The ONE Picture Ride Report

[Redfish Hunter]

As a child I was fascinated with the idea of touring on a motorcycle. I would hear about some friend of a friend who knew somebody that "rode their Harley all the way to Colorado" or "they made it all the way to Tennessee before they broke down". I never actually met anybody that rode a bike that far. In fact we only knew a few people who had a Big Bike.

Meanwhile I was riding my little Honda MR 50 around and around and around my parent's yard.

Fast Forward: I am a husband, a father, a homeowner, and I own (pay notes) on that most wonderful of things, a Sport Touring Motorcycle. But it only goes to work and back, sometimes I ride it a couple hours down to the camp. Dad has a shiny new FJR, his bike has done the same thing except he has just retired. My HD riding cousin suggests a Bike Trip.

Finally, we embark on a Once In A Lifetime Trip. Or at least that is what we thought at the time. Little did we know what this would do to us, what it would lead to, or how important this would become.

I should be ashamed of this, but I am not. We loaded three of the finest Coast to Coast motorcycles of that era onto a trailer. Yes, we Trailered to Robbinsville North Carolina. And it was the Right Thing To Do. We were able to carry everything, we were able to build the excitement all the way there and discuss the good times on the way home. We learned a lot about what we needed to bring and more about what we needed to leave at home. I learned I needed to actually join the two motorcycle forums where I had been lurking.

I remembered telling Pop and my cousin on the ride home, "This may have started off as The Trip of a Lifetime, but it wasn't. This is just The First Trip. We ain't done."

The White Elephant with our bikes parked next to our cabin at The Dragon's Rest just south of Robbinsville NC:

 

[Bungie]

Kay, this one. Ride report and not even on my bike. FAST Race school in Shannonville Ontario. Absolutely the most fun I've ever had riding a motorcycle. I'd sell my soul to live closer and likely give up riding on the road.

 

[airboss]

Got in nice 200 mile ride today.

Why?

Cup of Coffee.

 

[BugR]

Looks like the Cassiar Highway BC to Yukon Canada,

I still glow inside when I think about my trip up there.

Chris

Alright I am going to show my ignorance here. Where in heaven is this, cause I have to add it to my list.

Thanks

Headed north for Watson Lake with George. George stoping thinking the views just don't stop.

 

[BugR]

You really need to try the track at Calabogie.

Kay, this one. Ride report and not even on my bike. FAST Race school in Shannonville Ontario. Absolutely the most fun I've ever had riding a motorcycle. I'd sell my soul to live closer and likely give up riding on the road.

 

[zzzzip]

I had been riding small stuff, as in Kawasaki 175s, in the 1970's and thought I knew what I was doing riding a Kaw KZ650 about 1978. Thought my skills were good enough, and balls big enough to ride the KZ1000s for a Sate Highway Patrol. I got selected to go thru training and found I wasn't that good the first day, when the KZ wouldn't lay over to negotiate a curve in formation at 60 mph at rush hour on a 4 lane divided by a guard rail. I stayed awake all night trying to figure out what I nearly did wrong in target fixating and missing a curb by 4 inches, over a guard rail and into oncoming traffic and certain death.

So the next morning I washed myself out of the class, checked my balls at the door and a few weeks later sold my bike because I was no longer comfortable riding. Plus I had a wife and kids to support without taking unnecessary risks.

Fast forward, as they say, 25 years and I am on the verge of retirement-- my kids are thru college, the wife is set up financially, and I am no longer a productive member of society. What to do?

Get my balls back.

My buddy, who thinks he wants a Vespa to ride in traffic because, "They don't run fast enough to kill you", thinks I have a death wish. So I find a slightly used FZ1, and riding it 200 miles home, I figure out what I did wrong all those years ago (and later what was wrong with that KZ1000). Then I ride a buddy's FJR. OH, buddy.....!!! Gotta have one.

