tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16841095337815767222024-03-13T09:33:36.981-07:00The View From Over The HandlebarsA tale of my two-wheeled (mis)-adventuresLancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02458096347718242672noreply@blogger.comBlogger88125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1684109533781576722.post-85391002777436661582010-06-21T16:44:00.000-07:002010-06-21T17:03:25.971-07:00First Day of Summer, North Bend<div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>I've mentioned that we had an unseasonably warm and sunny winter, but spring has been the opposite, with cold and rain the norm. This trend continues into summer - here are some pictures from my walk today in town:</div><div> </div><div>As you can see, no summer weather today, with the fog and clouds hanging low on the flanks of Mt. Si:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMspgYoOxFs6PNIPGdPsLXccLRpSQZGwGt4rzbAShYuIYlFVAUBOgW45NP8lOum-5OkYzWjkblb0ZeT8fiqR6r6S7YsHqoGfGskHzeIe2hxyP2y1g9CDt0JdVkWo1B4ofqV-9xoH9t5-N5/s1600/DSC00317.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485378300884396754" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMspgYoOxFs6PNIPGdPsLXccLRpSQZGwGt4rzbAShYuIYlFVAUBOgW45NP8lOum-5OkYzWjkblb0ZeT8fiqR6r6S7YsHqoGfGskHzeIe2hxyP2y1g9CDt0JdVkWo1B4ofqV-9xoH9t5-N5/s400/DSC00317.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Just up the street, the local movie theater is showing free movies during the summer and is in the World Cup spirit:<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNrX_g3PYBNg0b1lmBJJwFUuX8NsdcKpChrUxfBvHLF3n99HVkFU7yUYcyGahPjUsdQdq-jSPP6q-XRdyzYntNOAF0h336_US2Hwwe6JF5GG72-nPBlenhXxvntvbfphvS1fnhhCOnJF3u/s1600/DSC00318.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485378308428711890" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNrX_g3PYBNg0b1lmBJJwFUuX8NsdcKpChrUxfBvHLF3n99HVkFU7yUYcyGahPjUsdQdq-jSPP6q-XRdyzYntNOAF0h336_US2Hwwe6JF5GG72-nPBlenhXxvntvbfphvS1fnhhCOnJF3u/s400/DSC00318.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div><br /> </div><div></div><div>These local residents immediately got out of their plastic igloo as I walked by:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJOO_LBG16Btb6Z2-0WDuYDWaxBGaJJyRIgLHyVoC5FENqeL7P2UQkHm6tgsV1wTTXsFgiwtnGvcZbGAxUnAe853mqBJKmKToLDo8rIK5AGWu_3nxKs-9oJJb0KSvIW3fIC1YxACUlsImZ/s1600/DSC00319.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485378318460987842" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJOO_LBG16Btb6Z2-0WDuYDWaxBGaJJyRIgLHyVoC5FENqeL7P2UQkHm6tgsV1wTTXsFgiwtnGvcZbGAxUnAe853mqBJKmKToLDo8rIK5AGWu_3nxKs-9oJJb0KSvIW3fIC1YxACUlsImZ/s400/DSC00319.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />One of the local landmarks, North Bend Community Church, was built in 1897 and still has services for the faithful:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimfD2gsbemrDDAmMGy4BmHjjRNwhRnWZjGvEPs5pIiOZmdgFtE0097f38VwBHl1EKKcZgMztKxgp5Ac734BhBH5Uwuf3stK27k8e8h8p9mD6__sK_axLiR7ffHZrbp6WR160HoGnLpN0ji/s1600/DSC00320.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485378325772104642" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimfD2gsbemrDDAmMGy4BmHjjRNwhRnWZjGvEPs5pIiOZmdgFtE0097f38VwBHl1EKKcZgMztKxgp5Ac734BhBH5Uwuf3stK27k8e8h8p9mD6__sK_axLiR7ffHZrbp6WR160HoGnLpN0ji/s400/DSC00320.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div>While originally residential, parts of North Bend have now converted to a commercial/residential mix, such as this building (being occupied by a professional services company, possibly a design firm):</div><div><br /> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeO0C5YdWwYl1ssog9KYhXjr77v4xwV7pRlYyY8e9_G5OBkJUfR2ojb60MR0ye99girZwxknPQQTCk736p2L-LIMHE9iRHvNCcfpUSbwEtpg3cqd6vxzA6uvbltKtxdiKLEvbDVvg0SOwI/s1600/DSC00321.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485378334961105810" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeO0C5YdWwYl1ssog9KYhXjr77v4xwV7pRlYyY8e9_G5OBkJUfR2ojb60MR0ye99girZwxknPQQTCk736p2L-LIMHE9iRHvNCcfpUSbwEtpg3cqd6vxzA6uvbltKtxdiKLEvbDVvg0SOwI/s400/DSC00321.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div>And right across the street, you might be able to tell that this is the main office of a high-end home builder:</div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6j4mASRzQsWhok6Z7-yueWYFwiUTNTXztLSBKZcEfr9xG9qxKnyX5DtX4G1MHUYH6UIJ8kK6e3WJw9IDZBSmJxqC7HjX1mOqfQm9JJ78KOb8aFNbi9vraxOntfTHSA_u8mqmCekE5YrWl/s1600/DSC00322.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485378682423545954" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6j4mASRzQsWhok6Z7-yueWYFwiUTNTXztLSBKZcEfr9xG9qxKnyX5DtX4G1MHUYH6UIJ8kK6e3WJw9IDZBSmJxqC7HjX1mOqfQm9JJ78KOb8aFNbi9vraxOntfTHSA_u8mqmCekE5YrWl/s400/DSC00322.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div>The main street of downtown North Bend has been undergoing a revitalization - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Boxley's</span> is a fantastic restaurant that offers nightly jazz, and is a great supporter of the community. My daughter's Jazz Choir has sung here a couple of times:</div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL0-P9VL-Hs7K8-AV03CsR7ymKmD_QovQykL6YoLvR8ciDn69jCOSEeGO3UxYxEU-SgvwumCPwKxbzESSRQt19MPkze20cxwVSucfVyw-wW9HJwcA9B6By8ntRfSHssX2zOERdgytbdpFc/s1600/DSC00323.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485378693519053874" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL0-P9VL-Hs7K8-AV03CsR7ymKmD_QovQykL6YoLvR8ciDn69jCOSEeGO3UxYxEU-SgvwumCPwKxbzESSRQt19MPkze20cxwVSucfVyw-wW9HJwcA9B6By8ntRfSHssX2zOERdgytbdpFc/s400/DSC00323.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>I think the goats are OK with this first day of summer:</div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgngNw7xKTAMjl60y7TeHaEKxj5Cwnqw6xIsPDykadaAAfjXtfR2aaH0k_PGAbtzMI2kB0QO-uj8dfYA9DNsPxU-pJITUifoPA_6a8NgL0LXVofbw9aHDvVlD4daNhYOpRGxAiwnOMvhIgx/s1600/DSC00325.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485378705382691810" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgngNw7xKTAMjl60y7TeHaEKxj5Cwnqw6xIsPDykadaAAfjXtfR2aaH0k_PGAbtzMI2kB0QO-uj8dfYA9DNsPxU-pJITUifoPA_6a8NgL0LXVofbw9aHDvVlD4daNhYOpRGxAiwnOMvhIgx/s400/DSC00325.JPG" border="0" /></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Lancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02458096347718242672noreply@blogger.com43tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1684109533781576722.post-84294884472452542012010-06-13T08:23:00.000-07:002010-06-13T09:05:30.549-07:00Look What Followed Me Home<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOB8z8mG1QvGLQS1AGpG21x28MislOHWE9KQ-3IuiqO0sx8OKbXLD6Ob81iXX4uXQW2jK7d61gqwvt-AmL1dIj_cJKShpARvqowxxzXYfJ_1a0TEnZwgofQltHixdEwsT5CmhyOmQyeRVg/s1600/honda+super.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482282618417771394" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOB8z8mG1QvGLQS1AGpG21x28MislOHWE9KQ-3IuiqO0sx8OKbXLD6Ob81iXX4uXQW2jK7d61gqwvt-AmL1dIj_cJKShpARvqowxxzXYfJ_1a0TEnZwgofQltHixdEwsT5CmhyOmQyeRVg/s400/honda+super.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I am now the proud owner of a bike that's been on my wish list for some time - a 1987 Honda Super <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Magna</span>. </div><br /><div></div><div>She has just under 7500 miles, and is in real nice condition for a 23 year old bike. I worked with a local restorer to get this bike - he has done the mechanical work necessary to get her up and running so it's now in great mechanical condition. She needs a bit of prettying up, but looks great as is. Everything is there, and stock. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I love the 80's power cruisers, such as the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Magnas</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">VMax</span> and Eliminator, and the Super <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Magna</span> is special since this particular design was only made for two years - 1987 and 1988. </div><br /><div></div><div>Here are some specifications on this bike:</div><br /><div></div><div>In 1987, the US model's 700 cc engine produced 80 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">bhp</span> (60 kW) @ 9500 rpm, with torque being 46 ft <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">lbs </span>(62 N·m) @ 7500 rpm</div><br /><div>Wet weight: 529lbs<br />Engine: <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">dohc</span> 4-valve 90-degree V-four</div><div>Displacement: 700<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">cc </span></div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error">Transmission</span>: 6-speed</div><div>Seat height: 27.8 in.</div><div>Final Drive: Shaft</div><div>Cooling: Liquid</div><div>Brakes: Single Disc-Front, Drum-Back</div>Lancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02458096347718242672noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1684109533781576722.post-80122408503982384152010-06-04T18:38:00.000-07:002010-06-04T18:59:59.033-07:001982 Honda C70 Passport Restoration<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-sFi0wV1IRZK56Ht3BwYhnxvwV5BB0LRinr6a7D8hY1nYfs5yPD8Jx-OmT6LPNvrvRcV7UKuKM1bO3EpAUGItPuO0M25rD3e8IH3MyWNoy3nMTC1qiwGG9MVXuP1lp0Rbn4MJD6fII8qt/s1600/DSC00248.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479101686416093602" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-sFi0wV1IRZK56Ht3BwYhnxvwV5BB0LRinr6a7D8hY1nYfs5yPD8Jx-OmT6LPNvrvRcV7UKuKM1bO3EpAUGItPuO0M25rD3e8IH3MyWNoy3nMTC1qiwGG9MVXuP1lp0Rbn4MJD6fII8qt/s400/DSC00248.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><div>My son and I have started restoring my Honda Passport. Maybe "restoration" is giving us too much credit - we'll see when this long process is complete whether the bike qualifies as a restoration. </div><br /><div></div><div>Our plan is to take the bike down to its frame, and either have it <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">powdercoated</span> or painted professionally, or we will do the painting. The wheels are pretty rusted, so we will have to determine whether they can be salvaged or replaced. We will replace other parts as necessary, and try to clean/refurbish those parts that we can. Luckily for us, while the Passport is no longer sold in the US, it is still sold in the rest of the world so parts are available from Honda, on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Ebay</span> or via other online sources.</div><br /><div></div><div>Since my son and I have no experience in restoring a motorcycle, this will be an interesting project for both of us. We will certainly learn <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">alot</span> along the way. </div><div> </div><div>We will also learn more about each other - will I turn into Paul Sr. of America Chopper, and throw tools around when deadlines aren't met? I will keep you posted on our progress.</div><br /><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-6pW4jaIsLhl-8m4R3lOn6KfQ6d4QZapYXvUAvn5VX0oVDKRDI1hl-3V5SG6OGCTxBD1SXI33soE-y0SKqa6HxduWT0dRx34Q1YjVL9SGECO6FokM1P2rGWA1iMv7bWUTtf-0azOhbbrB/s1600/DSC00247.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479101696840342226" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-6pW4jaIsLhl-8m4R3lOn6KfQ6d4QZapYXvUAvn5VX0oVDKRDI1hl-3V5SG6OGCTxBD1SXI33soE-y0SKqa6HxduWT0dRx34Q1YjVL9SGECO6FokM1P2rGWA1iMv7bWUTtf-0azOhbbrB/s400/DSC00247.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div></div></div>Lancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02458096347718242672noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1684109533781576722.post-35643704558669862962010-04-26T16:59:00.000-07:002010-04-26T17:42:12.672-07:00Let it Shine<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjltTh7oNu-5pEBxALx-wKdcuF7CUqsbCen8FrhJAAheeHdZNffeyiB54ns3LzWI3G5B7jprMyQmtyQ51PFaHa_DSK6LFMh4DMGzmt7gOMXjuxX6CujbENB039WrlVq3sJr52pNMidx_f25/s1600/DSC00224.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464610215060042578" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjltTh7oNu-5pEBxALx-wKdcuF7CUqsbCen8FrhJAAheeHdZNffeyiB54ns3LzWI3G5B7jprMyQmtyQ51PFaHa_DSK6LFMh4DMGzmt7gOMXjuxX6CujbENB039WrlVq3sJr52pNMidx_f25/s400/DSC00224.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div><div>As I mentioned in my earlier post, I have begun the process of increasing the chances that I will be seen on the road, or "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">conpiscuity</span>" as some call it. I will admit, I should probably consider wearing something other than my black leather jacket or black helmet, since that tends to blend in - for that matter I probably shouldn't even have a black bike. But that being what it is, my goal is to make me and my bike as noticeable as possible, and I have decided to do that with some extra lighting.</div><br /><div></div><div>On the rear, I have replaced the stock brake light with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Kisan's</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Tailblazer</span>. Here is the link to their site - <a href="https://www.kisantech.com/index.php?cat_id=3&catname=tailBlazer">https://www.kisantech.com/index.php?cat_id=3&<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">catname</span>=<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">tailBlazer</span></a>. This turns your brake light into a modulating light; when you apply the brake, your brake light blinks for about 4 seconds until it becomes a steady on. I've looked in my mirror to see if this works, and it does seem to me that drivers respond to the modulating light. I've heard tragic stories of riders being rear ended, so anything I can do to help myself in this area is worth the $70 cost of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Tailblazer</span>. The best thing about the model I got is that it is "plug and play" - I simply replaced my existing bulb with the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Tailblazer</span>.</div><br /><div></div><div>In front, I have been <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">vacillating</span> as to the best solution. One possibility that I considered was to add the Triumph light bar, which adds two 35watt spotlights, but I wasn't sure if I liked the look, plus it's a $300 item (not including shipping and installation). Aftermarket <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">lightbars</span> were available, but some had fitment issues, and again, looks were of a concern to me.</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7dgXRaV77IAMa7nwo3JSK9bWaVi1xBZ0PD58sG9vVxsLr34VBGJu5dho7O-ZMH5bYI24o-KRnp3xGjCZkYIYK65FWufNM0Fm7XJm1G7fu76YraHuZb0SVDcS8VmRYxhY1MzB14IDMnbTl/s1600/triumphlightbar.