Just Pondering...

[DDT (12)]

Nothing noteworthy to report… I just felt like attempting to write something. I suppose I’m feeling pretty good about things generally, and I want to express myself a bit. This recent bout with a serious health concern has been a truly novel experience for this otherwise most fortunate lad; as, with only one or two exceptions, I’ve led a fairly easy life in terms of health issues and challenges. I am thankful!

An entire day almost never passes without my reading or hearing of someone less fortunate. One of us or a family member passes, or is hospitalized, or is on death’s doorstep, or has had a serious accident, or… It comes to each of us in time, for some sooner than for others, but for us all our days are numbered and our health a delicate condition certain to change…

I do not know my own fate at this time… None of us truly do, of course, but in my case and with that large, sinister, imminent ‘known unknown’ lurking out there, I do feel some doubt and concern. Still, I am so much better off than some others, that I find it hard to be ‘down’ or ‘negative’ about my own prospects.

My life has been richly blessed with many good people coming in and out at various times, and it would be easy to conjure up an eloquent argument for destiny, pre-ordination, etc., to explain all of that. I don’t know if there are such things, but be it fate or happenstance, I am glad for all the things that have led to this point. I’ve had a wonderful life, and I wouldn’t change it even if I could… I do, naturally, hope there will be much more!

Big Wolf has been such a good friend. Sure, I have many good friends to whom I owe unpayable debts, and they are part of the reason my life has been so blessed, seemingly charmed, and they have contributed enormously to my being where I am, and to even who I am. This latest episode has mostly involved Jerry, though, and it is freshest on my mind… That naturally and predictably figures prominently into my immediate future plans and desires…

Wanting to do something special for a very special guy, I’ve invited him to join me on a major ‘campaign’ this summer. Like this ordinary guy, Jerry is retired, has had a brush or two with the ‘Grim Reaper’ close at hand, and possesses an unquenchable thirst for road-trip adventure. He also has a Valk in good shape and with a well-known ability to turn any outing into a magic carpet ride to nirvana… Neither of us has an appetite for long days in the saddle, hard riding, or aggressive riding. We both strongly prefer shorter days of meandering here and there…

We don’t have a well-laid-out plan, as one would expect, but we do have a broad overview in mind… We will meet up someplace, most likely near central Tennessee or Kentucky, and we will head westerly towards our eventual arrival at InZane in Taos, NM. We’re thinking we’ll meet-up sometime in mid-May, or thereabouts, and take a long-cut, round-about route on a more northerly tract through Missouri, Nebraska or South Dakota, Wyoming, Utah, southwestern Colorado, then down into northern New Mexico to Taos…

We are both adversely impacted by heat, so we do not want to venture into areas that might put us in any energy-sapping, lethargy-inducing, uncomfortable, or dangerous settings. We’ve both already been to places like the Grand Canyon, so those will most likely not be visited on this journey, nor will anywhere in southern Arizona or New Mexico.

Once we decide to depart IZ, we will return to Colorado for a more thorough tour of that magnificent state, then northward into Wyoming again for a jaunt up the Wind River to The Grand Tetons and Yellowstone. From there we’ll ride the Chief Joseph Highway, the Beartooth Pass, then, staying in the mountains, make our way to Glacier National Park…

Jerry has submitted his application for a passport, so Waterton National Park in Alberta will most likely be next for us, then we’ll head towards the Icefields Parkway and that incredible ride from Lake Louise to Jasper, AB. We don’t have any plans, or even thoughts, about what might come after that, but at some point we will ride towards Tennessee… and, we will definitely be staying as far north as we can for as long as we can on our return home…

There is no route layout for this ride, no timeline, waypoints, lodging reservations, or schedule of any kind, save to arrive in Taos on or about June 9th. My only rule-of-thumb for such a trek is: “We need to be out of the mountains by the time the first snow flies!” Neither of us have any idea just how long we might be out, where exactly we might go, which roads we might ride, or how many miles we may cover… daily or overall.  We’re just going to head out, wind-up wherever we land, do whatever we feel like doing, see what there is to see… and enjoy the blessing of being wherever we are.

