Author Topic: Degree of planning for a long trip  (Read 516 times)

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Offline Schnell

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Degree of planning for a long trip
« on: August 24, 2013, 09:32:02 AM »
I too am planning for a long trip in 10 months, as a retirement gift to myself. I'll be riding my 750K5. My route starts near Kingston, crossing into the US at Ivy Lee Bridge. I'll stay off interstate slabs as much as possible and head south to the blue ridge parkway, then over to Memphis. (I have a buddy there to show me the town.) From there over to the west coast, north to Washington state, then eastward through the US back to Toronto. 4 to 5 weeks is my timeline, based on financial considerations.

I'd like to be loosey-goosey as far as route planning goes because I have the freedom to do so on a solo ride, as a reaction to both my highly regimented school teacher job for 27 years and my family vacations organized by my wife who likes every overnight stay predetermined before  we start. (Not complaining about this last part because with children it is probably a good idea.) On my trip, by not pre planning my exact route, I know that I will miss some good roads and sites, but I will also experience ultimate freedom from the tyranny of the itinerary and accidentally stumble upon unimagined cool sites, roads, and opportunities, by going with the flow of the universe, kind of like a Jack Kerouak journey.

I did something like this back in university days, driving a car for someone from Florida to Toronto. I simply headed north, largely staying off interstates, taking a side trip to New Orleans. When I came upon a town, I'd check a map just to see where I was.

So, what's your style of touring? Do you plan everything? What do you think about being flexible?
« Last Edit: August 24, 2013, 10:35:47 AM by Schnell »
A good traveller has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving. --Lao Tsu

primary: 1974 Honda CB750
long term, now resting: 1981 BMW R100/7
project: 1971 Honda CL350
project: 1974 Honda CB450

previous:
1975 Honda CB750
1973 BMW R90/6
1981 Suzuki GS650
1973 Honda CD175

My little website: http://frankfoto.jimdo.com/

Offline davesee

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Re: Degree of planning for a long trip
« Reply #1 on: August 24, 2013, 10:12:52 AM »
i've never taken a trip of that length. i hope i can when i finish twenty seven years of teaching, but i have 21 more to go!

from my own trips, i think it will take you a few days or more to get into the rhythm, so i think it's nice to have some goals. of where you'd like to be. i find in my first few days of a trip i get into a mode where i don't want to get off of my bike for more than 15 minutes and have the urge to get as far as i can. maybe loose plans will keep you from burning yourself out.

there's always the danger of not having or not finding a place if you don't have plans, but being forced to find somewhere can be interesting.

i wish you the best of luck!
1980 honda cb650 with many weekends worth of modifications.

Offline BeSeeingYou

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Re: Degree of planning for a long trip
« Reply #2 on: August 24, 2013, 10:50:42 AM »
I think you are thinking along the right lines.  On my big trip I had half a dozen places I would definitely hit and that determined the rough route but how I got from one to the other was just seat of the pants.  I just can't deal with set itineraries and schedules.  I am the worst "trip planner" and just make it up as I go.  It sounds like you are comfortable with being flexible so go with it....I know people who have to plan everything in advance.  It's just not my style and I never travel with them.