Princess,Starbucks,U.S.A

[mrs and mrs]

Just an idea,we are chucking around.

We want to visit the states,fly into the east coast,obv New York,hire a harley and ride across to say the west coast,(Seattle)and take a princess cruise to alsaka. Return to Seattle then fly back to Australia.

 

(a) Is it safe for 2 girls to ride a Harley across that way,(we want to drop in at sturgis on the way.

(b)Does Princess USA have Starbucks coffee on board.

©Can you buy Starbucks coffee in a jar to take on board.

(d)obv we will have our ship-board luggage transported independently and will be travelling light.

(e)Can we hire our leathers in U.S helmets,etc,we will have our own riding boots.

(f)Camping,motels,diners etc,are everywhere right.

(g)Any other advice is appreciated,this is a long term plan probably a year and a bit.

(h)Weather is confusing

[PescadoAmarillo]

Just an idea,we are chucking around.

We want to visit the states,fly into the east coast,obv New York,hire a harley and ride across to say the west coast,(Seattle)and take a princess cruise to alsaka. Return to Seattle then fly back to Australia.

 

I suggest you explore EagleRider.com first. They do one way rentals for about US$150 per day plus a drop off charge that's not cheap.

 

(a) Is it safe for 2 girls to ride a Harley across that way,(we want to drop in at sturgis on the way.

 

I wouldn't say it's unsafe. The biggest issues would be road safety (if you choose to ride on interstates) as traffic in the eastern part of the country can be fierce, and Sturgis. Sturgis is safe if you avoid certain areas and activities. We've been once; friends go every year and have never had an issue. I would also be concerned about choosing hotels where your bike could be safely stored overnight, but EagleRider or HOG might be able to help with that.

 

(b)Does Princess USA have Starbucks coffee on board.

 

No.

 

©Can you buy Starbucks coffee in a jar to take on board.

 

You can buy it ground in bags at any Starbucks or most grocery stores. You still need a way to brew it on board, like a French press or pour through basket. Easier wood be to buy the instant Via coffee in single serving packets.

 

(d)obv we will have our ship-board luggage transported independently and will be travelling light.

 

I'm not sure how to set this up but others can probably advise on this.

 

(e)Can we hire our leathers in U.S helmets,etc,we will have our own riding boots.

 

Most rentals will provide standard helmet rental for free (no communication devices). I'm not aware of leather rentals. Rain gear is probably more cheaply purchased on you arrival.

 

(f)Camping,motels,diners etc,are everywhere right.

 

Yes, though campgrounds tend not be in urban areas and you might have better luck with them along highways (which would also provide the more pleasant riding opportunity than the interstate system).

 

(g)Any other advice is appreciated,this is a long term plan probably a year and a bit.

 

Again, check HOG or EagleRider. I know several rental companies in the western part of the US have Sturgis rentals. You might consider cutting the country in half and doing a rental in the western half. Just keep in mind that temps in the southwest that time of year are fierce, especially wearing leathers on a hot bike.

 

(h)Weather is confusing.

Yes it is. It will be very humid in the northeast and northwest with rain always a possibility. Riding across the Rockies, anything (including snow and ice) might be encountered. Also, do you have experience riding a bike in the mountains? That might be a challenge, but it is also huge fun.

[mrs and mrs]

Yes it is. It will be very humid in the northeast and northwest with rain always a possibility. Riding across the Rockies, anything (including snow and ice) might be encountered. Also, do you have experience riding a bike in the mountains? That might be a challenge, but it is also huge fun.

 

Wow okies thanks for first reply.

(a) will check that out

(b)no prob

©What is via

(d)luggage,we have friends in seattle that it can be delivered to hopefully:)

(e) rAIN OH,whats that lol

(f)More investigation needed

(g)Used to wearing leathers in 40/45 degree temps,uncomfortable sure,but just a sleveless vest is ok,wont save you if you highside,but thats the thrill of the game isnt it

(h)Weather big prob,mountains,ice,um no.:):)

One thing we are experianced riders,but not in ice,snow,sleet,dont understand the splitting of the country either sorry

Thank-you

Edited May 19, 2016 by mrs and mrs

[PghCruiseGrrrl]

Via is the Starbucks brand of instant coffee. Just add hot water. You can also purchase premade iced lattes and double shots in bottles and cans. Be forewarned they are full of sugar. I used to work at the 'Bucks and I think the espresso in the International Café on the boat is an okay substitute. I normally get a large americano, strong, or a skim latte. I've even been told they can make a flat white if you explain it to them, although I'm not a fan of the flat white personally. FYI, I think what I call an americano you might refer to as a long black? Espresso and water.

