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SuzukiSavage.com
/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> Thumper on Tour /cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1189602824 Message started by Paladin on 09/12/07 at 06:13:44 |
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Title: Thumper on Tour Post by Paladin on 09/12/07 at 06:13:44 http://www.dslretorts.com/Paladin/archives/002421.html I'm 60 years old and |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by Balderdash on 09/12/07 at 06:17:26 Good Luck and Have fun, may you have fair weather and tail winds :) |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by Paladin on 09/12/07 at 06:24:32 I hope so. And thanks for reminding me: http://www.weather.com/outlook/driving/interstate/cities?day=3®=us&dir=we&ix=40 First two days are good to go, predicting a 30% chance of showers for my last leg on Friday. |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by youzguyz on 09/12/07 at 06:31:35 I wish I had the time for a major ride like that. :-/ Have fun! and be safe! |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by forrest on 09/12/07 at 08:40:51 Good luck and hope you have a great time! |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by drew03cmc on 09/12/07 at 09:06:10 Have fun, I wish I had a bike to ride...nevermind on a trip like that, but have fun, ride safe! |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by YonuhAdisi on 09/12/07 at 10:16:44 Once I get the FireLizard back up and running, I plan to make a similar tour around my area. |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by sluggo on 09/12/07 at 12:50:20 take lots of pics |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by Beatduck on 09/12/07 at 13:13:24 Awesome! Good luck. I've been slacking but, I'm heading across Canada tomorrow. |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by drums1 on 09/12/07 at 13:52:00 Sounds like fun. If I ever get mine running right, so I'm able to trust it more than 1 mile from home, I may make like a baby and "head out" myself. Have a safe ride, and watch out for Trooper Tom. |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by KenGLong on 09/12/07 at 14:01:18 Well, I got confused and thought you had left yesterday morning so I left work at 10:30 this morning and rode out to Moriarity. Found Lisa's then went up and down the main drag a couple times to make sure you weren't somewhere else then went into the restaurant at Lisa's and sat down. Finally about 12:30 I figured I had better order something or they might think I was there for "other" reasons. Had a Lisa Burger and fries which was pretty darn good. Stuck around a bit longer then finally left about 1:30. I don't think I dare take off work again tomorrow! Good luck on the trip and if you need anything while you're going through central New Mexico, give me a holler. I emailed my phone number. Ken in Albuquerque |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by SteveRocket on 09/12/07 at 14:04:37 Good Luck, Have Fun and may the Savage do you proud. |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by PiaFea on 09/12/07 at 15:20:55 Have a good and safe ride Paladin. I envy you on this little tour with Thumper and your good organizational skill. Have fun. |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by thumperclone on 09/12/07 at 20:00:21 on your way back to la la land (i was raised in panorama city)swing up here to west colorado i got a lumppy fold out couch and bad coffee in the morning.. we have fresh eggs daily and the wifes cookin has put a few pounds on me in the last 25+ years..you just may not want to leave this place...pm me for directions!! |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by Paladin on 09/12/07 at 20:09:57 570 miles. Not too much pain. Stiff shoulder (it has been bothering me for weeks) and what I need more than a new saddle is running boards or highway pegs or something so I can move my feet around. Taking a trip like this is a matter of contingency plans. Had to plug in a Verint Cabinet at work, it has a 20A twist-lock. Plan-A: provide me with a 20A twist-lock recepticle. Plan-B: 20A blade plug to twistlock recepticle. Plan-C: cut off twistlock plug, install blade type. Plan-D: cut off plug, open outlet box, connect with wirenuts. (most likely against code -- but it would work!) Plan C for this trip is to tow broken Thumper to Suzuki dealer, trade for a new S40. Plan D involves hotwiring a car. |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by Paladin on 09/12/07 at 20:18:13 thumperclone wrote:
A possibility. After today I know I can do the 500 miles tomorrow, but it's really not that much fun. Will have to tell Helena that Arkansas and a BB1500 back to L.A. is out of the question. The return trip is into plan B -- holding it to 250-300 miles/day, preferably on two-lane roads. Most likely somewhat staight back as I would like to get home before the 22nd. |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by sluggo on 09/12/07 at 22:38:24 i think the 300 mile a day is a good pace. enjoy sluggo |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by PerrydaSavage on 09/13/07 at 00:49:01 Have a safe and enjoyable trip Paladin ... am anxiously awaiting your blow-by-blow write up! ;D |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by islandwahine on 09/13/07 at 00:56:20 Paladin wrote:
