So they rolled down the driveway and on their way at 12:35 EDT. This is Kathy updating the blog at Chris's request. Last minute issues with their bike-to-bike communication caused another short delay. Ray and Dan can talk to each other, but Chris's system won't cooperate. They'll work on it later, down the road. Since Chris has the route, map and GPS they won't let him get too far away anyway.

From my perspective, the last few months have been a real roller coaster ride. Chris's mind has been wrapped around this trip for some time now, and the UPS man is a regular visitor to our house as items were purchased in anticipation. My feelings have varied from; wanting to kill my brother for ever suggesting they undertake such an aggressive trip, to envy for all the things they'll get to see and do. Although I don't have an endorsement myself, I enjoy "passengering" when Chris rides. Right up to the last minute Chris kept suggesting that I ride along with him, but I know the guys will have a great time doing their "macho thing" (a la "Wild Hogs") without the feminine voice of reason tagging along. In fact, it's a funny coincidence that I developed a viral throat infection yesterday that gave me a severe case of laryngitis, which the doctor thinks will last for 4 -5 days. Chris thinks that's great since I won't be able to yell at him when he calls each night to relate the day's adventures ;-)

I think they're as prepared as possible and have taken a variety of potential situations into account. I purchased a full fledged first-aid kit containing everything imaginable that fit in a case the size of a tiny laptop and feel more secure knowing it's with them (though I hope it's like the insurance you never need unless you don't have it.) They're all competent and safe riders, plus there's safety in numbers, and they'll be more noticeable to other drivers when traveling in a group.

It's a very strange thing to see two cars in my garage. All winter and spring one side was filled with 4 or 5 motorcycles. It looks too normal now. Chris's Valkyrie even looks a little lonesome...

So Rylee (the black lab "guard dog" in an earlier picture) and I will hold down the fort and wait for the daily updates from the traveling trio. We might have to think about getting a dog-sized side car, then maybe next time...