Sunday, June 14, 2015

The Most Important Farkle

I had this cup holder lying around the garage for about 20 years. I had picked it up on a road trip in MN at some RV park. I didn't have any screws to install it so I just put it into the door pocket with plans to install it sometime. I guess that time was today. There have been many times when I had a cup of coffee that I hadn't finished and just needed to transport it. My son had some strong double sided foam tape and that's how it's installed. When folded up, it easily clears the hinged lid on the ammo box. Not very sparkly but I'll call it a farkle.

One of the problems with having time before leaving on a trip is that I change my mind on some things. Such as, I picked up a RAM mount for the Spot tracker so I decided to go back to the tail bag instead of the tank bag. One of the benefits of the tank bag is that there was a place for the Spot device. When I carry it in a pocket of my riding gear, I forget all about it and run the battery dead. BTW, there is quite a bit of distortion in this iPhoto picture. It's not really twice the size of the speedometer.

I also decided to bring the dslr along since neither the iPhone or GoPro have a decent telephoto. Or do well in low light situations. I also swapped out the stock headlight and put in the new Hella H4 (E4 version). The old one got hit by a rock on the way back from Anchorage in May. I should probably look for one of the plastic rock guards for the headlight. Other than that, I'm just charging up batteries and emptying memory cards. And waiting...


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18 comments:

  1. UnknownJune 14, 2015 at 10:44 PM

    Hot coffee within reach?... Now, that's a creature comfort. I've often thought that I'd like coffee at hand while riding, but I can't work around the inevitable mess of trying to drink through a fixed full-face. Maybe intravenous is the answer.

    It sounds to me like you're pretty well set, ready for the big adventure.

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    Replies
    1. RichardMJune 15, 2015 at 9:09 AM

      With the bike it was always pretty easy to find a place to stash a travel mug since the bike leans. No worries about it spilling when going around a corner. Not the case with a sidecar.

      No intention of trying to drink while riding. With the cup holder on my right and behind, there's no temptation to even try.

      Delete
  2. CanajunJune 15, 2015 at 4:23 AM

    There's always "just one more thing". Safe travels and I look forward to reading all about it.

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  3. redlegsridesJune 15, 2015 at 5:37 AM

    FWIW, I debated several mounting options for the SPOT device for my trip up your way. Martha mentioned a good point, wear it, and if you're thrown from the motorcycle, it's still with you. So I wore it, you might recall, with the armband attachment on my left arm....worked fine there.

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    1. RichardMJune 15, 2015 at 9:14 AM

      I tried the armband but it kept moving around. I was thinking of adding Velcro to stick to the Roadcrafter suit on the forearm but deciding to just use the extra RAM mount I had picked up from a friend when they moved.

      Delete
  4. ConchscooterJune 15, 2015 at 6:07 AM

    What happens if you leave early, Mr Retired?

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    1. RichardMJune 15, 2015 at 9:15 AM

      My first destination is an "event" in Dawson City" which starts on Thursday. It isn't that far away.

      Delete
  5. SonjaMJune 15, 2015 at 10:24 AM

    Bon Voyage, RichardM. Enjoy and let us know how much. Make us envious.

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    1. RichardMJune 15, 2015 at 1:52 PM

      Thank you, hopefully there won't be any major problems. And I'll post when I can get Wi-Fi.

      Delete
  6. TrobairitzJune 15, 2015 at 12:30 PM

    The waiting is the hard part.

    I like the cup holder though, just don't leave any straws in your drinks.

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    1. RichardMJune 15, 2015 at 1:55 PM

      The cup holder is something that would of been handy several times over the past year. I have a small supply of those little green Starbucks plugs for the coffee cup lids. I need them in Barrow due to the bumpy roads.

      Delete
  7. Learning to GolfJune 15, 2015 at 2:26 PM

    Best wishes for a great adventure to start retirement! Ride safe.

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  8. VStar LadyJune 15, 2015 at 5:18 PM

    Sounds like you're almost ready ... unless you can think of one more thing. Enjoy the ride ...

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  9. TroubadourJune 15, 2015 at 7:07 PM

    I had a cup holder like that in my truck when I was a kid, loved it.
    I agree with wearing the spot, I tuck mine in my camelbak when riding the mountain bike, but haven't figured out how to wear it on the motorcycle yet. Lanyard maybe?
    Safe travels and have fun.

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    1. RichardMJune 15, 2015 at 9:43 PM

      They didn't design the case with anyplace to run a lanyard, strap, carabiner or anything else. I think it may have come with a case but it's long gone. Still time to come up with something.

      Delete

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