Kawasaki Concours Forum
Riding => Rides and Stories => Topic started by: B.D.F. on May 27, 2012, 07:49:58 AM
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I am tentatively planning another CC 50 from Rye, NY to Ocean Shores, WA in early June. I will be making the trip but am not absolutely committed to the CC 50 yet. But I wanted to let everyone know because it seems to be a real crowd pleaser and I will again have SPOT with me to broadcast my progress (or lack thereof) in real-time. I will also be using the exact same route out, basically I-80 to Omaha, NE, then I-29 north to Sioux Falls, SD, followed by a left turn onto I-90 all the way to the coast. I again will start the ride from RI but begin the timed portion in Rye as that is the last point I will be on the Atlantic coast. In fact I will again be stopping at Kirby lane for the sample of Atlantic water for the obvious humorous reason.
I think this time I will send the "OK" message when I stop so everyone can see when / where I start the timed run. That seemed to be a point of confusion last time. It will also leave me a great record (hopefully) of my fuel stop locations.
As always, please feel free to point and laugh should I wuss out and stop before finishing. Let's face it, it is a simple ride composed of only a couple of turns and only two days of riding.
I will post a link to my Spotwalla page after I reactivate SPOT and set up the trip page.
Brian
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No dehydration this time around?
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I PROMISE I wont leave the scene until Brian leaves (Ocean Shores that is). Should there be another sandy CDA I shall be there to assist in the picture taking opportunity ;)
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:thumbs:
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Nutz!!!!!!!
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He walks that fine line between genius and somewhat less than sane thought.
When suddenly...he somehow thought that doing a CC50, a second time, is a good idea.
Good luck Brian, and possibly Kirby. (that is, if he can find a way to stow away).
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Hmmmm- You with a bad back, me with a bad brain (and everything else by then)... that ought to be a great sight! I was probably better off with those healthy women and girls lifting the bike. :D Good thinkin' on the photo though, that would truly be something to savor, mostly the look on my face I suspect.
I am having a hard time getting psyched up for this one; too many things on my plate at the moment I guess. I have to scurry up a new rear tire and an auxiliary fuel tank in the next week and a half. The tire on the bike is fine and would almost certainly make it but I don't want to run any more risk of a flat than necessary and new sneakers just inspire more confidence.
Brian
I PROMISE I wont leave the scene until Brian leaves (Ocean Shores that is). Should there be another sandy CDA I shall be there to assist in the picture taking opportunity ;)
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Well, maybe not so much. Thinking back, I think that is what bit me on the last trip. I will make more of an effort to stay hydrated this time although it will probably be cooler this time too- the last ride had an entire day and evening of temps. in the 80's which was a little warm in my gear, especially stopped on the highway passing Chicago.
Brian
No dehydration this time around?
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My hat is off to you Brian but man, you're crazy! :)
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It isn't really so far- you would not hesitate to ride your bike 3 miles, would you? Well just thing of my ride as a bunch of 3 mile rides strung together.
;D
Brian
My hat is off to you Brian but man, you're crazy! :)
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Look me up this time Brian when you're in the PNW. :chugbeer:
I'd meet you up at Chet's but it's kind of a long ride.... ;D ;)
Safe travels bro!
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Wow.... looking forward to following this event once again!
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It isn't really so far- you would not hesitate to ride your bike 3 miles, would you? Well just thing of my ride as a bunch of 3 mile rides strung together.
;D
Brian
Yep, you're right. It's exactly the same only different. Good luck to you Sir! :hail:
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It isn't really so far- you would not hesitate to ride your bike 3 miles, would you? Well just thing of my ride as a bunch of 3 mile rides strung together.
;D
Brian
Yup! About 1000 of em ;)
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Good luck - it's a great run. Planning gas stops do help.
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Wow.... looking forward to following this event once again!
+1!
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top~
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OK, I'll ask the question, WHY? You've already done it once, so why do it again, instead of something similar or different this time? Or are you trying to prove to yourself you can do it without falling over at the end? ;) An even better trial would be to do it in the opposite direction, West to East.
Given how much great stuff there is to see by motorcycle while crossing this country, and especially around the PNW, I would think there is merit in "smelling the flowers" along the way, as the saying goes. Or at least saving enough of yourself to ride around the NW on the bike when you get here (or is that part of the plan?). Once you make it to the Rockies, there are some pretty amazing roads that are not Interstate Highways.
Either way, I wish you well, and a safe journey if you do it. Maybe this time more of us can meet up with you, if you do come out this way.
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Well, perhaps I can answer that question: the goal of the trip is to end up in Tacoma, WA, rather than a CC 50 in and of itself. I am simply taking the opportunity (and it truly is an opportunity on several different levels) to squeeze in a bike ride and further, to squeeze in a CC 50. I like long distance riding anyway and this particular ride is nothing short of spectacular IMO.
The US is a fantastic piece of real estate, and I have had, as most of us on this forum have had, the good fortune to live here (born and bred American). It is a large country with several major terrain, climate and area types between the coasts; all of them striking in their own ways. To help this ride along, some really great people have literally paved the way west with a terrific highway system that IMO outdoes the legendary Autobahn (been there, done that). Couple all of that with a great infrastructure that provides ample fuel, food and about anything else one could need all along the way and it adds up to a potentially great trip. Doing it in two days is an experience in itself, and the whole things kind of runs together in my memory (OK, a bit of a blur) and that somehow makes the trip even better. It reminds me of that Russian comic who had the tag- line 'what a country'. Imagine, riding on the back of a great motorcycle, wearing excellent gear (both providing great comfort), on some of the world's finest roadway systems, through four time zones and having two sunrises and two sunsets over your shoulder- what could be better? I guess I could answer your question with another question: who would not take such an opportunity? Like it says in the song.... 'from sea to shining sea'.
