On March 3rd I flew from Spokane Washington to San Antonio Texas. I was one of the last to see my bag appear in baggage claim - I have a lot nice gear in that bag and surely didn't want to start off on a sour note.
March 4th I started working on the 17 FJR. I have to get it sorted out before Eddie and I go for a ride. First thing I did to day was check the engine air filter - it looked good.
And looks good on the inside too.
Next thing I did was remove cruiser pegs from the Canyon Cages. I gave the pegs to my friend Eddie and he will find a new owner. I would not dream of selling them to anybody on this forum - that would be evil.
The third thing I did to my FJR today was check the saddle bag latch screws. This is what I found.
I found both sides missing one screw and each remaining screw was not very tight. Off to the store to get two screws which we found a Yamaha store and the price was free! Eddie knows the parts guy.
Install four screws with locktite. Problem solved. Thank goodness for this forum for pointing out these screws need locktite.
The last thing I did to the FJR today was install a Tankslapper vinyl film kit. That took most of the afternoon.
Tomorrow we go out for a shakedown ride.
March 5th daily ditty.
Today I installed the gas tank ring for my Bags Connection tank bag.
Next was to install my hydration system. The foot peg screws had to be removed with a impact driver.
To use my heated jacket I had to remove the SAE battery tender cable and replace it with a coax cable I brought with me. I have an coax to SAE adapter to use the battery tender. Mickey Mouse appeared after removing the battery panel and terminals.
I decided to address Mickey Mouse later as I was short on time. Adding an additional battery connector prevents the battery screw from engaging.
The negative battery terminal nut was cockeyed and the screw would not engage, so without terminals installed, I loosely engaged the screw then put some bubble wrap under the nut.
After placing the terminals the screw started then I removed the bubble wrap.
As with most things it is harder to put things back together than take them apart. So it was with the battery panel. Some of this was due to the large Garmin cradle wire loom located outboard of the battery putting lateral pressure on the fairing. With some trail and error I finally got it all back together.
After adding air to the tires we were off for a ride.
Here are some images.
Some first impressions of the 17. It is smooth. This six speed trany is a nice upgrade and I really enjoy the less clutch lever effort. The cruise control is top notch - I have never had one before. The Puig screen was in the highest position all day and for me, 5' 11 3/4" 31 inch inseam, with a Russell saddle, wind noise was an issue, not terrible but noticeable. I am coming off an 09 with a Cee Bailey tall screen with a reverse flip and I prefer sitting in a bubble of calm air. Upon returning to Eddie's I installed a tall Vstream - more on that after I try it out - thanks Ray! The Puig sure looked good though.
--G is right. The foot peg lowering kit will be removed tomorrow morning. The prior owner didn't reposition the gear shift or brake pedal and lifting my foot to access the controls is unwelcome. I will hold on to them for now but they hit the ground twice today. I never had them on my 09 with over 100,000 miles and don't think I will need them.
We are doing parts of the Tour of Texas and today hit three points.
LBJ History park near Johnson City.
Texas Ranger Heritage Center and Tower.
Luckenbach Post Office in Luckenbach Texas.
We road about 200 miles today. Eddie knows every back road here. Like this one. The pavement is to the left.
We had a good day to day and I am looking forward to more.
To be continued.
Here is the daily ditty for March 6, 2020.
Today I removed the foot peg lowering parts. They lower the foot pegs by 1 3/4 inches. I think they are the devil's seed. You may have a different opinion so they are for sale. Price negotiable. I have been kind of busy today - things have not gone to plan. You won't get them till I get home because they are in a box with other stuff I sent home today.
Here is a photo of the pegs in their proper places where my feet can use the controls quickly. I road the bike a short distance after removing the foot pegs and immediately felt right at home. Nice!
Next I bled the front and rear brakes. The rear was very mushy and had a long throw. Not now!
I mounted the Vstream tall windscreen and went for a short ride. I only needed to move it a short distance up to find the optimal height. Long story short I sold the Puig to inmate NTXFJR.
Plans have changed. My friend Eddie and I planned on going to Big Bend National Park, but now Eddie can't go. Tomorrow I am off to visit in-laws in Llano Texas for a couple of day before continuing east.
To be continued.
Daily ditty for March 7, 2020.
I am going to rename this trip to it didn't work out as planned. The plan today was to visit my in-laws in Llano Texas. One of the four kids was sick but I could stay with my step daughter's step father. That was the plan created yesterday. This morning Jerrod, my step daughter's husband calls, to say my step daughter, Lindsey is sick, as is Ben one of the twins with the flu. Anyway I decide to stay with Jerrod's parents and visit them and Brody the oldest child. Not long after arriving in Llano, Brody is getting sick too.
Anyway it was a good riding day today. Eddie and I rode to Llano today, then he went back home. I rode about 5 hours including a short lunch stop in Comfort Texas. Good roads and good weather.
Guadalupe River Road. Nice!
Treue der Union Monument a stop on the Grand Tour of Texas. a way point of the Motorcycle Grand Tour of Texas.
Another stop for the Motorcycle Grand Tour of Texas in Comfort Texas.
