Slow Ride to Nowhere Fast

[MikeCam]

Montebello Father's Day Ride - June 16-18 (Day 1)

I could never compete with the TEXas ride report standard. So here is a geexer guy write-up of the Friday ride to Montebello with some pics.



Joe's Kawasaki loaded for the trip. I chose the Kawasaki (647 parallel twin -nice ergos) for this weekend so I could play with the rev range on roads I knew already.

Such as the Skyline Drive.



And the Blue Ridge Parkway.

I also decided to travel at the speed limit and see what new sights might occur. So I stopped at many overlooks:




Bacon Hollow




Raven's Roost

and a few others.






Before arriving at Montebello and establishing the camp.



The 88 mile trip took 5 hours at 35 mph and many stops.

Here are some pics I took of the ranger station and Post Office windows with the geezer himself.







And that's day 1.

[DSKYZD]

I like the pics, Mike.

Thanks for taking the time to share.


Day 2?

[MikeCam]

I was separated from the group Day 2.... we found each other at French's.

[DJ Downunder]

Nice pics and great looking bike..it looks like you had perfect weather...keep them coming.

DJ

[MikeCam]

DJ,

Thanks. You and others all have an eye and a feel for good photography. For me it is a true point, shoot, and hope for the best. Out of 50 shots, those were the better ones for a report...scanty on words, but big on memories.

My buddy wanted advice on buying a re-entry bike. I don't really give advice but willingly share info. After talking him through the Euro/Japanese/US choices I was pleased he tried a mid-sized Kawa.

This is the Kawasaki 650R. New parallel twin design started with the purpose of being a good beginner/intermediate all around sporty tourer. I think they got it very well done. The 360 degree crank of the twin is like a thumper at lower revs, then comes alive at 6-11K rpm. Very well balanced and behaved on rough roads, but compared to Telelever, the forks are skittish on corners when the road surface is not smooth. Nothing scary, just different.

And did you see that thing where the paralever goes? It's called a chain and requires daily maintenance. Go figure.

I'm glad I rode it this weekend.

[chris]

did you see that thing where the paralever goes? It's called a chain and requires daily maintenance. Go figure.

HA! I cleaned my bike today. The rear wheel was a piece of cake compared to the chain drives I had for the last 20 odd years. My friend bought an F650GS and it takes him longer to sort that rear wheel than it takes me to sort the whole bike!
Nice photos and write up. I plan to camp off the bike sometime soon. Love camping, love my bike so it's got to happen sooner or later!