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464610203651603746" style="WIDTH: 135px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 135px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7dgXRaV77IAMa7nwo3JSK9bWaVi1xBZ0PD58sG9vVxsLr34VBGJu5dho7O-ZMH5bYI24o-KRnp3xGjCZkYIYK65FWufNM0Fm7XJm1G7fu76YraHuZb0SVDcS8VmRYxhY1MzB14IDMnbTl/s400/triumphlightbar.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div></div><div>I ended up with this solution:</div><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjECEIGTDXfjRLwTGySsz-cJCCwc_G9sAP44rGNjtsHubOh5OmG5RZ8V86evwFt9-1ZU4DzYMN8VDiqNd9IfkoEPfDYcf8-uB_nJxbfX7DPpuYdhf9ElTyUCGwHLtNX3dSLIM60VmVq7wrL/s1600/DSC00223.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464610224393070418" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjECEIGTDXfjRLwTGySsz-cJCCwc_G9sAP44rGNjtsHubOh5OmG5RZ8V86evwFt9-1ZU4DzYMN8VDiqNd9IfkoEPfDYcf8-uB_nJxbfX7DPpuYdhf9ElTyUCGwHLtNX3dSLIM60VmVq7wrL/s400/DSC00223.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5CNO7hg90ZFd_S47pwlYn5udWK8oukOUlDHR5eqO9ymzndpMxt-QvxK8RDiYsoQl-jdMqabaIHWZ-boIzjPYobwP7dZmcP6LmQET2srwnSd1NP-jWRGOAK_yJK8YyhniufWE4wjgguXS5/s1600/DSC00222.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464610246796750722" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5CNO7hg90ZFd_S47pwlYn5udWK8oukOUlDHR5eqO9ymzndpMxt-QvxK8RDiYsoQl-jdMqabaIHWZ-boIzjPYobwP7dZmcP6LmQET2srwnSd1NP-jWRGOAK_yJK8YyhniufWE4wjgguXS5/s400/DSC00222.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>These are Silver Bullet Lights from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Kuryakyn</span>. Further information on these lights can be found here - <a href="http://www.kuryakyn.com/index.cfm/go/Home.ProductDetail/IMID/72">http://www.kuryakyn.com/index.cfm/go/Home.ProductDetail/IMID/72</a>. I have the small Silver Bullets, which are 20watts a piece. I got these off <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">eBay</span> from Custom Dynamics for about $80 with shipping. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Kuryakyn</span> also sells a wiring kit which I bought as well and which I thought would make the install easy. But an electrician I am not, so after cutting a few wires, blowing the headlamp bulb, and still not getting the lights to work, I took everything down to my dealer, paid $150 and had them installed very professionally in two hours. To me, this gives me added light, and looks like it came with the bike.</div><br /><div></div><div>I really like both of these modifications to my Triumph, and I think they will help me to be more noticeable out on the road. So, if you see my, wave!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div></div></div></div>Lancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02458096347718242672noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1684109533781576722.post-59659306970236169962010-03-28T14:06:00.000-07:002010-06-18T22:22:14.489-07:002009 Triumph Bonneville America - 3500 Mile Report<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisQ2ZXwBYUrYWsELDeMkspZv5pw6F90faEo0L9QwuTsHav4_qiyoaYojTOtM8uMkkxJzhPUcY27clEq3MXz1Tns-IbuF47tGIVQRDGxveb92_goFE7uj8tlbYB6l5asbWH9IgNrrKtjCte/s1600/DSC00191.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453794843651912658" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisQ2ZXwBYUrYWsELDeMkspZv5pw6F90faEo0L9QwuTsHav4_qiyoaYojTOtM8uMkkxJzhPUcY27clEq3MXz1Tns-IbuF47tGIVQRDGxveb92_goFE7uj8tlbYB6l5asbWH9IgNrrKtjCte/s400/DSC00191.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div>Actually, a little over 3500 miles. With the mild weather I have been able to get more riding time than I could have imagined. I thought it would be a good time to post my observations on my Triumph Bonneville America.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Maintenance Required - None really. The only services I have brought the bike in for was its 600 mile oil change and check up, and another oil change at 3000 miles. The bike has not left me stranded, and has performed flawlessly. More on performance below.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Performance - I continue to be amazed at how this bike performs. I know this is very subjective, but it does seem that the bike's acceleration has improved as the engine has broken in. Throttle response is excellent, and the torque is always satisfying to me. At about 70 mph, the bike is running at around 3800 rpm. While the big cruisers will drop into the high 2k or low 3k with a 6<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span> gear, the America never feels <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">buzzy</span> for me at highway speeds. Triumph's 865cc parallel twin is a proven engine and can stand up to all sorts of driving requirements.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Handling - Triumph's are known for their handling, and the America does not disappoint. It is truly enjoyable to ride the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">twisties</span> on this cruiser. It's not a sport bike, but for a cruiser this bike takes curves with a lot of grace. Also, since it's not as heavy as the big cruisers, the America is easy to take around town and to park.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Gas Mileage - I get from the low to mid 40's on the America, with a mix of street and freeway riding.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Looks - OK, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, but I still think this bike is stunning. I get a lot of compliments on the bike, and a lot of "when I was young I had a Triumph" comments. The America is a great conversation starter.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Overall - If you want a bike that can do a lot of things very well - an in-town bike, a long-distance cruiser, something to take on the country <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">backroads</span>, or mountain curves, I recommend the Bonneville America. I have found the bike great for all of these, and it does it at a relatively inexpensive price (around $8700).</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I have lightly modded the bike, mostly cosmetic in nature. When I bought the America, I had it "stage <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">one'd</span>" which included the long Triumph Off-Road Silencers (Triumph-speak for pipes), and a better breathing <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">airfilter</span>. That's the only thing I have done performance-wise (and it improved the bike's rumble as well). I have the Triumph Roadster Windshield, Triumph Engine Dresser Bars (Triumph-speak for engine guards). I have a set of bags for which I purchased <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">EZ</span> Brackets (I haven't installed these since I really like the "naked" look of this bike). I removed the pillion and replaced that with a chrome fender bib, and have added a tool bag up front.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I have been considering a light bar for additional light and conspicuousness on the road, but have instead ordered a set of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Kuryakin</span> Silver Bullet Halogen Lights to install on my forks for this purpose. I installed a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Kisan</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Tailblazer</span> modulating tail light - I have noticed almost immediately the improvement in drivers seeing my back end with this product - more on this in a future post.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The America is a keeper as far as I am concerned - I may include other bikes in the garage, but they will be in addition to, not as a replacement for, this bike.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7N98JRgfctpIz-BUWy0hSXq0UhsdHmt8z8w06Wjhctsz3Gb7HpN0P7CNEGbxJAqysgh7yG8tRNT_MqrO4NYHzSx1-JWGmcmKaUO0lXKf0IIYo6CfVK4rn-y-yPouNn3e-mkzfVza2pMRL/s1600/DSC00167.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453803739264069346" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7N98JRgfctpIz-BUWy0hSXq0UhsdHmt8z8w06Wjhctsz3Gb7HpN0P7CNEGbxJAqysgh7yG8tRNT_MqrO4NYHzSx1-JWGmcmKaUO0lXKf0IIYo6CfVK4rn-y-yPouNn3e-mkzfVza2pMRL/s400/DSC00167.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div></div>Lancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02458096347718242672noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1684109533781576722.post-43607122210654023012010-02-27T19:41:00.000-08:002010-02-27T20:38:38.872-08:003000 Mile Service and Issaquah, Washington<div><div><div><div><div><div>I am approaching 3000 miles on the Triumph, and it was suggested by my dealer when I purchased the bike that I bring it in for an oil change at that interval, even though the manual technically doesn't call for any service until 6000 miles. I also wanted to have them check a bit of an intermittent squeak from the front brake area when I pushed the bike forward in the garage when parking it. So, last Saturday morning I brought my bike to I-90 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Motorsports</span> in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Issaquah</span>.<br /><br />In this age of $19.95 oil changes for cars, it came as a surprise to me the cost of an oil service for my bike. All the Triumph dealers in the area charge about $130 for the service. I even called a local auto mechanic in North Bend who works on bikes in his spare time, and it looked like it would be near $100. A part of the cost is the synthetic oil and filter, but I still haven't really accepted the premium charge for this service. I think next time I will do this myself.<br /></div><div>I was told the service would take about an hour, so I took the opportunity to walk around <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Issaquah</span> with my camera. Right next to I-90 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Motorsports</span> is a drive-in restaurant that serves up burgers 1950's style, with a lot of music and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">motorsports</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">paraphernalia</span>. They also host a number of vintage car shows in their parking lot throughout the summer. I am not sure if this Buddy Holly Tour bus is a replica or the real thing, but it looks pretty cool, and is from the year of my birth:</div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiKlKVVtIwuYMqfLomU1NwOCsoGqhUXgUyKA0Le7XLFz1xJTJGZ6mRVFeO0jmg3lkxVzEc6BYx2TEQyrbVNX-L2efzzn7GX5dKeeSSA6g5pOf2Fl-mNHDsUeJf1rLdoZYVtoRqipRd9Dwe/s1600-h/DSC00149.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443140288694754114" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiKlKVVtIwuYMqfLomU1NwOCsoGqhUXgUyKA0Le7XLFz1xJTJGZ6mRVFeO0jmg3lkxVzEc6BYx2TEQyrbVNX-L2efzzn7GX5dKeeSSA6g5pOf2Fl-mNHDsUeJf1rLdoZYVtoRqipRd9Dwe/s400/DSC00149.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div><br />Along Front Street stands a vintage Shell station - for many years this structure was very run down, but someone has renovated it quite nicely:<br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPkExMKbeb7osjBw6bOL2L6y25r_DOHaYQoIZNbhGlDFj8Whb_KkvCPofBDajoVhOQMrp0MQ0p916uOdyCeKH_e5mO2SbKRtWKWVCkLbtHE6ACU0afFHbDWFQnb5n1tYopOHMaZ_LR9ueK/s1600-h/DSC00141.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443141521190183554" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPkExMKbeb7osjBw6bOL2L6y25r_DOHaYQoIZNbhGlDFj8Whb_KkvCPofBDajoVhOQMrp0MQ0p916uOdyCeKH_e5mO2SbKRtWKWVCkLbtHE6ACU0afFHbDWFQnb5n1tYopOHMaZ_LR9ueK/s400/DSC00141.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiymhU0x-oG2RsSi-Sw1u_19sjgYa9q-LDn6O0iyVDkljOv4YiEW3SRiUDsHcebOsPRp8O0xJoRqu_YFdjWctETPN3BjYYY4ZwSfGGtm-djXkEjbB6VwgT_b6tVrM5xQF64FvqS3ERsiKgD/s1600-h/DSC00142.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443141528881008786" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiymhU0x-oG2RsSi-Sw1u_19sjgYa9q-LDn6O0iyVDkljOv4YiEW3SRiUDsHcebOsPRp8O0xJoRqu_YFdjWctETPN3BjYYY4ZwSfGGtm-djXkEjbB6VwgT_b6tVrM5xQF64FvqS3ERsiKgD/s400/DSC00142.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div>The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Issaquah</span> Creek meanders throughout town, and has been the source of some pretty significant flooding over the years, but today the creek looks quite tame:</div><br /><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpCnbk_D1fhc0kmgBxxBzuBJMZdVEj1btaiA1I4ojabBMQbvFFXOGoOFjhP-Zg4Ax8Z0scDDXkjabLvhtsZZA0O-cFEV7SIHj2fYzeLFZcTdVBqLrGV_bQHZ5GTv2pLO_iO1cciZew890l/s1600-h/DSC00146.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443143376286577682" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpCnbk_D1fhc0kmgBxxBzuBJMZdVEj1btaiA1I4ojabBMQbvFFXOGoOFjhP-Zg4Ax8Z0scDDXkjabLvhtsZZA0O-cFEV7SIHj2fYzeLFZcTdVBqLrGV_bQHZ5GTv2pLO_iO1cciZew890l/s400/DSC00146.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I call this "getting your ducks in a row":<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMXm0dUow9sX6am6K7-KZOlhDsa2v9CweMlIEFmmuT2HDz7XuHaOWqyCfnqu7acS1cwSYT-Cr0ctOqDqzIlLYdbtbWnhjBp2HPRW4rF-v5eEC1PEAgKL3a9xvyTY65oi_STGIrTCfLYaG0/s1600-h/DSC00147.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443143389515597730" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMXm0dUow9sX6am6K7-KZOlhDsa2v9CweMlIEFmmuT2HDz7XuHaOWqyCfnqu7acS1cwSYT-Cr0ctOqDqzIlLYdbtbWnhjBp2HPRW4rF-v5eEC1PEAgKL3a9xvyTY65oi_STGIrTCfLYaG0/s400/DSC00147.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div>Other buildings have been renovated, and some public art has been added along Front Street:</div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8hm5QBMrl1xpp2tPiZLEVS1W-sr7jPJqUjsAhG7KujN4Oc9iT_r_2iBHSK51oQS3j8Z_y-tGRO4EISQBdqNY_RHAU5yHAKR1f81avveB1uff6aQ21JnJdS5RcUoNow2GUn8uLvrZ2vex_/s1600-h/DSC00140.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443144226741842098" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8hm5QBMrl1xpp2tPiZLEVS1W-sr7jPJqUjsAhG7KujN4Oc9iT_r_2iBHSK51oQS3j8Z_y-tGRO4EISQBdqNY_RHAU5yHAKR1f81avveB1uff6aQ21JnJdS5RcUoNow2GUn8uLvrZ2vex_/s400/DSC00140.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaTx98GbhB0hniRwYF2GZ4_RQ_ibwUAnOgTiF5Nn5ky_HMEo00pPcdUYL1CyWqaInaH0rOWv8BjaXxORSnMvjZdEvq1MM0S2_FLi3Uh6CpW_nvD7-26VqzoC5lrUXkgKIGMb4eQgTEjp8r/s1600-h/DSC00145.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443144238456372162" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaTx98GbhB0hniRwYF2GZ4_RQ_ibwUAnOgTiF5Nn5ky_HMEo00pPcdUYL1CyWqaInaH0rOWv8BjaXxORSnMvjZdEvq1MM0S2_FLi3Uh6CpW_nvD7-26VqzoC5lrUXkgKIGMb4eQgTEjp8r/s400/DSC00145.