Lucy landed in a local mechanics shop Friday after giving Troubadour some grief on his way home from work Thursday afternoon. Corvallis motorcycle mechanic extraordinaire Donn diagnosed her with a bad regulator/rectifier. Luckily Cycle Parts Triumph in Eugene had one in stock and held it for us to pick up on Saturday.
So.....Saturday we rode the bikes to coffee; Troubadour on the XT and me on the Gladius. It was fairly cloudy out early on, but it had warmed significantly by the time we left Coffee Culture so we opted to ride to Eugene on our favorite back roads stopping for a snack part way there. The Muddy Creek Charter School makes a nice way point for a break. It isn't far from home but we hadn't had lunch yet.
As you can see in the background of the first two pictures, the rhododendrons are blooming in full force too.
As we arrived in Eugene we turned onto Highway 126 for the last few miles to the shop. Where it turns to two lanes divided in each direction I spotted a green pickup truck in my left side view mirror. It appeared he was driving with his left tires up on the curb of the center median. I double checked 3-4 times thinking my mirrors must have been vibrating and I was seeing things so I chatted to Troubadour on the Sena and gave him a heads up to be wary. Sure enough he confirmed I was not hallucinating and the guy was in fact speeding and driving half on the median.
We immediately slowed to get out of the way. As he rode by he and his passenger were both drinking and in a company truck no less. And not from bottles or cans either, but from glasses. We hung back giving him a wide berth thinking he was going to plow into the cars in front of him at the next light. Luckily he didn't. He turned off and we continued on shaking our heads. If we had of had bluetooth to call 911 on our phones we would have and it would have been good to have a GoPro at that point as it would be easier to report after the fact.
As it was, by the time we got to the Triumph shop he was long gone and we could only shake our heads and hope he didn't kill anyone and that someone else phoned it in.
Waiting for us at Triumph not only was the new rectifier, but drool worthy motorcycle eye candy. Triumph has had a love affair with red, black, and grey lately and it seems to work. Combined with a matte finish we thought it very eye catching.
They also had the Street Triple in white with blue accents. It was inside and jam packed against other bikes so I couldn't get any pictures. There were other bikes to be ogled outside with different color combinations.
And then something caught Troubadour's eye...... A gently used Tiger 800, fully loaded with only 4400 miles on it. The Universe was throwing temptation at him.
But he resisted. He decided he already has a Tiger that he loves and left it there for another Triumph fan to purchase.
While wandering around the shop, the clouds cleared completely and the temperature rose even more. We took the liners out of our jackets and decided an iced cold yummy coffee was in order. We rode down West Eleventh to the newly built Starbucks. I had a iced vente unsweetened black tea lemonade and Troubadour opted for the iced vente vanilla soy Starbucks Doubleshot. (5 shots of espresso - the XT wasn't the only thing vibrating on the way home)
The barista taking our order asked us the standard question: "Aren't you hot in all that gear? " He then proceeded to let us know the Vulcan out back was his and that he rode it everywhere because he doesn't have a car. Then he told us how odd it felt to be riding in the warm weather in just his shorts, t-shirt and flip flops. Really dude? Face palm. I guess he hasn't taken a bee up the shorts yet.
We had one more stop to make before heading home and delivering the rectifier to Donn for installation.
We arrived home just after 4 pm and the thermometer in the back yard indicated it was 89˚F (31.6˚C) in the shade. Yeah, that would be why we were a little toasty waiting at stop lights on the way home.
Changing into something cooler was the first order of business before making a giant salad for dinner. And as always, Basil appeared happy to see us.
 |
| (Photo taken later that night when the sun went down) |
" It is a cruel season that makes you get ready for bed while it's light out." - Bill Watterson (Calvin & Hobbes)
.
Very drool worthy shots Brandy, liking the Bonnie in matt black and red.
ReplyDeleteI cant believe someone actually admitted to riding in short and flip flops .. no really :o But I had to chuckle at the bee up the shorts line :D
The rhododendrons look gorgeous, you are so good at those kinds of photos, you make them look stunning.
What with the shorts guy and the pick up truck you had an interesting day out, shame you couldn't have reported that dangerous driving. I'm glad you got away from them though before they caused you some grief.
That Bonnie was very striking in person. The pics don't really do it justice.
DeleteAnd thank you for the flower photo compliments. I enjoy taking pics of foliage.
It was an interesting day. It was kind of surreal watching that guy driving that way.
Trobairitz:
ReplyDeleteSee, lucky thing you have a "spare" bike . . .
too bad you couldn't have reported that dangerous driver but good that you were safe and nothing happened. Good for always looking around and being aware of your surroundings. When I notice aggressive drivers behind, I always let them by too by pulling over as soon as I am able.