We stopped at High's Cafe in Comfort Texas for lunch.
Food porn.
Artwork at the restaurant.
Back on the road again.
A back road. Eddie knows all of them. I just had to follow along.
Willow Springs road.
Baby Head Cemetery a way point on the Motorcycle Grand Tour of Texas.
To be continued.
Daily Ditty March 9, 2020.
On March 8 2020 I spent time with my in-laws in Llano Texas. My grand daughter Magi, age 6, was helping the twins, age 3, ride a small bicycle with training wheels. She lifted them on the seat then pushed or pulled the cycle. It was a pleasure to see them playing together so well.
I also went for a 3 mile walk and bought my Mom a Birthday card.
March 9, 2020 went for a ride today and here is my Spotwalla Track. The straight line exists because I had to update my Android setting to allow the phone app Bubbler to have persistent location access.
The Grand Tour of Texas includes Hill Country Motorheads Motorcycle Museum in Burnett so I stopped for a photo. It was closed today but if you every have the change do go. It is a fun place with all sorts of old iron.
Soon after this it started to rain with temps in the upper 60 and low 70's. Yuck. My rain gear worked well.
The next stop was lunch at Classic Rock Coffee Co. & Kitchen in Navasota. It too is a Grand Tour of Texas way point.
Eddie and I had lunch here and he brought a Throttle Rocker with him. Thanks Eddie! It was a pleasure staying with you and thanks for all your help.
Tonight I am staying near the Johnson Space Center and will go on a tour tomorrow.
When out for Sushi tonight. Very good.
The tall Vstream windshield works very well for me. Yes! Love the cruise control. It allows different hand positions negating the need for having the bars closer to me like my 09 with the Heli Riser clamp. Distance today was 330 miles and I feel good and the cruise control helped out a lot. It is like a safety feature keep the rider refresher longer. Still getting used to the electronic information display. I wish I could move have my own screen and select the info I want.
The 17 FJR came with a Yamaha top case. I have a Givi 45 on my 09. I like the looks of the Yamaha case and it functions well. I like the closing mechanism much better than the Givi. The Yamaha case is certainly smaller. Anybody got opinions on the Yamaha top case?
To be continued.
Daily Ditty March 10, 2020.
Today I played tourist at the Johnson Space Center near Houston Texas. I spent about 8 hours here and thoroughly enjoyed myself. I was 13 years old when men landing on the Moon in 1969 so I remember the excitement of the space program. And as I worked in aerospace for 38 years I appreciate the technical and engineering excellence of the space program.
The entrance to Rocket Park.
This J2 engine powered the second stage of the Saturn V rocket.
Here is the technical summary.
Main booster engine for the Saturn V. There was 5 of these on each rocket.
Here are the specs:
This is one of three remaining Saturn V rockets. It was restored and now resides in a very large climate controlled room.
After looking at the size of the command module used during the Apollo mission I found this amusing.
Astronauts have a different point of view of the planet earth after having spent time in space.
The first stage engines.
The second sage:
The third stage:
The beginning of a phrase that lives to this day:
The rocket is huge. This is an impressive display.
The exterior of the rocket was restored but these circuit card buckets need just a wee bit of work!
The Mercury capsule. David Bowie was right, "sitting in my tin can"
The Lunar Command Module seats just three abreast with not much room for anything else. Good grief.
This was not at the Johnson Space Center.
This was in the Thai restaurant I ate at tonight.
To be continued.
The daily ditty.
March 11, 2020
I road from the Johnson Space Center to Hppants house. Like nearly every day on this trip this one had an unplanned event as well.
The day started out well enough. I took the coast route. It was a foggy morning.
Gee there is a quip here somewhere but I am tired tonight. Pile on!
Houston, we have a problem.
Two and half hours into the ride the Yamaha tail bag is gone. I must have not latched it properly. Must of confused it with the Givi box which latches securely just be pushing it into place. After quickly recovering from the initial shock I did an quick mental inventory. I lost a pair of tennis shoes, smoke visor for helmet, 1/2 cover for the bike and Rev'it winter gloves, not to mention the box. Now I don't have a decision to make which top box I will use in the future.
Anyway it could have been a lot worse. I don't loose heated gear or
difficult to replace electronics. Later in the day a Cycle Gear replaced
cover and some winter gloves. I have a pair of sandels that will get me
through and the visor was on it's last legs.
Anyway as Redfish noted above we had a great dinner at Hppants. It was great to meet the Redfish, Pops, Hppants, Mike and Tom. Had a splendid time. Great hospitality.
March 12, 2020
Hppants, Mike and I were going to go for a ride today. Hppants' job collided with the COVID-19 virus and those plans were scuttled at breakfast. Pants felt really low about that. Another unplanned event. Go with the flow.
I wanted to go to Barber Motorsports but the weather forecast was rubbish. Lots of rain. The forecast the way west around San Antonio was good for two days then rubbish thereafter. So I bailed and started the journey home. Good news, it was in the low 70's today with overcast skies - perfect riding conditions. Also who knows of Barber Motorsports will be open due to the virus so maybe it is time to get home. If I do I can help my wife post foot surgery.
