Well, we had a close call today, and had the time of our lives trying to stretch our fuel supply. When we came to the Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort, after riding about 300 miles to get there, we still had “plenty” of fuel. My R1200RT showed that I still had about 40 miles to empty, my Uncle’s R1150RT showed that he still had more than a gallon left, as the low fuel light was not on. We made it to the North Carolina and Tennessee border, and his light came on. With the unreasonable 30 MPH speed trap speed limit on US 129 “The Tail of the Dragon” we were stuck in second and third gears, which is not good for fuel. Turning onto the Foothills Parkway, with 24 miles to home, and 16 miles to the nearest gas, my computer now read 8 miles to empty. We rode to the summit of the Foothills Parkway, and shut the bikes off, employing what those of us in Ohio call “West Virginia Overdrive” but you are free to pick your own state, if you are from Georgia, it could be “Alabama Overdrive.” In other words, we shut the bikes off and coasted down from the summit, over 8 miles. There is a gas station at the end of the Parkway, on US 321. At the end of the Parkway, we started the bikes, turned onto US-321, and into the gas station. WE MADE IT. We pulled up to the pumps and were out of the woods. For the entire 8 mile coasting session, my bike showed “Gas —” In other words “Hey Dummy, you should have bought gas an hour ago!!!! You are now out!!!!” Anyway, here is a photo of the gas station that would save us.

That’s right people, they no longer sell gas!  According to the GPS, the next station is 5 miles away, and we do not have the gas to make the trip.  We set out in the direction of the gas station, running at the speed of maximum efficiency.  I employ more “West Virginia Overdrive.”  We crest a hill, just as my Uncle’s bike starts to sputter a little, and we can see the next station.  We are able to make it there and get some gas.  It turns out that his tank is 6.5 gallons, and the pump reports that he purchased 6.6. gallons.  I still had about 20 more miles, as the trip computer is pessimistic by about 0.5 gallons.  

While some people may not have had this much fun facing an out of gas situation, we thought it was fun stretching the mileage all we could.  My wife has AAA coverage, my Uncle and I both have roadside assistance from the BMW MOA, and we were only minutes from his house, so a gas can was not far away.

I don’t know about anybody else, but I love my GPS. I have a Lowrance XOG that I purchased from a local sporting goods store. I really enjoy this unit as it is compact, has a rechargeable battery, and easy to use software. The GPS has an MP3 player, and hooks up to my intercom so I have tunes and turn-by-turn directions on my helmet speakers.

When our GPS really shined was when we took a trip through the New England states. I left home with no set route, I just knew that I had to be in Emmitsburg, MD for a class. I rode east for several hours on US 30 (which is GREAT in the mountains west of Gettysburg). After riding for a few hours, I finally told my GPS to take me to my destination. I always have it set to avoid freeways and to avoid toll roads. It can really take you down some great roads. We rode 1980 miles and were only on the freeway for 20 miles. We saw some breathtaking scenery and rode some excellent roads!

I know that many of you already have a GPS and I am not telling you anything, but I resisted getting one for some time, as an atlas was cheaper. Since I got it, I have never regretted it! I look up businesses on my GPS all of the time. It is really a great tool. I have my GPS mounted to my BMW R1200RT with a techmount. Incidentally, I have found my GPS online for about $40 less than I paid for it.

Let me know what you think. Do you ride with a GPS?

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