip "Web Only Fare" for your trip is $54.90. If you ride your Buddy wide open for 600 miles trying to keep up with 65 MPH traffic on a highway, you are not going to get as good gas mileage... vs the bus ticket price is so small that, honestly, I'd think seriously about taking the bus.

Yeah, but if he wants to bring the Buddy he is going to need an extra ticket!

hg3 · Post by **hg3** » Sun Jun 10, 2012 2:43 am

This looks like it could really be an enjoyable ride. AND I hope you get the job too..

cdwise · Post by **cdwise** » Sun Jun 10, 2012 3:16 pm

2wheelNsanity wrote:My butt is pretty tough , cycling does that to you, but I am still going to see if a cushion would work better. I have a hi-vis vest, full-face Icon helmet, Armour jacket, and gloves, no armour pants (I've been meaning to).
As far as fatigue is concerned I am an ex-truck driver with over 1 million miles under my butt , so I don't think it will be an issue, but I never know, riding two wheels may be a whole differrent world so I'll plan for it.
On Monday I plan to go to Joplin which is 55 miles away so 110 round trip to see how Kaze does at 60 indicated (52mph). I feel my scooter is the unkown factor even though we've seen 5200 miles together. I'm not sure how it will react when pushed that hard for that long.
Well again I have to say mega thanx from everyone you guys and gals are amazing people.

Your scoot will be fine. I've done 300 mile trips our Buddy 125. Riding anything 2 wheels for 300 miles will be more fatiguing and different than in any car or truck because you are more in the elements and your suspension just isn't as good. Plus when you shift around in a car or truck seat you aren't changing the direction of your vehicle like you can/do on two wheels. That doesn't mean you can't move around on your scoot seat, change foot position, etc. just that it isn't he same as stretching your back in a 4+ wheel vehicle.

Since you believe in being prepared go over th belt and other maintenance bits well before you leave and make any replacements that need to be done so there is time to ride on the repairs before you leave.

Personally I'd take the Buddy over the bus but I hate riding buses. 300 miles isn't that bad, says the person who rode from Colorado to San Diego, up through Montery and back to Colorado last summer. Houston to Washington DC and back for a Photoshop Conference in March-April. Oklay, those were on my bigger scoot but each trip was 3,400-3,700 miles. I've done 1,200 mile trips on my Vespa GTS and 325 miles on my Buddy 125 before it became my son's daily commuter.

Howardr · Post by **Howardr** » Sun Jun 10, 2012 5:47 pm

Don't let the naysayers get you down. The first year I had my scooter, people talked my out of riding it to a rally that was about 200 miles away. They said it was too dangerous or that the bike would make it. BAH!

Now I ridden the Buddy that distance many times. I ridden it 1000 miles on a single ride, WOT all the way. The Buddy did fine.

This past Wednesday, 250 miles, WOT, up and down 8-10% mountain grades with temps 100-105 in the valleys.

The Buddy handled all that with no problem.

Don't get me wrong, riding on the highway isn't for everyone, but given your vehicular history, it shouldn't be a problem.

Have fun

Howard

Capt_Don · Post by **Capt_Don** » Sun Jun 10, 2012 6:01 pm

Howardr wrote:Don't let the naysayers get you down. The first year I had my scooter, people talked my out of riding it to a rally that was about 200 miles away. They said it was too dangerous or that the bike would make it. BAH!

Now I ridden the Buddy that distance many times. I ridden it 1000 miles on a single ride, WOT all the way. The Buddy did fine.

This past Wednesday, 250 miles, WOT, up and down 8-10% mountain grades with temps 100-105 in the valleys.

The Buddy handled all that with no problem.

Don't get me wrong, riding on the highway isn't for everyone, but given your vehicular history, it shouldn't be a problem.

Have fun

Howard

THIS

scootavaran · Post by **scootavaran** » Mon Jun 11, 2012 5:16 am

Howardr wrote:Don't let the naysayers get you down. The first year I had my scooter, people talked my out of riding it to a rally that was about 200 miles away. They said it was too dangerous or that the bike would make it. BAH!

Now I ridden the Buddy that distance many times. I ridden it 1000 miles on a single ride, WOT all the way. The Buddy did fine.

This past Wednesday, 250 miles, WOT, up and down 8-10% mountain grades with temps 100-105 in the valleys.

The Buddy handled all that with no problem.

Don't get me wrong, riding on the highway isn't for everyone, but given your vehicular history, it shouldn't be a problem.

Have fun

Howard

damn Howard I need to go on a ride with you one day.

scootavaran · Post by **scootavaran** » Mon Jun 11, 2012 5:21 am

Capt_Don wrote:Be always vigilant, I ride the highway, for short periods, daily. You will be as a P-51 flying amongst jet fighters, with a 9mm handgun for armaments.

Lol True, but I would still choose the Mustang anyday.

