Test run.

I thought I would take a quick test run on the bike this weekend and go watch the space shuttle lift off. Not. I got all the way across the state only to find out they scrubbed three launch. The good news is everything bike related did excellent. I found a nice long dirt road in the swamp, that became very sandy (always a biker favorite). But I did well, didn't drop the bike, and that's big.
I did about 300 miles and then found a nice camp site for the night.

Two months three weeks to go

I'm still trying to find a good way to do updates as I go. So far I've not found anything that works really well. I want to be able to build a post while I'm off the network. I know from experience that I won't have coverage at the end of the day when I'm setting up my camp, and this is the best time to do my updates. I want to include pictures as well as videos, and due all this with a pitiful understanding of modern technology. I can find my way around in the dark. But don't ask me to make your smart phone sing.

3 months to go

Well I'm starting to get close. I have most of the parts for the bike. The money is just about all there. And I am still working on getting in shape.
The closer I get the more I feel like I am forgetting something. I'm sure that this is just going to get worse as I approach my departure date. It always does. I thought I would include a couple of pictures of my recent "farkles" to the bike.

First try at video

This is my first try at loading video. I think it's a big success, if you lay on your side to watch.

4 months to go

Getting closer day by day. The bike is starting to come together. My friend from work is going to give me a hand putting the new chain, sprokets, plugs, and tires on before I leave. That will just about be all that's lett for the bike. I've been working out 3 or 4 times a week, but so far I'm still a fat bastard, but a fat bastard that can swim a mile, so I've got that. I'm sure if I keep it up I will lose the weight goal I set for myself for this trip. Still working on putting all the cash I'll need into the trip account, but am very confident that it won't be an issue.
So here is the basic route out and back. Two very different routes, almost two very different trips.

This is just a basic route, I'm sure I will deviate from it as I go, I always do. Hum, does that make me a deviant?? Well anyway, were getting closer and the excitement is starting to grow. I'm not sure if I'll be ready but I'm sure I'll go.

Okay, It's about 5 months too go before I leave and already I can start to feel the pressure. Do I have everything, have I thought of everything, have I practiced everything. I know from past experience that this will only grow with time, but that's just the way these things go.
To give you a little info on the trip I'll show you the route out, and back. You'll notice that there is a big difference between the two routes. On the way up I plan on taking my time. The last thing I want to do is blast my way north so fast that I miss everything on the way. I also know that once I reach my final destination and I turn my horse back towards the barn I get in a hurry to get home. So the route back is short, sort of, and fast, sort of.

Alaska trip

It's now just six months until my departure. I've cleared many goals that I had set for myself on my path to the departure date. I bought a new bike for the trip. I've equipped it with lots extra little things and I think it's ready to go. I'm working on getting into shape. I still have 20 lbs to lose. I'm working on finance, and am in good shape to meet my goals One of the remaining things I need to work on is the blog. It is my plan try to keep a blog going for the length of the trip. So this is my test.