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12-08-2007, 8:04 PM Gene McCall Joined on 03-02-2006 Murfreesboro Posts 654 Change in the 08 Alaska trip As most of you know (and probably wish I would shut up) I have been planning to go with several guys to Alaska next summer. Also, thanks to my own big mouth, you are aware of my recent heart attack. This post is to advise all and sundry that........I AM STILL GOING! Now I may be dumb but I am not stupid and I have accepted that the heart attack has forced some changes in my "grand" plans. First, I am going to add a side car to the ST. Second, Don Seedsman has agreed to function as "co-pilot" on this jaunt. This is no small thing for Don to do since his airfare will be around $3 grand! I am posting a copy of the email I sent to members of the group introducing Don and advising them of my "revised" plans. Phil, if you would let me know the dates for the 08 Amish rally I would appreciate it. As you will see below I will try to wrap up the Alaska trip with a stop at the Amish in August, talk about long shots! Gene "Don Seedsman, who has agreed to fly halfway around the world next summer and travel with me to Alaska & Canada as Co-pilot on the ST mini-motorhome. I think some may know Don and one or two may have met him at our first TWO rally. I know all of you know him from the board. If anything this should allow everyone to heave a sigh of relief that you won't have to worry about that old fart with the heart condition! Having said this I want to let you all know that we (Don & I) are going to run part of David's route backward. No not in reverse, smart ass, we will go to the west coast of the US and meet as much of the group as we can just before entering Alaska. As you know, I have always planned to come back east across Canada and then down the east coast. Now, as long as we are talking about grand plans, here is one more. I would like to make the return down the east coast of Canada and the US at such a time as to allow us to stop at the Amish rally in Pa, hows that for pie in the sky dreaming? BTW David F. thanks for the map info, I think I can make use of what you sent. Gene" I didn't get this old by being timid, just not being stupid!    Report

12-08-2007, 8:28 PM DaveNearAtlanta Joined on 03-03-2006 Lawrenceville, GA Posts 500 Re: Change in the 08 Alaska trip This is great news! Don, we are all very happy you will be joining us for this epic trip.  Welcome! My Home Page 1981 GL500I 1982 GL500I 1983 GL650I This User ID is no longer used. DaveF is my new User ID.    Report

12-09-2007, 1:33 AM Phil in VT Joined on 03-02-2006 Lowgap,NC Posts 1,034 Re: Change in the 08 Alaska trip Thank's, Don for accompanying the "old fart" on his long journey.  You have had EMT training  I hope.  Good grief, Gene, you are a stubborn old fart.  I can just see Don dragging your corpse all the way from alaska to Nova Scotia and to the Amish rally (we can't let your demise stop us) and then on to Murfreesboro via the Blue Ridge Parkway and Deals Gap.  He'll have to pack the sidecar with ice. I am still up here in VT waiting for the bank that foreclosed on the house I am buying in Mayberry to finish up the proceedings and get on with the closing. 82 Honda GL 500 SilverWing Trike "Old Yeller" 06 Suzuki S 50 Boulevard Cruiser ANY WARM DAY ABOVE GROUND IS A GOOD ONE (unknown senior citizen) Springfield, VT    Report

12-09-2007, 4:10 AM Gene McCall Joined on 03-02-2006 Murfreesboro Posts 654 Re: Change in the 08 Alaska trip Phil, you didn't answer my question on the dates for the Amish rally. That is the date Don & I will be trying to meet coming back across Canada. Also, Don is restricted to a certain number of days in the US and if he exceeds them we get (have) to keep him! Chris would not like that at all! BTW how did you know thats the deal I made with Don, to fill the hack with dry ice, stick me in there and finish the trip! I didn't get this old by being timid, just not being stupid!    Report

12-09-2007, 6:47 AM Phil in VT Joined on 03-02-2006 Lowgap,NC Posts 1,034 Re: Change in the 08 Alaska trip Gene,  I lost a lot of information when I changed my address (E-Mail)  I will let you know as soon as I hear from the family member who handles the Mountain View Camp reservations. 82 Honda GL 500 SilverWing Trike "Old Yeller" 06 Suzuki S 50 Boulevard Cruiser ANY WARM DAY ABOVE GROUND IS A GOOD ONE (unknown senior citizen) Springfield, VT    Report

