Google+ Two-Wheeled Tourist: November 2010

11.26.2010

Here's Another Hockey Miracle to Believe In - Los Angeles Times

I was looking through some old files and found this old article from 1999 about the good old days when I was just a young roller hockey goalie playing in an outdoor rink in Carson, CA and the hockey coach and community that brought many people together to enjoy the wonderful sport of hockey. It's funny to think that this was eleven years ago. Have fun musing about my past.

Here's Another Hockey Miracle to Believe In - Los Angeles Times

11.25.2010

Ride Report: Slippery Noodle Inn, Spa-Style Facials, Indian Food, and November Riding in Champaign, IL

Unless there's a freak warm weather trend, this will most likely be the last multiple state trip until early Spring 2011. This doesn't mean the bike is getting stored away...trips will just have to be shorter and during daylight hours.

The trip back to Urbana-Champaign had me in temperatures of 39-48°F all day. It was sunny and dry all day and the sky didn't leave a clue of the nasty weather that was to come in the next few days. For an early dinner on Tuesday I stopped by the Slippery Noodle Inn, the oldest bar in Indiana. It was opened in 1850 and has functioned as an inn, a stop on the Underground Railroad, and even a brothel. It's now considered to be a popular destination for live blues performances and game watching parties for the Indianapolis Colts (it's across the street from the Lucas Oil Stadium).


11.23.2010

Blog entry test with the Android phone...live from Illinois

I'm currently in Champaign, IL and camping at a Panera Bread store in until my friend returns to her apartment later this evening. It is quite chilly outside (about 30 degrees and falling) so I'm on a coffee and gingerbread regimen. Additionally, I am writing my first blog entry off of an HTC Droid Incredible. I find it disturbing that I can even accomplish this, but I can see now that the laptop is getting closer to being unnecessary for motorcycle travel.

My biggest critique of this phone is definitely battery life. With it running on stand-by I'd be lucky if I can get 12 hours off a single charge. Fortunately the charger is small and easily fits in one of my motorcycle jacket pockets. I also have to get used to typing on a QWERTY keyboard with just my thumbs.

So far, so good. Maybe I'll write something else if I get super bored.
Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.5

11.11.2010

Ride Recap: St. Louis, Root Beer, Santa Claus, and IKEA...only in a Christine ride.

After getting my work schedule scrambled around unexpectedly, I found myself with quite a span of free time on my hands. So I get on Facebook and muse about riding somewhere this week, especially because the weather called for clear and in the 70s during the day, a very unusual weather pattern for a November in the Midwest.
My friend Cris suggests (jokingly, of course) that I go visit her in St. Louis, MO, a very doable 450 miles. Thinking it was a good idea combined with the fact that I was bored and wanted to pile some miles on Eleanor before it got way too cold this year, we shot a few messages back and forth and I was on my way west around 9AM on Tuesday morning. The straight shot down I-70 was pretty uneventful and the weather was just pleasant, trickling into the mid-70s by the early afternoon. This journey would mark my return to St. Louis in nearly three and a half years.

11.02.2010

Bike Preview: 2011 Triumph Sprint GT 1050

While I was en route to Michigan, I stopped over at Thiel's Wheels in Upper Sandusky to see the dealership for the first time. They had the brand new 2011 Triumph Sprint GT on display so I took a few shots of the newest release by the Brits. Of course, this 1050cc triple can be yours for the price tag of $13,199. For more information and specs, click here for Triumph's official page.

Here's the bike in Pacific Blue with optional touring windshield and heated grips.


The symmetrical sidecases can fit a full-face helmet each!



Here's a close-up of the touring windshield.


Here's the Sprint GT in Aluminum Silver with the stock windshield.