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. 

Introduction

Please allow me to introduce myself.  My name is Schoo.  That is an old nickname that I was given while serving Uncle Sam in the U.S. Army.  I've been convinced by my wife that some people may like reading about the adventures in my life.  I don't think my life is anything to brag about but I've certainly enjoyed it so far.

 Recently I was asked by a friend if I would be interested in making a long motorcycle ride.  I thought "well of course I am" as if anyone would say no to such a proposition.  So anyway my buddy, Jack, begins to clue me in to the details of the impending journey.  The plan is to set out from our homes in North Central West Virginia and head west along the northern limits of United States territory.  We'll proceed west until intersecting the Great Continental Divide trail.  Then south along the trail until it looks as though we will have to turn east and run back toward home in time to make it to work (for some of us) on a Monday some sixteen days later.  

Once I learned that we would be riding all the way there and back and much of the riding would be off road or at least on unpaved roads I realized I didn't own a motorcycle capable of such a journey.  I do have some off road only bikes, and I do have some street only bikes.  I do not however own a dual purpose or dual sport motorcycle.  Jack then explains that he has recently purchased a bike he intends to use for the trip and I'd be welcome to his very nicely appointed V-Strom 650!  

Now the plan is coming together!