It was a Good Friday, and a very Good Easter

[W0X0F]

OK, so a couple of months ago I had indicated that I might just be going over to a GL1800.  Well, on Good Friday, I just happened to get a new 2015 Audio Comfort Gold Wing.  And, based on discussions on the Valk board, I got the fastest color, too: black and chrome.  So it was, indeed, a Good Friday:



My SO kinda wanted a red 2016, but, for the several thousand dollar difference in price, and the fact the trailer we pull is black, I convinced her black is just as pretty as red.

Last Christmas Cheryl got me a very thoughtful present, considering I spent 20 years in the USAF and USAF Reserves: a riding vest with the USAF insignia on the back:



I was so impressed by the gift, I turned around and got Cheryl one as well.  I also ordered a couple of bottom rockers, one that says "VETERAN" for me and one that says "FENDER FLUFF for Cheryl.

Since yesterday was such a beautiful Easter Sunday, and Cheryl was chomping at the bit to go for a ride on the new girl, after we got home from church we quick changed into our riding gear (including the vests) and headed out for a couple hundred mile jaunt. I really LOVE the way this bike rides!

We were outside Tucson and decided to stop for lunch at an Olive Garden. When it came time to settle up the bill, we gave the waitress an Olive Garden gift card for payment and she went to ring up our tab. After having a somewhat animated conversation with a manager, she came back to our table with a funny look on her face. I was expecting her to say our card was not accepted. However, she said, if we wanted to use the card we would need to come back another day and handed me back the card. I had a puzzled look on my face not understanding what she was saying. She continued on and said another customer had anonymously paid for our meal. She said even she did not know who had paid for the meal. I can only think that someone saw us walk into the restaurant while we were wearing our USAF vests.

I was in the USAF from 1971 - 1991 and I never even had anyone offer to buy me a drink, much less pay for an entire meal. As I recall, during Nam I was called a "baby killer" a couple of times.  I just wish I had had the opportunity to thank the kind soul who bought our meals. Both Cherie and I were choked up after the person's generosity had sunk in.

So, all in all, this had been a very memorable weekend.  Can't wait to meet up with some of you guys out on the road....

[The emperor has no clothes]

Nice bike, nice vests, nice story. You did have a nice weekend indeed. 

[Ron]

About time you came over

[Big Tom 10628]

Nice bike Tim..  Now you can start out with a clean slate and the new "Options Book"...

I have never had a meal paid for but I have paid for several...

[W0X0F]

Well, UPS and FedEx and even the USPS has been showing up every day since I got her, dropping off all sorts of goodies for my ride.

And, I do believe I will be paying it forward the next opportunity I get when I see someone obviously in, or had been in, the military.  It really meant a lot to me that someone actually thought enough to pay for our meal.  I am still humbled by it.  Like I said, I just wish they had given me the opportunity to thank them and chat with them.

[Dennis from Blythe]

That's a great story Tim 

And that's a real nice looking new ride you have there.

You know, I do miss my Blue and Silver interstate, it sure was a great bike and having it for 14 years, I thought I would miss it more than I do. 

But I really do like my F6B. There's just something about these Goldwings that make for a very smooth and comfortable ride with plenty of excelleration, and having cruise control is nice, know what I mean 

Enjoy your Ride Tim

[W0X0F]

Hi Dennis.  I posted a reply to your comments and for some reason they seem to have disappeared (or, I never hit the "post" button - sorry).

Yup, I am really lovin' the Wing.  It sort of feels like the I/S, but, with power steering and power brakes.  As large as the Wing appears, it feels more nimble than the I/S.  I am already getting myself into trouble....

The cruise control is nice, but, I miss my throttle lock for quick adjustments with the right hand.  I guess setting the cruise control will eventually become a habit.

And, since I went on MediCare April 1, I am really, really lovin' the reverse gear.

I've been busy with adding chrome stuff, electrical stuff, and other stuff to the bike.  I finally got my GPS and Sirius radio installed just yesterday.  Today my Utopia back rest is to be delivered.  I need to check with Honda to see where my spoiler/brake light and fog/riding lights are.  It shouldn't have taken 2 weeks to get them.

I've been learning up on how to remove all the plastic stuff the bike is encased in.  I am also glad to see the Wing is pretty much plug-n-play when it comes to the spoiler and trailer wiring harness.  When I bought the bike I ordered the service manual, but, with all the YouTube videos available I'm not sure I will need it.

In another week or so I will have some time to clean up the Valk and get her posted.

Can't wait to do some serious riding with the new bike!

[Big Tom 10628]

Hey Tim
When I ride my Wing I also miss the throttle lock.  The closest you can come to it is to leave the Cruise Button pushed in.  Since I had Big BF adjust the Cruise cables it engages almost at once.
I don't know what the Honda Standard is but before the adjustment I would only use Cruise on a long ride because it took so long to engage..