Just got back from a short ride.  Nothing like getting rid of the Monday blues by taking a nice ride on an almost perfect day.  It was a little windy but the temperature outside is perfect.  Not too cold and not too hot.

Took 395 north of Reno to the Red Rock Road exit.  Follow Red Rock which will drop you back onto 395 north of Hallelujah Junction.  I rode 395 south back towards Reno and home.

2006 Yamaha FZ6, My New Ride

I sold my Katana and set out to find a newer bike.  Three weeks ago I bought a red 2006 Yamaha FZ 6.  My first long ride was from Reno to Quincy, California then up through Truckee the around the north shore of Lake Tahoe.  We then dropped down Mt Rose Hwy into Reno.  Nice Saturday ride.

Winter

Winter is coming here in Reno, Nevada and it is getting time to put the motorcycle away.  I have enjoyed riding the Katana but think I need a bike that allows me to be a little more upright.  I'm not as young as I used to be.  If I could swing it I would like to have a Ducati Multistrada but also enjoyed riding a Suszuki V Strom a few times this summer.  At least I could ride down dirt roads.  I rode the Katana down a dirt road and was that sporting.

Waiting for Spring....

New Ride

Just a short post here.  I am now owner of a 2001 Suzuki GSX650F also know as 'Katana".  So far I am really liking it.  Sure is different than riding a Harley Sporty 1200.  Just need to get used to how it handles and it handles nice.

Been for a few short rides.  One up to Lake Tahoe and back.  Nice twisty road.  Not happy with drivers in cars that ride your ass.  Another ride up to Virginia City which is another fun road.  Did some little rides when I first got it.  Rode out around Washoe Lake and Frank Town Road.  Fun Stuff!

Honda MR125

I can't tell you what year my Honda MR 125 was but had to have been a late 70's bike.  My Honda had belong to a rider by the name of Rick Munyon who was trying to qualify for the International Six Day Team representing the US.  It had a 125 frame but the engine was from a 175cc bike.  I rode that motorcycle for a few years and was a good race bike.  Even after I got another bike the Honda was in the garage for awhile before we sold it.  I have owned some fun bikes and this was one of them.

Check out my story about the Honda Elsinore.

My Penton Dirt Bike

This is one bike that I still think about.  My 1969, 125 Penton.  It had the metal gas tank with the two tone paint job of green and white.  I took that thing off of jumps, hill climbed, and raced that dirt bike all over southern California desert.  I knew of only one other at the time, early 70's and it was riden by another girl who also happened to be in the same motorcycle club as me.  After riding it for a few years it was sold to a neighbor who had a son who was getting into riding and racing.  I often wonder what happened to my Penton.  I still would like a Penton Jackpiner and maybe one day I can find me a nicely restored one that I can do some riding one. 

Those were the days!!!

Check out John Penton, Son Jack Penton and the Penton Dirt Bikes.

Old Dirt Bikes

Hodaka, Montessa, Ossa, Maico, Greeves, Bultaco, Penton, CZ, and  a few others that have faided away being memories from my childhood.  I have not lived in southern California for over 17 years and one thing is for certain I miss the days of being out in the desert.  The smell of the desrt after if rains, the sounds of bikes being started before a race to get them warmed up.  Glass of hot chocolate in your hand as you look outside hoping for the wind to stop blowing.  The smoldering fire pit early Sunday morining as the smoke slowly drifts through the camp and you have to wipe the dew off you seat.  The blueness of the sky and the stars that come out at night as you stare up into the night time.  People standing around the fire pit talking about the days ride or talking about someone or something from long ago.  The laughter and the friendship that is gathered in this spot, in the California desert.  A little breeze sends sparks from the campfire into the air and you watch as they disappear.  As with age somethings do seem to fade away while other memories are very vibrant.  I can close my eyes and for a brief moment I breath in the desert air and around me I here converstions of old.  And I smile!  The glass is almost empty of the famous punch that is served every year on the Saturday evening before the race.  Sound test being wrapped up for the evening as we settle down with our grilled steaks as the dogs watch wondering when they will get the bone.  Someone puls up that you haven't seen for years and time flies as fast as the setting sun.

It's good to be out in the California desert.
Read, Vintage Dirt Bikes