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Earning my second long distance riding award - Page 2

© Brian Salisbury

My route would take me through New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia and Tennessee. Most of the way I'd be traveling within sight of or through portions of the Appalachian Mountains.

I wanted to compress all non-riding activities -- eating, drinking and rest room visits -- into my fuel stops. I wanted to be self-contained, so I'd carry my own food and water. I'd bring foods and a few beverages that are high in proteins and low in sugars and carbohydrates. I didn't want to eat anything that would make me drowsy.

Dedicating my ride to the Dads

I decided to make my attempt during Saturday and Sunday, June 19 and 20. I chose that weekend because it marked the beginning of summer when I'd benefit from the greatest amount of daylight. Also, Sunday was Fathers' Day, and I wanted to dedicate this ride to my own father and my father-in-law. If they were still alive, they'd both understand why such adventures are important.

And, in my heart, they'd be riding with me.

At 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 19, I finished packing and checking my motorcycle then drove to our local police station. An officer signed my witness form certifying the starting mileage on the bike's odometer.

Next, I drove to a 24-hour Texaco station to fill up and get a most-important document -- the computer-printed gas receipt showing the date, time and location where I was beginning my ride. That receipt officially started the clock for my trip at 6:27 a.m.

Before I took off, I marked the start-time on my route sheet attached to my handlebars. It would serve as a constant reminder and reference when computing my elapsed time and progress.

As I do on many trips, I crossed Long Island, the Bronx and into New Jersey where I picked up Route 80. The big highway carried me west across the state to the Delaware Water Gap Bridge and into Pennsylvania. Within about 50 miles, I turned off Route 80 onto Route 81 south. I'd stay on this road virtually all the way to the Knoxville.

The traffic on 81 was light at first, but as the day wore on it grew heavier -- especially the slow-moving trucks. But I managed to maintain a reasonably good average speed and to keep each gas stop down to 10 minutes or less. By the time I reached the Knoxville area, I'd built up a 45-minute cushion.

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