Pre-trip: May 10-13

OK - in case anyone wonders what my weird blog name is all about, here's a clue.  It's the bike's name.  Well, why name it that particular weirdness, you wonder.  Ah!  In Norse mythology, it is one of the two horses that pull the sun.  It means "Early Waker."

Which brings up this picture.  My motto for the trip and life in general.  Had it engraved and attached it to one of my saddlebags.  A.E. Houseman, if you're wondering.

So, it's been a hectic time.  Can't just run off and leave the domestic work undid.  Dusted the inside of the house.  So what?  Well, that's a big deal in a log house.  One must dust the walls, the ceilings and the beams.  Then I brushed sealant on some of the outside logs.  (I will give you my standard advice on log homes.  If you have the chance to buy one, pass it up.)  And the damned deck.  Sanded it, put two coats of sealant on it.  And did the even damneder railings.  And had some chairs reupholstered, and oiled some furniture, and got the sprinkler system up and running and repaired.  (Elk routinely stomp parts of it in the winter.)  And raked leaves, and spread  six yards of bark, and shampooed the carpets - twice.  That's how dirty the dogs get it in the winter when we let the so-and-sos in.  And got the bike ready, and the gear, and the packing, and learning techno stuff so I can use an IPad and a smart phone.  This from a guy who thought he was moving into the modern world when he took up wax and a stylus.  It sure beat the sharp stick and mud brick I'd been using.  Anyway, I'm looking forward to setting out tomorrow so I can nap on the bike.

I am a bit apprehensive.  It is many a long year since I've done something like this.  As we get older, we get comfortable in our routines.  I don't want to get too comfortable; it gets in the way of living.  So, an 8000 mile motorcycle trip seems in order.  One of the benefits of trip prep was that it made me get into the gym, get my resting heart rate down to 54, and my weight down 12 pounds.  There is a lot of weight left to lose, but at least I'm going in the right direction.

Still a number of things to do.  Next post will be after I have some miles under my belt.