Across Canada and back through the USA

[jensen]

Hi,

I did some "long distance" rides on my hawk to Italy (Milan area) and back.
It's 1200 km and across the alps. It took 3 days to cover the distance, 3 loooong days (yes, I took the tunnel)

Friday leaving at 5 am, arrival Sunday 7.00 pm. When I got the CB400F running, I took the CB400 to do this distance, and next year I'm planning to do it on the CB450.

I would never think of taking the C77 dream covering this distance, far to dangerous, virtually no breaks, no solid frame, and certainly no comfortable spring setup. Did you read my mail concerning the dream ? I could do it on a C dream, but no more then 200 km a day, as an absolute maximum.

O yes, did I mention that my CB72 '67 has Ohlins shocks, progressive front springs, working breaks, and a new modern upholstered comfy seat ? (flat double, not the small one). That I was wearing a kidney belt all day, and still have a sour back at the end of the day ? Did I mention it was summer, no rain, and mostly in the weekend when the roads are more or less empty ?

I would advice you avoiding the high way, taking small roads and settle for 150 to 200 miles a day, depending on how it's going. O and yes, and take a few rest days as well, as your back will be thankful for that.

I'm not familiar with the US roads, but if you drive 50 miles an hour on a 65 miles an hour road, you are constantly watching your mirrors, so I suggest to bolt some mirrors onto it.

btw, the picture shows water superior

Jensen

[Vince Lupo]

Hi,

btw, the picture shows water superior

Jensen

Nice water Jensen, but after a long day riding I think I'd rather have this....

[jensen]

Hi,

Yes, you're right Vince, but the water comes from the place where I go, not what I like to drink after a log ride. When in Italy I rather drink red wine, here at home I drink all kinds of beer (belgium, dutch and German).

Jensen

[Vince Lupo]

Suppose you could stop for the Kriek on the way to the Pellegrino!

[jensen]

Hi,

Yes, and stop at Duvel, Dentergems, Hoegaarden (especially grand cru) or Leffe Vieille Cuvée or one of my favorites Mort Subite Gueuze. I don't think I'll ever arrive in Italy. Here a picture of my CB400F in front of the Grolsch brewery (one of the best dutch beers, try it, you'll love it) in Boekelo
Jensen

[Vince Lupo]

That's another reason why I think this trip of Sascha's would take at least 6 weeks -- particularly on the Dream. Gotta take time to see the sights (and sites), and not just blast your way through (as much as one could 'blast' on a Dream!).

Back in '89 I did my 'big' trip -- Toronto to Fairbanks, AK, down to Skagway, AK, then on the ferries down the coast to Vancouver Island, rode down to Victoria, BC, then over to Vancouver, BC, then back home through the States (Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota etc etc). That trip took 31 days, and it was about 11,000 miles. Plus, I was riding a CB900F with a sidecar. I probably spent way too much time riding and not enough time seeing things and relaxing/recovering (except for the time on the ferries down the Alaska/BC coastline, where you didn't really have much choice!), and probably could have added at least another 10 days to the trip. Plus, I lost a week in Thunder Bay, Ont. due to a blown piston, and had to wait for the local shop to get the replacement from Wiseco, install it, etc (and believe me, a week in Thunder Bay is like a year in Thunder Bay). Then I chose to ride 1100 miles in one day to make up for the lost time and finally get me the heck out of Ontario (Hello Saskatoon!).

I guess the point being that things can and do happen, and this was a much bigger and more capable bike than a 305 Dream, not to mention being about 16 years newer. Have no clue how a bike like the Dream would do going through Rogers Pass in British Columbia or the California desert (if it made it that far), particularly loaded down with gear. Not necessarily saying that it absolutely can't be done, but based upon all the factors we've raised here.......well, you know where we're headed with this.

If you look on the web, somewhere you'll find the story of two guys who rode their SuperHawks from Boston (I think) to California. Don't know if they just did it one-way or round-trip, but at least it gives you some idea. Oh, and they had their wives trailing them in the RV. But hey, look at Robert Pirsig, and see what he and his late son Chris did back in '68, so there is hope!

However, if I were to seriously plan a trip on a Dream, it would be a lot shorter, and a lot flatter -- particularly with that clubman bar/thinly padded solo seat configuration you have going, and the fact that the Dream pumps out only about 22hp on a good day (and maybe downhill with a stiff tailwind at that?). Additionally, I'd make sure that I joined the AMA and added the MOTOW option (the motorcycle equivalent of AAA/CAA).

But this is just one person's early morning thoughts/ramblings, and I'm sure others might have differing (and maybe better) opinions on the matter, including you....it's coffee time kids!