Vernon, BC to Strathmore, AB.
Hmmm. Not an auspicious start. I haven't been this ill in forever, hacking up a lung. Left home yesterday in the pissing rain (thank goodness for excellent rain gear), which eased off by Revelstoke. Clear but gloomy through the Rockies, then it got decidedly chilly at Calgary. I couldn't be faffed to take pictures so you'll have to look here:
http://www.tigertriple.com/forum/index.php/topic,13971.msg104487.html#msg104487
and imagine that the red Steamer is an orange Roadie.
Got my first speeding ticket in a long time just east of Canmore. I'm not complaining; it was a fair cop. The galling thing is that just down the road about 4km the same four lane highway becomes 20kph faster. Can you spell 'entrapment'? Especially since the spotter was invisible and there were six or eight members down the road dishing out tickets (at $175 a pop) as fast as they could write them. Rant over.
It was quite cold by the time I got to Strathmore, a total ride of 627kms. The bike managed 61mp(Imperial)g!!
And this morning I woke up to this:
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/1%20May%2022%20Strathmore.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/1%20May%2022%20Strathmore.jpg.html)
Welcome to Alberta in May! It's a 'rest day' visiting an old riding buddy and negotiating the purchase of my next project, so hopefully things will improve by tomorrow when I head south to Montana.
We're not made of sugar, after all :*&*
Do you have a points system on your license or is it just a pay up job.
Chin up Nick, with a start like that it can only turn out to be a gem. :nod
Quote from: Chris Canning on May 22, 2016, 08:49:21 PM
Do you have a points system on your license or is it just a pay up job.
Yes there is a points system. Except the chaps in Alberta are jolly decent and as long as you buck up the fine any points you would have accrued do not get transferred back to BC :icon_wink:
So no point lost, that's the "good" news
Crazy weather in west Canada! Huge up and down. Enjoy the rest of your trip hopefully :*
" Ne'er cast a clout till May be out". Don't ya just love them old sayings, It'll get better, probably.
:XXsunsmile :wheel :XXsunsmile :wheel :XXsunsmile
Strathmore, Alberta to Billings, Montana.
Another wet and (very) cold day. It was low single digits degrees c when I left Strathmore. Plus the added bonus towards the end of the ride of strong side winds. I'd forgotten how hard it is to ride in a straight line leaned over at 10-15 degrees trying to counter the wind. All fun and games.
Anyway, it was a 848km day and the bike continues to purr, well, like a Tiger. :icon_wink:
The little town of Vulcan was built when the railway went through southern Alberta, and its only claim to fame in the early days was that it had the most number of grain elevators in one place, west of Winnipeg.
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/2%20May%2023.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/2%20May%2023.jpg.html)
That all changed in 1966 when a certain sci-fi tv series come on the air, and the rest, as they say, is history.
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/8%20May%2023.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/8%20May%2023.jpg.html)
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/3%20May%2023.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/3%20May%2023.jpg.html)
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/4%20May%2023.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/4%20May%2023.jpg.html)
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/5%20May%2023.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/5%20May%2023.jpg.html)
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/6%20May%2023.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/6%20May%2023.jpg.html)
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/7%20May%2023.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/7%20May%2023.jpg.html)
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/9%20May%2023.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/9%20May%2023.jpg.html)
I didn't see anyone with pointy ears while I was there, but a certain Trek character paid them a visit a while ago:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZq7wJd2vsQ
For you railway buffs, here is the big trestle over the Oldman River in Lethbridge.
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/10%20Lethbridge%20May%2023.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/10%20Lethbridge%20May%2023.jpg.html)
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/11%20Lethbridge%20May%2023.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/11%20Lethbridge%20May%2023.jpg.html)
Finally over the border. The sign says Welcome to Montana.
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/12%20US%20Border%20May%2023.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/12%20US%20Border%20May%2023.jpg.html)
Montana: "big (gloomy) sky country"
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/13%20Montana%20May%2023.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/13%20Montana%20May%2023.jpg.html)
PS. 1400+kms on the stock seat with a pair of bicycle shorts. So far my derriere is not complaining. Maybe I'll do without that $400+ Corbin seat...???
PPS. The lowered footpegs have also made a big difference. Thanks Mustang.
well done mate, makes my 200 mile days seem very lacking. Im another fan of the bicycle shorts though. Dont get this Trekky stuff, we had a friend in Bristol who converted his flat to look like the bridge of the Enterprise, we dont see him anymore he got really weird.
Hmmm, might need to buy a pair of cycling shorts to try then. I feel the standard saddle is too soft and really feel it after 1000km's in two days. ;)
:thumbsup Vulcan, I love people that are prepared to put their sense of humour out their for ridicule abdominal don't take themselves too seriously.
Hope the weather gets a bit better for you.
A moderately short day of 580kms. Ticked off two of my 'places to go'. And the ride was not in wet weather gear for the first time! Billings, Montana to Belle Fourche, South Dakota.
In one month it will be 140 years since one of the most discussed events in the history of the American west. Lt.Col. George Custer, leading men from the 7th Cavalry, made a tactical blunder when he approached what he thought would be a village of fleeing natives. Instead he was confronted by several thousand heavily armed and 'motivated' (i.e. thoroughly pissed off) warriors. The rest is history, and I'll leave it to you to research the details of what happened.
