In the summer of 2002, I found myself with some time on my hands and decided it was time to finally take that trip I had been thinking about ever since I got my 1972 CB750/K2. I had replaced everything that needed replacing on the bike, though I still had the cheap set of Cheng Shins that the P.O. had shoed on the wheels, and was eager to finally take a long-distance trip on two-wheels. Fortunately, a close family member was having a birthday celebration in Vermont, so I thought that would be the perfect occasion for an East Coast trip up from Georgia, where I lived at the time. After mounting a homemade rack, purchasing an excellent set of Ortleib drybags and attaching the largest JC Whitney windscreen I could find, I set out from Atlanta a week before the birthday, winding my way through Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, and finally arriving in Vermont in the midst of a blinding rainstorm. To save money, and afford myself the luxury of not carrying food, I camped in state parks along the way, never having to pay more than $10 for the privilege of sleeping under the stars (or clouds).
After a few days in Vermont, it was time to head back to Atlanta when I realized that I had nowhere to be, and could easily extend my trip. So instead of returning to Atlanta, I drove down to New York and began a 3 month odyssey that carried me across the country (twice) through 38 states and innumerable state/national parks. I was in Mt Rushmore for the first anniversary of 9/11, and was treated to an incredible range of experiences and people that I never would have imagined. All throughout, the CB750 kept chugging along, never needing more than an oil change, a valve adjustment and (yes) new tires. Apart from a single blown fuse in Kentucky, the bike never cut out on me, from the depths of Death Valley in 100 degree heat to the heights of the Rockies in subzero cold. If you take care of these machines, they will truly take care of you.
Rather than explain each stage of the trip, I will just refer anybody who's interested to my complete travelogue of the trip. If you are planning such a trip, take it. You will never, ever be sorry. Also, please contact me with any questions -- I know this will not be my last cross-country trip, and I look forward to meeting you all on the road!
Photos, detailed itinerary, and narrative (comments are welcome!!) available at:
http://www.nomadwarmachine.com/gallery/view_album.php?set_albumName=album08-Keith
