Transamerica Trail - planning phaze

[vegeman]

With me finally getting back to some decent riding capbility since smashing the knee a few years ago, I have a desire to do a real adventure ride and make up for lost time. Combine that with me turning 50 next year, I've said to the wife that I'm planning on my mid life crisis next year and want to ride across America, so while I expected some resistance to the request...she actually said yes..what the!..sheesh, now I better start seeing what it's all about.

So now that I have emotional approval, I need to do some planning/logistics and after reading phreakyphils TAT ride he actually shipped his bike over there, so I also need to make the decision to buy over there OR ship my 690. Personally, I'd like to take the 690 as I know it, and have no doubt that it will be awesome to ride. Plus for me, I don't just want to ride any old shitter just because it might be cost effective or have more perceived relibility, I want to enjoy the bike as much as the scenary and trail...so no 250 for me.

I will reach out to phreakyphil to find out his experience for shipping, US compliance and all that crap...but does anyone have any experience with shipping to the US of A?

V

[Gremlin]

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/163288-Freight-prices-for-bike-to-USA-and-return-How-much-did-you-pay

[vegeman]

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/163288-Freight-prices-for-bike-to-USA-and-return-How-much-did-you-pay

Thanks...

Seeing the $4K mark, and perhaps the stress of shipping my beloved machine to Tennesse (and back/sell), I did a quick search on Craiglist and one of the model of bikes that I also would ride, would be the WR450. These bikes are tough, have power and lightweight. I've seen a couple already for about $3K USD...which is easily in the ball park for cost/hassle, and for that price...I could leave it on the side of the road once finished, and have no hassle at all....hmmm.

[Gremlin]

That was a quick u-turn :D

I shipped mine, but I was also part of a group. Didn't do much rough stuff though, mostly road touring...

[Night Falcon]

GPSMan is a bit of a guru on the TAT, hopefully he'll be along soon to help ya out or you could PM him.

[paturoa]

I'm flying out in 3 weeks for Texas to the top of Alsaka and back to LA. I bought a vstrom 650 for $2500 US and will sell it at the end of the trip.

Advrider has about 1000 threads and ride reports on the TAT. Have a look there for trip info.

[Gremlin]

I'm flying out in 3 weeks for Texas to the top of Alsaka and back to LA. I bought a vstrom 650 for $2500 US and will sell it at the end of the trip.
Are you doing any of the back country discovery routes?

[umopom]

Thanks...

Seeing the $4K mark, and perhaps the stress of shipping my beloved machine to Tennesse (and back/sell), I did a quick search on Craiglist and one of the model of bikes that I also would ride, would be the WR450. These bikes are tough, have power and lightweight. I've seen a couple already for about $3K USD...which is easily in the ball park for cost/hassle, and for that price...I could leave it on the side of the road once finished, and have no hassle at all....hmmm.

Hi Vegeman
Two of us from Nelson did it in 2012 - my mate bought a KLR in LA and I shipped my 690 using Mainfreight/Kiwi Shipping. I was really glad that I took the 690 as it is the perfect route for that type of bike - the KLR.........well that's a whole nother story! The cost of the shipping was $2600 door to door return with the bike in a MX crate - bars & front wheel off. We did a loop from LA to LA joining the TAT in Trinidad in Colorado as other mates suggested that the TAT east of there is boring. We had a blast and took in as many of the passes in Colorado as we could Moab was a great place to stop with enough riding there for a week. We went in July/August and it was really hot (48 degrees) so when I do it again I will go in late August/September. My mate used the Sam Correro roll chart and I used my GPS files - PM me if you want any info.
Cheers
JC

297820

[vegeman]

Hi Vegeman
Two of us from Nelson did it in 2012 - my mate bought a KLR in LA and I shipped my 690 using Mainfreight/Kiwi Shipping. I was really glad that I took the 690 as it is the perfect route for that type of bike - the KLR.........well that's a whole nother story! The cost of the shipping was $2600 door to door return with the bike in a MX crate - bars & front wheel off. We did a loop from LA to LA joining the TAT in Trinidad in Colorado as other mates suggested that the TAT east of there is boring. We had a blast and took in as many of the passes in Colorado as we could Moab was a great place to stop with enough riding there for a week. We went in July/August and it was really hot (48 degrees) so when I do it again I will go in late August/September. My mate used the Sam Correro roll chart and I used my GPS files - PM me if you want any info.
Cheers
JC

297820

Thats what I like to hear, I do 'want' to ride the 690...as I know it, it's already had all the mod's etc...so it's probably worth it. The more positive feedback like this helps sway me back to shipping. Did you do anything for extra fuel?