Anyhoo, it was the first stop today to visit the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument. First to the Reno-Benteen battle site about 4 miles away from the main battlefield.
The plaque says it all.
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/14%20Reno-Benteen%20May%2024.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/14%20Reno-Benteen%20May%2024.jpg.html)
This is the 'memorial' at the site. (Note that at this point I still have the yellow roll of tent poles jammed between the pack and the top box. :icon_wink:)
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/16%20Reno-Benteen%20May%2024.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/16%20Reno-Benteen%20May%2024.jpg.html)
Lots of these markers dotted all over the landscape.
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/17%20May%2024.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/17%20May%2024.jpg.html)
Nice to see some recognition of the fact that there were native casualties too
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/18%20May%2024.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/18%20May%2024.jpg.html)
Looking down from the top of 'last stand' hill. The markers indicate where a cavalryman's body was found
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/20%20Last%20Stand%20Hill.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/20%20Last%20Stand%20Hill.jpg.html)
The memorial at the top of the hill, apparently where Custer's body was found. Note, no tent poles! Either they fell off or were 'alf inched by one of the many tourists milling around.
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/21%20Last%20Stand%20hill%20May%2024.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/21%20Last%20Stand%20hill%20May%2024.jpg.html)
The native memorial
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/22%20Indian%20Meomorial.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/22%20Indian%20Meomorial.jpg.html)
Another state line crossed
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/24%20May%2024.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/24%20May%2024.jpg.html)
And here's one for you fans of 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind'
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/26%20Devils%20Tower%20May%2024.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/26%20Devils%20Tower%20May%2024.jpg.html)
Another state line
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/27%20May%2024.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/27%20May%2024.jpg.html)
Close encounter of the Tiger kind... :*&*
Looks like the weather is better. :thumbsup
So how did you solve the tent problem?
Quote from: ghulst on May 25, 2016, 07:27:28 AM
So how did you solve the tent problem?
Trying to find a place that sells tents poles. Fortunately it is not an issue until I get to Florida.
Quote from: nickjtc on May 25, 2016, 02:15:28 PM
Trying to find a place that sells tents poles. Fortunately it is not an issue until I get to Florida.
Look for Bass Pro, Cabelas or Gander Mountain stores... they are all outdoor sporting goods stores.
Quote from: JoeDirt on May 25, 2016, 02:36:39 PM
Look for Bass Pro, Cabelas or Gander Mountain stores... they are all outdoor sporting goods stores.
Thanks. If in doubt I'll go to the local WalMart and buy a new tent + fly for $25!!!
Alrighty then. A longish day today, not helped by getting slightly off track, twice. It was nice and sunny at the end (too warm for long johns) but a bit gloomy mid day. Belle Fourche, SD (pronounced Foosh) to Hastings, NE: riding distance 932km/578m.
The bike is consistently getting high 50s to low 60s mp(Imperial)g on 91 octane. I'm going to experiment, starting tomorrow, with 89 octane to see if it makes a diff. Having said that most of the fuel places I've stopped at only had 85 ("might not meet manufacturers recommended octane level"), 87 and 91. And before you chaps in the UK get raised eyebrows, remember that the way they measure octane here is different than there.
On with the story.
Here is the marker in Belle Fourche for the centre of the 50 United States
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/29%20Centre%20of%20the%2050.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/29%20Centre%20of%20the%2050.jpg.html)
(Actually it isn't the exact centre of the 50 States. That is in a farmers field about 20 miles north of town. Close enough for the tourism industry, I s'pose.)
I had to say that I had visited Sturgis, but am glad it wasn't during Bike Week. Look it up.
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/30%20Sturgis%20May%2025.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/30%20Sturgis%20May%2025.jpg.html)
Deadwood is where Wild Bill Hickok met his maker
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/31%20Deadwood%20May%2025.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/31%20Deadwood%20May%2025.jpg.html)
Here is a place that needs no introduction. Oh, all right, I'll spell it out for you: t-o-u-r-i-s-t t-r-a-p :icon_lol:
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/32%20Mt.%20Rushmore%20May%2025.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/32%20Mt.%20Rushmore%20May%2025.jpg.html)
And from a lesser known angle. Taken when I was proceeding to ride in the wrong direction
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/33%20Mt.%20Rushmore.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/33%20Mt.%20Rushmore.jpg.html)
Yet another state line
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/34%20May%2025.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/34%20May%2025.jpg.html)
Quote from: nickjtc on May 26, 2016, 04:10:14 AM
Thanks. If in doubt I'll go to the local WalMart and buy a new tent + fly for $25!!!
Spoken like a true American! :*&*
Quote from: JoeDirt on May 26, 2016, 04:28:53 AM
Spoken like a true American! :*&*
Much as I hate shopping there, sometimes needs must. It's a sad state of affairs when a set of replacement poles is the same or more expensive than a whole new tent. :icon_wink:
I'm always the one at the back of the room not paying attention but the Custer thing has so where are you actually heading for.
As a non Yank what's their attitude to you(be honest :icon_wink:)
Surprised at how open the ground is where the 7th cavalry came unstuck :icon_eek:
Quote from: Chris Canning on May 26, 2016, 10:16:53 PM
I'm always the one at the back of the room not paying attention but the Custer thing has so where are you actually heading for.
