Modern Buddy

Alright everyone, I've talked about it, planned, and now we are in the final phase!

I've created a blog that everyone can follow. I'll be posting very frequently in the coming days as I (hopefully) get on the road within a week!



You can follow my journey here: http://stellartravels.bryanhoey.com

If you are looking for a particular post, I'll list them here too:

• Pre-journey notes http://stellartravels.bryanhoey.com/201 ... ney-notes/
  
  About Donna: The Scooter that will make the trip http://stellartravels.bryanhoey.com/201 ... out-donna/
  
  Preparation Lists http://stellartravels.bryanhoey.com/201 ... eparation/
  
  The (Planned) Route http://stellartravels.bryanhoey.com/201 ... akland-ca/
  
  When Plans Change: The California Zephyr
  http://stellartravels.bryanhoey.com/201 ... ia-zephyr/
  
  A Baggins Goodbye
  http://stellartravels.bryanhoey.com/201 ... s-goodbye/
  
  Day 1: Bloomington, IN to Nauvoo, IL
  http://stellartravels.bryanhoey.com/201 ... adison-ia/
  
  Day 2: Nauvoo, IL to Omaha, NE
  http://stellartravels.bryanhoey.com/201 ... -omaha-ne/
  
  Day 3: Omaha, NE Still
  http://stellartravels.bryanhoey.com/201 ... -in-omaha/
  
  Day 4: Omaha, NE to Big Springs, NE
  http://stellartravels.bryanhoey.com/201 ... prings-ne/
  
  Day 5: Big Springs, NE to Craig, CO http://stellartravels.bryanhoey.com/201 ... t-springs/
  
  Day 6: Craig, CO to Delta, UT
  http://stellartravels.bryanhoey.com/201 ... -delta-ut/
  
  Day 7: Delta, UT to Fallon, NV
  http://stellartravels.bryanhoey.com/201 ... fallon-nv/
  
  Day 8: Fallon, NV to Oakland, CA (AKA TO THE FINISH LINE YAY)
  http://stellartravels.bryanhoey.com/201 ... akland-ca/
  
  The Afterman http://stellartravels.bryanhoey.com/201 ... ntry-trip/

Thanks for everyone's help (Especially Slashy. You're the best!)

Yalzin,
If you're coming through Iowa, be sure to hit me up! The "Rubber Knife Gang" would enjoy providing an escort.

Best,
-Slashy

Will do!

Good luck! Carry tools and parts and gas. But you know that already.

Go Donna, Go.

Be sure to cross post here as well so we can follow along.

Happy Trails!

Todd

I'll definitely keep you all updated. Probably just make edits to the top post, and bump it occasionally

best of luck! can't wait to follow your adventure.

Yalzin,
A suggestion for your rear tire jack option:
If you strap a milk crate to your rear luggage rack for storage space, the milk crate itself can double as a jack- stand.

Best,
-Slashy

While I think it is great you want to ride across the country, why do you expect other people to help you pay for your "adventure" while so many people are struggling just to get by in this economy?

You need a job? Sell your scooter and fly out for $100 and let people donate money to people who really need it.

I swear the internet is just making people selfish and more depressed...

Slashy - great idea, I'm just not sure if it will work with how I've been planning on mounting things to the rear rack. I'll give it a shot though and see how it all lines up!

HanShan wrote:While I think it is great you want to ride across the country, why do you expect other people to help you pay for your "adventure" while so many people are struggling just to get by in this economy?

You need a job? Sell your scooter and fly out for $100 and let people donate money to people who really need it.

I swear the internet is just making people selfish and more depressed...

HanShan, I have literally 0 expectation of people paying for this "adventure." Over the past months, I have been selling off quite a bit (including my car) to fund this. I am not doing this with expectation, entitlement, etc. Yes, there are others who need help in this economy. I have donated time to helping them when I can.

However, you should also understand that I am also struggling in this economy - hence the move. I have applied to (as of today) 157 jobs. I have had exactly 1 job offer, which was below what I would need to move and survive in that area. I have had several hiring managers in SF say "We are looking to fill immediately. We are looking for a local candidate." (see: 'We don't want to pay relocation.'). Hence, selling my things, packing up the scooter, and going out West.

