It has been much too long since I have spilled my thoughts, concerns and fears onto this page. But, with delayed enthusiasm, I have finally chosen and acquired my trusty steed!
2013 KTM 690 Enduro R
Much debate inside my own head, and hours spent reading tech specs, and forum sites, building pro/con lists in my head brought me to this decision. I am satisfied with my choice. I believe I have the perfect long distance adventure bike for me, but do I have the stones and fortitude to be a long distance adventure rider? Only one way to settle that debate.
This is my first ever brand new road vehicle, and that brings with it an inherent anxiety. I have parked this horse in the living room of my apartment, and nights when I fall asleep on my couch, I wake looking at her across the room. Perhaps she is more anxious that I? She needs a name, but names must be earned. She is still a baby, still needing to see those first break-in miles, and go through those first oil changes.
I am fretting over decisions for my next adventure. If I talk about it here, then it becomes real. I need reality. This must give me the kick in the pants to complete all the prep work and planning now, and have time to relax. November 20th I will throw my leg over a newborn motorcycle and take off on a 3000+ mile round trip journey to spend Thanksgiving with sorely missed family in upstate New York.
-What am I searching for?
I truly don't know, but I will know when I find it
-Will I reach my destination?
Geez, I hope so.
-Have I lost my sanity?
Maybe
-Do I care?
Not really, no.
I just need this, I really need a journey. I need to find "it", and I don't know what "it" is. I don't think I will this trip, but this is just practice run, for a much longer trip. I do want to make my goal, but my only real goal is to try. It will be cold. Terribly cold. I need to decide on riding gear, luggage, and necessary all necessary modifications. I still need insurance and tags. I haven't rode any discernible length in oh, 8-10 months, and granted I was no "expert" even then. I have absolutely no experience on a dual-sport, however this trip will be limited mostly to pavement. I still don't have my route, daily mileage budget, and I really don't have the monetary budget for any of this. All those things bother me. They worry me. They consume me, and I love it! I welcome the fretting and the fear. When give in, and it take control of my mind, I forget other things. The private personal things. The things I can't control. The thinks I don't want to share. Perhaps that explains my procrastination. The deadline is approaching, and I have things to order still, and personal affairs to get in order ASAP. Updates soon.
