Getting ready
I have been spending some time getting everything ready for the start of the Alcan 5000. The good news is that I think that I learned a few things last time around, mostly about what to bring, what not to bring, and what works on the bike when riding it long distances. As an example, I bought the bike in the early spring, and I had an electric jacket liner, made by Gerbings, that I had worn while riding my F650. Worked fine. So I attached a wiring pigtail on the KTM, connected it to the jacket, everything checked out. Right until I stood up for the first time while riding, and the jacket promptly disconnected - I had made the cable on the bike too short!
This is the kind of oversight that happens when you don't shake things down.
Another change I am making is in the volume of stuff I am bringing - like less clothing. In 2002I brought my laptop This time,I am taking it to Kirkland, but I will leave it behind and use a PDA instead. I am using this right now to write and post this.
On the bike, I have replaced the dash and indicator lights with slick replacements from Touratech. In place of the routebook holder, a waterproof metal box that displays the route instructions on a scroll, I have a computer, designed to show instructions, GPS mapping, and keep me on time with special software. I will be showcasing that in a special post soon!