DarkSideR
Member
Posts: 1793
To be good, and to do good, is all we have to do.
Pueblo, Colorado
|
 |
« on: June 03, 2022, 08:25:43 AM » |
|
Man am I excited to be going this year! I haven't had a real vacation in years.
Though I still have a week before leaving I am already making lists, and getting things prepared.
I'm like a kid waiting for Christmas morning but the adult version which includes a lot of preparing to make for a stress free experience.
I bet there's a few out there already packed and ready to roll or are in route already.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
2001 Valkyrie Super Tourer VRCC#34410 VRCCDS#0263  |
|
|
|
..
|
|
« Reply #1 on: June 03, 2022, 09:58:29 AM » |
|
95% packed.
New front tire.
Tire pressures checked.
New front brake pads.
Rear brake pads checked.
New oil and filter.
Round trip route written out. It will change but it's good to have the bones in writing.
Leave home Sunday morning.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
hubcapsc
Member
Posts: 16775
upstate
South Carolina
|
|
« Reply #2 on: June 03, 2022, 10:05:09 AM » |
|
I've done some maintenance since Slade, and got a new bit of luggage too. My front brakes were less than wonderful on the Slade ride, and I have bled them. I just got back from a shake-down ride with fully loaded new luggage and it is wonderful to have my sensitive one-finger front brakes back! I also flushed the radiator fluid.  I put 1,000 miles on my new rear tire on the Slade trip. I wish the tire still had zero miles on it, Billings is pretty far away! -Mike |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
..
|
|
« Reply #3 on: June 03, 2022, 10:47:46 AM » |
|
I've done some maintenance since Slade, and got a new bit of luggage too. My front brakes were less than wonderful on the Slade ride, and I have bled them. I just got back from a shake-down ride with fully loaded new luggage and it is wonderful to have my sensitive one-finger front brakes back! I also flushed the radiator fluid. I put 1,000 miles on my new rear tire on the Slade trip. I wish the tire still had zero miles on it, Billings is pretty far away! -Mike My last front tire lasted 5,750 miles. I've not ridden my bike since putting on the new front. Grrrrrr. Just in case the Conti Tour is short lived as well. |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
msb
|
|
« Reply #4 on: June 03, 2022, 12:02:56 PM » |
|
Bike is serviced and all polished up, including new battery which I decided to install even though my 6 going on 7 year old Yuasa was still maintaining a good charge. Ever the procrastinator when it comes to packing though, deciding on what all to bring along and packing everything on the bike will wait until the evening before I leave (I like to work under pressure when it comes to this, it seems)  |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
Mike
'99 Red & Black IS
|
|
|
|
Jess from VA
|
|
« Reply #5 on: June 03, 2022, 12:03:05 PM » |
|
One of the most useful things for a bike trip is a bunch of tall kitchen garbage bags.
Soaking wet gear/clothes/rain gear that have to go back on the bike (right away), in a bag.
Dirty sweaty laundry during the week, in a bag (in the motel room).
Cost minimal, storage minimal, usefulness large.
And don't forget a few Walmart bags with your rain gear, which after bagging your big boots, slip right through the rain bibs/pants. As opposed to hopping around and falling in the mud.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
LTD
|
|
« Reply #6 on: June 03, 2022, 05:20:29 PM » |
|
Im pretty excited stopping off in Aspen always wanted to see that and Wind River Canyon in Wyoming for a few sights along the way
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
fudgie
Member
Posts: 10613
Better to be judged by 12, then carried by 6.
Huntington Indiana
|
|
« Reply #7 on: June 03, 2022, 07:10:35 PM » |
|
Im pretty excited stopping off in Aspen always wanted to see that and Wind River Canyon in Wyoming for a few sights along the way
WRC is pretty neat. Thermopolis is a neat place too. |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
 Now you're in the world of the wolves... And we welcome all you sheep... VRCC-#7196 VRCCDS-#0175 DTR PGR |
|
|
hubcapsc
Member
Posts: 16775
upstate
South Carolina
|
|
« Reply #8 on: June 03, 2022, 07:24:03 PM » |
|
Im pretty excited stopping off in Aspen always wanted to see that and Wind River Canyon in Wyoming for a few sights along the way
WRC is pretty neat. Thermopolis is a neat place too. If we stick to our best laid plans that far we should end up going through Riverton, Thermopolis and up towards Cody... -Mike |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
Valker
Member
Posts: 2995
Wahoo!!!!