I like your plan D. ::) |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by KenGLong on 09/13/07 at 12:27:47 <* waving as you head east towards the NM/Texas border> May the wind be at your back. |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by YonuhAdisi on 09/13/07 at 21:47:33 I couldn't tell, will you be going near Texico NM? If so, swing by Clovis it is only 10 miles from there. |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by LANCER on 09/13/07 at 22:33:03 Paladin d man ..... I'll be praying for flat roads and smooth curves ... no potholls and any rain to be in the wee hours of the morn so you can wake up n ride to sunny skies. Ride safe. |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by Jack_650 on 09/14/07 at 09:39:42 Paladin. If you're not liking the 500 mile days at our age, don't get in the time bind like I did this last summer on my round trip to Miami . I ended up doing several fivers+, a six and a quarter and a seven and a quarter. At least it was over a hundred degrees everyday. Why do we keep pushing these bikes above their pay scale? Because we can. Every trip I come up with a little something that improves the ride comfort. Bead seats aren't it though. Take care and watch for the big guys. Jack |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by Paladin on 09/14/07 at 18:17:32 Asking a 650cc bike to do 65-70 for 8 to 12 hours a day is not pushing the bike. Occasionally pass by a wall to the side which reflects the exhaust sound back to me, a steady Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrap. So pretty. Traffic on the Interstate is very polite. I was riding an indicated 60-65 being passed by 75-80%. But once onto I-40 none of it was going more than 10 mph over the limit. By my speedometer, most were holding close to the speed limits. No one tried to kiss my butt before pulling left to pass. All in all a very pleasant ride. Some people complain about wind buffeting, especially around big rigs. Yet the only time I was bothered was this last stretch in Oklahoma; which, judging by the vegetation, involved a noticible headwind. Hi Ken, sorry about missing you, but I was in a bit of a rush going east. I've decided to let younger butts to be certified as Iron, and take the easy way home. Will figure out a route Sunday that heads westward in 200-300 mile stretches -- six or seven days to get back to the left coast. Might catch you might head a different direction. Don't know yet. |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by LANCER on 09/14/07 at 18:39:07 So where exactly are you now? |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by wrongwayair on 09/14/07 at 19:12:55 Hey Paladin, sounds like you're having fun. I'd offer to help but I don't think you're coming this far east. Stay safe. |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by KenGLong on 09/15/07 at 09:26:59 Paladin wrote:
You could pick up US-60 in Amarillo and take it all the way to Kingman. It's a great ride over the Salt River in AZ. Might be a bit cool in the mornings though. Ken |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by YonuhAdisi on 09/15/07 at 09:32:29 And US 60 goes straight through Clovis NM ;D |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by Paladin on 09/16/07 at 13:16:35 US 60 sounds like a plan. Right now I'm sitting in a roadside rest in Texas -- they have free pitiful-Speed Internet Wi-Fi in the middle of nowhere! Will spend the night in Amarillo, go check out the Quarterhorse museum 9am - noon, then head toward Clovis. 106 miles . . . should be coming in about 2:20 pm tomorrow. |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by KenGLong on 09/16/07 at 15:36:30 Be sure you take US-60 through Globe, AZ and not 260 through Payson. 260 is pretty boring but 60 is spectacular. Phoenix can be a pain but you can take the 101 loop road to get around it and get back on 60 to Wickenburg where you'll grab 93 for the run into Kingman. Another great road in AZ is 89 from Flagstaff to Congress. If your route takes you near Flag, that is one nice ride! I'll be slaving at work tomorrow while you're out there doing what we all dream of <g>. Take care, Ken |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by Mrs._Paladin on 09/16/07 at 17:17:45 Don't forget to bring me a Quarter Horse. ;D |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by YonuhAdisi on 09/16/07 at 18:15:32 Paladin wrote:
Dang, I'll be at work at that time. Let's see here. I am the security officer at the North Plains Mall in Clovis, stop by, you shouldn't be able to miss me as I'll be the only one in a security uniform. (It's a very small mall) |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by drharveys on 09/16/07 at 20:15:22 Mrs._Paladin wrote:
You'll need to go in with three buddies if you only want a quarter horse! |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by Paladin on 09/17/07 at 09:09:58 I figure a quarter horse is like a quarter beef, a half of a side of beef. All I need to know is if she wants a front quarter or a rear quarter. ('tho I have picked up three horses so far this trip.) Anyhow, It's 11:15, I'm on the southern outskirts of Amarillo at a McDonalds on US-60. |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by bill67 on 09/17/07 at 09:23:06 whats she want quarter horse and 3 /4 mule |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by Paladin on 09/17/07 at 16:20:42 She can have anything she wants. She takes care of me. Before this trip she added RV/Motorcycle coverage and me to her AAA service. As I was sitting in the McDonalds I guy came up and said "You left your headlight on!" Yep, Dead Battery. Called AAA, guy was out to give me a jump. So much for an earlier start. Met YonuhAdisi: http://paladin.savageriders.com/LA-OKC/Paladin-YonuhAdisi.jpg Couldn't chat long, some people have to work, others have to ride. There was a weather front moving west to east as I was moving east to west, got soaked. Still beats being in a cage. Only did 166 miles today -- Amarillo to Fort Summer NM, home of Billy the Kid. |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by LANCER on 09/17/07 at 16:36:06 Now that we know what you really look like there is no hiding any more. |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by sluggo on 09/17/07 at 16:48:01 bill67 wrote:
she's already got the three quarter mule now she just need the quarter horse. that way they all come home as one. |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by KenGLong on 09/17/07 at 17:42:13 Gas stations get a bit thin once you get west of I-25 on US-60. I know there's gas in Socorro and Magdelena and again in Springerville, AZ. I'm pretty sure there's nothing in Datil. Although I can't be sure, there might be something in Pie Town and Quemado. I know there's a station in Reserve which is to the south of Quemado on NM-12 (beautiful country around Reserve!). It's about 130 miles from Magdelena to Springerville or about 100 miles from Magdelena to Reserve then another 65 to Springerville. The Very Large Array is on US-60 between Magdelena and Datil. You can ride in and park and do a self-guided walking tour of the place. Pretty neat. Ken |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by SteveRocket on 09/17/07 at 18:25:54 Enjoy your ride, I wish I was doing it too Steve |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by Mrs._Paladin on 09/17/07 at 20:06:51 You look like you got a nice sunburn. And it looks like having the RV/Motorcycle added to the AAA card just paid off. :) |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by YonuhAdisi on 09/17/07 at 20:47:34 Paladin wrote:
I was doing an outside round when I saw Thumper all loaded down and said to myself. "That's Paladin's ride." So I parked the security cart (you can see it on the left behind Paladin) and went to look for him. We met as I was coming in and he was going out. Paladin, I told you it was a very small mall. ;D |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by PerrydaSavage on 09/18/07 at 00:24:46 ;D Glad to see you're having a good trip there my friend! Wish I were Riding along with you! Stay Safe! |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by Paladin on 09/18/07 at 07:00:22 Mrs._Paladin wrote:
I've been good about the SPF 30 sunblock -- but blocking UV rays does not stop windburn. While the sindscreen keeps most of the wind off, it does not stop it entirely. Especially when there is a heavy crosswind. Just about ready to leave -- there's supposed to be a restaurant in the next town that might be open for breakfast. The Motel had free coffee and some of those pitiful store pastries that have been sealed in cellophane for a decade. |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by Paladin on 09/19/07 at 07:22:12 Yesterday was a extremely relaxing ride on US-60. Relaxing in that the traffic can be measured in miles per vehicle rather than vehicles per mile. Putting along at 45-50 mph saw antelope, mostly dead towns. Saw a rancher riding along the fence, checking for breaks -- and his horse spooked by Thumper. I know a horse used to ride along the highway has heard motorcycles before, but the beat of the single may have been different enough. Later on I saw a small group of cowboys herding cows through a gate: http://paladin.savageriders.com/LA-OKC/CattleDrive.jpg Traveling on, climbing up to the Plains of San Agustin, west of Socorro, New Mexico, 6970 feet above sea level, I stumbled across the Very Large Array (http://www.vla.nrao.edu/): http://paladin.savageriders.com/LA-OKC/VLA1.jpg http://paladin.savageriders.com/LA-OKC/VLA2.jpg Dropping down into the west I pass the next to last State Line: http://paladin.savageriders.com/LA-OKC/AZ.jpg |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by Savage_Rob on 09/19/07 at 08:21:01 Very cool. Thanks for the update Paladin. |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by Robertomoe on 09/19/07 at 11:01:46 PS- feel free to visit me on your last leg home if you're coming back on the 405 at any point. Im 10 minutes off the road and about 10 minutes from LAX. |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by LANCER on 09/19/07 at 12:27:21 Very nice pics of the ride, I especially like riding through cow country, having lived in Oklahoma for some years I really miss the small country roads...tractors, cows and horses...a good wind blowing and being able to see the horizon in all directions. here in SC the trees prevent seeing the horizon almost all of the time. |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by Paladin on 09/19/07 at 17:11:21 Robertomoe wrote:
Made it to Wickenburg on US-60 and had to stop 'cause I don't remember how to get home from here. Will look that up after dinner. Also more pictures to post after dinner. Did I mention dinner? Ciao! |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by forrest on 09/19/07 at 17:19:52 Sounds like a blast. Stay safe. |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by Paladin on 09/19/07 at 18:33:39 LANCER wrote:
In that case you'll love this MOV (http://paladin.savageriders.com/LA-OKC/MiddleNowhereNM.MOV) file. New Mexico, but typical of so many places in the West. |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by Paladin on 09/19/07 at 19:04:09 Today I left Springerville AZ via AZ260 so as to pass through Pinetop etc.. Beautiful High Pines, AKA "Why I avoid the Interstates": http://paladin.savageriders.com/LA-OKC/AZ260-1.jpg http://paladin.savageriders.com/LA-OKC/AZ260-2.jpg For what it's worth, I was rather dismayed when I hit the Pinrtop-Lakeside all the way down to Show Low. Built up, yuppified, rustic log cabins built side by side on 50 foot wide lots. ARRGH!!! So I just got gas and rolled south on US60: http://paladin.savageriders.com/LA-OKC/AZ-US60-1.jpg http://paladin.savageriders.com/LA-OKC/AZ-US60-2.jpg Hit the lowlands in the Phoenix area -- so much like home -- worked my way thru and ended up in Wickenburg, a 275 mile day. Tomorrow is the run home thru Parker and Twentynine Palms -- staying off the freeways until that last 125 miles. |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by T-Mack1 on 09/19/07 at 19:29:01 Wow......Are you sure you don't want to trade all this for my cubicle world of corporate American......Paying my dues and dreaming....... |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by YonuhAdisi on 09/19/07 at 20:38:29 Paladin wrote:
Hey Paladin, was that .MOV file before you hit Soccoro? That landscape looked familiar. |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by Reelthing on 09/19/07 at 21:18:32 Good views, man that trip looks like a blast! |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by Paladin on 09/20/07 at 03:05:29 YonuhAdisi wrote:
I took a picture of the Billy the Kid Country Inn at 5:20am PST which I posted on maps.yahoo.com before leaving at 8am (6am PST.) The video was shot at 7:09am which puts it about 50 miles west of Fort Summer NM, or somewhere around 10 miles east of Vaughn (where I had breakfast.) |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by YonuhAdisi on 09/20/07 at 11:00:22 Okay, that's why it looked familiar. I have traveled that recently going to Sumner Lake. You didn't by any chance visit Sumner lake while you were there did ya? If ya didn't, you missed some very beautiful scenery. |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by islandwahine on 09/20/07 at 11:38:47 You sure look like you are having a good time!! Thanks for the pics! |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by Paladin on 09/20/07 at 19:23:39 More picture posting later, made it home. Gassed up in Parker AZ, putted at mostly an indicated 50mph on CA62 to the Pilot Truck Stop in North Palm Springs -- 155 miles, 2.2 gallons. While I could take the stock saddle for the first 570 mile day and the rest of the days the accumulative result of 2700 miles/9 days is considerable pain. *WILL* have a different saddle for the next trek. The bike itself performed flawlessly -- not bad for a city bike. |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by Reelthing on 09/20/07 at 20:29:00 How was the oil consumption for the trip? |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by LANCER on 09/20/07 at 20:32:07 It is good to hear you have arrived home safely. That was quite a ride, 2700 miles in 9 days, avg 300/day. So you are now a certified hard A$$...so to speak. ;D |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by Paladin on 09/21/07 at 08:42:46 Reelthing wrote:
Took a quart and a funnel with me. Used about 2/3 but it may take that last third now. |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by Paladin on 09/21/07 at 09:32:55 Hard A$$ maybe, Iron Butt no. The one option was to continue to OKC and come back via a 790 mile day 5 hour layover and 710 mile day for a BB1500. After the first two 500+ mile days that plan was as dead as my butt, feet, hands, knees. Maybe after I get a Bill Mayer Saddle..... Actually this goes back to the "Why do you ride?" question. For me the answer is that I dislike being in a cage. I could have taken one of the New Beetles, getting 40mpg highway instead of 60 but allowing me to eat, drink, and take photos while moving. But I don't like the insulation from the environment -- it's not as safe. The greater exposure means greater awareness means less likely to miss something dangerous. FWIW, I'm one of those guys who (nearly) always sits in the back of the cafe facing the door. |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by gary_ona_savage on 09/21/07 at 11:47:23 Paladin wrote:
I had a friend like that. Actually brought his handgun to church! Glad you made it back in two pieces. I concur with you on the distance on a savage. I find it really hard to sit on one that long. Not that the bike won't make the trip, just my middle-aged body won't. Been seriously considering replacing the savage with an early 80's goldwing, just because I want to ride longer/further. However, I'm trying to see what can be done to get more comfort out of the savage before I do that, because I really like the little bugger. |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by Reelthing on 09/21/07 at 12:27:20 Paladin wrote:
Not bad at all.... hope some others will pay attn - yes take some oil on longer trips and check the oil regular - only takes a few seconds. Not a city bike any more - it might start to get mad at you now that it has seen a lot of freedom! |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by Paladin on 09/21/07 at 16:57:11 gary_ona_savage wrote:
A touring bike would be nice, but I REALLY like the simplicity of the Thumper. I like having everything exposed and easy to wrench. The vibration is not an issue with me -- at 55-60 it's what people drop quarters into the hotel beds for. The saddle needs improving -- a few hundred miles in a day was not bad; but each following day built up on what had gone before and after a week it proved to be too much. The other thing I need is floorboards or at least highway pegs. I'm thinking floorboards would be better for resting the feet upon while allowing small shifts in position to ease the strain on the knees. |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by Savage_Greg on 09/22/07 at 07:56:41 Excellent, excellent ride report. Love the Quick Time in NM. 360 degrees almost makes me dizzy. I remember that scenery from our move out west. Now, I just need to turn my jealousy into inspiration and plan a similar trip for us. Glad that you made it back safely, but I'm not at all surprised. After all, you are riding the best year the Savage was ever built anyway :P |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by Paladin on 09/22/07 at 10:54:19 The last day and the last photos: Leaving Wickenberg via US60/AZ73/AZ95 to Parker. Along AZ 72 finally saw a Saguaro I could park near: http://paladin.savageriders.com/LA-OKC/Saguaro.jpg Had breakfast in Parker, put on my helmet and crossed the Colorado into California. At the crossing of CA62 and US95 is Vidal Junction: Gas is $3.599 a gallon for unleaded and you're happy to get it: (click picture for larger): http://paladin.savageriders.com/LA-OKC/Vidal_Junction_.jpg (http://paladin.savageriders.com/LA-OKC/Vidal_Junction.jpg) Junction of 62 & Iron Mountain road has a signpost: http://paladin.savageriders.com/LA-OKC/MidNowhereCA.jpg And a second 360 degree video, this of the Mojave at mile marker 58 on CA-62 (click picture for video): http://paladin.savageriders.com/LA-OKC/Mojave.jpg (http://paladin.savageriders.com/LA-OKC/Mojave.MOV) |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by KenGLong on 09/22/07 at 15:05:04 Paladin, Really appreciate you taking us along on as virtual passengers. Each day I would look forward to reading your posts so I could check your progress and look up your location on the map and on Goggle Earth. It was almost like being there. Thanks. Ken |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by Paladin on 09/22/07 at 15:27:04 It was fun doing -- both the riding and the posting. The Savage is a remarkable little bike. I basically packed my bags and went -- no special preparations. I'll have gas mileage figures up next week. The first day's mileage was interesting. Roughly the same speeds, California gasoline gave 55 mpg, Arizona gasoline gave 60 mpg. California has different standards for gasoline than the other 49 states. |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by KenGLong on 09/22/07 at 16:38:08 Paladin wrote:
Could be the altitude difference too. Ken |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by youzguyz on 09/23/07 at 15:51:16 Thanks for takin us along on the ride Paladin. It was a pleasure.. and a bit of an inspiration. Now all I need is the TIME! |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by sluggo on 09/23/07 at 19:21:36 really all you have is time. nobody's ever said on his death bed "i should have worked more". make the time to satisfy the wanderlust. you will never regret it. |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by SteveRocket on 09/23/07 at 21:06:03 Glad to see you both back safe and sound. An inspiration for me to do something similar. |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by Paladin on 09/23/07 at 22:14:18 It doesn't take much, the time is there. Really, I did not make any special preparations for the ride. Pack the bags, grabbed some cash and credit cards, go! I needed to get to OKC. I could have flown, taken a car, or rode. I rode. Take a week's vacation, add the weekends you have 9 days. A thousand miles one way is completely doable at only 250 miles a day. Pick a direction and go. |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by FreeSpirit on 09/24/07 at 00:25:55 Paladin, Beautiful pictures!! Do you feel any different now that youre back? Like a new man....or do you do this alot? Also I'm wondering what all you have on your bike? Fork braces? |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by islandwahine on 09/24/07 at 00:38:21 Paladin wrote:
Do you have a laptop with satellite connection or did you stop at internet cafe's or friends for the updates? I absolutely love the big cactus, I have a bunch of them at home, but not that tall!! |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by Paladin on 09/24/07 at 02:27:08 FreeSpirit wrote:
Don't do it alot. This was actually only my third long trip. The other two, in the '80's, were LA - Seatle and back on a GS450E and a 5 week tour of England/Scotland on a 500cc Silverwing. I have a superbrace and Leatherlyke saddlebags. For the trip I added the Street Shield and the sissybar suitcase. Also carried, but didn't use, a sleeping bag & tarp -- just in case I was caught out in the middle of nowhere too tired to continue. |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by Paladin on 09/24/07 at 02:40:42 islandwahine wrote:
Along with my at&t DSL I have at&t WiFi (http://attwifi.know-where.com/attwifi/cgi/index?design=default) -- which gives me access in many if not most McDonalds. Most of the motels I stopped in had WiFi, 'tho the only Motel6 that did was in Holbrook. In OKC I had WiFi access at the IHoP across the street and at the Biltmore where the reunion was. The Internet is mature technology and available almost anywhere. |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by PerrydaSavage on 09/24/07 at 03:09:02 ;DThanks Paladin ... really enjoyed your Ride ... found it inspirational! Just might have to do a Road Trip next year! Thanks again! |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by islandwahine on 09/24/07 at 11:26:55 Paladin wrote:
The reason I asked is because I'd like to take my laptop with me on my trip though Canada, Yukon and Alaska but wanted to find out about satellite links cause there are probably not many McDonalds or Ihops on that long lone road. I'm not sure if you ever saw Jungle 2 Jungle with Tim Allen (hilarious BTW) but he had one of those satellite set ups. I guess they are super expensive though. |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by gary_ona_savage on 09/24/07 at 11:47:01 islandwahine wrote:
The reason for me to take a ride like that is to get AWAY from anything to do with technology. I work with it every day and am actually on call 24/7 (though it doesn't happen much). I would leave everything behind...except a cell phone (for emergencies). |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by islandwahine on 09/24/07 at 11:55:45 gary_ona_savage wrote:
I'm a MOM. I would never forgive myself if something happened to my kids while I was off having fun, and they were not able to get a hold of me. Also this would allow me to share my trip with them. They can log on to my website where I would post pics of where I had been. For me the ride would be just the joy of riding and getting immersed on the beauty of the surroundings. To actually have some time on my own and relax. But to totally get away, that's not gonna happen, and I do not wish for that either. If your kids are older and have lives of their own it might be different. (but then again, maybe not) |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by sluggo on 09/24/07 at 12:09:24 islandwahine wrote:
thats why i have a "fur" family, just lock them in a closet for a week. :o :o ;D |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by gary_ona_savage on 09/24/07 at 13:58:46 islandwahine wrote:
I completely understand your situation, and, yes, my kids are older...in fact I have a grandson. Any way you enjoy your "thumpin' time" is a great way. But my wife knows she'll never reach me while the thumper is thumpin' (can't even hear the darn thing ring). She just leaves a message and knows that I'll call her back at the next butt break. The last thing I want is computer technology. I have yet to bring my camera along on a ride. Just leather and a smile! |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by NDBiker on 09/25/07 at 09:08:17 I was only an hour away from a 600 mile two day round trip when I came across this thread. I've only been rideing for 3 months so this was a big one for me. my rump hasn't been this sore, well, ever. I hope that I'll be able to do a ride like yours one of these days. |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by FreeSpirit on 09/25/07 at 10:29:28 sluggo wrote:
LoL....do you put food and water in the closet for them? That's the only reason I dont have animals, I have no one to feed them while I'm gone :-) |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by FreeSpirit on 09/25/07 at 10:46:07 Paladin wrote:
Is everything else stock? The shocks? and do you know what Fork boots are? |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by Paladin on 09/25/07 at 12:07:15 NDBiker wrote:
When that 600 miles is in a single direction you don't have a lot of acceptable choices. Like that Rally in Michigan it is "Push On Regardless." Not to mention that as you get older pain becomes a constant part of life so a little more doesn't matter as much. Quote:
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by Paladin on 09/25/07 at 12:39:42 FreeSpirit wrote:
Fork Boot (http://pages.sbcglobal.net/pacific.bell/images/ForkBoot.jpg) |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by Paladin on 09/25/07 at 12:52:40 FreeSpirit wrote:
When the girls were smaller we would go camping for a week, taking the dogs but leaving everone else behind with a week's worth of food and water. One cat got a LOT friendlier after being alone for a week. Cats are very good for leaving behind for a week or so. IMO, dogs are too attached to people to be left alone. |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by FreeSpirit on 09/25/07 at 12:54:04 Paladin wrote:
Last night during my search of about 2000 website's for aftermarket Hwy bars for the Savage....I ran across this one website and their were Fork Boots for sale....they didnt look like anything on my MC,so I had no idea what they were....still don't :-) Then someone had said the S40 seat was wider than the Savage seat....dont know about that either....but I wondered if it would fit the Savage :-) Then I saw a site where some guy had put different shocks on his Savage....didnt know that was an option. SO thought I'd see if you did :-) BTW,I did find where Highway Hawk does have Highway bars for the Savage,only problem is....nobody is selling them!(Well maybe in Germany or somewhere ,but none I can find in the U.S.) |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by FreeSpirit on 09/25/07 at 13:15:04 Paladin wrote:
Yes, dogs have seperation anxiety. That's the real reason why I can't have one.....was joking about the feeding part :-) But it's true about Cats,they dont care one way or another,they like their space. I have thought about getting a cat....they are much easier to take care of!And would keep mice away from my motorcycle :-) You know,earn their keep ;D |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by drharveys on 09/25/07 at 14:10:36 Paladin wrote:
Yeah, once you reach a certain age you realize that the next time you wake up and absolutely nothing hurts -- you'll be dead! ;D Seriously though -- great ride and great reports & photos! |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by FreeSpirit on 09/25/07 at 15:16:59 Well,You know what they say "Laughter is good like medicine" and today I have laughed so much I must be almost well" (Lorrrrrdddd,I'm in a silly mood!) |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by sluggo on 09/25/07 at 15:17:14 FreeSpirit wrote:
at this point in time my two tabbys live in a 700sq house, two bedroom, single bath. we're staying at the mother inlaws house so the cats get our place to stay in. we did bring the dogs. cats just love the arrangement. my wife stops by daily to feed them. |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by FreeSpirit on 09/25/07 at 15:24:17 sluggo wrote:
How big is your yard? Now, they'll want the yard also,...remember,plenty of space :-) Really cats are just little free spirits :-) Dogs just think they rule ;D |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by FreeSpirit on 09/25/07 at 16:08:57 I don't know how to take me today either :-/ I think I'm just de-stressing....but I usually just take me one day at the time anyway. I need to do like Paladin and just take off :) But I dont know if I'd come back ;D |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by sluggo on 09/25/07 at 16:18:30 FreeSpirit wrote:
the house sits on sixty acres. they have unfettered access to the house. they do have to jump a four foot fence to get in and out. the cuts down of the wild animal riff raff. it does appear the chats have had some real wild parties inside. |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by FreeSpirit on 09/25/07 at 16:58:38 sluggo wrote:
Well I'd say those are the happiest cat's around :-) Sounds like they have found the perfect house :-) One thing about cats, they don't stay if they're not happy.Sounds like they're going to be there a long time :-) |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by FreeSpirit on 09/25/07 at 18:29:38 Now,here is the shocks I was telling ya'll that the guy put on his Savage. They were not from this store neccessarily,but they were this brand.(I just picked the first American Dealer/Store that I came to.) http://www.davequinnmotorcycles.com/cgi-bin/webc.cgi/home.html Would these work? Or if you could change them ,wouldnt it make a long trip better?! On a UK site they had an example of what would fit what bike but not on all of them.You had to email them or call for specifics. (Ya'll know I don't know alot about this but I'm hoping ya'll can tell me more ) |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by LANCER on 09/25/07 at 18:59:33 FreeSpirit wrote:
I found a set of Progressive 418 shocks on ebay with less than 1000 miles on them for $125 incl shp...they retail for $450 +/-. I like ebay. |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by FreeSpirit on 09/25/07 at 21:10:56 LANCER wrote:
Oh....the reason I put this here was I got, apparently the wrong idea,that you couldnt change the shocks!That none would fit the savage :-[ But that was what I needed to know,that you can....Thanks :) Does yours ride alot better with different shocks? |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by bill67 on 09/26/07 at 04:08:49 Motorcycles shocks are made so you can carry two people i weight 165 so the rear shocks are always stiff i have new s40 i put on progressive 412-4233c on it . they are 11 inches instead of 10.5 .You get a little more travel and a better ride . i like it a lot better. |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by LANCER on 09/26/07 at 05:42:01 FreeSpirit wrote:
Other than the stock units I have had a sportster 12" stock shock set (better than stock Savage but not great), a set of 11" Progressive 412's which made for a very smooth and comfortable ride. They were used a bit but worked really well. I was totally satisfied with these shocks when I happened to find the 418's on ebay...I had been looking for a set for over 6 months but the price would always go to high for my budget. This time, for whatever reason, there just were not many people to bid on it (maybe because the auction did not end until 2am in the morning) so this time I was able to get them for just $125 incl shp. And they were virtually new. The guy owned a Harley, it fell over in the parking lot and scratched the top of one shock a little, so the insurance co replaced them for him, and at the time the shocks had less than 1000 miles on them...they looked brand new and I could hardly find the scratch on the one shock. The 418's are more of a performance shock with adjustments for preload and rebound. It is a great shock. One of the really good things about Progressive shocks is that you can make any shock they make to fit the Savage by simply buying a little pkg of metric mount inserts from them for about $12. |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by bill67 on 09/26/07 at 05:58:23 where the 418 better than 412 |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by bill67 on 09/26/07 at 06:45:06 What lenght where 418 and how where they better i almost bought them but didnt |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by Savage_Rob on 09/26/07 at 09:23:18 And Paladin, though I've only replied and am not responsible for the actual hijacking of your most excellent thread, I apologize for my participation. I won't respond further to anything in this thread not related to the actual topic. |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by Paladin on 09/26/07 at 09:56:23 Once a thread has served it's purpose, wandering about on side roads is normal, expected, pretty near unavoidable. I was having a wobble problem at 65+ the last day of the trip. Yesterday I was wobbling at 55+. Checked my tire pressure -- front was 25psi, down from the proper 29. Proper tire inflation pressure is extremely important on a motorcycle. |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by Polar_Pilot on 09/27/07 at 08:47:14 Great story thread Palladin - thank you for your detail in telling of the trip. You might want to investigate an Air Hawk Seat pad - they are about 150 bucks but solved my sore butt issue on my Savage on longer rides. What does the super brace accomplish? I have done a couple fo 2,000 mile tours on my Savage and totally agree with the ideas you are expressing about simplicity and ease of riding which both make the Savage a winnter on a trip like yours Keep it in the wind! Polar Pilot |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by S40NewYork on 09/27/07 at 10:17:35 Paladin - I have followed this thread every day since the start. What an awesome trip! Glad you're back home, safe, sound and happy. Photos and movie, just wonderful! Thanks for takin' the boardies cruisin' with ya! (Do you have to go back with a trailer to pick up that Quarter Horse for Mrs. Paladin?) ;D |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by Paladin on 09/27/07 at 17:20:32 Had the horses with me -- Mrs.P noticed the bag from the Quarter Horse Museum. http://www.dslretorts.com/Paladin/archives/002431.html |
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Title: Re: Thumper on Tour Post by Paladin on 09/27/07 at 17:36:08 Polar_Pilot wrote:
Quote:
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