Un-like last week when it was foggy, wet and blowing this week turned nice about Wednesday, Oh Yes! a weather change. The forecast was for rain again on Friday and part of Saturday. The farther south one was the better the forecast. Humm… best way to beat the rain was to leave on Thursday wouldn’t you think? Didn’t need me at work anyway. Bill (Tank) rode up from Brookings, we met in Gold Beach for the return evening cruise along the ocean. Stopped for some dinner and then I would overnight in the “barn”. In the morning it would be a solo ride as Tank was needed at work.

I was up early as usual, wheels rolling before five thirty, not quite forty degrees. There was some local traffic until I had cleared Crescent City and then none along the headlands. Breakfast today would be at the Cookhouse in Samoa, always a favorite. At home it has already started raining, not here the stars were out. By the time I reach Eureka the sky is beginning to lighten, the sun is coming up and all I see is clear blue, YES!

At Scotia I stop and check out the logging equipment on display, then detour thru the Redwoods riding the old highway as it meanders in and about the trees. Near Leggett I turn west, reaching the ocean I stop for a photo. This is where the best of the weekend ride starts and why I came, WAY nice! There is sun, no clouds and a light breeze, this morning’s start was thirty eight degrees but has now warmed into the mid fifty’s. The ocean is an iridescent green color, the wave tops reflecting sunshine are shimmering white as they crash against the shoreline, stunning!

There is a layer of marine haze along the beach but the nip of the mornings cold is gone. Traffic is light, a beautiful winter day. Following the highway as it meanders south there are a few favorite photo opportunities, so much to see and so little traffic this time of year. I spend the rest of the day cruising along the shoreline then detour out to the lighthouse at Point Arena.

After visiting the light house I turn inland to Boonville, having never been there before didn’t know what to expect. There was the hustle and bustle of people, a busy little town, a happening place. Who knew?

From here I continue inland to Ukiah where I would overnight. I found a great fifty’s place for supper, a chocolate milkshake and a salad would do. I have camp gear but decide a motel would be better. California doesn’t have very nice parks as compared to Oregon and it seems every blank spot has a “no trespassing” sign.

In the morning I find a “mom and pop” restaurant, today’s special, steak and eggs, hash brown potatoes and toast, Five dollars and forty five cents, YES! My kind of place. I will be back.

After breakfast I ride south on Highway 101 for a distance then again turn west, this road comes out at Stewarts Point. The first part is fabulous, twisting curves as it follows the ridge line, up then down turn and twist. There are curbs on both side and appears like it gets plenty of use. The hills and corners are sanded from the previous weeks freezing weather. Does this go all the way to the beach? Well… not to be. At some point the fabulous road surface turns to go some where else and the part I need to ride to the beach becomes a bit more primitive. Not much traffic uses this road except Bubba. Standing next to this bridge I can here him coming, blasting his horn in warning all to get out of the way. He roars over this one lane bridge oblivious to anyone else in the world or on this road. I move on.

At Fort Ross I turn around, this seems far enough south as there is still a lot I want to see on the way back north.
Flowers in January are always nice, we don’t have any at home?…

After taking my time along the beach it is mid afternoon and time to leave. Today was very nice, a bit warmer than yesterday and in places reaches sixty four degrees, in others only the mid fifty’s are possible. It is a hundred and thirty miles to Eureka and by the time I get there the sun is fading. I decide to continue on and in a few miles darkness surrounds me, my lights blaze a path to follow. Crescent City is just about another hundred miles away and hopefully a place to stay.

In the morning before breakfast I go to the light house. The tide is out and I am able to cross and get a bit closer. Can you imagine being here during a winter storm with no way to get off the rock? The only accessibility is during low tide.

I have left my car at Port Orford and now it is time to load the bike and go home. This ride covered nine hundred and twenty miles on the bike and
three hundred in the car. At home it rained two of the days I was gone, I only saw sunshine. How nice is that for a mid winter ride?!

I met Kris and his buddy Peter just north of Corvallis on the way up from Eugene, and we jetted up to meet my dad and his buddies Mel and Stan. The original plan had been to meet at the charter member of the MOTOFRIENDLY program, The Governor’s Cup in Salem, Oregon, but I had got a late start which translated to poor timing for a journey the whole way north.

Instead I called my dad when I landed in Corvallis with Kris and Peter and we decided to meet in Rickreall. We had to take 99W north, which was absolutely dreadful. We were packed behind six cars going the *gasp* actual posted speed limit of 55MPH the whole way. But I digress. We reached Rickreall and after spotting the other three members of the crew (Rickreall isn’t that big, you can see anyone, anywhere) we joined up and made introductions.

