Page 6 - Andy's Vision Experience

March 10, 2008
A Group Ride Around The Lake

I learned a new term last week and today I got to see what happens when you take it literally.

I received an email from the Victory of South Florida Riders that had the details for a Sunday ride around Lake Okeechobee. In the email, it had the term 9:30am KSU.

KSU? Kentucky State University? Kent State University? Was this written from someone from Kentucky or Ohio? Well, the idiot I am, I replied to the email and asked, "What's KSU?" I'm sure they were laughing when they read my question but promptly and politely responded it was an acronym for Kick Stands Up. Okay, I get it. I often use the phrase Wheels Up when making plans with my non-riding friends, but I see how that term might not mix with the Rubber Side Down, Shiny Side Up crowd. I'm surprised that after all the group rides I've experienced, I never heard this term. Maybe I did but just forgot. Stupid me.

The plan was to meet and depart from the Ft. Lauderdale area at 9:30am, but since I'm around 50 miles North of the starting point, they emailed with a gas stop location where I could join the group. For me, it was a 9:00am KSU from my house and a 10:30am KSU at the meeting point. (I figure that if I use this term enough, it will serve as the proper punishment for my ignorance of this common bike term. It's kind of like having the teacher tell the misbehaving student to write "I will stay quiet in the classroom" 500 times).

The weather forecasters had been rambling on and on about how cold it was going to be. The low temps would dip into the 40s! The way they made it sound, I felt like I needed to search for a snow shovel in my South Florida garage.

By the time 9:00am rolled around (really 8:00am as it was the start of Daylight Savings Time), the temperature was in the low 50s...not too bad, a little wind and clear skies. I dressed appropriately and stashed my mesh protective jacket in the right bag and pulled out the heavier, insulated leather Superbowl jacket. Yes, an official Superbowl jacket from the 1994 match-up from the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. While I had traveled to three Superbowls during my tenure with NBC, I never went to the big game itself. Yes, tickets were offered, but since I was working and getting up at 3:00am during my travels, I would typically get there a few days in advance, put together my Today Show segments, go to a few of the parties, do my broadcasts and then head straight to the airport so that I could watch the game from the comfort of my own home.

I remember one year, when I was headed out of Phoenix just a day before the Superbowl in Tempe, the airport was packed. But, the travelers were going the opposite direction than I was and I got to enjoy a near empty flight on the way home. I also picked up a jacket there, but later gave it away. I really like the Atlanta Jacket as it's great for cooler weather riding. But these days, I'm appreciating the newer body-armor style of bike wear. Since the jacket did not have the built in protection panels, I wore, over my shirt the Bohn "Mantyhose"...mesh shirt with the foam inserts. Since the weather would be warming to 70 by the afternoon, I could change jackets and be comfortable all day.

The previous day, I had tried the seat heat and grip warmers for a short period. Now, I'd really be able to check them out. I set the seat heat to the low setting and the grips to high and off I went.

I had an hour drive down the back roads to the meeting point which was in the town of South Bay...a small city that was at the Southern tip (Duh) of Lake O. If it wasn't for the GPS, with my sense of direction, I would have never found it.

I arrived about 15 minutes early, fueled-up and pulled my Vision out of the way. A few minutes later, here comes a dozen bikes. Was this the group I was meeting? I had never ridden or met them before so I had just assumed that since all the incoming bikes were Harleys, this was not the group I was waiting for.

As they scrambled for positions at the gas pumps, I heard a Thud and the sound of an engine revving out of control. I looked up an one of the Softails was laying on its side with the rider on the ground. Holy Crap...is he okay? A bunch of his buddies immediately ran over to assist and other than a bit embarrassed, he was okay. His bike though, suffered a few scratches and the mirror looked cockeyed. They helped him and the bike up and that's when I realized he forgot to put the KSD - KICK STAND DOWN before dismounting the bike. So you see, I'm not the only crazy one out there! If I would have had my camera in hand, I would have taken a few photos. But, it was in the bag. I did however, grab some shots after the commotion.

