Fly and ride RX-3 home from Cali to East/South - Page 2

thillskier · 01-10-2015, 03:29 PM

Good site! and some pretty solid help and advice for our ride home

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http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic...html#postreply

SpudRider · 01-09-2015, 08:57 PM

Thanks for checking in, Miss America.

We understand your situation, and we hope things work out well for you.

culcune · 01-09-2015, 10:41 PM

If you guys are riding south, come through Yuma! If not, let me know if you are on I 10 and I can meet you guys north of me. Maybe even if you take I 40 and stopover in Lake Havasu. Look at a map and see which route south you think you will take.

Miss America · 01-11-2015, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpudRider

Thanks for checking in, Miss America.

We understand your situation, and we hope things work out well for you.

Thanks Spud!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wolftrax

Good luck with HR. I hope this works out for everyone. I'm only a year out from retire mn and I have half a mind to just say the heck with it and take the entire month off.

Yep, that sounds pretty tempting Wolftrax! That would definitely free up much more time to enjoy the ride! If I can make this ride work out, then I will probably be 'riding by the seat of my pants' for the most part as it'll probably be super last minute and won't leave much time for planning, unless I have the flexibility to jump into a ride that's already planned.

I will keep y'all updated on what's going on and will stay current on this thread in case I can do the group ride.

Wolftrax · 01-11-2015, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miss America

Thanks Spud!!

Yep, that sounds pretty tempting Wolftrax! That would definitely free up much more time to enjoy the ride! If I can make this ride work out, then I will probably be 'riding by the seat of my pants' for the most part as it'll probably be super last minute and won't leave much time for planning, unless I have the flexibility to jump into a ride that's already planned.

I will keep y'all updated on what's going on and will stay current on this thread in case I can do the group ride.

I actually prefer to ride by the seat of my pants. All I need is a tent, sleeping bag, my thermarest and a pocket full of cash and I'm good to go!

thillskier · 01-12-2015, 07:22 AM

course, it seems that there are two opposite views re this rides time and way to do it.
I was thinking a week riding, more or less, not including the flight out and a day to assemble and test the bike, as well as change the seat, add some storage (aforementioned tank and loop bags), pack the bike and hopefully get at least 50-100 miles on it, to see what needs immediate attention (if anything), and get the initial stretch out of the chain.
Mark, I agree re the plains, There is a REASON that there are no trees that grow there, or the few that do, are tilted away from the wind direction (REALLY)! hehe
That area also does fine riding the long days since there really isn't anything to see or do really there, and making miles to a more hospital place does make sense in that situation (to me). However, I wouldn't mind (actually would really enjoy and appreciate seeing the Havasu Lake area, and meeting up with some owners along the way back to ride, or just discuss bikes and whatever comes to mind, along with a beer or 3

.
There are some great deals in border towns as well re hotels and food, also, as well as fun stuff to do.

So I guess I'm kinda in the middle here. Also doesn't seem viable to try to get any camp space or rooms eithout a schedule, and as everone experienced in mc and other cross country travel knows, ymmv daily, for many reasons.

I think I'll leave this up for now, and see who is interested in what type of ride...maybe be 2 or even 3 groups of riders based on time to do trip etc.
Thanks for your input everyone, and GL with your ride and planning.

katoranger · 01-10-2015, 09:06 AM

Post a route plan if possible. I am sure you will be many hours south of me. That time of year in Southern Kansas or Oklahoma is usually cold.

