deputydogg2763
04-06-2009, 01:08 AM
Just a short while back, I asked if the GZ could make a long trip. I have only been riding a motorcycle since Sept. 08. I mainly commute back and forth to work. The longest trip that I have made until now has been 3 hours one way. I am proud to say that I made the trip of 500 miles one way with no probs from the bike. I invested in a throttle lock ($40 well spent), installed it with no problem, loaded up a backpack, strapped it on and headed out to Oklahoma City from Memphis. I got a late start on a Saturday and rode about halfway, got a room and got some rest. I got up early the next day and continued the adventure. I took I-40 all the way there and stopped when I needed a stretch and had a great time. I stayed in Oklahoma City until the following Friday and loaded up and headed home. I left early enough that I could make the entire trip in one day if I wanted to. I decided to get off the Interstate some and enjoy the ride a little more. I took I-40 to Sallisaw, Oklahoma, then got off on Highway 64 (which runs parallel to I-40 for about 140 miles). That was nice and relaxing except for hitting Fort Smith, Arkansas right at rush hour on a Friday. Once I got through Fort Smith, it was smooth sailing and nothing but pure riding joy. I took Highway 64 all the way to Conway, Arkansas, and then got back on I-40 the rest of the way back to Memphis. My only complaint is that the ride ended while I was still having a blast, wish it could have been a little longer. My advice to anyone planning a ride like that is to layer (which I did and was very grateful that I did), plan your stretch breaks, don't get in a hurry, and enjoy!!!!!! :cool: Thanks to everyone who gave some good advice before I headed out. This is a great place to come and get info and enjoy some wisdom from those with a few more miles under their belt. :2tup: Hope there are many more enjoyable rides!