Cheers from DC

[FiascoJ]

Hi DMF,

Venomousr1993 told me how awesome ya'all are so I'm going to stop lurking and formally introduce myself.

About me: I live in Arlington, VA (DC metro area). This is my third season riding. I have an '05 S4R in red (the fastest color). I recently bought an '03 600RR that will be my track bike.

Currently planning on a DC->Chicago->Salt Lake->Mt. Rushmore->Portland->LA trip in early July. I'm going with three other buddies (one of them has a S2R 1000). We're shipping the bikes from LA after the trip and flying back. Any advice for a trip like this? I'm planning on buying a DP touring seat and modifying a DP left saddle bag to fit on a tail-chop. (If anyone has a DP touring seat for sale, PM me please!)

Here's my monster and 600rr:

I'm sure I'll see some of you at some metro meetups soon!

Cheers,
Jacek

[Slide Panda]

Hola, I'm one of the other DC - well arlington brigands.

He mention CAM? That's just the local area section for DC metro. If not, here it is
http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?board=20.0

There's a couple threads in General monster about long distance so you might check in there or key an eye for advice. But here's my thoughts real quick.

- Carry as much on the bike vs yourself as possible. I did deals gap to arlington in a day with a (nice) back pack on and really didn't want to see that pack for a long time.

- Consider radio/bluetooth comms - makes it easier

- Sign up on ADVrider.com and read what those guys think.  A lot of knowledge and Looooong distance riders there.

[FiascoJ]

Thanks Slide!

He did mention CAM and I just added it to my homepage links.

Good call on carrying stuff on the bike. I will probably get a Cortech tail bag in addition the saddle bag. We were debating getting Scala systems, but some of the guys ride with ear plugs so I'm not sure that will work well. Thanks for the heads up on ADVrider!

Hope to ride with you soon.
/J

[Slide Panda]

Well, time for some shameless self promotion. After a fit of 'Crap i want some ADV stuff, but that list is getting expensive!" To "Hey, I've got that crap in the attic that I'm not using... time to sell!"

- I'm hocking a set of basically new cortech saddle bags, barely used tail bag, and well loved but still in great shape super mini tank bag - check CAM for my self promotions.

Re The Scala - it works fine - works better with plugs really. I have the original Rider unit. I tried it once without plugs and found it too loud without plugs and less distinct. The plugs filter out some of the random bike mechanical noise that made it harder to pick up on what what coming out of the speaker. Really, especially on long rides all the gang should be wearing plugs. The constant noise can damage your hearing over time. Also their are studies showing that in constant noise situations use of ear plugs reduced fatigue levels over time

[FiascoJ]

Hrm... a Cortech tail bag you say... check your PMs.

[Slide Panda]

Take a peek in CAM for my shameless self promotion sale thread.