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Goldtooth
| Posted on Tuesday, January 11, 2011 - 03:07 pm: |
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I got into street riding to be able to ride with my dad before he is too old to do so. He is now 63 and has been riding as long as I can remember and always been a huge Harley fan. When we were little, he had a run in with a deer on a back highway and crashed but was able to walk away. From that point on, he gave up riding until we were old enough and out of the house. He then felt like he could get back on a bike and if he were to have something happen to him, he wouldn¡¦t have people depending on him. I commend him for this. He gave up something he loved for someone he loved more. Now we know that just because he didn¡¦t ride a motorcycle that it was not guarantee of not being in a bad accident, he just felt it was the best decision. Since I am not into cruisers, I did not choose to ride a Harley but did not want a Japanese high revving bike. I looked at Ducati¡¦s but in the end choose the Buell¡¦s as they are as close to a Harley as I was willing to go and I really liked with Erik Buell did with his designs. Picked up a used X1 and took a safety class. The first ride I did with my dad was a great day. I could tell he was excited about the ride. We have since rode many times and here is one we took over the summer to Mt. St. Helens with some of his friends. My dad¡¦s bike My Buell At his house in Longview, Wa We rode the back roads to meet his buddies at a gas station. For an old man, my dad can move on that pig. Though I did pass him and not see him until the next stop sign ƒº At the gas station We rode up at a decent pace; they would pass the cars and then take a decent pace through the corners. I was content just to be out there and enjoying the time. No hurry now, the fun corners are towards the top anyway. We stopped for a late breakfast at this place my dad goes to a lot. They also give helicopter rides! Nice views In the restaurant They ate at the expected pace, slow ƒº It took us a while to get going again. After about 30 minutes of riding, my dad motioned me to pass as he could tell I was getting restless. I took off and didn¡¦t see them again until the turn for Johnston Ridge where I stopped for a re-group. No traffic, big sweepers, and clear sky¡¦s made a happy Buell rider. We rode to the top together and went to see the big mountain. In the parking lot My Dad Some nice bikes up there The once mighty Mt. St. Helens, now a bit shorter My dad and I We then rode down to a lake to walk around. I believe it was Coldwater Lake. Very pretty. After that we decided to split up a bit to go home. I live in Portland and had to get home at a certain time so I said my goodbyes and headed out. Up by Hoffstadt Bluff, it got very foggy and cold but was able to ride out down to the valley where it warmed up. Jumped on the slab (I-5) and headed home. A great time to spend with my dad and his buddies. nate |
Bttrthnwrk
| Posted on Wednesday, January 12, 2011 - 01:54 am: |
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Great looking trip and report. Thanks. I'm glad you got time time and the ride in. Get more... My family is kind of the opposite, though. I'm the one that's 63 with a Uly and both my sons have Harleys. The oldest has a Street Bob and the youngest has a Fat Bob. At least, I think that's what they're called. They don't really like to go on rides with me too much - they claim I don't stop enough. They're probably right, though. But they do it every now and then. Heh, my youngest rode my Uly this past fall with his new wife on the back, and now he's saying he wants a bike like that for his next one. 'Course, he could have just been humoring the old man. |
Rotzaruck
| Posted on Wednesday, January 12, 2011 - 12:10 pm: |
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Thanks! Very nice! It's good to take a little lunch break and get to enjoy a ride at my desk with my Spam sanmmich. I could relate to both you and your Dad. His stopping and restarting riding, and your Buell decision. Riding again on a Buell has been very good for me! Rotzaruck! |
Jandj_davis
| Posted on Wednesday, January 12, 2011 - 01:30 pm: |
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Lovely bike you have there GoldTooth. Nice area too. You make a flatlander like me jealous |
Ezblast
| Posted on Monday, January 17, 2011 - 07:49 pm: |
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Luv that X1! Nice set of mods! All that rear space - put a fan on the rear cylinder, and a 7" LED front light, led blinkers and tail, lol - ignore me - still, it looks great - a modern cafe! EZ |
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