|
|
Puddle Jumper
Posts: 32
| I bought my 2008 VV TP this past June. I upgraded from a Kawi 900 classic, man what an upgrade! So the main reason for getting the new bike was my desire to do some touring. So we decided we'd ride to Mackinac City Michigan and tour the UP. Well, we just got back from a 3 day trip where we logged 900 miles and although we had a great time, we certainly learned what touring can be all about.
We had looked at the weather forecast and saw it was supposed to be crummy the first day and better the next several days, so we rode part way and stopped for the night in Holland MI, cool town and we had a great time. I had chosen a route that would take us along the west coast line up to Mackinac so we could ride through small towns and just enjoy the ride. Well, the weather worsened, the wind picked up, gusts, to 30mph, the temp dropped and the sun disappeared and we rode through pockets of rain. 8 hours later we arrived in Mackinac in a down pour, thie winds were howling and we both pretty beat. Got a place for the nite, went and had some dinner and looked at the weather report for the next day... Colder still, windier still, more rain... We decided we weren't gonna make the UP afterall, so we went outside looked across the strait and saw the UP.... it's as close as we got!
The next morning we loaded up, and took off in 50F weather, with high winds and rain. It got as low as 48, this pattern lasted for 200 miles. Finally the rain stopped, and it warmed up a little! However the wind was relentless for the entire trip. So, we made it home after 420 miles in some grueling conditions, but we really had a good time. It was just a shame it didn't work out a little better!
Now given the description of our trip, there is NO OTHER bike I would have wanted to be on! The wind and rain protection was great, the handling in the strong cross winds was confident, the seats never got uncomfortable, and heated seats and grips helped a lot...
Moving to the Vision has been a big learning experience for me. It's a much larger bike than I was used to and has taken a lot for me to get comfortable on it, especially two up... but I can honestly say at the end of this trip, I am more confident on it than my last bike! Anyway, we'll probably pick up some more day trips before the season ends this year, but our next road trip will be next year... We're thinking something a little warmer next time!
Ride Safe
Bix
PS, it is beautiful here today... no wind, no rain, sun shining... doesn't it just figure! lol |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | hey bix, congrats on the '08. Reading your post makes me feel like I wrote it myself because you hit the points spot on for me "there is NO OTHER bike I would have wanted to be on! The wind and rain protection was great, the handling in the strong cross winds was confident, the seats never got uncomfortable, and heated seats and grips helped a lot...
Moving to the Vision has been a big learning experience for me. It's a much larger bike than I was used to and has taken a lot for me to get comfortable on it, especially two up... but I can honestly say at the end of this trip, I am more confident on it than my last bike!"
I hope you'll enjoy yours as much as I do mine, as I can't stay off it. I know your riding season is coming to a close, but my inspiration for riding year round comes from reading about folks in your neck of the woods that will brave not only the cold, but the snow as well, but I'll not be as daring. |
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 412
Fargo, ND |
Hey Bix,
Thanks for your great attitude and uplifting post. It's crummy when the weather goes in the tank...but great when you can ride thru it, get home, park the bike, reflect back on the trip and say that it was 'good'!
It's the hot, cold, rain & snow that really make the memories!
|
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 162
Northern NJ | Bix, congratulations! Nice write-up. We find the trips on the Vision get longer & more frequent! Good luck & ride safe. |
|
| |
First Road Trip
