Saying goodbye to big Al!

What a journey....thank ALJ

Last gas stop and goodbye to the group!

Last stop before we go our seperate ways in Atlanta. What a journey this has been!

Cool off break...temps on the rise!

Bathroom break....too much coffee for Al!

Pet sitting!

This is Suzie....I pet sitted while a kady checked out!

Getting ready for the last day of riding!

Last night on the road!

Well we drove till almost 10pm and we are all exhausted. We are in New Market...the same town we stayed in the first night on the road. No pictures tonight....only sleep!

Break..

Getting some caffeine to help stay awake!

Saying goodbye to Jorge

We stopped in PA to say goodbye to our new friend Jorge Salazar. Thanks for making this a memorable journey!

Chillin in the shade!

Al is not in a good place!

The temps are running 99 degrees so we are baking. Had to stop to get some electrolites in us!

Lunchtime

After some "super slabing" on the interstate it was time to eat some chow. We are just outside NY City and about to head west toward Jorges place. He will peel off and we will be down to 4 riders. Jorge was a great addition to the team. Thanks for being part of the journey.

The mechanic

At the dealership again!

Mike opted for a new chain....so we wait!

It's late...time for bed!

I just wanted to get some more photos posted. Hope everyone enjoys! We are either going to head to Jorges to drop him off tomorrow or do some "super slabing"....highway driving to get more south. Guess we will figure that out in the morning....oh it is morning! Nite all!

Just some randum shots..

Our bartender Robert....great guy!

Ferry to PEI!

More pictures from NH & VT

The bikes...as we see it!

The XX..Mark's bike!











The BWM LT (c)...Al's bike!











The RT...Steve's bike!










The DL...Mike's bike!











The DL...Jorges bike!

Mike..enjoying the water!

Quotes of the trip..

Al: "I'm in a good place!"
Steve: "That aggression will not stand!"
Mike: "Let's ride!"
Jorge: "Look at...."
Mark: "What the $@#'+&?" And "Bird on the dirt!"

Al filling the camelbac!

Al thinking about coolin off!

Dinner at 99...plus beer!

Lunchtime....great pizza!

after Al did a oil change we went across the street and had some excellent pizza!

Fluid stop!

Cool off time!

We stopped by a great stream to cool off...Mike and his family were there a few weeks ago. Glad he showed us..even though he was the only one that went in!

Montcon NB

Us at breakfast.....looking for a wireless internet signal. The hotel lobby has wireless..so I am headed over there in a bit! Now the pictures will get posted.

Breakfast

Mike and Al @ breakfast this morning. Great service...again the people are so friendly up here! Then we were off to the PEI ferry!

Lobster Shanty Montegue PEI

This was our waitress at lunch today. Imagine quite a catch for up here!

KOA Cavendish

Us relaxing in the PEI(Prince Edward Island)! We found out that just like in GA...no beer on Sunday! See all the sad faces! Resorted in drinking caffeine and cup'o noodles!

First night in Nova Scotia!

We are all settled in the tents for the night. We are in Hunts Cove just south of Liverpool. We had dinner at a small place that claimed they had "The worlds best clams"! We all thought they had the worlds best seafood chowder. Our nice waitress gave us key rings for souvinours. One thing we found out is that the people here in Nova Scotia are so very friendly! The shop that put Mikes chain on gave us hats! This our first night camping..Steve has a queen sized mattress with a built in pillow. He wanted us to know he was trying to find his sleep number!!! BMW in comfort I'll say! Everyone says hi to their family and friends. We all are well...even though todays journey was plagued by maintenance and fog/drizzle! We knew their was beautiful scenery out there somewhere...we just couldn't see it! Tomorrow is another day....for the 5 amigos!

On the CAT!

We got up at the crack of dawn to get into line at the ferry. We were 5 of 40 motorcycles that wanted to get a good place in line. At 730 am we loaded the CAT and strapped down the bikes. We put them port to starboard (left to right) as to keep the bikes from tiping over as the CAT rolls from side to side. We had to put at least one strap across the seat to hold it down. Steve didn't put one on but his big brother Al hooked him up. Even though this CAT was designed to cut throught the waves...its rolling from side to side quite a bit! no one has gotten sea sick yet...but some of the passengers have "that look" on their face! There is only a back deck to look outside from...so I don't have too many pictures of the ferry ride. Next blog post from Nova Scotia!

