The Ninjette Journal for 2009
The Ninjette Journal for 2009
Monthly Journal Entries
January, 2009 -- The IC Igniter Issue continues from last year. Joleen was still recovering from her radical Hysterectomy and needed me around the house so obviously family took priority over piddling around on a motorcycle.
Ride Report: January 3, 2009 -- Hugh Mantooth and I went out for a brief afternoon tour of Collin and Hunt county roads to take advantage of the record breaking high temperatures of the day.
Ride Report: January 8, 2009 -- I drove to the Allen location of Scotty P's Hamburgers to attended an organizational meeting for a Christian Motorcyclists Association Fastlane (sportbike) chapter in the North Dallas (Allen, Plane, McKinney) area. Regional Representatives Joe and Patty Bishop officiated the meeting and were assisted by officers from the first Fastlane chapter: Christ Rockets (Arlington, Texas). Sportbike riding members of the Faith Riders (Plano, Texas), Guardians of Grace (McKinney, Texas), and King's Kruizers (Hunt County) CMA chapters attended the meeting. A great group of folks if there ever was one, The Bishops were as supportive as ever and the leadership of the Christ Rockets offered good insight and guidance. I am committed to help start the ministry effort due to the clear need for reaching out to this segment of the motorcycling population.
It is well known that cruisers and sportbikers approach motorcycling differently. Sportbike enthusiasts tend to ride for the sake of movement and motion while the destination is incidental. For cruisers it is more about the stops and the socializing. A part of the typical sportbike experience is speed particularly through the turns. The reconciliation of the CMA back patch, its associated witness, and the elevated velocities of sport riding verses cruising. Cruisers and their "laid back" riding is a more natural fit with the "abstain from the appearances of evil" aspect of the Christian walk than the "friskier" and more aggressive style typical of sport riding. Speed in particular is often associated with sportbiking and looked down upon by non-sport riders. While I confess I pay little attention to the posted speed on curves I do observe the over all speed limit for the roadway. My primary enjoyment is not so much getting from curve to curve as quickly as possible but rather seeing how eloquently I can retain forward momentum through the radius. My desire to obey the laws of the road are in part due to the message the CMA back patch communicates to others I share the road with and the rest is a stewardship issue (old bodies and even little motorcycles are expensive to repair). An egocentric concern is that on any group rides I might participate in the Ninjettes and I will be outgunned in both horsepower and skill level. I am most comfortable swooping down twisty farm roads at a moderate pace. We shall see.
Ride Report: January 18, 2009 -- Ride Texas Magazine 2009 Top Ten Best in Texas Readers' Choice Awards highlighted two local roads in the Prairies and Lakes Region (which includes Trenton) Top 10 roads. The Ninjette II and I rode the two roads FM 697 (Number 3) and FM 121 (Number 4) and tacked on local favorite FM 898 as well. It was a cool day but an improvement over the last several days and there several motorcyclists out and taking advantage of the afternoon. Interestingly this was the first time I recall seeing Texas Highway Patrolmen on FM 697 in over three years.
East of Ida on FM 697
Ride Report: January 20, 2009 -- I rode the Ninjette II down some local favorite back roads to Greenville, Texas the classic FM 36 to the monthly officers meeting of the King's Kruizers Christian Motorcyclists Association chapter. We met at Catfish Cove the restaurant that was the first meeting place of the King's Kruizers. The trip back was a bit cold as temperatures approached freezing and the humidity was over 60%.
February, 2009 -- The IC Igniter Issue continues from last year. Joleen is working on her master's degree so time for play is very limited.
Activity Report: February 6-7, 2009 -- The regional Christian Motorcyclists Association (CMA) Seasons of Refreshing was held at First Baptist Church in Fairfield, Texas with a record breaking attendance of 460. I had lunch with the delightful and colorful "Hugger Dave" of the Longview CMA chapter. Wing and a Prayer played three sets.
