276 Days to the Ride

Weather has turned cold here in Michigan with low's in the 30's F and daytime highs only reaching the 50's. Not time to put the bike away for the winter but time to start thinking about it and the maintenance that will be required to be ready for next year. I will probably hit or get close to the 5,000 mile mark before I put it up for the year so I will definitely get the required maintenance package while I have it in storage. I will also add the rider back rest and the cruise control package and that will most likely be all the upgrades/maintenance I will do to the bike before we leave. I will have the brakes and tires inspected and changed prior to the trip if they appear to need it. Tires are still a guess and I am going to reserve judgement on them until about a month prior to departure. I can either change before we leave or make arrangements to get a tire installed at a Harley dealer along the route.

The coming winter months will be spent planning/re-planning/modifying and researching things to do along the route and listing places of interest. This is where I need input from the other members of "the ride". Start thinking about what you want to do or we'll end up doing my stuff and you'll just have to sit back and enjoy or whine; your choice.
Some time around next March we will have to set up an on-line chat or e-mail forum to confirm everyone's participation and whether they are in for the full ride or partial. The reference to partial applies to McManus (Bob was planning to fly back from Seattle) and Blue (may join in Seattle or decide to come to Detroit); either way works for both of them. I think the rest of us are committed to the full round trip from Michigan to Seattle area and back to Michigan. I'm going to develop my route map and points of interest and send to each of you in the next month or so for review and your input. Remember, if you don't make suggestions then my route is what we will follow. Maybe I'll get a patch for my vest that makes me the "Ride Dictator" or "Road Czar". Seriously, everything I've learned thus far is that we have to have a definite plan in order to pull this off with enough flexibility in it to cover contingencies and allow for new things discovered that we want to see or experience.

Another thing that is important is we should write down our emergency contacts and any medical conditions that the rest of us need to be aware of in case of emergency. None of us are youngsters, except for Blue, and we all know he is accident prone (check his RAN medical records). I have two more trips to the "Roto-Rooter Doc to clean out my esophagus before we leave but should be fully recovered in plenty of time. We should also keep a list of our meds for the same reason. (I just can't stop being a Corpsman).

That's enough for today; I'm starting to piss myself off with my arrogance.
So, if you're reading this; enjoy the day; keep thinking about what you want to see and do and keep making your preparations. July 4, 2010 will be here sooner than you think.
"Road Czar"; I kind of like that.

279 Days to the Ride

Got a good ride in today in the crisp fall air. Rode out among the lakes and the curves to shake out the cobwebs. Good riding weather but enough "squirrels in cages" to keep me alert. I need this practice to keep sharp for the long ride. No close calls but I was able to practice an evasive maneuver from a SUV coming out of a parking lot without looking to see if there was any oncoming traffic; yep (yakking on the cell phone). Another interesting discovery, re-discovery actually, is that leaves falling on the roads can be slippery. I remember that from days of old riding in Connecticut but had a momentary lapse and got reminded real quick. I don't expect that when we ride next summer but it was a good wake up to be constantly aware of what is out there that could send you tumbling. My little bell is keeping the gremlins away.
The air today holds the promise of a very nice fall and I hope to get a few more long rides in before the bike gets put away for the winter. Thinking seriously of putting cruise control on it over the winter. I met up with Ray Frase (our Army member 101st Airborne - Viet Nam) and he highly recommends it. He's riding a 2008 Road King and has used it on long trips and swears by it for keeping your hands from getting numb.
Whenever I ride out in the country my mind projects ahead to the "big ride" and what the grandeur of the mountains is going to look like when they first come into view somewhere in Montana. In my minds eye I can see them (thank you Viewmaster) and it will be interesting to see if they look anywhere near what I envision. July can't come soon enough to suit me.
I also picked up a sheepskin for our Marine Rider. We all know how sensitive Marine Butts are; they've been chewed on so much that the little darlings require extra padding to survive the long days in the saddle. Since I also served in the Marines I have one for myself. On a serious note if you are riding and don't have one I highly recommend getting one. I got mine at IKEA for $40.00 and it will pay for itself it I avoid one blister where the sun don't shine.
I've added the Harley Museum to the end of our itinerary and a ferry ride across Lake Michigan to the Silversides. From all I've heard the ferry is quite an experience and motorcycles are welcome. I'll be checking into what the Harley Museum offers in the way of incentives for riders to come visit and report back what I learn.

