Avon Lake or bust!

Yup, it's time for me to start seriously planning my little 1200 mile jaunt to the great state of Ohio and back. I am leaving here on two wheels, come rain or come shine - on the 28th and will return on the 4th of July. 7 days in all, with 4 of those days in the saddle.
Perhaps a little background might be interesting . . .

I was raised in Ohio by my aunt & uncle til I was about 10. They had one daughter, a little blonde girl about my age and we grew up like brother and sister. It is at her house that I'll be staying. She is married to a guy who likes old cars and is currently restoring one. It's a Dodge of some kind.

My cousin, whose name is Mary Ellen, is organizing a sort of family reunion around my visit. I haven't seen any of them since 1972, and many I've never met. One of my half brothers rides a Harley bagger, and his wife has been trying to get him to buy her a trike, so far with no success.

The route I have chosen there and back is very easy and almost all US highways. Very little interstate unless skirting around large cities.

The beast is ready to go. My solo saddlebag was shipped today and should arrive here next week sometime. Thinking I'll do the motel thing this time, one night up and one back. Only carrying the bare essentials in the solo bag: maps, a change of clothes, vitamins, cell phone, camera, and a little pocket sized New Testament. And tools & spare parts, of course, in the riser mounted tool bag.

Will write more later . . .

Great to hear about the New Testament,
these are what we give away at all of our events.
Hope For The Highway...
NIV Hope for the Highway Paperback New Testament-Psalms&Proverbs In cases of 50 from Bible Corner

Well ya got a good copilot Josh! Wed I'm heading up to Laconia Bike. Week in New Hampshire. I haven't been there since 1981. Grear state for mountain riding. Be safe in the Buckeye state!

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Laconia is a pretty big deal. I hope you have a great time up there. That many bikes in one place seems to me a bit crowded. Have considered going to Daytona, which is the nearest one to us, but then again, I'm put off by so many bikes. I guess I don't like big crowds.

I have heard that prices go up at these events, like motels and such. My neighbor down the street has been to Sturgis a couple of times and says it's gotten more expensive each time he went there. Now he can't ride anymore because of a bad back. Sold his wide glide a few weeks ago and is looking to maybe sell his Heritage. It's a beautiful bike.

Those are great. Perfect for the bike traveller. Mine also has the Psalms & proverbs. I keep it in my desk at school and I usually read a little just before class. That's the one I'm taking with me.

How far can you go on a tank ful of fuel.

Back in the late 70's into early 80's I went there every year. The ride is mainly for the state roads to explore. The scenery is great and then there's Mt Washington. Great ride up the highest peak this side of the Mississippi. The happenings there are at Weirs Beach. It is a zoo. Years ago many riots when it was mainly the "biker" crowds. Prices do go up. We put 3 in a room and it's not bad. Then there is the race track for the bike races. I used to see Frddie Soencer, Lawson and "King" Kenny Roberts (Sr). We actually used to park our bikes on Friday to avoid the crazies, and sit and watch them!

I have a 3.5 gallon tank and I get 37 MPG. I'd say around 115 - 120 miles. When I hit about 90 miles I start looking to fuel up. That's good for me, because I have an iffy back, and more stops means more rest & water, etc.

Didn't know that about Mt. Washington. I don't really recognize those names you mentioned, but I'm sure they're great riders. I guess watching the crazies roll in would be fun to do. Must be really congested if you have to park your bikes while there.

Sounds like it would be great time, wish it were a bit closer to ride to. By the way Josh, actually highest peak east of Mississippi is in NC, Mt Mitchell
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Mount Washington is the highest peak in the Northeastern United States at 6,288 ft

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Mount Mitchell is the highest peak of the Appalachian Mountains and the highest peak in the eastern United States. It was the highest point in any state of the United States until Texas joined the union in 1845 / 6,683 feet (2,037 m)
Mount Mitchell, Elevation

Josh, post some pix of the trip, hope you have a blast and good weather. So how far do you plan to ride each day. My last 600 mile trip, I did 400 miles first day each way and had an easy 200 mile finish the second day. You planning to split it or ride heavy first day? Hard for us on smaller bikes to do 600 miles in one day. Maybe getting a little older? Nah!

Well I'm corrected on the highest peak, show ya ya can't believe everything you read (sign on Mt Washington auto road). I'll drop a lil blue pill into a stream on the mountain, THEN it'll be the highest peak! Ha!

Yep, only things I know are not very important... just happen to know about Mt Mitchell cause it is in my back yard, one of my favorite rides up Blue Ridge Parkway to Mt Mitchell... or up Hwy 80 (Devil's Whip) then get the Parkway at top of Mountain and ride it back home.

Thanks buddy. I always carry tools and a few parts like extra points/condensor, light bulbs, spark plugs, fuses, etc. What do you mean by open ends for the battery? Jumper cables?

The day before I leave, I'll give all the bolts, nuts and screws the once over (not retorquing - just make sure everything is tight), check tire pressure, check battery charge, oil levels. I just changed the tranny and engine oil and added Zmax. Will also add Zmax to my fuel tank today. Zmax is a once every 3 months maintenance thing. This is an experiment I'm conducting to see if I get any added performance or milage. I leave the rest in God's capable hands.

ride safe !brother nice to see that one of the things you found to be important was the gospel you should have an awesome ride.

duct tape & electrical tape!!!!! OH yeah, and a couple pf packs of Jujyfruit gum! Works great as a putty to fix things! Just chew up a pack and slam it into a hole or something and let dry over night! I fixed a 72 pontiac gas tank with it on the road and it lasted at least over a year!