Better, I Guess

First, only 11 more days till we hit the road!!!!!!!!

Picked the bike back up and rode it some this weekend to check out the mileage. It got better, I guess. Getting mid-30's now. Still not what it was before I had it tuned. Not real happy about it, but it is too late in the prep stage to do anything now.

Got a new front tire put on. Should be good for now. Will probably need new ones sometime on the trip. Picked up spare spark plugs and an oil filter. I know the bike will need oil changed during the trip. Since I have the filter, I can always get oil and if necessary, I can change it in the parking lot. You know, make do with what you have.

Starting to get things packed. Deciding what to take, how much room there is to pack things is a real pain. We've taken 2 week trips, but nothing this long. And really nothing that compares to the riding conditions we will face on this trip. Boy am I looking forward to it.

Did I tell you there is only 11 more days till we leave? Sure did, first thing!!!!

MPG on The Bike

16 days left!!!!!! I am really getting anxious!!!!!!

I had some work done on the bike to get it ready for the trip. One of the things I had done was to get it dyna tuned. Well, took it for a short ride last weekend (450+ miles) to check things out. Not happy with what I found. For some reason, my mileage has dropped from 35-45 mpg depending on conditions and how I am riding to an average of 29 mpg over the weekend. Dropped it off last night to the mechanic who had done the work to have him check to see what is wrong. Gotta find what happened. Going to ride too many miles (with gas prices way too high) to only get that type of mileage!!!!

Stay tuned for further details..............

What to Take

21 more days and we will be going "North to Alaska"!!!!

Spending time making a list of all the things I "think" I need to take. Once I get them all laid out, then I'll go through them again and pack the things there is room for. Not a lot of storage space on a bike for a month long trip. Dave and I have been discussing things that we are taking and deciding to only take one. Things like the Milepost. No sense in carrying 2 of them. Also going to get together and compare tool kits. Make sure we have what we need without duplicates. Tools are heavy, but really nice to have if you have a problem.

Set my tent up the other night to make sure it still worked. We plan on taking tents in case we can't find a room or we just want to spend a night in the open. Not sure what the availability of rooms will be, since this will be the height of tourist season.

Getting hard to concentrate at work. I really wish July 4th would get here so we can get on the road. The phrase "trip of a lifetime" is pretty overused, but at this point, I can't think of any other way to describe it. Maybe I'll come up with something new during the trip.

Did I say it is only 21 more days? Yep, sure did!!!!!

The Bikes (and their riders)

Here are a couple of pictures from past trips of the bikes and their riders:

The Nomad with Dave

The Harley Ultra with Mike



We try to treat them right and they take care of us. This has seemed to work out in the past. Hope it keeps working on this trip.

Getting Ready

Well, it's been a while since I posted anything and decided it was time. Found out Dave also started a blog to track our trip. Here is a link to his:

http://skybikersblog.blogspot.com/

We got together over the weekend with some friends and family for burgers and adult beverages at our house. We talked over the trip with all who were there. Everyone agreed it will be a trip of a lifetime. Dave and I sure think so............

Things are pretty hectic at work. We have kicked off a new project and of course, the main part of the project that is my repsonsibility falls during the time I'll be gone. Oh well, if initial schedules had been met this wouldn't be an issue. I've decided to not worry about it.

Only 24 more days until we hit the road north. We plan to leave on July 4th. I can't wait!!!!!

We are both getting things done maintenance wise on our bikes. Want them to be ready for 10k plus miles that we will be riding. Only thing left for me is a new front tire and getting the bike inspected. I plan on taking care of both of those right before we leave.

Starting to gather what I will need to pack. Then, go through it all to make sure I REALLY need it. Remember, space is limited!!!!!

Did I tell you it is only 24 more days until we leave? Bet I did..............