malders

Thanks David! I'm hoping also to record some of it from my handle bar mount phone. I'll try and post some of the better clips if I can get some decent footage. Maybe I'll do a video diary for the trip to share.

This looks pretty awesome. Anyone have experience with this style on 1st generations?

Thanks! Putting it on my calendar. Not sure if we'll be able to make it this year due to other plans. But I will certainly try.

I grew up there. Was planning on stopping by to see some family before hitting the road. I'm over in Enfield, just West of Ithaca by a few miles.

I checked out the snagglestuds. Those are freaking sweet. Please pardon my excitement. How do I get me some of those? or at least one?

Do you know how big a phone it will accommodate? I have a Samsung Note II, which it absurdly large at 81.5mm x 151.1mm. I looked at the link but didn't see any indication as to device size accommodations.

I'll kick off a bit North of you, in Hector, just north of Watkins Glen, on 414. I'll be hitting up 220 for a stretch as well, looks like a great ride. Was thinking I would ride through Tennessee though instead of NC. How is the Blue Ridge Parkway traffic wise? My destination in Atlanta is in NW ATL. I found a pretty quiet route into the city (as quiet as into a dense city can really get), that only has me on 10 miles of basically two lane, and 1.3 miles of city traffic to pull up at the venue. Never ridden in a city that big before, and honestly, I'm a bit worried about it. I'm not a white knuckle driver though, even when I'm nervous, so I'm hoping I'll just settle into it.

And for those of us who don't have credit cards? I know, it's pretty strange this day in age, but I really only like to spend money I have, rather than incur debt. Have enough students loans I'm still payin' off as it is. I am assuming that this is for emergency contingencies, but do you think it is really something critical? Like, mission critical, an abort without kind of deal?

Wow, thank you for the warm welcome and extensive reply Puc. For a tent, I'll be rockin' a hammock tent. Like this one: http://hammockcompany.com/product/explorer+deluxe+asym+by+hennessy+hammocks.do?sortby=ourPicks&refType=&from=fn They pack tiny, great for super comfortable solo sleep, and only weighs 3.6 pounds. Don't think I'll be pooping it up in any parking lots (unless a couple of campers wanna let me tie it up between them), but I'll definitely heed that warning for any trips with the wife when we bring our larger tent. I also will have with me a torso length camping pad, it's what I would usually use when sleeping in the hammock. The gas line thing, this is gold. Pure gold. Thanks! If I can set aside some time to pull the pump before the trip, I will give a look just in case. I haven't yet had any time to be tinkering with it AT ALL. I've never gotten a flat on any bike before, hold on, let me knock on some wood . Aside from maintaining control of the bike, what should I do besides call AAA? Is there a tire patch kit I can buy somewhere? Hadn't though about an air compressor. Of course I keep a tire gauge in my regular kit, but I previously just always topped them at gas stations (usually check when I fill the tank). Maybe we're spoiled in my little area, but is it not common everywhere to have air pretty readily available at the local pumping station(s)? I get needing a pump with you though, and if it fits, it sits. The Glen Curtiss Museum in Hammondsport, is the one you're thinking of, I think. Totally agree, awesome place. For anyone who hasn't been there, if you get a chance, just go. Really, it's awesome, worth a little sidetracking for. Where do I go to get a spare key made? Sorry if this is a dumb question. Didn't get an extra set with the bike. Can I just go to my local locksmith? Thanks again for all of your great advice. This place rocks!

Thanks! I plan to also keep a paper map with me for when the cell doesn't get reception. I have a bluetooth device for riding, so I get my music and GPS turn by turn in my ear, without having to worry about engine noise preventing me from hearing it (can't hear a damn thing over the two stoke bliss of a 76' RD400, one of my earlier bikes). If it's there on the handlebars, I would rather keep my eyes on the road than it, so gotta have it in my ears.

Hey all! I'm new here, but I've been lurking for a little bit. I just bought a very well maintained '88 Venture (Standard, not Royale), with only 21k on it. So now of course, I'm planning my first first solo ride: 15 days, from the Finger Lakes region of NY, with a couple of extended stays in Atlanta, and to Central FL for a couple of days. Not just the first solo ride on this bike, but first all together other than 100 or so miles here or there. I'm an avid pool/billiards player, and shooting in the NAPA Nationals(North American Poolshooters Association- for anyone unfamiliar), competing in the 8, 9 and 10 ball events. First event starts the 13th, and if I shoot well, I'll have a break for the 17th and 18th before the next two events start back to back. Since it is my first real solo trip, I'm planning on avoiding highways for the most part, and taking some really great scenic routes. I have the route plotted out already, and would be happy to post if anyone wants to tag a long for a lag. I'll also be camping along the route in some state parks etc., until I get to Atlanta. Right now trying to book an AirBnb just outside ATL for my time there. We'll see how that pans out. What I'm looking for most, are any tips anyone has for a my first long ride. Any common issues I might keep an eye out for on my Venture, as I will only have it on the road for a few weeks prior to my trip. Though, she runs really great, and I don't expect to have trouble, I like to be prepared. I can certainly turn a wrench when needed, though I'm not yet that familiar with this machine. Any suggestions for carrying my cues along, without risking them being damaged, would also be much appreciated. Also, a good source for handlebar mount cell phone/GPS brackets, that work well with the Venture handlebars. Next weekend I'm gonna wire in a cigarette lighter, so I can also charge my cell which I'll use for my GPS.