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Rayser

Member
Joined
Nov 9, 2006
Posts
12
Location
Salt Lake City
I am wondering how many people are combining the 2 loves of RV'ng and motorcycles. I have seen several signature tags with bikes listed.
We just got our first MH (in 20 years anyway, had an old class C way back when) in Dec. and are looking forward to  loading up the bikes and exploring some new areas from our "base-camp".
I have a Yamaha RoadStar that is my baby, and the wife prefers the GoldWings. We have a motorcycle rental business so have the advantage of riding whatever is avail, mostly GoldWings and Harley "baggers".
I am also a certified RiderCoach for the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and teach beginners and advanced classes. I have noticed that at least half the classes are typically boomers returning to enjoy bikes after the kids grow up and leave the nest.
That seems to be similar in the RV world, many of the "newbies" like me are boomers finding their "freedom" with the RV world.
We added a 92 Foretravel 40' U300 Silver Anniv. to the family in Dec and had our first outing during Christmas/New Years. Spent one nite on in a rest area in Nebraska during an ice storm. Was the most comfortable "weather delaY" we have  ever had. Sure was nice to have that option!!
So who combines these two passions? The current biker is not the same stereotype it used to be.
Steve and Kim Ray
Salt Lake City
92 40' Foretravel U300 Silver Anniv.
TOAD- whatever bike we can find :)
www.escapemotorcyclerentals.com
 
We certainly do.  We are part timers and live in Alabama.  We carry a  Roadstar Silverado on an Overbilit lift on our Dutch Star.  I also have a 1500 Gold Wing that I use for longer distance touring. My wife has a 750 Honda Aero.  Have considered getting one of Overbilt's dollies so that we can carry my wife's bike but have resisted her wishes  ::)
 
Thanks Jim
Many of the people I have heard of have GoldWings. Guess the RV'ers like their comfort! I have not seen a dollie pulling 2 bikes, but thats a great idea, just what the doctor ordered!!!
Cheers
Steve
 
We combine the tow all of the time. I have an open trailer that I put my Harley bagger on and the DW shadow. I too am a Motorcycle safety instructor here in Virginia. And I have noticed the same thing.  A lot of boomers coming back to the motorcycle world.
When the DW doesn't go, I take my old panhead and the bagger. Happy trials.
 
Good to hear from you rjsimms!!
Being a ridercoach sure is fun and rewarding,,,,and even scary sometimes!!  :eek:
I had a RiderCoach trainer (chief instr) from Lynchburg out here in Utah when I went thru it in 04, but can't come up with then name now :(
Enjoy, keep it safe!
Steve
 
We have a Harley FLHX and a BMW 1200GS. We haul them either by themselves in a 14' trailer or along with our Jeep Wrangler in a 28' trailer, depending on the nature and length of our trip. 
 
I've taken my V-Star on a couple of trips with me.  One from Houston to Tennessee.  Once we get settled in again, and start camping again, It'll be going with us for sure.
 
Hi Steve,

We have been fulltiming for ten years. i just purchased my "first ever" motorcycle last April. It's only a Hyosung GV250 but a really great bike for newbies and those that can't handle a bigger bike. I am about to purchase a C50T Suzuki. I decided the best option for me was to trade for a pickup so I can carry the bike.

I have wanted to ride since I was ten but either didn't have the money or the parents wouldn't allow it. I didn't get my first bicycle until I was 13!!! ;D I am certainly enjoying my new found freedom!!!!
 
Hi Jim
Good choice. The 250cc is a great size for beginners. It has just enough power to get around good, but not too much and not too much weight. That is the size we use in the MSF course. I would HIGHLY recommend finding a local group to take the course thru. Check with local community college or in phone book under motorcycle training. It teaches good techniques and safety and will make riding MUCH easier and safer, which translates to more enjoyable!
Enjoy the ride!!
Steve
 
Hi Steve,

I agree with you on the course. Took it last April. I would not encourage anyone to ride without it!!! We used the Suzuki 250 in the course but I prefer the Hyosung over it. It has the most power for a 250 and a loyal following all over the world. They're just getting started in the U.S. The main reason I'm upgrading is to take the wife on rides and participate in the American Legion Riders activities. The GV250 will do most of what I want but I missed some neat events because I didn't want to push the bike.
 
Jim, where do you park the bike?  As I recall, they don't allow motorcycles in TGO.
 
Steve, I agree. All persons riding a motorcycle should attend the MSF course. For anyone interested, here is the website: http://www.msf-usa.org/  You can go here and put in your state and find out information about the courses available. Keep the rubber side down.
 
We are working on getting a Travel Supreme (used) bus and will tow my pickup.  I plan to put my Hyabusa and XR650L in the pickup bed.  When we arrive at where ever I hope to put up a small tent like we used at the racetrack to garage the bikes..if there is enough space.  We currently have a toyhauler which is nice to go to the track or vacation.  Living in it f/t would drive both of us nuts so we are going for a big bus.  Hope this helps.