Why not sell the scooter? It is my preference not to. With the scooter, I can travel to different locations should the job need. Parking is cheap and easy. Insurance is cheap and easy. Gas is cheap. Repairs are cheap compared to my SUV. There is also the "Anti-depressant" factor to the scooter - I've managed to stay sane only because of the scooter at times. Motorcycle therapy is a real thing.

So go ahead and assume I'm selfish and just want everyone else to pay for the trip. Make all the assumptions you'd like.

I have thought of all the points you've addressed, many times over, trust me.

Now, if you have something that is constructive to the situation, by all means, my ears are open!

Yalzin wrote:Slashy - great idea, I'm just not sure if it will work with how I've been planning on mounting things to the rear rack. I'll give it a shot though and see how it all lines up!

HanShan wrote:While I think it is great you want to ride across the country, why do you expect other people to help you pay for your "adventure" while so many people are struggling just to get by in this economy?

You need a job? Sell your scooter and fly out for $100 and let people donate money to people who really need it.

I swear the internet is just making people selfish and more depressed...

HanShan, I have literally 0 expectation of people paying for this "adventure." Over the past months, I have been selling off quite a bit (including my car) to fund this. I am not doing this with expectation, entitlement, etc. Yes, there are others who need help in this economy. I have donated time to helping them when I can.

However, you should also understand that I am also struggling in this economy - hence the move. I have applied to (as of today) 157 jobs. I have had exactly 1 job offer, which was below what I would need to move and survive in that area. I have had several hiring managers in SF say "We are looking to fill immediately. We are looking for a local candidate." (see: 'We don't want to pay relocation.'). Hence, selling my things, packing up the scooter, and going out West.

Why not sell the scooter? It is my preference not to. With the scooter, I can travel to different locations should the job need. Parking is cheap and easy. Insurance is cheap and easy. Gas is cheap. Repairs are cheap compared to my SUV. There is also the "Anti-depressant" factor to the scooter - I've managed to stay sane only because of the scooter at times. Motorcycle therapy is a real thing.

So go ahead and assume I'm selfish and just want everyone else to pay for the trip. Make all the assumptions you'd like.

I have thought of all the points you've addressed, many times over, trust me.

Now, if you have something that is constructive to the situation, by all means, my ears are open!

As an artist, and someone on permanent disability for a mood disorder...

It takes a whole lot of destruction to construct something. Look at what they do to build a mall, or even the crushing of minerals to make a tube of paint for an artist. So do not assume you have seen more life this old man and let me deconstruct some more...

If you are treating your scooter as a medication you are on the wrong path. If you can get by with motorcycle therapy you do not have a mood disorder. Maybe you are depressed because of the economy, or because like everyone else you got suckered by the capitalists, but there is no receptor in the brain for a Genuine Scooter. Riding a scooter is a way to avoid therapy. Therapy does not feel good, it is not an adventure.

I really do not care if you do not think anyone would donate to you, it is arrogant to ask.

And don't be a sucker, kid. If an employer does not want to pay for relocation they do not want you and do not need you. Listen, tell them you'll fly out for an interview and if you get the job then you can move out there. And you might have want to have kept your SUV, you know they are the only housing situations left in San Francisco.

http://www.sfexaminer.com/gut-wrenching ... ur-debate/

By the way, there is another recession coming, just look at this chart. I got it from a big wig smart guy who sells things to the San Francisco Tecnoratti suckers. He tells his friends to look out below but to everyone else his message is "buy now before it is too late":

https://fred.stlouisfed.org/graph/?g=egHa

And I will drop it here Mods, just keeping it real and in solidarity.

Quit the sniping, K?

I appreciate the sentiment. Apologies if I got defensive. As I said before, I've thought long and hard about this.

I will acknowledge that I do not have any clinical mood disorders, nothing diagnosed, etc. I have gone to therapy, and the therapist said they noticed a difference in my mood and life outlook as I began to ride more. Riding is not a substituent for getting real mental help when it is needed, prescription based or therapy-based. However, it has definitely helped me greatly.

I will not say that I have seen more in life than you, but I will say that I have seen different things - simply put, I have different experiences, which have led me to different conclusions. Also simply put, I do not have your specific experiences, nor have I had an opportunity to learn vicariously through yours.

