The XRoads Daytona Run

Boy, sure wish I could be there, Daytona sounds like a major blast and I'd love to see most of the racing action. Hey in this area, since Marc isn't here anymore is the Sturgis XRoads gathering totally dead? I will have almost no vacation for 98 so since Sturgis Rally is only a days ride, Iam looking to being up there for 3 to 4 days. I will be camping as motel costs are "out of sight" during the rally week, looking at either Glencoe Campground or another site. Let me know if there is any interest in a g thering. Tailwinds, BJ

So where's Marc? I remember him posting here in the Springs! Who I can't find are Nick, Dave and Leslie! So there will be a gathering at Sturgis. Does this rule out the one at Daytona-Key West?

Hey, wanna ride up to Sturgis together, BJ? Especially if I'm still contracting I'll have the ability to say "see ya guys, I'm leaving for a week". I'd still like to fly out to DC in February and pick up ye old Bonneville and ride it to Daytona. Am I a sissy for listening to Buck and Brad's advice not to do this?

I mean, I'm not old like them (Big grin). Young people are supposed to do stupid stuff like that. I mean, what else are you going to tell your kids and grandkids about?

Nick got out of motorcycling for good, according to Glenn. Had a wreck and got scared, apparently.

This is totally unrelated to this site, but in a search for something to do when there's snow on the ground (a rare occurence where I come from and used to ride 360 days a year) I bought some cross country skis yesterday. There's a great park near here for doing that and there was a nice powder on the ground. And Jon is very, very sore. The downhill sections are a blast for about 5 seconds before you wipe out. Gotta work on that....

I ski cross country (telemark, actually) equipment on black diamond (most difficult) runs at the resorts and use the same skis for a cruise through the woods or go out to the desert after a snowstorm to ski where probably no one has skied before. Very adaptable sport. Those new high tech snowshoes are a blast too.

Didn't Nick have the signature stating his AMA number and that he was a 29 year member? Must have been a hell of a scare!!! Was his GS totalled? Can't picture him selling it. Nothing similar happened to Dave or Leslie, I hope? I don't think anything less than a crippling or amputation-causing crash would cause Dave to give up riding, but I would have said the same of Nick...

No, it wasn't too bad a wreck, according to Glenn, although he's parting out his bike to Glenn among others. I uderstand that it was a pretty bad road rash on one leg and that's it.

Good to hear he's O.K., bad to hear he's parting out his customised tourer. Wonder who's getting the discordant FIAMM horns? If my bike's battery can handle it (IF I ever look at it and get it sorted out), that sounds (no pun intended) like the perfect thing to scare the local maniacs posing as drivers!

Back to Sturgis for a moment...not dead for me. I will be staying at one of the campgrounds, probably Elk Grove (I think that is the right one) about half way between Sturgis and Rapid City. I figure that as time get closer, we will work out some sort of meeting arrangement as to how to get together. Also, sorry to hear about Nick. I would guess though that Nick will be back to motorcycling after a while. Ed

More than likely with another Suzuki GS from the early Eighties... Has anyone told Eirik about this?

Ed, That was the other campground I was thinking of, got to get some information as that one sounds nicer than Glencoe and having a little distance from Sturgis might make it easier to sleep! Sure Jon, to be honest I don't know if I can get the "whole week off" probably have to go up on Tuesday spend the remainder of the week and haul ass back to home on Sunday. Too bad about Nick, he seemed like a moto-lifer for sure but hey, if he doesn't come back it was great to share his experiances for a short time Jon, DC is pretty crappy in the Winter I take it but hey I don't blame ya, one of these days Iam gona go anyway no matter what the weather, gota see 500,000 bikes and do the Daytona races at least once before the end comes. Sam your right, wouldn't be Nick unless he's on a GS! Tailwinds, BJ

Yeah, but how far south would you have to ride to get to where the weather wasn't as bad. Granted, Daytona *is* supposed to be the first rally of the year, but it is pretty cool most places in February. Would be nice in Daytona, probably. I could stop by a bike shop in DC and get one of those ugly plexiglass fairings installed--that would help immensely. Somehow I doubt a Triumph's charging system could keep up with one of those electric vests.

