Got a question for you cross country riders

[simon]

I'm planning a trip, this Spring, to ride the Southern route going West on I-10 thru Texas, New Mexico and Arizona. I'm riding a Standard with a 5 gallon gas tank. My question is, does anyone riding that stretch strap a gallon or two extra gas can on the back just to make sure they make it to the next gas station without worrying if they are going to run out of gas. Stations are few and far between on some of the stretches of I-10 and even if your GPS says there is a station ahead, that does not mean it is open. Some thoughts and thanks in advance. Simon

[Farther]

I rode across country from Northern California to Minnesota this past spring/summer.  Before the trip I installed the R&M Works belly tank.  http://www.rmworksinc.com/  It provided a lot of confidence and allowed me to stay in the saddle much longer.  However, I found that I probably could have made the trip comfortably without the belly tank.  The weak link in the belly tank setup is the electric fuel pump.  Mine did fail for me but was replaced by R&M Works at no cost to me.  Prior to installing the belly tank, I carried two 1.5 liter Primus fuel bottles in my saddle bags.  http://www.katerno.com/detail.php?s=97977

[Pete]

Have crossed the country several times, never carried extra gas. But I did pay attention  to where gas was known to be available. Towns are a great hint as to where gas is available. I usually had 5 gallons+ tank and never encountered an availability issue except at night in Wyoming when riding non interstate routes.

Have fun and go early enough to miss the heat, I10 can be brutally hot. Last time I rode it, it was summer, gas was no problem, but you needed water ever 50 miles for the body.

[Bone]

This last May I rode Michigan to New Mexico taking the northern route. I would stop before reserve sometimes not pushing my luck. The year before I took the southern route to Mesa, Arizona. These trips was on my 98 Tourer. Riding across western Texas / eastern New Mexico the speed limt was 75.
I was running 80 into a stiff wind. I read the warning signs about the wind but they didn't mention gas mileage would be affected . Went by a gas station my odometer said 100 miles since my last stop, no problem. About 10 miles farther and she started the I need gas bit. So I switched to reserve earlier than ever. Another few miles and she is acting thirsty again, man I was shocked.
Any ways that was the first time in 30 years I had run out of gas. In the desert my thermometer showing 98 degrees. Had on my leather jacket and started walking after I got the bike off of the divided highway. Young man pulled over and told me to get in taking me one mile to a service station. Used his gas can for the gas and took me back to the bike waiting until I got started again.
Be cautious you will be OK.
If I'm running speeds or wind I will stop at 100 miles.

[Willow]

I've ridden that stretch of I-10.  I don't think you need to carry extra fuel, but as Bone mentioned, there was a windy section crossing New Mexico on which I got horrible fuel mileage.  West of San Antonio, I-10 in Texas has some long stretches between fuel but nothing unmanageable.  Fuel at 120 - 125.  If you hit reserve, drop your speed to 65 to get your best distance and you'll be fine.

[Red Diamond]

At one time there were great stretches of I-10 in Texas with no fuel for miles, that is not the case now. Gas is readily available even in small towns out West. If you travel West on Hwy-90, you are still in good shape gas wise. You will find gas also plentiful in NM and AZ.

[Daniel Meyer]

I've ridden that stretch of I-10.  I don't think you need to carry extra fuel, but as Bone mentioned, there was a windy section crossing New Mexico on which I got horrible fuel mileage.  West of San Antonio, I-10 in Texas has some long stretches between fuel but nothing unmanageable.  Fuel at 120 - 125.  If you hit reserve, drop your speed to 65 to get your best distance and you'll be fine.

+1 

If it's REALLY hot and windy, look for fuel starting at 80 miles...

[us385south]

At one time there were great stretches of I-10 in Texas with no fuel for miles, that is not the case now. Gas is readily available even in small towns out West. If you travel West on Hwy-90, you are still in good shape gas wise. You will find gas also plentiful in NM and AZ.

