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Serk
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« on: June 04, 2019, 02:52:12 PM » |
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I'd put down a deposit on an Electra Glide, but when we got to the motorcycle place in Maui, these two beauties caught our eyes:  Little discussion with the guys there, and luckily we were able to upgrade to the scooters from the Harley... The Harley wouldn't have been nearly as much fun on the road we were headed to, and for an island with a speed limit of 45, 200cc scooters are more than enough (I got mine up to 70 a few times on the straight aways.) And with that, we were off to the infamous Road to Hana. That road was incredible... Imagine US129, but with breathtaking ocean views, waterfalls, jungle, then breaking back out onto another breaktaking ocean vista... (And with the requisite number of slow driving tourists though, speed demons need not apply.) 52 miles, 620 curves, 59 bridges (Many of them 1 lane bridges, once again I was thankful we were on the scooters and not a Harley or even worse, a car!)     After riding through some of the most gorgeous landscapes I've ever ridden through, we made it to Hana, and time for lunch.  Among the many options available, we ended up in a field with a bunch of food trucks in it, and got some incredible fish and chips... When the owner heard the spousal unit and I discussing if we wanted to split, he said go ahead, I'll toss in an extra fish for free to make it easier... Great guy, great food, incredible scenery! He even insisted on giving us a few free water bottles for the road when he heard we were gonna be brave and take the southern route out of Hana.   ATGATT rules do not apply when you're on island time! Aloha shirt, shorts and flip flops are the norm... I did find it interesting since politically Hawaii is pretty far left, but they are NOT a helmet required state! (But we wore ours anyway, mainly for the SENA so we could communicate.)  I loved the southern road out of Hana, although we were warned that insurance is void if you're there, a tow out costs $1500+, the rental agreement for almost all vehicles on the island forbid going there, etc..... It was a LOT less touristy... And a lot less paved too, which freaked the spousal unit out. She had a mini-meltdown after a few sharp uphill twisties on dirt with shear dropoffs and her bike acting up and randomly stalling, but we made it. I'd love to do it again, her not so much. I did not stop and take any pics on the southern portion, I was trying to salvage my marriage (I was told later that the Road to Hana is known as The Honeymoon Highway, and the road from Hana is known as The Divorce Expressway...) but here are a few I snagged from Google to give an idea of this road:    (Keep in mind, that is technically a two lane road, you would meet oncoming traffic, which added to the excitement quite a bit.) We obviously made it out of the Road to Hana and back to civilization, got caught in a light rain shower, nearly ran out of gas and made it back in time to return the scooters... One day, average speeds very low (Don't know exactly how low, but not fast overall!), 180 miles. That was the longest 180 mile day I ever had, but was incredible! This was Tarynn and my 19 years belated honeymoon, we did other stuff as well, but I figured I'd concentrate on the motorcycle ride.... Few little other bits: Snuba/Snorkeling:   Watched the sun rise from on top of Haleakala:   And just kicked back, put our boots up and enjoyed the view from our hotel.....  So that's how I spent the week before the week before Inzane... Hard to go to work this short week between coming off that high and getting ready to head out to Taos, but somehow I'll survive.... And we will go back to Maui! Loved it, out first trip to Hawaii, won't be our last. (Sorry to get long winded, but ya'll know me by now...  ) |
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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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bscrive
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Posts: 2539
Out with the old...in with the wooohoooo!!!!
Ottawa, Ontario
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« Reply #1 on: June 04, 2019, 03:03:10 PM » |
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Looks like an awesome time.  We have to get out to Hawaii sometime. Good choice on the scooters. |
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 If global warming is happening...why is it so cold up here? |
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_Sheffjs_
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Jerry & Sherry Sheffer
Sarasota FL
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« Reply #2 on: June 04, 2019, 03:25:08 PM » |
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That was totally fantastic Excellent choices —- (plural) |
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Wizzard
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Bald River Falls
Valparaiso IN
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« Reply #4 on: June 04, 2019, 03:40:25 PM » |
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not all so long ago you could only finish the road to Hana in 4wd only. Did you stop at the black sand beach?
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Gary
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« Reply #5 on: June 04, 2019, 03:54:59 PM » |
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Did you stop at the black sand beach?
