2012 US Endurance Event?

...or a trip of a lifetime. Well, actually both. My brother and I are planning a trip touring the corners of the USA and everything in between. It may even get it's own blog page, who knows. More to follow on that. Anyhow, we wouldn't be riding crotch rockets like pictured here, instead we would have enduro's...F650GS to be exact. Well, that's at least what he has currently and I currently don't own a motorcycle right now. I sold mine about a year or two ago, and been having the "itch" to get another one since I sold it. As far as the idea of the trip, it kinda was a joke at first. Even though I've always wanted to do something like this, I never imagined doing this kind of trip on a motorcycle. But after he suggested it, and after a few seconds thinking about it, the shenanigan was pure genius! After making several trips to AAA to get maps of the lower 48 contiguous states, we are in the beginning stages of mapping out our epic adventure. Of course, like I said before, none of this is going to be possible unless I get a motorcycle first. My primary requirement is that I get a house for the wife FIRST. I don't think this is far out of the question, but definately throws a curve ball into these plans. Now, depending on the house we decide to buy, may depend on what bike I get. I think worse case scenario, I'll get the same as my brothers (BMW F650GS) but a different color. I would be 100% happy with that decision as well, however, the model I was really hoping to get has been discontinued. (Why in God's earth would BMW discontinue the F650GS DAKAR EDITION!!!) So, instead I'm interested in getting the newly released F800GS. Unfortunately, it's about $4000 more than the 650. That decision will be a difficult one down the road. Anyhow, I would say our love for "2 wheeled" vehicles started when we were young. He was real big into road bikes, as I was big into mountain bikes. Of course, I'll give him credit for more than likely getting me interested with anything with 2 wheels...or I guess anything else for that matter. My brother has been a big inspiration in my life (I know, save the sappy or comical comments please!) mainly because he lives life one day at a time. It would probably be safe to say that one of our biggest inspirations for this trip is Long Way Round and Long Way Down. Both are amazing trips and my brother and I could only dream of an experience such as that. Instead, we will stick to our means of budget and complete a trip around the United States. Again, maybe I'll have to open a blog up just as a documentary of how it becomes planned and also a way to help organize this incredible journey.

What was I thinking!

Ladies and gentlemen, the 2007 D'OH of the Year Award goes too...

...Folks, was there much competition? Yes, I got the award. And I really have no defense to receiving this wonderful award other than, D'OH! As you may have read in my previous posts, I got a new job and of course I'm getting all the little things out of the way that needed to be done. Things such as getting them proper documentation, a physical, and so on. Well, Tuesday I had an appointment to meet with a doctor to go over my flawless physical to deem me "fit for duty." Well, Monday comes and goes...Monday night comes and goes...Tuesday morning comes and oh, wait. I have a phone call. Oh, it's just my boss asking why I didn't show up to the doctor's appoinment. WHAT!!!!!!!!!! Oh $#*@!!! After a complete loss of time, and a smack back into reality, I was still confused. How could something like this have past right through that piece of tissue between my ears called a brain? And just to bring you up to speed, the day before (Monday), I put in my two weeks notice with my current job to let them know I would be leaving. After giving the notice, and given a laudry list of things to do, I continued to work and start this list. Then next morning rolls around and I get an early start. So early, in fact, that I totally lost track of time, and didn't even think about the appoinment I had set that day...Tuesday. Moving along, while in the conversation with my new boss, he asks if I still wanted to job. My heart sank. My ears started to ring. The sickness began. Despite all the feelings, I quickly replied (and probably my quickest/smartest response ever), "Yes, absoultely I do! 100% I totally lost track of time because I was so busy with my current job getting things done." To make a long story short, I got rescheduled and the rest is history. As expected, my physical came back with no problems, and I'm good to go. For someone who is usually so organized, almost to the point of OCD, I really couldn't believe I let that appointment slip my mind. Am I disappointed in myself, absolutely! Am I greatful that I was able to be rescheduled and no harm was done, you're damn right I am! Will I most likely be the butt-end of some jokes when I start my first day at my new job? Would I expect anything less!!! I'll be working back in a Fire Department! That's the nature of the beast!