Welp, the shit’s getting real now. Just two weeks from now, I will have been launched out of the starting area, along with about 100 other riders to criss-cross the continent for 11 days. Preparation has been going well and I feel like the bike and I are mostly ready for the upcoming challenge. This is going to be fun!

Some updates on the prep work:

• The Mason Dixon 20-20 rally was a good test run and everything on the bike seemed to work flawlessly.
• I love the new Perfect Squeeze mount with the added wireless charger – my phone was fully topped off for the entire rally. Of course, now the new version of the MotoPowerPuck has been release, which fully integrates with the Perfect Squeeze. I’ve ordered the upgrade kit, but have not decided whether or not to install before the Big Dance.
• My new improved Hammy stick worked well, but is a bit longer when collapsed than will easily fit in the tankbag (though it does jam in there after expanding the top compartment). Picked up a different selfie-stick which seems almost as rugged, but folds up smaller.
• The Garmin inReach Mini tracking device is working fine, though I wish I could figure out how to add custom points to my spotwalla track with it (e.g. for marking bonus locations etc). For that reason, I plan to continue using the Bubbler GPS app on my cell phone during the IBR to mark all my bonus/gas/hotel stops, for benefit of those following along and for later enjoyment.
• All my paperwork has been gathered and verified for expiration dates. I’ve upped my insurance level to the required coverage for the event. I’ve prepared a 3-ring binder with all relevant rally correspondence, hotel reservations, and other related items.
• A couple weeks back, I re-drained the coolant and replaced the washer for the right cylinder drain bolt, which had been leaking after re-using the old washer. I now have four spare washers for the future.
• Also repaired a small oil leak on the right valve head cover with some fresh RTV sealant.
• New tires have been installed on the bike, thanks to my favorite tire changers Jim and Keely at Break’r Bikes in Exeter NH.

Glad I purchased the extra Goodyear Tripletred car tire last year when they were still available. The old one still has about half its life left, so I kept it for later use. While balancing the rear wheel, Jim noticed some extra play in the plate assembly of the driven spline. After some quick research, I determined it was likely the black rubber dampers contained within the assembly and ordered them overnight from my local dealer. The shipping was about double the cost of the part, but I can’t afford to have the bike sitting around at this stage of the game. I need to continue to put mile in to condition myself for what’s to come.

I’ll be making a run up to Americade in Lake George NY for an RTE with some friends this week, and will probably do a few more local short rides before setting off for Greenville next week. Just a final oil change to go, including final drive. Other than that, I am staging all my gear on a folding table in the family room and going through all my checklists to minimize mistakes and ensure I have everything I might need.