What to take????

[b.walker5]

I do have a nice little 2 person tent, only slightly larger than a pup tent, sleeping bag, and air mattress, that will all fit on the bike, and I considered taking them, but I DO enjoy overnighting at Rickie's Hyatt House..... or similar, hot showers, indoor plumbing, AC, TV to check tomorrows weather, etc... and I plan on being around PA and NY for nearly a week after the rally in case you want to ride to PA and meet.

I always tell people on a trip "If you want the comforts of home, Stay at Home"

[DiverRay]

On a cross country adventure...told my wife about it and she said "Have fun without me"... so if I ever do it I will not be 2 up.

John

John,
Tell her you WILL have fun, that's the idea!

planedick, as far as the extra's, feed the new cables in next to the clutch and throttle with plastic over the top end. If you need them, you will NOT have to pull everything to run them, and they are out of the way! If you are running the Elite 2 Dunlops, with 42psi on the rear you should be able to go almost 10K on it! On my trip a few years ago, I packed a tent and sleeping bag I never used, but also had a laptop with me. I did NOT pack any light bulbs, because I can buy the headlight/taillight bulbs from any parts store, and the dash light bulbs were just replaced.
Have fun and enjoy the ride, as that's what it's all about!

[planedick]

Extra cables

The clutch cable doesn't require much to replace it, but the throttle cable is a different story. I would still have to remove the seat and tank just to hook up the carburater end. Since I am carrying a 25 lb tool bag, there isn't much I can't do along the road.

I don't know how you ever got that many miles out of a peice of s**t Dunlop. I never got even 3000 mi. I'm running Michelin Pilot Activ and the last one I got over 4500 mi. I'm also carrying a list of just about every motorcycle dealer and independant shop in the US of A. I can't imagine none would be within the distance served by the AMA towing service.

All of these things are the least of my worries. Cagers on the cell phone and other moving road hazards are the things that scare me the most.

[oldbiker648]

Planedick, would like to run up to PA the week after the meet, but SWMBO and I are getting married that week, and I think I'd be pushing my luck after just getting back from Seneca Rocks, WV, over Memorial Weekend. Are you taking a laptop or an i-pad? I'm considering the i-pad2 on the basis of size as much as anything else.
As far as accommodations, you are apparently way better hooked up than me. I'll have a few spots lined up the first week or so, and then it's KOA or the roadside.

[fredintoon]

- - - SWMBO and I are getting married that week - - - -

Hi John,
congratulations! Best wishes for a long and happy life together.

[motoman]

Congratulations in advance there oldbiker! Got a guestroom and a queen bed for your weary body if needed. Also, mancave to park the scoot in and can do any repair necessary. Be available anytime cept 4th July weekend.....hosting the Colo. rally in Durango and if any in the general area would be more than welcome!

[oldbiker648]

Thanks, Fred , don't want to hijack Planedick's thread . She's got a 2-car garage, what else could I do?
Motoman, I really appreciate the offer of a place to stay. I've been told Grand Junction is a spot I should see. I'll probably hit Colorado Springs first and then motor on west.
John

[jwhughes3]

ipod touch

Are you taking a laptop or an i-pad? I'm considering the i-pad2 on the basis of size as much as anything else.

If you can deal with the smaller size the iPod Touch can do all the same stuff as the iPad (except 3G) and fits in your pocket. With all the gear you guys are carrying you might save space this way.

John

[oldbiker648]

John,
Unfortunately, small doesn't work for me very well due to large fingers and hands. It does come down to prioritizing what you are going to carry in the way of gear, tools, camping stuff, hi-tech goodies, etc. Things which make the final cut will vary from rider to rider based on the degree of importance which he places on being prepared for various situations. Twenty years ago, none of this would have even been an issue .