As a non Yank what's their attitude to you(be honest :icon_wink:)
Surprised at how open the ground is where the 7th cavalry came unstuck :icon_eek:
Heading for Florida. More about that when I get there.
Non-Yank vis-à-vis?? The Custer thing??
It's all rolling land up above the Little Bighorn River. When Custer realised that he had come unstuck he had no choice but to retreat from the native village down by the river, only to be over run up the hill by their superior numbers and firepower.
Today started well, went pear shaped and ended better than expected. 511km/311 miles. Hastings, NE to Cameron, MO.
First job was to visit the local WalMart and pick up a new tent for the trip. $18 + tax to the gentleman on the nice orange motorbike. I'll use the fly from the old one. Couldn't bear to throw the old tent away so I left it at WalMart in the hope that someone will take pity and buy replacement poles for it.
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/41%20May%2026.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/41%20May%2026.jpg.html)
Ah, I hear you say, what the feck have you got it set up in a motel room for? All will be revealed.....
Welcome to Kansas
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/35%20May%2026.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/35%20May%2026.jpg.html)
This is what it looked like all the way eastbound across the state. My rear tyre is getting square and screaming out for corners, any corners!
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/40%20May%2026.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/40%20May%2026.jpg.html)
Here is some nob standing around at the marker for the centre of the 48 contiguous United States
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/37%20Centre%20of%20the%2048%20May%2026.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/37%20Centre%20of%20the%2048%20May%2026.jpg.html)
As with the 50 State marker, 'X' doesn't actually mark the spot. It's over the fence about three quarters of a mile away in a farmers field.
This is Bo. He's the first rider I've actually got to talk to on the trip. He is from Denmark and is just finishing off a 20+k mile trip around the 48 States.
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/39%20%20May%2026.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/39%20%20May%2026.jpg.html)
Guess what brand of motorcycle he rides. Answers on a postcard, please.
The day started mild and got oppressively hot and muggy. At lunch time I thought the only excitement of the day was going be the bumble bee that somehow got through the vent hole at the top of my helmet and proceeded to march over my scalp. It must have been stunned because it didn't sting me.
Then the fun started as I approached St. Joseph. First it started spitting with rain (so on with the waterproofs), then it started to shower and then, woof, within two minutes the road was awash and the wind was literally threatening to blow me off the road. So being sensible I pulled off immediately towards a Ma and Pa fast food place. By which time the edge of the road was a foot deep in muddy water. I misjudged where the kerb ended and the entryway began and the next thing I knew I was lying on my side pinned under the bike in said muddy river, with an angel of mercy leaning over me, she getting wetter by the second. Got the bike up and parked, it by which time my angel has disappeared. When I went inside to get some nosh the State weather warning broadcast kept cutting in to the radio to say that there was a tornado forecast and that any self respecting soul (and Nick) should get under cover right now.
The right side pannier took the brunt of the tip over and now wears it's scars with pride. Apart from that no damage, even to my ego.
So I decided to NOT camp tonight, but wanted to check out the new tent, which is why it sits on my bed in the motel I am staying at.
It was raining MUCH MUCH harder than this earlier
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/42%20%20Cameron%20MO%20May%2026.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/42%20%20Cameron%20MO%20May%2026.jpg.html)
No state line sign picture of crossing into Missouri so I stole one
Ah, so nobs get everywhere don't they :-0. Fair old Trip mate, makes my outings seem like going to the shop. Don't think that bed is gonna fit somehow :ImaPoser
Nice trip your having there nick :thumbsup
Re Bo's bike..is the jacket on the floor a clue?
Yes, the jacket on the floor is a clue.
A 918km/570mile day today. Started clear, got hot and muggy then pissed with rain. Seems to be the pattern for this trip. No tornado warnings today, though. Cameron, MO to Hopkinsville, KY. Got lost a bit in St. Louis, taking the wrong motorway out of town.
Here is the big arch in St. Louis.
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/42%20St.%20Louis%2027%20May.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/42%20St.%20Louis%2027%20May.jpg.html)
It's big.
Two more state line signs:
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/43%20May%2027.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/43%20May%2027.jpg.html)
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/44%20May%2027.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/44%20May%2027.jpg.html)
Nothing to report today except I'm probably going to be shopping for a new chain and sprockets when I get home and certainly a new rear tyre, if I haven't had to replace it en route.
I have an observation about some U.S truck drivers: their lane discipline sucks. Toodling along on the motorway you will come up to a clog of a group of trucks. Just as you get up to them the driver at the back decides to overtake, at approximately 2mph faster than the trucks he/she is passing. Next thing you know there is a mile long tail back in the passing lane while the rest of us wait for the driver to get his/her jollies by passing. Grrr. :icon_frown:
God bless the USA. Got to my hotel and the first words out of the receptionists mouth were "We sell beer at $1 a bottle!!"
So I've been on the road for a week now and covered 4405km/2737miles.
If you're interested, that is :sleepy1
Wow... That usually takes me a couple of months... One trip!
About the same miles as our France trip last year, but that was only one week, not several!!!
2737 mls so far!! And I'm thinking of camping up in Barmouth for a night tomorrow. Probably 280 mile round trip? :bad
Apart from a slightly bent support tab on the mounting frame, this is the sum total of my tip over the other day:
No rain gear today. Hot and muggy. Nothing to report, really. Hopkinsville, Kentucky to Sandersville, Georgia. 722km/448miles.
