[Smurph300]

Hey guys! I live in Middle TN, and I'm trying to find some short weekend trips to go on and stay for a night or two somewhere. I'm a new rider, so I don't wanna be on the road for hours at a time. Anyone in here have any sort of ideas whatsoever? Looking at throwing on a backpack and going, maybe around 2ish hours? Thanks peeps!

 

[Topaz]

Are you too far from the Tail of the Dragon (US129) on the border with N.Carolina? That's place is awesome. Plenty of roads to do. In the summer is pretty crowded and a bit dangerous. I went once in March and it was almost perfect. Just a bit cold.

 

[Smurph300]

Are you too far from the Tail of the Dragon (US129) on the border with N.Carolina? That's place is awesome. Plenty of roads to do. In the summer is pretty crowded and a bit dangerous. I went once in March and it was almost perfect. Just a bit cold.

That's a little far for me. Probly 4 hours into the mountains lol one day, I plan on doing that with a buddy or something. I knew someone would recommend the Tail 😂

 

[SparkyMJ]

I have no idea what's over there, so forgive me.

But, you sound exactly like me. I like to not only ride the socks off my bikes, but take them places too. Fatigue is the enemy when you're riding for a long time. 2 hours is a long time to ride, but I usually try to take a break every hour, even if its 2 minutes just to stop and breathe and stand for a second. But I can usually muster up to 8 hours in the saddle in one day if I stay on top of my human needs.

Get ear plugs, get a headsock, (they reduce noise and unwanted airflow) get comfy grips on the handlebars, and try to keep weight out of the backpack and either strapped to the bike or in a tank bag. Or just pack light. Tinted visor if it's sunny/glary where you are, and this one might sound weird, but I like tripping in my 1-piece suit. It's just the most well-engineered piece of riding equipment I have ever used. I don't care if I look funny, the leather is shaped to the riding position so you don't lose circulation (for me this happens in my knees with jeans) and the leather keeps the wind from battering you almost entirely, and with the right amount of under layers, you can stay extremely warm or cool, suits ventilate extremely well. A good compromise is leather riding pants.

Comfort is key! Point is, 2 hrs away isn't that far, but ease into the distance. I used to try to ride 1 hour on the freeway and back, then 1.5hrs and back, then 2 with stops, etc.

Hope this helps. Happy exploring!

-Mike

 

[Smurph300]

I have no idea what's over there, so forgive me.

But, you sound exactly like me. I like to not only ride the socks off my bikes, but take them places too. Fatigue is the enemy when you're riding for a long time. 2 hours is a long time to ride, but I usually try to take a break every hour, even if its 2 minutes just to stop and breathe and stand for a second. But I can usually muster up to 8 hours in the saddle in one day if I stay on top of my human needs.

Get ear plugs, get a headsock, (they reduce noise and unwanted airflow) get comfy grips on the handlebars, and try to keep weight out of the backpack and either strapped to the bike or in a tank bag. Or just pack light. Tinted visor if it's sunny/glary where you are, and this one might sound weird, but I like tripping in my 1-piece suit. It's just the most well-engineered piece of riding equipment I have ever used. I don't care if I look funny, the leather is shaped to the riding position so you don't lose circulation (for me this happens in my knees with jeans) and the leather keeps the wind from battering you almost entirely, and with the right amount of under layers, you can stay extremely warm or cool, suits ventilate extremely well. A good compromise is leather riding pants.

Comfort is key! Point is, 2 hrs away isn't that far, but ease into the distance. I used to try to ride 1 hour on the freeway and back, then 1.5hrs and back, then 2 with stops, etc.

Hope this helps. Happy exploring!

-Mike

I'd like to make a couple of points to what you've said. I agree, 2 hours is a good bit. I definitely planned on stopping multiple times (if the views are good FOR SURE). In the backpack: maybe a change of clothes, couple drinks, couple snacks or something like that. My helmet has a clear visor on the outside, but has a built in tinted visor I can flip down behind the clear one with a switch, so that's covered. But yes, I'm beyond excited to get out and travel a bit on something so freeing!

 

[Smurph300]

I have another point I'd like advice on, if anyone can help. Does anyone here do camping trips on your bike? I'm trying to learn how to carry gear such as a tent, sleeping bag, and pad for the bag. I have a duffel bag that I'm considering securing to the backseat with bungie cords. Any insight is appreciated!

 

[SparkyMJ]

I have another point I'd like advice on, if anyone can help. Does anyone here do camping trips on your bike? I'm trying to learn how to carry gear such as a tent, sleeping bag, and pad for the bag. I have a duffel bag that I'm considering securing to the backseat with bungie cords. Any insight is appreciated!

I actually did camping last year on my 300! I got a 1-person tent, rollable sleeping pad, and nice warm sleeping bag. Those three items were all rolled up individually, and then I used a belt or two to bundle all three rolled up items together, and then belt that bundle to my rear seat strap. Then I wore a backpack to carry my clothes, food, tools, beer, and other accessories.

My buddy actually made a fun little video edit from this camping trip in case any of you travel-inspired riders are interested. We all had 300s, R3 or Ninja 300s. It was great. We did some gravel roads too. Check it out! It will show our setups.

-Mike