Camping trip

[Kirknik]

Its been 40 years since I sold my gl1000 and got my Valkyrie last fall. Planning a long trip this summer. SD, CO and back to Canada through the Rockies.
About how far do you guys/girls travel in one day?
Is 500 miles reasonable or too long?

[Gryphon Rider]

500 miles per day is reasonable, although it depends on age, fitness, seat comfort, weather, etc.

[Fazer]

Depends--in my experience, which is admittedly not very extensive, 500 miles a day to reach a desitnation is doable.  Get yourself an airhawk seat cushion.  Your ass will thank you.  If you are riding 500 miles as a cruise for example, it is quite a bit.  I rode to the DRU in Corydon, IN a couple of years ago leaving home at about 5:30 and rode the event, then rode home in the afternoon getting home about 8:00 for a total of about 400 miles.  I was OK, but glad to get off.  I agree with GR that age makes a difference.

[Oss]

It depends...........

If say I was to go to colorado I would try to go ny to denver in 3 days at least 650- a day  but once there I may have a wonderful day riding only 100 miles or even less

For me if I see something I stop to take a pic and maybe just sit and contemplate for a spell by a lake, waterfall or just a nice view

Also I HATE long gas stops and try to be back on the bike within 5 minutes when trying to make time
(gas, piss, eat a hard boiled egg or fruit, drink at least 8 oz of water and then saddle up and vamoose)

This makes it tough on other riders who may need more time off the bike

Are you going alone, with a passenger ?  Do you have a RussellDayLong ?  They are awesome

[Willow]

Ride the bike often before setting off on a road trip.  Get your body accustomed to being in the saddle.  Five hundred miles per day is a good number (start) for a regular rider.  For an infrequent rider five hundred can be a stretch.

[msb]

I'm 62 and the Mrs is 58, and we do several 2-up longer trips on our Interstate every year. If the weather is relatively decent and we're just on our own with distances to travel, we can average 800 - 1000 km (500-600 mi) a day. We can and have done longer days, but also shorter days depending on what's to see and do along the way among other things. Solo, I routinely go a little longer if travelling long distances, but that range is pretty common. My longest day (solo) in recent memory was riding back from Inzane in WV in 2016...over 1450 km (approx. 920 mi), from Fargo ND to Cutbank MT mostly off-interstate. That was a good day .   What Fazer said... an Airhawk seat pad makes a big difference in comfort on most seats...love mine.

If you're coming through BC at all, drop me a PM...and check out the BC forum regarding our Valhalla gathering in late June

[Jess from VA]

I can do 9 hours on the freeways.  I like some of it (the first half), but not all of it.

It also really depends on weather (wetness), temperature (hot, is killer), and traffic (cities suck).

You absolutely need a good seat, and the Airhawk is a good idea (on any seat, but especially any OE or Corbin seat).

I cannot eat big (or even medium) meals making distance (car or bike), it makes me deathly sleepy.

Cold water and chewing gum.

If you are making distance-to-destination rides, and it's bloody hot; sleep all day, ride all night.   

[The emperor has no clothes]

Has it been 40 years since you’ve been riding ? If so, I think you will be pushing it with 500 mile back to back days. For me it’s not so much the miles but the hours on the bike. This summer going to Roanoke I did 940 the first day and would have made 1100 easy if not for an alternator bearing. But 80-85 on the freeway is a lot easier to rack up than 45-50 on County roads. And there is no way I could have come close without my Russell. 500 on a stock seat is my limit.

[MarkT]

I can do 9 hours on the freeways.  I like some of it (the first half), but not all of it.

It also really depends on weather (wetness), temperature (hot, is killer), and traffic (cities suck).

You absolutely need a good seat, and the Airhawk is a good idea (on any seat, but especially any OE or Corbin seat).

I cannot eat big (or even medium) meals making distance (car or bike), it makes me deathly sleepy.

Cold water and chewing gum.

If you are making distance-to-destination rides, and it's bloody hot; sleep all day, ride all night.    

Ditto on Jess' comments.

A really good seat, highway pegs and throttle lock are important.  As well as windshield and a comfortable reach to the bars, with a backrest.  And a drinkholder.  When the water runs out it's time for me to stop and refill it and take a whiz.  Don't drink caffeine or anything that makes you whiz.  I like to stop after not more than 150 miles to walk around, whiz if needed, gas if needed, refill water. Regular stops before you NEED to, let you do many more miles in a day.  This is needed less for me now that I have the Russell and other mods - but the frequency used to be 110 miles esp on the wing which is less comfy.

