Well our planning is underway for Butt Lite IX.
Bec and I have entered as a two up team which presents some unique challenges for us both. Our prime objective is to make the Rally an enjoyable experience for both of us, which means there will be a few changes in our approach to this Rally.
Over the Christmas holiday break we rode our first longish ride together in the summer heat of NSW. While I am now acclimatized to riding in that type of summer heat, Bec is not, so this allows us the time to get used to riding two-up in the type of weather we will encounter in the States in mid July.
We will be riding the BMW R1200RT, (currently stored in northern Minnesota) that i rode in the IBR 2017, but without the auxiliary fuel tank as this occupies the pillion seat.
There are a couple of bike mods to make, the major one being finding a pillion seat comfortable for Bec, so MJM in Goulburn will be assisting with that over the next couple of months. Next on the list will be a new rear shock and a different screen. (the bike has the standard BMW Screen), and a set of Aux Lights.
Between now and when we fly out to the States we will be riding as many practise rides as we can fit into our diaries, plus I have the obligatory Basecamp routing to keep practicing on.