Leaving in 3 months, wow. I better prepare. At first I thought "meh, I'll just hop on and go," but as much as I like to think I can do that, I can't. I'll be overpreparing for the next 3 months. Here's my first draft packing list.
Misc things I don't have yet:
Waterproof top bag (that turns into backpack?), and waterproof bags for inside panniers?
Straps for Zega Pro cases
Garmin Zumo 660, Touratech mount, and Scala Rider G4
Dash Space filler w/cig lighter plugs (TT)
aftermarket tool kit for bike
New camera? This is a good excuse to get the Canon G10 I've been drooling over. Or the G11 now that it's out? Fuck.
The R1200 GSA comes with a notoriously horrible seat. It's hard and curved in such a way that you're constantly sitting on your ass bones. And if that's not enough to make for an uncomfortable ride (hint: it is), it's also angled such that you're always sliding forward. Anyway, it sucks. I finally went to Don Weber at Mr Ed's Moto in Albany, OR for an ass-fitting appointment. He tore down my seat, built up the cushion, custom-fitted it, and then re-covered it with the material (and colors) of my choosing. The passenger seat was just re-covered to match (notice how it still tilts forward). If Michelle decides to take any long trip with me, I'll get the rear one done too. The result:
Notice how the sitting area is flat to the ground, and how there is even a little dished portion for my tush. Riding back was heaven, and the week after, I rode two 700 mile days to San Jose and back. It was wonderful! I wasn't tired due to an uncomfortable seat -- I feel like I can ride all day now, for months straight.
You may be wondering, "Orange? WTF? Is that KTM Orange? WTFx2?" Yes, it is. I love orange - and notice how the line between the gray sitting surface and the orange middle follows the line on the tank, between the gray and black. It turned out just how I wanted it :)
Also, I got a sample of the fabric, and had a paint store mix me a quart of the orange. I plan to paint some (small) accents of orange on the front too, but I'm waiting for warmer weather.
Took a short ride yesterday evening to try out a new camera mount. Recording with a Canon G11, and it's annoyingly blurry. Maybe I should try to put some rubber in between the RAM mount and bar.
Warning: long and boring. I am playing with a time-compressed version, but haven't finished it yet. FF to about 4 mins, as that's where I get out of town onto better roads.
