Baltimore to Myrtle Beach?

I'm posting this hoping to get some insight from some of the more experienced folks here. My dilemma:

I'm looking at heading to Myrtle Beach for a week with the gf and her kids soon. 5 of us in a car with luggage isn't going to cut it so I was thinking to either take a second car OR my XJ550 Seca. I commute about 42 miles one-way to work on nice days and the longest trip I've made on the bike so far has been a 200+mile loop; which was a pretty fun trip with some of the other folks on the board here. Where I'm at to Myrtle is a little less than 500 miles.

Your comments and/or advice are appreciated.

-Otter

 

i say go for it. If you had no problems on your loop ride and you feel comfortable on the bike for long distances go for it. I would take some rain gear, and basic tools. Plus you would have a way to split up if there was something you wanted to do that no one else wanted to do

 

Oldschool,

I take 600 mile rides at the drop of a hat so you know what my answer would be....BUT, the bike I typically take is a modern 1000cc bike that I've modded for long trips (handlebar risers, customized seat foam, mirror extenders, aux lights, RADAR DETECTOR (saved me a bundle, not legal in VA though), comfort grips and the single best mod for distance is a set of homemade forward pegs to straighten my knees while riding. The first time I took it for a 300 each way trip, I was standing on the pegs at 80mph because of the pain in my knees…and no one made hwy pegs for my bike so I fabbed a set for myself…it makes all the difference in the world.

A 550 is physically small so stretching while you ride, depending on your size could be limited. It has plenty of power and it smooth enough so those aren't issues.
If I remember, you live up in Columbia right?

I'd recommend that you take it out on Rt 95 at 7PM one day this week and ride down to the DC beltway to get an idea of how fast traffic runs....it can be VERY disconcerting if you aren't used to it. Never mind, I just read that you commute 42 miles so you must be riding 95 so you know the deal
If you have a backup plan just in case something breaks that you can’t fix on the side of the road, have at it and enjoy your ride. Pack the rain suit on top! From Balt it’s about a 8-10 hours depending on how many times you stop.

jeff

 

Well, I made it to Myrtle! 500+ miles and had to use my brand new rain gear for 40 of it - very glad I made that purchase before I left. I'm glad I took the bike for the trip but I'm thinking my ass could use a bigger, more comfortable one for these long rides. It wound up taking us 12 hours with traffic and following the woman and her kids down in her car.

Jeff, I'm in Towson.

There are lots of bikes down here. Most of the locals don't wear helmets. I saw one guy in flip-flops. I guess they're braver than I am.

Enjoy Independence Day everyone! I'll be blasting off fireworks on the beach later! They've had fighter jets doing rounds up and down the beach periodically all day. The whole place erupts every time. God Bless America!

 

Have fun bud!

 

Not braver STOOPID!!!

 

Well, I made it home. Over 1100 miles round trip. I wish my seat was gellin! OUCH!

Ok, other than the sore rump, taking the XJ was awesome!

+1 to Iwingameover on the Crampbuster - that helped a lot.

Other than a touring bike, any suggestions on better/more comfortable seating for these long trips?