Subject: National Rally
Author: PEHA-@aol.com
Date: Jul 14, 2003, 9:26 PM
Post ID: 1713769907
Just got home. You will here more from others in the next few days as they
arrive. It was a terrific event. Smaller by recent standards, but it was at
the furthest corner of the country and Laguna Seca made a BIG dent in southwest
participation.
The Seattle Cossacks were once again a terrific show hit. Meals went
smoothly. The site is superb in every respect. Why was Mark Ethredge the only
dealer in participation? Seemed like vendors were an all-time low. Moto Guzzi
demo rides, a sidecar sales pitch and the great ROK strap bungees.
We hate to drive the Highway 5 slab. So we went north through Oregon and
Washington via US97 and around the north slope of Mount Ranier. Spectacular on a
warm sunny day. Coming home we had about an hour of rain coming south
through Portland and out to the coastal highway but it was spectacular (but HOT)
from there to home. 2250 miles.
I have one negative comment. Apart from its scenic beauty and friendly
population, Oregon has got the be the dumbest F*&%ing state of the 50. Highway 97
is arrow straight for 200 miles posted at 55. Nearly fell asleep while
driving (actually, maybe I did and woke up a few miles later still going straight).
They don't allow "self-serve" gas pumps (although most stations will cater to
motorcycles and hand you the hose). And, I can't tell you how many times I
was following Winnebagos on a lengthy straight with a double yellow only to
find about 50 yards of dotted passing zone just in advance of a blind curve.
Highway painters on LSD for sure. Repeatedly crazy passing and no-passing
restrictions without any rhyme or reason. Oh, and they slow you to 35 about three
miles before a town of six houses and wait about another three miles to let you
back to 55. I need to find a way to jump from CA to WA or else go in my
motorhome.
In contrast, once again, the northern coastal roads of California have GOT to
be the finest visual experience in the world. Good curves, good speeds, blue
sky, pacific rocky panoramas. Just amazing. I knew I was back in the Bay
Area when I had to pass four cars in succession on the right side because they
were driving slow and impeding the fast lane and ALL FOUR were talking on their
phones. Must have been a conference call or something. Ah, yes, and you CAN
(and must) lane split.
Patrick and Regina Hayes
Fremont CA