Riding on dirt and gravel roads is 75% in your head and 25% using good skills. While I have not yet taken a skills course with a professional instructor, I choose to ride a good amount of off road trails. I look forward to taking the BMW Off-Road Course in Spartanburg, SC to further build skills and confidence. The tips I gained (so far) from people at the BMW Rally, the MSF course, and others are: Keep feet firmly on the … Read More

Weather became a primary influence on my trip itinerary.  From the early days of the trip out maneuvering thunder storms, to additional nights spent in hotel rooms, to adjusting the route to minimize hot hours in the sun, monitoring the weather was critical. AccuWeather was the primary application that I used.  Using the hour by hour view for my current and planned locations was helpful.  I found the radar maps to provide the best information to adjust my route. Riding … Read More

Each person’s style of packing will reflect their personal preference.  I tested my packing approach before starting the long road trip. Here are my tips based on my experience and preference. Take everything you need – and nothing that you don’t (except emergency tools and first aid kit) Stuff expands to the available space Keep the things you need on the road easily accessible Organization helps A packing routine helps insure you don’t leave things behind For my luggage, my organization method … Read More

There is something about motorcycling that feels like freedom. I won’t be able to predict the weather, the little discoveries along the way, or the mechanical dependability of my gear. So planning feels more like being prepared for options. Living in the world of possibilities… not expectations. Guiding principles: – Keep it simple – Think like a backpacker – Leave contingency for weather, side-trip whims, and mechanical Planning Stats (~7,000 miles): – 7 weeks (including 2 weeks with dad) – … Read More