Triumphrat

mistermellow001

I got off to a slow start on my journey to Bennington. I ran out of time so I didn't post in Ride Reports. Here it is on the Bennington site:

http://www.armchaircommando.org/benn...opic.php?t=419

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Guy

"Always be yourself... unless you suck"
~ Joss Whedon

Catenaccio

In spite of the mishaps, it sounds like a great adventure. Enjoy and be safe!

iceman

... a day to forget - but have a good sleep and you'll be ready to get serious tomorrow.

How far do you have to ride?

Ride safe

Grant

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http://www.triumphrat.net/photogalle...790/album1051/

mistermellow001

Thanks, Cat.

Iceman, I'm riding to Bennington, Vermont (from Mount Vernon, Washington), 3000 miles door to door. From there, south and then west to Los Angeles, northeast to Utah, and then northwest back to the Seattle area. Between 8,000 and 9,000 miles, unless, at some point, taking a Boeing 737 starts to look more comfy than my Bonneville. I'm riding with Whisperinsmith on the Bennington to Los Angeles leg.

__________________
Guy

"Always be yourself... unless you suck"
~ Joss Whedon

HiDesert

You´re on your way! This is going to be a fantastic experience. I hope you can keep us all posted periodically!

Keep the rubber down my friend.

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I won't stop riding because you tell me about someone who died in an accident, just as I won't stop eating because someone died of e.coli.

HiDesert's ride photos

ooobaby

MM: Glad you're on the road and wern't hurt. Sorry about all the hicups. If you can get a new windscreen installed I would do it. That's a long way to ride into the wind, especially if you hit any bad weather. If you can get the wind off your chest, your arms and hands won't be near as fatigued. Why'd your screen break, did it have a stress crack in it or something? Stay hydrated! The wind and sun will really suck the fluid out of you and dehydration can sneak up on you and affect your mental acuity and judgement before you know it.

Ride safe and keep us posted when you can.

You need a Bennington Or Bust banner on your bike after that first day you had.

mistermellow001

Oobaby, I must have cracked the ball joint where the screen adjusts. That's the only explanation I have. It would take a lot to rip that thing off the bike as it did.

Staying hydrated. It was a hot dry day today, and I sucked the entire 2 liters out of my camelback bag (I'm keeping it in my tank bag). I also downed a couple of sport drinks, stopped for a Guiness, and a bottle of water at lunch.

Hidesert, the rubber stayed down all day today. That's my preferred orientation for a motorcycle.

I posted another report on the Bennington site, since this trip is all about that destination. I haven't had time to dual post to Ride Reports. Here's my latest...

http://www.armchaircommando.org/benn...opic.php?t=419

__________________
Guy

"Always be yourself... unless you suck"
~ Joss Whedon

iceman

.. hey MM - I wasnt sure where Vermont is so got my atlas and globe out tonight to educate myself.
I am very impressed - you are riding from coast to coast at the widest part of the States.
And as if that isnt enough you then go from the Northeast tip to the Southwest corner - then right up the west coast.
We havent heard from whisperin' for a while - he must be out polishing his bike for the trip.
I also found Buzzards Bay - he has a bit of a head start on you - but sounds like he will be putting on some miles after the bash.
Take it easy and we look forward to further photos and updates.

Grant

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http://www.triumphrat.net/photogalle...790/album1051/

Old Scratcher

I'm not sure if my old bones could stand up to such mileages anymore. But I get so envious whenever I hear of someone setting out on an adventure like yours. I think I'm going to have to put it to the test soon, & find out one way or the other.
Fare well long-distance traveller. & remember to post lots of pics, for those of us on more restricted rides.

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"They told me I was goin to have to work for my living, & all I wanna do is ride. I don't care where we're goin from here. So Honey you decide" Jackson Browne (the Road & The Sky)

Whisperinsmith

Hey Guy!
I'm following your story on the Bennington site and I hope you don't mind, but I gave your posting site to my daughter so she can follow you and then me as we ride to L.A.

As Iceman said, you've got some miles in that ride! I'm now officially psyched! As for me cleaning my bike, that was done once this spring. I just put new tires on it, oil and filter, handguards, wired the GPS in and wired a chain HawkOilier unit. I'm ready to join Mistermellow. I'll give him a couple of days rest once he reaches Vermont before I make him turn around and head back! He'll be able to laugh at me once we reach California knowing I've got to ride what he just went through.

PS If any here would like to ride a section with us, I'm for it and I'm sure Guy would love some company here and there. Check on his post for his route east and our planned route west from Bennington is tentatively as follows. South to meet Mare, a well known RAT member, in Virginia near the Blue Ridge Parkway. Then wander to Hot Springs Arkansas and along toward the Four Corners and then touch the southern section of the Grand Canyon and on to Joshua Tree Nat'l Park in California. Very tentative! But you get the gist.

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Life. Fill 'er up. It's all we got.

http://www.armchaircommando.org/benn...Bash/Home.html
Bennington, VT May 31, June 01 2008