First long journey on my PXC - need advice.

[Fran]

I'm planning on driving from Manchester UK to Chard in Somerset. It's about 250 miles. I don't have a license so I'm not doing motorways. The Sat Nav app on my phone reckons on a 5 hour journey, but it calculates based on 68 mph most of the time. Realistically how long is it likely to take? I've only ever ridden for 6 miles on my bike. Also, is it likely to be very cold or tiring doing that much in one go? I'm not young and my back is a bit dodgy. Any other tips or advice? Obviously I will check my tyres and water.

[gn2]

I reckon it will be about five to six hours of riding,
You'll need at least one fuel stop.
The scooter will probably find it easier than you will.
If it was me I would prefer to take the bus rather than ride a PCX for that distance.

http://www.rome2rio.com/s/Manchester/Chard

[DAB]

If the most you have ever rode is 6 miles, have you ever been at 60 mph?. Try a 50 miles trip around the Peak district to see how you feel. If you live in south Manchester it may be possible in 6 hours but with your experience I would guess nearer 8 hours. Would you be travelling at night?
I suspect you will find it very difficult.

[you you]

10 hours from beginning to end.

It's not difficult, you are just sitting riding, more a test of endurance.

If you have to endure it you might as well enjoy it.

Hope it's not raining. Not Manchester obviously

[you you]

I'm planning on driving from Manchester UK to Chard in Somerset. It's about 250 miles. I don't have a license so I'm not doing motorways. The Sat Nav app on my phone reckons on a 5 hour journey, but it calculates based on 68 mph most of the time. Realistically how long is it likely to take? I've only ever ridden for 6 miles on my bike. Also, is it likely to be very cold or tiring doing that much in one go? I'm not young and my back is a bit dodgy. Any other tips or advice? Obviously I will check my tyres and water.

Is that 6 miles in total?

[Fran]

Seems like the general consensus is that it's gonna be tough. I think the idea of a longer test ride is a good one, I'll do one. If it's raining it will make it much harder obviously. If it's really bad I can put it off a day or two. No I've not only ridden 6 miles in total 'you you', lol, I do it twice a day, have been for a few months. I've not ridden at 60mph properly, maybe touched 55 a few times when I was being naughty. My route has a few 40 limit bits, but I mostly ride at night through an empty industrial area so I do go faster. Thanks for the bus info gn2, I'll see how a test ride goes next week.

[Fran]

If the most you have ever rode is 6 miles, have you ever been at 60 mph?. Try a 50 miles trip around the Peak district to see how you feel. If you live in south Manchester it may be possible in 6 hours but with your experience I would guess nearer 8 hours. Would you be travelling at night?
I suspect you will find it very difficult.

I considered doing it at night as it would fit in with my sleep pattern, but I'm worried about hitting a pothole so I'll do it in the daytime. However I might start in the early hours and beat the rush hour at least in Greater Manchester or whatever my first section is classified as. Trouble is my sleep's all over the place. Also I'll be working until 10pm the night before I leave. I do live in South Manchester, close to the A56, so without traffic it's pretty quick to get south of Altrincham. I'll definitely do a test ride as you suggest.

[you you]

Yes work up to it.

I usually break a big journey down into chunks. I generally break it into quarters if I'm by myself or 100 mile stints if it's with the family/dog

[Fran]

Yes work up to it.

I usually break a big journey down into chunks. I generally break it into quarters if I'm by myself or 100 mile stints if it's with the family/dog

You mean per day or just take a break?

[Embattle]

I reckon 6-7 hours, you'll be going quite a bit slower than 68 and to be honest it isn't really going to be nice at all.

[DailyRider]

A dodgy back and a stock seat?
I would definitely try 50 and 100 mile (round trip) rides first.

[you you]

Yes work up to it.

I usually break a big journey down into chunks. I generally break it into quarters if I'm by myself or 100 mile stints if it's with the family/dog

You mean per day or just take a break?

Per journey. It's more than taking a break. Once you get over the second quarter you know you've broken the back of it, third and your on the home stretch.

[Fran]

A dodgy back and a stock seat?
I would definitely try 50 and 100 mile (round trip) rides first.

Will do one on Thursday.

I reckon 6-7 hours, you'll be going quite a bit slower than 68 and to be honest it isn't really going to be nice at all.

Right. I'll allow 8 hours with breaks and psyche myself up for the worst.

Per journey. It's more than taking a break. Once you get over the second quarter you know you've broken the back of it, third and your on the home stretch.

Makes a lot of sense. 60 miles (a quarter of the journey) doesn't sound too mad, only 10x the most I've ever ridden! If I can do that in an hour and a half and then have, say, a half hour break, shouldn't be so bad.

[roger44]

I'm planning on driving from Manchester UK to Chard in Somerset. It's about 250 miles. I don't have a license so I'm not doing motorways. The Sat Nav app on my phone reckons on a 5 hour journey, but it calculates based on 68 mph most of the time. Realistically how long is it likely to take? I've only ever ridden for 6 miles on my bike. Also, is it likely to be very cold or tiring doing that much in one go? I'm not young and my back is a bit dodgy. Any other tips or advice? Obviously I will check my tyres and water.

at least 7 hours moving, plus a 10 min stop every hour to rest thats another hour at least.
so in total Id would allow 8 hours daylight time. dont even think about doing it at night, you will be killed.

[Fran]

I'm planning on driving from Manchester UK to Chard in Somerset. It's about 250 miles. I don't have a license so I'm not doing motorways. The Sat Nav app on my phone reckons on a 5 hour journey, but it calculates based on 68 mph most of the time. Realistically how long is it likely to take? I've only ever ridden for 6 miles on my bike. Also, is it likely to be very cold or tiring doing that much in one go? I'm not young and my back is a bit dodgy. Any other tips or advice? Obviously I will check my tyres and water.

at least 7 hours moving, plus a 10 min stop every hour to rest thats another hour at least.
so in total Id would allow 8 hours daylight time. dont even think about doing it at night, you will be killed.

Ok well sun rises at 5.30am now so I can set off around then if I've managed to get a bit of kip.

[gn2]

Riding at night can be easier because there is much less traffic.

[honkerman]

I've done the long distance thing on three different bikes, two of them being 150cc scooters (see my blog linked below). From experience, I'd suggest investing in some sort of seat cushion, or a sheepskin. I've done 300+ miles in 9 hours, with stops every 50 miles or so, and it can be done, but I'd have been more comfortable with a seat pad.

[Carl]

I do a 33 mile commute each way. I need to stretch i.e move onto the pillion seat for 5 mins after 50 miles or so. About half way on the return journey.

I plan to do Kent to Bristol soon. Long Way Across. 180 miles. Plan to do it in one day then go onto South West Wales the next day. Will take 3 days to get back via the Black Mountains/Brecon Beacons.

Apparently someone has driven a PCX from the UK to India!

[DailyRider]

It's also good to give your gear a good test before you use it for a longer ride.

Stuff that works fine for 10 miles or less can become really uncomfortable.

[gn2]

It's also good to give your gear a good test before you use it for a longer ride.

Stuff that works fine for 10 miles or less can become really uncomfortable.

So true.
I once bought a new helmet (Centurion 2000) which felt super comfy when I tried it on in the shop and was OK for short local rides but later found I couldn't wear it for long periods.