 

Weather is confusing. I live in Pittsburgh and you can never tell. In past years by this time it has been 32+ C (90+ F) with 100% humidity. This year 3 days ago it snowed. But since you are experienced bikers you know to layer and always have your rain gear!

 

Safety is like anywhere else in the world. Most places as long as you are aware of your surroundings you are perfectly fine. Other places I wouldn't go with an armed escort and an armored car. But, again, you are experienced travelers and you know this. :) I would plan out a route and research the different spots on line for crime rate, but most places it won't matter if you are two women, two men, or a man and a woman.

[IDsailor]

One factor on the safety will be you having to learn to drive on the correct (right) side of the road. :)

[shredie]

I assume you want to visit Sturgis during the big rally? You should read up on it and maybe watch some YouTube. It will be a madhouse. Good luck.

[pablo222]

One factor on the safety will be you having to learn to drive on the correct (right) side of the road. :)

 

I have read so many posts that say "in my culture, tipping is not common,

so I refuse to do it anywhere".

 

Same with driving on the right. I don't care to adopt local customs.

Edited May 19, 2016 by pablo222

[shredie]

I have read so many posts that say "in my culture, tipping is not common,

so I refuse to do it anywhere".

 

Same with driving on the right. I don't care to adopt local customs.

 

LOL. Right? :D

[SadieN]

..........dont understand the splitting of the country either sorry

Thank-you

 

 

Start in St Louis or Chicago.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

[IDsailor]

I would suggest starting and ending on the west coast. Plenty to see there and you could spend a lot less time seeing the corn fields in the plains. Of course it depends on how much time you have.

[GUT2407]

See Mrs (1 or 2), the tipping police have to get in everywhere, not mention of it till they come along and compare it to what side of the road you die on.

 

Two points

 

1. Don't know of any country in the World with LAWS about tipping

 

2. Didn't know tipping was a life or death matter

[PescadoAmarillo]

I like this idea.

 

http://www.eaglerider.com/motorcycle-deals/ride-into-sturgis-234

 

Pick up in Seattle and go through Washington State, the Tetons and Yellowstone (and maybe into the Canadian Rockies if you can take the bike out of the US) and then fly back to your cruise embarkation port from Rapid City South Dakota, about 30 miles from Sturgis. No drop off fee and $89 per day is a sweet deal.

Edited May 19, 2016 by PescadoAmarillo

[Mrs.Gosse]

I don't ride motorcycles so I can't comment on any of those but as a previous poster suggested starting on the West Coast or in the center of the country. That might be a very good idea. You might want to make a motorcycle trip across the USA a 2 time trip. Do one Coast this time and in a few years do the other. If you drive in a car Non-Stop about 18 hours a day it is likely to take you 6 days to get across our country. If you were riding shorter than that and enjoying the sights it could easily take you 20 days. And as someone mentioned the Plains and the corn fields are beautiful... For a few hours LOL but for several days you would really be missing out on some beautiful country on the West Coast that you could be seen during that time. Or the East Coast if you wanted to fly after your travels. Also in the East you are likely to find a motel or maybe even a campground pretty close together. Once you get to the middle part of the country you can go hours between towns. That is no exaggeration. When I lived in Germany we could be in any other country in three hours. You can't even be across one state in 3 hours here. Just something to think about. There is some extraordinary country to be seen in the western half on motorcycle. The East Coast might be a little more fun and also a little less hot by car or some other form of transportation at another time.

 

You can get the Starbucks Via at any grocery store in the USA. They have several different roast available. I personally don't like them at all and I adore Starbucks. I like the coffee on the ship. If it was Starbucks I would be happier of course but oh well. And there would be no other way to do it other than a French press that you would have to bring with you if you do not do the instant via packets.