Ed, The campground you are thinking of is called Elk Creek. It is indeed located about halfway between Sturgis and Rapid City at exit #46. It is about 1 mile from I-90 on a blacktop road. I stayed there 3 years. It is filled with amenities. A swimming pool, whirlpool, laundromat, store, bar and restaurant are all located on the premises. It is a small campground (by Sturgis standards) and there is no live music. Campfires however, are allowed. It is indeed one of the quieter campgrounds. The owners ontinue to re-invest money back into the facilities (rare indeed at Sturgis). They also have built some motel type cabins. Some are big enough for 8 people (an excellent way to ruin a great rally). Anyhow--their toll free info/reservation number is 1 800 846 2267. Elk Creek is an excellent place to meet others. The security at Elk Creek usually doesn't check for wristbands until after 6:00. I went swimming at Elk Creek this last year during one of the 90 degree days. The highlight was watching guys stare (yes, I took a peek also) at a young (I would guess 21) beautiful, long-legged blond, in a thong (dental floss) bikini as they drove past the swimming pool. Note--the guys were all trying (unsuccessfully) to act nonchalant as they gazed at the half-naked beauty. No wrecks--many long stares!! Enjoy! Hoop

The last two times I was at Sturgis, I stayed at KOAs...both okay, but sort of far away from stuff. Also, the KOA at Rapid City is not to far from a major major place called the Outer Limits which got more of my time and money than I should have spent there. I visited some acquaintances who were staying at the Berry Patch and didn't get away that night...pretty wild and wooly. I have heard basically good stuff about the Elk Creek place. When I decide to crash for the night, I do like to have a quiet p ace to crawl into. Thanks for the info. Ed

Real sorry to hear about Nick. Perhaps the end of riding is related to more than the crash? I only wish I had the vacation time to do all the riding I want to. I get one big bike trip a year usually, and in 1998 it's Harley's 95th in Milwaukee. Plan to ride the "long way" to and from. Like Daytona, the rally is the destination, but the ride is the goal! Next year--Sturgis. As far as the Bonnie goes Jon, there is a special Amtrack train that will take you and your bike from DC to Daytona just for bike week. The weather from DC to NC is very dicey that time of year--could be snowing or stunning--you never know. However, I think it would be kinda cool to go to sleep and wake up with your bike in sun-drenched Daytona. You can test the bike out on the way to the Keys! Don't forget the early-bird specials. We old folks never miss 'em, Jon! ;-)

Wow, a train just for the Daytona period? I didn't know that! I've done it with a car to Orlando, is this the same?

Yep, except they set it up to handle all the bikes heading for Daytona. You party, sleep, and wake up in sunny Florida with your bike. I seem to recall that the round-trip fare was about $400, but I'm not sure. All aboard the Biker Express! Toot toot!

Well I gotta keep this in mind! Im not going anywhere this spring, but certainly in the future. Then I wouldn't have to ride a 650 all the way, eh? (Remember, I'm old).

O.K., O.K., I'm sorry Frank. I take it back! ;-)

Frank--see you for dinner at 4:00? Today the early-bird special is meatloaf at and mashed taters at the Geezer Pleaser. We old guys have to stick together! ;-) Don't forget your teeth! hehe

And this could be an excuse *not* to buy a long hauler like the Guzzi too. Just train your sportsbike within reasonable range and wail off. Great idea you passed on, Brad. Unless I had mucho time on ny hands, touring long on the Pantah is crazy. Even doing an I-95 all the way-deal, I don't think the 11 year old Desmo and the 41 year old rider could do it with out need of "repair".

I understand Frank. It's not a great ride anyway--straight down on the no curves 95, with dicey weather to boot. A lot of folks trailer down, but I think the train ride is potentially a more interesting/less hassle possibility. Save the bike and your butt for a trip through Florida to the Keys, or surrounding southern attractions. Pass me a beer and a cigar Garth! Potato, potato, choo, choo, puff, puff, chug, chugalug!

What about the U.S. 1?

Route 1 is an interesting road Sam--mainly because it passes through a million towns. Those towns come with lots of stop lights and strip malls and driveways and other points of entry for cagers. Really not a good riding road. The highway from hell to hell! hehe

I really must find that National Geographic article on the U.S. 1 and read it again. Looked O.K. to me, but they obviously didn't go by bike!