Still not seeing a lot of other bikes on the road, and those that I am seeing are predominantly cruisers, many with bars so high the rider looks like he is being crucified :icon_wink:. I did see two Wings and one Bandit, however.
Two more state lines:
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/45%20May%2028.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/45%20May%2028.jpg.html)
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/46%20May%2028.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/46%20May%2028.jpg.html)
http://youtu.be/59ujEi545lc
Tennessee; The Volunteer State? Sounds as if no one wanted it and so they volunteered to take that part of the US. ;)
Great ride report Nick. I have to start taking pix of "Welcome" State signs.
re bo : finger-less gloves gave it away.
Quote from: ghulst on May 29, 2016, 02:18:55 PM
Tennessee; The Volunteer State? Sounds as if no one wanted it and so they volunteered to take that part of the US. ;)
Now, now. be nice. They are very friendly people.
Welcome to Florida. Made it! Chain and sprockets truly shagged; the word is out to local Triumph dealers to see if they can replace. Sod's Law is in place and tomorrow is a public holiday, I assume.... it's why I'm here.
Here's a pic for Mustang. No knobbies, however, just chrome handlebars:
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/47%20May%2029.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/47%20May%2029.jpg.html)
What have I learned about Florida?
The "Sunshine State"?.... when I got to where I was going it was raining almost as hard as the other day in Kansas :icon_sad: I'm drying out as we speak, but can make an unashamed plug for SIDI 'On Road' boots... the only part of my kit, apart from the 'Rain-Off' over mitts I use, that did not leak. :>< (I'm on my second pair and fully expect that they will last until the end of my riding days.)
Florida drivers have the worst lane discipline I've ever seen.
Motorcyclists here have a very 'relaxed' attitude to riding gear. I assume helmets are optional. The only consistent safety gear I am seeing are large black boots, presumably with the initials 'HD' on them.
Don't try to make time on 'major' roads that are not motorways. They make a nice four lane road with a 55/60mph speed limit, and then put traffic lights every mile or so. :icon_sad: Obviously they have not heard of roundabouts.
Traffic lights are not "sensor controlled" so you have to sit through the cycle even if there is bugger all traffic coming from the cross road.
There are no 'merge' lanes (give way, to you chaps in Blighty) at said traffic lights, so you have to stop before proceeding if turning right.
Budweiser beer tastes a LOT better here than in Canada.
What is the Dam Buster's motto.... Apres moi le deluge?
Well here is 'après le deluge ici moi' :rfl
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/50%20May%2029%20Sebring.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/50%20May%2029%20Sebring.jpg.html)
Incidentally: Sandersville, Georgia to Sebring, Florida. 764km/475miles.
Two relatively easy days coming up, which is why I'm here.
OK chaps, this was the reason for this trip. Excuse me if I get a little emotional because I have been looking forward to this for a long time. Sebring to Punta Gorda, via Arcadia and AirGlades airfield, 325km/202miles.
My Dad learned to fly as part of the British Flying Training Scheme at the number 5 school in Clewiston, Florida, between January and July 1943. That's him in the middle
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/Don%20Gaastra%20John%20Jordan%20Johnnie%20Muraille.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/Don%20Gaastra%20John%20Jordan%20Johnnie%20Muraille.jpg.html)
During the war the field looked like this
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/Riddle%20McKay%20Training%20Riddle%20field.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/Riddle%20McKay%20Training%20Riddle%20field.jpg.html)
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/Riddle%20Field%201942.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/Riddle%20Field%201942.jpg.html)
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/Annual%20Inspection.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/Annual%20Inspection.jpg.html)
Now, although it is still an operational airfield, there is nothing left of the accommodations or old hangars
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/57%20Riddle%20Field%20May%2030.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/57%20Riddle%20Field%20May%2030.jpg.html)
During the war years 23 cadets were killed during training, one of whom (Forbes Robertson) was on my Dad's course. They are interred in what is called the British Plot at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Arcadia. Every Memorial Day the locals have a memorial service for the cadets, and this being the 60th service (and me being 60) I thought I would attend.
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/55%20Arcadia%20May%2030.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/55%20Arcadia%20May%2030.jpg.html)
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/56%20Arcadia%20May%2030.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/56%20Arcadia%20May%2030.jpg.html)
On my way down yesterday I tried to revisit two places where Dad had taken photos while he was on leave between elementary and advanced training. I assume he stopped here for a cold one
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/Intersection%20of%20Hwy%2062%20and%20Hwy%2017%20near%20Haines%20City%20Fla.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/Intersection%20of%20Hwy%2062%20and%20Hwy%2017%20near%20Haines%20City%20Fla.jpg.html)
The café is gone, with only the concrete foundations visible. The bike (at the back, left) is standing in front of where it was originally
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/48a%20Haines%20City%2029%20May.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/48a%20Haines%20City%2029%20May.jpg.html)
They also visited Cypress Gardens in Winter Haven
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/John%20Jordan%20Eric%20Denham.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/John%20Jordan%20Eric%20Denham.jpg.html)
Alas, that scenic destination is now gone, to be replaced by
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/49%20What%20was%20Cypress%20Gardens%20May%2029.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/49%20What%20was%20Cypress%20Gardens%20May%2029.jpg.html)
Interesting stuff Nic, thanks for sharing :thumbsup
Brilliant mate, well done
Punta Gorda to Ocala, 410km/254miles. Via Sarasota, St. Petersburg, Tampa and Lakeland.