All of that depends upon what we learn at my surgery follow-up visit with my surgeon on April 19th. If it turns out I should need on-going treatment of any kind… i.e., chemo or radiation… our grand scheme may have to be set aside. Or, I may have to make a fateful choice… In any event, I do have at least one more ride to look forward to…

In two weeks I’ll already be on the road heading towards Webster Springs, WV. I’m confident that will be a good gathering, but there is so much more involved for this died-in-the-wool, hardcore trekker… I know there will eventually come a time when my ‘last ride’ is made… I sure hope that event is a very long way off in the future, but one never knows… If that upcoming trek is to be my last ride, though, I surely don’t want to miss it!!!

DDT

[DirtyDan]

Rule number ONE plan to be flexible

Yeah we never know

Colorado WAS my last ride , by my guardian angels I made Kingman safe

Keep going Bruce

Dan

[Serk]

“There are only two dates on a tombstone, and a dash in the middle. Live in the dash so that when it comes time to put the end date on, you can say you gave it your all."

You seem to be packing a hell of a lot of living into your dash Bruce... 

[..]

Icefield Parkway is beautiful.

[John Schmidt]

Bruce, you guys are going to love that Canadian route you laid out from Waterton on up to Jasper. That's the same route my new bride and I took years ago on our honeymoon. We spent two nights at that famous Wateron Prince of Wales hotel, the dining room looks out over the lake....beautiful. After Banff, don't take the Trans Canada hiway toward Lake Louise, use 1A, more scenic and there's plenty to see. We went up the east side of the Canadian Rockies to Jasper and down the west side, a trip I'll never forget with stupendous mountain scenery. I'm soooo jealous! Hope you guys have a fantastic trip, good to hear you're planning on getting "out and about" as opposed to "about out."  

[Super Santa]

A phrase I learned while riding with the Patriot Guard Riders was 'Semper Gumby', which when loosely translated becomes 'Always Flexible'.

[Beardo]

Sounds like a great plan.

You won’t find any grits on this side of the border or that strange white “gravy”, but you’ll see some great scenery for sure!   

Can’t wait to read about your ride.

[old2soon]

       If Any of us with a 6  7  8 or a 9 as the First number of two of our respective ages think/believe/hope fer a minute you have more ahead of you than you have behind you ya might wanna reevaluate yer perspective a bit. We as Humans are NOT guaranteed that next breath. I too am staring-and as much as I despise it-the prospect of my last ride being sooner rather than much much MUCH later!   Much sooner than I personally wanted it to arrive but actually later then I truly expected. Bruce-I too have been Very Fortunate to keep doing something I truly enjoy and in some ways love-riding a Motorcycle. My long distance touring days are done-took a while to accept that but there it are-still NO reason I can't knock out a couple hundred miles on a day ride here in the Ozarks weather permitting!   I am however in No Way Shape or Form complainin here-ya gotz ta play the hand you wuz dealt.   As simple and as difficult as that may turn out to be. And acceptance is NOT an easy pill to choke down. No matter How GOOD the liquor is to wash it down!   RIDE SAFE.

[Bigwolf]

Bruce,
While you are pondering several things, I am pondering our proposed upcoming excursion.  

The magnitude of this trip is way beyond any motorcycle trek I have ever made before.  In fact, it goes way beyond anything I have ever done before by car, truck, plane, or boat.  There are so many questions, ifs, and maybes to be answered and put to rest before this trip becomes a certainty.........but somehow I feel confident that it is going to happen.  It is difficult to keep my excitement in check.

Just yesterday, CB was giving me “that look” and shaking her head because I was trying different pieces of luggage on my bike and studying what I am going to pack and where.    When she realized that I was thinking and planning for our (My Epic) summer excursion, she reminded me that I still had 2 months to get ready for it.    Well now, ...... I started to think...she just doesn’t get it,.....but then I realized,...she might be showing just a touch of jealousy.

Well, for right now, I am sure looking forward to the Recon in 2 weeks!  I hope it turns out to be a super great kickoff to an extraordinary great motorcycling year for all.

