I finally had time to take the TG out for its first long-distance foray. I rode 300-hundred miles from NC to northern VA. Starting mileage on the TG was just under 500. Instead of the quickest route via I-85 and I-95, I planned a route through central VA that avoided Richmond and the rolling nightmare that is I-95.
Here are some random scribbles in no specific order and without any real purpose. Just my thoughts:
- the few times I was thrown onto the interstate or other high-speed highway for a twelve mile stretch were uncomfortable and definitely not fun. Too much noisy traffic, huge trucks flying by like the driver thought he had a Ferrari. It feels different on the trike than in a car.
- when I got out on the state routes, the speed limit was normally 55 mph between towns. This is what riding is all about. I caught myself with a big grin as I barreled along at 60 mph seeing the tobacco crops, lakes, old farms, etc. I would then drive through small towns with a 25 mph speed limit and enjoy seeing the Victorian-era buildings.
- When I was on the state routes, listening to XM Channel 70 (Bluesville) was awesome.
The H-K radio feature of turning up the volume as I gained speed worked very well. On the freeways - not so much. Turned off the radio or turned it way down. With all the traffic, certain radio sounds like guitar riffs and drum beats sounded like the trike having "issues".
- got nervous about gas twice. I am learning that when the needle is just above empty, she needs about 4 gallons to fill her up. I must have at least 1.5 gallons in reserve - I hope.
- I stopped at a roadside roach coach (mobile kitchen) for lunch in some tiny town off the beaten track. Enjoyed my chicken sandwich and fries sitting outside. I sat staring at the trike.
- I passed a guy riding a Gold Wing trike. He gave me a huge wave, and a 300-watt grin.
- this trip usually takes me 4.5 hours (ideally) when using the interstates when traffic is not an issue (rare). This trip took just over 6.5 hours.
I'll give up the two hours to take this route next time. So much easier.
- I am planning to go farther west to the Blue Ridge Mountains (Skyline Drive) for the ride home. I'll be well past my 1000-miles for my first service, but I think I'll be fine.
- It was a hot day but heat was not an issue from the engine. I had a couple times I needed to wait for lights or road repair crews. Love my Perfect Storm kit.
- I need a damn jacket of some kind. Still haven't found one I like. I wore two t-shirts, and was cool in the morning, and felt a bit exposed all day. I had something hit my knee and splash my arm with wet bug guts. Ugh.
- Had several people smile, wave, or give me a thumbs up. A middle-aged woman working a gas station where I stopped said she wants one.
She said her husband had an EG, and she had a Dyna Low-rider.
- I love my TG.
- one last thing: I know of a local cigar shop near my destination, and they have motorcycle parking out front. I parked the trike there, got a stogie, and sat on a bench across the street enjoying the warm afternoon with my cigar. Three teenagers walked past the trike, and one says, "Those things look so gay, I wonder if they're fast, at least." The female in the group said, "Nah - they're just too damn heavy." I got a chuckle out of that. At least the chick had a clue.
No offense meant to any of our gay trikers - simply the kid's use of the term "gay" I assumed.....
Here are some random scribbles in no specific order and without any real purpose. Just my thoughts:
- the few times I was thrown onto the interstate or other high-speed highway for a twelve mile stretch were uncomfortable and definitely not fun. Too much noisy traffic, huge trucks flying by like the driver thought he had a Ferrari. It feels different on the trike than in a car.
- when I got out on the state routes, the speed limit was normally 55 mph between towns. This is what riding is all about. I caught myself with a big grin as I barreled along at 60 mph seeing the tobacco crops, lakes, old farms, etc. I would then drive through small towns with a 25 mph speed limit and enjoy seeing the Victorian-era buildings.
- When I was on the state routes, listening to XM Channel 70 (Bluesville) was awesome.
The H-K radio feature of turning up the volume as I gained speed worked very well. On the freeways - not so much. Turned off the radio or turned it way down. With all the traffic, certain radio sounds like guitar riffs and drum beats sounded like the trike having "issues".
- got nervous about gas twice. I am learning that when the needle is just above empty, she needs about 4 gallons to fill her up. I must have at least 1.5 gallons in reserve - I hope.
- I stopped at a roadside roach coach (mobile kitchen) for lunch in some tiny town off the beaten track. Enjoyed my chicken sandwich and fries sitting outside. I sat staring at the trike.
- I passed a guy riding a Gold Wing trike. He gave me a huge wave, and a 300-watt grin.
- this trip usually takes me 4.5 hours (ideally) when using the interstates when traffic is not an issue (rare). This trip took just over 6.5 hours.
I'll give up the two hours to take this route next time. So much easier.
- I am planning to go farther west to the Blue Ridge Mountains (Skyline Drive) for the ride home. I'll be well past my 1000-miles for my first service, but I think I'll be fine.
- It was a hot day but heat was not an issue from the engine. I had a couple times I needed to wait for lights or road repair crews. Love my Perfect Storm kit.
- I need a damn jacket of some kind. Still haven't found one I like. I wore two t-shirts, and was cool in the morning, and felt a bit exposed all day. I had something hit my knee and splash my arm with wet bug guts. Ugh.
- Had several people smile, wave, or give me a thumbs up. A middle-aged woman working a gas station where I stopped said she wants one.
She said her husband had an EG, and she had a Dyna Low-rider.
- I love my TG.
- one last thing: I know of a local cigar shop near my destination, and they have motorcycle parking out front. I parked the trike there, got a stogie, and sat on a bench across the street enjoying the warm afternoon with my cigar. Three teenagers walked past the trike, and one says, "Those things look so gay, I wonder if they're fast, at least." The female in the group said, "Nah - they're just too damn heavy." I got a chuckle out of that. At least the chick had a clue.
No offense meant to any of our gay trikers - simply the kid's use of the term "gay" I assumed.....