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmS_O4rW5RQlOQ68PcQBb1hnbf_MvuR5oBQ_j29sAhpN1NTxVQPl_8KGKo7zF_ons2WWT0c2M0po5aADgD4y6dNt3DDrIAdjesZ6uJHAc5YLgOpWDrC3ICpAtlCZVoH8bwaXUzSsrBh8Gw/s1600-h/DSC00144.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443144250454936722" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmS_O4rW5RQlOQ68PcQBb1hnbf_MvuR5oBQ_j29sAhpN1NTxVQPl_8KGKo7zF_ons2WWT0c2M0po5aADgD4y6dNt3DDrIAdjesZ6uJHAc5YLgOpWDrC3ICpAtlCZVoH8bwaXUzSsrBh8Gw/s400/DSC00144.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div></div><div></div><br /><div>I stop at a drive through espresso stand to have some coffee, right across from the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Darigold</span> milk processing plant, where a beautiful mural has been painted paying tribute to the early dairy industry:</div><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgONxR_I90LSl24inDdKUrmRELXHS3FRzxoMe8kp95ZszD92RGqmNs_WTk7HZB1m0xsgjaQscqtn5iyLBr6wtamChg1ZhzwvTg_7OiGuRgpIVSRZvNVISw5klzjkFpz_UPUBsNITEDprPt9/s1600-h/DSC00148.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443146243188823298" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgONxR_I90LSl24inDdKUrmRELXHS3FRzxoMe8kp95ZszD92RGqmNs_WTk7HZB1m0xsgjaQscqtn5iyLBr6wtamChg1ZhzwvTg_7OiGuRgpIVSRZvNVISw5klzjkFpz_UPUBsNITEDprPt9/s400/DSC00148.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br /></div>By the time I get back, my Triumph is ready, with new oil but they couldn't replicate the squeak issue. However, they cleaned the brake pads for good measure. I always feel good after an oil change for any of our vehicles - it's probably just psychological, but it seems that the bike is running smoother. I guess it should for $130.<br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Lancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02458096347718242672noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1684109533781576722.post-55828848574916249212010-02-21T08:29:00.000-08:002010-02-21T09:06:40.225-08:00Duvall, Washington<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivzRvg8h0vLbQorw_jCBKTP9Ka5QFDrys-wp6S9smuUhp1Xy_JnXXaeJuTfr0eZoRzODdbKLLKiW2HDmfsplyG2ypsMmDTn1JQfalAwT0wFVRBIdYANynTM6OKUtsSwfu4nvzMH2aumdMl/s1600-h/DSC00131.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440742145421590690" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivzRvg8h0vLbQorw_jCBKTP9Ka5QFDrys-wp6S9smuUhp1Xy_JnXXaeJuTfr0eZoRzODdbKLLKiW2HDmfsplyG2ypsMmDTn1JQfalAwT0wFVRBIdYANynTM6OKUtsSwfu4nvzMH2aumdMl/s400/DSC00131.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>Last weekend, with continuing sunny weather, I took the Triumph out for a ride to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Duvall</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Duvall</span> is about 30 miles NW of North Bend, in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Snoqualmie</span> Valley. For those of you who read my post on Carnation, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Duvall</span> is the next town north along SR203. </div><br /><div></div><div>As far as history of this town, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Duvall</span> was formally established in 1913, but was historically the home of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Snoqualmie</span> and other ancestral <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Tulalip</span> tribes. The area was homesteaded in the 1870's by James and Francis <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Duvall</span>. The area was also known by the names Cherry Valley and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Cosgrove</span> (this name from the 6<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">th</span> Governor of our state who was able to serve but one day due to health reasons). Logging and the railroad provided early prosperity to the town, and now beautiful scenery, small-town charm and antique/gift shops continue to provide a reason to stop.</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOm1L9a7r4DeVJz76nGqsvW1BneQaFS1fN-ROJrqu1WkBAceFrQTgL7nul4hHm1IDKKza3_2yygcR4Oix3R9QXCdea9fLzkJooIi4WECPXz_RdwnQOaGGVouRBobEDC7_5PlPjh9Rg0EXQ/s1600-h/DSC00127.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440741744846316210" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOm1L9a7r4DeVJz76nGqsvW1BneQaFS1fN-ROJrqu1WkBAceFrQTgL7nul4hHm1IDKKza3_2yygcR4Oix3R9QXCdea9fLzkJooIi4WECPXz_RdwnQOaGGVouRBobEDC7_5PlPjh9Rg0EXQ/s400/DSC00127.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXSWvR4ORc7xsJL_NkJwq1PfWNJo1N5UShvumryTWsLiCSL2PTC6uwUzRCqxTLdiv8Fb7TbbRnd7zPlyQHr-_M2G7jrFHbeEaQJB0NkPTfSSI3lqIr3GYNNOhCCRBGQzSYL9oNlTX47X0A/s1600-h/DSC00126.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440741732893602882" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXSWvR4ORc7xsJL_NkJwq1PfWNJo1N5UShvumryTWsLiCSL2PTC6uwUzRCqxTLdiv8Fb7TbbRnd7zPlyQHr-_M2G7jrFHbeEaQJB0NkPTfSSI3lqIr3GYNNOhCCRBGQzSYL9oNlTX47X0A/s400/DSC00126.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>Controversy remains, in my mind only, on the proper pronunciation of the town's name - is it "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">DuVALL</span>" as in Robert, or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">DUvall</span>??? I stand in the former camp, although the town's website insists it's the latter.</div><br /><div></div><div>I stopped at the local espresso shop on the main road, enjoying a cup of coffee and watching the other riders pass through or stop. A couple of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">HD</span> riders (one with a trike) went to the local BBQ place, and I had a conversation with a couple of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">sportbike</span> riders. one of them a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Ducati</span> rider from Europe, who had some nice things to say about my bike. We all had nice things to say about the riding weather for the day.</div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYL3X_C7u2qYDxAY6UCyBb5sFRNPFTZv4p6zg7Q0JbQprK708-pyOzaYfLF8VURsM3_1An0GghvC8ARsgXQAtSJPLLG65Xu0N6w_gqqxkiC08l3g02lkRUKPLYG5zQUDIK_SebPyHrYbUu/s1600-h/DSC00128.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440741752495123650" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYL3X_C7u2qYDxAY6UCyBb5sFRNPFTZv4p6zg7Q0JbQprK708-pyOzaYfLF8VURsM3_1An0GghvC8ARsgXQAtSJPLLG65Xu0N6w_gqqxkiC08l3g02lkRUKPLYG5zQUDIK_SebPyHrYbUu/s400/DSC00128.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div>I like a BBQ place with attitude:</div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxuuyXjXYnV8wsOnOqGMzHnFcJTCTHp9l2huTtyEas3tFJro_gWxZjK1DBktzmH4oUXiGYTQjZfdrYXxXJDejj8WvsHx5M4Yg5qHaPTMO6iiOF2NpTBW1qt7iVkE_wXeHj-9lH52trJZKM/s1600-h/DSC00130.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440741772009945314" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxuuyXjXYnV8wsOnOqGMzHnFcJTCTHp9l2huTtyEas3tFJro_gWxZjK1DBktzmH4oUXiGYTQjZfdrYXxXJDejj8WvsHx5M4Yg5qHaPTMO6iiOF2NpTBW1qt7iVkE_wXeHj-9lH52trJZKM/s400/DSC00130.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div>In between the two Harley's:</div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy4T9lxg4aQakR5XPpMzN5Dh0qZGE7QO4_BBbUayUAxqwdCiAV7CjRlYS8ypeTi3ezVbH3GR4vof2VzEyQGzvtf5d7eeG6wObTGeMxqSZ0YooLF9J7vojFgi3V2sApSzuxM1xj1qXMT1Iq/s1600-h/DSC00133.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440742151924282946" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy4T9lxg4aQakR5XPpMzN5Dh0qZGE7QO4_BBbUayUAxqwdCiAV7CjRlYS8ypeTi3ezVbH3GR4vof2VzEyQGzvtf5d7eeG6wObTGeMxqSZ0YooLF9J7vojFgi3V2sApSzuxM1xj1qXMT1Iq/s400/DSC00133.JPG" border="0" /></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Lancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02458096347718242672noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1684109533781576722.post-13798506615878331902010-01-29T19:38:00.000-08:002010-01-29T21:39:16.457-08:00The Grass Usually Isn't GreenerToday I rode into work. A bit cold in the morning, and very windy along the I-90 corridor, but it was nice to commute into Seattle on the Triumph. Rain was forecast for the afternoon, but for the most part I was dry on the return trip.<br /><br /><div><div>On the way home, I decided to stop in at I-90 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Motorsports</span>. This is the place where I bought my Bonneville America. I like this shop - it's pretty low key there, the sales guys are helpful even if you are not buying a bike that day, and they have a nice stock of Triumphs, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Hondas</span>, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">V-Stars/Yamahas</span> in addition to selling <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">ATV's</span> and personal watercraft. </div><div><br /></div><div>Why did I stop there? I think it's always cool to look at bikes, sit on them, see how they feel. Maybe there's a bike here that I will say to myself "I should have gotten this one" instead of my Bonneville America.</div><br /><div></div><div>In one of the recesses of my mind, I think about having a full-fledged <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">bagger</span>; I like the idea of a long distance cruiser, with a lot of comfort, torque, low <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">rpms</span>, and storage to spare. How about rolling into <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Sturgis</span> on one of these, the Triumph Rocket III?</div><br /><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR3ieddYzMwGzLVoKbOTIUmV-EEJ3Eua57H5eFZOD8rMWub6W90aeSSz-Qo_UgJQw2dv8vxZpJ_9myf9SJQLy3FSatsyHnkV-jIiR4cI-gh_CccH1szMqniJUFnQnPfYSZRkiRq3tzImcI/s1600-h/rocket.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432376453611143106" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR3ieddYzMwGzLVoKbOTIUmV-EEJ3Eua57H5eFZOD8rMWub6W90aeSSz-Qo_UgJQw2dv8vxZpJ_9myf9SJQLy3FSatsyHnkV-jIiR4cI-gh_CccH1szMqniJUFnQnPfYSZRkiRq3tzImcI/s400/rocket.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>This bike is the king of displacement - 2300 cc, and fully set up for long distance cruising. The Rocket III is a beautiful bike. Could it replace my Bonneville America? Well, I got on it, and found it to be massive! I am short of leg, and while the seat height is rather low, due to the width of the 3 cylinder engine on this bike I end up on the balls of my feet when I straddle it. Because of the sheer weight of this bike I think it needs a longer-legged rider than me to keep this one stable at stops and low-speed <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">maneuvers</span>.</div><div></div><br /><div>Next up was the V-Star 1300 - another very nice bike, in a trim that is ready for some long excursions on the interstate:</div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt2C9F-M0G-y9G5rQTL5DGFlZ-POiRdnHzXPnGV47k9JkI8eT42RFOCZVa4tqQJ0_1moTbOmDnI1r08Bthkfnp7wY0idJnEGNI1X3nDB8w3VWdbJDUTljlXg_ksLoETBJ5xk0qm89oQVo2/s1600-h/yam09-vstar1300t.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432376462827751842" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 250px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt2C9F-M0G-y9G5rQTL5DGFlZ-POiRdnHzXPnGV47k9JkI8eT42RFOCZVa4tqQJ0_1moTbOmDnI1r08Bthkfnp7wY0idJnEGNI1X3nDB8w3VWdbJDUTljlXg_ksLoETBJ5xk0qm89oQVo2/s400/yam09-vstar1300t.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div>Unlike the Rocket III, I had less of a problem straddling the V-Star. The bike certainly has ample power, and I have heard much about the quality of the Stars. Maybe I should trade in my Triumph for this bike? Actually, though, if anything I felt a little big on this bike. I seemed to be seated right over the tank, and positioned almost over the handlebars. Also, I had a problem catching my leg on the pillion back rest - I guess I should stretch more often. In any event, this was not as comfortable as I would have hoped. </div><div><br /></div><div>How about I get some tattoos, some well-placed piercings, change my name to Spike and join the chopper set? It could happen on this Honda Fury:</div><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCKu6ElqjGJ3kcJRlru2rCBgP-i2rMIQMLzXq9J7-LJLACOLMM60JMVPxId78wJ9owqLyMZ1RH4EqZT70M6ZnQGCpjVGm_i__4pXLOk2jmqIVmaQI-QHpA_DKJ8ntpyVqZmu8jHMC4MNyW/s1600-h/2010-Honda-Fury-5.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432382604147671586" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCKu6ElqjGJ3kcJRlru2rCBgP-i2rMIQMLzXq9J7-LJLACOLMM60JMVPxId78wJ9owqLyMZ1RH4EqZT70M6ZnQGCpjVGm_i__4pXLOk2jmqIVmaQI-QHpA_DKJ8ntpyVqZmu8jHMC4MNyW/s400/2010-Honda-Fury-5.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><div>Of the three, the Fury was the most comfortable. The bike is not as wide as the others, so it was very easy for me to throw a leg over this one. Once seated, the ergonomics of this bike proved to me that Honda really thought this one through, and I have experienced first hand the legendary quality of Honda. I could be the bad boy I have always dreamed of with the Fury, so should this bad boy in waiting trade his America in? Unfortunately, while the Honda looks like the real deal, it does have a lot of plastic on it. Also, even though it's powered by a 1300cc engine, some reports show it generates just 56hp stock. That's less than my America (due to the upgraded pipes and Stage 1 treatment).</div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>I left the shop, got on my America, and basked in the comfort of this bike as I waited for the engine to warm up a bit. My feet reach the ground comfortably, the seat has formed nicely to me, I really like the forward controls, and the handlebars offer a natural reach. For me, this bike just fits right. As I merged back onto I-90, I was reminded once again of the incredible torque band of this bike; not break neck, but enough to make me smile. It's got more than enough power for me, and plenty to spare. While that Fury or a full-dress bagger may make its way into my garage someday, I really can't see them as replacing this bike.</div></div>Lancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02458096347718242672noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1684109533781576722.post-36288093230030366592010-01-18T11:52:00.000-08:002010-01-18T15:36:09.689-08:00Accessorize, Accessorize, then off to Hobart and Mrs. Freshley'sMartin Luther King Day brought some surprisingly beautiful weather to North Bend. Despite the forecast of rain, the sun was peaking through the clouds, so I got on the Triumph. But first, it was time to accessorize my bike. I bought from another member of the Bonneville America forum (<a href="http://www.bonnevilleamerica.com/">http://www.bonnevilleamerica.com/</a>) a fender bib in a chromed flame design, since I recently converted the Triumph to a solo ride. From E-bay I got this nice leather tool bag that is Triumph-embossed. <div><div><div><div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQTyZr3J90000dZhMrRnbNe9FCvLx7bQMOEYVCSU_ACItdxm2Z2oRi2JwkWocRhOCmsHqNzIooHZMNC0HgaePD121_UckJhdKSopNInEbWC1vR5iyvQ1WpdGLi2xlkIMPygO0X8K1pUXo2/s1600-h/DSC00067.