Ditto on that, that's what I was thinking. I also liked the view from atop and around the Haleakala area. |
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msb
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« Reply #6 on: June 04, 2019, 04:17:50 PM » |
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Excellent photos and writeup! We love Maui....been several times and you just can't get tired of that place. Have done the full roundabout trip to Hana twice with a rental Jeep....the most recent trip the road was much more accomodating than the first time. I here ya...the first time we did it the Mrs couldn't get her mind off the warnings from the car rental company about insurance not covering the vehicle if we took that route, but at least we were in a Jeep and not on a bike...I'm sure you had a bit more work to do in calming the Mrs down than I did  I also would never rent a big bike in Maui...pointless. Those scooters or a convertible (Jeep) are the best way to experience all the island has to offer. Best experience was talking to some of the locals both on the way to Hana and back. I learned that there is still a resistance group (quite informal I would guess now) and I also learned that the best darn banana bread in the world is right there, purchased warm from the oven at those small roadside stands |
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Mike
'99 Red & Black IS
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Jess from VA
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« Reply #7 on: June 04, 2019, 04:24:01 PM » |
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Heckofatrip. Thanks for sharing. |
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Serk
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« Reply #8 on: June 04, 2019, 04:57:12 PM » |
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I almost forgot to show off, er, I mean share a few pics of my lovely bride from the trip!   I definitely got the better end of that deal!  No, we didn't make the black sand beach, we had to trim a LOT out, we only had 3 nights on the island, but we will go again! In Tarynn's defense, not only the dirt road, but also her scooter started stalling when idling or going down hill and just as we got into the no-man's land of the southern route the OIL light came on on her bike; she was convinced it was going to explode any minute and we'd end up having to buy the thing... Another funny story - while we were arranging the bike rental, there were some Harley people there in full pirate costume (Ya' know, the traditional uniform of Harley Brand Harley Riders) and we were chatting amiably with them, until they overheard us switching from the Harley to the scooters. They literally turned and walked off and wouldn't speak to us again after that... Oh well, I figure they just drove up and down the main highways to look cool and missed all the fun parts of the island, but to each their own... |
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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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MarkT
Member
Posts: 5196
VRCC #437 "Form follows Function"
Colorado Front Range - elevation 2.005 km
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« Reply #9 on: June 04, 2019, 05:07:06 PM » |
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So where did ya pack the heater?
(Jus kiddin I know Hawaii is even more lefty than CA.)
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cookiedough
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« Reply #10 on: June 04, 2019, 05:58:45 PM » |
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scoots can be just as fun and funner (and faster) than HD's.... that is why I now have 2 scoots.... those roads and slower speeds were made for scoots for sure, good choice... for a second there I thought you lost your mind reading the subject deposit on Electra Glide..  |
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« Last Edit: June 05, 2019, 03:07:37 AM by cookiedough »
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mojo
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« Reply #11 on: June 04, 2019, 06:14:01 PM » |
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By far the best post I've seen on here in many years! Thanks for the nice pictures and write-up! Beautiful vacation, lovely lady, and you got to Ride.. Congrats. |
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wingrider02
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« Reply #12 on: June 04, 2019, 06:57:45 PM » |
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Awesome! Was there in 07 for my honeymoon, and going back at the end of January 2020!
The black sand beach was pretty neat!
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DIGGER
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« Reply #13 on: June 04, 2019, 07:16:41 PM » |
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Now that's a vacation
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NewValker
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VRCC# 36356
Oxford, MA
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« Reply #14 on: June 05, 2019, 01:22:32 AM » |
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Awesome! Was there in 07 for my honeymoon, and going back at the end of January 2020!
The black sand beach was pretty neat!
We went to Hawaii for our 25th anniversary in 2002. While on the road to Hana, we stopped at the black sand beach. Wife loves the beach but being a fat white guy, I hate it. Anyhow, after we’re there awhile, I notice that a group of women near us decided to make it a naked beach...ok I’m likeing the beach a lot more now...when wifey sees them she announces we’re leaving...but I thought you loved the beach? We left and continued to Hana, but I did get pics...  Craig |
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Turns out not what or where, but who you ride with really matters  |
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cookiedough
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« Reply #15 on: June 05, 2019, 03:10:50 AM » |
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Awesome! Was there in 07 for my honeymoon, and going back at the end of January 2020!
The black sand beach was pretty neat!
We went to Hawaii for our 25th anniversary in 2002. While on the road to Hana, we stopped at the black sand beach. Wife loves the beach but being a fat white guy, I hate it. Anyhow, after we’re there awhile, I notice that a group of women near us decided to make it a naked beach...ok I’m likeing the beach a lot more now...when wifey sees them she announces we’re leaving...but I thought you loved the beach? We left and continued to Hana, but I did get pics... Craig Yah, fat white guys can like beaches a lot more if the scenery is nice. When we vacationed as a family in Gulf Shores AL about 4 or so years ago, we hit the Ocean beach ASAP never seen an Ocean before. I was swimming and a nice looking younger guessing age 20ish lady is out there with a very nice and HUGE top half on her in a bikini. The further we got out and chatted the more she floated easier...  |
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Jess from VA
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« Reply #16 on: June 05, 2019, 04:06:59 AM » |
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Awesome! Was there in 07 for my honeymoon, and going back at the end of January 2020!