Ride Report: February 14, 2009 -- Joleen and I met the rest of King's Kruizers CMA chapter at Luigi's Italian Restaurant in Rockwall a little before 5 PM. The menu was strategically limited for Valentine's Day evening due to the anticipated amount of people expected to be dining out. The food was excellent and company was of course great.
March, 2009 -- The IC Igniter Issue continues.
Ride Report: March 7, 2009 -- I took the Ninjette II for a quick jaunt down FM 697, FM 121, and several Collin County roads near Blue Ridge.
Ride Report: March 8, 2009 -- It was a wonderful afternoon so I rode FM 697 to Sherman, Texas and then explored some Grayson County roads until I got to Carpenters Bluff, Texas. I took the Carpenters Bluff Bridge across the Red River and road to Hendrix, Oklahoma. A few more county roads to Oklahoma 78 and an easterly ride to Yuba and across the Red River toward Bonham, Texas. Shortly across the boarder I took FM 274 to Revenna, Texas and south to FM 898 to Whitewright, Texas where I caught FM 151 to Trenton.
Ride Report: March 21, 2009 -- I and several other members of the King's Kruizers Christian Motorcyclists Association chapter met at Aldersgate Church in Greenville for a Breakfast Fellowship at 7:30 AM followed by a bike run around Hunt and surrounding counties. I met a fellow Iron Butt Association (IBA) member and several other great folks. The only drawback was the lack of experience of the individual acting as road captain for the ride. Rick Gentry, Charlie Smith, Charlie's brother Craig, and I ended the ride with lunch at Glenda's Cafe & Catering diner in Greenville, Texas.
Visiting in the Aldersgate Church parking lot.
Listen up!
Taking a break on the Leonard, Texas Down Town Square.
Glenda's Cafe and Catering.
Ride Report: March 28, 2009 -- The Saturday of the King's Kruizers Christian Motorcyclists Association Fun Run and Bike Show headquartered at Greenville Mitsubishi turner out very cold and then continued cold and added very windy. Not what one would consider an ideal day for motorcycling. However many members of the King's Kruizers and some members of neighboring chapters supported the ministry fun raising effort. The usual array of "goofy" activities that were slated for each stop were made that much more challenging or "goofy" by the cold blustery wind.
I had to leave fairly quickly as it was Junior/Senior Prom Night at Trenton and our daughter, Victoria, while driving the Escort, had an altercation with a dumpster at a hair salon in Leonard, Texas. That day Joleen and I got to be both "prom" parents and school district officials while at the prom that evening.
Relaxing and visiting at the ride registration table.
Rick Gentry take my picture at Highway 69 Cycles.
Highway 69 Cycles Sign.
Highway 69 Cycles near Lone Oak, Texas.
Pickle spitting at Highway 69 Cycles.
American Iron in Greenville, Texas.
Carburetor throwing at American Iron.
Clark's Wheeled Sports south of Greenville, Texas.
Yard Dart throwing at Clarks Wheeled Sports.
April, 2009 -- The IC Igniter Issue continues.
Ride Report: April 4, 2009 -- I took the Ninjette II to the visitation for fallen member of the King's Kruizers CMA chapter, Gary Maddux.
The parking lot before the Gary Maddux visitation.
May, 2009 -- The IC Igniter Issue continues. Lots of time spent on adjusting the valve clearance on the EX250J8F.
Ride Report: May 30, 2009 -- I met members of the Guardians of Grace (McKinney, Texas) CMA chapter to participate in the Susan G. Koman for the Cure first annual Bikers for Boobees Ride benefiting breast cancer research. The route was very odd and rather urban in order to "hit" the locations of main sponsors of the "ride". There were many aspects that were well done for a first effort and, with the exception of large amount of urban miles, the route was enjoyable.
Over 300 motorcyclists participated in Bikers for Boobees.
Donuts before the ride.
Inside Central Yamaha.
Chick Yamaha R6 sport bike.
Mitzi Booth's decorated scooter.
The Ninjette II amongst the cruisers as is typical.
June, 2009 -- The IC Igniter Issue is closed.