Texas Panhandle
|
|
« Reply #9 on: June 03, 2022, 08:04:56 PM » |
|
Don't forget ice cream in Farson, WY. I like Huckleberry the best.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
I ride a motorcycle because nothing transports me as quickly from where I am to who I am.
|
|
|
DarkSideR
Member
Posts: 1793
To be good, and to do good, is all we have to do.
Pueblo, Colorado
|
|
« Reply #10 on: June 04, 2022, 04:38:21 AM » |
|
Im pretty excited stopping off in Aspen always wanted to see that and Wind River Canyon in Wyoming for a few sights along the way
Wind River Canyon is well worth the ride. I had the chance to ride it years ago and will be heading through there next weekend on my way up. |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
2001 Valkyrie Super Tourer VRCC#34410 VRCCDS#0263 |
|
|
DarkSideR
Member
Posts: 1793
To be good, and to do good, is all we have to do.
Pueblo, Colorado
|
|
« Reply #11 on: June 04, 2022, 04:41:04 AM » |
|
Bike is serviced and all polished up, including new battery which I decided to install even though my 6 going on 7 year old Yuasa was still maintaining a good charge. Ever the procrastinator when it comes to packing though, deciding on what all to bring along and packing everything on the bike will wait until the evening before I leave (I like to work under pressure when it comes to this, it seems) I replace my YUASA after 15 years and only did so because I got skeer'd. |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
2001 Valkyrie Super Tourer VRCC#34410 VRCCDS#0263 |
|
|
|
..
|
|
« Reply #12 on: June 04, 2022, 09:54:01 AM » |
|
I repacked  I was going to use a big Kuyakan tour pack I bought at auction a few years ago. It was brand new. Packed everything in it apart from what is going in the saddlebags. 2 weeks go by and it was weighing as heavy on my mind as it would on the bike. I don't like having too much weight behind the rear axle. And it's tall. Also raises the center of gravity a bit at the rear. Don't like that either. So unpacked this morning and I will be using my Givi style trunk and a dry bag on the rear seat. Everything is in zip loc bags to minimize the volume and keep stuff water proof. My new water jug arrived this morning. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LK6B7B6?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_detailsIt will be full of ice and water. I also got a new back pad which fits with the one that came with the jacket. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08N8L9YHW?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_detailsNOW I'm ready to leave in the morning. Fingers crossed. |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
Serk
|
|
« Reply #13 on: June 04, 2022, 10:17:30 AM » |
|
I've got a packing list two pages long, the very first items (Passports and medical records) were loaded on the bike last night.....
Itching to get going but gotta get through this work week (Through Wednesday!) first...
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
Never ask a geek 'Why?',just nod your head and slowly back away...  IBA# 22107 VRCC# 7976 VRCCDS# 226 1998 Valkyrie Standard 2008 Gold Wing Taxation is theft. μολὼν λαβέ |
|
|
|
..
|
|
« Reply #14 on: June 04, 2022, 10:56:59 AM » |
|
I've got a packing list two pages long, the very first items (Passports and medical records) were loaded on the bike last night.....
Itching to get going but gotta get through this work week (Through Wednesday!) first...
I scan stuff like that and save as an email draft so i can access the info if needed. |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
Serk
|
|
« Reply #15 on: June 04, 2022, 11:00:39 AM » |
|
I've got a packing list two pages long, the very first items (Passports and medical records) were loaded on the bike last night.....
Itching to get going but gotta get through this work week (Through Wednesday!) first...