Related to the "just fly out and interview then" and "if they want you, they will pay for relocation." I won't disagree with the former, nor the latter. However, it has proven increasingly difficult to even secure an interview at a distance (I have done several via skype with some major universities there) - the location factor has been identified as a concern. There are other people who do what I do there, and it is far easier to snag them than worry about the distance aspect. As for "flying out there and interviewing", that would be cost-prohibitive due to the time between interviews, as well as short-notice for interviews and price for short notice flights.

Regarding housing, it is already secured, so I don't need to worry about it, at least short term. However, I do know there is a homelessness crisis there (some voluntary, others involuntary). I've often thought about the "VanDweller life" exploring that option if I secured remote work, but right now, it isn't in the cards.

Regarding my perceived arrogance - I disagree. This goes on assumptions about my personality you don't know, which is unfortunate. Just as I don't know you, or have your experiences, you do not know me, or mine. People can donate, or they can not. That will not change what I think of them, and those that do know me know that. I have had several people interested in this trip, either wanting to do it, or live vicariously through my experiences. If they would like to donate, who am I to stop them?

(For what it's worth, the donations thing was not my idea, but someone else's, though I doubt that will change your perception).

I truly appreciate the concerns raised in your posts. These are issues that I have thought about countless times.

I suppose we should just agree to disagree.

Sorry y'all. I was in a bit too much of a sharing mood the other day.

Enjoy your trip Yalzin.

You will need a rain suit. I bought a light weight Frog Togs rain suit for round $20 at Walmart. It is NOT as sturdy as the regular Frog Togs, but it packs down to a very compact size, and keeps you mostly dry. I have used mine on a lot, and it has been a life saver!
Runnng on tiubeless tires, and carrying a spare, I wouldn't worry too much about patch kits. But they are small, so if it makes you feel better, then why not?
On my first long trip, I took a bunch of tools. Now I just carry a few. On a long bike trip, less is more, especially on a 150cc scooter..
If your riding jacket doesn't have a liner, take a sweat shirt along.
If you need a tent,, I use a kid sized tent that I bought at Walmart. It is light, big enough for one, and sets up in less than a minute.
WAsh your t-shirts, socks, and underwear in bathroom sinks, then stick them under bungee cords on your bike. They will dry as you ride. Towels, too.
The small alcohol stoves work well, and fuel is available in grocery stores and dollar stores.
Buy food daily, then eat it. Unless you have a trunk, you have no place to store leftovers. Critters of all kinds will get into your stuff.
Get a camelback. Fill it with ice at convenience stores. In hot weather, it can literally save your life!
In hot weather, soak your t-shirt in cold water. Wear it under your vented jacket. The cool will last about half an hour or so, depending on the humidity levels. Re-wet as needed. Don't ride hot: it impairs your riding ability.
There's a lot more I could say, but this post is already too long! Enjoy the adventure, and don't let anyone discourage you.

HanShan wrote:Sorry y'all. I was in a bit too much of a sharing mood the other day.

Enjoy your trip Yalzin.

<3

Clydeo wrote:You will need a rain suit. I bought a light weight Frog Togs rain suit for round $20 at Walmart. It is NOT as sturdy as the regular Frog Togs, but it packs down to a very compact size, and keeps you mostly dry. I have used mine on a lot, and it has been a life saver!
Runnng on tiubeless tires, and carrying a spare, I wouldn't worry too much about patch kits. But they are small, so if it makes you feel better, then why not?
On my first long trip, I took a bunch of tools. Now I just carry a few. On a long bike trip, less is more, especially on a 150cc scooter..
If your riding jacket doesn't have a liner, take a sweat shirt along.
If you need a tent,, I use a kid sized tent that I bought at Walmart. It is light, big enough for one, and sets up in less than a minute.
WAsh your t-shirts, socks, and underwear in bathroom sinks, then stick them under bungee cords on your bike. They will dry as you ride. Towels, too.
The small alcohol stoves work well, and fuel is available in grocery stores and dollar stores.
Buy food daily, then eat it. Unless you have a trunk, you have no place to store leftovers. Critters of all kinds will get into your stuff.
Get a camelback. Fill it with ice at convenience stores. In hot weather, it can literally save your life!
In hot weather, soak your t-shirt in cold water. Wear it under your vented jacket. The cool will last about half an hour or so, depending on the humidity levels. Re-wet as needed. Don't ride hot: it impairs your riding ability.
There's a lot more I could say, but this post is already too long! Enjoy the adventure, and don't let anyone discourage you.

