PNW Riders

Skating and Skate World

BlackSabbatical — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 13:28:11 GMT

Im sorry i missed this one Saki, there was a time I could skate better than I could walk, I just bought a pair of skates exactly like the ones I used to have and I am going to go to Skate World in Hillsboro every Sunday night (its for adults, called jam night) so during the winter Ill host a weekly PNWRiders there. Tuesday is really for Ava

First long-distance ride

Indevolatile — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 11:26:19 GMT

I've only been riding since August, but I managed to put about 1200 miles on my little '80 CM400T between then and October. Last week I got a few days off and decided it might be fun to go visit my sister in Missoula before winter really set in.

Cue reality.

I woke up late on Friday and missed my intended 8 am departure time. Like, 6 hours late. What the hell...I rolled out (well-rested) around 2pm, because I'm hardcore like that. Or that's what I keep telling myself.

It was overcast, as normal, and the drizzle that started as I passed Bellevue became a downpour as I neared the top of Snoqualmie Pass. No problem. I had anticipated this. I've never gone over that pass when it hasn't been raining. Except this time I had to be out in it, with water somehow creeping into my boots through the soles (I swear my boots filled with water from the bottom up) and all three pairs of pants I was wearing quickly soaked through from the knees down. I experienced some pretty nasty power loss at this point as well. I'm not sure if it was the water, the slope, the altitude, or possibly a combination of all three, but I crept up the hill with full throttle at 50mph. I made my first stop for gas at the top of the pass (did I mention the bike has a 2 gallon gas tank and gets 40mpg? yeah) where I took the opportunity to warm up and wring out my socks.
The bike slowly resumed its normal behavior as I crested the hill and left the rain behind, and all was well until a slight miscalculation left me out of gas on the side of the road just outside of Moses Lake. It was getting dark, and I was pushing down the road toward a tiny red ball on the horizon that I hoped signified a gas station. Luckily, a guy in a black pickup stopped and donated the dregs of a mostly empty gas can he happened to have with him. It was only about a cup of mixed lawnmower gas, but it was enough to get me to the aforementioned gas station. I'm afraid I may have seemed a bit ungrateful as I raced off to find a gas pump before I ran out for a second time, but thank you, whoever you are.
The further east I got, and the later it got, the colder it got. Thank God I was stopping for gas every hour anyway, because it was getting downright unpleasant. I'd occasionally ride one-handed while I snuck the other hand down to caress the engine block until the feeling returned. I felt lucky that my clothes had mostly dried out by this time, or it could have been really, really cold, instead of just really cold.
By midnight, I mostly had the highway to myself, which sometimes seemed a little creepy in the wooded mountains of Idaho. Creepier than that was the the occasional "watch for deer/elk/moose 5 mi." sign, and still creepier were the eyes reflecting my headlight from the ditch. I started to wonder whether I'd impale myself on an elk, get dragged off into the wilderness by a sasquatch, or get probed by aliens. Rear view mirrors are creepy in the mountains at night with a clear sky. Stars seem to follow you. Of course, there was always the possibility of a run-of-the-mill breakdown, but I had a nice heavy blanket in my backpack for that possibility.

Anywho, I pulled into Missoula around 3 am Saturday morning. I spent three days there playing tourist and hanging out with my sister's college friends, and generally having a good time.

And then on Tuesday morning I had to ride back. It was quite a bit colder this time, with the mercury reading just 24 degrees at 9 am, but I didn't really have a choice since the forecast was calling for snow the next day. I had to git while the gitting was good.

On my way out of town, I stopped by Walmart and picked up a ski mask to keep my chin and neck warm, and a pack of those little 10 hour chemical hand warmers. I opened two of them and put one in each breast pocket inside my jacket. I told myself it wouldn't be any worse than when I used to run around on a snowmachine at sub-zero temperatures as a kid. Heck, it was even fun then.

Thankfully, I didn't run into any precipitation on the way back. It had even warmed up to around 35 degrees by the time I hit Spokane that afternoon. I spent a lot of the time tucked in behind tractor-trailers to block the wind in a futile attempt to stay warm. By the time I made it back to Seattle at 9 pm though, it had warmed up to a shocking 60 degrees.

I understand Snoqualmie pass got dumped on a couple days later.

Things I learned:

45 degrees is cold at 65 mph
Waterproof pants are a good idea
Everything is creepy when you're riding through the mountains alone at night
Discover likes to shut off your credit card at every third gas station.
Steering with your palms can warm your fingers up.

Also, I learned a lot about the sort of qualities I want in a bike. A little more power would be nice. The 400 did ok. It cruises along happily at 65-70mph/7500rpm, but it comes up a little short in the passing department and on the hills. While I really like the naked bike look, I'm starting to think a fairing and windshield would be really, really nice to have, especially in the rain. And while I appreciated the opportunity to stop for gas/warmth every 50-60 miles, I'd like to have at least a 200 mile range for those fair weather days. I think I may start saving up for something on the order of a used 650r for spring, and the next long distance trip.

