stomp944

I shudder to think, however, of the volleys of criticism that could be lobbed at my website....!

I see now where earlier EXC seats are listed in the 'coming soon' section. Also may want to consider alphabetical list of manufacturers names (slightly more intuitive perhaps, and to avoid any perception of bias).

Nice job, Roger - you did a lot of work there. Some of my observations: - could expand the rationale more to highlight the problem better, compare to what's out there and perhaps 'sell' it more convincingly; maybe label this tab differently, as I typically think of "about" as about the company or the founder, etc, not the product necessarily. - the feedback poll could use a short blurb to acknowledge why it is being asked and to provide a quick disclaimer that information will not be used to contact you, etc, etc - why the 'featured products'? doesn't seem to serve a purpose but to distract from how to look up the product you came to the site for. what's the benefit to feature it unless it is being discounted or demonstrates a new approach, fabric, model, etc, - no '02-'03 EXC listed as a product but I know Lendon does one - photo gallery is great, but if you could perhaps organize/categorize it a little...? - seat options do not seem adequately highlighted (fabric options, styles, pros/cons); maybe I missed it - search box is not obvious (same color as grey button dissuades me from knowing to type in it) - typo in installation box ("if you want us install........") - adding installation to cart is not obvious enough - avoid dissatisfaction from customers by making this as automated and/or clear as possible (a separate add to cart may not be the best approach, unless you reverse it and prompt the customer to delete installation for those who don't need it..?) - 'misc' tab could be reworded to 'other products' or similar to better show that there's more offered for sale... Seriously - having designed several websites I know how much work this is. No criticisms, only constructive observations from an end-user perspective. Good stuff! Sean

Go Zina! Glad everything went well on the surgery. Keep at the physio and good luck. If I can help out with anything, let me know. Sean

http://www.thepostgame.com/features/201110/unsuspecting-woman-blindsided-dirt-bike

Wow, guys - epic!! Enjoy your last riding day today and the well-deserved break once back home. Thanks for sharing the pics in advance, and looking forward to the write-up.

In response to a CL posting I recently had a reply along these lines: I'm interested in buying your bike and I'm happy to pay full price - I trust it is exactly as you described. I work on a ship and we are not allowed to use cell phones. I will have my shipper contact you to arrange for payment and pickup.... etc, etc. yeah, ok. I've also had two guys agree to buy a bike and then turn around with a hard-luck story and ask me if I can finance it for them..! Another common thing with CL is the number of flakes. I've recently had half a dozen scheduled viewings with interested parties who then never show up and never again respond to inquiries. It seems that virtually 100% of Cycle Trader ad responders are legit, while the opposite is true of CL ad responders. I've started including a note at the end of ads that says local, in-person, cash sales only.

Thanks for the update. Hopefully you don't find anything of concern there, Randy. I'd have met up with you for the ride, but we have visitors this weekend until late Sun...

Thanks for the info, Randy. If this comes to pass and I'm not already committed that day/weekend, I'm in too. Sean

Wow, that's what packing light looks like! Those Enduro bags do look much smaller than I figured - I was considering them recently, but now will probably go with a street pair of soft saddle bags, and modify them as needed for dual sport fit. Chris, let me know how your bag system works in 'real world' testing this week. If you need to change or add an attachment point, or make some other modification I might be able to reconstruct it for you. Enjoy the week (et al)! Sean

Congrats, hucker! That's cool. Nice to get an insider's perspective on a sport that's like a second cousin to DS. Thanks for sharing the pics, etc. Sean

In, Deb. thx. Sean

Sweet. Yup, I'm in again this year. Can't wait. Expect to have SO and friend in tow as well...

Yeah, happy B-day, Zina! Glad you got out for a ride today, especially to let a Duc stretch its legs. (mine have been quiet idle as of late....) Sean

Sorry to miss the actual ride, but great to meet up at Borrego Springs anyway, and say hi to Jarrett and Caitlyn again - and Dave on his streetbike. Even though I was using four wheels on blacktop, after three months recuperating inside four walls it was very refreshing to see some desert and mountains again. And almost as importantly, I finally reclaimed my 'hard-won' Big Bear Run t-shirt from Chris's clutches....! Sean

If you are still looking for a solution, I've got a Kendon dual-rail trailer (and all the tie-down straps you want) available in Sorrento Valley area. Photo and contact details at link below (forget the 'rental fee'; free to borrow if needed......). http://www.motopouch.com/trailer.html Sean

Thanks for the info and the link, Randy. Couldn't find any news on GP's website earlier - just viewed the tribute, however. Great to see so many photos of Geoff in better times! I've been planning to see Isaac at his new place for the past year but unfortunately have not yet managed it. Will do so shortly, and look out for news of a memorial ride later this summer. SFT

Thank you for passing along Issac's note regarding Geoff, Randy. I had not heard before now. It is very saddening news, and for me happens to coincide with the 7th anniversary of my dad's death.... Geoff is the reason I finally bought my first Ducati in 1997; I still own it. He (along with Paul, Issac and others) is the reason I still go to GP for parts and service, although I have not seen him for way too many years (some time shortly after his second accident). His enthusiasm and passion for European sportbikes and riding was infectious and almost tangible. No question was too stupid and he always remembered your name and greeted you when coming into the shop. I've missed seeing him there for a long time and sorry I did not make an effort to visit him before now. If/when you hear of a ride/memorial, etc, please email me. Sean

yup. been reading that thread as well - don't seem to be the tire for me....... will go with harder compound, maybe motocross (the Kenda are DOT). sft

Peter Egan, columnist for Cycle World and other magazines has re-purchased previously owned vehicles often enough that its now referred to as 'doing an Egan' or 'eaganing' a bike, etc. He's written several columns over the past few years describing both the planned and accidental circumstances and thought processes that bring him to such decisions. Good writer and good reads. Personally, I've been happy to move on from all past m/c and auto sales - only nostalgia leads me to consider having one or two back in the garage again....

I have a Kenda Trackmaster 110/100 18 on the rear of a 520 at the moment. Impressions so far, after about 400 miles of mixed terrain including asphalt are not great. Somewhat 'squirrely' feeling in softer terrain - they don't seem to stay planted and track with confidence (note for reference, running a compromise air pressure at 17psi). The knobby rubber is also extremely soft and flexible. This translates to quicker wear and rounding of the leading edges from road miles. I'm sure I'll be trying something else in another 400-600 miles.

I have one as well, you can use anytime if you haven't sorted it out yet. In Sorrento Valley, or can meet anywhere north-ish of the city. Sean 619-995-3707

uh............................ guilty! agreed, Aug in the Sierra's isn't hard to take, relatively speaking. I've ridden my share of 115 degree days (AZ/CA), as well as a 55+ degree temperature shift one trip during a 4.5 hour period (UT). adds to the adventure! SFT

Still planning on hitting Mammoth this year as well (and maybe actually tasting some of the beer this year rather than paying for the privilege and missing it while C-diddy runs out of gas...... or was that Strega?). The riding alone is worth it. The bands alone are worth it. The scenery alone is worth it. The beer alone........ oh, I'm only guessing...... is probably worth it. If you can put up with the company (and a bit of Aug heat), it could be the ride of the year. Won't plan to stay at Holiday Haus (looks like Jim and Shannon took care of that!) - looking for other accommodation close enough to walk to the outdoor amphitheater. Sig Othr could be along on this one as well, for a nice change. Sean

Good to hear, John. I was just up in BB this weekend to snag the final weekend of open runs at Bear Mountain, and kept repeating to my wife that your XR was nearby, waiting to be rescued. Next time up mountain will be for a ride with you later on this spring. SFT