I appreciate all the tips! Still figuring out the food aspect of the trip, but I'm not all that worried. I should note that a friend from Bloomington is going to give me one of his spare rainsuits (why he has 3, not sure).

Definitely investing in a camelback (actually, I think I have one around here somewhere from my hiking trip in the Navajo Reservation).

Also, thanks to my experience as a Boy Scout, I have a nice little one person backpacking tent. Also bringing my hammock, because...why not?

For food, I just carry an old army mess kit and canteen cup. I stop off at a store and buy a can of soup or something simple (chili, etc). I heat it us, and then wash up where ever I can. In the morning, I get breakfast bars at a store, and munch on them as I ride. I try to stop off somewhere like Subway for lunch, as that's how I get my fresh veggies for the day. Not the healthiest way to eat, but it's just for the duration of the trip.

Oh, I Use the canteen cup to heat water for coffee. I carry the individual packs of instant coffee, as I can put them in a secure place (usually under the seat).

I confess that I stock up on plastic ware whenever I stop for lunch, or when I get gas at a convenience store. And napkins. And matches. Flame me all you want, people! It's what I do. Oh, I also fill up my camelback at the water dispenser of the soda stations. I never ask. I figure I will be gone long before someone gets a chance to talk with a manager about it. Most places don't care: it's just water.

Clydeo wrote:For food, I just carry an old army mess kit and canteen cup. I stop off at a store and buy a can of soup or something simple (chili, etc). I heat it us, and then wash up where ever I can. In the morning, I get breakfast bars at a store, and munch on them as I ride. I try to stop off somewhere like Subway for lunch, as that's how I get my fresh veggies for the day. Not the healthiest way to eat, but it's just for the duration of the trip.

Oh, I Use the canteen cup to heat water for coffee. I carry the individual packs of instant coffee, as I can put them in a secure place (usually under the seat).

I confess that I stock up on plastic ware whenever I stop for lunch, or when I get gas at a convenience store. And napkins. And matches. Flame me all you want, people! It's what I do. Oh, I also fill up my camelback at the water dispenser of the soda stations. I never ask. I figure I will be gone long before someone gets a chance to talk with a manager about it. Most places don't care: it's just water.

Good idea - I already have my mess kit....hm...

Yalzin,
I rode 100 miles on US-6 in Iowa yesterday. The bugs were pretty heavy. I've never ridden US-50, but I don't imagine it'd be any better down there.

Be sure to protect yourself from bugsplats, especially your neck.

*edit* After reviewing my Iowa DOT map, I don't think your planned route through SE Iowa is going to work. The entire stretch from Burlington to Ottumwa is multilane divided high speed freeway.

If you were to come in at Ft. Madison, You could take the Historic Hills scenic byway and join up with 34 at Albia. A much prettier and less stressful ride.
https://www.iowadot.gov/iowasbyways/iow ... df#page=20



Best,
-Slashy

Yalzin wrote:

Clydeo wrote:You will need a rain suit. I bought a light weight Frog Togs rain suit for round $20 at Walmart. It is NOT as sturdy as the regular Frog Togs, but it packs down to a very compact size, and keeps you mostly dry. I have used mine on a lot, and it has been a life saver!
Runnng on tiubeless tires, and carrying a spare, I wouldn't worry too much about patch kits. But they are small, so if it makes you feel better, then why not?
On my first long trip, I took a bunch of tools. Now I just carry a few. On a long bike trip, less is more, especially on a 150cc scooter..
If your riding jacket doesn't have a liner, take a sweat shirt along.
If you need a tent,, I use a kid sized tent that I bought at Walmart. It is light, big enough for one, and sets up in less than a minute.
WAsh your t-shirts, socks, and underwear in bathroom sinks, then stick them under bungee cords on your bike. They will dry as you ride. Towels, too.
The small alcohol stoves work well, and fuel is available in grocery stores and dollar stores.
Buy food daily, then eat it. Unless you have a trunk, you have no place to store leftovers. Critters of all kinds will get into your stuff.
Get a camelback. Fill it with ice at convenience stores. In hot weather, it can literally save your life!
In hot weather, soak your t-shirt in cold water. Wear it under your vented jacket. The cool will last about half an hour or so, depending on the humidity levels. Re-wet as needed. Don't ride hot: it impairs your riding ability.
There's a lot more I could say, but this post is already too long! Enjoy the adventure, and don't let anyone discourage you.

