Some stress kicking in, with a little perspective

OK. So down here in DC, things are a little stressful.

Less than 4 days, and I'm way behind. Normally by now, I'm mostly packed, and testing out things like the ergonomics of my Gobstopper holder. But I've overbooked my social calendar, and have put myself in a tight spot.

I've started throwing some things together, only to realize I'm missing essential stuff. No spare bulbs for the bike. Or fuses. Or earplugs. Or enough pairs of decent riding socks. Bag seals still not replaced (and it looks like it's going to be a wet tour). I lost my sunglasses and haven't replaced them yet. The route still isn't figured out. My bike still needs a valve adjustment and the final oil swap in the final drive.

Basically that little module on the right that says "Planning is 87% complete" is a big fat lie. And it taunts me.

And I have plans every night this week, until I leave Friday.

I'm hoping to find time to get it all done. But if I can't, one thing I've learned about motorcycle touring is that on the road, preparedness can ultimately be substituted with a decent limit on the credit card.

Would I be happier to have the extra quart of Mobil 1 in the saddlebags instead of having to by the cheap quart of oil at the 7-11 in the middle of the night a week from now? You bet. But in the end, it's about the ride, not the planning. And the midnight run for that overpriced quart of generic oil that I cringingly put in my bike will make for a more memorable story than making time for a run to the auto parts store tomorrow.