15
May
I did a “quick” video talking about all the gear that I bring along with me on a trip. I spend most of the time talking about all my electronic gadgets and what I use to document my trips.
So, after all that you problem thought I couldn’t fit everything right? Think again! Here’s everything all packed up. I actually had a lot more room that I thought I would have.
I’m all set! I’m leaving at 4am on Saturday morning, the anticipation is killing me…
12
May
I ordered some decals from SignSpecialists.com to help promote my website while I’m on the road. I got some “hardboard” from home depot and cut out a rectangle to fix the decals onto. My soft luggage wouldn’t be a good candidate to put decals onto, and this way I can use the board on other types of luggage that I may get in the future. After a quick coat of black spray paint tot he board, applying the decals, drilling holes into the board/bag and securing the board using zip ties I was done in 45 minutes. I’m pretty please with the results.
I will be curious to see if I get any hits from IP addresses whose location correspond to the areas I will be passing through on my Mexico Trip next week. If you saw me on the road, leave a comment and let me know 
10
May
I’m off on the road for 10 days next week. I’ve got about 3,500 miles planned for the week, so it’s a fairly relaxed pace for me.
Here is my general route:
Here is my trip itinerary:
It is not set in stone but it gives a general idea of when what will happen when.
Things I want to accomplish:
My rear tire and brake pads are being replaced as we speak, so the rest of the week will be full of lists that are being checked twice and day dreaming of the roads ahead. I’ve got to say that I’m getting much better at this whole touring thing. I’m not nearly as panicked or stressed over the details as I’ve been int he past. I’m just anxious to get out on the road.
Wish me luck!
9
May
In 2007 I took a two week trip across the country. I covered 5,000 miles over ten states and four Canadian providences. The journey was amazing and has fueled my desire for traveling on two wheels even more. These 52 videos document my experiences along the way.
Google Earth Route Flyby
Last year I took a trip from Chicago to Phoenix over the course of two weeks on my motorcycle. I took the long way around through Canada and zip zagged through the rocky mountains until I reached Phoenx. The 5,000 mile experience was amazing. This video marks the start of a series of 50 videos that documents my journey.
Trip Overview - Part 1
This video was shot at the end of my journey when I arrived in Phoenix. It summarizes my travels and provides an overview of the next set of videos.
Trip Overview - Part 2
Continuation of the trip overview.
Day 2: Minnesota
Driving through Minnesota towards Winnipeg. Discussing the idea of “expressway friends.” Later on the car I was tailing pulls off and I follow them into a rest stop and chit chat. Riders here seem to snuff my waves. Talking about various ways that I keep myself comfortable while touring. I run into some rain and have to stop.
Day 2: Dumbass Weather Theory and My Next Bike
I try and determine if the Earth’s rotation has any effect on the direction of the winds. A very dumbass theory I come up with that a 5th grader could articulate better. Talking about BMW touring bikes verses a sport bike
Day 2: Crossing the Canadian Border
I get the third degree when trying to get into Canada. Talking about the metric system.
Day 3: Chain Problems in Canada
I have some chain problems. Just talking about what happened and how I got it fixed.
Day 3: Saskatchewan ‘Land of the Living Skies’
The skies in Saskatchewan were amazing and kept me entertained amongst the flat and boring landscape. At least three distinct layers of clouds had formed and beams of light scattered throughout the countryside. I understand why they call this place the “Land of the Living Skies” now
Day 3: Crossing into Alberta
It has been a very long day accompanied with delays from my chain problems and rain. I’ve ridden for about 600 miles so I am getting pretty tired.
Day 4: Alberta Windmills - Part 1
I try to get a closer look at a huge windmill by traveling down a very soft gravel road.
Day 4: Alberta Windmills - Part 2
I find another huge windmill and take a closer look.
Day 4: Crossing into Idaho (Part 1)
I cross into Idaho from Canada. I seem to be very energetic in this episode. I ramble about of bunch of topics.
Day 4: Crossing into Idaho (Part 2)
Continuation of the previous video.
Day 4: Close to Coeur D’Alene
Talking about my ride through Canada on my way to Coeur D’Alene, Idaho.
Day 6: Idaho
I spent a day an a half in Coeur D’Alene and now I am back on the road. I talk about the previous day and a little bit about what’s to come ahead.
Day 6: Forest Fires & Runaway Trucks(Part 1)
Talking about a forest fire off in the distance, runaway trucks. At the end I come across some other riders that have some trouble.
Day 6: Forest Fires & Runaway Trucks(Part 2)
Talking about a forest fire off in the distance, runaway trucks. At the end I come across some other riders that have some trouble.
Day 6: Worried about Forest Fires
This video is a continuation from the previous. I talk about what happened to the guys I stopped for on the side of the road. After seeing a fire fighting helicopter pass overhead I start to worry about the possibility of a forest fire up ahead.
Day 6: Freaking Out On Gravel
I have to take a very loose gravel road to get to a campsite. I get very nervous doing this and have never ridden on gravel for more than ten feet. The road was two miles long and in the end I am very glad I did it.
Day 7: Today’s Plan
Talking about my plans for the day’s ride, then talking a little bit about what I will be doing the next couple days.
Day 7: Leaving the Campsite
I head out the road that I freaked out on the day before. Pavement never felt so good.