I month later (October 2004) it's World Series time and I'm negotiating with a guy via email who has a 2004 ABS with 1500 miles on it. He wants to sell so he and his wife can build a house and get out of the brewery district in St. Louis. We negotiate during commercials between innings. We are finally $50 apart. Last inning. He holds ground. I ask him to show his wife the emails and explain how all that stands between her and a new house in the 'Burbs is $50. Next inning he accepts my offer. I don't remember who won, but I got my first of 5 FJRs.

The 2005 SW-FOG was my first tour, and still stands as my favorite. Wore blue jeans, Danner (ex-uniform) boots, a Joe Rocket perforated leather jacket (bad idea in the mountains), Nolan 101, and carried cheap bicycling rain gear. Carried enough clothes and non essentials to travel a month let alone the week I was gone.

Saw some of the best scenery, met guys like BeemerDon and learned a lot about touring on that first trip. Took my first touring photo:

Garden of the Gods, near Colorado Springs, Colorado.

 

[zzzzip]

I remember working some pretty long hours in the dead of night and lousy weather, and thinking, "Someday I'm gonna get payback for this!"

So with the promise of cooler temps, no rain and lower humidity for more than 48 hours, I decided to go in search of one of those "payback days" by heading to Iowa and Wisconsin on my FJR1300....

I was wanting to see the National Motorcycle Museum in Anamosa, Iowa which was about 3 hours up the road. I left early in the morning and ran the "Avenue of the Saints" (St. Louis to St. Paul) as far as Iowa City on mostly 4 lane, and cut off on 2 lane to Anamosa. For $7 I got to roam the museum which is mostly full of old Harlys and HD parts, motors, etc. It does however have bikes like Vincents, BSA, BMW, Indian, Ducs, and much more. Worth the money, even if you are not into HD.

I took many photos, but it was time to hit the road and get in some more miles. I headed for Dubuque, Iowa and up the Mississippi to Prairie du Chien via some scenic roads.

I crossed the bridge into Wisconsin and made it to Boscobel and called it a night after 400 miles. Nice town, but cuisine challenged. I'd see what tomorrow would bring...

I rode down to Spring Green to check out Frank Lloyd Wright's "Taliesin", but decided the $47 tour ticket, and 2 hour wait was going to cut into too much of my day, so I am satisfied with a couple of photos and a look see at the information center...

Made it back to Boscobel after 300 miles and went in search of food, and as luck would have it... there is a liquor store right next door to the motel.

I decided today was one of my "payback" days. I rode with no destination in mind on excellent roads in excellent weather, made some wrong turns without caring because you can't go wrong with any of the roads in SW Wisconsin, and found people want to stop and chat when you ride alone. A good night's sleep--- with an open window for a change, and I am ready for another day, and the ride home.


Well now.... it was 45 degrees this morning, but I was heading south so it has to warm up a little right? I made it about 35 miles and had to have some coffee. I saw a sign saying fresh baked goods on a restaurant on the main street of Fennimore and had to stop. They make a fine cream cheese turnover and the coffee is good. The place is packed with "seasoned citizens" and one lady comes to the table to ask me where I got my riding boots (Tour Masters)-- she wants a pair like them-- she is about 65. Great place to pick up women, I can see, you betcha'. Not making many miles but having a good time.

I took some back roads (many are not listed on the state highway map even though they are paved and even striped in some cases) and end up in Mineral Point.

I looked at some of the old restored houses belonging to miners from the early 1800's. Many came from Cornwall, England to the lead mines. There is a tour available. Some very interesting houses around town and the main street and historic district looks like it is booming. I hope to come back and spend more time.

South on 23 with some detours for road construction leads me to Shullsburg and lunch. Home of Schullsburg Creamery in operation since 1934. Shullburg is kind of a small version of Mineral Point, which is a small version of Galena, Il. I ended up at the Water Street Pub, which was originally a bank building. It now has a B&B type of rooms above along with the bar and restaurant below.

