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View Full Version : 4 100 mile trips in less than a week


RonWhitm
10-05-2007, 04:44 PM
All praise the little GZ250, it really is bulletproof.
Day one, 9/29. Galveston to Pasadena Texas to commune with family at a BBQ cookoff. Traveled the interstate only about 6 miles before diverting to state highway with reduced speed limit. This was a very pleasant ride through small communities along Galveston Bay. Returning home the next day was exciting however. A 45 mile ride home and 40 of it in heavy rain. I've ridden in rain numerous times before but never on the highway, real learning experience.

Days two and three and four, 10/2, 10/3 & 10/5. This time each year I travel to Houston for refresher training required to maintain some licensing for my job. Because of where the school is located the only logical route is directly up IH-45, especially since traffic during travel times on any possible alternate route is typical rush hour mahem. I bite the bullet and just go early to beat the worst of it. I survived.

The bike performed perfectly. I might even say it performed better than I had expected since I have not had a chance to properly service it lately and the 6K service is overdue. I was able to maintain speeds of 60-65 when I needed to and my gas milage figured out at 66.5 mpg. I am very pleased with this bike.

Any forum members close to my area interested in meeting up for the Lone Star Rally in Galveston in November?

davidc83
10-07-2007, 03:58 PM
not in your area, but FYI: I use my little gz250 to commute to work almost daily, approximatly 80 miles round trip, with 60+ on the Interstate. I ride between 65-70mph with the little z and get 70+mpg. Have fun and it does just fine on the Interstate (even in Louisville, Ky). Keep the rubber side down.

RonWhitm
10-08-2007, 11:24 AM
Wow! I usually only put about 10 miles/day on mine, I don't know if I could handle an 80 mile trip every day. Do you do that all winter also?
Ron

davidc83
10-08-2007, 12:04 PM
Not in the winter, as of yet. I dont have enough warm clothing for that yet. But, I am looking and may do so. Cheaper on gas. I have ridden in weather down to 45' F though:100 miles or so on the weekends, back in the early spring. If it is not rainging or going to rain before I get to work, I usually ride the bike. Be safe

RonWhitm
10-08-2007, 05:47 PM
The GZ is the only vehicle I own so it is my only transportation. I either ride or I have to walk so I ride in every kind of weather. Fortunately long trips in nasty weather are strictly optional and not to be taken lightly. I have learned to dress for the weather, still, 40 degrees at 40 mph = a 27 degree wind chill. Good thing my daily commute is just 10-12 minutes.

davidc83
10-08-2007, 10:23 PM
My commute to work is almost 40 miles one way, so cold weather can be a detriment.

RonWhitm
10-09-2007, 11:54 AM
I understand

Water Warrior 2
10-13-2007, 09:42 PM
Dress warm, get some insulated riding guantlets for your hands and install grip heaters. The GZ will easily provide the power needed for the grips.

ybarsabal
05-05-2008, 11:01 PM
Do you know of some specific routes around Houston?

RonWhitm
05-06-2008, 10:33 AM
I never travel IN Houston unless I am absolutely forced into it. I always go around. Having said that, yes, I know a few routes around H-town. If you're asking about routes through Houston, perhaps someone else can help.

michaelp
11-06-2008, 12:36 AM
Do any GZ 250 riders in Houston ever do rides together?
Wasn't the lone star rally in Galveston moved to December? I am hoping to go with another friend who rides a Honda.

michaelp
11-06-2008, 12:46 AM
Are you still planning to go to the Lone Star rally in December? I'm considering going from Houston with a fellow rider?