Then, another group of six or so bikes pulled in...still no Victorys. At 10:30am on the dot, here comes another group led by one of the most gorgeous bikes I have ever seen. It was a white 2007 Vegas Jackpot and if I wasn't a fan of this bike before, I am now. The bike belonged to Patty the Treasurer of the group. Her husband Lou followed in a customized 2002 Mean Streak Custom Kawasaki Vulcan that could have been a cousin to Patty's Victory. In 1998 at the Kawasaki press event I wrote about earlier in the blog, I mentioned riding a Cobra customized Vulcan. It was a one of a kind machine built for show. Lou's bike looked almost identical in the setup. It's a cool bike.

Along with them were Steve and Aimee on a 2007 Kawasaki Nomad, Liz and Rich on a 2002 Victory Kingpin and Al on a 2003 Black Goldwing loaded with extras.

They pulled-in to the gas station, some refueled and the others came over to introduce themselves. I was impressed as none of them were the stereotypical biker. They were nice, polite and friendly. They rode civilized and loved to ride. So ride we did.

Patty was the navigator and took the lead position. I was keeping up the rear. The route she had mapped would take us in a 130 mile circle around the lake, making for a 200+ mile day. We decided to stop about halfway and grab some lunch. All the years I lived in Boca Raton without owning a bike never allowed me to see how many great back road routes we have in such a close proximity. Before I sold my last two bikes when I moved from Miami Beach to Boca, I was typically riding around the beach areas and occasionally down to Coconut Grove. Had I realized how many great back roads were within an hour (or so) ride, I might not have sold them so quickly.

We made one stop before arriving at the restaurant as one of the riders needed some fuel. When they realized I had GPS and had preprogrammed the route, I was given the lead. Some of the roads were smooth and even had a few twisties. There was one ten mile stretch which had uneven pavement and jostled a rider or two. I had the cruise control set at a couple of miles per hour above the speed limit and noticed when the road got a bit rough, some distance separated me from the others. So I would occasionally tap the brake to turn off the cruise control and slow a bit. I don't want to sound like I'm boasting, but although the roads got a bit rough the Vision handled them well...very well. When I had my Harleys, I remember having to slow down when on not so perfect roads or when crossing railroad tracks. These days, I don't feel the need as the bike handles those situations so well.

When we stopped for lunch, I asked if anyone thought it was bit rough and Liz commented that the first bump caught her by surprise as she wasn't holding on. I'm glad to report that nobody got bumped off their bikes!

   

Although the parking lot was empty, the restaurant was packed. It was a seafood restaurant and we had gotten there around 1pm. We contemplated going a few more miles as the GPS said there were a few fast food places within five miles, but decided to stay. This was my first time getting to talk to the group and I have to say, I couldn't have asked for nicer folks to spend a Sunday with. Patty and Lou owned a Diner in Lighthouse point. Check it out at www.redfoxdiner.com . I had asked her if it was named after the comedian, and she rolled her eyes as evidently I'm not the first to ask this question. Redd had two D's, the diner only has one. Nonetheless, we support our own, so stop by one day and leave a big tip! Tell them Andy sent you.

Steve and Aimee are in the office products business and love riding and fishing. They often travel to North Carolina and have the best of both worlds. Check out their business at www.statbusiness.com. I didn't ask him what "stat" meant in his web address, but am assuming it's relating to the medial term for FAST. (I learned that from years of watching M.A.S.H. - I liked the TV show better than the movie).

Liz is a teacher and a reading specialist and Rich is in the landscaping business. His web address is: www.4ever-greenlawncare.com. If you live in the area and need some quality lawn work done, give him a call. Al has an interesting job as well. He is the curator of a classic car museum and takes care of 55 cars. You think changing oil every 2,500 miles on a Vision is tough work, imagine what he has to go through keeping this collection in mint, cherry condition. The lunch was okay and the company was better. The restaurant was located at the northern point of the ride and as we were getting ready to pull out, I said my goodbyes as I would be pulling away from the group on the East side of the lake to head home. So, I took the lead and we had a great ride to the point where the hands went in the air and I peeled off to my exit.