Lunch..day 7

We rode this morning...beautiful weather as you can see! The roads are a little rough...the only bad thing about this day so far! We have seen and taken so many beautiful photos. First chance I get I will post them up! This part of Nova Scotia is what we have been waiting for!

Butt break!

Somewhere in Maine!

Morning of the 8th day!

After a very long night of searching for a place to stay we finally found a hotel down by the Canso Causeway. It was just a place to sleep since we got in so late. Yesturday was definitely the best travel day so far. The views were spectacular. As for issues...I almost had a incident while we were riding at night. Going about 60 I ran off the road on a straight-a-way into the gravel. I was 2nd to last with Al behind me. The wobbles were rough but I had a grip of steel and slowed enough to get it safely back on the road. I definitely was awake from then on!

Interesting lunch!

This is what they call fries with the works. More like shepards pie...but it was tasty I must say!

Inveness NS

Definitely the best seafiid chowder on our trip. The haddock stuffed with lobster was Steve and Mike favorite on this trip also. The place was Tom's Bistro. So if you are ever in Inveness NS..this is the place to eat!

Inveness...'The Gathering'

Ok..its 8PM and we still haven't a place to stay the night. We stopped in what we thought was a quaint little town ti eat..that place was closing. We then said let's just go to the campground....and it was full. So we just stopped at a small Bistro for dinner. We found out that this weekend is the "Inveness Gathering". A local fest that has all the hotels and campgrounds booked for kilometers! So after dinner we are back on bikes for another hour or so to an area that should have at least a hotel. No camping for tonight for this group!

Morning of the 6th Day!

After waking up early and packing up in the rain we rode for a while and stopped for breakfast in Sherbooke. Again the people are so friendly and courious about our trip. Its been misting on us since we started but the fog has stayed away. We are headed to Sydney for the night. We are looking forward to a good dry night in a hotel. Imagine that we will have all our stuff laid out to dry. We are going to visit Lewisburg..a old canadian settlement. Hopefully the weather will break for us.

Gas stop!

Well we are off this morning after getting some gas and filling the canel bacs with water. The fog is still around but burning off slowly. Hopefully the rain will stay away but by the feel of the humidity I doubt it. Tiday should bring majestic pictures of Vermont.

Back of the CAT!

Do you think we were moving out....36 knots(46 MPH). Listing from side to side in 4-6 foot swells!

Fog...

We woke up this morning to thick fog here in Bangor, ME. Should burn off early today. Temps look warmer and no rain till maybe tomorrow. My Treo should be working once we leave the "extended service area" up here in ME. Then I can post all the blogs that I contiunued to save as we drove around Canada. They will be out of order as the rest, but if I didn't keep writing them I would remember what the pictures were from....some days are a blur! See you all on the road!

That's it for the night!

There are so many pictures that I don't have time to post them all up. I will try and create some pages with allour photos on them once I get back home. Tomorrow we are headed to Rutland, VT. Should be a nice easy drive with beautiful mountain views. Hopefully the weather will hold out for us and we won't have any rain. We are all definitely ready to get home...but we are still enjoying the journey!

Yep...more..

And more..

More..

Time for more..

Picture time...

Stopped for the night!

We rode most of the day in the rain from PEI to Bangor Maine. At least the last part of the day was nice. Everyone faired well....wet gloves...wet gear but we are getting settled into the hotel for the night. I will post up more pictures and put some captions on some of the others I posted today. Everyone says hi......and they are looking forward to being back home!

And the last set till tonight when I can post more!

And more...

Some more...

FInally...here they are!

After many attempts of finding a internet connection and then getting the laptop to connect....Steve to the rescue...here are some pictures of Cabot Trail.

Update....

First time since yesterday I have had a chance to get to internet access. We thought we could use our own computers but this is a public access point and they have computers here already and they are 98 so I can't get any of the pictures to the blog. But I can tell you what we have been doing!

