Planning a trip, Advice? Route? Suggestions?

Somebody must have changed the wheels on that bike before you got it Fatboy. They originally were 17" both front and back, and were fitted with radials in 2007 to present.

Metzelers are OK, but I think they are about the same as Dunlops--only much more expensive. Michelins are quite a bit less money than Metzelers.

My Fatboy is an '05 model and although I have Thunderstars now I still have the original 16" solid fatboy wheels. By the way, ordering from Dennis Kirk the Metzelers are a lot less than dealer and Indy Dunlops!

I couldn't find a 150x16 FRONT in the Elite! Plenty of 16" rears, very little 150x16 FRONTS!!!!!

I'm going with cowboy and the metzelers. Like I said earlier Metzeler on my tires would personalize my bike!

Have dealt with Dennis Kirk. Very happy. Free shipping, Odrered on Mon. tires at my door Wed.

I like the Avon Speedmasters I have. Retro tread and they track really well.

Not sure if the guy who started this post is still checking it, but I did write a book on the subject.

Actually, I changed a lot on my second cross-country trip. Took a lot less stuff, did a lot less planning, had an extra 30,000 miles on the bike and still made it home alive.

No reason to skip the mountains in the middle of August. I rode out from New Hampshire and moved to Colorado after riding in the mountains here. If that doesn't say something, I don't know what would. :roflmao:

Good to see you here again Abby. Yup, you would be the person to ask about taking a long ride out West. I know everyone has an opinion on what's best to bring or what road to try, but the correct answer is "How adventurous are you?" Glad to see you still have that great sense of adventure.

Loved your book and was wondering if there is a sequel in the works?

I think so. I just became a member of Sober Souls MC, something I never thought I'd do, and I couldn't be happier. A lot of my story is struggles with relationships, and being in this club helps with that. I don't have to be with someone to fit in with the group. It's a battle being a single woman who loves to ride and the lifestyle as much as I do. Not complaining or saying it should be different, but it's hard to find my place. It's really interesting, and I think a good sequel to the book.

I guess I don't understand your battle of being single. If you are already single, isn't life easier doing what you love without worrying about a disapproving partner? The problem has always been trying to find someone who shares your passion but is also compatible enough to be in a relationship. That's a tough one, and one that I would leave alone without the search engine (dating services) running.

To all you guys who's wife lets you ride anytime and anywhere, AND still loves you--you are very lucky. If she wants to ride along with you--you are blessed.

Forget about the stereotypes Abby. Just enjoy what you have and what you do, and someone will be there for you when you least expect it.

"Life According To Dr. Alex"

See, that's not what I mean at all. I'm fine being single. The holidays totally sucked though. Completely alone. Seeing my married friends on Facebook going here and there, and me sitting at home or going out to dinner alone. Now I know I can make a call or two, and I've got someone to ride with or meet out somewhere. The point is I can still be single, but I don't have to be alone. I know if I need help, I've got it. I love it.

OK, this has gone totally off subject... :roflmao:

Hey Abby.

That's OK Abby--we'll go anywhere you want to.

Yeah, but the poor new guy who started the thread is probably :rant:

:roflmao:

Oh, he probably got all the advice he needed. Besides, I don't recall any conversation I've ever been in that stayed on the same subject for long!

I am one those fortunate people who have an understanding wife when it comes to riding. She only asks that I remember to take my cell phone along on rides.

Maybe he's on his trip/ride already?

Haha, I haven't looked back in a while and finally had a chance to read everything. This thread has taken some turns. I don't mind at all. Since the last time I've posted(I think) I've gotten Crash bar, highway pegs, a windshield(which I'm still trying to adjust correctly). First time I've had one and been trying to figure out the best adjustment for it. So far it seems like I'm going to have to angle it so that my head is still exposed to the wind but it gets rid of the parachute affect on the highway. I got some throw over saddlebags and a duffle bag for the back. Since I just bought the bike a few months ago I'm not sure if I'm going to need new tires. Any idea what the tread should be at before I leave? Am I just going to have to get new ones to be on the safe side? I know I'm going to have to change the chain before I go and I still need to get a camelback since that seems to be a good idea. I might end up going by myself since my friends seem to be complaining about finances and not having enough for the trip. Bad idea doing it alone? I might be meeting up with someone in colorado for the remainder of the ride to los angeles but thats not 100% yet. I hooked up a pigtail and cigarette charger for my phone and gps. Since I'll be alone I'm debating whether or not to camp out very often or at all since I'm not very experienced at it. Still have 5 months to plan and do all the maintenance before I go.