Ride Report: June 20, 2009 -- I finally had a Saturday morning that was not minutely scheduled. I arose early with the idea of having breakfast "on the mountain". I took the Ninjette II on it's first solo 450 mile day and got back home in time to mow the lawn and grill steaks for a family dinner.
From Trenton I took Texas 121 through Bonham, Texas and Texas 78 north to Yuba, Oklahoma. After threading along some local roads I caught to US 271 to Antlers where I followed Oklahoma 2 to Clayton and back to Oklahoma 271 through Talihina, Oklahoma to the Talimena Scenic Drive. I stopped for the breakfast buffet at the Queen Wilhelmina State Park Lodge and then continued on to Mena, Arkansas via the remainder of the Talimena Scenic Drive to fuel the motorcycle.
In Mena I stumbled across the ultimate "Man's Store", Tim's Yamaha Polaris Guns Archery and Pawn in Mena Arkansas. The retailer devotes roughly half of it's square footage to hunting and fishing gear. If it is loud, goes fast, throws projectiles, or "can cause death or serious injury" -- it can be purchased at this establishment.
Mena had been recently ravaged by a tornado. It was a most unfortunate "twist of fate" that the poorest sections of town where the hardest hit. I took no pictures and simply prayed as the wounds had yet to heal.
The return route encompassed Arkansas 8 from Mena to US Highway 259. I then traveled south on US 259 and turned west on Oklahoma 144 at Octavia. I took the opportunity to tour Octavia (which took all of ten minutes). Oklahoma 144 remains a lightly traveled byway and begs to be ridden in a relaxed unhurried manner.
I rode at or slightly above 70 MPH on the roadways that had a 65 to 70 MPH speed limit to make time and get to the mountains. The Talimena Scenic Drive has a speed limit of 55 and adhered to the posted limit. The morning was warm with a consistent wind out of the south. Clear skies lead to temperatures in the 90s by mid afternoon and an increasing southerly wind. Fuel mileage for the 450+ mile excursion was upper 50s to lower 60s.
Along the Talimena Drive in Oklahoma.
Queen Wilhelmina Lodge.
Along the Talimena Drive in Arkansas.
Tim's Yamaha Polaris Pawn Guns and Archery in Mena, Arkansas. (Yes, the picture is rather dark).
Octavia, Oklahoma.
Sights along Oklahoma 144.
Master Works Dulcimers East of Bennington Oklahoma.
Ride Report: June 27, 2009 -- The Family of Allen Wesley Davis (KawiDavis) held the third annual 3rd annual KawiDavis Memorial Ride in honor of Allen's birthday.
Tam Pho and I met at the Waffle House in McKinney for breakfast and then traveled to Denton via US 380 where we met Drake Moore and several other members of the Ninja 250 Riders Club. We rode to Ardmore, OK and greeted John Kennedy and his group at Lowe's, just east of I-35 near exit 32. Lowe's is on the northwest corner of the intersection where Allen was struck by the wayward pickup. We then visited and waited for the rest of the participants to arrive. Joani Toland (Allen's mother) arrived a little later.
After the arrival of several other riders including Dr. Michael Dougherty and Michael Hickman we mounted up and road through the intersection that Allen was killed. The memorial ride continued to progress east and then north on US 77 toward the Arbuckle Mountains area and on to Turner Falls Park. We stopped and rested for a bit at the entrance to Turner Falls Park. as it was one of Allen's favorite destinations. We continued north on US 77 to Davis, Oklahoma and turned east on Oklahoma 7 and arrived at the Chickashaw National Recreation Area. Our first excursion in to the Chickashaw National Recreation Area quickly indicated that some locations were very crowed. We had difficulty finding a location that could "hold" all of us. Soon one of the "locals" suggested a location and lead us to a far less crowded day use area for the picnic and memorial celebration.
Joani's family and friends provided a nice picnic lunch including hotdogs, chips, and birthday cake. We each took he opportunity to renew old friendships and meet new acquaintances. Allen's family was very appreciative of our joining them for this bitter-sweet event. Joani released a group of balloons to Allen. Several brought donations for the Allen Davis Memorial Scholarship Fund. It is still my hope that the Allen Davis Memorial Ride will become a fundraising event for the scholarship fund in his honor and memory.