I heard from Patty via email when she returned that all arrived safely at their respective destinations. Six bikes, eight riders and a great time. As I said before, there's something about folks when they're riding and stopping for a break. We don't care about who does what for a living, only that we all have one thing in common: A love for great bikes and good roads.

I'm looking forward to riding with them again in the very near future and when I receive the email, I'll know what KSU means. I hope to remember what KSD means too, so I won't have to test the Vision's Tip Over Protection.

March 13, 2008
Board Flame Wars

I enjoy reading and responding to various online rider-oriented message boards. While I need to give a shout-out to the friends I've made at www.vision-riders.com and www.thevmc.com, I occasionally visit other boards to learn the current "buzz."

There's one forum, whose name I won't mention, that while they state they are all about American-made V-Twin bikes, are really just about Harley-Davidsons. That's fine with me, but since they have a Victory forum, I've been visiting it to try to pick up a tip or two. However, it seems that the Victory forum on that site is somewhat bombarded by H-D loyalists who will contest any positive comment anyone makes about a Victory with the simple statement, "But, it's not a Harley."

You already know that I like Harleys, but I also like other bikes as well. So,keep an open mind and read this transcript from a recent discussion. Although the names have been changed, I did not correct or change any grammar or spelling errors. This should give you the proper amount of "flavor." The thread became long, so I'll join it in progress and you can see there's a user who is using the forum to comment about opinions I've published on my GadgetGuru.com website. That's fine with me as everyone is entitled to an opinion. However this user must have bone to pick with me as he seems to negatively address any opinion I post...even my non-motorcycle post about my comments and predictions on BluRay. Now, you're up to speed, here goes:

HD-1: ust curious as to what high tech features exclusive to the Vision that attracted you?

The only one I noticed that I liked that is not available on a Harley was the electric windshield.

Conversely an 08 Ultra has a more high tech audio system with it's integrated CB and 4 speakers, Electronic Throttle Control, Isolated Drive System (Cush Drive), Brembo brakes, and available second gen. ABS.

Both have available GPS, Communications, MP3, Satellite Radio, cruise control, etc.. Both have closed loop fuel injected large V-Twins (96 and 106) and 6 speed trannys. Both have available Heated Grips and seat, while the Ultra has many available seat options including a factory air bladder with electric compressor seat (not to mention the 100s of after market available seats).

So I don't see why, as you put it, a "Tech Guy" would be drawn to the Vision over the Ultra, especially since I consider my self and many others on this forum "Tech Guys" as well. It's fine that you like the Vision, but your statement suggests that the Vision is for some reason more High Tech than the Ultra and that dog just don't hunt.

Independent Rider: Maybe he meant "Tech Guy" as in geek?

To each his own, Be happy if you like what you ride.

ME: Motorcycle Consumer News, the Consumer Reports equivalent for motorcycles, just released its review of the Vision. It's copyrighted information and out of respect, will not copy and paste the information in this forum (maybe others will, but not me).

The reason I've always respected their opinions is that they have a trained staff who know more about bikes than most publications (my opinion) and deliver a fully detailed review that's backed up with tried and true test methods that leave little margin for error. And, they accept no advertising whatsoever. Its income, like C.R. is derived from subscriptions. If you've never ridden one, you might find it an interesting and eye-opening read and they go through the most thorough review on the Vision I've ever read.

I've always been a bit weary of advertising-supported magazine reviews. If you think about it, there are more bike mags out there than there are advertisers. They walk a fine line in reviewing specific bikes as they want to inform the reader while not upsetting the advertiser. After all, when was the last time you read a negative review of a specific bike? Maybe a magazine will touch on some features that could have been done better, but rarely if ever dissuade a potential buyer from buying a specific bike.