I just paraphrased Bob Marley in a quote and I realized I haven't seen K around here! Where is he? I think he left his website address in "Cool Bike URLs"; I'll go check!

About the U.S.1 It could be the best way if you have some TIME and want see the real country and real people. I always uses side roads when it's possible. It is more enjoyable than speedy highway.

I agree. I always try to take the side roads (with occasional short blasts down the freeways, when necessary) and always try to eat at the little coffee shops. These coffee shops are a dying breed, but when you find one you can usually get a decent meal at a decent price and sit around listening to the locals BS. Gives you a real feel for the community you're passing through.

Really too bad "BackRoads" newspaper monthly doesn't get to everyone. The editor/publisher devotes a lot of space to just those kinds of environs in the NY,NJ,PA,CT surroundings. Rates, pros, cons, everything. i understand thereis a similar paper in the AL/GA area. It's always great to find oneself in a comfortable roadhouse rather than a sterile, harsh lighted Interstate "food" stop.

Sam, my wife works at the National Geographic Society. Neat place, and their article n Route 1 was indeed very interesting. I actually traverse Route 1 in Virginia fairly often, and although it is more hometown, IMHO, it is not designed for relaxing bike travel. Too many stop lights, stip malls, intersections, and driveways. I prefer the real back roads that aren't loaded up with cagers and commercial enterprises. I do agree with Jon--coffee shops and mom and pop diners are always a welcome change to MAC D's and fast food, although I think the American Heart Association would frown on either choice! Welcome to Fat City! May I take your order honey?

If anyone ever gets to the San Antonio area there are Miles and Miles of winding roads through the Hill country... Highway 16 from San Antonio north to Llano is probably one of the best all around Rides I've ever ridden. Anywhere along the same stretch that you turn off you are going to find some of the twistiest challenges ever... It is a great place to ride!! So if you are going through this part of the world, instead of blowing through what most consider to be Flat Land, take a look at your map and pl n on a day or so in towns like Bandera, Leaky, Camp Wood, Uvalde, Medina, Kerrville, Fredericksburg, Llano, Canyon Lake, Pipe Creek, Tarpley, Literally hundreds of miles of Motorcycle friendly riding, and hey, if you let me know in advance, I can give you the "Quick" tour... :o) Shane

No kidding, Brad! There was this little place in Angelo that had the BEST hamburgers, but they were heart attack city. But man were they good......

What Shane says is true--those hill country rides are tighter and twistier than anything I've seen in the Colorado mountains. The scenery is dang nice too, but not quite as majestic as the Rockies, IMO.

Jon, you ain't had the chance or the money to see most of the best roads of Colorado yet me friend! Go do Colorado 92 from Hotchskiss, CO. down to Hwy. 50 towards Gunnision. Twisty, with 300 ft. drop off's and no guard rails. Fly up independance pass at over 12000 ft. and tell me it don't feel like being in Europe. Son you got some heavy riding to do yet, ain't no roads in Texas that can rival going over Red Mountain pass on Hwy. 550 (the million dollar highway) from Delta to Durango and while your down hat way pick up hwy. 145 the San Wan Skyway and after that hwy. 141 around Telluride (or to hell you ride) as the natives call it. It may now be super fast but the TrailRidge road (13,000 ft. up over tree line is spectacular but start early morning (ie: 7am) and beat the mobile Texas RV contingent and you will know what it's like to "own a mountain"! Get that Limey bike and do some scoot'in!! Tailwind, BJ

And the glove is DOWN, baby! (o;{

I've been from Lake City to Gunnison. Is this the same road, bJ? But you're right--next summer should be much better financially.

A nice ride but no CO 92 would head "north" off of 50 W. just outside of Gunnision, CO. Will have to hook up and I will show you around!! Tailwinds, BJ

Sounds good! I look forward to it--in about 4 months or so?