12-09-2007, 2:02 PM R80Dave Joined on 03-03-2006 Appleton, WI Posts 851 Re: Change in the 08 Alaska trip Gene, Your wife might enjoy you coming home stiff!!! ;-) You would not belive the paperwork involved with a border crossing like that though! Come to the Amish rally breathing and we will all be happy! (Except maybe your wife) Do you need any places to see in Nova Scotia??? I have lists ... How far north in Canada will you be when you come back? Around the Great Lakes or further north than that? David in Wisconsin    Report

12-09-2007, 3:46 PM Gene McCall Joined on 03-02-2006 Murfreesboro Posts 654 Re: Change in the 08 Alaska trip Phil, thanks because that is the date we will be working to hit! David, let me say this about that, better stiff than not! On Nova Scotia I think Don may have some folks he wants to visit, check with him on that one. I have not planned a route across Canada. On the 18th of this month I am going up to David Hannigan's plant (yet another Dave! is there no end to them!) to discuss building the hack. He now carries dual Canadian/US citizenship and I plan on picking his brain on routes and things to see in his home country. As soon as we get our target date for the Amish rally Don & I will begin planning the southern US (out to the left coast) and the return across Canada. The rest of the trip David F has already put up on his web site. BTW, Phil, do you think you will have completed your move to Mayberry by May? There may be a CX/GL rally at TWO in North Ga. and thats not too far away, anymore! I didn't get this old by being timid, just not being stupid!    Report

12-09-2007, 8:50 PM nippongreen Joined on 03-16-2006 Ottawa, Canada Posts 260 Re: Change in the 08 Alaska trip Gene, You know yourself and Don are more than welcome to stay here at any time. My cooking/breakfasts aren't as good as Dave's but my kids still eat them !!! I hope all goes well.....Keith + Kids. :) 79 CX 500D / 82 GL 500i / 79 CX 500D parts bike (ride safe).......SKYPE....(nippongreen)..    Report

12-09-2007, 8:54 PM mcreviver Joined on 05-06-2007 Williamsport, PA Posts 585 Re: Change in the 08 Alaska trip I certainly hope the '08 Amish Rally doesn't turn into a "Weekend at Bernies." I'll bring some duct tape so we can keep Gene off the floor at the Country Cupboard, just in case. Ron in PA    Report

12-10-2007, 7:41 AM Phil in VT Joined on 03-02-2006 Lowgap,NC Posts 1,034 Re: Change in the 08 Alaska trip In 08 Ron, you and your lovely wife should join us at the dinner table, speaking of which, Next year why don't we find some place with large round tables that seat a dozen or more people.  In 08 I would like to spend a day in Lancaster county doing the tourist things. 82 Honda GL 500 SilverWing Trike "Old Yeller" 06 Suzuki S 50 Boulevard Cruiser ANY WARM DAY ABOVE GROUND IS A GOOD ONE (unknown senior citizen) Springfield, VT    Report

12-10-2007, 9:13 AM Phil in VT Joined on 03-02-2006 Lowgap,NC Posts 1,034 Re: Change in the 08 Alaska trip The dates for 2008 are August 14-18.  No other party is at the cabin that week, so folks can arrive earlier than that if they want to.   August 14-18, 2008 82 Honda GL 500 SilverWing Trike "Old Yeller" 06 Suzuki S 50 Boulevard Cruiser ANY WARM DAY ABOVE GROUND IS A GOOD ONE (unknown senior citizen) Springfield, VT    Report

12-10-2007, 9:45 AM RichNCT Joined on 03-02-2006 Posts 2,262 Re: Change in the 08 Alaska trip Hooray for you Gene!  Having Don along is, however, a double edged sword.  IMO he is the world's leading expert on CX/GLs, and one of the top couple of mechanics too.  I suggest you do not permit anyone to take along any tools on this trip, or else double your time estimate. Concerning your route, you are welcome to stop with us in Connecticut  which is about 1/2 day's ride from the Amish Rally, or at the cabin in central Vermont, still less than a days ride from the AR.  Meals/overnight accomodations are offered for you two, camping space/cookout for others if you are traveling with a group. Really pleased to hear Don is visiting again.      What's he want to take home this trip?  I understand CX650Es are very rare in OZ .  .  .  .  Born to be relatively wild    Report

12-10-2007, 10:28 AM Gene McCall Joined on 03-02-2006 Murfreesboro Posts 654 Re: Change in the 08 Alaska trip Thanks Phil for the dates, now we can start planning! Ron, with any luck I won't need the duct tape but you never know, maybe bring it anyway. Keith, thanks for the kind invite, we will try to visit everyone we can, maybe we can get a convoy going to the Amish! Rich, you are dead on regarding Don, its strange CX/GL owners seem to be naturally attracted to him, weird! Since I missed the first Vermont rally maybe the convoy can make a stop. As for Don's wish list on "take home" items I'm not sure the QEII would be able to carry the load! Thanks to everyone for their good wishes and prayers, it helps me keep going when I start to feel sorry for myself, you are a great bunch of folks! You too Glenn, I know now that you are lurking out there somewhere! I didn't get this old by being timid, just not being stupid!    Report

