Posted by Polar Pilot on August 26, 2001 at 01:05:12:
Lacing on my old work boots
Sholdering my saddlebags
Finding the keys
Sling the bags across the saddle
Walking around - tires getting worn but they will do for another run
Down on my knees haul the bike level - oil is about where it ought to be
Thumbing the starter - yajingjingjingjingrumble
Flick throttle to clear the carb and the plug
Out of the drive off the sand road and onto the open highway
Back roads this trip - they are just as fast and more enjoyable
south south south to a small town gas stop
East - watching the rain clouds gathering above and knowing that we are going to get wet
Nasty cross wind throwing us into a 10 degree list to run straight
First smashing drops of rain stinging my face -
Backing off the speed to 90 kmph
Hearing and feeling the spray from the front wheel
South again and south and south and south
Rain and sun alternate - three baths in 3 hours
Straight into the teeth of the wind
Pop, snap - main tank is dry in 110 kms
Gas station ahead - chance to stretch and do another walk around
Cap nut on the tripple tree has vibrated off - hmm is there another bolt under that or not
Guess there must be because the front end didn't fall off
Miles and hours roll past
Exhaust header is gleaming gold in the setting sun
Tomorrow will soon be here with a time to find a new road and a new ride
home
Keep the rubber side down
Polar Pilot
p.s. covered about 800 kms in 2 days. A bit off the iron butt pace but still very very satisifying
PP