Just as a note Phreaky Phil also had pricing etc for around $3k so it seems that everyone has been getting the right deal.

[umopom]

[QUOTE=vegeman;1130731813]Thats what I like to hear, I do 'want' to ride the 690...as I know it, it's already had all the mod's etc...so it's probably worth it. The more positive feedback like this helps sway me back to shipping. Did you do anything for extra fuel?

The good thing about the US is that there is usually a servo just over the next hill - I took a piece of fuel hose and a mate with a big tank ;) and that worked well ! But there aren't many legs that are more than 200 kms - a small reserve tank (2-3 litres) would be enough to get you through all the legs. The other good thing about the 690 is the mapping - it senses atmospheric pressure and has an O2 sensor so even at 14,000 feet it still went well - my mate with the KLR only had first gear above 12,000 feet. On one cruisy day at 10,000 feet all day I got over 30 kms / litre as it leaned off to match the altitude. There are a few holes in the route where fuel is no longer available - Fort Bidwell is listed as a fuel stop but the servo closed during the recession - very helpful Indian gave me a couple of litres and a cold coke!
Cheers
JC

[vegeman]

[QUOTE=vegeman;1130731813]Thats what I like to hear, I do 'want' to ride the 690...as I know it, it's already had all the mod's etc...so it's probably worth it. The more positive feedback like this helps sway me back to shipping. Did you do anything for extra fuel?

The good thing about the US is that there is usually a servo just over the next hill - I took a piece of fuel hose and a mate with a big tank ;) and that worked well ! But there aren't many legs that are more than 200 kms - a small reserve tank (2-3 litres) would be enough to get you through all the legs. The other good thing about the 690 is the mapping - it senses atmospheric pressure and has an O2 sensor so even at 14,000 feet it still went well - my mate with the KLR only had first gear above 12,000 feet. On one cruisy day at 10,000 feet all day I got over 30 kms / litre as it leaned off to match the altitude. There are a few holes in the route where fuel is no longer available - Fort Bidwell is listed as a fuel stop but the servo closed during the recession - very helpful Indian gave me a couple of litres and a cold coke!
Cheers
JC

That 690 mapping sounds awesome, and it's stuff like that, that makes up for the other issues that people worry about ie fuel pumps and filters etc.... I'm probably going to get the rally raid rear tank to add the 4.5l which will always be handy plus it gives the saddle bags something extra to rest against OR I might go fully bling and get the front tanks with fairings...expensive but kinda cool. I haven't seen anyone on the forums for NZ riders who have the new evo 2 kits. It was only night falcon that had evo one tanks before a sheep ate his bike...so I really would need to see, feel and touch before forking out thousands on that. The rear tank woulntd have any rider impact...but too wider tanks, or to much wait on the front might stuff things up.

wahoo...Im getting excited, in fact I dropped a hint to wifey that perhaps I should go this year....that didn't go down well :crazy:

[vegeman]

I'm flying out in 3 weeks for Texas to the top of Alsaka and back to LA. I bought a vstrom 650 for $2500 US and will sell it at the end of the trip.

Advrider has about 1000 threads and ride reports on the TAT. Have a look there for trip info.

Sounds great...will you be updating the world via some form of forum, blog, FB, instagram, twitter, flickr....etc :-D. We all want photos and hear stories

[paturoa]

Are you doing any of the back country discovery routes?

Not really. My route plan excludes highways as much as possible but is still mostly tar-baby riding.

[paturoa]

Sounds great...will you be updating the world via some form of forum, blog, FB, instagram, twitter, flickr....etc :-D. We all want photos and hear stories

Yeah. I'll probably use Advrider.

