[Motorcycling] Road Tripping...

[George Fazio]

Well, Saturday (8/4 - as everyone knows) I did a trial run for riding the bike 
into work.  I think everyone had fun - I know I did.  I'm having a little 
trouble remembering Sunday.  I know we went out, but I honestly can't 
remember where we went.  Most of the week was rainy, but I got the bike into 
work on Tuesday.  I can't say I like US-422, but it could be worst and I'll 
do it again.

Saturday (8/11), Doug and I went up to Sonestown (Muncy Valley, Sullivan 
County) to see my Aunt's place up there.  We took PA-183 to PA-61 to PA-42 to 
PA-220 and then a bunch of back roads to get there.  We stopped twice, but 
even doing that I was standing on the pegs towards the end of the ride.  My 
Aunt is generally pretty cool, and it was a good time just hanging out.  She 
wanted me or Doug to take her for a ride.  Neither Doug nor I have any 
experience with passengers so we had to say no.  Maybe some other time (or 
not).  I got a "day-pack" to put a change of clothes and other necessities 
in, and some bungee-cords to hold it down on the back of the bike.  It worked 
pretty good, but I'm going to look into other potential options to see if I 
can find a better solution.  Sunday morning we left to come home.  We stopped 
twice again, and I was standing on the pegs again towards the end.  Doug got 
stung by a bee in between his glasses and his helmet on the way home (sound 
familiar to anyone?).  It was a little over 3 hours to get there, and right 
around 3 hours to get home.  All in all, I'd say it was a good trip and I'd 
do it again.

After taking care of yard work Sunday, we went out to dinner with a friend of 
mine from Womelsdorf.  Doug didn't want to ride to dinner (he had enough 
riding for the day).  But, Wayne and I were talking about bikes at dinner 
(among other things), and I ended up going over his place on the bike after 
dinner.  He got his bike out and, after making sure it was behaving, we went 
for a ride.  The reason for making sure it was behaving is because the last 
time he rode it he had a gas and exhaust leak.  It seems to have fixed 
itself, but he's going to have the mechanic check it out when he gets it 
inspected this week to be sure.  Anyway, it was a short ride up PA-419 and 
back.  But, Wayne is a little heavy handed on the throttle at times, so I had 
to get on it myself to  keep up a couple times.  He has a '93 Suzuki GS - I 
forget the exact model and engine size.  We're going to try to get out more 
together, but with three kids it's often tough for him to find time.

We'll see what the weather brings this week.  I may get the bike in to the 
office again if the weather looks good and I get up on time - I don't like 
rushing on the bike.  It looks like most of my weekend is going to be spent 
out in the yard, or at least that's what I've been told.  Hopefully I'll be 
able to get out for a good ride Saturday or Sunday.  I've been thinking about 
cruising around Lebanon County.

Anyway, I need to get up at 3:30 AM to take Doug and his brother to the 
airport.  So, I'll talk to all of you later.

George