On the road I'll stay away from protein - blood rushes to the stomach and I get super sleepy.  No meat.  Fruit and salads are good.  MacDonalds makes a great salad - the southwestern one. They have Newman's dressing exclusively - and you can ask for no chicken if you're like me.

I had a Russell seat made - best investment ever for long distance comfort.  I can do Iron Butts (1000+ in 24) and still go more if needed - several times did Racine WI to Franktown CO 1140mi in under 24.  Even taking the backroads on that one, not Interstates.  I also have that bike set up with highway pegs, fwd controls, belly tank, and Rostra electronic cruise.  And 444 Progressive shocks, tipped Clearview shield with vent, Baker Wings, pullback risers, Brakeaway throttle lock (put that on before the Rostra), incredible lighting, trailer rig (nice to have a cooler with water on board and lots of weather gear), Butler drink holder and cup, and of course Austone taxi tire which results in great mileage. As well as my exhaust with silencers. Not to mention great stereo and GPS.  The bike is more comfortable than my wing.

As for long road trips:  I might plan for around 5-600 the first day.  Then lower the miles on subsequent days like around 400 or so.  Also I like to stop and read the historic markers, take pics and so on.  If the wife is riding either her bike or with me, I'll lower the miles some.

These comments are of rides sans camping.  No way could I do those miles using the Timeout camper.  Could get closer pulling the cargo trailer and using a smaller camping tent.  But here I'm talking about motel stops.

BTW - I've found a good trick for fighting drowsiness on the road - have a cup full of crushed ice.  Put the ice in your mouth.  You won't be drowsy with a cold mouth.

Jade set up for touring - this year after crossing Lake Michigan on the SS Badger ferry:

[fudgie]

Depends what you want to see. If you wanna ride and not stop, its ok. Depending on the roads 500 miles maybe a long day. A long twisty road at 40 mph will take awhile.

I use to do 400-450 mile days but last 2 yrs been only doing 300-350. Only cause we stop and enjoy some sights along the way. Were usually at the hotel by 4p so we can enjoy sights of the town. That's how I plan my trips. Takes me 9 mo to plan our summer trip.

I did 4, 500 mile days coming home from Glacier NP 3 yrs ago. That killed me.

[sandy]

2-4 weeks before the trip, do a test overnight ride. Find out how long it takes to setup/teardown the site. You might find setting up before sundown and sleeping late will limit your day ride.

[JC19]

My sons and I rode around Lake Superior last summer and averaged about 275 per day. If your goal is simply to get somewhere, 500 is doable provided you get into riding shape. But if you want to see anything or stop for any sights, 275 can still make for a long day.

[Kirknik]

I appreciate all the info. I am 60 years old and yes sold my last bike when I was something like 20. I'm used to a lot of time in the seat because I'm a long-haul truck driver but I appreciate that's a different gig. 500 miles a day to get somewhere and then taking it easy is the plan.

And to Mark T. The Colorado leg is to come and visit you. Then I figured down to Durango and then up through Utah into BC and nakusp before heading to Jasper and home.

Just put a brand new OEM seat on my tourer and sounds like the air Hawk but cushion is a must. Valhalla get-together is also perhaps in the plan depending on timing.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Sounds like great trip. You should consider adding in Taos Inzane 

[Avanti]

Make sure your Valkyrie is serviced and ready to do the miles and than you can go anywhere. There are 24 hours in a day, ride the part that fits the road.

[old2soon]

             Nuther FORMER over the road long haul trucker here. I was 70 when we-bunch here off this board-gathered up and went to Spearfish in 15. Did it in two days from Sothern Missouri. Got up on I-90 and turned up the wick. Flirtin with or over-M P H-triple digits a good bit of the way. Start building up your stamina and riding distance on the M/C. Also start figuring your packing BEFORE you leave. Cell phone(s) and credit cards a MUST. IF your tires are questionable install NEW ones before leaving. In one day our 15 group was rained on three different times!  If possible build some extra time into your trip. Just like truckin-feelin flaky pull over and stretch and take a break. Good luck on your planned trip. Have fun-try to NOT ride beyond your abilities. RIDE SAFE.

[..]

Interstate miles or 2 lane roads?

It makes A BIG DIFFERENCE.