The certification is just icing on the cake. It is just a marker for a certain level of performance, nothing spectacular or even great. But it is nice to have the certificate to go along with the vials of water.
I am doing the ride east- to- west because I will be the most rested and in the best shape leaving when leaving home on this trip. I will not be as well rested when leaving the west coast. Also, the ride west starts from a congested, harder riding area thick with 'forest rats' (whitetail deer) and travels into very open country with far less critters to get in the way. And of course should I blow the ride west, trying a CC 50 on the way out gives me one more chance to try the same thing heading east although I do not know if I would even attempt it for the reasons listed above.
Addressing the endurance part: that is a very individual thing and is more or less difficult based on the person. I can stay fairly alert and able for long periods of time although I would certainly not say I was 100% at the end of that last ride. Still, I believe I am able to perform sufficiently to keep a reasonably safe operating level.
Finally, the really hard part of the question: why? Again, it is a marker or a challenge to complete, sort of like running in a marathon or a triathlon. I read one time 'The question is not 'How far will you go' but rather 'Will you go as far as it takes' ' that strikes a chord with me and I find to ring true; you are not finished until you reach the end, whatever the end means in context (mountain climbing, running or bicycling long distances, even the early boxing matches where there were no round limits and you had to 'toe the line'). A CC 50 is also attractive because it is ultra simple; the rules can be written in a sentence or two without a lot of limits as there often are in other forms of competition or endurance tests.
I certainly am not really going to try to avoid the 'fall over' on the Pacific beach either as that was without a doubt the funniest part of the entire trip- even at the moment it happened. So here is hoping that 1) I can drop the bike on the same side again and 2) I can find three or so more of that same caliber of human who lifted the bike back up the first time and 3) that I have the presence of mind to at least get those people's first names.
This is a photo of me taken just outside the convenience store where I bought a bottle of water to mark the end of the timed portion of my trip; the strain is obvious but I am still standing on my hind legs and still able to pretend I can read. :-)
(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f82/BDF08012008/DSC_0279.jpg)
Brian
OK, I'll ask the question, WHY? You've already done it once, so why do it again, instead of something similar or different this time? Or are you trying to prove to yourself you can do it without falling over at the end? ;) An even better trial would be to do it in the opposite direction, West to East.
Given how much great stuff there is to see by motorcycle while crossing this country, and especially around the PNW, I would think there is merit in "smelling the flowers" along the way, as the saying goes. Or at least saving enough of yourself to ride around the NW on the bike when you get here (or is that part of the plan?). Once you make it to the Rockies, there are some pretty amazing roads that are not Interstate Highways.
Either way, I wish you well, and a safe journey if you do it. Maybe this time more of us can meet up with you, if you do come out this way.
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Update: Still moving along making progress in getting the bike ready. Off tonight to look for an aux. fuel tank (something in the 2 1/2 or 3 gallon range) to strap onto the bike, along with flashlight batteries and fresh SPOT batteries for my wife and any of you who care to look in on the trip. :D I have a second GPS ready and tested but not installed on the bike yet, and I have to install a USB female outlet on the USB supply already on the bike so I can charge the cell phone on the way (see- I can learn from previous mistakes). I still plan on foraging for fuel / liquids / food along the way without any plan in place; it is impossible to predict the range of a tank of fuel due to weather and headwinds so planning fuel stops on a trip this long is a waste of time IMO.
The route will be the same as last time- RI (home) to Rye, NY where I will pick up fuel and a time stamped receipt that will start the clock for the trip. Then across the Tappan Zee bridge (across the Hudson), west on I-287 until hitting I-80, then I-80 west until turning north onto I-29 in Iowa, into South Dakota and finally turning west again onto I-90 for the great majority of the trip. After clearing Snoqualmie pass in the last edge of the Rockies, a mix of highway and secondary roads to the coast. I will post a photo of the route along with a link to my SpotWalla page before I go.
This time I will get a message back to everyone about where and what time I actually start the timed run; last time there was a lot of confusion about that. I will try to leave an "I'm fine" message on SPOT, and maybe give Kirby a call and have him post where and when the run actually started although the little guy is cranky he can't go along.... again.
Brian
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Are you using one of these? Might help the dehydration and keep the bike off the sand. ;)
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I was afraid this would happen and sure enough, Kirby is quite cranky about not being able to go along and will probably refuse to post on my behalf while I'm gone. I knew this was coming and could not bear to tell the little fella' in person so I called him on his cell phone.
(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f82/BDF08012008/Kirbyoncellphone1.jpg)
As I think we can all see by his expression, Kirby was not happy about receiving the news. Poor little guy is still wearing his wrist band from the spring fling.
(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f82/BDF08012008/Kirbyoncellphone2.jpg)
Andrea will probably post a few blurbs about my start time / place, progress (or lack of progress), etc. Not sure if she will get her own login or just use mine. I have USB power on the bike and the proper adapter cable to charge my cell phone on the trip so I <should> be able to make contact with the outside world. I am also going to try to leave a message each time I fuel up and while the message will show up as a differently colored balloon on SpotWalla, I am not certain that the upload of the message is in real time or locked onto the GPS location that occurs when the message button is pressed. Put another way, SPOT works in 10 minute cycles and I am not sure where / when in that cycle a manual message gets uploaded. I believe it is in real- time but am not certain.