Hppants insisted return on the same coastal route I came except go to Gavelston Island via the ferry. So I did. Here is my Spotwalla Track
This is a crawfish harvesting field. The little cones are craw fish traps.
The beach today. I wouldn't want to be here during a high tide with a storm.
The ferry ride at Galveston. That was pretty cool. I only had to wait about 20 minutes to board. The poor soul going the other way were lined up about 1/2 mile.
A auto ferry going the other way.
The architecture on Galveston Island is interesting. High surf goes right under the house.
On the island the first few miles where right on the beach and it was rather crowded. Hotels on the right side, beach on the left. People everywhere. Shucks Ocean Shores Washington is utterly deserted compared to this - of course it is colder there too.
Well that's it for the night. Thanks for following along.
To be continued.
Daily Ditty.
March 13, 2020
Nearly no unplanned events today, except 2 miles from the hotel there was a traffic jam for some reason so I took a 45 minute detour to get around the mess.
Today the temps were between 71 and 82 with partly cloudy skies, straight roads, good pavement and a tires full of air, meaning I check the tires this morning and they are fine.
I stopped at five Motorcycle Grand Tour Of Texas sites today and mostly avoided the Interstate although my route was mostly on divided highway and I am not complaining.
First stop was at Stephen Austin statue.
Next stop was at the Vietnam War Memorial in Hallettsville Texas.
Statue of Liberty is in Halletsville too. Who of thunk? Not a bad looking bike either. Hey Redfish you can detail my bike anytime.
The Juan Seguin Burial Site also in Hallettsville Texas.
The Bluebonnets where out in a few places today.
My favorite stop today was the world's largest Pecan in Seguin Texas.
Yesterday was a 300 mile day with 2 ferry crossing taking about 1 hour. Today was about 435 so tomorrow I will step it up a bit more to take advantage of the good weather.
To be continued.
oday I crossed a time zone so took the opportunity to make good use of the extra hour by riding about 540 miles today.
When I started this morning the humidity was 80% and the temp was about 67 degree something I don't experience very often.
Dig these layer of rock.
About an hour into the ride it started to rain lightly. I got to try out my inexpensive Bilt gloves I bought in Lafayette and I was quite surprise how warm there are. Tomorrow I get to test them again as the temps will be in the lower 40's when I get rolling.
Not long after the rain quite it cleared off and the land, flatter than a pancake for the past two days, started to show some shape again. Oh the joy!
Also the prior two days was mostly gray and overcast. The blue sky was a welcome change and I love desert riding like this.
My last stop of the Motorcycle Grand Tour of Texas.
Any old volcano. Not long after this there was columns of basalt rock similar to Eastern Washington.
A yellow caution turn sign and blue sky along Hwy 118 near Fort Davis. Nice road.
And another turn.
After 3 days of riding I arrive in:
To be continued.
Daily Ditty a day late.
I ended up in Deming New Mexico on March 14 after a 500 mile day.
On Sunday March 15 I did it again.
This was a get down the freeway day. It is what it is. Tonight as I write this the COVID-19 capturing the national attention and hard supplies are in heavy demand from coast to coast. TP and cleaning supplies seem hardest hit. Restaurants, bars, brewpub and wineries are closed in Washington States. In Oregon restaurants can provide take out. In California bars, brewpubs and wineries are closed, except in LA County where only take out will be allowed tomorrow. It is getting worse by the day. Fear is gripping the nation. Next will motels be closed? Canada closed it's boarder today to non-Canadians. Canadians are heading back home from the SW US in mass after being told there health care coverage was no longer valid in the US.
This is not the time to be out touring on a motorcycle. So home it is and as quickly as I can with safety a priority.
Anyway here are some images from Sunday March 15th.
I have a thing for mountains. This is in New Mexico.
Hello Arizona.
It is spring in Arizona.
This photo was a mistake but it illustrates why I don't like the stock mirrors. Notice the hand grip is clearly in view. Once my hand is there I can only see to the side but not what is behind me. Grrrrr. I have FZ1 mirrors on my 09 and they will be on my 17 soon.
The yellow flowers were sure pretty.
There was this odd rock formation with boulders like this over an area about 1 square mile or so. By the time I got my camera out this is all I got. Sure was an odd place compared to the surrounding area.
I was on Arizona 85 north when this thing passed me doing about 75 mph. The speed limit was 70 and I was doing about 68. Crazy.
Nice looking peak.
I landed in Blythe California and I was tired after two successive 500 mile days. The trip was begin to loose it's luster with COVID-19 getting worse by the day. Stops at museums are not advised or they are simply closed.
Rather than update this post I laid out a ride plan on a spreadsheet to get home. I balanced some fun road with 350 mile days, something I can ride successively without getting tired.
March 16, 2020
Today I rode from Blythe to near Indio California, about 1.5 hours, to visit a friend who is spending the winter in his RV in Southern California. His wife made us a great lunch and we shot the breeze for about 2 hours before I headed to Passadena and get here just in time to beat a soaking rain.
Here is my bike in the parking lot.
