Saturday, June 2, 2012

Everyday for 7 Weeks–Day 34–Portland to Corvallis

Today was a day of blogger meetups. We thought we might get up early and ride some fun roads, but instead we slept in. Sleeping worked out better anyways as it was raining when we woke up. We lounged around enjoying breakfast and slowly packed up. Staying in one spot for more than a night always seems to make the luggage explode all over our space.

We hoped to have lunch in Corvallis. We were so slow that we ended up eating in Portland instead. It was tasty.

Everyday for 7 Weeks - Day 34 - Portland to Corvallis

Everyday for 7 Weeks - Day 34 - Portland to Corvallis

Instead of fun roads, we took I-5 from Portland to Corvallis. It wasn’t fun, but it was a faster route. It stopped raining before we got to Corvallis, and then it got hot. Over 80F hot. A new record I think for the trip.

Everyday for 7 Weeks - Day 34 - Portland to Corvallis

Our first stop was to meet Dan aka Irondad. He is a very busy guy, and we almost didn’t get to meet. He invited me to visit Team Oregon where he works now. It was pretty cool to see. Almost every state in the country uses the MSF material to train new riders. Oregon made their own, and as a rider coach myself, I found it interesting. We had fun chatting, but much too soon it was time to go. Dan had a lot of work to do.

Everyday for 7 Weeks - Day 34 - Portland to Corvallis

We stayed with the blogging couple Trobaritz and Troubadour. We were both quite excited to meet them as it isn’t very often we meet another motorcycling couple who has so much in common with us. Trobaritz made a delicious dinner.

Everyday for 7 Weeks - Day 34 - Portland to Corvallis

Everyday for 7 Weeks - Day 34 - Portland to Corvallis

Troubadour and I did make a quick sunset ride to check out some of their favorite roads nearby, and to make it just that little bit more special Trobaritz said I should ride her Gladius. Who am I to argue with an extremely generous offer like that? Ride a different bike? SURE! The Gladius is based off the naked SV650 I own. The engine is similar but slightly more power due to the fuel injection. The handling and ergos were also slightly different. I enjoyed riding it through the twisties even though I was a tad nervous riding someone else’s bike, on twisty roads, at night.

Everyday for 7 Weeks - Day 34 - Portland to Corvallis

For the return trip, Troubadour suggested we switch bikes. Ok! His Triumph Tiger was very different than the Gladius or my SV. It was actually like a lighter version of my GS. I enjoyed riding it as well. I also enjoyed the windscreen since it was one of the few I have been behind without a lot of noise. It also did a fine job keeping me warm as now it was dark and the temperature was dropping. I was dressed in my mesh gear for the 80F ride into Corvallis. We arrived back with the only casualties being several hundred bugs splattered on our coats and helmets. The evening mosquito genocide ride.

Everyday for 7 Weeks - Day 34 - Portland to Corvallis

Since three of us were moto bloggers, we couldn’t resist geeking out without computing devices. My wife thought it we were a bit odd, but we practice safe computing.

Everyday for 7 Weeks - Day 34 - Portland to Corvallis

A huge thank you to Troubadour and Trobaritz for their generosity and hospitality! We both really enjoyed our time with you, and I hope we meet again soon!

 

Day 34 Full Flickr Album

22 comments:

  1. Pretty rough looking group in the last picture. I'd have to agree with your wife on the "odd" part. It sounds like you are having a great time. I have really enjoyed meeting Troubadour and Trobaritz the last couple of time's I've been to Corvallis.

    I had forgotten that you are a MSF rider coach. So is the trip now a business trip to evaluate the training techniques used by Team Oregon?

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    Replies
    1. good time indeed!

      lol. nope not a business trip, not even if I squint.

      Delete
  2. I like the practice safe blogging picture. Pretty creative! I think it's kind of neat that you got to meet up with fellow bloggers.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. we had fun making the photo.

      I always enjoy meeting other like-minded folks.

      Delete
  3. Glad you could meet. B&B are super nice people.

    The last picture is hilarious! Thanks for the smiles.

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    1. we're glad we could meet as well. They were very nice! A shame we live so far apart.

      glad we could make you smile :) we had some good laughs making the photo.

      Delete
  4. Dear Chris:

    It appears you're having the ride of a lifetime. Great pictures (as expected) and cool commentary.

    Fondest regards,
    Jack/reep

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    Replies
    1. I am enjoying the ride, but I hope it's not a "of a lifetime" I hope to do more before I'm done.

      thanks for following along

      Delete
  5. I have no idea what that burger-like thing is... but... it looks good... reminds me of some of the food I had in portland... I didnt ask questions.. only ate :)

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  6. Oh my! Love that you met Troubadour and Trobaritz! What a truly fabulous trip you are having.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. thanks! they are good people. we enjoyed our time with them even though it was so short.

      Delete
  7. Chris:

    If you had to follow a rigid schedule, it would be like work when you are trying to slow down a bit, relax & smell the roses. You are so lucky to get one of Trobairitz's special meal creations. When we were there we went out . . .

    I loved your last photo too

    bob
    Riding the Wet Coast

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. schedules are no fun.

      Trobairitz is a good cook! she spoiled us.

      Delete
  8. Three bloggers blogging....Sounds like a new verse for the 12 days of Festivus for the Restofus....

    But really where are the Crocs....

    What a Croc....

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    Replies
    1. hmm... might have to come up with others.. two wheels a turning... one bike a leaning..

      Delete
  9. The ride down I-5 is nothing to write home about, but I am glad the weather cooperated and you arrived in time to meet Dan.

    We feel privileged to not only meet you but your lovely wife as well. We had a wonderful time talking and laughing and visiting until the wee hours of the morning. You are welcome anytime.

    And Bob - I made roasted vegetable lasagna because I had the day off. When you and Sonja were here I'd just ridden a 250cc motorcycle home over the pass from Bend in the heat of summer, lol. Next time I'll cook.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. yea, I5 is not a fun road in any state. IT is only tolerable in CA where lane splitting is legal.

      We are the privileged ones for getting to enjoy your tasty food and to stay at your home.

      Delete
  10. Talk about helmet heads...;-) Glad you're having so much fun!

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  11. Glad you got to meet Irondad and the 2 T's and savor Trobairitz food, maybe I should change my return route and incorporate Oregon :-)
    And you get to ride the Triumph, lucky you. Love the last picture.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. it was a fun day of meetups, but I wish we had more time to linger. next trip I guess.

      Delete