First ride of 2010, it's all good!

Countdown - 95 days
So the first ride of 2010 is done. My lovely wife and I headed to the teeming metropolis of St. Paris, Ohio and got in a good hour long ride in some pretty chilly conditions with some good friends, Matt and Lorraine. It really wasn't bad, since the sun was shining and the roads were pretty clear. There was still snow on the ground from a freak snowstorm that ended their winter season, but it wasn't on the roads. The only real disturbance was some loose gravel on the roads in corners and on some turns, which is a carry over from the winter plowing.

I got to ride Lorraine's V-Star 1100 with my wife and Matt and Lorraine were on the VTX. Even being on a strange bike, the road felt good, my reflexes were right there and my sense of balance and control were pretty strong. Even with a passenger on board! Lorraine's bike is pretty comfy and although it's a stock seat and a lower center of gravity, I didn't notice any sign of fatigue at all. Let's hope that holds true on the 6,600 miles to come!

Of course, I'll be on my trusty Cheeto for that long trip and I'll have all my comforts: Ipod, GPS, familiar gauges,and a taller bike. Plus I'll have less bulky, heavy gear. I figure for most of this trip I'll be in just a vest and t-shirt, until I hit some of the mountains. I'll likely wear chaps no matter what because bugs and little rocks can really leave some nice bruises and welts and since I'll be at it all day for about 2 weeks straight, it will just be bruise upon bruise upon bruise if I don't. I like being a little on the chilly side, rather than a little on the warm side. Keeps one's senses fresh if they are facing a cooler wind than a hot one.

The reason I bring up this first ride is because it's certainly renewed my energy in a long trip. I really didn't want to get off the bike when we were done.

It's getting down to nearly 3 months from 'kickstand up' time. 95 days to be precise. Am I ready for this? I have all the gear, I have all the electronics, I have all the lists of things to take. I have all the pre-trip mechanicals either taken care of or lined up (tires, cooling flush, brakes, etc.). I have the money for expenses already budgeted (and some of it saved).

The only real thing left to do is the marketing and the donation seeking for the charity. And that is the mindless, repetitive workthat I can do right up until the last minute.

Vancouver Adventure, I'm talking to you: Bring it! I'm ready!