Along US 90... it is 120 miles from the last gas station at Lake Amistad, Diablo West, (which is an Exxon, btw) to the next 'dependable & reliable' gas which is in Sanderson, TX.  Recently, there have been gas stations opening at Comstock and beyond the big bridge at the Pecos river, Langtry.  Lemme rummage... I think I even have a link to a picture of the station at Langtry.... hmmm... hmm... hmm...hmmmm.  Here it is: http://www.culleynet.com/galleries/new/big_bend_06.08/002_lrg.html

What's more important than if there are stations is: "When are you planning on being there?"  Those small towns in west Texas live on different schedules...

Bear in mind that US 90 west of Del Rio is a pretty backwater place.  This is open chihuahuan desert. spectacular country... but pretty far from anything.  There has been more than a few occasions that I have arrived at Comstock, Langtry, or Dryden to find the stores closed.  Due to a family emergency or someone having gone fishing that day.  Also, plan on being stopped by the border patrol a time or two... this is a given... not a chance.  You WILL be stopped.

Along the I-10 interstate there are gas stops at regular mileages... just don't get caught short.  But that drive is BORING!!!!!!!

I highly recommend the lower US 90 route.  The ride is spectacular.  If you top off the tank at that last Exxon on the right just before you cross the Amistad causeway... you should be okay.  If you encounter gas along the way... buy some!  Beyond there it's a one-handed cruise...

Load special music on your headset... you'll need it!

  

[bentwrench]

I put the the R+M tank in 3yrs ago,it's the best thing I did for my riding.Now I stop for fuel when I want to not when I have to.Ours valks can be thirsty beasts,especially doing 80mph into a head wind
bw

[Bone]

doing 80mph into a head wind

Not a good idea in 98 degree temps 

[sheets]

Did I-10, in a car (with no A/C) between South California and Houston about five years ago. First time I'd seen that part of the country. I was surprised at the distance between burgs of civilization on that route. If it were me I'd fuel up frequently... and carry a gallon. There are miles and miles of nowhere with nothing in between in places out there. Even if ya had road service it would be hours before anybody showed up to assist. Made that road trip in September. We carried a gallon jug of ice water and were constantly sipping it all day long. Filled it at every gas stop. Never had to stop for bladder relief. I pulled into a rest area somewhere out there for a butt-break. There was a rider there standing behind a post supporting the canopy over a table trying to find shade. He was red as boiled lobster. I'm thinking a good place for a ride by the light of the moon. The regulars who transit the area will know better than I.   

[simon]

Thanks for all the tips on where the gas stations are and how and what to expect on the ride out West. I'm kind of Ol' School so a belly tank with a fuel pump is not for me. I like to keep it simple. I have ridden Harleys for all these years till I got the Valk and I use to think the Harleys sucked gas. I was mistaken. It don't matter cause the Valk is by far the best cruisin bike I have ever owned but she is a gas sucker, for sure. Just for the hell of it, I think I'll strap a gallon on the back and see how long it stays till someone rips it off the bike when I'm not lookin. Simon

[Bone]

I thought I was protected against possible problems. I've always had road service and a cell phone that can call world wide. I couldn't believe it when I failed to get a phone signal in 3 different states. Sprint / Nextel doesn't add that info in their commercials. Call any where world wide, except Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, etc. Before my trips I wondered who I would call, during my trip I wondered what I would call with,  a real learning experience.

[simon]

I also take a phone as well as a gun on a long ride. I can't guaranty the phone will always work but the gun will. Simon

[NCGhostrider]

Along US 90... it is 120 miles from the last gas station at Lake Amistad, Diablo West, (which is an Exxon, btw) to the next 'dependable & reliable' gas which is in Sanderson, TX. 

  Also, plan on being stopped by the border patrol a time or two... this is a given... not a chance.  You WILL be stopped.

Along the I-10 interstate there are gas stops at regular mileages... just don't get caught short.  But that drive is BORING!!!!!!!

