To Curtis, Forsellini, AndyT, Karl, and Karl the Flying Gringo,

Curtis - I do get it! Less really is more!!!

I was shocked when I realized that everything I needed for a comfy life could be carried on a motorcycle!

I'm sure you have a terrific friend who is in love with someone and you just can't understand why. That's me and the Gold Wing! I went through two other street bikes before I settled on the Wing. I just love the damn thing! I know, I know, on gravel/dirt I'm in big trouble, but I'm in love!

Forsellini - The wonderlust link you provided is awesome. I read the whole site. The site reveals that the road is pretty much paved the whole distance, if you so choose, and was fairly easily done on a Harley riding two-up.

The double amputee you mention may be Dave Barr who has stayed with me a few times. Dave lost his legs to a land mine, jumped on his Harley, and rode around the world. BUT, Dave is the most ABLED of men, and his ability to do anything he wants puts me to shame!

AndyT - It's nice to have encouragement from someone who's done it!

Karl - I did have major trouble with sidewinds riding in the gravel on the Dempster Highway to Inuvik in the Northwest Territories. I laid on the gas tank (well, it looks like a gas tank but it isn't) and waited for the winds to subside. They never did. It was rough on a Gold Wing.

Your parts statement is a good one. I'll check the Gold Wing Club to see where the clubs are down there.

Karl the Flying Gringo - Your sighting of Gold Wings is encouraging!

Thanks to all for respoonding!

Mike


[This message has been edited by ChicagoMike (edited 03 February 2006).]