Saturday 8/20 - Martin Motorsports "Dairy" Ride, Boyertown PA

[Venture]

I'm doing one of two things this Saturday:

1. Doing this ride with the local RAT pack: http://www.martinmoto.com/events/ride-to-heislers-dairy/
2. Picking up a used Suzuki DR250 in NJ

Odds at this point are I'm doing #1 since #2 seller is dragging his feet. If anybody else is interested come on out. I've only been on one other RAT ride through Martin's, but last time it was a decent crew. They have a no alcohol helmet required policy.

 

[Yamaguy55]

I've only been on one other RAT ride through Martin's, but last time it was a decent crew. They have a no alcohol helmet required policy.

For the most part, their RAT rides are pretty good. About 6-7 years ago, some cruisers went along on a ride over to the Van Sant airport and were abandoned there as they wouldn't keep up, but I think things have calmed down now. One of my associates was irritated and stayed and got the cruisers group home. Now they plainly say on the Martin's website that "experts only" or something similar to try and keep the brisk crowd brisk.

I don't think I'd leave someone behind, but when you're holding up cars, campers and the Amish on back roads.......nuff said.

I subscribe to the wear an helmet and NO drinking policy. We used to frequently do group rides, and I've learned to rigorously screen new attendees. When you have to drag them out of the field, it ruins the whole thing. Add stoopid juice and no gear, it just gets worse from there. I don't care what others think about these things, but I do care if they are with me. I even have a handout about group etiquette, so I can get home without the drama and "field trips." Or being run into by either hot shots or parade formation types. Maybe that makes me an intolerant jerk, but I've been run into before, and it lacks an urge to repeat.

 

[Venture]

For the most part, their RAT rides are pretty good. About 6-7 years ago, some cruisers went along on a ride over to the Van Sant airport and were abandoned there as they wouldn't keep up, but I think things have calmed down now. One of my associates was irritated and stayed and got the cruisers group home. Now they plainly say on the Martin's website that "experts only" or something similar to try and keep the brisk crowd brisk.

I don't think I'd leave someone behind, but when you're holding up cars, campers and the Amish on back roads.......nuff said.

I subscribe to the wear an helmet and NO drinking policy. We used to frequently do group rides, and I've learned to rigorously screen new attendees. When you have to drag them out of the field, it ruins the whole thing. Add stoopid juice and no gear, it just gets worse from there. I don't care what others think about these things, but I do care if they are with me. I even have a handout about group etiquette, so I can get home without the drama and "field trips." Or being run into by either hot shots or parade formation types. Maybe that makes me an intolerant jerk, but I've been run into before, and it lacks an urge to repeat.

The last ride I went on with them was deemed a "beginner friendly" ride, but I'll tell you the lead guy was MOVING! I never took turns so fast. I kind of wonder exactly what one of the "expert only" rides is like...

I think they have it right with the no alcohol policy. Nobody wants to worry about who's riding behind them and what state of mind they are in.

 

[Koinz]

I'm not really one for large group rides, especially when I don't know the riders, but I might make it -- I'll have to check with my social director to see if theres anything planned for Saturday.

 

[Yamaguy55]

I may do a best of both version of this: I'll ride in from the west and meet them there. That way, I don't have to do the group ride, and I can leave another direction. I don't need to go back their way anyway, but they are a great bunch, so we'll see how it goes. The fact that it is a Saturday makes it rare. Most of these are Sundays, which means I'll never attend. Looks like they will be there by noon, I'll be my usual self and be there by 11:30.

 

[Koinz]

I may do a best of both version of this: I'll ride in from the west and meet them there. That way, I don't have to do the group ride, and I can leave another direction. I don't need to go back their way anyway, but they are a great bunch, so we'll see how it goes. The fact that it is a Saturday makes it rare. Most of these are Sundays, which means I'll never attend. Looks like they will be there by noon, I'll be my usual self and be there by 11:30.

I'm thinking I might do something similar. Loop around from the east/northeast to the dairy farm, then head north to lehighton to cut some grass. Hopefully the weather holds out.

