One Step Closer

P-Rock here

The last of the bike maintenance is complete! I got my new rear tire put on today, along with new clutch and brake fluids. She was purring like a kitten rolling down I-78 this afternoon at 75mph. We've got 18 days and counting, woohoo! Blackie, the absent poster, is finishing up his communications wiring this weekend while I am going to fit my pillion seat straps for the auxilliary clothing bag.

For anyone considering going into Canada and taking along GMRS radios (These are the radios that are rapidly replacing the old "FRS" radios and have more power, range and features - but oddly require an FCC license to operate) be very careful. After picking up a set I learned that the Canadian regulations differ from US (no license required, lower power limits and two channels are restricted use) and that US radios are probably not Canadian certified. if you limit yourself to "FRS" operations - meaning FRS channels and power levels - you are OK, but otherwise it could spell trouble. Who knew that consumer radios could be so complicated? Anyway, fair warning on the GMRS - the FCC license is $85 and there are several usage rules that I am sure are being largely ignored by consumers. If you ask me, this needs to go the way of CB and the license requirement should be removed...

This weekend I plan to assemble the tools and repair supplies and see how much bike space they take up, then take a look at the bike gear (cold/warm weather jackets and pants, etc) and photo gear. Also, there is a person (Scott) and his wife (Mary Jo) on the BMWLT.COM forum that is going to be travelling south on the ALCAN down from Eagle River, Alaska at the same time we will be heading north. Hopefully we will meet up, and if so, post a picture here. He goes by the name "Sandback" on that forum and seems like a helluva nice guy. They will be on a Bronze BMW K1200LT, and he will be on the lookout for our two Black Beauties. I also had a conversation with "Patm" from the Harley-davidson V-Rod Forum last week. Pat lives in Saskatoon (which we will be passing through July 5) and is a crew member on a Harley Top Fuel Race team racing in IHRA competition. Now how's that for a cool thing to do? Unfortunately Pat will be out of town at a race when we pass through town, but it was good to speak with him and get his perspective on travel in that area and places to stay.

Ok that's a good update for now. Keep the shiny side up.

P-Rock, turning off the analog signal and going all digital.