Bigwolf

[skinner]

DDT sounds like  another good summer  I enjoyed our ride last year to Colorado Mansaly sounds like you may be doing a repeat  of it . Wished I could ride the chief Joseph Highway with you but I’m saving it for my last ride .ill see you in ky

[old2soon]

Bruce,
While you are pondering several things, I am pondering our proposed upcoming excursion.  

The magnitude of this trip is way beyond any motorcycle trek I have ever made before.  In fact, it goes way beyond anything I have ever done before by car, truck, plane, or boat.  There are so many questions, ifs, and maybes to be answered and put to rest before this trip becomes a certainty.........but somehow I feel confident that it is going to happen.  It is difficult to keep my excitement in check.

Just yesterday, CB was giving me “that look” and shaking her head because I was trying different pieces of luggage on my bike and studying what I am going to pack and where.    When she realized that I was thinking and planning for our (My Epic) summer excursion, she reminded me that I still had 2 months to get ready for it.    Well now, ...... I started to think...she just doesn’t get it,.....but then I realized,...she might be showing just a touch of jealousy.

Well, for right now, I am sure looking forward to the Recon in 2 weeks!  I hope it turns out to be a super great kickoff to an extraordinary great motorcycling year for all.

Bigwolf

          Far as luggage on a M/C goes I Highly recommend a reinforced plastic stuff bag. If you've served in the Military the stuff bag is about the size of a barracks bag or a sea bag. Found mine at wally wurld in the sporting goods dept. And it IS water resistant/proof. Couple of 1" ratchet straps to tie it onto the passenger seat. But dats like a suggestion!  RIDE SAFE.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Nothing noteworthy to report… I just felt like attempting to write something. I suppose I’m feeling pretty good about things generally, and I want to express myself a bit. This recent bout with a serious health concern has been a truly novel experience for this otherwise most fortunate lad; as, with only one or two exceptions, I’ve led a fairly easy life in terms of health issues and challenges. I am thankful!

An entire day almost never passes without my reading or hearing of someone less fortunate. One of us or a family member passes, or is hospitalized, or is on death’s doorstep, or has had a serious accident, or… It comes to each of us in time, for some sooner than for others, but for us all our days are numbered and our health a delicate condition certain to change…

I do not know my own fate at this time… None of us truly do, of course, but in my case and with that large, sinister, imminent ‘known unknown’ lurking out there, I do feel some doubt and concern. Still, I am so much better off than some others, that I find it hard to be ‘down’ or ‘negative’ about my own prospects.

My life has been richly blessed with many good people coming in and out at various times, and it would be easy to conjure up an eloquent argument for destiny, pre-ordination, etc., to explain all of that. I don’t know if there are such things, but be it fate or happenstance, I am glad for all the things that have led to this point. I’ve had a wonderful life, and I wouldn’t change it even if I could… I do, naturally, hope there will be much more!

Big Wolf has been such a good friend. Sure, I have many good friends to whom I owe unpayable debts, and they are part of the reason my life has been so blessed, seemingly charmed, and they have contributed enormously to my being where I am, and to even who I am. This latest episode has mostly involved Jerry, though, and it is freshest on my mind… That naturally and predictably figures prominently into my immediate future plans and desires…

Wanting to do something special for a very special guy, I’ve invited him to join me on a major ‘campaign’ this summer. Like this ordinary guy, Jerry is retired, has had a brush or two with the ‘Grim Reaper’ close at hand, and possesses an unquenchable thirst for road-trip adventure. He also has a Valk in good shape and with a well-known ability to turn any outing into a magic carpet ride to nirvana… Neither of us has an appetite for long days in the saddle, hard riding, or aggressive riding. We both strongly prefer shorter days of meandering here and there…

We don’t have a well-laid-out plan, as one would expect, but we do have a broad overview in mind… We will meet up someplace, most likely near central Tennessee or Kentucky, and we will head westerly towards our eventual arrival at InZane in Taos, NM. We’re thinking we’ll meet-up sometime in mid-May, or thereabouts, and take a long-cut, round-about route on a more northerly tract through Missouri, Nebraska or South Dakota, Wyoming, Utah, southwestern Colorado, then down into northern New Mexico to Taos…

We are both adversely impacted by heat, so we do not want to venture into areas that might put us in any energy-sapping, lethargy-inducing, uncomfortable, or dangerous settings. We’ve both already been to places like the Grand Canyon, so those will most likely not be visited on this journey, nor will anywhere in southern Arizona or New Mexico.