 

[Venture]

I'm not sure if anybody is showing up for this, but if you are I'll see you there! I'll be the guy with the neon helmet and jacket on a black Tiger 1050.

 

[Koinz]

Hey guys. Doesn't look like I'm going to make it. I have a buyer for some of the accessories on my vstrom and I need to do some defarkling and shipping today. Hopefully I get out for a local ride later.

 

[Yamaguy55]

I'm not sure if anybody is showing up for this, but if you are I'll see you there! I'll be the guy with the neon helmet and jacket on a black Tiger 1050.

It turned out to be a nice ride for us: we met the group at the dairy. We then went our own way, PA309, PA54, PA339, and the roads back towards my neck of the woods.

The Tenere is certainly showing itself to be the almost ideal back road bike: rough roads that would be less than ideal on a sport bike, or even a sport touring bike are handled with ease.

Here's a few from todays ride. This is the wind farm just off I81 at Mahanoy City, PA on PA 339:
http://s1178.photobucket.com/albums/x372/Yamaguy55/Tenere%20travels/

Until my spiffo-deluxe SW-Motech stuff comes in, I have my old tank bag hooked onto the rear rack. Actually works very well. Tough to read the map while riding, though.

 

[Venture]

I agree, it was a perfect day and a good ride. The better news is that I FINALLY got to see a Tenere in person (Yamaguy55's). Initial impressions:

1. The blue color is much nice in person than in the pictures. I was leaning towards the Raven...but...not so sure anymore.
2. The bike is really nice looking in person, good fit and finish, I was impressed with what I managed to take in given the short time I looked it over. Very tough looking bike.

We kind of ran out of time for looking, since the group was getting ready to go, so I didn't get much more than a look. The good news is that Yamaguy didn't charge me the $1 per look he stated was the price as he walked up to me.

After I got back to Martin's I took a used KLX250 for a spin that I was interested in and had a blast with it. Too many toys, too little time and money. :-[

 

[Yamaguy55]

I agree, it was a perfect day and a good ride. The better news is that I FINALLY got to see a Tenere in person (Yamaguy55's). Initial impressions:

1. The blue color is much nice in person than in the pictures. I was leaning towards the Raven...but...not so sure anymore.
2. The bike is really nice looking in person, good fit and finish, I was impressed with what I managed to take in given the short time I looked it over. Very tough looking bike.

We kind of ran out of time for looking, since the group was getting ready to go, so I didn't get much more than a look. The good news is that Yamaguy didn't charge me the $1 per look he stated was the price as he walked up to me.

I was finishing up lunch when the gawkers and gapers started circling my Tenere! (Gasp! Shock! Amaze!) So I thought I'd drum up some coin to help defray costs of any damage due to the staring....... 8)

After I got back to Martin's I took a used KLX250 for a spin that I was interested in and had a blast with it. Too many toys, too little time and money. :-[

Oh come on, and pass up a WR250R? To get a carburetor? More Gasp! Shock! Amaze!

Good to meet at last. We had a nice ride home in our direction. We took some dirt and some "No Winter Maintenance" roads, which would better be described as "No Maintenance at all" roads. My associate needed to run up some miles on his new Tiger 800 so he can schedule the first service. He claims I'm a Rossi wannabe. Nahhhhh. Need a moto GP bike for that. Or at least a sportbike.

After my work schedule calms down and the weather cools off, I'd like to extend an invitation for a long day's ride west of me in the State Forest and the area around it. I plan on keeping it to roads that can be accessed by automobiles, but roads where few would ever be found. That way you don't have to have dirt tires and a bash plate. I'll post more later.

 

[Venture]

Oh come on, and pass up a WR250R? To get a carburetor? More Gasp! Shock! Amaze!

Good to meet at last. We had a nice ride home in our direction. We took some dirt and some "No Winter Maintenance" roads, which would better be described as "No Maintenance at all" roads. My associate needed to run up some miles on his new Tiger 800 so he can schedule the first service. He claims I'm a Rossi wannabe. Nahhhhh. Need a moto GP bike for that. Or at least a sportbike.

