I live in little town, Eva Al. Were about 20 miles south of Huntsville. Grew up in Detroit Mich and moved south about 30 years ago. We have decided to do a northwest trip this year. Going north to Duluth, Minn and pick up route 2 across to Washington, then south to oregon and on into Reno, Nev. I want to ride Hwy 50 (americas lonliest road) all the way across Nevada. Will start toward home from there. We try to do most of trips on secondary roads. Only get on interstates when we have to. It doesnt take very long for me to get tired of being blown around by the semi trucks. The older I get the more the wind turbulance really wears me down. Besides most of the fun is going thru the small towns and talking to the locals. We have been using Tourtech body armor, but this next year decided to switch to leathers because of how bulky it is to pack. I dont worry as much about road rash in the body armor but leather seems a bit more comfortable with acceptable protection. Hoping I never have to confirm this from personnel experience. What do you think are essentials for your trips? Do you set mileage goals every day? Ever had any bad people experiences on trips?