mark@umt.com
Member
Posts: 19
his and hers at Key West, FL
Toronto, ON
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« on: July 07, 2010, 09:26:29 PM » |
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Hey all, My wife and I just got back from a tour out on the East coast and once we put on some new tires we'll be heading out West. I personally love the South West of the US in such states as Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada and California...since we don't have these types of climactic zones in Canada. Where would you most like to go on a motorcycle tour and why? Have a grrrrrreat day!  Mark |
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Serk
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« Reply #1 on: July 07, 2010, 09:29:00 PM » |
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Colorado, Utah, Arizona are always favorites of mine... Right now I'm putting together the groundwork to do my dream tour in the summer of 2011... Alaska, up to Prudhoe Bay, maybe the Dempster to Inuvik if time and funds hold out... Why? ... because it's there...  |
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Never ask a geek 'Why?',just nod your head and slowly back away...  IBA# 22107 VRCC# 7976 VRCCDS# 226 1998 Valkyrie Standard 2008 Gold Wing Taxation is theft. μολὼν λαβέ |
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elraque
Member
Posts: 311
1999 Standard VRCC#31880!
Rock Springs, WY
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« Reply #2 on: July 07, 2010, 09:41:21 PM » |
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I ride the two lanes in central Utah every day... indescribable. Kind of like the thread about "don't go to Colorado Springs.
I'll take some pics one of these days and post them. If you're coming this way, contact me and I'll guide you towards some of the local two lanes with some scenery and fun twisties.
Where would I love to ride? There's a Colorado trip from here through Grand Junction, over Red Mountain Pass, then to Pagosa Springs. From there it's a loop back to my house.
I'd also love to ride through Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks. Except for the traffic, so I'd probably make that ride in September or very early October (It snows and frosts up there EARLY in the fall!)
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Wyoming native
(Endangered Species)
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elraque
Member
Posts: 311
1999 Standard VRCC#31880!
Rock Springs, WY
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« Reply #3 on: July 07, 2010, 09:42:35 PM » |
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I'd also consider a route through Arizona, just to throw a little financial and moral support their direction... (Jan Brewer is one of my new heroes!)
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Wyoming native
(Endangered Species)
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shortleg
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« Reply #4 on: July 08, 2010, 04:22:58 AM » |
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I have ridden two places that I have loved.
First was up the coast of California.
Next was the rides Outside Denver and
the Rocky Mts.
Shortleg[Dave]
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Kaz
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« Reply #5 on: July 08, 2010, 05:22:37 AM » |
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One of the things on my "bucket list" is to take a tour of the Pacific Northwest. We live in Wisconsin, but my daughter lived in Portland Oregon for a couple years and we had the opportunity to go out there and visit them. It was beautiful and I'd like to ride the bike out there. Especially on the north side of the Columbia River Gorge up to Seattle and then back down the coastal highway. There are quite a few old shipmates of mine from my Submarine days living out there too and it would be good to see them again after all these years.
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JimC
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« Reply #6 on: July 08, 2010, 06:17:12 AM » |
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My dream vacation would be to take a couple of months, haul the bike behind an RV and set up a base camp in the large national parks out west . I would then ride a different direction each day, return to the RV, and head out a different direction the next day. When that area had been explored, move on to another park.
I doubt it will happen, but it sure would be nice.
Jim
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Jim Callaghan SE Wisconsin
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valkmc
Member
Posts: 619
Idaho??
Ocala/Daytona Fl
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« Reply #7 on: July 08, 2010, 06:40:50 AM » |
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My bucket list includes a ride from central Florida to Alaska by way of the pacific northwest. Looks like the summer of 2012. Job is no problem because I have the summer off. $ is a little sticky because of two sons in college at the same time (trying to avoid loans and not poor enough to get help). When I go I will follow my usual planning, very little. All of my other trips have included a few must see things and a final destination, no built in stops or anythings like that. I also normally travel alone but have a friend who is thinking of making the trip, however his job could be a problem.n
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2013 Black and Red F6B (Gone)
2016 1800 Gold Wing (Gone)
1997 Valkyrie Tourer
2018 Gold Wing Non Tour
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JimL
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« Reply #8 on: July 08, 2010, 07:10:23 AM » |
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I have 3 places in mind that I hope to explore on the Valkyrie in the next 5 years (2 of them I have already experienced in a car, 1 I have never explored at all).
(1) Monument Vallley - I have never been there....I first took notice of this area in a scene in the movie "Forest Gump", since that time I have researched the area quite a bit. It is #1 on my "want to do list".
