34 Days to the journey begins.

 

Today was test drive day.  I loaded the bike up with all my gear and set out for a ride.  I wanted to see how the bike handled with all the extra weight.  Two things I learned, cross winds on a day like today are nasty.  There were a few spots where I was pointed north and heading west to counter the wind. The other thing is "Man it was cold out there".  Once I got into the Catskills, the temp dropped fast.  On the ride back from Liberty I put on my winter suit. Glad I packed that. 

My test ride was 140.56 miles, about half the distance I will be traveling daily.  My route took me out Rt 55/44 to Liberty over the mountain.  For lunch I found this great little place, Last Licks, http://lastlicks.biz/ and had a Turkey Panini, coffee and strawberry shake.  Great place,  and if I am out that way again,  I will most certainly stop back there again.         

The ride home I took Rt. 52 west to the Hudson,  and then heading up 9W to the Poughkeepsie bridge.   It was an all good news story.  The new tires worked great,  the bike handled well with all the extra weight and I got home on time to stay out of trouble.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy Memorial Day tomorrow and see you soon.

Creature comforts and mods.

I have been adding some creature comforts to the bike to make the journey a little easier.  Lets start at the back and work our way to the front.  Below, just above the license plate I added a new LED break/tail light with "Attention Getter", the light blinks 3 times when you first apply the break.  Just above that I have a trailer break/tail light connection so I can add an additional break light.  I have a small 1 gallon gas can that may block the stock light.

Above the lights you can see that big yellow lock.  I have two of them with matching keys.  They will not prevent someone from getting stuff if they really want it, but it will prevent anyone from just taking something from the bike like my luggage.  I have also added  a small platform for stacking duffel bags and such.  It's nothing more then a dolly with the wheels removed bolted to the bike.

And last on the rear is the tie down straps - bright orange.  I have two of them to hold everything in place at any speed.  Of course,  we will not be going over 65 at any point.  :).

    
As we move to the front,  I have mounted a GOPRO case to the right side hard case.   Another mount found it's way to the front of the bike on the right mirror.  Next in line would he the Corbin seat.  It's a bit wider then the stock and makes for a less fatigued bum.

Over the engine are the new engine protectors (Crash bars) and some highway pegs.  These will allow me to stretch out my legs now and then.  I also found it is very comfortable to just put my legs onto of the guards.

Up front we have an extra large tank bag, mirror extenders so I don't look at my elbows and a .29 cent thermometer stuck under the wind deflector.  In the middle of it all is the GPS mount.   I will also be traveling with GPS on the ipad,  but did not think it would be smart to mount there were I could see it.  I have enough to keep me busy without watching movies.  

For a larger view,  just click on any of the pictures.

LED Lights on front to help being seen.

On 36 more days to the Journey Begins.

Tracking my journey.

I have installed a GPS tracking device on the bike that allows me to track my journey.  It also allows the family to know exactly where I am. 

As you can see, the device will show the exact route I take.  It takes a sample every few seconds.  It also slows the direction of travel.   You can click on any of the green markers and get information about that point.  Speed,  location, time....   All good things to put the family at ease and to allow me to track the bike in the event it was to grow legs and go for a walk. 

 

When I start my journey,  I will be posting daily updates of my travels for everyone to follow.

 Duane

 

I am at 25% of my goal with 39 days to the journey begins

Thank you to all of you who have donated.  I have almost reached 25% of my goal. 

Currently over 3 million Americans have T1D and approximately 30,000 are diagnosed with T1D each year.  Of that, 50% are children.

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease in which a person’s pancreas stops producing insulin—a hormone essential to the ability to get energy from food. T1D causes lifelong dependence on injected or pumped insulin and carries the constant threat of complications. 

Please help me reach my goal of $5,000 and put an end to this disease. 

Duane

Tools and 40 days.

Only 40 days to my solo journey starts.  The last few weeks I have been putting the finishing touches on the bike.  Additional Break lights, Engine Guards and Highway Pegs and Packing my tools. 

I think I have just about everything I will need as far as tools go with one exception.  I have packed nothing to replace a tire.  But I do have a tire replacement insurance policy, so I should be ok.  I did pack a tire repair kit if I pick up a nail,  but anything more then that,  I'll have to call for assistance.

The biggest problem with tools is the weight.  They are far from light and you have to split them up so that what you put on the left side matches in weight what is on the right.   In addition to the photo,  I have a rubber mallet and a small tire repair kit.   

Let me know if you think I forgot anything. 

Duane.

43 days to the journey starts

JDRF - "VOYAGE to a CURE" (Fairfield and Westchester County)

On Saturday, May 4th,  I had the pleasure to photographing the JDRF Fairfield and Westchester County chapters "VOYAGE to a CURE" as they set-sail on a high-seas adventure aboard the Hornblower Infinity Yacht, out of the Delamar Greenwich Harbor. 

Photos from the event are at:  http://duanebeyer.zenfolio.com/jdrfwf