From the beginning, they state the Vision was built from the ground up using new manufacturing techniques and new, state of the art materials. The bottom line of the review is the rider experience. Comfort and handling are addressed in the story. While I like H-Ds and have owned three of them, if you think about it, other than the V-Rod, when was the last time they updated the basic frame of a bike? I can only predict that H-D will be stepping up to the plate and will soon introduce some new innovations...not just a feature or two, but true innovations.

The Vision, as stated in this review, is a different bike from other available models and delivers a new feel to the rider. They describe it as being a full touring cruiser with the agility of a sport tourer. It's not an H-D...it's different.

HD-1: It amazes me how you never address the questions or criticisms directly, you always deflect by trying to bring up an different point.

To be honest I have trouble with your reviews in general, if you were a regular guy I would consider it your opinion and that you are entitled to it. However, you identify yourself as a former professional paid for your reviews, you use that information in an attempt to convince your audience that you are qualified. I find your reviews misleading and harmful to the consumer regardless whether your reviewing Bikes or Blu Ray.

IMO your reviews are not non-bios reviews of the facts, they are loaded with passive aggressive opinion spattered with suggestive statements rather than substantive fact. As shown in this example... "I'm a tech guy I was drawn to the Vision". With that seemingly innocuous statement you attempt to qualify the Vision as something it is not. For a truer review the writer would have used non insinuating verbiage such as "I was drawn to the Vision at first glance". Including the I'm a tech guy is nothing more than innuendo. If you were to ask me, after reading a couple of your reviews I tend to dispute that you are a Tech Guy. %potstir@

Please keep this in mind... I really do like the Vision, I have no ax to grind with the Vision. I find it to be a viable option as a Touring bike. It's the unsubstantiated innuendo being flung by a proclaimed professional reviewer that bunches up my skivvies.

ME: You truly confuse me. If you want to debate my opionion of BluRay, go ahead. Wait a few years and see if my predictions become true. I understand emerging technologies and see the handwriting on the wall. I had the guts to post an opinion and if you have an opinion of BluRay, I'm happy to read it.

Since you're stirring the pot on my background, I have to ask: What is your issue with my background as a journalist? Yes, I was paid to provide reviews...paid by the newspapers and television stations/networks. Is there something wrong with this?

Over the years, I was respected for having a trained eye for quality as well as deficiencies in new products.

Now, it's your turn. What criticism am I failing to address? Please be specific. I don't check this forum often, but I will respond to an intelligent question.

HD-1: Dude... read my posts, you questions are all answered in my posts. I'm not going to repost my criticisms, my problem with you as a reviewer, my questions, and my opinion on Blu Ray when I have already posted all this information.

Know I know why you don't answer or address my questions and criticisms directly... you don't bother to read them.

ME: I've addressed your issues. If you have any others, feel free to post them and I will do my best to answer them. But, you need to stop talking in circles as you are making us dizzy and wasting valuable time that could be spent riding...or writing. Good luck to you and I hope you're feeling better.

Independent Rider-2: Can't we all just get along?

ME: Here's a link for you. I guess when the CEO of Disney (ABC) says that the computer is replacing the TV as the primary source of entertainment, he doesn't know what he's talking about either. Boy, at least I'm in good company with my editorials. But if you don't believe us, go get a BluRay and prove us wrong.
http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/...ment_79710.asp

HD-2: I have a 2005 Ultra and a VROD, but for you die hard H-D guys to knock what this man has to say (which by the way is his opinion) is sophmoric. Get your narrow heads out of your A** and just take it or leave it. I love my two bikes but, there are air heads out there that dislike my VROD because it is water cooled! God forbid. I love my Harleys and they are both different.

Independent Rider-3: From and engineering aspect the Vision is quite advanced. Lots of great innovations.

I saw one going up Yarnell Hill here in AZ over the weekend with out the trunk. Looks much better from the rear, not a cockroachish. But when I passed it, the front view is just so large. It looks dis-proportionate.

As with anyone, I purchase and ride what I like and what fits in my budget.

I beileve that the biggest issue with Victory is the dealer network. There are so few dealers that you have to travel to get service or repair work done. Not to mention the initial purchase.