All in all it was about 215 miles today and this was a set up to for the rest of the ride home. The storm will blow out by 9:00pm tonight and I should have a pretty nice ride tomorrow.
Today is Monday and I expect to be home on Friday afternoon.
To be continued.
Daily Ditty
March 17, 2020
Today I rode 320 miles but it was a great day. Last nights weather blew through and left puffy clouds the majority of the day. I started out to to temperatures in to low 50's.
I had been thinking about this day the entire trip. I finally got off the freeway today to enjoy this:
The Pacific Ocean. Six days ago I was along the Gulf Of Mexico in Louisiana and Texas. I have been up Hwy 1 before and was thrilled it was a great day for riding.
Nice day for photos with a few clouds in the sky.
The road is cut into steep cliffs so I was checking the Cal Trans app before I left this morning to make sure it was still open!
The views are spectacular as it the road. I got to lean the '17 over pretty good for the first time. The Angel GT tracked just fine.
Stopped at the Elephant Seal Vista Point.
It was nice to have time today to stop and see the sights along the way.
Big Creek Bridge, Big Sur.
A different view farther away.
Gee did I say it was a great day?
McWay Falls.
Calendar worthy?
I landed in Monterey after a 7 hour day. It was spectacular.
To be continued.
Daily Ditty
March 19, 2020
Silver Linings
Let's continue with the silver linings theme as negativity is weary.
This morning I heated up a burrito for breakfast. Silver lining I had breakfast.
I got going about 9:00am and it was 42 with blue skies. Silver lining was the weather was great today.
I got to see Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox today. Silver lining is fantasy is a good diversion.
Why is it named Babe the Blue Ox when clearly this Ox is male?
I got to see big Redwood trees today.
My Garmin 590 is paired to the Garmin app. It told me Hwy 101 was closed and told me on a 2.5 hour detour. Silver lining is the Garmin thought the traffic light controlled one way road on Hwy 101 was a lane closure. I will refrain from a Garmin rant here, damn my lip is bleading. I just want an Android Auto Head Unit for a motorcycle than can be controlled by gloves and connect to my phone.
I got to see the Pacific Ocean today and that is the silver lining.
I got to ride on Hwy 199 today. Silver lining is its a nice twisty road and I had a clean pass except for a couple of knuckheads who could not read the slower vehicles used turn out signs. They were dispatched quickly not be bee seen again with a well deserved salute.
I entered Oregon today. Silver lining is I am fine and closer to home.
I used DoorDash today to have food delivered to my hotel. Was great!
To be continued.
Daily Ditty
March 20, 2020
How about more silver linings today?
Using the McDonald's app on my phone I order breakfast and walk to the store next door and stand in app order stall 4. Within 5 minutes I have breakfast. Silver lining is I have breakfast and I am learning to be more flexible.
Today was a blue sky day with some haze and moderate temperatures. Silver lining is it is a nice day for the final day of this trip.
My route takes me along the Columbia River Gorge. The Gorge is a natural venturi and the Silver lining is it is not blowing today.
I decide to get off the freeway give you a show of the Columbia River Gorge. Silver lining this ride report will be better for it!
The white wood guard rail is a used to add character to the highway as this was used back in the day over 100 years ago. Motorist are in the debt of Sam Hill and Sam Lancaster for this wonderful road. The engineering alignment generally had a maximum grade of 5% and curve radius of 200 feet.
There are several waterfalls on the Oregon side of the Columbia River. This is Wakeena Falls.
Horsetail Falls
Now back on the freeway on the way to Mosier.
The Columbia River. Silver lining I was here today!
Self portrait. Silver lining is I didn't drop the camera.
In Mosier Oregon on Hwy 30.
This is for you Hppants. Once Joey told me he wanted to rider every Rowena Curve when he comes out west despite this being a short but sweet section of road. Silver lining I am the the Rowena Curves, again, darn.
The Ice Age Floods carved these cliffs and created the spectacular water falls. Please take a couple of minutes learn about this dramatic landscape. There is also a video in page too.
Also near Bonneville Dam there was a large landslide and here is a 5 minute video from Nick Zentner a Geology Professor at Central Washington University. Nick is a natural at teaching.
Mt. Hood in the distance. Silver lining was it was a clear day.
John Day Dam. Silver lining it didn't breach today? That is dark humor and should be banned from silver linings!
Back in Washington State on the north side of the Columbia River. State Route 14 is a nice road.
Interesting rock formation on the right.
Heading home. Silver lining is I made it home safe and sound.
To be continued. Yeah there is a bit more.
Daily Ditty
March 22, 2020
The Epilogue
In total I road about 4650 miles. From Lafayette to Spokane, a 9 day ride, I road 3400 miles for an average of about 375 per day.
The tires on the bike when I bought it made it home. The were are a set of Pirelli Angel GTs and I believe there were new are nearly new.
At 16,850 miles the front tire measures 5/32" in of tread while the rear had 8/23" in. Now at 21,500 miles the front tire measure 3/3/2" in of tread while the rear had 5/23" in. The measurements were taken adjacent to the wear bars at the near the top of the tire.
