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Henrik
| | Posted on Thursday, February 12, 2004 - 10:10 pm: | 
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A stitch or similar suit works *very* well for overall comfort over a wide range of temperatures/weather - and great safety too. Add an electrical vest (I own a Widder and love it - the plugs are easily repairable roadside), some polypro underwear and fleece and you'll be able to adjust for most weather conditions. Much more comfortable than full leathers.
You can also get detachable sleeves for the widder vest (very cool  ) - and heated grips is the best aftermarket investment I've bought yet 
I've been using GoreTex Daytona boots for years. Very comfy and completely waterproof.
Henrik |
Phillyblast
| | Posted on Friday, February 13, 2004 - 12:11 am: |
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Alex, you're _much_ better prepared than I was for something like this. Team Elves got rained out at Bonneville in '02, so off I went on the S2 to Aaron's place outside Denver. From Philly. Josh called me and said I could hitch a ride with him in St. Louis if I could get there in one day. So Tuesday night I called around and found a set of X1 soft bags at the local HD/Buell dealer, dropped off the dog at my parents house, and Wednesday AM I checked the oil, gassed up, and headed to St. Louis. Somewhere around 1046 miles later, including detours and a missed exit in Ohio(?) I got to Josh's place. On the way back I took the Northern route, to see Rushmore and Crazy Horse. Since it was 90 degrees when I left Philly, I wasn't prepared for the 30 mph winds and mid-30s temps in SD and MN. Court gave me S2rider's # when I was in CO, and I since I didn't have cell phone reception until I got to LaCrosse, WI, I called him while I was fogged in and got directions to East Troy. (Check your coverage - Their were a couple of times I reaaallly wished my cell phone worked). Got some pics of my bike in front of the Home Office, and off I went. Big thanks to Randell for the directions. And he's right about decreasing mileage, btw. By the time I got back to philly I was dead to the world. I picked up the dog from my parents house, parked the bike, and went to sleep. If I had to do another day I'm not sure I would have made 500 miles.
On the other hand, it was a lot of f***ing fun, and I'm in Philly right now, so if you plan on doing this, I can ride shotgun on the S2 for at least part of the trip.
David |
Awprior
| | Posted on Friday, February 13, 2004 - 09:55 pm: |
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Country:
Go for it. If you want more specific contact info (phone etc), shoot me an email.
Alex |
Charlieboy6649
| | Posted on Sunday, February 15, 2004 - 11:56 am: |
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You might try those padded bicycle spandex under your jeans, leather, stich, whatever you end up wearing. They really help the saddle soreness.
I like the gel pad. They are a little pricey, $80-120 for good ones, but worth it!
Your butt will appreciate it 
Charles |
Court
| | Posted on Sunday, February 15, 2004 - 03:41 pm: |
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Alex:
Tires will not be a problem and I can show you how to prearrange the oil changes. I can also help you with some routing.
We, on my trip, planned on tires and service. Jerry Johnson and staff were waiting where I arrived, at 2:15 PM and did the entire works. Dunlop had shipped the tires and they were on within 10 minutes of me arriving and the S2 being shut down.
As it turned out the tires were not nearly the problem we'd thought, even though it was over 100 degrees everyday.
Concentrate on minimizing the variables on the bike and have it ready 2 months before you do. If you want, I can run over to PA and take you on a couple of practice runs to show you how to do fuel stops.
Go to the bicycle chop and get 3 pairs of bicycle shorts. They work great, wash easily in a hotel sink and dry quickly.
Start thinking diet 4 months in advance.
Court |
Gomo
| | Posted on Monday, February 16, 2004 - 07:12 am: |
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Alex,
At this point I do not think I can add any other advise, it's been all pretty much covered. Just would like to offer any help I can if your trip passes through the Hudson Valley/Catskill Mt Region of NY. Keep us posted on developments (routes, dates, etc), as you can well see by now this site is full of knowledgeable and willing folks to help. Doing anything for a good cause always makes it more memorable and special. Good luck with all aspects of your trip.