First the pics. I missed posting this one in the freneticism of the near tornado fall over incident last week. It is one of the original pony express 'stations', in Marysville, Kansas
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/40%20Pony%20Express%20Station%201%20Marysville%20KS%20May%2026.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/40%20Pony%20Express%20Station%201%20Marysville%20KS%20May%2026.jpg.html)
Riding north over the bay to Tampa I crossed this bridge. You cannot stop on it so you'll have to excuse the 'clip' picture
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/61%20Sunshine%20Skyway%20bridge%2031%20May.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/61%20Sunshine%20Skyway%20bridge%2031%20May.jpg.html)
The last place my Dad had a picture of was here
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/62a%20Platt%20Street%20Bridge%20Tampa.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/62a%20Platt%20Street%20Bridge%20Tampa.jpg.html)
It took a bit of research to find out where this bridge is. Platt Street in Tampa. This is what it looks like 73 years later
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/62%20Platt%20Street%20Bridge%20Tampa%20May%2031.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/62%20Platt%20Street%20Bridge%20Tampa%20May%2031.jpg.html)
Zen in the course of motorcycle maintenance.
This is not a rant, just what is.... when I knew that I was going to need a chain and sprockets I contacted all of the Triumph dealers on my route via their 'contact us' links on their web pages. NOT ONE has replied! So this morning I did the next best thing and started dropping in.
:thumbsup :thumbsup :thumbsup to Hap's Cycle Sales in Sarasota. They could not help me out today but went above and beyond the call of duty pointing me in the direction of a dealership that could help.
I like doing my own maintenance because I am then responsible for the outcome of whatever I do to the bike. And, of course, save some dosh. However I will happily pay a 'professional' if circumstances do not allow me to do this. So I was lucky that 'Fun Bike Motorsports' in Lakeland not only had proper Triumph parts, but were able to fit me in. I had them change the oil at the same time as the hardware. $294US for parts and $180 labour + 'shop supplies' and taxes.
The only small fly in the ointment was that the tech had over tightened the new chain. Isn't reading the manual rule 1? When I pointed out that you have to set the slack while the bike is on the side stand he grudgingly readjusted it, commenting that he 'always' adjusted chains with the bike on the centrestand. What would have been the outcome if I did not know what I was looking for??
I did a bit of research into the po's service history for the bike and found that he had changed the front sprocket only at 74k kms and the whole lot at 52k kms. So the chain and rear sprocket have done 42k kms and the front sprocket 20k kms.
The chain today was slacker than a prostitutes underwear.
Let this be a lesson to you boys and girls: do NOT cheap out and just replace chain and or sprockets. ALWAYS replace as a set. Take it from Captain Buzzkill: you will pay less now but you will pay mightily later!! :qgaraduate
Quote from: nickjtc on June 01, 2016, 01:16:23 AM
The chain today was slacker than a prostitutes underwear.
Take it from Captain Buzzkill: you will pay less now but you will pay mightily later!! :qgaraduate
Those must be some high-class prostitutes... they actually where underwear. :icon_rolleyes:
Bout' time Captain Buzzkill showed up. :eusa_clap
Another short-ish day, Ocala, Florida to Chipley, Florida. 436km/271miles. It's so nice riding along without the rear end of the bike sounding like it is sawing itself in half. :icon_wink:
I've posted a question under the "Speaking of bikes...." heading about my rear tyre. Feel free to wade in!
And for all you lepidopterists out there, what is this? It has been sitting/perching (what do these things do at rest, anyway?) on the wall outside my room since I got here:
luna moth......................... :icon_study:
a giant fucking silkworm
what did I win?
A part used PR3 :mut
Quote from: Mustang on June 01, 2016, 10:19:26 PM
luna moth......................... :icon_study:
what did I win?
I looked it up and you are right. No prize except a thank you for edumicating me :thumbsup
Quote from: Sin_Tiger on June 01, 2016, 10:47:32 PM
A part used PR3 :mut
I suspect that this beastie has more life left in it than the tyre... if only by a few days.
You know when you are on a trip you sometimes end up staying somewhere that is a :Topes hole? last night was it. Pascagoula Inns and Suites, Pascagoula, Mississippi. I even got propositioned in the car park! Nothing worked etc etc (in the motel room :icon_lol:), so no report yesterday. Except for that it was another 'bucket list' day.
And another state line
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/64%20June%202.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/64%20June%202.jpg.html)
Guess where this is. No prizes, just a pat on the back. Hint: it's another shooting location from a film I mentioned earlier on in the trip.
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/65a%20CEOTTK%20house%20June%202.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/65a%20CEOTTK%20house%20June%202.jpg.html)
First in line for the ferry to cross Mobile Bay
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/66%20Mobile%20Bay%20ferry%20June%202.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/66%20Mobile%20Bay%20ferry%20June%202.jpg.html)
Hard a port, or starboard, Cap'n. We don't want another oil disaster. I counted 20 rigs in the bay.