As our time together waned, the oppressive heat and family obligations back home began to move the attendees on. We said farewells to old and new friends alike and planned to participate once again next year. Drake joined Tam and I for the ride back to Fannin and Collin county. We left the Chickashaw National Recreation Area and turn south on US 177 continuing until Oakland where we filled our tanks. From Oakland we caught US 377 south at Madill. We crossing into Texas over Lake Texoma and then ventured south on FM 901 to Sadler, Texas. We continued east on US 82 to Sherman.
At Sherman we turned off US 75 via FM 1417 in order to ride FM 697 through Ida on the way to Whitewrite, Texas. Drake, Tam, and I said goodbye just north of Whitewrite. They continued on to McKinney traveling Texas 121 and the Ninjette II and I initiated the final leg home via FM 151 through Orangeville, Texas and then Trenton..
The first group arrives.
Hickman joins the gathering.
The second wave arrives.
Michael and Tam.
Joani and Michael.
******, Drake Moore, and Dr. Mike Dougherty.
The intersection where Allen was killed.
Allen's cross.
Headed to Turner Falls.
Resting near the Turner Falls Park Entry.
Getting ready to leave the Turner Falls Park Entry.
Setting up the picnic area.
Lunch and relaxed conversation.
Allen's birthday cake.
Joani and helper serve the birthday cake.
The balloons drift skyward.
Watching the balloons.
Saying good bye.
Tam and Drake filling up at Oakland, Oklahoma.
July, 2009 --
Ride Report: July 10, 2009 -- Nathaniel my son attended a Boy Scout camp at Camp Constantin on Possum Kingdom this week. Friday evening was parent night -- Joleen (my wife) was tied up with graduate work and Trenton ISD does not have office hours on Fridays during the summer. Gee, I need to go to the land of FM 4 and FM 455 with out the family and don't have to go to the office, whatever will I do?
Generally, I planned to leave Trenton early enough to prattle about on FM 455 and other roads to get over to the Forestburg/Alvord area and then to Jacksboro for lunch at Nana Lou's Kitchen (reputed to be "one of the best small town restaurant in Texas" -- Ride Texas, July 2009) for lunch. Then head down FM 4 toward Graford and Palo Pinto and over to Possum Kingdom Lake. Motorcycles, good food, friendly folks, and plenty of consulting maps and GPSs. What more could you want?
The reality in this case was that things pretty much went south from the beginning. I mowed the lawn early that morning and planned to leave about 10:00 AM. I cleaned up and got ready to run a quick errand. It was than that I got a phone call from the superintendent of Trenton ISD. It seemed a crew of sub-contractors unexpectedly arrived to install communications equipment several days early and I had to be allow building access and over see a portion of project operations. I was able to finally get away a little after noon so I missed out on eating at Nana Lou's Kitchen in Jacksboro (though I did get a photo).
I caught FM 455 at Anna and proceeded to Forestburg. On the way I detoured to have a look at Mustang, Texas (you know what a sucker I am for interesting place names). After touring Mustang I proceeded to Forestburg where I rode south through Alvord on FM 1655 and eventually wound up at Jacksboro and headed south on FM 4. The temperature in Jacksboro read 105 and it felt every bit of that. A few miles down FM4 and I discovered that the road had been detoured miles out of the way. I finally wound up at Graford and then took Texas 254, Texas 16, and Park Road 36 to Camp Constantin.
I arrived just in time for diner and found the camp was, to no great shock, ill equipped to handle a motorcyclist and had no provision to stow gear. Somehow I dropped my gloves and did not discover this fact until I was with Nathaniel in the dining hall line. We back tracked but was unsuccessful in finding the gloves. The camp served a Barbeque dinner and all the fixings. The dinner was actually very good. Several demonstrations and a fun to watch competitions were scheduled after dinner. There was a "blob" demonstration by some of the camp councilors that lost everyone's interest in about five minutes. The raft race and relay race between the scout troops was fun and prompted plenty of parental cheering all around.