During handshakes the usual going-over of bikes was made. We had five BMWs (Kris’ 1150GS, Pete’s 1200GS, my 1200GS from EMCWOR, Mel’s Roadster and my favorite, my dad’s 1996 R1100RS) and one Harley (Stan!). After a stop-off for a restroom break, we went through Dallas to the beginning of King’s Valley Highway.

Sunday was a gorgeous day – 58 degrees and sunny, not a cloud in the sky and the wet spots in the shade weren’t cold enough to be dangerous to those on two wheels. The group had a good feel to it, riding at a nice clip if not a little leisurely. Taking the R 1200 GS through the twisties always puts a smile on my face. Some confidence and a twist of the throttle make the lean angle of that particular motorcycle that much more fun. It’s so tall, you feel like you’re more leaned over than you probably are.

We stopped for a spell at Ritner Creek Covered Bridge where we made our plans for the return back to civilization. As the sun shone, my stomach started to growl and we rode back to Corvallis for a bite to eat. Kris and Peter had to jet, so my dad, Stan, Mel and I all went to the Broken Yolk on 3rd in Corvallis. I had me some chicken fried steak, which I highly recommend.

If you haven’t stepped out King’s Valley way, then where are you riding? Get out there!

In addition, the event is a great way to meet other riders to plan events and enjoy Full City coffee with freshly baked pastries provided by EMCWOR. I’m moving into a new home soon, I’m definitely going and seeing if any of the animals down at EMCWOR want to come out to the farm with me.

If you’d like more information checkout the event pages for each.

Taken on my ride out Siuslaw Rd. with the Ducati Multistrada 1200 S courtesy EMCWOR.

In 2004 I purchased a 2001 R1150GS-P with about 3200 miles on it. After it passed 15000 miles it started to develop some of the fuel delivery problems that we have all heard about with the fuel injected R bikes. Pinging under hard acceleration and surging when riding 25 to 30 mph at 3500 rpms. I was keeping up with the regular maintenance schedule of every 6000 miles and oil changes at 3000 miles. I tried to resolve the problem with fresh spark plugs and air filter, a new fuel filter, syncing the throttle bodies, and the fuel system additive that was available at the time. These steps would provide temporary relief, but the problem seemed to keep coming back.

When my wife’s 2004 R1150R passed 20000 miles the same poor performance started to show up on her bike and, I was ready to accept that they all do that. At one of BMW’s dealer meetings there was a presentation on the benefits of BMW’s latest fuel system treatment. Scott and Madelyn came back from the meeting and told us about what they had learned. I was recently able to have this procedure done to our R1150R, and the difference was clear after the first time I started the bike. The throttle response is better. There is no more surging when cruising at low rpm, and the pinging under hard acceleration is gone. It has been a week since the bike had this new fuel system treatment and I have tried to recreate the old problems, but the R1150R is running better than ever.

Click the link to see all the pictures.

The MOTOFRIENDLY sticker

As motorcyclists we’ve all been placed where we’ve got the stare-down from passerbys or business employees and owners because we happen to be on two wheels. The days of those nasty glares is over. With help from European Motorcycles of Western Oregon (printing the stickers!) we’re going to be creating a list of local northwest businesses that are motorcycle friendly. Restaurants, service shops and stores are all welcome to be on the list. You will be able to consult the list in our MOTOFRIENDLY page, as well as look for a sticker that will go somewhere in the frontage of each participating business.

Our charter members will be the sponsor, EMCWOR (of course) and The Governor’s Cup, a coffee shop in Salem, Oregon (www.thegovcup.com). The Governor’s Cup has recently come under new ownership and one of the owners is our own Mark Delgado, an avid motorcycle rider for over 30 years. It should be mentioned that the grand opening party for The Governor’s Cup is happening Saturday the 22nd at 7PM with the Ty Curtis Band. I’ll be in attendance! The cool part about The Governor’s Cup is it’s location. Court St. in Salem has several “Motorcycle only” parking spaces, so look out for those if you head up to Salem.

The crowd at The Governor's Cup in Salem

In other news, I’m excited to say that I’ll be meeting with Don Weber of Mr. Ed’s Moto and Stacey of Bolty.net on Saturday do to a company profile of Mr. Ed’s. Look to see that video sometime next week if all goes right.

Finally, I’d like to mention that EMCWOR is going to be filling the void left by the fallen Euromoto in Bend by offering a free monthly shuttle for BMW and Ducati owners looking to get their bike serviced by certified techs. The first shuttle will be meeting on Feb. 12th at 12PM in the Fred Meyer parking lot on HWY 97. To get the free shuttle, you have to call EMCWOR (541.338.0269) and schedule your service. Only the first 6 people who schedule a service will get the free shuttle, and it is a good opportunity to get your ride in shape before spring comes.

Whew! That’s a lot of info for one post! Have a great weekend.