Ride Safe & God Speed
KINGOMO
http://hometown.aol.com/hudsonvalleybrag/index.html |
Awprior
| | Posted on Monday, February 16, 2004 - 08:04 pm: |
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Court,
I'd love to hear your advice about the trip, I'll send ya an email with more specific contact info and we can see what we can work out. I won't be back in PA until the end of March, and that's only for a week. I'll then be heading back to school in MI and will be back in PA for the summer the first week of July. I tend to live a hectic life.
I spent my tax return on a black on black Roadcrafter, I heard too much good stuff to pass it up. Not the cheapest, but no good riding gear is. Hopefully I'll still be able to wear my Vanson stuff after wearing the 'Stich.
Tires... I have enough offers for garages etc. so far that I am sure I can get that part worked out. Ditto that for other stuff I'll need on the way.
Speaking with my friend, Matt, on Friday night, he was very excited about the trip. He's doing well, and is in good spirits.
I can't wait to make this trip, meet all of the characters from here, and hopefully raise a decent amount of money for this cause.
Alex
Go me, Go
This is Matt and I this fall at our house's semiformal.
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Court
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 17, 2004 - 05:17 am: |
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>>>I spent my tax return on a black on black Roadcrafter
You made your first "right" move. . . |
Stingaroo
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 17, 2004 - 09:18 am: |
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Prior, did you ever get that rattling noise taken care of?, we heard it last time we were down on 851 before you went back. What the hell did it end up being? Don't want that kind of stuff to mess up your time schedule.
Hey man, I have a big stack of military MREs I have not ate yet, you can eat some of them before you go, you probably wont have to shit the whole time your riding!
Court, if you make it down our way, and I am back from some military training, I would love to just shake your hand. Maybe the three of us could squeeze a ride in... |
Henrik
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 17, 2004 - 09:37 am: |
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Roadcrafter - good move. Get one of the Wind Triangles as well. Excellent for blocking wind when tucked in. Blocks driving rain when worn outside the suit ('round your neck - you fools  )
Rain gloves, electrically heated grips. I'm partial to the Kimpex style (sells under a new name now I think) that looks like the old rear window defrosters. The throttle side only lasts a season or two because of the wire routing, but can be soldered in a pinch.
I've heard good things about the grip heaters for snowmobiles - look like big firecrackers and go inside the bars - Rocky, you use those, right??
Henrik |
Awprior
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 17, 2004 - 10:25 am: |
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Sting,
Rattling thing, got that fixed... Blame that on a sprocket nut gone bad. I'm lucky I caught mine, spidey dislodged his doing battletrax over the summer in WI, and ended up wiping out his entire top end somehow by the time he got back to Michigan. I also have to stop blowing those stupid O2 sensor hole plugs out. I'll probably just wedge a sensor in there at some time.
Henrik,
I'll look into those wind triangles. Rain gloves and boots are on the list, I think I'll wait a little while to get those since I just dropped $750 on the suit. I've also been looking into heated grips for a while, mostly for winter riding. My hope would be that I wouldn't need those for a trip in the middle of August, but I know Newfie says it can get pretty chilly up there.
Court,
Just sent you my contact into at your name@name.net address. Look forward to more advice. |
Newfie_buell
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 17, 2004 - 10:54 am: |
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Not chilly in August,
I only use the grips in Late March, April, May then in Sept and October.
Alex,
I installed a set of Kimpex Grips three years ago at a cost of about $35.00 Canadian and on my last ride of the season they gave out. I repaired them last week and it turned out a broken wire going to the element on the bar end. Re-soldered and working again.
They have three settings, OFF, Warm and Holy Poop I can't hold on anymore.
shoot me an e-mail if your interested in a set. |
Henrik
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 17, 2004 - 12:03 pm: |
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I've also been looking into heated grips for a while, mostly for winter riding
Alex. I use mine quite frequently. A chilly evening in the Catskills, generally rainy day etc. Just makes the trip that little bit more comfortable. And of course a life saver when it's really cold. Honestly, it's the best $$ I've spent on MC accessories.
