I haven't been riding or writing, I've been coughing, and blowing my nose, and wheezing and coughing some more. It's viral, so I can't throw antibiotics at it. My riding has been virtual, or should I say vicarious. Certainly wishful.
Some of you have already seen the videos of a Goldwing riding Deals Gap, colloquially known as "the Dragon"; but they were new to me. Thanks to Doug Klassen of Forty Years on Two Wheels for telling me about them. The rider attacks the 318 turns in 11 miles of scenic and twisty US 129 in North Carolina and Tennessee with impressive vigor. The way he dives into the corners and the scraping sounds will either make you grin maniacally or cringe. If you aren't sitting on the edge of your chair, leaning into the curves as you watch the video, you might want to check your pulse or hold a mirror in front of your mouth.
The video is divided into two sections: Part One Part Two
Enjoy - and get a flu shot.
While my friends were at the motorcycle show a couple weeks ago I was staying away from the public, trying to keep my anti-social cold symptoms to myself. Keeping the tradition of a wet leather moto-show alive, the rain did a splendid job of cleaning the roads that Saturday afternoon. Surprisingly, Triumph didn't even show up, so people who were hoping for their first in-person look at the new triple 675 were rather disappointed. And Aprilia didn't bring the 2006 Capo to the show, so I'll just have to play hooky sometime and go check it out at the Italian bike dealer in San Jose. No I'm not unhappy with my GS, I am just curious about the bike that started me down the enduro riding path.
After weeks of itchy eustation tubes, my ears finally feel normal so I'm willing to trust my sense of balance enough to get on the GS for a short ride. What is it about these machines that bring such a strong sensation of joy and anticipation? Christmas Day was sunny - I could hear motorcycles in the neighborhood while I was cooking - but I had chained myself to the stove and the oven. "You can ride on Monday." I promised myself. And I did. Next weekend it is supposed to rain, but I'm headed out for a long ride rain or shine. I've been cooped up for weeks and need to get out!