Well, it has been a while since i have posted. I have finally found a library and will be making efforts to keep this posting process a bit more up to date. The First day down through washing ton got me to Nehalem Oregon where i camped the night at a state park near the ocean. It was nice falling asleep to the sound of the surf. But winters in oregon are nothing to be trifled with. The surf is not like it was when i was in maui, but harder faster and very brutal on the coast. I was told that in the winter the ocean drags most of the sand out to sea and in the summer gently returns it. I can see this myself as i watch the waves crash into the shore.
I spent my second night south of dunes city. A few friends had told me that it was a great place to see. And surely there was alot of sand. It was impressive, but I did not have much of an opportunity to stay and play in the sands. I am spending money on gas food and maintenance of the bike. I have made this a rule as I beleive that the round trip may take me 60 days at the outside.
I kept going until i got to brookings oregon, which is right near the border to california. A great little town that afforded me the opportunity to get some food fuel and water and camp for the night at another state park. These are great from 13$ to 20$ us, i can be garunteed a safe nights sleep. I am hoping that once I am out a bit more into the desert that i can skimp a little and use the vast amount of land avalible for some non park camping.
Other than that, it has been a great trip with some really cool sights. I have seen Stormy coast lines, whales jumping out of the ocean (which i couldn't get a picture of since the camera i have has a delay, and the wales dont pose), and giant redwood trees larger than my motorcycle or my SUV for that matter.
Well, I am off to Arcata, then to Redding and then eastwards to reno then salt lake city. More later. If the bike dies on me now, it was well worth it. I am so glad i have taken the opportunity.
Best Regards
Richard
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Saturday, October 21, 2006
Chased by Bikers, Captured By Friends
Well, the ride down to langley was a cold one, but the jacket was fantastic. My brother gave me a send off as we rode the last few Km out of town. Thanks Man, that was cool, just what i needed to get started. I fueled up in merrit and hope, as per usual, making my stops to coincide with a bit of a need to walk around.
And then on I went toward chilliwack. Well i have to say it was not uneventfull. As per my usual fare, I wave to the guys (or gals) riding similar bikes, but this time when i waved, I noticed there was a chap with exactly the same bike (older model). I thought it was cool that he waved back and was content in the fact that bike guys are pretty social creatures. No sooner had i forgotten about my passing, but I noticed a square single headlight in my rear view mirror. Moments later, the same bike i passed, zoomed pass me, waved and then signaled to stop by the side of the road. So in the adventurous spirit of the trip, i pried myself away from the 'time table' and stopped to chat.
Well, the excited, (and super informative) gentleman that dismounted, was quick to introduce himself as Norm. And moments later, I had every modification known to man about the KLR passed on to me as he inspected my bike for anything that I had done that he had not done to his. Upon my inspection of his bike, I noted that the only thing that was not customized was the gas tank. There were remounted fuses, modified seats, electrical accessory attachments, headlight toggles, and various things that I am not even qualified to understand, attached, bolted, and refit on his mount.
Truly this was a man with some knowledge. I hope that over the life time of using my bike I can get a few modifications in, but never as close to as much as this man has. He appears to live on his bike, and knows it well.
Moments later, myself and the man who is the repository for all things KLR, went our seperate ways, and I felt better knowing that there were guys out there willing to pull over on the coqu, for a chat about a bike.
A few hours later, through abbotsford and into langley, i stopped at my friends, and spent the evening catching up. My weekend promises to be one filled with activitied and good food. I a truly blessed with this good company.
Monday I will be leaving for oregon, making a quick pass through washington. Onward Ho...
And then on I went toward chilliwack. Well i have to say it was not uneventfull. As per my usual fare, I wave to the guys (or gals) riding similar bikes, but this time when i waved, I noticed there was a chap with exactly the same bike (older model). I thought it was cool that he waved back and was content in the fact that bike guys are pretty social creatures. No sooner had i forgotten about my passing, but I noticed a square single headlight in my rear view mirror. Moments later, the same bike i passed, zoomed pass me, waved and then signaled to stop by the side of the road. So in the adventurous spirit of the trip, i pried myself away from the 'time table' and stopped to chat.
