Rawhyde Adventures..the long way back
- Thread starter JonnyCinco
- Start date
10AM Sunday morning and Jonathan is off on the next leg of his adventure. I was a little apprehensive to have a stranger crash across the hall from my daughters, but Jonathan is a great guy and a gracious guest. You're welcome here anytime!
Good luck on the rest of your trip. Time for me to gear up and meet Jaxon for some quality time out of doors.
Good luck on the rest of your trip. Time for me to gear up and meet Jaxon for some quality time out of doors.
JonnyCinco
Ever Dance with the Devil in the Pale Moonlight?
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Day 4
Miles 310
Started out a great morning in Dallas TX, a bit brisk, but a beautiful day in Texas. Special thanks again to Merchant. This being my first official "I do not have to be anywhere" day, I set the GPS to avoid highways. As it turns out, there is not much between Dallas and San Antonio. So Route 281 it is. Texas is quite an amazing state. Wide open roads that do not agree with gas mileage, but very cool small towns. Though I am a little confused to "County Roads" versus "Farm Roads", I did take a few Country Roads. Unfortunately, nothing off asphault, but interesting none the less.
Middle of a random Bridge on a county road (CR 204 I believe)
Glamour Shot ;D
After a few miles on 281, I did stop at a picnic/vista area as I sunk down into the hill country of Texas
And the glamour shot for Jaxon
The Tenere makes eating up miles easy. Currently, I am at about 160-170 when my E begins to flash. Hitting the nice 75 mph speed limits don't help, as that continue to become less and less. Rolling into Hamilton, TX, I just love the way all these small towns are centered around the courthouse an built out from there. Unfortunately, I forgot to get a pic of the town center with the massive courthourse..but I did get the always enjoyable food shot. A little Mexican restaurant in Hamilton and some good ole carnes guideros (sp?).
The rest of the ride to San Antonio was pretty uneventful. Since I was actually early (for a change) I decided to ride down to see the Alamo. Nothing like Pee Wee's Big Adventure, as San Antonio has based thei "Riverwalk" around the Alamo....worst past, there is absolutely no parking on the street down here. So, here is my quick attempt at the Alamo:
And the Entrance:
Wore my skull candy Titans today and actually had a good seal. However, after five hours, I was definitely ready to have them out
Tomorrow, the plan is to head to the Twin Sisters and then attempt to get towards Tuscon, AZ. ::014::
Miles 310
Started out a great morning in Dallas TX, a bit brisk, but a beautiful day in Texas. Special thanks again to Merchant. This being my first official "I do not have to be anywhere" day, I set the GPS to avoid highways. As it turns out, there is not much between Dallas and San Antonio. So Route 281 it is. Texas is quite an amazing state. Wide open roads that do not agree with gas mileage, but very cool small towns. Though I am a little confused to "County Roads" versus "Farm Roads", I did take a few Country Roads. Unfortunately, nothing off asphault, but interesting none the less.
Middle of a random Bridge on a county road (CR 204 I believe)
Glamour Shot ;D
After a few miles on 281, I did stop at a picnic/vista area as I sunk down into the hill country of Texas
And the glamour shot for Jaxon
The Tenere makes eating up miles easy. Currently, I am at about 160-170 when my E begins to flash. Hitting the nice 75 mph speed limits don't help, as that continue to become less and less. Rolling into Hamilton, TX, I just love the way all these small towns are centered around the courthouse an built out from there. Unfortunately, I forgot to get a pic of the town center with the massive courthourse..but I did get the always enjoyable food shot. A little Mexican restaurant in Hamilton and some good ole carnes guideros (sp?).
