Ride To The Wall, D.C.

Was talking to a couple of buddies tonight and were seriously talking about riding to the wall in Washington DC this coming August. Its a long way across the country coming from Oregon and will be long days. Were going to take 2 man tents, those roll up mattresses that fill with air (might take a blow up one instead) and a sleeping bag. Were thinking of hitting KOA camp grounds across the country. Still in the planning stages but its been something we have been discussing for quit some time.

We probably will, but the other two guys want KOA's but that could change. I know of some really nice KOA campgrounds out here in the west.

Be sure to take your GPS,
download the KOA campground POI file
that way you'll know if you are close to
one if y'all get tired on the route or
at least it will help you find it.


Also download the latest Red Light camera
and speed enforcement POI file from trapster.com

YOu can use the app on a droid or Iphone
with GPS maping or load files to any Garmin etc...

There is also an HD dealer POI file out there
in case you need dealer help along the way..

Probably not a bad idea but none of us have a GPS for the bike, a KOA book is cheaper and so is a Harley map.

go to CompUSA.com - Computers, Laptops, Televisions, Software, and Electronics from the All-New CompUSA!

sign up for the email specials,
you can get a refurb Garmin for under $80

That is what I did, comes with free first upgrade
of the maps, and it works perfect. Ram Mounts
are $10 for the cradle, all you need is the ball
and U joint mount and arm,

CycleGadgets.com has the ram stuff

It will be the best thing you get for the
trip, it can let you know the miles to the next
fuel stop (very handy in bumfart Montana when you are getting low)
or hotel, KOA, heck there's probably a Titty Bar POI file too LOL

I got no problem crossing the western states been through em several times but and I say a big but its those Eastern states that will get me scared with all their heavy traffic and all those people there.
What's a good GPS model to pickup for the bike that is cheap.

i have heard great things about the garmin, and they ride real nice in the saddle bags to be looked at when your stopped!!!! lol lol

i have thought of doing the wall run, but, i decided against it for a few reasons. it is very intense riding, you are riding with strangers, maybe folks that just bought their bike last week. i like to ride my own pace, not the pace of a pack, and i like to stop and smell the roses. just not my cup of tea. i think what they do and why they do it is great. you get to meet a lot of great folks and see a lot of great places. if it is for you have a great time, and prepare for it. chrome can really fill ya in on what to take, not take, and how the ride actually is. she has left texas, rode to calif. then to dc, then back to texas.....more than once. as i have said in the past, she is a RIDER!!!

dont forget the camera and laptop!!!!

Yea I got to learn more about it. Basically myself and two other guys that I know and have rode many miles with are heading out across the country to DC. I'm thinking of going back by way of North Carolina and stop at my sisters place. Haven't seen her in years. For sure take the camera, don't know about the laptop but would be kind a cool to have one along. I have a Garmin now a 115.00 Costco unit that I use in my truck when doing home inspections because it has bluetooth for the cell phone. Was told it is not good for the bike mounted to the bars as its not water proof and the screen size is not super big. I'll look into what Hotroadking suggested. I've rode in big groups before and if its hot probably won't take a chance on over heating a bike. Got the oil cooler installed but still they can overheat when riding slow like that.

Click here to go to the Compusa GPS Page

Any of the Garmin units will do well, I have the 265W which is a 4.3 inch screen
you can program routes, add POI (Points of Interest) files such as dealers, red light intersections etc.

You can tell it to take you to a specific location and set it to go fastest route
or tell it to stay off interstates, toll roads and it will take you down back roads.
you can just make up your own route and upload the trip.

Gas stations, choose restaurants etc I used it on the way to NC and back
works great. A ram mount means with the twist


These are not "waterproof" units, so if it starts to rain simply pop it off
the mount and put in your pocket or dash bags if it will fit.

The 1300 and up series have lane assist, which means it will
tell you in the big cities if you need to be over in the left
or right lane, and that is a big plus in heavy traffic.

If you want waterproof then the Zumo or HD (they are Zumo)
garmins are good but they are big bucks.

for $90 to $200 you can get everything you need.

Thanks you have been a great help

You are welcome

Basically I looked for the least cost best unit with
features I could use.

Blooteef wasn't important because I don't have a BT headset
and the HK radio isn't BT compatable, unless you buy a module

You can run a cable from the GPS to the Radio to get
instructions through the speakers if you like, and if you like tunes
then you need a GPS that allows you to upload MP3 files so your
tunes play and the GPS chimes in at turns or whatever.

The way I looked at it was buying an under $100 buck unit
that did what I wanted was like buying a bic lighter, it's a throw
away unit in a couple of years, I'll sell it on ebay
someone will get a new unit and I'll upgrade.

If it gets wet well I'm out a few bucks.

Carry a plastic sandwich bag and rubber band
if it rains cover it and band shut the bag
and you'll be fine...

The unit I have is the 265T and only has the 3.5 inch screen. Can you set the 265W up to work through the bikes radio and what mount did you get for it to mount to the bike.

have to update, just noticed Cyclegadget.com is closing down
due to the economy, shame a couple of people started a little company
it grew, they expanded and bam orders down 70%... wow...

Try GPS Cityhttp://bike-talk.com/forum/trips-n-...eries-cradle-ram-hol-ga24u.html"]265 T Cradle

1 inch Ball

1 Inch Arm

U Joint bar mount

I like the handlebar mount that connects at the controls and replaces the screws on the C clamp to the clutch or brake reservoir over the U

RAM-B-309-2U

You might consider putting in a hard wire power connection, or you can use the
lighter cord.

Hard wire connector

None of it's real expensive, at the bike shows they sell this stuff
at $10 per part and up, online it's much less...

PDF on Ram mounts for bikes

Thanks for all the great info. I will probably look into one with a larger scree like the 265W.

Will do, thanks