Author Topic: Long ride Costs??? (Read 2874 times)

Warwgn · « **on:** January 16, 2018, 07:51:30 pm »

So planning a big ride this summer with a friend and at this point I have the time off and should be able to easily keep enough time off on the books. First hurdle cleared, second is planning the route which has evolved to version 4.0 but looks like we are dialed in fairly close. Third is where to sleep, I got it set up for 2 nights with friends along the way and 2 nights at hotels, and the other 12 nights are camping so still will need to call and make reservations.

So most of the logistics are dialed in, now just got to figure out how to pay for the trip these are my figures:

Fuel   $600.00 (35 fill ups at $15 bucks each then rounded up)
Food   $650.00 ($40 a day for 16 days..10 for bfast and 15 for lunch and 15 for dinner average)
Campsites   $300.00 ($40 a night x 12 nights but it's split between 2 of us)
Hotel   $200.00 (each planned hotel is under $100 a night again divided by 2)
Nick Nacks   $100.00 (Gotta get souvenirs and s*** for the kids and my Girlfriend)
Emergency   $500.00 (Replace a tire, tent, air mattress...etc)
MISC   $200.00 (Should be enough for extra unknowns, tolls, ferry's...)
Margin $382 (added 15% to the total above as margin of error, fuel prices, extra taxes...)

So my question is does this seem like a good base to those that have done long rides similar to this? Or am I just way off in my thinking?

connie_rider · « **Reply #1 on:** January 16, 2018, 08:00:51 pm »

My guess is your figuring a bit on the high side.
But, Ya forgot 1 important item..
Beer $$$ ?

Ride safe, Ted

Warwgn · « **Reply #2 on:** January 16, 2018, 08:02:54 pm »

So just read this again and was wrong on days but leaving the totals as is, just extra cushion:

campsite will only need to pay for 10 nights
Staying with friends 4 nights, forgot we changed the plan after doing the budget
still 2 nights at hotel
and the last day I will be home

And we do plan to frequent as many Pubs while we are in the north, so your prolly right dinners may be more

ron203 · « **Reply #3 on:** January 16, 2018, 08:09:18 pm »

Tips and sales tax? Go high on the fuel cost (summer you know). Tolls and ferry crossings?

Warwgn · « **Reply #4 on:** January 16, 2018, 08:16:58 pm »

Quote from: ron203 on January 16, 2018, 08:09:18 pm

Tolls and ferry crossings?

Yep, at least 2 ferry rides right now, could do it without them but looks fun and not very long on them so why not. Hitting 21 states in the US and 4 in Canada and Prince Edward Island just because it would be a shame to be that close and pass it

fred-houston · « **Reply #5 on:** January 16, 2018, 08:44:01 pm »

Quote from: Warwgn on January 16, 2018, 07:51:30 pm

So planning a big ride this summer with a friend and at this point I have the time off and should be able to easily keep enough time off on the books. First hurdle cleared, second is planning the route which has evolved to version 4.0 but looks like we are dialed in fairly close. Third is where to sleep, I got it set up for 2 nights with friends along the way and 2 nights at hotels, and the other 12 nights are camping so still will need to call and make reservations.

So most of the logistics are dialed in, now just got to figure out how to pay for the trip these are my figures:

Fuel   $600.00 (35 fill ups at $15 bucks each then rounded up)
Food   $650.00 ($40 a day for 16 days..10 for bfast and 15 for lunch and 15 for dinner average)
Campsites   $300.00 ($40 a night x 12 nights but it's split between 2 of us)
Hotel   $200.00 (each planned hotel is under $100 a night again divided by 2)
Nick Nacks   $100.00 (Gotta get souvenirs and s*** for the kids and my Girlfriend)
Emergency   $500.00 (Replace a tire, tent, air mattress...etc)
MISC   $200.00 (Should be enough for extra unknowns, tolls, ferry's...)
Margin $382 (added 15% to the total above as margin of error, fuel prices, extra taxes...)

So my question is does this seem like a good base to those that have done long rides similar to this? Or am I just way off in my thinking?

When I travel and sharing a room I budget $100.00 a day in the US and $125.00 in Canada. If I am traveling alone then I budget $125.00 in the US and $150.00 in Canada per day. This is for fuel, food and lodging. I don't camp, but I expect you could lower the daily budget since you are.

I also carry very little cash, I do most all my purchases with a credit card.

