gnyce
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- Joined
- Nov 29, 2015
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- 336
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- Location
- north of Philadelphia PA, US
Not really a 'big trip' per se, but more than a day-ride, so that is progress for me ('05 FZ6 since last October). Leaving on Wednesday (post-work) from Phila PA to my big brother's place in Virginia (Shenandoah Valley), will pick him up on his Suzuki Boulevard and we'll head down towards Deal's Gap/Dragon. In fact, we don't really have much of an itinerary other than that, and the Cherohala Skyway. My wife calls it a "man plan" but I prefer to think of it as flexible and spontaneous :rockon: There is a lodge in Little Switzerland... for some reason that name appeals to me. I even bought the Butler map, but organizationally I've fallen short.
Besides my first longer-ride with a fellow biker - and this being my brother - it is a bittersweet moment, as my dad used to ride some (mostly goldwings), and he and my brother did a trip together a number of years ago before he passed away (2003). He was a pretty cool guy - a church pastor who had a bike/rode, and even had an old porsche 914 (more VW than porsche really). I'm sure he'll be tagging along in spirit.
I'm making a list of what to bring along. Given that this is not unsettled territory - is an extra fuel bottle still a good idea? Any other 'must haves'? I have two Givi side-cases and a top-case, can bring along my tank bag if needed too, so plenty of room. Not camping - we are too old for that (well, my brother is). Also struggling with what coat to take... maybe too cool for the mesh jacket in the mornings? Here is my quite-short list: chain lube, tire compressor, tube patch kit, a few tools, USB charger, phone/GPS mount, sunscreen, advil, camera, rainsuit (Motogiro)...
Lastly, I've been reading Quezzie's thread on ADV riding her scooter all around the US. I like her description of Tail of the Dragon: "I'd been warned the Tail of the Dragon is practically Disneyland for motorcyclists now - commercialized, touristy, and overcrowded. "There are more fun rides, with less fuss," was one person's opinion. However, like going to Bourbon St on a weekend, I felt that as a rider I personally needed to do this at least once. " I feel the same.
Besides my first longer-ride with a fellow biker - and this being my brother - it is a bittersweet moment, as my dad used to ride some (mostly goldwings), and he and my brother did a trip together a number of years ago before he passed away (2003). He was a pretty cool guy - a church pastor who had a bike/rode, and even had an old porsche 914 (more VW than porsche really). I'm sure he'll be tagging along in spirit.
I'm making a list of what to bring along. Given that this is not unsettled territory - is an extra fuel bottle still a good idea? Any other 'must haves'? I have two Givi side-cases and a top-case, can bring along my tank bag if needed too, so plenty of room. Not camping - we are too old for that (well, my brother is). Also struggling with what coat to take... maybe too cool for the mesh jacket in the mornings? Here is my quite-short list: chain lube, tire compressor, tube patch kit, a few tools, USB charger, phone/GPS mount, sunscreen, advil, camera, rainsuit (Motogiro)...
Lastly, I've been reading Quezzie's thread on ADV riding her scooter all around the US. I like her description of Tail of the Dragon: "I'd been warned the Tail of the Dragon is practically Disneyland for motorcyclists now - commercialized, touristy, and overcrowded. "There are more fun rides, with less fuss," was one person's opinion. However, like going to Bourbon St on a weekend, I felt that as a rider I personally needed to do this at least once. " I feel the same.
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