I scan stuff like that and save as an email draft so i can access the info if needed. That's been done too, but immigration control at international borders like to have the originals...  (I scan it and safe it to an encrypted folder on my Google Drive, so that I can access it from my phone, laptop, tablet, someone else's computer if necessary, etc. Same as my itinerary and reservations and such will have 2 copies printed out for the trip plus copies saved locally on my phone AND saved on my Google Drive.) |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
Never ask a geek 'Why?',just nod your head and slowly back away... IBA# 22107 VRCC# 7976 VRCCDS# 226 1998 Valkyrie Standard 2008 Gold Wing Taxation is theft. μολὼν λαβέ |
|
|
|
..
|
|
« Reply #16 on: June 04, 2022, 11:27:01 AM » |
|
I've got a packing list two pages long, the very first items (Passports and medical records) were loaded on the bike last night.....
Itching to get going but gotta get through this work week (Through Wednesday!) first...
I scan stuff like that and save as an email draft so i can access the info if needed. That's been done too, but immigration control at international borders like to have the originals... (I scan it and safe it to an encrypted folder on my Google Drive, so that I can access it from my phone, laptop, tablet, someone else's computer if necessary, etc. Same as my itinerary and reservations and such will have 2 copies printed out for the trip plus copies saved locally on my phone AND saved on my Google Drive.)  I also kept a draft to a pdf manual for my bike. |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
Binkie
Member
Posts: 226
Binkie from the holler
Vonore Tn
|
|
« Reply #17 on: June 04, 2022, 08:13:21 PM » |
|
I tend to just wing it. Someday I’m sure it will bite me in the butt. The number one item for me is my credit card. I pack just before I hop on the bike. I’m not a planner, more of a last minute person.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
Serk
|
|
« Reply #18 on: June 04, 2022, 08:39:40 PM » |
|
I tend to just wing it. Someday I’m sure it will bite me in the butt. The number one item for me is my credit card. I pack just before I hop on the bike. I’m not a planner, more of a last minute person.
Normally that's me, I lay out a rough outline with possible nightly stopping points... But with current year, I HIGHLY recommend you pre-book as many hotels as you can along the way, things are.... weird.... right now... (Also for me since I'll have one of my 10 year olds with me, can't risk sleeping on the bike in a rest stop with him too...) |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
Never ask a geek 'Why?',just nod your head and slowly back away... IBA# 22107 VRCC# 7976 VRCCDS# 226 1998 Valkyrie Standard 2008 Gold Wing Taxation is theft. μολὼν λαβέ |
|
|
|
msb
|
|
« Reply #19 on: June 04, 2022, 09:09:28 PM » |
|
I tend to just wing it. Someday I’m sure it will bite me in the butt. The number one item for me is my credit card. I pack just before I hop on the bike. I’m not a planner, more of a last minute person.
things are.... weird.... right now... I'll say...looked for a room in Missoula to overnight on the way down and any rooms that were available were 200-250, even 300 per night. I'm talkin' plain old Econo Lodge, etc at the higher end and whatever were showing online of my usual little Mom & Pop's at the lower end. Also talkin' USD, so tack on another 28% or so for my CDN exchange. I heard availability is scarce in many regions due to a severe lack of available staff....which doesn't appear to be an issue here in BC. One of our guys finally found something 50 miles out in Superior MT at a more reasonable rate. I usually just wing it when I'm on my own or just with the Mrs, but we have a small group going from BC so a planned stop is best. My first longer ride, this first year of retirement....which also means my first longer ride without the bonus of having the use of my company gas and credit cards to pay for my gas & lodging while on MC or other personal trips, if I check and answer messages a few times a week . Definitely something I'm gonna have to get used to after 3 decades of that arrangement  |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
Mike
'99 Red & Black IS
|
|
|
gordonv
Member
Posts: 5760
VRCC # 31419
Richmond BC
|
|
« Reply #20 on: June 07, 2022, 04:29:28 PM » |
|
Items are all packed .... in their dresser drawers. The bike is .... still in the garage, battery on a charger, bike un-washed, bike still needing it's annual maintenance and more ....  How bad, I was really wanting to go. Then in the end found out I booked the wrong week off, and couldn't get the right one. My riding partner didn't want to come on a long ride again, and at the time, no other riders where planing on going, but I found meany after I formally bowed out. BUT NEXT TIME!! on the left coast, I'll do my best to be there, alone if I have to. |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
1999 Black with custom paint IS   |
|
|
|
Jess from VA
|
|
« Reply #21 on: June 07, 2022, 05:26:39 PM » |
|
All you fellas be careful out there.
