oh what a wonderful day

[rayzuki]

I am on a complete euphoric high. There is no drug that will give you the feeling of being out on the country roads on a gz250 (or any bike for that matter). The sun was shining, the birds were singing, the bugs were splatting, I had a grin on my face from ear to ear. This was the perfect day. A beautiful 72 degrees in beautiful Oregon. I went out today for my first "real" ride. Up until today it was short little rides around the neighbor hood to start building my courage and skills. Today was my longest and most enjoyable ride 89 miles. I know that is short for most of you but remember I am a newbie. I got my bike back in Oct. and I live in rain country so my riding has been limited so far. Back to my story. I went out in the back farm country of northwest Oregon. Beautiful green hillsides full of berry patches and fruit trees. Side note: Anyone ever watch Little People, Big World on TLC? well that is where I live. So I am out on these country roads with minimal traffic, stops and anything to ruin a ride. Nothing but open roads full of hills, curves, and scenery (snow capped mountains in the background). What a blast. Never in my life have I had so much fun. I could have stayed out all day. I only came back because I promised my wife I would. (haven't convinced her to ride yet, although today may have helped). Everything I learned at the MSF course was used today. I even learned a lesson or two. I learned how to tuck. Big wind blasts from opposing trucks. learned that if I tuck before the blast I don't get blown backwards. I learned that bugs are the enemy and a face shield is by best friend. When I got home I had about 20 bugs on the face shield (another reason I came home). The bike purred like a kitten and ran like a champ. I did miss a shift or 2 (still learning remember). On the way back in my confidence was up so I decided to do a little in town riding. Since I wasn't nervous this was also enjoyable. My hand even got tired of waving to other riders (one thing I have always wanted to do). During my short 2 hour ride I probably saw 50 other riders not joke. I was not the only one who enjoyed this day. After all it is the first nice day of the year. Make that perfect day. I could go on but I am sure you all felt the same way on your first ride. :chop: :rawk: :2tup: :2tup: :2tup:

[badfun]

Sounds like a nice time you painted a beautiful picture in my mind of your ride. I have taken a few short rides but 70'+ weather seems to only happen when I am at work. Today it's 41' now and may make it to 60'. I'm in the midwest you know fly over country. I cant wait until we get warm weather.

[jonathan180iq]

Glad to hear you had a great ride RayZuki. Keep it up.

[CMS]

Thats the reason I still enjoy riding, regardless of what bike I'm on, it's all about the ride. You've found the secret of riding, by the way, be prepared, this may last a life time, it has for me. :rawk: CMS

[trykemike]

Ray you have discovered what true motorcycling in my opinion is all about. Next time you can stay out all day as I did last fall. You have 14 litres of fuel approx 350 km range ( 200 + ) miles so enjoy.

Still too cold up here in Toronto but I have been out to work ( 40 kms round trip ) 1 time this month.

[rayzuki]

oh yea. im hooked. The rain has come back but looks to clear by sunday. I have my fingers crossed.

[jonathan180iq]

Buy a rain suit and get out in it.

[rayzuki]

not ready to ride in the rain yet but what do you guys do about rain on the faceshield? deal with it, rain-x?

[jonathan180iq]

You could get one of those finger squeegies(sp?) and just wipe it off.

I just turn my head to the side and the rain drops blow off.