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Route is in good shape. I wish the weeds were cut back. ORC:5579.04 Destruction of brush, briers, weeds along highways 130miles, 54.7 mph.Avg. 2:22 hrs. moving. 1min clip:

EPIC Route, Today, 56 just after Coonville has road work short delay one lane controlled by temp light. 668 North of Junction City has ongoing road work with one lane controlled by a flag man. Long wait on hot asphalt.

I try, I really do try to be an "upstanding" sport rider. I do not want to further the "ninja bike squid" opinion. I have waited for miles on some pretty twisty routes down Marietta way. I did run across this Fedex van one day...impressive! This fella was either hell bent on making his next rural delivery, or had a problem with letting a motorcycle pass him. Finally got an opportunity and went past him with the front wheel up and a little salute for him. Take a day off work, ride 60 miles just to get to the stuff you want, and then have some jackwagon messing with your ride...not cool. The lone HD rider would have tried to keep up/catch me if I'd passed him I'm sure. That's why I just decided to take a break and let him ride his own ride. The worst part about it, is that I am not fast by my own, or by more experienced/talented riders standards. I'm average at best and these folks are still holding me up. Must be the shoes? I've only ever been on two rides with more than 3 people and someone went down on one of them. I am perpetually solo when riding, so it's just me needing to get around. Most times I am on blind hill/curve roads. I am very hesitant to "dick-pass" due to the danger for myself and the driver of the whatever and again, try to observe respectable behavior as to not tarnish the "sport" further. Yup, had to quit carrying in my truck. What I see as improving the gene pool, and opening up parking spaces, the Law sees as murder?

Surprisingly, I have been experiencing the opposite recently. I have had cars and bikes pull over or wave me around them several times in the last couple weeks. I always give a courtesy wave back and give them plenty of room.

Proud of the goofy bastard...came to his Uncle for some advice. He has been bit by the 2-wheeler bug. He is mainly wanting it to commute to his work (50 miles of slab) to save on fuel during the warm months. He started asking about CBRs and the like. I stopped him and proceeded to ask him questions about the usage. He does want to do some riding for fun as well as save money on fuel for commuting. He has perused a few bikes at a couple dealers. He had supersports in mind initially, which I consider a bad choice for what he wants to do. A couple of his friends suggested that he go ahead and get a thou because, you know we all get so bored of not going mach retard. I vehemently rebuked their assessment immediately. This will be his first road bike and really, his first two wheel experience. I went on to explain that my "little" 675 engine has more than enough power & speed to scare the crap out of myself at any time and that even a moped will kill you if you are an idiot. He's now 23 (shit I'm old) and starting to grow up. Just had his first little one last year. I am concerned for him on a motorcycle because he is basically a squid on his 4wheeler for the most part. I explained why I ride to him and reminded him that if he's looking to get a bike to impress people or show off, it will likely end badly. I am not of the crowd that says you *must start out on a 250 or 300, but understand that as a good idea. He's not really having any of that because machismo or whatever. He likely doesn't understand the correlation of speed to engine size on a modern motorcycle. I advised that there are very few men walking the earth who can harness and utilize the full potential of the bikes being built these days. Also brought up insurance, which he hadn't considered and the huge differences in premiums based on the type and size being insured. At this point, I had his full attention and could see the gears grinding away in his head. As we were talking, he eventually mentions the Honda NC700 which I give my blessing based upon what he needs out of the bike. I know it's still a fairly "big" starter bike, but much more sane than some of his other considerations. I planted seeds for an SV, Versys, and FZs in his head and told him to do some research. Told him that winter is the time to get a deal and that I would happily chaperone him his first few times out. Advised that the BRC is a great thing for new riders having completed it myself and getting the endorsement is easy peasy if you complete the course. Also added a quick few words about buying a quality helmet and some good gear. I was surprised and delighted he came to me for help. Better still, I think a lot of what I told him actually made it to his gray matter. No big plot twists or anything, just a proud uncle happy to try and help a new rider find his way. I know, I know, Cool Starry Bra and all but I had to share.