[vegeman]

Thats it...decision made.

From the supportive feedback, I'm sticking to the original plan and shipping. Main reasons, are:

I want to ride my 690, as I've spent a lot of time and effort prep this machine...so seems dumb to then not use it for the ride of a lifetime. ie heated grips, risers, rally raid performance/reliablity bits, scott damper etc...

I know it well, so it will make those times when the riding is difficult, or it;s dark and I'm tired...I can rely on my familiarity with the bike
Cost difference really isn't really that big a deal....it's gonna cost a lot anyway...so it doesn't matter.

I just bought the rear fuel tank from rally -raid...and while its god damn :gob: expensive...it will give me a total 17l, will be integrated to the existing tank, so it can't fall off, and I don't have to have inside any bags etc...so thats max range about 340k's with nice conditions...and shit conditions will still be 250k's

I have wolfman tank bag, and the waterproof saddle bags which are fantastic. I'm just get the wolfman duffel bag which can sit across the bag and then I will be mostly ready.

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Just got to get a new GPS, and my garmin 60csx had a wee glitch and failed for the first time ever (10 years old now)...might get a bigger screen version for my aging eyes.

[richyrich]

Vege,make sure you order replacement tyres ahead of time ,as fucking hard to find duel sport tyres on the TAt,most bike shops we went into didn't have a clue .there;s a good ktm/kwaka dealer in little rock AK that sorted us out with chains/sprockets and tyres and even rebuilt the klr that was with us overnight under warranty.
also re the tat,hancock pass is not included on the maps,as to many complaints from the GS crowd(Sam' words) but is well worth doing,when you hit salida,head towards Saint Elmos and the start of hancock (piece of piss)
pm if you want any info

[vegeman]

Vege,make sure you order replacement tyres ahead of time ,as fucking hard to find duel sport tyres on the TAt,most bike shops we went into didn't have a clue .there;s a good ktm/kwaka dealer in little rock AK that sorted us out with chains/sprockets and tyres and even rebuilt the klr that was with us overnight under warranty.
also re the tat,hancock pass is not included on the maps,as to many complaints from the GS crowd(Sam' words) but is well worth doing,when you hit salida,head towards Saint Elmos and the start of hancock (piece of piss)
pm if you want any info

thanks for the headsup on the hancock pass - I don't want to miss out because some woosies can't ride their big bikes. Also good thought on the tyres...I was planning on riding the E07 rear, and MT21 front...as I know they can do that distance, and I have had good experience on what terrain they will work on...plus they last forever. What tyres did you have. I personally know the TKC don't last very well at all, mt21 rears last better, e07 amazing life...and I have got through some shit stuff on them...

rebuild the KLR sounds rather bad, and probably unusual...what happened there.

[Phreaky Phil]

We ran Mitas E09 rear and Pirrelli Scorpion Rally front to Moab.Then changed to Dunlop 606's for the 2nd half. the tyres werent worn out but fresh rubber is good when you need it. I know people run things like E07's but I wouldnt. The roads over there are mainly dirt, not much metal and when it rains they get REAL slick. Some impassable as mud builds on the tyres until they wont go around. Fred at Arrowhead Motorsports carries a range of tyres. http://www.angelfire.com/ut/moab/ Call ahead and book some then call a coupole days out to book in to change them. We did an oil change there while he swapped tyres. Good bloke :2thumbsup

[vegeman]

We ran Mitas E09 rear and Pirrelli Scorpion Rally front to Moab.Then changed to Dunlop 606's for the 2nd half. the tyres werent worn out but fresh rubber is good when you need it. I know people run things like E07's but I wouldnt. The roads over there are mainly dirt, not much metal and when it rains they get REAL slick. Some impassable as mud builds on the tyres until they wont go around. Fred at Arrowhead Motorsports carries a range of tyres. http://www.angelfire.com/ut/moab/ Call ahead and book some then call a coupole days out to book in to change them. We did an oil change there while he swapped tyres. Good bloke :2thumbsup

sounds like good advice, when I'm going into the unknown I do normally ride a full MT21 front and rear just to have thatt extra grip in case things turn to shit...so it sounds like it did get shitty. Planning the oil change at the same time and having someone that has already been endorsed helps...:banana:

