Well - I've done a number of long rides. Last year I did another undocumented Saddlesore.

This week I'm heading down to New York to meet up with some of my biker buddies who still ride ninjas. I sold mine awhile ago - loved the bike an absolute blast to ride, in the same breath it was incredibly frustrating and boring to ride as the only time it was really fun to ride was when it was going to be really big ticket. I gave up on the fast rides, sold the ninja and renounced my evil ways. Still miss that bike.

I digress!!!
This year I'm taking more time off work and going to relax and enjoy more of the back roads. I'm planning rides that are 300-400 miles IF I stick to the highway (which I don't plan on doing).

Day 1) Leaving after work from Halifax to go to Fredricton. It's about 4 to 4.5 hours on the highway. Considering it'll be getting dark, moose, and my desire to get through the Canadian portion quickly I'll probably stick to the highway.

Day 2) Leaving Fredricton and going to MA. This is supposed to be about 400 miles. The longer (highway) distance of my 3 day route to the event. I'm going to skirt through some of the shore roads and probably get it done in 8 to 9 hours. I have a few maps and know the place names I'm looking for. At the end of this ride I have another place to stay. Warm shower, dry clothes... it looks like rain.

Day 3) This is the shortest highway day, but could turn into the longest day. The idea is for the group of 3 now to ride west, ( Bellows falls, Chimney Point, and crossing the Hudson into VT.)

Days 4 and 5 I'll be riding with 15 other riders, a mix of small ninjas, VFRs and my maxim.

So for gear: I'll be wearing my Joe Rocket race inspired waterproof boots, my joe rocket ballastic pants and jacket. I'll be packing my all season leather gloves, my summer gloves and my winter/rain gloves. I'll be wearing my fiberglass helmet with the iridium visor (and packing my clear).

Under the gear I'll be riding with soft wicking clothes without seams. Seams are literally a pain in the butt. Wicking material also keeps the worst of the sweat ventilated and doesn't allow diaper rash in hot weather. Don't laugh it can happen...

I'll be packing 6 days of clothes ( which translates to 2 pairs of shorts, 1 pair of track pants, 1 sweater, lots of socks and underwear, and 1 pair of jeans for walking about in. If I have room I'll through in more shorts. IF it gets cold I'll have my track pants to put on.

I'll also be packing a tent and sleeping bag. This and my duffel bag strap onto my pillion seat with no problem. I stuff all of them into a clear plastic bag (helps at border stops) and bungie them hard to the seat. On the rear rack I have a 13L rubbermaid box. In it I put my basic tools, spare plugs, spare maps, spare oil, electrical tape, duct tape, a pencil and paper, zipties, zip lock bags, and a bit of rubber hose

I put my wallet in a ziplock bag and it goes into my front jacket pocket. All of my toll change goes into a different zip lock bag in my other front pocket. Maps go in large ziplock bags in my back pocket/pouch. At each gas station I read the next section of road and memorize it. Usually that means main road numbers and place names. My emergancy contanct info and all start/stop location maps are all printed and stuffed in another ziplock bag. Again in my back pouch.

The two things that would make this trip easier is highway pegs (don't have them, but do have crash guards to mount them to) and a windshield. I've never had either of them but I think both would make it an easier ride.

My tires are still in good shape ( GT501s ) and they'll last me to the end of the month I think. If they have enough life I'd prefer to replace them in the spring and save them one cold winter.

Anyhow folks, I'll be leaving wensday and if I don't have too much fun returning the next tuesday.


Not much content for such a long post?

Cheers,
woot.