Genesis of the ride

Riding a Harley Davidson motorcycle across the country has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. It probably started when I was a teenager as I watched a lot of my friends get into motorcycling and saw how much they enjoyed it. I got my first motorcycle in 1965, actually it belonged to a friend of mine, a Triumph Bonneville 650 cc twin, and I learned the joys of riding around the countryside of New England. Once that happened the dream of riding across the United States took root and has been growing stronger with each passing year.
My nephew made a similar ride about 10 years ago and when he showed me the photos and we talked about the trip I knew I had to save my money, get a bike and make the trip. At my age (64) there won't be too many more opportunities to do it.
So, the bike has been purchased (2009 Harley Davidson FLHT Electra Glide Standard); the training and licensing have been completed and long distance riding for practice and endurance have begun.
The trip is scheduled to begin on July 4, 2010.
The scheduled riders are:
Fred (Doc) Gardner (Navy Corpsman - Submarines and Marines; Viet Nam Veteran)
Jim Mulanix (Marine Corps Veteran - Amtracks)
Ralph Luther (Submarine Veteran - A-Ganger) - driving the chase/support vehicle
Bob McManus (Submarine Veteran - Machinist Mate/Engineman) - chase/support vehicle, part time passenger on the Harley and erstwhile "chronicler of the trip" we'll appoint him the "blogmaster" since he is the professional writer
Ray Frase (U.S. Army; 101st Airborne; Viet Nam Veteran)
Potential riders:
Bill (Billy Bob) Lary (Submarine Veteran- Torpedoman/Missile Tech)
Roy Brewer (Air Force Veteran - Viet Nam Veteran - Air Crew Chief)

Future posts will outline the planning; the gear and some photos of the practice rides we've done to prepare ourselves for the adventure of a lifetime. Yes; this is our "Bucket List" and any resemblance to the movie "Wild Hogs" is coincidental.
Most of what will be published is true but since we're all veterans we are capable of embellishing the stories related here. So, if it starts out with TINS, then view it with a healthy dose of skepticism