Coast to coast trip in May 2015

[Tenerester]

Hello all, it's been a while.

I am planning a coast to coast round trip in late May 2015 on my 2014 S10 ES ::014:: This is my first 'long trip' (longest trip earlier was 5200kms- Vancouver to LA and back) and would like to have your expert opinions and advise.

Trip begins from Vancouver to Halifax purely on Canadian soil and return via Boston to Seattle on US soil. This way I will have crossed both countries in one trip!! Hoping to stick to paved roads and do the entire trip in 21 days!! Being too optimistic???

I probably will have a couple buddies joining me on the trip. Given the long distances to cover during the day, we might avoid camping as much as possible, but will carry the equipment anyway in case of need.

I am quite content with the bike in stock form. The power seems adequate for my kind of riding and the factory equipment (heated grips, cruise control, ESA) are good. I therefore don't intend upgrading the seat, windshield or do any engine modifications. I currently have added OEM boxes, wind deflectors and have mounted a GPS. I may additionally install a skid plate, engine guards, a pair of fog lights, and an additional power socket. I will carry a large duffel bag and a tank bag for other gear, tools and equipment. Any other essential accessories I should consider adding?

I also would like to know what spares, consumables and tools I should carry along? What are the potential problems I should expect or be looking out for on the bike and on the roads? Any must do things or scenic routes along the way?

Appreciate your help.

Cheers

Harry

 

[Brick]

I think that 21 days... while doable is really pushing it. I would want to slow down and see a bit and NOT ride the interstates on a grand trip like this!

 

[tomatocity]

A Dream Trip for sure. Maybe something less than 10,000 miles? Jealous!

Using a SPOT and Spotwalla would allow you to be tracked online. There is an extra cost but that comes with Messaging and a 911 alert.

 

[2112]

WTF ???

 

[2112]

WTF ???

Spam post removed WTF no longer required ! ::004:: from the UK, enjoy the epic trip ::008::

 

[tomatocity]

Another suggestion is to not only use 'miles/km' when planning your day. Also use 'hours' to calculate your day.

You get to visit The Rockies on both sides of the border and during the same trip. Are you going to visit Pelee Island and Middle Island? Middle Island is about the same latitude of Toledo, Ohio.

West Quoddy Head Lighthouse is the Easternmost (inhabited) point in the USA and it is easily accessible.
Sumas, Washington 49°00′08.6″N 122°15′40″W – Northernmost incorporated place in the 48 contiguous states (because of 19th century survey inaccuracy placing the international border slightly north of the 49th parallel)

Northernmost point — Cape Columbia, Ellesmere Island, Nunavut 83°6′41″N 69°57′30″W
Southernmost point — South point of Middle Island, Ontario, in Lake Erie 41°40′53″N 82°40′56″W
Easternmost point — Cape Spear, Newfoundland 47°31′25″N 52°37′10″W
Westernmost point — Boundary Peak 187,[1] Yukon 60°18′23″N 141°0′7″W

 

[Tenerester]

Re: Coast to coast trip in May 2015 (postponed to July)

Hi everyone, I had to resurrect the old thread to let you know the coast to coast trip got postponed to July due to other commitments. Now we are pretty much firm with the schedule and ready to go. Three of my regular riding buddies and I will be riding from Seattle to NY across U.S., and Halifax NS to Vancouver BC across Canada......14,000 KMs .....all in 25 days...yes I know it's going be a tough ask and four is a crowd etc etc.....but we have been riding a lot together and all are keen to do the trip...so here we go. We are determined to make it happen beating all odds.

Interestingly three of the four bikes are 2014 Super Tenere ES models!! Same colour too...matte grey. Two of the guys recently got converted from Triumph and BMW cults to Tenerism ::012:: Isn't that awesome? The fourth bike is a Duc MS and I am hoping he will also change his mind soon.

Bear tooth pass, Mount Rushmore, Badlands, Niagara, NY, Cabot Trail NS etc and a few other attractions are in the plan. We will be putting up in motels and eating at restaurants, hence hope to pack light i.e. Only clothes and basic tools for emergencies. We are also hoping to do the oil filter change ourselves on the way (probably in a parking lot??) because going to dealerships for service can be time consuming. Can someone please let me know the authorized places (in US) we can dispose off used oil? We all will have new tires and hopeful one set will last the entire trip. (I managed to get 17,000 KMs and some out of the first set of Battlewings, but I prefer the Metzler Tourance road handling especially on corners and therefore will be installing a pair of 'Next' tires for the trip).

I will have done about 20K on my S10 before the trip.....other than a regular oil filter change and checks, do you think I need to be concerned about anything else (mechanically) before such a trip assuming tires and brakes are good? Do I need to change plugs? Will I need fog lamps on these routes during this period? I never needed them so far and do not hope to ride in the night. But I have heard about fog and must in the mornings in some routes. Would there be need to carry warm riding gear on these routes during July/August? I am hoping to ride in a mesh suit and carry a rain suit separately.

Appreciate your help. Any other tips and suggestions from experienced folk are most welcome. Thanks.

Harry.

 

[barkingllizard]

Re: Coast to coast trip in May 2015 (postponed to July)

sounds awesome, Tenerester, enjoy the ride.....