Oh, The Weather Outside Is....

[frenchy750]

I don't know about everyone else, but the weather in the Kingdom of Rhode Island right now can only be described one way: shitty.

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Rhode Island - January 15, 2009

Thank goodness I'm about as far from the Kingdom as I can be, with Sleeping Beauty in my adopted home of California.

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California - January 15, 2009

I'm an early riser, while Sleeping Beauty, well, let's just say she has that nickname for a reason. So, it's early morning, I'm wide awake, the sun is shining bright and it's already 68 degrees, and there are three motorcycles in the garage - Rain Cloud Follows, Abi's bike Snowball, and Little Red Riding Hood, Fiona's brand new Ninja 250.

I know what I'm going to do next, it's pretty obvious. I just need to sneak out without waking Sleeping Beauty.

"Uhh... hmmmph... where're you goin'?" she turned to me, half awake.

Damn. "Just going to get some milk, honey. I'll be back soon, OK?"

"Hrrm... ok." She rolled back over and fell back asleep.

I opened the garage, and an involuntary smile appeared. Three beautiful motorcycles, just waiting to get out on the road. Then, the three remaining functioning synapses in my tiny brain linked up, and a thought formed. 'Take the Coucours.'

I called Abi, wondering if I could get away with it or not.

"Hey buddy, I'm standing in front of your bike, and it looks sad and lonely. It's been sitting here, basically neglected for a few months."

He interrupted me, "What are you getting at?"

"Well, I was thinking I would take Snowball out for a little spin. Get the blood moving and all that."

"Fine. Just remember, the tires are brand new."

Oh, don't worry, I remember...

Those three synapses worked together to remember something I'd been told a few months ago. "Azusa Canyon is a great ride, and it's just five miles from the house."

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Perfect. Let's go!

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Evidently, I wasn't the only one on a milk run. Two sport bikes passed me, obviously with CA Route 39 in mind. I waved as they passed, mentally assigning them the names 'Tom and Dave'.

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As soon as we were away from the busy streets, which only took about five minutes, I noticed that involuntary smile reappeared.

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'Tom and Dave' took full advantage of the traffic free two lane roller coaster, while I took a more leisurely pace, stopping to take in the sights, and relishing the fact that I was riding in January, on a deserted two lane mountain road. (I don't say that to rub it in to the subjects of the Kingdom of Rhode Island. Honestly.)

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Snowball loved being out almost as much as I did.

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There was hardly any traffic on the road, and after a while I started to give Snowball a bit of a workout, testing the new tires, the new brakes, and the lean angle limits. The involuntary smile was more or less a permanent fixture. My completely uneducated assessment of the Concours? Kawasaki definitely got this one right. I have to say that while I love Rain Cloud Follows...

Naah, I won't say it.

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The only traffic I saw was LA County fire vehicles, about seven of them, heading the other direction. They didn't seem to be in a hurry, so while I wondered what they were all doing up there, I didn't worry about it.

A few hundred curves later, I found out what all the fire trucks were doing.

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Fire camp.

That sounds like fun. I want to go to fire camp when I grow up. If I ever grow up.

While I was snapping this picture, 'Tom and Dave' passed me. Again. Those guys seemed to be doing laps. I waved again as they went by.

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Very nice of the state of California to build us our very own racetrack out here in the San Gabriel mountains. Thanks, guys!

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What a great day. I stopped when the spirit moved me to stop, and enjoyed the scents, the sounds, and the bright sun and warm feeling on my face's pasty flourescent light bleached pallor.

(OK, I'll admit, I put that in to rub it in just a bit...)

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Mount Baldy has some snow on the top. I bet it's cold up there. See? I feel for Rhode Islanders with a day's high temperature of twelve. I really do.

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I also felt for this guy. It seems the motor fell right out of his motorcycle! I asked if he was OK. He nodded and he dismissed me with a friendly wave.

While I was stopped making sure this fellow motor-less motorcyclist was OK, I heard a beautiful sound from down in the valley. None other than 'Tom and Dave' appeared for a third time.

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This time I set off after them, catching them in mere seconds. They quickly signaled to turn off, and pulled into one of the thousand scenic stops on this excellent road.

The conversation started as pretty much any conversation between motorcyclists does. "Hi!" the taller one said. "That's a nice bike you're riding there."

We talked about the Councours, the roads, and riding in general. I asked their names. The shorter of the two was named, I shit you not, Dave. The taller guy was Gary. Oh well. One outta two ain't bad.

Gary asked me what brought me to Azusa Canyon.

"Oh, I'm supposed to be getting some milk." I replied, remembering my reason. "It's been over an hour, I'm probably in trouble by now."

They laughed. As I was leaving, Gary said, "Be careful. I just read in the paper the other day that this road is the most-crashed-on road in all of Southern California."

Great. That's why I don't read newspapers.

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Gary and Dave - Two New Friends

The descent from Azusa Canyon back to reality was a bit hairy in spots. Off camber, decreasing radius curves would sneak up out of nowhere. The mighty Concours handled it all without a thought.

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Smog Factory in the Distance

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A few more enthusiasts were headed up as I headed back. We passed with a wave.