Best Sportbike T-shirts

r6ken — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 07:19:00 GMT

whats the best sportbike or any t-shirt you've seen or have? post a pix if you can.
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Chatter Box GMRS x1 Bluetooth

Eloc — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 06:45:32 GMT

Used one season brand new never used speekers and push to talk button. These run $400 new will sell for $300. 503-791-4061

pv2 a AVA

pv2 — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 06:43:33 GMT

HERE and have been for a bit.
Caged Fury!

Nice evening as there is a lot to study!!!!:tard:whaaaaaaoaooooo!

Power Commander?

elpasocody — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 05:03:59 GMT

So finally i got my bike back from the shop(Broken 2nd gear :sing) and i was able to snap a feew photos of my exhaust...

AND ONE OF THE O RING I USED...

Question though..has anyone used a PC to lessen the amount of fuel? im getting a lot of backfire and fuel spitting out..any other ideas on this?:scratchea

CanAm Spyder Burnout

TRAIL BOSS — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 04:43:38 GMT

I love rentals.

Yes I know they're weak. STFU. :thefinge:

Stolen Bike - Everett

kimbermerc — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 04:38:05 GMT

Keep a look out if you all would. Just had my 2004 R1 Stolen from Everett/ Silver Lake area. Its all White, with black accent stripes on the Mids and Tail. Black "DC Stickers on each Mid, Black Double bubble, Black Pazzo's. If anyone sees it please report it to the police, or give me a call and I will. 425-239-6440. Thanks for your time, Shawn

FS: 2006 cbr 1000 rr - only $5200.00 now!!!!

rdailey — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 04:32:55 GMT

http://home.comcast.net/~toastyflakes/

PRICE REDUCED!!!!!

Runs perfect. It has a yoshimura RS-5 exhaust and a power commander III with a custom dyno tuned map. Brand new front and rear EBC HH brakes. Factory seat cowl. Integrated tail light/turn signals with flush mount front turn signals.
K.B.B. value is $7000.00 without the extra's.
Call or leave a message if you want to come look at it. 14000 pampered miles.
$5200.00 503-371-8688.

Happy Birthday Renton Rider (11/06/09)

GSXCherrios — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 04:15:42 GMT

:birthday: Happy birthday Kao! :birthday:

FS: Alpinestar GP Pro

SMOKE — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 04:15:24 GMT

Bought these nice gloves and never got around to using them much, since my others were already broken in. Used maybe twice GP Pro XXL gloves. Asking 165.00 or make me a reasonable offer. Are closer to xl's if you ask me.
Text 661 547 9108

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/n...s/9cc094f3.jpg

FS: 3 Seahawk tickets, 11/8/09

bukwld — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 04:08:07 GMT

I've obtained 3 tickets for the game tomorrow,

Section 123
Row G
Seats 7,8,9

7 Rows from the end zone.

Face value of $65 each, but am going to take best offer. PM or post here, and I'll contact ya quickly. My # is in profile if you want to contact me ahead of time and let me know of interest.

Looking for Or Best Offer, but don't be insulting please trying to lowball offer that horribly.

FS: 2006 crf50 $900 obo

cchap206 — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 03:51:20 GMT

Im selling my 2006 Honda crf 50 for $900 or best offer. It's in great condition and has been ridden less than 25 times.. Bike is all stock and has never been modded. Runs perfect and starts up the first kick every time. clean title in hand

I'm never really on the site, so if interested please email me at cchapman206@yahoo.com or text me at 2068612012 I'm located in west seattle. need to sell asap thank you.

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1...download-1.jpg

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1...3/download.jpg

CoFFee Sunday morning! Central!

james1300 — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 03:39:24 GMT

Starbucks! 9:00am
395 and Clearwater
Kennewick:mrgreen:

Dont forget the MotoGP party Sunday after noon at Jacksons Sports bar!

Come join us!
Its happening This SUNDAY! MotoGP this Sunday!
W-I-D-E screen, eats and drinks!!

Jacksons Sports Bar (2:30) Note: 250cc races start @2:00pm!
99 Lee Blvd Richland, WA 99352
(509) 946-8118

Its on the corner of Lee and George Washington Way !!

PDX Metro Area Mountain Bike Trails

Ray — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 03:07:33 GMT

Hey Ya'll....a little off topic but it's specific to the Portland area. Did a quick search and saw this question asked in the WA area but not here. I moved here about 7 years ago. It's taking me forever to find a really great set of single track that is close in to PDX. In fact I sold my mountain bike last year. I hear Hood River and Oak Ridge are epic but that's not close enough to hit on a whim. I've driven out to Tillamook and found some promising stuff there. The Forest Park firelanes, Haag Lake, Powell Butte, and the multi-use paved trails just aren't hitting that sweet dirt spot.

Today at the World Forestry Center I saw a satellite image of the valley and by far the densest region of forest immediate to Portland besides the Cascades and Tillamook is that area out and around Vernonia and Scappoose. Surely, there are tons of cross country style single track out there. Do any of you local folks know of a good place to blast some trails on a full suspension XC rig? Looking for something like a 3-15 mile technical and rolling loop that I could hit daily when the mood strikes (weather permitting of course). Oh, and not get shot at or run over by Logging Trucks, etc. Where do you all go?