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.