I taught a class yesterday, ‘How to Get The Most Out of the Conference’ at the Las Vegas Writer’s Conference and mentioned the trip. At meals, I mentioned the upcoming voyage.  I pitched the upcoming nonfiction book about the trip to a publisher.

Ya gotta get the word out! I’m really shy (I know, that sounds stupid) about talking up what we’re doing. Yet people hear it and become captivated. And particularly at the Conference.

“Where are you from?”

“Alaska. ”

“Alaska. We’ll be there in June. ”

“Pennsylvania. ”

“Right . We’ll cruise through there around September. ”

“Well, I hope it’s worth it to you.” That comment came from a Doubter, a friend who, while not saying so, obviously thought jumping through all the hoops was certainly not worth all the effort for the 50 States trip.

She just doesn’t get it. 

What a saga, from buying the ’10 Gold Wing in early November in Ames Iowa, struggling through snowstorms to get it to Las Vegas, then getting it set up for the trip. But (drumroll please), the bike and trailer are ready! Well, almost, except for one big surprise.  

Sometimes a revelation just hits you, and other times your wife does. Okay she doesn’t hit me, but the revelation came through her speaking. 

When the time to launch changed from months to days, suddenly it feels like it's upon us, and we aren't prepared yet. There are numerous things to do: 

Are you ready to party? No? Well, you have three months to get ready.

You’re invited to our ’50 States in 50 Weeks’ Launch Party!  

I pushed and squeezed, twisted and muttered. The bolt needed to be a sixteenth of an inch longer. Welcome to my project, installing armrests (including cup holder) on the new Wing. The frightening part? Drilling holes in the perfect finish of the bike. Also, the dreaded specter of the project becoming a Project. 

Where's the best place to go in Maine? Tennessee? As The Little Woman and I plan this trip, we studied a plethora of books from others who have traveled before us. After talking about it for weeks, we finally sat down, compared notes, and started a spreadsheet. (Gotta love those spreadsheets!)