Sv650 in the for sale section check it out

The first thing that goes through my mind when someone wants to get a bike to save money on gas is that a lot of those savings go towards tires.

It's always nice to hear about someone getting their first bike. I always recommend BRC first thing, makes the endorsement hassle much easier, plus it helps new riders in the right direction.

thx J, you always have the right word to make it feel better. Like pauly, the first thing he said was "at least its not a vette" Regarding tracks i am thinking may be next year, 2-3 track days is all it takes to cover up the cost of this blunder, so i am keeping off rest of the year probably. will keep riding street to get used to the bike. By next year plan is to just do few here and there novice sessions to learn more. Possibly switch to some fleabay street plastics and thus just cover up lights for the track days. and back to street use. My stock color is flat black which is a head ache to maintain and keep clean and cant do anything about minor scratches even since cant even buff it out. @jacobhawkins yes go for the white much prettier and easier. This was the only deal he would make and hence ended up with the black.

This weekend I had a surprising number of Harley guys wave me around. That's why I followed the group I referenced above for a few miles before I passed...I was waiting for a sign to pass.Even when I did pass they didn't try to block me,which happens way to often when passing groups of Harleys. Like RCBS,I really do try to be respectful of other people on the roads,both cars and bikes,especially bikes because I don't know their level of experience and I know their just out enjoying their bike like I am.I ride a little fast,but nothing real fast.I've been passed before,it's no big deal,just wave 'em by and everyone continues on their ride at their chosen speed.I just don't understand blocking someone or riding over your head to keep them from passing.I'm out there to have fun and explore, I'm not out there to race anybody or prove anything.

I (in my car) had a driver coming head on in my lane to pass a slow fedex truck on a blind curve last week and when I honked at him, he shrugged like how is this his fault.

You work hard and you play hard, I always liked that about you. For someone who worked so hard and sacrified so much to get where you are, a little reward like this shouldn't even cause a blip in your conscience radar, but that's what you get for being a good decent human being who was raised right. Congrats on the toy. I highly recommend that you buy a pre-prepped track bike, but that all depends how much track activity you'll be seeing. they're much easier to fix when crashed (track plastics are relatively easy to repair and MUCH cheaper to replace, and the bodywork comes off much more quickly. If you're only doing 1 or 2 max a year, then it's probably not worth it. But if you're going full addict, then it's worth every penny. have fun!

To the eight Harley riders going 41 mph on one of the only straight parts of 555/669...I tryed to be patient.

Picked up a new daily driver. 2014 Honda Accord

I say make us all Mods Then we can just ban each other.

Reminder: Please make sure all non-ORdN riders know the rules.

Helmutt, Theres a good possibilty I may be meeting up with you guys at Comp. Im the Red Ducati 1198 from the Spring Ride. If i go ill be 2 up.

I'm still coming folks! Hopefully the rain doesnt FOLLOW me down! (our local forecast is shit for Saturday) No biggie, Rain suit will be with me if needed!

Just got my windshield installed. Not bad for a Genuine Yamaha Touring Shield for $35 on ebay.

Don't believe they accept actual reservations, but a heads up would be a solid

Nice pick Doc! Suspension will feel better at the track where you're getting more G's down on it, and THAT'S where you should learn to corner a bike like that. If I were you, I'd at least get one trackday in on that thing before you trade/sell it away

I'm building in track bodywork and parts to my cost thought process... Ha! Katie liked the black one we looked at at Motohio. Going to see @TimTheAzn in a bit to take his for a couple laps around the paddock and grounds of mid ohio with Katie on the back. See if she falls off. If not, we're good to go.

i think as long as you can find some ebay plastics that fit ok and stand up to crashes ok, that is a great idea. get the sets with dzus-type (quick on-off) fasteners if you can. and if possible, one with a closed belly pan for when you get to intermediate/advanced since some orgs might need a belly pan capable of retaining fluids. anybody in your shoes (dipping your toes into track days) should consider going your route.