The rest of the ride to San Antonio was pretty uneventful. Since I was actually early (for a change) I decided to ride down to see the Alamo. Nothing like Pee Wee's Big Adventure, as San Antonio has based thei "Riverwalk" around the Alamo....worst past, there is absolutely no parking on the street down here. So, here is my quick attempt at the Alamo:
And the Entrance:
Wore my skull candy Titans today and actually had a good seal. However, after five hours, I was definitely ready to have them out
Tomorrow, the plan is to head to the Twin Sisters and then attempt to get towards Tuscon, AZ. ::014::
colorider
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Nancy and I are on the road (in the cage) and just stopped for the night in Van Horn TX. As I was filling up the car, I look across the street and lo and behold -there stands a SuperT!!!! Finish gassing up and drive over to see who it might be. Well, none other than JonnyC gearing up for his final leg into Tucson (lnog haul - I'm guessing about 435 from where he was standing).
Great to finally meet you Jonny!!
Rod
Great to finally meet you Jonny!!
Rod
JonnyCinco
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Made it to Tucson....good to meet ya Colorider
JonnyCinco
Ever Dance with the Devil in the Pale Moonlight?
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Day 5
Miles 955 ???
San Antonio, TX to Tucson, AZ
As I road North on Highway 16, enjoying the views of the "hill country" of Texas...I finally realized, I am on an adventure. Yes, it's not in a foreign country where the primary language isn't English (well, maybe some parts of TX I stopped in today would count), and, thus far, the roads have been a solid asphalt or concrete surface. However, what constitutes "an adventure". I had a bit of time to think about this as I headed towards Medina, TX and the biggest criteria (IMO) is when you cannot remember the day...well, either that or you have just sustained a concussion, but usually that involves running around being burned by an imaginary fire in your underwear. It took me a good minute or so to think "what is today". That, in conjunction with not having an exact time schedule, make up an adventure.
Anyways....my plan today was to head the Three Sisters and then more running from the Sun. Unfortunately, today the Sun made it a bit difficult to run from, as it was wickedly overcast and foggy. Which put a bit a bummer on the Three Sisters, as the road had that nice mist over it. You know, then kind that brings that dirt floating on the surface and it only takes one wrong lean and BOOM! Luckily, no BOOM for me. I rode on RT337 into Leakey and did the stop at the motorcycle store there....
The Lonely S10
A bit chilly for me
The roads were nice and curvy (compared to the previous 1500 miles) and I am sure the scenery was amazing. After speaking with the sole lady at the shop, she recommended I take I-90 instead of I-10. The scenery was better and the drive less stressful than the I10. Looking at the GPS, it only added 80 miles to my trip, so why not.
Texas does amaze me, as I crossed several areas that, during the rainy season, the roads would be part of the creek bed. I ran across this dried river bed on RT334
Making it to Del Rio, it was lunch time. I have been trying to stop at all the litte places versus the chain restaurants and this little place fit the bill
DELICIOUS SMOKE BAKED POTATOE Healthy meter at -22
I love how every little town is/was built around their courthouse. I forget where this was, but here is a shot of the court house.
Then my first "AMERICA, F#CK YEA" check
West Texas is certainly different from East. A state that can goble up most countries, I guess it should be. Nevertheless, I was starting to see some canyons close to the border
Unfortunately, the canyons slowly disappeared and more flat asphalt ahead. Texas is very proud of their history, as there are history markers everywhere. Though this was not a history morker, I thought it looked pretty cool
Cruising along on I90 did have some good scenery. You do get close to the border and head close to Big Bend. However, this is a trip of "firsts" First iron butt, first ride across country, first time on a huge dit bike doing dirt bike things, AND FIRST TIME I FOUND OUT THE RESERVE DISTANCE....This all happened right about here:
With 34.6 miles on the reserve at ~80 MPH, the bike stopped. Luckily, I had the TT fuel can with me and was able to fill up. Turns out, I was only 2 miles from the gas station, so, it would have been a good workout, but doable.
After Marfa, TX, I-90 gets very, very, very straight. As I dazed, looking left to right, to left...and maybe a right again, I found myself "testing" the speed limits of the K60. Turns out....the front end really ends to float at around 100-110. It did not feel stable at all and I thought I probably should slow down....And these kind gentlemen agreed
Sadly, they realized I should slow down before I did......
PS, I will be selling this highly artistic photo for $200, sign and framed.
Donation to Marfa County. you are welcome TX.
