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General Discussion => Trips/Ride reports => Topic started by: exiledcarper on October 01, 2007, 03:44:51 am

Title: across America by Bullet
Post by: exiledcarper on October 01, 2007, 03:44:51 am
It's a long standing ambition of mine to one day ride across the States, coast to coast.  It seems likely that my next bike will be a Bullet, or possibly an Electra.  I'm wondering if anyone has been brave enough to go coast to coast by Enfiled?  I realise that interstates would be best avoided for such a trip, but feel it should be possible on a well set up Bullet at suitably moderate speeds.  After all, they are regularly ridden to the top of the world , on awful roads, in their country of origin.  So, has anyone done it yet?
Title: Re: across America by Bullet
Post by: Foggy_Auggie on October 01, 2007, 05:56:43 pm
Here's a route I gave an English friend who wants to do a U.S. coast to coast on a Ducati.

This route is wide TWO lane with the occasional three passing lane in mountains.  It is noted as one of the most scenic routes East of the Mississippi River (Appalachian Plateau).  Speed limits no more than 65 MPH - can tuck in behind trucks at 55 MPH.

It starts in Wash. D.C. on Pennsylvania Avenue (White House, etc) and is U.S. 50.  Best to pick it up in Maryland.
U.S. 50 West to Dodge City, Kansas.
At Dodge City take U.S. 83 South into the Texas Panhandle.
Pick up U.S. 60 West in the Panhandle.
U.S. 60 West goes through central New Mexico and Arizona.
U.S. 60 merges into Interstate 10 at the California border.
I-10 goes to Los Angeles and is typical California Kamakaze driving.  Best to use California road map and choose sensible routing.

Regards, Foggy
Title: Re: across America by Bullet
Post by: stipa on October 01, 2007, 08:33:32 pm
Man, I just wish I had the TIME to do that. 
Title: Re: across America by Bullet
Post by: Thumper on October 01, 2007, 08:48:14 pm
Man, I just wish I had the TIME to do that. 


Me too!
Title: Re: across America by Bullet
Post by: luoma on October 01, 2007, 11:58:28 pm
I'm in. Just so long as my develops amnesia and forgets she's married. As far as the RE being able to do it, I don't see why not. I read an article on the Buzz section about a guy who has 44000 miles on an iron head bullet. I have nearly 5000 miles on mine and haven't had any real problems. Considering the US is not even close to being 5000 miles accross, it should be a piece of cake.
Title: Re: across America by Bullet
Post by: RagMan on October 02, 2007, 12:15:46 am
Given mended foot area, and fuel money, good tent, pad, and food, I would do it happily, in a heartbeat. The Bullet is very capable of doing most things, albeit slowly. Keep below 65 and it will run all day.  (with rare stops for fuel)
Title: REndevous, Was: across America by Bullet
Post by: Thumper on October 03, 2007, 01:54:19 pm
So here's a thought for the adventurous:

We plan an early summer REndevous: Multi-state by nature, and a week in duration (a couple of days to and from and a couple of days riding).

Location is dermined by participants who are commited to attending.

We plot each person's starting point on the map and draw a circle to encompass everyone.
Pinpoint the center of the circle - and that's where we meet.

It would be ideal to hook up with others nearby or along the way.

Any interest in developing this into a plan?

Matt
Title: Re: across America by Bullet
Post by: RagMan on October 03, 2007, 02:31:52 pm
Go for it..  I would be interested - time constraints are few, with me.
Title: Re: across America by Bullet
Post by: Spitting Bull on October 05, 2007, 11:46:40 pm
Count me out.  If I joined in it would mean that the meeting-place would be somewhere in the North Atlantic.   ;D

Tom
Title: Re: across America by Bullet
Post by: Thumper on October 05, 2007, 11:56:49 pm
Go for it..  I would be interested - time constraints are few, with me.

Well if it's just you and me IB, then we have to promise not to talk politics!  :D

Matt
Title: Re: across America by Bullet
Post by: RagMan on October 06, 2007, 06:15:02 am
I write politics.. I never talk them.
Title: Re: across America by Bullet
Post by: TRider on October 08, 2007, 10:32:03 pm
Go for it..  I would be interested - time constraints are few, with me.