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428171989660299394" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQTyZr3J90000dZhMrRnbNe9FCvLx7bQMOEYVCSU_ACItdxm2Z2oRi2JwkWocRhOCmsHqNzIooHZMNC0HgaePD121_UckJhdKSopNInEbWC1vR5iyvQ1WpdGLi2xlkIMPygO0X8K1pUXo2/s400/DSC00067.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrV7Azi1uUmQA3JUkIMK5HcINMYlWo3BxqOJRpekRw3CwCzSOEY8RtMrRODMOUAPk1emxIQZnVYUqJTC6mwqrvYaOTsqBRvRWZPKmZPulrSakEkXgwSWnPkXB_a5ym1ilmfuKmIiD4AJPw/s1600-h/DSC00066.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428171994522200642" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrV7Azi1uUmQA3JUkIMK5HcINMYlWo3BxqOJRpekRw3CwCzSOEY8RtMrRODMOUAPk1emxIQZnVYUqJTC6mwqrvYaOTsqBRvRWZPKmZPulrSakEkXgwSWnPkXB_a5ym1ilmfuKmIiD4AJPw/s400/DSC00066.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div><br />I really like these - the bib gives a nice look to the rear fender, and the tool bag can hold my wallet, cell-phone, camera, and yes, some tools.</div><div><br />With the installation of these items complete, I decided to ride to Hobart this morning. Hobart is a rural community about 20 miles from North Bend. It's quite a small town, with a population of around 6,700. The residents are spread out on 18 square miles. </div><div><br />To get there, I travel south on Highway 18, over Tiger Mountain (elevation 1,375 feet at the pass), and then east on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Issaquah</span>-Hobart Road. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Issaquah</span>-Hobart Road is perfect for cruising, with speed limits varying between 40-50 mph, and some nice, lazy curves.</div><div></div><div>I stop by the local <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">ballfield</span> to take a couple of pictures:</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB9SiYVvJQzLaQ1L04QotxROdwikLUclPiVkIor-Y8sQKtflbtG2iYNCmxP3Ssp4TNEIZskEZ-eflcmwbTR2izqqNeHxL3YdRxwtShNWXQYIDYD5-sAF7EYhX5C8dBhZ-F1_UoEX6Q4HNb/s1600-h/DSC00068.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428177481266023410" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB9SiYVvJQzLaQ1L04QotxROdwikLUclPiVkIor-Y8sQKtflbtG2iYNCmxP3Ssp4TNEIZskEZ-eflcmwbTR2izqqNeHxL3YdRxwtShNWXQYIDYD5-sAF7EYhX5C8dBhZ-F1_UoEX6Q4HNb/s400/DSC00068.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmJ0TN0ECwXnJELu6u-5wyfoj7hj3QePeri4AHPaQ7u_nRKsTOfhPnt7_vPzF_CYPuWr0ZWaEp05eBoQfwIV261_SMaxCcAqPJxULeGgqTJKacyMKxrybMDaElEL7Di-5UY_aX5fKYHwBq/s1600-h/DSC00069.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428177488506595298" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmJ0TN0ECwXnJELu6u-5wyfoj7hj3QePeri4AHPaQ7u_nRKsTOfhPnt7_vPzF_CYPuWr0ZWaEp05eBoQfwIV261_SMaxCcAqPJxULeGgqTJKacyMKxrybMDaElEL7Di-5UY_aX5fKYHwBq/s400/DSC00069.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div><br />The main store in the area is the Hobart Market, which is a small place with a gas station, video rentals, and basic food provisions. The Market also houses the town Post Office, which was established in 1903. Being the only market around, it served as a meeting place for many of the residents. Everyone seemed to know each other, as they were called by name by the lady clerk of the store; me, I was just called "honey." One of the shoppers stopped to talk with me about my Triumph, recalling the times when he and his Dad owned Triumph and Jaguar automobiles.</div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyru0CCDPlpb64OymgfqUq_mDxl7MDG5YSdaAbcqoYTxk0WNSnR9zeEfStMHzikwV2KF_jJdzeSQzcw-Lq1kIVcN1XEd5Ul04mvfrIRHjWIjDz0bTSOQv4mX1NaA0rqZpGBcJe60DmKYbQ/s1600-h/DSC00070.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428178291817249938" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyru0CCDPlpb64OymgfqUq_mDxl7MDG5YSdaAbcqoYTxk0WNSnR9zeEfStMHzikwV2KF_jJdzeSQzcw-Lq1kIVcN1XEd5Ul04mvfrIRHjWIjDz0bTSOQv4mX1NaA0rqZpGBcJe60DmKYbQ/s400/DSC00070.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>I didn't have to use the restroom while there, but if I needed to I know where to find it!<br /><br />I got some coffee and snacks, saving these sprinkled cupcakes for my wife - I had never seen this brand before - we will have to see if Mrs. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Freshley</span> is the baker her name promises!</div><div> </div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDREVCjuPMl224INLQwzHrUicGxVoNMaBupq0gd5gJ0I-aD-ptqg94oQgVEaBV_fYfcA93kTqSJKQXoJR2OxSmTwf3b7sodSF06rSYYkzQqdAFnGCBv2GjIf0JCx6kECbyqKlpW3HzrWUz/s1600-h/DSC00071.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428178299764411378" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDREVCjuPMl224INLQwzHrUicGxVoNMaBupq0gd5gJ0I-aD-ptqg94oQgVEaBV_fYfcA93kTqSJKQXoJR2OxSmTwf3b7sodSF06rSYYkzQqdAFnGCBv2GjIf0JCx6kECbyqKlpW3HzrWUz/s400/DSC00071.JPG" border="0" /></a></div></div></div></div></div>Lancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02458096347718242672noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1684109533781576722.post-289383776263465032010-01-14T19:52:00.000-08:002010-01-14T20:07:59.183-08:00Jobs I am Not Qualified For<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7XuBiJ6Dps5LDLsRv8eIiA6XDe7CJ2PzakWIYUVFp8c0LneS1RGG5YfrsFtQ5SmGkNDrebSQbR3xGYV01fu1zlpFwDUusPgbgtFPM8TPJLL4jGKCu1WlsrCi6eXS-qqFNBUlETcOoxBcV/s1600-h/DSC00065.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426813164861280818" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7XuBiJ6Dps5LDLsRv8eIiA6XDe7CJ2PzakWIYUVFp8c0LneS1RGG5YfrsFtQ5SmGkNDrebSQbR3xGYV01fu1zlpFwDUusPgbgtFPM8TPJLL4jGKCu1WlsrCi6eXS-qqFNBUlETcOoxBcV/s400/DSC00065.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div> </div><div>There are probably a few, but one job I know that I am definitely not qualified for is a barber. This morning, I decided to give myself a haircut. I don't have a lot of hair, and thus styling options, so it doesn't make sense to pay a barber $15 for what I can do in 2 minutes.</div><br /><div></div><div>As you can see, I should have had my wife inspect my coiffure before I left the house. Luckily, I was wearing a hat when I was on the bus. When I got into the office, our Administrative Assistant informed me of the ill-placed stripe down one side of my head. One kind colleague said it looked like I had planned it. Another thought it looked like the time they didn't overlap their wheels when mowing the lawn.</div>Lancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02458096347718242672noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1684109533781576722.post-8027503192967159362010-01-06T19:29:00.000-08:002010-01-06T20:22:38.236-08:00New Year, New Look<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjGcvce154Au_HzbL15yYQsWAkda2X1aWEhYIxZdzMoEQqG1CQsPOrKdhG5TKtZCvPDLUOatc85BxVDthyh1yaRPVk4imgfX9M9AO4E6w9BN5x1Pk_3QQaPGvEgk1tmohiQDEX52U9tcGe/s1600-h/DSC00054.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423841822620506018" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjGcvce154Au_HzbL15yYQsWAkda2X1aWEhYIxZdzMoEQqG1CQsPOrKdhG5TKtZCvPDLUOatc85BxVDthyh1yaRPVk4imgfX9M9AO4E6w9BN5x1Pk_3QQaPGvEgk1tmohiQDEX52U9tcGe/s400/DSC00054.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><div><div><div></div><div>Today was my first ride of 2010. I don't think I will winterize the Triumph; instead, I will make an effort to get out as much as is practical (and safe) during the winter months, or at least start the bike up regularly. The weather service here forecasts a 1 1/2 day window of clear weather before the rains kick in again - Wednesday afternoon and all day Thursday are expected to be dry and partly sunny. So, I made arrangements at the office to take this afternoon and tomorrow off.</div><br /><div></div><div>I've lately been considering changing the look of the Triumph. I don't really use the pillion (rear) seat, since my wife is neither a rider nor a passenger. Plus, I like the solo look - it gives off the "bad boy" image that I exude, and tells the world "no passengers allowed" on this ride! Seriously, I do like the look of bikes with solo seats, such as the Harley 1200cc <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Nightster</span> (a bike I almost purchased) and bikes from the "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">bobber</span>" genre.</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhjDDpHR1z6CwlKbrG3h1zsOciaHA8lyZw0Im4Bo0xFFFKApzPQiGA41hqdeYmsQucaDQegUqydyd7ePDKQS-Q35ULTim1lkgbCXijLc4L8k5h5H2Ua7to7ODT4rpKTbsMUEM6TFc3BHT5/s1600-h/Nightster_right_rear_3-4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423842908562963474" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhjDDpHR1z6CwlKbrG3h1zsOciaHA8lyZw0Im4Bo0xFFFKApzPQiGA41hqdeYmsQucaDQegUqydyd7ePDKQS-Q35ULTim1lkgbCXijLc4L8k5h5H2Ua7to7ODT4rpKTbsMUEM6TFc3BHT5/s400/Nightster_right_rear_3-4.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Above, a very cool looking Harley <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Nightster</span>. Below, Triumphs lend themselves nicely to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">bobber</span> look (both photos from the internet):<br /><br /><div></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizRhTvmXd_l2J-4mKpyc3Grb3OJJZMSBPc24O2WPMF1WvzBru-wUF13HukEOdJAHco6I3aagomyJPZr2aQo8HKviCfjd9e3huzKAgs5jfV55wdJtOO80qakGaycyfjIHV_P3fnUVTVMmV9/s1600-h/bobber7ll4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423842916725916722" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizRhTvmXd_l2J-4mKpyc3Grb3OJJZMSBPc24O2WPMF1WvzBru-wUF13HukEOdJAHco6I3aagomyJPZr2aQo8HKviCfjd9e3huzKAgs5jfV55wdJtOO80qakGaycyfjIHV_P3fnUVTVMmV9/s400/bobber7ll4.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>Going solo on the Bonneville America is quite easy - all I did was remove one bolt in the back, pushed the pillion forward and up and it was off. I can buy finisher bolts that are a bit more classy than the existing bolt for the seat, or even add a small rack or fender bib:</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA1lJcwVKfjChTViicQqbqOFNr5YDRZ38kzwuGXd6eVvFCNPXP2zXh_IUFmZSs5cyX_e3Kqd-TIyaDY-B2oBYuGWEWNgkowRL5nWXShjzP2SiJPsNYQRGyaaP4rQaGOc81wghUhmuub5ZV/s1600-h/solo_rack3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423842337113317346" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 271px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA1lJcwVKfjChTViicQqbqOFNr5YDRZ38kzwuGXd6eVvFCNPXP2zXh_IUFmZSs5cyX_e3Kqd-TIyaDY-B2oBYuGWEWNgkowRL5nWXShjzP2SiJPsNYQRGyaaP4rQaGOc81wghUhmuub5ZV/s400/solo_rack3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIUUgbFO43i7AP4NedI6JqqENtQ-TjUypr9E9rBBRIFZwKbR33NAnSwAE-4AxyqXkCmt1liK0kh5XwZAsyn2mBn0NZbjf5F4T2yKpBpxWygQxC6u29LIf7g4ShzxXgalORQfamKMum4z6k/s1600-h/fender_bib_flame2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423842334643197074" style="WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 306px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIUUgbFO43i7AP4NedI6JqqENtQ-TjUypr9E9rBBRIFZwKbR33NAnSwAE-4AxyqXkCmt1liK0kh5XwZAsyn2mBn0NZbjf5F4T2yKpBpxWygQxC6u29LIf7g4ShzxXgalORQfamKMum4z6k/s400/fender_bib_flame2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>Above photos from Newbonneville.com.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>The great thing is that I can convert back to 2 up riding quickly by just bolting the pillion back on. As you have probably noticed, I can't change the style of my hair, but at least I can change the style of my motorcycle. </div><div><br /> </div><div>I will be finally installing some saddlebags (I will report on this soon in a future post), so I will have to see how the bags work with the new look. </div><br /><div></div><div>I decided to ride into town and see if the new seating arrangement is comfortable, and it is, although I can tell I used the pillion as a mini backrest to plant my backside. But I do like the new look!</div></div></div></div>Lancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02458096347718242672noreply@blogger.com70tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1684109533781576722.post-48346670298004848432009-12-26T22:13:00.000-08:002009-12-26T22:45:38.600-08:00Christmas Day Ride<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3sw55jt0XbzrYSNBGmI3eOhY5r2A_LbZ8DTZMDFFg767rx6rw4xNOwrFuM66Gg52v6J5O6YUvDPKyO7yTtuGB-XpOsl3nyBjisVGRRWy5-8DfvgrtWvdlttCOXx-6LWfXWTXzxsc4jvyk/s1600-h/DSC00042.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419803133374507682" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3sw55jt0XbzrYSNBGmI3eOhY5r2A_LbZ8DTZMDFFg767rx6rw4xNOwrFuM66Gg52v6J5O6YUvDPKyO7yTtuGB-XpOsl3nyBjisVGRRWy5-8DfvgrtWvdlttCOXx-6LWfXWTXzxsc4jvyk/s400/DSC00042.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div><div><div><br /><div>We had a nice Christmas morning. Since the kids are older, we don't have to get up so early to witness St. Nick's arrival - I woke up around 7:30am, had a cup of coffee, and even went to town to pick up a few items for breakfast before the kids got up. Also, it's much easier shopping now - cash and gift cards, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">CD's</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">DVD's</span> make up their wish lists.</div><br /><div></div><div>There was no white Christmas in North Bend this year; the weather has been in the 30's for the highs and sunny. I waited until about noon and geared up for a ride. There was frost/black ice in patches in our driveway, so I took it real easy getting out onto the main road. The road itself was dry, but there were some shaded areas that looked like it could be a bit slippery so I took it slow going down our hill until the road leveled off, and it was dry from there and into downtown North Bend. In addition to being cold, it was very windy, so it felt even colder.<br /><br /><div>One Starbucks was open, and it was packed both in their lot and in the drive-through. My favorite espresso stand, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Huxdotter's</span>, was closed today. I took a photo of the Triumph next to their Christmas decorations, and a car came up through the drive-through only to find that no one was there. The ladies who work here are very nice, and deserve the day off.