The Yeager's Kawasaki Ninja 250R 2006 Ride Journal

The Ninjette Journal for 2006

Monthly Journal Entries

January, 2006 -- Ride Report (well, kind of): January 31, 2006 -- I stopped by an elderly couple's home my wife and I have gotten close to over the years to act as a technical consultant and “check in on” them on my way home from work. Mr. Don and Dr. Carolyn Cartwright are both in their 70s, a delight to be around, but need a little looking after.

Dr. Cartwright, my graduate adviser and dissertation committee chair some years ago, referred to me as an asphalt aviator when she greeted me at the door and saw me in full gear. Sometime later as I was finishing getting Dr. Carwright’s computer functional again Don Cartwright arrived home after running some errands. He too noted the motorcycle and wanted to see it before I rode home.

Mr. Cartwright began to comment that when he got back from the war (WWII) that he purchased a used US Army Harley “45” complete with olive drab paint. It had a suspension seat, dual rifle scabbards, and apparently a pretty good bark when fired up. He thought the Ninjette looked very sleek and was “whisper quiet” when running. Not at all as ugly or loud as so many motorcycles he had seen. He couldn’t understand why one would need anything larger than a 250. I couldn’t help but smile most of the way home.

It is all a matter of perspective. Some look at our little 250s and see a stodgy, anemic, ill handling, motorcycle in need of big sticky tires, a muzzy, and rejetting. It may be that some of us “asphalt aviators” with our full gear and reserved riding style on our “whisper quiet”, mostly stock, Ninjettes are bringing about more positive motorcycle public relations just being ourselves than any number of over-paid media consultants could accomplish with a focused campaign.

February, 2006 -- The rear grab handle has taken a bit of a beating with my offspring riding pillion or a duffle strapped to the back. I contacted Rhino Linings of McKinney and had the forward facing portions of the grab handle coated for a protective upholstered look.

March, 2006 -- Ride Report: March 4, 2006 -- The Hunt County chapter of the Christian Motorcyclists Association (CMA), The King's Kruizers, met at the Valero gas station by the hospital in Greenville, Texas to do a prayer ride at 10:00 AM. Each rider filled out a prayer request slip and traded it with someone else. During the ride we then spent time praying for the individuals, situations and items written on the prayer request slip in our possession. The theory was to trade slips at every stop so each prayer request was prayed over by several riders over the course of the ride. Our first stop was the First Christian Church, Lone Oak, Texas where the pastor had prepared a brief devotional. We made our way on Texas Highway 154 through Quitman, Gilmer, and then to Ore City for lunch at David Beard's Catfish Village.

At the restaurant Jim Finney, our Hunt County CMA Vice President, began having severe chest pains and shortness of breath. God was truly in control as also having lunch at Catfish Village was a retired paramedic (a Longview chapter CMA member), two nurses, and a lady with aspirin and nitroglycerin. We all held hands and prayed. The ambulance got there in about 5 minutes and took Jim to Good Shepherd in Longview. There was a surgeon there that was a Christian and knew about CMA. It was while the medical staff at Good Shepherd were performing an EKG on Jim that he actually had a heart attack. He had a stint placed in an artery that was 100% blocked. The cardiologist mentioned it was one of the worst arteries you could have blockage in as it was quite near the heart. Jim is now doing fine. Praise The Lord!

About half of the roads had a 70 MPH speed limit while the remainder was 55 MPH. Fuel mileage for the 201.1 mile ride was 72.24 MPG (Combined with the first 95.1 miles of the following Talimena Scenic Drive trip).

Ride Report: March 6-7, 2006 -- Nathaniel (my youngest) and I rode the Ninjette to Eastern Oklahoma to ride Talimena Scenic Drive and other scenic roads in the Ouachita Mountains on the border of Oklahoma and Arkansas. The Talimena Scenic Drive, which runs from Talihina, Oklahoma to Mena, Arkansas, is rated as number two of the top ten roads in the USA just behind the legendary US 129 at Deals Gap in the Great Smoky Mountains by the readership of Ride Texas magazine. We spent the night at the Kiamichi Inn in Talihina, Oklahoma and had lunch (Monday) and breakfast (Tuesday) at Pam's Hateful Hussy Diner just 3 blocks down the street. Nathaniel and I rode to Heavener, Oklahoma to visit the Heavener Runestone State Park and do some train spotting in the Heavener rail yard. For the most part Nathaniel and I had the road to ourselves while venturing about the Kiamichi area. Over the two day trip Nathaniel and I rode US 271, Oklahoma 2, Oklahoma 1, Arkansas 88, Arkansas 8, Oklahoma 63, US 270, US 259, US 70, Oklahoma 37, FM 195, and Texas 24.