I highly recommend the lower US 90 route.  The ride is spectacular.  If you top off the tank at that last Exxon on the right just before you cross the Amistad causeway... you should be okay.  If you encounter gas along the way... buy some!  Beyond there it's a one-handed cruise...

Load special music on your headset... you'll need it!

 

What he said!!   Been there done that, while heading east...  nearly ran out of gas on that one.. late in the day, didn't fill up at Marathon when I came out of Big Bend... My last fill up was at Study Butte... Was glad to see Sanderson, and laughed when I saw the sign at the at the edge of town, next dependable stop for gas... Del Rio 120 miles.

Border Patrol checkpoints in a few places... and will probably stop you. 
 
Probably some pics still up here....http://www.fenter.com

Much more interesting than I-10...  Lots more to see if you have time!

Have fun!! 

Craig

[Bugslayer]

I carry gas every time I travel. It has saved me twice.....

[sandy]

On the Valk and a few trucks and one Buick, I've crossed the country about 10 times since '01. I 10 is the most boring road in the country. If you're from TN, take a more direct route which involves lots of backroads. I don't know how much time you have. My choice route is through Northern Alabama and passes through Southern Arkansas, Texarkana, Dallas. Cross Western TX on 2 lanes going through Socorro, NM and Springerville, AZ. It's an easy 4 days and much more interesting.

[us385south]

Agreed... I-10 is monumentally boring.. plus it is serious cross country trucking route.  Trying to see Texas from the interstate is useless... and therefore boring! I-10 was built along that route because it was the shortest non-mountainous route between Houston and El Paso.  I-10 is 823 miles of mind numbing interstate within Texas alone.  It is further from El Paso to Dallas than it is from El Paso to Needles CA.  If you travel the I-20 corridor from Atlanta to El Paso... half way is Marshall, Texas.  Texas... is bigger than France. Dwell on that for awhile...

However... having actually lived in Tennesse, North Carolina, North Georgia, Virginia, South Carolina AND Texas I can attest there seems to be a mind set amoung residents of those places that any place that isn't entirely grown over with uncontrolled vegetation is boring.  I would postulate that Texas, which is nearly six times as big as Georgia is very diverse and exciting.  The deep desert is vibrantly ALIVE!  There are mountains here nearly twice the height of Clingman's Dome... and you can actually SEE them...(and from them) because they are not obscured with all the trees.  You just have to get off the danged interstate to see it.  It will take planning.  Let me offer this:

1. Better to have extra gas and not need it, than need it and not have it.
2. IF... you run out of gas in the desert.  You are more likely to need water than gas.  Carry a gallon of that too.
3. Use suncreen SPF 30... BEFORE you need it and Oil of Olay is an awesome moisturizer.
4. Keep you skin covered... all of it!  This is your chance to to try out all your "Mad Max" and "Road Warrior" biker fashion options without looking silly.
5. Drink a lot... and monitor the colour of your pee.  If it's dark... drink more!

Given a few precautions... the Big Bend of Texas and the borderland deserts of New Mexico and Arizona are some lonesome, mighty and wide open country worth exploring... mostly because people from other places don't think it's worth seeing.

http://www.culleynet.com/zen/The%20Road/Spring%20Ride%20~%20March%202010/DSC06588_pano_X1920.jpg.php?p=*full-image
YES!  That is snow on the Davis Mountains last March...
http://www.culleynet.com/zen/The%20Road/Last%20Spring%20Romp%20~%20May%202010/DSC06820_X1920.jpg.php?p=*full-image
http://www.culleynet.com/zen/The%20Vault/001.jpg.php?p=*full-image

[Hef]

I have done a lot of long distance riding and I agree with Bone, you don't have to wait until you hit reserve to get gas. I ride a 2000 Valk Standard and have never carried extra gas and it's never been a problem.