As dark approached I said my goodbyes and walked to the Ninjette II via the lost and found near the office; no gloves. I arrived at the Ninja 250R to discover that fortunately some kind person placed the gloves on the. Praise the Lord! I saddled up and headed home via the most direct route: Graford to Jacksboro to Decatur to Denton to McKinney and then Trenton. I got home just before one AM Saturday morning. All in all it was an enjoyable, if not a bit warm, ride.
Horse Breeder near Mustang, Texas.
Mustang Baptist Church -- Equine Spiritual Enlightenment.
View between Forestburg and Alvord on FM 1655.
Property entrance just north of Alvord on FM 1655.
Nana Lou's Kitchen on FM 4 just south of US 380 in Jacksboro.
Camp Constantin Entrance.
Sun Burned Nathaniel at Camp Constantin.
Barbeque Dinner at Camp Constantin.
Camp Constantin humor.
Possum Kingdom Lake as viewed from Camp Constantin.
Watching the festivities at Camp Constantin.
The Texas State Flag at sunset.
Late Night outside of Decatur, Texas.
Ride Report: July 18, 2009 -- I took the Ninjette II to Sherman Power Sports for its required state safety inspection. I traveled FM 151 and FM 697 to Sherman and then returned home via Texas 5, FM 121, and FM 814.
Ride Report: July 25, 2009 -- The King's Kruizers Christian Motorcyclists Association chapter met at the Valero on the corner of Jack Finney Boulevard and US Highway 69 for a fellowship run to Moser's Restaurant at Lake Fork Marina. The chapter was honored that Cedric and Lia Cryer visiters from near Celeste, Texas rode with us.. We departed after prayer and met a second group of King's Kruizers at Lone Oak, Texas. After further road instructions and another prayer (you really can't have too much of either) we proceeded to Emory, Texas where we turned east on FM 515. From FM 515 we rode south on FM 17 and turned east in to the marina.
Moser's Restaurant is a local draw for good country cooking and reasonable pricing. Moser's is best known for pies having won an award from Texas Co-op Power in 2004. The dining area was understated and clean. The wait staff personable and quite adept at serving a large group. I had the grilled catfish dinner and a slice of coconut cream pie. The food was above average and the pie very good. Dinner conversation was of course entertaining and enlightening. We enjoyed getting to know the Cryers.
We returned to Greenville via Daugherty, Miller Grove, and Lone Oak. I returned to Trenton by way of Caddo Mills and Merit traveling FM 36.
Lucian Highlander (Chaplin) leads the prayer at the Valero in southern Greenville.
Lined up outside American National Bank in Lone Oak.
Prayer at Lone Oak.
Dismounting at Moser's Restaurant
Famous Visitors Wall display at Moser's Restaurant
Looking over the menu at Moser's Restaurant
This would not be a candid shot.
Enjoying Dinner at Moser's Restaurant
Coconut Cream Pie at Moser's Restaurant
August, 2009 --
Ride Report: August 2, 2009 -- Several members of First Baptist Church, Trenton, Texas arranged to bring their motorcycles to the Sunday evening service. At the evening service we heard Sue Kelly and Jarel Philbern report on their summer mission trips. It was inspiring to hear how God touched lives through those missions efforts.
After the worship service we fueled at the local Kwik Chek and they group elected me as road captain (not that I sought out the position). We took FM 151 to FM 898 and then Texas 56 to Bonham. We had ice cream and shakes at Braum's with the exception of Brian Parker who broke ranks and ordered a burger and some some fries.
My usual cautious riding style when acting as road captain was apparently too much for Chris Hollahan and Tyler Bowman as they rode on ahead of the group on the return to Trenton. The vote is in and I officially ride like an old man. Sigh.
Fueling up at the Trenton Kwik Chek.
