How do you plan your rides?

[Tim H]

I'm wanting to know how others plan their rides.  I like the web and tools, but I haven't bought in to the mobile data plans so I like offline.  I have an iPhone that I could use for GPS, but it needs to be offline where I can store the maps.

I found a site called MapMyRIDE and made a route for a trip I want to try.  Only me and my friend are in for the first "group" cruise.  Maybe we can come up with a third to make it official.

What kind of activities are done on cruises.  Poker run is typical, but anything else?  I've only been on one cruise before so I'm pretty new at riding groups.

Here's the link, hope it works: http://soc.li/i526VAK  Try the 3D fly-by, pretty cool.

[six2go #152]

How do I plan a ride? First I lay out a paper map(remember those?) and put a pin in my home area and another pin at my destination. Then I pick out the squigliest roads that connect the two, highlight the route and either put the map in my tankbag or in a handy pocket, then take off from home and MAYBE look at the map once in awhile. As long as I'm headed in the general direction of where I want to go, I'll eventually come to a highway or road that I know will lead me there. I can't stand having an electronic gizmo telling me when & where to turn. I've been traveling long enough to get there on my own. 

[Michvalk]

I back my bike out of the garage, start it up, ride out. Rarely have a destination in mind, and if I do I ride straight there.

[Jess Tolbirt]

when i plan a ride i ask Bev, do we go north south east or west? and 100% of the time she says I dont care just wanna ride,,so we get on the bike pull out of the driveway  and head for the hills,,,all back roads,,5 or 6 hours later we return home,,

[The Anvil]

Between taking care of the girls, the house and work I'm rarely able to go on a ride long enough to require extensive planning these days. I tend to meet up with my bloodriders and we go where the day takes us.

But when I do plan rides I typically pick a destination then use old fashioned paper maps to lay out a general route. Sometimes I'll peruse the interweb for sights to see along the way... I don't get much more elaborate than that.

[bscrive]

We just get on the bike and head in a general direction we want to go.  We have found so many wonderful places by getting lost.  Sometimes the best places to find are not located on the web, you just have to happen on them.  We sometimes do have a certain destination that we want to get to but usually we just ride.  One time though, we decided to punch in a destination on my cousin's GW's GPS and used the shortest distance option when we were in New Hampshire.  It brought us through the most beautiful countryside I have ridden in a long time.  It had us going on backroads, through little towns and side streets.  We could have done the ride much quicker and more direct but would never have seen the great sites that we did.

[Tim H]

This is for purposes of starting up a group cruise event.  The site I mentioned writes out the itinerary and does a lot of the leg-work involved in planning an event.  I just wish it weren't based on excersize. 

I get that if you're riding solo you wouldn't put that much thought in to where you're going.

[The Anvil]

We just get on the bike and head in a general direction we want to go.  We have found so many wonderful places by getting lost. 

Isn't it funny how so many people panic when confronted with the possibility of getting lost? I mean it's America (North America I mean). You're not going to suddenly find yourself in red China surrounded by communist hordes* All roads lead back to the same place.



*Check that. If you were in New Hampshire then you were dangerously close to Massachusetts.  

[Canuck]

There are a couple of site where you can find routes - like:
http://www.sundaymorningrides.com/road/states/  or  
http://www.bestroadsbyhonda.com/

Mad Maps are a great resource as well.  I've picked up a few of them.  I have also downloaded the routes to my GPS so that when I pick a route on the MAP I can just punch the route number into the GPS and away I go.
https://madmaps.com/

Most of the time I just just go that way or that way or that way or...

[Cruzen]

How do I plan a ride? First I lay out a paper map(remember those?) and put a pin in my home area and another pin at my destination. Then I pick out the squigliest roads that connect the two, highlight the route and either put the map in my tankbag or in a handy pocket, then take off from home and MAYBE look at the map once in awhile. As long as I'm headed in the general direction of where I want to go, I'll eventually come to a highway or road that I know will lead me there. I can't stand having an electronic gizmo telling me when & where to turn. I've been traveling long enough to get there on my own. 

Thank you,
That is exactly as have done it for over 40 years except for the last 20 I plan my rides for times when the area I am going to has the least amount of rain and not much chance of snow because much of my riding is done in the mountains. 

[Fudd]

I plan trips for 2 local clubs.  As a matter of fact, I was planning one when I took a break and saw this thread.

I generally start with a "paper" map, also.  I find way-points that I can use on Google Maps, mainly going on back roads, twisties or other scenic roads.  I try to find interesting places for rest stops, and food.  Groups need to stop about every hour for cigs, bathrooms and stretching.

I print up a few maps for key riders, in case we get split up somehow.  Make sure you pick a restraurant that has food that everyone will like, and it doesn't hurt to check to make sure that it's open and they can handle your group size.
 
