Looks like I'm shooting for a Monday 6/14 launch. Really don't want to head out along with weekend traffic so I'm tentatively planning on setting out this coming Monday. That also gives me time to take delivery on some new boots!
Full disclosure, the folks at Cruiserworks.com offered to hook me up with some new motorcycling boots. I told them that honestly, I just wear hiking boots because I've never found any motorcycling boots that I could hike around in all day and I don't want to carry two pairs of boots. I also told them I didn't want to feel obligated to give good feedback if I didn't care for them.
After a few emails about touring with Bob Richter, adventure dreams, and some very detailed info from Cara at Cruiserworks... these people really sounded like they know boots AND what works well for riding, safety, and walking around comfort. They also impressed me in that they seemed to be very confident in their product and welcomed ANY feedback.
I told them that I walk A LOT and if these boots are killing my feet after a couple hours of hiking around looking for new images... they simply aren't going to work out for me. They seem to think they will. We'll see. Just wanted to make a note that these are being given to me free-of-charge in exchange for me mentioning how they're working out for me. Sounds reasonable. :-) And honestly, after hearing all the details about their "Defender" boots, I am a little excited that I'll be a little safer AND may be able walk further without having to bandage up my feet from nasty blisters. I've tried high-end hiking boots and low-end cheap ones, and it's always been hit or miss. Everyone knows a great pair of shoes can really make the difference in having a painful day OR an amazing day exploring. They aren't here yet, but I'll mention how they're working out further into the trip.
Some thunder storms rolling into Austin now, but I know my favorite mechanic is going on vacation in a couple days, so it looks like I'm riding in the rain to go bet my fresh tires installed and a few other maintenance things. My headlights are pointing too far up and people tend to just blind me at night because they think I've got my high-beams on. I never got that... if you think someone's got their high-beams on... why just leave your's on too? That means BOTH of you are now blinded.
More later.
Full disclosure, the folks at Cruiserworks.com offered to hook me up with some new motorcycling boots. I told them that honestly, I just wear hiking boots because I've never found any motorcycling boots that I could hike around in all day and I don't want to carry two pairs of boots. I also told them I didn't want to feel obligated to give good feedback if I didn't care for them.
After a few emails about touring with Bob Richter, adventure dreams, and some very detailed info from Cara at Cruiserworks... these people really sounded like they know boots AND what works well for riding, safety, and walking around comfort. They also impressed me in that they seemed to be very confident in their product and welcomed ANY feedback.
I told them that I walk A LOT and if these boots are killing my feet after a couple hours of hiking around looking for new images... they simply aren't going to work out for me. They seem to think they will. We'll see. Just wanted to make a note that these are being given to me free-of-charge in exchange for me mentioning how they're working out for me. Sounds reasonable. :-) And honestly, after hearing all the details about their "Defender" boots, I am a little excited that I'll be a little safer AND may be able walk further without having to bandage up my feet from nasty blisters. I've tried high-end hiking boots and low-end cheap ones, and it's always been hit or miss. Everyone knows a great pair of shoes can really make the difference in having a painful day OR an amazing day exploring. They aren't here yet, but I'll mention how they're working out further into the trip.
Some thunder storms rolling into Austin now, but I know my favorite mechanic is going on vacation in a couple days, so it looks like I'm riding in the rain to go bet my fresh tires installed and a few other maintenance things. My headlights are pointing too far up and people tend to just blind me at night because they think I've got my high-beams on. I never got that... if you think someone's got their high-beams on... why just leave your's on too? That means BOTH of you are now blinded.
More later.