CBBaron

I havn't had many opportunities to ride with others (and I missed this one damit). However for a new rider I found reading the book "Proficient Motorcycling" very helpful. I really found myself using many of the techniques in the book and using the information learned to help ride more smoothly. That and actually riding curvy roads. Kinda hard to do around Cleveland but one trip down to Marietta and back made a huge difference. Hearing about the fuel stops makes me appreciate my Vstrom. On that 450 mile ride to Marietta and back I only stopped for fuel once. Granted I don't ride really hard but I still got about 230 miles before the fuel warning light went on. That and there is no stress on the shoulder/arms as you sit much more upright on that bike. Ofcourse the downsides are it is tall and heavy compared to a supersport and has much less power. Craig

Sorry I couldn't make it. It looks to be a fun day with good weather. Siacono, I will ship your gloves to you. Sorry about the inconvenience. Craig

I'm on the east side. I could meet up somewhere off I-271. If not I will probably meet the guys in Broadview Hts. Craig

If you are going to rent it seems like a Vrod from South East Harley would be a better deal. http://www.southeastharley.com/miscpage_001.asp Kennedy's appears to only rent cruisers and scooters. Not that a Harley is better but it appears to be cheaper. Craig

I'm pretty sure the weathermen have no clue right now. Yesterday sunday's prediction was 68 and Tstorms all day, this morning it is 72 and mostly sunny, 2 days ago it was a high of 61??? Current predictions look good though. Let hope they hold up. Craig

There's where its possible you are wrong. Creating energy out of nothing is impossible .... But maybe it is possible to create energy "out of thin air"? Con artist have been trying to sell perpetual motion machines since the middle ages. Nothing new there. Craig

I disagree. I think both are nice looking bikes but I do prefer the ER-6n. The Versys and Vstrom are the ugly bikes in the families, but functionally and comfort wise those are the ones I prefer. Which is why I ride a Vstrom Craig

I'm thinking they have no clue. Every time I check the weather the project temp changes by 10F and the chance of rain by +/-20%. Still they have remained consistent with scattered T-storms so it probably won't rain ALL day. Craig

Yep ER-6n. Nearly identical to the Ninja 650R except missing most of the plastic. In other parts of the world the Ninja 650R is called the ER-6f. Basically faired and naked versions of the same bike. Craig

Which Equinox? 2009 and before the Equinox sucked and was not even close to competing with the CRV and Rav4. The 2010 and newer is all new, is much better and the rear seat has adjustable recline. If newer maybe someone had put your rear seat back in the most upright position. I have found the rear seat to be reasonably comfortable, which is unusual for someone 6'2". And 3 across is actually doable unlike the 2009 CRV we looked at. Craig

I will soon find out ... I just ordered some Oxford Heaterz from Twisted Throttle. They look to be pretty simple to install and don't cost any more than a decent pair of winter gloves. Once the temp gets below 50 I have a hard time keeping my hands warm at speed. Most everything else you can just add more layers but thats difficult with your hands when you need to work the controls. I got some hot hands incase its a little cool Sunday for the ride Craig

I got the Fieldsheer Contour tank bag for my Ninja 250 http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/4/71/2521/ITEM/Fieldsheer-Contour-Tank-Bag.aspx Worked great with the Ninja. Held plenty without expansion. Would probably hold that gallon of milk with expansion but I never tried it. The magnetic base does not work with my Vstrom as it has plastic panels covering the side of the tank. However I am able to use a strap on base that works. Craig

I like the CRV and was looking to buy one a couple years ago. I agree the Subaru is probably a better car but the wife did not like the looks We ended up getting an Equinox. It was about the same price as the CRV but was larger and got better fuel economy. Its primarily my wife's car and she still really loves it. We did have to replace a fuel pump under warrantee. The pump did not fail but the computer flagged it and it was replaced when we took it in to check out the check engine light. Craig

I may meet up with you guys here. Not much out of my way. Don't wait for me if I'm not there by 9:15. Craig

+1 I'm currently listed in the B group but have ridden southern Ohio roads just once and have no real experience with group rides. Plus I'm not on a sport bike. edit: I see I'm listed C group. Probably a better fit unless that is all cruisers Craig

Current weather predictions look good and I'm clear to ride. I plan on being there unless it turns much colder and wetter. Craig

I should check this thread more often. That is only a couple miles from home. Craig

Last week all of the winners had the high scores in the league and I had the highest losing score, this week it is more interesting. There are going to be a couple high scores with losses after tonight. I was worried last week about my team, as the Steelers looked horrible and my team not much better. This weekend both looked pretty good. This is my first Fantasy team and its turning out to be pretty fun. You look at a game in a very different way. I had 4 players in the late game yesterday so I was rooting for both sides to score. Craig

Now I just to figure out if some of the roads I travel on are 2 or 4 lane. You would think that would be easy, but these are city streets with only a center double yellow marked. The lanes are wide enough that most of the time cars run side by side, but with large trucks there is not room to safely pass in the lane. Im guessing these are considered 2 lane roads, but it is not clear. There are a number of roads configured like this in and around Cleveland. They are usually pretty good for a motorcyclist because you can always get around vehicles even if they are trucks or someone who doesn't feel like the road should be a 4 lane. Craig

That marketing blurb was 90% style, and 10% function. And usually marketing over sells function which basically nothing really new Sad given the pace of technology in liter bikes. Craig

240F does not surprise me at all, but Denim burns at only 215F I would have thought a much higher temp. I guess I should use denim as a started from my wood fireplace. Paper has a kindling point of about 420F. Craig

700 out of Billions served tells me there are not as many idiots out there as I thought I will agree that most stories have more than one side and without all the information you cannot make a judgement. Craig

I still don't get where McDonalds was wrong on this. According to everything I have seen on recommendations for brewing coffee the water should be over 200F. Since the coffee will boil about 212F it could not have been much hotter than the recommended brewing temperature. Not saying the plaintiff was not injured but it still seems to me that one should expect their coffee to be hot. Seems to me the HD case is not so clear cut. You do expect a large motor to be hot but one would expect the hottest parts to have some kind of guard that prevents casual contact. Wearing shorts and getting burned is just stupid on the riders part, but catching denim on fire for a rider in a reasonable riding position is excessive. Craig

I want that brush guard on my Vstrom It is getting to be the rutting season, everyone keep a closer eye for those antlered varmints. I think its time to institute my no riding after dark policy Craig

So where do you find guns like that? I'm thinking about getting my first handgun. Craig