Brag - gona go on a month long motorcycle / poker road trip!
 

Wow it just became official.. I've worked at my current job for almost 7 years, and could really use a break. Recently I got approval to take the entire month of October off for an unpaid leave of absence. Last year I got a new BMW motorcycle, have already put 13K miles on it.. Now this will be quite the cross country road trip adventure, with a whole month ahead of me to travel wherever I want, see the sights, ride some great scenic roads, and visit alot of casinos and poker rooms.

As I was telling this to my good riding buddy friend, he decided to take 2 weeks off and join me for as long as he can before heading home solo. Will be nice having some company while it lasts.

From Houston we're gona first head to Albuquerque, then the Grand Canyon, spend some time in Vegas, ride thru Death Valley and into LA, up the coast to San Fran, across the Golden Gate Bridge, then eventually head over to Yosemite, across Utah and thru Colorado, then finally Oklahoma before heading back home in Texas. Since this will be an unpaid leave, I plan to do alot camping along the way. The BMW motorcycle community also has alot of open doors for people on big trips to stop by and stay.

I hope to avoid alot of the big city congestion.. Not sure if its worth the LA traffic hassle to go play at Commerce. I've only been to California for a few short business trips, will be so sweet to travel throughout the state. The whole trip should be awesome.

This will be hard to beat, prob a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to do something like this. I'm leaving in two weeks, and gota be back home in time to take the kids trick-or-treating. California here I come!!

So...

Brag - gona get to take a 1 month motorcycle road trip, do alot of camping, and visit alot of poker rooms

Beat - I'm gona miss my wife and kids alot, and it will be difficult on them while I'm gone

Variance - Sometime dreams do come true, but everything eventually comes to an end.

Take care.. BB

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c2.../allenbike.jpg

Re: Brag - gona go on a month long motorcycle / poker road trip!
 

Your daughter likes turtles.

Re: Brag - gona go on a month long motorcycle / poker road trip!
 

http://filebox.vt.edu/users/mcstalcu...9395834288.jpg

Re: Brag - gona go on a month long motorcycle / poker road trip!
 

God what I would give to be in your shoes...
1. To still have my bike. (got stolen)
2. To have enough money to take off a month without pay.

BASTARD

Re: Brag - gona go on a month long motorcycle / poker road trip!
 

This better turn into one of the best Trip Reports on here, with more pics than you can shake a stick at. Good luck, have fun, be safe.

Re: Brag - gona go on a month long motorcycle / poker road trip!
 

You look like the kinda dude thats popular at rest stops.

Re: Brag - gona go on a month long motorcycle / poker road trip!
 

[ QUOTE ]
You look like the kinda dude thats popular at rest stops.

[/ QUOTE ]

I duno, sounds like something you're familiar with tho.

Re: Brag - gona go on a month long motorcycle / poker road trip!
 

sick [censored] brag

Re: Brag - gona go on a month long motorcycle / poker road trip!
 

This sounds pretty awesome. Have fun!

Re: Brag - gona go on a month long motorcycle / poker road trip!
 

[ QUOTE ]
This better turn into one of the best Trip Reports on here, with more pics than you can shake a stick at. Good luck, have fun, be safe.

[/ QUOTE ]

tyvm! Ya I'll def post a mega trip report as things unfold. It should be a most excellent adventure! The family savings are gona take a hit paying for it all but it'll be worth it for sure. Hopefully my poker bankroll will grow too during the casino visits.

This has been a dream of mine for quite some time now. Can't believe its about to come true. I appreciate the good wishes and thanks again..

Take care.. BB

Re: Brag - gona go on a month long motorcycle / poker road trip!
 

As long as I'm bragging, let me tell you a little about my bike.

Its a 07 BMW K 1200 GT Sport Touring dream machine. It goes from 0 to 170 mph in like 2.7 seconds. It rides so very very smooth, has cruise control, heated grips, ABS brakes, adjustable windshield, and much more. I have installed a GPS, XM radio, mp3 player, blue tooth cell phone and radar detector. There is no other motorcycle on the planet I'd rather own than this one. I've always driven junky used cars.. for once I have the ultimate riding machine.

Life is sweet.. BB

Re: Brag - gona go on a month long motorcycle / poker road trip!
 

awesome brag, have fun!!