I appreciate all the tips! Still figuring out the food aspect of the trip, but I'm not all that worried. I should note that a friend from Bloomington is going to give me one of his spare rainsuits (why he has 3, not sure).

Definitely investing in a camelback (actually, I think I have one around here somewhere from my hiking trip in the Navajo Reservation).

Also, thanks to my experience as a Boy Scout, I have a nice little one person backpacking tent. Also bringing my hammock, because...why not?

If you can eat sardines get a few cans. Good protein and good fats in a tiny container.

Maybe I would discourage against a camel back only that resting is important, and needing to stop to drink might help force you to take a break. But yeah, make sure you at least have plenty of water.

I lived in Tucson and I can vouch for the wet shirt when riding.

I agree about the stops. Luckily for myself, my wife usually rides with me on long trips, and she has made it clear that we WILL stop every hour, no matter what! On my Buddy, the matter of stopping to take breaks is a non-issue. It only holds a gallon or so of gas, so I have to stop to refuel every hour anyway. How far can a Stella go before having to tank up?

BTW, I have see a Camelback because the ice lasts longer and sometimes it can be had to find good drinking water. I fill it up n the morning, and I am good for the entire riding day. I can't imagine riding n Arizona: it gets hot enough here n the East Coast!
I am kind of envious. I want to ride my Buddy cross country and back at some point. Just two years to retirement, so maybe I should start planning now!

GoSlash27 wrote:Yalzin,
I rode 100 miles on US-6 in Iowa yesterday. The bugs were pretty heavy. I've never ridden US-50, but I don't imagine it'd be any better down there.

Be sure to protect yourself from bugsplats, especially your neck.

*edit* After reviewing my Iowa DOT map, I don't think your planned route through SE Iowa is going to work. The entire stretch from Burlington to Ottumwa is multilane divided high speed freeway.

If you were to come in at Ft. Madison, You could take the Historic Hills scenic byway and join up with 34 at Albia. A much prettier and less stressful ride.
https://www.iowadot.gov/iowasbyways/iow ... df#page=20



Best,
-Slashy

Noted on the bugs. Hopefully the windshield and visor are enough, but i'll be ready regardless!

Thanks for the heads up on Historic Hills byway - EXACTLY the types of roads I hope to drive on, so I REALLY appreciate that heads up. Altering the route!

The Stella should be good for an hour to an hour and a half on a tank of gas (I've been averaging about 80 mpg, but that's without the additional weight of gear and such, so I'm planning on 70 mpg-ish). So, breaks will happen.

I've done some pretty lengthy rides (not this long though) around Southern Indiana (to the Ohio River, To Madison, both from Bloomington), and have gotten familiar with my limits. To be honest, the Stella seat is not comfortable, so rest stops will be mandatory regardless!

Good luck man. How many miles you got on your Donna?

Right now, she's a hair over 13,500 miles...a little more than half of it on this motor (it was completely rebuilt, crank and all, at around 6,500mi due to a bearing that came loose, and took out basically everything but the case).

Still runs like a champ. I've kept up on her maintenance (which was easy and cheap, since I worked at the shop!)

Nice! If you go through Southern Missouri, you will have some better scenery.

srbbnd wrote:Nice! If you go through Southern Missouri, you will have some better scenery.

Thought about going that way, but decided a more middle-of-the-US would be a bit faster.

Definitely going to do it another time though!

Yalzin,
Any news? Have you set a departure date yet?

Best,
-Slashy

Figured out a date! I was going to leave this Sunday (July 16)!

...Then I was informed of an in-person interview in SF for next week. So, I've changed the date.

All hail the new departure date of Sunday, July 23!

