My New Adventures

So I think this is the route I'm going to take back. It's a bit longer than the fastest route of I-5 and I-10 but it's just not worth it. Freeways are not my friend.


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Well, after hours of diagnostics and disassembly the fuel pump is officially dead in my bike. Now it's going to be a game of logistics. How long will it take KTM USA to get a fuel pump to this dealer? Is the part even in stock? Then there's the added stress that the bike is just out of the one year warranty. So my pocketbook is at the mercy of KTM USA. And of course you have to keep in mind that Monday is a holiday.

I do have a friend driving through this weekend with trailer space to Arizona. But the bike probably won't be fixed before then. I booked a flight through Southwest for Monday as a backup plan but getting the bike home is still a wrench in the works. Like I said a lot of logistics to think through. I'd really like to wait for the bike and finish my trip but that would require me to miss days at work that I don't have vacation for. So today (Friday) I'm killing time with my cousin while he chauffeurs me around.

UPDATE:
KTM USA will be doing a courtesy warranty of my bike and the replacement fuel pump should be here tomorrow or Tuesday. I've gone over the issue with my boss and he's understanding of the situation. So I'm going to hang out while my bike is fixed! There are many worse places I could be stuck.

Getting ready for this trip has reminded me of a scavenger hunt. I tracked down a Pirelli Scorpion AT front tire in Phoenix or Portland. (I've decided that it is a sign of a true KTM dealership is if they stock Scorpion AT's.) My Spot GPS was found in a bag in my closet with only minimal destruction to my room.

On that topic if you would like to follow me on my trip you can access the SPOT page here: LINK The Password is my last name. I should be taking off from Portland on Sunday afternoon.

Getting back to the hunt, I've also been running around the last couple of days picking up bags, tubes, tools, luggage and riding gear. It's a good thing I enjoy the thrill of the hunt. Of course when it comes to the end, everything that is truly needed can be bought on the road. At least when the road is through highly populated areas like I will be going through you can.

I got a great deal on a rear tire which means I'm checking a tire for my flight to Portland! I still need to track down a front tire in Portland area. While I'm at it I'm going to find a shop to change the tires. Changing tires is not my strong point and I'd rather spend time with Chad and family.

The Giant Loop Coyote bag is on order and scheduled for delivery here in Mesa, AZ on Thursday. The Garmin wiring I'll buy a car cable and cut off the cigarette plug end. A trip to a backpacking store is called for to pick up a couple of stuff sacs. Other than that, the only real hitch is my missing Spot... it has been a long time since I've used it. I foresee my belongings being turned inside out the next couple of days only to find that I put the Spot somewhere logical.

There are two options for my trip:
Option 1

• Fly to Portland and pick up the bike next weekend.
• Ride to San Fran area and fly back to PHX on Monday.
• Fly to SFO on Thurs and pick back up where I left off.
• Return to PHX the follow Tuesday or Wednesday.

• Fly to Portland and pick up the bike next weekend.
• Take off the whole week.
• Return to PHX by Labor Day.

• Tires to ride mostly pavement back: Pirelli MT 90 Scorpion A/T
• Luggage: Giant Loop's Coyote Saddlebag
• GPS Power: Garmin Power Cable