You are sure getting HOT down there. We may not get that high even in summer
Nice Triumph Tiger 800 and I love yellow. Seems like very low mileage for a 2 year old bike.
bob
Riding the Wet Coast
We were thinking we were lucky to have a spare bike too. What is it they used to say back in the day that men always needed "an heir and a spare" It is like that but with bikes.
DeleteWe have been getting really warm weather. Was supposed to rain yesterday, didn't. Was supposed to rain today, it is sunny.
I am not complaining though, but we haven't seen rain in a month - odd for Oregon in Spring.
The white and purple Bonnie caught my eye. I'd love to ride one just to see how it compares to the original 60's Bonnie - if I can remember that far back.
ReplyDeleteHaving had a bee (or two) up my sleeve, the bee up the shorts line got my attention, as it would his - in a real hurry!
I think the purple/white Bonnie replaces the blue/white model they had. It is eye catching. They used the same color purple for some Street Triples last year too.
DeleteThe barista didn't seem to concerned about bugs. I guess he won't know until ones bites him and he can only hope it is up his sleeve.
im loving the black/red... the flowers, bikes, basil, they are all sooooooooo pretty! and i wont think/wish the dufus bees and bugs up the shorts, but i should, it'll happen regardless, lol. great stuff trobairitz!
ReplyDeleteI really liked the black and red. Usually I don't go in for the darker colors but the dark grey and red on the Street Triple I really liked too. They would definitely get attention riding down the street.
DeleteAfter reading your comment I realized I should have called this Flowers, Bikes and Basil. Cheers.
Hey I really like the cover photo with the bike, helmet and flowers! A friend of mine swears by his Triumph and they really look great too. Little tall for me, but the retro look is my fave!
ReplyDeleteThank you m'lady. I thought it might turn out but I wasn't sure with the shadows. Triumphs are great bikes, although not without their issues. I really wanted to like my Bonneville, but alas I am too attached to Max.
DeleteThat looks like a great day out - especially the temperature, we're still hovering around 14deg! Aren't the new triumph paint jobs nice? Great photos.
ReplyDeleteThe Triumph paint always looks gorgeous. They seem to be able to come up with paint schemes by thinking out of the box instead of the typical black, green, red, yellows we seem to see so much of.
DeleteNice looking bikes and the design on your helmet blended in well with the background. I had to take a second look to see what the blue flower was.
ReplyDeleteFive shot coffee, eh? Is this a requirement for riding the XT?
My mirror reflecting the tree behind me in that picture might help to camouflage things.
DeleteI was surprised he took the 5 shot drink. I offered to order it with 3 regular and 2 decaf, but he took up the challenge. I don't think it was a prerequisite, but he was feeling it on the way home. And he had enough "energy" he strung up the two pulley systems in the garage to hang our bicycles. He had to teach Team Oregon yesterday so it was hard to go to bed early Saturday night.
Bloody Triumphs....always on the mend, and to be honest Basil doesnt actually look that pleased to see you? Are you sure? He looks kind of annoyed, it is a look I am familar with...
ReplyDeleteYeah I was kind of being sarcastic when I said he was happy to see us. basil is Basil. That is his happy face.
DeleteI'd go to the BMW/Ducati dealer in Eugene for pictures, but they are a bunch of snobs in there. I always feel mike I have mud on my boots or something the way they look at me.
I like the red/gray/black color combinations.
ReplyDeleteA bee up the shorts would be no fun. I've had them get up a sleeve and in through the cracked-open face shield before... OUCH!
I've taken a bug to the neck when I wasn't wearing my neck buff one day, not going to open myself for any other bugs especially ones that might sting. I couldn't imagine riding in shorts let alone flip flops.
DeleteThe new Triumph colour scheme is tempting me mucho! But it needs to wait until jobs and a place to live (with big garage) are found. Love the XT in action, such a cutie. It looks so small when sitting next to your Gladius.
ReplyDeleteIt felt weird to be riding the bigger bike while Brad was on a 250. He can still out-corner me of course (hell he could on a tricycle) but at least I can catch him on the straights. And when he leads on the 250 cc bike our pace is a little more relaxed.
DeleteHave you gotten Rover out of quarantine (customs) yet?
FIVE shots? Geez! Did he do a handstand all the way home?
ReplyDeletePretty header photo! Basil has one of those adorable pouty crabby cat faces.
No handstands, but maybe that is why he had trouble sleeping Saturday night.....
DeleteAdorable pouty crabby face. That about sums it up perfectly. He is lucky he's cute since his disposition leaves something to be desired sometimes.
ReplyDeleteGeez, glad you stayed safe with the idiot driver on the road. Crazy stuff!