Wolftrax · 01-11-2015, 07:58 AM

Just want to share my thoughts in the type of ride I envision. I only have 7 days to pull this off. The first day will be simply be getting to Ca. Keeping 1 day in reserve that leaves me 5 traveling days. It's a 2300 mile trip so I'm going to have to plan on at least 460 mile days. That means at least 9 hours of saddle time per day. This trip is going to be a grind with little time for off-road or sightseeing. I also do little planning because there may be days God willing that I may churn out 600 or 700 miles though higly unlikely on a 250cc. New Mexico and Texas can both be real bears with high crosswinds. I've travelled from the four corners to Georgia and back I don't know how many times and have learned to dread crossing the Great Plains. Will it be an adventure? Will I learn the capabilities of the RX3? Yes to both. Will it be fun? At times yes but others no. One will have to "endeavor to persevere" and in doing so will accomplish a deep sense of satisfaction. I think my trip will be much like running a marathon. Just my 2 cents worth.

katoranger · 01-12-2015, 08:14 AM

My trees go straight up.

thillskier · 01-13-2015, 06:10 AM

Many places didn't even have trees it seems , that I drove through

What area of KS are you in?
In Ft Riley, where my Son is stationed, the trees were growing on base and I'm guessing where they are watered, but in the areas before and after town (along the highway) there were very few trees, and they seemed to have the foliage growing mostly on the Southeast side as if fighting a North westerly wind a lot. Once I got closer to KS City, it seemed to get back to trees and more normal looking (for a Bama boy

landscape. Its a great area to fly in and over though..plenty of places to land if needed

! GREAT gas prices also! It was 189 in Junction City (next to Ft Riley), and cheaper on base. Thats about 20-25 cents a gallon cheaper than here!

Are you riding back or undecided yet?

katoranger · 01-13-2015, 08:37 AM

I am not buying an RX3, just along for the digital ride. My house is in SE Kansas along the Oklahoma border. Close to route 66. I know what you are talking about with the trees. We get a mostly South wind and they will tend to lean North. My yard has a lot of large trees that can withstand the wind together more like the South.

Today the gas was a $1.79. $2.69 for diesel. In neighboring Missouri is was $1.69. Oklahoma tends to be even cheaper.

If you do find your way this far North I have a large yard for tents.

thillskier · 01-13-2015, 12:45 PM

Hey, THANKS for the offer of hospitality! I MAY be in the neighborhood, if not on the return ride from Cali, then maybe when I go see my son In April or May...Might be fun to go the shorter less miles (by about 100 miles) through Memphis, TN, and Arkansas, then Southeast KS up to Ft Riley/Manhattan/Junction City areas. That would work out very well for an overnight, especially since I'd be able to shower etc the next day when I got to my sons place. It looks like about 150-225 miles approx on my map to Ft Riley from your area. I saw the name of your town in one post, but can't find it now that I was going to mapquest it to see about coming through your area on the way to my sons next trip....

thillskier · 01-13-2015, 12:55 PM

Sure wish gas was that cheap here! Is it because of taxes being less or your close proximity to Bakken oil fields and less shipping costs?

Still, I'm not complaining too much, as last year, well even 6 months ago, gas was close to 4.00 a gallon, between 3.45 and 3.75-3.80 per gallon! ouch!
I bought a Honda Insight hybrid for the mpg and am still amazed at its efficiency. at 60-65mph I routinely get 60-65 mpg (checked dividing miles by gallons used)! AT 80+ it dropped to approx 45mpg, and 43.5 in KS at 85 into the headwind going out to Ft Riley from KS City

! Still, the 950+ mile trip only cost $48.00 to get there, and 43 back tailwinds made a BIG difference..That was the cold front that cam in on the 3rd of Jan pushed me all the way home, just about

! hehe

It should be nice weather in April and May, correct? Thats when I plan to come visit my son again, and will be passing through your area

...hopefully...

thillskier · 01-13-2015, 12:58 PM

185 miles from ALtamont to Ft Riley, a nice days ride

, Kato.

katoranger · 01-13-2015, 01:58 PM

April and May we are usually warm. Most likely will be mowing grass and planting garden then.

