"Hammerdown" (hammerdown32)
05/31/2016 at 12:01 • Filed to: TWO WHEELS GOOD, ORGAN DONOR, MOTORCYCLE
0
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"Hammerdown" (hammerdown32)
05/31/2016 at 12:01 • Filed to: TWO WHEELS GOOD, ORGAN DONOR, MOTORCYCLE | 0
| 16 |
VFW in Lacrosse, WI
I had a window of opportunity this weekend to do some serious motorcycle riding. However, Minnesota weather had other plans.
I dropped my girlfriend off at the airport at noon on Thursday. She wouldn’t be back until Sunday night. That left me with two evenings and two full days to myself. I intended to spend as much of that time riding as I could. The forecast was indicating that I was being optimistic. A minimum of a 60% chance for rain and thunderstorms from Thursday to Sunday.
Thursday afternoon a buddy texted me and was looking to hang out. I try to always put a priority on seeing friends and loved ones, so this was a no brainer. The bike stayed in the garage and I enjoyed tacos, scotch and Jimi Hendrix documentary on Netflix (4/5 stars) with my friend.
Friday morning my plan was to ride roughly 30 miles to an office of the company I work at to troubleshoot some equipment (I manage AV equipment for a large company). When I woke up I was greeted by rain. Took the Crown Vic instead. The rest of my day was spent “working from home” and trying to find a hole in the weather. I looked at every forecast model I could trying to figure out where I could possibly go for a couple of days and stay dry.
Ultimately, I stayed home. When I go on trips like this I camp and they idea of being soggy all weekend and riding in the rain didn’t seem like much fun. So I spent Saturday keeping myself busy and route planning for Sunday.
Sunday morning was gorgeous and after a slow morning getting ready, I left at 11:30 and headed from the Twin Cities to Lacrosse WI. My ride down took me along the Mississippi River the whole way, which was a great view. Unfortunately, everyone else thought it was a great view as well. I found myself stuck at 45 mph behind cars for much of the drive.
Once I made it to Lacrosse I headed to Grandad Bluff, which overlooks the city. The ride to the top was twisty and fun. The parking lot was small, but the views from the top were awesome.
There is also a 70 ft tall flagpole with a 12'x18' flag at the top. Seemed fitting for the holiday.
As I was standing around taking pictures I looked at the clock on my phone and realized I needed to get moving to make it home in time to get my girlfriend from the airport. I hit the Interstate and rode 75-80 mph the whole way back. I recently got a new windshield and have been adjusting it constantly to try to get it to the right spot and I finally found it on this trip. Even at those speeds, with a 15 mph headwind, I was having fun.
All told, it was the most miles I had put on a bike in a day. I felt great when I got home and now I feel comfortable planning rides that are 500-600 miles per day. Now I can start planning my big trip for the year, which sounds like it might be a 4 day run to the Black Hills over the 4th of July.
My Instagram for more bike pics: @sheffib32
Biggus Dickus (RevsBro)
> Hammerdown
05/31/2016 at 12:20 |
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You sir, did a very similar ride to me ( I did mine yesterday though). Minnesota Highway 60 between Zumbro Falls and Wabasha is as good as riding gets in the midwest.
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Hammerdown
> Biggus Dickus (RevsBro)
05/31/2016 at 12:38 |
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It’s a fantastic ride, if you can find a time when the traffic isn’t too bad.
V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches
> Hammerdown
05/31/2016 at 12:40 |
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The roads down south are so much fun. I need a Miata. The Winona river valley road is completely empty on a Sunday and is really quite fun.
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Biggus Dickus (RevsBro)
> V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches
05/31/2016 at 12:58 |
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My first run was in the morning so there was almost no traffic on 60. In the afternoon I had to do some passing to get myself some room in the twistier parts.
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V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches
> Biggus Dickus (RevsBro)
05/31/2016 at 13:03 |
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Highway 61 on the north shore is a lot of fun too
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Biggus Dickus (RevsBro)
> V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches
05/31/2016 at 13:10 |
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I’ve always had a meh opinion about 61. It is never particularly curvy (in a fun/challenging way) and it is usually crowded or hogged by people staring out their windows. That said, the views are great.
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V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches
> Biggus Dickus (RevsBro)
05/31/2016 at 13:13 |
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It is a much better cruising road. I've never brought a sports car or bike up 61, just a suburban lol.
The Compromiser
> Hammerdown
05/31/2016 at 19:23 |
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I see an iron butt ride in your future...
I wish I lived somewhere other than Flatland, Ontario.
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Hammerdown
> The Compromiser
06/01/2016 at 08:46 |
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Iron butt has been bouncing around in my head for quite awhile now. If I can do this trip in July without much issue that may be my next goal. I already have a route picked out.
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Hammerdown
> The Compromiser
06/01/2016 at 08:51 |
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Also, I want to do the Lake Superior Circle Tour. It might be flat in Ontario, but it’s not ugly. What’s the biggest/coolest ride you’ve done up that way?
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The Compromiser
> Hammerdown
06/01/2016 at 10:02 |
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I’ve done Port Dover, Up to Lake Huron, Down towards Windsor(Long Point Area). I haven’t had a really “big” trip. My Father did The Upper great Lakes along Ontario and Back, Went To Iowa to see the American Pickers and Along the Miss. into Missouri, Out East (Maine, New Brunswick, etc.). Once the kids are a little older I will get out more I am sure. May be running up to Orillia region this summer as well. Haven’t decided yet.
And yes it is nice here. i live in Stratford. Its a tourist community so we be pretty...
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The Compromiser
> Hammerdown
06/01/2016 at 10:14 |
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You Can DOO IEET!!!!
I still have the factory seat on My 1300, so anything over 100 Miles is like an Iron Butt...
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Hammerdown
> The Compromiser
06/01/2016 at 15:29 |
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Bro. Mustang Seat. Make it happen.
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The Compromiser
> Hammerdown
06/01/2016 at 15:59 |
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$700 Cad (Plus)...
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Hammerdown
> The Compromiser
06/01/2016 at 16:03 |
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It’s worth it. My biggest day last year was 240 miles and my tailbone hurt for 4 days afterwards. With the Mustang I was able to do this ride. When I got home I felt great and could have gone further. It’s made the biggest difference on my bike.
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The Compromiser
> Hammerdown
06/01/2016 at 17:57 |
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I have been checking out Ultimate X seats. Canadian and a bit cheaper a lot of X riders swear by them or the Mustang