Brian
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Well, perhaps I can answer that question: ...
<snip>
Brian
OK, I understand. I was thinking of the CC50 strictly in the context of a personal achievement / accomplishment, not as a competition / sporting event.
When I've done something, like climbing one of our local mountains (i.e. Mt Adams - 12,324 ft.), the first time was to say I did it. The second time was because I was asked to go by people that had never done the climb, and wanted to go with someone that had. I had no interest in doing the climb again after the first time (been there, done that), but was happy to go the second time when asked. Now put me on a sled, and I'll climb to the top every weekend. ;D
I will re-iterate my earlier statement though, that I hope you save enough of yourself to do a little riding while you're here. There are some fantastic roads to ride around here, like the loop around Mt. Rainer for example, or the ride up to Mt. St. Helens, that I think are just too good to pass up for anyone that's never done them.
Good luck on your ride, be safe, and don't forget to drink lots of water along the way!
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Speaking of hydration.......Kirby.......well, he's looking a little dehydrated himself. Less Jack and more water Kirby! :)
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Thanks for the positive sentiment.
By the way, as the destination is such a big part of this ride I may not have been clear or even mentioned that this will be my last CC 50 and the opportunity will not present itself again. The person I am going to visit in Tacoma will be moving away from the area before Sept. of this year so Tacoma will no longer be an end point of any trips in the future. I am grabbing this opportunity in large part simply because it is the last time it will be available.
I liked the Pacific Northwest area- it looks surprisingly like New England in many ways. I do not have any plans at all for the time I will be out there. The real treat for me on the entire trip last time was making a high pass through the Rockies at Beartooth Pass. I was so impressed with that piece of America that I am coming back the exact same way and we worked for quite a while to find a way for Andrea (my wife) to make the partial trip east from Tacoma through Yellowstone and Beartooth pass. In the end we had to abandon that idea due to the logistics of her flying out of a regional airport and home, the uncertainly of the weather (no flexibility in the time through the Rockies with a plane ride prearranged) and she having not done such long distances in such a short time before (650 + mile days). But I am certainly looking forward to making the park and the pass again, and a quick stop by Devil's Tower.
Brian
OK, I understand. I was thinking of the CC50 strictly in the context of a personal achievement / accomplishment, not as a competition / sporting event.
When I've done something, like climbing one of our local mountains (i.e. Mt Adams - 12,324 ft.), the first time was to say I did it. The second time was because I was asked to go by people that had never done the climb, and wanted to go with someone that had. I had no interest in doing the climb again after the first time (been there, done that), but was happy to go the second time when asked. Now put me on a sled, and I'll climb to the top every weekend. ;D
I will re-iterate my earlier statement though, that I hope you save enough of yourself to do a little riding while you're here. There are some fantastic roads to ride around here, like the loop around Mt. Rainer for example, or the ride up to Mt. St. Helens, that I think are just too good to pass up for anyone that's never done them.
Good luck on your ride, be safe, and don't forget to drink lots of water along the way!
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Here is the Spot Walla page to follow along on the trip:
http://spotwalla.com/tripViewer.php?id=4a754fcce5ca35d7f (http://spotwalla.com/tripViewer.php?id=4a754fcce5ca35d7f)
The current plan is to start Wednesday morning, 6 June, at some reasonable hour (9:00 AM maybe) and arrive at Ocean Shores, WA on Friday morning. I have configured a custom message for SPOT that I will send each time I get fuel, and the ones in Rye, NY and Ocean Shores or Hoquiam, WA should mark the beginning and end of the trip. The marks will be time- stamped so the time from the fuel stop at Rye, NY will be the actual start of the CC 50. I will be riding from RI to NY but that will not count as part of the trip.
I should be back online sometime Friday unless sleep gets in the way. ;)
I will post again in this thread to let everyone know when I am leaving- there is some flexibility in the start time so I can work around weather although it is supposed to rain here for the next week. At least I will know here my rain gear is.... I will be wearing it.
Brian
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Much respect for sure, no way that I could do that. And I have ADD so I need to really enjoy the scenery and explore. ;)
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Looking forward to seeing you on Friday, I'll try to join up around the I90/Hiway18 junction. I'll track ya, once you are getting close to Ellensburg I'll be on the road.
Guys/gals any special requests from me to/for Brian?
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Good Luck!
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8:30 PM and I am <more or less> ready to go. Still have to do some last minute packing but otherwise the bike and electronics are ready. I will post a final message before I leave and then SPOT will be active.
I should see you on Friday but if I do drop off, you will be have ample warning as SPOT will show me stopped somewhere. If that happens and the location is anywhere near a hotel odds are that I am in a room having a snooze.
Brian
Looking forward to seeing you on Friday, I'll try to join up around the I90/Hiway18 junction. I'll track ya, once you are getting close to Ellensburg I'll be on the road.
Guys/gals any special requests from me to/for Brian?
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Just be safe, absolutely NO REASON to reprove your fortitude. I'll meet ya when you get here, heck, I may even have a cup of coffee handy ;D
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Just be safe, absolutely NO REASON to reprove your fortitude. I'll meet ya when you get here, heck, I may even have a cup of coffee handy ;D
+1 on that part!
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Yeah, not trying to prove anything to anybody. But I hear you on the balance between the desire to finish something and the obvious need to maintain a level of safety. Hopefully I can have both.