Victory does not list it's engine torque specs. Nor does anyone really have any answers as to stock HP.

They do have a 4 valve per head design which is good, but the fuel mileage, (based on people I ride with) is not that good. Most of the models have smaller fuel tanks then the competition.

I will not bash anothers prefrence. I think Victory makes a nice bike. Just non appeal enough to me to purchase one.

ME: I agree with the lack of conveniently located Victory dealerships. But when you realize the Victory line is only ten years old, if the lineup continues to do well and develops a following, its a safe bet that more dealers will appear in the future. For the most part, the design of the existing dealerships are bland when compared to an average H-D dealer, but maybe when the economy stabilizes and bike sales come out of their slump, profits will appear and maybe then enhancements will occur. Also, you're correct about so few dealerships in its network. This is always a concern for touring riders as if there's a problem, you'll need a dealership within a reasonable distance. Again, H-D has a huge head start in this area. If a Vision owner purchased the Garmin GPS from the dealership, it was pre-loaded with all the dealership locations. This file is also compatible with the upgraded Garmin GPS that is replacing the older unit.

In terms of torque specs, I'm not the right person to address this issue, but the new issue of Motorcycle Consumer News has a full review of the Vision and they put it through a full test and was impressed with the performance and the ride. They described it as a cross between a tourer and a sport tourer due to its handling characteristics and had numerous bikes as a comparison benchmark. A H-D model was noticeably absent in the comparison. I'm not sure if the other bike manufacturers provided bikes for this comparison review or if the bikes were personally owned. However I can state (from personal experience) that the H-D PR team can be difficult in providing bikes for testing or media purposes and in the past, want to know exactly how it will be used, compared and attempt to control the flow of information. Hey, that's their job and I will not criticize them for their methods as they have spent many years and big bucks making the H-D brand a worldwide icon. I can understand why they would attempt to control this information. But it's difficult for them to have any level of control in a non-advertising supported publication. In an advertising-supported magazine, believe it or not, the ad sales department can have influence over the editorial department. I do have first hand knowledge and experience in this matter. So if you choose to flame me for this comment, please do so based on first-hand experience, not hearsay.

I can state from my personal experience, that the ride at highway speed is a cross between a Goldwing and a Harley Tour model with some of the agility characteristics of a sports tourer. The seating position is different from any other bike I've ridden (and that too is noted in the MCN review) and because of the floorboard design, there are numerous feet positions available without the need to add accessories or highway pegs/boards. It was nice to see a bike that needed little if any modifications out of the box. The only two upgrades I made was the addition of the optional (but pre-wired) GPS, the Level 1/Stage 1 exhaust and some new tail gunner tips. That's it. The only other mods I'm considering is the addition of some LED lighting...but the bike already has strong lighting both front and rear, but I like to know I'm can be seen from the rear.

You're correct about the huge fairing. But it's very aerodynamic and it's size cuts through the wind without any ill side effects. The larger size also provides some great dash features without any buttons being cluttered.

I took the trunk off my bike and it handles a bit more nimble. But, it handled well with the trunk. In either configuration there is little if any buffeting at highway speeds. That was impressive for the type of ride I was seeking. I'm not a kid anymore and I like the comfort and the sound delivered from the Vision. The Goldwing was too sterile for me and bumbled in low speed maneuvers. The Vision was a good choice for my type of riding.

No matter which bike we choose to own and ride, with the current economic conditions, we can only hope that the dealerships saved for this "rainy day" as big bikes aren't flying off the showroom floors today. Yes, many H-D dealers had a great run of selling bikes for many years, but now, the inventories are backed-up with few new buyers entering the showrooms. If they didn't save for this soft market, we could see some dealers (all brands) closing its doors.

Independent Rider-4: I'm sure your Vision is a great bike. There are MANY awesome touring & sport touring bikes on the market. I'm equally certain that the ride and handling characteristics of some competing bikes are measurably better than a Harley.

But.. not a one of them are a Harley-Davidson.