Jim, Welcome to the motorcycle world.  It, like the RV world, is a close family.  Ditto on the MSF training as it is one of the best investments you will ever make.  I have had the chance to ride in Europe and all over the States.  I love camping with the bike, going up into the Colorado Rockies and putting up a tent next to a stream.  If I had my way we would motorcycle all the time instead of RV but then again there is the DW who likes the frills.  Be sure to wave if you see a red Hyabusa! 
Phil 
 
Ned said:
Jim, where do you park the bike?  As I recall, they don't allow motorcycles in TGO.

Ned,

Your memory serves you well. We cannot ride motorcycles within the residential area of TGO. We can ride up to 650cc scooters. There is a new staging area near the flag pole at the entrance to the commercial area. From there we can tow the bike to the site. We are now allowed to ride into the commercial area as well. There are two large climate  controlled storage areas and many have rented a bay for the bikes. Actually not all the bays are climate controlled. :)
 
Hi Phil,

Thanks. I have wanted a bike since I was about 10. Never could find a way to get one. Now that I'm old and senile I figure it's time. ;D It has been a week since I've looked at the new Suzuki C50T. Guess I'll have to take a run up there again tomorow! :)

I know many feel motorcyclists are just looking for trouble but that is so far from the truth. I participated in three benefit rides this summer, two of which had around 1000 bikes. I know on one we raised $14,000 for a 6 year old boy whose father murdered his mother when he was three. I missed a Toys for Tots run here in Florida in December because I didn't bring the bike down. This run has had up to 8000 bikes participating. That will certainly make many youngsters happy at Christmas! We watched for 40 minutes as the bikes left the mall. They were still going when we left! I saw some huge stuffed toys on the backs of some bikes. Several had multiple toys.

I also joined the American legion Riders in CT and may do so here in FL. They do a lot of good things. Many times they are asked to attend military funerals to provide a buffer between protesters and the families. Our group escorted the Moving Wall into CT from NY. They also escorted the truck loads of wreaths that were bound for the Arilington National Cemetery when they came through CT.

It is rare when one is out riding and you don't get a wave from a passing biker.
 
Jim, so that's why you bought the truck now, to ferry the bike to the entrance.  Maybe you could put a 650cc label on it and nobody would notice :)
 
I know some campgrounds have issues with motorcycles.  Most riders are not of that ilk especially in the f/t ranks.  We will avoid such campgrounds and encourage others to do the same.  Motorcycling is so much a part of me, having ridden and raced almost all of my life, that I find behavior like that at CG's discrimatory and ughly.  Not my property so I have no say, but it is my money and I do have some say over that.  In the places we have stayed with the 5r we only encountered one such CG, in California by San Diego.  We were researching places to stay and go and they did have location, near Coronado..A shame!
I am still with the Army Reserve and wish to thank you for your work keeping the protestors from burials.  Riding with the Legion is also appreciated.
Oh well, Its all good!  Phil
 
Hi Phil,

I know one reason they don't allow them here is it was developed as a "no motorcycle" park. The club has fought it for years and finally lost. I wasn't involved since I didn't have one but it didn't make any difference to me. It certainly is quiet which it might not be with a lot of bikes. :) It really isn't a big deal to tow it to the staging area. I will have to be aware of campgrounds now and whether they allow riding or not.

We are the ones that should be thanking you for being in the Reserves! It's Americans like you that are keeping us free!

I don't believe I'm the only one riding with the Legion or similar groups. I think Jim Johnson rides with the Patriot Guard who do the same things. Viet Nam was a travesty in the way our troops were treated upon their return. The Riders have vowed it won't happen to the current troops if we can help prevent it. They have escorted bus loads of troops returning to CT into the Capital. The good thing is many of the Legion riders are Viet Nam Vets. They are finally coming out and participating in activities. I can't imagine the emotional scars they might carry.
 
Jim, I understand the desire for peace and quiet, that is why we currently live in the mountains outside of ALB.  Most motorcycles make less noise than a diesel truck and most bikers, as colorful as they may appear, are general guys just doing their weekend thing.  Having ridden for many years I have seen prejudice against motorcycles so it has a tender place with me.  Then again I have a tender place for the Constitution and many other freedoms our Country stands for. 

911 got all of the Army stuff started for me.  Working in a High School I saw my kids and fellow staffers confused, fearful and angry.  I knew who Bin Laden was but barely.  A very quiet anger over the events of that day just sank in as it has with others.  I had the most difficult time trying to explain why as I had no answer.  Being an old guy, 52 at that time with some prior service,  I connected with the Army and discovered I was not too old.  I became a Reservist and was deployed to Germany for 6 months at the beginning of the Iraq War.  Retirement is on the horizon late this year so I hope my Country has benefited from my service as much as I have from serving it.  This is nothing special as a lot of folks did the same thing and it is what one does for their Country.

I also served in Vietnam with the 101st ABN, 3Bde from 67-68.  I can understand some of the Nam Vets being hesitant to participate.  No one really wanted to talk to us back then and I am very happy it has changed.  Most people can separate their politics from the warfighters nowadays which is good. 

I am just another "Boomer" trying to land in Retirement with my motorcycles.  Selling the house this year and working another year while living in our RV. 

Keep riding your bike, be safe and smile!
Phil   
 
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