Democracy works for me. Thus I say we take a vote. People that have commited get 2 points and people that have yet to decide get 1 point /vote.,(that sounds fair right)? I only know of 6 riders thus far that should be voting: Harry, Henry, Jeff, Ralph, Gary and Dalton.
Just to clarify 1 last time my rationale for going West to East,(and it's not for potential sporties to get to Vegas, that was last on the reasoning rictor scale)
#1) I'll assume I currently have the most experience in long distance touring ABOVE 1000 miles in 24 hours-maybe not, but....the most I've ever ridden in 24 hours thus far,(and it's not worthy) is 1130 miles in 19 hours. Although I actually did feel fresh @ that last gas stop and new I could've gone further, I was pretty fried the next day.
It is 1750 miles from Denver to Jacksonville,(taking the East to West route) and that MAY be just far enough to fry out some riders or even 1 rider so as to prevent them from even doing the 50CC! Do we want to risk that?
#2) Give me the setting sun @ my back ANY DAY vs the setting sun blinding me for hours in my face. I'll go out on a limb here and state that nobody prefers to drive with the setting sun blinding them! I believe all drivers/riders/walkers would prefer to have the sun go down as you head EAST. Now, add semi high speed and time zones keeping that sun up longer in your eyes. I experienced that yesterday skiing and was blinded for 2 runs while on the lift and it sucked!! Obviously this is a non-issue traveling North or South, but you want to travel extreme West in the desert!?
So, what's the real issue here-? Could it be FEAR? Fear of the dark, fear of hitting a deer etc. etc?? I respect the potential hazzards that the dark can bring out. especially with deer, but the reality of this EPIC ride is we will not escape the dark. Will 2-3 more hours of blinding light increase your odds? Is it more dangerous to be riding in the blinding light that gets magnified in the desert sand vs. 3-4 bikes riding close together with their high beams & PIAA's lighting up the night,(not to mention the cooler temps)
#3) If we time it right, we should be able to lessen the degree of intense heat that will be west of El-Paso. Yes, I know the entire trip will be hot, but not as hot as it is in desert of Cali, Arizona and New Mexico.
#4) Automatic cop/biker witness!!! who lives 1470 miles from SanDiego, thus making one issue easier for the BUN BURNER GOLD,(did I mention I really want this pin) and free lodging IF we wanted it.
#5) Jeff's camping- which means he can literally sleep almost anywhere,(don't forget your "screaming meanie"). For the remainder of us less- hardy riders, it'll be easier to find lodging after 1500 miles going West to East vs the other way. Van Horn TX. anyone?
So, that is my "story" why my vote is to travel West to East-"2-points",(nothing but net)
If you vote the other way,(and please everyone vote) don't forget your
SIDE NOTE: Henry came up w/ a pretty good way to carry extra fuel. REI and similar stores carry fuel bottles primarily used for backpacking/camping. The 1 liter bottels sell for approx. $10.they are very light aluminum, have an o-ring to stop leaks and they are easily portable. I think I'll be using these in place of the plastic gas cans. Chances are, these won't be needed except for maybe a Super Hawk. However, I have experienced while traveling a planned gast stop in the middle of Wyoming and this station actually ran out of gas themselves!! Talk out feeling like you just got punched in the stomach! So, ideally every rider carries a little extra fuel.
ONE LAST THING....
With the toy run next Sunday, assuming you're riding in it- Can the 50cc-ers get together after it for lunch and discussion? Should be a good opportunity to get together.