(2) US-1 from Homestead to Key West - I have been on this road many times, however it has always been with 2 kids screaming, fighting, kicking each other in the back seat of the car. Their behavior has change little....but they won't be with me when I do it on the Valkyrie.
(3) Pacific Coast Highway - One of the most beautiful rides I have ever done in a car. If you have ever been on it or seen photos of it....no explanation would be needed.
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Flat6Valk
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« Reply #9 on: July 08, 2010, 07:18:47 AM » |
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My current "wish I take this ride" is U.S. 50 from east to west. Almost no interstate travel and where it is shared I can live with that. This route takes a trip through the heart and soul of america. I live in Ohio so to get to the begining of the trip in Ocean City Maryland I would follow the sunshine and try to get to Washington D.C. and also try to hit the Delaware Pennisula. Coming back from California I am undecided on a route at this time. I'd love to go north and find my way into Yellowstone and the surrounding sites, which I saw as a 6 yr old child and still vividly remember, or take the southern route and travel down PCH and through AZ and on to Texas and the southern coast region. I really hope to do that ride but time is an issue. Im getting OLD!
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RIDE SAFE-RIDE OFTEN........GO BUCKEYES!!!
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Dag
Member
Posts: 1779
I have a love affair with a bumblebee
Country Rep. Norway
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« Reply #10 on: July 08, 2010, 07:50:56 AM » |
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At least 6 weeks on the road in USA. I dont know when, but I know it will happen |
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The question is not what you look at...but what you see...
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Gryphon Rider
Member
Posts: 5227
2000 Tourer
Calgary, Alberta
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« Reply #11 on: July 08, 2010, 07:51:29 AM » |
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My dream vacation is to have my Valk shipped to the UK, then tour the UK and Europe with my wife. She is born Scottish, so we would spend a disproportionate amount of time in Scotland. Unfortunately, I can't see this happening anytime soon.
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« Reply #12 on: July 08, 2010, 07:52:37 AM » |
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Wherever the road is two lane with minimal traffic  Have you fully explored EVERY two lane road in your state? There are days when I just follow the front wheel and take every backroad never ridden. Sure I have to do a bunch of U turns but I do find plenty of jewels. Last Sunday I "found" Neavis Mtn Rd. near Nelson, GA. I have ridden past this dozens of times without turning down it. No road name sign to give a clue as to its destination. Maybe a stretch of only 5 miles but such a quality 5 miles. |
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mark@umt.com
Member
Posts: 19
his and hers at Key West, FL
Toronto, ON
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« Reply #13 on: July 08, 2010, 08:27:33 AM » |
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I have 3 places in mind that I hope to explore on the Valkyrie in the next 5 years (2 of them I have already experienced in a car, 1 I have never explored at all).
(1) Monument Vallley - I have never been there....I first took notice of this area in a scene in the movie "Forest Gump", since that time I have researched the area quite a bit. It is #1 on my "want to do list".
(2) US-1 from Homestead to Key West - I have been on this road many times, however it has always been with 2 kids screaming, fighting, kicking each other in the back seat of the car. Their behavior has change little....but they won't be with me when I do it on the Valkyrie.
(3) Pacific Coast Highway - One of the most beautiful rides I have ever done in a car. If you have ever been on it or seen photos of it....no explanation would be needed.
Jim, Did #3 twice already....could do that one every year for the rest of my life and still want more. Recently did #2 last month...just gorgeous on a bike...so much for the eyes to see...can barely take it all in. Hope to do #1 next month as we head out west...will see as time is always a factor...as well as money! |
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« Reply #14 on: July 08, 2010, 08:37:40 AM » |
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I have 3 places in mind that I hope to explore on the Valkyrie in the next 5 years (2 of them I have already experienced in a car, 1 I have never explored at all).
(1) Monument Vallley - I have never been there....I first took notice of this area in a scene in the movie "Forest Gump", since that time I have researched the area quite a bit. It is #1 on my "want to do list".
(2) US-1 from Homestead to Key West - I have been on this road many times, however it has always been with 2 kids screaming, fighting, kicking each other in the back seat of the car. Their behavior has change little....but they won't be with me when I do it on the Valkyrie.
(3) Pacific Coast Highway - One of the most beautiful rides I have ever done in a car. If you have ever been on it or seen photos of it....no explanation would be needed.
