Sunday, April 13, 2014

So I sat there pondering,

"Do I own a machine, or do I own a $4,000 toy, a run-around-town-and-do-errands fun toy 


that can occasionally get you the 30-miles to either Brunswick or Kennebunkport?"


So, I sat there thinking:

" What's the real difference between my machine and a comparable motorcycle?  I mean, you sit on it – right?  You twist your wrist to go, you grab the levers to stop, no? Of course, you need to shift a motorcycle, but other than that, I don't see any big difference.

Also true, some motorcycles can go faster, but I can hold 50 mph all day and get 68 miles to the gallon, so unless you want to zoom, speed's not a big factor.  Besides, who wants to go fast?  The idea is to enjoy the ride and 50 mph is plenty".

So I said to myself, "Self, why can't I ride my BV to Florida?  Why can't I ask my machine to hold 50 mph for say, about 11-hours, with a half-hour break for fuel and rest every two hours?"

I mean, I put 10,000 miles on my machine last year.  Did it know that I was only driving in Maine and so if it broke down it'd be no big deal, so it didn't break down?  So, I said to myself, "Self, why shouldn't it go 4,000 miles just as easily?"

Which brought me back to the first question: "Do I own a machine, or a $4,000 toy?"

I'm going with I own a machine.


So.

On 19 April, 2014, I'm heading out from South Portland, Maine to Spring Hill, Florida.  And... true to my wandering soul, it'll be a true peregrination as I stop to visit various relatives and friends along the way.

So.  Here we go....

Maine to Port Jervis, NY....

Port Jervis to Gaithersburg, MD....



Gaithersburg to Mineral, VA....



Mineral to Duluth, GA....


Duluth to Ocala, FL....

Ocala to Spring Hill, FL....

I invite you to join me as I wander southward.  I'm taking my Go Pro with me, and my laptop, and, given internet availability, I'll post my progress.  Of course, I'll be messaging my family and friends as I go along, and if you'd like the vicarious thrill of knowing where I am when I'm there, just text me at 2072525787 and say "Let Me Know!"

In the meantime, as that masked man always says, soon it will be....

Hi Yo, Piaggio, away!








16 comments:

  1. Awesome!

    I wouldn't hesitate if I had the time to do something like this! Even on my 125cc!

    Go for it and I will check in from time to time....

    Safe rides!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Deb. Always nice to get pleasant feedback. Check in often... watch how many Subways I eat and how many DD's I drink down.

      Delete
    2. Well, dang! You're livin' the life now, Buddy!

      Those are my mainstays on the road and at home!

      "Original Roast" rocks!


      Delete
  2. Good for you. I say part machine, part toy, all fun. Does it matter what you call it as long as it is reliable?

    Looking forward to following along. Any chance you are stopping to see our lovely BeemerGirl on your way down? I see Deluth on the list......

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ab so toot lee.
      Going to lay over with them for a day. Ride Pillion and let them show me the sights.

      Delete
    2. Toot Sweet! Pillion, four wheeler, BBQ, Dragon, Rock Eagle. Hmmm...a day is just not enough. We might just kidnap you and not let you leave.

      Delete
  3. Mike:

    That's great. Your scooter will never know that you left Maine. I see you have the touring bug. It's infectuous. Have a good time and snap lots of photos. That's an order !

    Are you bringing your tent ? Is BRW tagging along ? I know, too many questions

    looking forward to following you

    bob
    A weekend photographer or Riding the Wet Coast

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Bob... Unfortunately, my BRW is unable to tag along.... someone has to work you know. I will indeed snap lots of pictures, and yes, I am bringing my camping ensemble... tent, sleeping bag, the whole kit and caboodle.

      Delete
  4. MMMM....BBQ. Are we going to eat BBQ three meals a day??

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No.... There's snacks too you know. Don't forget them.

      Delete
    2. No pulled pork omelette?

      Sounds like a great trip!

      Delete
    3. Got it. You want BBQ flavored Pork Rinds!!!

      Delete
    4. Beemergirl:

      You're killing me. You mean 3 BBQ meals a day, plus snacks in between ? and then we also get dessert ? I'd be in except you are too far away.

      Mike:

      DD's and Subways? Now you're talking my language. We can squeeze those in, between the BBQ's


      bob
      A weekend photographer or Riding the Wet Coast

      Delete
  5. Don't forget to put a few rolls of toilet paper in a zip lock inside your bags. With all the barbeque you are going to need it! '=)

    When are you departing, pray tell, and what is your route?

    ReplyDelete
  6. Looking forward to the trip posts (post often!).

    Stay safe!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Mike, I'm late to the party.

    What an excellent ride!

    In for a penny, in for a pound, take it all the way to Key West!!

    ReplyDelete