Most of the roads had a 65 MPH speed limit. Monday was calm and sunny while Tuesday, in contrast, was cloudy and had a stiff wind from the south west gusting to 25 or 30 MPH which we were riding into most of Tuesday. As one can see from the last two fill-ups, the fuel mileage suffered due to the headwind. Fuel mileage per fill-up for the 632 mile trip was as follows 72.24 MPG (Combined with the above 201.1 mile CMA Prayer Ride), 76.04 MPG, 66.78 MPG, and 65.84 MPG.

Evan and Nathaniel Ready To Ride

Nathaniel and the Ninjette on the Talimena Scenic Drive

The Ninjette at the Sunset Overlook on the Talimena Scenic Drive

The Kiamichi Inn Sign

Nathaniel and the Ninjette at the Heavener Runestone State Park Trailhead

Nathaniel in front of the Heavener Runestone

Nathaniel and a BNSF GE AC44-9W

The Ninjette on US 259 South of Smithville, Oklahoma

Ride Report: March 10, 2006 -- I rode the Ninjette from the beginning of FM 455 to the where the pavement ends. FM 455 runs generally from Anna to Montague and is #3 of the top ten rides in Texas according to Ride Texas magazine. I used a variety of Farm to Market roads to take me to the beginning of FM 455 just east of Anna, Texas. After reaching the end of FM 455 just west of Montague, Texas I made a loop to Nocona, Texas to visit the Nocona Boot Company (which interestingly enough no longer makes Nocona Boots) and Saint Jo, Texas (where I graduated high school). From Saint Jo, I took FM 677, which will give one a true taste of West Texas scenery, and made my way to FM 922 and then to Tioga, Texas. In Tioga I stopped at Clark's Outpost (Ride Texas Magazine has ranked Clark's Outpost one of the Top 5 Barbecue Restaurants in Texas), Texas Highways, Southern Living and People Magazine (People Magazine ranked Clark's Outpost one of the Top 10 Barbecue Restaurants in the USA). I feel this is an inflated reputation as I consider The Salt Lick in Driftwood, Texas to be superior in the quantity and quality of the fare and the atmosphere. From Tioga (there sure are a lot of folks racking up tax credits playing at horse ranching in the area) I took FM 121 to just west of Trenton and worked my way back home through Leonard and Wolfe City.

The route consisted of 55 MPH Farm to Market roads. Most of the ride had a southerly side wind gusting to 15 or 20 MPH. Fuel mileage for the 306.65 mile trip was as follows 79.36 MPG. The Ninjette did not hit reserve until 304 miles.

The Montague County Court House in Montague, Texas

The Nocona Boot Company in Nocona, Texas

March 24, 2006 -- The Ninjette got its first bath with a water hose. I ran through a surprise road construction location on one of my favorite back roads while heading home from work. The underside of the motorcycle was caked with wet, sticky, quick setting, clay based roadbed material. By the time I got home it felt and acted like concrete. The front mud flap did its job and kept the radiator and front of the lower fairing clean of debris. Making a longer mud flap or incorporating some other means of keeping the trash out of the rear suspension and off the engine sump is clearly in order.

April, 2006 -- I began researching the design possibilities of modifying a saddle and adding a built-in tail trunk to the seat assembly (Tail Trunk Saddle Project). I ordered a trial trunk from J.C. Whitney and a used Ninja 250 saddle from a Ninja 250 Riders Club member for the Tail Trunk Saddle Project. The used saddle arrived in mid April.

Ride Report: April 4, 2006 -- I rode the Ninjette to Terry's Trim Shop in Greenville, Texas to check on upholstery services (Tail Trunk Saddle Project) and then on to Rockwall, Texas to meet the family for dinner at a Johnny Carino's Country Italian Restaurant.

Ride Report: April 5, 2006 -- The Ninjette rolled over 10,000 miles on the way home from work as I was leaving Trenton, Texas. I therefore decided to take one of the back roads and enjoy the ride home more.

