[Wayne-o]

As the close of the ‘04’-riding season nears its end, I can’t keep my mind from leaping forward to the adventures of ‘05’. Next year will be a significant year in my life chronologically with respect to time. I have had a hankering to do an epic ride for the past two years so I thought next year being a significant time in my life I would pursue it. I have got clearance to take the time off already so I am on my way. I am planning a trek across Canada to Vancouver B.C. for next year. I have dreamed about this adventure for the past two years. I started street riding in ‘02’ and have amassed about sixty thousand miles so far. I feel pretty comfortable planning this trip.

I need advice/opinions on how I should prepare. Some of the things I plan on doing are securing saddlebags for the Ducati S4R. Another thing I plan on doing is getting a cell phone and a lap top computer. I need advice on what I need to be able to connect to the net with the lap top via satellite in remote areas or what ever and the best cell phone that connects via the same method.

I also would appreciate advice on essential items one would take on such an adventure. How would you prepare your bike? What tires would you choose for such an event? Etc.

I would appreciate advice/input so I can be as prepared as possible.

So, far I am the only one doing this crazy thing. But, If any of you wanna come or hook up with me en-route for a bit, give me a shout. I would enjoy the company.

Thanks in advance,

Wayne in Townsend

[MissTwisties]

I will refrain from giving advices as I obviously do not have such experience. But I think this is a great trip you are planning to do. I have an uncle who lives in Vancouver, always wanted to go visit. I'm sure you're gonna have a real nice time in Canada. Maybe you can even go down to California once you're in Vancouver.

Good luck!!

[elaineo]

Pick up a copy of "Zen and the art of Motorcycle maintenance" by Pirsig.

[slingblade]

GPS
paper maps
better selection of tools
2 flashlights
headlight bulbs
For the Laptop/remote web idea... what is your intention with it? You can get wireless web on a cell phone. its got Email.
Batteries for digital camera, extra CF cards
pens, blank notepad
Credit cardS
health information (just in case)
passport, birth cert
Extra visors for the helmet
sunglasses just in case
extra regular glasses
energy bars and other good small food
EXTRA strength Tylenol
rain gear
gold bond
some kind of "sleeping on the side of the road" plan with your clothes, etc
earplugs, earplugs, earplugs
Tire plug kit and some small pump
Extra chain and master link tool
List of Ducati dealerships along the route

I know theres more but thats my quick 1st list.


I'd start going to the gym now and getting into better shape. I know you do long rides but I'd still want to be in better shape than I am now.

If I'm not working Wayne... I'd BUY a new bike that would be easier to sit on for that long It sounds like a BLAST. I came very close to going to Winnepeg over this summer. A guy I worked with did that. Just up and rode cross country!


Oh yea, dont forget the DUCtape

[tls25rs]

You could check in with the Iron Butt crowd. I am sure they have all sorts of suggestions regarding this type of trip.

Aerostich is another place I would look at, is http://www.aerostich.com/riderwearhouse.store , they carry all sorts of cool and useful tools for the hardcore motorcyclist.

BMW forums, those guys are nuts about riding long distances

The only suggestion I personally can make is, if your schedule is such that you know you will be in a certain place with a given number of miles on your tires, prearrange to have the tires you want waiting at a dealer/location so that you can get them swapped out without having to wait for them to be ordered and arrive. I read an article about a motorcyclist doing just what you are going to do and he had a couple of "tire stops" planned in advance which allowed him to stay on schedule.

Not that I anticipate this happening, but if for some reason I wind up unemployed at the time of your trip, would you mind a big guy on a TLS tagging along for the ride? When I got laid off approx. three years ago now, I said I wanted to do a trip like you are planning. I had all the time in the world and yet I didn't get off my ass and go, I kick myself all the time for not going through with it.

Lastly, if I don't have the pleasure of running into you again before this epic adventure begins. Have a great ride and be safe out there. Oh yeah, and take lots of pictures.

Joel

[bemused]

Wayne-

go to this site...

...and run a search in the General forum.

summa these guys do some pretty long hauls, and this subject has been covered a few times on that site...

[Nikon]

we will talk before you head out but here a prelim good luck....

[Wayne-o]

Oh yea, dont forget the DUCtape

All are great items to take along Greg. So far a couple of people have recommended a GPS system. I think it is a must at this point.

Definately a cell phone with E-Mail capabilities.

Another thing that was suggested was a tire plug kit and a small pump. This is a must I think too.

Keep-em coming!

Thanx

[Mad Max]

extra gloves
spare levers
throttle lock
oil filter or two
spare bike key
good luck charms
mace (some of those Canadians are a little whacky )

[zombie]

go to www.advrider.com it's the best place on the net for info on the type of riding you will be doing.

[richw]

Cubic Credit

My brother in Northern Idaho is forever doing stuff like this,

give him a call

208 762 4734 his name is Doug

My 2 cents is to start your butt training early with some long local weekends

[richw]

Cubic Credit

My brother in Northern Idaho is forever doing stuff like this,

give him a call

208 762 4734 his name is Doug

My 2 cents is to start your butt training early with some long local weekends

[mikeb]

Originally posted by richw
Cubic Credit

My brother in Northern Idaho is forever doing stuff like this,

give him a call

208 762 4734 his name is Doug

My 2 cents is to start your butt training early with some long local weekends

long local weekends. wayne has to be the king in that catagory. trust me he will be ready. i think i did a 450 miler one day this summer with him.

hey wayne i have a nice gps unit you can borrow if you want. sounds like you have the rest covered. i would buy one of those four battery mag flash lights/ skull crackers just in case.

[Wayne-o]

Originally posted by blackvfr
long local weekends. wayne has to be the king in that catagory. trust me he will be ready. i think i did a 450 miler one day this summer with him.

hey wayne i have a nice gps unit you can borrow if you want. sounds like you have the rest covered. i would buy one of those four battery mag flash lights/ skull crackers just in case.

Ya.........I think we did a few miles this year Miker. I kinda like the dirt roads in VT though. Kinda breaks it up a bit. Ya think?