4 last minute preps

Countdown - 10 days!

A bit of mixed emotion today. First the good news: Only 10 days and a few hours to go. Things are really getting down the to wire. On the bad news side: My buddy Matt (who was originally going with me on this trip) had a family emergency today. We're praying for him and his family.

Since we're on the "T-minus 10 and counting" schedule, here's four things I accomplished today:

1. Notify your credit card companies that you are planning on traveling. That way they won't put a temporary hold on your card when you least expect it. As you may know, sometimes credit card companies will notice unusual activity and shut down your card. But if you notify them of your travel plans, they'll be prepared.

2. Safety and maintenance check your vehicle. In my case, today was the final oil change and all-around safety check. Things like air pressure in the tires, visual inspection of the various hoses, cables and wiring.

3. Test fit your gear, and make sure you have all of it gathered together. In my case, I simply had to put my battery charger in the saddlebags, and strap down the luggage where it will go when fully packed. Everything else was done. But you may want to remember spare wiring and connectors, tools, electrical tape, siphoning tube, extra bungees and perhaps duct tape.

4. Prepare your loved ones. I printed out a complete itinerary/schedule of where I should be each day and phone numbers of hotels as well. In case anything odd or unusual happens while I'm away, at least she will know where to start to reach me.