I blame the weatherman. “Saturday,” he said. “If you’re gonna get a ride in this weekend, it better be Saturday. Nothin’ but God and showers on Sunday.” And so I rode on Saturday, with grey clouds brooding over Mary’s Peak and a dark slash of rain heading my way. I like to stick to the familiar when the weather turns iffy, so Bellfountain Road was my chosen route, running toward a sliver of sunlight to the south.
The pickup truck towing a trailer was content at fifty-five miles an hour. I was not content at fifty-five miles an hour. A twist of the throttle, no downshift required, and I was around and clear. Damn I love this bike!
I hit the hail at seventy miles an hour. Oh, that’s nice. Hail against my jacket, glad I’m wearing the Rukka today. Hail inside my helmet, another reminder that driving a car is a boring way to travel. It was all over as quickly as it started.
I stopped and took this awful picture:
Those dark clouds mean rain, kids. Luckily it’s heading northeast, back toward Corvallis. Here’s the view in the other direction:
I continued on my way. At the Alpine interchange, I spotted this smoke up ahead:
I really wish someone could have been on the other side to film me as I burst through the blowing smoke, just like every movie ever made with a chase scene involving a motorcycle.
Suddenly, I was struck by the inexplicable urge to see some sweet Triumphs, so I cut across to Monroe and bombed my way into Eugene and Cycle Parts. Spent a little while looking at the merchandise. The Street Triple R with the matte paint job is a nasty, nasty bike. I like!
Feeling crunched for time, I headed back the way I came. Back on Bellfountain, I passed an R1200GS. Now that just ain’t right. But the lack of license plates and general state of spotlessness were a dead giveaway, you lucky bum. Hope you like your new bike!
I celebrated my passing accomplishment by snapping this picture. See, my photography has improved already!
A few more miles to home, and that was Saturday. Of course, by noon on Sunday, the sky was clear and it was a glorious sunny day. Of course, I was stuck doing some errands that I put off so I could ride the day before. Thanks for nothing, weatherman! But all wasn’t lost, and I did manage to sneak in a short ride to look at a rear stand I was thinking of buying. Now I finally have a rear stand, which ought to make those chain cleanings a ton easier than before.
So, how was your weekend?
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{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
Found your blog, somehow. Bookmarked, and will check back often.
After selling off my 05 SV before moving to the UK (I’m in the USAF), I finally found a replacement this past weekend: a silver 2003 naked. So I guess my weekend was pretty darn good.
Rob
I helped with an instructor update Saturday morning at LBCC. My errands were stacked on Saturday afternoon. A free Sunday afternoon and sunshine! Found out there is still snow on Santiam pass and the road from Estacada to Breightenbush ( forgive the spelling ). I never made it over the mountain to Estacada but surprised some snowmobilers up there.
@Rob: Sounds like a great weekend indeed! Glad to have you with us. I must say, I’m a little jealous ’cause Europe seems to have tons of farkles for naked bikes that would cost an arm and a leg to import over here. I’d love to hear about your mods, should you choose to do any.
@irondad: Mary’s Peak had a fresh coat of snow so I’m not surprised. Was the pavement up at Santiam snow-packed or just wet?
Looks like you had a glorious weekend! After being tied to four wheels for nearly 3 months, I finally finished the engine repairs on my Rebel and consider my brief hiatus from riding officially over!
Unfortunately the weather here in Vegas stunk. Very windy, cold and rainy. I can take any two OK, but three is where I draw the line.
My project bike is coming along nicely, although most of my quality time was spent on my Rebel this weekend. Picture this bike all in black with bright red frame and swingarm. That’s what I have planned anyway. Right now she is in about 100 pieces and not feeling so well. http://www.bikepics.com/pictures/1054756/
Oh, my project bike is a ‘91 Suzuki VX800. When I am not riding or at work, I think this little ViXen will keep me busy.
I think I caught wind of your success over on the Rebel Forum. From what I’ve heard, the task isn’t exactly trivial, so good work!
Your little Vixen sounds quite the minx! I’ll be following your project blog with interest, as I have a soft spot for Suzukis sporting V-twins.
Ms. Stacy: I don’t know that first picture looks ok to me. Looks better then what a picture of my bike would show right now. That is unless you want a view of inside my garage. Looks like a great ride, thanks for sharing.
fasthair
I’m sure your garage is a thing of beauty.
Hang in there!
That is a nice looking bike and the clouds look great too. Good thing you were protected during the hail.
Greg
I’m so jealous. I was born in Eugene. Someday I hope to get back up there to ride all over Oregon. I miss the GREEN.
Stranded in Texas, Ride on,
Torch
@Greg: Thank you!
@Torch: Hah, I used to live in Springfield! We’re certainly spoiled by the riding here, and it’s even better if you’re willing to ride in a little rain. Drop me a line if you ever make it up this way.