Yesterday:

We rode the entire Cabot Trail, amazing shore lines...the reason we came to Nova Scotia. We must have stopped every 10 mintues to take a photo, but could have stopped even more often becuase the sceneries were breath taking! I wish I could post up some of the shots we took...you all will not believe the views we captured. Hopefully tomorrow at lunch we can find a Internet Cafe' again and I will get all of them up on the blog. We tried to stay in Inverness but they were having a "gathering", big word for a reunion. Everything for miles was booked. We ended up driving an hour and a half farther to a hotel and arrived around 10PM. Only one incdent on the ride I ran off the road, almost dumped the XX. I recovered well...but it left a impression on me since. Everyone else is doing well with the ride. And yes I am the only one that has dropped my bike, lost my footing while stopping to take a picture. Bike and I faired well. I stopped more, since I have been taking a lot of the pictures. Al and Jroge have been taking some too...Mikes camera didn't work and Steve didn't bring one. We got to see a pair of Bald Eagles and a Moose. I got pictures of the eagles, but not the moose. She was quite fast getting away from the sound of the bikes.

Today:

We got up early and rode to Picou to catch the ferry to PEI, Prince Edward Island. We spent most of the day making it to Cavanish which come to find out is quite the tourist area. Kind of like Panama City Florida but on a smaller scale. We found a camp site at the KOA, thanks to Al and his preferred membership card. Big kudos to Al for that one! Tonight we rest and head south to New Brunswick to see the Bay of Fundy. Supposed to have to largest change in tides in the shortest time of any water in the world. Should be interesting to say the least.

Can't wait to show everyone the pictures. Tomorrow check the blog around lunchtime! Till then Mike says hello to his family and wished they could see all of this beauty. Al and Jorge say the same. Steve and I just say hi to all our family and friends. This trip has been quite the blast! Till tomorrow....

Waiting in the Lobby...

Since Steve and Al are still getting ready and Jorge and Mike are at the motorcycle shop getting some chain lube I thought I would post up some more pictures. Sorry if I repeat some, just forget all that I have done so far.

Morning...Day 7

Today is the latest we have slept in...I think the needed rest will help since we are on the crest of our journey. We are planning to pull out around 9AM after doing some maintenace on the bikes...cleaning them up a bit and loading all of our equipment. Today is the Cabot Trail. We are planning to spend 2 days on this trail. Most say that the scenery lends itself to the Irish coastline. I am sure our pictures will tell that story. The sun is out and its supposed to be nice over the next few days with possible rain on Tuesday. By then we will be almost finished with Nova Scotia and visiting Prince Edward Island. Here is a upate on milage:

Al: Over 3000 miles
Mark, Mike, Steve: 2400 miles
Jorge: 1700 miles

The journey continues and if its anything like the first half....it will be memorable!

More pictures...

Best of the best....

Here are some pictures from Nova Scotia...

Day 6....

Today started out with rain...and some more rain...and yes more rain. We even packed up camp this morning in the rain. We parted Hunts Cove this morning around 7Am and drove up to Cape Breton. We passed several Highway cams and even waved...so I hope someone caught us on one. We drove to Glace Bay...Mike has relatives that worked the coal mines. His grandfather moved from here in the 1920's to the US. After a slight detour (bridge was out...GPS should know that) we ended up grabbing a hotel in Sydney. This stop is very welcomed. We are doing laundry...drying things out and going to relax and partake in the "hops pops". The spirits are all up and things continue to amaze us here in Nova Scotia. The people have been more than nice at every stop. One gentleman even let us follow him and his wife so we could find a B&B we were considering staying at tonight! Things up here are just different enough that you notice...I am just glad we can speak & read Canadian! Makes things easier! We are off to the best part tomorrow....the Cabot Trail! Since my phone won't post to the blog form up here there will be several items that will post once I get back to the US. Things will be out of order...but I will keep writing them as if they we posting...if not I will forget the specifics of the places and pictures! We are all gathered now in my room....barley pops in hand and we are going to order Chinese! Everyone here says hello...and they wanted all the friends and family to know they are having a blast! Here are some of the best of the photos we have taken...there are so many but when I get home I will post them all for everyone to see!

