sbaker33
09-26-2004, 12:39 PM
I was more than a little concerned about the weather but decided to head on out as any miles I got in before the "big event" next week would be a bonus and go a long way towards keeping me sane through it all (my oldest daughter is getting married next Saturday).
I didn't run into any rain on the way to Huntsville but the roads were wet in spots and seemed very slippery. By the time I reached Huntsville (I rode of through the Egypt-Honea and the Forest) I had decided I would stop in and say hi but would have to pass on any group riding since my confidence was very low and I knew I wasn't riding very well at all. I swung by Scott's but it didn't appear that anyone was there or possibly even awake so I went over to Whataburger for a bite to eat and afterwards swung by his place again just to double check.
John and his new, and very nice, FZ1 were out and as I pulled in I saw Rebecca as well. So I decided to stop in for a bit. We took turns talking bikes and admiring the new FZ and before long the clouds were gone, the sun was out and the roads were drying out. I decided to tag a long for a “ride to lunch.” I guess this was Scott's idea of a ride to King's as it took us through a number of back roads I didn't catch the name of and then on to 149 to Anderson and then over 3090 to Carlos and back again with a run through the Forest to King's:-) !
I found myself relaxing and taking to corners better and better as we rode. Watching the others carve through the corners helped my confidence and pretty soon I was feeling pretty comfortable although the bike still didn't feel quite right and I am still a lot slower than most of the group:oops: . At the stop in Carlos Scott noticed how squared off my tires were (I commute 70 miles round trip in the HOV every day). After talking for a bit I realized that the tires were likely the source of a lot of what was making me nervous. I will be replacing them soon but they should have a couple more months of commuting left so I will use them up before replacing them. I probably won't be on too many rides soon anyway.
In Richards Rebecca and I swapped bikes and I rode her SV which is a newer model than mine. I love the engine on hers. The FI really smooths out the few rough spots in what is already a great engine. The ergos and seat were another thing entirely:eek:. The seat on her bike makes mine seam positively plush and the seating position is a good bit more aggressive with way too much weight and pressure on my wrists. It didn't help that I got stuck behind a minivan that was barely going the speed limit it also felt a good bit taller than mine. Still it was great to get some seat time on a different bike. I think that will really help me determine exactly what I would like next time around (in a few years) when I want to buy a new bike. Although I didn't ride it Scott let me sit on the VFR. Man it felt nice!
From King's we rode over to Cycle Shack in Conroe which was fun sitting on the different bike and watching Rebecca try them all out. I liked the 650 V-Strom but I think she is partial to the FZ6. We both liked the little Honda cruiser next to the V-Strom and the SilverWing looks awfully tempting for commuting...:roll:
All in all, it was a really nice day spent riding good roads with good folks. Thanks to everyone. Since I will be otherwise occupied next weekend ya'll have a great time in the Hill Country.
I didn't run into any rain on the way to Huntsville but the roads were wet in spots and seemed very slippery. By the time I reached Huntsville (I rode of through the Egypt-Honea and the Forest) I had decided I would stop in and say hi but would have to pass on any group riding since my confidence was very low and I knew I wasn't riding very well at all. I swung by Scott's but it didn't appear that anyone was there or possibly even awake so I went over to Whataburger for a bite to eat and afterwards swung by his place again just to double check.
John and his new, and very nice, FZ1 were out and as I pulled in I saw Rebecca as well. So I decided to stop in for a bit. We took turns talking bikes and admiring the new FZ and before long the clouds were gone, the sun was out and the roads were drying out. I decided to tag a long for a “ride to lunch.” I guess this was Scott's idea of a ride to King's as it took us through a number of back roads I didn't catch the name of and then on to 149 to Anderson and then over 3090 to Carlos and back again with a run through the Forest to King's:-) !
I found myself relaxing and taking to corners better and better as we rode. Watching the others carve through the corners helped my confidence and pretty soon I was feeling pretty comfortable although the bike still didn't feel quite right and I am still a lot slower than most of the group:oops: . At the stop in Carlos Scott noticed how squared off my tires were (I commute 70 miles round trip in the HOV every day). After talking for a bit I realized that the tires were likely the source of a lot of what was making me nervous. I will be replacing them soon but they should have a couple more months of commuting left so I will use them up before replacing them. I probably won't be on too many rides soon anyway.
In Richards Rebecca and I swapped bikes and I rode her SV which is a newer model than mine. I love the engine on hers. The FI really smooths out the few rough spots in what is already a great engine. The ergos and seat were another thing entirely:eek:. The seat on her bike makes mine seam positively plush and the seating position is a good bit more aggressive with way too much weight and pressure on my wrists. It didn't help that I got stuck behind a minivan that was barely going the speed limit it also felt a good bit taller than mine. Still it was great to get some seat time on a different bike. I think that will really help me determine exactly what I would like next time around (in a few years) when I want to buy a new bike. Although I didn't ride it Scott let me sit on the VFR. Man it felt nice!
From King's we rode over to Cycle Shack in Conroe which was fun sitting on the different bike and watching Rebecca try them all out. I liked the 650 V-Strom but I think she is partial to the FZ6. We both liked the little Honda cruiser next to the V-Strom and the SilverWing looks awfully tempting for commuting...:roll:
All in all, it was a really nice day spent riding good roads with good folks. Thanks to everyone. Since I will be otherwise occupied next weekend ya'll have a great time in the Hill Country.