Finally made it to Van Horn, as the night set in. I pulled over to don my heated gear. I did not feel like taking my helmet off, so as I am there, half naked in the parking lot, some random guy and his wife pull up. they might have said something, but I had my ear plugs in and helmet on. I said hello, and I think he did as well. I continued to attempt to get dressed and this guy jus sat there in his car. Alrght, I said to myself, what on earth does this guy want. I looked again and (though it might have sounded a bit disturbing, I wasn't sure what to say) "can I help ya?" Random guy finally asked if I was on these crazy super tenere forums. Turns out, I finally got to meet the infamous ColoRider!! Ok, earbuds out He was on his way from San Antonio to Tucson as well. A quick, but delightful chance meeting in the west of Texas.
Gas up, caffeine up, and onto I10. It was dark and animals of plenty. A car just happened to go by me (I am much more diligent o my throttle since my Ranger meeting) and...all of a sudden, this car swerves wildly to the right then scoots to the left..WAY out of control. WTF?!?!? Well, animals of plenty, a deer just narrowly escaped a run in with some metal. The car did a couple of donuts and came to a stop, drifting in reverse. Nothing like the smell of burnt rubber in the middle of night. Everyone was OK and I continued on. However, I am pretty sure I pissed off every driver on the road, as there was NO WAY I was turning off my highbeams (this includes TT fog, stock high beams, and Squadrons on high). Sorry to all I10 drivers out there.
Rolled into Tucson at 2 am and got to bed at 3 am.
Good by Texas!
Miles 955 ???
San Antonio, TX to Tucson, AZ
As I road North on Highway 16, enjoying the views of the "hill country" of Texas...I finally realized, I am on an adventure. Yes, it's not in a foreign country where the primary language isn't English (well, maybe some parts of TX I stopped in today would count), and, thus far, the roads have been a solid asphalt or concrete surface. However, what constitutes "an adventure". I had a bit of time to think about this as I headed towards Medina, TX and the biggest criteria (IMO) is when you cannot remember the day...well, either that or you have just sustained a concussion, but usually that involves running around being burned by an imaginary fire in your underwear. It took me a good minute or so to think "what is today". That, in conjunction with not having an exact time schedule, make up an adventure.
Anyways....my plan today was to head the Three Sisters and then more running from the Sun. Unfortunately, today the Sun made it a bit difficult to run from, as it was wickedly overcast and foggy. Which put a bit a bummer on the Three Sisters, as the road had that nice mist over it. You know, then kind that brings that dirt floating on the surface and it only takes one wrong lean and BOOM! Luckily, no BOOM for me. I rode on RT337 into Leakey and did the stop at the motorcycle store there....
The Lonely S10
A bit chilly for me
The roads were nice and curvy (compared to the previous 1500 miles) and I am sure the scenery was amazing. After speaking with the sole lady at the shop, she recommended I take I-90 instead of I-10. The scenery was better and the drive less stressful than the I10. Looking at the GPS, it only added 80 miles to my trip, so why not.
Texas does amaze me, as I crossed several areas that, during the rainy season, the roads would be part of the creek bed. I ran across this dried river bed on RT334
Making it to Del Rio, it was lunch time. I have been trying to stop at all the litte places versus the chain restaurants and this little place fit the bill
DELICIOUS SMOKE BAKED POTATOE Healthy meter at -22
I love how every little town is/was built around their courthouse. I forget where this was, but here is a shot of the court house.
Then my first "AMERICA, F#CK YEA" check
West Texas is certainly different from East. A state that can goble up most countries, I guess it should be. Nevertheless, I was starting to see some canyons close to the border
Unfortunately, the canyons slowly disappeared and more flat asphalt ahead. Texas is very proud of their history, as there are history markers everywhere. Though this was not a history morker, I thought it looked pretty cool
Cruising along on I90 did have some good scenery. You do get close to the border and head close to Big Bend. However, this is a trip of "firsts" First iron butt, first ride across country, first time on a huge dit bike doing dirt bike things, AND FIRST TIME I FOUND OUT THE RESERVE DISTANCE....This all happened right about here:
With 34.6 miles on the reserve at ~80 MPH, the bike stopped. Luckily, I had the TT fuel can with me and was able to fill up. Turns out, I was only 2 miles from the gas station, so, it would have been a good workout, but doable.