Jim, Did #3 twice already....could do that one every year for the rest of my life and still want more. Recently did #2 last month...just gorgeous on a bike...so much for the eyes to see...can barely take it all in. Hope to do #1 next month as we head out west...will see as time is always a factor...as well as money! If you go to Moument Valley and the budget allows it try to stay at http://www.gouldings.com/I rode up in the evening and managed to talk the room price down by $50 for a night. |
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asfltdncr
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« Reply #15 on: July 08, 2010, 09:33:51 AM » |
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Have you travelled within British Columbia? I was pretty overwhelmed with Banff and Lake Louise. I would like to make the loop up through the Icefields and back down through Glacier National Park (Canada). I live in Northeast Washington and with the Cascades next door, some of the best riding is available right here.
Some of the places you mentioned are only to be attempted during the right weather. It just gets too friggin hot to enjoy your ride.
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mark@umt.com
Member
Posts: 19
his and hers at Key West, FL
Toronto, ON
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« Reply #16 on: July 08, 2010, 09:36:28 AM » |
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Thanks for the tip Britman....will have to give that a looksee. Did you get it for $50/night or get it DOWN by $50/night?!? Could have a BIG impact on the budget. Thanks again! Mark |
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clsimmonsjr
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« Reply #17 on: July 08, 2010, 09:56:33 AM » |
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Utah, Montana, Nevada, California, and I'm from TN
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Jabba
Member
Posts: 3563
VRCCDS0197
Greenwood Indiana
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« Reply #18 on: July 08, 2010, 11:46:20 AM » |
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Old Rte 66 from Chicago to LA, then up the PCH to Seattle. Then back thru the dakotas to Central Indiana.
Jabba
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valkmc
Member
Posts: 619
Idaho??
Ocala/Daytona Fl
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« Reply #19 on: July 08, 2010, 12:53:55 PM » |
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I have 3 places in mind that I hope to explore on the Valkyrie in the next 5 years (2 of them I have already experienced in a car, 1 I have never explored at all).
(1) Monument Vallley - I have never been there....I first took notice of this area in a scene in the movie "Forest Gump", since that time I have researched the area quite a bit. It is #1 on my "want to do list".
(2) US-1 from Homestead to Key West - I have been on this road many times, however it has always been with 2 kids screaming, fighting, kicking each other in the back seat of the car. Their behavior has change little....but they won't be with me when I do it on the Valkyrie.
(3) Pacific Coast Highway - One of the most beautiful rides I have ever done in a car. If you have ever been on it or seen photos of it....no explanation would be needed.
Done #2 twice, Great ride, I love going over 7-mile bridge early in the am or late in the evening. Lots of great seafood in small little mom and pop places before u get to Key West. Key West on the other hand has become very commercial. |
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2013 Black and Red F6B (Gone)
2016 1800 Gold Wing (Gone)
1997 Valkyrie Tourer
2018 Gold Wing Non Tour
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SANDMAN5
Member
Posts: 2176
Mileage 65875
East TN
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« Reply #20 on: July 08, 2010, 01:04:31 PM » |
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Get a bag with one each of the "new" state quarters. Reach in and
pull out a quarter...that's where you're headed. Stay in that state
until you're ready to move on, then reach in and pull out another
quarter...new destination!! Hawaii might present a problem though.
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"Evolution" is a dying religion being kept alive with tax dollars.  |
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JimL
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« Reply #21 on: July 08, 2010, 01:05:13 PM » |
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I have 3 places in mind that I hope to explore on the Valkyrie in the next 5 years (2 of them I have already experienced in a car, 1 I have never explored at all).
(1) Monument Vallley - I have never been there....I first took notice of this area in a scene in the movie "Forest Gump", since that time I have researched the area quite a bit. It is #1 on my "want to do list".
(2) US-1 from Homestead to Key West - I have been on this road many times, however it has always been with 2 kids screaming, fighting, kicking each other in the back seat of the car. Their behavior has change little....but they won't be with me when I do it on the Valkyrie.
(3) Pacific Coast Highway - One of the most beautiful rides I have ever done in a car. If you have ever been on it or seen photos of it....no explanation would be needed.
Done #2 twice, Great ride, I love going over 7-mile bridge early in the am or late in the evening. Lots of great seafood in small little mom and pop places before u get to Key West. Key West on the other hand has become very commercial.Isn't that the truth....I thought I was going to suffocate from the exhaust fumes the last time I was at the southern most point marker! |
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fudgie
Member
Posts: 10613
Better to be judged by 12, then carried by 6.