Maint at Yarmouth Nissan Forklift

Just wanted to give "props" to the people at Yarmouth Forklift for helping us out and being so nice! They changes Mike's chain, oil change for he and Jorge and I switched out batteries on the XX. Here are some pictures...

And some more!

Local boats..
The bikes..
Nice pic...
Jorge...."made it across the boarder" Salazar!
First good group pic!

More Pictures...

Steve....
The 5 Amigos!
Mark on the XX!
Al and Mike!

Day 5....

Hmm...why am I here again!

Mike askking direction!

Our Camp Site in Hunt's Point, NS

We all survived the first night of camping…even Steve's queen mattress made it through the without a leak! The tents were covered in dew and the fog finally lifted a little so we could see the beauty of Nova Scotia. We travel part of the morning looking for a place to get some breakfast. We stopped in a quaint little Café' in Bridgewater. Our plan is to make Canso Point for the night. Might not make it just depends on how long we spend looking at each little town and view as we travel. The bikes are holding up well, new chains and tires are doing great. It's amazing how friendly the people are here. Each stopped we meet more people that are either giving us suggestions of places to see or just want to talk and see where we are from and how far we have come. And we always say…5 riders….5 bikes…5 thousand miles!

New Chain for Mike!

We made it this morning on the CAT to go across from Bar Harbor to Nova Scotia. Mike's chain also was in need of replacement. He had adjusted it as far as it would adjust. I opted for a new battery on the XX and Jorge went for an oil change. The 2 BMW guys are still chuggin along with no issue! German engineering at it's best. I took plenty of pictures on the ferry but the weather was a tad bit foggy. The weather here is much cooler and the breeze coming off the ocean is a nice change. The poeple up here so far have been very friendly. The shop owner let me use his computer to post this up. We all are doing well, just really starting to get into the trip! We are on the Lighthouse Trail and should have plenty of photos to posts once I get to another connection. We will stop at a campground some where south of Halifax once we get back on the road. Thats about it for now...!

Issues....

I am having connectivity problems here at the hotel...I will try to post some more tomorrow. Since we have been in upper maine I also cannot post from my Treo like I could before. I hope in Nova Scotia I will be able to at least. If not...I should be able to post up every few days! Till next time...

Picture Time!

End of Day 4!

Today brought us closer to Nova Scotia. We arrived in Bar Harbor, ME around 5PM after getting quite worried about how the State of Maine does thier road construction....the sign said..."Pavement Ends Here"....and you know what it really did!!!! For about 3 miles we were on a 2 lane dirt road going into Bar Harbor. We definitely were wondering what else was in store for us on this adventure. Once getting to our room for the night we headed over to the Maine BrewPub....and nice place that obviously made it's own beer. We ate dinner there also, but the resturaunt was called Jack Russel..yes..named after the type of dog. Food was good....sevice was fine except the waitress decieded on her own to charge us a 18% gratuity. The menu said they would do that for parties of 6 or more...remember we are on a journey of 5! Well Mike talked to the manager and bingo..we got a nice 6 pack of beer to go!!! That's what I am partaking in as I type this posts! So if the spelling is not correct..you now know why! Here is a picture from dinner...











Tomorrow takes us onto the CAT ferry across to Nova Scotia. We will debark in Yarmouth...so if you are looking to catch us on the Highway cams to get the t-shirt now you know where we will be! We should be driving from Yarmouth to somewhere on the southern coast before Halifax! All are doing well....despite the loss of a Gel Seat(Al's wifes seat) and the sore rumps!

Lunch!

We all linked back up in Maine at a Service Area. Only 3 more hours to Bar Harbor. A nice stay at a hotel and hopefully a pool/bar! In need of cooling off...temps as bad as Atlanta here right now! Going to fill the Camelbacs with ice and water. "Are we there yet?"

Waiting!

New chain being installed...just-a-waitin!

Honda Dealership #2

Steve and Mark are in Windham..MA waiting for the service Dept to open.

Day 4....Journey North!

We woke up this morning to the sound of Mike and Steve laughing....and for those of you that know these two it woke the whole house! (Except the Ginger...the dog) Thanks again to Pattee and Jim for the hospitality. It was great meeting all of Mike's relatives and a special hello to Mike's wonderful mother Pat.

