Triumphrat

Skidplate865

A few differences from the last cross country trip:
More miles on this one - 7,125 vs. 6,355
Less days - 14 days on this one, 16 days on the last one
More 'blue highways', secondary roads, etc...
Less superslabin' it
much more sightseeing (with the pics to prove it!)
More unexpected mechanical trials
More challenges

Before I start with the actual ride report, I just have to say that I had a blast. Even though this one was harder, I had much more fun. I would catagorize this trip as more of a sightseeing tour. The last one was a 'can I do it?' trial by fire. I camp'd it, just like last time and used all the same gear, but I have learned a few new tricks and they made things more comfortable.

So, I'll do this report same as the last one - a few days per post so I don't overload my photo hosting site or start to get bored. I'll skip the first two days - pretty standard, leave NYC - cross Jersey on Interstate 80 - cross Pennsylvania, camp in Ohio, cross Indiana, camp in Illinois. I should mention that the bike was undulating for the first two days, very annoying! I had a new set of Tourance's fit before I left and the guy sprayed the innertubes down with soapy water. ALOT of soapy water! This threw off the balance. Luckily, I was entering Iowa, and Baxter Cycle is in Iowa. It's in Marne Iowa, not Ames. Why did I think it was in Ames? Well, after going to Ames and finding no Baxter cycle, I went to Marne..

First pic from Iowa - the cows are HUGE!!!


Welcome site


Straight to work


So that's how to balance a tire - old school get's it right!

Skidplate865

I had a little look around Baxter Cycle while the tires were removed, dried out and rebalanced. Here's what I really came to see...

You have to go through the stock room to find the really cool stuff. For you internet kids, a stockroom is where dealers used to keep parts, so when you went there they had the part for you instead of "it'll be here next week..."


back of the stock room leads to the..


Holy C***!


A closer look

Skidplate865

more Baxteroma...




notice the little drip pan for the oil

Skidplate865

I'll take 'em both






This little lady was sitting out in the lobby

Skidplate865

Marne was quiet and relaxing. My test ride probably took 20 minutes longer than it had to, just so peaceful out there.









I could have stood in the road for an hour, there were no cars coming. The only living thing I saw was a horse and her colt.

I paid my bill (gratefully) and headed into Nebraska to camp for the evening.

Catenaccio

Skid,

Nice pics and report. I can hardly wait for the next installments!

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The weather will continue to change on and off for a long, long time.

Skidplate865

Thanks again for letting me crash at your place, the meals and taking me on the Utah State Parks Tour. I'll ride with you any day!

Catenaccio

My friend, the door's open, the bed's waiting, and the meals are free anytime!

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The weather will continue to change on and off for a long, long time.

propforward

Brilliant stuff, looking forward to seeing more! You are an inspiration sir! :

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wheat state

Wow! Great report! Great pics! Makes me want to load up my bike and go. Thanks, I needed that!

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"It is curious that physical courage should be so common in the world and moral courage so rare." -Mark Twain