Unlike RichardM, GeorgeF, or Bobskoot who have been compiling the lists and gathering the items and piling it all together, organizing, reorganizing, packing, and parring for the last three weeks, Oilburner and I only got down to brass tacks, as it were, this weekend. One week prior to departure. And we aren't nearly as organized or ready as the others.
We have been talking, debating, and weighing. I was only able to take two weeks from work. As much as we desired to attend the IMBC in East Oregon to finally meet some great blog friends IRL (In Real Life), we couldn't swing the distance required and still enjoy seeing the country. We weighed flying and renting, driving and towing the bikes, or just riding the bikes, but couldn't figure out an economical way.
So while many of my blogging friends are gearing up and hitting the road for the IMBC in two weeks (July 20-22), we are packing the bikes up for a trip north. We are taking our two weeks...and heading north. We don't have any definite plans, but think we might end up tripping into Canada. Possibly...probably. :)
And I might have plans to meet a few special people along the way... ;)
Heck, you pack a week out! I'm a the night before kinda dude - otherwise I go bananas waiting for the off!
ReplyDeleteI wish I could get excited. Unfortunately I focus and fixate...so am consumed with work rather than thinking about the trip. All this gathering and planning makes me grouchy. :)
DeleteIt would be even worse if I left it for the night before. I wouldn't be able to find anything! Oilburner has a tendency to "put things away" where they don't belong.
How do you keep your fear organized and accessible for multiway trips that you can get your hands on them quickly the night before?
I'd like to say that I'm super organised but really my gear is spread out all over the place. I spend a lot of time walking backwards and forwards from my shed to my house and room to room.
DeleteThe next day (after usually very little sleep) I spend a lot of time racking my brains over what I may have forgotten but still often forget something...
I am with Andrew....night before stuff for me to....but then I do forget a lot of things as well.
ReplyDelete"Forget a lot of things". Hehehe. For me it wouldn't be forgetting...it would be cant find. My other problem with packing so early is that I'm still using so many things that will need to be packed! Keeping straight what I need to continue living versus pre-packing will do me in. :)
DeleteLori:
ReplyDeletedon't try to fool us with you ineptness. You are highly organized, in spite of what you wrote. You can always purchase "stuff" along the way. Can't wait to see where you are going
bob
Riding the Wet Coast
My Flickr // My YouTube
Bobskoot...you are funny. I could be organized...if I lived with someone that could put things away where they belong instead of just "out of sight". Yes. I am going to blame it all on him. Hehehe
DeleteYou will be missed Lori but there will be another time to meet in real life.
ReplyDeleteThis way we can read about another adventure. Your adventure north. And you are packing a week out....... We have not packed anything or done any planning for routes.
Although hubby did do an oil change on Max for me on Friday and gave him a nice scrubbing. (Yes Bobskoot, not only do a have a magic bike parking, but magic bike washing and oil changing too.)
Trobairitz:
DeleteI like all that "magic" stuff. I'm envious, I need to borrow Troubadour, send him up here
Thank you! It was such a difficult decision not to go and meet you and the gang. We tried to finagle any which way. Sigh. Soon. I hope you have a great time and the weather cooperates and keeps the temps lower.
DeleteI think the good thing about your route is that it won't involve camping. Oilburner wants to try some camping...so getting all that gear together is what I think is killing us. Even for well packed and small sleeping bags, they sure fill up a saddlebag! Taking so much room.
Troubadour was very nice to you and Max! Quite lucky and handy to have around. ;) I love preventative maintainence.
There's always a next time, Lori. As for packing, I have been traveling so much, that I am used to packing, I can do it within one hour before lift off ;-)
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to reading about your adventures.
Thanks Sonja! I was looking forward to meeting you, Roland, and Rover. Packing in an hour? I used to be able to do that. I think my OCD is kicking in and everything has to be packed "just right." Sheesh I hope that problem doesn't last forever!
DeleteI'm looking forward to reading of your adventures to Oregon and how Roland is enjoying the long distances. I think it will be grand and interesting if your adventures to Lillooet are any indication.
Be safe on your route!
Looks like an organized mess. I couldn't lay stuff out in the living room as everyone would be tripping over it and the dogs would be hauling stuff all over the house. Shelves in the garage was easier...
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to hearing where you end up. Sorry for not meeting you guys in Oregon but there is always another time.
Are you stopping to visit Riepe?
Even with just the two of us...we are definitely tripping over it. And sometimes I just sigh at the sight. One day we may get the hang of it. Considering this is the first trip that I really need to organize the saddlebags on this bike, it is throwing a wrinkle in as far as space. The "R" has infinitely more space. The GS doesn't and has the odd shaped left bag to boot.
DeleteI was hoping to test distribution and fit like you did. But it just points out my gear inadequacies. :)
I am so happy that your trip is going so well!! I will definitely keep you posted on where we end up. We don't even know that yet!
Yes, we are scheduled to have dinner with Riepe on Sunday. Yay!
Lori:
DeleteYou lucky duck for meeting Jack, wished I could be there but time doesn't allow. Without the camping stuff I have lots of room, but my tent, S bag and pad takes so much room, so now I have to skimp on clothes.
You had me worried for a moment, when you said "R", you meant the "RT" right ? My heart skipped a beat for a moment. Can't wait to read about your camping adventures. Don't look at me, I am bringing camping stuff with me and I don't even camp, but I will try in a safe environment. (safe as in meaning with running water, and a camping mentor)
bob
Riding the Wet Coast
My Flickr // My YouTube
Enjoy! Glad you're getting to take off and travel, but do wish we could have talked you into coming down for a visit instead. :-D Next time, yes?
ReplyDeleteI am definitely working you into the schedule! I didn't think your household would be set up in time for visitors. I'm working out when I will have a couple vacation days for an extended weekend! I can't pass up the opportunity with so close! ;)
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