Parked behind the Bonham, Texas Braum's
Dining at the Bonham, Texas Braum's
Ride Report: August 29, 2009 -- Spent the day with my best friend from Kemp High School, Daniel Poole and his son Joshua increasing our carbon foot print by riding our sport bikes across North Texas via a variety of farm to market roads. DAniel lives south east of Fort Worth as we met at the Starbucks in Rockwall at IH-30 and Ridge Road. While waiting I struck up a conversation and had a cup of (overly expensive) coffee with a member of the Gypsies Motorcycle Club, Commerce, Texas Chapter and his wife.
Poole and son arrived and after some deliberation we decided on a wide loop taking in several of North Texas best known motorcycle roads including FM 36, FM 898, FM 697, and FM 455. We took FM 36 from IH-30 to just southwest of Leonard, Texas and then dined on Mexican cuisine at Luna Azul Cafe in Leonard, Texas for lunch. From there we rode through Bailey via FM 898 and then traveled to FM 697 to just south of Sherman, Texas. We then meandered our way down several farm to market roads including FM 455 to just east of Denton on US 380. We fueled up our bikes and chatted while downing bottled water at a Shell station. We said our adieus and went our separate ways home. It was enjoyable as we haven't seen each other but a hand full of times in the last 30 years. Tentative plans were set for a day trip to Mena, Arkansas this fall.
Joshua and Daniel in front of the Rockwall Starbucks.
September, 2009 --
September 2, 2009 -- I purchased a new set of Bridgestone Battlax BT-45s for the Ninjette II from the Family Powersports location in McKinney, Texas. This was the first time I needed to remove both wheels at the same time therefore pressing both the front and rear stands into service. The motorcycle was surprisingly stable in spite of how it looked. The height of the axles above the garage floor made it much easier to remove and refit the wheel/tire assembly.
Powerstands keep the Ninjette II secure while the wheels make the trip to the Family Powersports location in McKinney
Ride Report: September 2, 2009 -- A law exists (or at least should exist) which requires that new motorcycle tires be broken in as soon as possible. Fortunately, Sunday afternoon between services was very pleasant so I prattled about exploring Collin County back roads at 35 to 40 MPH to scuff the outer layer of rubber. I then rode Texas Highway 160, FM 121, and Texas 5 to Sherman, Texas then returned home via FM 697, FM 151, and FM 815.
Ride Report: September 22, 2009 -- I rode the Ninjette II to the combined CMA chapter meeting of the King's Kruizers (Greenville CMA chapter), the Yeshua Riders (Sherman CMA chapter), and the Guardians of Grace (McKinney CMA chapter). The meeting was held at the Princeton ISD Maintenance building and once again dinner was a fund raiser forl missions (this time a Caddo Mills Baptist church youth group was the beneficiary).
Ride Report: September 26, 2009 -- The Ninjette II and I rode to the Titus County Fair Cross Country Meet at Mount Pleasant High School, Mount Pleasant, Texas to watch Victoria compete. I spied a "Grandma Car" of interest in Mount Vernon, Texas on the way to the Cross Country meet (see the September 21, 2009 entry -- here).
October, 2009 --
Ride Report: October 3, 2009 -- The month started with us all battling H1N1 (Swine Flu). Saturday dawned brightly but the forecast was rain for the next week and if there was to be motorcycle riding done it would be on Saturday morning only. Everyone here was sleeping in so I took the opportunity to ride over to Princeton, Texas and participate in the Lenses for Learning charity ride. The ride was the brain child of Thomas Osburn the president of the Guardians of Grace (McKinney CMA chapter). This year Osburn and many other local motorcyclist could not organize and run the event this year due to other obligations. Unfortunately you could tell it. The run was a mere shadow of what it was last year.
The publicist dropped the as far fewer motorcyclists attended this year. The number of venders was much lower this year than in the past. Prize donations were down. The route was board straight and was as if some cell phone chatting, latte sipping, SUV driving soccer mom had designed it. As I started the route it was this US highway, that state highway, some incredibly straight stretches of farm road for 25 miles. I was almost hit twice in route and all the while knowing there were good roads nearby I bailed at FM36 in Caddo Mills, Texas and rode my own route back to Trenton to mow the lawn before it started raining and help with house work.