I had a "Pasty" which is reported to be what the Cornish miners put in their buckets for lunch. It is a hot pastry with beef, onions, and potatoes inside--- man food. And of course the usual side of coleslaw. In keeping with tradition and eating local white "soul food", I had an old traditional drink to go with it. "Fat Squirrel Ale" from just up the road at New Glarus.

Off to Galena, Il. and on south via the "Great River Road".

Galena is very proud of General U.S. Grant, and they have a beautiful park with many statues and cannon. Jo Daviess county produced 5 generals in the Civil War, but Grant gets all the press. Grant's home is here, and the historic district is really eye catching.

Only to find the batteries have about had it in the camera. I got a final photo... which I think is rather fitting....

Some days you're the windshield, some days you're the bug....

I had 3 great payback days. That's all folks.

 

[Rambler]

Stancils Store is an old gas station convenience store dating back to 1950s. It is now derelict. The gas pumps aren’t that old; making me think that store was a running business up to about a few years ago. It shows age. Beaten by the passing seasons and years. A star spangled banner proudly (fairly recently, I imagine) pinned to the wall. There is quite the interesting history behind this store and the original store across the street – now well over 100yrs old and still standing.This store is said to have been built in 1952. Gradually 'there was no need for a local country store' and this led to it being shut down.

I like the way this location provides a nice ‘dated’ backdrop to the modern bike like the FJR1300. The nippy wind was picking up. The Sun fought valiantly against the cold wind. I think the wind was winning. Took some quick shots and on with the gloves, zip up jacket, face shield down point towards Burn Mountain Lookout Point.

 

[hppants]

2014

My sister has twins, Maddie and Jacob. Jacob is a Mechanical Engineering student at our University. He's smart as a whip and chooses his words wisely. Can't say specifically 'cause the jury is still out, but trust me, this kid is going places.

He started asking me questions about motorcycles and well, the fever strikes when it strikes. Two months later, MSF course done, gear purchased, cherry Nighthawk 250 located and purchased, initial maintenance completed, and we are off on his first official ride. I was honored that he allowed me to be a part of it. It was 100 of the best miles I've ever had.

My nephew on his first taste of the wind.

 

[wheatonFJR]

This thread is pissing me off. I wanna like every post...but can't. These are all great!

 

[JimNtexas]

Back in 2010 my close friend Craig and I spent 3 days exploring West Texas, him on his ST, me on my FJR.

Craig and I were both navs in the Air Force. He was seriously injured in the crash of his F-4, it tore up his back. Shortly after this image was taken he had to give up riding for more than an hour so at a time. That's why this trip is a special memory for me.

​

 

[1911]

Went for a ride and took a pic of this sign because I thought it was funny. Turns out it wasn't as funny as I thought after checking the spelling.

 

[Rambler]

Headed towards Fort Nelson from Watson Lake, the views really never stopped.

The only downside of riding alone is that you can't get awesome pics like this of yourself!

 

[hppants]

March 2013

I had been communicating on a motorcycle forum with some people from Beaumont, Texas, which is about 100 miles from my house. We have been kicking around the idea of getting together for a ride. We never met in person, but the Internet is quite a match maker. I agreed to ride over there in the morning for a day trip. We would meet at a very visible gas station right off the interstate. I knew exactly where I was going.

As is usually the case, I got up early before sunrise and drank some coffee with the newspaper. I then packed my horse for the adventure. My usual pre-trip inspection went quickly, and with tires at proper pressure, and all fluids good, I rolled the big FJR out of the shop to the driveway. There’s plenty of time, but I’m very excited about meeting my new friends, so I fired up the Yamaha and started donning my riding gear. She’s purring like a big cat, with puffs of steam pushing out both exhaust cans in perfect synchronization. The bike automatically lowers to the running temperature idle, I press “play all” on the MP3 player, and the music starts. I pull the clutch in, shift into first, and the adventure has officially just begun.