Once we decide to depart IZ, we will return to Colorado for a more thorough tour of that magnificent state, then northward into Wyoming again for a jaunt up the Wind River to The Grand Tetons and Yellowstone. From there we’ll ride the Chief Joseph Highway, the Beartooth Pass, then, staying in the mountains, make our way to Glacier National Park…

Jerry has submitted his application for a passport, so Waterton National Park in Alberta will most likely be next for us, then we’ll head towards the Icefields Parkway and that incredible ride from Lake Louise to Jasper, AB. We don’t have any plans, or even thoughts, about what might come after that, but at some point we will ride towards Tennessee… and, we will definitely be staying as far north as we can for as long as we can on our return home…

There is no route layout for this ride, no timeline, waypoints, lodging reservations, or schedule of any kind, save to arrive in Taos on or about June 9th. My only rule-of-thumb for such a trek is: “We need to be out of the mountains by the time the first snow flies!” Neither of us have any idea just how long we might be out, where exactly we might go, which roads we might ride, or how many miles we may cover… daily or overall.  We’re just going to head out, wind-up wherever we land, do whatever we feel like doing, see what there is to see… and enjoy the blessing of being wherever we are.

All of that depends upon what we learn at my surgery follow-up visit with my surgeon on April 19th. If it turns out I should need on-going treatment of any kind… i.e., chemo or radiation… our grand scheme may have to be set aside. Or, I may have to make a fateful choice… In any event, I do have at least one more ride to look forward to…

In two weeks I’ll already be on the road heading towards Webster Springs, WV. I’m confident that will be a good gathering, but there is so much more involved for this died-in-the-wool, hardcore trekker… I know there will eventually come a time when my ‘last ride’ is made… I sure hope that event is a very long way off in the future, but one never knows… If that upcoming trek is to be my last ride, though, I surely don’t want to miss it!!!

DDT

I’m very envious of you guys, and very excited for you guys. Sounds like an awesome journey. 

[DDT (12)]

I enjoy writing… It helps me focus on my thoughts, and it keeps me ‘honest’. Knowing I’ll reread my stuff at some point later on, I must maintain accuracy and perspective, so I won’t embarrass myself when I do revisit my ramblings… Being called out by others when we err is one thing… Busting ourselves over obvious misstatements is quite another! In any event, important details are jotted-down that could easily be forgotten over time, so recording them while fresh in my memory does help with my future reflections and recollections…

Posting my writings on this board is also enjoyable… and very practical! Each time I do, a wealth of advice, thoughts, anecdotes, and reinforcing comments always come to me in the replies of readers, and those are always helpful. In addition to being the product of vast experience, trial and error, missteps and blind luck, they are supportive and reinforcing. It is worthwhile!

This post has generated many such helpful and encouraging replies, and I thank you all for your contributions! It also serves to increase my own anticipation of things to come… Like Jerry, I’m excited to begin our mega trek, and I eagerly await his reactions to some of the most amazing sights available only to those who dare to venture forth and seek them out. Many of you have already seen what lies ahead for us, and I sincerely appreciate you whetting our appetites and confirming our expectations! It’s gonna be a really big thing!!!

DDT

[Bigwolf]

      Far as luggage on a M/C goes I Highly recommend a reinforced plastic stuff bag. If you've served in the Military the stuff bag is about the size of a barracks bag or a sea bag. Found mine at wally wurld in the sporting goods dept. And it IS water resistant/proof. Couple of 1" ratchet straps to tie it onto the passenger seat. But dats like a suggestion!  RIDE SAFE.

Dennis,
Thanks for that advise.  If I did not already own a bunch of luggage, those dry sacks are exactly what I would be buying.  I am thinking I can get by pretty well with a regular duffel type bag and  a contractors heavy duty garbage bag over it.  Does anybody have experience with something like that?