The front tire is a starting to square off just a bit while the rear is has a nice radius. I won't make any other comparisons because my 09 is GP front suspension and a Penske at the rear while the 17 has ES suspenders so it is hard to tell how the tires performs with much different suspension systems. In addition most of the miles I traveled were on the flat roads.
Front tire.
Rear tire.
When I left on this trip, our home, recently flooded due to a plumber's error installing a water conditioner, was waiting for repair. My wife needed foot surgery to remove a bony growth on her toe and needs a dental implant.
When I returned home nothing had changed except my wife has a mild case of bronchitis. No work was done on the house. The work starts tomorrow. Due to COVID-19 Linda's medical and dental work is postponed until things return to normal. [Rant] And I don't want to hear the cliché "This is the new normal." In my lifetime there is nothing normal about the coronavirus spreading around the world and it will eventually run its course. [/EndRant]
I had enough going on at the beginning of this trip to tilt the stress meter. Then while on the trip the coronavirus epidemic explodes nationwide and the unplanned events impact the trip. As a result I started to suffer from anxiety. My blood pressure was up during the trip and to be safe I went to a hospital where I was diagnosed with higher than normal blood pressure and an EKG test was normal a big Silver Lining! Yesterday my wife Linda, a former Nurse Practitioner, checked my BP with an old school tool and found it 134/80. I am still not settled but I am trying to avoid stressors such as the news. I have started to re-appropriate farkles from the 09 to the 17 and this has a calming effect. Silver lining is my situation is much better than many others in the country and I have a bit of anxiety medication at home.
Hopefully you can find silver linings in your life today. Thanks for following along.
The End.
Today I removed the foot peg lowering parts. They lower the foot pegs by 1 3/4 inches. I think they are the devil's seed. You may have a different opinion so they are for sale. Price negotiable. I have been kind of busy today - things have not gone to plan. You won't get them till I get home because they are in a box with other stuff I sent home today.
Here is a photo of the pegs in their proper places where my feet can use the controls quickly. I road the bike a short distance after removing the foot pegs and immediately felt right at home. Nice!
Next I bled the front and rear brakes. The rear was very mushy and had a long throw. Not now!
I mounted the Vstream tall windscreen and went for a short ride. I only needed to move it a short distance up to find the optimal height. Long story short I sold the Puig to inmate NTXFJR.
Plans have changed. My friend Eddie and I planned on going to Big Bend National Park, but now Eddie can't go. Tomorrow I am off to visit in-laws in Llano Texas for a couple of day before continuing east.
To be continued.
Daily ditty for March 7, 2020.
I am going to rename this trip to it didn't work out as planned. The plan today was to visit my in-laws in Llano Texas. One of the four kids was sick but I could stay with my step daughter's step father. That was the plan created yesterday. This morning Jerrod, my step daughter's husband calls, to say my step daughter, Lindsey is sick, as is Ben one of the twins with the flu. Anyway I decide to stay with Jerrod's parents and visit them and Brody the oldest child. Not long after arriving in Llano, Brody is getting sick too.
Anyway it was a good riding day today. Eddie and I rode to Llano today, then he went back home. I rode about 5 hours including a short lunch stop in Comfort Texas. Good roads and good weather.
Guadalupe River Road. Nice!
Treue der Union Monument a stop on the Grand Tour of Texas. a way point of the Motorcycle Grand Tour of Texas.
Another stop for the Motorcycle Grand Tour of Texas in Comfort Texas.
We stopped at High's Cafe in Comfort Texas for lunch.
Food porn.
Artwork at the restaurant.
Back on the road again.
A back road. Eddie knows all of them. I just had to follow along.
Willow Springs road.
Baby Head Cemetery a way point on the Motorcycle Grand Tour of Texas.
To be continued.
Daily Ditty March 9, 2020.
On March 8 2020 I spent time with my in-laws in Llano Texas. My grand daughter Magi, age 6, was helping the twins, age 3, ride a small bicycle with training wheels. She lifted them on the seat then pushed or pulled the cycle. It was a pleasure to see them playing together so well.
I also went for a 3 mile walk and bought my Mom a Birthday card.
March 9, 2020 went for a ride today and here is my Spotwalla Track. The straight line exists because I had to update my Android setting to allow the phone app Bubbler to have persistent location access.
The Grand Tour of Texas includes Hill Country Motorheads Motorcycle Museum in Burnett so I stopped for a photo. It was closed today but if you every have the change do go. It is a fun place with all sorts of old iron.
Soon after this it started to rain with temps in the upper 60 and low 70's. Yuck. My rain gear worked well.
The next stop was lunch at Classic Rock Coffee Co. & Kitchen in Navasota. It too is a Grand Tour of Texas way point.
Eddie and I had lunch here and he brought a Throttle Rocker with him. Thanks Eddie! It was a pleasure staying with you and thanks for all your help.
Tonight I am staying near the Johnson Space Center and will go on a tour tomorrow.
When out for Sushi tonight. Very good.