After Marfa, TX, I-90 gets very, very, very straight. As I dazed, looking left to right, to left...and maybe a right again, I found myself "testing" the speed limits of the K60. Turns out....the front end really ends to float at around 100-110. It did not feel stable at all and I thought I probably should slow down....And these kind gentlemen agreed
Sadly, they realized I should slow down before I did......
PS, I will be selling this highly artistic photo for $200, sign and framed.
Donation to Marfa County. you are welcome TX.
Finally made it to Van Horn, as the night set in. I pulled over to don my heated gear. I did not feel like taking my helmet off, so as I am there, half naked in the parking lot, some random guy and his wife pull up. they might have said something, but I had my ear plugs in and helmet on. I said hello, and I think he did as well. I continued to attempt to get dressed and this guy jus sat there in his car. Alrght, I said to myself, what on earth does this guy want. I looked again and (though it might have sounded a bit disturbing, I wasn't sure what to say) "can I help ya?" Random guy finally asked if I was on these crazy super tenere forums. Turns out, I finally got to meet the infamous ColoRider!! Ok, earbuds out
He was on his way from San Antonio to Tucson as well. A quick, but delightful chance meeting in the west of Texas.Gas up, caffeine up, and onto I10. It was dark and animals of plenty. A car just happened to go by me (I am much more diligent o my throttle since my Ranger meeting) and...all of a sudden, this car swerves wildly to the right then scoots to the left..WAY out of control. WTF?!?!? Well, animals of plenty, a deer just narrowly escaped a run in with some metal. The car did a couple of donuts and came to a stop, drifting in reverse. Nothing like the smell of burnt rubber in the middle of night. Everyone was OK and I continued on. However, I am pretty sure I pissed off every driver on the road, as there was NO WAY I was turning off my highbeams (this includes TT fog, stock high beams, and Squadrons on high). Sorry to all I10 drivers out there.
Rolled into Tucson at 2 am and got to bed at 3 am.
Good by Texas!
JonnyCinco
Ever Dance with the Devil in the Pale Moonlight?
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Day 6
Miles: 531
Tucson toSedona Las Vegas
After my long ride yesterday and early morning, I was thinking of changing my plans to camp around Sedona and enjoy the topography that AZ has to offer. I do my morning work (I love my job), call the lovely missus, and then look for some breakfast. Although I did not get a picture of the outside, the Crying Onion in Tucson AZ is AWESOME!
The Chorizo Scramble - Health meter at 32 (hey, it has eggs in it and I had an orange juice)
Sitting at the Crying Onion, I text my buddy in Vegas to let him know I will probably be a day late. No worries. Then, I call Bill Mayer and see if it would be OK to move to Friday, which (I thought) we had touched on when I made the appointment). Well, it was not OK. in fact, I have to be there Thursday at 7am. SHISTA! Well, scratch plan B and rotate to Preparation H. Garmin, Las Vegas via Jerome, AZ please. I did a clinical rotation in Flagstaff back in 2004. I had my ole FZR 600 at the time and went on many rides. Got lost one day and ended up riding through Jerome. Really cool place next to an old Ghost mine. I figured I would head through there again for a change off I17.
I love AZ. The topography is awesome, roads amazing, and the climate cannot be beat.
Made it to Jerome
I thought my GPS just could not figure out the twisted Jerome roads (you literally do switchbacks and end up on top of the building you jus drove by), but it told me to turn around and head towards the Ghost Mine. OK...so I go down the road and it straightened out and looks to be on the correct path.
YATZHEE!!!
Looks like I will be establishing a 'baseline' of my offroad skills for the Rawhyde course. Remember, I have no clue what day it is, so adventure on. ;D
This was just AWESOME!
The pass
After I made it through the pass, the "road" became a rolling, backcountry road towards Williams, AZ. There were a heap turn off that looked like more fun, but I was attempting to get to Vegas.
