This post is to announce my “Big Trip” of 2011. I have been delaying this post for some time even though I have been thinking about the ride since January. The reason for the delay has been due to the silliness at work which nearly made me cancel the entire trip due to financial reasons. This past weekend, I decided to just do it anyways. I will figure out the funding later. I would regret it if I didn’t.
My “Big Trip” for 2011 is to ride to the BMW MOA Rally in Bloomsburg, PA, visit the missing New England states, and then circle the Great Lakes back through Canada. Unfortunately, my wife can’t get the time off work this year, so I will be solo. I will be riding my 2001 BMW R1150GS as the SV needs a bit of TLC (chain, sprockets, and speedo cable). To save on funds, I will be camping as much as possible. If you have some suggestions, I would love to hear about it. Please use the “Contact” link above or leave a note in the comments!
As last year, I will be using google latitude, so you can follow my progress (see "current location” on the right side). I also hope to make regular posts and tweets as I’m travelling (depending on internet availability).
I plan to ride 4,000 miles, over three weeks, visiting fifteen states and two provinces. I hope to leave Minnesota on July 17 or 18th and then head east; I should be back in Minnesota by August 6th or 7th. This is the rough plan:
MN – WI – MI – OH – PA – MD – DE – NJ – NY – CT – RI – MA – NH – ME – NH – VT – QC – ON - MN
If you have suggestions on fun places to visit or ride, I would love to hear about it!
We had a lot of fun meeting up with people on our trip in 2010, so I would like to do that again. If you are interested in a meet-up during my trip, please use the “Contact” link above!
Looks like a fun trip to me.. can't wait to hear about the canadian roads around the northern part of the lakes... I've eyed those many times on the maps... I've enjoyed my time in the Northeast.. but surely havent been up there long enough to make any real suggestions.
ReplyDeleteChris, you are so much smarter than I. Silliness at work made me cancel my trip planning completely for this year due to lack of backup, and too anxious to just quit and do it anyway. Your route looks great and I am looking forward to the virtual pillion ride on the back of your GS. I hope the weather will play along so that you can enjoy the camping. I can't recall the last time I had three weeks off... when I am lucky I get a week...
ReplyDeleteI'd skip Hartford and ride along the shore line of CT, much prettier to see. I am in Waterford CT just off of I-95 exit 75, I have tet space available for you if you need it.
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ReplyDeleteI'll be interested in your meeting with blogging legend Jack Riepe! Do you have a reserved seat in the front row where you won't miss a single word of his sure to be riveting presentation?
ReplyDeletedom
note: a seat up front also guarantees delivery of "feedback" should he flub things. :)
Redleg's Rides
Colorado Motorcycle Travel Examiner
Glad you are going. I look forward to hearing all about it.
ReplyDeleteChris: I envy you and your big adventure. If Jack saves you a front row seat you will be sitting beside Steve Williams and Nikos. No Bloomsburg for us, it's just too far away. We'll be following you via: your photos
ReplyDeletebob
Riding the Wet Coast
That looks like a fantastic trip and I am sure you will see some spectacular places. It is a shame your wife cannot go with you. I have never been north of the Great Lakes and I have no idea what that part of Canada is like, so I look forward to finding out!
ReplyDeleteWilliam Huckaba: I've also been looking at those roads for sometime. this year is the year to see what they're like. If the southern shores are any indication, it should be great.
ReplyDeleteSonjaM: I don't know if I'm smarter, we'll find out later when I try to pay for the trip. I hope the weather cooperates as well. It'll be nice to get out and forget about work for a while.
Johns: Thanks for the advice and the generous offer. As I said on twitter, I will follow the shore line, and I'm interested in your tent space. It would be fun to meetup and hear about your alaska trip.
Dom: I am also interested in the meetup with Mr Riepe and RichardM from AK. I hope to sit up front, we'll have to see. Maybe he'll let me record his talk...
hmmm.. "feedback"
Keith: Thanks Keith!
Bob: Looks like RichardM from AK will be there too. I'll see if I can take a photo or two of food for you ;)
Gary: I hope to see some great scenery. It is a shame, but that how things work out it seems. It looks like it may be possible for her to fly out and meet me in Boston for a weekend, so that will be fun.
I was in Montreal once, but it was for work and I didn't see much except the inside of a cubical.
UPDATE: I made a short video of the announcement for the youtube crowd: http://youtu.be/UcVuoQHQxNg
ReplyDeleteDear Chris Luhman:
ReplyDeleteYou will be getting an invitation from me to arrive early for some coffee and donuts... I will be saving seats in the front for any bloggers who too the trouble to ride in or fly in to see me. And feel free to tape or photograph any part of my presentation, provided you can make me look thin. Watch your e-mail for my note.
Fondest regards,
Jack/reep
Twisted Roads
Dear Jack: looking forward to meeting you!
ReplyDeleteChris,
ReplyDeleteWe will meet Thursday night at the bar at the MOA event for sure and again on Friday when we attend Jack's presentation :-)
I am also offering tent space if you need, I'm in Jackson NJ not too far from the beach, I can take you on a short ride after work if you stop by during the week. It's nice to go to the shore in the afternoon.
Jack:
I have photoshop and can definitely make you look thinner, just make sure you have a seat for me at the front ;-) ha ha
You guys already have my e-mail, contact me.
George F: I'm looking forward to meeting you as well. (and of course the infamous Mr. Riepe).
ReplyDeleteTent space sounds good, lets go back and forth in email and see what the schedule looks like. A trip to the beach could be fun!