The accomodation

Some people like to know where we will be staying on the tour, not least myself, so I've added links to each of the hotel stops. Some look quite posh, others not so. Some, such as the Alpenhof sound a bit bizarre. Anyway, feel free to browse.

Map Ahoy

I've added the route map to the blog now. It shows the night time stops. As Dudley and I are going out a day early, the day/night count on the map and that of the official itinerary differ. So our count is plus 1. Simples!

But this is where we'll be at, starting 13th June;

Day 1 - Fly from Heathrow to Los Angeles
Day 2 - probably doing LA sightseeing. Welcome dinner.
Day 3 - collect Harleys and ride from LA to Palm Springs
Day 4 - ride from Palm Springs to Laughlin
Day 5 - ride from Laughlin to The Grand Canyon
Day 6 - ride from The Grand Canyon to Monument Valley
Day 7 - ride from Monument Valley to Bryce Canyon
Day 8 - ride from Bryce Canyon to Las Vegas
Day 9 - rest day in Las Vegas
Day 10 - ride from Las Vegas (through Death Valley) to Mammoth Lakes
Day 11 - ride from Mammoth Lakes to Oakhurst (Yosemite N.P.)
Day 12 - ride from Oakhurst to San Francisco
Day 13 - rest day in San Francisco (city and Alcatraz tour)
Day 14 - ride from San Francisco to Monterey
Day 15 - ride from Monterey to Pismo Beach (Hearst castle visit)
Day 16 - ride from Pismo Beach to Los Angeles, return Harleys. Farewell dinner.
Day 17 - fly from Los Angeles to Heathrow.

Due to the time differences, Day 17 is actually 2 days. We leave on 29th and arrive on 30th!

I plan add some pictures to the blog text as I go along but don't forget to check out the additional photos on flickr, by clicking on that beautiful wild west vista picture next to the route map.

2 Weeks

Tour pack arrived in the post yesterday. The final piece of the tour jigsaw one might say. It contains the maps, e-tickets, itinery, hotel details, distances and just about everything you are going to want to know whilst away. It's when you get this that you really feel you are going away.....the excitement level is ramped up a notch.

Having this also gives me an opportunity to plot the route on google maps. The boys at work are counting on me printing them a map, so they can follow my progress day by day. There is a magnetic mini-me on a cutout motorbike which they move about the map. Plotting the route also gives me an insight into the sort of roads and terrain to expect. One thing I hadn't realised, is that we shall pass through Utah, so a new state for me.

Part of the tour goes on Route 66. Nothing new to me obviously but this time though I'll be going in the reverse direction and I can't wait to get back on those switchbacks out of Oatman, decking the Road King's footboards on the hairpins whilst trying to avoid the burro sh*t!

Watch out for me posting the map/link on the blog, so you can all follow my progress......virtual pillions!

3 Weeks

Yes, it's now just three weeks till Branson's finest whisk Dudley and myself across the pond. About this time (7am) I'll be stepping off the high speeder at St Pancras and jumping on the Piccadilly line to Heathrow.

I did some pre-packing at the weekend, bike boots, etc, but will need to sit down and make a proper list to make sure nothing gets left behind. I was hoping to travel light but I probably already have more t-shirts than I'm going to need. I guess the test will come when it comes to weighing the case. Besides my main case I'll also have a foldall, in which will go my crash helmet and laptop, camera too probably. I remember it was quite a struggle with the two bags when I did Route 66, particularly on the Chicago metro, so the lighter the pair of them, the better. I wonder if I can get away with reversing my pants? 

Planning for Sunshine

Given what an awful winter we had, which still doesn't seem to be over, bar a couple of warm days we had, I am taking a very active look at temperatures out in California/Nevada. And very pleasant reading they make too. Thankfully, the wild fires have been put out, so there may still be some green bits around LA and along Highway 1 to see but that just shows what a dry winter they have had out there. Dry, warm, remember those? I have an app on my phone that is showing me the temps in the US. LA is not hot but pleasantly warm, about 73F. Move inland a bit and Vegas is high 90s and into the 100s. That should give a pleasant tan and a nice run out for my hyperkewl jacket in just 4 weeks time.

I've just acquired another piece of kit to go on tour with me, some Oakley Wind Jacket sunglasses. These are quite trick, in so much as they come with a rubber gaitor thingy, that pretty much transforms them into goggles, keeping the wind, dust and presumably rain too, out of you eyes by forming a tight seal against your face. I already have a few pairs of sunnies but I do find, even with a screen in front of me, that the wind gets around the edges and makes my eyes run. Not a problem if you have a full face helmet but when have you ever seen a Harley rider with a full face on? Full face on them, means a ZZ Top style beard! Anyway, the Oakleys will eliminate that wind nuisance.

When not actually riding, the gaitor comes off and they are a normal pair of sunnies. They come with two sets of lenses and these are quickly and easily changed by way of the hinged frame. As I said, quite a trick bit of kit. They also have an elastic strap. I can't see much use for this if wearing a helmet but if helmetless or indeed riding a bicycle, it could be useful to stop them flying off when a huge lorry goes past...... and they do have huge lorries stateside.  

Counting the days

Well, of course I am. Who wouldn't be? With now less than 6 weeks to go to departure on my second tour of the U.S., the excitement level is beginning to rise. Even work doesn't seem half bad at the moment, with that massive Virgin aircraft looming on the horizon. Helped of course by being back on the Bandit, rather than relying on public transport. I will miss reading the Scout Mistresses dirty text messages though ;-)

As with the Reservoir Hogs Tour, I have employed those lovely chaps from Vistaprint, to brand up some bits and pieces. Once again then, I shall be sporting a white polo shirt, though this time in a Large, rather than the snug Medium. White, not only being cheaper, is also good for showing off a tan, something I am expecting to acquire in that hot Nevada/California sunshine. Bring it on!

The WHWW2013 Polo, rarer than hen's teeth!