Some nice bikes pictured. The red/black Bonnie looks sharp. I love matte paint, though I'm not sure I'd pick it for my own. Not sure how much hassle it is to keep nice. But I love the look.
Basil is looking quite smashing as well. Noble cat watching over the garden (or perhaps looking for little birds not paying attention) :)
It was an eye opener with the drunk in the truck. And that is why Brad has always said to "watch your six" when out riding, not just when coming to a stop. Dangers can be all around us.
DeleteI too really love the matte paint. Rod at the Triumph shop (the owner) said he isn't sure about it though as he would worry his pants or something would rub the matte off to be shiny and he'd have no way to bring back the matte finish. Hmmmm.
Luckily Basil is just a bird watcher. Oh sure he'd love to catch one but he isn't quick enough so he just watches - which is a good thing.
I see you had your issues with crazy drivers too. Best to get out of the way.
ReplyDeleteThe triumphs are nice bikes. I wouldn't mind a Explorer XC or may be a Rocket III? :) The purple one is nice, but would look better with proper spokes.
My standard response when I see bad driving is "take yourself out of the equation" I don't want to be anywhere near them to get caught up in any scenario about to happen.
DeleteI think the proper spokes are on the Triumph T-100's but he standard Bonnie's have the mag wheels. Brad sat on a used Rocket III and started it up and twisted the throttle a bit - summed it up in one word "torque".
Tuscon Bonnie's Dad has an Explorer and seems to really like it. Sure is purty in the pictures he posts.
Brandy,
ReplyDeleteWell done on steering clear of the muppets in the pickup - where's a cop when you want one?
I saw one of those red and black Bonnies at our local dealer. From a distance, I thought it was too gaudy but when you get close, the metallic red is subtle and really unusual. I think they have another winner. No need to comment on the new Street Triple other than to say I WANT ONE.
P.s, please say nice things about BMW's occasionally or I'll have to put up with Roger's bitching and moaning every time I see him ;-). Must say his sport muffler sounded great through my comms set when we rode together last Sunday!
Geoff!!!! How are you and the fair maiden Jennie doing?
DeleteAnd I'd have to say exactly - on your statement about where is a cop when you need one. Funny how I never seeing them pull over the asshats.
The only problem I had with the red and black Bonnie was that on close inspection the red on the front frame is a different shade than the fender. Looks a little like it is clashing, but overall it is cool. mmmm Street Triple. As much as I'd like one (our friend is selling her 2009) I'll stick with my poor man's Street Triple. Better gas mileage and cheaper to maintain and I don't cry when I drop it. (only twice I swear).
You got to ride with the famous Rogey? Jealous. Our course your triple prolly sounded better than his sport muffler, but we won't tell him that.
Hugs to you and Jennie.
Just so you to know....I CAN READ!
DeleteReading - one of your many hidden talents
DeleteJust remember we only tease you cuz we love you - that and we know you can flick crap just as well, if not better, than you can take it :-) Kisses!!
Your really starting to get some warm weather now and its still spring.
ReplyDeleteThumbs down to the drunks. Looks like squids don't just ride sports bikes they also ride Vulcans. Did he even have a helmet?
Troubadour looks like he's in his element on that tiger. I to like the street triple, it looks like a tool for a hooligan....
This weather is not quite what we are used to. The last few years we've had a really wet spring and this year is more average to above average for temperatures and is quite dry.
DeleteI am assuming the Vulcan rider had a helmet because it is mandatory in Oregon. I cannot say whether it was a beanie type or full face though.
That should be Triumph new slogan - Street Triple - "Tool for the Hooligan." When they are up to their shenanigans of course.
Wait - Geoff has a Striple. Hey Geoff - Steve called you a Hooligan.
Takes one to know one ;-)
DeleteOh snap!
DeleteWhat a perfect day! And those rhodies....gorgeous!! But gotta shake my head along with you, reading about the truck driver and his passenger.
ReplyDeleteThere are so many colors of Rhodies blooming right now. We have light pink, dark pink and dark purple just in our yard. On Saturday SpartanBabe and I are headed to the Rhodie festival 5k in Florence too. Should be fun.
DeleteIt is a huge biker festival though so we'll high tail it out of there before the festivities (drinking) starts.
Trobairitz, resisting temptation is overrated in most cases. Also, once you've got the Sena, it makes sense to trade up to a bluetooth phone, if only for the safety angle.
ReplyDeleteWe are looking into phones. The problem we have is that we use our phones so little we opt for a pay as you go plan that only costs us about $20 every three months. We are grandfathered in from an old plan. This one doesn't exist anymore and if we get a new phone we may lose our existing plan and then it will cost us 3x that amount. Sigh.
Delete