Count me in this adventure in 5 years.  I plan to retire at 66 and one of my plans is to see the US by motorcycle.  I don't see why a Bullet Electra wouldn't do the job.  A Royal Enfielld would just make the trip more exciting and would certainly be a conversation starter along the way. 

Title: Re: across America by Bullet
Post by: StL_Stadtroller on October 30, 2007, 05:42:34 pm
go for it!

In my Iron Butt riding, I clocked up somewhere north of 11,000 miles on my '01 model.
I did have a fair share of problems along the way, but an important lesson learned was that the things most likely to fail were things that I had monkeyed with myself.
KEEP IT STOCK, or as stock as possible, and you'll probably have no issues - or at least none that would end the trip.

I eventaully sold that bike, but have the itch again and am trying to get my hands on a deal for a Military Model.

I plan on attempting the IBA "Ultimate Coast to Coast" with it... Key West FL to Prudhoe Bay, AK in 30 days.

see ya on the road!
Title: Re: across America by Bullet
Post by: Leonard on October 30, 2007, 10:10:38 pm
go for it!

In my Iron Butt riding, I clocked up somewhere north of 11,000 miles on my '01 model.

Brian,
  Please understand that I am not challenging your IB status but the Royal Enfield Community Newsletter - September, 2006 Volume 8, Number 9 has a report on Rick Germain of Rochester, NY and his Aug '06 Saddlesore 1000 on a Bullet.  They said that they weren't aware of any other Bullets doing this.  It sounds as though you have far surpassed Germain's feat and I for one would like to see you get credit.  Can you fill us in?
REgards,
Leonard
Title: Re: across America by Bullet
Post by: StL_Stadtroller on October 30, 2007, 11:09:28 pm
go for it!

In my Iron Butt riding, I clocked up somewhere north of 11,000 miles on my '01 model.

Brian,
  Please understand that I am not challenging your IB status but the Royal Enfield Community Newsletter - September, 2006 Volume 8, Number 9 has a report on Rick Germain of Rochester, NY and his Aug '06 Saddlesore 1000 on a Bullet.  They said that they weren't aware of any other Bullets doing this.  It sounds as though you have far surpassed Germain's feat and I for one would like to see you get credit.  Can you fill us in?
REgards,
Leonard

No problem Leonard,
And thanks for filling me in on Rick's ride too - as far as I knew, I was still the only one with a RE in the IBA books. No way I'd attempt a SaddleSore on the Enfield! that's quite a feat!
My ride was the "Tour Master", chosen specifically because I would not have to push the interstate travel and could take up to a year to complete the challenge at my own pace.

As a matter of fact, as I look at the IBA ride finisher database, http://www.ironbutt.com/rides/rideslogin.cfm (http://www.ironbutt.com/rides/rideslogin.cfm) it still only lists one RE - mine. Did Rick not file w/the IBA for his ride?
Then again - I just noticed that it seems out of date. Anyone have a link for a current list?

A while back I was contacted by someone - who may have been Rick - seeking advice on doing an Iron Butt, he was going to try the SS1K.  I never heard from him again. Later, I heard through my dealer (Slam Dunkus) that Keven said he arrived at the REoA headquarters "looking like the bike had dragged him there, and delerious".
So I never knew if either of these guys - if they were 2 separate individuals - ever successfuly completed their rides. Since no one turned up in the IBA finishers database, I assumed not.

Anyway, from Sept 23, 2003 - Sept 23, 2004 I covered 139 parks in 27 states, and clocked somewhere between 11,000 - 13,000 miles (my speedo crapped out somewhere in the middle and had to be replaced, and I lost the slip of paper I wrote my old mileage on!)
I had a full account and pictures up on my web page www.fivehundredcc.org but that is currently down right now for a re-design.
Hopefully I will have it back up soon. 

I just discovered this forum today and am enjoying it! Hi Kevin!  8)

Hopefully I'll soon be the owner of a 07 Military and will start prepping for the "Ultimate Coast to Coast" to run pobably in the summer of '09 (I'll need that long to save up a months worth of vacation time!)

