What a Ride...

[Mike Ramos]

Hello everyone!

I received an e-mail last week from Flynt & Andyoutandabout with an invitation to attend an air show Saturday up around Bend, Oregon.

Although I was unable get away until Monday they did have a plan "B" and we met late in the morning north of Bend in the town of Madras.  It was a nice to see them & Diane too.  Also there was a friend of Andy's who acquitted himself quite well on a Harley.

This area is Frank & Diane's "backyard" and the riding was top shelf all afternoon!  As Andy would say "it was another day of epic riding".  The roads were varied with curves & high speed sweepers – and bereft of automobiles!  Small towns along the way were interesting and well worth a return trip.

In the evening as they rode to a restaurant for dinner, my schedule dictated I could not stay longer so most reluctantly I turned towards home arriving late night.

I would like to thank Diane & Frank for their generous offer of a place to stay; to Andyoutandabout for his steady good humor and the friendship of everyone!

It can only be described as a perfect day!

Ride safe,

Midget

[Tuned forks]

I've driven the roads outside of Bend.  Most beautiful.  Lucky you Mike.  No pointy hat this time. 

Joe

[Flynt]

This started With Andy having a failed petcock out by the coast on Wed...  I told him he should come over and stay for the airshow (actually a great show... for anyone interested check out Airshow of the Cascades.  Very WW2 centered air show with cars, motorcycles, parachuting, music, fireworks, etc...) and he came to our place, RPM-Robert sent a new petcock, and we got him sorted.  His buddy Rick continued to WA, then returned to OR and joined us for the airshow and the riding. I thought the Midget might like the air show too, or would maybe come up to make our Monday ride an unofficial Rally (3 FJ's = Rally according to Andy)....  so he was promptly invited.

Diane and I have learned a bit more about the area now, so we were able to plan out an entertaining route only minimally painful for the Hardley... Basically out the "Journey through Time Scenic Byway", down through the John Day Fossil Beds, and then back toward home with a nice meal at Terrabonne Depot along the way.  This area certainly has strong potential for a PNW Rally...  something missing from the FJOwners portfolio.  For now, we'll continue to explore and add to the hit list...  JD Fossil Beds, Newberry Caldera, Cascade Lakes (Andy and Rick did this loop with us Sunday), etc...  lots of great riding and, at least so far, unparalleled roads with next to no traffic (we spent much of Monday at triple digit speeds)!  Here's a stop to take a break and let the Hardley catch up...



I think Andy has the photos and will likely write up something...  Thanks to Andy, Mike, and HD Rick for coming to visit our new home.  Others that happen by should check in with us...  even if your bike's not broken, we'd love to see more of the group up this way.

Diane and I showed a couple cars to get a big discount on the air show entry...  really a fantastic day!



Frank

[ZOA NOM]

Arrrgggghhh, so sorry I couldn't make the trip with you Mike. Looks like a great ride. Gotta plan another one if Frank & Diane'll have me.

[Flynt]

Arrrgggghhh, so sorry I couldn't make the trip with you Mike. Looks like a great ride. Gotta plan another one if Frank & Diane'll have me.

Geez and I thought Mike was a nut (He rode from 0500 - 2300 Monday with only gas stops!).  Sorry I didn't ask you to join as well... but let me know if you want to come up and visit.

Frank

[Mike Ramos]

Arrrgggghhh, so sorry I couldn't make the trip with you Mike. Looks like a great ride. Gotta plan another one if Frank & Diane'll have me.

Mr. ZOA NOM,

Of course they'll have you! 

In fact whenever the Harley riding Rick's name was mentioned, Frank got a tad emotional.... I'm sure he was thinking of you!

Because of commitments, I can only cobble together three consecutive days and only Sunday, Monday & Tuesday.

If that fits yours & Frank's schedules perhaps over the coming weeks?

It would be full day of riding, however leaving early morning we could motor up the coast & cross over on Hwy 36 up into the high desert.  Head north at Bieber where the road is straight & easy riding the last few hours.  Not being in a hurry, it would be a promising ride...!

P.M. to Frank & you on the way...

[ZOA NOM]

Haha!  Point of clarification for Frank; Mike had actually hit me up to make the trip up, but, alas, I was protecting the Western Hemisphere from any potential aviation calamity, so I was unfortunately unable to make it. I certainly will make the trip soon, hopefully. Just have to resolve the calendar schedules to make it happen. "Harley Rick" has a cool ring to it. Hope to meet him one day.

[Tuned forks]

Easy Rick, just cancel all flights within the CONUS ala 9/11/01.  Easy peasy. 

Joe

[ZOA NOM]

Easy Rick, just cancel all flights within the CONUS ala 9/11/01.  Easy peasy. 

Joe

I cover the Pacific Ocean too. Can't just turn 'em around, they only carry one-way fuel.