Henrik |
Stingaroo
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 18, 2004 - 10:45 pm: |
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Prior,thanks for the e-mail. I am fowarding it most everybody I think will be interested, Dad is bringing it to the attention of some of his higher ups. Catch you in about a month... |
Awprior
| | Posted on Sunday, February 22, 2004 - 10:01 pm: |
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Now that I've gotten a few things off of the 'to do' and 'to learn' lists, I am in need of a bit of advice wrt routes through the southwest. My plans are to ship the bike to CA, somewhere, and fly out, then start the trip. So I will be starting somewhere in CA. I'm working on lining up a stay in St. Louis to speak at a convention, so that stop is definitely on the list, as is Detroit so I can meet up with Spiderman and the rest of the crew for the end of the trip.
I have deemed this trip a one-in-a-lifetime thing for now, after this summer I leave college life and begin working for the rest of my life. This said, I'm planning 500-600 mile days, depending on what route I end up taking. I know there's quite a bit of stuff to see going across the country, and I'd like to see as much as I can.
Can anyone suggest routes through CA, AZ, UT, TX, OK etc. on the way to St. Louis, MO? Looking over a few maps that I have, it looks like most of the trip I can do about half a day on interstates, and half on smaller roads. Smaller roads are what I'd prefer, but sometime the superslab is necessary to put miles on.
What are your suggestions about route planning? Obviously I'd like to meet as many of the badwebbers along the way that are around, and see lots of neat stuff.
Court- you said you might have some info about route planning. Waiting for an email.
Thanks a ton everyone.
Alex
p.s. The Aerostich I got is awesome. I haven't ridden with it on yet, but it seems awesome. Fit is great, the armor feels very substantial, it's goretex, and it's a hell of a lot easier to climb in and out of than the Vansons I have. |
Stingaroo
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 24, 2004 - 01:58 pm: |
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How does one go about soliciting money for something like this? Prior, I know you are planning on making offical papers and what not, but I am here at college, and lots of people want to donate. Is there any legal problems with taking their money, do I need anykind of paper work?
Hey man now that you have that new Aerostich, that means I can borrow those Vanson pants????
Brian |
Awprior
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 25, 2004 - 01:09 pm: |
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Yeah, you can borrow the Vansons.
I've been in contact with the American Cancer Society, working on the details of fundraising now.
I have most of the route planned too, I'll be posting that later in the week. |
Awprior
| | Posted on Thursday, February 26, 2004 - 09:44 pm: |
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Forgive the cross post, my other thread fell into the digest and is buried, and I don't know how to get it back to the top...
So I had a productive evening, drank a few beers and cut up a North American road atlas in the hopes of finding a decent route. This is what I tossed together for the 'Ride for Ware' this summer.
Arrive somewhere in California, chill for a day or two and make sure the bike is unpacked and in one piece, ready to go. Make my way to Anaheim Heights and visit one or two long lost relatives. From Anaheim Heights, head to Las Vegas by way of I-15, continuing on to St. George UT.
From St. George, take US-89 through a few mountains, over some streams and stuff to I-70 at Grand Junction, CO. From Grand Junction, take US-50 through some of Colorado's little foothills and valleys to Colorado Springs.
From Colorado Springs, Roll up US-24 to I-70 and probably superslab it through Kansas and Missouri. I didn't really see a whole lot of by ways in that area, if you know of any, I'd love to hear about them. I know I'll see a bit of corn.
From St. Louis, it's up to Chicago, then to Grand Rapids, MI to visit my buddy and see how he's progressing. Then off to Detroit and the promised land of Newfoundland to see Newfie himself.
Granted, I haven't figured out stops yet, need to do that, as well as figure out who may be along some of these routes to do some visiting. Too bad the trip won't be as carefree as jotting a line along a map. If anyone has any suggestions or comments, I'd definitely love to hear them. Many of you have a lot more touring experience than I do.
