Road Trip

Lubehead · #1 08-26-2011, 10:25 PM

MotorDavids' excellent chronology of his great 13,000 mile roadtrip (thank you very much for that!) got my juices flowing. I've always wanted to do something like that but there is a real dilemma for me in determining the optimum way to do it.

This is nothing but an exercise at this point because I can't quite retire yet so whatever input viewers provide may not be acted on for a few years, but I thought it would be interesting to hear your thoughts.

Driving the 'vette across the country really does sound like a great approach. You and your SO comfortable are driving in class, not a lot of room but hey you're traveling light right? My vehicle of choice might be another sports car, let's say a Porsche, or a 650 vert or perhaps a hi line sedan, be it a BMW, Jag or whatever (could even by the X5 as I think it's super comfortable, very efficient and roomy) as long as it provided a great driving experience because for me that's a big part of the reason why one would want to take the time to do the trip. But, as MotorDavid pointed out, the unpacking/packing of bags and constant hotel/motel stays would wear on me and frankly take a lot of the fun out of it, especially when you either have no quality place to stay and/or you know you're being gouged and the amenities suck.

The other thought is taking the R1150RT, travel super light and rough it, but it becomes more of an adventure and let's face it, there may be times when you wish you hadn't thought that driving a bike cross country might be a good idea. At 62, I may tire of this by the third night but its still sounds like something I'd like to do. Of course for me, it's just a conversation as she dismisses this concept unilaterally. ( Still, I think it would be nice to go around Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia at least) Of course I could stay at hotels/motels or perhaps tow the bike with the X5 and use it as desired!.

Then we come to the RV way. Of course you become the slow poke MotorDavid hates, clogging the motorways, impeding the progress of those who don't need to take alll the stuff you think you need. As I'm driving my motorcoach ( I don't have one-this is just an exercise), I see the MotorDavids of the world enjoying the drive a lot more than me, wishing I could be driving a more responsive machine. Yet, I have everything with me, don't need to search or pay for lodging every day and get to eat at home whenever I want. But, since I'm driving this big bus, I've got to tow a -pick one- small SUV/car, sports cars, motorcycle; because inevitably I will want to leave the RV at the site and go explore the area. I also get to pack a flat screen!

Or,,,,, I've got a big honkin' F350 towing a fifth wheel which I can leave at the site and drive around to my heart's content, maybe even searching for antiques are whatever.

Let's hear your thoughts, is it about the drive? Then one must take a fun to drive car, look for lodging and enjoy the road, cost be damned. Or the big honking 35-42 foot diesel pusher towing the sports car or bike or the heavy duty pickup with the fifth wheel,your home away from home.

Obviously a personal decision, but especially to those who've read through MotorDavid's thread, what say you?

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JCL · #2 08-27-2011, 12:21 AM

I'd choose a car I liked to drive.

A motorhome or diesel pickup/5th wheel combo isn't any fun to drive.

A motorcycle is great but only if you are by yourself.

motordavid · #3 08-27-2011, 09:16 AM

lubehead,
Thank you for the kudos, props and refs! I tend to agree with JCL's succinct remark; in typical fashion, I will make mine less concise:

-I've done several CC trips on m'cycles, some with myCEO; doable even at 'our age', but I would probably not do another, of real length, 2 up. And, the m'cycle seriously limits one's packing, and weather is a real concern.
-If you have a fun car, take it and don't worry. I would personally not consider an RV or motorhome, or 5th wheel deal. One would have to tow a smaller car or smallish m'cycle to really see some of the good stuff, and the elephant like size & pace requires seeing only some spots, or a long 3-4 month trip: one cannot cover any ground in those rigs. Yes, they offer a bunk every night, but one still has to find an RV campground, park, hook-up, and pay...our constant moving/packing wasn't that arduous.

-If you don't have the time currently, for a long time trip, think about flying to 'A, B or C', renting a decent car, and having at it: a flight to anywhere in conti US is a full day at most, vs the 3-4 days of solid driving it takes to 'get there', with little sightseeing on the way. When we got home we talked of doing a fly to 'Denver', et al, rent a car that is allowed to cross borders, and doing it that way, 'next time', as we loved the 4-5 western Mtn states, and BC & Alberta.

-It Is a Big Fookin Country, with a huge potential list of places to go, things to see, etc. None of us can know what you want to see/do. Thus, one has to narrow down the list and then route to those destinations, keeping in mind that other good stuff will pop up on the road, along the way. And, those fabulous 2 lane roads constantly come up on the map, and are hard to resist, but lengthen any trip considerably.

-Unless you have seen 'everything' there is to see in MA, NewAngleland, the Maritimes, upper Quebec, etc., why not do some mini-trips around your area for a feel of a 10 day-2+ week trip? I have been all over 'your area', in cars and on m'cycles, and there is a lot of good stuff in your Eighth of the country, imo.

I could go on and on, but...

The point I did reiterate often was that my recommendation is to get off the couch, get in a car and go see some of this amazing country, US & CDA.
My 50Cts...
GL, mD

X5Flyboy · #4 08-30-2011, 04:56 AM

Been criss-crossing the USA since 2001. Had a GMC conversion van w/ a 3rd seat bed (low roof for parking garages). comfortable, pull over & sleep when you wanted, but I still hit the motel on the 2nd day for a shower. Since 2005, been using my 2001 X5. Never felt uncomfortable, alot better mileage than the van, but it's a motel everynight; though I have napped in it when really tired.

Worst state I have driven through..., Nebraska. I-80, 500 miles of flat featureless terrain and multiple feedlots that stink to high heaven. The X5 gets me through it much faster than the van.

I do have to say Nebraska has the best weather info at the rest areas. Because when you travel cross country (east & west), it's ALL about the weather.

The big drawback of a van is not the mileage, but the large sail area which causes the wind to really push you around. There is no "perfect" vehicle. Everyone's needs are different. And at different times in your life. In any event, to quote a childhood hero..., "Happy Trails".

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