1200 mile ride update

[hbrogan57]

Last week I went to western Virginia because my job sent me there. So I took the "HogEater" out on it's first long trek. It was also the first long trip for me on a bike of ANY kind in over 12 years. So, needless to say, I was slightly apprehensive about it.<br /><br /><br />
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When I started out at 5am here in Virginia Beach it was a mere 29 degrees. I soon found that I had to stop quite often for a quick "warm up" break. So I knew that this would cause my expected 8 hour ride to become a LOT longer.<br /><br /><br />
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I met with RMRC51 just outside Charlottesville for breakfast, coffee and a long chat. I sure hope that we will be able to get together again in the near future for a good ride. It was VERY nice meeting with you.<br /><br /><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i1049.photobucket.com/albums/s382/hogeater/Western%20Virginia%20Trip/DSC_0059_zps0c3aab45.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></div><br /><br /><br />
The HogEater handled extremely well. In fact much better than I had expected. No issues with it whatsoever.<br /><br />
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Other than the chill in the air that day it was a LOT of fun.<br />
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Stopping at rest areas turned into a question and answer session no matter where I was.

Both young and old seemed very interested in taking a look and asking tons of questions. Again, the advice I received a LONG time ago held true. If you are not a friendly person, DON'T get a trike.<br /><br /><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i1049.photobucket.com/albums/s382/hogeater/Western%20Virginia%20Trip/DSC_0060_zps0b741b84.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><br /><br /><br />
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After arriving very late on Wednesday afternoon all I did was check in to the motel, take a much needed HOT shower and then hit the bed.<br /><br /><br />
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The next day I had about a 45 minute ride through the mountains to the first job. A lot of twisties and some great, even though it was overcast, overlooks.<br /><br /><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i1049.photobucket.com/albums/s382/hogeater/Western%20Virginia%20Trip/08_StateFarm-WesternVirginia_Route58_DanielBooneTrail_zps8d88a7 34.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></div><br /><br /><br />
The ride back from the job wasn't nearly as fun. It took me the better part of two hours to make that same 45 minute trip due to a VERY cold rain, being unfamiliar with the roads, and the seemingly endless parade of dump trucks that kept passing me. Evidently THEY knew the roads much better than I did!!!!!<br /><br /><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i1049.photobucket.com/albums/s382/hogeater/Western%20Virginia%20Trip/DSC_0064_zps1b741acc.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></div><br /><br /><br />
The next day I headed in the other direction towards Kentucky for the next job site. It was supposed to be a much better day but it certainly didn't start out that way. I took the Hogeater over to the Kentucky line for a photo op.<br /><br />
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Not realizing until it was too late that the fog was quite thick. But I did get the photo.......<br /><br /><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i1049.photobucket.com/albums/s382/hogeater/Western%20Virginia%20Trip/KENTUCKY_0001_zps4b094395.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></div><br /><br /><br />
After I had completed the job I headed back to Virginia Beach in a lot better weather conditions.<br />
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Temps were about 60 or better once I got out of the mountains. But, due to the snow that had fallen the night before, it kept it feeling cooler than what it was.

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I left out of there at about 3 in the afternoon and arrived home about 11:30pm. I did not have to stop near as often going back as I did heading out. Only stopping for fuel, restroom and the obligatory stretch break. All of which I tried to do at the same time.<br /><br /><br />
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As for the Hogeater. The new ((to me)) trike handled all of those mountain twisties like a champ. Handled the interstate speeds amazingly well.<br /><br />
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And I would not hesitate in the least to jump on and do the same again. Although, I did feel a bit more worn out than I did years ago. But that's NOT the fault of the trike.<br />
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That's the getting old thing coming to bite me in the rear end!!!!!<br /><br /><br />
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And, for those of you that are curious. The HogEater got a full wash and wax job within 24 hours of arriving back home. I absolutely HATE having a dirty machine!!!!!

 

[87Trike1200]

Nice report, Harry. Except for that pesky rain, sounds like a great trip. Also, enjoyed the photo's - Thanks for sharing... <img src="images/smilies/thumbup.gif" border="0" alt="" title="ThumbUp" class="inlineimg" />

 

[hbrogan57]

Thanks!!!!! Even with the rain, which only lasted for that evening, it was a good trip. Can't wait to do another one!!!!!<br />
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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>87Trike1200</strong>
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<div class="message">Nice report, Harry. Except for that pesky rain, sounds like a great trip. Also, enjoyed the photo's - Thanks for sharing... <img src="images/smilies/thumbup.gif" border="0" alt="" title="ThumbUp" class="inlineimg" /></div>

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[Rick Kay]

Thanks for posting, Harry. This spring I'm going to tackle my first trip in 6 years. Like you were, I'm apprehensive about the trike and my abilities. So glad you shared your experience; I feel a better about the situation and am actually getting excited about travelling again.

 

[trikermary]

How nice that was to be able to combine business and pleasure! Sounds like a great trip and thanks for sharing it with us! Many more happy miles to you.......

 

[hbrogan57]

Just a suggestion. Take your time and stop an extra time or two. That's what I did. Not only because it was cold but I felt more comfortable stepping off for a few minutes slightly more often than the usual stops for gas. If I felt good enough I would continue on, but the extra ones really do help.<br />
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Also, when stopping at a rest area, if you don't feel like talking to a lot of people, park as far away from the main rest area entrance as you can. I got stuck at a couple of them answering questions. Which I usually don't mind standing and talking, but on the way back I did want to get on home and didn't want to spend an hour or so answering the numerous questions that always seem to come up.<br />
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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>Rick Kay</strong>
<a href="showthread.php?p=158428#post158428" rel="nofollow"><img class="inlineimg" src="images/buttons/viewpost-right.png" alt="View Post" /></a>
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<div class="message">Thanks for posting, Harry. This spring I'm going to tackle my first trip in 6 years. Like you were, I'm apprehensive about the trike and my abilities. So glad you shared your experience; I feel a better about the situation and am actually getting excited about travelling again.</div>

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[hbrogan57]

Many miles and LOTS of smiles as well!!!!! I still get a BIG grin every time I fire up the HogEater!!!!!<br />
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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>trikermary</strong>
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<div class="message">How nice that was to be able to combine business and pleasure! Sounds like a great trip and thanks for sharing it with us! Many more happy miles to you.......</div>

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[Rick Kay]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>hbrogan57</strong>
<a href="showthread.php?p=158435#post158435" rel="nofollow"><img class="inlineimg" src="images/buttons/viewpost-right.png" alt="View Post" /></a>
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<div class="message">Just a suggestion. Take your time and stop an extra time or two. That's what I did. Not only because it was cold but I felt more comfortable stepping off for a few minutes slightly more often than the usual stops for gas. If I felt good enough I would continue on, but the extra ones really do help.<br />
<br />
Also, when stopping at a rest area, if you don't feel like talking to a lot of people, park as far away from the main rest area entrance as you can. I got stuck at a couple of them answering questions. Which I usually don't mind standing and talking, but on the way back I did want to get on home and didn't want to spend an hour or so answering the numerous questions that always seem to come up.</div>

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</div>Thanks for the good advice! <img src="images/smilies/thumbup.gif" border="0" alt="" title="ThumbUp" class="inlineimg" />

 

[SEABILL]

Thanks for sharing! Looking forward to doing a multi-day road trip.