Underblog Rides Again

The 750 Sport started up after a minute or so of exertions with the choke on. When it finally started, the steam coming out the exhaust could also be seen coming out of the header pipe, which is wrapped. This observation indicates that the pipe-wrapping was installed to cover up a damaged pipe. Luckily, there happens to be a pipe for sale on eBay. I think I will have it ceramic-insulated (not cheap, but probably the best solution) before I install it.

My usual path to PJ's is to take Paseo del Norte (a freeway-type facility) to Tramway, which runs along the base of the Sandia Mountains and is free of trucks. I like this route because all the turns are right-handed, and because the signals on both roads are pretty well timed. Once I started on Paseo, I realized just how cold it was. And the fact that I was climbing about 1000 feet between the ranchita and Tramway meant that it was getting colder still. As I rounded the "porkchop" corner at Tramway, there was snow on the ground. Within half a mile there was snow on the shoulder. Melted snow dampened the road and I had to consider how this would affect my braking time. Fortunately, I am becoming more practiced at finding neutral on this bike, a known gremlin.

By the time I arrived at PJ's, my jaw was thoroughly numb. I dutifully watched the sales staff attempt to close sales on the two 848's in the showroom. The person who appeared the most interested was quite small and could only put one foot on the ground at a time. The sales person mentioned that his "riding style" would be affected. Indeed. Chris (I think that is his name) came out and checked the 750 over. Also, one of the techs took a look as well. We went back inside and while Chris helped a tech order parts, I helped myself to bagels and coffee. As my face returned to room temperature, I checked out helmets. Weight-wise, they are all about the same as the HJC I have presently. However, I am leaning toward the Shoei RF-1000. I wore Shoei's for years (first black, then red), but budgetary constraints pushed me into the HJC back when we lived in Maryland.

Unfortunately, the open house per se did not start unti 6:00pm. I had things to do that afternoon, so I was not about to return in a cage just to score a free beer or two, especially since Roomie would have nothing to do with it. I hopped on the interstate (again, to save myself left turns) and witnessed a tremendous queue of vehicles at Louisiana, presumably to Christmas-shop in Uptown.