Cheers,
Brian
IBA #21846



Title: Re: across America by Bullet
Post by: Leonard on October 31, 2007, 11:30:14 am
WOW!  I had no clue that the IBA rides were so extensive, well done.  I'm sure someone else on a Royal Enfield will add their name to the IBA record book one day but it won't be me. 
 I would forward you the newsletter but all the links seem to be broken.  Maybe Kevin or Rhett could revive it if you want to take a look at Mr Germain's story.  There was a topic about it on Yahoo's royalenfield group also if you are interested.
Title: Re: across America by Bullet
Post by: Foggy_Auggie on October 31, 2007, 04:58:33 pm
go for it!

 an important lesson learned was that the things most likely to fail were things that I had monkeyed with myself.
KEEP IT STOCK, or as stock as possible, and you'll probably have no issues - or at least none that would end the trip.


Good words to think about.

Regards, Foggy
Title: Re: across America by Bullet
Post by: RagMan on October 31, 2007, 06:34:21 pm
After modifying trucks, cars, boats and bikes I am starting to realize that such mods are best left to the rich and famous - every seriously modified vehicle I have had failed prematurely. The Enfield is going to change uses, but the engine stays stock.
Title: Re: across America by Bullet
Post by: dewjantim on November 03, 2007, 05:33:20 pm
Yeah, going to leave mine stock also. Well I might put in a 535 piston, cams, bigger carb, a little port work, stronger clutch springs, shift kit, change gearing, and a free breathing exhaust......yeah I like em stock too.......Dew.
Title: Re: across America by Bullet
Post by: cyrusb on January 11, 2008, 09:46:42 pm
On a bullet? Google " travelluna " ,youll get your answer.
Title: Re: across America by Bullet
Post by: gromit on February 04, 2008, 01:55:24 am
I see you guys are looking for me.  ;D  I did do an Iron Butt Saddlesore 1000 on my Bullet.  I haven't ever bothered to send in the recipts so it's up to the individual reader whether it counts to them or not...having been through it, it certanly counts to me.  (And now I may just get off my butt and send the folder to IBA)

Here's the write up I did at the time....the trip was a lot longer than the original 1000 miles...I'll post the whole thing.

Chapter 1. SaddleSore 1000 - NY to MN

     First things first.  Sorry for the delay in sending this.  I returned Friday but just couldn't get my mind around writing it up till now.  The report may ramble a bit, so if I miss anything or if anyone has any questions, please send them.  I decided to break the trip report into three parts as it was getting kind of long.  This is the Saddlesore 1000 part.

   I would be seriously remiss if I didn't start by thanking Peter Askey at Uncommon Motorcycles and Kevin and the whole gang at Classic Motorworks.
Without their generous support (and my knowing that I would disappoint them if I didn't give it my all) this trip would not have happened.  Special thanks to Jim at Classic for the wrenching assistance.

   The Plan:  Travel from my home in Rochester, NY to Classic Motorworks in Faribault, MN in under 24 hours to qualify for a "Iron Butt Association" certified Saddlesore 1000.  This is the 'entry level' qualification for this organization which promotes safe long distance motorcycling.  After completing the SS1K, travel north then east along the top of the Great Lakes till I reach the end of Lake Ontario then turn south and then west for home.  Do it all within 100 hours to also qualify for a "Great Lakes Challenge" from the IBA.

   The Preparation:  Bike was purchased from Uncommon Motorcycles and delivered July 3, 2006.  A careful break-in followed with progressively longer rides for the first 1800 miles.  Bike is stock Bullet Classic with solo seat, free flow muffler and rejetted 28mm Micarb, windshield (thanks to Peter), home-brewed throttle lock and full size headlamp.I added a tankbag and saddlebag/pillion bag setup all from Nelson Rigg.  I carried the basic toolkit, spares for the cables and a tire tube, rain gear and an extra quart of oil.  A sheepskin 'buttpad' from Alaska Leather topped the solo seat.

   The Trip:  At 3:30 PM East Coast Time I left Rochester and headed west towards Minnesota.  I traveled on I-90 almost the whole way, staying in the right lane and traveling between 55 and 60 mph.  I wore a yellow/black rain jacket with a bunch of reflective tape on it to keep from getting run down from behind.  It worked but it was a less than perfect plan.  One eye on the road, one eye on my mirrors for the next 22 hours.  Trip got off to a less than auspicious start as I noticed oil on top of the crankcase after about 30 minutes on the road.  No reason to stop could be seen when I shut her down and took a look at the situation but it was to concern me most of the trip.

