Riding SilverWing

This year I am not/did not ride the miles I usually do although I ride scooter for my everyday errands/shopping .....only one long trip- Nova Scotia, 4,000 miles or so.....reasons:

Don't like the south and few places I haven't been...or others I care to see.

We had over 100 days where the temp.. went over 90 degrees F, not fun for all day riding.

As the SilverWing is aging/not current machine/riders getting older there is probably not the interest there once was, others too.


Maybe 2017 I will repeat 49 states in 12 months and throw in all Canadian Provinces for a threat.

The 40 years I lived in Europe/Japan/Korea there seemed always someplace to ride or see.

This machine or another new something/lighter?

John,
If you come to Nova Scotia again, and have not toured the Cape Breton Highlands this summer, or the Cabot Trail there, you might want to consider that area for some unforgettable scenery. I know you don't care to plan ahead for your rides but I know there are booklets produced by the NS Touristry Department related to touring the province by motorcycle. A look through this booklet may save you time and point you in the direction of something you may really like to see first hand.
Mike

Geez! Over Achiever much!!!  Ninety percent of us couldn't hold a candle to what you've done on two wheels. The idea of taking a year to ride the US and Canada is a dream for the rest of us.  Doing it more than once in a lifetime is unimaginable.  I am sure we are all happy to hear of your travels and to see the photos you take and post and experience vicariously places we do not have the time or freedom to explore.  I suggest you pick someplace far that appeals to you next year and then just enjoy the ride!

It doesn't take a year to ride to 49 states---I will do it in maybe 4 trips, coming home for maint, etc.
I am lucky my jobs kept me overseas for 40 years and plenty of time to ride, etc.


I worked until 71, so as long as the money keeps coming in, time to ride.

Note: next year will try to ride at leisurely scooter pace and camp to keep costs down. For many years just stopped and slept along bike----one thing that that has changed for me, the cheap billeting the military had has gone away---the married mafia that runs the military...wanted stuff so their many kids and wives could have deluxe accomodation----the rooms now run up to $75, Motel 6 is much cheaper without the hassle. I am retired from the Air Force, and civil service.

I ride with a friend who has a BMW R1200RT. He and I both like museums and historical places. We have seen a lot of places in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa and Ohio. We plan to see more this summer in Kentucky, Tennessee and Alabama. Some of these will be on bikes, some will be in autos. Do you like that kind of stuff? Every state seems to have lots of small and large museums and historical places. Nice destinations. Do you ever plan your rides around museums and/or historical places?

Answer to above. No I don't plan trips around special places to see/look at. I am a traveler, not tourist nor do I take pictures.....but note in my head interesting places in my head-----riding is the thing for me.

Again thinking about next year, 2017---- thinking about riding to/thru 49 states and all of Canada prov. as something to think about and keep me busy.

At start SilverWing will/should have fresh belt/oil change----rear tire fresh, too otherwise machine ok.
I might soften up and install fresh plugs, too.

I just look at map and go trying not to have to double back to touch place I missed. Nova Scotia and AK(Hyder for me) being the most distant.

Doing this for me, fun, try to keep costs down by camping, eat instant oatmeal for breakfast, etc.

New dog, Donald goes with in Givi Box---he has already ridden to Nova Scotia, and now is 10 months old, 8lbs and soon to sing soprano. He also likes, prefers? Givi hump bag...maybe less noise?

Others things---light/comfortable helmet, professional quality riding clothes able to work in heat as well as cold/cool and of course waterproof-----to save space may use my Wolverine Waterproof Boots, saving carrying rubber overboots. And very important lots of foam ear plugs....I go thru about 2 sets a day.-----I use no electronic junk, GPS, etc. Have old map book that works, avoid big cities. Many pair of gloves.

How many miles a day? I am comfortable with 300 miles a day, at 400 a day my ears hurt from the foam plugs, more than 400 miles a day it becomes boring period. 2014 I rode to 49 states in one season----SilverWing and Suzuki TU250 for 3 or 4 states, both worked, worst problem with both=Buffeting around head.

John,
If there is anything I could do to make your visit here more pleasant or streamlined (if you come back in 2017) please let me know and I'll do what I can. Not sure if you entered NS through New Brunswick last summer or took the ferry from Portland to Yarmouth but if coming that way there are nice campgrounds in that area. Kejimkujik National Park for example.
This link includes a map.
https://www.google.ca/search?q=Kejimakoujic+National+Park&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&gws_rd=cr&ei=D5sfWPOlL8jEjwTuvL-QCw

Mike