Lessons Learned

This post is more for my own information than anything else... feel free to read but don't complain if they lack any entertainment value.

Lesson 1 - Clothes in luggage strapped atop the tour pack WILL get wet even with rain cover properly installed. Solution... either pack all close in hard saddlebags and tour pack, or protect them in plastic bags before packing. (Debbie "borrowed" some from the hotel before leaving New Orleans.)

Lesson 2 - Radio reception and choices vary greatly across the country. Solution...invest in Satellite radio.

Lesson 3 - Paper maps and online mapping programs are invaluable but on the road, do little to help locate businesses, return you to your hotel, or create new routes on the fly. Solution... buy a portable GPS.

Lesson 4 - Riding in the rain is OK as long as you can maintain visibility and stability. Problem is not getting wet, problem is that your ability to see and be seen, as well to maintain good contact between tires and pavement can deteriorate quickly at highway speeds leaving you searching for safe refuge.

Lesson 5 - One pair of jeans can be worn for 5 consecutive days if all you are doing is riding. Therefore if, when packing, you run out of room you could eliminate the extra pair saving room for more critical items.

Lesson 6 - Standard Harley Davidson tool kit does not contain all the sizes to complete basic repairs. If you are going to breakdown, a Flying J truckstop is a good place as you can buy almost anything there including additional tools.

Lesson 7 - Plastic zip ties can be used to make various repairs on the side of the highway and can prevent a lot of down time waiting on a tow truck.