Have a decision to make; ride or trailer to InZane.

[John Schmidt]

I know we all, myself included, joke about the aging issue and how it affects your personal activities. I've wanted to do some touring on the bike for the last few years but was unable due to caregiver responsibilities. Now, that is over but in the ensuing 6-7 yrs. it took the majority of my time and energy and I've found I don't feel I have the stamina to tour as I once did. Short excursions of a few hundred miles...yes, but heading out for days on end I'm not so sure, I'm afraid it would take a cumulative toll. Now I have to make the choice, do I ride down from the Green Bay area, a distance of about 1200 miles over the chosen route and taking 10-12 days visiting family and friends along the way. Or, maybe play it safe(r) and trailer the bike down to my old friend Charlie Mac's place in Johnson City, TN so we could ride in together on Sunday.

The other issue is traveling even further south this time of year. I have folks in Fla. I want to visit, plus I'll be looking for a possible winter hide-out for 3-4 months next winter. Doing all that on the bike will be problematic, especially in Florida's summer heat/humidity. I'd be better off using the car, but again....it's not what I had originally planned, I wanted to do it on the bike. I guess time changes things. Any thoughts or suggestions are welcome, I'm just posing my dilemma. 

[Serk]

You do what you need to do that works best for you, and to hell with what anyone thinks?

I still love the long miles of cruising cross country, but there's no arguing you can travel more distance easier in a cage trailering, and then have energy to enjoy the good roads on a bike once you get there.

[da prez]

John , You do not owe anyone an explanation. Do what makes you feel safe. You can find many places to park if you want to ride. I am positive there are a few members in this exclusive organization that would only charge a modest fee to park and ride.

                      da prez

[3fan4life]

Given your age and the distance that you ultimately want to travel, I'd say there's no dishonor in trailering the bike

But could you at least use an enclosed trailer, so that beautiful Valkyrie of  of yours doesn't get embarrased?

[Serk]

The one concession I'd request, put fake Harley Davidson badges over the Honda and Valkyrie logos while the Valk's in the trailer...

(That was a joke. )

[msb]

For me, the ride to and from is always as big as if not more a part of any long distance motorcycle journey I take than any specific destination I may have plans to reach...even the InZanes I've been to. It just wouldn't be the same feeling or satisfaction if I trailered. I would guess that is how you've always approached riding as well, and what you were looking forward to with this trip.
From what you describe of this particular trek however, it seems as if you have several objectives in mind and in order to accomplish them all to your satisfaction it may be better to trailer.
Last year the Mrs and I decided to combine our annual Valhalla gathering with an extended road trip following, and also riding through specific communities to check out some neighborhoods up North in person that we'd been looking at online with the thought of moving to. This latter "business" part of the trip was neither very enjoyable or productive...it took away from the typical "freedom of the road" feeling we always get when on our longer rides and was also just a pain in the a** doing on the bike (in our case we didn't have the added concern or discomfort of the hot Summer sun beating down on us, but the torrential rain wasn't so great either).

I'm thinking you'll enjoy InZane just the same regardless, and probably enjoy and be more productive with your other pursuits as well in the comfort of your truck/car. Either way, enjoy...heck, you can always plan to head out on another motorcycle only "no destination/agenda" ride (the best kind) when you get back home  

[John Schmidt]

Given your age and the distance that you ultimately want to travel, I'd say there's no dishonor in trailering the bike

But could you at least use an enclosed trailer, so that beautiful Valkyrie of  of yours doesn't get embarrased?

Sorry, all I have is an open Chariot brand trailer. Tows like it's not there, can run 70mph all day. I do remove the seat and other leather stuff usually and cover the elec. stuff in the middle with plastic, then cover it at night when parked. I'm leaning toward trailering but still have a couple weeks to decide.

[JimC]

John
When I first got my Valkyrie I rode it to gatherings, and enjoyed most of it. I started to trailer because my wife could not handle the distance, and I would rather have her there with me than sitting at home.

I have to admit these days I could not handle the distance myself. I now trailer to an event more than 4-5 hours, or I do not go.

There are a lot of other people in the same boat, look around at the amount of trailers at Inzane. When I first started going there were one or two, last year I counted 18-20. Lets face it, we are all getting older, and some of us are getting wiser at the same time. Now when I get to Inzane I am ready to ride. Some people are ready to rest from their trip there, what ever works.

The main thing is the camaraderie once there.

Jim

[cookiedough]

trailer the bike!   

[Robert]

John the fact that you have options is great, but I would trailer since being in ac and comfortable is important. Plus the real goal is to get there and enjoy time with friends and rides there. If you are tired or beat up from the trip how are you going to do that? 

[old2soon]

           John I Iz a bit younger than you BUT Me personally I see trailer in my future SOON. You had trailered up from Fl. to Asheville in 14 when I met you in person the first time. And this are What-carry the 3 subtract-oh hell you git ir-TRAILER!  Better safe than sorry my Friend. RIDE SAFE.