[umopom]

I didn't find the availability of tyres a problem - I always use a D606 on the front and then something reasonably hard wearing on the back - if you are going in late summer the main issue is going to be the wear rate - I found the Mefo super explorer (140/80-18) to be a great tyre and would use them here if I could find them. A bit like the Heidenau K60 but better grip and probably better wear. Fred Hink in Moab stocks them.
Cheers
JC

[vegeman]

thanks...and that was my viewpoint as well. Something sticky/grippy on the front ie 606, MT21, scorpion....and something long wearing on the rear. I had heidinau k60 before, and while they wore really well...they let me down because they were so god damn stiff in the sidewall, whereas the e09's at least flexed when air was let out. I got 'delayed' on a grass slope with k60's, even with no pressure left in the tyre. On a trail ride in the akatarawas I went past people on hard pack, wet clay, and got up steep mud grass on the E09's...

I've seed the mefo's and yes they are very similar to k60's, so I will do some more testing(as I have a year to do so) and make my decision..either way, sounds like there is the opportunity to swap midway which is great to know.

feedback is great...so thanks to all.

[clint640]

Re tyres, unlike here, in the USA you can get the D606 rears to fit the LC4 - I scored one once & found it gripped as well as the MT21 but lasted heaps better. Was thinking seriously about ordering in a few of them but then discovered the Motoz which is as good & cheaper.

Keeping a good eye on all the stuff like chains, sprockets, tyres, wheelbearings on a long trip can save a lot of stress. Catch that stuff before it's an issue & you can just call ahead to somewhere you'll be in a couple of days & have it waiting for a quick pit stop. Mind you, freshen up all that before you go & tyres should be the only thing you need to worry about.

It is real nice to be on your own bike, I enjoyed that in OZ. However I'm giving serious thought to buying something in the US in a few years, & doing a few separate expeditions. Low km's 640's are pretty affordable & there's too much to see in just one trip...

Cheers
Clint

[Muzz67]

How do you get the compulsory insurance if you own your own machine in the US? would love to tackle TAT and other routes too, over a few trips in the next few years.

[umopom]

How do you get the compulsory insurance if you own your own machine in the US? would love to tackle TAT and other routes too, over a few trips in the next few years.

Insurance for your own bike isn't a problem and can be arranged here before you go - I used Progressive - one of the bigger US companies - took out a year's policy about US$800 and then got a refund when I got back - total cost for insurance for 10 weeks US$150. That was one of the more expensive covers that included roadside assistance/recovery but they are all available over the web. You need a US address for it to work but if you are shipping with Mainfreight then you can use the Kiwi Shipping address - policy waiting along with the bike.
Cheers
JC

[umopom]

Hi Vegeman
The more I think about it the more I want to do it again - keep posting your plans and let us know if you want some company?
Cheers
JC

[GPS MAN]

I was over the first of the year and spent some time with Sam C...the TAT MAN. Sam and I are old friends and go back to racing days..many, many years ago.....

He informed me that he is considering re-routing the Western end . That would put you missing Nevada, California, and Oregon...

There has been some issues with the Bureau of Land Management ,,which manages National Property..in those states.

So, in the future the trip will turn North, taking you through Montana and ending at the Canadian border...

It's still going to be a very good trip..you won't be missing out on much!

fyi.

Wade

[GPS MAN]

I am going back to the states for 6 months next year.....

No telling what motorbike mischief I might get into......:psst:

[vegeman]

I was over the first of the year and spent some time with Sam C...the TAT MAN. Sam and I are old friends and go back to racing days..many, many years ago.....

He informed me that he is considering re-routing the Western end . That would put you missing Nevada, California, and Oregon...

There has been some issues with the Bureau of Land Management ,,which manages National Property..in those states.

So, in the future the trip will turn North, taking you through Montana and ending at the Canadian border...

It's still going to be a very good trip..you won't be missing out on much!

fyi.

Wade

interesting indeed. I just forwarded an email of to Sam about getting the routes now (for planning purposes) and then hope I can get a free update next year when it's time to do it for real.

