tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776318709416054670.post8114000649632259819..comments2024-03-20T13:35:46.089-04:00Comments on Life on two wheels: 2015 Blogger to Blogger Tour - DepartureDavid Massehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09346419242154545286noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776318709416054670.post-17773868546218810042015-08-07T21:21:52.531-04:002015-08-07T21:21:52.531-04:00Deb! Nice to read you.
My life is so seriously bu...Deb! Nice to read you.<br /><br />My life is so seriously busy trying to get retirement going in earnest, that I managed to miss your comment.<br /><br />The chair is a Mantis chair. <a href="http://www.rei.com/product/866716/alite-mantis-chair" rel="nofollow">Here's a link that might help</a>.David Massehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09346419242154545286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776318709416054670.post-27359900661109041312015-07-30T09:48:07.397-04:002015-07-30T09:48:07.397-04:00I haven't been around on the blogs for awhile,...I haven't been around on the blogs for awhile, so I had no idea that you were retired or planning a trip. Congrats!<br /><br />Glad your coolant problem got resolved the way it did. I am sure that was a nerve wracking episode that you prefer not to repeat.<br /><br />That chair, that chair...I have often wished for that chair on long rides where I can sit out under the shade trees and rest. Now I am on the hunt!<br /><br />Meanwhile, looking forward to following your journey...Debhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01379173150677488575noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776318709416054670.post-52880288859519223102015-07-30T09:02:13.319-04:002015-07-30T09:02:13.319-04:00David, best to take the Shadow down to Florida... ...David, best to take the Shadow down to Florida... and I'll pick 'er up and bring 'er back after ;-)SonjaMhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12389245948579828531noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776318709416054670.post-67153495467768618522015-07-29T10:56:56.267-04:002015-07-29T10:56:56.267-04:00Too funny... I guess Dar's lucky then :)Too funny... I guess Dar's lucky then :)David Massehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09346419242154545286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776318709416054670.post-19792817104715535002015-07-29T10:44:05.430-04:002015-07-29T10:44:05.430-04:00On the topic of the front rack, as you can see, St...On the topic of the front rack, as you can see, Stephanie has the front rack. I'm sure it improves stability, and it means less stuff on the saddle, which makes gassing up a lot easier.<br /><br />That said, we both had serious wobbles. No big deal though, as long as you keep both hands on the bars, it's all good. Plus once you hit 45-50 miles an hour, the wobbles disappear.<br /><br />With a throttle lock that means you can use your right hand for scratching your nose, or adjusting your right-hand mirror.David Massehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09346419242154545286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776318709416054670.post-37214948882474277572015-07-29T10:38:39.015-04:002015-07-29T10:38:39.015-04:00Fletcheritis, I'll have to remember that.
The...<i>Fletcheritis</i>, I'll have to remember that.<br /><br />The key thing is overcoming the urge to drop out. Over time I've slowly learned that once you cross the threshold, there are usually great things in store.<br /><br />Fortunately there are more photos to come, some video too. My GoPro cooperated for a change on this trip.<br /><br />I just saw <a href="https://goo.gl/rJM7d4" rel="nofollow">Revzilla's review of the Sena 10C, Bluetooth headset combined with a camera</a>, and a load of great features. Maybe that will be on my Christmas list. David Massehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09346419242154545286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776318709416054670.post-9506557255202264482015-07-29T10:31:59.781-04:002015-07-29T10:31:59.781-04:00Karen, there's never a dull moment. Thanks fo...Karen, there's never a dull moment. Thanks for the vote of confidence.David Massehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09346419242154545286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776318709416054670.post-49420021092477001792015-07-29T10:31:26.183-04:002015-07-29T10:31:26.183-04:00Bill, furthest south on this trip was the Adironda...Bill, furthest south on this trip was the Adirondack Museum.<br /><br />Eventually I'll be back in Florida and we'll have a shot at meeting somewhere in the Sunshine State. David Massehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09346419242154545286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776318709416054670.post-13412453460730383842015-07-29T10:29:40.884-04:002015-07-29T10:29:40.884-04:00Keith, there were other surprises, most were only ...Keith, there were other surprises, most were only good.David Massehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09346419242154545286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776318709416054670.post-70626242859519404852015-07-29T06:37:46.651-04:002015-07-29T06:37:46.651-04:00What a pleasant tale to read with breakfast!
