What better 50th Birthday celebration than a mini rally?

[andyoutandabout]

Imagine my surprise when 3 Fjers came a knocking. Mike Ramos and the two Rons, Captain and Oort, sat grinning in the driveway. Initially I thought they were just passing by and called on a whim, but no. Mrs French had been scheming and these fine fellows were the result.
Off for a ride then and we didn't even stop for lunch. Epic wine country roads colored our day, proving to be the only sustenance needed. No videos or pictures either, just brisk forward motion.
Oh and Ron, that Guardian Bell might have to be relocated; scuffed the finish off it somewhat.
Good times
Andy

[Mike Ramos]

Imagine my surprise when 3 Fjers came a knocking. Mike Ramos and the two Rons, Captain and Oort, sat grinning in the driveway. Initially I thought they were just passing by and called on a whim, but no. Mrs French had been scheming and these fine fellows were the result.
Off for a ride then and we didn't even stop for lunch. Epic wine country roads colored our day, proving to be the only sustenance needed. No videos or pictures either, just brisk forward motion.
Oh and Ron, that Guardian Bell might have to be relocated; scuffed the finish off it somewhat.
Good times
Andy

Greetings!

Ah yes, a splendid ride with confidence inspiring riders who are pretty good friends too!

That being said, there is some grainy video and I think the Captain has a picture or two to post.

The camera was not working very well and the mounting place was not too good - however I did get a clear segment of a 3 axle flatbed truck as it crossed the road from right to left illegally in front of Andy and me!  Andy is an exceptional rider and most others would have slammed on the brakes and no doubt fatally collided with the truck - in the video it is easily ascertained that cool as ever he rides around the truck!  Amazing riding by an exceptional rider. 

So, I would suggest that the Guardian Bell was a most appropriate gift given at the most opportune time!

Video in a week or so.

Ride safe,

Midget

[Steve_in_Florida]

All I can say is that I wish we lived closer.

Happy birthday, Andy!   

Steve

[Derek Young]

Happy Birthday Andy!!!! 50 is a huge Milestone, what better way to celebrate it than with good friends on FJs! I'm glad to hear you were able to miss the truck and survive the day. We have many more miles to ride together in the future!

Derek

[Pat Conlon]

Happy Birthday Andy! Sorry to miss the ride.

Pat

[giantkiller]

Happy b-day Andy. Must be nice I'm staring out the window at a blizzard that has most everything shut down... Except for the company I am working at. Of course.

[aviationfred]

Happy Birthday Andy 

Cheers to your wife and the three FJ riders for making a great 50th Birthday surprise. 


Fred

[ZOA NOM]

Happy Birthday Andy! Sorry I missed it as well. I was there in spirit, for sure!

[FJmonkey]

Happy Birthday, I almost made it up for the party.

[andyoutandabout]

Much thanks fellow riders for your Birthday wishes. The mini rally was a lovely season opener for what will doubtless be a banner riding year for all those who physically attended and mentally made note via the forum. Like a good wine, these machines and their riders further blossom with age.
A big up to Mrs French for instigating the whole affair. She knows how disappointed I was that the 2017 Renegade was busted due to Napa being on fire and how events this summer will keep me away from the 2018 west coast special. Mind you, my Isle of Man TT plans will offset my shameful non attendance, so FJs will still occupy my vacation time. Hoooorahhh.
Derek and Donna, I'm in the UK as of May 10, what are your European plans?
Mike, another awesome bout of Fj sparring. I certainly recall that truck. Be interesting to see how close it looks on video. It felt pretty close in real time. Phew!

Andy

[Derek Young]

Derek and Donna, I'm in the UK as of May 10, what are your European plans?


Andy

Flying to Munich on May 16th. Rental car road trip through the alps, Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland. I turn 50 this summer as well, so we're doing a different trip than our usual FJ rally road trip. Should be pretty amazing! (FJ rallies are also pretty amazing)

Derek

[Firehawk068]

Happy 50th Andy!
I couldn't think of a better way to spend it!
Congrats to your lovely wife, and these fine gentlemen for making it special!

[Mike Ramos]

Hello Gentlemen,

The following video shows a ride celebrating Andyoutandabout's birthday a few weekends ago. 

The mounting position and the quality of the video is mediocre however the riding itself was excellent.

Here is an incident which illustrates Andy's riding ability.  The incident described in the next two paragraphs happened very quickly – much faster than the description can be read: 

In the middle of a turn a sizable obstacle appeared, and with cool consideration, Andy determined his only option was a light tap on the brakes (although the road straightened) it necessitates him to continue onto the turnout.

From my point of view, initially there was no road (as the obstacle momentarily appeared to be blocking the road) although as the truck crosses the road in front of Andy, I expected there would be a collision – then the road reappeared and I also rode onto the turnout.  Unflustered & with a tap of his helmet indicating "what was the driver thinking?!" the ride continued...

Every rider has his own style and all have merit.  When following another motorcycle, what works for me is to look ahead of the motorcycle in front of me – often they may underestimate the safe cornering speed through an individual turn, thus allowing for an increase in my speed through the turn and a closing of the space between motorcycles.  Similar regarding braking as well – they may brake a bit too soon, thus allowing for additional closing of the space between motorcycles.

HOWEVER, when following Andyoutandabout, the OZ fellows from the Sacramento area, the Oakdale clan, Firehawk Alan from Colorado, Flynt riding the Wizard solo and a few others – it's a fact that the above paragraph does not pertain – so when Andy tapped his brakes as he neared the truck it immediately provided an early warning to beware...!

Although we never know what tomorrow may bring, safe riding to one and all.

Midget.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7anIxVshsQ&feature=youtu.be

[aviationfred]

The video seems to not want to play. I have tried to view it on my android phone and my Windows phone. The screens reads.


Fred

[Flynt]

Andy does carve a fine line through the asphalt, but this integration of a sod truck on your side of the road into said line is fucking impressive!  I think he actually pulled in the apex and blasted out even faster thanks to the truck...  masterful is an understatement.

Frank