Nice thought on the coffee but it could probably be clam juice and I would not notice the difference. :-)
Temp. here is 53F so I will be starting off in heated gear. It is 8:06 AM and I still have to pack personal items on the bike but otherwise am ready to go. Looking for a start between 9 and 10 AM. I have to stop first thing and get fuel- that will happen another 17 times or at least it did last year. SPOT will be active within an hour or so. 'See' everybody here in a couple of days.
Brian
Just be safe, absolutely NO REASON to reprove your fortitude. I'll meet ya when you get here, heck, I may even have a cup of coffee handy ;D
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Wow 53 degrees in June? And I'm planning a Maine/Canada ride in a few weeks from scorching FL....
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Steve, it's been VERY cool in the mornings in my neck of the woods too.
It looks like Brian might be having trouble already. ;)
In looking at his progress, http://spotwalla.com/tripViewer.php?id=4a754fcce5ca35d7f (http://spotwalla.com/tripViewer.php?id=4a754fcce5ca35d7f)
It seems that he's riding backwards.
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Good luck and Godspeed Brian! :)
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Good luck Brian!! :thumbs:
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My knees are already aching just thinking about his trip. It was a low of 43 last night here, it's currently 48 out at 9AM. Me thinks his trip will end in heated gear, heck I may even be in the 'Bing.
So, besides his obvious request for clam juice, anyone else have any request/s or suggestions for Brians arrival? If anyone else local wants to join in the last leg I will be at the underpass at Hiway 18 that is located at the I90 exit, no time yet but this time I want to be early so I aint doing put me in jail speeds to catch him. So, come on PNW riders, lets give him a nice warm welcome. If anyone frequents the COG forum, share the plan, I will have a big thermos of coffee and I may even have some donuts on hand :)
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Chet that's so nice....thanks!
I just heard from him... He's left Rye, NY...he's gotten his Atlantic Water, and a receipt with an official start time of 12:03.....he was telling me all was well, when suddenly.............there was an "uh-oh...fuel tanks loose....gotta go"... :-\
so hopefull all will be well and it won't slow him down too much!
I'll keep you all posted as I hear from him!
thanks for all your well wishes....
Andrea
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My knees are already aching just thinking about his trip. It was a low of 43 last night here, it's currently 48 out at 9AM. Me thinks his trip will end in heated gear, heck I may even be in the 'Bing.
So, besides his obvious request for clam juice, anyone else have any request/s or suggestions for Brians arrival? If anyone else local wants to join in the last leg I will be at the underpass at Hiway 18 that is located at the I90 exit, no time yet but this time I want to be early so I aint doing put me in jail speeds to catch him. So, come on PNW riders, lets give him a nice warm welcome. If anyone frequents the COG forum, share the plan, I will have a big thermos of coffee and I may even have some donuts on hand :)
Very nice Chet! If I were in the PNW, I would definitely join you!
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Chet that's so nice....thanks!
I just heard from him... He's left Rye, NY...he's gotten his Atlantic Water, and a receipt with an official start time of 12:03.....he was telling me all was well, when suddenly.............there was an "uh-oh...fuel tanks loose....gotta go"... :-\
so hopefull all will be well and it won't slow him down too much!
I'll keep you all posted as I hear from him!
thanks for all your well wishes....
Andrea
Andrea, I sent ya a PM. Hopefully we can do a short couples ride when you get here, I have several nice rides that will really show off the state and what we have in the way of natural beauty.
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Steve, it's been VERY cool in the mornings in my neck of the woods too.
It looks like Brian might be having trouble already. ;)
In looking at his progress, http://spotwalla.com/tripViewer.php?id=4a754fcce5ca35d7f (http://spotwalla.com/tripViewer.php?id=4a754fcce5ca35d7f)
It seems that he's riding backwards.
He's almost in Jersey, so all must be ok. It is funny that the MC caricature is pointing east instead of west.
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He's almost in Jersey, so all must be ok. It is funny that the MC caricature is pointing east instead of west.
Doing a second CC-50 wasn't enough of a challenge for Brian, he's doing it sitting on his bike backwards this time. :o
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great thread!
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just talked to him, no traffic, clear & sunny... & only one (dead) deer sighting so far! :)
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:popcorn:
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I wonder when Brian will cross the intersection of I-80 and I-39 in Illinois, that's less than an hour south of me. Hmmm...
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Brian is now 53 miles from Cleveland, just getting ready for a fuel stop. He was caught in rain for about an hour, but got his gear on in time, so didn't get wet at all and now it's sunny and beautiful.
He's avg'd 64.6 miles overall, with a moving avg of 67.7.... He’s in a construction zone right now, and still able to keep up a decent speed...traffic's very thin.....so that's excellent! If he can do that the whole time he's got it knocked! :)
There was a dual sport 2 up from NY, that stayed with him for quite a long time...don't know if it was anyone that knows him or not....but they broke off when he got on rte 80....
He’s feeling great...and all is well!
Andrea
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Thanks for the update Andrea, Brian is one heck of a man for sure!
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Last update of the evening....
661 miles
10 hours 22 mins..in only 33.22 hours to go, oh my!
overall - Avg speed 63.8
moving - Avg speed 68.0
42.5 mpg
155 miles from IL
11 miles from his next stop
I'm more tired than he is.... (how is this possible???)
night all....to be continued in the am....