Your...What a pleasant tale to read with breakfast!<br /><br />Your departure resistance is familiar to me though not for riding. When I used to backpack I would experience similar feelings. In Colin Fletcher’s famous books “The Complete Walker” he referred to it as “Fletcheritis”, a condition that would take him to the doctor. Once on the path though everything was fine. Your description of the hours leading up to rolling out of the driveway was a textbook example of Fletcheritis.<br /><br />Looking at the load on the Vespa I’ll comment that you could really make productive use of a front rack. More storage and would help balance the load forward a bit.<br /><br />I understand your consternation surrounding the coolant leak but wished you had stopped at least once to share some visual evidence of “the ride was spectacular”. The Adirondacks is a magical place.<br /><br />Your selfies cracked me up. While you credit your dad with the skill to tie the head gear I have to think your cruising motorcycle is responsible for the lapse in fashion — you’ll never see that in a Vespa ad!<br /><br />Looking forward to the next installment in your trip and your reflections on meeting Stephanie — and adventurer.<br /><br />Steve Williams<br /><a href="http://scooterinthesticks.com" rel="nofollow">Scooter in the Sticks</a>Steve Williamshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04540977884513559091noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776318709416054670.post-23050732695873334522015-07-29T01:52:21.637-04:002015-07-29T01:52:21.637-04:00Though it would be my honor to cross paths with an...Though it would be my honor to cross paths with any of the moto-bloggers out there, my prayers (for what they're worth) would be with anyone aiming to pick up dual-sport dirt-riding skills from me: Likely they'd end up with a damaged ride and an injured body and wounded pride... ;) (As well as, maybe, an abundance of awesome, irreplaceable dirt-riding memories.)<br /><br />Unfortunately, I am not the Ry Austin who had the privilege of introducing Dar to dual-sporting. Best wishes, Dar, on the gravel- and dirt-riding: Beware, it can be just as addictive as riding fine, paved twisties.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03868114028772520290noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776318709416054670.post-14838517480023879242015-07-29T00:13:06.076-04:002015-07-29T00:13:06.076-04:00You made it ... no worries. We knew you would ;)You made it ... no worries. We knew you would ;)VStar Ladyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13634216576989421497noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776318709416054670.post-41539786953005323632015-07-28T22:34:49.416-04:002015-07-28T22:34:49.416-04:00Nice reporting of what looks like a great trip. Ho...Nice reporting of what looks like a great trip. How far south are you headed? i will gladly head north if you are getting anywhere near the Mason Dixon line. I love seeing the shirt. I am pleased that you like it. Bill Leutholdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05344154257118432221noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776318709416054670.post-36587752928962744442015-07-28T20:01:38.950-04:002015-07-28T20:01:38.950-04:00I add my voice to the chorus. Glad it worked out a...I add my voice to the chorus. Glad it worked out and you're still on your way. May all the rest of the surprises the trip brings be pleasant and stress free.Keith - Circle Bluehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11992667666539622569noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776318709416054670.post-55515985286879956542015-07-28T12:40:25.692-04:002015-07-28T12:40:25.692-04:00You know Dom, that's not a terrible idea.
I c...You know Dom, that's not a terrible idea.<br /><br />I carry alcohol for the stove Bob gave me, and propane for the other stove Bob gave me. I could easily add a litre of coolant.<br /><br />I think I'll add that to the touring list.<br /><br />Thank you very much!David Massehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09346419242154545286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776318709416054670.post-14594070925955280982015-07-28T12:38:23.812-04:002015-07-28T12:38:23.812-04:00Ha ha ha Ken.
Wait till we meet, and it will happ...Ha ha ha Ken.<br /><br />Wait till we meet, and it will happen, my lens will be merciless.David Massehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09346419242154545286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776318709416054670.post-30709286450780005092015-07-28T12:37:35.191-04:002015-07-28T12:37:35.191-04:00Thanks Richard. I couldn't agree more.
As for...Thanks Richard. I couldn't agree more.<br /><br />As for retirement, I'm finding it a challenge to keep up with the bloggosphere. So many fascinating posts, it will take forever to catch up.David Massehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09346419242154545286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776318709416054670.post-42692954217585567932015-07-28T12:36:09.156-04:002015-07-28T12:36:09.156-04:00Thanks Ry! You are Dar's dirt coach, yes?Thanks Ry! You are Dar's dirt coach, yes?David Massehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09346419242154545286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776318709416054670.post-37139397533492178972015-07-28T12:35:30.867-04:002015-07-28T12:35:30.867-04:00There's no such thing as being too prepared Da...There's no such thing as being too prepared Dar :)David Massehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09346419242154545286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776318709416054670.post-68392709372951760362015-07-28T12:34:41.765-04:002015-07-28T12:34:41.765-04:00You're too kind Dave.
Here's a link to th...You're too kind Dave.<br /><br />Here's a link to the chair (Sonja will get to borrow it): <a href="http://www.mec.ca/product/5027-428/alite-designs-mantis-chair/?q=mantis" rel="nofollow">Click here.</a>David Massehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09346419242154545286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776318709416054670.post-3351641723286209932015-07-28T12:31:20.467-04:002015-07-28T12:31:20.467-04:00Rob, I have to say that there was the potential fo...Rob, I have to say that there was the potential for a ruined trip.<br /><br />It's times like that when the fact that you do some of your own mechanical work and regular maintenance, really pays off.<br /><br />I had the advantage of being able to picture all the parts of the cooling system and that was hugely helpful in allowing me to take the calculated risk of pushing on.David Massehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09346419242154545286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776318709416054670.post-64759661871305485142015-07-28T12:29:07.667-04:002015-07-28T12:29:07.667-04:00Michael, I'm so glad to oblige. Of course, th...Michael, I'm so glad to oblige. Of course, the price of admission is $0, so...David Massehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09346419242154545286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776318709416054670.post-20685584781697508162015-07-28T12:28:18.291-04:002015-07-28T12:28:18.291-04:00Sonja, the chair is a Mantis camp chair that packs...Sonja, the chair is a Mantis camp chair that packs really small. It travels in the large drybag with the tent and cooking stuff.<br /><br />Ha! I forgot! I also had not one but two buffs. Endlessly useful.<br /><br />But the kerchief thing has a pirate look to it ;)David Massehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09346419242154545286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776318709416054670.post-20289522214920978772015-07-28T10:13:03.874-04:002015-07-28T10:13:03.874-04:00Ah yes, the initial panic when one detects somethi...Ah yes, the initial panic when one detects something "wrong" with one's ride. But as RichardM said, if it all goes smoothly, it's not quite as good for the eventual story. Still, you dealt with it well, and seemed methodical in your troubleshooting. <br /><br />Glad it all worked out. Are you going to carry anti-freeze now as onboard supply item?redlegsrideshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10927757855921321097noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776318709416054670.post-20513892636818799732015-07-28T10:11:56.682-04:002015-07-28T10:11:56.682-04:00Who is the old retired guy in the selfie?Who is the old retired guy in the selfie?Kenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00304010928323858086noreply@blogger.com