RE: [ST] Touring Virgin - Suggestions?

["STeve Duncan" <xhippy@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Emery, first off, don't over think things.  You have great LD mount, you 
will be fine.  Make sure you have an oil change, fresh tires, properly lubed 
and adjusted chain and most importantly, a good attitude.  The bike is your 
least worry.  Pacing yourself, staying within your limits is the biggest 
concern you will face.  It's easy to push past your personal limits, trying 
to reach a "goal".  Set you goals within reason.  If you have never ridden 
more than 200 miles, don't try and set a schedule that requires 800 miles.  
A 400 mile day should be obtainable, 50mph average, and 8 hours.  Don't try 
and ride past your limit, take your time, enjoy the ride, smell the roses.

Pack the minimal amount of gear.  You aren't going to Mongolia.  My rule of 
thumb, if I can buy it on the road, if I need it, I don't carry it.  Of 
course this does not include things like tools and sustenance.  Bring along 
meds, a first aid kit, and basic tools like zip-ties, duct tape, small and 
med size vice grips, along with the basic ST tool kit.  Carry H2O, plenty of 
water, and drink often.  Have some granola bars, or somesuch, some beef 
jerky is nice as well.  I always have some hard candy as well, something 
sweet to melt in your mouth.  Don't forget the chap stick, your lips will 
appreciate it.  And sunscreen is a must, even in the winter, or cloudy days. 
  Wear earplugs!  You don't wanna go deaf.

Carry raingear, even if you have a "waterproof" riding suit.  Most are not, 
really.  Carry two extra sets of gloves.  Nothing sucks more than wet, cold 
hands.  bring extra warm undergarments, you just don't never know when you 
will want an extra layer.  Electrics are the bomb, if you have them, bring 
them.  If you don't, get some, for next time.

Pledge furniture polish makes a great face shield cleaner, the small size, 
lemon scented  :-)

Most of all, relax and enjoy the ride.  Stay alert, pay attention and have 
some FUN !!!
After all, if you ain't having fun, what's the point??????

Cheers,



eL Donut
jinete en la tormenta

STeve Duncan
'00-Sprint-ST




>From: Emery James Baker <mrbaker@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
>Reply-To: ST@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>To: ST@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>Subject: [ST] Touring Virgin - Suggestions?
>Date: Sat, 29 Jan 2005 21:46:01 -0500
>
>Folks;
>Been a long time since I've asked one of my usual dumb a$$ questions but 
>here goes.  I'm an virgin, ok stop laughing, I'm a long distance virgin.  
>I've been riding for years, the last 3 on my 01 ST but I have never done 
>more than 200 miles in a day and my longest trip has been a weekend.  I 
>want to see a few friends in spring that have moved to NC USA (Raleigh and 
>Charlotte) planning on this trip in april or may and I think I will take 
>the whole week to enjoy the ride to and from NJ.
>
>Planning on the Skyline dr and BRP, the only catch is I've never done such 
>a long trip and I will be solo to add complexity.  I'm trying to get the 
>bike caught up on maintenance (Coolant, wheel bearings, plugs, etc.) but I 
>have never prepped for such a long ride before, bought the bike used in 02. 
>  I've never packed for something like this either,.  Can anyone suggest a 
>few sites, books, prayers, good luck charms that will help me prep and 
>travel correctly?  Huge thanks in advance!
>
>Thanks
>Emery
>01 BRG
>NJ, USA
>
>
>     *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *  
>  *
>      The ST/RS Mailing list is sponsored by Jack Lilley Ltd.
>          http://www.TriumphNet.com/st/lilley for more info
>   http://www.TriumphNet.com/st for ST, RS and Mailing List info
>



     *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *
      The ST/RS Mailing list is sponsored by Jack Lilley Ltd.
          http://www.TriumphNet.com/st/lilley for more info
   http://www.TriumphNet.com/st for ST, RS and Mailing List info

=-=-=-= Next Message =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=