| |
Subject |
Author |
Date Posted |
Forum
|
 |
RE: Where did you ride today?
Starting out at Sorella's Espresso, John came by in his truck to let me know he wasn't riding. I could sort of understand, 36 degrees and blowing rain.
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h122/Ride_Slow/CIMG5536.jpg
I rode through town, by myself, because I was the only nut case. Headed out Green Vally RD. It was in pretty good shape, just a little snow on the side of the road, in places, and some sand outside of the wheel tracks. I rolled into Flaming Geyser State Park, I thought I might find a good photo there.
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h122/Ride_Slow/CIMG5537.jpg
And, I found a large group of kayakers, preparing to run the Green River. This river is much better in the winter, due to water flow. Very popular, but only should be run by experienced paddlers.
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h122/Ride_Slow/CIMG5539.jpg
At the top of the hill, heading for SR 169, the Little Red Schoolhouse is always good for an interesting photo.
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h122/Ride_Slow/CIMG5541.jpg
SR 169 is closed for 6 months, due to erosion from the heavy rains in November, at the base of the Green River Gorge bridge.
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h122/Ride_Slow/CIMG5543.jpg
I headed north on SR 169, thru Black Diamond, and turned right on the Black Diamond - Ravensdale Rd. Still raining pretty good, and cold. The bank in Black Diamond did not have its temp sign on, so I can only estimate temp, but I had the Gerbings on full. I continued east on the road to Selleck, and when I got to the end, I found about an inch or 2 of slush on the road. I road past the old school, which is now a condominium, turned around, very carefully, and came back to take these pictures.
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h122/Ride_Slow/CIMG5545.jpg
You can see the end of the road behind the bike, I actually turned around under that tree.
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h122/Ride_Slow/CIMG5546.jpg
I came back down out of Selleck, and turned north, heading for Palmer and Kanasket. I crossed the Green, and it was more clear than I thought it would be, almost a blue green color! As I headed into Enumclaw, the snow was melted back quite a bit, so I figured it would be safe to head east on SR 410. I had noticed a few wind gusts, but it wasn't too bad. Wrong. State Patrol had the highway closed at Mud Mountain Dam Rd., due to high winds toppling trees over the road in the Greenwater area. And the wind and rain were really strong where they had the closure, so no pictures. So, I headed over to the Mud Mountain Rd. I was beginning to get a little worried, due to the snow piled up on the road side, but the lanes were clear. I dropped off the park access road, and pulled over to take this picture. Down a bit into the forest, I was protected, so I took this picture.
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h122/Ride_Slow/CIMG5547.jpg
Down around that corner, I began to question my sanity, as the road was covered in snow and slush. Apparently, the cover of the trees had allowed the snow to build up, and protect it from the rain. Harleys don't like slick stuff, but I found a tire track to follow, and made it at a rather slow rate of speed. Nail biter, for sure, but I thot as I dropped in elevation, it would get better. I am not going back up that slick spot, but I found a couple of more on the way down. Scary. Made it down to SR 410, turned towards Buckley, went thru town then right on Mundy Loss Rd., which becomes the Sumner Buckley Highway, then turned on Buckley Tapps Highway, AKA the Rainier Beer Rd.
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h122/Ride_Slow/CIMG5549.jpg
Rain had stopped now, and it was actually warming up, comparatively. As I rode into Auburn, I passed a rider on a sporty bike, gave him a thumbs up, and got a wave in return. Home safe, 78 miles.
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h122/Ride_Slow/CIMG5551.jpg
|
Ride_Slow2004
|
01/02/09 07:18pm |
Motorcycle Forum
|
|
RE: New Years Day ride
Well, a funny thing happened, I was the only dude that was crazy enough to ride in 36 degrees, blowing rain, and even a little snow. It was a good day! Later in the day, I saw 2 cruisers in Enumclaw, and 1 sporty bike in Auburn, but in the am, I was it.
|
Ride_Slow2004
|
01/01/09 11:14pm |
Motorcycle Forum
|
|
RE: Close Call's and Crashes!
I'd like to add to Ride_Slow2004's list of recommendations: ATGATT (All The Gear, All The Time). He suggests wearing helmet, boots, and gloves, but all riders AND passengers should wear a jacket and pants designed for motorcycling, not fashion. As the saying goes, "dress for the crash, not the ride." No one ever intends to go down, but the unexpected does happen. ..
I should have been more clear:
" Put something else between your skin and the pavement." (I went down in August, hands, feet and head ok, get some very weird tan patterns on my arms, scar tissue doesn't tan.)
