February (7 months to go)

Here it is February 1st and I'm looking at the new toys that arrived in the mail this weekend. I just received a new set of speakers for my XM-Radio, they velcro into my helmet, they have a volume control and a quick disconnect. This will be nice because I could not control the volume so once I had my helmet on I could not hear anyone talking to me (I'm not sure that was a bad thing though, will have to wait and see). I also recieved the hardwire kit and mount for my Garmin 2610, so this weekend I will probably do a little wiring and set up the new craddle for my GPS. The last new toy I recieved was a beaded cover for my seat. This company wanted to give out 20 of these for riders in the 09 IBR and I was selected. The only thing they want is for you to ride the IBR with it and give feedback on how it works. I installed (very easy you just take your seat off and set it on and tighten two straps) this weekend and will test on my 360 mile ride. So far the only thing I have noticed is that the beads set you up enough that in the winter you can get a draft.

With only 7 months to go, I'm starting to really get geared up. I was going to try and attend the March IBA pizza party in Jacksonville, FL but family obligations are going to prevent that from happening. That was supposed to be my first big ride, it would have been about 4500 miles. I have been working on my wife to go visit friends in Reno, NV in May. If that goes through, I'm planning to do the Nevada 1099, it starts in Sparks, NV very close to Reno. This would be great we can visit are friends for a few days and I can get into a rally that I will desperately need as prep for the IBR in August. This might be the only rally I do before the IBR.

The rest of my prep will probably be long rides, just taking off and returning home after a two day ride. Either doing a SS2000 or maybe BBG3000. I also have to really start looking at what I really need to pack, I'm planning to do some sleeping on the ground so should I take a sleeping pad? I have started trying to figure out how everything will fit in my saddle bags.

This weekend should be a good test for the fuel cell, we are planning a 360 mile ride. I have yet to do anything past the 260 miles so I'll set the bike on its center stand fill both tanks and see how much fuel I have left when I get back. This should be an interesting test since the longest I've gone is 340 miles and I probably had another 40-50 miles left.

I also just recieved a pre-invite to a 2010 rally it's a 10n10 (10,000 miles in 10 days). Right now, I'm focused on this August and the IBR but Steve's 10n10 would be a nice addition to add in 2010.

Well instead of doing the 360 mile ride the FJR went into the shop for a recall on the ignition switch. While in the shop I asked them to check out the vibration I was seeing around 25-30 mph. It ended up the vibrations was the head set was loose and they had to replace the bearings. They really did a good job in the shop and I got the bike back after one day. So missed out on the long ride but have been able to get two rides in since. The first was a 200 mile ride and the second was a 270 miles ride that ended at my house for a BBQ. The ride was excellent pushing a lot of twisties, with the weather in the 40's. The roads were clear for the most part, we did hit a section of patchy ice coming out of the mountains. It was just enough to keep you on your toes.

The fuel cell is working well, I still need to replace the quick disconnect and put a better strap on to secure the cell but other than that all is well. I have noticed even on the center stand I can only put about 3.5 gallons in the aux-cell, even though it is a 4 gallon tank. I think I have about 10.5 gallons if the cell only holds 3.5 gallons. So far the longest I have gone has been 400 miles on one tank, I'm thinking I can get between 400-450 between tanks if I keep the speed around 75mph. My guess is I will probably make sure I fill up around 400 that way I have a cushion of margin.

This week I took the FJR for a 280 mile ride with a few friends and afterwards invited everyone over for a BBQ and cold beer. We did a run up into the mountains, it was wonderful snow everywhere but the roads were clear. The temps were cold in the morning but by the time we arrived at my house everyone had their jackets off it was a balmy 62 degrees. We all kicked back eating and drinking and just enjoying the day.

Well the last week of February was a bust. My lovely wife kind of put the clamp down and I'm grounded every other Friday. So last Friday I was spending time doing a few things around the house. I was able to rewire the FJR again for my new Garmin 2720. I now have a the 2610 and 2720. I'm not sure I will mount both for the rally but just want to have the option if I think I need it.

I also received a e-mail message from the organizers of the rally with the check point locations this week. My goal starting April will be to ride to each one, checking out the area. I'm planning to spend 2-3 days on these rides to help get more saddle time. I'll practice my fuel stops and setting up sleping arragements. I'm hoping to practive my Iron Butt Motel.

So far I have put 3275 miles on since January 1st. At the current pace, I will hit about 19,500 miles this year not including the miles the 2009 IBR will add and the additional training rides to the Rally check points. I was also hoping to start those rides late April early May.

Well until next week ride safe.