The tall Vstream windshield works very well for me. Yes! Love the cruise control. It allows different hand positions negating the need for having the bars closer to me like my 09 with the Heli Riser clamp. Distance today was 330 miles and I feel good and the cruise control helped out a lot. It is like a safety feature keep the rider refresher longer. Still getting used to the electronic information display. I wish I could move have my own screen and select the info I want.
The 17 FJR came with a Yamaha top case. I have a Givi 45 on my 09. I like the looks of the Yamaha case and it functions well. I like the closing mechanism much better than the Givi. The Yamaha case is certainly smaller. Anybody got opinions on the Yamaha top case?
To be continued.
Daily Ditty March 10, 2020.
Today I played tourist at the Johnson Space Center near Houston Texas. I spent about 8 hours here and thoroughly enjoyed myself. I was 13 years old when men landing on the Moon in 1969 so I remember the excitement of the space program. And as I worked in aerospace for 38 years I appreciate the technical and engineering excellence of the space program.
The entrance to Rocket Park.
This J2 engine powered the second stage of the Saturn V rocket.
Here is the technical summary.
Main booster engine for the Saturn V. There was 5 of these on each rocket.
Here are the specs:
This is one of three remaining Saturn V rockets. It was restored and now resides in a very large climate controlled room.
After looking at the size of the command module used during the Apollo mission I found this amusing.
Astronauts have a different point of view of the planet earth after having spent time in space.
The first stage engines.
The second sage:
The third stage:
The beginning of a phrase that lives to this day:
The rocket is huge. This is an impressive display.
The exterior of the rocket was restored but these circuit card buckets need just a wee bit of work!
The Mercury capsule. David Bowie was right, "sitting in my tin can"
The Lunar Command Module seats just three abreast with not much room for anything else. Good grief.
This was not at the Johnson Space Center.
This was in the Thai restaurant I ate at tonight.
To be continued.
The daily ditty.
March 11, 2020
I road from the Johnson Space Center to Hppants house. Like nearly every day on this trip this one had an unplanned event as well.
The day started out well enough. I took the coast route. It was a foggy morning.
Gee there is a quip here somewhere but I am tired tonight. Pile on!
Houston, we have a problem.
Two and half hours into the ride the Yamaha tail bag is gone. I must have not latched it properly. Must of confused it with the Givi box which latches securely just be pushing it into place. After quickly recovering from the initial shock I did an quick mental inventory. I lost a pair of tennis shoes, smoke visor for helmet, 1/2 cover for the bike and Rev'it winter gloves, not to mention the box. Now I don't have a decision to make which top box I will use in the future.
Anyway it could have been a lot worse. I don't loose heated gear or
difficult to replace electronics. Later in the day a Cycle Gear replaced
cover and some winter gloves. I have a pair of sandels that will get me
through and the visor was on it's last legs.Anyway as Redfish noted above we had a great dinner at Hppants. It was great to meet the Redfish, Pops, Hppants, Mike and Tom. Had a splendid time. Great hospitality.
March 12, 2020
Hppants, Mike and I were going to go for a ride today. Hppants' job collided with the COVID-19 virus and those plans were scuttled at breakfast. Pants felt really low about that. Another unplanned event. Go with the flow.
I wanted to go to Barber Motorsports but the weather forecast was rubbish. Lots of rain. The forecast the way west around San Antonio was good for two days then rubbish thereafter. So I bailed and started the journey home. Good news, it was in the low 70's today with overcast skies - perfect riding conditions. Also who knows of Barber Motorsports will be open due to the virus so maybe it is time to get home. If I do I can help my wife post foot surgery.
Hppants insisted return on the same coastal route I came except go to Gavelston Island via the ferry. So I did. Here is my Spotwalla Track
This is a crawfish harvesting field. The little cones are craw fish traps.
The beach today. I wouldn't want to be here during a high tide with a storm.
The ferry ride at Galveston. That was pretty cool. I only had to wait about 20 minutes to board. The poor soul going the other way were lined up about 1/2 mile.
A auto ferry going the other way.
The architecture on Galveston Island is interesting. High surf goes right under the house.
On the island the first few miles where right on the beach and it was rather crowded. Hotels on the right side, beach on the left. People everywhere. Shucks Ocean Shores Washington is utterly deserted compared to this - of course it is colder there too.
Well that's it for the night. Thanks for following along.
To be continued.
Daily Ditty.
March 13, 2020
Nearly no unplanned events today, except 2 miles from the hotel there was a traffic jam for some reason so I took a 45 minute detour to get around the mess.
Today the temps were between 71 and 82 with partly cloudy skies, straight roads, good pavement and a tires full of air, meaning I check the tires this morning and they are fine.
I stopped at five Motorcycle Grand Tour Of Texas sites today and mostly avoided the Interstate although my route was mostly on divided highway and I am not complaining.
First stop was at Stephen Austin statue.
Next stop was at the Vietnam War Memorial in Hallettsville Texas.
Statue of Liberty is in Halletsville too. Who of thunk? Not a bad looking bike either. Hey Redfish you can detail my bike anytime.
The Juan Seguin Burial Site also in Hallettsville Texas.
The Bluebonnets where out in a few places today.