A short distance out of Wolfe City traveling toward Aberfoyle on FM 512 is a series of "S" sweepers that one can comfortably navigate at the speed limit. I typically go toward the opposite side of the lane when passing or approaching another vehicle. Such a maneuver gives them more of a margin of error. I noted when entering the curves that a red Cavalier coupe was approaching from the opposite direction so I relaxed the Ninjette's lean a bit and migrated from the left-hand wheel track to the right-hand wheel track mid-corner. Just as we passed, the Cavalier crossed in to my lane just missing me by a couple of feet. I am not sure where the correction was made by the Cavalier's driver, but as the Chevy passed behind me its driver side wheels were solidly occupying the driver side wheel track of the lane I was in.

I had only enough warning to begin grabbing some brake and begin adjusting the lean angle to setup a move to the very outside of the roadway. I was scared and then almost instantly "made as a hornet". I debated going after the Chevy or just riding on. I live in this part of the county and was just a few miles from the house so chances were I knew the individual or a relative. If I didn't know them, from a statistical standpoint most folks out here are pretty laid back and friendly. I realized that whoever it was did not mean to do what just happened and was likely just paying too much attention to the cell phone or something else in the car. If the person driving was drunk or having health issues the police needed to be notified.

After about 50 to 100 feet of such jumbled thoughts running through my head I "stood" on both brakes and wheeled the bike about. I wasn't exactly sure what I was going to do but I took off in pursuit. Perhaps I could get the plate number and file a report at the Wolfe City police department or follow the Cavalier a short distance to see if the occupants were all right. In the very least I thought that seeing the motorcycle that was almost hit would allow the driver to revisit the situation and perhaps be more careful in the future.

They say "Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned". I feel sure there is a similar saying about "hacked off" cyclists and motorcyclists as well. I knew too many area cyclists and motorcyclists who enjoy riding these back roads to let a situation like this simply pass in "my own backyard". Other drivers not paying attention gets me almost run over all too frequently when on a bicycle. All those times I had been honked at, flipped off, almost run down, run off the road, aggressively tail-gated, and shouted at for just being there while training on my bicycle (often on that very road) also ran through my mind. This time I was on a two wheeler that had enough power and maneuverability to get me close enough to get a plate number. There are times when you simply have to take action.

The Ninjette went through all six gears at WOT and was allowed to settle in at about 90 to 95 indicated as the run back toward town was straight, largely unpopulated, and consisted of low, gently rolling terrain. After a couple of hills my quarry came into full view. We just passed the city limit sign and I was getting close enough to read and begin memorizing the license plate number when the car began to slow and pull over (I like my head light modulator). I pulled along side and there in the Cavalier was an adolescent girl who was clearly more frightened than I was.

My "teacher" and "fatherly" side took over. I raised my visor told her she had really frightened me and as a motorcyclist and educator I was concerned for her safety. I asked her to please be more careful. She said she was very scared and would indeed be more careful in the future. I bid her good day and went on my merry way (perhaps covering my brakes a little more than normal). It is my hope that approaching her in a kind and caring manner that she will actually reflect on her actions and pay more attention to the road in the future, additionally I hope that motorcyclists gained a few PR points with her as well.

I was glad I was on a motorcycle (narrow vehicle) as if I were driving the 'Scort it would have been messy as neither last generation Cavaliers nor second generation Escorts are known for being crash worthy. One the other hand, if I was about 2 seconds behind where I was it would been plenty messy for me as the Ninjette would likely have impacted at the drivers side front corner.

We are reminded from time to time that defensive riding and full gear are not always enough. There exist situations where the actions of others and the timing of events place the outcome beyond our control. Not a particularly pleasant thought, but nonetheless I am comforted by knowing that in spite of my personal imperfections my life is in God's hands.

Ride Report: April 8, 2006 -- I participated in the Princeton Onion Festival Motorcycle Fun Run, a well thought out "Poker Run" rally under the direction of Thomas Osburn an assistant elementary principal with Princeton ISD. The Fun Run had stops every 20 to 25 miles over a distance of about 85 miles. Entry fee monies were collected to benefit the Princeton High School scholarship program and the Lions Club Vision Programs. The morning dawned cloudy and rather cool, however, by late morning the clouds began to dissipate. North Texas had clear skies by early that afternoon. Mitch Miller, a fellow 250 rider from Wylie, Texas I meet through the Ninja 250 Riders Club, and I joined up for the ride. We rode with groups at times and by ourselves at times depending on how much visiting and motorcycle chatter took place at a particular stop. Most of the riders stopped for lunch at Tickle My Ribs BBQ just outside of Anna, Texas. Mitch and I lunched with Kenny Murdock and Chris and Robin Boggs of the Hunt County CMA Chapter. The rally was routed mostly on pleasant and rolling Farm to Market roads in the North Texas Counties of Collin and Grayson. No money was given for winning poker hands but door prize drawings and fellowship abounded so everyone seemed to enjoy the event.

