June 14, 2022

From Gerald R. Lucas

Day 7: And Macon covid-19: day 808 | US: GA | info | act

Odometer
  • Trip Start: 29,093
  • Trip End: 31,073
  • Total Miles: 1,980

Well, how cool was that? I have just completed the longest trip yet on the motorcycle, and it was brilliant—exactly why I started riding. In just over a week, I have visited six states, added a couple of vita lines, caught up with an old friend, became a better motorcyclist, and returned without incident. No, motorcycling is not convenient, but it is still the best way to experience travel. Indeed, most of what is rewarding in life is not convenient or without risk, and I am a better person because of this journey.

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The weather forecast has a heat advisory for Macon after 12:00. Knowing that, I got up about 05:30 and packed up the BMW R 1200 GS. After two cups of Hampton Inn’s finest joe, I was on my way shortly after 07:00 to try to beat the heat.

As it turns out, this was pretty easy to do. The GPS led me right through downtown Greenville for no apparent reason, but once I cleared that, I had no more issues. Garmin also wanted me to take the interstate all the way back, and I could not see a way to make it show me alternatives. For example, I knew there was a road east of Commerce that would take me to Athens, but I couldn’t recall where to exit. Yes, I could have stopped to consult Google Maps, but I was riding. Fortunately, the GPS seemed to intuit my desires and directed me to the road I was thinking about. In a couple of hours, I was back in Macon shortly after 12:00. Unfortunately, the crew had only just started replacing the HVAC, so the house was already getting hot. Hopefully, this will be finished by this weekend.

My thanks to my family, Autumn and Henry, for letting me take a few extra days for myself. Motorcycling is a selfish act, but one that’s—at least for me—necessary and healthy. Especially thanks to my wife: she understands me well, encourages my whims, and remains an enthusiastic and loving supporter. I could not do any of what I do without her. Thanks, Autumn, for letting me take some selfish time; I love you.

Check out my travel gallery. I didn’t take as many photos as I probably should have, but the few I got are decent. I probably should have just taken the OM-2N. See what I did capture in the “Ride to NJ” gallery.

Leica Camera and Lens Information
📷: Leica M8 (09/2022–) • Leica M (Typ 262) (01/2017–12/2020) • Leica SL (Typ 601) (12/2020–). Leica Lenses: Leica Summicron-M 2/50 (Typ IV)Leica Summicron-M 2/35mm ASPH (Typ V). Other Lenses: Asahi Super-Takumar 1.4/50 8-ElementAsahi Super-Takumar 1.8/55Asahi Super-Takumar 2.5/135Canon 1.4/50 LTM Helios 44m-4 2/58Industar 61 2.8/55Jupiter-8 2/50Jupiter-9 2/85Konica Hexinon AR 1.8/40Meyer-Optik Görlitz Trioplan 2.8/100Olympus Zuiko 2.8/24Olympus Zuiko 2.8/28Olympus Zuiko 1.8/50Olympus Zuiko 2/85Vivitar 2.8/28 • Voigtländer Nokton Classic 1.4/40 MC • Voigtländer Ultron 1.8/21Voigtländer Ultron 2/28. Processed with Capture One Pro.