Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Never Ending Urge for Speed and Twisties!


     

      On Labor Day 2011 I joined a group of riders for a short half day ride from Highlands Ranch, Colorado to Colorado Springs. This quick ride was sure to be a fun but new experience for me since I'm not that accustomed to riding with large numbers of bikes.
   
      What started out to be only 8 or so riders wound up amounting to 20 riders sometimes 2/up. We were not planning on having this many bikes so we split up into 4 different groups. The 4 groups comprised mostly of Crusiers' but also had a smattering of Sport-Bikes which I was very happy to see. I introduced myself and what I do and was quickly volunteered to lead a group. I was to be the lead rider for the Sport-Bike group, but somewhere along the way they all seem to drop off the ride. So I was relegated to joining the Harley group. Now, don't get me wrong, each person has his or her own tastes when it comes to motorcycles, I get that. But the lumbering slower paced Cruisers' just ain't my style. But never-the-less I did find a way to enjoy myself after all.

      I took the opportunity to take in the gorgeous scenery the best way I know how. That was to ride along at an acceptable but fast-pace, staying within the speed limit of course, zipping through the few twists and turns the road had to offer and dragging the knees whenever possible (don't know what this means, leave a comment and I'll be happy to explain).  I seem to have an inescapable urge for seeking out the best streets and roads that ooze that pure rush of adrenaline through every vein of my body

     To give you a bit of background on why I rode this way while on a group ride. After a quick break for some Dr. Pepper (my refreshment of choice) and a quick fuel up, I got sidetracked and was separated from the group. When I realized the group had left for the next leg of the trip without me, I knew I could catch up with them so that's exactly what I did. I left the rest stop and headed south on Highway 67 and quickly shifted through the lower gears then settled into 5th gear. This to me is the easiest gear for maintaining the 50 mph speed limit imposed in this the area. If I'm not diligent, the shear horse-power of my motorcycle can quickly get unwieldy. In fact, because of this power, my bike actually doesn't like to go slow and it's almost difficult to do so. I know quiet well that I may never truly know the full extent of my bikes capabilities. Someday perhaps. After what seemed to be only a minute or two I was back with the pack and had to gear down to 4th (bummer I know). I was happy to see the rest of the group but was also a bit sad that I didn't have a few more minutes of play time. Oh well, the dinner following the ride was well worth the drive. We had some great beers and even better conversation. I think I might attend more of these group rides next year, or better yet, maybe my Motorcycle Tour Guide business takes off. Crossing Fingers!!!

Do you know of any great streets and roads that might capture my love for speed, thrills, and twists. Let us all know by posting pics, links, maps or if you like,  drop me a line here.

That's enough rambling for now.


Safe travels everyone.

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