Weather was great for the first roughly 500 miles and traffic was very light.  I kept a close eye on my oil level and added about 1/10 of a pint at each stop.  Gas consumption ended up around 55mpg for the first 1000 miles and top speed attained was 63mph.  Bike could have gone faster but I want to keep her beyond this journey.  Heavy rain outside Chicago tested my resolve and I did take a nice 1/2 hour breakfast break at a rest stop in Belvedere, IL.  Rain got me again in Wisconsin and I was in and out of it until the Minnesota border.  A quick run past Rochester, MN and up I-35 from Owatonna to Faribault and I was there.  I got gas to get an ending receipt and had Jim at Classic sign my end verification at 1:15 PM Central Time.  Some minor wrenching on the bike and we agreed to meet the next day at Classic when they opened.  Kevin put me up for the night at a hotel with a Hot Tub.  He is a Man among Men.

   Things I Learned:  *That* wasn't easy.  Bike ran well despite the oil leak that we sorted at Classic (plugged breather line).  Bike got 55 mpg fully loaded.  A chain stretches significantly in 1000 miles if it's relatively new.  Oil leaks, while scary, shouldn't stop you-just keep it topped off, press on and fix the problem when you are able.  The RE design, while dated, is capable of amazing endurance.  Don't be afraid to take your Bullet on a long journey...I'm typing this from home and it got me here.

   Next:  The Journey round the Lakes.
Title: Re: across America by Bullet
Post by: gromit on February 04, 2008, 01:56:11 am
Chapter 2 – Journey Around the Lakes

When we left off Rick G was soaking in a Spa and eating Tylenol in Faribault, MN...

Upon getting up well rested Tuesday morning I went down to visit some more with the good folks at Classic Motorworks.  Kevin was there to greet me as was Jim, Tait and the rest of the gang.  This is a class group of people.  I told Kevin the story of my journey so far and he put Jim back to work on my bike.  Kevin wanted to make sure that everything was 100% good before I hit the road again.  How many folks can say they had the owner and CEO of their motorcycle company out running around town at 9AM getting the necessary crankcase fluids for them.  Kevin did it for me and I am grateful.

The plan originally had me continuing around the Great Lakes and finishing by 7PM local time on Thursday for a 100 hour circumnavigation.  My experience of riding for 22 hours straight and seeing nothing but the rest areas of I-90 had me rethinking this plan.

Some discussion with Jim regarding routing had me heading back to Wisconsin and up some scenic roads up to Duluth, MN then on up to Canada.  Plan was to take WI-35 north to Duluth.  This road gives some nice views of the Mississippi River.  One small problem cropped up with regards to routing.  A detour took me about 60 miles out of my way as a section of WI-35 was closed.  If I had any hopes of finishing my trip in 100 hours, they were fading fast.  Might as well make the rest of the trip a 'flower sniffing' journey.  This turned out to be a wise decision.

Only incident that stands out on Tuesday is the bee that managed to make it up my sleeve at 50 mph and proceeded to sting the hell out of my inner forearm.  I'm not allergic but he must have pumped some serious poison into my arm because I looked like Popeye for the next couple of days.  Bike continued to run well but I was still getting a bunch of weeping of oil out of the hoses from the crankcase and timing box.  I made it a bit beyond Duluth before bedding down for the night in a cottage that I will kindly describe as 'rustic'. The shower was hot and the bed was comfy.  Life was good.

Wednesday morning dawned over Lake Superior with a continuation of the high pressure system that had begun the previous day.  I started the day about 150 miles from the Canadian border and my route brought me up Highway 61 which hugs the north shore of Lake Superior.  Words can't do this road justice, great views all the way with numerous scenic pulloffs and little traffic.  Highly recommended.

Border crossing was uneventful at Grand Portage and I pushed on towards Thunder Bay ON.

Route would now take me down HWY 17 with a 90 kph speed limit which is just about right for my Bullet. Between Thunder Bay and Nipigon there wasn't much to see, just mile after mile of pine forest.  After Nipigon the views began again in earnest with a more remote 'lake country' feel.  I spent the night in a motel in Marathon.  After 22 hours from Sunday into Monday and then 12 hours in the saddle on Tuesday and Wednesday, I'd be lying if I told you I wasn't bushed.

