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The trip between Asheville and Raleigh seems like it takes forever when you are heading east. This was no exception, but I made good time and even had a bike catch up with me outside of Statesville. I think I have already mentioned that I passed most of the other bikes I met, and absolutely no other bike seemed willing or able to pass me and hold speed on the open road. There were a couple of BMW’s that did do well, but they were probably “short trippers” by looking at their tags and where they exited. The headlight grew stronger, and I had decided by the time it caught up with me that it had to be a Goldwing or a Bimmer, or possibly, a Valk. As it turned out, it was a late model Red Goldwing. He was moving fast and I tailed him to Burlington. I am not sure he liked it much, but I wanted someone else to lead for a while and he traveled like I do, so it worked out. Funny how when you are following someone, time goes by faster. I filled up again in Burlington for the last time and decided I would be home by 9:00. I hit Durham, NC as the sun was setting and of course I got rerouted through the construction zone as I attempted to get on highway 98 for the last jog home. I had to remind myself again that even though the trip was nearly over, this was “part of the adventure.”
Notes:
All together I did about 4500 miles in a week and a half. Four days were spent at my parents house with only a short excursion to Wichita Falls to see a friend. I discovered that I ride well alone, and might continue the trend. Most bikes I saw on the road seem to cruise around 70, but the Valk likes 85 to 95. I averaged around 32 miles to the gallon and had no mechanical problems. My radio and clock shorted out in the rain, but started working again with in a few minutes. The portable CB I bought at Walmart was great to have along, and with the Valkyrie AUX input I was able to pipe it through the speakers to listen, or use my Adonis headset (which I did most of the time). Gas was not a problem to obtain, though the 100-mile limitations of some bikes might be more uncomfortable. I need to schedule a new rear tire, but I do have about a 1000 miles left until it completely slicks out. This should put me in the 11000 mile range on the rear AVON. The front looks pretty good, but I have a cut in it that I need to inspect closer. The tires do sing now in the corners, but I just turn the radio up a bit more!
A good rainsuit is a must. A good helmet is too (I am still working on that).
I think Utah is next. If you want to ride along, be on notice, I travel fast, long, and take pictures when it is time…it is “part of the adventure.”
click here to return “To Travel on Two.”
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