Typical Route

[DarkSideR]

While preparing for my last ride my wife asked me a very standard question in a nonchalant way, "Will you be taking the typical route?". Before answering her I thought to myself, "there isn't anything typical about what I'm doing". A back story is in order..

For the last thirteen years I have had three different jobs that require travel, and have been blessed with the option to be able to ride my motorcycle for transportation. Long distance riding for work isn't the best riding option, but I'll take riding over anything else, any day.

We live in Colorado, and my employer is just outside of Austin, TX. I have been riding (and driving) down there about once a month for the last year and a half. Though I have explored many different routes when time is of the essence a typical route has been etched into the landscape.

Regardless of the route an 800+ mile journey is covered each way, and additionally regardless of the route I can be out of Colorado in just over three hours, but spend the next nine hours in Texas alone! I like riding in Texas, though I must admit most of my riding is in the northwest part of the state. Trees and vegetation abound, often rolling hills break up the ride, dramatic elevation drops make for great cockpit scenery, and best of all.. small, back road, two lane black tops often have a 75mph speed limit! Winter riding in Texas is great. This means finding windows of good weather to be able to get out of Colorado. This has made for some interesting return rides home, and even a rescue.

I think for most of us a "typical route" usually defines a short path often traveled from one place to another. Going to the grocery store, favorite watering hole, a buddies house, etc. How often does one's typical route entail a 800+ mile, 12-14 hour journey, and on a motorcycle nonetheless?

Back to my wife's original question "will you be taking your typical route", to which I excitedly replied "Yes!".

ps - I previously made a YouTube video about a part of one of my typical rides - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWAkRsb4Ol8&t=293s&ab_channel=JoshChambers



 

[Earl43P]

I ride from Pa to Va and back every week, but it's right at 200 miles or so.

I vary the route but always hit Winchester, Va about the 1/2 way point. Monday evening, I stopped at a Sheetz station in Romney, WV with a pounding headache. Sent my wife a photo of my forehead, deeply creased by my baclava and helmet padding. A real DUH moment.

Returning Thursday night, I hit Cumberland, MD just before nightfall and began the altitude climb with the temp dropping. It was nice to not have to stop or change any riding gear. I simply turned on the seat and grip heaters (08 Goldwing). I was glad I chose not to ride the KTM this week. It's gotten over 7500 miles since I bought it on March 31 but it'd be brutally cold.

The typical route takes me through Pawpaw, WV. I dislike the I-68 portion to Cumberland but running 80mph shortens the elapsed time enough to make it worthwhile. I dread having to drive the F250 as soon as the snow and ice arrive. I may throw the KTM in the bed to ride it while I'm in Va, since they rarely get any snow.

I too feel blessed, but with far fewer miles.

[Sweet Cheeks]

Whichever route you take, just stay safe.