Have fun, but watch your topknots, and don't ride past your limits.
There's not many spring chickens in this outfit.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
Oss
Member
Posts: 12587
The lower Hudson Valley
Ossining NY Chapter Rep VRCCDS0141
|
|
« Reply #22 on: June 07, 2022, 07:36:14 PM » |
|
new tire getting put on tomorrow for the front
bought a usb plug in for the tail that I use for the battery tender during the winter and my phone plug will go there It connects under the right side of the seat Also have another tail for in case I need to use my air compressor that is on my right side handlebar
Sux when the phone dies as you get 30 miles from nowhere and you lose the gps ability or you have no power for the air compressor and you or a friend need it to work
Leave friday at dawn
edit TIRE IS ON ! now to put bags back on and pack
|
|
|
|
« Last Edit: June 08, 2022, 10:57:54 AM by Oss »
|
Logged
|
If you don't know where your going any road will take you there
George Harrison
When you come to the fork in the road, take it
Yogi Berra (Don't send it to me C.O.D.)
|
|
|
|
msb
|
|
« Reply #23 on: June 07, 2022, 08:08:36 PM » |
|
new tire getting put on tomorrow for the front
bought a usb plug in for the tail that I use for the battery tender during the winter and my phone plug will go there It connects under the right side of the seat Also have another tail for in case I need to use my air compressor that is on my right side handlebar
Sux when the phone dies as you get 30 miles from nowhere and you lose the gps ability or you have no power for the air compressor and you or a friend need it to work
Leave friday at dawn
Will be nice to finally meet you in person Oss. Safe travels, and see ya in Billings  |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
Mike
'99 Red & Black IS
|
|
|
|
Serk
|
|
« Reply #24 on: June 07, 2022, 08:11:34 PM » |
|
Everything loaded on the bike other than my laptop.... Just waiting for Serk Jr. to "graduate" from 5th grade Thursday morning, then as soon as that's over, we've blowing this popsicle joint!
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
Never ask a geek 'Why?',just nod your head and slowly back away... IBA# 22107 VRCC# 7976 VRCCDS# 226 1998 Valkyrie Standard 2008 Gold Wing Taxation is theft. μολὼν λαβέ |
|
|
DarkSideR
Member
Posts: 1793
To be good, and to do good, is all we have to do.
Pueblo, Colorado
|
|
« Reply #25 on: June 08, 2022, 04:14:58 AM » |
|
Aside from packing clothes the bike is ready.  Disco and Hay Hauler will show up here tonight then we are on our way Friday morning. |
|
|
|
« Last Edit: June 09, 2022, 11:31:27 AM by DarkSideR »
|
Logged
|
2001 Valkyrie Super Tourer VRCC#34410 VRCCDS#0263 |
|
|
|
shortleg
|
|
« Reply #26 on: June 08, 2022, 03:31:06 PM » |
|
My friend Butch and I left this AM.
Got to Dayton OH about 460 miles will travel to Moline tomorrow and
after that we will see.
Trying to do about the same miles each day so should show up some time on Sunday
Tough thing this traveling, still recovering from a couple of surgeries so am being as easy
on myself as I can.
See you there
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
DarkSideR
Member
Posts: 1793
To be good, and to do good, is all we have to do.
Pueblo, Colorado
|
|
« Reply #27 on: June 09, 2022, 11:34:32 AM » |
|
Just waiting on Disco..   |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
2001 Valkyrie Super Tourer VRCC#34410 VRCCDS#0263 |
|
|
|
