Electronics...

35 years ago I was riding a Kawasaki KZ650 back and forth between Iowa, New Mexico, and Ohio.  Electronics on board...zero.  Fast forward to today and we see just how electronically dependent we've become.

When I purchased my Ducati MTS GT last year, I surrendered to the modern age and added a Ducati branded Zumo GPS.  For this trip, I've taken a few more baby steps by adding a Sena SMH10R headset to my Shoei GT Air helmet and a Panasonic Lumix ZS35 camera.

The Sena headset has been paired to my iPhone and the Zumo GPS.  So not only I will be able to communicate via VOX intercom with my riding mate, Scott on his bike, but I can make/take telephone calls, listen to music, and enjoy the lovely lady inside my Zumo GPS instructing me when to turn left or right.

The Panasonic Lumix camera was added for convenience of size and function.  I've a Nikon D90 DSLR camera with a 18-270 lens and I'm still considering bringing it along, but storage, on a trip like this, is paramount, and the Nikon will take up precious room. 

Pictured below are the Zumo GPS, Panasonic ZS35 camera, and attached to the bottom left and back of the helmet, is the Sena SMH10R.

Prepping Ikran...

Major prep for this trip will start in a couple weeks, but even what may seem minor prep items will have a role in making this trip successful. 
New rear tire, aux fuel bottles/holsters, and tank bag added to 'Ikran'. This time next month he will look totally different as I get him prepped for next month's departure. Approximately 30 days on the road exploring the Northwestern US and Canada (Alberta, British Columbia, Vancouver Island).

IKRAN, or mountain banshee, made famous in the movie Avatar...good movie, cool bird!  Just a short plug for my Ducati MTS GT. I have never ridden a bike that is so light, powerful, and nimble.  I was riding the mountain roads in Sequoia Nat'l Park when the thought came to me to name my bike IKRAN, at the time, it just seemed to fit.

Passport Renewed...

2 1/2 months until departure!

 

The Trip

So if the link below opens, this is the trip I'll be embarking upon come the last of July.  Departing Valencia, CA and 3 to 4 days later arriving in Rathdrum, ID meeting up with my long time friend, and fellow FAA retiree, Scott Boyle. 

The plan is to post up at his new place, spend some time fishing on the lake across the street, and after a couple days relaxing, depart for Montana and Glacier Nat'l Park...the beginning of our Canadian Adventure! 

8 days of riding the Canadian Rockies together, before we split up in Kamloops, BC to go our own ways.  Scott back home, Dave continuing the adventure...

http://www.travellerspoint.com/member_map.cfm?tripid=658169

BLOG BOY

Well, here's my attempt to start a BLOG.  First, I need to throw a 'shout out' to my friend Brian Schumaker, who helped get this thing off the ground.  Disclosure:  I am not 'IT' proficient and this blog is still a work in progress. 

A bit of background on why a BLOG.  I guess the best reason is that it's an easy way to keep a journal of your travels.  Come this July, I will be unemployed, expect to do a bit of traveling, and 'blogging' allows for friends and family to follow along. 

Presently in the planning stage, is a trip to Idaho, where I will meet up with a fellow FAA retiree, and we will embark on what will hopefully be an exciting journey to Glacier Nat'l Park in Montana, then north into the Canadian Rockies.

As the time draws closer to departure, I will begin to detail logistics, gear, motorcycle preparation, and emotions.  So stay tuned for things to come and hopefully I'll keep it interesting...