Re: Brag - gona go on a month long motorcycle / poker road trip!
 

You're my hero.

Drop me a line in SF if you want.

Re: Brag - gona go on a month long motorcycle / poker road trip!
 

[ QUOTE ]
You're my hero.

Drop me a line in SF if you want.

[/ QUOTE ]

Ok thanks sounds good! Where do you suggest I play poker when I'm in the area? Any good places to camp nearby? Can I crash on your couch for a night? [img]/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

Ya San Fran is the only big city (besides Vegas) I wana drive thru on the trip. Last time I was in SF was 1989, not long after the earthquake, I remember seeing the collapsed freeway and all. This time while there I wana tour Alcatraz, hike around Angel Island, and see if Blues at Lou's is still around Fisherman's Wharf.

Should be fun.. take care.. Allen

Re: Brag - gona go on a month long motorcycle / poker road trip!
 

this trip is a brag but doing it on a bmw is a beat, I'm sorry.

[ QUOTE ]
It goes from 0 to 170 mph in like 2.7 seconds.

[/ QUOTE ]
o rly?

Re: Brag - gona go on a month long motorcycle / poker road trip!
 

I live in Tulsa, Oklahoma so drop me a line if you want. I don't know of any places for you to stay and I can only go to 1/3 casinos in town but I could probably be some help. PM me for contact info if you want.

Re: Brag - gona go on a month long motorcycle / poker road trip!
 

Hi OP, I want to buy a motorcycle, something that looks like a harley (no offence your bike is awesome but I just like the look of the older bikes)...Where should I start?

Re: Brag - gona go on a month long motorcycle / poker road trip!
 

[ QUOTE ]
Hi OP, I want to buy a motorcycle, something that looks like a harley (no offence your bike is awesome but I just like the look of the older bikes)...Where should I start?

[/ QUOTE ]

lol don't get a harley, get this for real:

Triumph Bonneville T-100

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h1...1/DSCN1864.jpg

Re: Brag - gona go on a month long motorcycle / poker road trip!
 

[ QUOTE ]
this trip is a brag but doing it on a bmw is a beat, I'm sorry.

[/ QUOTE ]

Damn U! I love my BMW! But the great thing about motorcycles is there are so many to choose from, something for everyone..

[ QUOTE ]
It goes from 0 to 170 mph in like 2.7 seconds.

[/ QUOTE ]
o rly?

Ok slight exaggeration [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] But its a very powerful, fast, smooth rocket roller coaster ride.. My prev bike was a Suzuki Intruder V-Twin chopper.. this BMW is a HUGE upgrade. But hey to each their own...

Take care.. BB

Re: Brag - gona go on a month long motorcycle / poker road trip!
 

[ QUOTE ]
Hi OP, I want to buy a motorcycle, something that looks like a harley (no offence your bike is awesome but I just like the look of the older bikes)...Where should I start?

[/ QUOTE ]

Howdy.. Sorry I don't really have much to suggest. I didn't get my first bike till last year at the age of 42, then quickly sold it and got the BMW. I'm still learning myself what all is out there. I know there are some great deals on used bikes, so take your time, find something that is comfortable to ride, and I strongly suggest always wearing all the safety gear (boots, pants, jacket, gloves & helmet) all the time. Good luck!

BB

Re: Brag - gona go on a month long motorcycle / poker road trip!
 

This sounds like a sick trip, make the best of it and enjoy it while you can. If I can offer some advice, be sure to focus it on some other things than gambling. Live poker is swingy enough that it's pretty easy to go on a downswing, and you don't want to be driving long distances with nothing on your mind other than the 2k you lost at your last stop. Poker is awesome and fun, just make sure to get some other activities and places under your belt too.

Re: Brag - gona go on a month long motorcycle / poker road trip!
 

SC thats what I meant, almost exactly my dream bike. That looks more like a harley than Op's bike is what I mean.

But arent that pretty expensive? I r busto imo. Should I get a cheap old cool bike from Craigslist or a newer one that is dorky but will work better. I have zero clue how to fix anything.

Forums? Priceguides? Ebay or CL? halp!

Re: Brag - gona go on a month long motorcycle / poker road trip!
 

[ QUOTE ]
SC thats what I meant, almost exactly my dream bike. That looks more like a harley than Op's bike is what I mean.

