Different strokes for different folks
After 7-days of hard riding through blistering hot deserts, long winding stretches of mountain passes, beautiful green valleys an amazing 180-degree sunrises the differences between Team-60 and Team-70 have boil to the surface.
The smarty-pants Team-60s, Jimmy V & Rick, are on new Harley‘s equipped with the big horse power, latest cruise control, fuel gauge, fuel injection, road melting LED head lights, and a boom-box thumping sound system! They are of the “ride faster and take more breaks” riding school. JimmyV hates interstate freeways! He’d rather ride the back roads through the farms and the villages at 10 over the speed limit. Jimmy dislikes leaving in the early morning dark. These guys are single and enjoy roaring through towns catching an eye!
Team-70s, Dean & Gary, are of the “ride slower, get better gas mileage, go a little farther“ riding style. Dean also believes that it’s easier to ride big miles by starting earlier in the morning (4 AM) rather than riding later at night. And watching the sunrise is a magical experience on a motorcycle!
Gary’s old 1994 Fat Boy Harley is so old it doesn’t have a fuel gauge! When he runs out of gas the engine starts sputtering & coughing he has to reach down and turn his petcock to “reserve” and then he can go another 15-30 miles before he runs out of gas. The Fat Boy gets its best fuel mileage at 65 to 70 mph then he can go between 150 to 175 miles before fueling. Riding 75 to 80 he can go about 110 to 120 miles before needing fuel.
When we got to Texas the speed limit is 80 mph. I can push my little Honda CB500 to run at least the speed limit … 80! For 100 miles I lead the group at 80-85 mph but my gas mileage dropped from 45 miles per gallon 35 miles per gallon. Riding at Team-60’s “10 over” speed I’d have to gas every 120 miles! My most comfortable speed is 70.
So today we split up! We made a common motel reservations. Team-70s left at 4am and Team-2 left an hour later. Out tracks are similar but different. The two teams arrived within 5 minutes of each other. Everybody’s happy.
We had dinner in a barbecue joint!
I’m only 65 but would be put in the Team 70s crew for sure! Sounds like a great adventure so far, ride safe and post some pics!
Thanks for the update, Dean! I sure enjoyed your analysis of the two teams. So now we know why Gary ran out of gas earlier on and who/what’s prompting the early morning departures because that sure didn’t sound like the brother I know, lol! I was sure you’d push through to Key West today, but now you can enjoy your arrival. I’ve been watching the storm, too. Please be safe!
P.S., I’m with JimmyV – I hate the freeways!
Different strokes for different folks, right? It’s all good. 👍🏻✌🏻🙌🏻
What a feast that looks phenomenal. You guys are making it a great trip. Awesome have a great 4th of July weekend.
Enjoyed this great piece of writing and reporting! The differences in bikes, personalities, preferences, really explains a lot and gives a good picture of how things are, out there on the road. “Zen and the art of the motorcycle adventure”. Love it! ❤️
😂😍🏍