jimbob

I test rode the Can-Am when they were first coming out. Complete death machine. Go around corners like a snowmobile(Polaris parent company, maker of snowmobiles). Was initially geared towards the 2nd bike disposable income rider who might enjoy a softer,gentler ride. They've made enough of them to go to a GT model with more trunk space, and a goldwing type rear trunk and arm rests. I even saw one on the road to Daytona with a matching trailer. With 32mpg(out of the same engine as my aprilia that gets 42), top speed around 125(30 slower than same bike), and that craazy curve strategy(you lean, bike doesn't), not a big fan. The MSF solicited for instructors, they are still looking.

LMFAO!! Bears? flags? Pride? wha?

One of the many stories about the Rock Store. Seems Ed was getting harassed by a bunch of loudasspipe cruiser bikes. They would just roar up and down, take up too much parking, drink heavy and then get irritated. Old Ed, has to be almost 100(well, at least over 80). He goes out there and tells them to get the hell out and stop causing so much trouble. A larger, younger member of the group gets in Ed's face just a little too close and Ed, just reaches up and BAM! Punches the guy right in the face knocking him on his ass! The young guy started to get up, but Ed said" I've killed people, I'll kick your ass if you get up!". Guy stays down, dust settles and they go away to never come back. When asked about what would happen if they rest had joined in, Ed said, "Oh, I wasn't afraid of them. Hell, just punching that loudmouth on his ass was good enough for me"... Heard it with my own two ears. Surely not the option in all cases, but identifies a problem that was nipped in the bud by a quick chop to the face.

Keys, keys, where did I put my damn keys?

As an instructor(arrogant), retired Army Officer(ex baby-killer), Chief Warrant Officer(really arrogant), advanced instructor(really, really arrogant), assumer of other stereotypes:BMW owner/crotch-rocket rider/dualie/WASP/southerner,MBA, etc, etc. I realize that I am in possession of a glass house and subject to ridicule and other aberrant behavior. The term that really gripes my azz though is the use of the term "sovereign". Dicing on the track with a group of hi-test racers can get very uncomfortable when they start trading paint into a turn. I've also felt the panic when I realize something that I didn't see is very close to me. As riders on the road, we are, for a fleeting moment, owners of that sovereign ground, and subject to violation by a host of other usurpers. To assume more invites the current level of scorn. I've passed and been harassed by others that thought I wronged them. A particular incident ended up with a CHP, Julian Sheriff, and 45 minutes of interrogation following a 90 mph game of MadMax and standing in the middle of the road, preparing to "throw down". Whatever you call them, the cruiser guys were wrong to exercise their might/right slogan. Perhaps passing them on a DY was also wrong. In the end, it hurts us all and detracts from the spirit of riding.

A word I learned at Daytona. Girl Scouts. As in, wow, that's a lot of flair you have on your vest, you must be a girl scout! I don't encourage anyone to make this observation if they are outmanned, but its still funny

2nd on the cycra handguards and renthal bars and BRP triple clamp(that's how mine came). When I bought my DRZ a few months ago, I expected to crash EVERY time I rode it. After awhile I got worse and stopped crashing so much. Throttle got a little sticky once, but that was easily fixed with an allen and one of those cold malt beverages. Back to the subject: careful out there riding alone!

The very first concert I went to in 1974. They had only released their 2nd album, and Lucille was a household name. ZZ Top opened for BB King. Nice memories. I've been to several of their concerts including one in the middle of a field in Germany. Trivia, In their Viva Las Vegas tour, ZZ Top had a famous Vegas dancer sporting the big headdress and legs up to her neck. She later starred in the show Dharma and Greg - her name was Jenna Elfman

thanks to all that applied, I wish I had half a dozen more!

finally got settled in to my new house in Savannah, GA(in case some of you were wondering where I've been lately) Unpacking, I realized I still have my 2011 adventure pass(paid $30 for it so I could go to Corral Canyon). pm me your address and I'll mail it to you. This is no scam, its good until Oct 2011, and I can't use it here in jawjah.

Epic, just begins to describe it. Even though I only did a bit, I will remember it always! <did that sound ghey?>

Once I get the results back from MRI(not bike related injury) on Tues, I should be a)cleared for riding b)prepped for knee surgery. More on that later. If A - then why not just make plans to go riding!

Hopefully you guys checked your email before you leave. I play on Deluz often. Some tips to successful navigation: Misson road thru Fallbrook, then turn left on DeLuz road before Main St. Halfway down the hill(1 mile or so) bear left on DeLuz(Not Sandia Rd). Enjoy the next 8 miles or so of twisty 2 lane paved. At yield sign, bear left(stay on DeLuz, not Deluz Murrietta). After 1/2 mile the road will turn to sand. After 1/2 mile at intersection(big tree, ya can't miss it) bear left off main dirt road. Ignore trespassing signs. Enjoy Deluz for next 17 miles or so. At pavement, go 1 mile, then turn left onto Cleveland National Forest rd. Enjoy twisty primitive paved road. Stop at Wildemar OHV area and play at mile 12. Continue on paved road until it crosses onto Killon tr and follow it to Ortega Hwy. Eat at Lookout overlooking Lake Elsinore. On return trip before OHV area and after Killon tr, look for road to left - sign says rough road ahead. Enjoy. Sta on La Cresta road and keep going towards Tenaja Truck Trail. When pavement ends, bear left(you will know you went the wrong way when the road ends at a big fence. backtrack and get back on Tenaja TT). As you near trailer trash park(you'll know it, bear rt at school bus. If you go straight, road will dead end and you will be surrounded by dogs(no, really). Enjoy the views of Tenaja, back on Deluz and back into Fallbrook. Have fun!

ahh, I've done rides like that in Italy and Germany. -1 for crossing the double yellow. +3 for riding into oncoming traffic. +1 for lofting it; often. Mostly a yawn, since its all straight road. For a real pucker factor, watch Le Prince Noir(the black Prince) riding the peripheque(beltway of Paris). Caution. if the previous video scared you, this one will cause night fright; you've been warned http://thevelvetrocket.com/2008/02/20/le-prince-noir-the-black-prince/