Time flies.
It’s April 1st –April Fools Day — and I’m beginning to wonder whether or not there is enough time left for me to get everything ready before The Expedition begins in 30 days on May 1, 2022. Am I a fool for even thinking that this trip is possible? I guess we’ll find out soon enough.
So, here’s a quick update as to where I’m at today:
- The scooter is almost ready, but I still need to open the deck to replace the fuses, inspect the battery and internal wiring, add waterproofing if necessary, and Loctite all the screws.
- My custom trailer hitch is getting an upgrade for additional support; I figure it’s better to take a few precautions now rather than deal with a broken part down the road: perhaps in the middle of nowhere.
- The Ortlieb panniers have been modified to add locks, external storage and longer straps to secure onto the trailer.
- The Burley COHO trailer has been modified to add front and rear fenders, a wider motorcycle-grade tire, a wireless alarm, and cargo bungee net. I still need to disassemble and re-grease the wheel axle and hub as well as Loctite all the screws, but that shouldn’t take too long. The biggest challenge will be packing the trailer and panniers to distribute the weight correctly while accommodating all of the gear and Xtar solar panels.
- My Osprey backpack still needs to be loaded with my overflow gear items. I have a rough idea as to what most of this gear will be, but I won’t know for sure until I get the trailer fully loaded and tested for road handling.
- I still need to design, construct and test a few items for my sleeping system and solar panels, including a light weight, compact solar concentrator to optimize solar panel performance.
- My extra-long Amok Draumr 5.0 hammock/shelter was tested for nearly two months last Fall, but I need to hang it up again and get reacquainted with the nuances of this unique product, particularly entering and existing the hammock without causing severe pain in my back and legs.
- I have assembled a small cache of spare parts that will be stored at my daughter’s home until I need them. Currently I have 8 spare scooter tires, 3 spare trailer tires + tubes, 2 spare throttles, 5 spare sets of disc brake rotors and pads. One pair of pads and rotors will be packed in the trailer just in case a significant hill destroys my brakes prematurely. I am hoping to get 2,000 to 3,000 miles from each tire before they need to be replaced, but brake parts may need to be replaced more often depending upon road and riding conditions.
- At present, my biggest headache and challenge is related to electronics (video, audio, network access) and setting up and maintaining a sustainable video workflow on YouTube and Patreon. I AM ready to scoot! I’m NOT yet prepared to make videos and document the Journey. Hopefully I will be ready for everything very soon.
After all, time is flying by for ALL of us, ALWAYS.
We should be mindful of how we choose to sieze each day.
Today is the first of April.
I — and perhaps you, as well — would be wise to consider that, although May 1st is coming on fast, so is April 2nd!
In time (hopefully soon), look for us on YouTube and Patreon and come fly with us wherever, and whenever, you choose.
