I have never let my schooling interfere with my education. Mark Twain at DailyLearners.com Everybody is a genius. Einstein quote at DailyLearners.com It is easier to build strong children Frederick Douglass quote at DailyLearners.com Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up. Pablo Picasso at DailyLearners.com delicate little plant in need of freedom. Einstein quote at DailyLearners.com

Thursday, February 16, 2012

DAY 1- Getting my act ready for the road

Haay, my new Avon tires have a logo change. The one above is last years, the one below is this years. I hope that's all that has changed, I like these tires.
These tires have lasted double the mileage+  of the oem Dunlop tires.
New bearings & wax the wheels.
How clever of me to put rubber between the new exhaust & the bike. Live & learn. It melted away and the bolts rattled out. As I ate a sandwich in Mexico, I gave the exhaust a kick. It bounced a little. Oh boy. Specialty bolts. There were 2 left holding the bracket on, took one & snugged it up. Kept an eye on it without issue the rest of the ride.

I was told that my exhaust was too loud. Maybe. So, I tried a few potential solutions.
My buddy Eric Paquette @ DAS Motorcycle Performance said he would weld a few thing for me.
He builds his own bikes with whatever parts he can find.
This bike went 235mph when finished. I shouldn't say finished. He is tweeking it because of some aerodynamic issues.
He developed a supercharger that is supposed to be extra zippy...
Lolly pops...
Another project with a blown motor.
Pvc to get the end piece & baffle out.
Here's the lolly washer to quiet the muffler a little. All these good ideas. I hope it didn't crack a windshield. It was gone by the time I hit Texas.
OK, these gaskets don't quite fit. Reshape them a little. Use a little silicone that's heat resistant. Unless there is something about sealing it to well, it's a go.
The plugs look good. Put the new ones in.

Looky here. An oil delivery.

         
Waiting for new tires ...
A 30 tooth sprocket...
Alright, Avons are ready...
A few late nights. Make sure everything is tight. Changed the oil...
Button up some loose ends...
Put together 'lose-able tools'...
I decided to put a drop guard on. Wow! Dirt from Alaska hidden in the nooks & crannies.
Some funky plugs. There must be somebody designing these clips just to bust balls...
Spray everything a few times...

 
Almost ready. Have the traditional lobster meal with the Mrs.
Next day, afternoon because of a few packing issues etc., I'm off.
The new exhaust is hotter than the old & burnt my silly pants by the first fuel stop. I was miffed. I didn't wear them again the whole trip. "I have principles, if you don't like them, I can change them".(Groucho Marx)

It's grey and cloudy. The horizon looks promising...
Connecticut

 I am avoiding New York City & New Jersey. I have principles. A few bad experiences in past rides about road signs & gas stations being very elusive there. Of course it has nothing to do with me missing a few signs & making a few bad choices.
The sun is setting...
It turned out nice, weather wise.
Refuel...
Looking for a pillow...in Pennsylvania.
Scranton, PA. Truthfully I headed here because of the television show 'The Office'. And to avoid NYC & NJ.


Some hills in Scranton. I thought it was flat.
An old banner heading into downtown. It's actually mid June.
Don't know what it is. It's nice.
A maze of fire exits on that building.
OK. Bill McKinley was President for 2 terms. Somebody wasn't happy with him. He was 1 of 4 Presidents assassinated. Who were the other 3?
They also named the highest peak in North America after him. Mt. McKinley (or Denali) in Alaska. I am assuming it is him, till further notice.
This is familiar to me. The name escapes me.
I am a believer in 'Daily Learning'. You wouldn't know it from the way I don't research things I reference. I do research them @ my leisure.
Scranton, PA was a quiescent little jaunt. Off to Harrisburg.
Gettysburg, PA will be more thought provoking than I anticipated.