[Pete]

May your trails always curve.
May the wind always be at you back.
May the sun always shine upon your roads,
And rains fall many miles from you rides.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

I've told you before Bruce how much I would love to go on a ride like that and see things I've never seen . I appreciate you letting me tag-along last September on the trip to Colorado I did see things I've never seen before on that ride. They told us in December that all " this " overtime is over well I've had one weekend off in 2019 and it rained like pouring piss out of a boot that weekend. I turned 58 in November apparently 59 1/2 is some magic number at my work. If I live that long and can afford insurance after retiring I hope you are still making these epic trips and say " Let's go for a ride Joe " . 

[Pappy!]

Bigwolf - I use the dry bags and have found them to be absolutely waterproof. Once stuffed and the opening rolled down and snapped they are good to go, period.
The dedicated motorcycle ones have tie-down straps molded onto them making them easy to attach to the bike.

[..]

      Far as luggage on a M/C goes I Highly recommend a reinforced plastic stuff bag. If you've served in the Military the stuff bag is about the size of a barracks bag or a sea bag. Found mine at wally wurld in the sporting goods dept. And it IS water resistant/proof. Couple of 1" ratchet straps to tie it onto the passenger seat. But dats like a suggestion!  RIDE SAFE.

Dennis,
Thanks for that advise.  If I did not already own a bunch of luggage, those dry sacks are exactly what I would be buying.  I am thinking I can get by pretty well with a regular duffel type bag and  a contractors heavy duty garbage bag over it.  Does anybody have experience with something like that?

I bought this. No zipper.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Ozark-Trail-30L-Dry-Waterproof-Bag-Duffel-with-Shoulder-Strap/48931056

[..]

Bruce.

Apple has released a new diaper product.

The I-Pee!

[DDT (12)]

Bruce.

Apple has released a new diaper product.

The I-Pee!

Hey, I'm 'APP' to try something like that...  What a strange experience this has been with lots of adjustments already... First, I went from a fairly typical Southern Gent to a 'Yank-ee', and then... I seem to have transitioned from a 'glass half-full' guy to a 'diaper half-full' person. Wonder what might be next? 

DDT

May your trails always curve.
May the wind always be at you back.
May the sun always shine upon your roads,
And rains fall many miles from you rides.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Pete,

Thanks! I hope exactly that happens!!!

DDT

I've told you before Bruce how much I would love to go on a ride like that and see things I've never seen . I appreciate you letting me tag-along last September on the trip to Colorado I did see things I've never seen before on that ride. They told us in December that all " this " overtime is over well I've had one weekend off in 2019 and it rained like pouring piss out of a boot that weekend. I turned 58 in November apparently 59 1/2 is some magic number at my work. If I live that long and can afford insurance after retiring I hope you are still making these epic trips and say " Let's go for a ride Joe " . 

Joe,

Sometimes it does seem fate is working strongly against us. This will eventually pass, though, and... HELL YES! If I'm still out here doing this when your time comes, by all means, please do join me! I just love showing off my 'back yard', and there are few I'd rather show it to than you!!! Youdaman!

DDT

A phrase I learned while riding with the Patriot Guard Riders was 'Semper Gumby', which when loosely translated becomes 'Always Flexible'.

Ray,

I like that... Probably won't get a tattoo of that, but I will try to remember it! Sounds like an appropriate motto for all long distance road warriors!!! Hope to see ya someplace... IZ?

DDT

[DDT (12)]

Sounds like a great plan.

You won’t find any grits on this side of the border or that strange white “gravy”, but you’ll see some great scenery for sure!   

Can’t wait to read about your ride.

Jason,

Yeah, I'm aware of the dietary adjustments and deprivations that accompany travel outside dear ol' Dixie... Alas, in earlier times, I used to toss a few packs of instant grits in my bag for emergencies! Now, I've managed to find ways to deal with all of that more or less successfully, provided I don't linger up yonder too long... Must say, though, it is worth every sacrifice to venture up there and drink in all the natural beauty in every direction! I love your country, my friend, and I'm especially fond of your part of it!!!