This morning Steve and I are headed to Windham, NH to a Honda dealership to have a new "O" Ring Chain put on the XX. The chain that I put on before the trip works but is stretching way too much for the weight and distances we are traveling. Mike, Jorge and Al are headed over to Salem & Rockport, MA to check out the Mass coast. We will link up somewhere northerly in Maine. Today is a different chapter, we are entering the land of many trees and beautiful coastlines! I should be able to post some pictures from the digital cameras tonight at the hotel in Bar Harbor, Maine! Be sure to check out the blog often as the pictures will keep rolling in as we progress on this journey of 5 rider, 5 bikes and 5 thousand miles!

End of day three!

After a long day we are finally settling down for the night. Thanks to the hospitality of Patty and Jim for treating us so well. Tomorrow brings a new chain..and the group splitting ways then meeting up in Maine.

Arrival in Sandown..NH

Made it safe and sound. The long ride today definitely tired us all out!

Mike just thinks he knows where to go!

This is the look on my face after doing some back tracking in Mass! Mike only thought he knew!

The still in need of a chain XXJ

Outside Boston!

Stopped for gas and a stretch. Only a few more hours to Mikes families house!

Cooling off!

Steve and Al cooling off on the parts counter. Not a planned break...but since its hot...its quite welcomed!

New chain time!

The XX is in dire need of a new chain! The new one I just put on before the trip is one that will work...but it stretches out too much. Lesson learned...."O" ring vs. Non-"O" ring. The Honda dealership in Perth...NY is hookin me up!

Lunchtime!

Deep in the Catskills....we eat.

Rest stop!

We are now in NY.....Hancock to be exact! Rain stopped.....but we continue.

Umpa-lumpa!

Mark ready to ride.....to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory!

Packed and ready for the rain!

Bikes are ready to go.....we on the other hand are not looking forward to the lightning and thunderstorms! We ride cause we love it!

Desayuno 'breakfast'

The Salazar's treated us to a wonderful breakfast before our journey for the day begins. Thanks again!

The bikes!

Thanks to Jorges parents and their big garage! Even the "land yacht" fit!

Early morning packing!

Jorge preps for our days journey. The weather is not cooperating...looks like we will be starting off in the rain!

Almost 1 AM...and all is well!

Well Jorge Mike and Mark worked into the wee hours of the night putting new Aux fuse boxes on the XX and V-STROM. After a great day of meeting new friends we are in dire need of some rest. Our hosts..the Salazaars have been wonderful! tomorrow brings new roads and the third day of our journey.....nite to everyone!

Late night Maintenance!

Jorge working on Mikes bike...Mike watching and drinking beer! Somehow this looks familiar!

Dinner at Jorges

Jorges parents treated us well to a delicious dinner. Jorges cousins were in from Columbia for a visit. A special birthday wish to Diego! Thanks for the excellent "hospitalitidad"!

Jorge arrives!

We meet our 5th rider for the journey!

Maintenance time!

Al and Mike trying to work out Mike's grounding issue! Jorge needs to get here soon!

At At Jorges..but this is not him!

We made it around 110PM...Jorges dad welcomed us with open arms and an open beer fridge!

Lunch stop....

First possible maint issue!

My new chain omn the XX is stretching way too much. At almost every stop I have had to adjust it! Might have to get another chain up in Maine to be on the safe side. Will keep everyone posted.

Al at the pumps!

Gas stop in Carlysle PA

Mike and Steve pumpin the octane!

Another day finds the group well rested and ready to get on the road. We departed VA around 8AM and are well into PA right now. Itls been a long time since I have been in the part of the country....I forgot how beautiful it is. We road on I-81...with mointans on our right and the Blue Ridge on our left. Open fields with dairy pastures dotted the countryside. We only have around 150 miles left today toJorges place at Pocono Pines PA. We will turn off the interstate on a while to enjoy some country roads. A different chapter of the journey begins!

MVP of the day!