Load the route in your GPS with plenty of waypoints.  It will help if detours are needed.

I usually post an invitation on my local website and facebook group asking for input from members.  I bring plenty of tools,  another guy brings a tire pump and plugs and a third bike carries emergency gas.  

[sugerbear]

i plan mine with Delorme maps. not very expensive and does a nice job.
i use the internet to search for interesting things along the route(within a few miles).
use it to get an idea where we'll stay for the night, but rarely make reservations.
could be used for vacations or day rides.
have fun

[Chiefy]

For something new, I look at Google maps and hash out the most pleasing route.  If looking at it I think I might get confused down the road, I sketch out a little map on paper of the key intersections, then I put the map in my pocket.

I had a GPS for my trike, but only used it once.  Late at night after a bike night was a wreck that closed the road.   I probably could have fumbled through it, but hooked up the GPS.

Been meaning to install a power port on the Valk and keep the GPS in the bag, but I'd rather ride it then futz with things.

[Big IV]

I back my bike out of the garage, start it up, ride out. Rarely have a destination in mind, and if I do I ride straight there.

I do this except for when I'm commuting. The boss plans that ride.

[Tim H]

I plan trips for 2 local clubs.  As a matter of fact, I was planning one when I took a break and saw this thread.

I generally start with a "paper" map, also.  I find way-points that I can use on Google Maps, mainly going on back roads, twisties or other scenic roads.  I try to find interesting places for rest stops, and food.  Groups need to stop about every hour for cigs, bathrooms and stretching.

I print up a few maps for key riders, in case we get split up somehow.  Make sure you pick a restraurant that has food that everyone will like, and it doesn't hurt to check to make sure that it's open and they can handle your group size.
 
Load the route in your GPS with plenty of waypoints.  It will help if detours are needed.

I usually post an invitation on my local website and facebook group asking for input from members.  I bring plenty of tools,  another guy brings a tire pump and plugs and a third bike carries emergency gas.  

Very helpful.

[RoadKill]

If you have not tried it,I HIGHLY recommend taking 3 days with a general destination and throwing the map away and turning off the GPS about 2 to 4 hrs into the ride. No itinerary or location,no deadlines....JUST RIDE ! !  cooldude


http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,33648.msg311708.html#msg311708

[bigdog99]

i started using microsoft streets and trips. really cool and you can see whats of interest along the trip.

[Stormrider65]

You can never get lost with a full tank of gas.

Walt

[hubcapsc]

I like to look on Google maps and pick interesting ways to get to wherever. I've
travelled over to Knoxville via Hot Springs NC, I've gone through the gorge on I40,
I gone there via the Cherohala Skyway... after I get some idea of what might
be a good way using google maps, I make sure I can see the route on  my
paper map... I've got one of these for all the surrounding states, they have
every road, including every dirt road, in the state.



I usually get lost several times along the way.

It is perfect.

-Mike

[bigfish_Oh]

You can never get lost with a full tank of gas.

Walt

I had a girl ask me if I was lost once on a first/blind date. I looked at the gas gauge and said, it's full. not yet. She thought that was cool !

[hotglue #43]

When FB and I were headed to Inzane... folks would ask us " what is your plan... how are you going?  "  Our answer was " well... maybe a day north.. then a day or so northeast.... then another day north..... that should get us pretty close...actually took us longer... we took Route 66 most of the way.... not a way to make good time.... but a way to have a good time...

  On one of our trips across Canada.... we were circling the great lakes.... I saw a sign that said " Lake Nippigon"  sounded cool... Had to go....  we ended up on the most northern paved road across Ontario.... we were in the Acrtic water shed.... the sun just barely set.. then came back up.... It was cool!!!!!  schedules and hard plans are for when you are at work.....  not so much when you are on a road trip....... I guess that's why a lot of our 'last day on the road' before having to be back to work were 1000 plus mile days...LOL

[Valkahuna]

HotGlue,

Not only do you have good taste in motorcycles, but I like the way you think. That's what we do. If it sounds interesting, we go there. Found some really neat places. 

The only time we ever plan a route and keep to it, is when we have a big group (more than 10 bikes) going to the same place, and we split up to make getting there safer and easier. That way, we can still meet up for lunch, etc. Otherwise, that's the good thing about a bike trip, no matter where you go it's all good. Also have a decided preference for two lane, squiggly roads, and only travel super slabs when we have to get someplace quickly. 

When FB and I were headed to Inzane... folks would ask us " what is your plan... how are you going?  "  Our answer was " well... maybe a day north.. then a day or so northeast.... then another day north..... that should get us pretty close...actually took us longer... we took Route 66 most of the way.... not a way to make good time.... but a way to have a good time...

