Plan "B" - Skibum Soiree 2010 - and *really* good friends....

Well, here it goes, the story of plan "B" -

I'm starting this report early, as there is a long story in the beginning.....This one is sure to be a wild + crazy adventure......

Goodolguzzi and I have planned to ride the Trans-Labrador highway to the Skibum Soiree 2010 since last winter. He went out and bought a 650 X-Challenge to do the ride, and even tricked it all out with big tank + travelling gear.



That's GoodolGuzzi - next to his shiny new Challenge.

Fast forward to the end of July, and while riding with Carl (internal Combust) at the RA rally in Pownal, I hurt my wrist, something about a G450 and gravity makes for a bad combo.

Here's Carl on the way to the Rally.



Here is VTbeemer showing how to do it right.



I was having WAY too much fun.......



Then I make 1 teensy-weeny mistake. :eek1



Now, it doesn't look like I'm going to be riding through Labrador soon at this point, SUCK!



So, I PM GoodolGuzzi and drop the bomb - I'm out for the trip, so sorry.

Carl (Internal Combust) and Dan (VTbeemer) were the best at helping me get some medical care, and getting my machine loaded up after my Bride swooped in to sweep up my mess. She's a pro, she has picked me up at the E/R like 5 or 6 times in the last 15 years we've spent together, so she's "used" to getting that call. God love that Woman.

Settling into a nice comfy fiberglass cast, it's going to be a long 6-8 weeks without riding.



So the next weekend, after I get casted up, who shows up at my place on their bikes but GoodolGuzzi, Kaw4Life, and Vt-Stromer. I was thinking they came to "rub it in" but Goodol came up with "PLAN B" instead.

He remembers another machine of mine in the barn -



He suggests that he drive my sidecar rig to Newfoundland for the Soiree, and I should ride in the hack, as the convalescing monkey.

Whoa. This thought never crossed my mind!

:huh :eek1

This guy bought a bike for our trip, spent a lotta dough setting it up, and now, he still wants me to go on the trip with him, and (to me) seems to be making a big sacrifice to do it.

Riding a sidecar rig is fun, but totally different than riding a dual sport bike.

The rig has been there before - in 2007



Gotta get approval from many levels of Upper Management now, fianancial advisor, Doctor, Wife (it's her motorbike - really!) and so off I go in search of approvals all around.

The in-house consultant was hard to win over, but I did it.



Then after consulting with the Doc yesterday, it's seems to be a go -



Now, Skibum69 - the host of the party, doesn't know about my injury, as he is racing the Rally of Mongolia at the moment.



Doing great too, I might add.

A new set of tires needs to be fitted to the rig, and we have a departure date of the 28th or 29th of this month.

Wish us luck.

Friends! Riding monkey will give ya a total new view of the ride. Beats the hell out of the sofa while your healing. Enjoy the trip!

See you there! I never knew you could put a sidecar on the big GS so I'll have to check that out.

I'd volunteer to ride Goodolguzzi's X-Challange along during your trip. This way he won't be deprived of its warm comfort during those cool nights up in Labrador . But I'll be starting my six weeks down in S America in Bolivia around the time you guys are getting back. Sounds like a great plan!!

Have a great trip!!!

some one needs to merge these two threads

We'll stick with this thread from now on, as it seems as there is new action to report....



GoodolGuzzi and Junkyard washed up in the driveway today - fresh from the Guzzi Gig in the Adirondacks.



what is that dry run you speak of Dave?







:eek1

Good luck guys...I hope it all works out when does the main event start?

Awesome. Simply, awesome.

Sad seeing the X in the MZbahn covered up...looks kozy in flannel though



Not sure who was more nervous on the test run...Mrs.MZ, Mr.Mz or me!!!
Slightlyshakey start out the drive :huh ...but about halfway into our 35ish miles run MZsays...'doing great fella!"
phew...so i gave him my camera to start practicing



MZview





Pretty sure MZ's wickedcoolyounglady was very relieved to see us arrive back in one piece

Scott had to work overtime to get the uppermostlevel of management approval

Arms feel ok today...but i think i'll be glad that we have a leisurely 4-5 days to travel the 900ish miles to the Soiree

Scott even let me borrow his fancy seat for the Kanc blast home...ready for TransLab 2011

and the planning continues.................

Soooooo Jealous. The first 5 miles sure looked interesting...:eek1

Was fun watching you saw'n the steering back and forth trying to figure out the wiggles. I could totally hear the thoughts in your head. Sounds like you figured out to try to compensate less and got the ride height thingy dialed in. Way to go.

Happy Monday
Junkyard

Yo MZ....God speed up there...sure cool you sittin' in the TUB for a change.. Likey likey???

This ought to be good.

Maybe I'll run into you guys on the Rock as we're looping homewards from the Trans-Lab. I'll keep my eyes peeled!

--mark

The MZ's gave me homework...hopefully i can pass the 50 question knowledge test at the end



MZ - looks like you're well on you're way to figuring out that new mapping software
nice earplug markah

And lets makesure we keep it all in an easy to email GPX fourm.

I really just needed some beer...



...and a little tinkering project