Departing in the morning

After 8 AM Dr appointment on Wed leaving to take in 10-12 more states on my 2014 49 state ride(s)---time gone=no plans.  carrying light camping stuff, in case, Motel 6 costs little more in many cases.

Since I have been doing this for now 61 years---passing on some info for those  who haven't done it yet.   I was blessed to have jobs that  paid me to travel, got a lot in on the job---Europe, Asia, US------when I worked for the DOD and Army, the married mafia that ran the show objected, but I did anyway----you know the types/no fun/ugly wife.....when they retire get riding mower....no bike/snow machines, etc....no interest in me having fun....and getting the job  done.

For Trip:

Bike new,3000 miles, fresh WalMart oil/Givi Box, Givi Tank (hump)bag, Givi adjustable windshield.  Good supply of fresh foam ear plugs.

Use no GPS, other Electronic stuff, reg. seat...I ride everyday so my butt in shape.  Have 2 small map books (one could stay home)  Tools to remove wheels, etc. Tires fresh Ride On inside...maybe handy in small puncture....most important constant balance=smooth ride.

Clothes/Riding   No flap/waterproof first rule.  Good in warm(but no mesh for me=junk)

So:  Darien Lite Yellow jacket, good to 90 degrees or so, no good below 35 degrees F
Pants: Jeans tucked into Combat Light boots from Aerostich.

Gloves:  big collection for cold/warm/wet and spares

Decided maybe too warm for my leather bibs, my Darien light pants not all day convenient for me----so taking my 15 year old Joe Rocket XL rain pants---they work good and in case of cold spell can be pulled to arm pit level offering lower back protection from drafts----also pr of long underwear carried underseat for real cold spell. PJs?

Pair of boat shoes for after ride----min. clothes....just take what you got into shower, dry next day in the "breeze" wearing your spares.

two rubber Ortleib bags for junk


Keep load low, towards front---I at 75 like to keep comfortable/warm and  get off bike at end  of 400-500 mile day feeling good.

Helmet: Arthur Fullmer 3/4 with built in face shield  I probably change ear plugs twice a day, use Vaseline in outer ear channels---carry tweezer in case plugs go too deep in ear.

Speed: like to ride in the 60-70mph range and you don't get so beat up by the wind but use up to wide open to get away from idiots who are not paying attention.

Don't hurry---no plans/destinations for the day best idea

Last/final...as I like to learn from each trip----no rubber boots for first time in 60 years...trying to see if my Combat Lights can stand day of dripping water behind scooter legshields---no rubber boots=space/weight saving, hopefully no suffering.

As I ride a lot//have ridden a lot, I try to get off bike each hour, take helmet off, ear plugs out, check bike/walk around a little/wake up/pee.
Going to sleep on bike can be fatal.

I have credit cards/cheap phone.

Whole idea this stuff is fun should not be torture.....I do stop for riders in trouble....trailer bikers do not!!

Gas mileage:  might be 55mpg for trip.  I fuel @120-150 miles as I hate walking, reg/cheapest   every 1000 miles tank of Shell Super....maybe the chemicals keep fuel systems clean??

Eat---McDonalds best for no runs----Wendy puts me in the bushes within 20 mins.  No bushes in west=real problem.

Safe Riding and Good Luck John - enjoy the trip......and thanks for all the tips. :-)

John,

I hope you have a great time and also ride safe. Are you going to take a computer along to post as you go? Have fun.

John,

May the roads be smooth and the bathrooms be clean.

Have a fun time.

I am not computer geek...but rider, computer not going. Computer adds nothing to bike trip.

For Dennis I usually pee along the road....haven't been arrested yet....but a number of years ago my dog and I both ran into woods to pee------Ranger saw us going in....did U turn and red light----tried to arrest me...told him to arrest all the animals and then get to me.......and reminded him he worked for us the taxpayers.

Take cell phone to update us stay at homes on your progress. Sounds like a wonderful time, Be safe and do let us know regularly how its going. Darn, I wish I was there.

Be Safe!

Ride safe, John and take plenty of pictures if you take a camera!!! And remember Confucius says "no pee on electric fence".