Did you ride today

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taboothe

Discussion Starter · Feb 8, 2015

I thought it would be fun to read about our riding adventures.

I got out today and rode 54 miles on my Yamaha 850XS. The sky was blue and it was a warm 62 degrees afternoon, just right for the first ride of the year. The bike fired right up and ran like a champ no problems after sitting in the garage for 3 months. I buy my gas from a place that has 100% gas, no ethanol. I rode alone as I do most of the time. I have several routes, I call them laps, than I ride. Today's was on the river road run that is nice with a lot of curves and scenic views of the lake. The roads are all two lane and not very much traffic. The posted speed limits are 45 but on my bike 60 feels just right. Some of this is why I love to ride in the country; number of red lights 1, no. of cars I needed to pass 1, cars that passed me 0, cop cars 0, curves in the road many, smiles on my face - all the time. I didn't want to come home but the sun was going down and so was the temperature so I returned to my nest. I can't tell you how great that ride made me feel. Hell, I don't need to , you already know. Get busy riding my brothers and sisters and let's hear about it. Photos would be great too.

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Alpal

· #4 · Feb 8, 2015

taboothe said:
I thought it would be fun to read about our riding adventures.

I got out today and rode 54 miles on my Yamaha 850XS. The sky was blue and it was a warm 62 degrees afternoon, just right for the first ride of the year. The bike fired right up and ran like a champ no problems after sitting in the garage for 3 months. I buy my gas from a place that has 100% gas, no ethanol. I rode alone as I do most of the time. I have several routes, I call them laps, than I ride. Today's was on the river road run that is nice with a lot of curves and scenic views of the lake. The roads are all two lane and not very much traffic. The posted speed limits are 45 but on my bike 60 feels just right. Some of this is why I love to ride in the country; number of red lights 1, no. of cars I needed to pass 1, cars that passed me 0, cop cars 0, curves in the road many, smiles on my face - all the time. I didn't want to come home but the sun was going down and so was the temperature so I returned to my nest. I can't tell you how great that ride made me feel. Hell, I don't need to , you already know. Get busy riding my brothers and sisters and let's hear about it. Photos would be great too.

Hi Taboothe,

Man, that was from the heart, and yes I know exactly what you mean. You call them laps, we in Burtland (NZ) call them blocks. There is even a couple books complete with maps Of 100 blocks to ride in New Zealand. They go from small to size me up whopper! I am in a country town of around 5000 and declining as all the young ones head for the big smoke. But we have an absolute plethora of narrow winding country roads to flit round. I will do a ride a give you a view of the countryside here. It will be fun.
Alpal

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Alpal

· #53 · Feb 9, 2015

taboothe said:
It's a great bike that's why I have kept it so long. I stopped riding for a long time, twenty years, the Yamaha took a long nap inside the back of my store. I was busy raising four kids and running my business. Then in 2010 the big C word came into my life. That's when I decided it was time to get busy living or get busy dying, I chose living and enjoying life which means riding motorcycles. I'm doing fine and so is my bike.

I like your attitude.
Alpal

Reactions: 1

Alpal

· #56 · Feb 9, 2015

inglourious_hoko said:
View attachment 6423 Was my day off today, so I managed to take a ride somewhere that isn't work and back again. Rode my ratty little bobber on the Auckland motorway to the Victory dealership, then further into the city, before cruising back up to the coast and off to the puhoi pub for a beer and burger. There's nothing like a good thrash to put my mind at ease

Hi IH,

That bobber, did it start life as a Savage? Your scout will go well next to it.
Alpal

Reactions: 1

Alpal

· #65 · Feb 11, 2015

Rode roughly 40kms to Wanganui from Marton to see my Mum but she wasn't home. Visited my cousin instead, then went to see a mate who shouted me lunch! Another 40kms back home, short straights and plenty of corners and that's the State Highway. Next time I might take the class 2 roads where the straights are even shorter and the corners dime a dozen.

Reactions: 1

Alpal

· #67 · Feb 11, 2015

taboothe said:
You know, I tend to do more things like that when on my bike. I'm saying things like visiting friends and family, and stoping to look at things and meet people along the road. When riding I don't hurry like when in a car to get where I'm going, it's like the trip is what's important not just how fast I can get there. I bet you know what I'm saying.

I do, tomorrow I'm heading Up to Mount Curl to get some pics of the countryside around here. Short trip. Maybe 40 Kms tops.

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Alpal

· #69 · Feb 11, 2015

We are in Summer at the moment with autumn or fall just around the corner. Had a pretty hot and dry spell in Dec and into the new year which worried a lot of the grain producers but they are coming out smiling again after some recent rain. It's my weekend at work, hence my ability to ride during the week. Marton has a maltings plant which turns barley into malt for all New Zealand's breweries. We supply a fair amount to overseas countries also, even, would you believe to China. We are part of the world wide Malteurop Malting Co. You have a couple of plants over there too.

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Alpal

· #71 · Feb 11, 2015

JayFL459 said:
Was at Cuzins Yesterday for a Tuesday Morning Breakfast Get together that usually brings 5-15 of us out was 5 Yesterday as it was damp out and felt about 10 degrees cooler than it actually was ..