It looks like Sturgis is out for 98, JO won't have any vacation time till September so maybe in 99 or we will wait till 2000 as it's the "60th. Aniversary of the Black Hills Motor Classic Rally (ok,ok I know just "STURGIS", ha ha), now that could be a "real" party! Jon, I'd be happy to show ya around but if you get the Tbird sport, ya gota pull one plug wire off, then maybe I can kinda keep up with ya, ha ha! Tailwind, BJ

What, you won't show me around if I get an old Bonnie? (Grin). Can't wait for summer. Oooh. Bad way to be thinking so early in the winter.

And a happy 'nother three inches of the white stuff, Jon. Tis a far cry from the beaches of San Deigo!

So you're moving to San Diego? Tell us more. Hey, I don't mind--you missed the week long cross country skiing topic (that's been moved to Fitness, btw). I've got plenty to keep me busy here in the mountains.

Hey ya'll. Still alive and kicking. Don't know about Daytona, but Sturgis is definately is planned. Wish I could stop by more, but am too dang busy lately. I'm learning more about being a web programmer..including Perl scripts and stuff. Easy looking language. Still don't have my scanner running yet, but should soon as I removed NT from my laptop and reinstalled Win95..more friendly to laptops. Take care all and I'll try to get back over sooner next time. Thanks for the email BJ.

Ugh! Perl bites. Microsoft's Active Server Pages is twice as easy to program, is faster with less drain on server resources, and can do more.

Good to see ya back! Now if I could only remember what I wanted to ask you... Well, I have verified your address, so when I remember what I was going to ask, I'll e-mail you.

Yeah Jon, I know Perl ain't the best thing for scripts, but that's what the RSTAR site bb is written in and if I want to update it or add functionality..that's what it's written in. Oh well..I'm not going to rewrite the whole bb right now..that's for sure. Hey Sam, not sure what you wanted to ask. I looked at the prior posts in this topic and couldn't figure it out. Still listening to Bob at least once a week.

Oh, yes, that's how you came up! I paraphrased one of Bob's songs and then remembered that I hadn't heard from you in a while! Have you checked out the music conference? (I haven't, actually; I'm sticking with motorcycles and cars 4 now!)

Ok Sam, I guess that's why my ears weren't burning too bad. No, I haven't checked out the music conference. I barely have time to get around to the few places on the net I go to now. I don't even really have enough time to browse around the net and find new and exciting things..hehe. Been riding my bike to work lately and it's been around 35 degrees out in the morning..brrrrr. These new jeans with the Polartec lining you see in some of the mags like Rider or Cycle World are nice. Combined with chaps..I'm fairly comfortable.

I guess at times like this the engine needs the fins for insulation! heehee! Good that your insulation is working; a K-cicle would be no fun at all! (EEK! Just saw the pun! Sorry, lop-sided BMW fans!) "Cold bike was my ride last night, and rock was my music too!" - Apologies to the late Robert Nesta Marley, O.M. for that totally 'orrible massacree of "Talking Blues"!

Hey, Kev, I thought that you lived in balmy California. I knew that it would get cooler sometimes, but 35 degrees every morning?

Well it's 46 degrees this morning in the Big Valley, but it's raining. So I guess I head on back down to San Mateo in my truck to see the International Motorcycle Show again. I've got an exhibiter pass for all three days. Went yesterday and it's so cool to see all the 98's in one place. Everything from motorcycles, watercraft, ATVs..but no snowmobiles! I'll take lots of pics today and try to get them up on the web soon (as I finally got my scanner working). I guess 35 degrees sound pretty cold, eh Sam. Yes..California can get pretty cold. I'm on the edge of the foothills that goes straight up into the Sierras and it's snowing up there right now.

35 degrees is hot where I come from (Celcius & all that...) I don't think I'd like to be anywhere in the U.S. right now (except maybe Hawaii). How on Earth did Hawaii get to be part of the United States of America? It's nowhere near America (or any other continent, for that matter!)

Military strategic point in the Pacific Sam, though I don't remember exactly how we aquired it. I just know I was born before it became a state..hehe. I guess I should specify whether I'm talking Celcius or Farenheit..big big difference, eh? The Motoshow was just as good the second day I went down. My buddy took all the pics, so I'll try to get em and scan em in for display.

Someday in some appropriate conference I'll tell you why the British took Jamaica from the Spanish and why it was so easy...