(1)
What is the "best" motorcycle to ride on the Trans-Am Trail?
I
would NOT recommend any motorcycle smaller than 400cc motor. You need
a "Dual-Sport" motorcycle that you can handle through deep
sand, mud, loose gravel, rocks and snow.
It's
important to be sure your motorcycle is in good shape prior to your
departure. A tune-up and safety check is a good idea (fresh oil, clean
air filter, good tires, correct air pressure, etc.)
(2)
Does my motorcycle have to be street-legal?
Yes.
Your motorcycle MUST be street legal in your home state.
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(3)
When is the best time of the year to ride the Trans-Am Trail?
If
you want to cross Colorado, Utah and Oregon, then your snow-window
will be late June to early September. Keep in mind the desert heat
in Utah and Nevada. Also, snow on the high passes of Colorado usually
doesn't melt enough to allow passage until later in June.
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(4)
Can I ride from West to East?
No.
The TAT Maps and TAT Roll Charts are specifically designed for navigation
from East to West, regardless of which state or what part of the trail
you decided to start in. Do not even think about attempting to navigate
from west to east.
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(5)
How many miles should I plan to ride each day?
The
average days ride is about 200-miles, and that's a full day from 7AM
to 6PM
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(6)
What about fuel stops?
Gas
is plentiful in the eastern sections of the Trans-Am Trail with nothing
over 100-miles between available fuel stations, with an average of
every 60-miles in-between stations. One day in Nevada is 180-miles
for gas between available fuel stations. It's important that you review
your TAT-Maps each night, locate the fuel stops on the TAT-Maps and
plan your fuel stops for the following days ride. Be aware, if you
get a late start and are riding at night, some fuel stations may not
be open. When in doubt, be sure to fill up your tank when it reaches
a half tank. Many areas of the trail are remote - do not wait until
your tank is almost empty before thinking to refuel
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(7)
What about motels?
If
you ride my recommended daily distance, there will be a motel either
on the Trans-Am Trail or easy to find just off the trail, each and
evey night. It is important to locate and plan your overnight stay...
do not risk getting caught in the outback after dark.
It's
important that you review your TAT-Maps each night, locate the hotels
on the TAT-Maps and plan your overnight stay. keeping in mind that
you get a late start and are riding at night, some motels may not
have vacancy. When in doubt, call ahead and make a reservation. Motels
shown on the TAT-Maps are typically modest, yet adequate accommodations
such as Super-8, Days Inn, etc.
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(8)
What about camping?
Many
riders prefer to camp when riding the Trans-Am Trail. So for an added
sense of adventure, pack your tent and plan to camp. Campgrounds,
State Parks and National Parks are NOT listed on the TAT-Roll Charts
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(9)
If I ride the entire Trans-Am Trail, where may I have bike maintenance?
Moab
Utah is about the halfway point of the entire Trans-Am Trail, and
an appropriate place to change oil, get new tires or any other repairs
or maintenance your motorcycle might need. Contact Fred Hink, owner
of Arrowhead Motorsports at 1-435-259-7356 www.arrowheadmotorsports.com.
It's best if you can call ahead to make arrangements... and tell him
Sam sent you.
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(10)
Do I need knobby tires?
Yes.
Knobby tires would be best... but a very good aggressive Dual-Sport
tire would be okay in the Eastern sections of the Trans-Am Trail.
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(11)
Do I need a GPS?
No.
A GPS unit is NOT required to navigate the Trans-Am Trail, but I recommend
one. The main mode of navigation is TAT-Roll Chart/odometer, which
is simple, basic and very accurate. A GPS would be added assurance
and very good backup. If you can just do one or the other, then by
all means, do TAT-Roll Chart/odometer.
TAT-Roll-Charts
are key because of speed of riding - there's little time to look down
to check next turn - roll charts tell you ahead of time what to lookout
for.
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(12)
Do I need a Roll Chart holder?
Yes.
Get one with a wide and long window so you can view a big section
of the TAT-Roll Chart before you have to advance it.
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(13)
What about the TAT-Roll Charts?
The
TAT-Roll Charts are 2-1/4" wide (the size of adding machine paper).
I recommend only loading one days ride at a time, usually from motel
to motel.
The
TAT-Roll Charts are sent to you on 8-1/2" x 11" sheets of
paper, not rolls, with three columns of navigation information per
page, which you will need to cut into rolls. This is done for a very
important reason. It's equally important to review both the TAT-Maps
and the TAT-Roll Charts as an integral part of your planning process.
If the TAT-Roll Charts arrived already rolled, you couldn't look at
them without unrolling them to reveal various areas of the Trans-Am
Trail, very troublesome during planning!
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(14)
Do I need to pack food and water on the motorcycle?
Yes. Pack extra water and bring some food or energy bars. Also, matches
and a flashlight would be a very good idea - and an adequate First-Aid
kit goes without saying.
Hydration
systems are recommended - especially important in the arid climates
of Colorado, Utah and Nevada. How much water do you need? Experts
say you should drink eight ounces of water every 15 minutes during
hard exercise. Think of it as four big glasses of water an hour. Remember,
temperature affects water intake as well. If it's hot out, you'll
need more liquid to stay hydrated. "Studies have shown the best
way to drink water while you're exercising is little shots every five
minutes," White says. "If you just gun back a whole water
bottle, 20 minutes later you're just going to pee the whole thing
out. It won't get into your blood."
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(15)
Are rain gear and warm clothing necessary?
Yes.
You must be able to keep dry and warm, even in the summer months.
In the high elevations of Colorado, summer temperatures can be cold,
even in July and Aug. If caught in the high elevations after dark,
the temperatures can drop significantly.
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