Do you think this updated route will happen by then?

[ducatijim]

Contact Jeff Larson @ Mainfreight, Wellington. $3k will see you nz-la-nz, then its up to you how you get to the kickoff point. If its just CO then enjoy a ride out that way maybe? 3-4 days easy on the I system, little longer on B roads.
Its still a great experience if you have never been there.

California Pass, CO --

[vegeman]

Contact Jeff Larson @ Mainfreight, Wellington. $3k will see you nz-la-nz, then its up to you how you get to the kickoff point. If its just CO then enjoy a ride out that way maybe? 3-4 days easy on the I system, little longer on B roads.
Its still a great experience if you have never been there.

California Pass, CO --

Cheers for that...thinking about umopom (JC) comment about perhaps doing the loop from LA to mid west and then back over via the TAT...might save the hassle cost of shipping the bike to TN...hmmm...decisions, decisions. Half of me still wants to do the full thing, half of me wants to the cool bits in the middle without the far west stuff, and the half is indecisive :-D

I'll see what Sam comes back, Festy still hasn't completely committed to the trip yet...but I think by the beginning of next year, I want it all locked down on what, where and who is involved, as that should make help sway the decision process.

12 months to go.

[vegeman]

Nice bit of kit. adds 4.5L plus new rack included....17L total,

299928299929299930

[10bikekid]

Nice mod, would be keen to join ya on the journey but am to responsible :crybaby:

Glad to see you using a 690, have some friends over there at the moment who bought DR's just for the trip ) one even had a 690 in his garage but was concerned about be so far from home on a KTM

Am reading at the moment a report in Kiwi Rider April 2013 where 6 kiwi's did the Colorado to California section, 4800Ks on 690's no sweat, best bikes they reckoned

[vegeman]

Yes, the 690 should be awesome...fuel injected for altitude changes, horsepower always helps, it carrys stuff well, I'm still strong enough to pick the dumb thing up if it decides to lie down :facepalm:..plus I've got one, so best I use it! - there is no 'saving for best', use the darn thing and ride it till the wheels fall off.

I've maintained it pretty well, and replaced or addressed all the known issues including new rocker arms, manual timing chain adjuster, tank bolts, billet sprocket cover, billet fuel adapter, muffler, fuel maps, air cleaner just to to name a few...just hitting 45K's on it so by the time I get there, I'm expecting it to have another 10K's...before I start. I should have most of the other normal items all sorted before then ie bearings/chain etc and will also carry spare fuel pump/filter for it...as without that, buggered.

But...if things turn to shit, I've ordered one of this Sat hot spots from Iridium so I can at least make a call, send a message

http://www.iridium.com/Products/Iridium-GO.aspx?section=support&productCategoryID=29.

[Night Falcon]

Tank looks great Veg and sounds like you've got the 690 pretty sorted for the trip.

Grit and sand getting into the tank clogging the pump filter which cooks the pump seems to be one of more common causes of pump failure - the standard 690 fuel cap wouldn't help that so ya billet one is a great piece of kit! Read some guys filter their petrol when filling up out in the boonies. Keeping ya air filter fresh also good practice - plus carry a roll of duct tape and some zip ties and you can pretty much fix anything as we all know. :laugh:

[vegeman]

Tank looks great Veg and sounds like you've got the 690 pretty sorted for the trip.

Grit and sand getting into the tank clogging the pump filter which cooks the pump seems to be one of more common causes of pump failure - the standard 690 fuel cap wouldn't help that so ya billet one is a great piece of kit! Read some guys filter their petrol when filling up out in the boonies. Keeping ya air filter fresh also good practice - plus carry a roll of duct tape and some zip ties and you can pretty much fix anything as we all know. :laugh:

yup...have the rally raid sprocket kit to protect the case/slave cylinder...I also upgraded the slave unit to a twin o-ring unit from some german dude years ago...so I;m fully blinged on that front :yes:

you got a new machine yet?