Sweet bridge in the middle of the backcountry
Good by road, sure was fun!
Did I mention how much I liked AZ?
Go Go Gadget Snow tires!
To end this great ride, the route placed me right at I40 and I66 in the little town of Williams. Bonus, ESPRESSO!!
To warm up the soul
I think I will come back here some day to check it out
Then it was off to Vegas. Good ole Garmin wanted me to get off I40 70 miles early and back onto I66...which I am sure would have been a great ride, but it was getting later and later. Well, not actually, as I was changing time zones again, scored another hour! J5 = 3, Father time = 0 8)
Got into Vegas at about 9 pm local time. Now onto LA!
Miles: 531
Tucson to
After my long ride yesterday and early morning, I was thinking of changing my plans to camp around Sedona and enjoy the topography that AZ has to offer. I do my morning work (I love my job), call the lovely missus, and then look for some breakfast. Although I did not get a picture of the outside, the Crying Onion in Tucson AZ is AWESOME!
The Chorizo Scramble - Health meter at 32 (hey, it has eggs in it and I had an orange juice)
Sitting at the Crying Onion, I text my buddy in Vegas to let him know I will probably be a day late. No worries. Then, I call Bill Mayer and see if it would be OK to move to Friday, which (I thought) we had touched on when I made the appointment). Well, it was not OK. in fact, I have to be there Thursday at 7am. SHISTA! Well, scratch plan B and rotate to Preparation H. Garmin, Las Vegas via Jerome, AZ please. I did a clinical rotation in Flagstaff back in 2004. I had my ole FZR 600 at the time and went on many rides. Got lost one day and ended up riding through Jerome. Really cool place next to an old Ghost mine. I figured I would head through there again for a change off I17.
I love AZ. The topography is awesome, roads amazing, and the climate cannot be beat.
Made it to Jerome
I thought my GPS just could not figure out the twisted Jerome roads (you literally do switchbacks and end up on top of the building you jus drove by), but it told me to turn around and head towards the Ghost Mine. OK...so I go down the road and it straightened out and looks to be on the correct path.
YATZHEE!!!
Looks like I will be establishing a 'baseline' of my offroad skills for the Rawhyde course. Remember, I have no clue what day it is, so adventure on. ;D
This was just AWESOME!
The pass
After I made it through the pass, the "road" became a rolling, backcountry road towards Williams, AZ. There were a heap turn off that looked like more fun, but I was attempting to get to Vegas.
Sweet bridge in the middle of the backcountry
Good by road, sure was fun!
Did I mention how much I liked AZ?
Go Go Gadget Snow tires!
To end this great ride, the route placed me right at I40 and I66 in the little town of Williams. Bonus, ESPRESSO!!
To warm up the soul
I think I will come back here some day to check it out
Then it was off to Vegas. Good ole Garmin wanted me to get off I40 70 miles early and back onto I66...which I am sure would have been a great ride, but it was getting later and later. Well, not actually, as I was changing time zones again, scored another hour! J5 = 3, Father time = 0 8)
Got into Vegas at about 9 pm local time. Now onto LA!
JC, have been enjoying the ride along with you. Great pics and daily recap.
Ride On..... ::26::
Ride On..... ::26::
colorider
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Glad you made in to Tucson okay and it was great meeting you!!!!JonnyCinco said:Day 5
Miles 955 ???
San Antonio, TX to Tucson, AZ
Finally made it to Van Horn, as the night set in. I pulled over to don my heated gear. I did not feel like taking my helmet off, so as I am there, half naked in the parking lot, some random guy and his wife pull up. they might have said something, but I had my ear plugs in and helmet on. I said hello, and I think he did as well. I continued to attempt to get dressed and this guy jus sat there in his car. Alrght, I said to myself, what on earth does this guy want. I looked again and (though it might have sounded a bit disturbing, I wasn't sure what to say) "can I help ya?" Random guy finally asked if I was on these crazy super tenere forums. Turns out, I finally got to meet the infamous ColoRider!! Ok, earbuds out
We are still here visiting my daughter. Heading for home on Sunday..
