So here’s my story, of how I had plans that were thought out plans but no longer can be plans because things, as they often do, change. When getting ready to visit Peru this last holiday season, my partner in crime Bouncy McTigger and I volunteered to get bumped off our flight. They were dangling a $500 flight voucher each, provide hotel accommodations and fly us first class the next day, the catch – our flight left from Newark, NJ and we were in Houston, TX plus the whole leave a day late which we were perfectly cool with because well $500 and first class is pretty cool. Well we have been plotting and planning to go use these flight vouchers for Tokyo this holiday but then the prices went up and we got to thinking – I have the month of June off she has a house in Peru why not bounce and swing our happy furry butts back to Peru and see all the sights we missed out on? Well we hit a road block.
She has to work, she can’t get off so I am stuck with finding an alternative way to entertain myself for the month of June. Further, I have no responsibilities to tie me anywhere since I’m kind of couch surfing for the three months until I find out if my work grant gets renewed thus continuing my job and my free grad school plan. It seems my landlord isn’t too keen on the month to month thing and I’m not paying almost double what I do now which would prevent me from saving any kind of money. Sure I could work on perfecting my poo flinging but I’d rather work on the #1 of my New Years Resolution List – TRAVEL.
Here’s my plan I get on my motorcycle and go places, far away places but most likely still in the US seeing as Canada is well Canada and the border towns of Mexico are a wee bit dangerous and my bike isn’t out running anything. The catch is that it’s an old bike so I will likely be taking back roads since she tops off in the 70 mph range before she starts wheezing, I mean it’s a 1983 Kawasaki LTD 440 it’s older than me and it wasn’t even that bad to the bone of a bike when it was new.
My biggest dilemma is where the heck do I go? I’ve never been to any major cities on the east coast but I’ve never spent time outside of Los Angeles when I was out west. I love Texas but only explored the Rio Grand Valley and I have a place in Puerto Rico I could visit if I can find a way to get my bike to the island, fishing boats anyone?
Seeing as this is a travel blog I’m up for suggestions, especially from people who are doing just that, motorcycling their way around the US like Brian from BikeAndBoots.com. I mean serious this guy has his gear and stuff planed out, he added freaking heated hand grips while I just added new spark plugs to get it working again after changing the oil pump and giving it a horn. Do you see the difference – I’m just making my bike run while he is adding comfort and style. If we worked at TGI Fridays he’d be the one with all the flare, while I’d be getting questioned by the manager about all the missing bananas.
I am perfectly comfortable with the idea of letting some of my readers help plan out my future endeavors, seeing as I change my plans and seem to go on a whim of an idea anyways. Where should I go, I figured I could use up my rent money to supplement my travel which means some serious budgeting I’m talking Natural light beer and Super Duper Extra Cheap Motel 8² or some couch surfing across the US, do they couch surf in the US?
So what do you think, besides I’m a little over crazy and under prepared.
My current checklist off the top of my head of things I need to do.
- Get my actual motorcycle license (only have my temps)
- Call AAA because I don’t want to pay for tows and things I can’t afford
- Find out what I’ll need and how I’ll store it on my bike with what I have or inexpensive purchases
- Make a test run where I ride my bike for 3+ hours to make sure she can handle what I’m planning
- Figure out where to go – then contact friends in cities along the way
- Create a realistic budget
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Don’t forget to fling this post to others if you like what you see!
From danbrew:
Are you gone yet? i’ve randomly stumbled across your blog. Get the KOA Roadhelp (underwritten by Allstate) before AAA as the KOA Roadhelp will tow your bike unlimited miles to the nearest motorcycle dealer. AAA may be ok if you’re in Turnip Green, Alabama, but not so good if you’re in British Columbia or Nanook Alaska (ask me how I know…). Also, consider MedJet Assist for medical repatriation back to your home location… ‘ya never know when you’re gonna need it.
So… where to go? Shoot. Go someplace you’ve never been. Go to Rocky Mountain National Park – my favorite National Park. Of course it’s late in the year now… So go to San Diego. Then travel 10 across the bottom of the country to Key West.
have fun!
From Cornelius Aesop:
Wow, I wish you stumbled up MonkeyBrewster and this post a few months back. My trip was fairly successful although I didn’t go as far as I wanted to, you can read more by checking out my Motorcycle Diaries but this won’t be the last of my adventures and I’ll be sure to check out some of your suggestions like KOA roadhelp.
From Cornelius Aesop:
I am excited. I just passed my license test today, however my bike died once I got home. Harrumph! Hopefully I get it up and running again, I just need to find a mechanic who knows their way around an old Kawasaki. As for letting my readers choose, I say why not I certainly don't have a set attachment to any destination.
From Tom Volpe:
Sorry, can't give you any practical advice as I don't know the USA, but what an awesome plan you have there. I used to do a lot of motorbike touring around Europe with my dad as a kid and it is an amazing way to see the world. I love that you leaving it to your readers to make a plan for you too, very cool!
From Cornelius Aesop:
I like those packs but not sure If I want to spend the money on a nice bag for a bike that I won't have much longer. I'm not sure if it will even make it to the trip let alone after.
From joeehrlich:
Check out RevPack.com for some soft luggage. Made by a wise woman in an old barn with a dirt floor and highly recommended.
