It was cold in the hills and I was paying the price. In my zeal to get started, I had neglected to don my hooded sweatshirt under my leather and helmet. According to my log, I arrived at Cumberland Gap at about 7:00 am after 91 miles of traveling. Subsequent to my first cross-country trip in 2000, I enrolled at law school and left after completing my first semester. I walked away from my old life and all of my possessions - including my trip notes and photographs. I obtained this photo of Maryland/West Virginia (near Harper's Ferry) online.

The prior iteration of this site featured a photograph of my motorcycle and gear. I left my bike, my Suzuki GS850 (Suzie), at law school in Williamsburg, Virginia. My bike loved the long haul. She hated traffic and idling. Once she got going at a good 65 - 80 mph, game over. She would run all day with no rest - through plains, mountains, and desert. I miss that bike! Anyone who has ridden the GS850 knows my feeling!

Travel light! Bind your gear down tightly.
If your gear is loose, your bike will wobble and you will put it down in a turn!

My thoughts on the ideal package for the long journey on motorcycle:

two pairs of jeans - including the one being worn;

one sweater or other thick pullover (comfort is key);

one turtleneck jersey (you'll thank me in the mountains);

one hooded sweatshirt (the hood fits under the helmet);

three pairs of athletic socks (you'll often wear two pair at once);

scuba wetsuit to help control temperature loss (winter or altitude gear);

leathers (jacket and gloves, chaps when the road is gnarly);

one pair of boots (worn while riding and hiking);

cameras, lenses and film (take bubble wrap to protect the hardware);

tent and sleeping bag (check Campmor's site);

toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, towel etc.

three sets of new "hot" spark plugs, a wire brush, and solvent (for altitude);

standard tools: wrench, sockets etc;

cell phone if you're timid;

granola type food;

canteen of water;

water purification tablets.