[cookiedough]

my butt and right wrist gets sore with stock seat and not using my throttle lock.  I once did over 200 miles all interstate doing near 80 mph and that drove me NUTS constant speed going that fast, the other 150 miles that day back and forth were more normal country roads I prefer.  It may take longer doing NON interstate roads, but driving long, long stretches of interstate on my cycle is not for me.  I did WI to Gulf Shore Alabama and WI to Washington DC once all in one day with a car though without stopping besides eating and bathroom breaks.  Wife was not too pleased not stopping overnight in a hotel, but wanted to get there the sooner the better and I drove it all.  NO way could I do that on any cycle regardless if had cruise control and better seat, etc. such as a goldwing.  Going thru IL sucks from north/south or vice versa about 8 hours of boredom.

[..]

500 mile days and camping don't seem to be ideal partners.

Up early to strike camp. 500 miles and then make camp.

Sounds like a recipe for no fun.

[Jess from VA]

I've camped a lot in my life (in my yute), but not bike camped.

It seems to me a good compromise would be using a motel here and there between camping, either to make good time and distance (late stop-early start, or you you just need a bed and shower badly, and maybe even a washing machine), and then to try and enjoy the camping nights, without worrying about an early start. 

Admittedly, a lot of the motels I've stayed in while riding (and trying to save money) have not been all that far above camping. 

One notable cabin in WVA (actually a state park) was absolutely alive and crawling with black widow spiders.  We went and bought a bunch of bug bombs, got our gear out and the beds covered and then lit them all off at once.  Couple hours later we swept out a thousand of them.  Then opened all the doors and windows so we could breathe in there.  Still, neither of us had a good night's sleep.  (There were no other cabins and nothing else close by available.)

[msb]

I've camped a lot in my life (in my yute), but not bike camped.

It seems to me a good compromise would be using a motel here and there between camping, either to make good time and distance (late stop-early start, or you you just need a bed and shower badly, and maybe even a washing machine), and then to try and enjoy the camping nights, without worrying about an early start. 

Admittedly, a lot of the motels I've stayed in while riding (and trying to save money) have not been all that far above camping. 

One notable cabin in WVA (actually a state park) was absolutely alive and crawling with black widow spiders.  We went and bought a bunch of bug bombs, got our gear out and the beds covered and then lit them all off at once.  Couple hours later we swept out a thousand of them.  Then opened all the doors and windows so we could breathe in there.  Still, neither of us had a good night's sleep.  (There were no other cabins and nothing else close by available.)

The Mrs won't camp when on a ride...and truth be told I'm past that stage as well. I agree, if one is camping every day along the way it would make it tougher to put in longer days in the saddle.

Same here Jess....we've stayed in some real "beauty" Mom and Pop motels over the years when the end of a long day found us with few options. Oh the stories the Mrs could tell. She has slept (or at least tried to) fully clothed including riding jacket  et al on more than a few occasions ... like the Jim Bridger cabins just outside of Yellowstone for instance....North Gate I beleive  
When on a ride, I don't like staying in larger chain hotels....reminds me too much of work. We prefer the smaller Mom and Pops, and then throw in a nice B&B  here and there to get a nice comfy bed and big breakfast that takes you through the day. A nice treat and refresher after a few  big mile days in a row for sure.

[Jess from VA]

When I'm only paying to sleep, I want cheap (but without bugs if possible).

But I also want security.  I won't stay in any city or huge town.  I try to get a place on the outskirts of smaller towns.  I always ask for ground floor around back, so I can park right in front of my room (to keep an eye on the bike).  Anyone getting frisky with my machine can try to dust my green laser off his chest. (and that has never happened)

I've got a couple motel stories though, and here's the best.  It's not on a bike, and it was an upscale motor court in Los Angeles (with my wife).  My lifetime best friend (and we were each other's best men for our weddings) lived in LA, and the USAF sent me to Riverside CA, so I had a chance to see him after years overseas.  He said his place was too small to put us up with his young kids, so he'd get us a nice room close by.  After a nice day and dinner, we went over and checked in.  

About 2AM there is a big commotion, and it seems a local pimp (souped up on dope) is angry that one of his girls has decided to spend the night and not go back to work.  He doesn't know what room she's in so he's out there yelling his head off, and threatening her with violence.  When this doesn't work, he starts beating and kicking on doors.  

