Day 0 - The start. Getting the bikes ready and getting there.
We had everybody bring their gear along with their bikes to CalBMW in Mountain View because this way they could travel light and only take carry-on when they flew. I also preferred to have it done this way so that people would get their gear ready before the event and thus be prepared ahead of time not looking for things at the last minute.
Taking the truck also allowed me to bring the extra stuff that I wanted to have for my trip afterward such as camping gear, etc. As I was going to a wedding in Los Angeles following the training and the ride, I shipped my 'real' clothes to the hotel in LA just bringing the motorcycle stuff along. For those of you inclined to travel by bike but needing more refined clothes for certain events, this works well!
I was also glad that we took the truck as it allowed me to bring some extra stuff that I wanted to try out during the riding session. It's nice to be able to bring extra stuff and know that it won't be a problem to get it there and back.
Show Overview - outside area
Photo - Truck
We rented a nice new 20' truck from Hengehold
Trucks rental. Price about $500 week plus mileage.
The key considerations were driver comfort, storage for 7-8 bikes, and a good
rear lift.
Photo - Bikes, ready to go
Everybody had their bikes at the dealership by the 12pm Friday deadline.
Photo - My new cockpit
One of the many changes that we rushed to get done to my bike
before this trip
was the new cockpit with computer and roadbook. We also changed the controls
adding Touratech rallye 7 control switches to the bars. (click
here or photo for closeup)
Photo - Eli's bike
Being somewhat of a cool 'bad ass' rider, Eli has distinguised
one of his bike
with some 'factory sponsorship' type stickers.
Photo - Destroyed BMW
<click photo for enlargement>
This picture doesn't really fit in with the trip but I took it
anyways as it is so strange.
We took alot of the white straps (shown) from the dealership to hold the bikes
down.
This bike was in the repair shop - the owner had one story about how it
happened... sure.
Photo - My new cockpit
Eli the service manager from CalBMW and one of the riders on
the trip was awesome in
helping to get the bike all loaded and strapped down. As he had the most
experience in
this area he simply took charge and within 30 minutes we had all of the bikes
loaded and
strapped down properly.
The bikes were put in sideways and we strapped down the front
forks and wheel only.
We fit gear between the bikes mostly using the side door where there was some
space as
we didn't put a bike completely there. The Boxer went in last as it is heaviest
and hardest to maneuver.
Photo - Going through town in the truck
I drove down to Las Vegas with Roderick Smith (one of the
participants who volunteered to drive).
We were really impressed with the truck. The cockpit had HUGE unobstructed views
and it was
easy to drive. You just have to watch your lane changes and stopping distances.
This photo is of a nice bank building somewhere in Fremont I believe.