long trip
"14) For this time of year, layers of clothing are more effective than a heavy jacket."
If you are cold natured like I am, there arent enough layers that would keep me warm and there wouldnt be enough room on the bike to take all those layers with me, so I solve this problem by having Gerbing clothing: jacket, pants, socks and gloves-all heated. These will take up less room than layering and will keep you toasty warm. The alternator on the 1330 has more than sufficient juice even at idle. If your hands get cold and dont warm up, even heated grips and gloves dont keep my fingers warm in 32 degrees or lower and keeping the wind off your hands will be more effective, I found Hippo Hands very effective [had to fiddle with velcro patches glued to the handlebars to keep them in proper position].
Along this line if riding in cold weather a textile riding jacket with removable liner [First Gear, Joe Rocket etc] and riding pants with removable liner [Bilt, First Gear etc] will keep the wind off and make rain gear redundant. A full face helmet, I much prefer the articulated type, is a must for warmth, wind and noise protection and for safety.
If at all possible I try to find a motel with rooms directly accessible from the outside where I can park the bike in front of my door and see it from my window.
If you have the time, smell the flowers along the way and take the road less traveled. If not, then the Interstates are the fastest and safest way between two points. When possible enter big cities after the rush hour and dont drive into big cities in the morning rush hours. I use the HOV lanes , legal in all states, because there arent any cagers to your left, then get out of the way of any fast mover coming up behind you and then get back into the HOV lane. Above all dont pi$$ off the cagers, road rage directed at a 4000lb tank is not smart. Pretend the idiot that just cut you off and made you swerve and slam on your brakes is your grandmother and just smile smile.
Andy
