Hailwood

Thanks for the input, everyone. My wife's iPhone4 died on her, so we got her a 5 and I actually like it quite a bit, I'm just curious what else might be out there. Also, I hear a lot of iOS vs. Android debate, but not having had an android device I don't really feel like I'm entitled to an opinion, and I'm curious what 'the other side of the fence' might be like.

I've been an iPhone user for the last ~4 years and have, overall, been pretty satisfied with them, especially my current 4. Rather than just buy a 5, I'm interested in considering other options that might be out there, and the Samsung GS3 looks like a pretty cool phone. I've not had any experience with Android-based phones, but I'm pretty tech savvy, so I'm not worried about a steeper learning curve. I'm going to find someplace to play with one this weekend to see if I like the form factor, but I am interested in opinions of folks that live with the phone daily on usability/reliability and especially opinions relative to the iDevices. I currently have AT&T and intend to continue with them, so the opinions of any other ATT users would be doubly valued. Thanks!

Nice write-up. Wish I could have gotten out on this gorgeous day. I've only ridden 555 a couple of times this year, but really enjoyed it each time. It seems like a lot of the bad sections that made the road infamous in the past are in better shape and we also noted a welcome lack of gravel/other crap. Will definitely try to work it into rides more next year.

Damn that looks tasty and the promo video was really great. I think we need to take up a collection to get Nivin 3 or 4 of these and watch the magic happen.

Thanks! It's hard to find places that you can get a clear enough sky for this type of shot, and it was pretty borderline even in BFE Michigan, but I'm happy with the way it turned out. I need to get back out West and try it out there. I've seen some from Utah/Arizona that are just stunning.

You do a great job putting a ride together, Nivin - most (including myself) find it much easier to follow. Once you've ridden with people regularly enough to trust the way they ride, you can learn to use their speed and lines as a reference and just look past them in the corners to avoid fixation. With a particular group of people, the pace is going to be what it's going to be, and as long as everyone is riding comfortably within their limits, we'll all have a good time no matter what the 'official' pace might be. 821 was definitely a good find and I wouldn't mind including that on a future route. Any of the video turn out?

You didn't think that you track whores were the only ones allowed to ghey it up, did you?

Glad you could make it out, Dave - always nice riding with you. I think I need to stay away from that Z1k though. I've always been a fan of those bikes (especially in green) and seeing one in person again makes me think bad (and expensive) thoughts...

I did indeed have a good time, I just don't want anyone to think that I thought that was a 'moderate' pace

Very nice shots, guys. Here are a couple from a family trip up to Lake Michigan a few weeks ago.

Really sorry to hear that BikerBoy. I just made it home. Glad I peeled off early, and I hope everyone else is able to make it back before dark. Other than the incidents, it was a fun ride. Also, when Nivin says 'slow' or 'moderate', he lies.

Was very unfortunate, we're just glad you were ok. Time to streetfighter the hell outta that TL.

That just means we can get some sweet d0rift0 going on.

Little chilly at the moment, but I'm still planning on making it.

~11:00 is fine with me. If I need to break off and head out early to get home, I should be able to do so fairly easily.

Melt up in University Heights has really good gourmet grilled cheese and a fantastic beer selection. Not exactly high-end, but very tasty and won't break the bank.

Looks like a nice route. The pace will be the pace. As long as everyone rides safe and comfortably, I don't really worry about it anymore.

If you can swing it, definitely go. I've never been to a place that was more beautiful, and I think about going back almost every day. I want to rent a BMW GS and ride from the North to the South island and back over the course of a couple of weeks someday.

My daily commute is about 10 minutes. In my previous position in my company I travelled quite a bit to Japan and was lucky enough to go to New Zealand once for snow testing. That was the best trip I've ever been on and I will absolutely go back there some day.

I'm convinced that after all the racing he's been doing, Jinu is actually sleeping most of the time during our 'spirited' rides.

Don't let Jerry dissuade you, we'll make sure a good time is had by all. I'll probably ride the Fizzer, so I'll be keeping it sane. Besides, the UP ride wasn't *that* bad. Probably my favorite of the year, in fact.

Cool, somebody to lead.

I might be up for this as long as we can make it back by 3:00 ~ 4:00.

I ordered a pair of these through Rider's Discount last week. Got a great price and received the gloves within 2 days. They gloves are a great fit, and I am really impressed with the quality of the construction and the customer service from RD was top notch. Would definitely recommend to someone looking for a nice pair of gloves.