What's with your weathershield Jay? Is there something behind it or is it two tone?

Alpal

· #73 · Feb 11, 2015

JayFL459 said:
Is a Memphis Shades Shield ( Shooter Style ) with Gradient Red Option .. Another View ..

That is a sweet looking shield Jay. I'm thinking I wish I had seen this before I ordered the low from the dealer. Indian screens are $1000 here.

Alpal

· #78 · Feb 11, 2015

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Went for a toot up to Mt Curl this morning. On a clear day from there you can see Mt Ruepehu to the north, Mt Taranaki/Egmont to the east and Kapiti Island southish. It was clear when I left but began to cloud up early. Pics enclosed anyway.

Sky Natural environment Natural landscape Plain Land lot

Grassland Prairie Field Natural environment Plain

Natural landscape Sky Natural environment Wilderness Highland

Mountainous landforms Mountain Mountain range Highland Sky

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Alpal

· #83 · Feb 12, 2015

taboothe said:
Beautiful landscapes, wide open spaces, I thinking you have ridden those hills on some dirt bike before.

Almost all my dirt riding was done in Auzzie where, once you're out back there is very little else. The bit you see it the pics was about 5 Kms I guess. There's a weather station on top of Mt Curl and the hard stuff starts again just before you get there. Guess they just plain forgot to come back and finish that little patch.

Sky Natural landscape Plain Ecoregion Land lot

missed this one yesterday. The little blur in the middle is Kapiti Island, about 160 Kms away. 100% kiwi bush land which tourists can visit. A real pretty and tranquil place. My ride today will take me right past it. Pics to follow. Was gonna have lunch with Gunner but he is off in the other direction for work.

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Alpal

· #84 · Feb 12, 2015

SaltyDogSam said:
FLA. beaches seldom if ever packed here on the west coast of FLA. There seems to be just to many miles of coast line to pack them in, roads however a different story. If your not committed to finding the back roads it can get down right un-comfortable during our winter months. As for the bike Im riding its a 2007 S50 Suzuki compact middle weight and although I enjoy tossing it around in the twisties could use a bit more room and so the scout is eagerly anticipated. The Suzy was originally aquired for the petite wife where it would have been a perfect fit, but she discovered traffic and her are not a good fit and so now she is my co-piolot. I had been riding a Beamer R1100RTP that was a dream on the road, but a Beast in the garage and with the radio box did not do much for two up riding so that went and now I await my new love. Perhaps we can hook up along the panhandle some weekend and discover some Diners, Drive Inns and even a Dive.

Great bike Salt! 10 years newer than mine. I have the same seat. It's almost 18 years old and still looks brand new, seat and bike.

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Alpal

· #87 · Feb 12, 2015

SaltyDogSam said:
Bit of an overlooked gem actually great power especially off the beaten path little compact for the longer haul, but only by todays standards. I do plan on keeping mine, cant buy this much motorcycle for under ten grand in todays money. I visited your land way back in the late 60s must say fell in love with country and fine young lady, but a sailors life took me away from both. Must get back someday if at all possible would love to ride some back roads there. I still remember the beauty of the green hills cascading down to the beaches around Wellington anyway. Stay in touch here at least and if either of us cross the pond we should get in touch.

My friend, I will give you a reminder of those green hills later today, only they will be very brown at the moment after our semi drought of recent times.

$9995.00 was the new bike price back in 97 an they still sell for heaps. A friend just sold an 89 700 for $3500! I told him he was a thief!

And as they say in the classics, hey! What was her name! I might know her!
Alpal

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Alpal

· #91 · Feb 12, 2015

Standard peg position gave my butt a hard time so early in the piece fitted forward controls. Best add-on the bike ever got.

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Alpal

· #97 · Feb 12, 2015

WillRide said:
Looks great! I had an old Suzuki Intruder (1400cc) like that and enjoyed riding and modifying it quite a bit!
View attachment 6632

They were, and still are a great bike. Very popular here in New Zealand still. I assume Suzuki felt they needed to compete against the 883's in the world. They do and when tickled to stage one or two they do pack a good punch. I love mine. It's going in the box with me.

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Alpal

· #103 · Feb 13, 2015

[banhappy]

Quinn said:
Hijacked thread!

Well I don't have a Scout to talk about do I[banghead][arghh]

Reactions: 3

Alpal

· #106 · Feb 13, 2015

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SaltyDogSam said:
Annie was her name her dad a top dog with the police dept, but liked me even with the sailor suit. Lovely hosts they could not have treated me better and Annie was magic far from home a few short days you know, but love comes quick when your 20. One brief chance at a reaquaintance, but by then had someone running interference for me and so the meeting in a New York airport never took place. Almost a chick flick right. Time waits for no one.

Hi Sam, did the ride to Wellington, about 250 miles round trip. Looked for Annie, couldn't find her but saw where you carved your initials at the wharf!

