We had another light breakfast delivered to the room as we packed to the long hard journey home. We like doing about 200 miles a day on back roads with stops here and there to relieve on backs and legs.
The back roads allow you to relax to some extent when the traffic is light. When I'm on an Interstate is is total concentration. My head bobs about like a guinea hen taking in and processing information like a super computer.
I am watching both mirrors, the road ahead of the vehicles in front on me, and even the shoulders of the road for deer or debris. One of my main fears is hitting road debris that comes up suddenly from under the vehicle ahead. A 4x4 can be a death dirge at 75 mph with traffic on your arse.
Rule number one is don't follow too close. Two is always have a view of the road ahead of the vehicle ahead while also watching the lane next to you .... be ready to swerve. Three is keep a safety distance between all other vehicles ... they are out to get you! Four is adjust your speed to the traffic, not the speed limit. Five is always have good tires and make sure the bike is in first class mechanical condition. Six is pay attention to the way the bike handles .... it will usually tell you if something is not right.
From Charleston we took I-26 all the way to I-40 and then US 19/74, NC 28, and then NC 143 back into Robbinsville. Total travel time six hours on the money. Average speed for the entire run including stops, 65 mph. Not too shabby.
Other than the solenoid problem the 2002 Caponorde performed flawlessly. With some 1000 pounds total weight it was responsive, had excellent acceleration, and was comfortable.
On arrival I hurt all over and Nancy was ready to sell the two-up bike, vowing never again. But after a couple of beers and some stretching all was well again. We were glad that our trip was cut short when the next day it rained and the temps dropped into the 20s.
I think Nancy has even reconsidered selling the bike.
