Dave, eventually we'll get you trained to not look in the divisive political threads either..
Sounds like your folks know/knew how to enjoy life. It's a skill most never master until far too late (if ever).
Last summer I did 5k miles in 3 weeks on the stock seat (including more than a week of non-travel days), and never was uncomfortable! Of course, I have the Bead Rider and covered that with a cheap Ikea sheepskin. Not wearing cotton undies is the key to comfort in the saddle!
I'd like to visit the Davis Mountains again and Big Bend one of these days. Beautiful country and great food. I'll give you a shout, Olie, if/when that happens!
Have any experience touring on a smaller bike? I'm really curious to know what the *problems* are with doing that.
The other site I frequent, advrider.com, has a section devoted to ride reports. It's full of exotic destinations and bigger dual-sport bikes, but every so often somebody posts up a report for a ride they did on a little 250 that just blows everything else away for sheer fun-factor. There's an element of stop and smell the roses that is often missing when speeds are higher and travel days more distance-oriented. I'm trying to figure out if there's a way I can reconcile the two, or if it's wise to even try.
Perhaps another factor in this is that my original 2004 KLR650 was totalled before Thanksgiving last fall (backed-over in a parking lot at work). The insurance money went to buy a V-Strom 650 for my wife and I *inherited* her new-to-us-by-three-weeks 2006 KLR650. The V-Strom is awesome on the highway and not an off-road-capable bike as far as I'm concerned, and after having my KLR taken from me, as it were, I find myself angry about it whenever I ride the new KLR.
Yes, apparently I have some issues I need to work through!
John
