Five days on the road
Our route will take us southeast across Washington's by-ways down to central Oregon, where we then gather for the IMBC (International Motorcycle Blogger Convention) 2012 and meet up with Bob, Brandy and Brad, Richard, Erik, Karen, potentially Lori with partner, and maybe a few other last minute participants.
The bikes are inspected and road safe, insurance is purchased, and accommodation prearranged thanks to Brandy and Brad.
The trip will feature countless fuel stops thanks to the Sporty's peanut tank, also meant to give our tin butts (mighty 500 km per day) a rest, and our legs a welcome stretch.
On a fully loaded test-ride
We took RichardM's comprehensive pack-list to build up our own. The major difference will lack of camping gear on our side (we prefer the luxury of privat bathrooms and indoor accommodation these days). Also, we will keep spares and tools to a minimum, not in order to save weight but because we are all thumbs when it comes to wrenching skills anyway. We will have to trust in our steeds doing their job, and otherwise rely on roadside assistance. The one spare part we are going to carry is each others motorcycle keys.
I can't wait to get on the road. It has has been way too long since the last real motorcycle trip. And this year I am not going to cancel my vacation. For no one!
That's awesome! I'm jealous!
ReplyDeleteSays he, who rides the California coast...
DeleteOne day I hope to be joining you. Have a great and safe journey, and give my warmest kiwi hugs to all those moto bloggers.....especially Bob, you can give BOB and big kiss from me! :)
ReplyDeleteRoger:
DeleteGosh, Golly Gee (blushing), gee whizz . . . I love you too, wished you were here
luv
bob
Riding the Wet Coast
My Flickr // My YouTube
Thanks Rog. I can feel the love.
DeleteWish I could make it...
ReplyDeleteGood idea about the keys. Sometimes my mate and I do the same thing when we're away on a decent trip. Should probably do it with our luggage keys too...
Good point, Andrew. Hey, there is always a next time.
DeleteI'm with you when it comes to camping. But, I'm one who much prefers to return to my own home bed each night. Doesn't make for many road trips. Gratefully, you are taking me with you on yours. Thanks.
ReplyDelete~Keith,
Cirlce Blue
Keith, I have been on the road so often, that I sometimes forget how my own bed feels. Home is where I park my vehicle...
DeleteI am gladly taking you with me, and if it is only virtual.
SonjaM,
ReplyDeleteM People? The M Duo sounds more dashing IMHO!
When exactly is the IMBC supposed to take place?
dom
Redleg's Rides
Colorado Motorcycle Travel Examiner
It's happening on the third weekend of July. And I will apply the M Duo for future reference, thanks.
Deletehave an awesome trip!
ReplyDeleteIt won't be as epic as yours but it will be a good entry level challenge for the hubby to see if he likes it.
DeleteWhat an interesting duo you make. The Sporty looks very cozy. And the Burgy? How can a Burgman, even a baby Burgman look anything but expansive.
ReplyDeleteLookin' good!
~k
Yeah, the Sportster is quite comfy indeed. And the Burgy is like a sofa on two wheels. I think the hubby is so far quite happy with the upgrade.
DeleteYay. We are looking forward to seeing you two again. 2 more weeks.
ReplyDeleteAt least you will have ample opportunities for pictures and to use the restroom due to the peanut tank. The bikes look good all loaded for your test run.
I think 500 km a day is about right. I think our Friday to get to Baker City is going to be over 400 miles (650 km) We are going to be tired by the time we get there. Coming home Monday will be longer.
If we only had more time, I would have loved to reduce the daily average. I hope that hubby doesn't get put off by the amount of saddle hours.
DeleteYAY, looking forward to meeting you, too.
Oh, and I am calling it fuel stops, not washroom breaks... although it it very likely that both will happen.
International Motorcycle Blogger Convention? I didn't even know this existed. Sounds like a fun trip. Enjoy and be safe!
ReplyDeleteStacey at Bolty.net made that up when we had our first informal meet-up in 2010.
Deletehttp://bolty.net/2010/07/19/1st-international-moto-blogger-convention-recap/
I am so, so jealous. I'd love to be there to say hi to y'all. Maybe someone can pack an honorary frog in my honor.
ReplyDeleteI will see if we can organize one ;-)
DeleteReady for the road!!! How did the shakedown run go? I hope hubby doesn't get put off, and can see some enjoyment in those distances.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately...we have to take Oregon off the table this year. :( I could only get two weeks off from work. Two weeks wouldn't give us time to enjoy the route. It would be 500+ miles each day, on the super highway. We are both bummed on missing out meeting you and everyone else.
All is not lost, we get our own adventure. We might hit Canada. Hehe
Have a great time! Be safe. Lots of pictures!!
The shakedown was a piece of cake, all set for the road.
DeleteBummer, you can't come. 500+ miles on the superslab wouldn't be fun. Maybe another time? Or a location closer to you? Any ideas?
Enjoy your road trip wherever it might take you, and ride safe!
What happened with doing trips on a Vespa? :( Have a great trip, looking forward reading about it! :)
ReplyDeleteSergei, no worries. The scooters will have their own trips. We have a Washington tour, the Sunshine Coast, Vancouver Island and Interior BC in store for this summer. Please stay tuned ;-)
DeleteFantastic! I've never heard the tin butts line, but I like it. Kind of fits my style, I prefer shorter scenic riding. Enjoy, I hope your part of the country isn't as miserable as mine when you're on the road. I'd rather stick my head in the oven than spend time outside these days. Not that I ever turn the oven on. Why bother. It's too hot for even that.
ReplyDeleteBrady
Behind Bars - motorcycles and Life
Thanks Brady, I wouldn't have an issue with doing higher mileage but the spousal unit is new to riding and has to find his own pace.
DeleteLike you I don't like riding in the hot with ATGATT and all, hence I would not enjoy riding that much. Well, not that we get any heat over here. Temps have been record braking low for this time of the year...