| Author | Message | ||
     Crusty |
Just a quick update; everything seems to be falling into place for this trip to happen. I have the Sportster set up the way I want, with a sissy bar, luggage rack and saddlebag support brackets. The bike already has a windshield, touring seat and highway pegs. I got a set of good sized saddlebags and I did a "dry run"; packing the bags with a week's worth of clean clothes and I think I'll have no problems with enough room for what I'll be carrying. I bought a little Isobutane stove and a stainless pot to boil water in. The pot comes with 2 nesting cups that store inside it, and the stove fits inside as well, I did a dry run on the stove, and it works pretty nicely; so I don't have to worry about having a leisurely cup of coffee in the morning. I slept on the sleeping pad the other night (on the bedroom floor), and I think it will work fine. My only hiccup right now is my sleeping bag. The zipper loves to snag, and the last thing I want to deal with at 2:00 AM when I have to go to the can is a stuck zipper. I'm thinking of getting an Army MSS (Modular Sleep System) bag. My reasoning is that the zippers are designed for smooth, quick opening. (In combat conditions, a GI has to get up in a hurry). There are cheaper sleeping bags that would be warm enough, but I don't know if the zippers would snag, like on my present bag. I'm also enlisting the help of my Primary Care Physician to hopefully coerce the Insurance Company into letting me get a self tester to take my INR readings. I really don't want to have to stop at a hospital once a week and get my blood drawn. I get my prescriptions from Target Pharmacy, so I should be able to get them refilled without any trouble. I've got my tickets ordered for three of the Miles (Indy and the two Springfields) and I have front row seats at the finish line for all three. Tickets for DuQuoin aren't available yet, but it's the same promoter for DuQuoin and Indy and the nice lady I spoke to when I ordered my ticket for Indy said that the tickets should be available this week or next. As the kick off time gets closer, I'm feeling more and more anticipation. I've been spending hours looking at the Campground Locator site: http://www.uscampgrounds.info/. I have a tentative route planned for the first leg of my journey, and there's no Interstate Highway on it. This is going to be an Adventure! | ||
| Blake |
Sounds way too easy! Good riding and please keep us updated! | ||
| Johnnylunchbox |
Best of luck. Enjoy the ride. If you don't have one of these yet, consider it. It can be a long ways between fuel stops. http://www.campmor.com/primus-1-5-l-fuel-bottle.sh tml?source=CI&ci_sku=72305WC&ci_gpa=pla&ci_kw= | ||
| Strokizator |
You're just a young-Bonnie-Bedelia away from your own "Then Came Bronson" movie. | ||
| Wolfridgerider |
I can't wait to read the ride reports! | ||
| 86129squids |
Thanks for the update! I'm getting antsy about heading to Suches next week- you,n on the other hand, are planning an epic journey! Have fun, keep us posted, and holler if you run through East TN! | ||
| Daddio |
Likewise, Crusty, give a yell if you get up to the Black Hills. I'll trade you your favorite beverage for a few of the tales of yours that I delightfully read. | ||
| Crusty |
Squids; come up to Wolfridgerider's W. VA rally. I'm going to do my damnedest to be there this year. Daddio, if I get close to the Black Hills, I'll send you a P.M. | ||
| Ocbueller |
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| Crusty |
I brought my new bike home yesterday. Enough snow has melted that the roads were ice free, and I couldn't wait any longer. I had to hit the quarter car wash down the street to wash off all the salt and other road phlegm, but it still felt good to get the bike in my garage. On the way home from the Shop, I stopped by Ernie's to show off my new baby, and he took a couple of pictures:   | ||
| Patches |
Very Nice!  | ||
| Gaesati |
nice! Happy riding. | ||
| Rubberdown |
I rode a 1000 mile day on my former XL1200R in the midst of a week long tour on it. Great bike, congratulations! Happy travels! | ||
| Pwnzor |
That is a fine scooter indeed... I'm a bit envious of your impending journey. | ||
| 86129squids |
 Yeppers- that model is about my fave Sporty, especially with the silver paint. A buddy/neighbor has one with the orange paint, also a nice ride. IIRC, someone mentioned that you should pick up a spare fuel cell- I concur. I've always liked the <look> of the 3.3 tank, but, it's only 3.3 gallons! HAAATE to have to push/walk to the next gas pump... | ||
| Griffmeister |
OMG are those spark plugs sitting there out in the open? Looks like a good set up for a trouble free ride. I want to see a picture when you have it fully loaded. Being rather inept at proper packing myself I'd like to see how you can really fit all that you need. Bet you're getting pretty psyched. |
