Wednesday, November 23, 2011

On the way home

I regret that I have not posted my final routes. So, in my busy life, I've taken this time to update a bit.

The ride home was probably the most fun, peaceful and relaxing time of my life.


View Day 3 in a larger map

And at this point, my T-mobile charger quit working... :( No more Pandora, or maps. But I have to say the ride through Arkansas was fantastic!

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Lafayette LA

Our ride through the bayou was so pretty. It was time to eat after all of the sun and sights. The smell of brackish and salt water was everywhere.



View Day 2 Ride To Lafayette Through The Bayou in a larger map




After dinner we had fun pitting the local cheap motels against each other for rates. We got some good deals.

Day 2: Let's Eat

The menu consisted of what you'd expect. Fried, Gravied, Fatted... You know, health food. :)

I ate a power bar so... I'm having coffee.


Met the local PD: Kelly Scudgins Bruzeau a Deputy Sheriff at Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office. She was most helpful in finding a scenic route out of New Orleans. From here on out we rode and visited some amazing countryside.

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Off The Bike and Into Town

Now we've found the others and it's time to tour Bourbon Street and find a beer!





New Orleans!

15 hours in the saddle. Not really too far. Probably would be a better trip for 2 days instead of 1 though.

Jim Newman's location@9:21pm,9/6 New Orleans, LA, New Orleans, LA
View Larger Map

Last stop before New Orleans



We had ridden some long but beautiful highways. Moving with traffic, we'd made good time traveling. The temperature ranged about 30 degrees Fahrenheit from morning to mid-day and back to night. So it was coat, sweatshirt, t-shirt, sweatshirt, coat...

Sunblock? Not....

Told you I'd forget... This is just day one and I already have the raccoon eyes...


Day 1, pushing for New Orlean

To Jackson

View Day 1.2 in a larger map

To New Orleans

View Day 1 part 3 in a larger map

Stopped for gas in not so nice of a neighborhood... :)

Third stop or so. Chris's Honda Shadow Aero goes about 100 miles before needing more fuel.

Jim Newman's location@5:00pm,9/6 Jackson, MS, Jackson, MS http://m.google.com/u/m/wnHQUN


First leg to lunch.

First leg:
View Day 1.1 in a larger map

Brisk morning. 50 degrees or so. Swift ride to catch the gang only to find they went on to Gulf Port LA...




Monday, September 5, 2011

Loaded

Launch is set. Bike is packed. Woohoo!



Whoops. I packed all my jeans. Nothing for tomorrow. Had to break them out of the pack... hmmmmm. Perhaps I'm a little eager to leave...

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Tuned up.

Thought I'd share this little trick for deep plugs and hemispherical heads. Can't remember which old dog taught me this but if you take an old fuel line you can thread the plugs without fear of dropping the plug or cross-threading. The hose gives just enough resistance to feel it go right.


Friday, September 2, 2011

First nearly epic fail.

Found a bad crack in one saddlebag. But I ingeniously rigged some flat steel for support. All good now.


Man's Best Friend



Here sits Black Thunder waiting patiently for my work week to end.

Mentally I have already checked out.

Seriously... I am having focus issues. Big weekend coming. 6 projects unfinished and waiting for me, my work Mac is having issues, my 3D video intro is rendering strangely (perhaps I'm just a control freak) and I'm tired.

I hope I get the chance to ignore some of the things I worry about on this trip. I hope it stays simple. Just wind, exhaust and me. That's all I hope for. I totally need some me time. Just me with no thoughts. Sorta like wiping the gunk of the table. You know it'll be waiting later for you to pick up, but for now its on the floor and out of sight...


Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Getting ready



Well it looks like launch is set for the crack of dawn on Tuesday. 6am... oy. I haven't seen that since the last time I stayed up all night.

The rest of our troop is leaving Monday and heading for Memphis. They will stay the night and hopefully me and Chris can catch them by 10am Tuesday. I am thinking they'll have a couple hangovers to nurse. We will see...

Got my Self-inflating Alps sleeping pad and a nice 45 degree sleeping bag today. Some comfort may be found while on the road. Oh and a 10 foot usb cord so I can still charge my phone from inside the tent by connecting to the usb port on Black Thunder.




I've already replaced the clutch (seems I have the ability to destroy them easily, I blame my childish nature) and I will be giving Black Thunder a tune up and oil change shortly. I'm chomping at the bit to go. I can hardly wait. I'm excited that my 15 year old son has become interested in motorcycling and how this all works. I'd love for him to come along too when he's able to. If all my kids had a bike, we'd have a gang for sure!

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Bike Trip 2011

And so. After years of wishing and wanting to take a manly trip across country on my motorcycle with some other dudes, it has become a reality. I thought that I would attempt to keep a blog of events leading up to and during the event. I might forget to update it as I am a man and all... But here goes.

Launch occurs sometime on August 6th. So if you want any of my electronics or need a spare child or dog, please don't visit until Aug 7th.

First: My list of things I think I will need.

Bike list of items:

Inconsequentials

Headphones (2 pair)
Ear Plugs (possibly)
Batteries
Aux Power Supply
Cigars
Cell Phone
Leather Bag
Change for Tolls


Health Care

Antacids
Nasal Spray
Eye Drops
Sun Screen (like I’ll remember to use it)

Toiletries
TP
Deodorant
Razor and extra blade
Soap


Clothing
Leather Jacket
Denim Jacket
Shorts
Jeans
T-Shirts
Underwear
Hat
Shades
Sandals
Socks
Belt
Sweat Shirt / Hoodie


Food Stuff

Trail Mix / Nuts
Jerky
Tuna or something like that in a can?
Bottled Water
Clips and Rubber Bands


Camping Gear

Tent
Bed Roll
Sleeping Bag
Bug Spray
Lighter and Matches
Tarp


Motorcycle Gear

Full Face Helmet
Gloves
Rain Gear
Extra Boots
Bandana
Tool Bag
Twine
Wire
Duct Tape
Super Tool



Emergency Items

Spare Cell Phone
Flash Light
First Aid
Flare ?
Plastic Baggies
Radio




Later will be the list of actuals along with a list of forgotten items.