All,
Ok, here is the ride report from yesterday.
Took the route down 59 to 36S cut west on FTM 442, then down Hwy 60 south to Bay City. Stopped in the City built to survive hurricanes for water and gas and chatted with a HD lady. Her bike:
Interesting lady: no helmet, no glasses, no gloves, t-shirt with no bra. In a hurry to buy some cigarettes, lit one, kept in her mouth and off she rode. Asked her permission to take pix of bike, wonder what the braided leather thingy-whip is? Any ideas? Another guy when I pulled into the lot commented "Guzzi makes nice bikes". I replied: yes they do, big grins all around.
Then down to Matagorda proper, and the public beach:
Nice and easy paved parking, but you need a permit ($) to drive or camp on the beach:
Walked the golden, warm, sunny sands down to the glorious beach:
View to north:
View to Africa, note offshore platforms, and pelicans waving hello:
Put helmet down to stretch a bit
Really nice day
Headed north to Bay City, went North on 35 and stopped at a Shell for water and granola bar (forgot to pack lunch, duh oh). Then 35 to 36 north towards home in Sugar Land. Just north of Brazos Bend Park had one of those charming cager events.
http://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/brazos-bendGuy in black PT cruiser was passing a line of slow cars going south. I was going northbound at 70. Looking far, far down the road, and very focused I spotted him. Flashed my high beam, realized he was going to make me move from my lane, I slowed to 40 and fortunately there was about a 4 foot shoulder and I moved there as he came rushing by filling my lane head on. Lovely. Safety tip: always remember to use as much lane as possible and assume the cagers are out to kill you.
Rest of ride home was uneventful. Used these new ear plugs though:
http://earplugsonline.com/The nearly 200 mile ride resulted in a comfortable and quiet experience. I have figured out that the in-ear canal plugs push earwax into my canal and result in hearing issues due to blockage. Not so with these blue mushy guys. So, that is good.
Got home in time to take a quick nap, run to store to get Ms. LD two dozen roses and card, then to food store to buy salmon and asparagus and I cooked her up a nice dinner with some New Mexico bubbly:
http://www.gruetwinery.com/wines/non-vintage-sparkling-wines/gruet-brutI think the bicycle riding is helping my core and back strength riding the Guzzi on longer trips. Better posture also helps. I was tired after the 200 miles, but felt safe the entire journey. Best I can tell I can make much longer runs. V7R turned over 11,200 miles. Running smooth and fast.
