Pauly

Amanda called me while I was stopped in B-ville for fuel. A crash happened in the front of the house today involving a motorcycle and a car. She knew it wasn't me but it was enough to trigger a bit of PTSD emotion. She called so she could hear my voice and know I was ok. I am glad I was able to answer the phone. She is a little more emotional than I am at this point, but I worked through some mental hurdles myself. I feel better having put in a solid day of riding. I have been putting off getting on the bike for fear of no longer being able to enjoy myself behind the bars. I put that to bed today and know I can fully put April's crash behind me. I don't know how much time Amanda will need before she is ready to climb back onto the bike, but she's determined to do just that. One day at a time is how we've been getting along up to this point. It will be at least the rest of this season and maybe next before she gives me the green light to start looking for another bike. I'm in no hurry. She can take all the time she needs.

I beat you.

Rode it 360+ miles at a sane-ish pace. Took 76W to Lodi and picked up 83/78/377/550/26/260/800 and 77N to the house. Left the house with a full tank and didn't see my low fuel warning until Barnesville. I did stop in McConnelsville for water and a Snickers. Saw 92 degrees on the dash at one point. Was a warm one but glad to be back in the game. Time for Skyway and ice cream.

Take care of yourself, Kent.

Should have bought a BMW.

Is my phone gaslighting me?

He said...

@durk, are the Roadsmarts A-spec sidewalls? You might want a stiffer carcass on the big bike versus the CBR. It will handle better and they will last longer. @2talltim can correct me if I am wrong.

I am spoiled with the BMWs range, but the Wing was good enough that I just accepted the fuel range for what it was. Plus, mandatory rest breaks every 200 miles isn't a bad thing...even for us immortals.

T TPMS is a peace of mind feature for me. If I hauled my kids around I would want it. A light warning me I am about to lose all of my stability before it happens is superior to a tire gauge in my tool kit.

Goddamn!

Hey Kent... You probably know this but in case not... take some Scotchbrite or very fine sand paper and clean the oxidation from the metal bits the hoses clamp to. It's also a good idea to install fresh clamps. Glad your Yammie will live to see another 100k miles.

I have driven by several times on my way to Tulsa and OKC. Always an inappropriate giggle for me.

Not yet. I just finished putting the bike together today. I should be able to tool around a bit next week.

Finished installing my new landing lights.

Sounds fun. Will Schmuckman be there?

Check the radiator cap, too. It could have a worn seal or weak pressure spring causing the coolant smell.

I can get mid-forties on the highway if I am not outrunning my shadow. I wish 6th was taller. I only ever use it on the freeway. Having an 8 gallon fuel tank is a factory installed cheat code.

Swapping in the Clearwater lights, new LED tail/brakelight and the CANopener. That device allows me to integrate the lights into my bike's system and control the fogs via the Wunderwheel. I can control their lumen output, make them flash with my horn or hazards and I believe have them serve me a dry martini. Still reading the manual...

Replacing factory fog light with Clearwater lights. I finally have the old harness removed.... it's been a morning.

The BMW and the Goldwing have been game changers. I can get almost 350 miles to a tank on the GS and not have to stop. My last work trip was 77S/800/148/145/556 and cross into WV at New Martinsville. Then I took 18/180/random roads/33 and stopped for fuel and lunch in Weston. That was my first stop. Then I took 33 across both mountain passes and snagged I-64 into Richmond. My second fuel stop was 5 mins from my hotel.

Totes jelly of your pic. Glad you're vertical!

Congrats on all of it.