::003::
OK - I've decided I have to tell this story. It doesn't reflect well on my household, but it's one of those stupid/crazy/unpredictable things that make this an adventure.
After dinner last Saturday night, Jaxon, Jonathan and I sit around and chat over homebrew for a while. Jaxon leaves and we're tuckered, so time to rack. We stick Jonathan in my eldest daughter's room. Well, the cat tends to sleep in her room and the foul creature was hiding under the bed. No one knew the cat was in there, so Jonathan closes the door and it's off to dreamland.
He wakes up to the putrid smell of cat excrement. I learn about this when I hear Jonathan in the kitchen around 7AM Sunday morning. I get up to brew coffee and hear the washing machine/dryer humming along. I'm thinking: he decided to do a load of laundry - probably smart since he's got a long trip ahead of him. Jonathan then tells me he woke to a pile of poo on the floor and pee all over his gear, including the collar of his Gerbings jacket (which can't be laundered). ???
Needless to say, I'm ready to help the cat acheive it's highest utility (tennis strings). My wife is embarrassed beyond reason. Jonathan took it all in stride, even though the Gerbings collar would be tucked under his nose all day. We spot-treat as best we can and liberally apply Febreeze. Everything else got laundered, so I guess no harm done.
Jonathan, you're a classy guy for not relaying this part of your visit. I hope the ride Sunday was tolerable and the "scent" faded quickly.
After dinner last Saturday night, Jaxon, Jonathan and I sit around and chat over homebrew for a while. Jaxon leaves and we're tuckered, so time to rack. We stick Jonathan in my eldest daughter's room. Well, the cat tends to sleep in her room and the foul creature was hiding under the bed. No one knew the cat was in there, so Jonathan closes the door and it's off to dreamland.
He wakes up to the putrid smell of cat excrement. I learn about this when I hear Jonathan in the kitchen around 7AM Sunday morning. I get up to brew coffee and hear the washing machine/dryer humming along. I'm thinking: he decided to do a load of laundry - probably smart since he's got a long trip ahead of him. Jonathan then tells me he woke to a pile of poo on the floor and pee all over his gear, including the collar of his Gerbings jacket (which can't be laundered). ???
Needless to say, I'm ready to help the cat acheive it's highest utility (tennis strings). My wife is embarrassed beyond reason. Jonathan took it all in stride, even though the Gerbings collar would be tucked under his nose all day. We spot-treat as best we can and liberally apply Febreeze. Everything else got laundered, so I guess no harm done.
Jonathan, you're a classy guy for not relaying this part of your visit. I hope the ride Sunday was tolerable and the "scent" faded quickly.
I know it's not funny, but I laughed my arse off reading this post!merchant said:
::025::I too am owned by cats, and every so often want to give them the violin/tennis treatment.
pqsqac
Bike Name: Blue Spirit
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Thanks Jax and as far as the cat story goes this is why I have dogs.
~TABASCO~ said:
2000RSV
New Member
Johnny should be thanking you for this quick and inexpensive application of deer repellent. Per the Old Farmers Almanac (www.almanac.com), cat urine is the best deer repellent available.merchant said:
Try it sometime. Or not.
J
JonnyCinco
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I agree with pqsqac. I think the 'ode di merchant' is slowly relieving itself my jacket collar. But it was a little rough heading down to San Antonio.
The worst part about it was, when I first woke at 6 am, I thought the burger had haunted me in the middle of the night and I needed to clean the sheets.
Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2
The worst part about it was, when I first woke at 6 am, I thought the burger had haunted me in the middle of the night and I needed to clean the sheets.
Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2
JonnyCinco
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Day 7
Miles: 348
Las Vegas to Ventura, CA
It was a nice slow start to the day. My body is feeling well after many miles that I have really never put on a bike before. However, my brain was still on East coast time, so I was up at 7:30 am. I am fortunate to have a job that allows me to work from the internet and I enjoy a good espresso. My office is now any good café with WiFi and a double shot. After a few hours of "work" I headed back to my buddies place to pack up and ship out. I am getting more efficient at packing up the Tenere, but still takes a bit of time. Yesterday, I realized a casualty of the trip was one plastic screw on my XD3. Figuring Vegas has to have some moto places, I look up the nearest motorcycle place...BMW Vegas, why not?