Well, the excited, (and super informative) gentleman that dismounted, was quick to introduce himself as Norm. And moments later, I had every modification known to man about the KLR passed on to me as he inspected my bike for anything that I had done that he had not done to his. Upon my inspection of his bike, I noted that the only thing that was not customized was the gas tank. There were remounted fuses, modified seats, electrical accessory attachments, headlight toggles, and various things that I am not even qualified to understand, attached, bolted, and refit on his mount.
Truly this was a man with some knowledge. I hope that over the life time of using my bike I can get a few modifications in, but never as close to as much as this man has. He appears to live on his bike, and knows it well.
Moments later, myself and the man who is the repository for all things KLR, went our seperate ways, and I felt better knowing that there were guys out there willing to pull over on the coqu, for a chat about a bike.
A few hours later, through abbotsford and into langley, i stopped at my friends, and spent the evening catching up. My weekend promises to be one filled with activitied and good food. I a truly blessed with this good company.
Monday I will be leaving for oregon, making a quick pass through washington. Onward Ho...
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Richards Travel Rules # 001
Stay flexible... it will keep your mom happy.
Well, it turns out that my leaving tomorrow @ 12 noon was not the best time to happen. My mother called today and was very dissapointed that I was not able to make it for dinner tomorrow night. So, being the good lad that I am, I am staying one extra day to ensure that I have a full belly of my mothers home cooking, and a nice family gathering.
Actually... I cant turn down a free meal *shrug* who woulda thought. =)
Packing the Mule
Well, I have had to be realistic about what I bring, and what stays home. I have layed out everthing on the basement floor, and taken a good hard analysis of what is needed and what isnt.
All of the stuff you see here, is not even considering my clothes a few days of food and tools that i might need.
I figure I should be able to fit all of this into the cargo container, two saddle bags, tank bag, and dry sack. However, dismounting looks like it may be a bigger issue than planned. I tried it out the other day with a simulated full load, and my only concern is swinging the leg over during a dismount, other than that, everything should stow away fine. I am sure that there will be a stationary drop in the bikes future.
BTW, thanks to Dad @ Richard's Small Engines Fabrication Shop for custom mounting plate for the improvised action carrier rubbermaid cargo container. I was going to mount hard side cases, but I think the saddle bags should be fine. Maybe later when I have money I will install panniers from happy trails. These guys make some really light indestructable stuff. But for now, the nylon saddle bags are enough for me.
Also, I have waterproofed the tent with some tent waterproofing spray. Seems to work good. Water beads right off of it. Fairly happy that it will keep water from sticking to the surface.
Anyhow, off to pack the gear into as tiny a space as possible.
All of the stuff you see here, is not even considering my clothes a few days of food and tools that i might need.
I figure I should be able to fit all of this into the cargo container, two saddle bags, tank bag, and dry sack. However, dismounting looks like it may be a bigger issue than planned. I tried it out the other day with a simulated full load, and my only concern is swinging the leg over during a dismount, other than that, everything should stow away fine. I am sure that there will be a stationary drop in the bikes future.
BTW, thanks to Dad @ Richard's Small Engines Fabrication Shop for custom mounting plate for the improvised action carrier rubbermaid cargo container. I was going to mount hard side cases, but I think the saddle bags should be fine. Maybe later when I have money I will install panniers from happy trails. These guys make some really light indestructable stuff. But for now, the nylon saddle bags are enough for me.
Also, I have waterproofed the tent with some tent waterproofing spray. Seems to work good. Water beads right off of it. Fairly happy that it will keep water from sticking to the surface.
Anyhow, off to pack the gear into as tiny a space as possible.
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