I know for me....and as for the rest of the group! After a long ride like today...the MVP defintely is the Gel/Memory Foam Seats and Mikes Beaded Seat. Those sure make a difference on the long treks! I know the XM radio I borrowed from a friend really works out great...nice not to have to search for a new station, or worry about what is going to play next on the MP3 player! Till tomorrow.....I am spent!

1st Day complete....

We arrived at the end of our first day with no incidents. We stopped in New Market, VA for a well needed rest after a long day of heat and traffic. After unloading the bikes we quickly headed to the pool to cool off. We ate dinner at a local "Cracker Barrell" diner called Johnny Appleseeds. Not bad but the service was "so-so" at best. We are looking forward to meeting up with our fifth traveler tomorrow up in the Pocano's. The weather looks more promising, temperatures should bit a bit lower than todays. The group is gettting over the initial excitement of the trip but are definitely ready to continue the journey! Another day...another adventure!

Mid VA heat!

ok...433 miles down! I-77 and I-81 had major traffic. Our A/C was on the fritz so we have been cooking. Looks like we will go another 150 miles or so. Depends on how we feel. I have been taking pictures....I will post them up tonight at the hotel!
P.S. Steve obviously has heat stroke...his pants are around his ankles and he is talking chinese!

Burger Barn

Al and Steve.....lunchin it!

Lunchtime!

287 miles so far! Burger Barn in NC!

Gas stop....dang it's hot!

Steve and his RT!

Al on his LT

Dan sends us off!

They finally showed up!

Here is Mike....ready to go!

And I am off!

After some power polarity issues this morning me and the XX finally got on the road. I am meeting Mike Steve and Big Al at 8AM. The journey begins!

Big Al arrived safely!

His email to us all...

Hey Boy's, I've arrived at Steve's house. Did 740 miles on the first link then the remaining 230 on the second day. It is damn hot!!!

Welcome to Georgia!

Only 1 more wake-up and we are off!

Start checking the blog more often tomorrow...I will be posting as each day!

Big Al...on the Road...TX to GA!

Houston, we're ready for launch! Boy's I'll be starting my ride first thing tomorrow. Atlanta
here I come with a fully loaded LT!

Big Al Out

Test from the Treo

Just thought I would try posting frpm my Treo. Hope it works! If so...we are in business!

Mike....Update!

Last final checks and services on the bike for me. I'll also continue burning music onto my new iPod. My daughters Katie and Lauren helped me pick out a bunch of songs and Katie and I stayed up late importing them through iTunes….pretty cool. Last night I dropped off Big Al's and Steve's trip t-shirts. I met Steve halfway between his house and mine (Top Hat Café?). Also, gave him and Al a little gift to remember the trip by and will present a gift to Jorge when I see him. Purpose of this little token is to thank them all for making this trip possible. Nothing fancy, just a small remembrance. It is something which probably won't be taken along with us, but you never know. I'll clue everyone in later. Although I am willing and able to go it alone to Nova Scotia (Latin for New Scotland), without them, this trip would have never happened. What started out as a crazy conversation in a Suzuki dealership has turned out to be reality? A 5000+ mile adventure, who woulda thunk? Just got off the phone with Jorge and he has agreed to get some electrical equipment to fix a problem I'm having with my communications gear. My sincere gratitude goes out to all those more technologically capable than I…Thanks guys, you know who you are…without your help, not sure I would be ready for this adventure. I'll do final packing of my bags and cases tonight and tomorrow. I plan on traveling very light. If I run short of clothes or other things, I'll borrow some of my brother's stuff on the way through New England. Get ready for the five of us Patte, Jim, Diane, Marc, and especially Beansie! Best wishes to Al as he moves out from Texas tomorrow morning and makes his way to Atlanta…take her easy! I also want to give props to Terry Sampson of Sampson Sport Touring.com. He has graciously agreed to send me a beaded seat cover on a promissory note. I first learned of this product from a couple of guys who had these at the VStrom get together in NC. I can't wait, hopefully no monkey butt! I'm to send a check in the mail and he'll send it priority today - hopefully gets here in time before we leave. Hope everyone enjoys this site…Mark has worked hard at this and his efforts have received numerous positive comments. Also, hope Darlene, Guy and Dave can review this and will be able to do some riding with us in Maine or New Hampshire when we pass through….I'll try to contact you through Bo and Flo the closer we get. Take care!

