Final Preparations

I plan to depart on Saturday, July 18 for a 2 week motorcycle trip. My planned destination is the southeast in the areas of North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virgina. My only firm plan at this point is to visit my daughter (in the Chicago area) on that Saturday evening.

I have included a map of the states that I ridden motorcycle in so far. I hope to color several more of states in as part of this trip!

The pictures here are of my new (new to me) ride this year. If you don't remember, during my previous trip (www.rettigtrip08.blogspot.com), my previous motorcycle was totaled after a deer hit it British Columbia Canada. So this spring I picked up this 2006 Yamaha FJR 1300 which is classified as a "Sport Touring" motorcycle. This means it is sportier (like a sports car) but yet great for touring (like my Gold Wing was). For me, right now, this is a perfect combination for the riding I enjoy.

Again I plan to camp during most of the trip. I have identified many fun motorcycle roads to ride in this region. A couple of famous roads are the Dragon's Tail that has over 300 curves in 11 miles and the Snake that has over 400 curves in 12 miles. Sounds like fun to me! I have the routes mapped in my GPS software on the computer I plan to bring along and will plan the next days route the night before by connecting as many routes together as I can.

I need to finalize my packing this week. I have started to put things together and making lists. I only have limited room so need to be thoughtful about what comes and what stays.

I hope you enjoy reading my blog while I'm on my trip. I will try to post every few days.