Preparation continues....

To say that I have little mechanical aptitude would be kind. However, the Lap Of Florida requires that I step up to the challenge and install a voltmeter. I'm quite handy with electrical repairs in the home but I don't have to dismantle the house to change a light bulb or install a ceiling fan!

First things first...read the instructions (novel idea). Ok, got it. Off comes the seat (easy) and the fuel tank (last time I tried that...never mind). It's all off and I route the cables from the meter down through the neck cover and under the tank.

I selected a Kisan chargeGuard meter (it reads volts, amps, and temperature in F and C). THe temperature probe is above the rear fender (just under the seat). I pull the battery cover off and attach the wiring harness as instructed. I turn on the key and... it works! I reinstall the fuel tank and... it starts! Wow, two for two. Granted, the time it took me to do this simple install would have been enough time for an experienced tech to rebuild the bike but who cares. It's done.

I route the plug for the heated gear to the same area as the shutoff valve for the aux fuel tank. Everything is ready for the real test. I start the bike, turn on all the accessories, plug in the heated gear and... the alternator can keep up!!! It's going to be a good day.

Now all I have to do it wait for the weather reports and climb on board... four days to go....

Lap of Florida and maybe a BBG...

I started planning the ride a week ago. The route is easy enough as there are only four checkpoints, Amelia Island, Perdido Key, Marco Island, and Key West. Timing is the challenge. How do I arrive at Perdido Key to get a receipt (they open at 11am) and avoid the traffic riding US 1 to Key West? And how do I get this all accomplished in 32 hours?

It looks like I'm going to head north and if timing is correct, ride the keys at 11pm. Hopefully there won;t be much traffic then. I will need to make up lots of time before I get to Florida City as the ride through the keys, regardless of the time, will be slow. The local law enforcement is very strict and seems to enjoy passing out invites to the court (tickets). Hopefully, I can average 55mph overall on US 1.

The BBG will actually end on the way back. There are three 24 hour gas stations in Marathon and the mileage is about 1510 to those locations. Just enough!!!

I'm planning a rest stop on the Florida Turnpike (mm19) on the return. That 2 hours will be needed and well deserved.

Here is the map of the route. Overall mileage is just about 1875!

Planned departure date is February 24 and right now I'm looking at 4am as the time. The go/no go decision will primarily be based on weather. No way I'll be able to run a BBG if the weather is bad, i.e. rain and/or reduced visibility.

The aux tank is ready and I have a range of 250 miles plus. The electrics are installed and I will not have to deal with the cold. A few more reviews of the route will follow but for now....T-minus 8 days and counting.....