Robin is travelling from New Mexico to Wisconsin just in time to lead TRO's 777 tour. He's navigating the Santa Fe trail, indulging in junk food and whiskey as he anticipates joining tenured podcast co-host Travis Burleson for a number of rides. His riding preferences have changed over time, embracing life on a Suzuki GSX-8R (https://www.google.com/search?q=suzuki+gsx-8r&tbm=isch), planning trips that stretch his definition of sport touring and managing bike maintenance such as tire wear and suspension adjustments.

Travis Burleson (is here!) juggles responsibilities as a father of twin 5 y/o boys, one of whom recently helped with an oil change. Despite his hectic life and the unpredictable Wisconsin weather, he's excited about the 2025 riding season. He shares experiences with different motorcycles he's owned, throwing in a dash of nostalgia over past rides he and Robin went on together.

Of course the conversation meanders into favorite in-ride playlists. Robin prefers a hard rock groove for super hero riding (The Hives "Hey Little World" and "Talkin' on the Internet" by Spiritual Cramp). Travis enjoys fast-paced punk and alternative sounds, including The Chats and Bad Religion. Both agree music enhances their riding experience, whether cornering in canyons or cruising the super slab.

Robin rambles about recent rides and updates. He's made a few tweaks to TRO's suspension sag calculator, showcasing how correct measurements achieve optimal performance. He's fascinated with the possibility of electronic cruise control for his GSX-8R and may eventually add it for greater touring capability.

Brian offers a detailed perspective on why modern bikes should include standard features like cruise control. Manufacturers essentially have the technology in place. He also shares his experience with TRO's New Mexico tour, emphasizing the logistical puzzle pieces that fell into place despite varying weather conditions.

Joanne shines her expertise on how riders can adapt their gear for changing weather conditions during a trip. She emphasizes selecting equipment based on personal comfort levels against varying temperatures between 30-100 degrees Fahrenheit. Her recommendations focus on layering with heated clothing for colder climates and using waterproof products with proper ventilation in warmer conditions.

Jordan rounds out the discussion by continuing his narrative on George Wyman's transcontinental journey. It's all about facing harrowing trials along rugged terrain and unpredictable weather between Wyoming and Nebraska. Perseverance is key to the story, what with the mud-caked roads and mechanical challenges.

Robin explores plans for a DIY trailer project so he won't be tied to specific sites in New Mexico under storage limitations. He's eyeing sub-$1k options but figures the shipping might cost as much as a mid-range motorcycle itself. In his hunt for budget-friendly ways to store motorcycles and kit, he considers everything from flat-pack plywood structures to local finds before switching gears to ride reports.

Brian chimes in with sage advice about high-quality zip ties. He too is maintaining equipment under a strict budget and brisk conditions (40°F tire changes aren't fun). Between gear restoration, namely resoled boots, he's preparing his FJ-09 for a spring tour with Robin in New Mexico.

Joanne deep dives into fitment solutions for riders of all body types. For those seeking airy protection without risking arm or knee safety, her recommended gear ranges from Klim's generous cuts to Revit's improved Euro fits. She highlights brands that cater specifically to plus sizes alongside custom-fit leathers that prove being geared up stylishly isn't limited by straight-sized manufacturers.

Enter Jordan, who picks back up on George Wyman's trials navigating flooded streams and rocky terrain. He's crossing Wyoming during early American landscape ventures circa 1903. Surrounded by nature's drama club (deep snow rivers meet sunlit warmth meets unkempt towns filled with rowdy politics), it's quite literally what life on two wheels entailed back when.