The following Saturday I got up early to see why my front wheel had a flat spot in it. I couldn't get the front tire to seat properly. I don't let things like square wheels stop me so I rode it anyway. It didn't bounce to badly at over 50. But when slowing down it was interesting seeing the front end bob up and down.

I checked the wheel to see if it was true. But that checked out ok. Only thing left, was to pull the tire off and check it out. I had my suspicions. Sure enough the duct tape used to cover the spoke nipples had worked its way to close to the seating surface and the bead was getting hung up on it. Easy fix and the tire is back on and round this time. We have to try it out to see how good it works.

I figure 290 miles ought to do it. I ask Cathy if she would like to go for a short ride and of course she says, "yes".

Minutes latter we are dressed and at one of the most important places we go on our bikes.

We head out towards Devore and soon are in the mountains going towards Wrightwood. We are headed for the twisties down the back way to Littlerock for breakfast. It is a beautiful day and the round tire is much better then the square one.

When we get to our breakfast stop and the waitress is to busy to waite the table since there is two other people there. We are back on the bikes back tracking our way into the mountains. We decide to stop at a pinic site we saw on the way up.

Cathy has brought some nice sandwhiches and the table in the shade is a perfect spot to enjoy them.

Found a nice place for the bikes to rest also.

We sat there and watched the sportbikes rip around this turn.

Sorry Tracy, but here's a picture of me getting ready to head out.

We take a little different route back to the 15 Freeway and cross over heading towards Silverwood Lake. Some really nice tight turns starting out before we get to the open area near Cleghorn (site of my crash). The wind is blowing very hard and as we cross over the bridges we feel like the bikes are being picked up off the ground. Really a strage feeling. We slow back down to under 50 and it is not to bad. I can't imagine what it must have been like for Cathy. Her and her bike are a lot lighter than me and the XR.

We stop for fuel and snacks at Running Springs. I go to pay for the food and discover that I have lost the cash I had in my wallet last time we stopped for gas. But I always have my plastic, so it is no problem.

Have to go eat. Be back latter.

Mike

[ June 13, 2006: Message edited by: MIKE909 ]

About thirty miles outside of Running Springs I am ready to get off the bikes again. Time to light up the cigar.



I have given up on the handlebar mounted camera for now. As you can see in the picture I included of myself earlier. I have the camera around me to where I can reach in a get it out while riding to get pictures. I think these are much clearer than before.

As you can see. Even at 60 mph it is not to difficult to remove and get a shot. Should be fun trying to fish it out of the case in the dirt.

I did get a couple of shots I didn't plan on though.


It is a great Blessing that Cathy likes to do these things. We always have a good time. I think it has more to do with her being there then the riding of the bikes.

Cigar Mike

Tracy Please forgive me if some of these picutres are hard for you to look at. When we ride together the only view you will have is of my back tire, and that will only be for a short time. :p

[ June 13, 2006: Message edited by: MIKE909 ]

Hey Mike,
I didn't notice in your last post you went also with the street tire on your XR as well !
Don't do too much street riding 'cause we'll call you "easy Mike" !
just kidding.

Jon

Jon,

You can just call me "Too Old and Too Slow"

Mike

Mike,

You almost make it sound like we were there with you. Perhaps you have a future as a screenwriter in documentary films. Maybe Tracy would like to be the director? :rolleyes:

Brs,

Don V.

Mike too Old and Too Slow ...¿¿¿
º¿º
\--/

Ha Ha !
Ya sure he is....Too old and Slow... I think the only time I didn't see Mike's rear tire is because I didn't have my binocular type contacts in, or the dust cloud was too thick to see my front tire much less his rear tire. Don't let him fool ya !!

Never give up, Never surrender !!

Go Cigar Mike !!

Sea

Jon, yea changed both bikes to street tires on the stock rims. Putting the dirt tires on the new Excels. I did not order every part I needed to complete the set and I am anxiously waiting for them to arrive. When I get everything back on the bikes I will post a few pictures of what the XT looks like.

Don, thanks for the kind words. I read the ADV site all the time. And the reports there can be great. I am trying to learn from them and make our reports a little more entertaining. I have a long ways to go, but it is fun trying.

Searaider, after some here ride with me, they are going to want to know what you are drinking.

Cigar Mike

When in doubt, give it Gas!

Mike, I will be staying up-wind of the cigar and when I see your back tire I will help you get that big red monster upright again (anyway, I'm sure Cathy knows how to reel you back in when you get too far out). :

[ June 18, 2006: Message edited by: Montana Tracy ]

I enjoy the Vodka mixed with 7up or punch. Now there is one guy that likes it on the Ice...

@ @
\____/ === ~~~~ <----Cigar

Tracy,
I'll be needing your help to pick it up. Ask Milano.

Cigar Mike