PNW '07 - Olympia Wa Aug 13-19

[Don Hughes]

Sid and I made it back to my place Saturday evening. It was a long and tiring drive as you can well imagine.
Sid had planned to head home Monday but the weather here has not co-operated and he wil now leave Tuesday. That is probably a good decision with the weather as well as he really needed another day to rest. Don't tell any one but he slept in this morning (Monday) until nearly 8:30. He did need to catch up on sleep.
Any way family and friends were on hand to help unload the bikes Saturday.
Now I appear to have picked up a cold to go along with my aches and pains.
More later.
Thanks to Denny and all the rest at the rally for all the support and help that week. I could not have coped without you.

[ratbyk]

Return to Edmonton

Don, pleased to hear that you and Sid made it to Edmonton incident free. That was a challenge in itself, navigating an awkward bulky vehicle through the mountains and forest fires et all to make it home. A cold is hardly worth a mention.
Don, if you are to continue riding you should consider an entirely different kind of M/C. Those big Ventura's and Wings control you. You do not control them. Their shear size, bulk and weight make them a real handful. OK out on an open road but in tight traffic, maneuvering around a parking lot or on a tight twisty road and they are the boss not you. Sitting in a lazboy chair may be nice and very comfortable but there is a very high cost tied to riding them. They are the boss not you.
Consider something along the lines of a BMW R1100S or Ducati MultiStrada or similar. Small, light, highly maneuverable but still with a degree of high performance and comfort. Saddle bags and a trunk if you need it but still having a comfortable ride and a reasonable protective faring.
Don't consider giving up riding. Old coots like us still need something to get the blood pumping from time to time. If you give up you will get real old real fast.
Lots of luck and miles in your future.

[jkorn]

So how did the "restoration" on the Special turn out. It was great working with you on the carb overhaul. Funny how you can always learn a new trick or two. Thanks Jeremy

Sounds like I missed out on a great ride to MT ST Hellens and some good grub. I'm sure Wednesday was fun also.

Telluride was fun but I'm wishing I could have stayed. Boy there sure were some great roads around Durango and Telluride we traveled on. Maybe some day on a bike.

Denny, you sure know how to throw a party. THANKS for all the effort you put in.

Jeremy, we have guests from out of town till the 4th, but let me know how your plans evolve for your ride down the coast.

Jeff

[davestrike]

Does anyone have Jason's email address?
Or can drop him a line and give him my address?
davestrike@nventure.com

Thanks!

[ratbyk]

Dave, you can send Jason a private email through the membership list. Just click on the members at the top of this page and go to Jason Raley.

[davestrike]

ratbyk,
Thanks I didnt think of that, I thought he was not a member anymore or something.
doh!

[Jeremy_Sells]

Jeremy, we have guests from out of town till the 4th, but let me know how your plans evolve for your ride down the coast.

JKorn - I just left a message on the Tahoe Rally thread trying to nail down some details about their plans while on the Oregon Coast. I will post a new thread here when I get more details. For those who aren't sure what I am referring to, there is an XS rally in Tahoe in a little over a week and 4 of them are riding up the coast to Oregon on the frst week of Septmeber and I am trying to hook up with them for a day or two.

So how did the "restoration" on the Special turn out. It was great working with you on the carb overhaul. Funny how you can always learn a new trick or two. Thanks Jeremy

The "restoration" moved on to the brakes on Wednesday night and I even got to take it for a spin just before dinner! Man, our bikes sure were snappy when they were new!! I really need to install that 1196cc kit I have sitting in my garage!

My cell phone is 503-929-1134 so as plans evolve for a coast run in a couple of weeks - y'all keep in touch if interested.

Later -

[Harlan]

Thanks Guys

Thought I would drop a line to let you all know what a great time I had meeting you guys last week. You're a nice group of people and I hope to be able to catch up with you guys again in the future.

Thanks to Denny for the use of his shop and a huge thanks to Jeremy for all the work you did on the bike. The finished project is close!

[Jeremy_Sells]

Harlan - Great to hear from you. Can't wait to see the XS all shined up. What a gem! Harlan - send me your address in an email. I have a couple of things that might help as you restore your XS.

Catch ya later - jlsells@gmail.com

[STEPPENWOLF]

I think you guys had too much fun:-) Wish I coulda made it. Great pics by the way. How many made it? Looks like life didn't get any better than that,beer,campfire,grilling,fixn things and riding on some great roads.

Jealous in Cincinnati

[ratbyk]

Jealous in Cincinnati
_____________________

You would not believe the roads we have out here. I have ridden back east a bunch. There is nothing back there that even comes close to mile after mile of mountain twisties. The 5 over comment means double the speed limit then add 5.
Some of the tighter twisties you come close to seeing your own tail light.
Maybe see you on the road out here some day.

[s clarke]

DZ's Xs11 PNW meet

Den, thanks for being a great host!! I just got home on 26th, and had driven and rode approx 3000kms! Temps from 0 degrees C, snow, hail, rain, critters, but Zonker never complained once! It was great to meet and ride with everybody, and I will never forget the St Helens ride!!! You ran it like clock work and it was tremendous fun. Felt sorry for Don's mishap, but at least he walked away! Hope you are getting some R and R, and enjoying time off...from everything.
Sid

[horst]

Well I could not stay away ... the truth is, this is the best group of motorcycling enthusiasts in the world, and I was privileged to spend a few days with you all.

Thank you to everyone, from Denny to the long distance voyagers from Colorado and Montana and Oregon who made the gathering so very special ... really glad Don is ok and will ride again, right ?

I have registered and will browse ... may post from time to time.

Take care everyone !

[t3rmin]

After three Suzuki GSs, I bought my first XS yesterday. Was surfing these forums and found this thread. I'm in Centralia, so it's pretty neat ya'll have a rally right in my area.

The PNW GS riders (at thegsresources.com) have started organizing rides this year and we've been having lots of fun. Hopefully I can catch up with the XS folks sometime as well.

Cheers.

[Dennyz]

Hey t3rmin,

I am just up the road from you.