Edited May 19, 2016 by Mrs.Gosse

[skf]

Riding across the Rockies, anything (including snow and ice) might be encountered

Indeed. One of my work friends drove from here to his home state of Nevada and ran into two blizzards in the lovely State of Colorado. Did I mention this was in June?

Do remember that in North America we drive in the right lane.

Steve

[Treven]

Oh! I really wish Starbux was available on Princess😳 Of course I realize there will be the same number of folks who don't want Bux onboard; but they don't count.😄

[Mrs.Gosse]

Oh! I really wish Starbux was available on Princess😳 Of course I realize there will be the same number of folks who don't want Bux onboard; but they don't count.😄

 

Lol. I'd probably need 2 coffee cards!

[Whimsy]

This would be quite an adventure across the United States. We actually stopped in at Sturgis last summer, about 2 weeks before the rally. It's a quiet little town except for those weeks.

 

I am not sure about renting a motorcycle but I can honestly say that I can see the appeal in why people go there to ride their motorcycles. The drive is amazing in many of the areas. If I would do it again I would love to have a convertible.

[LeeW]

Riding from the East Coast through Sturgis to Seattle probably won't hit much snow. You would have to detour quite a way out of the way to go through the Colorado Rockies. But Trail Ridge Road over Rocky Mountain National Park may not open on time next week - it is still snowing up there (almost 4000 m).

 

Going to be a very long trip - like riding across Australia. And the central states tend to be pretty boring cornfields. Suggest you pick the places you really want to see and plan a route just for that.

[Skai]

dont understand the splitting of the country either sorry

Thank-you

 

The riding is much more scenic in the West. That's not to say that riding through states (like PA, OH, IL etc.) can't offer some unique beauty. For the most part, the Midwest/Plains states are straight, flat and boring.

 

Beyond the Continental Divide, riding across the country is more about getting from one coast to the other. No offense to those that choose to reside in fly-over states.:p To each their own. Someone's got to live there.

[Womble99]

See Mrs (1 or 2), the tipping police have to get in everywhere, not mention of it till they come along and compare it to what side of the road you die on.

 

Two points

 

1. Don't know of any country in the World with LAWS about tipping

 

2. Didn't know tipping was a life or death matter

 

You forgot one Gut

 

3. Don't tip the Police ;)

[SadieN]

You forgot one Gut

 

3. Don't tip the Police ;)

 

 

Or the cows!

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=cow%20tipping

****

Could use a pour over for your Starbucks. Easier than a French press. There are collapsible silicone ones for traveling.

http://www.amazon.com/Rstoyours-Collapsable-Silicone-Coffee-Carabiner/dp/B010A1K9U4

Edited May 20, 2016 by SadieN

[Treven]

Lol. I'd probably need 2 coffee cards!

Me three!😄 I know I spend about $36/week at my local Starbux.

[SwissDave]

Just can't get my head around this fascination with Starbucks coffee, which to me is a weak, almost tasteless (but with with a definite aftertaste of burnt not roasted,) coffee. Don't think I have ever had anything worse.

[MSBerliner]

Hello. We have relatives and friends who are not from the USA, they are Europeans. The absolutely first thing that stuns them after their arrival in the United States is HOW LARGE it is! Yes, they also wanted us to drive with them across the entire country, seemed like a neat idea to them! My god, we'd be sick to death of driving after a week and, if we had survived would still be somewhere in the open country of the West.

The poster who spoke about the BOREDOM of long, long days driving the plains is one you should pay special attention to, Don't try it, especially on motorcycles. It ain't always sunny out there!

Enjoy your visit to our country SAFELY! Good luck!

[Host Jazzbeau]

Just can't get my head around this fascination with Starbucks coffee, which to me is a weak, almost tasteless (but with with a definite aftertaste of burnt not roasted,) coffee. Don't think I have ever had anything worse.

 

My daughter trained as a Starbucks barista at one point, and they told her they deliberately roast the beans at a very high temperature. They are proud that they burn them! Unbelievable [also undrinkable].