Jorge..Miantenance Update!

Ride prep update... the cases are closed...made a final trip to COSTCO to get some bulk snack foods that are individually wrapped. Bought like 10 different things... i packed all i could, so you guys can jamb the rest in your bags where ever you can if you can...all very yummy snacks. The tent and sleeping pad all also closed and ready. The back pack that holds sleeping bag and related is also closed. I packed the duffle bag and need to leave it open until the last minute. Did a weight check results as follows. two 41litre Touratec side cases 30 lbs each, tools under the seat 10 lbs,tank bag 10lbs, tent and sleeping pad 15lbs, back pack with sleeping gear 12.5lbs. Duffle bag should weigh in at 30 to 40 lbs, rain suit in waterproof bag 10 lbs.Total gear and tool weight before rider 157.5lbs. That pretty much maxes out the suspension which i crank up to max for better balance... pretty used to riding it like that so no concern on my part... T -7 days for Jorge.

Maintenance Update

This was a tricky weekend for maintenance here in the Atlanta area, between thunderstorms, traffic and the occassional drinking binge....had to complete the maintenace on the XX. In spite of the destractions, it was all done by Saturday afternoon with the help from Mike. Front and Rear sprocket and chain changed. Had a hairy time with bleeding the clutch, but Mike and I figured it out. I took the XX for a spin to Cheeha Mountain in Alabama with some riding buddies. The XX flies like new. It is quite ready for the trip, minus a Gel/Foan seat cushion I ordered and a Scottoiler(Automatic Chain Oiler) that should both be in on Mon/Tues. After that it's packing and off we go!

Here is a pic of the ride today!

Ferry Bound....and I am not talking one with wings! Even though it fly's!

Here is the Ferry that we are taking from Bar Harbor, ME to Yarmouth, NS. It is a 3 hour ride, leaving at 8 AM arriving at 11 AM. Should be relaxing after our whirlwind tour up the east coast of the US. I promise lots of pictures of the water and make sure I don't get any pictures of the guys in thier suits! Sorry for that visual!!!!

Link to the CAT site:

http://www.catferry.com/index.html

Contest!!! Nova Scotia highway cameras!

Here is the contest rules:

Contest begins once we cross into Canada on 27 July 2005! Here is my idea....With all the highway cameras that are located throughout Nova Scotia I thought I would make this a contest for friends and family. If someone can catch a picture of us up in Nova Scotia on one of the cameras, I will send them a "official tourists" Nova Scotia T-shirt! All you have to do is right click on the camera frame and hit save. That's all the proof I need. The old "I saw ya but wasn't quick enough to save the pic" won't work. Those cameras refresh every few minutes so if you can catch us on there you shold have plenty of time to save it to a file. First one to email me the picture is theWINNER. (email: flyingarmy@flyingarmy.com)

Since I am posting the routes we are taking and updating them, you should have a good idea of our whereabouts for the day. Here is the link, and its down at the beggining of the blog, of the multiple highway web cameras that are along the Nova Scotia highways. Good luck to all..and I promise the "official tourist" T-shirt will be worth it!

Highway Camera Link: http://gov.ns.ca/tran/cameras/camera.asp

8 Days and a wake-up!

I will try to start submitting something everyday just to wet everyone's whistle about our journey. I know from personal experience we are all excited about this journey, not only getting to explore new roads, new countries, meet new people and make new friends but also to feel the agony of a 5000 mile butt! Here is some info on Nova Scotia for those that don't know much about it!


http://novascotia.com/en/home/aboutnovascotia/uniquely_novascotia/default.aspx

A definitely unique part of North America that is just begging for us to tour on the motorcycles!

More general information:

http://novascotia.com/en/home/aboutnovascotia/faqs/generalinformation.aspx

Route....well possible route!

Ok...here it is! The estimated 4326.8 miles route from Atlanta to Nova Scotia and back! I know this doesn't take into consideration Big Al's trek from Texas or the multiple excursions that will occur along the way. I estimate over 5000 miles at least for the entire trip. I am going to post a map link that I will update everyday with our location. Here is the gerneral route that we are going to take!

