I bailed today on doing a 525 mi trip!

Discussion in 'General VFR Discussions' started by signal, Jul 9, 2013.

  1. signal

    signal Definitely Not New Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2013
    Messages:
    292
    Likes Received:
    15
    Trophy Points:
    18
    So today I need to travel to Columbia, SC (from Royal Palm Beach, Fl), distance, approx 525mi. I was going to take the VFR, but I have never ridden a motorcycle that distance before. I started second guessing myself, and ultimately talked myself out of it. My reasoning was: There is a tropical storm heading our way, today in South Florida its raining, forecast for the trip is dicey. I do not have a throttle lock or anything like that installed, I do not have rain gear yet (was going to pick some up this morning), I could go on and on, but basically I couldn't do it. Plus I got in late last night, and didn't get the most sleep, and ideally i would be up and out early for a trip like this.

    In some ways I feel I failed at an opportunity, my company reimburses about $.55 per mile, so round trip I would almost have my 32k maintenance paid for (which is coming up), but my instincts said "another time". Its possibly for the best, the weather is going to SUCK in South florida the next 10 days, and so I will be traveled and maybe its for the best, I can't wait to get back home and get some time in on the bike.

    I did register for a track day on the 21st, looking forward to loosing my virginity as I embark in the Novice class!
     
  2. soloii-74

    soloii-74 New Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Dec 31, 2011
    Messages:
    257
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    16
    Location:
    Middle Georgia
    Map
    I rode from middle Georgia to the Orlando area last fall (about 350 miles). The day I rode it, the weather was pretty cold for the beginning of the trip, but dry. I was riding down to pick up my truck - so I had to do it.

    Turned out to be a good experience. But still, it further confirmed that I prefer back roads to the slab. I-95 is kind of crazy between Jacksonville and the Orlando area. All things considered, I could have ridden home too, but that would have pretty much expended my endurance. I would not have wanted to ride for an extended period in the rain, especially in cooler weather - with or without rain gear. But sometimes you just end up riding in the rain - at least at this time of year it would not be cold (I hate being cold and wet anymore).

    I recently bought a set of Frog Toggs rain gear. I have not yet tested it. Even though it has rained every day here, I have only gotten caught once in a shower (not a downpour) a couple miles from home. It wasn't worth putting the rain gear on over my riding gear.

    Since then, I have ridden just shy of a 500 mile day, and, that too was a good ride.

    Some of the other guys and gals here have ridden much longer distances, and on consecutive days. They may have other ideas and suggestions.

    The seat time wouldn't scare me out of a 500 to 600 mile ride (with breaks), but the rain might. Better luck with the next opportunity. :thumbsup:
     
  3. warprints

    warprints New Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Jan 17, 2006
    Messages:
    41
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    6
    Location:
    Louisiana
    Map
    Probably a good idea to put off riding the bike with the storm coming your way.
    Furthest I've ridden the VFR in one day was right at 525 miles. Trip was about 80% backroads, and 20% interstate (last part -- trying to get home). Not quite as far or as comfortable as I've done on a Wing, but it can be done.
     
  4. zombie

    zombie New Member

    Country:
    Canada
    Joined:
    Jul 29, 2012
    Messages:
    602
    Likes Received:
    90
    Trophy Points:
    28
    Location:
    Guelph Ontario
    It could have been an awesome trip but if it had rained a lot it could have really sucked!
    If you're not sure about it then you made the right choice.
     
    Last edited: Jul 10, 2013
  5. 34468 Randy

    34468 Randy Secret Insider

    Country:
    Canada
    Joined:
    Dec 18, 2007
    Messages:
    13,741
    Likes Received:
    1,557
    Trophy Points:
    158
    Location:
    Chilliwack, BC Canada
    Map
    My furthest ride non stop, 'cept gas was home to Sacramento. That was 880 or so miles and most of that in the cool and rain. It was end of April early May when I went and it is still cold and wet here at that time. I was fine with it except for a neck issue which was pre-exsisting. However, I did have all the right gear to start with. If you are not properly equipped to ride in the rain, then don't go on long rides in it. You will be miserable for sure.

    I was loaded down with gear and have to say, the butt did not go numb and the back was not really that bad either, considering there are pre-exsisting issues there too.

    Wise choice on your part I say. Do it another day. Go get yourself a cheap two piece rubber backed nylon rain suit. Well worth the 100 bucks or so you pay for them. Stay away from the one piece, they are a pain in the ass to put on over your riding suit. And don't expect to stay dry in any of those advertised waterproof riding gear. Not in heavy rain at highway speeds anyways.
     
  6. Metallican525

    Metallican525 New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 7, 2009
    Messages:
    1,809
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Location:
    Rockville, Maryland
    Map


    I keep meaning to ask you since you're probably one of the more experienced rain riders here. Do have/use gaiters to keep your boots dry. If so which ones and are they worth a shit or are they just putting off the inevitable fish bowl boot syndrome?
     
  7. 34468 Randy

    34468 Randy Secret Insider

    Country:
    Canada
    Joined:
    Dec 18, 2007
    Messages:
    13,741
    Likes Received:
    1,557
    Trophy Points:
    158
    Location:
    Chilliwack, BC Canada
    Map
    No gators. I have gone through two pair of winter boots. First pair were Joe Rocket and were fine. They are insulated for warmth and water resistant to a great degree.Feet stayed dry for the most part. I did treat them often though, especially where the boot met with the sole. These wore out. Second pair are a pair of Alpinestars Winter boot. Same make up as the JR. And I treat them the same, especially on the seam between the boot and the sole. If it is going to leak, this is where it is likely to happen. When they did get wet, it was from very long rides on pouring rain for hours on end on the freeways, like one of the few trips to R3. Eventually the water is going to penetrate the toe area.

