Time is flying now. Spent yesterday spreading out all the
items on my checklist on a tarp in the garage. I then packed them based on
when/if I may need them; i.e. tools at the bottom and rain gear at the top. I
then packed my clothes in the waterproof bag I will tie on back. I was very
surprised that I got everything packed and even have some spare room. The side
bags on the Tenere are much larger than the Harley bags which helps. I can even
take a light riding jacket and only wear my heavy stuff as we reach the
mountains. I’ve gone over my checklist a dozen times and it is all packed but I
have a bad feeling I’m not thinking of something. Guess I will find out what it
is on the road.
My riding partner Jim has also started a blog and will also
be using a SPOT tracker. His blog and SPOT address are at the bottom of this
post. We talk most every day going over the planning and ensuring we have the
reservations set for some of our stops. We are staying at a college dorm in
Fairbanks while we stage the Arctic Circle dash. I want to leave everything in
the room but the bare essentials when we hit the Dalton Highway. There are lots
of trip reports for the Dalton and some riders are lucky with an easy run while
others hit weather and bad roads. We will be ready for either but would like
the easy run if given the choice.
I’ve included a pic of the loaded bike. I had planned on
using several bags on back but looks like I can get by with the single large
bag. I want to keep it light as possible and keep the weight close to the CG to
make the bike easier to handle in gravel and mud. So far looks like I’ve
succeeded. While moving the bike around in the garage I can tell it is heavier
and the CG is now higher due to the bag on the back. Highway speeds should be
no difference but slow speed maneuvering is definitely impacted.
My oldest son gave me a flask and a bottle of special whisky
on my 65th birthday in 2012. I’m taking the flask filled with the
whisky to celebrate reaching the Arctic Circle this time.
Jim’s Blog address
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