Texas Concours14 · « **Reply #6 on:** January 16, 2018, 08:59:35 pm »

On road trips I carry two credit cards; one in my wallet and one on the bike (along with extra cash on bike) in case wallet is lost or stolen.

gPink · « **Reply #7 on:** January 16, 2018, 09:51:56 pm »

Make sure you give your credit card companies a heads up that your card will be traveling. I forgot one time and got a primary card shut down.

Just Cliff · « **Reply #8 on:** January 16, 2018, 10:37:53 pm »

I typically carry $100.00 a day for everyday I plan to be gone. Normally I come home with 1/2 to 2/3's of it. I don't buy nick knacks, always camp & fix many meals in camp. Always carry cash, I like to return home with no bill coming. I carry a credit card should a emergency arrive.

Works for me, but I'm a cheap B-----D!

Cliff

Rico · « **Reply #9 on:** January 17, 2018, 01:51:35 am »

Quote from: Just Cliff on January 16, 2018, 10:37:53 pm

I typically carry $100.00 a day for everyday I plan to be gone. Normally I come home with 1/2 to 2/3's of it. I don't buy nick knacks, always camp & fix many meals in camp. Always carry cash, I like to return home with no bill coming. I carry a credit card should a emergency arrive.

Works for me, but I'm a cheap B-----D!

Cliff

I like the way you plan. I was planning about the same, starting with your place this April and then doing 2 to 3 more weeks around the SW.

SteveJ. · « **Reply #10 on:** January 17, 2018, 01:57:50 am »

Beer in Canada is not cheap. Plan accordingly.

You camping numbers are probably a bit high for Canada. The conversion rate really helps for this.

Gas is also spendy up there.

Consider swinging through Campobello on the NB/ME border. Nice provincial park on the NB side nearby. Then there are two ferry rides into mainland NB. Way pretty going through there.

Jorge · « **Reply #11 on:** January 17, 2018, 02:22:57 am »

Seems reasonable.
Some items may be overestimated, but that's good as it will be a happy surprise if you spend less.
You will spend roughly $10-15 per day on little things along the way, like snacks, bottled water, Gatorade, etc. Not worrying about spending on these little things will help you get them, you will stay more alert, better hydrated, and enjoy the trip more.
Depending on where you are going, you may want to get a toll road transponder. Getting money/change in bad enough on a car, but on a bike... get a transponder. We did for a couple of long trips going into New England area, and were VERY glad we did.

Then.. ENJOY!!!

So... where is the trip?

gsun · « **Reply #12 on:** January 17, 2018, 02:55:40 am »

What's a budget?

Warwgn · « **Reply #13 on:** January 17, 2018, 01:58:58 pm »

Quote from: Jorge on January 17, 2018, 02:22:57 am

Seems reasonable.
Some items may be overestimated, but that's good as it will be a happy surprise if you spend less.
You will spend roughly $10-15 per day on little things along the way, like snacks, bottled water, Gatorade, etc. Not worrying about spending on these little things will help you get them, you will stay more alert, better hydrated, and enjoy the trip more.
Depending on where you are going, you may want to get a toll road transponder. Getting money/change in bad enough on a car, but on a bike... get a transponder. We did for a couple of long trips going into New England area, and were VERY glad we did.

Then.. ENJOY!!!

So... where is the trip?

All good advise.

going from Mississsippi east to the coast then north to Nova Scotia, see Oak Island, Ride the Cabot trail then back down catch ferry to Prince Edward. Then make our way up to Gaspe and along the coast and catch anothe ferry across to Baie comeau then ride across Canada on 167 and 113 to moonbeam Ontario, keep going west and back into the US on the other side of Lake Superior into Minnesota then back south to Mississippi. Taking 2 weeks vacation time but the ride will take 16 days, the other guy going likes to stop and see things, but that is why I invited him to slow me down, when I am alone I barely look to the side of the road and only stop for gas.

Should be a fun trip with lots of cool stuff, route has us go through 21 US states and 4 in Canada.

RWulf · « **Reply #14 on:** January 17, 2018, 02:03:42 pm »

Way over planned, I bet you even have a route planed out.
What ever happend to adventure?

Warwgn · « **Reply #15 on:** January 17, 2018, 02:20:09 pm »

I'll save the adventure rides for. when I am retired or dont have time and money constrains. 25 states and 7000 miles in 16 days takes a little planning and prep. Have to coordinate staying with 3 different friends and also being in Missouri on the right day for a meet n greet, so had to figure a few thing out. Of course it's all just a plan, once we are on the road you gotta go with the flow and plans can change along with routes.

connie_rider · « **Reply #16 on:** January 17, 2018, 02:37:18 pm »

Enjoy your ride!!
Wish I were going too..

