North America by Motorcycle with my Dog
Posted by Ted McElwee, Sat Sep 20 12:24:00 UTC 2008
In July and August of 2003, and amazing adventure began...A journey spanning 10,000 miles across America, from San Francisco to Maine -- and back. A cross-country adventure, by motorcycle. They left as two young pups. They came back a Man, and his Dog...
- North America by Motorcycle with my Dog Tuesday, September 23, 2003 Some interesting trip stats off the top of my head:
- total miles: just under 10,000 by about 23 miles. So 10,000! w00000t!!
- Total trip time: 32 days
- Total Cost for Hotels, campsites, or a place to sleep: $0 ! I didn't pay for a place to sleep the entire trip. Camping, a guest, or crashing next to the bike at night the whole way.
- Number of tires used: front 1 (original), Rear 2, and need to change it again
- Number of actual, certifiable near-death experiences: 3
- Number of mechanical breakdowns: 1
- Number of mechanics who worked on my bike: 4
- Number of people who helped me or befriended me: 30+
- Number of times I started to ride off without checking to make sure Sierra's crate was fully zipped: 3
- Number of of times I declared "This is definitely to most beautiful sunset!": 11
- Avg miles per gallon: ~32ish
- Top speed: 100mph
- Number of times pulled over: 1 -- State: Utah -- Ticketed: No! -- Reason: "Badass dog!"
- Number of mystical "energy zones" encountered: 5
- Number of people who I thought might be trouble: 2
- Number of times I ran out of gas: 1
- Distance from nearest gas station at the time: 3/4 mile
- Number of thunderstorms experienced: 7
- Total days driving in rain: 5
- Total days driving in 100 degree or higher heat: 10
- Total number of road hazards maneuvered around: 50+
- Number of times bike went down: 3
- Number of times bike went down while moving: 1
- Percentage of trip driven on non-interstate highways: 65+%
- Longest period of time without sleeping: 40 hours
- Distance traveled during that time: 1100 miles
- Enjoyment and Adventure Factor: 10 out of 10
And here's a pic of sierra at 9 months, on the ride. Sierra is the greatest! :)
Here's a pic of the 1993 Honda NightHawk 750 I rode with Sierra, in it's prime:
Sigh. :)
