On the eve of Stewbert's and my 2009 cross-country motorcycle journey, I have to let you in on a private joke. We generally plan these trips months in advance - this year's Canada/Maine/New York tour has been in the works since October 2008. Every year we inform fellow motorcycle enthusiasts of our plans, and every year we get the same response: "WOW, sounds awesome, count me in! Wait - can't make it, besides, you guys put on too many miles."
The frequency of this rejection has led us to make a bet: The other party owes a six-pack to whomever finally gets someone to join us.
Today, let's talk about long-distance riding, since that appears to be the main reason Stewbert and I travel alone. For the record, we do not clock excruciatingly large amounts of miles daily. In fact, thus far we have never even broken 1,000 miles in one day. The most, I believe, was around 888. This year, by the end of day one, we plan on being north of Toronto. Such distance can be made comfortably and safely, with fuel stops every 150 miles and even a couple breaks for sightseeing and lunch.
Is an 888-mile day painful? Folks, I will be honest: No. Around mid-morning, or about halfway through the day, the lower half of my body starts to complain. The discomfort continues until about noon, which is when suddenly and abruptly the aching stops. My body gets used to the crouched position of riding a supersport, and besides, what's not to enjoy about the absolute freedom of riding a motorcycle cross-country?
There you have it, the excuse of "too many miles" has been officially eradicated. Still, looks to be yet another "dry" year for Stewbert and me!
- Dan Wegmueller writes a weekly column for the Times, and an annual journal from his summer motorcycle trip. He can be reached at dwegs@tds.net
The frequency of this rejection has led us to make a bet: The other party owes a six-pack to whomever finally gets someone to join us.
Today, let's talk about long-distance riding, since that appears to be the main reason Stewbert and I travel alone. For the record, we do not clock excruciatingly large amounts of miles daily. In fact, thus far we have never even broken 1,000 miles in one day. The most, I believe, was around 888. This year, by the end of day one, we plan on being north of Toronto. Such distance can be made comfortably and safely, with fuel stops every 150 miles and even a couple breaks for sightseeing and lunch.
Is an 888-mile day painful? Folks, I will be honest: No. Around mid-morning, or about halfway through the day, the lower half of my body starts to complain. The discomfort continues until about noon, which is when suddenly and abruptly the aching stops. My body gets used to the crouched position of riding a supersport, and besides, what's not to enjoy about the absolute freedom of riding a motorcycle cross-country?
There you have it, the excuse of "too many miles" has been officially eradicated. Still, looks to be yet another "dry" year for Stewbert and me!
- Dan Wegmueller writes a weekly column for the Times, and an annual journal from his summer motorcycle trip. He can be reached at dwegs@tds.net