The Countdown Begins

Tomorrow, the 15th of October 2009, is my last day at work. This means in a week or less I’ll be leaving on my motorcycle trip to South America. From here on out, I’ll be packing the bike and trying to take care of all the last minute details that I’m sure are going to be overwhelming. Oh, I still need to clear the sprinklers before the water freezes.

The adventure is about to continue…..

Comments

R1150 GS Modifications for Long Distance Touring

Just how does one prepare a motorcycle for a long distance trip? I’ve done a fair amount of long distance riding but not a 6 month trip to countries where support and parts may be difficult to find. I’d also never purchased a motorcycle for the sole purpose of taking a trip, so, now I was determined to go about preparing my 2002 R1150GS for a 20+ thousand mile motorcycle trip from Washington State to Terra del Fuego, Argentina. What I decided to do was spend the next 2 riding seasons road testing the bike. Eastern Washington hasriding seasons due to the snow covering the roads during the winter. I’d located my 2002 R1150GS in October of 2007, took it for a short ride and then put it away for the winter. The 2008 riding season would be the first year I would start road testing the GS.

Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta

A fter years of talking about going to the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta we finally made if happen in 2022. The Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta is the world's largest hot air balloon festival. Our first event to see was the much anticipated Night Glow. So, as the sun began to set, the excitement in the air was palpable. Everyone was eagerly waiting for the launch and night glow to begin. The balloons are illuminated from within, and the effect was simply breathtaking. It felt like the entire field was aglow with light and color. After the night glow, the launch began. The balloons drifted up into the sky in a slow and elegant procession. The sight of balloons soaring into the air at once was truly awe-inspiring. As they ascended higher and higher, the sky became a canvas of vibrant colors and swirling patterns. We were lucky to have a the rain stop for a day with great weather conditions, making the mass ascension even more magical. Seeing so many balloons in one place was something that ...

Trans Labrador Highway

I arrived in Baie-Comeau, Quebec, after four days of riding across the US and a stop in Saint Catharines, Ontario to visit Kevin, my riding buddy in Central America. Baie-Comeau is where my journey to ride the Trans Labrador Highway (TLH) starts. Another day and 580 km, and I would reach the province of Labrador and the start of the TLH. In 1999, the first phase of the TLH was completed. 549 km of gravel road between Labrador City and Goose Bay. In early 2010, phase three of the project was completed between Goose Bay and Cartwright. This phase is 250 km of gravel road, and for the first time, enables you to travel form Labrador City to Read Bay - a total of 1200 km through the remote province of Labrador. There is only one, maybe two, places for food and gas before reacting Labrador City, so I filled my 41 liter gas tank and grabbed a bite to eat before taking off on Hwy 389. The first 211 km is paved, and by the looks of this sign, was going to be fun.

Moto-Treks

Search This Blog