[Slvrvalk1]

I have ridden cross country several times from my home in California.  Gas has never been a problem.  You really need to be careful with your water.  By that I mean you must continuously drink or you will get sick.  I take the bladder out of a Camelback and put it inside my tank bag.  That way I can drink water on a frequent basis.  If you are in hot weather with low humidity and wind, you will dry out quickly.

Dave

[Hoser]

Go fast, water up at each gas stop, and take along something to drink between gas stops.  I carry 3 seafoam cans full of gas in a saddlebag, thats 48 ounces, never used them myself, but have aided others short of gas.  The cans do not leak and don't take up much room.  I usually fill up from 120 to 150 miles with my tourer. Never hit reserve yet.  With the limited reserve on a pingel petcock, I pay attention to where I am availability wise. I also carry a plug kit for tires.  Hoser

[fudgie]

Yep, what hoser said. I ran outta gas twice. Once miles from town. Better to have it and not need it.....

[MP]

Before I put the IS tank on my 97, I had to go to reserve several times at 74 miles!  That is doing 85 or so.  And, on that stretch of road, you may well be doing that.  Add some wind, and ??

MP

[PhredValk]

And be forewarned. Only water is water. I'm not being funny here; coffee, tea, soda, iced tea, etc  are not water, and your body won't tell you until it's too late.
Fred.

[Printer Mike]

Just for the hell of it, I think I'll strap a gallon on the back and see how long it stays till someone rips it off the bike when I'm not lookin. Simon

Wonder how that plastic paint would stick to a plastic gas can... Get rid of the , "Hey, look, I'm a gas can!"

[us385south]

Just for the hell of it, I think I'll strap a gallon on the back and see how long it stays till someone rips it off the bike when I'm not lookin. Simon

Wonder how that plastic paint would stick to a plastic gas can... Get rid of the , "Hey, look, I'm a gas can!"

I'd try it on a new one.  Etch the surface somehow... scrub it with denatured alcohol and 0000 steel wool, clean it up and spray it!  Let it cure for at least a week.

Printer Mike, BTW, I used to live in Rex...

[Ricky-D]

In the United States there are gas stations everywhere!  Never farther away than 20 miles.

Might not be the gas you want but it's gas nevertheless.

Up in Canada it's a different game. No gas between towns and some some are 40 to 50 miles apart.

Rule there is not pass a fill up if you've gone 50 miles since the last fill up. Don't press your luck!

***

[MP]

In the United States there are gas stations everywhere!  Never farther away than 20 miles.



***

You have NEVER been west of the Mississippi River, have you?  There are LOTS of places here, that it is over 20 miles station to station.  Especially if looking at night time.  It is better now, with the cc reading pumps, to get gas after hours.  There are LOTS of places that it is 50-60 miles between gas stops.  Plan ahead.

MP

[fudgie]

In the United States there are gas stations everywhere!  Never farther away than 20 miles.



***

You have NEVER been west of the Mississippi River, have you?  There are LOTS of places here, that it is over 20 miles station to station.  Especially if looking at night time.  It is better now, with the cc reading pumps, to get gas after hours.  There are LOTS of places that it is 50-60 miles between gas stops.  Plan ahead.

MP

+1 

[Sodbuster]

In the United States there are gas stations everywhere!  Never farther away than 20 miles.



***

You have NEVER been west of the Mississippi River, have you?  There are LOTS of places here, that it is over 20 miles station to station.  Especially if looking at night time.  It is better now, with the cc reading pumps, to get gas after hours.  There are LOTS of places that it is 50-60 miles between gas stops.  Plan ahead.

MP

+1  

+2   .... last year there was one stretch between Baker & Miles City Montana .... 78 MILES !!!!
Also, I tend to stay away from gas stations that have ONE hose for the pump. In the western states you'll find 85 octane (not E85) at most pumps. If the last person just filled up with the 85 and you're wanting to put 87 or 92 octane in, you're prolly going to get a good dose of what's left in the hose in your tank.  I found that my Valk isn't very happy with that  $#!+

[MP]

In the United States there are gas stations everywhere!  Never farther away than 20 miles.