DDT

DDT sounds like  another good summer  I enjoyed our ride last year to Colorado Mansaly sounds like you may be doing a repeat  of it . Wished I could ride the chief Joseph Highway with you but I’m saving it for my last ride .ill see you in ky

Dennis,

Yeah, this one will be like that in some ways... only longer both time-wise and distance-wise! We'll be out who knows how long, and our potential range is bounded only by the two oceans, the artic ice-cap, and the Rio Grande River!!!

It will be slower-paced with shorter days, though, and frequent adjustments for weather... particularly heat, should that enter the picture. By no means will it become a Marathon or a race! Just a leisurely jaunt around the western half of North America, as it now stands, by a couple of geezers taking it easy and smelling the roses... I think you'd enjoy something like that... Reckon Michelle would grant you parole?

DDT

[Jess from VA]

      Far as luggage on a M/C goes I Highly recommend a reinforced plastic stuff bag. If you've served in the Military the stuff bag is about the size of a barracks bag or a sea bag. Found mine at wally wurld in the sporting goods dept. And it IS water resistant/proof. Couple of 1" ratchet straps to tie it onto the passenger seat. But dats like a suggestion!   RIDE SAFE.

Dennis,
Thanks for that advise.  If I did not already own a bunch of luggage, those dry sacks are exactly what I would be buying.  I am thinking I can get by pretty well with a regular duffel type bag and  a contractors heavy duty garbage bag over it.  Does anybody have experience with something like that?

I did exactly that for a number of trips Jerry.  My military issue canvas duffels were resistant, but not waterproof, and riding in the rain for hours (usually high speed) was just like setting them in the shower.  And you know how when it starts sprinkling, you resist the idea of immediately pulling off and putting on the dreaded rainsuit (heat suit)?  Well when you do pull off in the raining-for-sure weather, to put on your suit, it's kind of a pain in the ass to also then have to pull off your several bungee cords, and bag your duffel in the garbage bag, and bungee it back on.... and that garbage bag is slippery as hell, and it fights you slipping and sliding while trying to secure it.  With the bike on the kickstand, the garbage bag bag slides right off the rack onto the muddy ground.  And you need to tuck in all the flapping parts the best you can, or you listen to it flapping around when you resume your ride.

And, my big soft military duffel was wide enough to extend over both bag lids (on the puny solo rack on my back fender), and over time, drooping down on each side, it ended up rubbing my lid paint pretty good (with or without the garbage bag cover).  

So I finally ditched the canvas duffel (with garbage bag), for this stiff sided dry bag, which is kind of expensive, but does the job perfectly, can go to the bottom of a swimming pool and still keep everything perfectly dry, and retains it's shape even when completely empty.  And it holds enough for a weeks long trip, and comes off the bike into the room with everything you need; clothes and toiletries (while bike stuff, stays locked in the hard bags).

https://www.twistedthrottle.com/dryspec-d38-rigid-waterproof-motorcycle-dry-bag-multiple-colors-available

Scroll down to video to see all features, tie-downs.



The only drawback to this (and I think all roll top dry bags) is that it is kind of a PITA to load.  The narow opening is not conducive to stuffing big piles of things into it all at once, and it needs loaded more piecemeal.



My last observation is that the best way to tie this down is with two good heavy duty bungee cords, and a bungee net over the top of everything.  (and the net is also a very good idea if you stick with the soft duffel covered with a garbage bag too).  And they work very well out on the road, where you may want to take off rain gear or heavier jackets and just stuff them up under the net (rather than repacking), in case you might need them quickly later in the day.  Wet stuff dries out quickly this way too.

https://www.amazon.com/PowerTye-50152-Black-featuring-Adjustable/dp/B0022ZXO40?ref_=fsclp_pl_dp_1

[Bigwolf]

Old2soon, Pappy, Britman, and Jess, Thanks for the really good advise and words of experience!  Your point is well taken.  The garbage bag over the regular duffel is out!

Jess, I do have one of those luggage nets.  I have carried it for a long time but never had a need to use it.  Even so, I learned a long time ago that cargo nets are the only way to secure loose floppy things like tarps and bags for hauls of any distance.  That net will be on the bike in case I need it.

This “pondering” post and all of the replies to it are adding to my excitement for this upcoming excursion into places previously unknown to me.  Considering packing strategies and sorting out a minimum of clothing articles that together are capable of a maximum range of temps and weather conditions is like foreplay into that adventure. 