A wolf in sheep's clothing
A HUGE thanks to Kurt at Vegas BMW for the SS bolt hook up. My visor is thanking you!
Today was nothing special, just a quick trip from Vegas to LA. Seems as though Garmin does not enjoy the highway when you say, quickest route. I was a bit "tired" of riding at night and wanted to make it to Ventura before nightfall. But, with a 2pm start and Garmin avoiding the main route to LA, I got there at 7:30 pm.
Departing Vegas, I saw many billboards for Alien Jerky....of course I had to stop!
Tomorrow, new saddle time at BMS!
Miles: 348
Las Vegas to Ventura, CA
It was a nice slow start to the day. My body is feeling well after many miles that I have really never put on a bike before. However, my brain was still on East coast time, so I was up at 7:30 am. I am fortunate to have a job that allows me to work from the internet and I enjoy a good espresso. My office is now any good café with WiFi and a double shot. After a few hours of "work" I headed back to my buddies place to pack up and ship out. I am getting more efficient at packing up the Tenere, but still takes a bit of time. Yesterday, I realized a casualty of the trip was one plastic screw on my XD3. Figuring Vegas has to have some moto places, I look up the nearest motorcycle place...BMW Vegas, why not?
A wolf in sheep's clothing
A HUGE thanks to Kurt at Vegas BMW for the SS bolt hook up. My visor is thanking you!
Today was nothing special, just a quick trip from Vegas to LA. Seems as though Garmin does not enjoy the highway when you say, quickest route. I was a bit "tired" of riding at night and wanted to make it to Ventura before nightfall. But, with a 2pm start and Garmin avoiding the main route to LA, I got there at 7:30 pm.
Departing Vegas, I saw many billboards for Alien Jerky....of course I had to stop!
Tomorrow, new saddle time at BMS!
JonnyCinco
Ever Dance with the Devil in the Pale Moonlight?
Founding Member
2011 Site Supporter
2012 Site Supporter
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Day 8
Miles: 0 (ish)
Ventura, CA
After making it out to California...it has rained....and rained....and rained. The good news: my Revit Pacific H2O has held up to its coastal heritage and not allowed any water in. The bad news, I am not keen on hitting up any of the great roads near here. I took the Yamaha Champions Racing school at NJMP, and it rained there. They say "you learn a lot in the rain"...I can see where this philosophy stems from, after all, I say if you can ski the east coast ice, you can ski anywhere. Nevertheless, Murphy and I are best of buds, and I do not ant to test anymore theories that may lead to me renting a Uhaul to get the bike back to VA.
So, this morning, I wake up to my first California morning by the beach. Wait...where's the beach? Oh, it is beyond all the clouds and rain. 0 Did I mentioned I have not hit any rain in the past 3600 miles? No worries, today was a Gluteus Christmas, as I was headed to BMS for a supreme upgrade. Arriving at BMS, Adrian (sp?) opened the large garage door at their new place and ushered me in. After asking a few questions and seeing my seated position, he was tearing off my old vinyl before I knew it. HIs apprentice, Chico, arrived a few minutes later. For those of you who don't know, Adrian has been in the business for > 20 years and rocks the socks. Chico has been apprenticing for just a year, but did a superb job of touching up the "rough edges" of the seat while the cover was being sewn. I was keen on the group by here last year...but if I was going to cash out on a custom seat, I wanted a custom seat. And let me tell ya, thus far it has been worth the wait! Though I have not had my gluts in one position for greater than 30 minutes, it feels much better. We increased the height of the seat as well, which placed much less strain across my knees. Also, with a bit of goofing around on the pegs, I feel like I can grip the tank/seat better in standing. Though this will be tested this weekend.