I actually meant get geared up, because the funny tan patterns are on my arms, elbows, and knees.
|
Ride_Slow2004
|
01/01/09 11:11pm |
Motorcycle Forum
|
|
RE: New Years Day ride
Update:
Lets meet at 10 am in the west parking lot of the Iron Horse Casino, by the Espresso stand. (333 15th Street NE, Auburn)
Home computer is screwed up, may have only hand written route for Thursday. If I can get it running again, will post up route tonight. Looking at Green Valley Rd, east, out on the Plateau, then lunch at the Kettle in Enumclaw.
|
Ride_Slow2004
|
12/31/08 12:35pm |
Motorcycle Forum
|
|
RE: New Years Day ride
Forecast from NOAA:
New Year's Day: Showers likely. Cloudy, with a high near 45.
From the News Tribune:
Wednesday through Sunday Including New Years Day
Periods of rain or showers and windy at times. Lows in the 30s. Highs in the mid 40s.
So, the snow is finally melting from my street, I can actually get out without falling over, lets meet at 10 am in the west parking lot of the Iron Horse Casino, by the Espresso stand. (333 15th Street NE, Auburn) 9am for breakfast, but it is loud, they are still in party mode. Ride someplace, eat, and go home.
|
Ride_Slow2004
|
12/28/08 06:11pm |
Motorcycle Forum
|
|
RE: Vintage Harley Info
You the dual carb that also posts on aim?
Yes, I am the same Dual Carb who posts on www.aimag.com- the American Iron Magazine forum. I like their bulletin board a lot better than this one as it is much more active. But I also like some of the videos and other stuff here.
I am not a very good wrench, but I really appreciate the series American Iron has done on basic Harley Maintainence. I am slowly collecting the tools to keep working on my bike. The AIM articles have helped me tackle stuff in addition to fluid and tire changes. don't have a classic bike, but check these guys out, they keep 'em running.
Seattle Cossacks
|
Ride_Slow2004
|
12/27/08 09:40pm |
American V-Twin Board
|
|
RE: Rider on Facebook and MySpace
Copied and sent out to folks I know that are members. Cool idea.
|
Ride_Slow2004
|
12/27/08 09:34pm |
Motorcycle Forum
|
|
RE: Close Call's and Crashes!
Lessons learned after 400,000 + miles:
Ride like they don't see you, and don't care if they kill you.
Light up your bike, and yourself. I added LED's to my Road King, the Ultra seems to have enough. I did change out the passing lamps to a diffused pattern tractor light. Cut back on oncoming drivers flipping hi beams at me.
Wear your helmet, gloves and boots. Put something else between your skin and the pavement. (I went down in August, hands, feet and head ok, get some very weird tan patterns on my arms, scar tissue doesn't tan.)
Ride a big bike. Commuting on a KZ 650 was like being invisible, drivers see the HD better, and give more room.
Ride through traffic, not with it. Faster or slower than the surrounding vehicles, stay out of the blind spot, and never get between a driver and their exit.
Respect the truckers, give them room to stop, and don't cut them off as they prepare for a grade. Momentum is their friend, and will crush you if you get in the way. Don't ride next to a tractor-trailer, the driver is busy checking all around his rig, and may miss you in a quick scan.
Trust no signal, and assume every action taken is without regard for your motorcycle.
If you ride when it is cold, get some electric gear, and carry some anti fog for your glasses or goggles.
Watch your mirrors, lots of surprises coming up behind.
Above all, get out and ride. Test yourself a bit, try a u turn in a lot, try hard braking in a straight line, make that corner quicker.
Be a smooth rider.
Encourage others to ride.
If you get off, figure out why, and get back on.
If you have a close call, figure out what you did wrong, even if another driver is involved, YOU are responsible for avoiding it.
|
Ride_Slow2004
|
12/27/08 09:28pm |
Motorcycle Forum
|
|
RE: Best Moto Memories of 2008
.
I'll start: My top moto memory of 2008 is being hired as Rider's new Road Test Editor on February 29, 2008 (Leap Day!)..
Congrats on the new job, getting paid to ride is pretty cool, although I know that you have way more to do than that. Keep coming back here, this is a great community, very low key, and that is what I like about it.
I have many memories of 2008, too many photos stuck on disc or in the computer, but I have to look back on my oldest daughter getting endorsed, and then getting to ride with her, as my top. Next would be my youngest grand daughter wanting to sit on the Harley, and learning to say Harley Davidson. Not bad for 2!
|
Ride_Slow2004
|
12/27/08 08:54pm |
Motorcycle Forum
|
|
RE: Close Call's and Crashes!
Kind of a bummer thread, my details indicate rider error, but I kept the helmet, saved my life, took 7 months to recover, and get back on, still did physical therapy for over 2 years.
|
Ride_Slow2004
|
12/23/08 02:02pm |
Motorcycle Forum
|
|
RE: Side Cars?
