A Month Long Ride

old1959

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Mar 3, 2018
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Okay, this will be a little ride report along with some S10 observations. The main details: I left New Braunfels, Texas Aug. 21st with temps a little over 100F and went north in seach of cooler temperatures. Also, attended my 40th high school reunion in southeastern Ohio over Labor Day weekend. Along the way I wanted to ride in places I hadn't visited in a long time so no planned routes. Observations: The stock seat, level mod completed, with a bead rider cover worked well. However, I did noticed in hot temperatures my butt got sore but in cooler temps all was well. Oil: I went the trip, approximately 8,800 miles, without changing oil. I did stop at a dealer for an oil change but couldn't get in. A little background, not wanting this to be an oil thread, when I rode a FJR and used regular oil I noticed around 4,000 miles the shifting got harder and engaging first gear was noiser. After I switched to synthetic, this didn't happen. Consequently, I now use Lucas synthetic and on this trip I didn't notice any difference in shifting so I felt okay. Of course, once I got home I immediately changed the oil. Fuel usage: Amazing gas mileage increase riding in the northeast with low speed limits compared to Texas. Wow! Michelin Anakee Tires: Good traction all around. I still have the rear tire on the bike and expect to get 10,000 or more miles from the tire. And, severely disappointed in the front tire wear. I had to change it in Canada at less then 7,000 miles. Interesting Michelin built this combination of tires with such different wear characteristics. Garman GPS 395LM: Adventurous routing: I'm clueless on the software for this. In Missouri it routed me on some dirt roads which were short cuts and except me dabbing/soaking a boot in a creek all was good. In Virginia, I thought I was never going to get to where I wanted to go... All good in the end.
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old1959

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Spent night in Oklahoma. Afterwards, went through Arkansas and I always go through Mena, only town that I know of with a Studebaker dealership. And used a ferry to cross into Missouri.
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old1959

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If you readers remember anything from English class, you'll certainly remember the name Mark Twain. Well, Mark grew up in Hannibal, Missouri and for some reason I always wanted to see where he grew up. Also, heard about a route along the Mississippi river; the Great River Road, which I wanted to ride. Note: I didn't ride the whole route which may be another ride for another day...
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old1959

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Hey, did someone say more? Well, I have more and today is cold, wet and rainy so I'll give you some more. I used to ride the AMA national dual sport series and have fond memories of riding in the Land Between the Lakes area so decided to head in that direction and ride across Kentucky. Also, since the Mississippi river area was extremely hot and humid I pointed the the front wheel to the higher elevation of the Smokey Mountains. And, if I was going to the home of the Dragon I might as well ride the Tail of the Dragon... Note: I did not see any S10 parts on the tree of shame;)
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old1959

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Eventually I got into Virginia. After all, my original destination was Ohio so needed to head north as some point. In Virginia and West Virginia is where I would occasional lose cell service so relied on the Garmin. This is also were I rode my longest day in hours but not miles. The adventurous routing was really active in the part of the country for some reason:oops:
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old1959

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Finally, I made it to Ohio where I enjoyed a visit with family and the high school reunion. My brother has a BMW so we did a little ride. The picture of the empty building with my S10 in front is where I bought my first real bike, 1970 Honda CT70, for approximately $407. I had a paper route and had my own money but the dealer made me come with a parent to finalize the deal. My dad went with me and I learned to shift and use a clutch in back of the building. I finally left the world of the mini-bike with a lawn mower engine:). The world was mine to explore. Forty-eight years later I can say I have done such and more. IMG_0564.JPGIMG_0568.JPGIMG_0573.JPGIMG_0586.JPG
 

old1959

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After the reunion, I set out for Virginia to meet a riding buddy, who isn't a bum and has a job so he has to limit his riding time to something called "vacation days". We usually do a Fall ride and this year we decided since I would be in Ohio we would do a ride around the Great Lakes. He could have come to Ohio but I had time to head south and meet him plus Virginia, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania would make a nicer way to get into New York. Oh, and since he rides a Connie, I turned off the dirt roads option on Mr. Garmin. At the hotel where we spent our first night we ran into several Texans who had just completed a back country route from New York and were loading up their bikes to return to Texas. Small world.
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old1959

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For some reason, I didn't take many pictures until we got to New York. I do recall some great riding and not wanting to stop which may explain the lack of pictures. In New York was where we started noticing that everything was older, as in 1800's and 1700's which was interesting. And, in New York was were we experienced our first cold front. Yikes! That morning we ate breakfast slowly and took long showers. Up to this point the temperatures were usually in the 90's and that morning was the low 40's. Heated grips and a Gerbing jacket liner along with some electricity from the S10 and I was toasty. I included a selfie so you all would know that I'm a real stud with the ladies... Of course, you all knew this already since I ride a S10;)IMG_0594.JPGIMG_0595.JPGIMG_0598.JPG
 

old1959

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After riding a bit in New York, we decided that since we were so close to Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine that we should venture on over and eat a lobster roll. Eastern states are about the size of Texas counties so why not. Plus Vermont has Ben and Jerry ice cream. How could one resist? IMG_0601.JPGIMG_0608.JPGIMG_0610.JPGIMG_0612.JPG
 

old1959

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After spending the night in Stowe (can you say Sound of Music?), we slowly rode east and before we knew we were in Maine. Some friends from a local motorcycle club were in Maine so we surprised them and later ate dinner together. At Bar Harbor, we decided to continue our northerly journey.
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old1959

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Finally, Quebec Canada. S10 ran great in the French speaking part of the country. Temps were cool but not cold. A local rider on a BMW GS passed me and indicated I should follow him so we went to a coffee shop and you would have thought we were long lost buds. We discussed motorcycles and our trip. Afterwards, he gave us a map with highlights of recommended rides. How cool our community of riders. On a side note, I highly recommend visiting Canada as their currency is relative lower than the US dollar so most things, fuel not being one of them, are priced lower. Nice folks and good prices. I love our northern neighbors.IMG_0630.JPGIMG_0635.JPGIMG_0637.JPGIMG_0655.JPGIMG_0661.JPGIMG_0706.JPGIMG_0709.JPGIMG_0714.JPG
 

old1959

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While in Sault Ste Marie I noticed our hotel was near a Yamaha dealer so I called them about a front tire and they directed to me to another nearby shop for a tire. At this shop they had a bias Dunlop 100/90-19 tire which we figured would work plus they would take me in on the spot. The only negative with the tire is that it has Harley Davidson molded on the sidewall; I was told this was a common size for Harley. I'm glad I got a tire as I figured any tread was better than no tread and while worried about the handling, this tire being bias construction, I haven't noticed any difference. Also, the shop used ceramic beads for balancing, a first for me, and I think the beads may be smoother. I will certainly use them again. The only negative on the whole experience was the amount of taxes I was charged and I have had an urge to polish the bike with the Harley tire on it... IMG_0667.JPG
 

old1959

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We eventually made our around Lake Superior and entered USA just above Duluth, Minnesota. And if in Duluth, have to stop at the Aerostich Warehouse. By this time we needed to start getting home so not many pictures but we did stop in Woodruff, Wisconsin to see a friend. Cruised through Iowa to burn a lot of ethanol and see the future birthplace of a famous Star ship captain. All followed with some wonderful roads in Missouri and Arkansas. All good.
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old1959

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A wonderful time for a trip of 8,818 miles. The S10 makes a great touring bike. FYI: I bought this bike March 1st, 2018 and since so easy to ride the miles are starting to accumulate. The end.
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