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I might be going. I'll ask the neighbor too. He mentioned wanting to do an ARC but they're infrequent. Chris

Subscribing. I didn't vote because I do not have a preference at this time. I'm looking forward to this!

Here's my vote for an FZ6 with a Corbin seat & backrest. Low and can be dropped a bit. Good ergos and very handle-able in the parking lot. Yes it's an I4 but its got good torque above 3k and doesn't get crazy power unless you take her above 8k and then you quickly get to 90+ HP. Quirks: The clutch friction zone is narrow and the FI makes the throttle a bit twitchy, but you get used to those things quickly. Quit the hand-wringing and go see this guy at OSU. This bike plus $750 for the seat & backrest and you're set - In RED. Bet you can get the bike for a bit under $3000. http://columbus.craigslist.org/mcy/4550483402.html

I REALLY like blue and they had one, blue reflex, with the light seats that looked great. But I saw the only liquid silver that they had on the lot and I grabbed it! It's the middle level, the touring, with manual tranny. I'm very happy with the manual and I'm in love with that version of silver. Chris

I offer two suggestions. Mazda 6 and Subaru Outback, I just bought a car and both were finalists. If you want a car that will give great mileage, great reliability, and is a BLAST to drive, test drive the Mazda 6. Easy on the eye too. Or try the restyled 3 for a smaller, slightly less expensive, slightly better mileage version. Also a blast to drive from what I've heard. BTW, the blast isn't mostly about acceleration. The 6 has awesome handling but the whole experience is surprising in a moderately priced car If you want more of an SUV that can do some hauling but gets great mileage, for the class, try an Outback, We got my wife an Outback 2.5L Limited last year and she bubbles over about it being the best car she's ever owned. The Subarus since 2012 have significantly improved their gas mileage, The 2.5 is rated at 30 hwy. We've gotten 34 by being careful on long trips. Reliability is awesome. Just look at all the older Subarus running around, The current Outbacks are AWD and have one of the best CVTs in the market. The boxer engine lets it drive like a car though it has more ground clearance than an F150 or any Cherokee except the top end one with adjustable height. Towing capacity for the 2.5L is 2700 lb. The 3.6L version is rated for 3000 lb, rated at 25 mpg hwy. Either might handle the boat. Yesterday I bought the Mazda 6. But I almost bought a second Outback - one for myself. I went with the car after test driving the 6. I've always been more of a car guy, and hey, the wife is already driving an Outback. Per Pokey's suggestion, I think the Odysseys are now the best minivan. We had Dodge's (briefly two of them) for 23 years. But we no longer need the passenger or cargo capacity. Chris

Well, Now I'll have to be insulted! Or maybe feel complimented. That is NOT sarcasm, just an attempt at humor. Where I work we have lots of folks from either side of the river and it's interesting how much they rib each other. I think it's funny cause I'm originally from PA and we just know we're above all that. << Love this cow emoticon, but it ought to be black & white. Chris

Hi guys, I'm researching a new helmet to upgrade from a Scorpion EXO 400. Right now I'm partial to Bell's RS-1. But it seems to be marketed (and per Anthony's review on Revzilla) to more of a track and agressive rider than someone who commutes and does some longer rides - planning on more long rides. I'm looking for quiet, comfort, and good ventilation. The phototransitions shield would be sweet, too. http://www.bellhelmets.com/rs-1/# Anybody have any experience with this helmet flows well and is stable in more of an upright, less of a tuck position? I'm aware that as a race fit design, the cheek pads are supposed to be tight, but I'm not likely to mind so long as it stays ventilated. Chris

I completely agree, Justin. My across the street neighbor is a local guy who's been telling me about roads nearby. I learned about the triple nickle last month and have enjoyed the southern end several times.

Texas Roadhouse in Parkersburg throws a bike night in their parking lot the 2nd & 4th Thursday evenings during the summer. They started last summer and resumed in May. It's sponsored by a local dealer (Lemon&Barrett) and the restaurant. They usually have a local band or something for entertainment. http://www.lemonandbarrettspowersports.com/bikenight.htm https://www.facebook.com/#!/txrhParkersburgWV Texas Roadhouse 2306 Ohio Avenue Parkersburg, WV 26101 (304) 422-7427 No, I don't work for either of these companies! Chris

Hi! I'm new to your forum. I'm from Parkersburg WV, just over the river from SEO. I'm 55, married for 33 years - TODAY, and have three great kids who are in college or out & employed. Last fall I re-started riding after 25 years away. I took the MSF BRC2 course and have put several thousand miles on the bike and I'm feeling pretty comfortable. I've been reading the FZ6 forum since starting my research on which bike I wanted, and just found OhioRiders.net. I really like the number of reasonably local rides and events that I've seen since I joined. Really sorry I missed the EPIC ride last month. I'm looking forward to the one in the fall. Chris