[Night Falcon]

yup...have the rally raid sprocket kit to protect the case/slave cylinder...I also upgraded the slave unit to a twin o-ring unit from some german dude years ago...so I;m fully blinged on that front :yes:

you got a new machine yet?

not yet, had narrowed selection down to 5 or 6 bikes but got the hots for another 690 of late :shifty:

[Crim]

not yet, had narrowed selection down to 5 or 6 bikes but got the hots for another 690 of late :shifty:

Can't get the bloody things for love nor money, maybe some 2nd hand ones come available when the '15s arrive in Feb

[mattsdakar]

Can't get the bloody things for love nor money, maybe some 2nd hand ones come available when the '15s arrive in Feb

What r u riding now Crim?, saw you had your 450 up for sale

[Crim]

What r u riding now Crim?, saw you had your 450 up for sale

pushbike, Matt bugger it all :weep: next time I will buy before I sell!

[vegeman]

With JC (umopom) doing it backwards, and then talking with Festy who is keen to do it the wrong way for weather and shipping reasons...it does seems like a viable option. If we then consider us from downunder and things are backwards anyway...what does it matter to us :laugh:

With the official route being east to West, there is more and more riders wanting to do it the other way (so more information available)....and while Sam has route sheets for one way...it seems most people are really using the route sheets, and just use the GPS to following the trail. Route sheets seem to the thing to read the night before to get an idea of the day ahead. It's Certainly not hard to reverse the trail in the software and We've just got onto GPS Kevins route...so options are clearly there.

https://sites.google.com/site/gpskevin/adventurerides/trans-america-trail

Discussing with Festy yesterday, riding Oregon first seems logical as it will be warmer there initially and then as the weeks progress it continues to get warmer the further south we ride. Otherwise going East to West...its hotter initially, and then we riding into the colder weather just as the seasons are getting worse...Plus arriving in CA or Oregon means we can just get the bikes and ride :headbang:

Also..feedback on that auxillary tank from RR is bloody awesome. Such a good peice of kit, and went ride on Sunday with more focus on distance than hooning..and managed 290K's before fueling, it used 14.5 litres so I would still have 2l in reserve...thats so good now.

Next mod is an improved windscreen/headlight protector with options to clamp on accessories...

[Muzz67]

Probably be a lot easier to pick up a set up bike from The Cal/Oregon end, when the visitors try to sell theirs after travelling the 'normal' direction.

[vegeman]

I know the guys on the other thread regarding communication in the outback and I have just bought, received and setup one of the new Inreach Explorer

http://www.inreachdelorme.com/product-info/inreach-explorer.php

305043

All part of the trip planning...as it's a great way to have communications when no cellphone available. I like these units because

Small, rugged IPX7 rated.
100 hours on 10 minute send intervals
Has a GPS function (so handy as a backup)
Connects to smartphone so can type messages and use all the contacts stored on the phone
BUT, can send messages from inreach should phone be knackered (preset or type it)
Sends email, SMS with position info and message.

$599 and can go on cheap plans now...I've gone for the $32/month plan.

[ducatijim]

$599 and can go on cheap plans now...I've gone for the $32/month plan.

And I know how to do it waaay cheaper than that and cut out the robbing buggers called Pivotel, in Oz.

Anyone interested, pm me and I can save you a shitload off the above!!!!

[vegeman]

Ok,
Still planning and prepping so have called Jeff to understand the latest on shipping costs/times and process.

Cost for shipping seems to be related to USD, so the price has gone up (at this point in time) to around $3500. This is based on bike/crate size so as PhreakyPhil suggested...get the smallest crate I can find.

Shipping time to LA is 5 weeks...which I think will be the hardest thing as I won't have the katoom around for any more playing or checking...but thats just the speed of the bike ol' boat.

As for making the bike legal in the USA, this seems to be more of a form based system, more than anything to do with the bike. We can ride with NZ plates, NZ WOF and Rego as long as it has 6 months min of validity....so thats cool.

We really can on ship to and from LA...so any other on-shipping or departure points changes the process a lot - I think I mentioned before we will ride up from LA to Oregon an then jump on the TAT and head South and East...I think that once we get to Akansas, we will likely start heading south and head back via Texas for Alligator hunting, via New mexico, Alberquque ...

Well thats the current plan.

