Sunday Ride to Colonial Heights (August 27, 2017)

 Sunday morning ride...been awhile since weather and vacation kind of got me off it. Was a bit of a hairy ride, early on had a close call. Kept my attention level up for the rest of the ride, mainly was due (in this case) to my fault. Turned out ok, but would have really been bad if it did'nt. Need to keep your focus 100% at all times on a motorcycle. I know that rule and just let things wander for a bit. UGH!
Once I got calmed down (took awhile) rode out to Colonial Heights There I saw the Half Way Tavern which was founded in 1760. Had a long history. Half way is named because it is between Richmond and Petersburg at the mid point. There have been a number of famous people (Presidents and the like) who have eaten there.
The tavern was a Union Army headquarters during the Civil War (General Butler)  but survived that. Very interesting building.
Been a few years ago but I have eaten there. Food was really good too and I enjoyed being inside the old place. There are a few of them to check out in the area (well, the other is in Charlottesville) but fun to do that.  

Took this photo from an Arby's ..its an F-18 at the Defense Supply Center. Once a few years ago went by the road in front of it, but security told me "you can't take photos here"
I thought that silly and still do, but thank goodness for zoom.  Not quite a classified aircraft its a US Navy F-18 Hornet.  

Here on the otherhand at the same site is a F-84. This plane dates to the 1950's..subsonic but a cool plane in its own right.
Ride was uneventful from here to the end. Nice weather with temperatures under 80.
Of note the bike is currently at 3780 miles. Coming up on the first anniversary of owning this motorcycle and having a great time (even with the event today) with the bike. More coffee with future rides, but had a big trip the day before (car) and should have been more careful.
Anyhow, you live and learn. Hope you have some great rides and tell you what....ride safe!  

Monday Putt (August 14, 2017)

 Good ride today, was not a great looking morning with clouds building and a high chance of rain, but I pulled it off. I have ridden in the rain more times then I like on this bike, but avoid it when I can.
Still, nice morning ride with humidity taking a break this morning and cooler (at least early) then it was yesterday. First ride of the weekend and a good day for it.
Rode to Richmond via Riverside Drive. Was not going fast and far enough not to worry about but a deer crossed my path while driving. He stopped and we looked at each other. I wanted to get a photo but a car came by and he ran off. Shame, as it would have been a neat photo. I did get this one instead at left. Really enjoy that road but always a good idea to watch out around early morning and early night. Deer like to be out then. Have a few friends who have hit deer...not good for the deer, but also not good for the motorcyclist in most cases.
From there rode into Richmond, which was a pretty typical ride. I did not really have a destination so rode through The Fan area. Some rush hour (actually Rush Morning I guess) traffic but it was not too bad.    I really enjoyed being out and about.

Got one of those Facebook memory posts of me being about this time last year at Wilton on the Vulcan 1500. Liked that photo and thought I would take one of the Triumph in front of the same location. Nice place and enjoy the old house (built in 1753 I think) and sure enjoy the motorcycle. It is a nice area to ride around, with big classic houses and also some really amazing older houses.

I rode back to avoid traffic and rode around Carytown for a bit...even stopped for a few photos. Then stopped by this small park near the James River. It was reworked last year. Rode some around Canal Walk then headed back to the house down some familiar roads.
It was a nice Monday ride which only covered some 21 miles and a few stops during its 90 minute ride. Enjoyed that and it was great to be riding late into my weekend (which goes on for four days).  

Sunday Ride around town (August 6, 2017)

A few days after the bike bike wash, took the shiny machine out for a cruise. No real destination in mind but took a ride out to Shockoe Hill Cemetery. This is the grave of John Marshall, 3rd US Chief Justice of the US. Was a important one as he had a big impact on the US. He was also one of the earliest and I believe the longest serving Chief Justice. Lots of amazing historic figures buried in this old graveyard.  

From there rode around a bit, ended up at Richmond International Raceway. Always a nice fun ride out there. It was a beautiful day for it...a little humid but not bad, bright sun and not too hot either. We are supposed to be (with some upcoming exceptions I think) past the peak heat. Its supposed to get a big cooler on average every day, and I am sure looking forward to that. Its been a very hot summer.    

Stopped by the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and also the Confederate Chapel on the grounds. Went into that as it was open today, and took a photo of the bike and this house while I was there. It was a fun visit and had a great time there.
Ride was very good....rode for 90 minutes and just covered some 25 miles due to stops. Just a few weeks away from the 1 near anniversary of getting this bike, and having a blast with it so far.

Bath Day for the Triumph (August 4, 2017)

On Friday for the first time in a while, did a through cleaning of the bike. Have cleaned it some during the almost year now, but did a very extensive cleanup with water and soap. After that took it for a 10 mile ride to blow out the water. Came back and waxed it and polished the chrome. I also checked the chain (do that every ride) and did the monthly chain oiling (didnt clean it this time as I did with the hose). Ready now for the next series of adventures with this wonderful motorcycle!