Planning my first ride to Charlotte

[GreenLantern57]

So I am planning to ride my Valk to Charlotte. Leaving July 5th and arriving on 6th. I am already tired of the non-riders in my family telling me how crazy I am.  Too dangerous, too far. One told me I am too old.  Farkem!
Planning on riding 6-6.
Until I sit down and really plan gas and meal stops, rough plans are to overnight in Memphis and should show up in Charlotte in time to eat and get a good nights rest.

[eric in md]

not a problem just get on and go its a blast , when you need gas stop when your tired stop and eat were ya want to . just smile and twist the throttle man 

[Big IV]

Why is that too far? Be mindful of the heat and make sure you eat well and rest well. I'm betting if you're from Texas you know more about riding in the heat than I do. Most ya'll Texas boys know how to eat too.  But seriously, why not ride to Charlotte. It's there. Although I spend most of my time riding away from Charlotte, so I'd be interested in knowing what is drawing you to the Queen city.

[Red Diamond]

So I am planning to ride my Valk to Charlotte. Leaving July 5th and arriving on 6th. I am already tired of the non-riders in my family telling me how crazy I am.  Too dangerous, too far. One told me I am too old.  Farkem!
Planning on riding 6-6.
Until I sit down and really plan gas and meal stops, rough plans are to overnight in Memphis and should show up in Charlotte in time to eat and get a good nights rest.

Here's to you my friend, I like your style. You probably know your limits better than anyone, so, be mindful of your limits and enjoy your ride to Charlotte for whatever the reasons you're riding there for. Drink plenty of fluids (Water), Ride Safely. Oh and that 6-6 thing, don't know how much time you have, but don't push to hard. Gas, you're headed East, plenty of that.

[old2soon]

GreenLantern57. I know zackly what ya mean. My ex sister inlaw and her husband stopped in yesterday moving back to colorado from kentucky. Don't ask. While we were having lunch she informed me of her opinion of m/c in general and the people who ride em. I truly thank my lord and saviour for the peace and understanding and restraint i showed yesterday while she outlined her position. Less than 42 and a half seconds in my eyes kinda glazed over. She is one of those that have NEVER been on a m/c and never intends to be on one. Well i'm sure your familiar with the type if not the actual person. When i came back from the military my sister informed me that after i bought that 1973 honda i  would end up killing myself. Here it is almost halfway into 2011 and maybe i have dissapointed her. Some body a long time ago told me that m/c riders are a different breed. I truly hope she was right. If we are-i hope i fall into that slot. Could be a lot worse-could have listened to mom and dad and NEVER got on that whizzer all them years ago. One of the few times i'm glad i didn't listen to em. Just cringe at all the FUN i could have missed. Just do it and have yourself way to much fun. RIDE SAFE.

[Dubsvalk]

I was so lucky all those years ago.  My dad rode Harleys long before I was a twinkle in his eyes.  Mom and dad took me to buy my first new Norton 750 in 1969 two days after I got back from Nam.  So lucky the entire family understands my passion!
Dubs

[GreenLantern57]

I was 15 in 1972, just came back from Arkansas with 150 bucks in my back pocket. That summer I worked my arse off planting, mowing, bailing, and stacking hay!  Friend down the street was selling his 90cc Honda Scrambler (?) for 300 dollars. He had let me ride it a lot before school started. When I went home the day he quoted me the price, I talked to my mom and loud mouth step-dad.  He smarted off about paying half if I could ever come up with my half. Well, the look on my mom's face was priceless, you could almost see the dagger's coming out of her eyes. She knew I still had my money. They got into a (cough) discussion. BUT, I had my bike the next day. Been hooked ever since. I have meet all the people ya'll have discussed. WE understand the call of 2 wheels.

To all you Veterans, thanks for your service!  One of these days, you need to do the Texas Vietnam Memorial Ride. It is a great ride, Hwy 83 is dedicated to Vietnam Veterans. The ride is in March and you start in Perryton Texas and follow Hwy 83 to the International Bridge in Brownsville Texas. There is a War memorial park there.

Thanks for the good words!  I am moving to Charlotte for a good raise and a promotion.  It is hard to stop riding once I start, it is like being a drug addict. It's like, like,,,,,,,,,, well, hell, ya'll know!

106 today and I rode to work.  Yup, I know how to ride in the heat. Even with leathers and a full face helmet.  Water, water, water!  I unzip the sleeves at the wrist of my leather jacket and let the wind blow into my arms.  Looking forward to the ride.

[Disco]

I don't like to eat too heavily on long rides - just enough to keep the pangs away.  I like to snack on trail mix.  Drink lots of water and don't be afraid to pour it all over yourself.  Light lunch at Subway?!  Mix in a Gatorade or two, and follow HayHauler's advice: Salty Snacks!

With plenty of fluids and electrolytes and just enough calories to get you there, you'll be fine.

[Mosa]

Welcome to Charlotte  ... if ya wanna, I can meet up with ya and tour ya around a bit...  Im in Mooresville, about 15 miles north up I-77...

And the ride from Houston to Charlotte can be done in a day...  ... ask HotGlue, Cattman and Yogi's wife BooBoo, who she and I did the ironbutt back from Hotglues Gathering of the Fools in April... 

But if you want to take your time and get here rested.. do it in 2 days...lol...  shoot me email : Tim at carolinagunshop dot com and I will make arrangements...

Mosa

[mhallock]

I'm riding to Charlotte, too......only one week later. I leave New Jersey on July 13th after work......get a few hours behind me..... then ride the rest on the 14th.......I think the entire ride home will be (12 hours) on the 17th....Have a great trip!!!!

Mark

[godfire]

Ride Safe my Texas Brother.
If you get lost and need to take refuge in Indiana, just let me know!

[GreenLantern57]

Ride Safe my Texas Brother.
If you get lost and need to take refuge in Indiana, just let me know!

LOL, I hope I don't get that lost.

Mosa, I will shoot you an e-mail once I get into town and get settled.

Mark, @1350 miles from my door to office door.  Just a bit farther than Houston to my office.

I do not eat a 'meal' on the road. Trail mix and maybe some granola bars on the road. Big bottle of water or Gatorade at gas stops. I may put a water bottle within reach, but it is kinda hard to get a drink even in a flipup full face helmet. Save the meal for the evening when I stop for the night.