</div></div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4fSSJwfmrlj1xaSV1IiFFhxEXpQTYZaEhXdSk7c29v6C-I6Jvjf-HnSMJAlqk8pWz7xUnWQ6slJetQalpqxd0HjneA0hyphenhyphen5QZVc5Rtd8UMh1zb0czxII1aDHqYZ0a7B4lntBFJJwuRlaDP/s1600-h/DSC00047.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419801218849956242" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4fSSJwfmrlj1xaSV1IiFFhxEXpQTYZaEhXdSk7c29v6C-I6Jvjf-HnSMJAlqk8pWz7xUnWQ6slJetQalpqxd0HjneA0hyphenhyphen5QZVc5Rtd8UMh1zb0czxII1aDHqYZ0a7B4lntBFJJwuRlaDP/s400/DSC00047.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div></div><div>Like <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Huxdotter's</span>, most of the shops in town were closed today. The exceptions were one of the two Starbucks in town, two grocery stores, a Blockbuster move rental store, the gas stations and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">McDonalds</span>. Most of the parking lots were empty.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUswGNkMfYe0yKAIs8YPJPowoqf_f5QEC5GYsAmkoqIUbIv1Id9KajCVAgWxCToQ11DzLa6db1MWlHa2NnWEwyDhFjgfif9LZEAvewM1qm9wnHKpHecwnrErs4ls7bDL0pUAQ-MWy8RgUW/s1600-h/DSC00044.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419801196954804930" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUswGNkMfYe0yKAIs8YPJPowoqf_f5QEC5GYsAmkoqIUbIv1Id9KajCVAgWxCToQ11DzLa6db1MWlHa2NnWEwyDhFjgfif9LZEAvewM1qm9wnHKpHecwnrErs4ls7bDL0pUAQ-MWy8RgUW/s400/DSC00044.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />A nice view of Rattlesnake Ledge from the empty parking lot:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA04gylAEXOmO88tzO7SVpvXrAjFoRQ7um-WRBy6Iqt0apV2v_qQfvwvU_Wrf7bXFRgfPE14IzKcfEm4BZxxB3bhnWAB20IISzCEb555liC2ZsHdSjtdEpj2-DDr5gSHxuebE5nFTx5DlM/s1600-h/DSC00046.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419801212136384402" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA04gylAEXOmO88tzO7SVpvXrAjFoRQ7um-WRBy6Iqt0apV2v_qQfvwvU_Wrf7bXFRgfPE14IzKcfEm4BZxxB3bhnWAB20IISzCEb555liC2ZsHdSjtdEpj2-DDr5gSHxuebE5nFTx5DlM/s400/DSC00046.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I was thankful that I could ride today - it's been either too cold/icy or rainy, so this was a nice Christmas gift.</div></div></div></div></div></div>Lancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02458096347718242672noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1684109533781576722.post-86100527030574024622009-12-24T16:16:00.000-08:002009-12-24T16:20:14.748-08:00Merry Christmas, Chopper Style!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVJKOXASE3rQoz3LmF77tFRlT711oZjNSbTkikDMMlZ4bMzF5BVog13wUBTI3VITtM7Tk5tH337TR9hWqMN0liTn9R6G8vDRzDoFY4NI4wUM1XoG62auc2g-B43MHnUCTPcM3UiNiIUYKa/s1600-h/santa+chopper.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418961819150260098" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 269px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVJKOXASE3rQoz3LmF77tFRlT711oZjNSbTkikDMMlZ4bMzF5BVog13wUBTI3VITtM7Tk5tH337TR9hWqMN0liTn9R6G8vDRzDoFY4NI4wUM1XoG62auc2g-B43MHnUCTPcM3UiNiIUYKa/s400/santa+chopper.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><div></div><div>Santa's got a new ride, and some new elves (maybe the one is Mrs. Claus), but as always he will be visiting all the good little boys and girls tonight. I know you are all on his "good" list, and I want to wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!</div>Lancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02458096347718242672noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1684109533781576722.post-67562627219449043842009-12-18T21:54:00.000-08:002009-12-19T11:15:51.454-08:00Could this be the future commuter vehicle?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTw1i73S0j-EyTaMJ55eM7umH_eq_XULtSOwhqPB5GmUuDnwS2ux0GHlLksgxYnVY2q3MGTheUtowftxlbJ5DO0nKTbXh5j16f4P5YzW9q66pshALVuV1yUbs3pm-jw7WFcYqaRKOIS6kK/s1600-h/CYCL130034+v2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416821813602792658" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTw1i73S0j-EyTaMJ55eM7umH_eq_XULtSOwhqPB5GmUuDnwS2ux0GHlLksgxYnVY2q3MGTheUtowftxlbJ5DO0nKTbXh5j16f4P5YzW9q66pshALVuV1yUbs3pm-jw7WFcYqaRKOIS6kK/s400/CYCL130034+v2.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />During the Seattle Motorcycle Show, a company by the name of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Compagna</span> ( <a href="http://www.compagnamotors.com/">http://www.compagnamotors.com/</a>) was showing off it's latest vehicle, the T-Rex. Powered by a 1400cc engine, the T-Rex puts out 197 horsepower, and can reach 144mph. Price starts at $52,000, which would probably be the biggest hurdle to my owning one - the other one being trying to fit into the vehicle. In any event, a very cool vehicle, and at least Aaron and I got to get a picture with the T-Rex!Lancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02458096347718242672noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1684109533781576722.post-56262330194815790052009-12-13T12:57:00.000-08:002009-12-13T13:43:22.663-08:002009 Seattle Motorcycle Show<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZRX5r-TQNSr71VGnVwoy7sCeCZwzetOUnix2kMYGbGOQpcOzjTytALYXd7opyJYmcAH_JdIXIigaOnEph3KfCz-aSnV1VeX1hVUXg-9mKw5hg2nTxg74R-77WXqdAg8W37utL8t7djdd6/s1600-h/motorcycleshowslogoImage1249398867698.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414836849147134882" style="WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 75px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZRX5r-TQNSr71VGnVwoy7sCeCZwzetOUnix2kMYGbGOQpcOzjTytALYXd7opyJYmcAH_JdIXIigaOnEph3KfCz-aSnV1VeX1hVUXg-9mKw5hg2nTxg74R-77WXqdAg8W37utL8t7djdd6/s320/motorcycleshowslogoImage1249398867698.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>Saturday morning my son and I attended the 2009 Seattle Motorcycle Show. It was a great father-son outing - we hit the show for an hour or so, he took pictures of me trying out bikes and generally acting silly, and then we went to have a nice lunch at an Indian restaurant in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Bellevue</span> before returning home.</div><br /><div>The weather in Seattle has been pretty cold, in the 20's for the highs, not much riding weather, so looking at bikes is a good surrogate for riding. Last year was my first year attending the show, and I enjoyed it, but I enjoyed the 2009 show even more since I am a bit more of an experienced rider. </div><br /><div>The major manufacturers - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">HD</span>, Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha and Kawasaki - were all represented. My son got a picture of me on a 2010 Honda Sabre 1100:<br /></div><div></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhubhzUetTU-WC3FsRGgHbE9fftS_56qBtRhtV1FqyrM7EHEy1jDvoEiZBTNKNzd_HQRJyPpLmZJyKq-1TbBxMa6UGGjzgFJdc1D1IjV7mMh1PWjn8KFs2bdx3Ctx5oVmkMoqlsmjpcc4ez/s1600-h/DSC01078.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414837974400801314" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhubhzUetTU-WC3FsRGgHbE9fftS_56qBtRhtV1FqyrM7EHEy1jDvoEiZBTNKNzd_HQRJyPpLmZJyKq-1TbBxMa6UGGjzgFJdc1D1IjV7mMh1PWjn8KFs2bdx3Ctx5oVmkMoqlsmjpcc4ez/s320/DSC01078.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br />And me on a "show priced" <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">HD</span> Road King:</div><div></div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil8WCwoGj2y6PtQe_1I5leUftPVFg7aC3NfRF7kjCLMyFTTjfDCOrcelXLQ8-dX-wOhqYYSdB7M1traLOphp-UFDTqZM_bQG4o6Ezwzhfi49aDnNBd5ONIP_eq2l2s_BnehM6C8IqJaUkH/s1600-h/DSC01080.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414834959826181730" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil8WCwoGj2y6PtQe_1I5leUftPVFg7aC3NfRF7kjCLMyFTTjfDCOrcelXLQ8-dX-wOhqYYSdB7M1traLOphp-UFDTqZM_bQG4o6Ezwzhfi49aDnNBd5ONIP_eq2l2s_BnehM6C8IqJaUkH/s320/DSC01080.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div></div><div>Of personal interest to me, Triumph and Ural, were missing from this show, which was unfortunate. But some new displays, such as these from the California Scooter Company and Confederate Motorcycles, were very interesting:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNdTIjqPX962dCcIoMAiMx_cWoMcPWBoQhSC_6bi3mleI9H0E5oU2hnuYBZyCmqqTZ6eCjHmqqj96C5SvfYCDBVQcAQZbQCFr-wKA8gNpQkPTAD_KcJ7_C7WiT2_kw3UUKU6bno3N6fMBN/s1600-h/DSC01068.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414831308330976066" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNdTIjqPX962dCcIoMAiMx_cWoMcPWBoQhSC_6bi3mleI9H0E5oU2hnuYBZyCmqqTZ6eCjHmqqj96C5SvfYCDBVQcAQZbQCFr-wKA8gNpQkPTAD_KcJ7_C7WiT2_kw3UUKU6bno3N6fMBN/s320/DSC01068.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWjKff3IrHOxazGmbeuaF94qucRm_0Pv_DTBA6SXTIp-ax2IoolXHgCV7r0CcFMBloaZei_j4_lawGyRINsEFIAuZueD2cdfEKCS-XbbmUzr4c_e1dUV0ibJgM8T3pTjjqL4MqFggvwuQx/s1600-h/DSC01070.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414831317228121458" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWjKff3IrHOxazGmbeuaF94qucRm_0Pv_DTBA6SXTIp-ax2IoolXHgCV7r0CcFMBloaZei_j4_lawGyRINsEFIAuZueD2cdfEKCS-XbbmUzr4c_e1dUV0ibJgM8T3pTjjqL4MqFggvwuQx/s320/DSC01070.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Above are two examples from the California Scooter Company. They pay homage to Mustang Motorcycles, a company that in the 50's-60's made a small-framed 300cc motorcycle. The California Scooter is a 150cc 5 speed, with a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">bobber</span>/chopper look to it. For just under $5000 you get a cool little bike to ride around town on. </div><div> </div><div><br /> </div><div></div><div>Confederate Motorcycles, out of Baton Rouge, create the essence of a motorcycle. This is their P120 Combat Fighter - an awesome collection of steel and motor:<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI6wFs0G_2-b1whyOZhyRHm5cGfZB5JcHyT0vwjBR7qtr5ir-AQDL9vI2Ep98cYAoIn-60MsscAt1DhlzxyyGyjLkIQ89abySQj4lcxxpG-7oBJen23svhsXX9GrBkZnrubqRKe4NNAVVY/s1600-h/DSC01071.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414831319726033058" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI6wFs0G_2-b1whyOZhyRHm5cGfZB5JcHyT0vwjBR7qtr5ir-AQDL9vI2Ep98cYAoIn-60MsscAt1DhlzxyyGyjLkIQ89abySQj4lcxxpG-7oBJen23svhsXX9GrBkZnrubqRKe4NNAVVY/s320/DSC01071.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div> </div><div><br /> </div><div></div><div>The local vintage MC group always brings some fine bikes to admire - this one a Norton:</div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQw1D04zeRZsL7uBpTwGoGh6EyKS-Znf5TAbsVkFQ3NscM9B0NCtx222Gj6BItKBtBaGDnNrs9HrpSZkJmpQ8Ob6mehxvIUf9KrmF6_lRdxaIQMZ3r5tTKm_2zV42krRnVnNLzOhr96Uqc/s1600-h/DSC01065.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414831325554832722" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQw1D04zeRZsL7uBpTwGoGh6EyKS-Znf5TAbsVkFQ3NscM9B0NCtx222Gj6BItKBtBaGDnNrs9HrpSZkJmpQ8Ob6mehxvIUf9KrmF6_lRdxaIQMZ3r5tTKm_2zV42krRnVnNLzOhr96Uqc/s320/DSC01065.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div><br />Here's a picture of me with Flo, who seemed to be glad I purchase my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">motorcycle</span> insurance from Progressive:</div><div></div><br /><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi3iyuq-kvjs4eD9MNvdOPgWP9aMU6mDTJmjUDefPWa6Vl_bBz2vQ4yManzcJWb6WxmU7deAl81p3VV8uSvjXk_NACi1D0K33rzDWYVXbp3frUslmQPk6sWQD8olCXOPScdzagmHzemhvx/s1600-h/DSC01089.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414834962141572178" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi3iyuq-kvjs4eD9MNvdOPgWP9aMU6mDTJmjUDefPWa6Vl_bBz2vQ4yManzcJWb6WxmU7deAl81p3VV8uSvjXk_NACi1D0K33rzDWYVXbp3frUslmQPk6sWQD8olCXOPScdzagmHzemhvx/s320/DSC01089.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div></div><div>She did seem to be a bit stiff, however.<br /></div><br /><div></div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Lancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02458096347718242672noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1684109533781576722.post-24774640499181051192009-11-26T11:47:00.000-08:002009-11-26T11:55:56.164-08:00Happy Thanksgiving!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyhsu9OEL4b_if3X9STvh4LeRO95vgz_OzORFg3U3ApZwiHsdcTEeOpny6iOgcmEog5TIlEtZ6nG0p-T2OpxlXFL-n-DHCwbw9JhjsXtf3M6aRaRhknfRnj_2fU1-5Q3RIlg_dcVNd-OWe/s1600/funny-thanksgiving-turkey-cartoon2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408501382139979954" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyhsu9OEL4b_if3X9STvh4LeRO95vgz_OzORFg3U3ApZwiHsdcTEeOpny6iOgcmEog5TIlEtZ6nG0p-T2OpxlXFL-n-DHCwbw9JhjsXtf3M6aRaRhknfRnj_2fU1-5Q3RIlg_dcVNd-OWe/s320/funny-thanksgiving-turkey-cartoon2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Just a quick note to say Happy Thanksgiving! <br /><br />As always, I have much to be thankful for. I am especially thankful for yesterday - we had a break in the weather, no rain, and even a bit of sun (albeit very brief). Our office was closed at 1pm, which gave me time to get home and get on the Triumph. It's been about 3 weeks since my last ride, so I was really <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">itchin</span>' to get on the bike. It was one of those rides where you really feel thankful for the opportunity to have a motorcycle. By the time I returned, it was raining.<br /><br />A dry forecast for this weekend, so hopefully I will be able to get out some more.<br /><br />Hope your day is nice, no matter what you are doing!Lancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02458096347718242672noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1684109533781576722.post-68266426234147295842009-11-01T16:42:00.000-08:002009-11-01T18:12:26.614-08:00Post-Halloween, Post-Daylight Savings Time Ride<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF7Aw4BSswABmO_MiuOiyeocdN1s8Bk8CwMMWtBCZCCo2Yt2bEr26N9NH2Miq5fe35oh0WFUXQFpggoLcA4Zk1P3rEbat6b1YdzNfADi9AtDxqPcbJ5MYG7mPOYIP6cRFEqn008Q5wFmtD/s1600-h/DSC01047.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPvez_coKrL5asU9z0YkaK3xo8eOIaaZJVDUrH2b8W2ZXhKAP9tSdUqtxUQyFEtFvHpmDBoTPqf-On4PNI165PtEmRK5dihaX6-3fCxEUA4bCOYbPtnqvBACajNQApeqKNhNXUCHOOYVWE/s1600-h/DSC01040.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399304536648704578" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPvez_coKrL5asU9z0YkaK3xo8eOIaaZJVDUrH2b8W2ZXhKAP9tSdUqtxUQyFEtFvHpmDBoTPqf-On4PNI165PtEmRK5dihaX6-3fCxEUA4bCOYbPtnqvBACajNQApeqKNhNXUCHOOYVWE/s320/DSC01040.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>With the change back to standard time, most people in North Bend are happy to have an extra hour of sleep. Except perhaps for the fellow above, whose downcast look shows his sadness that Halloween is over.