It's hard to believe that 2025 is winding down. Was my first year of retirement, and I had all kinds of MC plans. Hit several goals, missed others. I'll keep this mostly limited to Motorcycle Topics.
Hits:
1- FEB- Guzzi Tech Day gathering at John Wells house. Great gathering of local Guzzistas. (FEB)
2- APR- Fly and Ride to purchase the 2012 Norge and then a ride down to Key West and up the West Coast of Florida and back to Virginia (2800 miles)
3- APR- Purchased RV - Thor Omni built on F550 4x4 Chassis - Managed 6 trips and 7500 miles.
4- MAY- 2025 Mutton Run: Traced through VA, WV, KY, MO, ARK, TN. AL, GA, NC, not a single moment of Super Slab, ALSO made my first trip to the Barber MC Museum........ Amazing.... (3300 miles on Stornello TT)
5- JUN- Finalized 944 Rebuild with new Suspension and then 500 miles in the BLue Ridge to sort out.
6- JUL- Took 4 Generations to the Mecum Auction in PA. Dad/Son In law/Grandson, stayed in RV and had a blast... Also saw the NYC Fireworks for the first time in 40 Years. STILL THE BEST!
7- JUL- Hosted my FIRST MC Gathering prior to Guzzi's in the Blue Ridge
8- AUG- Attended Guzzi's in the Blue Ridge (950 miles on 1200 Sport)
9- AUG- Attended 944 Fest- First 944 rally. Planned 4 days, but was only able to manage a pass through on one day.
10- SEP- Attended the Vintage Yamaha Rally (750 miles in a car due to long time riding buddy recovering from RC surgery) Will ride next year.
11- OCT - Drove the NATCHEZ Trace in the RV on my way to COTA. Stopped to see several Army Buddies, my Son, Brother, and other friends. Hope to do the Natchez Trace on 2 wheels in 2026. Toted the Stornello on the back as a proof of concept. Discovered I need to hit the gym again if I want to load and unload unassisted. (RV 4200 miles)
Other Notables:
- Attended at least 10 Cars and Coffee/Bikes and Breakfast Events.
- Joined CMA (Christian Motorcycle Association) and CVMA the Combat Vets Motorcycle Associations - Never joined a group like this, will be interesting to see how they are.
- Started the teardown for a PRE-SALE refresh of my 1978 Yamaha XS 750.
- Lots of Day Trips and local riding
- Total Refresh of the New Norge. Deep Cleaning, Service, Repaired wiring, installed Power Ports, TPMS, aux lighting, Knight Pegs, mounted Mistral Can and CAT eliminator with Beetle Map, new Windscreen, body repair and toning down pinstriping.
- Got the band together, the first time all my motorcycles have been in ONE location in 15 years.
MISSES:
1- Missed one of 3 potential Moto Guzzi Demos in my driving area
2- Missed every Guzzi lunch
3- Only Rode the Convert ONCE.............
4- Never got my act together to sell the Breva 750, 1200 Sport and XS 750.
5- Missed my 15K miles on 2 wheels, best figure was 9800 all tolled.
6- Failed to keep my Guzzi Doormat on my side of the bed
2026 GOALS (so far) MOST IMPORTANT is more time with Family, spoiling, quality time, helping out. I missed so much time with my family since 911, this is my primary goal and priority. I'll be fitting in all my MC/Car stuff around them.
1- PURGE - Now that I have all my junk in 1 location, it's time to catalog and sell ALL my unneeded and excess Motorcycle and Car Parts
2- Sell the Breva 750, 1200 Sport, and XS750
3- Attend THREE Moto Guzzi Rally's and the Vintage Yamaha Rally. Hope to link a rally to a longer tour of up to at least 1 month, hit goal of 15K MC miles.
4- RV Trips: 1-Finger lakes with Wife, 2-Grandkids to Bush Gardens and Chincoteague, 3-Frequent Weekend Trips to Wineries and Events (with Stornello toted)
5- North East MC Trip through NJ/NY/CONN/MA/NH (may try to link in a Rally)
6- Rent and Ride a Motorcycle in Japan
7- Attend more MC/Car events
8- More riding with Friends
OK, too many words, too few pictures. Here are a few highlights.
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