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/67%20Ferry%20June%202.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/67%20Ferry%20June%202.jpg.html)
The only live wildlife I've seen all trip. The rest has been roadkill
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/68%20June%202.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/68%20June%202.jpg.html)
Fort Morgan on the east side, and Fort Gaines on the west side of the Bay. Civil War stuff
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/69%20Fort%20Morgan%20June%202.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/69%20Fort%20Morgan%20June%202.jpg.html)
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/71%20Fort%20Gaines%20Dauphin%20Island%20June%202.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/71%20Fort%20Gaines%20Dauphin%20Island%20June%202.jpg.html)
Here is Bayou la Batre. A location in another one of my favourite films. Hint: "Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get."
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/72a%20Bayou%20la%20Batre%20June%202.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/72a%20Bayou%20la%20Batre%20June%202.jpg.html)
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/72b%20Bayou%20la%20Batre%20June%202.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/72b%20Bayou%20la%20Batre%20June%202.jpg.html)
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/73%20June%202.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/73%20June%202.jpg.html)
500km/311miles for the day. Chipley, Florida to Pascagoula, Mississippi.
The hole of a place for accommodation last night was so bad it prompted me to get my arse out of bed early and on the road while it was still dark. Longest day yet: 1290km/802miles. Pascagoula, Mississippi to Abilene, Texas. Nothing to report. It was hot, cool, wet, dry, and involved crossing two state lines.
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/74%20June%203.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/74%20June%203.jpg.html)
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/75%20June%203.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/75%20June%203.jpg.html)
The end of the second week. Total distance to date 8852km/5500miles.
Off to see some aliens tomorrow.
Abilene, Texas to Winslow, Arizona. Don't know exactly which corner Glenn Frey was standing on when he wrote the song. Another longish one, 1253km/778miles.
Interesting the daft things we will do while riding.... Please do not do this at home.
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/June%204%201.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/June%204%201.jpg.html)
New Mexico beckons
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/nm1.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/nm1.jpg.html)
Didn't see any aliens in Roswell, but they do take the whole thing seriously
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/June%204%202.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/June%204%202.jpg.html)
This was sitting downtown. To defend from said UFOs?
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/June%204%203.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/June%204%203.jpg.html)
Who said the Kansas was the only boring place to ride?
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/June%204%204.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/June%204%204.jpg.html)
Hottest place on the ride so far, but to be expected, I suppose
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/June%204%205.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/June%204%205.jpg.html)
Quote from: nickjtc on June 04, 2016, 02:04:15 AM
Guess where this is. No prizes, just a pat on the back. Hint: it's another shooting location from a film I mentioned earlier on in the trip.
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/65a%20CEOTTK%20house%20June%202.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/65a%20CEOTTK%20house%20June%202.jpg.html)
Close encounters... did you have one? Gillian and Barry"s house...
They have two satellite dishes... the second is for contacting the mother ship. :tin hat
Congrats. Good guess. No close encounters of any kind, even though I knocked on the door.
No one has chimed in about the film for the other location yet.....
God Bless America, again! Only Americans would build a road in a place where it really wasn't needed, but which provides 50+ miles of sublime twisties. More on that later.
Anyhoo, made it to the west coast yesterday. 911km/566 miles. Winslow, Arizona to Redondo Beach, California. The day started warm, then got ferkin' hot then cooled down considerably once I hit LA. I cannot understand the mentality of riders who strip off to ride when it gets very hot. Even though I was in full kit (ATGATT) I was cooler underneath than the ambient temperature outside. Every time I cracked the face shield it was like sticking my head in an oven.
Old Route 66 is prevalent in western Arizona
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/81%20June%205.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/81%20June%205.jpg.html)
Yet another state line
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/82%20June%205.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/82%20June%205.jpg.html)
Leaving the desert and heading for them thar hills
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/83%20June%205.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/83%20June%205.jpg.html)
The view from start of the Angeles Crest Highway. 50+ miles of absolutely no straights
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/84a%20Angeles%20Crest%20Hwy%20June%205.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/84a%20Angeles%20Crest%20Hwy%20June%205.jpg.html)
Real scenery at last
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/84b%20Angeles%20Crest%20Hwy%20June%205.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/84b%20Angeles%20Crest%20Hwy%20June%205.jpg.html)
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/84c%20Angeles%20Crest%20Hwy%20June%205.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/84c%20Angeles%20Crest%20Hwy%20June%205.jpg.html)
The sides of my tyres got more of a work out along that part of the ride than in the entire trip so far! And there were as many bikes out along this short bit of road than I have seen the entire trip. There was a sphincter pucker moment when a squid pulled out of a car park right in front of me, trying to catch up with his squid buddies who had just left. I'm on a big, fully load orange motorcycle.... how much more visible do I need to be?? :icon_wink:
And finally to LaLa Land. Yes it is smoggy
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/85a%20LaLa%20Land%20June%205.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/85a%20LaLa%20Land%20June%205.jpg.html)
Today is a day off to decompress, visit with son, daughter-in-law and grandkids, then on the road again tomorrow for the last leg of the trip, north and home.
Total distance covered to date is 11016km/6845 miles.
Yesterday I got my best and worst fuel mileages for the trip: 65.6mp(Imperial)g up in the high desert, and 53mpg 'commuting' through Los Angeles traffic.
It's a tough life, but someone has to do it. :thumbsup
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/86a%20Redondo%20Beach%20June%206.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/86a%20Redondo%20Beach%20June%206.jpg.html)
Uneventful day today, droning up I-5. Redondo Beach, CA to Anderson, CA. 882km/548miles. It's a big state!