I might add --

You only go around once. In my lifetime, I ride a Harley.

Not that any of us really care what someone else thinks, but, what will they say of you? He rode a... "motorcycle" (I would guess). Maybe they would say, "fancy motorcycle".

Independent Rider-1:
Quoted from a previous post:

But.. not a one of them are a Harley-Davidson.

I am glad that was pointed out. I think I would of missed that!

Not that any of us really care what someone else thinks, but, what will they say of you? He rode a... "motorcycle" (I would guess). Maybe they would say, "fancy motorcycle".

Does anyone else find this statement ironic?

To each his own, Be happy if you like what you ride.

ME: Okay, I guess it's my turn to stir the pot a bit. After all, isn't this the VICTORY forum?

When shopping for groceries, electronics, office supplies, clothing or any consumer product, I'm wondering if you purchase only the name brands. When you see something that could possibly be a better item for your needs, do you skip over it to buy the name brand product instead? Does it ever cross your mind to maybe try it once to see if it could possibly be better than the brand you're currently using? How about laundry detergent? Are you stuck buying Tide all your life or will you ever try another brand that could possibly have tiny scrubbing bubbles that clean your clothes even better than the tiny granules found in a box of Tide? I guess you'll never know unless you try the other brand to see if it works for your needs. But if anyone walks into your laundry room, you can take great pride that they will see a box of Tide on the shelf!

Another good example of name brand products is Sony. Remember when just the name Sony meant quality? You paid a higher price but were assured of getting what you paid for. Remember the Trinitron? It was a great TV set in its day and we paid a premium to have one in our living rooms. Who would have ever guessed that down the road companies such as Panasonic, Pioneer and Samsung would come along and make a product that is as good for a fair price? Not Sony! Sony used to own the market for high-end TVs, but they got behind in innovations and while they still make a good product, they have lost a tremendous amount of market share. That's what happens when you take your eyes off the prize and live on reputation alone.

Sony has fallen behind in many product categories they used to "own." It was just a few years ago that Sony literally owned the portable audio market (Walkman) and they became a bit cocky about it. They were so obstinate that they figured its brand was so powerful they could slap a Sony label on anything and it would sell...many times at a higher price than another product that may be considered "better."

When the consumer started embracing digital music players, Sony Electronics, due to their ties to its sister company, Sony Music, ignored the digital music revolution and continued manufacturing portable cassette and CD players. To paraphrase a statement spoken to me by a music executive just a few years ago, "We're not in the business of selling songs, we sell albums. We will not get into that business." Well, I guess he was wrong as selling songs is what the consumer wanted and they got it.

Little did the great minds at Sony know that the struggling Apple Computer company would swoop down upon them, right in front of their eyes and introduce a new product, the iPod as a model for the portable music player of the future. Sony didn't flinch and shrugged it off. To make the iPod even more user friendly, they also introduced iTunes and gave users (initially only Mac users) a method of legally downloading music to transfer to their iPods. (As you may be aware, I'm not a huge fan of Apple's customer service these days and am only using them as an example and I'm not a hypocrite).

Sony fought the digital revolution and continued to attempt to market its old-school portable players.

As Paul Harvey would say, "I think you know the rest of the story."

So, while you prefer the Name Brand product, I opted to purchase one that is new from the ground up. Not improved, but brand spanking new. Not evolutionary, but revolutionary. Unlike you, I've owned multiple brands of motorcycles and know what I like and how I like to ride.

Personally, I don't give too much thought about what other people think of my bike as I'm the one sitting in the seat and I know, name brands aside, quality and innovation when I see it.

End of thread as of 3/13/08, 6:15pm.

March 16, 2008
Big Bikes, Small World

You know you've had a great day of riding when you see the sign for your exit and you're a bit sad that such a nice day is coming to an end.

In a nutshell, that was my day today.

Through this blog, I've had the opportunity to communicate with numerous riders from around the country. I've even had the chance to ride with a few of my new friends. A few weeks ago, I received an email from Scott from the famed www.conquestcustoms.com website. Scott introduced himself and told me he lived about 30 miles South of me and had a nice bunch of guys he rides with on a regular basis.