Andrea
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I wonder if Kirby came for the ride, Kippy sure would like to do a little ear scratching ;D
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just talked to him, no traffic, clear & sunny... & only one (dead) deer sighting so far! :)
Welcome Andrea and thanks for the updates, the PNW will take care of Brian when he get's here! :chugbeer:
Better a dead dear than a...... rodent! :o (Did Kirby get packed for the trip?) ;D
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I'm wearing out my computer clicking on this thread. Thanks for the updates, and be safe! I'll bet he could do this in 30 hours if he were not on a four-wheeler, riding backwards.
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sorry...but no Kirby...that darn tail of his takes up a lot of room and the little guy just won't tuck it in, so he had to stay back :(
Andrea
I wonder if Kirby came for the ride, Kippy sure would like to do a little ear scratching ;D
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so should we assume 1000 of those hits are yours and quite possibly the rest are mine???
Andrea
I'm wearing out my computer clicking on this thread. Thanks for the updates, and be safe! I'll bet he could do this in 30 hours if he were not on a four-wheeler, riding backwards.
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I've got a few in there. I just left the site on overnight, less clicking.
Ride safe Brian.
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Good mornin all!....
He's still going strong, he sailed through Chicago this time, never slowing down at all. He has passed a fair amount of construction and wasted time looking for fuel at the last stop, since 2 stations were closed. Otherwise, uneventful and all is well!
He's still has an overall ave speed of 63 and a moving of 67....though mileage has dropped down to 40.7.
It's comforting & great fun knowing I'm not the only one glued to the screen watching, thanks!
Andrea
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He's closing in on the 1/2 point!!!!
1350 miles so far....it's just under 70 degrees & nice...though he did get rained on some earlier this morning. Wasn't feeling so hot earlier...stopped ate & had a coffee...feels great once again....
He's got just under 100 miles till he reaches I90
Avg speed is down to 62.4..... That should pick up, once on I90 speed limit will go from 55 to 75.... However, that's also where he picks up all the wind!! :'(
Andrea
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great updates, thanks (http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/bigthumb.gif)
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great updates, thanks (http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/bigthumb.gif)
+1!
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So, looks like the halfway point, I90 all the way in to WA State. He's rolling now.
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Looks like he's making good time.
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at 12:03 24 hours in....1509.6 miles done
had been in a construction zone for miles, going 60, where he had planned on going 80...but it ended while we were chatting, so his speed is back up! Slightly windy, but not nearly as bad as last year (at this point)...so hopefully that will continue that way.
GPS says he'll arrive at 10:41 tomorrow..which only leaves him just over an 1hour for stopping...so he has to make up time in these next 2 states...which is exactly what happened last year, so lets hope that's repeated....
that's all folks.... (for now).....to be continued.....and btw, I've been reading him some of the comments so he's getting so good chuckles....keep em coming please....
Andrea
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Thanks for the update. :thumbs:
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where did everyone go?? was it something I said???? or is everyone actually working???? :(
the day goes by very slowly when I don't have funny things to read....
Andrea
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Brian is my hero!! I would love to do a ride like this but with all of life's responsibilities I would be lucky to get away for 2 hours without something urgent needing my attention. It is great that he has you supporting him all the way as well Andrea as I'm sure that means allot.
I am praying for God-speed and safety on his journey.
-Kirk
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where did everyone go?? was it something I said???? or is everyone actually working???? :(
the day goes by very slowly when I don't have funny things to read....
Andrea
Try this, http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?board=10.0 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?board=10.0)
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:) Thank you Both!! I feel better already!!!
Andrea
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20 hours to go...............................
since Rye, NY on the road 26hr 27 min
1686 miles
avg overall speed 63.7
The wind was howling...so we cut the call short...but he said it's still not nearly as bad as what he experienced last year.....
Our friend Terry called him with weather updates for the higher passes coming up tonight...it will be cold and rainy...so he'll be sure to suit up with ALL his heated gear at one of his later fuel stops. Thanks Terry!!!
At his next tank up, he'll grab a coffee and a bite to eat as well....otherwise, nothing eventful to report, all is well!
goodness...that kinda sounded boring didn't it.....I'll have to work on my delivery...
thanks,
Andrea
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Andrea, why didn't you take this ride with him?
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What 2 crazies in the family???? :o...no seriously I have no interest in endurance riding at all. I am willing to go somewhat long distances but no where near what Brian will do....I'll leave that riding to him!
Andrea
Andrea, why didn't you take this ride with him?
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where did everyone go?? was it something I said???? or is everyone actually working???? :(
the day goes by very slowly when I don't have funny things to read....
Andrea
Next time you talk to him tell him this joke.
Motorcycle rider pulls into a diner in upstate N.Y. Seats himself and asks the waitress for 2 headlites and 2 wheels. The waitress who had just worked all night wasn't in a good mood said what are you talking about? The rider already tired ,but happy to relax at the diner said" Just tell the cook he'll know what I mean but the expression 2 headlights and 2 wheels. By this time the waitress is pissed and yells back at the old cook, "I got this weird one out here who thinks you'll know what he wants if he orders 2 headlites and 2 wheels". Yeah I know what he wants, Yells the cook, He wants 2 eggs sunny side up and 2 pancakes. No problem . Well this just pisses off the waitress even more than before. SO, just be the breakfast is served to the rider, she walks up with a big plate of chili beans and slams them down on the table. "Here" she yells for all to hear, " here's you chili! But, the rider who didn't order the chili answers back What is this for? The waitress is ready for this yells back" I thought you would want to gas up before you took off"
I know that on long trips I love hearing the sound of my beautiful wife every now and again to help me forget that my butt hurts, my eyes are heavy, and that every time I get to an uphill section that I can almost count on a tractor trailer trying to pass another trucker going 50 mph uphill.