BuddyRaton · Post by **BuddyRaton** » Mon Jun 11, 2012 5:41 am

hg3 wrote:This looks like it could really be an enjoyable ride. AND I hope you get the job too..

Thats the thing...is this about getting a job or going for a long ride?

It's an interview for a job. No mater what you're going to be beat up from the ride.

Take the bus, prep for the interview on the way, (research the company, always ask questions, prepare for the always asked "what are your strengths and weaknesses" etc. etc.) and leave a long ride like that for a time when there is nothing else on your mind.

If you're going to be jamming all day...and it will be ALL day, your mind may go all over the place. A job interview is stressful ennough without also hitting a long ass ride.

I think it comes down to how bad you really want the job. If you want or need it that should be your priority and preparing for it a full time job...not how to ride your scooter there and back.

hg3 · Post by **hg3** » Mon Jun 11, 2012 9:24 am

Hear Hear !

heatherkay · Post by **heatherkay** » Mon Jun 11, 2012 1:47 pm

The other thing is that employers are looking for people with minimal personal life drama. If you do take your scooter, don't go into the whole spiel about only have one car and not being able to rent a car. You probably knew that already, but I've done interviews with people who overexplained themselves out of a position.

skully93 · Post by **skully93** » Mon Jun 11, 2012 3:44 pm

Mutt the Hoople wrote:Highway 54 is a beautiful route but yikes... I don't want to sound stupid, but what about renting a car? You might find a deal on the Internet. Regardless of how you get there, have a safe trip and good luck on the interview.

I agree. Even on a 250, you're going to arrive at your interview looking like a crazed Yak.

For shorter commutes scoots are great. We had some rally riders this weekend come from Missouri, riding a little over 800 miles. They said they will tow them in next year....and those were on 500's.

Mutt the Hoople · Post by **Mutt the Hoople** » Mon Jun 11, 2012 4:36 pm

skully93 wrote:
Mutt the Hoople wrote:Highway 54 is a beautiful route but yikes... I don't want to sound stupid, but what about renting a car? You might find a deal on the Internet. Regardless of how you get there, have a safe trip and good luck on the interview.
I agree. Even on a 250, you're going to arrive at your interview looking like a crazed Yak.

For shorter commutes scoots are great. We had some rally riders this weekend come from Missouri, riding a little over 800 miles. They said they will tow them in next year....and those were on 500's.

Crazes Yak.... That's about right. I had been waiting all week for certain skies and little wind to shoot some photos that I have been itching to get for a while. Time was of the essence in one case as they were tearing the building down. I really LOVE my Buddy 50 for urban photography. I can go right up to where I'm shooting, can maneuver in and out of odd spots... Love it. Got the skies I wanted but bad weather was on the way.... It was sticky and humid.... Got the shots, was coming up Olive and BAM it hits. Went from 3mph winds to 15MPH with 35MPH gusts and then rain and a bit of hail. I was only about three-four miles from home and it felt like forever. The sudden wind just about did me in. Got home, got my gear off, ran downstairs to grab my mail and my neaighbors saw me and asked what the heck I'd been through. I saw my reflection and

would NOT have been wanting to head to a job interview. I looked like Bill the Cat from the old Bloomsbury strip. Soon resolved with a nice shower and some quick hair styling but wow. And that was no more than 4 miles of less then prime riding in my home territory.

2wheelNsanity · Post by **2wheelNsanity** » Mon Jun 11, 2012 11:03 pm

Well, I didn't get the job

. The situation was that an employee quit unexpectedly and they were looking for someone to fill the vacant position A.S.A.P. and a local canidate could start tommorrow so the HR department at the local site hired them. The good news was they liked my resume and said they would definitly consider me for future positions. I still would like to take the trip just for the fun of it. My wife an I are contemplating moving there so in the near future.
Well I appriciate all the advice, what a great forum, you guys really stepped to the plate on this one

.

Edwub · Post by **Edwub** » Mon Jun 11, 2012 11:37 pm

I'm sorry to hear that, but best of luck for the next position!!

Capt_Don · Post by **Capt_Don** » Tue Jun 12, 2012 1:03 am

2wheelNsanity wrote:Well, I didn't get the job . The situation was that an employee quit unexpectedly and they were looking for someone to fill the vacant position A.S.A.P. and a local canidate could start tommorrow so the HR department at the local site hired them. The good news was they liked my resume and said they would definitly consider me for future positions. I still would like to take the trip just for the fun of it. My wife an I are contemplating moving there so in the near future.
Well I appriciate all the advice, what a great forum, you guys really stepped to the plate on this one .

That kinda sucks, but the idea about the ride still sounds like a fun one! I might ride from St. Louis to Wellston OK in the next year, or maybe to River City Iowa, to the future birthplace of Capt. James T. Kirk! Adventure awaits! Boldly Go!

skully93 · Post by **skully93** » Tue Jun 12, 2012 4:29 pm

sorry you didn't get the job. Perhaps that just means a better one is inbound!