From Minneapolis to New York, via motorcycle

[Mechanic79]

I'm looking to ride from Minneapolis to NY.
I'm familiar from MN to IN but that's about it.


1. I was thinking I can take I94 to I90 to I80 all the way. but that's boring freeway driving. but fastest.

2. or I could go 10/61 in MN to IA then cut across to 80 until Cleveland. then split off to HWY 6 to NY. This way would be scenic at the begining and the end of the trip with freeway in the middle.

3. Or I could 10/61 to HWY 6 and take HWY 6 the entire way. slowest but most scenic I'm sure.


I have 8 days to drive but would like two days in NY.

[punkncat]

I generally liked to stay off the Interstate while riding. Too fast and too busy to see anything. My preferred travel was on backroads at a slow speed so I could actually enjoy things.

Make sure that you have the time and money to stop frequently, stretch your legs, take things in. And most of all to be able to stop in bad weather. Nothing ruins a cycle trip more than soggy underwear....

GL

[Mechanic79]

Thanks for the advice punkncat. That's also my kind of thinking!

Here is my experience:
I've been riding since 1997. I've ridden to Sturgis, SD and around WY twice. I've been to Kentucky and back. Most trips averages about 2400 miles round trip.

This will be my longest trip yet. I guess it will be around 2800 miles round trip and will be solo.

I like to be prepared, so does anyone live on the route from IN to NY? that knows the area(s).

[skife]

what bike do you ride?

[Mechanic79]

what bike do you ride?

This is my third bike. I started on a 1997 Ninja 500R, then a 1998 Virago 1100, now an 07 Suzuki GSXR 750. Actually I've been to Sturgis, SD and around WY on all three bikes.

[skife]

This is my third bike. I started on a 1997 Ninja 500R, then a 1998 Virago 1100, now an 07 Suzuki GSXR 750. Actually I've been to Sturgis, SD and around WY on all three bikes.

that sounds like a really long ride on a sport bike.

[Mechanic79]

I made it. 8 days door to door. 3361.x miles. awesome!

[punkncat]

Glad to hear you made it safe and sound.

A little farther along your way on the "iron butt" designation.....

[Ando]

How many tickets?

[Mechanic79]

Thanks Punkncat. No tickets, was close twice though. Wi has the absolute most highway patrol I've ever seen! and the roads going around Chicago are terrible. the rest of the trip was awesome!
Toll roads are highway robbery. what a total joke! but they know how to stick it to us!

[punkncat]

Paintball pants work great for riding.....until (heaven forbid) you go down. Then the nylon melts and sticks to your skin.

Did you ride the Devil's highway for a while?

[Mechanic79]

Paintball pants work great for riding.....until (heaven forbid) you go down. Then the nylon melts and sticks to your skin.

Did you ride the Devil's highway for a while?

Any pants would suck going down in. I was wearing 3/4 sliding shorts underneath too! better than nothing plus they work great when weather is hot and/or rain!

I use a Dye Weekender bag as my tail bag! It works great on the gixxxer! I love re-purposing paintball items for other uses!


The Devil Highway is awesome follows a river. I've never been on a road that had so many up and down hills. it was truly like a roller coaster!

[trevorjk]

Wisconsin has financial issues. so they have absolutely stepped up enforcement on the highways. just do 5 over and you won't have issues. also, sucks you went the chicago route, EVERYTHING is under construction

[Hilltop Customs]

NO GLOVES?!?!?!

[Mechanic79]

Wisconsin has financial issues. so they have absolutely stepped up enforcement on the highways. just do 5 over and you won't have issues. also, sucks you went the chicago route, EVERYTHING is under construction

On the way to NY I went I90 to I39 South. On my way back to MN I90 was at a dead stop so I opted for I94 through Chicago and Milwaukee. I actually didn't hit much traffic either way but the opposite direction was terrible in many spots. I hate the Tolls the most.

I actually have 2 pair of gloves, Light tarmac style and heavy rain proof. We were swapping taking pics so it was easier to leave the gloves off for that!