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J2blue
| | Posted on Monday, August 25, 2008 - 01:44 pm: | 
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I'm finally feeling somewhat normal after returning from the 2008 Taos, NM Buell Rally. I had a blast both literally and figuratively. My Buell Blast held up very well given it's horsepower handicap compared to all the other Buell's that were there. I certainly was able to experience how well the Blast can turn at high speed. Keeping up with the other Buells was exhausting, but I wouldn't have had it any other way as the adrenaline rush put a big grin on my face. The challenge tested everything that I knew about getting the most out of a motorcycle and myself.
Early in the ride I did pull one boneheaded move when I became impatient with a slow car and wanted to take advantage of a short straight going downhill to speed by. I ran out of room before facing an oncoming vehicle and the car I was trying to pass was right beside me. I was forced to split the difference and probably caused some other riders unnecessary grief. After that I made a point to push myself hard but not beyond the stupid line.
The new AirHawk seat pad saved my butt and back much grief. It was more than 8 hours of riding before I felt tired and sore. My elbows and wrists hurt the most. Crouching low to reduce aero-drag and twisting the throttle wide open 97% of the time became the physical task de jour.
The mountain roads that made up the "Enchanted Loop" were beautiful and exhilarating. The main highway to Santa Fe was windy and tasking on me and the Blast. Back in the mountains on the "High Road" was much more fun. I want to go back to all these roads and take a slow ride through them stopping to take pictures and just enjoying the atmosphere.
Lunch on Saturday probably wasn't the best, but Supper at Doc Martin's that night was great. The "awards" and bling capped off the day. I felt I was in the company of good people who were more than enthusiastic about making a Buell ride a great experience. Not once did I feel the need to expose my man breast, whine, or look menacingly cool in studded leather.
The folks from New Mexico put together a great ride and I hope we can return the favor here in Colorado sometime. I think everyone there agreed that all road candidates must be paved. That leaves out a lot of great roads that I know. Time to start evaluating paved possibilities!
I'll post a few pics in a second post... |
J2blue
| | Posted on Monday, August 25, 2008 - 01:55 pm: |
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We "rallied" early at 0900 in front of the Sagebrush hotel where most of us stayed.
Later we had lunch at Embuto(sp?) Nothing was forgotten.
And a Harley dude tried to crash our party.
On my way back to Colorado I stopped to get a picture of this little bridge.
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F_skinner
| | Posted on Monday, August 25, 2008 - 09:14 pm: |
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Jody nice pics. I am glad you had a good time. I wonder where that bridge is?
I see Nick, Jeff, Bob, Dave and his wife were there. I like riding with that group.
I do not know what the formula is to get Dave on the BadWeb LOL... He really puts the miles on that S3...
Frank |
J2blue
| | Posted on Monday, August 25, 2008 - 09:49 pm: |
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Hey Frank,
Yes, they were a great bunch. That bridge crosses the Rio Grande just east of Taos on Highway 64. Dave gave me some good advice on how to push the Blast to keep up. He basically said to ride in as high an rpm range as possible and let the rev limiter decide when enough is enough. I tried it and found myself shifting above 70mph into fifth gear! It was fun.
So I may need to get your help on selecting a bigger Buell! I'm thinking I'd like to try the 12STT. I did test drive the CityX and wasn't real happy with the aggressive rider position. I also need something that can handle some dirt and gravel. |
F_skinner
| | Posted on Monday, August 25, 2008 - 10:56 pm: |
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I think that TT might be a good bike for you. I do not see many popping up for sale. I was really impressed with the XB12X Uly. Bob let me sit on his at the Gateway Rally and it fit pretty good.
Looks like you may have to come up and sit on a couple of bikes... |
Daschunk
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 27, 2008 - 01:12 am: |
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If you don't mind the drive I'm pretty sure that Santa Fe HD/Buell still has that 07 STT. |
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Taos Rally 2008