Dan Diego

Always nice to see your photos, Jimbo. Never surprised at how good they are. #BoysGotTalent

My fellow SDAR brothers & sisters: I wanted to let you know that I’m retiring effective 12/31/2017 and my wife Dee and I are moving to Florida shortly after. We want to care for Dee’s aging mom in Tampa and I was unable to find a job in that area. I absolutely love our current situation: this job, the work, the people, the riding opportunities, the location…but this is a decision we are both good with. As well, I plan to finally embark on a ride to Ushuaia that I've been dreaming about for a long time. I've been with my current employer since August 1987...and a Marine before that. So even though it may seem I'm retiring a little early, I've put in some years. Those who know me, know I'm kind of private--maybe too much so. All apologies for that. I've enjoyed meeting and riding with every one of you since Randy scooped me and my big fat Triumph off the Montezuma Grade so many years ago. Bike Slut then took me and my big fat GS up the Kernan. And I've gone through 6 or 7 bikes. I have some local rides and at least one more Baja ride planned so I sure hope to see you out on the trail soon. So there ya go; more to follow.

That has gotta be the nicest message I've received from any of my friends, family and co-workers since I announced my retirement and imminent departure. And the reason Kathy gives me "that look" every time I roll up to your driveway on my bike! Ride planning now, my friend. #SparkleDonkeyIsTequila

I really enjoyed Vena Cava. Very motorcycle friendly. You'll need to travel on a dirt road for a bit, but well worth it Here's my RR: http://ineverfinishanyth.blogspot.com/2017/07/doing-baja-bounce-fish-tacos-vino-and.html?m=1

Me, too, Jimbo. But with those truly outstanding photos, I feel as if I were there.

Ha ha! All true stories! (Not true at all, but contact my attorney, anyhow.) I'm in the Gaslamp now. Michos has good street tacos. Calling you to set it up.

That looks like a great ride with some fun riders! And all that KLR talk? Pure envy! #NoSandMyAss

Can't wait to hear about it! The photos looked great. You had some fine weather, too.

Will be going across country with my Tundra. Hauling a bunch of boxes. Before I buy either a camper shell or small enclosed trailer, who can tell me what the preferred method of hauling stuff would be? I'd think that just a shell would be best as its more aerodynamic, but would like to hear from the pros. Also: I may be looking for an old 6' 5" shell if anyone has one they'll sell. I saw Trophy Hunter's last week and it looked nice! Thanks in advance.

Photos or it never happened! ?

South of Tampa, Randy. And I'll send coordinates shortly. I have a small house, some property and a man cave of a garage out back. You SDAR-types will always be welcome to drop by en route to Key West.

Ah, man! I love that description! I do want to wear tall back socks with sandals, though...

I will definitely miss your lone shoe photos, Kelly!

There were at least two motorcycle fatalities yesterday. Not to be profound, but I’m certain neither rider thought they had only hours to live when they got on their bikes that morning. A motorcyclist died after running a red light and colliding with a car in a busy intersection in Grantville: http://www.kusi.com/story/36721831/motorcyclist-killed-pregnant-woman-hospitalized-after-collision-on-san-diego-mission-road A man riding a motorcycle was killed when a suspected drunken driver ran a red light and crashed into the motorcycle in the Linda Vista area of San Diego: http://fox5sandiego.com/2017/10/30/1-person-killed-in-linda-vista-motorcycle-crash/ Please be careful out there, folks.

Yeah, like Chris, I usually use a larger (2-person) tent so I can 1. Stretch out and be comfortable and 2. Keep my riding/camping gear inside with me. It's worth the extra weight to me. I currently use the Big Agnes Burn Ridge 2 (among 2-3 others) As well, I want a self-standing tent (no anchor lines) and most one-person tents require them.

Guilty as charged...

Good points, Zubb I wholeheartedly subscribe to the philosophy of "If I get hit, it's my own fault." I totally get it.

Right on, Tom! But this is likely a one-way trip. (More to follow.) That's also being considered. Will definitely look at the one you bought. Waterproof or rain-resistant? Have a photo by chance? I see eBay jobbies going for under $150 and wondered if they were any good.

And buying a small trailer usually is more cost efficient than renting one for 10 days. The other part of that is that trailers generally retain their value and I can sell it on the other side. Unsure how camper shells hold up. Thanks for your input.

Yup, good points. Thanks The tarp idea might work, though I'm more concerned about weather than theft. Gonna try that first.

Welcome aboard! You have some good company up in the Esco area.

"I dunno, this seems pretty gay," said Dave as I snapped a photo of us at the El Paso taco shack in Campo. I responded, "Oh, really...then wait until we hit the Wisteria Candy cottage." Which we did a few minutes later. (They loved his tight leather pants.) We'd ridden out on the 94 to see Uncle Champ...who wasn't home (or wisely didn't let us in). It was a really nice day to ride, too. Not too much traffic, not too hot...just a nice day to ride. After said candy store, where we each purchased some very heterosexual chocolates for our wives, we returned to town via Old Highway 80. He was on the Strom, I was on the Triumph pig. It was a 115 mile loop for me, 190 for Dave. Total off-road riding for the day; Approximately 23 feet.

In response to, "Just how hetero were those candies?" I say: They were shaped like The Kug. Extremely manly. ?

My wife has been learning to ride. Apparently, she wants a 2-wheeler. A friend gave her 3 solid lessons on using the clutch and she feels confident enough to take the MSF course. The course provided by Harley was canceled at the last minute so she starts the 3-day class this Tuesday. Anyhow, she started on her little CT 90 (thanks, CiD) and learned to shift using a clutch on a TTR125. So naturally, we went bike shopping yesterday. Her friends were all suggesting the Sportster, Suzuki Intruder, Rebel 250, Honda Shadow, TW200, etc. We hung out with Ted at Southday yesterday and he showed us the new Honda Rebel 300 & 500: fuel injected, fat from tire, ABS, lower center of gravity, lighter than you'd think. She sure likes it. But then a friend said, "Come take the FE350S sitting in our garage. It's street legal. We never ride it." Hmmmm.... I ran across this quote while researching the Husky, and I think this group will understand: "There is a reason dirt bikes with license plates ignite the hearts of even the most jaded of riders. They are a shot of moonshine when beer doesn’t do it for you." To be continued....

Yeah, no need for a passport. A drivers license will be fine, even in the ready line. Aplogize and let them know your passport is in the mail...