The black sand beach was pretty neat!
We went to Hawaii for our 25th anniversary in 2002. While on the road to Hana, we stopped at the black sand beach. Wife loves the beach but being a fat white guy, I hate it. Anyhow, after we’re there awhile, I notice that a group of women near us decided to make it a naked beach...ok I’m liking the beach a lot more now...when wifey sees them she announces we’re leaving...but I thought you loved the beach? We left and continued to Hana, but I did get pics... Craig Wife and I were in Caribbean some years ago, on a big charter catamaran, and we are a ways off shore, but it is announced we are passing a private gay dude beach. The women were fighting over the few available binoculars. It seems these guys were used to gawking tourists, and made a practice of posing and flexing and sporting erector sets. I did not seek binoculars, but was LMAO. No, not that guy, the guy three to the left of him. Yeah, that guy.... OMG!! I don't do beaches either, the sun is not my friend. (I wish I had known that in my teens through 40) |
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« Last Edit: June 05, 2019, 04:09:46 AM by Jess from VA »
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Jess Tolbirt
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« Reply #18 on: June 05, 2019, 05:10:41 AM » |
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sometimes a small scooter or something like a honda 90 from the 70's is a heck of a lot more fun than the big bikes. looks like a barrel of fun was had by all, someday maybe i could do something like that..
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henry 008
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BRP
willard, oh
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« Reply #19 on: June 05, 2019, 06:13:46 AM » |
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Great Ride Report! wife and i love Maui too, we did the road to Hana in a drop top mustang. all is well and good until you have a school bus or cement truck coming your way around a curve!  |
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Safe Winds... Brother  |
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bassman
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« Reply #20 on: June 05, 2019, 06:21:45 AM » |
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Great Ride Report! wife and i love Maui too, we did the road to Hana in a drop top mustang. all is well and good until you have a school bus or cement truck coming your way around a curve! Yepper or being BEHIND a school bus or cement truck going 10-15 miles an hour with limited or no place to pass......makes for a very LONG trip |
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Serk
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« Reply #21 on: June 05, 2019, 05:12:46 PM » |
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Looks like an awesome time. We have to get out to Hawaii sometime. Good choice on the scooters. Go for it, it's awesome... And now that Southwest Airlines flies there a LOT less expensive (If you're in range of them of course.) That's what prompted this trip, the spousal unit LOVES a bargain, and heard Southwest was gonna have $49 introductory rates to get attention; we didn't get one of those, but our round trip airfare from Dallas to Maui and back was right at $300 total for the two of us... Did you stop at the black sand beach?
Ditto on that, that's what I was thinking. I also liked the view from atop and around the Haleakala area. Didn't make the black sand beach, but we DID make it up to the top of Haleakala for sunrise. Sucked setting an alarm for 1:30 in the morning while on vacation, but so worth it! Best experience was talking to some of the locals both on the way to Hana and back. I learned that there is still a resistance group (quite informal I would guess now) and I also learned that the best darn banana bread in the world is right there, purchased warm from the oven at those small roadside stands Yup, much like many of us Texans, we're not QUITE to the point of taking up arms to break away from the nation, but we're not putting our arms down yet either... Given the opportunity..... I'd meant to stop and get some of that infamous banana bread, but got so caught up in the scenery and the ride, it totally slipped by me until we were on the south side..... Another thing for the "Next time" list... So where did ya pack the heater?
(Jus kiddin I know Hawaii is even more lefty than CA.)
Yeah... Which is why I found it so ironic that they're NOT a helmet law state... I did feel kinda nekkid without my usual Springfield Armory buddy at my side. Felt very good to get home, breathe in the free air again and strap her back on. Kinda glad they're so hard left - keeps me from even considering trying to figure out a way to move there. Although the fact that within 3 days we were able to hit every major road/town on the island, living there long term would get kinda dull eventually with no where to explore, better to keep it as an occasional treat... scoots can be just as fun and funner (and faster) than HD's.... for a second there I thought you lost your mind reading the subject deposit on Electra Glide.. Before her ST1300, the spousal unit had a Silverwing 600.... It'd blow most stock Harleys away off the light... She'd go out Harley Hunting, look for a group of 'em, pull up next to the head guy at a red light, and rev her engine... He'd laugh and accept..... She'd show him her taillights in full view of all his buddies... The Harley dudes HATED it when (Her words!) the fat chick on a scooter with floppy kitty ears on her helmet beat 'em in a race..... And yeah on the subject line, that was the idea... I've been accused from time to time of being a wee bit of a smart ass...  Awesome! Was there in 07 for my honeymoon, and going back at the end of January 2020!