Thursday was my day to get home.  As I was in Marathon, ON, 894 miles from home, I could plainly see that that wasn't happening today.  Might as well enjoy the ride.  Continuing on HWY 17 I went through Lake Superior Provincial Park.  WOW.  Sweeping turns, great views, few cars and the smell of fresh pine.  It doesn't get much better than that.  Unfortunately after two days in the bush on HWY 17 I ended back up in civilization in Sault Ste. Marie.  Why does every cage driver seem to want to run me down here?  A quick sandwich and I'm out of here.  A look at my map and I'm considering other routes home.  No sense going around the east end of Lake Ontario since my 100 hours is up for the Great Lakes Challenge.  Oh well, one door closes and another one opens.

There's a ferry from South Baymouth to Tobermory around Georgian Bay. 
I've never been there and I've heard it's beautiful.  I'm heading that way.

As if the cars trying to kill me aren't enough, I've been seeing Moose Warning signs since just north of Duluth and I'm familiar with the danger, I have a cousin in Maine.  What I wasn't prepared for was the +/- 200lb black bear that ran out in front of me at 50 mph just outside Spragge.  There had been a train derailment there fairly recently and it was 7:30 PM and the workers heading home down the tracks which run parallel to the road spooked it out and right in front of me.  It scrambled across, leaped over the culvert on the other side and misjudged the slope of the hill past the culvert.  A bear face-plant followed.  Better him than me.  I was shaking and laughing at the same time.  I couldn't have missed him by more than a few feet.

Wow...this is a long one....

Next : THE HOME STRETCH
Title: Re: across America by Bullet
Post by: gromit on February 04, 2008, 01:57:02 am
Chapter 3 – The Home Stretch

We left off on Thursday evening with a bear encounter and a decision to make a try for the ferry to Tobermory.

After missing the bear I pulled off for a few minutes to get my thoughts together and check my route.  I didn't have a ferry schedule but since it was the high season, I figured it would be doing the maximum number of runs it could.  The turn south in Espanola answered my questions regarding the ferry schedule.  A 'Ferry Information' kiosk was set up at a hotel and I pulled in.  A very kindly seasoned citizen that was behind the desk looked at the schedule and informed me the ferry was leaving South Baymouth at 10:30 PM.  No problem.   I was 72 miles away and I had two hours to get there.

A spirited run down route 6 towards South Baymouth followed.  Of course as luck would have it I went on reserve about halfway there and having never run the bike totally out of gas, I had no idea how far the reserve would get me.  I had a feeling I might find out tonight.

The gas held out and I pulled into South Baymouth (passing a closed gas station) at 10:05 PM. Perfect, plenty of time to get my ticket before the ferry sails.  I pull onto the dock and all the cars, trucks and passengers are gone (it's one of those circular pull-up deals, so I can't see the ferry yet).  This ain't good.  I make it around to see the ferry 30 yards from the dock and heading out.  Seems the seasoned citizen in Espanola probably should have put on her glasses to check the schedule for me, the ferry leaves at 10PM.

The ride up had left me shivering and out of gas so I asked one of the loaders where I could spend the night.  He told me about John Budd Memorial Park where (free) overnight camping was allowed.  It was less than 1/4 mile from the ferry which fit my gas situation and free which fit my finances.  I slept under the stars, saw a shooting star as soon as I lay down and had a great dark-sky view of the Milky Way all night long.  In the morning I discovered the park wasn't as primitive as I thought, clean bathrooms with a shower were available.

After breakfast and a fill-up I boarded the ferry for the 9:10 am sailing (I checked the schedule myself this time) and tied the bike down with 3 others in the bow of the ship.  First on - first off, nice.  The ferry trip is two hours and scenic.  A bargain at $29 Can.

I wish I could say the rest of the trip was beautiful vistas and wildlife encounters but it was more of a grind to get home.  Bike continued to run perfectly and I had replaced the 'C' clips on the oil lines with small radiator type hose clamps on the third day which solved the problem of oil leaking onto the top of the engine.  I chugged along to Niagara Falls for the border crossing where I waited in traffic for 2 1/2 hours as it was now late afternoon on Friday, Labor Day weekend.  DOH!