[bassman]

Me?  I'd trailer and be fresh to ride at Inzane and also be able to entertain all the side trips you have available throughout your journey.  Just thinking about how Eligard might impact (fatigue; any excess outside heat to mix with occasional flashes....)  your trip if you were on bike only.  A little A/C in the cage can go a long way to re-charge the body batteries and provide more comfortable options for the trip.

[LTD]

You get a free pass trailer it and enjoy the rides completely fresh down In the Carolinas and Tennessee

[Oss]

got room for my bike?

my knee and elbow and shoulder are killing me

Oss

but I am riding   I have driven a rental Maxima to Spearfish  No shame in that
(the bike couldnt make it due to road hazard near RJ's)

If you have a trailer then use it.  Park it at a members place on the way and ride the rest of the distance

Betya some good folks in Tennessee would put the trailer up a week for ya

[The emperor has no clothes]

Don't be a pussie John ! Trailer the bike and have a GREAT time ! With Willow's admonishment that future Inzanes are not a given, I'm increasingly sad I won't make this year's. I hope you meet many new and old friends 

[_Sheffjs_]

When I was eight I remember going on the SS Milwaukee Clipper car ship that went across the lake. Too bad there was not a auto ferry from Green Bay to Benton Harbor or so that would surely keep you away from Chicago and I would think that would be fun.  John I would say trailer with the route you have and the congestion in the way.

[scooperhsd]

The overwhelming response is  - Nobody will think any less of you for trailering the bike. And considering your other activities you want to do on this trek - I'd advise trailering.

[Disco]

This is easy.  Trailer the bike.  Ride when you want to.  Drive when you don't want to ride.  Accomplish everything you want to do on the trip with flexibility, options, and plenty of room to pack heavy.

[John Schmidt]

My travel plan is to leave the Green Bay area going north through the UP of Michigan and down to the Lansing area to visit a former daughter-in-law. Then to a little town north of Columbus, OH visiting Rita's family and also into the city to see her sister. From there maybe to Aldie, VA before heading for Charlie Mac's place in Johnson City, TN. Rita's daughter lives in VA and I want to give her the wedding ring I got for her mother. I don't want to leave this life holding a grudge against Rita's kids and if I keep it, its very presence creates emotional stress. I've already given my remaining two girls diamond pendants and earrings I gave Rita some years ago, they both cried at the time and have since used the stones to make beautiful rings with them. My girls were real close with Rita so I felt this appropriate. Her daughter Tracey can have the wedding ring, what she does with it is her choice. 

I'm debating about taking my golf clubs if I drive. I've not had a club in my hand in at least six yrs. so any time spent on the links should be interesting. 

[Kidd]

It's a no brainer , trailer  the bike and you'll have the best of both worlds  with you.
I did so a couple of years ago  , to Calif  coast   , 2 times
I've even trailered my 'Kerry   to Phoenix for a couple of nights stay , it's an hour and a half  in distance .
It's not fun to be stuck on a bike , very inconvenient   and that's how I see it, stuck   , lot less freedom .

Okay , it's settled

[Valkorado]

Rita's daughter lives in VA and I want to give her the wedding ring I got for her mother. I don't want to leave this life holding a grudge against Rita's kids and if I keep it, its very presence creates emotional stress. I've already given my remaining two girls diamond pendants and earrings I gave Rita some years ago, they both cried at the time and have since used the stones to make beautiful rings with them. My girls were real close with Rita so I felt this appropriate. Her daughter Tracey can have the wedding ring, what she does with it is her choice. 

You're a good and wise man, John Schmidt.

[shortleg]

   I know how you feel, being in my 70s.
What I have started doing is if on my bike for days, is this.
   First day out is the one for the most miles, then each day after less and less.
  At his time in our lives what ever your destination it will be there when you get there.
  Now if you dont want to ride in the rain then trailer your bike if you can.

[Hook#3287]

I trailered to the only Inzane I've been able to attend and was very glad I did.

[Deerslayer]

Sorry, all I have is an open Chariot brand trailer. [/quote]

Think... enclosed U-Haul....

they are super cheap & no one knows what's in there.. especially at night.

..Slayer

[MAD6Gun]

John
When I first got my Valkyrie I rode it to gatherings, and enjoyed most of it. I started to trailer because my wife could not handle the distance, and I would rather have her there with me than sitting at home.

I have to admit these days I could not handle the distance myself. I now trailer to an event more than 4-5 hours, or I do not go.

There are a lot of other people in the same boat, look around at the amount of trailers at Inzane. When I first started going there were one or two, last year I counted 18-20. Lets face it, we are all getting older, and some of us are getting wiser at the same time. Now when I get to Inzane I am ready to ride. Some people are ready to rest from their trip there, what ever works.

The main thing is the camaraderie once there.

Jim

 Exactly what Jim said. Early on when I was younger trailering was not an option. I could ride pretty much any distance. But now I'm older. Had my knees replaced two years ago and wake up with more aches and pains then I care to admit.

