Hello People, I hope life finds everyone healthy and riding!

My Uncle took me on my first long haul, 11 hours and 414 miles. I sure got to know my Roady, and really can't be more happier on my selection of bike. I was averaging 41 mpg. My knee wasn't really that uncomfortable and didn't really bother me, my ass on the other hand was screaming discomfort. (The orginal owner cut the pad and installed a Jell pack, I will upload some pictures and will be looking for some advice on fixing my seat). My Uncle and his good friend took me way up to Star Lake NY, not too far from the Canadian border and the St. Lawrence Seaway. It was a beautiful day for a ride yesterday in NY, Left at 9am and pulled into the driveway at 8:30pm. I really learned alot on the gear box, brakes, and just overall ride experience! Totally awesome. They were on HD's (LowRider, and DynaGlide) They were taking the turny turns much better then me, but they each have over 40+ years rding. I took the turns at the recommended speed, kinda milky of me, but there was no way I was going down so far from home. And they said it was smart of me, they were testing me I think...lol. Jerry ( my Uncles Bud ) told me to ride like everyone out there is out to kill me....he was right! Coming down Route 30 through some nice tight turns a chuckle head decided to pull a U turn with his utility trailer on a blind turn, I was lucky to be going a slower speed, I'm not so sure what the outcome would have been there. Greyphart had posted about debris (Good stuff Greyphart), I found out a floating piece of plastic could make for a bad day, these things you really have no fear of in a "cage". Learned so much in one day, I'm grateful for my Uncle and his Bud for taking me. I'm grateful for a beautiful safe ride, and I'm grateful for a very understanding wife! (I had no cell service, and by the time I actually called her to tell her where I was, she was already over the top with stress,she is coolest lady on earth, she was kinda pissed at first but then was just glad I contacted her and knew everything was fine. I need to relax a bit when riding myself,I found my right hand kept falling asleep, I need to find a solution for that. Maybe pull back risers for less reach, better ergonomics?
I have a dirty bike to wash, amazing the amount of bug poop on me windshield. My Uncle and his bud love to ride.....I'm grateful to be able to ride with them! Would there be any interest if I posted when and where on the forum in advance and see if anyone would like to join in, or even meet if we're in your neck of the woods? Americade is in a few weeks, is anyone attending? Lake George is only 1.5 hours north of me. We could meet up, They (Uncle and his bud) know the best roads to take in the Adirondacks, just a thought
I'm feeling very grateful as you can see, an excellent life experience and I'm looking forward to the next one!
Ride safe Folks!!
Hope to meet some of ya at Americade!

congrats on your 1st long ride. Nothing clears my head better/ faster than a long ride. Sounds like your doing it right.Do it at your speed

Sounds like you had a great time. Nothing better than a good mentor for a new rider. Like Tom said, you are doing it right by going your own speed. As you get more miles under your belt you will find if you need to make changes to your bike to make it fit you. Or you may find that you have relaxed enough that your hand no longer goes numb.

Glad you have joined the fold of crazies!!

Paul

Great read...I can identify with a lot of this (hyper careful on first long trip, easy turns, late cell call to stressed wife, noticing how much junk is actually on the road, bugs galore...).

Thanks for sharing. Get some pics during the pit stops next time...great memories from the road.

Congrats also on your first long ride. You'll adjust to it just take your time. I've been to Americade three times and it is a great time. Wish I could go this year but we're going to Deals Gap that week.

While your at Americade go by the Mustang tent and the Ultimate seat tent and try those two seats out. It's a good place to get a feel for them,and help on your seat problem.

Was able to relate also to your first long ride. I was told from the beginning "ride your own ride" and it's never left me. Over the years you will ride with many others, on many other types of bike. Never believe you must shadow their moves or their speed.....RIDE YOUR OWN RIDE. Be safe.

twowheeltherapy wrote:
Was able to relate also to your first long ride. I was told from the beginning "ride your own ride" and it's never left me. Over the years you will ride with many others, on many other types of bike. Never believe you must shadow their moves or their speed.....RIDE YOUR OWN RIDE. Be safe.

+1
Well said.

Thanks for sharing. Hope that is the first of many long safe rides. Glad you learned a lot. I personally try to learn every time I am on the scoot and usually do, sometimes big stuff and sometimes only something small. Keep your eyes and mind open and you can learn a lot.

great info!!!

also doing my first overnight ride with our church group in june

4-day's from pa. to roanoke virgina (can't wait)

spending 2-day's in that area ,riding the roads (never been there)

anybody live close to roanoke area??


bartish

Didn't everyone disappear from Roanoke in 1585?
Freaky.. Like vacationing in the Bermuda Triangle....