I'm sure he will make up plenty of lost time tonight through the vastness of the west.
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BAD Hail Storm.....he & all the cars around him are sitting it out.....................
I didn't even get to tell him any jokes.... :'(
Andrea
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Are we there yet? Are we there yet!
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he's fine, but he's lost over an hour and half with this storm....and the hails not passed by yet... so he's pulling the plug and gonna grab a hotel :'( doh!!!!!!!!!!!
sorry folks but I think the shows over.....
Andrea
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Well crap!
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he's fine, but he's lost over an hour and half with this storm....and the hails not passed by yet... so he's pulling the plug and gonna grab a hotel :'( doh!!!!!!!!!!!
sorry folks but I think the shows over.....
Andrea
The show is never over.... Just maybe a different show then the one we were expecting but he is still on the road away from home and experiencing things some of us only dream about so continue with the show perhaps with a different ending then we expected but sometimes shows are better when they are unpredictable.
The show must go on!! :) :)
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it's disappointing......can's mess with mother nature though!
I'm not quite sure what to do with myself for the next 24 hours now????? ???
thanks to all of you, it's certainly been a fun ride.....
Andrea
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Glad you could join us. Say hey to Brian for all of us. :)
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Just got off the phone with Brian, he's called the ride, hail the size of golfballs, bouncing 6 feet into the air, locals are calling for baseball sized hail. He was lucky as he had just pulled in for fuel when the storm hit. So, many kudos to a rider who knows when to call it good, and Brian is the definition of a Rider. His plan is to break the remainder of the trip into 2-700 mile days, stop and smell the roses kinda ride. He will still have his Spot on for the ride and if things work out I'll still try to meet up with him somewhere along the way.
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I'm not quite sure what to do with myself for the next 24 hours now????? ???
Andrea
I think you should take an enjoyable nap, going just by your post times, I think you could use a little more shut eye.
Thanks for the updates Andrea, it added a lot. Even if cut short, I enjoyed this trip :) more than the last one where I
just stared at a Spot map. :o
Glad you could join us. Say hey to Brian for all of us. :)
Ditto!
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Smart man... Stay safe & enjoy the ride.
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The show is never over.... Just maybe a different show then the one we were expecting but he is still on the road away from home and experiencing things some of us only dream about so continue with the show perhaps with a different ending then we expected but sometimes shows are better when they are unpredictable.
The show must go on!! :) :)
Good post! +1!
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Just got off the phone with Brian, he's called the ride, hail the size of golfballs, bouncing 6 feet into the air, locals are calling for baseball sized hail. He was lucky as he had just pulled in for fuel when the storm hit. So, many kudos to a rider who knows when to call it good, and Brian is the definition of a Rider. His plan is to break the remainder of the trip into 2-700 mile days, stop and smell the roses kinda ride. He will still have his Spot on for the ride and if things work out I'll still try to meet up with him somewhere along the way.
+100
There will always be another chance to ride, but only if you're on the green side of the grass. Andrea, good for you keeping in touch with him and letting us know how he's doing.
Jeff
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I wonder if Brian is becoming piratized? He has been in the Sturgis region for quite some time ;D I can see it know, a Silverdammit 14, massive amounts of leather tassles, 2 cup holders, chrome pipes (straight of course), chrome fenders, and the rider wearing a skull cap and fingerless gloves. Andrea, whatever will you do with him when he starts calling ya his "Ol Lady"? ;) I wonder if Kirby will be his VP or Sergeant of Arms?
Oh well, I reckon I'll start worrying when he announces he just installed a cruise control on his new wide glide :o
And Steve, it appears KIPASS has finally failed Brian, if only he had installed new batteries, that hail woulda melted long before hitting the ground. I think I'm going to buy an FJR now :o :o 8)
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oh yes he's gone to the dark side for sure, I wonder if he'll turn??? Tell him, swearing me to secrecy...but not turnng Spot off doesn't give him the desired results...... ;D !!
Andrea
I wonder if Brian is becoming piratized? He has been in the Sturgis region for quite some time ;D I can see it know, a Silverdammit 14, massive amounts of leather tassles, 2 cup holders, chrome pipes (straight of course), chrome fenders, and the rider wearing a skull cap and fingerless gloves. Andrea, whatever will you do with him when he starts calling ya his "Ol Lady"? ;) I wonder if Kirby will be his VP or Sergeant of Arms?
Oh well, I reckon I'll start worrying when he announces he just installed a cruise control on his new wide glide :o
And Steve, it appears KIPASS has finally failed Brian, if only he had installed new batteries, that hail woulda melted long before hitting the ground. I think I'm going to buy an FJR now :o :o 8)
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Thanks! It's been a blast....I've kept Brian up with some of the observations/comments the whole time....so he's had his chuckles with it too....he'll be back soon with entertaining stories of his adventure!
Andrea
Glad you could join us. Say hey to Brian for all of us. :)
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I'll be riding in the Black Hills area in a little less than 3 weeks and may pass through Sturgis to take a look around. I'll try to remember to keep an eye out for discarded connie parts. And of course for wall photos of Brian and the local wildlife chopping the remainder of his connie into that new wide glide.
