Triumphrat

Hearseburner · 09-08-2009, 06:50 PM

Last week I took my first long ride on my 2008 Bonneville, a bike I’ve been riding off and on for the last two years. For those familiar with the Pacific Northwest, I rode from Seattle up over the cascades to Lake Roosevelt in Eastern Washington. I’m a relatively inexperienced rider still in spite of having the bike for a couple of years, so this was a doozy for me.

The ride out was mostly event free, if a little tiring. Going up over the pass was just fine, but once we got out into the flat plains there was a fairly significant amount of wind. I’ve known I wanted a windscreen for a while but this pretty much sealed the deal. Beyond the wind there was a stretch of road, about 20 miles, that was being worked on and thus was grooved pavement. Living in Seattle where we have so many draw bridges I’m used to that wandering feeling, but not mile after mile of it. I can’t say I was ever super nervous but I definitely felt like I was working to enjoy it.

After a week of fun in the sun, we saddled up and started back. The ride back was a whole different experience. First off, the weather was pretty much hard rain the entire time, mixed in with some severe winds. My visor spent a lot of time being fogged, which was a challenge and a bit scary. I never did quite work out the magic way to keep it clear. I also thought I had good enough rain gear—I was wrong. My snowboarding jacket was OK, but my snow pants were in no way water proof, nor were my shoes. The weather was such a bear we split the trip home into two days, mostly just to dry off and get a good night’s rest.

Coming back into Seattle the winds were so intense that I spent what felt like eternity just trying to keep in my lane. Every time a heavy gust would hit I would tense up, in spite of telling myself not to, and instinctively slow down, which I’m fairly certain wasn’t making the drivers behind me very happy. By the time I got home I was exhausted, grateful, and feeling like it would be a bit before I felt like a ride again. Of course as I write this it is sunny and gorgeous in my town. Sometimes things just work out that way.

I have a couple of questions for those with experience doing long rides. First of all, is this the right bike for it? If not I’m perfectly happy with that answer; it just seemed like the folks on the heavy hogs going by were having a much easier time of it than myself. I’m also curious what people do for all weather gear, and how I can avoid the fogging situation with my visor in the future? My helmet is well vented, but opened or closed I still had problems.

Thanks for reading and thanks for any advice you all can pass on to a guy that wants to continue to enjoy the ride!

Cheers,
Mike

R3T Convert · 09-10-2009, 02:07 PM

You asked for advice, so here goes! First off, kudos to you for even getting out on such a ride. Many experienced bike enthusiasts that I know can't dedicate time to ride more than an occasional weekend.

I've been riding for 20+ years, but serious road tripping for about 8 years now. I'm talking about multi-state/multi-day rides. I usually ride with 2-3 others and spend about 8 days on the road (a mix of camping and cheap hotels). I just returned from an 11-day, 3800 mike ride.

I state the above stats for this reason: Every ride teaches me something new. More experienced riders are worth their weight in gold. When I first hit hard rain, lightning, sleet, snow and hail...whew! But after rolling through it (or pulling over for a rest), I learned that it was no big deal. same with strong wind or sand storms. A quick vote among the riders to either stop and rest or "power through" sealed the deal. I remember being very worried when i first hit the bad weather. Now...piece of cake! Do what you can to ride with other experienced riders.

You're right in mentioning the need for quality gear. I routinely wear leather, but always have Gortex pants and a top for the tough stuff. Gortex (the military camo type) has never let me down. These forums are perfect for finding out what kind of equipment (helmets, boots, rain gear) experienced riders use.

The fogging situation can be managed by several available products. RainX or a scuba mask rinse (can't recall the brand name) will do the trick.

Is the bike for you? Yes (though only YOU, really, can answer that). A bike will become "yours" if you put enough miles on it. However, you may have to add a few accessories (comfortable seat, backrest, wind screen, highway pegs, throttle assist/cruise control).

Keep it up, stay safe, wave to other riders. The rides will get easier and easier and definitely more enjoyable.

saphena · 09-10-2009, 02:19 PM

Well done for persisting despite the weather and other hardships

I used to want a screen on my Bonnie but I didn't get around to it for so long that I now just enjoy the naked bike - it's up to you though.

Two tips:

There's no such thing as inappropriate weather, only inadequate clothing. Get proper, waterproof, motorcycle boots, pants, jacket and gloves - carry a spare pair of gloves.

The throttle is your friend. On shaky surfaces or in blustery winds open the throttle, you become more stable.

M700R · 09-12-2009, 01:55 PM

Living over here in Eastern Washington - I understand!

Yes, we've had some serious thunderstorms recently. Wow... Not ideal riding weather.

A small screen on the Triumph does a remarkable job of dealing with the wind blast at highway speeds. The big touring bikes with big fairings are incredible at deflecting wind and rain from the rider - no doubt about it.

Fog-X helps a lot on the visor. Good waterproof riding pants & jacket help a lot, and aren't all that expensive. Rolled up, they stow nicely in a bag too. Boots, good boots to keep the feet warm & dry. Real nice to have.

Most of what needs to be said has been said in the above posts and I agree with it. Relax a bit on the ride. Shows brains to call it good and spend the night somewhere instead of pressing on in conditions that you weren't comfortable in.

Congrats on a memorable trip completed safely!

SheRex · 09-12-2009, 09:14 PM

Frogg Toggs are awesome, they breathe and keep you dry.

I'd like to know what others are using for highway pegs. After two recent long trips I've decided that I really need them but don't know which ones to go with. Thoughts.

Hearseburner · 09-14-2009, 05:17 AM

Thanks so much for the kudos and good thoughts, folks! Seriously, the positive words help a bunch.

R3T, your words really hit home and are greatly appreciated. I'm thinking the next big ride for me should be as part of a rally with experienced riders. I think that will make a huge difference both in terms of confidence and in learning. Appreciate too the notion that the bike will become a bigger part of me with patience and practice.

Saphena, appreciate the throttle comments. I took the safety course this last year and through this ride there was one thing that stuck in my mind throughout: speed=stability. Your thoughts affirm that.

M700R, thanks for the understanding on a local level.

Also appreciate the comments as it regards knowing the limits. Myself and my friend on the ride hit our "done" point in Wenatchee and enjoyed a lovely reprieve with our girls in the lead car.

In terms of the fogging, the gear, and all the rest of it--with a little space from the experience I of course recognize that I did NOT have the gear prep that I needed. Live and learn.

Seriously appreciate the advise and positive thoughts, guys. Makes me want to jump back on the bike. I needed that.