Motorcycle tour North America planning update number 2.

I am still planning my route at the moment and have been doing some non internet research with the arrival of two books I ordered from Amazon.

The Ride Guide to America volumes one and two are not near as comprehensive as the ‘best motorcycle roads’ type sites on the net however they still make for some excellent reading. I have my route going west more or less sorted now however these books were of some assistance to me and will post it up soon. My route East can be found here.

My biggest worry is that a medical condition I suffer, namely hand dermatitis when riding, will stop me from being able to do this tour. While it has been in remission I have had a slight relapse this last week that seemed to originate in last weekends ride. This has really taken ‘the wind from my sails’ spirit wise and make me question if I am being foolish to contemplate this tour.

So this weekend I have enjoyed relaxing and reading the rides in these two books. I have regained my enthusiasm but not all of my confidence about the tour. I have toyed with the idea of cutting it down to a few key areas riding a couple 2012 then postponing the others. Depending on how my hands go then this is an alternate plan but not my dream…

I have ordered yet again more gloves, as the problem mostly starts with the gloves and with riding. I am getting another pair of Held gloves since their waterproof warm gloves seem to have been kind to me over winter. These Held gloves have a plush lining which may go some way to prevent the chaffing that partly causes my problem. Of course both models with this liner are Goretex waterproof gloves and not summer gloves so if I can actually wear them in our very warm weather remains unknown. Goretex does seem to breath very well and wicks some of the moisture away also which helps but I think they will be too hot for mid summer. Least wise they will be fine for the upcoming New Zealand ride.

Speaking of which that is just 3 weeks away now!