Day 7: Passing Lanes and White Water Rapids
Still in Idaho riding next to some white water rapids. A UHaul almost pulls out in front of me. Later on I found out that I should have turned onto the road that the UHaul truck was pulling out from. He distracted me though and I ended up going 20 miles out of my way before I realize. I love cagers…
Day 7: Scenic Idaho: Banks to Stanley
I don’t do much talking in this video. Just capturing some scenic back roads from Banks to Stanley.
Day 8: Entering Yellowstone (Part 1)
I recap yesterday’s ride and talk about my plans for exploring Yellowstone.
Day 8: Entering Yellowstone (Part 2)
Not impressed so far, because I expect sensational sights as soon as I enter Yellowstone, because I’m that presumptuous.
Day 8: Yellowstone Gysers
A bunch of video clips of various geyser at Yellowstone National Park. I’m actually off the saddle in this one.
Day 9: Wyoming (Part 1)
I start my ride through Wyoming. Sum up my impression of Yellowstone and I go through some heavy construction. Talking about my plans for the rest of the week.
Day 9: Wyoming (Part 2)
Talking about Colorado and how I planned my route from reading “Motorcycle Adventures through the Rockies.
Day 9: Wyoming (Part 3)
I meet another rider at a gas station who has ridden from Alaska. One of most interesting people I met along the way.
Day 9: Wyoming (Part 4)
I talk about how comfortable my 650 is for touring and about cold weather gear that the guy at the last gas station told me about.
Day 10: Rocky Mt Nat. Park (Part 1)
In the Rocky Mountain National Park recapping the previous day’s ride and talking about my plans for the day.
Day 10: Rocky Mt Nat. Park (Part 2)
About 12,000 feet up in the Rockies. Many beautiful sights in this video.
Day 10: Rocky Mt Nat. Park (Part 3)
No description does justice to these sights. Talking about the beautiful scenery and the ride.
Day 10: Rocky Mt Nat. Park (Part 4)
Smokers make for bad hikers. I give up on a hike and decide to continue riding.
Day 10: “Oh My God” Road (Part 1)
Taking a ride on an old back road I read about.
Day 10: “Oh My God” Road (Part 2)
Still riding on the “Oh My God” Road and talking about random things.
Day 10: Coasting Down the “Oh My God Road” (Part 1)
The roads get so steep that I just turn off my bike and coast down for about 10 minutes. It is very eerie riding without hearing engine noise, but very cool at the same time. Just random thoughts in this one.
Day 10: Coasting Down the “Oh My God Road” (Part 2)
The roads get so steep that I just turn off my bike and coast down for about 10 minutes. It is very eerie riding without hearing engine noise, but very cool at the same time. Just random thoughts in this one.
Day 10: Accidentally Finding Mt Evans
Taking a ride up Mt Evans, the highest road in the US at 14,200 feet. This was my favorite part of my whole trip.
Day 10: The Summit of Mt. Evans
I reach the top of Mt. Evans to find very cold temperatures, a stalling bike and mountain goats. This was the best location I visited throughout my whole trip.
Day 10: Getting Altitude Sick
I start to get a little altitude sick while I was hanging out at the top, but I couldn’t wait around because the sun was setting and my best bet was to head toward lower ground.
Day 10: Cold and Bumpy Roads
Still descending from the summit of Mt Evans. Random thoughts and bumpy roads.
Day 10: Eisenhower Tunnel
Passing through the Eisenhower Tunnel. Finally wrapping up Day 10.
Day 11: Colorado’s Guanella Pass
Recapping my previous day’s ride and talking about my plans for the next couple days.
Day 11: Thinking About Phoenix
This whole trip is taking place in between my move to Phoenix from Chicago. So I have a lot on my mind, but the main question being, where am I going to live? I gave myself a week to check out areas and find an a apartment. This and other random things, like running over chipmunks.
Day 11: Loose Rock Road
They are doing construction on the Guanella Pass and they laid down fairly loose rocks as a foundation. Unfortunately I have to ride downhill on it for quite some time.
Day 11: More Road Construction (Part 1)
The last half of the Guanella Pass had some construction, which had perfect roads, and then roads that were absolutely terrible. This video has the former, and the next has the latter.
Day 11: More Road Construction (Part 2)
The last half of the Guanella Pass had some construction, which had perfect roads, and then roads that were absolutely terrible. This video has the former, and the next has the latter.
Day 12: Heading to My New Home in Phoenix
After three exciting days in Colorado, I decide to head towards Phoenix. I spent a day traveling from Breckenridge, Colorado to Tuba City, AZ. I was just pumping out the miles on this day, trying to gain as much distance as I could. I did nearly 600 miles this day, and felt great at the end of the day. I think I developed a lot more endurance over the past 4,000 miles.
Day 13: Night Riding & Disappointment Valley
I am pretty cranky. Talking about some riding I did last night and talk about my close call with a stupid cager.
Day 13: Entering the Grand Canyon
I go through the Grand Canyon Entrance. Talking about my move to Phoenix and how the reality of it has not set in yet.
My Long Way Round: Highlights
That’s it folks. I put together a small video with photos that were taken along the way. If you want to see the complete photolog you can check it out at AtlasRider.com otherwise check back for more videos. I have a huge backlog of content from two more long weekend trips I have taken that I am eager to post. Thanks for all your comments along the way.
