One More Month

by Liz Jansen

Exactly one more month to go, until I pull out of my driveway, intending not to return for an indefinite period of time. I’ll be traveling to places unknown, both literally and metaphorically. While there are always last minute preparations, most of the essentials are looked after. July is focused on embracing and surrendering to the chaos, knowing it’s all in order. Foremost on this list is spending time with friends and family I won’t see for a while.

small__8458331573-300x300Here’s what’s fallen into place in June.

  1. Bike. Keeping in mind it has 70,000 km on it, most of this was routine maintenance. I’ve just made sure all the service is up to date, even if it wasn’t quitedue. Here’s what’s been done to prepare it:
    1. Installed new tires.
    2. Replaced spark plugs.
    3. Cleaned and oiled air filter.
    4. Checked valve clearances; replaced four exhaust shims and valve cover gasket.
    5. Replaced wheel bearings – front and rear.
    6. Replaced brake fluid.
  2. Bike. There are still a few itemsto be done before I leave.
    1. Oil change – which will be a last minute thing.
    2. Install AltRider engine guards and skid plate.
    3. Fix pannier mount with too much play in it.
    4. Decide which tools get the honor of traveling in my custom tool tube!
  3. Administrative.
    1. Will and Power of Attorney documents are finalized. They should have been done ten years ago but there’s nothing like an adventure into the unknown to motivate action.
    2. Out of Country health care insurance. Finalized and in place. As simple as this sounds, there’s great deal of research required to get the right coverage for adventure motorcycle travel in third world countries for an indefinite period of time.
    3. Emergency Evacuation coverage. Still to be done. There’s partial coverage in above insurance but I want to bolster it. My plan is to have no use for any of these coverages.
    4. Checkups done with Family Doc and dentist. Next week I have an appointment with the travel clinic to make sure my inoculations are up to date.
    5. Hair cut. I’ve been going to the same stylist for over 25 years and I’ll miss him. Not so much because I like what he does with my hair, but because he’s such an amazing person in so many ways.
  4. Gear.
    1. Motorcycle gear. I’m pretty well set with an excellent all season suit that I can layer, or not, depending on conditions. I’ve sought out quality garments that are functional, lightweight and versatile so I can get the most value from the fewest pieces..
    2. Clothing. This list has to be short and I have more than I need already. You’d think that would make it easy but on the contrary, you have to pick the right things.
    3. Camping. Another short list of versatile pieces. I’ve got a great tent, cot, sleeping bag, small stove, 2 pots, dishes, chair and a few protein bars to get me started.
  5. Pack. I have more than enough luggage, but still need to do a trial fit to figure out how best to balance the load—and make sure everything fits.

The last thing to get ready is me. I recently interviewed Alisa Clickenger for my soon-to-launch Wheels to Wisdom website and she passed along wisdom that she’d been given before setting out on her adventure. We can make all kinds of lists to be done before we leave, but at some point, you’ve just go to go. Her list kept getting longer and longer. That’s why setting a date is important and why I committed to leaving on August 4th. That’s the date I’m pulling out of my driveway to places unknown. What a gift!  Thank you.

photo credit: stargardener via photopin cc

About

Author, writer, and student Liz Jansen combines her artistic mediums to create stories that inspire readers to embark on their own journey of self-discovery.

6 Comments on “One More Month

  1. I’m going to strap in. You’re looking good. Actually it just so happens I’ll be doing my geezer tour beginning on the same day. My start is planned to the T for 5 days and 4 nights. However, after an 11 day stay in the Adirondacks to Maine, I’ll be heading home via an unplanned route as of yet, except it will be West. Your posts are helping me. Much appreciated.

    • Hey Bill – glad it’s helping. There’s only so much we can plan because the Road always has its own ideas of what our experience will be. That’s part of the excitement and adventure. I’d love to hear from you after you get back and hear how it goes. I have a few data points for the first three months but there’s lots of open space in between. My challenge is to keep it that way, rather than trying to crowd too much in like I usually do. 🙂

  2. Hi Liz, I just wanted to say how wonderful it was to meet you the other day…..I apologize for being distracted, you caught me totally off guard….I was working on the computer on a book I am writing and my head was wandering and not focused on us…..there are so many things I wanted to talk to you about, to ask you, to consult with you, to just talk…..I am not sure how busy you were at the time to talk, it looked like you were on your way somewhere with something to do as well…..There are a few things I would like to say, ask……first of all, I am so excited about your upcoming adventure, wherever that may take you…..I wish you happy journeys ahead….what a life event…….blessings on the road ahead to dreams awaiting…….

    Kind regards,
    Carol

    • Hi Carol

      No need to apologize. I know all about what it’s like to be caught up in what I’m doing. You’ve got the perfect place for writing and creativity. I wish you the best with it and look forward to reading it. I’ll be in touch before you leave.

      Thank you so much for your kind wishes.

      Best,

      LIz

  3. Very exciting Liz! Did you change up the type of tires on your bike, and if so, what did you choose?

    • Hi Marel,

      HI Marel,

      Great to hear from you! Would love to hear more about your adventures and plans. I installed Michelin Anakee 3’s, which are an 80/20 tire. I’ve typically run 95/5 Metzler Tourance tires, except for the last time when I was in Lake Tahoe and all that was available was a rear Tourance EXP which is 85/15. They’ve been great tires and I just wanted to try something a little different – they’re 85/15 to 80/20 and designed especially for long distance touring, loaded, yet still have good traction on gravel and other rough stuff. It’s hard to know what kind of roads I’ll be on. I’m not planning to do heavy duty off-road riding. They’re rated really well.

      Safe travels,

      Liz