But arent that pretty expensive? I r busto imo. Should I get a cheap old cool bike from Craigslist or a newer one that is dorky but will work better. I have zero clue how to fix anything.

Forums? Priceguides? Ebay or CL? halp!

[/ QUOTE ]

That bike will only run you about $8000 brand new. Maybe $8500 or $9000 if you mod it a little.

But yeah, you can get a sick used bike off craigslist for under $2k.

If you have a friend with motorcycle experience, have them come with you to check out the bike and possibly test drive it. You don't wany anything that's been sitting for a long time; the carbs will be gummed up. Make sure the tires are good and that it starts right up and it should be fine though.

For a similar look, check out the following makes and models:

Yamaha Maxim (1981-1985)
Honda Shadow (1984-1987ish)
Honda Magna (1985-1987ish) - beware of cam issues on V45 and V60 models though
Yamaha Virago ('80s)
Suzuki GS750 ('80s)

Here's a pretty sick Yamaha Virago for $1900 for example:

link

http://images.craigslist.org/0101060...b4e500d135.jpg

Re: Brag - gona go on a month long motorcycle / poker road trip!
 

this thread is now my favorite

Are there any other foregin bikes that look like that which arent japanese? i dont want to fight any crazy bikers for riding a riceburner

Re: Brag - gona go on a month long motorcycle / poker road trip!
 

Yamaha Maxim (my first bike was a Maxim, A++++ would ride again!)

http://home.att.net/~d.bangert/image...im_xj650_3.jpg


Honda Magna

http://www.visi.com/~spookshow/files/v45magna.jpg

Suzuki GS 750

http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/submi...0-SveinH-A.jpg

Yamaha Virago

http://www.bikes2trikes.co.uk/j/Vira...ze/Virago2.jpg

Honda Shadow

http://powersports.honda.com/Motorcy..._750_cycle.jpg

Kawasaki 440 LTD

http://www.kz400.com/Model%20history...40LTD-1981.jpg

Suzuki SV650 (sportier but still baller imo)

http://www.bikez.com/pictures/suzuki...ermission..jpg

Ducati Monster (also sporty but classic)

http://www.webbikeworld.com/ducati-m...nster-s4rs.jpg

Re: Brag - gona go on a month long motorcycle / poker road trip!
 

[ QUOTE ]
this thread is now my favorite

Are there any other foregin bikes that look like that which arent japanese? i dont want to fight any crazy bikers for riding a riceburner

[/ QUOTE ]

Oh I misunderstood. Most bikes are Japanese. If you are scared of being beat up by Harley owners, get a Triumph. They get respect from everyone.

However, I've found that 99.9% of people on bikes are friendly to others on bikes regardless of what they're riding.

Re: Brag - gona go on a month long motorcycle / poker road trip!
 

[ QUOTE ]
Where do you suggest I play poker when I'm in the area?

[/ QUOTE ]

What do you play and at what limits?


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Any good places to camp nearby?

[/ QUOTE ]

Gah, not really. Its pretty urban and now surrounded by sprawl. Despite the fact that it involves taking a boat, Angel Island is probably the closest place to San Francisco to camp.

There are lots of hostels around though. That will beat any hotel for $$$.


[ QUOTE ]
Can I crash on your couch for a night?

[/ QUOTE ]

You actually cannot comprehend how small my place is. If the picture in the OP was taken in front of your house I'm sure your bedroom is bigger than my entire apartment, kitchen and bathroom included. If you're in a pinch, maybe, but it would be (shall we say) not ideal.

I'd be more than happy to meet up for a beer or a bite though.


[ QUOTE ]
This time while there I wana ...

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There's this spot in the hills in Berkeley where motorcyclists congregate at sunset. Its called "the wall" and there will be other riders there every day (at sunset). You can get their either by getting on CA-24, taking the Fish Ranch Road exit immediately after the tunnel, and taking Fish Ranch to a 4-way stop and turn right onto Grizzly Peak. Alternatively, from 80/880 take the Buchanan Street exit, take Buchanan Street to Marin and Marin all the way through town, past the traffic circle, all the way up the hill and make a right on Grizzly Peak. The wall is a mile or two down the road either way, but you won't be able to miss it will all the bikes that will be parked there.

The view is amazing, and it might be a way to meet a few cool people.