Taxing out of the neighborhood, great thoughts are running through my mind. I have no idea what the day will bring, and the unknowing of that is very exciting. I turn right at the highway, and bring the big girl up through the gears, shifting at around 4,000 rpm from memory. At speed, it occurs to me that it is still pretty dark. My night vision has deteriorated over the years. Things are not as crystal clear in the dark anymore, if that makes sense. I realize that I’ve got plenty of time and there is no point in pushing anything today. I decide to just pull over and wait 10 minutes for the light to come up. There is a gravel driveway just up ahead with a nice asphalt pad leading to the highway. I signal right, downshift twice, and bring the bike to a smooth stop and cut the engine.

And right there, in total unpredictability, I had a moment.

To my left, a setting full moon is still fairly high in the sky. It has been this way for a few nights, providing additional light for creatures of all kinds. The moon inspires me to reflect on the past. To think about what I’ve done, and what I’ve failed to do. To realize that all things have happened for a reason. To understand that I’ve grown from my mistakes.

To my right, the sun is starting to rise. The big orange ball in the distance is bringing resources for all of us. Its heat is warming the land, providing comfort to people, animals, and fish. Its light is also providing a catalyst for all plants and trees to perform their daily growth. The rising sun gives me promise that good things are in my future, and the world is not as dark as it seems.

I realize that I’m in a wonderful position. Quite literally, I’m neither stuck in the past, nor dwelling on the future. I’m totally immersed in the now. I have no regrets or worries about what happened yesterday, nor any ill-conceived notions about what will happen tomorrow. Right there, right then – it was all about the now. A feeling of peace overwhelmed me.

A few minutes later, with abundant light shining on the highway ahead, I resumed my adventure. So far, so good. Let’s see what’s around that next curve…..

Stay thirsty, my friends…..

 

[JustinNck1]

I bought my FJR in October 2014, but I wanted to get a trip in before winter. My father and I decided a long weekend to Deals Gap & BRP would be the perfect end to a riding season. We left our house in Ohio at a cool 34 degrees, slabbed to Kentucky and then hit some twisty roads the rest of the way. This photo was the end of the day heading to our hotel in Robbinsville. The next two days were nothing but amazing roads. We went to the Wheels Through Time Museum, and enjoyed plenty of amazing views at peak foliage. This was my first trip on the new FJR and i was loving it. I can't wait to go back down south again.

 

[Redfish Hunter]

Uh pants? That was TWO pictures. Just sayin'

Hugs and ... Nevermind.

 

[Uncle Hud]

.... it IS his thread ...

 

[hppants]

Well - technically, I merged two pictures into one image. Splitting hairs, I suppose....

And again, I really appreciate everyone's willingness to keep this on topic. At 6 pages, if you look at the body of this work, it's absolutely incredible and it will only get better. Seriously, this would make an amazing coffee table book, IMO.

September 2015

This is one of my favorite pictures from my trip to Utah/Colorado. I took this about 15 minutes after we entered Zion National Park. I was in sensory overload. Having seen pictures of the park, I had an idea in my mind of what it would look like. Riding the access road into the park, we started seeing some smaller rock formations and I thought "neat". In my memory, about 100 yards past the gate, the whole world opened up into this. I really wasn't ready for the grandeur of this place. It was really special for me.

 

[puppychow]

The way is shut,


The snow keeps it,


And the snow does not suffer the bikes to pass..


The way is shut..

 

[Top_Speed1]

Perfect, and since nobody can comment

BeemerDonS knew Debbie and I were going down to St. Marrten and we were planing on going to a nude beach.... So, Pappa states to me prior "IN!" and "I'll fly down and meet you KJ!" plus a few more like "You better get me some shots of Ms Debbie on the nude beach for my collection!". lmao

hehe. Well, me and my buddies did spot Don's plane coming in! And yes, this was his only "nude pic" from me. RIP my friend.