I'll post a pic of my cobbled together map, including highlight when I get to work tomorrow.
Thanks
Alex |
Awprior
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 02, 2004 - 08:43 pm: |
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I now have a preliminary calendar together for this trip, pending finalized bike shipping info and flights (Ferris, expect a call tomorrow or Thursday, let me know what time suits you best)
Day 1, July 25th: Depart Anaheim, CA travel through Death Valley and Ferris's other recommended to Nevada or Arizona, depending a 'best' route to the Grand Canyon. Probably ending point: Panguitch UT, in the Dixie National Forest. (miles vary)
Day 2, July 26th: Panguitch, UT to Grand Junction, UT via US 89, CO 24 through Capitol Reef National Park and US 50. Grand Junction to Canon City, UT via US 50, spend night in Colorado Springs. (550 mi)
Day 3, July 27th: Colorado Springs to Pueblo, CO via I-25, Pueblo to Great Bend, KS via US 50, US 56 to Emporia, KS, I-35 to Topeka, I-70 to Topeka (500 mi)
Day 4, July 28th: Topeka, KS to St. Louis, MO (KC Mob, and suggestions on route???) Spend the evening at the Pike Convention, possible speaking gig.
Day 5, July 29th: St. Louis, MO to Grand Rapids, MI to visit Matt, then to Detroit to visit Spidey (500 mi)
Day 6, July 30th: Depart Detroit for the journey to Newfoundland (I'll go with Newfie's directions from here)
5 days in Newfoundland
August 6th: Depart for the US. Iamike and I are planning a trip through New England on the way back, I still need to work on the set of things to see and people to visit on that leg of the trip.
If anyone has any further route suggestions or would like to ride along for a spell, I'd be a happy Bueller. My start can be pushed ahead a few days to accomadate other stuff to see.
Thanks in advance,
Alex
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Jim_witt
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 02, 2004 - 11:16 pm: |
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Alex mentioned:
I'm planning 500-600 mile days, depending on what route I end up taking. I know there's quite a bit of stuff to see going across the country, and I'd like to see as much as I can ......
Just from my experience,
I made a 10,500 mile trip back in 98 on my Buell. Time wasn't a factor for me. It was "extremely" difficult for ME to travel more than about 350 to 400 miles (on the average) each day and I rode at least 9 to 10 hours a day. I rarely hit an Interstate. I did a butt-load of stopping, tons of twisties, took a bunch of pictures, gas stops, food stops, sight seeing, setting up and tearing down camp each day (stayed in camp grounds 90% of the time). I made the "trip" to "see shit" not trying to break iron butt contests. If I did it over again (which I'd love to do) I wouldn't want to do it any faster.
Cheers,
-JW:>
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Blake
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 03, 2004 - 01:14 am: |
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AW,
Suggest you plan a dry run around home first to see what you are getting yourself into. Go for a three day weekend and try to make 1,600 miles or two days and 1,100 miles total along a route that compares in character to what you are planning this Summer. At least then you'll have an idea of what you are getting yourself into. |
Awprior
| | Posted on Thursday, March 04, 2004 - 08:32 am: |
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Blake and Jim,
I am planning quite a few weekend 'shakedown' trips to make sure the bike is ready to go, and see what mileage I can realistically expect to get. I expect I'll end up doing the same thing Jim did, stopping lots and taking a ton or pictures, so I may need to extend the start of my trip a few days.
Blake,
Way back in the day, you had posted a thing about packing your bike for an adventure from I think New Jersey to Kilgore. I remember there were a ton of pics with it, but I couldn't find it digging through the archives and search utils. I did find the .pdf list of stuff to pack though. Very good stuff. If you could point me in the direction of the posts about that trip, I'd appreciate it.
By the way, Kilgore was mentioned on the History Channel last night on a thing about oil rig firefighters. I believe the claim was made that Kilgore had the richest city block in the world at one point in time, with 24 oil wells in one block in the middle of town. Cool stuff!
Alex |
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