Rocky is a great guy and tells me that I have to hit up Tipps Thai restaurant and speak with Chang. Internally, I was thinking he was messing with me...Come on, Thai restaurant, owner named Chang, with a long thin goatee0...Don't try to fool me...more on that later.
Back to the saddle. First edition done and took her out for a jaunt around the highways. Came back in and spoke with Adrian. In seconds, he and Chico were adding pieces here and there. Before I knew it, I was shaking hands and headed back out for the day. Total time was about 3.5 hours.
Nothing else planned for the day, so rode around and picked up some things. Then, it was dinner time! Looked up Tipps, which was 4 blocks from my hotel. I walk in and do the obligatory "Is there a Chang that works here, Rocky told me I should ask". Sure as sh!t after coffee, out walks a Thai man with a long thin goatee...named Chang! Awesome dude and drank Budlight the way it should be...with ice...much like water0 The food was awesome and very very tasty. After that, I hit up "Zero Dark Thirty" and called it a night.
Tomorrow, onto RAWHYDE!!!!
Miles: 0 (ish)
Ventura, CA
After making it out to California...it has rained....and rained....and rained. The good news: my Revit Pacific H2O has held up to its coastal heritage and not allowed any water in. The bad news, I am not keen on hitting up any of the great roads near here. I took the Yamaha Champions Racing school at NJMP, and it rained there. They say "you learn a lot in the rain"...I can see where this philosophy stems from, after all, I say if you can ski the east coast ice, you can ski anywhere. Nevertheless, Murphy and I are best of buds, and I do not ant to test anymore theories that may lead to me renting a Uhaul to get the bike back to VA.
So, this morning, I wake up to my first California morning by the beach. Wait...where's the beach? Oh, it is beyond all the clouds and rain. 0 Did I mentioned I have not hit any rain in the past 3600 miles? No worries, today was a Gluteus Christmas, as I was headed to BMS for a supreme upgrade. Arriving at BMS, Adrian (sp?) opened the large garage door at their new place and ushered me in. After asking a few questions and seeing my seated position, he was tearing off my old vinyl before I knew it. HIs apprentice, Chico, arrived a few minutes later. For those of you who don't know, Adrian has been in the business for > 20 years and rocks the socks. Chico has been apprenticing for just a year, but did a superb job of touching up the "rough edges" of the seat while the cover was being sewn. I was keen on the group by here last year...but if I was going to cash out on a custom seat, I wanted a custom seat. And let me tell ya, thus far it has been worth the wait! Though I have not had my gluts in one position for greater than 30 minutes, it feels much better. We increased the height of the seat as well, which placed much less strain across my knees. Also, with a bit of goofing around on the pegs, I feel like I can grip the tank/seat better in standing. Though this will be tested this weekend.
Rocky is a great guy and tells me that I have to hit up Tipps Thai restaurant and speak with Chang. Internally, I was thinking he was messing with me...Come on, Thai restaurant, owner named Chang, with a long thin goatee0...Don't try to fool me...more on that later.
Back to the saddle. First edition done and took her out for a jaunt around the highways. Came back in and spoke with Adrian. In seconds, he and Chico were adding pieces here and there. Before I knew it, I was shaking hands and headed back out for the day. Total time was about 3.5 hours.
Nothing else planned for the day, so rode around and picked up some things. Then, it was dinner time! Looked up Tipps, which was 4 blocks from my hotel. I walk in and do the obligatory "Is there a Chang that works here, Rocky told me I should ask". Sure as sh!t after coffee, out walks a Thai man with a long thin goatee...named Chang! Awesome dude and drank Budlight the way it should be...with ice...much like water0 The food was awesome and very very tasty. After that, I hit up "Zero Dark Thirty" and called it a night.
Tomorrow, onto RAWHYDE!!!!
JonnyCinco
Ever Dance with the Devil in the Pale Moonlight?
Founding Member
2011 Site Supporter
2012 Site Supporter
2014 Site Supporter
yea....but after my experiences with asphalt surfing...which has been more than I care to admit, I think that little visor will break before I have to worry about any damage to head.Tippo said:
Though I will probably call up Arai when I return