283 Days to the Ride

Got good news this week; our scribe and photographer is out of the hospital after undergoing successful cardiac surgery. We are all hopeful, and confident, that he will be back to full status by next July and will join us on the ride. Here's a taste of what northern Michigan looks like. The photos were taken at my sister in law's place and I plan to ride up there again in a few weeks and see if the bears are home.

288 Days to the Ride

Our scribe and photographer is making good progress, post surgery. He's in a regular room and may be discharged as early as Monday to begin his re-hab. I'm confident everything will go smoothly and he'll be able to join us for our adventure to the land of "lions and bears"
Safe Home, Bob; we have lots of places planned for your photographic and journalistic skills.

291 Days to the Ride

If you're reading this today then please offer a prayer for our photojournalist and chronicler of the ride Bob McManus. Bob is undergoing cardiac by-pass surgery today and will be laid up for a while. Mary will keep me updated on his progress and I'll share it with you; Bob's a tough guy and I'm sure he will come back running "full on four". I'll explain that term to our Marine later.
"Safe Home" Bob

293 Days to the Ride

The long, sometimes boring, planning process continues. I'm now studying the maintenance items that will have to be completed before we set out on this journey and the contingencies that have to be considered along the way.
Items to be checked and taken care of prior to leaving include:
1. Complete the 5,000 mile maintenance program
2. Ensure that the brakes, front and rear, are sufficient for a 6,000 mile ride with lots of hills, mountains and curves
3. Ensure there is sufficient tire tread to complete the ride; make arrangements for replacement tires along the way if necessary. Harley Dealers give priority to travelers so I will see about having a tire/s waiting for me at one of our stops (thanks to Tim Sheridan for this tip)
4. For our non-Harley riders a similar plan is recommended
5. I'm reading a book titled: "Proficient Motorcycling" and picking up some good tips on how to be a better/safer rider. This is a good addition to any riders resource library
6. On all rides I will start practicing the art of countersteering to improve my skills on the "windies and twisties" of the wild west. There are some good curves in my area to practice on while there is good riding weather left.
7. Next weekend I'll be testing the tent under real live "out in the northwoods of Michigan" conditions. There are even some black bears in the area so it will be about the best pre-ride camping conditions I can find around here. No mountain lions or snakes but I've seen the bears up there and they can give you an adrenaline rush if you're not expecting them.

That's the update for today; I can't wait for the real trip to start so the posts become more interesting and we can add photos.

296 Days to the Ride

I went to the final Bike and Classic Car Show at O'Tooles last night and my record is perfect; I have not won any of the prizes. But, I did run into two more guys who had some good tips on riding cross country. I'm researching some of their recommendations and will include them in upcoming posts.
Other things learned are:
1. Aleve is a life saver for us old "creaky bone" types
2. Smart water is recommended over other bottled waters
3. Make sure tires and brakes are up to a long ride; before leaving.
4. Pick your campsites carefully; (this guy must be talking to McManus about lions and bears)
5. There are nice hotels that will put in 4 king size beds so you can save money by doubling up or even 4 in a room (us submarine veterans know all about that stuff)
6. Premium gas is hard to find in some of the western states; this one requires some looking into (a can of octane booster is probably a good thing to have along for us Harley riders who require premium fuel)

I'm looking for some route maps of Beartooth Pass and Chief Joseph Trail and Roosevelt National Park on the border of North Dakota and Montana.

That's all for today

298 Days to the Ride

The planning continues on sights to see in each state along the route we choose. Michigan will include the submarine memorial in Marquette; Wisconsin (TBD), maybe the Harley Museum on the way back. Minnesota will include the headwaters of the Mississippi River; North Dakota requires a little more research. Montana will have Glacier National Park on the way out and the Chief Joseph Trail and Custer National Battle Site on the way back. Idaho will have the roaring waters at Coeur d' Alene. Washington will have numerous rides with our hosts through the Cascade mountains and other local sights; plus a visit to the Horse and Cow in Bremerton. Oregon will have Mt. Hood, Wyoming will have Yellowstone, Cody and Ron Martini in Sheridan. South Dakota will include Sturgis and Mt. Rushmore; Nebraska is still TBD. Iowa, Illinois and Indiana have corn, beans and since I've been through them many, many times less time will be spent there unless you other riders have ideas on what to see. There should be some nice riding along the Mississippi on either the Iowa or Illinois side of the River.
Don't be shy about providing your input.