I made it all the way back home before Sleeping Beauty got out of bed. My plan would have been perfect except for one thing.

I forgot to get the milk.

[1MPH]

"Just going to get some milk, honey. I'll be back soon, OK?"

I forgot to get the milk.


Go back and get it. :eusa_clap:

Nice write up Frenchy. Thanks for taking us along.

[DarthRider]

Thanks for the ride Frenchy!
Watch out for us Daves...we're everywhere.

[Biff's R]

Thanks for rubbing it in.

We had between 6-8" of snow yesterday, and it is currently -7F.

[frenchy750]

I'm sorry about the snow and weather, I really am.

If it makes you feel better, I'm going back up there tomorrow.

I still have to get some milk!

[Griffon]

Frenchy,

I know you're going through difficult times lately. If there is anything the cafe can do, such as trade homes for winter, relieve you of a few extra bikes, etc., please know your Cafe brothers have your back!

[Sir Limpsalot]

Frenchy, old chap, the weather outside here is frightful too. But inside it's great and made all the better by your report. But let's get this straight, you were in bed with the lovely Fiona? and you got out to go and ride a motorcycle? I worry about you, just a little.. :)

[Dirty Doug]

Frenchy, old chap, the weather outside here is frightful too. But inside it's great and made all the better by your report. But let's get this straight, you were in bed with the lovely Fiona? and you got out to go and ride a motorcycle? I worry about you, just a little.. :)


Yea,
So where you going with this Simon????????????? Mans gotta' have milk you know one can't live on honey alone.

Great write-up Frenchy I must say. How long are you going to stay on the left coast? Any chance for Arby's spring ride in N.C.?

Dirty Doug

[Tipstall]

-19F this morning.

Ken

[frenchy750]

Simon,

Doug is right, You can't live on honey alone.

And besides, my sleeping honey was still in bed when I returned!

[frenchy750]

Doug,

Where can I find more information about the NC spring ride?

[DJ Down Under]

Thanks frenchy.. great pictures and report.

Summer has finally shown it head down my way.. http://www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=46096

I've a big ride planed for Monday so I must remember my camera.

DJ

[Sir Limpsalot]

Doug,

Where can I find more information about the NC spring ride?

Right here, dear boy. By all accounts it's a "Must Do" event..

http://www.motorcyclistcafe.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5926

Previous participants have reported the lengths that Bob and Judy have gone to in past years to ensure that everyone has the best possible time as "well beyond the call of duty". Sadly, I won't be at Topton this April and I truly envy those who are able to be there.

Cheers,
Simon.

[Biff's R]

Frenchy,
It would be good to meet you in the mountains of western NC.

[frenchy750]

Because it was so nice, I just had to do it twice.

Fiona and I retraced my 'Milk Run' route today.

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And one more. This is a view from the end of Sleeping Beauty's driveway of where we were riding today:

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[frenchy750]

And we'll probably go back up there one more time tomorrow, because we STILL don't have any milk in this house.

We do, however have Macallan - and did already toast the Best Day ever.

Unfortunately the WWE is in London during Arby's spring ride. It figures. I do plan to sneak over to the Isle of Man after the shows this year.

I will do everything in my power to make the Big Bend ride this year - if there is one.

And, when I finally figure my summer riding plans, I'll post them right here. Trust me, Fiona and will be be more than happy to come visit each and every one of y'all to help us toast a summerlong string of the Best Day Ever.

[frenchy750]

It's been said I have an addictive personality, especially when it comes to two-wheeled transport. This is by far not the worse thing that's been said about me. It's also very true.

Finding Azusa Canyon road - which is now my own private racetrack - less than fifteen minutes from my adopted home was one of those life changing moments for me. Something great, right under my completely oblivious nose. I don't think I've ever been called smart. It'd be like suddenly realizing the neighbors you've lived next to for years is actually Angelina Jolie, sunbathing topless in her back yard.

Better than that even!

So, having the aforementioned addictive personality, I've been up Azusa Canyon road every day for the past three days, a practice I plan to continue every day that I can. I went up there for a third time this morning. Here is my last set of pictures from my newfound paradise:

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I now call Azusa Canyon road 'The Milk Run.'

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And, my last little shred of good news... Today, I finally remembered to pick up some milk!

[Griffon]

Three's a charm!

Keep up the good work! The weather report claims we will hit temperatures above freezing in a few days!:eusa_clap:

[SV Andy]

Frenchy you are a very lucky boy in more ways than one, nice pics and write up, thanks Andy.

[Sir Limpsalot]

Are you trying to scrub in those new tyres, or wear them out?

Take the 250 up there. Go on, you know you want to.:webers:

Si.

[Arby]

[QUOTE=frenchy750;77258]
Unfortunately the WWE is in London during Arby's spring ride. It figures. I do plan to sneak over to the Isle of Man after the shows this year.

QUOTE]

Dang Frenchy, I'm sorry to hear that. Ya'll would've been more than welcome. We've got some great rides lined up that you didn't get to do on your last visit to the area.

But, I guess, the Isle of Mann is a suitable replacement. :)

RB