Pauly

The older you get, the more backups you need.

I rode around all day today and used half a tank of fuel. I am in love with this entire aspect of riding. Slow and scenic wins this week. I don't mind gravel unless going down a hill. I know how to descend a hill, but my brain just says "YOU WILL DIE!" The way this thing eats miles is insane. I thought the Voyager was a good tourer. You definitely need to ride this thing.

The front tire clears the road like a snow plow. Just have to stay on the throttle and try not to do anything stupid.

I look forward to more time on less traveled paths. Yesterday was an amazing day..and the best parts were spent at 30 mph. That was the fastest line. There is no gravel if you do not see it. Lol

I also did some light ADV'ing. In my wandering, I happened across a gravel road. I pondered for a few seconds.. "put up or shut up, Paul". I had already put the bike in "ENDURO" to soften the bumps on a road I was on earlier. Nothing left to do but stand up and turn left. I climbed a gravel hill that was almost half a mile long, with a 10% gradient. No flat at the top, either. Just a stop sign, intersecting paved 2-laner that was 4" of asphalt higher than my parked front tire. I thought the hill assist feature was sort of gimmicky and hadn't planned on using it. I was schooled today and was glad to have both of my feet on the ground. I had to change my line a few times because the gravel was loose in random spots. It was super easy stuff for any regular gravel rider, but I was a little nervous. It wasn't Machu Pichu, but it was the biggest gravel hill I ever climbed with intention of climbing it.

The Multistrada was a solid ride, but it was still rather primitive in regards to long distance riding. This thing is surprisingly agile for being almost 200 lbs heavier. The Hyper is available to you whenever you want to ride it, Tim.

Home. 260 of the easiest miles I have ever done on 800. The bike has the best road manners of anything I have ever ridden and it is quick in the corners. It feels as light as the Hyper and that is not an exaggeration. The display is really intuitive and I pretty much have the hang of all the switches and gizmos. I kept it in "ROAD" (touring) most of the day, but did slip into "DYNAMIC" (sport) for a stint. Throttle response got sharper, but I was on really nice pavement, so the suspension just got a little firmer. I didn't notice much difference between the two modes regarding damping. I will play some more when the road gets choppy and see how it does. I ride it in the "MINIMUM" setting for preload, so it is probably hindered a little. If I put it in "MAXIMUM"....I can't touch the ground. Looks like I will have to grow into this one. I will ride again tomorrow. Probably taking a different route, but I hope to leave early enough to catch lunch in Weston, WV and be home by dark. I did this on the Hyper and it was 475 miles in 9 hours. So, 8-5 should be doable...probably 9-6. Any takers? I am willing to change it up for anyone that wants to ride. This was the first twisty ride and I am already 100% in the bag for this bike. It is very easy to ride quickly and it is just at home on the highway. Work trips this season will be quite a treat. Nothing quite like being paid to ride the Appalachians. That said.... Anybody want a gently-used Hyperstrada?

I was supposed to work today. I guess I will have to make the most of it and declare a MHD.

55⁰ forecasted. Anybody feel like riding?

RUSH is my exception to the "prog rock sucks" rule. I love Neil's lyrics.