Wasn't me! Pinky Swear! The Fedex van I was behind was not travelling slow, but too slow for me on those roads. Was also last season. I know right? If I spot Motorbike headlights coming up behind me, I move to the right side of the lane. If they don't immediately pass, I motion for them to do so (when a safe opportunity arises). Who am I to play Gandalf with those faster than me? If I'm lucky, I can maybe hang behind the faster rider for a mile or two and learn something...usually not though. Couple corners and they are gone.

I just like the idea that newer members to the forum have the ability to come to a ride and meet people. I know it can be hard for new members to approach the 'clique' and get engaged and I think food kind of helps with that barrier, which is why I like it.

This is a struggle for those of us that ride small bikes that can't go that fast in the straights. I don't NEED a bike that will go that fast in a straight line to smoke your ass in the corners. If you're holding me up, GTFO of my way! This is one of the few reasons that I'd like to have a bigger bike.

Just head there is my vote, extreme east sider like me have close to 5 hr ride to get back so might have to pull off early skipping dinner as daylight is in ration during September. Don't put more stress on your self Derek, just enjoy the day without much head ache. Also good decision to not carrying the food down

I am looking to buy this exact bike, but in white. I'm real curious about your thoughts as a street bike. Ever taken a passenger? I'll sell the cbr so I'll need to be able to track and street the Daytona if I get it. Suspension springs are too soft? That's something I was worried about, what do you weigh?

Both 536 and 556 are currently being paved.I rode them both today after riding that newly paved section of 145. 536 is much farther along than 556, they started on the 78 end of 536 and there is new pavement to within about 2-3 miles of 7.I think it's just a base layer,but it 's awful nice to have 536 in rideable condition again...I've been avoiding it for about three years now.There are two places they are doing further repairs... near the brick church at the top of Hannibel hill and major slip repair near the barn with the sharp corner at one end.Both have traffic lights set up. 556 only has new pavement for about two miles out of Bealsville.There's also one spot on 556 that has further construction...about 5 miles West of Clarington they are "improving" the road,in other words taking some turns out of it.It's just a small section,I'm guessing a quarter of a mile.I also noticed three fracking rigs on 556,that can't be good for the long term condition of the road. This is all great news,but I have to go on a short rant.I really,really appreciate what ODOT does but what the fuck is up with their scheduling?Last year they paved 555 in Muskingum county ...this year they are doing two bridge repairs and one major bridge replacement in the same area that requires the pavement to be torn up.That makes me wonder.So I go on my way over to 78 that was paved between Glouster and Malta late last fall and everything is beautiful until I get a few miles from the 377 turn off...there's two places where they cut the beautiful new pavement to put pipes or some thing across the road!They were working in this area last year BEFORE they paved it.And now all the other construction on 556 and 536 while they're paving them.I'm a big fan of ODOT,we have hundreds of miles of great roads in excellent condition in southeastern Ohio,but this scheduling sure makes me scratch my head.

Nice find. People seem to love those 675s. Too nice for the track, buy another bike...lol.

Coworker drew this for my last day.

Vote for Derek, if he was a moderator he would have changed the meet up time before anyone asked!

The Eastern side of SEO will soon be back to it's former glory!!! Thanks for the update.

Walking without crutches rocks!

Hmm if i'm gonna replace bearings I better just buy forged OZ wheels with them to rule everything out. Best brake fiix evar.

I'll be at groveport

I am most likely in Will test out my riding endurance at the EPIC ride but expect I can survive Also I reserve the right to cancel if weather looks miserable, I expect that many miles on a DRZ to involve considerable pain an suffering but the ride is worth it. If the weather is miserable the equation changes Plan to book my hotels today or tomorrow unless someone else already has and is looking to split costs. PM me if you want to split rooms, non smoking please. On the road by sunrise sounds good to me. Its my normal schedule anyways. I'll bring layers. Packing is going to be tricky I don't currently have much luggage for the DRZ and dont want to load her down with too much. Craig

People that are going should consider two things. If you sleep until ten you should expect to ride in the dark at the end of the day. And it will be cold in the mornings. Low 50's for sure.

If you really want to slight them, toss your bike off one of the corners.

See you in Groveport if I can swing the day off.

So far looks like will be good for this ride. Will catch you all along the way or at Comp Acc.

Ill be at the Groveport stop.