Desert ride 01-18-09

[cactusjack]

Went for a ride today with a couple of KawaNOW members. Glassgod and Stretch. Stretch was in town from Illinois for a work-related training seminar, and rented a Harley Road King for the day. We met at his hotel at 09:00 AM and rode out through some of the more "picturesque" towns of the Sonoran Desert, for a total of about 280 miles. The weather got better as the day went on, with afternoon temps up in the 70's, but it was kind of windy.

Here's a picture of the 3 of us during a fuel/rest stop in Gila Bend, AZ (l-r: Glassgod, Stretch, Cactusjack)

http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/slhanks4/IMG_1354_RSZ_001.jpg

[oldbikers]

Glad you could get out and meet with some other members looks like a great time.

[rlfaubion]

Looks like fun down there in the beautiful desert. Up north here we just watched the Cards kick a$$ :)

[cactusjack]

Looks like fun down there in the beautiful desert. Up north here we just watched the Cards kick a$$ :)

Yeah, Stretch and I had planned this ride over a month ago, never dreaming the Cardinals would still be "in the hunt" this late in the season. So I DVR'd the game and placed a gag order on my family to not disclose the outcome of the game until I could watch it. It's hard to believe they are the same team that played such a disgraceful game against New England.

I ended up riding 393.8 miles, including me riding to meet Stretch and after dropping him off. It will be my last ride on the ME880's. I don't trust that rear tire anymore.

[blowndodge]

Good job Boyz!!!! Wish I could have been there!!

[cactusjack]

Hey, you're only a "leisurely" 6 hour ride away...

[dantama]

I hope we get a Road King comparison out of this at some point.

Glad you enjoyed the meet up.

[glwilson]

Stretch is getting around. He met up with me along with a couple other members last fall in northern Illinois. (See pic below).

Like Dan said; maybe we'll get a RK comparison report.

[trip]

I love it when KawaNOW members can get together. Brings a tear to me eye everytime.

[pirate]

I always like reading about members meeting as well. Really cool!

[schoeney]

+1

[stretch]

We had a good ride. My first time to Arizona. I could handle the their winters!! As far as the Road King it's a nice bike. The seat was comfortable though I missed my backrest. I liked the the six speed although it made a loud clunk when you shifted into first. I wish my nomad had a sixth gear because at highway speeds the HD's engine was at ease. To sit on the bike it felt smaller than my bike. The cruise worked great. The bike was all stock so the pipes had a nice rumble but weren't to loud. The bags open from the top and do not appear to hold that much. Also the the way the open I found to be a little clumsy. Floorboard placement was good and the handlebars seemed OK too. It had a smaller windshield that the nomad but wind protection was good. These are just my humble opinions. :)

I think I will stick with my Nomad. I just need the cruise and sixth gear.

[dabull]

nice gang:)

[roadman]

Good to see you got a ride in Stretch :)

[stretch]

Thanks Dave. It was good to ride in January. This winter has been rough with all the snow and ice. Not much dry weather to get the bike out.