    But, I make sure that the cheap rubber backed nylon rain suit pants are pulled over the outside of the boot top so no water runs down inside the boot. I guess that acts like a gator.

    These are the only two I have tried for winter boots so I did well by both of them. My summer riding boots, when I have been caught in the rain, get wet like right now. Clouds in the sky, feet get wet. The winter boots were not crazy expensive either. Run roughly the same price as the summer boot. but look less robotic if you catch my drift.
     
  8. Big_Jim59

    Big_Jim59 Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Dec 22, 2009
    Messages:
    1,957
    Likes Received:
    72
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    Dallas, TX
    Map
    I rode up to Springfield, IL one year with friends to watch Jay Springsteen ride the mile. It was an awesome experience. On the way back, about 20 miles out side of Springfield the bottom dropped out and it rained all the way back to OKC. Talk about a no fun ride. No amount of rain gear could keep the deluge out. I just managed to sit in my soaked crotch mile upon mile. I don't do the me-man rides anymore. There are no brownie points for riding into the teeth of the gale.

    That reminded me, concerning rain suits, do you ride wearing rain suits sans armor protection? Do you wear them over your riding pants or in place of them?
     
  9. 34468 Randy

    34468 Randy Secret Insider

    Country:
    Canada
    Joined:
    Dec 18, 2007
    Messages:
    13,741
    Likes Received:
    1,557
    Trophy Points:
    158
    Location:
    Chilliwack, BC Canada
    Map
    Wear both the rain pants and rain coat over top the riding suit with all its armour. When buying the rain suit, buy very large. Wear your gear to the store and try the rain suit on over top to make sure it will fit fine.
     
  10. signal

    signal Definitely Not New Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2013
    Messages:
    292
    Likes Received:
    15
    Trophy Points:
    18
    So thanks to delays / weather, I have arrived very late to my destination. I am glad I flew and did not try to ride, as it is wet here. The roads are nice and twisty, lots of elevation changes (relative to my home state of Florida). I am going to prepare so the next time this opportunity strikes I have the gear.

    I am looking at a throttle lock like throttlemeister or vista, and a set of Frogg Toggs for the rain. I need some weather proof gloves too, because the last time I was in the rain, the worse part of it was having wet mesh gloves that were not designed for the rain.

    Carolinas sure are nice, people who live up here are fortunate to have so many really nice roads to ride and scenery as well!
     
  11. Big_Jim59

    Big_Jim59 Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Dec 22, 2009
    Messages:
    1,957
    Likes Received:
    72
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    Dallas, TX
    Map
    Thanks Randy. That makes sense. I could never see shedding armor to keep dry in deteriorating riding conditions. I have actually never owned a "real" rain suit. I have owned a number of riding suits that did a kind of double duty but none of them kept you dry in an all day rain ride.
     
  12. warprints

    warprints New Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Jan 17, 2006
    Messages:
    41
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    6
    Location:
    Louisiana
    Map
    I once had one of those lined rainsuits from yesteryear. It was horrible. Those things don't breath. Have been using Frogg Toggs for a while now. Love 'em. They pack up pretty small, and so far, no problems even in pretty hard rains.
     
  13. warbirds

    warbirds New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 30, 2013
    Messages:
    24
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Location:
    DFW TEXAS
    My dad loved motorcycles- and only ever offered 2 pieces of advice.

    Rule #1: Buy the biggest, fastest motorcycle you can afford and insure it accordingly
    Rule #2: The difference between a rider and a good rider is knowing when not to ride.


    Sounds like you've got it figured out. I used to get to commute from Baltimore to the most Southern point of Virginia (basically got paid to take Skyline Drive). Sometimes I rode, sometimes I took the car if it just didn't feel right.
     
  14. derstuka

    derstuka Lord of the Wankers Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jan 25, 2007
    Messages:
    6,733
    Likes Received:
    193
    Trophy Points:
    108
    Location:
    San Diego, CA
    Map
    Seriously dude, hand over your "MAN" card....you are a disgrace soldier! Just rattlin' yer cage boss. You made the right decision it seems.....though you would have an interesting story to tell if you had...
     
  15. CRFan1

    CRFan1 New Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Jun 25, 2012
    Messages:
    493
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    18
    Location:
    Northwest Indiana
    Map
    The lined rain suits will do the job at a minimum price and I used them for years but I cannot stand the bulkiness they add. Because it seems like EVERY time I take a trip it rains the WHOLE first day, I invested in some gortex gear this year and It is AWESOME. No more stopping to put stuff on. I have a Klim Latitude Jacket, Aerostich AD1 pants (they can be worn over jeans if needed), Sidi On Road Boots and Helm Gloves. Cost a good buck but so far, they have been STELLAR in the rain! The jacket is my every day riding jacket unless it gets above the low 80's and humid, has great armor and venting and is very well thought out (it should be for the price!).

    That being said, the OP did the right thing by avoiding what would have been a miserable trip at best...:smile:
     
  16. Rainbow7

    Rainbow7 New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 7, 2010
    Messages:
    599
    Likes Received:
    3
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Location:
    Muslim-free Queensland
    Dude, the only thing I would drive through SoFla in over the next 10 days is an Abrams tank, what with the inevitable rioting after Zimmerman goes free.
     
Related Topics

Share This Page