I considered this invitation quite an honor as Scott has the reputation of taking stock bikes and converting them into works of art. Not just a cosmetic re-do, but a complete stem-to-stern bike performance makeover. Needless to say, Scott knows his bikes. I was looking forward to meeting him and his riding buddies and seeing some of Scott's masterpieces first hand. When Scott first contacted me, it was just before Daytona and he informed me it would be a few weeks until the group rides again.

I received his email that they will be meeting on Sunday at the Starbucks on Glades and the Turnpike on Sunday morning. Since I was located a half hour away, weather permitting, I'd be there. I asked Scott what type of riding they do, as different groups ride differently. I wanted to make sure I wasn't getting with a crotch-rocket group that would be bobbing and weaving through traffic. He told me they are street riders and usually put together different routes that end up at a one of the best biker beach bar/restaurants I've ever seen.

Other than a few short jaunts, I didn't have much time to ride this week as I had two projects to complete: Tax Preparation and some final meetings with the Decorator Babe before she heads out on a three week international adventure. Needless to say, I was looking forward to a fun ride and I was not disappointed.

The South Florida area is an interesting location for a variety of riding. Okay, there's no mountain passages, but there are some good low traffic routes that provide the definition of scenic. We met up at Starbucks at 10:00am and headed out around 10:30am for a relaxing ride up 441 North to Okeechobee that's near the northern portion of the county. We then headed East to the beach.

Ritzy is an understatement of the Palm Beach area. Not only is there the famed Worth Avenue shopping district that's loaded with stores with names I couldn't attempt to pronounce and prices of merchandise that will make even the strong strike a fear of panic, there are beach front mansions so large and gorgeous it would make Mrs. Drysdale (the wife of Jed Clampetts banker in the Beverly Hillbillies) a little jealous. Ocean drive is a 30mph road and as its name states, it's directly adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean. Unlike many ritzy areas, it's very bike friendly...as long as you keep your speed in check.

Although the temperatures were heading towards the upper 80s and it was a bit more humid than the calendar would suggest, we kept moving and the balmy beach breezes kept us comfortable. The scenic drive South on Palm Beach County's Ocean Drive (no to be confused with Miami Beach's trendy Ocean Drive) was nothing short of breathtaking. The endless Atlantic Ocean was on the left and the mansions on the right had back yards on the intercostal waterway. Crossing over towards the beach, we had to stop while some yachts passed under the drawbridges. It was during that unplanned break when I asked the guys how their bikes handled over the grated tops of the bridges. The answers were not what I had expected.

The riders on the Conquest Victory bikes stated it was not an issue as the oversized (huge) rear tires tracked well over this type of surface. But the solo Harley rider (I'm not trying to slam H-D as I've mentioned, I've owned three of them and enjoyed them at the time) stated that his bike was a bit "squirrelly" on the grates. This was the same feeling I experienced on many of my previous bikes...Goldwing included.

Most riders know what I mean with the term "squirrelly" as that's when the tires seem to slip a bit sideways on unstable surfaces. In the past, my gut reaction to counteract this feeling was to place more weight on my foot pegs.

They were not surprised when I told them the Vision handled in a stable manner on those surfaces. When the drawbridge lowered to a close and the backed-up traffic started to move, we mounted our bikes and headed towards our destination of the Old Key Lime House in Lantana, Florida.

 

This place is a must-see stop for any riders heading this way as it's an open air bar/restaurant that is directly on the Atlantic Ocean. It has both multiple indoor areas that is geared for upscale bikers and numerous outdoor seating areas that place you on various pylon-supported piers directly on the ocean. Scenic is not an accurate description, Breathtaking would be a more appropriate term.