  On one of our trips across Canada.... we were circling the great lakes.... I saw a sign that said " Lake Nippigon"  sounded cool... Had to go....  we ended up on the most northern paved road across Ontario.... we were in the Acrtic water shed.... the sun just barely set.. then came back up.... It was cool!!!!!  schedules and hard plans are for when you are at work.....  not so much when you are on a road trip....... I guess that's why a lot of our 'last day on the road' before having to be back to work were 1000 plus mile days...LOL

[alph]

Tim, doesn't matter where you'll end up, JUST GET OUT THERE!!  cripes, you're map thing is pretty "white"  

when ever i plan a trip, i first check the oil, then the tire presure.  this year before i went to NC, i got new tires, ordered 'em five days before i left, installed 'em the day they arived, then left the next morning!!  oh, yeah, i decided to leave about a month before the trip, thankfully my boss was alright with that, and the wife didn't mind either.

[hubcapsc]

I saw a sign that said " Lake Nippigon"  sounded cool...

Your story made me google Lake Nippigon... looks like a great route/adventure... 

-Mike

[LandElephant]

Hold it, don't follow Hubcapsc.  He don't do interstates and a dirt road is no problem.  Sorry I couldn't resist that comment.

Group ridie planning can be difficult for the first time. I use MS streets and maps as stated above.  I then also search the internet for scenic roads or if there is a theme for places of interest.  Then a full tank of gas and I aim the front wheel down a road.  200 miles later I get more gas and aim it again.

It I don't want to get lost to a destination then I set the home function (I really hate doing that) to my GPS and hit the go home and it will at least get me going in the right direction.

I've only did that once when Lucky 13 and I had no clue where we were after a friend that was riding with me had an accident and it was late (9:30 pmish) in the middle of the Smokie mountains.

Charlie Morse
Land Elephant

[fudgie]

I kinda like reading maps. I read them all the time. I also buy maps of every State I go to and throw them in the bag in case. I will usually look at them months ahead of time and memorize the route. I hate GPS's.  I also ask locals about roads. They know them better then maps or GPS.  My HD bud has a Ind Gazetter and when out for a cruise we will pick a spot and ride to it. I will use yahoo maps to get a view of the town I will be going to if I need a close up.

Anyone remember when GPS's were actually Global positioning? You know, when they gave you the actual lats and lons instead of being a 'map system'? Thats how we use to land the chopper on scenes years ago.  ???

[Cruzen]

About 6 years ago one of the girls in my engineering office in Phoenix, Arizona called me predictable.  I had that thought in mind when I fired up my Magna and left the office parking lot at 2:30p.m.  The office is 8.4 miles from my home.  I had my light weight leather jacket on that day.  I left the office and headed home on the freeway except I went past my exit still thinking about what she said and continued up the 101 then onto I-17 heading toward Flagstaff.  Stopped for gas and got to Flagstaff.  Refueled then headed north on Route 89 then turned onto route 160.  I had never been on this road and had no idea of where I was going but 8.5 hours after I left the office 465 miles and four gas stops later I was bug covered and in Durango Colorado.  Very cold and somewhat tired, I slept on a bench outside the D&S railroad station till I could get into a motel later that morning.  The next day, Sunday I turned around and rode back to Scottsdale wearing the same clothes I had worn to work on Friday.  How’s that for planning!!  No map, no idea of where I was going and no lights turned on at home while I was gone.  But I did not believe I was predictable.

[KY,Dave (AKA Misunderstood)]

How do I plan a ride? First I lay out a paper map(remember those?) and put a pin in my home area and another pin at my destination. Then I pick out the squigliest roads that connect the two, highlight the route and either put the map in my tankbag or in a handy pocket, then take off from home and MAYBE look at the map once in awhile. As long as I'm headed in the general direction of where I want to go, I'll eventually come to a highway or road that I know will lead me there. I can't stand having an electronic gizmo telling me when & where to turn. I've been traveling long enough to get there on my own. 

I'm with you on this exactly 

[Big IV]

Group ride planning can be tricky if you don't know the group well. It is easier when you have an understanding of everyone's comforts and limits. You need to know how long they can stay in the saddle. Pushing someone too far is a bad idea.

[0leman]

We moved to the Klamath Basin a little over a year and a half ago. I am still exploring the roads around us. Lots of County two lane roads with little or no traffic.  I do use Google Maps and Mapquest to look for roads that might be fun to ride plus note side roads as I ride around.   When looking at the maps, I check the to see if they are asphalt or not using their Sat views.  Don't like riding on gravel roads.  Though recently rode some 3 miles on gravel to connect with another road.  This summer I spent a lot of time within 150 miles from home.  Next summer, I will move out another 100 miles.

