While from others' posts it sounds like the winterization process is looming for many of you, for those of us in Arizona we are just hoping to be kissing those 100ºF+ temperatures goodbye! Last week Tucson set an all-time record for the latest date in the year that the thermometer hit 100ºF. Fortunately for Steve and me, we were out of town last week in a completely different setting than our Sonoran Desert. We were on the Caribbean island of Cozumel, Mexico for a scuba trip. Also fortunately for Steve and me, now that we're back home the temperatures are much cooler with daytime highs around 80ºF. And today we had a torrential downpour much of the afternoon! Of course that's because I washed my car before we departed on our trip. That all said, I'm not trying to derail this thread with weather and travel reports. But I just wanted to say that there's nothing like being back home after traveling and still having a couple of days off----to ride! We got home Saturday night and I was back at work today so tthat left me Sunday and Monday to ride. And that's what I did. Laundry can wait. Yesterday (Monday) I rode my Speed Triple to coffee with a ride buddy and we took the long(ish) way 'round. Speedy was happy to be out and so was I. The high was about 82ºF which feels about 10º cooler here in the dry desert. I did choose to wear my mesh summer riding jacket but I think it's about time to pull out the leather jackets now. Finally! I don't have any photos to document the day so you'll just have to trust me. However, here's a map of our route. My riding buddy, Russell, along with his wife, Shelly, had accompanied us on our Cozumel trip last week and he was about as antsy as me to get some riding in after having been bike-less on an island for a week. Monday's ride was about 50 miles. The previous day (Sunday) I rode my Harley Street Glide with Russell and one other riding buddy. Our Cozumel contingent had arrived home from Cozumel the night before around 9pm after quite a long travel day. But even though I was tired, I was very eager to get out for a ride, and so was Russell. I'd not set up our usual Sunday group ride so it was just the three of us this morning for breakfast at the Sunny Side Up Cafe in the town of Catalina. Our buddy had to head home after breakfast for some "honey do's" but Russell and I wanted to ride more so we continued on up to Mammoth where we sat on the patio drinking a soda at Mi Pueblito. Again, no photos but here's a Google map of our route. Sunday's ride was 95 miles. The rides both days were wonderful -- very temperate and not too windy. I found myself counting my blessings as we rode. On Friday morning I was under the beautiful blue Caribbean sea swimming with the fishies doing my other favorite hobby, diving, And only a couple of days later, here I was, riding through my beloved Sonoran Desert!
Yes, it’s always good to get home, in particular to your own bed @Sandi T . Great that you had an opportunity to ride after your trip, always good therapy. The treatment was £80 and yes I think great value.
You may not be too old to be adopted, Tony, but I'm probably too old to adopt anyone! We had a truly wonderful break, thanks. Being by--and in--the ocean is as good for my soul and flying along the road on a motorcycle. Many of the feelings produced by both are the same.
600-mile break-in service complete, along with QS, fog light kit, and heated grips installed. Love your bike scale now goes to 11!!
Helmut and I did a pretty steady few hours out on Sunday as the roads were very wet, muddy and lots of fallen leaves around, both on our Triumphs. Just a local route we know well but I really enjoyed it and we popped into one of our favourite cafes for breakfast along the way. We even got home before the rain started, which is almost unheard of for me .
Please to hear you had a great holiday @Sandi T and you didn't waste any time with the post - holiday rides! It is that time of year where my weather envy starts to get the better of me .
Only done two laps as the session was stopped due to high winds and a dust storm, which is a first! Can't say I noticed the wind on the Street but initial impressions are good. The slicks certainly increase grip out of the corners, I'm not that quick really, but already within 2.5s of my best time just sussing out the slicks and scrubbing them in and being held up on the track, so it bodes well
Looks like the slicks work, howling a gale and dust being blown across the track, but still knocked another 6 seconds off in only 2 laps! All packed up and ready to go now as the track's getting too dusty.
Sounds like fun dive trip @Sandi T, bet your happy to be able to travel again With all the rain here, I can relate to get GB weather reports of the team not getting out or getting wet. We are looking to get some good weather coming for this week, so fingers crossed. Pix from ride last weekend, which was fun
Helmut and I gave the Ducati and Street Triple a treat yesterday; a full valet and anti - corrosion treatment from Moto Valet, who did the Street Triple, Tuono and Nightstorm last year https://www.facebook.com/superdetail I am going to have the Fireblade done when the fairings are removed for painting and the Tuono will be done at the same time too. I have ridden in such horrible weather this year that he had his work cut out for sure . (Photos taken by Moto Valet).
It was a fun dive trip, @Dartplayer! Thanks. Love your photos from your ride weekend. It seems like you really have a great bunch of riding buddies to ride with which I think is awesome.
Of course @Markus. It would be a short trip here by your standards - about 1700km I think. I'd even make you a coffee .