Next step for me is riding to the Far South Adventure Ride organised by Mike and Angela Britton. From Welly to there and back plus their ride, I'll probably do some 4000K's so will be a good test for the gear and see how we get on.

I'm going to ride with the Mitas E09 Dakar on the rear and see how that works. Seems to be a good dirt that seems to last better than most....so I think with real offroading plus some boring tarmac, I should get an good idea of its performance.

[GPS MAN]

Sounds like a Great Trip!

If you make it through Mississippi say hello to Sam ~ the founder of the TAT...

You can contact him via email and he will give you his address...a good fellow and friend!

[Night Falcon]

coming together nicely Veg!

Hope you planning on regular ride reports with heaps of pics for all your adoring fans?

[vegeman]

coming together nicely Veg!

Hope you planning on regular ride reports with heaps of pics for all your adoring fans?

That's also on the plan...I've just bought a small windows transformer PC from ASUS (T100). Really neat machine as its a touchscreen tablet with a solid keyboard attachment option. This ensures that I have USB ports as well as the standard MicroSD so connecting cameras, phones and even the 690 to a computer is easy.

That computer is small like a netbook, with great battery life...but is also a full windows 8.1 machine meaning software and app's are easy to install etc.

I have basecamp running for managing maps, have already downloaded all the US maps from the http://garmin.openstreetmap.nl/
All GPSkevin tracks and waypoints
EFI/mapping software and cable for connecting bike

so its all going well...

[vegeman]

What a bastard indeed.

Because I am having some time off to get stuff done and prepare for my trip, I've been helping people out...and this time, it has caught me out.

A mate wanted his boy to buy a here in Wellington and since they live in Auckalofa, they asked if I could ride it, check it, do the money transfer and then help send it on bike transport....because I'm a good guy, I said yes.

The short version of the story is that we completed the transaction and was lifting the bike on the trailer (WR250). We didn't have a ramp so did the ol' MX lift by getting the front wheel on first and then lifting the rear. Me and the seller were doing well until he pushed and I lifted and !@#$%^...my thumb got caught in one of the fucking sharp holes on the sprocket and the swingarm...BAM, and the clean chop was done.

Being my right hand and right thumb...it couldn't have been a more important finger. I found the bit and got driven to hospital relatively quickly...yet they were very busy. It was deemed that the amount of finger missing was marginal in its length for reattachment so want to crimp it off during surgery later on.

Fortunately, the delay in surgery gave me and the Doctors some time to talk, and since the finger was amputated clean off a few mm's above the nail bed...I really wanted to try and keep the nail. A ugly nail is still better than no nail. The first plan was to make it a bit shorter still and give me a nub without the nail...but the agreed process based on more learnings of how amazing the finger is at healing...we have opted for a slower, more painful process which is to let it heal itself!. They reckon, that because I'm a non-smoker, healthy, and still have nail bed...it should regrow enough.

[ducatijim]

Well bugger.

[Night Falcon]

yikes :sick:....bad luck seems to coincide with KTM ownership I've discovered, by contrast though, your fortunate not to be a professional hitch hiker :sunny:

[vegeman]

nothing to do with KTM' bro...stinking WR's!

BUT while this has put everything on hold...it is growing. That photo was from 5 weeks ago now. check out the growth rings. I'm a bloody salamander

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They said that the finger is amazing at growing, you just need to keep it in these modern dressings that act like a second skin. It keeps all the fluid and goodness to help grow skin/flesh, it allows vapour (and odour) to escape so it can breath etc.

While it's bummer....I do heal well - I've had enough practise at it!!!

[Night Falcon]

what if it grows back longer? will that mean new gloves Veg of just 1 thumbless one?

[young1]

Ouch!

Hope the recovery is quick and as pain free as it can be (I bet you are popping some big pills!)

[pomgolian]

Can't imagine the pain that really must have hurt, had a couple of minor cuts on my thumb while away on bike recently in OZ which took two weeks to even start healing and made everything a Bastod to do on the bike or simply banging them was bad enough. Similar story had to do it before I was 50 and the wife said go for it, good luck with the recovery and realizing your dreams.

