Hey big dave, for just the short time I was using Stans ultimate seat, it convinced me, that and a backrest, would solve it all. Like I said before this is gonna cost me money. Thanks Stan.

Thanks all for the great advice and well wishes. I've been working my tail off this summer, and am really looking forward to some time spent on the road, just me and the bike.

Gib - Chapstick & a pretty little blond... I had sunscreen on my packing list, but hadn't thought about a tube of chapstick with a little spf protection. I think that's a great idea. Thanks! As to the blond, my old flame is a curly strawberry blond who's already said she'll be waiting for me when I get into town.

John - Doesn't seem to matter whether it is backpacking, riding, or a vacation in hotels. I tend to always pack too much also. I want to make sure I'm carrying a few small easy "just in case" things but am definitely going to try to minimize more on this trip than I usually do. Thanks for the reminder!

Tusler wrote:

I also have everything I need to convert to pumpless in a nice ziploc baggie incase the pump fails in the middle of nowhere.


Tusler, what pieces are you carrying in this little conversion kit of yours? Is it just a length of hose, or there more to it? This is probably the one thing that I am a little worried about happening. My understanding is that as long as there is some gas in the tank for weight, you can bypass the fuel pump with a length of hose and get by, correct?

Your time and mileage should allow for a comfortable ride with time for side trips and sightseeing if you choose to. I did a 5,000 miler once in 2 weeks and it was too much daily riding for my tired old butt! Saddle time is an individual thing entirely however.

Make sure everything on your bike is tight and that you've got good rubber. Ensure that you amply cover any exposed skin with lots and lots of sun blocker.

It's easy to get lulled into complacency, and thus carelessness, on a long ride. Taking frequent breaks and staying hydrated help to combat that.

Stay sharp in the saddle, have a safe trip, and most importantly
HAVE FUN ! ! !

OBMF wrote:
Lots of good suggestions. But if you check your bike out thoroughly pre-trip, and it's running great before you start, it will probably be running great at the end. If you take everything that all these knowledgable riders suggest, you will be incredibly burdened down. Go light. Experience has taught me I always pack way too much. You're not going to a third world country on another continent. Help, in the form of other bikers, is usually right around the corner. What one of us would not help another biker if he showed up asking for assistance? It's that way everywhere, small towns, big cities, and everywhere in-between. I just did a 750 mile run with a bunch of guys, and they shamed me... I had everything but the kitchen sink. Most of the guys with me had a tent and bedroll. That was it. One of them rode down from Canada on a chopped Sportster, one rode from Oklahoma on a borrowed V-Star 650, one came from Pennsylvania on a chopper. And so-on. They have mastered the art of the 'Easy Rider'. Go light. Ride a good bike you trust (and check out thoroughly beforehand). And don't be afraid to ask for help from another biker if you need it. Most of all, just have fun.
John Scribner


Why buy a R* and then go "Easy Rider"? One of the reasons I bought my bike was to be able to ride with a little more of the good things and enjoy the ride rather than just get through it. To each his own, but I've done both ends of the spectrum and you can have the bedroll and tent, I'll take a backrest and a hotel room.