An oil leak from my tappet cover (I'm still diagnosing that one) scared me a bit in the home stretch but bike and rider made it home safe, sound and glad to be out of the saddle by 9:30PM.

I haven't figured out gas mileage for the trip with half of my receipts being in liters and half being in imperial but my best guess is 60 mpg.  I used 2 1/2 quarts of oil, most of which was lost due to the breather set-up which I am currently working to eliminate/improve.  The problems really come when you push the bike hard, if I never ran it above 50, I probably could have finished without putting any oil in the bike.  Total trip mileage 2688 indicated, 2553 approximate actual (.95 conversion factor, bike indicates 100 miles for every +/- 95 traveled).

Post ride inspection revealed only one other problem cropping up, the air filter mounting bracket had rubbed the coil and a small hole has formed, weeping coil-juice.  I don't think we would have gotten much farther with that situation going on.  If you have a stock air cleaner setup, you might want to pull it off and check clearances.  I fixed mine with a washer and some JB Weld on the coil until I can get a replacement.

I can say that I would take the Bullet anywhere (that I can stay off the interstates).  It's a hardy little beast.

Questions can be addressed to the lists (I've cross posted on Bullet-Mania and RoyalEnfield) or via email at rickg@rochester.rr.com.

Hope you enjoyed the trip.

Rick G
Title: Re: REndevous, Was: across America by Bullet
Post by: bob bezin on February 08, 2008, 03:30:21 pm
So here's a thought for the adventurous:

We plan an early summer REndevous: Multi-state by nature, and a week in duration (a couple of days to and from and a couple of days riding).

Location is dermined by participants who are commited to attending.

We plot each person's starting point on the map and draw a circle to encompass everyone.
Pinpoint the center of the circle - and that's where we meet.

It would be ideal to hook up with others nearby or along the way.

Any interest in developing this into a plan?

Matt

Title: Re: across America by Bullet
Post by: bob bezin on February 08, 2008, 03:35:27 pm
it sounds like fun  has anyone signed up? where would the starting point be? i am
in viroqua wis. 30 miles south of lacrosse.  i hope this post winds up under the quote
from thumper
Title: Re: across America by Bullet
Post by: Kevin Mahoney on February 08, 2008, 08:22:21 pm
This is a GREAT idea
Title: Re: across America by Bullet
Post by: Bankerdanny on February 08, 2008, 10:54:07 pm
Bob,

Sounds like fun. I am in Evanston (Chicago).

You should start a new threead for this.
Title: Re: across America by Bullet
Post by: luoma on February 10, 2008, 03:23:55 am
Where I'm at, I'd have to do a cross-country ride to get to the starting point of a cross-country ride.
Title: Re: across America by Bullet
Post by: geoffbaker on March 19, 2008, 04:35:21 pm
I'm planning a July trip from Tucson to Seattle. Maybe I could take a slight detour eastwards... :D
Title: Re: across America by Bullet
Post by: bob bezin on March 19, 2008, 08:17:21 pm
bankerdanny
 If you wanted to go to the fairabault rally 3rd week of june (21) you could take hwy 12 or 14 northwest to madison wis than 14 west to my place . maybe spend the night . and we could ride up to the rally.  of course every one els is invited to camp here on my 40 acers
Iam about 90 miles west of madison wis. this would fulfill the origional idea of a group ride
and get one to the rally.    bbezin@ yahoo. com  for directions
Title: Re: across America by Bullet
Post by: Bankerdanny on March 20, 2008, 07:54:30 pm
Actually my father lives in Dubuque, about half way to Faribault. Since I bought my bike from him I'm sure he would love to see what I have done with it.

I might go to the rally. I am planning on going to a vintage motorcyle show in Kalamazoo Michigan June 8th <http://www.gilmorecarmuseum.org/html/events.php> but I might try to make it up to Minnesota too.
Title: Re: across America by Bullet
Post by: clamp on June 06, 2008, 03:49:18 am
Can limeys go as well.

   I dont have a bike ,--I would have to rent a one way.

    I know you can do this on a Harley!!  would that be cheating?

