I got the GPS working fine now with the external antennae. I started getting my route and maps ready a few weeks ago, but the GPS is needed for close in highway  “combat”…to get around large towns, and locate things when I get to a stopping point. The maps and the speed and the altitude display is also entertaining as I move along. So I’m glad to have it functioning the way its supposed to. Now my only problem is loading adequate maps enroute. It will only hold 116 mb of map memory. That’s about one whole state the size of Georgia. But I don’t need a whole state. I just need the parts of the map along my route. Still it won’t hold it all.

I am borrowing a netbook computer from a friend to take along with me, but I’ll have to try and load Mapsource and the maps onto a 16gb card because that computer won’t hold all of Mapsource either. Its fun things like this that make planning a trip of this nature most interesting. The other thing that makes it interesting is the approaching apprehension concerning bears in the wild wild west…while I’m camping. Most places will be fairly civilized and populated, like KOA campgrounds, or State Parks, but a couple of my planned camping locations are on lonely dirt roads…out in bear and Apache country! I would hate for this adventure to end with me scattered around the countryside disguised as piles of bear shit.

For that reason I may have to go visit my neighborhood camp store for some “Bear-B-Gone”.

Another good thing about planning an extended ride of this nature, is trying to decide just how much I can actually carry on the motorcycle safely. Clothing has to be pared down to a minimum. Foodstuffs for me are nothing fancy. I can survive from day to day on sardines, juice and crackers…with a little peanut butter thrown in for dessert now and then. A good shower every other day or so is also sufficient for my anti-social needs during the campaign, so I have to have towel, soap, shampoo etc. That needs no explanation.

I’ve been so worried about throttle my hand and arm going numb while riding and at least part of the problem was no throttle lock on the bike. Another part, I am told, is the small hard hand grips on this bike. To address those issues I did the following:

First I wrapped the handlebars with that soft, gel, bicycle handlebar, wrapping tape.

Then I added the big yellow O-ring from Caterpillar to act as a throttle lock when I slip it up against the rubber of the grip at the end.  I already had the plastic throttle lever but I just needed an additional friction lock mechanism to keep the throttle on when I need to relax my arm and let go of the grip. The yellow o-ring does the trick.

I saw the next little trick on the F800.org website. From BeemerBoneyard I ordered a helmet locking mechanism that came off an R1150R. Once I located an old rubber lined O-clamp from my old R bike I attached the helmet lock to the right side of the GS. Now when it is leaning over on the sidestand, I can lock my helmet there and it will hang against the bike with the opening down. I was concerned about losing my helmet out in Apache territory. Not my hair…but my helmet.

I think I’m almost there…getting ready, that is. Tomorrow I’ll change my oil , mow my grass for the last time this month, get my camping gear all packed, and go over my list once more.