Washington State Honda Sport Touring Association

March 8 - Karting by Jim Holzberger

April 12 - Snoqualmie Valley Recap

The ride started close to noon with the usual suspects:  Dan, Jim, Chris, Tim & Heather, Troy, new member - Craig, Alan H, Don and Mark, Cary, Dave.  The only ones missing from the usual line up were Marv and Alan B.  Tom Mehren from SoundRider was scheduled to talk to our group, however Tom got overly anxious and arrived 2 hours early so we missed him.

Troy, Heather, and Chris decided not to ride on this less than ideal day, while Alan H. thought that riding on slicks would provide the proper level of challenge on wet pavement.  During lunch, only minutes earlier, we inquired of the basting pan that was once bungeed to the bottom of his bike.  Luckily, that problem was resolved.

The day started out heading east from Kennydale to Coal Creek and then along May Valley Road.  From there we did a loop around Tiger Summit Road and retreated back to Issaquah.  This is where Jim called it a day due to a nail in his rear tire that he must've picked up pulling in for gas.

After getting gas, we went up to the plateau and took Issaquah-Fall City Road, east on SR202, then north on 324th, zigzagging our way through the farm fields.  We jumped over the hill on Tolt Hill Road back to SR-202 and then caught Ames Lake Road back for the return to Snoqualmie Valley.  An exhibition of acceleration followed by a rabbit chase (VW Rabbit) developed as we rolled northward to Monroe.  After a few more zig-zags on Tualco Road, we were ready for some good stuff finally, with no traffic.  So far each road we took, we ended up just behind someone who felt the need to comply with the posted speeds and that kept us at reasonable limits.

We then took Ben Howard Road east and experienced a little sliding in the grooves that were cut into the pavement.  The best roads were still to come.  We hopped onto SR-2 in Sultan and headed east for a couple of miles, where we took Kellogg Lake Road NE.  This turned out to be the best road of the day with no traffic, no enforcement, and 12 miles of virtual racetrack for our abuse.  Of course, all good things must come to an end, and upon reaching a sign that said "Pavement Ends", it was a good time to hoot and holler, answer nature's call, and get ready for the ride back.

When we got back to Sultan, it was time for gas again.  Cary had started up his 929 after the fill up and a cloud of white smoke billowed from within.  The half-moon gasket under the valve cover had let loose, spewing a little oil.  Dave was able to get it pushed back in place, and we wedged some paper towels between the gasket and the frame to keep it in place for the ride home.

I think that the new Duck that Cary bought over the winter carried out some shenanigans to undermine the Honda's reliability.  Maybe, maybe not?  I know that the growling in MY garage has finally subsided between the CBR and the VFR; they finally figured out that they CAN co-exist harmoniously.

Winter Update

Winter is the time for everyone to stock up on parts, get caught up on maintenance, and unwrap all the cool stuff that Santa brought.  Many scored, while others are still in need (maybe tires WITH tread?)

There were some lucky bastards that got bikes, myself included.  I picked up a 2003 VFR-ABS in Silver.  Mods so far include: Givi cases (3), Power Commander, Staintune Exhaust, and some safety equipment including a headlight modulator and flashing taillights.  I kept the 900RR for future racing with 98k miles on it.

Cary also picked up a new ride - Ducati 748.  See the previous article on what it's been up to.  Tim sold his R1 and bought an FZ-1 to replace it with.  He's falling into the category of older-slower-fatter, just like me.

Marv bought a new Aerostitch riding suit in safety yellow, the color that inspires “EWWW” as advertised by 'Stitch.  Since I'm talking about riding suits, Jim also picked up new leathers.

Bikes that got some new mods were Chris' Bandit - new rear hugger and a tinted windscreen.  Mark, after breaking the chain, was finally able to get his RR running again, and will soon be getting lost on the Granite Falls ride.  Don had the TL tuned and finally got new rubber after stretching the last 1000 miles on what we all consider bald tires, Alan H may beg to differ.  Somewhere in the package deal, Don also got himself a biker-babe, who just completed the MSF RiderCourse and has already bought a bike - 1996 CBR600F3.  Look for her to be joining us junkies!  

Speaking of women, Alan B. is also breaking in a new girlfriend.  I keep asking him when he's going to take the plunge, but he's holding steady at the gate.  One last announcement, Bryce HAS made the commitment and is about to acquire a wife!  Congratulations - Bryce and Marie!

Motorcycle Parking Ticket

I went to the store the other day, and I was in there for only about 5 minutes.  When I came out there was a damn motorcycle cop writing a parking ticket. So I went up to him and said, "Come on, buddy, how about giving a guy a break?"

He ignored me and continued writing the ticket.  So I called him a pencil-necked Nazi. He glared at me and started writing another ticket for having worn tires!  So I called him a horse's ass. He finished the second ticket and put it on the windshield with the first. Then he started writing a third ticket!  This went on for about 20 minutes.

The more I abused him, the more tickets he wrote.  I didn't care.  My car was parked around the corner.

Tinted Tires

Hey Alan, check out these puppies!  I don't think this is an April Fool's Joke, but it surely qualifies.  I promise not to laugh when I sees the first set on the road.  Are you going to be the one? www.CYCLETIRES.com

Oregon Outing over Memorial Weekend

A number of you have already contacted me about the accommodations for the Oregon Outing.  Those that have done this in the past have NOT been disappointed.  Normally, we run 3-4 people per room at the Red Lion in Pendleton.  With the AAA-rate of about $60 per night, it's pretty reasonable after the split.  Right now, I have at least 6 confirmed, and if you are interested in going, shoot me an e-mail, and I'll help coordinate roommates and put you in contact with each other.  Don't forget to bring a swim suit (not your birthday one) for hot-tubbing at the end of the day.

If you can't ride down on Friday with us, you can join in for any part of the weekend, maybe for just a day ride.  The Red Lion is considered base-camp and the day rides will branch from there on Saturday (Hell's Canyon) and Sunday (Ukiah Forest Roads).  Monday will be the ride home.

Cascade Classic

The Cascade Classic can be simply put: Mind over Machine, especially if you attempt the 1500-mile event.  I did this back in 1997, attempting to complete the 1500 in 24 hours (Bunburner Gold) but found it quite challenging to ride all day AND all night.  My body shut down when the sun dropped, as did the night's temperatures.  I opted to get a motel room, take a power nap, and finish in the 36 hour time-frame rather than 24.  You can read all about my BunBurner 1500 story.  If you have any interest in doing long distance events, and have never tried one, this is a good opportunity to see if you are ready.  If you can do 10 of these back-to-back, you're ready for the IronButt!

Sportbike Northwest