It's all about the tile...

There I was, minding my own business when all of the sudden the bathroom exploded. Ok, so actually the shower surround was falling apart and needed replaced. I was just putting it off as long as I could. Well it wouldn't wait any longer. After pulling the old surround off I realized that the old plaster walls around the tub needed to be removed as well. So the demolition began. Then Lori decided she wanted a shelving unit removed on one wall too. Once demoed and cleaned up I had to put up a layer of drywall, then a layer of cement backer board so it would all match the existing plaster walls. We chose our tile and a medallion so it'd be pretty. Then Lori throws me another wrench and wants it turned at an angle. I have to admit I am glad she did because it actually looks pretty good. Cutting the holes in the tile was a real pain. A dipshit told me a rotozip tool would cut all the holes I needed with no problem. Well it cut a huge hole in my hand by my thumb. It's lucky I can even use my thumb now. Anyway got it all done and it looks pretty dang good if I do say so myself.
OK, now on to the motorcycle talk. In thinking about communication on the bike with both a passenger and others I have decided to get a pair of Scala G4 bluetooth units. It will allow me to have intercom with passengers, other riders, and have my tunes and other things come in through my iPhone. I have enjoyed riding with my inner earphones but they get a little annoying after 6 hours. The Scala has good reviews and meets all my needs. Some say that having the ability to talk to others while riding ruins the experience. And to a point I agree, however have a little communication does make it nice for making decisions about places to stop and such. I am also hoping to be able to take a special person for a ride soon and I think being able to talk and show her places and tell her about where we are at and such will make it a better experience for her. I hope so anyway.
I have a few other projects that need done around the house before I go. I think I'm going to build a shed/shop. Then do some decluttering. I have been so dang sick the last couple of weeks that I'm amazed I was able to finish the tile job. It'll all come together though.
I need to get a chain and sprockets, and fork seals done. Those are the must do. The rest is preventative maintenance but I want to get it all done just the same. I think it will help make the trip better. As well as getting my fat out of shape tail in shape. Thats about the hardest part.
Well I guess thats about enough rambling for now. Keep it rubber side down!

Lets get started... sorta...

After a couple of weeks without writing anything I realize just how much dedication it takes to keep up with a blog. There is either to much to do to type or nothing to type about.

I spent the last couple of weeks doing pretty much nothing with the bike. I have however done some plowing with my quad. I also rolled it once. Messed up my ribs, neck, and wrist. No big deal it will all heal. I was goofing around and got sideways to fast and hit a dry patch. It reminded me just how easy and fast an accident can happen. I was so careful on the trip north. I will need to do the same for the trip south.

My other little issue has been causing me fits again. I thought it was doing good but it has flared up again. I don't think it will cause me any trouble for the trip but you never know. I'm also a bit worried about the misses. Her face has been getting more numb more often now. So far all her symptoms are pointing to MS.

All the crap aside I was able to clean out my tiny little work room. It is just barely big enough to fit the bike in so I can get working on it. I brought it in, put in on the jack, and pulled the bad chain off it. I saw several links that had lost the o-rings and a few that were almost seized up. Which was really frustrating because the chain only had about 5000 miles on it. The original had 20,000 miles on it. So I will replace both sprockets and the chain and I will spring for better quality for sure this time. It's crazy when I look at the bike. All the modifications, adjustments, maintenance I have done to it. And even more amazing is where it has taken me and it hasn't even complained once. It's going to get some needed babying before the spring riding season hits.

The quad needs some too as well as the suburban, camp trailer, little pickup, house, blah blah blah.

Well I think that covers it for now. I will try to keep up better, perhaps I will blog my thoughts outloud so to speak about what upgrades and replacement gear and such.

Till next time...

The mind never stops planning...

The more I got to thinking about what needed done to the bike I remembered Brake pads, some aux power wiring, and maybe even a little painting. I knew I'd come up with more stuff.
I have been debating with myself as to the need to carry extra tubes. I'll run my favorite Kenda K270, 50/50 tires. They have always served well and done everything I have asked of them. There are enough places on the route I think I would be able to get a tube if I total one out. I hope anyway. I am debating as well shipping some road tires to swap out for the slab ride home. The only real reason would be because the knobbies can get a little buzzy on the slab.
I officially scheduled the time off from work, July 6 - 22. That should give me plenty of time to finish the ride. It's starting to sink in a little bit now. I am actually planning this trip. I remember when I left for Canada. It was so surreal. Even as I loaded up and pulled out of town it seamed like just another day ride. It didn't sink in until I had been on the road for a while.
Another question to mull over is helmet com. I wont be riding with anyone but the convenience of everything, phone, tunes, gps, cb, running through my helmet sounds pretty nice. The inner ear phones I wear now are comfortable and I wore them for the Canada trip but they can get annoying after a while. And Yes, I have to have tunes while riding.
Another thing I need is to get SPOT up and running again. I let it expire because I hadn't done any riding last year. SPOT will be a must for this trip. Not only so I can send both OK and SOS messages, but those that want to can follow along with its live tracking capabilities.
It seams funny to be thinking about this so much with 6 months time to go. But with life moving along, and everything else that needs attended to, my time will be stretched thin to be sure. And I'm going to need several training rides as well.
Each day that passes is one day closer to departure.

Planning Planning Planning

It's rather amazing how much effort there is put into planning these types of trips. From bike preparation and maintenance to what tunes to listen to. One huge help has been from the Advrider.com forums. There are several ride reports there and some have the .gpx files for use in your gps. I downloaded one that has a compilation of tracks and waypoints from a few trips. What a time saver and huge bonus as it also shows sights to see along the way. That cut 2 months of mind cramping planning right there. Now I can just review and edit where needed.
The bike prep needs to start soon. I need to go over it with a fine tooth comb. It needs new fork seals, chain and sprockets, valve's checked, a good going over and greasing. I'm sure once I dive into it I'll fond more things needed. Time to clean out the workroom and bring the bike in so I can get started tearing it down.
Another thing that needs prepared is me. I have gained a few pounds and gotten rather sluggish in my old age. So a workout plan is in the works as well. Now where did I put that glass of V8?

The new year brings a new adventure...

With the new year I am planning to finish my continental divide ride. Beginning in July I plan to finish the trail through wy, co, nm, and home through az, ut, id. 3100 miles in total. I have a lot of planning and preparation to do beforehand.