Ride safe, Ted

SteveJ. · « **Reply #17 on:** January 17, 2018, 05:15:44 pm »

Quote from: Warwgn on January 17, 2018, 01:58:58 pm

Quote from: Jorge on January 17, 2018, 02:22:57 am
Seems reasonable.
Some items may be overestimated, but that's good as it will be a happy surprise if you spend less.
You will spend roughly $10-15 per day on little things along the way, like snacks, bottled water, Gatorade, etc. Not worrying about spending on these little things will help you get them, you will stay more alert, better hydrated, and enjoy the trip more.
Depending on where you are going, you may want to get a toll road transponder. Getting money/change in bad enough on a car, but on a bike... get a transponder. We did for a couple of long trips going into New England area, and were VERY glad we did.

Then.. ENJOY!!!

So... where is the trip?

All good advise.

going from Mississsippi east to the coast then north to Nova Scotia, see Oak Island, Ride the Cabot trail then back down catch ferry to Prince Edward. Then make our way up to Gaspe and along the coast and catch anothe ferry across to Baie comeau then ride across Canada on 167 and 113 to moonbeam Ontario, keep going west and back into the US on the other side of Lake Superior into Minnesota then back south to Mississippi. Taking 2 weeks vacation time but the ride will take 16 days, the other guy going likes to stop and see things, but that is why I invited him to slow me down, when I am alone I barely look to the side of the road and only stop for gas.

Should be a fun trip with lots of cool stuff, route has us go through 21 US states and 4 in Canada.

Bummer on your routing, you're gonna miss the goose in Wawa.

Red Fox · « **Reply #18 on:** January 18, 2018, 07:59:09 pm »

Looks good. I find Canada travel, like the others, to be bit more expensive - but it's so nice there and the drivers (at least in western Canada) are more fast bike tolerant than in the western US!

I'd plan on a couple more nights in hotels, since camping in the rain is no fun. I've yet to make a camping reservation, always going by luck and chance, but it's been decades since I camped beyond the west, so I've no current knowledge of whether this is advisable in your destinations.

Post up a trip report with a few photos ??

Warwgn · « **Reply #19 on:** January 18, 2018, 09:50:29 pm »

will do, report is easy, pics are hard since photobucket went crazy, that and the last trip I took up to Niagara and back over. a 4 day weekend I only managed to take 17 photos over 17 states and 2500 miles. I am not a big stop and take pics guy but I will get ateast 25 or so.

Bud · « **Reply #20 on:** January 18, 2018, 11:32:52 pm »

Put google photos on your phone and computers. Besides free photo backup and sync, you can share photos like you did with photo bucket.

Jorge · « **Reply #21 on:** January 20, 2018, 01:53:37 am »

Sounds like a good ride.
I agree with a basic plan. No plan, you have no idea where you are. Something comes up that you think you'd like to make an extended stop, you can make the choice and compare it with what you will miss. No plan, you end up stopping and sometimes regretting because you missed something you really wanted to visit.
BTW... my wife and I have been on trips as long as 11 days (not camping) and all fit into the saddlebags, and about 1/3 of a round duffel bag on the luggage rack - yes, she can pack light

Warwgn · « **Reply #22 on:** April 30, 2018, 02:34:39 pm »

Well getting close only a month out, time to get the bike ready. I have a new front tire on the way, wheel bearings front and rear, brakes front and rear, and a new filter and oil. All that should show up this week so can get it done this weekend and ride it a few weeks to make sure the bike is good to go with no surprises. Route has continued to evolve and change, at least the first few days, didn't think about the traffic issues of memorial day along the east coast so will cut north much earlier and skip Delaware and New Jersey all together, heading up through the western side of Virgina to pick up the BRP and then 81 on up to Harrisburg PA area.

Anyway, starting to get excited but also wondering what all I am forgetting?

Harry Martin · « **Reply #23 on:** April 30, 2018, 03:03:50 pm »

On my last long ride, like around 9 hours in the saddle, I just gave up plans for meals.
Instead, at every gas stop, I had ice cream.

That was the best decision ever.

All I could think of between gas stops was my next ice cream.
It was just the right amount of rest and nurishment I needed to keep going.
The Camelbak kept me hydrated.

Gypsy JR · « **Reply #24 on:** April 30, 2018, 05:50:33 pm »

In my travels, I came to the conclusion there is never too much money.