Ride to the Northwest

Well here I am about 1234 miles further south than I was at my last posting. Went for a ride on my bike this morning, got all greased up with sunblock & put on my long sleeved shirt and off I went. Really didn't have any idea where I was going until I was on the road for a while & saw a sign that said beach. Really wasn't a road type sign, twas a young lass that was almost wearing a bikini. About then I noticed how warm it was and almost began to sweat (guilt?). You may wonder what this has to do with a ride out west? Well, I am soulfully & diligently preparing myself both for the ride and what may greet us when we approach the Pacific Ocean. I intend to further prepare myself..

299 Days to the Ride

I think my countdown calendar is FUBAR but I'll get that fixed. Calendar fixed; and countdown updated.
Yesterday was a "no bike day" except for a short ride to run some errands. Today will also be a "no bike day" as we take care of all the little jobs around here that have been neglected far too long. However, I've been reading about an interesting ride along the headwaters of the Mississippi River that starts in Itasca State Park in Minnesota. It's not too far from Bimidji which is day two of the ride so I'm going to add it as a proposed side trip and we'll see if we can fit it in. Seems a shame to be so close and not go see the place where the Great River Starts.
If you guys are keeping up with this on going "mind dump" of mine feel free to chime in and add your comments; or better yet, make your own post about what you want to see or expect to encounter on the "Ride"
side to McManus; "Safe Home"

301 Days to the Ride

Got 384 miles in today in about 7 1/2 total riding hours. Rode down to Cleveland to participate in the activities at the USS Cod SS 224. This is a sister boat to the boat I enlisted aboard USS Cero SS 225. I even met the grandson of a guy who served on the Cero in WWII. He was a radioman and is still alive and living in Florida.
Things I learned on this ride:
1. 55 F is cold; full leathers are a necessity. (I had to stop and put the rest of my gear on about 40 miles into the ride)
2. There are some interesting smells out there; some pleasant and some not.
3. Ground fog is kind of eerie in the half light of morning and damned cold to ride through.
4. People are friendly at rest stops when you're wearing a Submarine Veteran Vest.
5. Viet Nam Veterans are friendly when you wave to them on the highway; I met up with a guy at a rest stop that I had waved to a few miles back on the highway and we swapped some stories and had a good chat.
6. Cops in Cleveland are friendly and willing to cut you some slack on an Armed Forces Weekend; even if you take a wrong turn.
7. Riding almost 400 miles is not going to be as difficult as I anticipated; unless it rains or we hit a lot of construction.
8. Grooved pavement on bridges will get your attention and slow you down; doesn't impact cars but sure did make my tires wobble until I got used to it.
9. Cheap sunglasses are worth what you pay for them; time for me to start shopping for a good pair that can handle the glare of sunrise and sunset and the deep shadows of a wooded road

The next test will be to ride up the the Mackinac Bridge and camp out overnight before coming back.

Here's photos taken while at USS Cod Ss 224

302 days to the Ride

The bike's been washed, the oil has been checked and the tires are properly inflated. At Oh Dark Ugly tomorrow I head down to Cleveland via the "red roads" to spend a day with a bunch of submarine sailors aboard the USS Cod SS 224. I enlisted in the Navy aboard the USS Cero SS 225 and visiting the Cod is like returning to those days of my youth. Along the way I'm going to explore some places I used to go to as a kid when my grandparents had a cottage on Lake Erie. It's been over 50 years since I've been in that area so this will be a good "nostalgia" ride.
I'll post photos upon my return on Sunday.
Side note to McManus; Safe Home

303 Days to the Ride

I added another piece of "comfort gear" today. My wife found this pad at our local IKEA Store. Whoever does the cutting of these pieces is obviously a Harley rider. It fits perfectly and doesn't slide off the seat. It will keep my "butt" cool next summer when we hit the high plains and possibly the desert. As a side note I thanked her for picking up a sheepskin and she informed me it was wool. Being not too quick on the uptake I informed her that I needed sheepskin; then it hit me; where does wool come from? DUH! Now I know what Homer Simpson is all about.

304 Days to the Ride

Looks like the weather will hold for the weekend so the trip to USS Cod in Cleveland is on. This will be a solo ride to gain experience navigating roads I haven't traveled before. I will load up the tour luggage and give it a test for balance and possibly the waterproofing; Now I just need to get a sleeping bag before I go down there so I can test that out by camping out along the banks of Lake Erie. If camping out doesn't work I'll just sleep on the submarine and relive the "good old days" Photos will be published when I get back on Sunday.