How are you getting on with the stock saddle on the longer rides?
Quote from: Sin_Tiger on June 08, 2016, 01:47:41 AM
How are you getting on with the stock saddle on the longer rides?
I've been wearing bicycle shorts throughout. I find that when it's time to fuel up (which I do when I'm down to one bar on the gauge) it is definitely time to get off and have a stretch. But having said that at no point am I feeling crippled.
I would need to be convinced that an aftermarket seat was a LOT better before laying out the dosh.
Interesting, I was much the same :icon_salut:
I found cycling shorts a bit more comfortable, but make betty swollocks quite an issue in this weather... you must have experienced that even more so Nick - In Nevada :icon_eek:
I'm considering getting myself a pair of cycling shorts. When I came back from my run to Paris, I had some chafing. One solution could be to redo the saddle in stiffer foam, but I'm not sure. Cycling shorts are a cheaper option to start with. ;)
Well things have gone to hell in a hand basket as they say hereabouts. This morning was the first time I have ever been stranded by the side of the road on a bike for a major malfunction. Ran out of fuel before, but that is not too tragic.
On Highway 299 east of Redding the LED charging system light started blinking red. Green is good. Red is bad. Blinking red is "the shit is about to hit the fan". Needless to say the bike died. Dead. Kaputski. The battery only showed 9 volts.
Anyway I was lucky enough to be picked up by a nice gentleman who only stopped because he is a rider too and would not have stopped for anyone else. We went to his house about 10 miles away, came back with his truck and trailer, loaded up the bike and went back to his house to have a very pleasant afternoon, followed by dinner made by his missis. Note I've never met these people before. They do not know me from Adam.
Then this evening we trailered the bike back to Redding (about 60 miles), to stay overnight at his 'city place'. Tomorrow I am picking up a U-Haul rig to get the bike home. My new found friend is trailering the bike to the U-Haul depot. I had to twist his arm to let me fill up his pick up with fuel as a "thank you".
Not the happiest end to the ride of my life, but at least I got to meet two people who have gone out of their way to help me out. There is goodness and kindness out there still!
I took a couple of pics earlier on in the ride which I'll post when the dust settles.
I'll investigate the malfunction when I get home, but I'm thinking 'charging system'.
Sounds strange but what a great end to your trip,I've had similar experiences over the years and still do both helping and getting helped many who I still stay in contact with over a chance experience.
And while you still have a bit to go I've enjoyed your trip and photos from Custer to realising why the Americans are always on about needing cruise control where as about as much use as a hole in the head over here in Europe.
As for your charging problem!! My K1200 went the same way yesterday :icon_sad:
:notworthy good people hide in plain sight :><
:>< it's called karma ..............you are either being rewarded or need to pay it forward !
either way pay it forward ...............KARMA IS NICE , to those who deserve.
:thumbsup
Was it definitely charging system Nick or just the battery died. Don'y go throwing money at it till you're sure. Chris and I have both had this happen and a change of battery was all that was needed.
And for Chris: the K12 too? It seems a common problem across all makes, be it Honda, Triumph Kwak or whatever. They all do it sooner or later which, when you compare cost, what you get for your money, and reliablity with cars, we're being short-changed I think.
Quote from: Bixxer Bob on June 09, 2016, 03:42:10 PM
Was it definitely charging system Nick or just the battery died. Don'y go throwing money at it till you're sure.
I'll investigate when I get home. I'm thinking charging system because the LED indicator I use can be set up to monitor the state of the battery or the output from the alternator. I have it set up to monitor the alternator output. This all happened over the space of a couple of minutes, which makes me think it is not battery, anyway. But having said that (and I have zero experience of this) wouldn't stator/rotor/regulator/rectifier woes be gradual onset??
Just a few miles before things went sideways, a view from Highway 299 east of Redding:
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/88a%20Hwy%20299%20June%208.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/88a%20Hwy%20299%20June%208.jpg.html)
And another
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/88b%20Hwy%20299%20June%208.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/88b%20Hwy%20299%20June%208.jpg.html)
This is Mount Shasta, taken from my saviour Ken's truck as we trailered the bike back to his place.
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/90%20Mt.%20Shasta%20June%208.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/90%20Mt.%20Shasta%20June%208.jpg.html)
Excellent write up Nick, :thumbsup I'm sure I'm not on my own when I say I've thoroughly enjoyed reading about your travels and looking at your pics. :notworthy
So sorry it had to end that way, but thank goodness for kind-hearted souls eh! :><
Hope the rest of your trip home goes without incident & you find a simple fix for your steed! :icon_salut:
I've lost my cable to transfer pics from the camera to the computer, otherwise I would have posted the "pic of shame" showing the bike in the U-Haul trailer prior to hitting the road for home yesterday. My caption would have been: "I thought only dirt bikes and cruisers rode in trailers or on the back of pick-up trucks!"
Anyhoo, I am home after a 17 hour straight through drive from Redding, California to here in Vernon.
Final stats for the trip: the last day before the bike crapped out I had covered 152km/94miles.
Total mileage was 12050km/7487 miles.
Once I've decompressed (I've come home to find that my house has sold and my room mate has moved stuff out) I'll look into the bike situation, but at the moment I'm just glad to be here. That was the longest road trip of any description I've ever made in my life.... and probably will stay that way!