Fuel mileage per fill-up for the 162 mile trip, including to and from Commerce, was 70.7 MPG (combined with commuting earlier that week), and 71.48 MPG.

Mitch with the only Ninjettes participating in the Princeton Onion Festival Fun Run

Several Bikes at the first stop of the Princeton Onion Festival Fun Run

The 250s parked in front of Princeton High School after completing the Princeton Onion Festival Fun Run

Ride Report: April 13, 2006 - April 14, 2006 -- traveled the Arkansas Ozarks. Details of the ride are on the Ninjette Easter Break Ozark Trip Site.

May, 2006 -- The J.C. Whitney Medium Matte Black Custom-Styled Travel Trunk I ordered in April arrived and I began actively working on the Tail Trunk Saddle Project.

The Tail Trunk Saddle Project continued as I began actual designing and construction of the tail truck mounting platform and the seat assembly.

Ride Report: May 6, 2006 -- The Hunt County chapter of the Christian Motorcyclists Association (CMA), The King's Kruizers, met at Crossroads Church in Greenville, Texas to participate in the annual Run for The Son ride at 9:00 AM. Run for The Son is the only fund raising effort of the Christian Motorcyclists Association (CMA). We began the morning with coffee and donuts at the church (I just had a cup of the coffee). We rode various Farm to Market roads and Texas State Highways that lead us through several small towns around Lake Tawakoni including Bole Home, Quinlan, Emory, West and East Tawakoni, Yantis, Alba, Miller Grove, and Lone Oak, Texas. Our first stop was the Max-A-Mart convenience store in Emory, Texas. From there we continued meandering about the Lake Tawakoni area and arrived at our destination, Wind Point Park near Lone Oak, Texas, a little before noon where we were joined by the CMA groups from Terrell and Sulphur Springs, Texas making a total roughly of 130 attendees. At Wind Point Park we met for prayer and a lunch fellowship featuring some really great barbecue. I had the opportunity to meet and chat with CMA state and regional leadership during the fellowship. After the lunch fellowship I rode directly from Lone Oak to Commerce on FM 513 through Campbell.

The last week had brought much needed rain to Northeast Texas. The pattern the last few days was rain in the late night early morning hours and dry to clearing during the day. This Saturday was little different with the rain ending about 5:30 in the morning. Much of Saturday was cloudy and humid, but cool. It turned out to be a very pleasant day for a ride.

Fuel mileage for the 154 mile trip, including to and from Commerce, was 73.2 MPG.

The Max-A-Mart at Emory, Texas during Run for The Son Ride 2006.

The Wind Point Park Community Center at Emory, Texas during Run for The Son Ride 2006.

June, 2006 -- After a test fitting and a couple of conversations with the very helpful folks at Terry's Trim Shop in Greenville, Texas the upholstered saddle and platform were ready the have the tail trunk mounting bracket installed and the Tail Trunk Saddle Project completed and tested. Checked the valve clearance, added two 12 volt power outlets (one below the instrument panel and one under the seat), and installed a RAM mount to be used for my Palm/GPS combo.

Ride Report: June 4, 2006 -- Several North Texas members of the Ninja 250 Riders Club met at the Cheddar's Casual Cafe' near IH 635 and McArthur in Irving, Texas for a "Greet, Meet, and Eat". The ride to Irving from Commerce was interesting as it took place on a Sunday afternoon and the route chosen was all interstate and mostly urban. I caught IH 30 East at Greenville, Texas and then took IH 635 East on to McArthur in Irving. The traffic flow would literally not let me settle in to a nice steady pace at the speed limit. The nearer I got to the Metroplex the worse it got. Riding at the 60 MPH speed limit caused impatient cagers to bunch up behind and then act foolishly trying to get around. Most of the IH 635 travel was WOT passing and running a good 15 to 20 MPH above the speed limit. I was very glad to get in the IH 635 HOV lane and settle in about half a mile behind a van running at a "relaxed" 65 to 70 MPH. Even then I got the privilege of some clown in a Buick attempting to crawl up my exhaust pipes.