Got some of the rolling hills. Boy, I know why I enjoy the country lifestyle after a trip to the big smoke. Traffic was terrible, fumes were gross, heat was unbearable. Anyway, check out the pics.

Vegetation Sky Highland Coast Hill station

Sky Cloud Water resources Coast Aerial photography

Sky Mountainous landforms Mountain Highland Hill station

Vegetation Sky Hill station Natural landscape Highland

Anyway this is part one. More to follow.
Alpal

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Alpal

· #108 · Feb 13, 2015 (Edited)

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Property House Land lot Home Real estate

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Alpal said:
Hi Sam, did the ride to Wellington, about 250 miles round trip. Looked for Annie, couldn't find her but saw where you carved your initials at the wharf! Got some of the rolling hills. Boy, I know why I enjoy the country lifestyle after a trip to the big smoke. Traffic was terrible, fumes were gross, heat was unbearable. Anyway, check out the pics. View attachment 6669 View attachment 6670 View attachment 6671 View attachment 6672 Anyway this is part one. More to follow.
Alpal

As promised, Part two.
I decided to stop at Mackays crossing on the way down. There is a Memorial to the U.S. Marine Corp who were stationed there in WW2 and I thought you guys and girls would like to see it and to know that we in New Zealand have not forgotten the sacrifices That the American people made on our behalf. I commenced to take pictures, it is a simple yet poignant display which shows the size of the men's huts, those that were lucky enough not to have to sleep in tents. A car pulled up and a middle aged man accompanied by an elderly couple got out and proceeded to inspect the Memorial also. They took pictures, I took pictures and at one point the middle aged man and I were studying the same display showing some Marines. "We have a lot to thank them for" I said. "They sacrificed so much for this country". He replied saying yes they did, "And that gentleman over there was here. He was a seaman on the USS American Legion, a troop carrier". I was both amazed and shaken for want of a better word. I myself served in the NZ Army for six years and am a military history buff. I knew the history of the Marines, long before "Pacific" was made. I went over to the gentleman and and said," you were here. I want to thank you for your service to both your nation and ours". "Why, thank you " he said and then he looked back again at the picture of his ship, USS American Legion. He told me of his fellow sailors, of their trip to Guadalcanal, his job as a driver of the landing craft that ferried troops and supplies to the beach head, but I could see in his eyes he wasn't with me. He was with his friends, his fears, his hopes and dreads. He was at Guadalcanal, reliving it, for better or worse. He turned to face me again his eyes were glassy as were mine. We were both in quite an emotional state. He shook my hand again and we parted. I didn't get his name, I didn't get his picture, from his accent I think he was a Texan. He moved away, took his frail wife by the arm went to the car and they drove away. It was a shunning 15 minutes.
I stood there for some minutes more Before leaving. I hope you like the pictures. So, did I ride today? Oh, I did more than that. I experienced a slice of life that I will cherish till the day I die. From this Kiwi, thank you for your sacrifices, America, they are not forgotten. The pictures speak for themselves. The hillside with the pines is where the second camp built.

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Alpal

· #110 · Feb 13, 2015

Quinn said:
WOW! Thanks for that very touching moment AlPal. I know the feeling of both the gentleman you spoke with, and your own reaction.

I'm a Marine (1968-71). Here in the states, when we got back from Vietnam, the country was in complete chaos, angry, and quite confused. Veterans were treated like dung, politicians took opportunities, etc. Not until 1991, after Desert Storm did Americans begin to recognize Vietnam vets. We learned not to discuss our experiences, to stuff our emotions, to hide from our service. As a result, many went over the edge from untreated PTSD. Some turned to drugs and alcohol (myself included). Some shot themselves. ALL of us have memories (good and bad) like the old WWII gent you spoke with.

One way I continue to heal myself is to volunteer for the USO, welcoming troops home from Iraq / Afgannistan. Humbling. One of our missions, along with other organizations, is to receive and assist WWI veterans coming to Washington DC to visit the WWII Memorial in town. Working at the airport, we have Honor Flights. THAT privilege is awesome. Talking to these old guys is a trip in time and quite . . . ethereal - almost surreal.

Haven't made a trip back to Vietnam. My wife wants me to go. I haven't made up my mind yet. Still too many angry memories.

So thank you AlPal, for taking the time to talk to that gent. for understanding, and for acknowledging those who try to help make the world a better place.

Thank you Quinn

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Alpal

· #116 · Feb 14, 2015

taboothe said:
Alpal, Thanks. A really great riding adventure you had, a true blessing you had when talking with the old soldier. Not many of them alive today. Just think if you hadn't made the trip on your bike that would not happened to you.

There was a film out some years ago called pay it forward, I think. Salty Dog Sam said he had visited Wellington in his youth and had fond memories of the place so I thought I would get a couple of pics for him. I was repaid in the most wonderful and memorable way I can think of.

No trip today other than the 6kms to work

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Alpal

· #120 · Feb 14, 2015

SaltyDogSam said:
Thanks Bringing Back Memories

My pleasure Sam. The pics were taken with my Ipad as my other camera is in sick bay. Most came out OK.

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