Bill Hagan

All of the above, of course, along with all the "Better Take a Few of These, Too" items. Seriously, over the years, I have noticed that I take fewer tools with each newer model than before. For my EV, I was prepared to conduct "depot-level maintenance" at roadside! Happily, each succeeding addition to my moto-harem seems to require less roadside character-building. The Griso, Stornello, and V7 III nada (so far). Yet, as evidence of some sort of personality disorder -- that I worry might even be in the DSM, e.g. "Excessive Tool Compulsive Syndrome" (ECTS)! -- I often agonize over which tools to take for specific motos, and my list is always longer than necessary. The other day, I saw this: http://www.rrrtoolsolutions.com/adventure-tools.php Accordingly, as I also suffer IPCD (Impulse Purchase Compulsive Disorder) , I bought one. Now, instead of the literal hour I might spend before a ride collecting the right tools for that Guzzi, I just pack that kit. OK, not really. I also gather a few other things as one can never really shake off ECTS! Actually, that secondary list is small, e.g., some of those listed by others, above, and mini-multimeter, a few extra fuses, tire-repair kit for the tubeless models, cable ties -- seen the reusable ones? https://www.walmart.com/c/kp/releasable-cable-ties Worthy, IMO, for Nobel Peace Prize! -- and whatnot. Yes, the commercial kit is expensive. In fact, I would not have gotten it, but Kathi saw it and said "Just do it, Bill. It's worth not having to listen to you fret about having the right tool every trip!" Husbands in their right minds never, ever ignore that sort of encouragement, especially if it involves moto-expenses! Now, does the little kit really have everything one needs? Dunno, but it's close. In fact, if anyone has read this far and sees any glaring Guzzi omission, please say so. Enough. Real life calls. Best to all, 1921! Bill

Apologies for the delayed comment. I do not doubt for a moment that that last is the letter of the law, and -- never rarely a scofflaw -- I played by those rules on several visits over the years from the '70's on, whether driving rented cages or motos. In, however, my last three visits -- 2006, 2017, & 2018 -- I decided to skip the IDL issued by AAA (as I loathe that scammy "club" ... but I digress ), and just used my valid U.S.A. DL to rent motos and autos. In the several encounters with Italian, German, Belgian, and Dutch authorities (at roadblocks, not blue lighted for offenses! ) not one officer questioned my Georgia- or Virginia-issued DL. YMMV ... and I won't bail you out. Bill

Great stuff. Envious. Bill

It was interesting how everyone behind you seemed to get smaller as you rode. Bill

So, we are in Pennsylvania now — yes, I’m on a Guzzi, my V7, but here for a truck-camper rally; no, we don't have one of those. Still, having a very fine time doing things such as this: But, I post this because I finally cobbled together SSR pix into a slideshow. Here they are: https://bill-and-kathi.smugmug.com/SSR-XV-2019/n-HFzPbL/ If you are terminally bored, also just finished these of two other recent Guzzi trips: [V7 III] https://bill-and-kathi.smugmug.com/Erie-Ride-to-Zanyville-2019/n-mCD4B8 [Griso] https://bill-and-kathi.smugmug.com/Three-Guzzis-Go-to-Erie-More-Aug-2019/n-N4ZVB4/ Bill P.S. If you care and haven't already figured this out, you can see captions by moving cursor over the individual pix. Some are truncated, so if you really care you can go to full-screen slideshow.

Ah, yes; I remember that last pic. I had just told Josh that if he couldn't keep up with an old fat guy two-up on a Norge, perhaps he should consider another sport. He took it well, actually. Bill P.S. Hope to post my SSR XV slideshow soon.

Kathi waves at the 129photos guy on the Cherohala. I was focused on and praying that leaky rear tire would get us safely to Wheeler's! Bill

^^^^^^^ THAT is funny! And a nice pic, too. We are at my brother’s home In Hiawassee. Will head nawth to home on Wed. Will try to post some pix soon. We had a fine time at the SSR XV! B&K

Left Cross Junction this morning; overnighting in Fort Chiswell, Va. Will arrive in Tellico late tomorrow afternoon. Took back roads. Lovely. Map here, tho the 6 hours, 43 minutes is a Google Giggle: Detailed route here if you care: Cross Junction to Fort Chiswell via Back Roads Well, lovely except for the four miles of terrorizing and unexpected "plush" gravel on Va. CR 610 from Pulaski to vic. Max Meadows. Simply awful and no road for a Norge with just repainted painnier$! I took the pic at the only flat and relatively clean spot I could find. See you tomorrow. Bill P.S. Kathi is caging it; may beat me there.

You looked mighty spry in Zanesville. Bill

Are you there now? Mighty good time from Zanesville! Bill

It has been my experience that God does not watch weather channel. Besides, I view meteorology as a notch below alchemy and astrology as a science. On the other hand, I am considering bringing rain gear just to keep it from happening. Bill P.S. Weather’s mighty fine here!

Ha! I deserved that. But not. Four Roses, Single Barrel. Bill

“We?” I am, btw, in Zanesville for Ohio rally. Sitting outside hotel reliving day with the (stupendous) V7 III. The mug has in what you might suspect. Bill

What? I don't remember that ... tho the explanation may be right there. As for certain other spirits, see Whisky or Whiskey? Bill