It took an old Guzzi a 1975 model to get me to my new then 2005 Triumph Speedmaster.I had ventured into town for parts for my project bike.You can picture what happened next.
I heard in the back of my head a voice saying"is that what you really want?" Thing was it was actually a saleman.My answer"Yes,I think so."
I applied for the loan,gave up and left the shop.Got a call later.The new Speedmaster was mine.Had to bum a ride to pick it up at the shop.The shop is 45 miles from my house.
Did not have the bike long.Ideas started happing.I had lost a few friends that past year and it got me thinking about going on a long trip.It had been years since I had done a long trip.I figured not might get to go again I need to go.
I asked the wife if she wanted to go up north to Oregon.She thought I was nuts for wanting to go.So I said ok I am going by myself.
Trip started out wrong.I almost did not go.You know money or lack of it.Well I have a freind up in Oregon that said he would put up with me,if his wife was ok with it.Thankfully she was.So they saved me a bunch of money.
The trip was ago.I packed up and headed out.Pulled out onto the main road and a car was coming up on me very fast.I goosed her and got out of his way.He passed me doing well over 100.
Well when I goosed it my cooler feel off the back.Trashed it.Almost went home,no I did not give in.I said I am going to do this one way or another.
Two days later and 1075 miles later I pulled into Medford,Oregon.Stayed about five days.Seen a lot of beautiful sites on day adventures.
First day I got to go rafting.Seen a real live salmon,actually a few.Froze in the river water while rafting.Lots of fun and worth doing.
Got to go to Crater Lake.Worth every mile traveled to on my bike to see.Snow in late June.Quite a change from 120F of Arizona in June.So I appriciated the snow.Meet some nice people on there Victory at Crater Lake.He had traded in his Triumph America for the Victory.They were a rather large couple so they really liked the Victory for more room and power.
Time to go home.Made it again in two days.Rode through the rain in Reno,Vegas,and parts of Arizona.So I got to test the bike in the rain.
All in all a great trip.Got to visit old friends.Made some new friends.Got to find some things I wanted to change on my bike.Got to appriciate good hospitality and good true friends.
It had been 22 years since I had bought a brand new motorcyle.I hope it is not that long again.It sure can make you appriciate a new bike when they come far and in between.It really makes you appriciate a new bike on a nice long trip by yourself or with someone who tags along.I hope the next long trip comes much sooner,I know it will.
