10,000+ Bugs, 300 Miles and 2 Birds

This is the time of the year when a ride up North from Phoenix yields a reward, one in the form of cool temperatures and the occasional refreshing rain. It of course can also throw a good Monsoon at you as well, so the prepared rider is ready for it all.

This of course is in stark contrast to what many think when they envision Arizona but the fact of the matter is that on Sunday I left 90º in Mesa with a few other riders to enjoy 64º in Sedona just a few hours later.

One side effect of the rain we are getting this year is of course bugs and in my 11 years in Arizona this summer seems to have delivered more bugs than I have seen before. Of course Spring still takes the cake, but bug are bug, so no matter when you get them you eventually have to clean them. Well, I do at least!

Along with my bug population control this weekend I also had one of the most aggressive hits from a bird that I can remember in recent history, so much so I had to clean my helmet visor and the guy behind me almost got blow back.

Ah well, it was an awesome ride and the time in the cool weather up North made the 110º easier to handle as I rolled into home.

The Road Warrior

I had the chance to meet up with James Kingstone today, he is the guy that just finished a 15K trip of the US.

He had a ton of strories to share and I will share his Blog a little later when I get landed.

Here in the next few weeks we'll have meet and greet, so stay tuned to SWRides.com!

Page 2...

Those were the words that Paul Harvey used to use to introduce "The Rest of The Story" when as a child I listed to him weekly at my grandfather's house in Lisbon, Ohio.

And that is where my Buell Ulysses is headed, for its next page, so to speak.

Her new owner picked her up tonight, after I rode her home for one last time.

That bike has provided a lot of good times over the last few years and hopefully I'l be riding with and passing her on the road soon. Maybe the new owner will pop into the forums and say hello.

The garage is a little more roomy, but if all goes well that will not last for long.

Stay tuned folks, for the Rest of the Story!

Are We Done Yet??

This year has been a scorcher! I don't care if it is global warming or whatever, all I know is that is has been a hot one and I'll be happy when we begin to see some fall weather here in Arizona.

Maybe it is the fact that after riding the same routes year after year I know that I am just a month away from beautiful weather that I find myself wanting to wait, but the call of the road is just too strong. Plus, I just love breakfast at my favorite spot.

Of course I do have an actual excuse as I have been sticking close to home to help my wife learn to ride and the fact that she has been traveling quite a bit since my trip to Ohio, but next weekend I am pretty well set on a good long ride up North into the cooler areas of Arizona.

Of course no matter how cool it is up there, the ride back is always a reminder that I do live in the Valley Of The Sun!

I guess I'll just use on of these to let me know when the ride is over!

Joining The Adventure

Well, it is official! My wife now has her first bike. It is a 1994 Honda VLX600C (Shadow) and as you can see she could not be happier.

I'll be happier as she develops her skill and confidence, but so far she is doing great.

Service Time

Well, after 4000 miles my bike was ready for an oil change and is a little overdue for its 32K service.

Basically the main part of that service is a valve check and I'll be taking it to Ride Time in Phoenix tomorrow for them to check it out.

Off with the fairing and out in the morning I'll go!

German Bike Night

SWR member mrogge offered to hold a Bike Night on Wednesday for members and is even offering a 25% discount on the total bill for coin holders. I would say I was being polite to stop by, but the truth is that the food is great and the beverages are very very tasty!!

While it was just mrogge, oddity and myself tonight I think this place should be a good stop for a lot of folks and look forward to the growth of this Bike Night.

With the TT Roadhouse on Tuesday, Zur Kate on Wednesday and the westside on Thursday, SWR is well on its way to a full week schedule.