My wife asks me why the cops aren't coming, and I said I wasn't going to call, because I didn't want to have to be a principle witness, with multiple trips into LA for trial.  And I was pretty sure that's how all the other guests felt too (no idea why the motel staff didn't call).  This goes on for quite some time, and now he's out of his mind trying to break down doors.  When he gets to ours, I have her get down behind the bed, and I lay over it with my Browning Hi Power aimed at the door.  I tell her to put her fingers in her ears.

Her eyes get wide and she says... what are you going to do?

That depends.  If he stays outside he's OK, but if he comes in here, he gets two in the chest.

Fortunately, the doors and hardware were first class stuff, but he sure gave it the gorilla test.

Eventually he gave up and left, after about 30+ minutes, and no cops ever showed.  (And my last motel room in LA)

I am never unarmed in an American motel room.  (well, it's more often than that)

You probably won't run into an enraged coked-up pimp at a cabin in a national park, but that's no reason not to practice good security in any motel. 

[scooperhsd]

Interstate miles or 2 lane roads?

It makes A BIG DIFFERENCE.

Not here in Kansas. Two lane roads are often Interstate quality except being 2 lanes instead of 4 - they're called "Super Singles" . 80+ MPH cruise west of the Appalachians has been my experiance (slower in the cities and traffic of course). Motorcycling is not going to be like riding in a cage, so plan accordingly.

[Big Rig]

I can only recommend starting a month out, with short rides, an hour, then two hours, twisties and highway. the burn a full take of fuel without getting off your bike. Those first two week will be a great indicator on how you and your bike will endure 500+ miles days. Build up your stamina. 500 miles with a windshield and highway pegs are completely different ride then without them.

Best of luck.

[Black Pearl's Captain]

How elaborate of a camp? I rode to camp 45 night last year. 60+ times in 2016. It takes me 15 minutes to setup or tear down. I only haul a tent with ground cloth, air mattress, sleeping bag, pillow, chair and an air pump to camp.

Normal day for me is 600+ miles but I tend to ride a lot farther than most and I'm on an ST1300 now. I've camped from corner to corner of the US. Key West up to Fairbanks. I'd rather camp than motel. 21 days straight on the Alaska trips (twice). I don't haul cooking stuff, we hit the Subway and take it to camp.

500 to 700 is not hard to do in the upper midwest states.

Reply later if you need some campsites anywhere.

[..]

Interstate miles or 2 lane roads?

It makes A BIG DIFFERENCE.

Not here in Kansas. Two lane roads are often Interstate quality except being 2 lanes instead of 4 - they're called "Super Singles" . 80+ MPH cruise west of the Appalachians has been my experiance (slower in the cities and traffic of course). Motorcycling is not going to be like riding in a cage, so plan accordingly.

Please name a stretch of two-lane road 500 miles long that doesn't have a stop light, a stop sign, a restricted speed limit or doesn't go through a town or through a city.  

[pais]

Its been 40 years since I sold my gl1000 and got my Valkyrie last fall. Planning a long trip this summer. SD, CO and back to Canada through the Rockies.
About how far do you guys/girls travel in one day?
Is 500 miles reasonable or too long?

  Kirknik,
  I'm chiming in but take it "fwiw".
   The last bike trip I had taken up until last years Inzane was 1988. Last year as IZ approached I was very nervous to say the least. Didn't know how many miles I could do. Lol, camping wasn't even in the equation. I headed out alone in a steady rain. Rained the whole state of Ohio. I made the the trip in one day and rolled into Roanoke Sunday early evening. Some 400 miles give or take and about 11-12 hours. The route was gorgeous but slow. Nothing but hills and curves. It was a somewhat stressful ride for me. I don't push the limits of the bike like I used to. If I was with a group I would have slowed them down.
   I felt good at the end of the day. If camping I probably would have stopped a little sooner to set up camp and chase some food. Stops were about every 125 miles. Last thing I was gonna do was run outta motion potion in the middle of West By God or Virginia! My prep was minimal at best. I was 55 and out of any kind of shape at the time of IZ 2018.
   I was on no kind of schedule. I was going with, "see how it goes and how I feel" method. I suggest making conservative/attainable goals. I thought it should only take me one day to Roanoke but if it didn't, oh well.
   Before riding season rolls around this year. My Valk will have a throttle lock and a set of some type of highway pegs.

[Gryphon Rider]

How elaborate of a camp? I rode to camp 45 night last year. 60+ times in 2016. It takes me 15 minutes to setup or tear down. I only haul a tent with ground cloth, air mattress, sleeping bag, pillow, chair and an air pump to camp.

