I loaded up and set off today around 8:00am. I only went one block before I came across another guy with a touring setup headed in the same direction, so I rode alongside him for a couple hours. Good start to the trip I figured. I was actually more comfortable that I would've predicted. The windshield, Shoei helmet, and in-ear headphones make a huge difference for noise and buffeting. In the morning it was pretty cold, so I had all the liners in my gear, my cold weather gloves, and the heated grips on. Then by late afternoon it was ridiculously hot out and I had to change. I discovered early that layering is crucial.
The day was uneventful for the most part. Gassed up every 200kms or so (the bike has a range of about 275 before reserve). Most people at gas stations like to stare at the wannabe power ranger, but whatever. There was a crazy cross wind throughout Saskatchewan which made riding a bit interesting. I'm now in Swift Current for the night, which is motel city. I also discovered that my bike is apparently burning oil. Not much, but enough that I'll have to check it every day and possibly top it off. Figures. At least it's manageable though, and the GS500 is sort of known for that problem.
Tomorrow I'm off to Calgary. I'll be glad once I can see the mountains. :)
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