For what it's worth.

[wa407mpp]

I know everyone likes their anonymity, but it would help if the guys asking for help would post their general location, you might have an experienced XS owner living just down the street who can help you when you need it. We can try to help on the forum, but sometimes hands on help is better.

[CatatonicBug]

The idea is that we put our location in our profile, and it shows up in the upper right corner of each of our posts. It's just a matter of being thorough with setting up a profile. New users tend not to realize the benefit of that until later.

[wa407mpp]

That's what I was getting at.

[lvrsnr]

A men,,, once in a while I spot another XS11 on the road and can't help but wonder if they are a member of this site. if they want to ride with other XSives, and when I'm on my XS I'm temped to pull them over for a little BS. how would you respond ?

[wa407mpp]

I've been known to meet for coffee from time to time, though the XSers around the Sound haven't had much luck doing that lately, mostly scheduling problems. I would like to get together with a few to do a ride around the Peninsula this year. I also have a ride in the works for those who want to get their Ironbutt certificate this summer.

[tarzan]

It would also be nice if they go the extra mile and put the year and model of their bike in their sig too.Its easier how to be of service too.
I'd like to ride overt to the west sie of the state this spring or summer.Would be interested in meeting up with some XS'ives.

[Gyrogearloose]

Hey Hey! I'm across the water from you wa407mpp (coupeville), and would welcome a ride on the penninsula. Right now I'm trying to get my 80sg back together after this winters' maintenance. Will pm you after I get it done. Cheers!

[lvrsnr]

Steve my work schedule is sort of unpredictable but could probably ride on a sat. or sun. (or call in sick) but PLEASE let me know. I ride a 80 special so monkey butt comes on early (200mi.) How long of a ride qualifies?

[wa407mpp]

I was thinking Kelso was closer, so just meeting will be a long ride for one or both of us, but we could probably meet at Longview and ride to Long Beach on the Washington side, or meet in the middle and ride Rt.12 to the back of Mt. Rainer. Have you tried a piece of sheep skin, it adds extra padding and prevents monkey butt on hot days, and is easy to remove for riding around town. We can work something out, when the weather gets better.

[lvrsnr]

I have rode Hwy 12 from I5 thru packwood then looped back thru Rainier nathonal forest and it is a nice ride with the only spot requiring much caution being the park itself lots of uneven paving in the shadows which makes things a little tense if your pushing it. I haven't really tried much as far as seats go, have been watching for a corbin gentry or thinking of having this ones foam replaced with something better but want to retain the stock appearence exactly. if possible.

[wa407mpp]

This started out as two guys who live at opposite sides of the state talking about meeting for coffee and maybe doing a little riding together. If anyone else wants to join in feel free, but before this gets out of hand, I want to say, I don't organize rides. When I decide that I want to go somewhere and want company, I'll post a time and date, hopefully with a little warning, then anyone who wants to come along is welcome, that is the extent of my organizing skills. If you want or need to spend a night or two because of distances we can probably work something out but you might need to bring a tent. As for the iron butt, several times a summer I ride over to Lewiston, Idaho to have lunch with my parents and ride some favorite roads, I usually catch the first ferry from Bainbridge Island and get to Lewiston around 11:30 am, have lunch,then head home arriving home around 9:00 pm. I think this runs a little over 1100 to 1200 miles with the favorite roads thrown in. My thought was if someone wanted to ride along, to get their Ironbutt certificate,they could join me, we would skip lunch at my parents and eat at Orofino Id., But they have to do their own paper work and verification and buy their own lunch, I'd just be the guide. I need to warn you through, this is a fast trip with stops for gas and lunch only, and it's sometimes done in the dark.

[crazy steve]

If you guys ever meet in the middle (around Olympia), I'd love to drop in and BS a bit. But I don't do distance anymore (bad back) as I'm only good for a few hours before I have to get off awhile. The 11 ain't running yet, but I have a 'other' bike I ride.

'78E original owner

[lvrsnr]

I'll watch for the post...on the "ride reports" forum???

crazy steve from yelm how far can you comfortably ride. Morton? Packwood? or other areas that you like?

[wa407mpp]

I have to admit the last time I rode rt. 12 from Yakama to I5 was in 2000, when I brought my bike out, after moving to Chinook, but I've always wanted to go back.

[crazy steve]

I'll watch for the post...on the "ride reports" forum???

crazy steve from yelm how far can you comfortably ride. Morton? Packwood? or other areas that you like?

I'm good for 3 hours max in the saddle, then I have to get off for at least 45 minutes. Two 3 hr sets a day is the max if I'm having a 'good' day. Any more than that and I end up crippled for a couple of days (not so fun; you do learn these things...). Doc told me to quit riding, but screw him.

Morton/Packwood? Heh heh.... the last time I rode the 11 up there was when I endoed it about a mile out of Randle. I suppose I could test my karma again. LOL

There is a nice ride up the mountain highway to Elbe from Spanaway.
Or you can actually do a nice loop of I-5/Lacey/Yelm/McKenna/Eatonville/Elbe/Morton/I-5.

But you'll definitely want better weather, as we're still getting overnight ice and it doesn't always all melt in the shadows. I've still got snow here from Monday!

'78E original owner