The black sand beach was pretty neat!
We went to Hawaii for our 25th anniversary in 2002. While on the road to Hana, we stopped at the black sand beach. Wife loves the beach but being a fat white guy, I hate it. Anyhow, after we’re there awhile, I notice that a group of women near us decided to make it a naked beach...ok I’m likeing the beach a lot more now...when wifey sees them she announces we’re leaving...but I thought you loved the beach? We left and continued to Hana, but I did get pics... Craig I'm told they found a dead man on the beach with a video camera next to him, this was the last thing recorded on the camera before he died: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwoCT-Btz-cDid you happen to stop by Lindbergh's grave while in Hana?
...and yet another thing for next time!!! Didn't even know about that... |
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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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DirtyDan
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« Reply #22 on: June 05, 2019, 05:18:11 PM » |
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Oh so looking forward to talking Harley’s
Dan
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Do it while you can. I did.... it my way
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cookiedough
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« Reply #23 on: June 05, 2019, 05:35:43 PM » |
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Yep, them 580cc silverwings are pretty quick beating off line a lot of HD's am sure. I just bought a larger 638cc vtwin (650) suzuki burgman, slightly bigger than the silverwing (580cc vtwin)and probably just as quick. I have to watch my speedo VERY carefully for it is so quiet and smooth digital readout shows 70 mph in a 55 all the time. Not sure 70 is really 70 more like 66, but still speeding tickets coming am sure. Even has a joke POWER button and manual drive mode pushing buttons on left handlebar up/down to shift gears. POWER button revs engine longer in lower gear and for most part just makes engine make more noise. Is a gimmick not much, if any, faster and sort of a pain to do. The engine has plenty of torque to slow down just let off the throttle slows down pretty darn quickly as well from 0 to 85 mph. got it up near 88 mph on speedo (guessing 85 tops real life mph) with reviews state 112 mph top speed. If I continue to drive the scoot more and more with no issues, might be selling a few cycles/scooter to make the wife happy. Happy wife, happy life right?? Although just doing that will probably not do that...  |
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« Last Edit: June 06, 2019, 03:55:46 AM by cookiedough »
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Farside
Member
Posts: 2548
Let's get going!
Milton,FL
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« Reply #24 on: June 05, 2019, 07:34:41 PM » |
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Love it! 
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Farside
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DDT (12)
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Posts: 4118
Sometimes ya just gotta go...
Winter Springs, FL - Occasionally...
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« Reply #25 on: June 06, 2019, 04:20:03 PM » |
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Serk,
I gotta hand it to ya, man... you sure know how to tease with a title! You had me going, there, too! My logic was saying, "No way!" However, my eyes were saying, "Just looky right thar! Plain as day!!!" Sure glad I don't have a dual personality disorder or anything... could have produced some violence...
DDT
P.S. Looks like y'all had a really large time! Good on ya, amigo!!!
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Don't just dream it... LIVE IT!
See ya down the road...
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Serk
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« Reply #26 on: June 06, 2019, 05:53:44 PM » |
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I gotta hand it to ya, man... you sure know how to tease with a title! You had me going, there, too!
 See ya' in a few days my friend! |
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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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Serk
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« Reply #27 on: June 06, 2019, 06:23:52 PM » |
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I don't think anything but being there could ever really express the incredible beauty, the sights, the smells, the experience of the Road to Hana, but..... this video, sped up, is the closest I've been able to find... All riders should do it at least once, even on a scooter.... It's that good... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvAP9HF0WoE |
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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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Oldfishguy
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« Reply #28 on: June 06, 2019, 07:26:34 PM » |
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 We were in Maui this winter too, exceeded our expectations. Rented a townhouse on the water and the kids chipped in for a beautiful place. Yes, it is expensive; worth it though. In ten days did the Serk things and he is spot on. We went during peak humpback whale migration and watched up close and distant. The picture is one passing under one of our groups kayak. A lucky shot no doubt. But we would see a dozen whales each day. And then snorkel with sea turtles. With a nice warm sun, easy trade winds, and low humidity one can see why real estate is so expensive. But yet, Maui is 85% thick jungle. If you go, get out of Honolulu and to one of the other islands. Just a better remote feel to the area. |
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cookiedough
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« Reply #29 on: June 06, 2019, 07:27:02 PM » |
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looks like those roads have more twist and turns than the tail of the dragon? Not like though I have been to either...  definite scooterable... since those roads look mighty skinny.. |
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