Huntington Indiana
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« Reply #22 on: July 08, 2010, 01:42:30 PM » |
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Anywhere west of the Mississippi. Mostly the Plains States. Going a little further into MT this year but hope to hit Yellowstone and Glacier in 10 yrs. Main goal is move out there in 2.
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 Now you're in the world of the wolves... And we welcome all you sheep... VRCC-#7196 VRCCDS-#0175 DTR PGR |
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bludragon
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« Reply #23 on: July 08, 2010, 03:16:58 PM » |
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Million Dollar Highway in Southern Colorado is pretty awesome (Silverton)
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« Last Edit: July 08, 2010, 03:21:06 PM by bludragon »
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Oss
Member
Posts: 12587
The lower Hudson Valley
Ossining NY Chapter Rep VRCCDS0141
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« Reply #24 on: July 08, 2010, 04:30:59 PM » |
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JIML on your way to key west check out bahia honda state park for an hour or so and enjoy the best beach on the keys without doubt Its on the left riding down.
We stopped after seeing key west at Islemorada to see the sunset at a great place which name escapes me Sunset was awesome and music and food not so bad neither.
As usual the unexpected jewels are the ones you remember
My ride would be anything Gilligan and his wife did. Their ride reports and pics were just terrific IMHO
One day I will ship or ride the valk to Oakland (where BIGMAC_Steve lives) then ride the west coast for a week, Muir Woods, the PCH which I did in a car WOW, Crater lake, Dunes, MtHood (by railroad) across Canada to Banff and Louise and then 1-2 weeks down to Bear Tooth Highway, Yellowstone Teton, visit MP's farm and Kamikaze then head to Indy to see friends then Columbus and home. Maybe in 2012 or so if things work out just right
Want to give honrable mention to the road from Tahoe 88 and89 then south to 120 into Yosemite I would probably have 32 heart attacks riding that round trip on my bike in 1 day but it would be worth it
Also would like to do a southern trip to check off SC, GA Al MS La and Texas off my list
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« Last Edit: July 08, 2010, 04:34:41 PM by Oss »
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If you don't know where your going any road will take you there
George Harrison
When you come to the fork in the road, take it
Yogi Berra (Don't send it to me C.O.D.)
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maelstrom
Member
Posts: 37
Live Long -- Ride Free !!
Raleigh, NC
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« Reply #25 on: July 12, 2010, 10:23:13 AM » |
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I have always wanted to visit Australia and New Zealand. would be too much to ship the bike, so guess i'll need to look into one of the tour groups and package deals they have for bikers. ie : edelweiss or one like that. have just retired, so time is not the problem, just affording it and convincing myself to go!! The why, of course, is because i've never been there and the call of the wild is strong !! |
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Dragonryder2
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« Reply #26 on: July 12, 2010, 11:11:56 AM » |
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So if you come to New Mexico flip an e-mail my way. I'll show you some great two lanes with views and curves.
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czuch
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« Reply #27 on: July 12, 2010, 04:07:32 PM » |
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Just about ANYWHERE where ya dont get cooked to well done.
Involving about 50 tanks-o-gas and my bed at the end. Preferably 3 weeks worth.
Lets go one further; with the wife and no kids.
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Aot of guys with burn marks,gnarly scars and funny twitches ask why I spend so much on safety gear
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Stanley Steamer
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« Reply #28 on: July 12, 2010, 04:34:50 PM » |
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I would love to ride my Valk in Ireland....Beasley is supposedly an Irish name...I guess I didn't get the "liking to drink alcohol" gene...... I'd also like to ride in Europe.....some countries like Spain....France....the Netherlands.... Italy.....and Australia.......Why?.....just because I've always wanted to...... |
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Stanley "Steamer" "Ride Hard or Stay Home" ![](http://weathersticker.wunderground.com/weathersticker/gizmotimetempbig/language/www/US/GA/Athens.gif" alt="Click for Athens, Georgia Forecast" border="0" height="40" width="467") |
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fudgie
Member
Posts: 10613
Better to be judged by 12, then carried by 6.