Other than the initial introductions and at the single gas stop, this would be the first time we'd have an opportunity to sit down and talk. At that gas stop, the Vision only required a top-off and I had the time to meet one of the "older" guys Eddie, (not that much older than myself) and we started a conversation. I was admiring his Conquest Custom Victory Hammer and then, I asked his last name. When he told he his last name my antenna went up as his name was a unique one. We talked some more and I asked him if he was in the clothing business. He seemed surprised that I pulled this question out of thin air and delivered an affirmative answer. I then asked if his son was Joey and he about fell over. The good news was that he wasn't sitting on the bike as that type of "fall over" is not a good thing.

About 20 years ago, I took a week's vacation at the Club Med in Copper Mountain, Colorado for some skiing. Club Meds are typically bargain getaways and were all inclusive. Since I was younger and didn't have much disposable income, I had to plan my vacations carefully. Since most Club Meds are budget-priced, singles party vacations, I was assigned a roommate. My roommate was a guy around 8 or ten years younger as was a great roommate (for a guy) and we had a blast hitting on all the single girls. I have to admit, he was much better at it than I was!.

As luck would have it, Joey is Eddie's Son. Small world! Eddie and I immediately bonded and I feel we'll be riding buddies for many years to come. I have to admit, although he's a bit older than myself and hasn't ridden for as long as the rest of us, he rides a very hot customized Victor and he handles it like he's been riding all his life. I was impressed with his skills.

At the Old Key Lime House, Eddie could only stay for a short bit as he had plans for the afternoon. We said our "so-longs", but I'll knew we'll soon ride again.

While it's easy to find groups to ride in around my neck of the woods, it's difficult to find riders who are at the same skill level as yourself that you feel comfortable with. I'm truly lucky to have already found two groups that I already feel comfortable riding with and am looking forward to future adventures to share with.

Although these guys do take some trips to the Florida keys and other fun locations, they aren't riding tour bikes and usually put in around 80 miles per leg. That's fine with me as when you have good company, riding anywhere (except stop and go traffic) is a pleasure. I also need to point out that the Vision had no problem keeping up with these guys' bikes as they even commented about how they saw me handling this behemoth around sharp turns and winding roads. Yes, I still haven't found a riding situation where the Vision has not performed very well...but don't ask me to do some dirt riding with it as the Vision is a lot of things, an off road dirt bike, it's not.

Here are the bikes and riders in today's group:

Eddie with his 2005 Victory Hammer

Todd (Scott's Brother) on his 2005 Victory 8 Ball

Donny on his 1996 H-D Heritage Softail

Scott from Conquest Customs with his American
Muscle Series Hammer...this one is is a 2006 and
is called the "Cobra"

Scott's Cobra: Check out the tire and the side exhaust system.

After lunch, we headed our separate ways. From the restaurant, I was not near the Turnpike (my preferred route), I took I-95 North back to Okeechobee and cut West to pick up the Turnpike. As stated earlier in this blog, there's something about drivers on I-95 that I just don't like. But once I entered the Turnpike and accelerated to the 70mph speed limit, I felt like I was back in my turf.

It seemed like a blink of an eye, but when I way my exit was approaching it was around 3pm. Considering I was KSU at 9:15am the time had flown by. When I saw the sign designating just two miles to the exit, I thought of continuing. But it was a great day already. Nice guys, great route, super bikes...I didn't want it to end. But as all good things must come to an end, so did this ride. So I leaned through the nearly 360-degree off ramp and as I pulled into the garage, I was ear to ear with a satisfying smile of a Sunday that will be long remembered.

After a great ride, most bikers are relaxed and low key when sitting down to break bread. This was s group I had never met and there's something about the camaraderie achieved while biking where we became immediate friends.

Epilog

Well Folks, this is where I ended my blog and made the decision to start TheVOG.net. While social networks are all the rage for "younger folks," I thought that since there is such as "social" element to riding that it was time to start a Social Network for riders. So, here it is...TheVOG.net. I hope you enjoy it and contribute your stories and experiences to this site

Andy

Andy-

Wanted to take a moment and thank you for writing the blog. It was pretty informing and believe it or not...entertaining !!!

Guess its your years of experience showing thier colors !!

David