The Dallas area Ninja 250 Riders Club meet was enjoyable and well attended. Seven forum members and two associates were present. It was a kick seeing five Ninjettes in the Cheddar's parking lot. Attending were forum members: John Bell (jbell), Andrew Hinkle (littlered), Ryan Navarro (easyrider), Mike Niswander (Nish), James Siros (wankel7), Brad Swindall (redshad), yours truly (emdsd), and associates: Anna Smith (Ryan's girl friend) and Derrick Lambert (James's friend/neighbor ). This was the first time many of us had been to a Cheddar's and we found the quality of fare was both notable and reasonably priced. The conversation was good and the company enjoyable. We enjoyed hearing of each other's varied backgrounds and career choices. It was decided that we should attempt to get together regularly.

For the ride home I followed James and Derrick north on Luna road where I eventually caught Texas 121 to McKinney and then took US 380 to Greenville in a partially realized attempt to have a more relaxing trip home. Once I was east of McKinney and in the country I was able to cruise at the posted limit with out tailgating cagers.

Fuel mileage for the 176 mile trip was, not surprisingly, just 64.65 MPG

Left to right: Mike, Brad, Evan, Andrew, Ryan, James, and John. John's nice Yellow 2006 is the center piece. (Photo by Anna Smith)

Left to right: Mike, Brad, Andrew, Anna, Ryan, James, Derrick, and John

Five Ninjettes flanked by a V-Star 650 and a Kawasaki Z1000 (Photo by Ryan Navarro)

Ride Report: June 18, 2006 - June 24, 2006 -- Successfully completed an Iron Butt Association 50CC Quest. Details of the ride are on the Ninjette Summer 50CC Quest Site.

July, 2006 -- My wife, Joleen was offered and accepted a secondary math instructor position with Trenton ISD where I have been Chief Technology Officer for several years now. Unfortunately, that means I will no longer be commuting on the Ninjette. Additionally, we are looking for property in or near Trenton, Texas. The Ninjette is now officially a recreational vehicle.

I began experimenting with longer front mud flaps. The success was been limited as length tends to lead to rubbing on the lower fairing at speed due to the increased wind drag of the longer mud flap.

Ride Report: July 15, 2006 -- Once again I tried to host a DFW area Ninja 250 Riders Club ride here in Hunt County with limited success. Brad Swindall (redshad), Nathaniel (my 9 year old), and I met at the Cracker Barrel in Greenville, Texas at 7:00AM for breakfast. We waited for others to show up until about 8:30AM and then went in for coffee and breakfast. We then went for a ride on several quiet farm roads in Hunt and Fannin counties with a few state highway sections to travel between farm roads. Part of the route consisted of several of the highest points in the two counties so the scenery was nice, a bit brown due to the drought, but nice. Nathaniel rode with both Brad and I (it seems Nathaniel prefers riding pillion on Brad's V-Star to doing so on the Ninjette). We ended the ride at Greenville Kawasaki Suzuki where we talked an employee into taking a photo.

Fuel mileage was not taken as the trip was too short.

Evan and Brad in front of Greenville Kawasaki Suzuki.

August, 2006 -- Ride Report: August 5, 2006 -- I rode the Ninjette to Eastern Oklahoma to meet several other motorcyclists including Brad Swindall and Michael Hickman (redshad and hickman71 of the Ninja 250 Riders Club) for breakfast at the Queen Wilhelmina State Park Lodge located on the Talimena Scenic Drive After breakfast we rode the Talimena Scenic Drive and other scenic roads in the Ouachita Mountains on the border of Oklahoma and Arkansas. Most of the group had hotel rooms at the Sun Country Inn in Mena, Arkansas which we used as a base of operations. We also took time to explore Billy Creek Arkansas State Recreation Area which was down a couple of miles of gravel road. The weather was great for the most part except we got caught by a pretty good rain storm while on Arkansas 8 just after we left Billy Creek. We had an early dinner at the Chopping Block Steakhouse in Mena.