12-10-2007, 2:55 PM Don in Oz Joined on 03-10-2006 Melbourne, Australia Posts 329 Re: Change in the 08 Alaska trip Well, what can I say?  Thanks in advance to all the good wishes, thoughts and offers. Rich, we did get many CX650Eds, but a slew ofCX650 Turbos would sell very quickly in Oz - our Honda CEO has the ONLY officially imported one. Tools WILL accompany us, but mainly for wheel removal for tyre replacement, as the trip length will surely need that small chore - Gene should have an ST workshop manual to guide this "starter" on ST maintenance.  A roll of duct tape, 3' of 16 gauge steel wire and a selection of hose clamps will fit in somewhere, plus a DVM for those "electron-things" that can't be seen, but sometimes "go astray".    Report

12-10-2007, 3:26 PM Anonymous Re: Change in the 08 Alaska trip Weekend at Bernie's! Now that's funny Ron! <img src="http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l58/geezerider/outtamyhead.jpg" border="0" />

12-10-2007, 3:28 PM JB in SC Joined on 03-02-2006 Irmo, SC Posts 142 Re: Change in the 08 Alaska trip ^^^^^^ Me Jerry (frikken login thingie) http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l58/geezerider/outtamyhead.jpg 2007 Burgman 650 1983 CX650C    Report

12-10-2007, 7:27 PM rodent Joined on 10-24-2007 Derry NH Posts 214 Re: Change in the 08 Alaska trip  Anonymous wrote: Weekend at Bernie's! Now that's funny Ron! 78 cx500 (rodent)(my twisted twin) 82 cx500c (parts) 86 cmx450 (wifey's) and in the future who knows http://s218.photobucket.com/albums/cc275/rodentcx/CX500/    Report

12-10-2007, 8:48 PM dozer1 Joined on 05-26-2007 Frederick, Maryland Posts 565 Re: Change in the 08 Alaska trip You guys are making me want to ride to alaska as well...if only i can convince my girlfriend to ride on the back for 10000 miles 1980 CX500 Ratbike "Stella" 1979 CX500 Deluxe(Parts) Dozer1 AKA Snowplow http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TK5VY90ILs&feature=related    Report

12-10-2007, 10:24 PM Harold Joined on 12-27-2006 Beside Washademoak Lake, N.B. Canada Posts 350 Re: Change in the 08 Alaska trip Gene,   I sent you a PM. Maybe I will be able to meet up with you guys when you hit New Brunswick, either on the way to, or coming from Nova Scotia.   How many people are going? "People are more violently opposed to fur than leather because it's safer to harass rich women than biker gangs." 1978 CX500 1980 CX500 Custom 1981 CX500 Custom 1982 GL500 Silverwing 1975 XL-100 http://www.myspace.com/downwiththebutterfly    Report

12-11-2007, 11:50 AM Phil in VT Joined on 03-02-2006 Lowgap,NC Posts 1,034 Re: Change in the 08 Alaska trip And I may be in Vermont in August. So possibly, I can pick up your trail and ride to PA with  all of  y'all. 82 Honda GL 500 SilverWing Trike "Old Yeller" 06 Suzuki S 50 Boulevard Cruiser ANY WARM DAY ABOVE GROUND IS A GOOD ONE (unknown senior citizen) Springfield, VT    Report

12-11-2007, 1:39 PM Anonymous Re: Change in the 08 Alaska trip Hi Gene, I was reading about your heart attack and was wondering are you still doing the Alaska trip. I had a bypass last year and its taken me a year to get fit again and hope to go to the Dutch rally next year. To enable me to keep riding i imported a voyager kit from the states and fitted it to my GL 700. Anything to enable me to keerp riding.I was 78 this year and intend to make next year the last hurrar as it were, if i can make it to 2010 I,ll be more than happy.I,ll look foreward to hearing about your trip to Alaska .Good luck mate dont let them get you down.Regards Delboy.UK. GL700./500 Custom.

12-11-2007, 5:00 PM Gene McCall Joined on 03-02-2006 Murfreesboro Posts 654 Re: Change in the 08 Alaska trip