First solo ride

[kyle]

Had a great day off from work today!

Went to get tags for my new bike, and left the tag agency on my way to Alabama's Natural Bridge in Moulton county.

I took about 120 miles to get there, including about 20 miles through the William B. Bankhead National Forest on highway 33 south. It started raining hard when I got to Double Springs and picked up 278 west, and rained the whole time I was out in the forest at the bridge and the numerous rock overhangs, but the density of the trees only let a light sprinkle down to the forest floor.

Enjoyed the scenery for about an hour, and went to the gift shop, bought a t-shirt and... the guy running the gift shop rides, too! I didn't recognize it.. it looked like an older model bike, but if I remember right, it was a white Windjammer (?). Gathered up my stuff, put my jacket back on in the pouring rain, and started for home.

At the end of the day, I had put 216 miles behind me, and had a fabulous day of riding and sightseeing.

[poppygene]

Well done, Kyle! Sounds like a fun day's ride!

Oh... "Windjammer" is the name of an aftermarket fairing that came on the market back in the 70s. Back then, there was no such thing as a purpose-built, Japanese touring bike. Even Gold Wings came without fairings for the first several years so, if you wanted a real touring rig, you had to customize it with a Windjammer or something similar. You may see them worn by some older bikes from all the Japanese makes as you travel around, especially the larger bikes.

[honda599]

Sounds like you had a great ride.

There's nothing like taking some nice pictures and getting a chance to push your ride through some twisty turns along the way.

[Loonette]

What fun! Keep riding and enjoy.

Cheers,
Loonette

[kyle]

Managed to get a postcard and a t-shirt, but I didn't have film so the camera got left at home.

Oh well, good excuse for another trip!