I have made a few mistakes in my life, and I am certain to make one or two more in my future. Yet, I attempt to live by this motto made famous by Mark Twain. Enjoy!
Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.
Anyone going? Let’s us know!
In a recent conversation I was asked what I would like to accomplish before I die. I could only come up with three things…
1. Visit every state in the U.S. on my motorcycle.
2. Spend some time in England.
3. Write a book.
I was shocked by how few things I really desire to do. How about you what would you like to accomplish?
Lenny recently obtained his motorcycle license, purchased a bike, and wants to attend Daytona Bike Week! So he came to me asking all sorts of questions about pre-trip planning, what should he pack, how far should he ride per day, and things of that nature. I thought it would be great if we could pool our wisdom and experience, to make a checklist for Lenny and other riders who may be planning a trip this year.
Each day we will tackle one segment of the trip, beginning with any general pre-trip advice you may have. Here’s some further info concerning Lenny’s trip.
1. He is riding with 2 other riders.
2. He has his accomodations settled.
3. They are beginning in Virginia.
4. They will be gone 10 days.
5. He is totally cool with this!
Don’t hate me! But the weather looks as if it will allow me to ride for a while on Sunday. If you reside in a portion of the country where the weather is not so gracious, here’s 3 things things you can do on Sunday!
1. Organize the photos of your favorite ride of 2007.
2. Get out your atlas and select a ride you could do in a weekend.
3. Now get out your calendar and pencil in the weekend.
Keep The Rubber Side Down!
Rick
I am currently planning a trip to Myrtle Beach. This trip has afforded me several occasions to discuss long distant riding with several folks in my area. Many of whom have not ridden more than 200 miles in a day. In these conversations, I have shared that most experienced distance riders have developed a certain rhythm to their riding. Identifiable phases of physical and emotional states, that ebb and flow as a day on the highway unfolds. So today I decided to share the 5 daily rhythm’s I experience while on a long trip.
Physically: I am a little stiff. (especially at day 3)
Mentally: At this stage I am not fully engaged. I constantly wonder if I left something at the campsite/hotel. Did I tether the gear down properly? Is it going to shift or worse yet; fall off in the road?(”Where’s my damn chap-stick”?)
Pace: Steady and slightly below posted speed.
Physically: Getting attuned to the way the bike is handling in the current conditions, I am beginning to get comfortable in the saddle.
Mentally: Confident the tent isn’t going to blow away, and the other household chores were properly handled, I begin to think about the places I will see today, rehearse the things I saw yesterday. Beginning to be at peace. (”I am the luckiest guy on earth”!)
Pace: Quickens to a few miles an hour over the posted speed but steady and relaxed.
Physically: I begin to tense up a bit, and develop a sense of purpose. On full tilt, my adrenaline is kicking in.
Mentally: My attentiveness is at it’s peak, I have moved from enjoying the scenery to getting to my destination! “I am behind schedule”! (road construction, traffic,)
Pace: Haulin’ Ass!
Physically: Tired, aching, hungry, my body is ready to get off this contraption.
Mentally: Struggling to stay alert, loss of focus, loss of enjoyment.
Pace: Quick! But sloppy.
Physically: I am ready for a shower, a nice meal, and a beer.
Mentally: After dinner I think through the day (calculate MPG, etc), begin to plan for tomorrow’s ride.
Pace: Good Night!
How does this compare with your rhythm?
