So Close I can Taste It.

The proximity of riding season and open road touring draws closer. I am inspired further by blogs I have read which expouse the wanderlust of fellow riders. One of which is Bama Rider:

http://www.bamarider.com/

My good friend Ken has started riding and his interest seems to be escalating of late in long distance riding. Like me, he is preparing to get a bigger bike and I hope I can convince him that touring is a great, unique way of seeing this great country. I very much like solo touring, but if could choose a riding buddy to go off on expeditions with, I couldn't think of a better friend.

My last day at work is June 9th for this school season, so I am making plans already. I could head North again, and this time do a Lake Michigan loop, coming down the western edge of Michigan. That would be a cooler tempature ride in June - which is fine. I would very much like to go South though: perhaps through the Tail of the Dragon, Natchez Trail...and end up at Key West. What a ride that would be!

It also wouldn't be so bad temp wise in early June. But my plans are open at this point - and I am waiting to see if my buddy Ken has the same interst of 'the long ride.'

A New Tourer?

I am in the market for a long-distance tourer. Although I think Goldwings are the king of touring, I just can't justify the expense - especially since the wife has all but abandoned long distance touring.

Being a Honda enthusiast, I have settled on a Honda ST1300 - and have been actively shopping for a couple of months. I have sat on a used one at our local MC store and it seems to fit me well; my knees fit without bumping the faring, and with the WS extended, it more than covers my grape.

My only conceptual issue with that bike is that the faring or mirrors don't block the wind from the riders hands - a feature I am keen of. But no matter.

I have made a tentative deal with a gentlemen from Tenn. based on his Craigslist ad. *Tip - I enjoy buying from CL and avoid dealerships all together. To shop nationally on CL, go to www.allofcraigs.com - which show all the ads across the country at once. Much easier.

If all goes well, in two weeks, I shall bring the trailer down Nashville way and complete the deal.

The Weather Breaks; The Road Beckons

April 2nd, 2011 and I got up around 0630 hrs to walk the dog down the block. Winter seems to have faded. I love these kinds of morning. It's about 43 degrees, the sun just peaked over the horizon and I can see my breath, but I here the birds - still in the bushes and trees - chirping away.

Right away it takes me back to touring. It's the same feeling of getting out of my warm sleeping bag, feeling the first rays of the sun, and start to coordinate the breaking down of camp.

That feeling of seeing the bike warm up, the exhaust coming out; lashing down the last of the gear and dressing in the warming layers getting ready to hit the road for another days adventure. There is no equal to that feeling and it is not dependent on any certain location.

Slipping on my helmet and entering the solo and secret world of my own self. Merging onto the highway, getting up to speed, usually one of only a few on the road, I collect my thoughts and do some of my best thinking about life right then.

It is this time of the year....right now, when riding seems to be possible, that wanderlust sets in and the road beckons once more.

This is what sailors must feel being landlocked off-season. Like the sea, it's hard to explain the call of the open road.

I just need to be there.......