***

You have NEVER been west of the Mississippi River, have you?  There are LOTS of places here, that it is over 20 miles station to station.  Especially if looking at night time.  It is better now, with the cc reading pumps, to get gas after hours.  There are LOTS of places that it is 50-60 miles between gas stops.  Plan ahead.

MP

+1 

+2    .... last year there was one stretch between Baker & Miles City Montana .... 78 MILES !!!!
Also, I tend to stay away from gas stations that have ONE hose for the pump. In the western states you'll find 85 octane (not E85) at most pumps. If the last person just filled up will the 85 and you're wanting to put 87 or 92 octane in, you're prolly going to get a good dose of what's left in the hose in your tank.  I found that my Valk isn't very happy with that  $#!+

You were out in my country.  Baker is just west of me, along US 12.  Nice ride out that way though!

MP

[Sodbuster]

Yup .... Hwy 12. That is a nice road .... took all the way from Minnesota to Harlowton, Mt. and again into Idaho .... felt like we had the whole road to ourselves.  What part of North Dakota ??

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

West Texas, Hill country the biggest danger is the over population of deer. Be careful in the early morning and after dark. The deer out there are everywhere, even in town they may step out of a shadowy area. Also there are still some areas toward big bend with long distances between stations. I think it is 80 miles from Alpine to Terliguana with only one station and it is not alway open. Have a great trip.

[Hoser]

Before I put the IS tank on my 97, I had to go to reserve several times at 74 miles!  That is doing 85 or so.  And, on that stretch of road, you may well be doing that.  Add some wind, and ??

MP

He does that a lot, he got a big right hand!       Hoser

[us385south]

In the United States there are gas stations everywhere!  Never farther away than 20 miles.

This statement is just obtusely false!

Ricky... you need to come and actually ride west Texas.  I've been ridning west Texas for 30 years.  I just ran some numbers through Google and came up with no less than seven stretches of state and US highway road within west Texas alone with mileages of greater that 60 miles between towns or gas.

This is not conjecture!  These are FACTS of west Texas geography!

+1 on the deer situation.  In 2008 I rode from Alpine to Fort Davis at dawn.  (about 25 miles) In that distance I had 28 threatening encounters with deer.

[MP]

Yup .... Hwy 12. That is a nice road .... took all the way from Minnesota to Harlowton, Mt. and again into Idaho .... felt like we had the whole road to ourselves.  What part of North Dakota ??

Scranton, on US 12

[Sodbuster]

+2 on the deer situation at dawn/dusk .... and to compound that, depending on which direction you're heading, is having the sun in your eyes at that time. I usually shut down about an hour before sundown and call it a day when traveling. Deer start coming out of the ditches like popcorn. Look for a place to bed down and get a nice meal.

[MP]

+2 on the deer situation at dawn/dusk .... and to compound that, depending on which direction you're heading, is having the sun in your eyes at that time. I usually shut down about an hour before sundown and call it a day when traveling. Deer start coming out of the ditches like popcorn. Look for a place to bed down and get a nice meal.

+1.  I like to ride at night, but only do it when necessary, because of the deer situation.

MP

[Sodbuster]

Yup .... Hwy 12. That is a nice road .... took all the way from Minnesota to Harlowton, Mt. and again into Idaho .... felt like we had the whole road to ourselves.  What part of North Dakota ??

Scranton, on US 12

Huh .... Drove right thru there .... If I would have known I would have stopped and said Hello

Pretty peaceful out that way 

[MP]

Yup .... Hwy 12. That is a nice road .... took all the way from Minnesota to Harlowton, Mt. and again into Idaho .... felt like we had the whole road to ourselves.  What part of North Dakota ??

Scranton, on US 12

Yeah, too bad.  We could have swapped some mc lies!  LOL

MP

Huh .... Drove right thru there .... If I would have known I would have stopped and said Hello

Pretty peaceful out that way