Normal day for me is 600+ miles but I tend to ride a lot farther than most and I'm on an ST1300 now. I've camped from corner to corner of the US. Key West up to Fairbanks. I'd rather camp than motel. 21 days straight on the Alaska trips (twice). I don't haul cooking stuff, we hit the Subway and take it to camp.

500 to 700 is not hard to do in the upper midwest states.

Reply later if you need some campsites anywhere.

What tent do you use, and do you recommend it?

[FryeVRCCDS0067]

On my last big trip we had a couple of 900+ mile days which was at my limit. I'm older now and that might be past my limit. We also had dawn to dusk days of only a few hundred miles.

It's not really the miles, it's the hours and conditions that wear you out.

500 hundred, high speed interstate miles with reasonable traffic, not too hot, not too cold, not storming, that's an easy day on a Valk with a good seat.

Throw in big city traffic, bad roads, heat, cold, storms, then it becomes tougher. Throw in slower riding and sightseeing and it becomes too many miles for a day.

I like to "pin my ears back", put the hammer down and the miles on between interesting spots. That leaves me time for enjoying the roads and sights of the amazing places. 900 hundred mile, fast interstate days getting to the Beartooth, Yellowstone Park and Highway To The Sun, oh yeah!

But, count the smiles, not the miles when you get to those special places where the hand of God is so apparent.

[Black Pearl's Captain]

What tent do you use, and do you recommend it?

First, it has to fit in my side bag and both of these do. I don't need a big tent for the bike as it just needs to hold me in a sleeping bag and my riding gear. I've bought closeouts for my last 3 tents as the materials haven't changed much in years.

I use a "Quality" 2 man or 3 man tent. There are several nice ones available. My current tent (no longer available) is a Eureka Sunriver2. I like a 2 pole square X type system in my tents as it sets up easily and quick in the dark. I wish this tent had doors on both sides but I went with big screen area. I leave the fly off if its a hot clear night. I can also throw the fly over from the door if the rain starts up at night.

When I head way north to Alaska I carry a harbor freight cheap dark color plastic tarp (camo color) to throw over the tent for more protection if needed and also to darken the tent inside on those bright Alaskan short nights. There is no dark night in Fairbanks so I sleep better in a darker tent.

https://www.ganderoutdoors.com/product/details?pdesc=Eureka-Sunriver-2-Person-Dome-Tent&i=262363&CAWELAID=120030640000018059&s_kwcid=adwords__&gclid=Cj0KCQiAvebhBRD5ARIsAIQUmnk3ACTnLhBoQwRUWE6ACjA2O5u4is8hhOhcGKiqyQ6w0XROadpn98QaAjJeEALw_wcB

I bought it because I like a tent to have as much netting as possible for the humid hot summer conditions where I often camp, most of US and especially in the southeast and Missouri-Arkansas and Tennessee. ANY breeze is better than none in humidity.

My "bad weather bigger tent" is a Eureka Mountain Pass3 (also no longer made but may be found). This tent has lots of space and is pretty stout with all the guys around the edge. Sat through a couple tornado warnings in this tent. I carry this tent in the cooler seasons some or if I know it will be a stormy week.

https://eurekacamping.johnsonoutdoors.com/tents/mountain-pass-3xte-3-person-tent

So many of the new tents are so similar it's not hard to find a good tent but prices go way up with big name labels. Just make sure the tent is long enough that you fit inside and the aluminum shock corded poles last much longer than the fiberglass poles. In my opinion a tent needs a rain fly that extends almost to the ground to be a dry tent.

[Gryphon Rider]

What tent do you use, and do you recommend it?

First, it has to fit in my side bag and both of these do. I don't need a big tent for the bike as it just needs to hold me in a sleeping bag and my riding gear. I've bought closeouts for my last 3 tents as the materials haven't changed much in years.

I use a "Quality" 2 man or 3 man tent. There are several nice ones available. My current tent (no longer available) is a Eureka Sunriver2. I like a 2 pole square X type system in my tents as it sets up easily and quick in the dark. I wish this tent had doors on both sides but I went with big screen area. I leave the fly off if its a hot clear night. I can also throw the fly over from the door if the rain starts up at night.