01-10-2015, 03:29 PM	#1
thillskier Banned Join Date: Oct 2014 Posts: 223	ALternate site, with more info, for this interested and watching or riding with us:)! Good site! and some pretty solid help and advice for our ride home. http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic...html#postreply
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01-09-2015, 08:57 PM	#2
SpudRider Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Idaho Posts: 25,054	Thanks for checking in, Miss America. We understand your situation, and we hope things work out well for you. __________________ Spud "Never argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level, and beat you with experience." Mark Twain 2015 Zongshen ZS250GY-3 (RX3) 2006 Zongshen ZS200GY-2 (Sierra 200) 2005 Honda XR650L 2004 Honda CRF250X 1998 Kawasaki KDX220 Mods made to my Zongshen ZS200GY-2: http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=6894
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01-09-2015, 10:41 PM	#3
culcune Join Date: May 2006 Location: Yuma, Arizona Posts: 9,035	If you guys are riding south, come through Yuma! If not, let me know if you are on I 10 and I can meet you guys north of me. Maybe even if you take I 40 and stopover in Lake Havasu. Look at a map and see which route south you think you will take. __________________ "They say that life's a carousel, spinning fast you got to ride it well..." TGB Delivery Scooter 150 TMEC 200 Enduro--carcass is sadly rotting in the backyard
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01-12-2015, 07:22 AM	#6
thillskier Banned Join Date: Oct 2014 Posts: 223	Great, just what is needed for me to know what is wanted needed:). course, it seems that there are two opposite views re this rides time and way to do it. I was thinking a week riding, more or less, not including the flight out and a day to assemble and test the bike, as well as change the seat, add some storage (aforementioned tank and loop bags), pack the bike and hopefully get at least 50-100 miles on it, to see what needs immediate attention (if anything), and get the initial stretch out of the chain. Mark, I agree re the plains, There is a REASON that there are no trees that grow there, or the few that do, are tilted away from the wind direction (REALLY)! hehe That area also does fine riding the long days since there really isn't anything to see or do really there, and making miles to a more hospital place does make sense in that situation (to me). However, I wouldn't mind (actually would really enjoy and appreciate seeing the Havasu Lake area, and meeting up with some owners along the way back to ride, or just discuss bikes and whatever comes to mind, along with a beer or 3. There are some great deals in border towns as well re hotels and food, also, as well as fun stuff to do. So I guess I'm kinda in the middle here. Also doesn't seem viable to try to get any camp space or rooms eithout a schedule, and as everone experienced in mc and other cross country travel knows, ymmv daily, for many reasons. I think I'll leave this up for now, and see who is interested in what type of ride...maybe be 2 or even 3 groups of riders based on time to do trip etc. Thanks for your input everyone, and GL with your ride and planning.
	0