I never have, was in D.C. during the winter a few years ago, the Park Service escorts for the President were Harley side car rigs. Those riders had a stress level of +10, for sure.
|
Ride_Slow2004
|
12/23/08 01:52pm |
Motorcycle Forum
|
|
RE: Winter Blue's
Really crappy weather here in the NW. Snow, ice, and more snow. New Years Ride not looking so good. Maybe just a U turn in the driveway, and back in the cave.
|
Ride_Slow2004
|
12/23/08 01:46pm |
Motorcycle Forum
|
|
RE: Anybody like the new Road King Custom?
Low cost housing, high used car prices, (for the ones not rusted out) and Waffle House !!!
|
Ride_Slow2004
|
12/21/08 05:41pm |
American V-Twin Board
|
|
RE: Where did you ride today?
I've going crazy myself right now waiting for the call to pick up my new Triumph Rocket III Tourer. The accessories I ordered are being installed and the bike should be ready next week. The problem is that if there's snow on the roads there's no way I'm getting on that beast.
Wow, you went big on that! Sat on one at the Show, seemed comfortable, I liked the position, and the steering felt good. I figure on getting to 100,000 with my bike by 2013, and then I will be in the market for a new bike. They did have a Voyager (the new/old Kawasaki) at the show for folks to sit on, but I wouldn't wait in the long line.
|
Ride_Slow2004
|
12/14/08 08:15pm |
Motorcycle Forum
|
|
RE: Where did you ride today?
Not sure it was going to happen, Friday night, my B-I-L calls me and says his power is out and snow is falling. Saturday morning snow level was forecast to be 100'. Storm track stayed north, and it was 36 degrees at my house, he called and said I am riding down. We hit the freeway, and rode into the International M/C show. Temps between 36 and 39 degrees. We weren't the only crazy ones, right after we hit I-5 northbound, we were passed by 2 motorcycles. One guy on a metric cruiser. and the other dude flying colors, riding a sporty with mid-apes, and no windscreen. He peeled off at 405, but the metric was heading into the show. Only about 12 bikes when we rolled into the garage, and when we left at 3:30, maybe about 45 total. Cold and dry. Wife and I drove to a concert later, and when we came out it was snowing. Strange days here.
|
Ride_Slow2004
|
12/14/08 12:19am |
Motorcycle Forum
|
|
RE: New Years Day ride
Last year, there was snow on the side of the road in higher places, but the temps were in the 30's and 40's. Or it could be like the forecast we are looking at over the next few days:
Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37. North wind around 6 mph becoming calm.
Friday: Rain, mainly after 10am. High near 45. Breezy, with a calm wind becoming south southeast between 23 and 26 mph. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
Friday Night: Rain showers before 10pm, then rain and snow showers. Snow level 600 feet. Low around 32. Southwest wind between 13 and 16 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.
Saturday: Rain and snow showers, becoming all snow after 10am. High near 35. West wind 5 to 8 mph becoming northeast between 13 and 16 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Saturday Night: Snow showers. Low around 23. East southeast wind around 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
|
Ride_Slow2004
|
12/11/08 09:47pm |
Motorcycle Forum
|
|
New Years Day ride
I am going for a ride on New Years Day. Leave Auburn, ride for a few hours, eat, and come back.
This will be an easy pace, but all riders welcome. Route will depend on weather, will post up details when closer to date.
|
Ride_Slow2004
|
12/10/08 11:46pm |
Motorcycle Forum
|
|
Tire Pressure
So, if you read "Where did you ride today," you know I went on a toy run. Walking around the dealer parking lot, waiting for the rest of our group to arrive, I was shocked and amazed to see how many bikes were running with low air pressure in the rear tire! It is really obvious, when the bike is just sitting there, that there should not be that much contact patch. Lots of folks park their bikes after Labor Day, maybe they don't make that part of the wake up routine.
So, here I stand on the soapbox, check yer air!!!!
|
Ride_Slow2004
|
12/09/08 12:07am |
Motorcycle Forum
|
|
Tire pressure
So, if you read the other half of the board, you know I went on a toy run. Walking around the dealer parking lot, waiting for the rest of our group to arrive, I was shocked and amazed to see how many bikes were running with low air pressure in the rear tire! It is really obvious, when the bike is just sitting there, that there should not be that much contact patch. Lots of folks park their bikes after Labor Day, maybe they don't make that part of the wake up routine.
So, here I stand on the soapbox, check yer air!!!!
|
Ride_Slow2004
|
12/09/08 12:05am |
American V-Twin Board
|
|
RE: Where did you ride today?
I am thinking that I will see if the group wants to get in a little earlier, we missed the Cossacks, but saw the T-90 drill team. I will put up the info as it gets closer.
|
Ride_Slow2004
|
12/07/08 02:22pm |
Motorcycle Forum
|
|
