DISCLAIMER-The information contained within this blog is purely for entertainment value and do not necessary reflect the opinions or values of the author. Also, I'm not writer so please ignore any and all errors such as, but not limited to, spelling, word selection, grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, past/present tense, (I think you get the point!) etc.
Now that we got that out of the way....
For this year's trip, I plan to focus on the Northeast part of the U.S. and Canada. This is part of my continuing goal of riding motorcycle in all 50 states. To date, I have ridden in 25 states. With this trip, I plan to ride in the following new states (in alphabetical order): Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hamsphire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont. That will bring my total to 35 or 70%.
Also, as part of this trip, I am taking a "Stayin' Safe" motorcycle safety class in West Virginia on July 10 and 11. The class is structured with small groups of 3 -4 riders to each instructor and no more than 8 people per class. Most of the class is taught on "real roads"; unlike many other classes that are taught in parking lots. The instructors are able to provide active coaching while you are riding via 1-way radios - no talking back to the instructor! These classes are taught in several different states but I decided to take it in West Virgina as it has some great motorcycle roads to ride and learn on plus I worked it so it is at the beginning of my trip so I have the remainder of the trip to practice what I learn.
My departure date changed slightly this week. Previous I was going to depart on Thursday, July 8 but some things came up at work that made it important to me to get to Columbus Indiana (Cummins headquarter) so I have worked that into my trip. My current plan for the first few days is as follows. I will leave on Tuesday, July 6 and travel to Chicago to see my eldest daughter Trisha (she is the one getting married on August 21). On Tuesday morning I will travel to Columbus and have meetings there on Wednesday afternoon and Thursday. Late Thursday or early Friday I will depart Columbus and go to Morgantown West Virgina which is where the class will start. Saturday and Sunday, July 10 and 11 I will be taking the class. From there I will start the remainder of my trip starting in Pennsylvania and on to Maryland. After that there are no specific plans.
As in the past, I will try to create a blog entry every day and post them when I can, depending on internet access. I hope you enjoy reading my blogs and following my journey. I am so excited, I can't wait!
p.s. This is the 3rd trip I have been able to do like this. If you missed the blogs from my previous trips here are the addresses for them:
www.rettigtrip08.blogspot.com (trip through the Rockies)
www.rettigtrip09.blogspot.com (trip to the Southeast)