Huntington Indiana
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« Reply #29 on: July 12, 2010, 05:22:40 PM » |
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I would love to ride my Valk in Ireland....Beasley is supposedly an Irish name...I guess I didn't get the "liking to drink alcohol" gene...... I'd also like to ride in Europe.....some countries like Spain....France....the Netherlands.... Italy.....and Australia.......Why?.....just because I've always wanted to...... You take me and i'll do all the drinking for you!  I know some French so I can interpet for you! If I bore you, you can leave me in Amsterdam. |
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Now you're in the world of the wolves... And we welcome all you sheep... VRCC-#7196 VRCCDS-#0175 DTR PGR |
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Jim Ross
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« Reply #30 on: July 12, 2010, 05:43:39 PM » |
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I'd love to have my Valk in northern Patagonia, Argentina and ride from San Carlos de Bariloche south to Los Alerces national parque.......driving it is great, but riding it would be really great!
Aside from that, I can truly recommend Reno/Lake Tahoe/Virginia City, NV plus the northern Sierras up and around Lassen Park and Crater Lake.
As a side story, when I rode from Reno to Paducah, KY for InZane....I took US Hwy 50 across NV....on the switchback at Austin, NV I found a road sign that advised "loose gravel"......well, it was not loose gravel...it was Mormon crickets......hundreds/thousands of them on the road! Where the cars had run over them the road was blood red and they STUNK!!! These insects are as big as a big man's thumb.
Any of you that are contemplating a trip out west should consider doing the Street Vibrations bike thing in Reno and then riding the Sierras...I highly recommend it. Outside of Street Vibrations, which is in September, the first week of August is HOT AUGUST NIGHTS in Reno and it is the most awesome classic/hot rod car event in the entire country...it is amazing!!!!!! You will not be disappointed.
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El Cazador, VRCC#1002
Ams/Oil Dealer;
'98 Valk Tourer with too much stuff to list;
'94 Toyota RegCab short bed 4WD, 4 cyl, 5 spd;
'04 "hot rod" Ram 3500 SRW, CCSB , Cummins, 4WD with too much stuff to list;
'05 Silverado RegCab short bed 4WD, 4.3, 5 spd;
'14 Sierra SLT K1500, CCSB, 5.3, Z/71
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Stanley Steamer
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« Reply #31 on: July 12, 2010, 05:50:43 PM » |
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I would love to ride my Valk in Ireland....Beasley is supposedly an Irish name...I guess I didn't get the "liking to drink alcohol" gene...... I'd also like to ride in Europe.....some countries like Spain....France....the Netherlands.... Italy.....and Australia.......Why?.....just because I've always wanted to...... You take me and i'll do all the drinking for you! I know some French so I can interpet for you! If I bore you, you can leave me in Amsterdam. The only French I know is.....French kissing the PRETTY Ladies.... ...... I'm sure there'd be a law made against BOTH of us being over there together at the same time....Is that a RED light I see?.....  |
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Stanley "Steamer" "Ride Hard or Stay Home" |
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fudgie
Member
Posts: 10613
Better to be judged by 12, then carried by 6.
Huntington Indiana
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« Reply #32 on: July 12, 2010, 06:00:46 PM » |
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I would love to ride my Valk in Ireland....Beasley is supposedly an Irish name...I guess I didn't get the "liking to drink alcohol" gene...... I'd also like to ride in Europe.....some countries like Spain....France....the Netherlands.... Italy.....and Australia.......Why?.....just because I've always wanted to...... You take me and i'll do all the drinking for you! I know some French so I can interpet for you! If I bore you, you can leave me in Amsterdam. The only French I know is.....French kissing the PRETTY Ladies.... ...... I'm sure there'd be a law made against BOTH of us being over there together at the same time....Is that a RED light I see?..... safety in numbers! |
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Now you're in the world of the wolves... And we welcome all you sheep... VRCC-#7196 VRCCDS-#0175 DTR PGR |
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RP#62
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« Reply #33 on: July 12, 2010, 06:18:09 PM » |
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I've always wanted to ride New Zealand. But in the meantime, Arizona, Utah and Colorado are awesome. Its hard to find a bad road in Colorado west of the front range. The Black Hills are also a great ride. FLAT6VALK mentioned US 50 - I've ridden it from just outside of Leesburg, VA to the middle of Utah. Its a great ride through the heartland.
-RP
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X Ring
Member
Posts: 3626
VRCC #27389, VRCCDS #204
The Landmass Between Mobile And New Orleans
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« Reply #34 on: July 12, 2010, 06:31:49 PM » |
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The only French I know is.....French kissing the PRETTY Ladies.... ...... Sticking your tongue in the blow up doll's mouth does NOT qualify as French kissing the PRETTY Ladies. Marty |
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People are more passionately opposed to wearing fur than leather because it's safer to harass rich women than bikers.  |
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