Fly and Ride: MN to NH to MN in two days a.k.a. ST1100 Dreaming

My new bike:

I've been jonesing for a two-up bike for a while. Looked at GSs for a while. Decided on this sweet, sparkly, midnight black ST1100.

Location of new bike: Southwestern New Hampshire

Location of new owner: Saint Paul, MN

My Plan: Depart MSP Internation airport at 5am Saturday morning, fly to the general vicinity of the bike, get picked up by current owner (thanks in advance!), and ride it home over the weekend. Simple concept. Lots of miles. Around 1300 miles to be exact. I hope to be in my bed Sunday night and get to work on Monday. Temps look like they will be in the 50s maybe 60 tops so I plan to hit a hotel Saturday night (very late - hopefully near Erie, PA).

I've done big mile days many times before, but nothing quite this big. And this is my first big solo tour. I'm really looking forward to the time in the saddle!

I'll try and post pics along the way. Wish me luck. :)

Good luck, and

I'm packed and prepped a day early. Helmet in the pack. Lots of layers. IPod and spare battery. Route planned. Etc etc.

Good Luck, Be safe.
I'm in Elk River MN
I'll be watching your ride.

Gadget Man

Ride safe and have fun.

445 am on the plane. I decided to bring the wolf man tank bag as a carry-on. Hopefully I can mount it to the St in my allotted time. :)

So, did you buy this bike on E-Bay or something?
I bought my 97 BMW f650 on E-Bay about 3 years ago
From a guy in North Carolina. I spent $525. To have it
Professionally shipped to Minnesota. I could not have
Driven there and back with my trailer for that, so it was a
Great deal for me.
I admire your determination to go pick it up and ride it home.
What a great first story to go with your new bike, plus a nice
Quick mini vacation tour.
I hope you have a few Red Bulls in your tank bag , you may need them.

Safe travels.
Keep us posted.

Gadget Man.

...looks like a 'not too bad' weekend coming up. Have a great time!

Best of luck Trans. That oughta be challengin' and rewarding

A cool bike and a pretty cool new owner and a kinda bummed out ex owner who got his finger in the way of the photo. Sorry about that. Anyway picked up Transalper at the airport got him safe and sound through Boston and Metro Boston traffic. I think I only got him nerved up once about 2 hrs later get him to NH to meet his new steed It took him and the bike about 20 mins to get aquainted. and he was ready to roll. I was his wing man riding my DR 350 for about 25 miles to get him on the right track . It was great to meet you man and good luck on your trip ! Im gonna leave now and go cry in my Beer. Why the Hell did I sell that bike again .

You'll make that schedule easy.

Welcome to New England and I hope you enjoyed the ride west aboard your new scoot. Great country, eh?

Thanks 8ner, I'm loving the ST! It was a pleasure meeting you. Thanks for everything.

The twistiest in new England were beautiful. Then I hit new York.

I made it to Erie. It got a little cold the last hour tonight. Tomorrow morning will be a cold ride as well.

Cleveland.

I got a little late start this morning. Temps started in the 30s and are now in the 40s. Roads are pretty quiet. St is running great. 65 MPH is crawling on this thing. It just wants to go 90.

Oh yeah, happy Easter!

Flat repair west of Cleveland. :)

Sweet.

Flat repair sounds like a DIY on an Easter Sunday. Good luck and be safe on your trip.

Which tire? front one is always kinda easy. Rear not so much.

Rear. Plugged it. I'm in cheese land so its held! :)

Got home about an hour ago. That was a fun ride. I accomplished a lot of personal bests. Longest solo ride (1356 miles). Longest single day (860 miles). Longest sitting (276 miles).

Bikes are getting acquainted.

I dig this ST!



I have a fun story to share. Kind of a Zen moment. I'll write it up tomorrow.