Alan Bennett (loudboys of the Ninja 250 forum) rode his blue Ninja 250 he modified for the Iron Butt Rally from his home in Missouri. He arrived at the Sun Country Inn in Mena, Arkansas a little after 9:00 PM. The late arrival gave me just a bit of time to visit with him and check out that wonderful IBR Ninja 250 before I had to head home for Sunday services. I arrived in Commerce at 2:00 AM Sunday morning.

Over the day of riding I traveled Oklahoma 1, Arkansas 88, Arkansas 8, Oklahoma 63, US 270, US 259, US 70, US 59, Oklahoma 37, FM 195, and Texas 24.

Most of the roads had a 65 MPH or 55 MPH speed limit. the morning was calm and sunny while afternoon, in contrast, was cloudy, windy, and had scattered showers. Fuel mileage per fill-up for the trip was as follows 68.2 MPG, 69.6 MPG, 69.5 MPG, and 70.93 MPG.

Queen Wilhelmina State Park Lodge.

Kent Deckert, Brad Swindall, Lee Moore, Evan Yeager, and Michael Hickman at the Queen Wilhelmina State Park Lodge.

Every time we pulled off on a scenic outlook while riding the Talimena Scenic Drive it was "cell phone" time for someone.

Trying to decide whether to motor on down the gravel road toward Billy Creek Arkansas State Recreation Area.

We did decide to motor on and successfully arrived at Billy Creek Arkansas State Recreation Area.

Michael Hickman and I decided to ride back up the Talimena Scenic Drive before it got dark and do what Ninjettes do best at our own pace (which was actually more relaxed than the cruisers wanted to go).

Alan Bennett, Brad Swindall, Evan Yeager, and Michael Hickman at the Sun Country Inn in Mena, Arkansas (Photo by Lee Moore).

September, 2006 -- Ride Report: September 2, 2006 -- I awoke about 3:45 AM and could not get back to sleep. I checked the Weather Underground and the forecast for Southeastern Oklahoma looked good. A jaunt on the Ninjette sure sounded like a fun way to spend much of the day. By 5:00 AM I was headed toward Southeastern Oklahoma for breakfast at the Queen Wilhelmina State Park Lodge located on the Talimena Scenic Drive. After breakfast I rode the remainder of the Talimena Scenic Drive to Mena, Arkansas and turned around. I arrived back in Commerce at 4:00 PM that afternoon.

Over the day of riding I traveled Oklahoma 1, Arkansas 88, Oklahoma 63, US 259, US 271, US 71, and Texas 24.

The sky began as cloudy with widely scattered showers on the early western portion of the route and changed to partly cloudy but with plenty of sun once west of Clayton, Oklahoma. The winds remained calm through out the trip.

The Ninjette on the Talimena Scenic Drive in September 2006.

October, 2006 -- I used a rebate certificate I had gotten from Riders of Kawasaki for taking a motorcycle safety course for a K&N stock "replacement" air cleaner. The logic for doing this was to provide maximum air filtration as we are moving to Trenton, Texas shortly. Trenton is in Fannin county which has a poor quality "white rock" county road system. The air cleaner installs on the twin snorkels (down tubes) of the air cleaner housing cap even though to my dealer and me looked as if it installed on the backs of the carbs. After reading the instructions we saw how the system worked and put the air cleaner on the Ninjette.

October 15, 2006 -- Joleen, the kids, and I attended the seventh annual Motorcycles, Music, and More Biker Sunday worship service at Crossroads Assembly of God Church in Greenville, Texas. Praise and Worship music was lead by Johnny Red and Landon Spradlin backed by their band. The worship service was truly a blessing and many were ministered to by the Holy Spirit during the service and the alter call. Pastor Allgood unveiled the My Number is 3235829 Chopper during at the end of the worship service. A tasty "cookout" style lunch was provided at all that attended.

Ride Report: October 21, 2006 -- I rode with several members Hunt County chapter of the Christian Motorcyclists Association (the King's Kruizers) to Changing of the Colors Rally. We left the Valero next to the hospital in Greenville at 7 AM and took the scenic route. I was elected to lead the group as I was most familiar with the back routes to the Talimena Scenic Drive. It must have been an amusing sight with the Ninjette leading four Harley Davidson motorcycles. We caught up with a couple of ride groups a few miles West of Talihina, Oklahoma poking about at 45 MPH. The total number of bikes likely over 50 so it was impossible to pass. Fortunately, they pulled off to a couple of gas stations in Talihina and we were able to proceed to the Talimena Scenic Drive.