My favorite stop today was the world's largest Pecan in Seguin Texas.
Yesterday was a 300 mile day with 2 ferry crossing taking about 1 hour. Today was about 435 so tomorrow I will step it up a bit more to take advantage of the good weather.
To be continued.
oday I crossed a time zone so took the opportunity to make good use of the extra hour by riding about 540 miles today.
When I started this morning the humidity was 80% and the temp was about 67 degree something I don't experience very often.
Dig these layer of rock.
About an hour into the ride it started to rain lightly. I got to try out my inexpensive Bilt gloves I bought in Lafayette and I was quite surprise how warm there are. Tomorrow I get to test them again as the temps will be in the lower 40's when I get rolling.
Not long after the rain quite it cleared off and the land, flatter than a pancake for the past two days, started to show some shape again. Oh the joy!
Also the prior two days was mostly gray and overcast. The blue sky was a welcome change and I love desert riding like this.
My last stop of the Motorcycle Grand Tour of Texas.
Any old volcano. Not long after this there was columns of basalt rock similar to Eastern Washington.
A yellow caution turn sign and blue sky along Hwy 118 near Fort Davis. Nice road.
And another turn.
After 3 days of riding I arrive in:
To be continued.
Daily Ditty a day late.
I ended up in Deming New Mexico on March 14 after a 500 mile day.
On Sunday March 15 I did it again.
This was a get down the freeway day. It is what it is. Tonight as I write this the COVID-19 capturing the national attention and hard supplies are in heavy demand from coast to coast. TP and cleaning supplies seem hardest hit. Restaurants, bars, brewpub and wineries are closed in Washington States. In Oregon restaurants can provide take out. In California bars, brewpubs and wineries are closed, except in LA County where only take out will be allowed tomorrow. It is getting worse by the day. Fear is gripping the nation. Next will motels be closed? Canada closed it's boarder today to non-Canadians. Canadians are heading back home from the SW US in mass after being told there health care coverage was no longer valid in the US.
This is not the time to be out touring on a motorcycle. So home it is and as quickly as I can with safety a priority.
Anyway here are some images from Sunday March 15th.
I have a thing for mountains. This is in New Mexico.
Hello Arizona.
It is spring in Arizona.
This photo was a mistake but it illustrates why I don't like the stock mirrors. Notice the hand grip is clearly in view. Once my hand is there I can only see to the side but not what is behind me. Grrrrr. I have FZ1 mirrors on my 09 and they will be on my 17 soon.
The yellow flowers were sure pretty.
There was this odd rock formation with boulders like this over an area about 1 square mile or so. By the time I got my camera out this is all I got. Sure was an odd place compared to the surrounding area.
I was on Arizona 85 north when this thing passed me doing about 75 mph. The speed limit was 70 and I was doing about 68. Crazy.
Nice looking peak.
I landed in Blythe California and I was tired after two successive 500 mile days. The trip was begin to loose it's luster with COVID-19 getting worse by the day. Stops at museums are not advised or they are simply closed.
Rather than update this post I laid out a ride plan on a spreadsheet to get home. I balanced some fun road with 350 mile days, something I can ride successively without getting tired.
March 16, 2020
Today I rode from Blythe to near Indio California, about 1.5 hours, to visit a friend who is spending the winter in his RV in Southern California. His wife made us a great lunch and we shot the breeze for about 2 hours before I headed to Passadena and get here just in time to beat a soaking rain.
Here is my bike in the parking lot.
All in all it was about 215 miles today and this was a set up to for the rest of the ride home. The storm will blow out by 9:00pm tonight and I should have a pretty nice ride tomorrow.
Today is Monday and I expect to be home on Friday afternoon.
To be continued.
Daily Ditty
March 17, 2020
Today I rode 320 miles but it was a great day. Last nights weather blew through and left puffy clouds the majority of the day. I started out to to temperatures in to low 50's.
I had been thinking about this day the entire trip. I finally got off the freeway today to enjoy this:
The Pacific Ocean. Six days ago I was along the Gulf Of Mexico in Louisiana and Texas. I have been up Hwy 1 before and was thrilled it was a great day for riding.
Nice day for photos with a few clouds in the sky.
The road is cut into steep cliffs so I was checking the Cal Trans app before I left this morning to make sure it was still open!
The views are spectacular as it the road. I got to lean the '17 over pretty good for the first time. The Angel GT tracked just fine.
Stopped at the Elephant Seal Vista Point.
It was nice to have time today to stop and see the sights along the way.
Big Creek Bridge, Big Sur.
A different view farther away.
Gee did I say it was a great day?
McWay Falls.
Calendar worthy?
I landed in Monterey after a 7 hour day. It was spectacular.
To be continued.
Daily Ditty
March 19, 2020
Silver Linings
Let's continue with the silver linings theme as negativity is weary.
This morning I heated up a burrito for breakfast. Silver lining I had breakfast.
I got going about 9:00am and it was 42 with blue skies. Silver lining was the weather was great today.
I got to see Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox today. Silver lining is fantasy is a good diversion.