 We will be trailering to Inzane for two reasons. My wife Twila can't ride that far and we are bringing over 100 of my dad's books to sell. I could ride it by my self but I'm glad we are on the trailer. Because the rally was moved to July it's going to be HOT so the AC in my truck will be welcome. 

 So John, trailer if you need to. You've earned it..

[hubcapsc]

Because the rally was moved to July it's going to be HOT

As an aside, this is so true. Fortunately, the nearby Blue
Ridge Parkway is God's air conditioner.

-Mike

[Willow]

John, some of the repliers don't seem to understand the joy of a long distance motorcycle ride.  I understand your pull to ride.  If it were straight to the Carolinas and back it might be an easier decision but you'rte planning and extended trip with what sounds like places to be at particular times.  That makes the decision more difficult.

However you arrive at InZane you will be welcomed.  Whether it's a ride opportunity or a trip in the cage you will be welcomed with enthusiasm.

Only you can weigh the elements and decide.  Enjoy the journey.

P.S.  If it were my choice for the cage I would be rolling the windows down and still get some wind on the road.

[old2soon]

            Carl-wish there was some way to impart How MUCH I miss the long distance rides I've enjoyed before my dependence on O2 supplies being with me constantly. Long fer me now might only be 150 miles. But I duz manage to throw a leg over from time to time.  ANY Ride IS All Good!  RIDE SAFE.

[John Schmidt]

I'll admit, the heat issue is a major factor for me now and a major part of the decision process. If this were all taking place in late May or in Sept., I'd be on the bike and cruising good distances at a leisurely pace as I did this past Sunday....50-55mph on country backroads. All I had to watch for were various types of farm equipment, more of that than cars in some areas. After IZ I want to take a trip down to Florida but with the heat in the mid-90's with humidity to match when I lived there I refused to ride in that weather. This year would be no different. Just so you all will know, I'm in pretty good physical shape for an old fart....round is a shape, correct?

Before I left Fla. last August & moved to Wisconsin, I had a local trailer retailer/shop go through the trailer since I knew I was facing an extended trip north....covered nearly 2500 miles before arriving here. I had the shop replace all the bearings, packed with new grease, new grease seals, and bought new wheels with new tires. I kept the old tires/wheels and soon as I got here and parked the trailer I switched out the new for the old, allowing me to keep the new set partially inflated in my garage and not exposed to the elements. Guess it's time to go dust it off. Last time we had IZ in NC my right hip was killing me so couldn't stand to even think about riding much....if at all.  A new hip 4 yrs. ago and so far nothing seems to be an issue elsewhere so here's hoping the weather will be conducive to some daily excursions. Really looking forward to seeing all my old friends and hopefully make some new. 

[scoobydoo]

I started to trailer some last year and have taken some flack.  F' e-m  I do what I want.
I don't have anything to prove.

[Jack B]

I'll admit, the heat issue is a major factor for me now and a major part of the decision process. If this were all taking place in late May or in Sept., I'd be on the bike and cruising good distances at a leisurely pace as I did this past Sunday....50-55mph on country backroads. All I had to watch for were various types of farm equipment, more of that than cars in some areas.

Sorry if I went too fast for you on Sunday I did tell we would run 5 over the speed limit.
But like I told you, you have to run your speed and we'll wait for you at the next turn or stop sign
 But you where usually behind Steve and me.
Did you like some of those roads?

[Big Rig]

If you have access to a trailer...use it....We trailered to Sturgis because time constraints...best decision we ever made even with the two trailer tires blowing out in Indy...

Who cares how you get there as long as you get there.

Enjoy Inzane....I wont be able to make it...

[John Schmidt]

I'll admit, the heat issue is a major factor for me now and a major part of the decision process. If this were all taking place in late May or in Sept., I'd be on the bike and cruising good distances at a leisurely pace as I did this past Sunday....50-55mph on country backroads. All I had to watch for were various types of farm equipment, more of that than cars in some areas.

Sorry if I went too fast for you on Sunday I did tell we would run 5 over the speed limit.
But like I told you, you have to run your speed and we'll wait for you at the next turn or stop sign
 But you where usually behind Steve and me.
Did you like some of those roads?

Yes, I know you said 5 over but like I said....that kinda went out the window. I know my speedo doesn't have a 12+mph error but that's ok, I still enjoyed the ride to /from. 

[Charlie McCready]

John, trailer if you wish. It's only an hour or so from here to Asheville.  After Inzane ride back here and you can store your bike here (inside garage) and pick it up again on your way back north. No problem at all. Lookin forward to having you here.....

[scooperhsd]

John, if you have any doubts about your ability to handle the heat and humidity (and you know Florida at least as well as most or better) - keep in mind that NOBODY is going to judge you if you trailer. I just got back from a grocery trip and I'd really rather just stay inside the rest of the afternoon...