01-10-2015, 09:06 AM	#7
katoranger Join Date: May 2007 Location: Altamont, Kansas Posts: 15,103	Post a route plan if possible. I am sure you will be many hours south of me. That time of year in Southern Kansas or Oklahoma is usually cold. __________________ You meet the nicest people on a Honda Clone.
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01-11-2015, 07:58 AM	#8
Wolftrax Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Blue Ridge Mtns Ga Posts: 437	Just want to share my thoughts in the type of ride I envision. I only have 7 days to pull this off. The first day will be simply be getting to Ca. Keeping 1 day in reserve that leaves me 5 traveling days. It's a 2300 mile trip so I'm going to have to plan on at least 460 mile days. That means at least 9 hours of saddle time per day. This trip is going to be a grind with little time for off-road or sightseeing. I also do little planning because there may be days God willing that I may churn out 600 or 700 miles though higly unlikely on a 250cc. New Mexico and Texas can both be real bears with high crosswinds. I've travelled from the four corners to Georgia and back I don't know how many times and have learned to dread crossing the Great Plains. Will it be an adventure? Will I learn the capabilities of the RX3? Yes to both. Will it be fun? At times yes but others no. One will have to "endeavor to persevere" and in doing so will accomplish a deep sense of satisfaction. I think my trip will be much like running a marathon. Just my 2 cents worth. __________________ Mark 2015 Haosen Hawk 250 2014 CRF250L 2014 CB500X Rally Raid Last edited by Wolftrax; 01-11-2015 at 08:14 AM. Reason: Add
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01-12-2015, 08:14 AM	#9
katoranger Join Date: May 2007 Location: Altamont, Kansas Posts: 15,103	My trees go straight up. __________________ You meet the nicest people on a Honda Clone.
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01-13-2015, 06:10 AM	#10
thillskier Banned Join Date: Oct 2014 Posts: 223	Really, Kato! Many places didn't even have trees it seems , that I drove through What area of KS are you in? In Ft Riley, where my Son is stationed, the trees were growing on base and I'm guessing where they are watered, but in the areas before and after town (along the highway) there were very few trees, and they seemed to have the foliage growing mostly on the Southeast side as if fighting a North westerly wind a lot. Once I got closer to KS City, it seemed to get back to trees and more normal looking (for a Bama boy landscape. Its a great area to fly in and over though..plenty of places to land if needed! GREAT gas prices also! It was 189 in Junction City (next to Ft Riley), and cheaper on base. Thats about 20-25 cents a gallon cheaper than here! Are you riding back or undecided yet?
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01-13-2015, 08:37 AM	#11
katoranger Join Date: May 2007 Location: Altamont, Kansas Posts: 15,103	I am not buying an RX3, just along for the digital ride. My house is in SE Kansas along the Oklahoma border. Close to route 66. I know what you are talking about with the trees. We get a mostly South wind and they will tend to lean North. My yard has a lot of large trees that can withstand the wind together more like the South. Today the gas was a $1.79. $2.69 for diesel. In neighboring Missouri is was $1.69. Oklahoma tends to be even cheaper. If you do find your way this far North I have a large yard for tents. __________________ You meet the nicest people on a Honda Clone.
	0

01-13-2015, 12:45 PM	#12
thillskier Banned Join Date: Oct 2014 Posts: 223	Kato, Hey, THANKS for the offer of hospitality! I MAY be in the neighborhood, if not on the return ride from Cali, then maybe when I go see my son In April or May...Might be fun to go the shorter less miles (by about 100 miles) through Memphis, TN, and Arkansas, then Southeast KS up to Ft Riley/Manhattan/Junction City areas. That would work out very well for an overnight, especially since I'd be able to shower etc the next day when I got to my sons place. It looks like about 150-225 miles approx on my map to Ft Riley from your area. I saw the name of your town in one post, but can't find it now that I was going to mapquest it to see about coming through your area on the way to my sons next trip....
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01-13-2015, 12:55 PM	#13
thillskier Banned Join Date: Oct 2014 Posts: 223	Thats GREAT news re gas pricing as well Sure wish gas was that cheap here! Is it because of taxes being less or your close proximity to Bakken oil fields and less shipping costs? Still, I'm not complaining too much, as last year, well even 6 months ago, gas was close to 4.00 a gallon, between 3.45 and 3.75-3.80 per gallon! ouch! I bought a Honda Insight hybrid for the mpg and am still amazed at its efficiency. at 60-65mph I routinely get 60-65 mpg (checked dividing miles by gallons used)! AT 80+ it dropped to approx 45mpg, and 43.5 in KS at 85 into the headwind going out to Ft Riley from KS City! Still, the 950+ mile trip only cost $48.00 to get there, and 43 back tailwinds made a BIG difference..That was the cold front that cam in on the 3rd of Jan pushed me all the way home, just about! hehe It should be nice weather in April and May, correct? Thats when I plan to come visit my son again, and will be passing through your area...hopefully...
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01-13-2015, 12:58 PM	#14
thillskier Banned Join Date: Oct 2014 Posts: 223	Found it, Kato 185 miles from ALtamont to Ft Riley, a nice days ride, Kato.
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01-13-2015, 01:58 PM	#15
katoranger Join Date: May 2007 Location: Altamont, Kansas Posts: 15,103	April and May we are usually warm. Most likely will be mowing grass and planting garden then. __________________ You meet the nicest people on a Honda Clone.
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