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Columbus, Ohio
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Only 6
Gas Stops Away...
by CJ
September 7, 2000
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I am sure i just heard a collective gasp of disbelief from 95% of the Zen Riders. Let me introduce myself…my name is CJ (new zen member and 2nd year rider). The trip made on the labour day weekend to Columbus, Ohio was made on my '82 Honda 450. So now about half of you are nodding your heads understanding the need for frequent stops for fuel. The other half of you are shaking your heads at taking a 450 to Ohio. Buddy reminds me that, as an old-timer (in years riding, not age...), he and his cronies used to run all over on their 125-250's and a 600 was a huge bike. Oh well, I digress. The tale continues…. 
The decision was made to visit friends in Columbus, Ohio (a yearly pilgrimage) on labour day. The original plan was a group of 4 were scheduled to go on three bikes -- a Kawasaki Voyager X11, a 99 Harley Ultra Glide, and mine. Well I took a lot of good-natured kidding about tow ropes and pit stops. The Harley backed out so only 2 bikes left Friday morning, at 10:30 am, once most of the rush hour had passed. Gas stop #1 in Ajax. Out onto the highway and headed West… We had not even cleared Toronto when my speedometer decided to have a rest. The balance of the trip was made with my speedometer showing 40 km/h. Ha! The trip down was made in glorious sunshine and 90-degree weather. What a great trip down. Pulled in to destination point at 8pm that night. Total travel time 9 -10 hours. My initiation by fire was to continue… for the trip home loomed ahead……. Awoke to thunderstorms and heavy rain at 6am and did what any sensible rider does….yup went back to bed! By 8:30am the rain had died down to a heavy drizzle, so we packed up the bikes and headed out about 9:30am. Rain….wind….rain…..more wind….extreme wind….sunshine… that was the order of the six gas stops on the way home. All in all, the trip was great and I would not have traded one minute of it. End of story… but wait, there is a moral to be had -- To
all you new female riders….even if you don't think you or Best tip of the day: have lead bike pay for bridges and tolls and let the newer riders concentrate on keeping feet and bikes out of all the antifreeze and oil that pools in such areas….worked great for me! Thanks for the tip, Sharon. I'll be seeing you at the meetings and rides soon…(trying to get speedometer fixed quickly)…… I'll be the one on the Honda 450 that changes colour…. with a big smile! Ride well ….ride safe…. |