Why is it named Babe the Blue Ox when clearly this Ox is male?
I got to see big Redwood trees today.
My Garmin 590 is paired to the Garmin app. It told me Hwy 101 was closed and told me on a 2.5 hour detour. Silver lining is the Garmin thought the traffic light controlled one way road on Hwy 101 was a lane closure. I will refrain from a Garmin rant here, damn my lip is bleading. I just want an Android Auto Head Unit for a motorcycle than can be controlled by gloves and connect to my phone.
I got to see the Pacific Ocean today and that is the silver lining.
I got to ride on Hwy 199 today. Silver lining is its a nice twisty road and I had a clean pass except for a couple of knuckheads who could not read the slower vehicles used turn out signs. They were dispatched quickly not be bee seen again with a well deserved salute.
I entered Oregon today. Silver lining is I am fine and closer to home.
I used DoorDash today to have food delivered to my hotel. Was great!
To be continued.
Daily Ditty
March 20, 2020
How about more silver linings today?
Using the McDonald's app on my phone I order breakfast and walk to the store next door and stand in app order stall 4. Within 5 minutes I have breakfast. Silver lining is I have breakfast and I am learning to be more flexible.
Today was a blue sky day with some haze and moderate temperatures. Silver lining is it is a nice day for the final day of this trip.
My route takes me along the Columbia River Gorge. The Gorge is a natural venturi and the Silver lining is it is not blowing today.
I decide to get off the freeway give you a show of the Columbia River Gorge. Silver lining this ride report will be better for it!
The white wood guard rail is a used to add character to the highway as this was used back in the day over 100 years ago. Motorist are in the debt of Sam Hill and Sam Lancaster for this wonderful road. The engineering alignment generally had a maximum grade of 5% and curve radius of 200 feet.
There are several waterfalls on the Oregon side of the Columbia River. This is Wakeena Falls.
Horsetail Falls
Now back on the freeway on the way to Mosier.
The Columbia River. Silver lining I was here today!
Self portrait. Silver lining is I didn't drop the camera.
In Mosier Oregon on Hwy 30.
This is for you Hppants. Once Joey told me he wanted to rider every Rowena Curve when he comes out west despite this being a short but sweet section of road. Silver lining I am the the Rowena Curves, again, darn.
The Ice Age Floods carved these cliffs and created the spectacular water falls. Please take a couple of minutes learn about this dramatic landscape. There is also a video in page too.
Also near Bonneville Dam there was a large landslide and here is a 5 minute video from Nick Zentner a Geology Professor at Central Washington University. Nick is a natural at teaching.
Mt. Hood in the distance. Silver lining was it was a clear day.
John Day Dam. Silver lining it didn't breach today? That is dark humor and should be banned from silver linings!
Back in Washington State on the north side of the Columbia River. State Route 14 is a nice road.
Interesting rock formation on the right.
Heading home. Silver lining is I made it home safe and sound.
To be continued. Yeah there is a bit more.
Daily Ditty
March 22, 2020
The Epilogue
In total I road about 4650 miles. From Lafayette to Spokane, a 9 day ride, I road 3400 miles for an average of about 375 per day.
The tires on the bike when I bought it made it home. The were are a set of Pirelli Angel GTs and I believe there were new are nearly new.
At 16,850 miles the front tire measures 5/32" in of tread while the rear had 8/23" in. Now at 21,500 miles the front tire measure 3/3/2" in of tread while the rear had 5/23" in. The measurements were taken adjacent to the wear bars at the near the top of the tire.
The front tire is a starting to square off just a bit while the rear is has a nice radius. I won't make any other comparisons because my 09 is GP front suspension and a Penske at the rear while the 17 has ES suspenders so it is hard to tell how the tires performs with much different suspension systems. In addition most of the miles I traveled were on the flat roads.
Front tire.
Rear tire.
When I left on this trip, our home, recently flooded due to a plumber's error installing a water conditioner, was waiting for repair. My wife needed foot surgery to remove a bony growth on her toe and needs a dental implant.
When I returned home nothing had changed except my wife has a mild case of bronchitis. No work was done on the house. The work starts tomorrow. Due to COVID-19 Linda's medical and dental work is postponed until things return to normal. [Rant] And I don't want to hear the cliché "This is the new normal." In my lifetime there is nothing normal about the coronavirus spreading around the world and it will eventually run its course. [/EndRant]
I had enough going on at the beginning of this trip to tilt the stress meter. Then while on the trip the coronavirus epidemic explodes nationwide and the unplanned events impact the trip. As a result I started to suffer from anxiety. My blood pressure was up during the trip and to be safe I went to a hospital where I was diagnosed with higher than normal blood pressure and an EKG test was normal a big Silver Lining! Yesterday my wife Linda, a former Nurse Practitioner, checked my BP with an old school tool and found it 134/80. I am still not settled but I am trying to avoid stressors such as the news. I have started to re-appropriate farkles from the 09 to the 17 and this has a calming effect. Silver lining is my situation is much better than many others in the country and I have a bit of anxiety medication at home.
Hopefully you can find silver linings in your life today. Thanks for following along.
The End.