There are a couple of hurdles that have to be cleared before this trip is in the “definitely on” category, but I have my fingers crossed that those hurdles will not become obstacles.  Both of those hurdles are health related.  One for Bruce and one for me, but I believe the odds are in our favor.  I am hopeful, but keeping my fingers crossed too.  Adventure awaits!


Bigwolf

[Oss]

Jess does that duffel fit lengthwise across the back of the seat of your interstate?  I think a 30L bag is about as much as you can lie down on the back seat but let me know.  I use a fabric duffel and either waterproof cover or garbage bag with a bungee net It fits and I can be gone 2 weeks no problem

Bruce, I have taken to saying some say the glass is half full and others that the glass is half empty
I am just glad I have a glass.  When needed I always seem to be able to get enough in it to enjoy life.

May your glasses continue to be filled as you need

[..]

      Far as luggage on a M/C goes I Highly recommend a reinforced plastic stuff bag. If you've served in the Military the stuff bag is about the size of a barracks bag or a sea bag. Found mine at wally wurld in the sporting goods dept. And it IS water resistant/proof. Couple of 1" ratchet straps to tie it onto the passenger seat. But dats like a suggestion!  RIDE SAFE.

Dennis,
Thanks for that advise.  If I did not already own a bunch of luggage, those dry sacks are exactly what I would be buying.  I am thinking I can get by pretty well with a regular duffel type bag and  a contractors heavy duty garbage bag over it.  Does anybody have experience with something like that?

I bought this. No zipper.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Ozark-Trail-30L-Dry-Waterproof-Bag-Duffel-with-Shoulder-Strap/48931056

Mine cost $22 and a LOT cheaper than other suggestions!

My paranoid head made me buy some 2 gallon Zip Loc bags and that's what I will put clothes in. This bag and my removable trunk should carry everything I need for a couple of weeks or more. One saddlebag is full of bike stuff and the other will be for my cold/wet jacket. I hope to be gpong from hot to cool so I need my heavy jacket.

In the past I've just used an electric liner/mesh jacket and waterproof jacket over. But I wasn't going to high er elevations.

Don't forget take fewer clothes and MORE money. 

[..]

I once borrowed a friends very expensive dry duffel with waterproof zip.

Piece of poo!

[Jess from VA]

Jess does that duffel fit lengthwise across the back of the seat of your interstate? I think a 30L bag is about as much as you can lie down on the back seat but let me know.  I use a fabric duffel and either waterproof cover or garbage bag with a bungee net

Bruce, I have taken to saying some say the glass is half full and others that the glass is half empty
I am just glad I have a glass.  When needed I always seem to be able to get enough in it to enjoy life.

May your glasses continue to be filled as you need

No Evan, that particular bag I got will not fit either side to side or lengthwise on a trunked interstate back seat.  It could be stood up and leaned back over the trunk (and tied on), but that's not so good.  And IMHO, it is too big (and will carry too much weight) to carry on the truck rack, if you have one.  

This is why I prefer to travel on a supervalk rather than a truck interstate.  I can get more in my big duffel than in my truck (though the duffel doesn't lock).  

As you know, a big bag in the interstate back seat means the trunk will not open enough to get inside, unless your remove the bag entirely from the seat first.  I use that bag on the back of my supervalk, and with the stiff design and a little pushing back and forth, I can get into either saddlebag with it across the solo rack (not lengthwise).  I could not get into my hard bags with my big military soft duffel, as it laid down across both lids.

You might find one of the smaller dry bags on the Twisted Throttle website that will fit on the trunked interstate back seat, but you'll have to do some measuring first.  A big dry bag stuff sack might be good on the back seat.



https://www.twistedthrottle.com/shop-by-product/luggage-racks

[Pappy!]

One of the bags I have is the DrySpec bag.
While I agree the opening is a bit difficult to "stuff" things into I found that rolling things like tee shirts, shirts, jeans, etc. was a perfect work-around. You can fold then roll and stick 'em in there pretty nicely and they stay put vs. shifting and getting wrinkled beyond recognition.
They will stay dry in a monsoon!