First long ride on the '06

Discussion in 'General VFR Discussions' started by RobVG, Aug 3, 2015.

  1. RobVG

    RobVG Member

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    First long ride on the ‘06
    Total miles, 343.

    Sunday I went to visit our illustrious friend to the North.
    I left in the morning and headed up HWY 9 to the Sumas crossing. The whole way I was trying to put into practice the advice I got on cornering. Probably over-thought things.

    I remembered what was said aboot the importance of body positioning. I decided to take as many turns I could with virtually no input on the bars. It was an eye opener. I’m gonna keep trying it. In “Total Control”, Lee Parks says the bike should almost corner by itself. That’s a little hard to believe but, with little steering input, you can guide it with weight and balance, depending on the corner.

    We met up and went for a ride up a twisty road (with ample straights) to some lake, I don’t remember the name. I was trying to be courteous and let him lead the whole way, after all, I was a guest. I had no problem following him- the old duffer rides like the wind. My problem was, I was hanging back and had to look for his turn signal as a sign to drop two gears. It’s hard playing catch up when trying to pass.

    I did fuck up once, at least I hope only once. On the way back I figured maybe it was my turn to pass and dropped a gear and got on it. Well the Canuk happened to get the same idea at the same time. I don’t know if he saw me but I could have slapped his back as I went by.

    After the ride we had a few beers and chatted for a while. I was impressed by his restraint when the waitresses passed. He was absolutely stoic and I was drooling. But alas, I’m much younger. My ride to the border included a side jaunt and several missed exits. I arrived at Blain at 11:30.

    To avoid too much boring detail- just one more thing of interest. I got a new Seducci tank bag for the trip. I found this can double as a pillow. I was cold, my ears were ringing, and my neck was killing me because of an old injury. I lay on the tank and rested my chin on the tank bag. I grabbed the clutch reservoir with my left hand and rested my forearm on the bar. I could just see over the windscreen.

    I shit you not, I nodded off going down I-5 …..
     
  2. 01ragtop

    01ragtop Member

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    Ok, I know I mentioned relaxing on the bars, but that isn't what I had in mind. Seriously, though, be safe out there; better to pull over and stretch.
     
  3. 34468 Randy

    34468 Randy Secret Insider

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    Chilliwack lake. And I napped a few times waiting for you to catch up. The scenery did not go un-noticed, to and from the lake....and at the bar. You learn to watch through periphial vision and to swallow occassionally rather than to dribble down you chin.
     
    Last edited: Aug 3, 2015
  4. RobVG

    RobVG Member

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    I guess I had that coming...lol
     
  5. sunofwolf

    sunofwolf New Member

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    If your nodding off-its time to stop for a break before you do a Randy, my hands tend to fall asleep first. helibars and peg lowering helped a lot but still nothing works as well as a rest stop.
     
  6. Motographer

    Motographer New Member

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    I've discovered over the course of the last year or so that drowsiness while riding is a late sign that I'm getting dehydrated, and that I need to pull over, drink a liter or two of Gatorade, and rest for a little while. I didn't think it was too much of a problem until I went on a group ride with some friends and fell asleep while riding in front of one of them. I remember a distinct point where I was riding in a straight line one moment, and the next thing I remember, I was in the middle of a corner drifting quickly towards the guardrail; I don't remember anything in between those two points, but it scared the hell out of me. I make sure to carry a water reservoir on long rides now, and it definitely helps.
     
  7. RobVG

    RobVG Member

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    Oh fucking great, my wife read this post. I has some "esplainin' " to do.
     
  8. 34468 Randy

    34468 Randy Secret Insider

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    You going to text her or actually talk to her? I forgot how to do that!
     
  9. Pliskin

    Pliskin New Member

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    It sounds like you and Randy had a nice date. So he took you to a lake, huh? Did he put another notch in the tree? Didn't you wonder why he wasn't staring at the girl in the bar? It all adds up, Rob, it all adds up....

    But glad you had a nice time.
     
  10. RobVG

    RobVG Member

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    Maybe I shouldn't have told him I was going to ride his ass next time.

    I didn't think what that may imply. :stung:
     
  11. 34468 Randy

    34468 Randy Secret Insider

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    I would ask for an explanation but you would probably try a demonstration.:yikes:
     
  12. Alaskan

    Alaskan Member

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    I just returned from a 2000 mile tour on my VFR. These are amazing motorcycles for long rides! And short ones too!






    .
     
  13. RobVG

    RobVG Member

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    Hmm, I find the riding position not all that comfortable. The bike came with raised bars and lowered pegs. It still feels like riding a crotch rocket.
    The throttle lock helps a lot on the freeway. May I'm just getting old.

    2000 miles? Awesome! Where'd you go?
     
  14. sunofwolf

    sunofwolf New Member

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    You picked the right model the 06 has all the improvements and cost the least, I got the abs model-worth the extra money.
     
  15. Alaskan

    Alaskan Member

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    The VFR feels like a La-Z-Boy compared to my 748.

    We rode from Ashland OR east to Highway 395 North and on through John Day, eventually making our way through eastern Oregon to Highway 95 North (great road!) from Weiser ID to Grangeville ID. From Grangeville we took Highway 12 over Lolo Pass (GREAT ROAD and many Harley Davidsons left in our dust!) to Missoula MT. Then we headed south on Highway 93 on the east side of the Bitteroots, eventually making our way on Highways 75 and 21 back to Ontario OR, and then south to Nevada and finally back to Ashland. Not a single mile of freeway in the entire trip! The temperature ranged from 93 F to 50 F.

    Canada next?









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  16. RobVG

    RobVG Member

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    I'm planning a trip to Pendleton OR before summer's over. Too bad 95 isn't on the way. I'm thinking about taking 410 to Yakima, that's a good ride in itself. Then take 97 through Satus pass instead of going down 82. Went that route a long time ago when Snoqualmie was closed due to an avalanche. Then it's up the Gorge.
     
  17. Alaskan

    Alaskan Member

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    I have ridden thru Pendleton many times. I like the Best Western Pendleton Inn. I always park the VFR under the awning out front!

    410 looks pretty good. I have never ridden that. I have always gone south from Randle on the back side of Mt. St. Helens and down the Wind River Highway to White Salmon. it's beautiful but chunks of road are torn up by frost heaves. If you go 97. don't forget to stop for pics at Stonehenge!

    .
     
  18. 34468 Randy

    34468 Randy Secret Insider

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    Seems to be an abundance of cold beer in the garage fridge should you head to Canada's Wet Coast.
     
  19. Alaskan

    Alaskan Member

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    Sounds like a plan, Randy. I am considering a couple potential routes through B.C. down to Missoula. I have to convince my riding partner to buy a passport first!




    .
     
  20. 34468 Randy

    34468 Randy Secret Insider

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    Want a forged one???? If you enter the USA from BC anywhere withing a couple hundred miles of the I-5, you have to pass right by my place.....within a mile of the Trans Canada Hwy.

    I think I have been to Missoula. There are four of us who go down Washington, Idaho, Oregon every second weekend in September for a three or four day ride. Orgasmic. You have to do the run up to Spirit Lake in St Helen's if you have not already.
     
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