I don't carry paper maps nor GPS when I leave home.   Just rely on memory and an idea of where the gas stations are around our area.   200 mile ride on back roads can get one a long way from the nearest gaa station.   

[Tim H]

Group ride planning can be tricky if you don't know the group well. It is easier when you have an understanding of everyone's comforts and limits. You need to know how long they can stay in the saddle. Pushing someone too far is a bad idea.

My first cruise this summer consisted of 15-20 miles runs and a total of 46 miles I think.  It was a nice ride, even though the 250 I rode was literally a pain to sit in after the first 10 miles.

[DXTL]

I would still go with maps. But a map that already planned several scenic routes in the areas that you are targeting would be a better choice. I have used MadMaps for several times when I was riding my trips across California, and one thing I liked about these maps is their routes focus no the scenic spots, but not just taking you from A to B.

[Daniel Meyer]

Point 'er west. Twist throttle.

Variation for you left coasters:
Point 'er east. Twist throttle.

 

[Jack]

I use to plan group rides for folks in SE Louisiana.  It was a PIA.  Never again.  It is much more peaceful without having to worry if everyone will show or if everyone has gas, etc. 

[R J]

My kids and I have taken Motor trips for a long time.

We would leave home at a fairly early time and motor to the next state, find a rest area, get one of their maps, then set down, actually stand up and ask what is there to see heading for such and such town.

They would tell us the things to stop and see, when they were all done, we'd go outside with a high liter marker and start choosing 2 lanes to get to all these suggested stop.

Another rule we had, was if you see something you want to go see, let me know.  Then we'd map out that route on the side of the road and take off.   My passenger was my map reader.    Out of 5 kids, my youngest daughter was a real good map reader when she was 9.

Perfect example was we were coming out of Maine and headed South.   Wanted to hit all the state capitals of states we were or went through.   We wanted Delaware and New Jersey on our way South, but New York City was in our line of fire.     We stopped at a road side park, I had to go potty and she set down at a table, picked a route, high lighted it and off we went.   She did a beautiful job of keeping us out of NYC.

99% of my trips on the motor were on 2 lanes.    When I trailered, I used super slabs.

We saw a lot of items, and places of interest.   We spent a week in PA, VA & WV just visiting battlefields and other points of interest.   I had to call in and get a 3 day extension on my vacation on that trip.

[Hoser]

I pick a route and put it on mapquest, print it, slide it in my map pouch on my tank bag, and check it at gas stops, old fashioned but easy, usually figure about 5-700 miles a day or so.  Hoser 

[Red Diamond]

I have a slough of maps from my and wife's travels around the states, look at them all the time. Riding the Valkyrie, I have learned a few things about traveling with other people. Since I have always traveled with my wife, these don't fall into that category, as we are compatible travelers.
1) Pick your destination and a scenic route to that location, if possible.
2) Plan a lot of photo Ops. If on your first photo stop, your traveling partner/partners ask why did you stop here, you know to go alone next time.
3) If you are inclined to change your route, do so, but don't let some clown who does not travel tell you there is a more direct route. If someone is worried about when or how far away are we, well you know, leave them at home next trip. You will enjoy the next one without them.
4) Speeders don't enjoy long motorcycle trips, if anyone asks, where is the twisties??????????
5) If you are ask to ride a little faster, as them if they are afraid to get lost. In other words, you can go ahead if you want to.
I could go on and on, but will stop here, that's all you need to plan a trip, along with a little help from the knowledgeable travelers from this board.

[Thespian]

 Check out this road if you ever have the chance. Its been resurfaced seance I went through there three years ago. Back then it looked like 50 years after the apocalypse. road on my feet most of the way.

 http://maps.google.com/?ll=38.961011,-123.480492&spn=0.181799,0.424004&t=h&z=12&vpsrc=6

[BradValk48237]

I always have a US Atlas in the back of the bike.... Actually this is the 2 one in 30 years...  I use it to see the main roads and in general where the destination is... Then wing it from there..  Once I know where I'm going I eventually get there... I do use paper maps on the bike, fold it up and tuck it in the tank bra as a quick quide. Best thing is I mark in the Atlas the roads I've been on in each state and note how they were, that way I don't repeat the bad ones, repeat the same trip, and remember the good ones! 

I usually don't tell the guys behind me what roads we are actually taking, because:

1. Half the time I don't take the roads I though to take in the start.

2. I don't mind going where the roads lead me- especially if they are nice roads with great twisties. Only use the Interstate when I need to make time to GET to the twisties!

And finally-

3. If they don't know the route, just the destination - THEY DON'T KNOW WHEN I'M LOST!

Brad

[Farther]

I have always used a paper map, but next time I will use http://tripplanner.honda.com/ along with the paper maps.