Road trip of a lifetime Ft Bragg - Chicago - Santa Monica - Portland OR

[Foy]

PVT,

I don't ride so I can't really offer suggestions as to what sort of gear you may need in that sense, only to say I would plan on some chilly to cold days even at low elevation in the Northern Rockies.

As to mapping/planning, I would never, as a matter of personal choice, rely solely on any form of mapping software and smartphone/tablet/laptop hardware. Old-school folding maps are available, normally for free, from each state's DOT or tourism department, and ordering a set ahead of time gives you the opportunity to stash them in your saddlebags before you set sail. Getting a folding wall-size map of the US from, for example, the National Geographic Society is a good idea, too, as it will provide the big picture for general planning and a base for you to program more specific routes into whatever app you find will work for your smartphone or other hardware. The Rand-McNally series of US Highway atlases, updated annually, might also be employed, where you may choose to cut out pages of relevant states as well as the "entire Lower 48" map which is at the front of each year's atlas. If it were me, I'd just take the whole dang Atlas, but I'm accustomed to cross-country travel via car or full-size pickup truck where space/weight isn't much of a consideration.

Foy

[PvtBastard]

I'm sorry I didn't mention that in my first post. OF COURSE I'LL HAVE A MAP! I am in the Army you know :) I was referring to electronic navigation. I've learned the hard way not to trust a single source of information. I like to carry a map, even if it's just for situational awareness of what's coming up on my route. Navi's provide a pretty narrow view of where you are, and only provides the next turn. As far a as a world map, we have one on our wall that's about 5'X8' for planning and recording where we've been. The Army does move us around a bit, after all. It has major routes and cities on it, so it good for "big picture" planning. My direct issue though, is I can't find a planning tool out there that will let me make my own specific route, put that route into my navigation system(s) and have that system guide on my specific route. Nav systems are great for getting from point A to B, but it always decides how I get there. As far as the space issue on the bike is concerned, that's actually part of the appeal for me. I can only take so much crap with me, so it really defines what's important. The military in me is very used to necessities only living, organizing pack lists before departure and whatnot. In Germany we travelled via a New Honda Odyssey Van, which we sold before we came back to the states. It was really nice being able to take anything we wanted with us, but we took EVERYTHING we wanted with us. Part of the adventure is having to improvise with what you have. Travelling light also lends itself to a less comfortable, more adventurous outing. I'm not saying suffer, by any means, hell it's a vacation. I'm just saying that many things that you take with you are of little or no true importance. So many times we let things get in the way of just relaxing and enjoying where we are.

[Mark Sedenquist]

Yeah, there are quite literally dozens and dozens of custom mapping programs out there. I'm partial to the one we created, but we've not made it accessible (in any meaningful way for Droids and iPhones). That's something we're working on now.

I've used some of the other mapping programs, but I'm not a fan of any of them for one reason or another.

Have you looked at the Iron Butt saga thread? -- Steve identifies how he tracked his trip and navigation. And as a rider, you'll probably enjoy the narrative. If you're not familiar.... Steve drove through all 50 states on his Victory motorcycle in nine days, 17 hours and 16 minutes. It's a great tale.

Mark

[PvtBastard]

I'm actually a big fan of the map program you have on here! I've only been a member a short time, but the program you have on here is pretyy much exactly what I'm looking for. In my humble opinion though, the only drawback is once you've made your map with all the waypoints and routes you want, there's no way to import this into any navigation program and have it navigate the EXACT route that you have chosen. I've tried this on several kinds avenues, but even if I can import the waypoints (Google Maps) It keeps trying to think for me. If I can't get a decent system, I might be forced to have my wife navigate via map like we did before nav systems. Not a bad way to go, but since I've had navi's, the "discussions" on how to get there have all but ceased. Also, thank you for showing me to the Iron Butt Saga. I'm checking that out now. If any one else has a way to route and import onto any nave system, please post!

[glc]

Here is a thread in the Google forums you may want to read.

Looks like there are a couple possibilities - the CoPilot app for Android, or the Chrome to Phone extension.

[Mark Sedenquist]

In my humble opinion though, the only drawback is once you've made your map with all the waypoints and routes you want, there's no way to import this into any navigation program and have it navigate the EXACT route that you have chosen.

We'd love to have that option too -- but none of the GPS manufacturers have approached us about licensing the application and we lack the 1/2 million $$ it would take to do it on our own... But it's a great idea!

Mark

[Lifemagician]

I'm just saying that many things that you take with you are of little or no true importance. So many times we let things get in the way of just relaxing and enjoying where we are.

I couldn't have said it better myself. (My emphasis!)

Lifey

[PvtBastard]

Upon looking at the possible Temps in the North, along with travel time, I've decided to cut out the last leg of my trip. Once I get to Santa Monica, I'll go along the Southern US. I have a nice spreadsheet I would like to upload, but I can't figure out how. It's an Excel spreadsheet. I'd like to share it to see if everyone agrees with the mileage and price assumptions I've made. I have assumed 40 MPG for a Harley Road King with 130 lbs wife, 250 lbs Me, and full bags. I've assumed gas at last year's national average for spring at 3.83 a gallon, plus .07 cents a mile for wear on the bike. All Hotel prices are the top of their range for each hotel. Hopefully most of these have a military discount :) For this being a fun and spontaneous trip, I do love planning it! Yet again, this is my first real Bike trip and I know it's a big one. Go big or go home, right? Also, does anyone know if it's possible to upload an excel sheet onto here? I know there's a couple excel nerds on here like me that wouldn't mind looking at my numbers.

[glc]

3 ways to upload an Excel file:

1. Convert it to a Word .doc and upload it as an attachment.
2. Zip it and upload the .zip file as an attachment.
3. Convert it to a .pdf and upload it as an attachment.

[PvtBastard]

I've tried all those, I keep getting "Invalid File". Although, it might be a server restriction that I am unaware of. This is a government server. I'll try it on my buddies computer, he's got regular internet here. Thank you for the advice though! You'll know if I'm successful or not, by it being posted on here or not!