Re: Brag - gona go on a month long motorcycle / poker road trip!
 

nice dude

you have 13k miles under your belt so i'm sure i'm not telling you anything when i tell you to bring eargplugs

cutting down windnoise w ill save you excessive fatigue for 6-8 hour riding days.


i trekked on my cbr for a while, including 2 1400mile days over a 3 day span but beamers are made for that stuff

have fun and be safe.

Re: Brag - gona go on a month long motorcycle / poker road trip!
 

awesome brag

have fun

you've got health insurance that works out of state.... right?

Re: Brag - gona go on a month long motorcycle / poker road trip!
 

[ QUOTE ]

you have 13k miles under your belt so i'm sure i'm not telling you anything when i tell you to bring eargplugs

[/ QUOTE ]

Ya I use these Etymotic ER6i Earbuds, they really cut down on wind noise alot, and can hear the music while riding nicely too.

[ QUOTE ]
i trekked on my cbr for a while, including 2 1400mile days over a 3 day span but beamers are made for that stuff

have fun and be safe.

[/ QUOTE ]

2 1400 mile days? woah! Hope your ass wasn't too sore. [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] Most I've done so far is like 500 miles in one day.

Fun Stuff!! BB

Re: Brag - gona go on a month long motorcycle / poker road trip!
 

Thanks for the SF info! I didn't know I could camp on Angel Island, that might be doable. And going to the scenic outlook with the other bikers sounds fun too. I need to find Alice's Restaurant (you can get anything you want) too while I'm out there.

As for live poker, I'm just a low limit balla player, like $4/8 limit or $1/2 NL. An earlier poster suggested I not worry too much about the poker side while on this road trip, and he's right. Just mostly to relax after a long day or two of riding.. I won't win or lose that much to matter while on this trip (in theory). But ya if there is a place to play in the SF area you recommend I'd prob be interested in stopping by.

The road goes on forever, and the party never ends! Take care.. BB

Re: Brag - gona go on a month long motorcycle / poker road trip!
 

In that case, you can get 3/6 LHE anywhere in the Bay Area. Some places have NL, some 4/8, some 6/12, etc. Have a blast!

When do you leave?

Re: Brag - gona go on a month long motorcycle / poker road trip!
 

<bump>

Well I finally got around to writing up my trip report. You can view it here:

http://www.i-bmw.com/showthread.php?t=11900

Its a pretty big report with over 100 pics included.

In short, this trip was amazing! I rode my motorcycle over 7000 miles, visited 14 national parks, and played a fair amount of poker. I played at Sandia, several Vegas casinos, Lake Tahoe and Bay 101. I didn't win any money but thats OK (my online wins while traveling canceled out my live play losses). It was incredible adventure. Looking forward to my next big ride someday..

Take care.. BB

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c208/ahub64/al_sf.jpg

Re: Brag - gona go on a month long motorcycle / poker road trip!
 

In your TR you better discuss a lot of various philosophical topics such as classic/romantic differences, the mental high road, infinite number of hypothesis, Church of Reason, etc.

Re: Brag - gona go on a month long motorcycle / poker road trip!
 

and define quality

Re: Brag - gona go on a month long motorcycle / poker road trip!
 

[ QUOTE ]
and define quality

[/ QUOTE ]Good point, cannot forget that.

Re: Brag - gona go on a month long motorcycle / poker road trip!
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
and define quality

[/ QUOTE ]Good point, cannot forget that.

[/ QUOTE ]

Hehehe!! I've read Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance... just too much quality/philosophy rambling for me. But the parts where he's talking about the trip with his friends and son were great, inspiring.

Fun stuff.. BB

Re: Brag - gona go on a month long motorcycle / poker road trip!
 

The link I posted earlier sucks if you're not a member of the website. So I posted the report in the Travel forum. You can read about it here. Enjoy..

BB

Re: Brag - gona go on a month long motorcycle / poker road trip!
 

well played sir!! i like what you did and want to did the same, now.

Re: Brag - gona go on a month long motorcycle / poker road trip!
 

[ QUOTE ]
this trip is a brag but doing it on a bmw is a beat, I'm sorry.

[/ QUOTE ]

have you ever ridden a motorcycle? if you're going to do a long distance trip, the bmw is one of the bikes you want to do it on.

BB, awesome brag. i'm super jealous. makes me want to get my '73 R60/5 going again.