</div><br /><div></div><div>Daylight saving time in most of the United States ended this morning at 2 a.m. Most U.S. residents set their clocks one hour forward in spring and one hour back in fall. But, contrary to popular belief, no federal rule mandates that all of the U.S. states or territories observe daylight saving time. In fact, people in Hawaii and most of Arizona, along with the U.S. territories of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Puerto</span> Rico, American Samoa, and the Virgin Islands—will do nothing to their clocks. It's all standard time for them.</div><div><br />Today was dry and sunny, with the temperature just below 60 degrees F. I had no particular itinerary for this ride, so the pictures below are a bit of a ramble of places that I stopped at.</div><div></div><div>This bridge crosses the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Snoqualmie</span> River just near the Twin Falls hiking area. For those of you who read my earlier post on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Olallie</span> State Park, access to Twin Falls can also be made not too far from this bridge.</div><div></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg26yyVn4rYc-gmKmxXYxg_0C-uE9KNAeHB4DxqItAvBRAJ4jxqeXDZ5xvrG-c97uNwPhKUiYPLx5wtZp_5clOQU7RkrKH4mcnhvL2cDJ2qDUa5mMdgS629oS3wjHE5s-5PfoUqvQk-5pCb/s1600-h/DSC01041.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399304540156333154" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg26yyVn4rYc-gmKmxXYxg_0C-uE9KNAeHB4DxqItAvBRAJ4jxqeXDZ5xvrG-c97uNwPhKUiYPLx5wtZp_5clOQU7RkrKH4mcnhvL2cDJ2qDUa5mMdgS629oS3wjHE5s-5PfoUqvQk-5pCb/s320/DSC01041.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div></div><div>On the opposite side of this road is a Christmas Creek Tree Farm - North Bend is known as one of the best places to pick up a Christmas tree in Washington state, with no fewer than 6 tree farms in this small town.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQxXv9_437hYc2GUrF6gNa4k26mG4Hbpf9uKHoYebAXmoY8apSG5EHpjw0V6yEuF8Lsc2y-3aW2jC7Du_azaeHI3DkAhYGvkqPGbaPY0g4dgCV5pAIvZvJV8pBdljhpjmu_t3CzrSfwy9t/s1600-h/DSC01042.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399304549898114802" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQxXv9_437hYc2GUrF6gNa4k26mG4Hbpf9uKHoYebAXmoY8apSG5EHpjw0V6yEuF8Lsc2y-3aW2jC7Du_azaeHI3DkAhYGvkqPGbaPY0g4dgCV5pAIvZvJV8pBdljhpjmu_t3CzrSfwy9t/s320/DSC01042.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div><br />Also on the same road as the bridge is what is called "Seattle East Travel Center" or "Ken's Truck Town" for it's previous owner before the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">TravelCenters</span> America corporation took over the management of this truck stop. Truck Town is right off I-90 at Exit 34, and is just that - a town for the trucking industry, with repair facilities, gas pumps, a motel, restaurant, a driver's lounge, and a chapel. The restaurant is a great place for a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">homestyle</span>, filling meal. Dining tip - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">TravelCenters</span> America has just started offering their entire menu in many of their restaurants across America as all you can eat, which suits this non-trucker very well. </div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZloF_ovUzWnLR7L34QzKMrje7nAcLBlYeXF8F3EfBSExD_7ABepnSjhxosWQhqn3qD6CRF_OtWocMH_64b3fhi-K8RBKQBkDjpVs2VGhFv2Hb6GEucV1SLYxL1advmZ5fxDPbu3YfB-Lp/s1600-h/DSC01043.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399304559875022658" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZloF_ovUzWnLR7L34QzKMrje7nAcLBlYeXF8F3EfBSExD_7ABepnSjhxosWQhqn3qD6CRF_OtWocMH_64b3fhi-K8RBKQBkDjpVs2VGhFv2Hb6GEucV1SLYxL1advmZ5fxDPbu3YfB-Lp/s320/DSC01043.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div>Back in the center of North Bend, the oldest church in town at around 110 years of age, North Bend Community Church, continues to provide worship services for the valley:</div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk-3TlhYehFpylSturnwFMNsxzU9zhB54CqHtNNdSqNf32mvX0VdA68fQabdFE40JWCa61A53AFu1SNzWFuJyotLx3Ah2u0CdO4C2uQEIx_bfxPNYUd5bbxwy5oYphIN_IqBFfJiK-acRr/s1600-h/DSC01045.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399304800867529442" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk-3TlhYehFpylSturnwFMNsxzU9zhB54CqHtNNdSqNf32mvX0VdA68fQabdFE40JWCa61A53AFu1SNzWFuJyotLx3Ah2u0CdO4C2uQEIx_bfxPNYUd5bbxwy5oYphIN_IqBFfJiK-acRr/s320/DSC01045.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>I continued my ride, stopping at the local espresso drive-through in Fall City. Here I met a gentleman riding a beautiful Honda <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">CBR</span>600:</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN3C7bsxrihU6WjjpE1HL_C7yfMSOTL01VvxKVgXKCNZXqxLIFUO1SHuudCdnpdpsFR56HfR73tchFvtBr8Iaqv9CSWdvRh9q6TItSJpwMSM-5tdnUweW9hdmetcod8I9KhbvmsET7_Kd5/s1600-h/DSC01046.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399304813051457346" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN3C7bsxrihU6WjjpE1HL_C7yfMSOTL01VvxKVgXKCNZXqxLIFUO1SHuudCdnpdpsFR56HfR73tchFvtBr8Iaqv9CSWdvRh9q6TItSJpwMSM-5tdnUweW9hdmetcod8I9KhbvmsET7_Kd5/s320/DSC01046.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div>We chatted for awhile - the owner is new to this area, and was looking for good places to ride, so I offered some possibilities to him. He left before me, and I thanked the ladies who made my coffee and proceeded home - with the change in time it gets dark early!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Lancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02458096347718242672noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1684109533781576722.post-38936474308988419622009-10-26T19:00:00.000-07:002009-10-26T19:06:20.412-07:00Breaking News - Winter Weather AdvisoryThis evening in the foothills of North Bend...hail. Small hailstones, but lots of them, with thunder and lightning. And it's not even November. <div> </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGYx1uJF3EIsydu5EDiXmP6-JlG0400hcPrM3q_SIEJGtq5n5yI4_ym9pWd0LPB-ExPHW6dLjL20y91cm96oHPOlnU5BB_YrWYT4xtx_dL-NEEVK7kYdWPJh6ku9Tebl-2PRARv1iBO6yg/s1600-h/DSC01037.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397094569423113634" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGYx1uJF3EIsydu5EDiXmP6-JlG0400hcPrM3q_SIEJGtq5n5yI4_ym9pWd0LPB-ExPHW6dLjL20y91cm96oHPOlnU5BB_YrWYT4xtx_dL-NEEVK7kYdWPJh6ku9Tebl-2PRARv1iBO6yg/s320/DSC01037.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifueDcVKcn3phl-1Gih59p5zJFSv-qJag-xvJJX9Dy4ekSm2ONcftqsxpHlJsM8s2VaQsFyRzmzglamsqD9vdoQ-xCha5J9Wv1IRXwjmg35OvMu7_JEzaJ1Vjnim6w2qZxacqHdERKVgV4/s1600-h/DSC01038.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397094576825913202" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifueDcVKcn3phl-1Gih59p5zJFSv-qJag-xvJJX9Dy4ekSm2ONcftqsxpHlJsM8s2VaQsFyRzmzglamsqD9vdoQ-xCha5J9Wv1IRXwjmg35OvMu7_JEzaJ1Vjnim6w2qZxacqHdERKVgV4/s320/DSC01038.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div></div><div>Now, back to your regularly scheduled programming.</div><div><br /><br /> </div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div>Lancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02458096347718242672noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1684109533781576722.post-80368367647781440222009-10-24T12:42:00.000-07:002009-10-24T17:28:46.837-07:00Olallie State Park<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDNjfuquOFkYc4n-_V_HGujt1L0p1X7GqleEAhHxFwt-x99-vFTb7M2lf3Vn5xWBfhOifnxs1Rc50V3ZVRmNAz_Afe337oZEfw7i_dAHdnhad0hCrM5tlH2CLj7P7tuZlfmIp4cgzWH9KJ/s1600-h/DSC01034.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396258633976493266" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDNjfuquOFkYc4n-_V_HGujt1L0p1X7GqleEAhHxFwt-x99-vFTb7M2lf3Vn5xWBfhOifnxs1Rc50V3ZVRmNAz_Afe337oZEfw7i_dAHdnhad0hCrM5tlH2CLj7P7tuZlfmIp4cgzWH9KJ/s320/DSC01034.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div>As you head east from North Bend, I-90 starts to climb eventually up to the summit of Snoqualmie Pass (el. 3,022 feet), located about 20 miles from North Bend. Today, there's a respite from the rain, and other than trying to avoid the wet leaves on the local roads, it's a nice day for a ride. After a late-morning cup of coffee at Huxdotter's, I merge onto I-90 for about 8 miles to the exit for Olallie State Park. It's a great opportunity for me to exercise the Triumph, enjoy the outside, and take a few pictures. I park my bike in the main (and only) lot of the park - there's one other vehicle there, a young family whose little boy is fascinated with the Triumph, and an 18-wheeler parked off the main road, probably getting some rest as he or she makes their way across the Pass.</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9gZ41mFIchPLxM2-KL1fSIIzT_LFVOaArAw1g403jdA0Q15WSPyqL-Doo4nKBJN8-c4_iwPvsmLep7Jk8Bc4QzNk0vWS0OFPxv51NOPHea3rwlbe10HaBcsPz5L3t2S-wV1fwfFI8ZXwt/s1600-h/DSC01031.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396258617225181202" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9gZ41mFIchPLxM2-KL1fSIIzT_LFVOaArAw1g403jdA0Q15WSPyqL-Doo4nKBJN8-c4_iwPvsmLep7Jk8Bc4QzNk0vWS0OFPxv51NOPHea3rwlbe10HaBcsPz5L3t2S-wV1fwfFI8ZXwt/s320/DSC01031.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div></div><div>A little information about the park - Olallie State Park is a day-use park in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. You can hike to Twin Falls from the park, see cliff formations that are used by the local climbers (see picture below), access the Snoqualmie River, and see living old-growth trees up to 14 feet in diameter. "Olallie" means "berry" in the native Chinook language, and there are a lot of berries here of various types here.</div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwzX-J0huJ6tXAouMXGfajqfF8HLtyVr1pqoKeGED_dtStnCikrhzmJTs404d9YjEMOuaATd0YoA8ap2W4-rzVXyI1yWf_11F7aAguwXj2ABwpmFElnrunwndxeTAE253j-F1co4X2jvJ1/s1600-h/DSC01035.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396258640035370978" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwzX-J0huJ6tXAouMXGfajqfF8HLtyVr1pqoKeGED_dtStnCikrhzmJTs404d9YjEMOuaATd0YoA8ap2W4-rzVXyI1yWf_11F7aAguwXj2ABwpmFElnrunwndxeTAE253j-F1co4X2jvJ1/s320/DSC01035.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>It's a great park for having a picnic, with a number of tables and cook stands. There are a number of tributaries that come down from the mountain and feed in to the Snoqualmie river. There's also a lucky park ranger who gets to live amongst this beauty.</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg9vhVqONs-X669oHsX6jD-L4lU0N7wHZcTI272Bx9gspnvVz2oxudUfmzVbJTCn0bOzIH8eab8PgOZ1du5bHld2YKMZ_g7TabJfJk-a_Fkki9cRhTW1v0jX1c-VttLLkHTZxyMNfzBQrG/s1600-h/DSC01036.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396258768014113346" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg9vhVqONs-X669oHsX6jD-L4lU0N7wHZcTI272Bx9gspnvVz2oxudUfmzVbJTCn0bOzIH8eab8PgOZ1du5bHld2YKMZ_g7TabJfJk-a_Fkki9cRhTW1v0jX1c-VttLLkHTZxyMNfzBQrG/s320/DSC01036.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The nice thing is that this park is a short trip for me, close to town but a world away; as the clouds start to roll in and the batteries in my camera start to fade, I let my Triumph exert itself on the I-90 trip back home.</div></div></div></div></div>Lancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02458096347718242672noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1684109533781576722.post-37514618616704928812009-10-21T20:32:00.000-07:002009-10-22T13:16:53.410-07:00Weekend Naps and Halloween<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLmfvlNHcjWHl9B6_aERMeojWYGLA6TwWvubSmgTQussbaSC8yPfJ9SO7F1FRAIRoUSnNFsaIXl2ZoMLnN2e7mkPnSwus791Apv5T6Uv-0wIJJK8YubkAMdhpvHILbxulek4L4iGjPnpWI/s1600-h/DSC01023.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395266949820895650" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLmfvlNHcjWHl9B6_aERMeojWYGLA6TwWvubSmgTQussbaSC8yPfJ9SO7F1FRAIRoUSnNFsaIXl2ZoMLnN2e7mkPnSwus791Apv5T6Uv-0wIJJK8YubkAMdhpvHILbxulek4L4iGjPnpWI/s320/DSC01023.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>As is my custom during the weekend, I have a regular appointment with the couch. The constant rain last weekend kept me inside for the most part, and after a few chores and lunch, I am ready for my nap. The cat joins me, and we both fall asleep...to sleep, perchance to dream?</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>I am awakened by sunshine filtering in through the front door. I get up and notice the rains have stopped and the roads have dried up quite a bit, so I seize on an opportunity to get out on the Triumph; opportunities such as these are becoming fewer and farther between as we get into Fall. I head into town.</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>I take the long road into <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Snoqualmie</span>, and stop by the local espresso stand. I am greeted by this somewhat scary, yet smartly dressed, character. </div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuanouw80UEoDvLKPvp57cZf5CyK-qojRvqU6-1I582vuCUx-8DiIKmlorUvfV99JhuiO6eX_QpTY41GMvizccLZ045evfTNELkW7gR8Jup_8d-5izYhArjzyDrHk5H5FgB0jlKjbeTMR5/s1600-h/DSC01020.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395266267426831858" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuanouw80UEoDvLKPvp57cZf5CyK-qojRvqU6-1I582vuCUx-8DiIKmlorUvfV99JhuiO6eX_QpTY41GMvizccLZ045evfTNELkW7gR8Jup_8d-5izYhArjzyDrHk5H5FgB0jlKjbeTMR5/s320/DSC01020.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>The owners of this stand have decorated the place in a rather macabre style.</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWxuXL7A_DS4H4p2JzXdKE2bzZ9tCAbw86DTarSWlRkEn6ChDYyEHGPfkSsxaFky4xnfpMH5t-ha61XwCtVXr367aggUJu48ItrpXkPadxbSczyeHGp0ZDzLOm6CkF0x6gtMa7Lka8R7Rs/s1600-h/DSC01024.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395266957828248178" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWxuXL7A_DS4H4p2JzXdKE2bzZ9tCAbw86DTarSWlRkEn6ChDYyEHGPfkSsxaFky4xnfpMH5t-ha61XwCtVXr367aggUJu48ItrpXkPadxbSczyeHGp0ZDzLOm6CkF0x6gtMa7Lka8R7Rs/s320/DSC01024.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYu8qJcrJcvEeGDnmtPTs7kQIT0yNWnsZ1BoLllUPcSZWjAbulNLHqBb0ltHHV_cKyoYm5tRlg9D934hgKNG1GNYPTeQwfgrkitbXnfZstgR2VoKWLrBYH8WpaMOpWR__7TYqmrmYi1_GV/s1600-h/DSC01022.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395266945661780594" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYu8qJcrJcvEeGDnmtPTs7kQIT0yNWnsZ1BoLllUPcSZWjAbulNLHqBb0ltHHV_cKyoYm5tRlg9D934hgKNG1GNYPTeQwfgrkitbXnfZstgR2VoKWLrBYH8WpaMOpWR__7TYqmrmYi1_GV/s320/DSC01022.