[vegeman]

what if it grows back longer? will that mean new gloves Veg of just 1 thumbless one?

I'll trim the Alpinestar gortex glove, or the finger...what ever causes the less pain. Somehow I don't think length is going to be the problem!.

If anything, it should be close to being the same length or a fraction shorter. When the tidied the thumb up in the surgery...the basically nibbled the bone down a bit further as the cut was so clean, the fleshy sides couldn't cover the bone. With the bone now a bit shorter, the could throw a few stitches in there to pull the sides together so that the bone would have some protection, and ultimately, aid in the healing.

The only positive thing is that having a shorther thumb makes my cock look like it has more girth ...hah!!!

[vegeman]

Ouch!

Hope the recovery is quick and as pain free as it can be (I bet you are popping some big pills!)

yeah...thanks for that. While it has been sore, i don't think its the worst pain I've had. I think because it was all trimmed off in a microsecond, the body seems to know how to cope. Interestingly though, just panadol and ibuprofen have worked fantastically.
I tried other stuff, but really didn't make much difference...and bourbon is better BUT just gotter be careful when going to grab for a refill.

[vegeman]

Can't imagine the pain that really must have hurt, had a couple of minor cuts on my thumb while away on bike recently in OZ which took two weeks to even start healing and made everything a Bastod to do on the bike or simply banging them was bad enough. Similar story had to do it before I was 50 and the wife said go for it, good luck with the recovery and realizing your dreams.

Fanx...I think I'm used to being in pain...for one, I'm married with kids :-D. The first week, I had it bandaged heaps to protect it, but during the second week, I seemed to instinctively grab too many times, especailly during the night. I think I must twitch, grab and flinch throughout the night and wake myself up, and bandages didn't help due to be simply moving it against the dressings.

In a wierd way, I'm pleased they didn't try and stitch the bit back on, as I reckon I would have whacked it off by now.

It's highly likely that the TAT won't happen this year, as the timing is all going out the window BUT, like yourself, I have a mate in Aussie who said come over, ride his bikes and have a smaller adventure over there, so as soon as I am able...I'll go over there.

Where did you go?, was Aussie good...or just really, really big.

[pomgolian]

Fanx...I think I'm used to being in pain...for one, I'm married with kids :-D. The first week, I had it bandaged heaps to protect it, but during the second week, I seemed to instinctively grab too many times, especailly during the night. I think I must twitch, grab and flinch throughout the night and wake myself up, and bandages didn't help due to be simply moving it against the dressings.

In a wierd way, I'm pleased they didn't try and stitch the bit back on, as I reckon I would have whacked it off by now.

It's highly likely that the TAT won't happen this year, as the timing is all going out the window BUT, like yourself, I have a mate in Aussie who said come over, ride his bikes and have a smaller adventure over there, so as soon as I am able...I'll go over there.

Where did you go?, was Aussie good...or just really, really big.

Me too 4 of the suckers (kids that is) Sydney, Bathurst, inland north, Byron Bay, then west in a straightish wiggly route to the west coast, just wanted to see a few highlights, on the way, yes its a huge interesting place, roads are long and straight, had a route planned but no stops planned so rode as long as i wanted then looked for a camp before dark, longest day 810 kms, think if i was with a group i would have free camped more than i did but enjoyed the freedom riding solo. Met some great people travelers and locals, bikers and nomads. From what ive read about the TAT it looks more interesting terrain than OZ but i did go through the flat centre which has its own beauty and im know there is far more to see around the coasts.

[DR Girl]

nothing to do with KTM' bro...stinking WR's!

BUT while this has put everything on hold...it is growing. That photo was from 5 weeks ago now. check out the growth rings. I'm a bloody salamander

313192
week 1

313190
week 2

313191
week 3

They said that the finger is amazing at growing, you just need to keep it in these modern dressings that act like a second skin. It keeps all the fluid and goodness to help grow skin/flesh, it allows vapour (and odour) to escape so it can breath etc.

While it's bummer....I do heal well - I've had enough practise at it!!!

Vegeman so sorry to see this. You poor man. So not how a good deed should end up :mellow:
Amazing to see the growth in the finger.
Takecare.