Did a trial packing of the bike yesterday and all went well.  Most of the camping gear (tent, air mattress and camp stool) fit in my tour pack.  Sleeping bag and travel bag will ride behind me with plenty of bungie cords holding it all on.  We're down to 42 days before departure and I'm getting antsy to begin the ride.   Brian's post, that he will most likely make it, fired up the juices to get this journey underway.  I may have to make a run down to Don's favorite Michigan restaurant for a "Daly Burger" prior to leaving.

The temps here in Michigan have been in the 90's (98F at 1600 yesterday) but at 60 MPH on some back roads it was still quite pleasant to be out there.  I'm hoping to discover some really good roads on the trip out there and avoid the freeways as much as possible.  First part of the trip will have to use them to get around Chicago but after that I'm planning on using U.S. Routes and maybe a few state routes for the rest of the trip. 

I tried to figure out how to get the blog to my mobile phone but so far no luck. I'm better at band-aids than I am at electronics.  Time to call my daughter and get some advice; that will probably cost me a dinner when I go visit after Sturgis.

Back on the Road ( I hope...)

Well, it has been a while since I posted on the site.  A year of hard work, big projects and demanding clients. Wait, are there clients that are not demanding?  But that is fine.  I am thankful for them, the business has been running well for ten years thanks to all of them.

But to have one with a deadline the same day I was to leave for Sturgis?  It was painful.  Has been painful.  But I am working hard to have someone fully trained and ready to go at that same time to cover for me.  the original take off date of August 1 will need to be pushed back to the weekend and I will just make a solo journey the 1200 miles on I-90 to meet up with the gang.  Will probably be good for the soul and I am sure, necessary for the mental state.

Anyway, with just seven weeks to go, I am really working for this new option, and hope to be posting even more news as time goes on.

Blog looks great, and following it has been fun, though bitter sweet as I was unsure of my participation.

If all goes well, will hit the road in 48 days.  Here’s to good fortune…

Made my reservations at Katmandu Campground today; talked to a gent named Dave who walked me through the process of registering on-line and letting them know I will be meeting up with Don Gentry as part of the Bob Kerske Group. 

All that's left to do now is test out all my camping equipment to ensure it doesn't leak and get the oil changed in my bike prior to leaving.  Everything else is set. 

Don periodically "pings" on me for overplanning, and he's probably right.  But, it gives me something to do while I'm waiting to depart.  Still looking for somebody to ride along with but I imagine there will be plenty of riders heading that way that I might be able to tag along with.  If not, then so be it.  I actually enjoy riding solo and exploring places I haven't been to.

It started raining here; think I'll put the tent up and test it out.

Tent is up and rain has stopped for now; so far it is still dry inside.  Might sleep outdoors tonight just to give it the "acid test"

Today we did the annual "Blessed in Hell" Event in Hell, MI.  This is a fun event with vendors, bands, greasy food and an hourly blessing of the bikes for a safe riding season.  The weather cooperated and we had a lot of fun looking at all the bikes, checking out the latest ladies fashions in tattoos and marveling at how many ladies are sporting them these days. 

From there we rode into town and met up with an old friend who has started a motorcycle and off road vehicle business.  Had a nice visit and plan to go riding with him before leaving for Sturgis.  He's got a "sport bike" and I think he'll take me on some interesting roads around the lakes. 

Back home now and looking forward to a quiet dinner and some early rack time.  Tomorrow I'll have to get all the the bugs, dirt and grime off the bike.  Supposed to rain so it's a good day to be cleaning it up.