Dry(ish) Run

Took the advice of my good lady and had a bit of a dry run on the packing front. Most of what I intend to take, minus a weeks’ worth of pants and socks was fitted, fairly easily, into the big case I have. I’m also taking a smallish holdall for in the cabin. That will carry my helmet, my laptop, camera, etc. Although I’m taking my mesh jacket and the weather forecast is indicating temperatures no lower than about 75F, I’m still undecided about taking my leather jacket as well. It’s a bit bulky, so I’d have to wear that on the journey rather than try and cram it into the case. Decisions, decisions.

 

Despite the BAstewards best efforts, it looks like there will be no affects of the action on my scheduled flight. It has been running each day during the first strike, so I’m confident it’ll be OK. In any case, I fly the day after the strike finishes.

 

11 days to go and counting!

 

Neill

Back on the RK

Test ride completed without incident. My steed this time round was a Road King Classic. Soon got used to the riding position and weight again and of course the weather being fine helped the experience. My last time on a Harley was during last summer’s dismal July weather, when I got rained on every day of a 7 day tour.

Brother Paul also had a test ride on a Heritage Softail Classic. Must say, he looked quite at home on it. I can see him being tempted to buy if he ever wins the lottery ;-)

Just two more weekends to go before the off. Excitement starting to build!

The Countdown Begins

3 weeks today I fly out (BAstewards and Volcano willing) to Chicago. On touchdown I shall be 7 hours behind UK time. During the trip, I shall not only cover about 2500 miles East to West but I shall also move across 3 times zones. That means by the end of my trip on 23^rd June, I’ll be 9 hours behind UK time.

 

This Saturday I’m having a ‘refresher’ test ride on the Harley at Robinsons in Canterbury, to familiarise myself once again with the weight of the machine and the controls, which are slightly different from those on my Suzuki. My brother Paul is also going to try his hand at handling hog metal. Watch out for some pics either here or on flickr.

 

Neill

BAstewards!

As if the threat of volcanic ash disrupting flights isn’t enough, a very real threat to my making it to the US has emerged with the BA cabin crews planning to strike. As it stands, the last strike will finish the day before I’m due to fly out. Whether there will be an aircraft, is another matter. BOO!!

My second entry - 8th May

Received my tour pack today, so actually starting to feel quite real now. A little over a month to go before I fly out. I guess I would even go as far as to say I’m a little excited.

 

The pack tells me who will be on the tour with me, something I wasn’t expecting in advance.  I’ll be accompanied by 7 others. Two couples and 3 single guys. I’m assuming from the names, they’re mostly English;

 

Simon & Vivien

Patrick

David & Francoise

William

And another David.

 

If I don’t bump into these guys on the flight, then we have a welcome meeting when we get to the first hotel in Chicago.

 

Fingers crossed we don’t fall foul of any volcanic ash. I’ve waited a long time for this.

 

Cheers