Friday, July 13, 2012

60 Hours and Counting...

It's getting close to the departure date for my trip to Oregon for the IMBC, International Motorcycle Bloggers Convention. I plan to head out first thing Monday morning. I'll travel a northern route across MN, and ND. Then about half way across MT, I'll drop down and catch 200. From there, US-12 into ID.
I plan to be in Baker City around noonish or so on Friday the 20th. I have lots of leeway in my plans as far as how many miles I need to cover in a day.
I have started to assemble and check my gear. Tent, Exped Synmat (air mattress), sleeping bag, cool vest, Camelbak, tank bag with electrical connections for GPS and XM radio. I still have to put together my clothes and a few tools and chain lube.


I've called Verizon and re-activated the service on my little netbook. To test it out, I'm posting from it tonight. As long as I have cell phone service, I'll be able to make blog posts and send e-mails. I won't be dependent on hotel WiFi hotspots any more.

The big green ZX-14 is all serviced and ready to go. In the last few weeks I've changed the, oil and filter, air filter, spark plugs, chain and sprockets, mounted new tires, flushed the brake and clutch fluid, and replaced the front brake pads.


I know once I get out there, I'll wish I had more time and could stay out west longer. I'll have to start for home by Tuesday the 24th. I'll be leaving for the Sturgis rally around the 31st. I'll have just enough time at home to cut the grass, change oil(again!), and wash my clothes before heading back out!

12 comments:

  1. Way to go, Erik. See you down there. Have a wonderful and safe trip.

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    1. Thanks, looking forward to meeting everyone.

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  2. Safe riding mate. Sounds like lots of fun.

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    1. Thanks, I'm starting to get kind of nervous, like just before any long trip. I probably wont sleep much Sunday night. My mind will be racing... did I pack this... did I forget that...

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  3. Not too much longer now. At least you are doing some prep work.

    I finally looked at a map on Thursday and haven't thought of packing anything yet. My guess is I'll be doing that Thursday night.

    We'll be arriving Friday. Hoping to leave really early that morning. We have a 340 mile ride to get there. And we'll head home Monday as we have to be back at work on Tuesday.

    Before Sturgis, you'll also be home long enough for your kitties to smother you in cat hair. They are good at that. And scold you about not being home. They're good at that too.

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    1. I'll be going over to my sisters cabin on Sunday morning and cut her grass/weeds. Then once I get home the packing starts for real!
      When I go on an extended rod trip, the cats are very standoffish around me on my return. I'll be home just long enough for them to start to warm up to me then off I go again! We'll see how they react.

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  4. Safe travels and we'll see you soon. Fair warning, this will be much more mellow than Sturgis.

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    1. Hehehe, I do the Sturgis thing with a bunch of old retired cops and fire fighters. We spend most of our time riding or people watching! We're in the tents by sundown.

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  5. Erik:

    I think by now you are already on the road. Safe travels and see you in a few days.

    bob
    Riding the Wet Coast
    My Flickr // My YouTube

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    1. I left early this morning. Just starting to set up camp now.

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