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div><br />After an Italian soda here, I decide that the goal of the day is to research the Halloween decorations as used by espresso stands in the valley. </div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>Heading back to North Bend, I stop by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Huxdotter's</span> for another Italian soda (important research such as this costs money), and take a few pictures. The owner here really decorates well for the holidays, with various lights, sounds and sights. The motif here is harvest/Halloween - I don't know where she got these pumpkins, but they are huge:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVvI_2j6_paexL1GPHFAvfLGcs8InxZucBHMWGbuqSa99GKgwwLV17g-4vlx2I5BK83MI7syoLsQpiCG4yxfkWDICxoUn57hAHHAOp2UOAuIS3FK4Y7l6QmUvgcAFlvmm0N5-Dy1bvZd5Q/s1600-h/DSC01025.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395416275296051106" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVvI_2j6_paexL1GPHFAvfLGcs8InxZucBHMWGbuqSa99GKgwwLV17g-4vlx2I5BK83MI7syoLsQpiCG4yxfkWDICxoUn57hAHHAOp2UOAuIS3FK4Y7l6QmUvgcAFlvmm0N5-Dy1bvZd5Q/s320/DSC01025.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjup1ftwMvqOg505E9FCvSMzehcndXgyRxN8EufVoomnknUT5hCnK-LlfN_YxLcw6THBucwezoSjdq5YxEd7agoSoz58a14PGlAbII56-usVcy6T6yjwBmvhw69F48BsZN9JmojTpt2XNLs/s1600-h/DSC01027.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395416291178141810" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjup1ftwMvqOg505E9FCvSMzehcndXgyRxN8EufVoomnknUT5hCnK-LlfN_YxLcw6THBucwezoSjdq5YxEd7agoSoz58a14PGlAbII56-usVcy6T6yjwBmvhw69F48BsZN9JmojTpt2XNLs/s320/DSC01027.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div>A more friendly-looking ghost greets patrons here.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaqKdzR0pNzTm9H86xEqF_4DSZ1rU9seFaDYgQgMiw10Ug4Th1WvqlQXq1ZVmZDcfgKy0jb29a7Di0SxOUafE7LmJlocfJ6zVeMWAY9_VgxuW1q1Wp5fLevM5UwjALfythE0G5AlYQH9JO/s1600-h/DSC01026.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395416283804924242" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaqKdzR0pNzTm9H86xEqF_4DSZ1rU9seFaDYgQgMiw10Ug4Th1WvqlQXq1ZVmZDcfgKy0jb29a7Di0SxOUafE7LmJlocfJ6zVeMWAY9_VgxuW1q1Wp5fLevM5UwjALfythE0G5AlYQH9JO/s320/DSC01026.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div>And out in the landscaping, an Edward Munch-inspired ghost:</div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji1PMFddjgbjihVWJKYf0ENZEwSoqBtxD-i5UXjklheYdYUZetligc3UhIloddxUYPACQ6SbfssT1mn8Yluv-mwpW4PwUNBoFLlPySp1TDJB4rkv-mFYtXco6LSz8KD1Pul73vknpDrXRj/s1600-h/DSC01030.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395416300061389986" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji1PMFddjgbjihVWJKYf0ENZEwSoqBtxD-i5UXjklheYdYUZetligc3UhIloddxUYPACQ6SbfssT1mn8Yluv-mwpW4PwUNBoFLlPySp1TDJB4rkv-mFYtXco6LSz8KD1Pul73vknpDrXRj/s320/DSC01030.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div></div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Lancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02458096347718242672noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1684109533781576722.post-68035358230690154452009-10-10T11:21:00.000-07:002009-10-11T07:47:25.948-07:00Extended Commuting Season and Floating BridgesFall has been very nice in the Seattle area; for the most part we've had sunny weather, with cooler temperatures (high 50's - low 60's F). Because of this, I am extending my commuting by motorcycle. Commuting by motorcycle = daughter gets the car, so it works out quite well.<br /><br /><div>The mornings are chilly, so I have switched back to my leather jacket - it's amazing the insulating properties of leather. Unfortunately, I don't have any leather pants, chaps or any other type of insulated pants, so my commute last Monday morning was a bit uncomfortable for my legs. A temporary fix has been to wear a pair of my baggiest jeans over my work slacks, which keeps me pretty warm. I have a pair of Olympia gauntlet gloves which are insulated and are made with a wind-resistant fabric. I've also ordered one of these from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Calmoto</span></span></span>.com:</div><br /><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMPD8gB8EKOaHiIGBSDap0sk0nygH28hYjkc8v17aiHkHPstXuYR-GzcBRSETEknsbs04Ca90bIOyOfUSdDxfWfA31alLunll4eHs90aS-ZoUPgllxa16vVtpkFUG-srQGCAVdna5OHJlT/s1600-h/cruiser-buff-4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391100606959583010" style="WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMPD8gB8EKOaHiIGBSDap0sk0nygH28hYjkc8v17aiHkHPstXuYR-GzcBRSETEknsbs04Ca90bIOyOfUSdDxfWfA31alLunll4eHs90aS-ZoUPgllxa16vVtpkFUG-srQGCAVdna5OHJlT/s320/cruiser-buff-4.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div></div><div>It's called a Buff, and apparently you can figure out at least 12 ways to use this on your body; I have found just one - you can wear this around your neck like a scarf, and even place it over your mouth to keep your face warm, and that's what I got this for.</div><br /><br /><div>I've been alternating between the fast commute, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">which</span></span> means mostly freeway driving, and the more leisurely commute, with less interstate and more <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">backroads</span></span></span>. I prefer the latter, as it is much more interesting and scenic. Because of the length of my commute I have been able to put some serious mileage on my Triumph (I just went over 2000 miles and I have had the bike for about a month and a half). The Bonneville America just gets better and better as I add on the miles, and I am very happy with my choice of motorcycles. </div><div><br /> </div><div></div><div>If you live east of Seattle, aka the "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Eastside</span></span></span>" by the locals, you will eventually cross one of the three floating bridges that cross Lake Washington. And, if you take I-90 to get to Seattle as I do, you have your choice of two of those three; the I-90 Floating Bridge (officially known as the Lacey V. Murrow Memorial Bridge) or the "Third" Lake Washington Floating Bridge (the Homer M. Hadley Memorial Bridge).</div><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQyec6hAN-nYeUm9Oa9YpJCeRuGmCVjx5O4mFLAf1YGKDotpAnDCIWOJMegEnvzCpeJYWoJeQvOTPfo32AllF3jgwzMG5i-Ji9PomORUWxENbxtikKLBwQ8WaV2xxf6QElvTAFuGJGOS50/s1600-h/250px-I-90_floating_bridges_looking_east.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391105387549944674" style="WIDTH: 250px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 153px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQyec6hAN-nYeUm9Oa9YpJCeRuGmCVjx5O4mFLAf1YGKDotpAnDCIWOJMegEnvzCpeJYWoJeQvOTPfo32AllF3jgwzMG5i-Ji9PomORUWxENbxtikKLBwQ8WaV2xxf6QElvTAFuGJGOS50/s320/250px-I-90_floating_bridges_looking_east.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /></div>I don't know who took this picture, but it's a nice one, showing the Homer Hadley on the left, Lacey Murrow on the right, looking towards the east.<br /><br /><p>Some interesting tidbits about our floating bridges. As I noted, there are three that cross Lake Washington. The one that spans the north part of Lake Washington is called the Evergreen Point or the Governor Albert D. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Rosselini</span></span></span> Floating Bridge. As you go south, there is the Homer M. Hadley Memorial Floating Bridge, and then the Lacey V. Murrow Floating Bridge. We have another floating bridge in Washington State as well - the Hood Canal Floating Bridge which crosses into the Olympic Peninsula. Depending on the source, these bridges are ranked in the top 5 of the longest floating bridges in the world. The Lacey V. Murrow Memorial Bridge has had an interesting history - during the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Thanksgiving</span></span> weekend of 1990 a large storm filled some of the concrete pontoons that float the bridge with massive amounts rain and lake water - yes, concrete can float - the physicists tell me it's all about displacement. On November 24, workers noticed that the bridge was about to sink, and started pumping out some of the pontoons. But too little, too late, and on November 25, 2,790 ft of the bridge sank. The bridge sank when one pontoon filled and dragged the rest down because they were cabled together and there was no way to separate the sections. Fortunately, no one was hurt or killed, since the bridge was closed for renovation and the sinking took some time. This was captured on film - here is some footage:</p><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gm0YQ3vuyyY">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gm0YQ3vuyyY</a> </div><div><br />Once I cross the bridge, I am nearly in Downtown Seattle. I've had to alter my commute on the streets of downtown - more on that later.<br /></div><br /><br /><p></p>Lancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02458096347718242672noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1684109533781576722.post-11275018524744853662009-09-30T19:10:00.000-07:002009-09-30T21:21:29.365-07:00Catching Up With Bobskoot In La Conner<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCCAL4oQYE24HNFPQAPspoHwmRJ7ZcXWvqhQ-BG9b7u7lEOixjNPZRCDHrlSe9xskgtMvq1UrWxxmfaxwQm0Gd0UCsZ89a78JhljJ4Y-a276t-9DjJpIb5scHi6XFdWiSe2pneoJFbizS2/s1600-h/DSC01000.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387455696617815506" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCCAL4oQYE24HNFPQAPspoHwmRJ7ZcXWvqhQ-BG9b7u7lEOixjNPZRCDHrlSe9xskgtMvq1UrWxxmfaxwQm0Gd0UCsZ89a78JhljJ4Y-a276t-9DjJpIb5scHi6XFdWiSe2pneoJFbizS2/s320/DSC01000.JPG" border="0" /></a> I had received an e-mail from Bob of Wet Coast <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Scootin</span></span> fame - <a href="http://wetcoastscootin.blogspot.com/">http://wetcoastscootin.blogspot.com/</a>, with an invite to meet on Saturday the 26<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span></span>, somewhere between Vancouver and North Bend. We had gotten very close to meeting on a prior <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">occasion</span> - Bob had stopped by to take some pictures in my town, but we just couldn't connect. So, with the anticipated weather on Saturday being quite nice in northern Washington State, we planned to meet in La Conner.<br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div></div><br /><div>This would be my longest ride so far on any motorcycle, let alone my Triumph, so I wanted to plan my trip out to maximize the sightseeing and minimize the highway traveling. Another reason for this route was my wife's concern over me being on the freeway so much; while I told her that freeway riding is actually pretty safe since we are all going the same direction, I promised her I would take it easy.</div><br /><div></div><div>I left Saturday <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">morning</span> about 8:45am, and proceeded along I-90. My plan was to take I-90 for about 15 miles, and then head north via surface streets, then return to the freeway (I-405) for a couple of miles. While the easiest route north to La Conner would be to travel from I-405 to I-5, there is a state highway, Highway 9, that almost parallels I-5 and takes one through some very picturesque scenery and small towns. I had never really traveled Hwy 9 before, even by car, so I took this route. </div><br /><div></div><div>Hwy 9 passes by the town of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Snohomish</span></span>, known for its numerous antique shops and galleries. I stopped at the local Starbucks for some coffee, oatmeal, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">wifi</span></span> to let Bob know where I was. I then continued north on 9, and then made my way west, crossing I-5 and eventually reaching La Conner at about 11:20am. </div><br /><div></div><div>Saturday was the day before the Oyster Run in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Anacortes</span></span>, which is a large rally for Northwest riders. I was hoping to find Bob easily - he said he would be waiting for me just outside the public restrooms on the main drag of town, but with all of the motorcycles, I couldn't quite make out his bike. Luckily, he recognized me, gave me a wave and I parked my bike.</div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL3-exLpkK2nIStDpjo86zQZkujJfJb_gtLi1I3vD22S5G0K3rLI9yG38j54-3UeMugY6LVHNA_nO7emDdLUL1Q4X2OgmtKuNI_7aVw3CDHWAzze7VvqbuByVh9X7T_sW9i_qLx4wGoUuw/s1600-h/DSC00999.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387457928053820450" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL3-exLpkK2nIStDpjo86zQZkujJfJb_gtLi1I3vD22S5G0K3rLI9yG38j54-3UeMugY6LVHNA_nO7emDdLUL1Q4X2OgmtKuNI_7aVw3CDHWAzze7VvqbuByVh9X7T_sW9i_qLx4wGoUuw/s320/DSC00999.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div></div>Bob's scoot:<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh081exWox2SVfu5JLVPPjl7fQied2L12JLa4dbMRxQOtGq6iSL2mYdjCN8PqMK7PI-aitsT37S9YZDtpePpFQOpvKzn1ZtXIpy9cV1rylYFEkAK0XKSC4QyF8l-dyxYfRp6R2ItLz8VQPB/s1600-h/DSC01006.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387455707737636642" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh081exWox2SVfu5JLVPPjl7fQied2L12JLa4dbMRxQOtGq6iSL2mYdjCN8PqMK7PI-aitsT37S9YZDtpePpFQOpvKzn1ZtXIpy9cV1rylYFEkAK0XKSC4QyF8l-dyxYfRp6R2ItLz8VQPB/s320/DSC01006.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>It was great to meet Bob - he is one of those guys that is very friendly online, and is the same in person. Since it was my first visit to La Conner, we walked a bit, and then decided on a lunch spot.</div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0IsqoxvcaNQef1o82cbpGCsVxPZagnCc1lQNAdOIvKRdspDDWXM0pU0cD4BIRcO87VxsKoTqfofI94Yyqq_h2gRU9ZSoV7UK182TOONS8y5hXNVF34QkXYZsNeqxkVMrVWg8n1bVcUMAc/s1600-h/DSC01004.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387457919928564642" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0IsqoxvcaNQef1o82cbpGCsVxPZagnCc1lQNAdOIvKRdspDDWXM0pU0cD4BIRcO87VxsKoTqfofI94Yyqq_h2gRU9ZSoV7UK182TOONS8y5hXNVF34QkXYZsNeqxkVMrVWg8n1bVcUMAc/s320/DSC01004.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div>After lunch, we took more pictures and enjoyed the town. Bob then lead me on a ride to Edison, where there was a large gathering of riders, presumably on their way to the Oyster Run.</div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRsbY1tE6uK3LTnwQXmcJlDQ_O36qGHVzeA1ytseQdoTjb61rvFWBf_OREDByeW3DRfvMsaD6aw6FkKAB0hj1L4gNoaMwrb3FZbCj107fofh7eIsA4NdGsyqtwcnJLL3zFGEb8XOZZ3cEN/s1600-h/DSC01008.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387455720893359554" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRsbY1tE6uK3LTnwQXmcJlDQ_O36qGHVzeA1ytseQdoTjb61rvFWBf_OREDByeW3DRfvMsaD6aw6FkKAB0hj1L4gNoaMwrb3FZbCj107fofh7eIsA4NdGsyqtwcnJLL3zFGEb8XOZZ3cEN/s320/DSC01008.