Unbelievable, but after months of scanning through a website for off-road enthusiasts, called ADVrider.com, I found what I think is the perfect ride for my journey. A 2003 BMW R 1150 GS Adventure, black, only 6500 miles, 2 previous owners, in excellent shape. Lots of add-ons, such as a Garmin GPS, luggage boxes, Camel Toe side stand etc.

The bike was located in Phoenix, AZ, but previously registered in California by the original owner which turned out this made it much easier to re-register the bike in the Golden State.

I decided to fly to Phoenix the night before, stayed at a cheap hotel near the airport and view the bike at the owner's residence the following morning. Scott, the seller, picked me up around 8.30. After about a 30 minute ride, we arrived at his residence in Chandler. And there she was, sitting in the garage, shiny black, majestic, ready to go out for a test ride. It turned out that Scott really hadn't ridden the bike much since he had purchased her in 2012. But the battery was on full charge and all electrical equipment worked. Some engine oil had to be added and off I went for a short ride down the residential streets.

After the test ride I was convinced, this is the right bike for my Crazyride adventure. Scott and I agreed on a price, vehicle title was exchanged and before noon, I was blasting on my newly acquired ride in 110 F desert heat toward Los Angeles. After spending a night at a friends house, I continued up the California coast in frigid temps north to San Mateo. The bike performed beautifully, the long ride was comfortable and everything worked as it should.

Now on to my next task....preparing for the crazy ride south...2 month to go...