When I head way north to Alaska I carry a harbor freight cheap dark color plastic tarp (camo color) to throw over the tent for more protection if needed and also to darken the tent inside on those bright Alaskan short nights. There is no dark night in Fairbanks so I sleep better in a darker tent.

https://www.ganderoutdoors.com/product/details?pdesc=Eureka-Sunriver-2-Person-Dome-Tent&i=262363&CAWELAID=120030640000018059&s_kwcid=adwords__&gclid=Cj0KCQiAvebhBRD5ARIsAIQUmnk3ACTnLhBoQwRUWE6ACjA2O5u4is8hhOhcGKiqyQ6w0XROadpn98QaAjJeEALw_wcB

I bought it because I like a tent to have as much netting as possible for the humid hot summer conditions where I often camp, most of US and especially in the southeast and Missouri-Arkansas and Tennessee. ANY breeze is better than none in humidity.

My "bad weather bigger tent" is a Eureka Mountain Pass3 (also no longer made but may be found). This tent has lots of space and is pretty stout with all the guys around the edge. Sat through a couple tornado warnings in this tent. I carry this tent in the cooler seasons some or if I know it will be a stormy week.

https://eurekacamping.johnsonoutdoors.com/tents/mountain-pass-3xte-3-person-tent

So many of the new tents are so similar it's not hard to find a good tent but prices go way up with big name labels. Just make sure the tent is long enough that you fit inside and the aluminum shock corded poles last much longer than the fiberglass poles. In my opinion a tent needs a rain fly that extends almost to the ground to be a dry tent.

Thanks for that.  They're both pretty similar in structure to the 3-man (comfortable for 2) tent I've been using since 2001.  I was just curious what you were using that allowed you to set up and take down in 15 minutes.  I take far longer than you to set up and take down my tent; maybe it's because I typically use the fly and use all the pegs.  I should switch to an air mattress rather than a Therm-a-rest pad, which should speed things up and increase my comfort as well.

[Rams]

Some very applicable comments above.

Successful distance traveled versus planned mileage can be dependent on many factors.

Environmental conditions, road conditions, traffic, bike condition/comfort, fuel/rest stop planning, rider age, condition and experience and other factors I have omitted.    I've covered as much as 1251 miles in one 24 hour period and also only gotten half way through a 600 mile trip when things didn't go according to plans.   

Put as much time in the saddle as possible before becoming adventurous.  Know your limits.    Check weather forecasts frequently.   You'll be glad you did.

Rams 

[RainMaker]

Agree with most - 500 miles is not so bad for a regular rider, kinda tough on an occasional one.  I can do 700 at a stretch without much problem on the super slab but also have an Ultimate Seat, an Airhawk and a sheepskin to cradle my tender butt.  I prefer to keep it around 600 miles per day so that's it's not such a grind.  Stay hydrated and if you aren't peeing at every gas stop, you didn't drink enough.  Dehydration will wear you out faster than anything.

[Jess Tolbirt]

i ride to my sons house in south east Tx. from Nashville tn. 853 milles door to door and do it in 12 hours. thats far enough for me in one day, but lately i have to ride down and take the next day to re-coop so you could say now it takes me 2 days, well sorta.

[Chrisj CMA]

500 miles a day for a couple days seems reasonable.  But on a longer trip (several days in a row) doing 500 miles every day will be ALL you would do, no time to enjoy why you are taking the trip.  I would dial it back if you plan on seeing or doing anything but riding

[Jess from VA]

Whoever says birds sleep all night is crazy.

Once while camping a whippoorwill went at it like his sex life depended on it, and there was no sleeping a wink.  What a ruckus!  I got up and started heaving rocks all over the place in the dark.  But he only quieted down until I crawled back in the tent.

Then there was the time backpacking in Sequoia Nat'l Park where we could not see the bears, but we could sure hear them (across a field).  Even with my pistol on my chest, it was hard to sleep that night too; laying there wondering if you shoot a big black bear with a 9mm, does it make him run away, or just get angry.

I camp out in motels now.  But you still need some good soft earplugs that don't hurt your ears while sleeping on them.  The wildlife next door riding the bed around the room with loud appeals to deity also makes sleeping difficult.       

[Avanti]

500 miles a day for a couple days seems reasonable.  But on a longer trip (several days in a row) doing 500 miles every day will be ALL you would do, no time to enjoy why you are taking the trip.  I would dial it back if you plan on seeing or doing anything but riding

Yes, 500 + miles a day is a point A to point B riding style; gets the job done.