BMMC May 2008 Rider Training Update
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"Biker Ego"
May 2008
Many have asked me if there are a few things that I learned from the trip Tom
Clements and I just finished that I would like to pass on to others who might be
looking at taking an extended motorcycle trip.
Sure, my pleasure. Clearly, these are but a few…
Lessons Learned:
USA 4 Corners Ride
(http://www.usa4corners.org/)
April 3-29, 2008
1. Select a routing that best suits the time of year and expected weather
patterns. May through September would be best. Build in a couple of “slop” days
in the event of illness, mechanical problems, weather, etc. If you don’t need
them, great, you’re way ahead of the game.
2. Choose your riding partner for compatibility in both riding styles and
personality. Everyone is different so don’t let the other’s small idiosyncrasies
get to you. Both of you need to be the “Teflon Man” and let it all slide off you
like a pancake to a plate. It keeps the smile on your face. Riding partners
don’t get any better than Saint Tom.
3. Prepay the trip. Figure out an approximate cost of the trip (e.g. gas, food,
motels, required maintenance, tolls, tours, adult beverages, incidentals, etc…
then add 20%). Send a check to your credit card company for that total before
you leave. That way your trip is “prepaid” and you have one less thing to worry
about. Sharing lodging costs is a ‘biggy’ for saving money. General statement:
Figuring $125/day per person wouldn’t be out of line.
4. Expect the worst in weather. Anything less is a plus. Dress appropriately
(including electrically heated clothing, and cool vests, if needed).
5. Take your passport if you plan on going out of the country.
6. Take your National Park Pass (you never know).
7. Take at least one additional credit card. Pay for everything using your main
credit card (remember, you already prepaid). Sometimes the cc companies get a
little fraud nervous when they see your card being used so often as you travel.
A pre-ride call to them will usually prevent this.
8. Take a good digital camera, and use it.
9. Take notes at night of what you experienced. Try not to skip a day because
after a while days tend to blend with one another. That way you can share your
adventure with others, and “relive” your ride when you get home.
10. Remember the reason for the ride, to see the country. The entire tour can be
done at the speed limit, meeting all the requirements, with time to spare, so
there’s no rush. Enjoy the experience. Take those side trips. Take the secondary
roads when possible. Eat at the Ma and Pa restaurants. See who else lives in
this wonderful country of ours. Don’t put pressure on yourself by not giving
yourself enough time. Stop, smell the roses, then get back on the road.
11. Most important… take along your best mental attitude. Three to four weeks on
the road is a long time to be constantly hung up on the small stuff. Focus on
the good. Remember, it’s an adventure, not an ordeal. Treat it that way and you
have the time of your life.
As always, Ride Smart and thanks for your time.
Gene Adee
BMMC Rider Training Coordinator
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