thumperclone wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:09:

A possibility.  After today I know I can do the 500 miles tomorrow, but it's really not that much fun.  Will have to tell Helena that Arkansas and a BB1500 back to L.A. is out of the question.  The return trip is into plan B -- holding it to 250-300 miles/day, preferably on two-lane roads.  Most likely somewhat staight back as I would like to get home before the 22nd.

Have a safe and enjoyable trip Paladin ... am anxiously awaiting your blow-by-blow write up!

<* KenGLong waving as you head east towards the NM/Texas border>

May the wind be at your back.

Paladin d man .....  I'll be praying for flat roads and smooth curves ... no potholls and any rain to be in the wee hours of the morn so you can wake up n ride to sunny skies.
Ride safe.

Asking a 650cc bike to do 65-70 for 8 to 12 hours a day is not pushing the bike.  Occasionally pass by a wall to the side which reflects the exhaust sound back to me, a steady Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrap.  So pretty.

Traffic on the Interstate is very polite.  I was riding an indicated 60-65 being passed by 75-80%.  But once onto I-40 none of it was going more than 10 mph over the limit.  By my speedometer, most were holding close to the speed limits.  No one tried to kiss my butt before pulling left to pass.  All in all a very pleasant ride.

Some people complain about wind buffeting, especially around big rigs.  Yet the only time I was bothered was this last stretch in Oklahoma; which, judging by the vegetation, involved a noticible headwind.

Hi Ken, sorry about missing you, but I was in a bit of a rush going east.  I've decided to let younger butts to be certified as Iron, and take the easy way home.  Will figure out a route Sunday that heads westward in 200-300 mile stretches -- six or seven days to get back to the left coast.  Might catch you might head a different direction.  Don't know yet.

Hey Paladin, sounds like you're having fun.  I'd offer to help but I don't think you're coming this far east.  Stay safe.

And US 60 goes straight through Clovis NM  

Be sure you take US-60 through Globe, AZ and not 260 through Payson. 260 is pretty boring but 60 is spectacular. Phoenix can be a pain but you can take the 101 loop road to get around it and get back on 60 to Wickenburg where you'll grab 93 for the run into Kingman.

Another great road in AZ is 89 from Flagstaff to Congress. If your route takes you near Flag, that is one nice ride!

I'll be slaving at work tomorrow while you're out there doing what we all dream of <g>.

Take care,
Ken