Lost rider.: May 2012

Finally got to the the GS on a test run after doing the 12k service. Decided to head east to he coast to the inner outer banks and take a detour on my way to Emerald Isle. Headed out early Saturday morning and was lucky didn't hit much traffic. Took 64 east which was boring but still not as bad as 40 east to Wilmington but we won't go there. Finally made it to the coast and stopped to fill up at pry the last gas station I planned on seeing for a while. Crossed the bridge to Alligator River and I'm home free to leave the beaten path on the concrete world. Took a random left but only made it a mile before the road ended to the river and had to turn around. Road around some more and explored a little more the the woods trying to find bears but sadly no luck. I guess I'll need to take another trip back to the beach. After riding around I jumped on Hwy 264 south which is a very scenic route that I highly recommend. But bring a full tank of gas. there aren't any good gas stations I trust. A lot of old stuff. Don't want water or bad gas. After a long long lonely ride on 264. I mean lonely by I was like the only one out there. Maybe passed less than no more than 4 cars. which was pretty cool. Jumped on hwy 99 to the ferry took the Bayview Ferry south and then took HWY 306 south to the next ferry. Hit the ferry just right too. Rolled up to the ferry just as they were loading up and didn't even have to wait. After a good 30 minute ferry ride I got to rest my butt from riding and loaded back up on sun screen. I'm finally headed to Emerald Isle. After a 8hr ride which usually takes 2.5hrs I make it to my destination.

(scroll down for more text after photo's)

HWY 64 crossing over the Ablemarie Sound

What a Great view.

My random Left turn that lead no where

Another random turn but this one was more promising

Alligator River. But I didn't see any alligators

The warning label.

Better view of Alligator River

My beautiful beast

Turtle

Only 5 more miles.

then this to more miles of freedom

Snake number 4

More Freedom

HWY 264

More of the long lonely HWY 264

Small Fishing Village or town as of todays terms.

Traffic

Sunday was an easy day. Caught up on a little sleep and enjoyed a day at the beach. The way home didn't take to long. Took another detour but not as big. Headed North or east depending if your look at the map. Hit up Cape Hatteras for a small tour before headed back to Apex. After a while of riding I'm about Half way home I decided to take HWY 70 west home. Now for those wounding for later I do have a rain suit and no I was stupid and didn't bring it. I made it about half way back to Apex and I hit rain then just when I dry out I hit rain again and again. Nothing to bad at first. Its mostly the aftermath so nothing to serious. Finally I look up and I see blue ski's. So I pull over strip down on the side of the Highway and put on some clean dry jeans. After about another 30 minutes of riding I hit Hwy 40. As soon as I get off the on ramp the sky opens up and its no aftermath and came with large rain drops. as you can see from the video below. I was soaked but the bike did need a wash and that is how you wash a GS. Overall it was a great weekend. and i'm ready to go again and with a rain suit packed up this time.

Cape Hatteras NC

How to wash your GS after along ride.

Current Odometer is just shy of 19K with a trip of around 680 miles this weekend.

Just finishing my 12k service for the bike. Change the oil and trans fluid. Got the valves adjusted which was so damn easy. changed out all my filters and plugs. Change the differential fluid and will need to follow up asap for a more detailed inspection and cleaning. I had dirty water in a no-no space by the drive shaft that I need to investigate. Good bye Saturday for a tear down. Getting the ABS bleed at the dealer for warranty records and because i don't wanna buy a new $2000 servo. all in all its fairly easy bike to maintain. and take apart. I give it a A+. Here are some pictures below. So far current mileage is 18,000.