Relevant Blog Post:

http://stellartravels.bryanhoey.com/201 ... ia-zephyr/

Good luck with the interview!!!!

Thanks!

Once you get your Stella, you should head down to Bloomington. There is a small scooter club there (Hoosier Ride Scooter Club)

I plan to check out several scooter clubs, there is one in Indy as well. Mike

Yalzin wrote:Figured out a date! I was going to leave this Sunday (July 16)!

...Then I was informed of an in-person interview in SF for next week. So, I've changed the date.

All hail the new departure date of Sunday, July 23!

Relevant Blog Post:

http://stellartravels.bryanhoey.com/201 ... ia-zephyr/

AWESOME train ride. I have gone that route four times, and all the way cross country 12 times. (I hate flying).

Some tips:

Get to the station early and try to get in line early, it will give you your best chance at seating.

When you get on the train, and if they do not assign seats, make sure you get a seat on the north side. The sun is a pain if you are on the south side and the view is much better. The north side will be on your right in the direction of travel.

do not sit near the middle stairwell, near the doors that are between the cars, or near the bathroom.

If you have a person in your seat next to you and are having a hard time sleeping, you can always sleep in the lounge car. Bring your sleeping bag and a pillow!

The dining car has much better food but it is expensive. I usually only eat in it once a day. Bring snacks!

Do not expect the train to be on time.

Live in the lounge car, it helps keep you sane and the view is great.

And good luck on the interview!

Thanks! I've done a long haul from Chicago to Trinidad, CO before, spend a lot of time in the lounge car!

Currently in Ottumwa IA, so I'll be going right along the scooter route for a bit. It's a great preview!

Interview went very well, I think! Fingers crossed.

I'll be posting soonish with all the pictures from the California Zephyr. That train ride was SUPER Amazing!

Thanks for the well wishes everyone.

Plan is still to leave on Sunday

I'm glad you feel confident about the interview! We're pullin for you!

Got the rejection e-mail last night. Oh well. Hard not to think of it as $500 wasted on travel (and quite a lot of time), but I suppose these things happen.

At least I got a lot of my luggage moved out there via Amtrak, so I don't have to worry about shipping some things!

Just realized Sunday is tomorrow. Woah! I don't feel as ready as I should be (packing wise, nerves wise, etc. )

I am sorry that you didn't get the job. Hunting for work can be a demoralizing and depressing task. Hang in there!

Today's the day!
Safe travels and I look forward to reading about your adventure.

Best,
-Slashy

Launch Day! Enjoy your ride and post an update when you can.

Launch day was postponed one day so I can sell my truck.

Stand up tomorrow around 10am! Will post updates.

Slashy, Plan on being at the Il/Iowa Border tomorrow night

Good luck and have fun!

Yalzin,
Are you still crossing at Ft. Madison? If so, I can't make any guarantees.

What time do you plan on arriving and leaving?

Best,
-Slashy

GoSlash27 wrote:Yalzin,
Are you still crossing at Ft. Madison? If so, I can't make any guarantees.

What time do you plan on arriving and leaving?

Best,
-Slashy

That's the plan - hopefully staying at Nauvoo Park on the IL side, or one of the state parks near Ft Madison. Likely leaving around 6am from there so I can make decent time without driving through significant heat, breaks, etc.

I hope to see you there! If not, it's alright, and your help in navigating Iowa has been extremely helpful!

Yalzin,

Yeah, I definitely can't swing that schedule. Sorry, but I will be following your journey with great interest!

Best,
-Slashy

No problem. Iowa was a lot more fun than I thought it would be! Honestly, I never pictured Iowa as being Hilly, but it definitely was!

Currently in Nebraska (Omaha), and taking a rest day after a rather rough night with heat, storms, etc. I'll update posts soon as I can

Glad to hear all is well.

Since you're in Omaha, you should check out the Union Pacific "Big Boy" and turbine super- locomotives. They're on static display in Kenefick Park.

Best,
-Slashy

Yalzin wrote:Iowa was a lot more fun than I thought it would be! Honestly, I never pictured Iowa as being Hilly, but it definitely was!

Says a guy from Indiana. Wait til you get a little further West. You will see some more serious "hills".

Hey, Southern Indiana has some hills