Decisions, decisions....

[MarkPBG]

So I was actually getting crazy and "thinking" of riding my bike to the Barber Vintage event in Georgia, but with the additional costs of first time purchases, like bike luggage, or at least a waterproof duffel, and a rain suit, and an alarm for the bike so I can sleep at the hotel....I'm not sure about taking the bike. PLUS there's a swap meet, so if i don't take the car, I can't get lots of goodies to build my cafe. Hmmmm.
It's about 720 miles one way from where I am, so I'm looking at a 1500 mile round trip if I take the bike. I'd like to ride there, but I'm itching to get lots of parts. So, spend the money on gear, or have spare money for stuff.
LOL, anyone else have these issues?


edit: come to think of it, I don't have to buy saddlebags and a tail bag, I've got 3 roll top dry bags from my kayak. I can strap those on the back and just get a tank bag. :)

[free2ride]

you're asking the wrong person

add gel seat to your list . . . I don't know how I'd have survived without it! and I`m about to buy a BIG container of ibuprofen . . . starting to feel the ride in my back. about to have a week off once I get through the mountains tomorrow.

[MarkPBG]

I don't know if I'll need a gel seat. I've already done three days with 11+ hours in the seat with no problems. :) (I've been testing it out for longer hauls to get my confidence up for longer trips) I'm only 45, and I don't even use aspirin, like, ever. I'm lucky I guess.

[shinyribs]

I've went to Barber with some buds last year and just got back from Mid Ohio this past Sunday. Mid Ohio is where the deals are. Barber is awesome,but it's more of an attraction than a cheap deals swap meet.


Just a thought ride the scoot,buy your goodies,mail them back home.

[MarkPBG]

Good to know, thanks. Ohio is a bit far of a ride with the bike being so "newly finished". Maybe in a year or two. :)

[shinyribs]

They're never more ready than when it's all new. Go fer it!

[MarkPBG]

That's true, next year I might just do that. This year I've got the first time expenses of gear, including an upgrade to my jacket. I ordered the CE Armor insert where right now the back just has the dual density foam.

[shinyribs]

Where did you pick up that back pad? I've been meaning to upgrade mine as well.


Oh, and I didn't mean to sound like there were no deals at Barber. I picked up a solid state R&R and a stator for my bike down there for $20. New. There are deals. Chances are I'll be there next year myself.

[MarkPBG]

I just went online to Amazon, it's $81 and free shipping. At the bike shops around me, they all want over $100.

[free2ride]

shinyribs wrote

They're never more ready than when it's all new. Go fer it!

this! of course, I understand about the outlay. tires, chain, sprockets, assorted and miscellaneous parts; rain gear, luggage . . . if it weren't for being able to stay with friends and family I don't know how I'd pay for the trip.

check that -- I still don't! especially since got an e-mail from my s/o Thursday saying that power was down in parts of the house: rodents chewing through wiring. sigh. if it's not one thing it's another!