    Ive never been to America,--do I need to get a gun? I could borrow my dads under and over.
Title: Re: across America by Bullet
Post by: Leonard on June 07, 2008, 01:44:22 pm
Can limeys go as well.

   I dont have a bike ,--I would have to rent a one way.

    I know you can do this on a Harley!!  would that be cheating?

    Ive never been to America,--do I need to get a gun? I could borrow my dads under and over.

Everyone is welcome, bike brands don't matter, check out http://www.enfieldmotorcycles.com/forum/index.php/topic,1286.0.html
http://www.enfieldmotorcycles.com/buzz/2008/cmw_reunion.html
for more info.  No, you don't need a gun unless you plan to hunt.
Title: Re: across America by Bullet
Post by: REpozer on June 07, 2008, 10:11:01 pm
Clamp, if you do make to America, and stay on 2-lane black top, you will meet people in smaller towns that are hard working and generally very kind (if you don't mock them).I think you will be fine without a gun.Most of us don't live or believe the Hollywood life style potraid on the movies.
Title: Re: across America by Bullet
Post by: clamp on June 08, 2008, 04:02:49 am
Oh Ok its sounds nice then. I am just making out my packing list.

   I got some discount on some cowboy boots that I was told is imperative or they would spot me as a limey straight away, I have also been advised to get some spurs so they jingle a bit when I push open the little doors you have on all the bars and the piano player stops. You just gotta have jingly spurs at that point as you walk to the bar and say " a cup of tea please"   Then you spin around with the rain still dripping from the hat --black hat of course and scowel at everybody ,--then the piano player starts again and everybody is happy.

     Its at that point that the local prostitute slides up and says wanna good time big boy?

      Errrr m   I dont know what to say at that point,--thats when I would turn to you Enfied riders and say,-----  can I borrow 50 cents,--- for the tea!!!
Title: Re: across America by Bullet
Post by: REpozer on June 08, 2008, 07:24:39 am
Just come as you are.
Title: Re: across America by Bullet
Post by: clamp on June 08, 2008, 08:50:16 am
Oh Ok ,, actually im a bit scared of America, as I say Ive never been and I have heard that  I could drive down the wrong street in New york and end up in the Bronx where I may be approached by some big back men with cars that bounce up and down a lot.

      Seriously I was going to go years ago but all they could offer me was fly drive. That meant they give me a car when I got there,---but--but I dont know where I am,-- I dont want to end up down that street where  the bouncy cars are.

      I have no friends,--well not that can go off  to the USA on thier own ,--I mean without the trouble and strife,"  Ohhhh no I couldnt do that ,what would the wife say"   So I gotta go it alone.    How long does a gun license take these days.

     I watched Crocodile Dundee in New york, he seemed to do ok and got a policeman to take him on his horse.   Oh Oh and look what happened to that Bradd pitt in Ghost.

     Na Na--  maybe I should go to Wiomin where the Erps live and Buffalo bill,--I suppose he is dead now.
Title: Re: across America by Bullet
Post by: jest2dogs on June 12, 2008, 08:56:13 am
LOL!!

Get a big gun and you can go anywhere ya' want...

No, really, your British accent will charm the pants out of most folks and you can remind the others of whence they came. Only the Native Americans are native y'know, and even they wandered in over the Siberian land bridge ages ago.

I don't know much of M/C hire except that it can be 'spensive. Rent an Enterprise Mitsubishi Gallant* and come as you are. (*I rented one while on the east coast at Xmas and was impressed, speed, comfort and economy.)

Don't worry about the cost of gas. It's still cheaper here than there and your pound is worth nearly twice our dollar. Americans are just warming up (whining) to what the rest of the world pays...

If you really are worried about the Big Apple, don't go there! Keep your doors locked and your tank full.

Oh, and remember, we don't joust here, so we drive on the right.

-Jesse
Title: Re: across America by Bullet
Post by: REpozer on June 16, 2008, 01:15:58 am
Oh Ok ,, actually im a bit scared of America, as I say Ive never been and I have heard that  I could drive down the wrong street in New york and end up in the Bronx where I may be approached by some big back men with cars that bounce up and down a lot.

     

     Clamp I don't understand your fear of men with big backs driving cars with faulty suspension systems.
 I do realize most of us should lose a few pounds . Most people drive newer cars that have good handling characteristics. ???