Kenny Murdock wed Nelda Collins at the Iron Mountain bell tower during the CMA Changing of the Colors Rally. It was a heartfelt ceremony with the emphasis on the importance of God as the focus of the Christian marriage. The ride through the Kiamichi earlier was a fitting prelude to the focus of this aspect of God's love and care.

We left the grounds a little after 3:00 PM and proceed, after fueling up, to Vickie's Cafe in Hatfield, Arkansas. Vickie's Cafe, well know for hamburgers and homemade pies, has clearly become a favorite stop for CMA members visiting the area. We the rode home through New Boston. Unfortunately, chapter Vice President, Jim Finney had a rear flat on his Harley dresser just East of Mount Vernon, Texas. He sent his wife on with and other couple so they could get a truck and trailer to bring the bike back home. Four of us stayed to keep Jim company as he waited. We got under way again at about 10:00 PM.

Over the day of riding I traveled Interstate Highway 30, Texas 24, US 271, Oklahoma 3, Oklahoma 2, Oklahoma 1, Arkansas 88, US 71, US 59, Arkansas 41, and Texas 8.

Roads varied from 70 MPH on the way to up to 55 MPH in the Ouachita Mountains and back to 70 MPH for the Interstate portion of the return trip. The morning was calm, crisp, and sunny. The day continued in to be sunny and warming with the usual wind in the mountains. The long side of the road delay meant the last hour of the return trip was spent fighting a very strong North wind as a strong cold front moved through the area resulting in a steady drop in temperature to the low 40s. Fuel mileage per fill-up for the trip was as follows 65.8 MPG, 73.6 MPG, and 79.6 MPG.

November, 2006 -- Placed a new Metzeler ME 880 Marathon 130/90HB16 on the rear.

Ride Report: November 5, 2006 -- I rode with several members of Church On The Rock, Quitman on their first organized ride. We rode to Jefferson, Texas for a late lunch early dinner after morning worship. We dined at the Jefferson Old Fashion Hamburger Store. The restaurant is known for it's "home-made" pies. The coconut pie was quite good while the hamburger was only average. Jefferson is a popular destination for bikers in East Texas with many quaint little shops and several Bed and Breakfast establishments to choose from. Everyone seemed to have a good time and it was nice to catch up with some folks I haven't seen in quite a while.

The roads traveled were largely straight and flat with by far the most traveled road being Texas Highway 154. Group speeds ranged from 65 MPH to 55 MPH. The afternoon varied from partly sunny to cloudy with little wind making it through those piney woods so typical of East Texas. The rain held off until I was headed home from Quitman to Commerce. Fuel mileage per fill-up for the trip was 76.3 MPG and 84.59 MPG. The 84.59 should be considered a fluke as the fill-up was less than a tank full.

December, 2006 -- We finally were able to move to Trenton. Wow, that was quite the experience. An experience I hope to never repeat. Feel free to check out our new home just south of Trenton, Texas.

The Ninjette's new home in the garage between both cars.

The new garage is wonderful. It is over-sized and provides plenty of space to work on the cars, Ninjette, and bicycles. As winter is a good time to work on vehicles I had 15" of insulation blown on to the garage ceiling.

Ride Report: December 2, 2006 -- I rode with several members of Greenville Chapter of the Christian Motorcyclists Association (King's Kruizers) to participate in the Mesquite Santa Cop Toy Run. We meet at the Valero next to the hospital in Greenville and rode to Mesquite. Several hundred motorcyclists lead by a police escort snaked their way through Mesquite to raise money for disadvantaged children in the Mesquite, Texas.

Ride Report: December 17, 2006 -- Nathaniel and I rode the Ninjette with Thomas Osburn, Assistant Elementary principal at Princeton ISD, and several of his friends to and in the Big Texas Toy Run. We met Thomas and his son at their church in McKinney. The Big Texas Toy Run raises money for disadvantaged children in the Metroplex. Over 50,000 Motorcycles participated in the event. A large number of folks turned out to line the roadways and wave at the bikes. A sizable amount of money and awareness was raised for Dallas/Fort Worth area charities. The most disappointing aspect was the lack of traffic control, particularly when compared with the Mesquite Santa Cop Toy Run. Non-motorcycle traffic should have been barred from the run route. Bikers and cagers were both guilty of aggressive maneuvering.