Ok so this story starts back in 2019 while my wife and I are dog sitting for our best friends - also recent converts to motorcycling.
I'm walking the dog around the neighborhood when I think I hear the sound of my bike idling. As I continue to walk I see one of my neighbors (ok around the corner on another street but still close by) in his driveway with his XT225 idling. As I get close I realize it is almost identical to mine. His being a spotless 2006, previously owned by his father who bout it new in '06. And mine is a 2007 that has been though a few owners.
My neighbor David and his very clean, low-miles 2006
Our good friends return, they claim their dog, and I tell my buddy Jeff - hey my neighbor has an XT. I've asked him to come join us next time we go out for a ride.
Fast forward to January 1st - we decide on a last minute New Years Day ride (leaving the house at 1:30 PM) and I reach out to David at 12:30. Yeah, nothing like friends asking you last minute if you can drop everything for a ride. But of course, he does.
So we meet up, ride to gas up his bike, fyi he only gets about 100 miles out of a tank. May be the type of riding we do around here. Too early for me to gauge my MPG. Then head off to a local landmark - Cook's Corner to meet up with Jeff who is hauling his Honda in his Raptor.
Bikes at Cook's Corner. (
https://cookscorners.com)
Unfortunately our referred route is closed due to recent rains. We wanted to do Maple Springs to Main Divide but choose to go play around on the access road to Holy Jim trail. Again - another Forest Service road closure due to rain cut that route short.
At end of the trail
Yes - we all wanted to cross the creek but the gate was down (I walked around for the photo)
Still a great way to start 2020 with a fun group ride. Met a few other adventure riders on the outing and exchanged info for future rides.
Hope you had a wonderful New Years!
JP