First Leg - From Home to Colorado - Sched 6/20-6/21

(Click to Enlarge)
Start 5:00AM June 20 2009 - Finish Approx. 5:00 PM June 21 - 2,027 miles in 36 hours

This will take us from Nashua, New Hampshire to Longmont, Colorado.

Main waypoints:

• I-90 to Lee Mass Service Plaza
• I-90 to Chittenango, NY Service Plaza
• I-90 to Clarence, NY Service Plaza
• I-90 to PA exit 3 for fuel
• I-80 to Erie Islands, OH Service Plaza
• I-80 to Ohio Exit 34 for fuel
• I-80 to Wibur Shaw Service Plaza Indiana
• I-80 to IL exit 56 for fuel
• I-80 to Iowa exit 246 fuel stop
• I-80 to Iowa exit 93 Conoco
• I-80 to Nebraska exit 405 Phillips 66
• I-80 to Nebraska exit 272 fuel stop
• I-80 to Nebraska exit 126 fuel
• I-80 to Wyoming Exit 115 Conoco
• I-25 to Longmont, CO
• Local roads to Lee Sutherburg's "Mad Max"(Maxair Engineering).

OK, I know, I promised to make this an event with no creature comforts, taking in an unfiltered perspective of the view and the elements. I also know that 2027 miles in a day and a half is a lot of miles in a very short time (kids, don't try this yourselves). However, the focal point of this ride is to get to the rugged West through the Rockies to Alaska, stopping to smell the roses and take a lot of pictures to share. Something about a promise of a hot shower, comfortable bed, a good cigar and a chance to ride with an old friend into the real part of the journey changed my perspective. There will be plenty of time later to rough it. First, let's get there. After all, I-90 and I-80 aren't exactly on any one's list of favorite scenic by-ways anyway.

Seriously though, I'll be welcoming the companionship as we leave the plains and begin our climb into the Rocky Mountain National Park. Watch for the live tracking on June 20, and the posted pictures each evening beginning on June 21.

Lee, you'd better rest up. We're going to ride!

Obviously, the story behind this particular segment of the trip is more about the physical challenge and its test of human endurance. This type of ride profile should not be taken lightly, and should only be taken if similar endurance rides have been accomplished in the past. Anyone else thinking of doing thousands of miles in one long stretch should first spend time researching the subject. Point your search engine at Iron Butt Association, Long distance riders, LDR, and spend time reading and following the advice and suggestions.

"Be sure you're right, then go ahead" - Davey Crockett

Objective

This blog will be the central holding area for all of the details of a major motorcycle trip to Alaska, with daily updates (as internet and cell coverage allow). Daily updates and real-time tracking will also be posted on twitter.

Everything has to start someplace. Let's start with a broad outline of the objectives of this trip.

1. To experience as many of the best scenic by-ways and back roads as possible within the budget, time constraints, and physical limitations of a recently-retired 62 year old. My trips usually include a few of my previous favorites, while trying to "raise the bar" with newly found treasures.
2. To share as much of the experience with as many people as is possible. I will be posting real-time tracking data, including photos and descriptions. The tracks and photos will speak for themselves. I'll try to convey my thoughts, feelings, and emotions also, although I doubt that the full range of emotion can fully be transmitted through this particular medium at the hands of this particular observer. I'll try my best!
3. This trip will be taken with absolutely bare-minimum creature comforts. If I have to see the sunrise or sunset through a motel window, I might as well do this entire trip in a four-wheeled vehicle, or worse... a friggin' RV! As closely as possible, The perspective will be that of a solitary traveller from the cowboy era. My saddle will be atop an iron horse, HTML CDMA will replace Morse code and US Mail, and I will have some electronic goodies attached to the bike, but the elements will be mostly unfiltered.

Please help me share this trip. I'll be looking foward to feedback, questions, and comments of any sort.

Thanks,

Dave