Quote from: Mustang on June 09, 2016, 02:06:08 PM
:>< it's called karma ..............you are either being rewarded or need to pay it forward !
either way pay it forward ...............KARMA IS NICE , to those who deserve.
:thumbsup
You ARE right, sir :thumbsup
Here it is, the pic of shame.
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/91%20June%209.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/91%20June%209.jpg.html)
And here's the old girl sitting forlornly by the side of the road waiting for an angel of mercy to come along :icon_wink:
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f375/nickjtc/89%20Poof%20June%208.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/nickjtc/media/89%20Poof%20June%208.jpg.html)
Fair play mate, some trip. Some rig too, wouldnt the bike have just gone in the back of the truck?
Quote from: Timbox2 on June 13, 2016, 06:48:36 AM
Fair play mate, some trip. Some rig too, wouldnt the bike have just gone in the back of the truck?
Ah yes. It would. However U-Haul expressively forbids anything but non-motorised personal effects to be carried inside their vehicles. I could have rented the van, driven around the corner, got the bike in it and carried on my own happy way. However if anything else had gone t/u I would have been on the hook for the total liability. For the $300US to rent the trailer I figured it was not worth the risk. Even though, in hindsight, the drive home was an easy 17 hour drone.
With loads of questions in my head!!
How did you get on for fuel,20 years ago parts of Europe could be a hassle but not now,when we were in the States Jeeze you could go for miles without seeing anything never mind fuel.
You say the truck drove for 17 hours!! Bloody hell I bet that was interesting just you and the driver? any hassle coming back over the boarder.
How did you feel when travelling in the States knowing so many folk carry guns,we felt very uneasy but maybe that was just us.
Highs? Lows? Bike break down excepted,would you do it again? Do we get a photo of your Good Samaritan :icon_biggrin:
How did you get on for fuel,20 years ago parts of Europe could be a hassle but not now, when we were in the States Jeeze you could go for miles without seeing anything never mind fuel.
No problem at all. I carried a couple of litre bottles for 'just in case' but ended up never filling them. I had planned to stay off the freeways as much as possible, but that idea tanked straight away when I realized that I would never be able to keep up with my schedule. And on the freeways there is fuel at regular intervals. I should have allowed four weeks for the trip!!
You say the truck drove for 17 hours!! Bloody hell I bet that was interesting just you and the driver? any hassle coming back over the boarder.
I was solo driving the rental. I had my laptop with all of my tunes in it so opened it on the passenger seat and was serenaded all the way home. I crossed the border at about 11.30pm. The young fellow didn't even bother to look inside the back of the van. He just commiserated with me about the bike break down.
How did you feel when travelling in the States knowing so many folk carry guns, we felt very uneasy but maybe that was just us.
Never even think about it. Yes there are some real nut jobs out there (thinking about the latest outrage in Florida) but I've never felt uncomfortable or unsafe on any of my trips south of the border. I go out of my way to not piss people off, though. Especially in heavy traffic.
Highs? Lows? Bike break down excepted, would you do it again? Do we get a photo of your Good Samaritan :icon_biggrin:
Highs: I achieved everything I wanted and saw all the sights I have waited a long time to see. Lows: the shit hole in Pascagoula. And the big reality that, alas, the States are no longer the inexpensive option when it comes to travelling. Added to the fact that our dollar is in the toilet compared to the US one. And I would head south again in a minute. It did not even occur to me to take a pic of Ken!!
It was a mega trip Nick. Glad you enjoyed nearly all of it!
Thanks for the narrative, Nick.
I very much enjoyed keeping up with your journey. I took a similar two wheeled adventure in 1985 that included Northern Mexico....best trip of my life.
Any updates on the charging/battery problem?
Quote from: Daiku on July 12, 2016, 12:16:57 AM
Any updates on the charging/battery problem?
I've been so busy over the last few weeks with selling my house, packing, getting rid of crap that has accumulated, moving, decorating my new digs, and going to work, that I haven't even had time to wash the trip grime off the bike, let alone have a serious look.
I have ordered a replacement reg/rect (not Triumph) just to upgrade, if nothing else. I charged up the battery when I got home and rode the bike the 4km to my new place, with no problems, but a 2 second look at the voltage with the motor running shows that the charging system is only putting out just over 12 volts.
Will report when life gets back to normal, and thanks for asking.
I have to get serious about this because I only have about 150km to go before the clock turns over 100k. It was supposed to happen in the wilds of southern Oregon.
:nono should never have sold Stanley....
Quote from: Nick Calne on July 12, 2016, 11:33:55 AM
:nono should never have sold Stanley....
You could be right.
Except: high 50's mp(Imperial)g (and sometimes low 60's) is MUCH better than low 40's. I'm not really a cheap git, but I always cried when it came time to fill up Stanley. And it grated even more knowing that my four door Kia people mover gets much better mileage.
He went to a good home.
Yeah but the Kia weighs much less and is considerably more aerodynamic! :augie
Quote from: Nick Calne on July 12, 2016, 09:13:15 PM
Yeah but the Kia weighs much less and is considerably more aerodynamic! :augie
:ImaPoser
Quote from: Nick Calne on July 12, 2016, 09:13:15 PM
Yeah but the Kia weighs much less and is considerably more aerodynamic! :augie
:rfl Indeed. That's just not being kind to a Steamer. I know they are heavy, but........