First Trip Prep

Before we leave.

I need to qualify a few things. First, this is not a trip for the sake of speed. We will not approach with the concept of how many miles we need to log in a day to keep on schedule. We have no schedule. We ride until we see something to stop for and we stop. We continue until we are tired and we sleep. This is not a trip to take off on a motorcycle across the country at eighty plus miles an hour just to hurry and come back to tell about where you went and how many miles you rode a day and how much punishment you can take. There will be no awards given for the most durable rider. We set out to enjoy the views, the smells, the sounds and the highway. Also, and just as important, we will enjoy the thoughts and feelings we discover in our own hearts and minds. I daresay, we will discover and enjoy new territory in the seldom visited arenas of our inner beings.

Number two. This is a trip that can be duplicated by those not as financially blessed as some of the motorcyclists that have previously written of their travels. There will be no Gortex riding suits, electric gloves, auto defrost helmets and CD stereos. Don't look for stories of wonderful hotels and soft beds enjoyed each night. This is a denim jeans and leather work glove outfit. A pup tent and camping, tooth brush in the stream with veggies from the market kind of trip. Get yourself ready for the simple pleasures.

Equipment:

• The bike: A 1982 Honda CB900 Custom. (9,000 original miles)
• Helmet: A used open faced helmet, spray-painted black for continuity. (It was bright yellow.)
• Windjammer II fairing and windshield
• Honda line removable hard bags
• Army surplus duffle bag (filled with sleeping bag and pillow for a back rest.)
• One Fingerhut suitcase (A months supply of clothes)
• One pair of Chippewa construction work boots.

"And that's all I need." (Steve Martin: The Jerk)

Now that you learned about the preparations, go on to the first day.