I wonder if Brian is becoming piratized? He has been in the Sturgis region for quite some time ;D I can see it know, a Silverdammit 14, massive amounts of leather tassles, 2 cup holders, chrome pipes (straight of course), chrome fenders, and the rider wearing a skull cap and fingerless gloves. Andrea, whatever will you do with him when he starts calling ya his "Ol Lady"? ;) I wonder if Kirby will be his VP or Sergeant of Arms?
Oh well, I reckon I'll start worrying when he announces he just installed a cruise control on his new wide glide :o
And Steve, it appears KIPASS has finally failed Brian, if only he had installed new batteries, that hail woulda melted long before hitting the ground. I think I'm going to buy an FJR now :o :o 8)
Seriously though, I was sorry to see the adventure end but glad he's safe and can relax and have an "easy" trip while taking in the scenery. Safe travels!
Brent
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Well hail, now you can post more pics...be carefull, be Brian.
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I have to chalk this one up as a failure. I am in Tacoma, WA safe and sound as of Sat. evening. I got stuck in SD- I was fueling when the sky turned black all the way to the ground and the wind picked up. In the northeast it is what we would call a squall. The locals were trying to hide their cars and weather reports were calling for hail and 60+ MPH winds. So I hung around for long enough to pretty much close the time window on a CC 50 and ended up scrapping the ride, at least the CC 50 aspect.
Then I did a terrible thing- I grabbed a hotel in Sturgis, SD. Yep, I am a little self loathing as I tell this story but it is the truth. When I got to the town line, the town officials made me wear a do- rag that said 'Cruisers Rule' just to cross over the town line. I did manage to rent an eye patch and parrot though so at least people thought I was a pirate rather than.... one of the other group of people who wear do- rags. There was a railroad track right down the middle of 'Main st.' and I got to hear a bunch of loud, slow, badly running, clanking, knocking vehicles. I saw one train also.
But seriously, I am OK with scrapping the ride due to weather. There was nothing I could do about it and I just wussed out on riding through hail. In the end, that was really not a bad way to have the ride end in a failure as nothing was broken or bleeding and I could continue on the next day.
I have no plans for the ride home but I will add a fuel cell, new GPS mount (Aqua Box works find but cannot see the display behind the plastic) and maybe some highway pegs. And the prevailing winds blow from west to east so it should be a downhill ride back home.
Brian
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I've always considered a ride to be an adventure. I would have liked to have shared your failure. 8)
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Failure my ass. If you had continued to ride in those conditions, that would have been failure. I would like to get a pic of that path and fancy headgear though. Get some rest and I'll give ya a ring tomorow. As I was coming home today I though the "Aroma of Tacoma" had returned, but then I remembered you were due in today ;D I'd have met ya but I was busy teaching a level 2 dirt class, I was having fun in the dirt :o
And a big Welcome back Brian :)
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Indeed, I agree with Chet! :thumbs:
Welcome back to the PNW Brian, it's supposed to be dry all week, enjoy it! :) :chugbeer:
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Whatta baby! A little hail wouldn't have hurt ya none/much, you had a helmet on din't ya? ;)
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Then I did a terrible thing- I grabbed a hotel in Sturgis, SD. Yep, I am a little self loathing as I tell this story but it is the truth. When I got to the town line, the town officials made me wear a do- rag that said 'Cruisers Rule' just to cross over the town line. I did manage to rent an eye patch and parrot though so at least people thought I was a pirate rather than.... one of the other group of people who wear do- rags. There was a railroad track right down the middle of 'Main st.' and I got to hear a bunch of loud, slow, badly running, clanking, knocking vehicles. I saw one train also.
Brian
How did the Parrot do in the hail? ;)
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Yep, and a visor too- you are correct and I am a wuss. I feel like Mary Jane Tinklepants although she might consider me a bit beneath her at the moment. Oh well, at least Kirby can say "I told you so" when I get home.
Brian
Whatta baby! A little hail wouldn't have hurt ya none/much, you had a helmet on din't ya? ;)
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Yep, and a visor too- you are correct and I am a wuss. I feel like Mary Jane Tinklepants although she might consider me a bit beneath her at the moment. Oh well, at least Kirby can say "I told you so" when I get home.
Brian
Glad you made it. I wussed out in a hail storm once too, though I was on a dirt bike in the desert, and I had to ride for almost a mile to get to cover. It really hurts on the backs of the hands and forearms.
How long are you planning on hanging around this side of the continent? Any rides planned yet? Next week I'm hoping to wrap up a couple months of hell week, and take a few days off. I've almost got my C14 back together, and will be looking to add some more miles to the odometer. Since the weather forecasts are all over the place as of last night, anything goes with that.
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I was lucky in that I was already in a gas station and under a canopy when that whole mess started so I never even got wet.
I will be here for the next two weeks. No plans for doing anything at all here including riding but I may be open to something going on. I do plan on mounting a temporary aux. fuel cell and re-working the secondary GPS mount for the trip home. I am trying to hunt down fuel line, AN fittings and connectors locally right now. Who knows, if those mods. go well I might be able to make the trip home in a couple of days. :-)
Brian
Glad you made it. I wussed out in a hail storm once too, though I was on a dirt bike in the desert, and I had to ride for almost a mile to get to cover. It really hurts on the backs of the hands and forearms.
How long are you planning on hanging around this side of the continent? Any rides planned yet? Next week I'm hoping to wrap up a couple months of hell week, and take a few days off. I've almost got my C14 back together, and will be looking to add some more miles to the odometer. Since the weather forecasts are all over the place as of last night, anything goes with that.
