Preparing for the trip

10 days and counting before John, Ken and I head out on our Wild Hogs adventure.  We are leaving on Sept 15th heading for Jefferson City, Mo.

The interesting part is we are riding our motorcycles.  I have a 2005 Yamaha V-Star 1100 Silverado.  But the Silverado part is by name only.  I have removed the saddle bags, windshield, etc (this will be important later).  I have lowered the bike, installed 16" ape hanger handlebars, floorboard extensions and a nice new Saddleman seat.  All of this makes a nice looking bike that is a blast to ride.

I have been preparing my bike for the last couple of weeks.  Freshly tuned up, new seat (most important), adjusted handlebars, mirrors etc. to make the ride as comfortable as possible.

Today I have been getting my travel gear together.  What I am finding is that it takes more gear than I originally thought it would.  No chase vehicle on this trip so I need to be prepared for anything.  That means I need tools, tire repair kit, first aid kit, rain gear, survival gear (you never know), and all the other gear I just can't live without:) on my bike.

The tool kit alone was a challenge.  Let's see...wrenches from size 8mm to 19mm.  1/4" and 3/8" ratchets with sockets, pliers, needle nose pliers, screwdriver, allen wrenches, electrical tester, adjustable wrench, tire patch kit, air pump, spare fuses, spare spark plugs, etc, etc. I was able to fit it all into a tool roll.  This will help when it comes to actually packing it on the bike.

Then I started looking at how I was going to carry everything on my bike.  This is a challenge.  Remember the part where I said it is a Silverado by name only.  That means I don't have saddlebags.  I have a set of Nelson-Rigg touring bags that I attempted to pack all my junk into.  They are not working out so well.  My lovely wife who is supporting me on my Wild Hog adventure bought me 2 waterproof back packs for hiking.  I think I will use these to carry all my gear.  They will stack on the seat, keep everything dry and will be easy to tie down. 

That pretty much covers it for today.  Tomorrow I will pull out the waterproof packs to see how well I can pack all my junk into them and test ride with all my gear on board. 

Let the countdown begin :)