After my work schedule calms down and the weather cools off, I'd like to extend an invitation for a long day's ride west of me in the State Forest and the area around it. I plan on keeping it to roads that can be accessed by automobiles, but roads where few would ever be found. That way you don't have to have dirt tires and a bash plate. I'll post more later.

Really funny that we were at Heisler's having a conversation about carbs and FI, and I'll tell you why. When the sales guy at Martin's went to fire up the KLX, he couldn't get it started. I wasn't paying attention to what he was doing, but he was cranking, and cranking, and cranking, playing with the throttle and the choke, and basically flooded it. He had to call the service guy over, who proceeded to tip thing thing almost all the way over, which resulted in a shitload of gas pouring out, I'm not sure from where. After that the service guy got it started and I took it for a ride. You're right Yamaguy, carbs do suck.

As for the KLX vs. the WR, it's all a matter of coin. The KLX is used and not a bad deal, but I'm not sure if I want to pull the trigger on it. I probably shouldn't be looking at ANY new toys right now, given that my employer just released info about 12-13% headcount reductions through 2015, with the majority of it being 2011-2012. No joy and nobody is truly safe. Such is life.

I'd love to join you on a guided tour, hopefully the timing works out.

 

[Koinz]

It turned out to be a nice ride for us: we met the group at the dairy. We then went our own way, PA309, PA54, PA339, and the roads back towards my neck of the woods
The Tenere is certainly showing itself to be the almost ideal back road bike: rough roads that would be less than ideal on a sport bike, or even a sport touring bike are handled with ease.

Here's a few from todays ride. This is the wind farm just off I81 at Mahanoy City, PA on PA 339:

certainly was a good day for ride. I spent my morning dumpster diving for card board boxes and packing my givi side cases for shipping, but I did go out for bit later in the afternoon. Never a dull moment

Oh and I was on 339 earlier this summer, nice road and the wind generators are very cool.

 

[Yamaguy55]

If you're up this way, give me advance notice and I'll show you fantastic roads. I'm always looking for riding chums ( suitable victims? )

A truly fun and intersecting ride is up PA42 to Eagles Mere, then back down through the state forest and Worlds End State Park. It would be a really long day for you guys, as it is long for me, but with suitable stops and breaks, it could be fun. I did it last year on the FZ. Worth repeating on a more suitable mount.

 

[Venture]

If you're up this way, give me advance notice and I'll show you fantastic roads. I'm always looking for riding chums ( suitable victims? )

A truly fun and intersecting ride is up PA42 to Eagles Mere, then back down through the state forest and Worlds End State Park. It would be a really long day for you guys, as it is long for me, but with suitable stops and breaks, it could be fun. I did it last year on the FZ. Worth repeating on a more suitable mount.

I just did the PA 42 to 154 ride about 3 weeks ago. Fantastic route. Next time I'll give you a shout prior.

 

[Koinz]

If you're up this way, give me advance notice and I'll show you fantastic roads. I'm always looking for riding chums ( suitable victims? )

A truly fun and intersecting ride is up PA42 to Eagles Mere, then back down through the state forest and Worlds End State Park. It would be a really long day for you guys, as it is long for me, but with suitable stops and breaks, it could be fun. I did it last year on the FZ. Worth repeating on a more suitable mount.

My brother-in-law and I may do some riding starting in lehighton, pa to "wherever" next weekend. I'll post when I know for sure. I thinks he said he wanted to do the advanced msf class on Sunday in Wilkes bear so he may be limited to Saturday.

 

[Yamaguy55]

You're right, lots of outstanding riding. Doesn't matter what you ride. Just that you can. Just don't hold up cars and campers on back roads, please.

I may take a day and spend it up at the Eagles Mere/Worlds End area. It is best mid to late October, when the leaves are at the peak. i prefer riding when the temps are from 45-65. this 80+stuff is nowhere near as nice.

Also: the area around and west of Wellsboro. From there to Driftwood/Emporium/Sinnemahoning is fabulous in the fall. I think this year will be an extended "leaf-peeper"year for me.