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saw that storm on the news when your wife posted about it. glad you are alright and did the sensible thing!
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I was lucky in that I was already in a gas station and under a canopy when that whole mess started so I never even got wet.
I am trying to hunt down fuel line, AN fittings and connectors locally right now. Who knows, if those mods. go well I might be able to make the trip home in a couple of days. :-)
Brian
Any race car builders/suppliers in the area? I'm sure SOP would know.
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Dereck Cope has a shop in Spanaway, he only won the Daytona 500 many years ago! Best bet tho would be a NAPA shop. Brian, does your son have the tools ya need? If not I'm only 30-40 minutes away from Tacoma, pretty tied up Tuesday, but Monday afternoon is free, not sure about Wednesday or Thursday, should be available.
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Good to know Chet, thanks. I am going to stop NAPA (good idea BTW) this afternoon and see if I can put together a 'aux. fuel tank plumbing kit'. If that does not work, I think I will go to Summit racing and get the parts sent here.
Tools- nope, and no place to work either. The plan is to buy enough tools to do the job and work on it in front of the apt. bldg. as well as on the deck in the back. The plan is also to be stealthy but past experience says that the place will smell like a fuel dump for about two days. I also plan on changing the oil in the parking lot.... discreetly. :-) I may have to contact you regarding some or all of this though.
Brian
Dereck Cope has a shop in Spanaway, he only won the Daytona 500 many years ago! Best bet tho would be a NAPA shop. Brian, does your son have the tools ya need? If not I'm only 30-40 minutes away from Tacoma, pretty tied up Tuesday, but Monday afternoon is free, not sure about Wednesday or Thursday, should be available.
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Chet, what about contacting Dan, where we all met for the COG tech session? He's not far from there, has a full shop, and would probably be happy to offer some shop resources (covered space, tools, colorful chit chat, etc.).
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Chet, what about contacting Dan, where we all met for the COG tech session? He's not far from there, has a full shop, and would probably be happy to offer some shop resources (covered space, tools, colorful chit chat, etc.).
I'd do that, but I actually have everything needed here, short of the bulkhead fittings :)
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Thanks guys. I have most of the fuel system components needed, including the bulkhead fittings (too long but they will work) but I am waiting for the quick disconnect and fuel line. I may take you up on your offer Chet as I am rethinking doing this in the parking lot of an apartment building. The parts should be in by the end of this week and after that maybe I can stop by your place and tinker around with the tank.
Brian
I'd do that, but I actually have everything needed here, short of the bulkhead fittings :)
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Monday would be perfect, I have a mandatory MSF update on Saturday and Sunday I'll be in Enumclaw for Fathers Day, Tues-Thurs I'll be on the Eastside doing permit paperwork and working on the shed.
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That will work great for me too as long as I can gather all the parts by then- still waiting for delivery on a couple of things although they could also be purchased locally. I can get back to you over the weekend and if the tank is not
destroyed wearing a bulkhead fitting yet maybe we can set a time. Thanks Chet.
By the way, do you have a step drill?
Brian
Monday would be perfect, I have a mandatory MSF update on Saturday and Sunday I'll be in Enumclaw for Fathers Day, Tues-Thurs I'll be on the Eastside doing permit paperwork and working on the shed.
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No step drill, but I do NEED one!
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Yeah, me too. I will pick one up at Home- Lowes or similar. I think the bulkhead fitting is 3/4" but I do not have any measuring tools with me so I will try to remember to take the fitting with me to the store.
Brian
No step drill, but I do NEED one!
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I have to chalk this one up as a failure. I am in Tacoma, WA safe and sound as of Sat. evening. I got stuck in SD- I was fueling when the sky turned black all the way to the ground and the wind picked up. In the northeast it is what we would call a squall. The locals were trying to hide their cars and weather reports were calling for hail and 60+ MPH winds. So I hung around for long enough to pretty much close the time window on a CC 50 and ended up scrapping the ride, at least the CC 50 aspect.
Then I did a terrible thing- I grabbed a hotel in Sturgis, SD. Yep, I am a little self loathing as I tell this story but it is the truth. When I got to the town line, the town officials made me wear a do- rag that said 'Cruisers Rule' just to cross over the town line. I did manage to rent an eye patch and parrot though so at least people thought I was a pirate rather than.... one of the other group of people who wear do- rags. There was a railroad track right down the middle of 'Main st.' and I got to hear a bunch of loud, slow, badly running, clanking, knocking vehicles. I saw one train also.
But seriously, I am OK with scrapping the ride due to weather. There was nothing I could do about it and I just wussed out on riding through hail. In the end, that was really not a bad way to have the ride end in a failure as nothing was broken or bleeding and I could continue on the next day.
I have no plans for the ride home but I will add a fuel cell, new GPS mount (Aqua Box works find but cannot see the display behind the plastic) and maybe some highway pegs. And the prevailing winds blow from west to east so it should be a downhill ride back home.
Brian
Brian, just found this. Didn't know you were doing it again. Anyway, glad you're fine and made it through the storm. Heck, just riding across country is an achievement. You've already done the 50CC so it's no big whup. At least you made it across to the Pacific on the bike. I can't say that. When I did my cross country (not a 50cc) two years ago, I only made it as far as Reno on the bike. Rented a car to CA and back and stayed in a hotel for two days. I was just too tired to go any further on the bike. I then turned around and chopped the miles off the days so that I could stop and see some of the scenery on the way back. I resolved never to do that again and not to travel over 400 miles in one day.