From Cornelius Aesop:
I've never been there and I am partial to wine….hmmm How do they feel about monkeys in Napa?
From Michelle:
we've got the accommodations near San Francisco, in lovely Sunnyvale, CA!
Can drink wine in napa … see the sites … or just visit Google and Yahoo, haha.
From Cornelius Aesop:
Route 66 does sound fun, but I've also looked at Route 55 and the Oregon trail so many to choose from, I'm looking at using one of the Road Trip USA routes to help me plan.
From GotPassport:
you little furry thing you- that bike looks way too big for you!
if you're coming to Houston, and if we're still here, and our place is not rented out, you can stay with us if needed.
We went from TX to LA last summer, then LA up to Vancouver, back down to TX and best of our times. Route 66 sounds awesome too on your bike!
From Cornelius Aesop:
I'm in the southeast corner of Michigan/northwest corner of Ohio for now. As for the AAA I haven't checked it out yet I'm still formulating a packing list of things I need and functional budget.
From Cornelius Aesop:
Thanks it's my starter bike, I just hope it holds up for the journey.
From Micheal :
Where in the Midwest? I have friends who would argue that Houston never sounds nice. Mostly because they live there and would rather be pretty much anywhere else. If you already have AAA for your car, then adding the additional package might not be a bad idea.
From Candice:
Canadaaaaaaaa! Do it. Also, sweet bike.
From Cornelius Aesop:
Kentucky is very nice to drive through and will remember to send out a message to you if I head to DC or NY.
From Cornelius Aesop:
Hehe, I never considered the Canadian Rockies and it has been a long time since I've been to New Orleans.
From Cornelius Aesop:
Hmm I'll have to research this rolling thunder.
From Cornelius Aesop:
Hehe, I figured.
From Anil:
Motorcycle is one of the most fun ways to travel. So many options…if you're going east try New Orleans and get Kentucky on your path, beautiful drives there and if you do get to DC or NY in late May/June let me know I should be around there then.
From Ayngelina:
Okay first I'd say the Canadian rockies could be cool on bike. Also I had a friend drive from Toronto down through Mississippi, New Orleans etc and really liked it. Although he was Canadian and you know how we are….
From Stephanie:
DC traffic is really not bad at all. I don't know first hand about riding a bike, but I think it's fairly friendly to that- we do host Rolling Thunder every year after all!
From travelmaus:
Yup, moose & maple syrup we have..no moose in Toronto though. Just sayin' . And I was kidding about the unfollow–don't fling poo.
From Cornelius Aesop:
Hehe, I keed I keed. I like Canada I just already have plans to visit there later this summer so there is no point in going their twice when I can go and see someplace new. Plus you have moose and maple syrup.
From Cornelius Aesop:
See, before you know it everyone is going to be rocking a pvc tube on their bike. If you come across any other creative and inexpesive ideas like that be sure to share.
From Cornelius Aesop:
Actually I'm in the Midwest right now, although Houston and Route 66 sounds nice. As for the AAA tip, thanks. I'll have to look into those alternative although I already have AAA for my car so I may get it cheaper to just tag on my bike. So much to look at and do, no mattter where I want to go it seems.
From travelmaus:
“….seeing as Canada is , well, Canada ?” Quick where is my 'unfollow' button ?
From Brian:
Just had the biker gang at the Motel 6 checking out my pvc pipe/tooltube and they liked it too. Of course I just took the idea from others on the internet.
From Micheal :
You're in Houston? You could shoot up north a bit and follow Historic Route 66 either to Chicago or Santa Monica. I just got back from running the full length (alas, on four wheels, not two) and it was a blast! And if you follow the old alignment it's mostly sub-60 MPH. A month is probably a good amount of time to travel half of it, though you'll probably still miss a lot. Hmm…June, though, so you might think of doing the leg to Chicago. Would probably have cooler temps than heading through the desert Southwest.
I might recommend looking at AAA alternatives. If you join the AMA (American Motorcyclists Association, not the American Medical Association) they offer a plan specific for bikes that also covers cars (I think). AAA charges extra for bikes/RVs/boats. There's one an online friend of mine recommends, but I can't remember what it is. If you want I can find it. Likewise, check with your insurance company. They may have a fairly cheap plan that can be added.
From Cornelius Aesop:
I've thought about Colorado too, beautiful sights to see out there, plus I'm going to steal your PVC pipe idea, cheap but fits the need, love it.
From Brian:
Glad to see another rider coming out to enjoy the sites! With one month from Houston I'd look at Colorado. Beautiful mountains, Mesa Verde, Royal Gorge, catch a baseball game… plenty there. Plus you'll be at altitude so a bit cooler too.
I'm busy repairing my horn today so you aren't that far behind me. Took a spill on a rocky road in Big Bend a few days ago. Can't wait to see what you decide on.
From Cornelius Aesop:
Hmmm, DC sounds fun and I haven't been there since I was barely a teenager, so obvious benefits to return there. The only thing I would be scared of is maneuvering through DC traffic on my bike, but I'm armed with poo flinging so who knows.
From Stephanie:
Come to DC!! OMG COME TO DC!!! It's such a great city and so awesome, particularly if you've never been.