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>I had a meeting with a potential buyer of my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">GV</span></span>250, so I had to leave around 2pm. Bob guided me to the entrance to I-5, we said goodbye and planned to meet again.</div><br />My return route took me past Lake <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">McMurray</span></span>. An old gas station remains, and was a great backdrop for a picture of the Triumph.<br /><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT-UCL6gqRycbQTeEArTIhvMo58N7eO5ML-7IVQalRI288EGwgq7QN2MQBTmTvIW_KiQXjSwcjO85FatNV3BDqr5NUZGAx7AenXK6Dt_b4mLf-HnCYRV9Ionb3VZeQ_LkzpQQO4pBd1tpy/s1600-h/DSC01010.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387456626592852610" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT-UCL6gqRycbQTeEArTIhvMo58N7eO5ML-7IVQalRI288EGwgq7QN2MQBTmTvIW_KiQXjSwcjO85FatNV3BDqr5NUZGAx7AenXK6Dt_b4mLf-HnCYRV9Ionb3VZeQ_LkzpQQO4pBd1tpy/s320/DSC01010.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>Bob, it was great to meet you, and thanks for giving me a tour of La Conner!</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpUVwjVlMKwpXKYEVvPfaq5GQAZXGMrnFgbskvJgdWEkwQYZMya0XODy4XYbf4x7n3J5hSpT7hu_Onju6j4n1VujDqtUiAIl1hSW28wKhOVgBPPQvVZym27HbQdkhqdNQ4mFrfQVfN2Ozs/s1600-h/DSC01005.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387455707212500050" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpUVwjVlMKwpXKYEVvPfaq5GQAZXGMrnFgbskvJgdWEkwQYZMya0XODy4XYbf4x7n3J5hSpT7hu_Onju6j4n1VujDqtUiAIl1hSW28wKhOVgBPPQvVZym27HbQdkhqdNQ4mFrfQVfN2Ozs/s320/DSC01005.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div></div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Lancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02458096347718242672noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1684109533781576722.post-36966453492533388212009-09-23T21:29:00.000-07:002009-09-24T13:03:12.395-07:00Loaner Bike<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_pbJLoYTadv4oiL7uwbuzqHkEjFtiU-KlxfOPEL8RuA8PZLumdFAK2UHCq7wozKpdOMUNf08SYfBWsx03R8EvQ3RPPCM3Al9SsEIURPt4mw2ajalP-eSPX8SKmLH97xyJz7vQ6zU-XxJ/s1600-h/DSC00996.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384889125254475346" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_pbJLoYTadv4oiL7uwbuzqHkEjFtiU-KlxfOPEL8RuA8PZLumdFAK2UHCq7wozKpdOMUNf08SYfBWsx03R8EvQ3RPPCM3Al9SsEIURPt4mw2ajalP-eSPX8SKmLH97xyJz7vQ6zU-XxJ/s320/DSC00996.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><div><div>I had to bring in my America to the dealer (I-90 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Motorsports</span> in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Issaquah</span>) to replace a faulty <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">tach</span> (apparently a known item - there was a bad batch of them made, and a few of us got them), and to install my "dresser bars" (English for "crash guards" or "engine guards"). I love how Triumph describes parts like this - also, my exhaust pipes are called "silencers" (although I bought them because they were louder than my stock pipes). But I digress...</div><br /><div></div><div>The work was going to take a little over 2 hours, so I stopped by the sales and parts area to see Don, the guy I bought my bike from. Don is a great guy, real passionate about Triumphs, and loves to have customers stop by and chat. When I came in, there were a couple of others there just talking about their rides for the week, and looking at the showroom bikes. Don asks me what I was doing, and after I told him what I was there for, he says "why don't you take one of the bikes and head out to lunch" - since it was lunch time, I accepted his kind offer, and he got one of their demo bikes out, a Bonneville SE.</div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBQE4kxA_W3DNSaIqtAwxqF6zH5TJx0Cdlprdof7saYUsQ83lK_SvF8rnJjDInb1YMQD8z45X7vtNKR-CIXAa1CGxXlV8DE2eT_VUtGwBzTSdXAUrq-L_8WJaTUY_S-TYTm6LYyk_lpU9M/s1600-h/DSC00995.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384889163725653730" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBQE4kxA_W3DNSaIqtAwxqF6zH5TJx0Cdlprdof7saYUsQ83lK_SvF8rnJjDInb1YMQD8z45X7vtNKR-CIXAa1CGxXlV8DE2eT_VUtGwBzTSdXAUrq-L_8WJaTUY_S-TYTm6LYyk_lpU9M/s320/DSC00995.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div>The Bonneville SE pays homage to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Bonnevilles</span> of the past, and is part of Triumph's "Modern Classics" line of bikes. This line includes the Bonneville, Bonneville SE, Bonneville T100, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Thruxton</span>, and the Scrambler. Like my America, these bikes have the same 865cc engine, but the Modern Classics have a more retro look. </div><div> </div><div></div><div>Don reminded me that Bonneville SE is lighter so it is quick handling, and has the traditional middle controls - my feet went to look for the forward controls, but there are none!</div><div></div><div>I take the Bonnie out of their parking lot, and immediately someone gives me the thumbs up on the bike - they are pretty cool looking! I head out onto I-90 and I am impressed with the quickness of the Bonnie; again, this is a lighter bike than my America and she really takes off. Since she is lighter, I notice getting knocked around in the wind a bit, but this is only in comparison to my America, plus this Bonneville did not have a windscreen. There was an aftermarket pipe installed on this bike, made by Arrow, which sounded fantastic!</div><div> </div><div></div><div>After an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">exhilarating</span> ride up and down I-90, I returned to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Issaquah</span> for lunch at Starbucks, where I took these pictures. Returning to I-90 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Motorsports</span> (if you're ever in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Issaquah</span>, stop by I-90 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Motorsports</span> - it's a great motorcycle shop) my bike is just about finished. I really appreciated the opportunity to test ride another bike, but am glad to be back on my America.</div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7z12FAepAynerjXw4FQvPzeCx6lDxt_DBNniQQzUhWzR6FwGgA94iHk6k7Q6cL_FlksckRfKZZhlDMQ5A1jxZdRZPy7RMaA4iGHiOu6LKOlG4Kj69vvrRuFdDhPFjtgoaVUAMCpBSrdiz/s1600-h/DSC00994.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384889142376856082" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7z12FAepAynerjXw4FQvPzeCx6lDxt_DBNniQQzUhWzR6FwGgA94iHk6k7Q6cL_FlksckRfKZZhlDMQ5A1jxZdRZPy7RMaA4iGHiOu6LKOlG4Kj69vvrRuFdDhPFjtgoaVUAMCpBSrdiz/s320/DSC00994.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div></div></div></div>Lancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02458096347718242672noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1684109533781576722.post-1760777234639024842009-09-10T18:22:00.000-07:002009-09-12T19:04:13.204-07:00Three Forks Natural Area<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSAkJyGRL3a-U1CI3kv2gTu1wrAxBgPIqPGFXId_BpivMInwMwjG-Nf9-CS2SNul4RcfeGXEk3gy4H4s6g11Bh72Ucu-d-SP4QLMpvAzqy7dJziNbJOc58KvIzgNDh-Vt0GUZR0MHCDEqv/s1600-h/DSC00952.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380745415590929346" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSAkJyGRL3a-U1CI3kv2gTu1wrAxBgPIqPGFXId_BpivMInwMwjG-Nf9-CS2SNul4RcfeGXEk3gy4H4s6g11Bh72Ucu-d-SP4QLMpvAzqy7dJziNbJOc58KvIzgNDh-Vt0GUZR0MHCDEqv/s320/DSC00952.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><div><div><div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div>I've mentioned in other posts that the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Snoqualmie</span> River has three forks - the North, South and Middle. They converge just north of town center at a place aptly named the Three Forks Natural Area. The 418-acre Area includes over five miles of riverfront and is located between and near large blocks of undeveloped land including Mount Si Natural Resource Conservation Area (8,041 acres), <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Weyerhaeuser's</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Snoqualmie</span> Tree Farm (180,000 acres), the Cedar River Watershed (90,000+-acres), and the Mt. Baker-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Snoqualmie</span> National Forest (1.7 million acres). It's about a 15 minute ride from my house, and is a very scenic area.</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixRRn4kztc9rhVWYIe_0Y-Am_EU8h9iD2FLf3u4MqREhsqK3PQj_1kY1YAizZl53EBOcMaeQfS94mTGXcXxLoB76O-r2ycrAtvBMfumj_Q6onvkaIQKjlw50lSeD8Yz0tAhL-yuhZOO6WL/s1600-h/DSC00953.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380745419246100962" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixRRn4kztc9rhVWYIe_0Y-Am_EU8h9iD2FLf3u4MqREhsqK3PQj_1kY1YAizZl53EBOcMaeQfS94mTGXcXxLoB76O-r2ycrAtvBMfumj_Q6onvkaIQKjlw50lSeD8Yz0tAhL-yuhZOO6WL/s320/DSC00953.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>Mt. Si, standing at nearly 4200 feet, marks the Cascade foothills, and can be easily viewed from the Area.<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidr80jGkdQ-C-0mTk_mYyp5m6Jl4mFtTyE4qiEuivDL96ocMb227Hzv0M3Sa8wZUXGjnfNHArBCkwzhTDgm4cMNtGb4Q0a5m4GOhVzThLUmp_Af4VQlERjeYue88eU8L4tYdedXdSwNOvr/s1600-h/DSC00948.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380745451696585394" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidr80jGkdQ-C-0mTk_mYyp5m6Jl4mFtTyE4qiEuivDL96ocMb227Hzv0M3Sa8wZUXGjnfNHArBCkwzhTDgm4cMNtGb4Q0a5m4GOhVzThLUmp_Af4VQlERjeYue88eU8L4tYdedXdSwNOvr/s320/DSC00948.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>Across the road are large rural homesteads, farms mostly devoted to raising livestock, such as horses and llamas:</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1r1TmX9FXDmdADhH-rI1N0zAwSH-0ht6mHU6jawuV9CoBFru7B39o4SmY1FD9bGm-DirlOLW-m_29gy1a6pFKNTJ5YbTDNQi-aXDhUAJndi4inObjh0ZCDek7HzjIvTJGPMPL7bRYPR8I/s1600-h/DSC00951.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380745432673694098" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1r1TmX9FXDmdADhH-rI1N0zAwSH-0ht6mHU6jawuV9CoBFru7B39o4SmY1FD9bGm-DirlOLW-m_29gy1a6pFKNTJ5YbTDNQi-aXDhUAJndi4inObjh0ZCDek7HzjIvTJGPMPL7bRYPR8I/s320/DSC00951.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div><br />A very nice place to stop the Triumph and take a few pictures:</div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMomT-1w82mOYAZf47iUSpSX0sBhfUnBva6_g0x82ocrEFx_SiH82pa49FAxuwuLdcnoT-LHb1TwRMaoNUdyZ6Z2c0_Mz0WB9jni2qBWq0ADFgKGT7peiTDvjMgGynpmWMkc7FMW9jJn3t/s1600-h/DSC00946.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380749919693902546" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMomT-1w82mOYAZf47iUSpSX0sBhfUnBva6_g0x82ocrEFx_SiH82pa49FAxuwuLdcnoT-LHb1TwRMaoNUdyZ6Z2c0_Mz0WB9jni2qBWq0ADFgKGT7peiTDvjMgGynpmWMkc7FMW9jJn3t/s320/DSC00946.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeUR1Rr32dCjw3G6NBMnI3cWWs4-Oct08uv8CLgVT-E0QNiQv4dF_1dQIkfzvXGtK-45FaiWyGh3PFjvoPmyKkYNndcDqBBNIVid87XmFME2hpI2SRUTFBzhexFbGLc1Abj0khWcfXHIn6/s1600-h/DSC00947.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380749928644717682" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeUR1Rr32dCjw3G6NBMnI3cWWs4-Oct08uv8CLgVT-E0QNiQv4dF_1dQIkfzvXGtK-45FaiWyGh3PFjvoPmyKkYNndcDqBBNIVid87XmFME2hpI2SRUTFBzhexFbGLc1Abj0khWcfXHIn6/s320/DSC00947.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVTWPh9Bicsax8Lm-xogfLhswHhjZlue-5N74_FB80xN43uzv5G56Tq0utYSNdszTStZpdutttuUreGH1V4Llv7JdrjDwvGDpL9UEh0fToSShjPUwvAEjAMTJ-4sd2I7AMscZRDswfcesu/s1600-h/DSC00950.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380745440861583314" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVTWPh9Bicsax8Lm-xogfLhswHhjZlue-5N74_FB80xN43uzv5G56Tq0utYSNdszTStZpdutttuUreGH1V4Llv7JdrjDwvGDpL9UEh0fToSShjPUwvAEjAMTJ-4sd2I7AMscZRDswfcesu/s320/DSC00950.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div></div></div></div></div></div>Lancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02458096347718242672noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1684109533781576722.post-42720615699649361482009-09-09T06:21:00.000-07:002009-09-09T06:41:01.752-07:00The Cat Did It!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinVDGy5lal0EnhaV6ZssmvwUnDMf5LkAVZRJrKgee2_wEEJxHA4BYAjVy-2gDjvfqs91-Zq1UgM0ediCJMpSlgEknctQBgHm6tLb3II3PzG0izEskxAZ01uBr1ck2qEqWGMefe49KkjJRf/s1600-h/DSC00313.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379455680854762482" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinVDGy5lal0EnhaV6ZssmvwUnDMf5LkAVZRJrKgee2_wEEJxHA4BYAjVy-2gDjvfqs91-Zq1UgM0ediCJMpSlgEknctQBgHm6tLb3II3PzG0izEskxAZ01uBr1ck2qEqWGMefe49KkjJRf/s320/DSC00313.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHACviksJsTiwq8-NluMNR7IYY_v95gD-xv7NDwicAmliUZILvRL4PF2Hq2z_UAQ50-eIAo_fj2PGXFo5rhb4841Vu3HYGwpMRyt3Palc3EBB_fXzbhobSp_Gec0iiuGRZ2ITBoR2sMOce/s1600-h/trashcat.jpg"></a>2 Cat incidents to report:</div><br /><div>1) Blog Cat - That cat, while fun, had to go. She had fleas of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">cyber</span> sort - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">malware</span>, so she has been put outside. She's been replaced by the google-approved fish tank. Click your mouse in the tank to feed them.</div><div></div><br /><div>2) Real Cat - One of our cats, April, seen above, has been ridding our property of rodents recently. One late afternoon, my wife and I were out on the front porch, and April makes a beeline into the house. My wife notices something in her mouth and screams. April drops off an almost dead mouse in our dining room (reminded me of the Monty Python scene "I'm not dead yet"). More screams for me to get the mouse out, and I have to grab the poor fellow and toss him outside. We now have to watch her before she comes in. As an alternative, she leaves them right at the front door, as if to proudly proclaim her contribution to the family.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7eed-bgt06eOjKqwwaG6o8gjzSBek5Ts7dWbBqmjnStplsEsotEFqcN-gA4LgT1LCZwsIzl7QCi1nsYcsl1SdLaDE29gaLW13eqdb6myB1p_VvYKY6HJAs9Fu0ZxR8VRCSOhkQ1lqGeKx/s1600-h/DSC00969.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376643563532607090" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7eed-bgt06eOjKqwwaG6o8gjzSBek5Ts7dWbBqmjnStplsEsotEFqcN-gA4LgT1LCZwsIzl7QCi1nsYcsl1SdLaDE29gaLW13eqdb6myB1p_VvYKY6HJAs9Fu0ZxR8VRCSOhkQ1lqGeKx/s320/DSC00969.JPG" border="0" /></a></div></div>Lancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02458096347718242672noreply@blogger.com8