So I'm getting ready for my journey and checking out my borrowed steed.  Jack was kind enough to loan me his very nice 2005 V-Strom 650.  I changed the oil and filter, completed a auxillary light install, (Jack had started it), and give it a good going over.  Brakes, chain and sprockets, bolts tight, new tires are on the way but won't be installed till the last minute.  We hope to do some 6,000 mile and may be a little close on tire life.

                                                       The Borrowed Steed!

      

While day dreaming of my adventure I find myself on my computer looking at motorcycles for sale.  Jack recently bought a BMW R1200 GS and I've always lusted for such a machine.  I tell Joe and Jack that if I could find the right deal on one I might have to break my piggy bank.  Joe politely informs me that I shouldn't be interested in the big Beemer.  Why not you ask?  "All them guys that ride those BMW's turns into assholes" Joe says.  I think that was a dig at Jack and I was not to be dissuaded anyway.