United States Legs:


Canadian Legs:


Chicken Legs:

Preparation (H) Update!

Only 16 more days till the start of the Nova Scotia trip. I know I am getting more and more excited each day. And everyday I think of more things I could use on the ride. Being military and a prior boy scout, I always want to be prepared. But I know between us 5 I think we will have the necessities covered, it will be the creature comforts that will make each one of us shine!

Just wanted to let everyone know were we all stand on preparation for the trip!

Mark:

Maintenance:
This weekend I am doing the following to the XX-
1. New front/rear sprocket
2. New chain
3. Oil/Filter change
4. Air filter
5. Coolant flush
6. Thorough cleaning

Bought this week:
1. Ride-On tire sealant
2. Waterproof bag for sleeping bag/mat
3. More reflective decals

Jorge:
Maintenance…still need to do the following. Button up electrical aux box and test cb, need to add ride –on and test, need to do oil change and test for leaks and levels, need to top off coolant, clean and lube bike and ready to go.
Packing…all gear is ready except air mesh jacket… too big had to return for a smaller XL should be completed this week… going to pack up the bags and that too will be done.
Buying…need a good sweatshirt or two since I use mine to work in and they are all painted and dirty.
Drinking…got the coleman camel back and will fill with water only will test and leave ready for the trip
Wills…don’t have one…you army guys probably have a standard form I would love to look at…last time I thought about it my attorney wanted like 500 bucks to do it…heck if I need to spend that dough to leave everything to my wife there are real problems… any help there would be appreciated.
Power of Attorney…here to, is there a form for that to review… I would suspect one would make your SO the POA over your well being
Passport…check all valid and up to date…also after 911 one should also carry a second form of ID in NJ the other valid forms are SS card, birth certificate with raised seal and that is it… DL means nothing in this state…
Insurance Card…check for the Canadian form and for the US form.
Tools…added a torque wrench to the mix…needed that the other day working on the F650 and though we ought to have one with us… also added a bunch of electrical stuff like fuses and some wire and a wire stripper and crimper. That stuff is very small and light and is super valuable in the event of an electrical meltdown. Also added an amp meter.

Big Al:

K1200 is in the shop getting a leak fixed.

Mike:

On leave, not for sure his status. I know he needs to test his new commo system.

Steve:

Not for sure where he stands...let alone sleeps!


That's about it for now, please check back often as the trip gets closer!

Mark

GPS Install on Steve's 1100RT....by Mark!

Steve bought a wonderful BMW GPS system for his RT. Since they wanted to charge him an arm and leg to install it, he asked if I could install it for him(saving him bucoo $) BMW said it would take them 2 1/2 hours of labor, it took me 45 mintues actual install time, that was in between beers and a great dinner by Mike's wife! I am amazed it still works after all those beers! Here are some actions shots from the install.....as you can see, I was on my own!

They just wanted to pretend to help out! I mean Mike did, he kept me stocked in hops pops! Steve on the other hand, was an excellent observer!!!!!

The Riders

Here are the contestants in the Ride to Nova Scotia Competition:

Mike with his Suzuki VStrom1000 :


Al with his BMW K1200:

Steve with his BMW 1100RT:

Jorge with his Suzuki VStrom1000:

Mark with his Honda CBR1100XX (Blackbird Super Sport Tourer):


Interesting group I must say!

Welcome to Our Nova Scotia Summer 2005 Trip Blog!!

Welcome.....

A journey....
5 riders...
5 bikes....
5000 thousand miles....
but only one goal....

So many roads....so little time!

I have created this blog site so as we make our journey across the Eastern US into Canada, our friends and family can keep track of our adventures. All of the riders will contribute stories, pictures and comments about what we are doing and experiencing.

The Journey:

23 July-6 Aug 2005 Nova Scotia

Riders-from:
Big Al-Texas
Mike-Georgia
Mark-Georgia
Steve-Georgia
Jorge-New Jersey

I will post up our route and intial pictures once I collect them from the gang! Hope you all enjoy this blog and the many posts to follow. If you have any suggestions, please send them to me and I will consider them...depending on my mood! Thanks for viewing our Summer 2005 Nova Scotia Blog!