Ride Report: October 10, 2009 -- It was between rainy periods so I took the Ninjette II on this 50 degree morning for a relaxed ride down FM 151 and FM 697 to Sherman and then returned home via Texas 5, FM 121, and FM 814. I stopped at Howe, Texas to inspect a display of Wilson Portable Buildings as we are considering extra storage for the house.
Ride Report: October 17, 2009 -- For the first time in over two weeks it was clear, dry, and sunny in north Texas. Victoria had a Cross Country race in Lone Oak, Texas on this cool morning. I took the Ninjette II for a relaxed ride down FM 272, FM 816, FM 512, and FM 513 to Lone Oak High School to see Victoria run. With the temperature in the upper 40s to lower 50s it was a perfect morning to bundle-up and enjoy being out on a motorcycle. It was also a good morning to run two miles. Victoria raced well and finished solidly in the upper half of the Varsity girls. After chatting with Victoria and visiting with some local coaches I then took FM 1564 and FM 36 back to Fannin County. A few miles south of Merit, Texas on FM 36, prompting me to pull over and get a few shots, were a couple of camels in a field. I have no idea the story behind those camels.
The Ninjette II at Lone Oak High School.
Lone Oak High School Athletic Complex.
Listening to the pre-race course description.
Waiting for the start.
And they're off!
Victoria running in the distance.
Coming in for the finish.
Coach and Trenton High School Principal Rick Foreman keeps the statistics on the cross country teams.
Hydrating after the race.
Camels on FM 36 just south of Merit, Texas.
Ride Report: October 19, 2009 -- I left school a bit early to gear up and catch Victoria running at a had a Cross Country meet at North Hopkins High School late that afternoon. The temperature in the 60s and many of the Trenton Tiger participants had to be at a National Beta Club induction that evening so I simply put the vented gear on over my "school clothes". I took the Ninjette II down FM 272, FM 816, and FM 513 to Commerce. In Commerce one would normally travel down FM 71 to North Hopkins High School. To route around high water over FM 71 about 6 miles east of Commerce I had to take a detour down Texas 11 and then north on FM 2653 back to FM 71.
The field was very strong and Victoria finished in the lower half of the Varsity girls. After chatting with Victoria I "saddled up" and made it home in time to clean up, get Nathaniel and make it to the National Beta Club induction at the Trenton High School Cafetorium. The cross country team arrived back about ten minutes before the induction began.
The Ninjette II at North Hopkins ISD.
Ready at the Starting Line.
Off and Running.
In the Pack.
Near the Finish.
Ride Report: October 25, 2009 -- Yesterday was very busy from shuttling Victoria and her best friend Amanda to their ACT test, helping Nathaniel with a research project, getting the kids to their posts at the annual Trenton ISD Fall Festival, repairing the garbage disposal, cleaning house, doing yard work, etc. I even missed the second annual Trenton Middle School Junior Beta Club Motorcycle Fun Run Saturday morning as well.
After catching up on housework and cleaning the kitchen after the morning church service I took the Ninjette II on the motorcycle run route from the previous morning. The route was roughly from Trenton to Van Alstyne via FM 121. From Van Alstyne to southern Sherman via Texas 5 and the US 75 service road. To Whitewright via FM 697, Bonham via FM 898, and then down Texas 121 to FM 896 to Leonard and then US 69 to Trenton.
Ride Report: October 27, 2009 -- I and the Ninjette II rode to the monthly CMA chapter meeting of the King's Kruizers in Greenville, Texas. I took FM 36 to the meeting and US 69 back.
Each year CMA chapters hold officer nominations in October and subsequent elections in November. This month all existing officers with the exception of the office of treasurer resigned effective the end of term and did not seek reelection for primarily family and job reasons. In the past I have refused nominations to officer positions out of respect existing office holder. This meeting I was nominated for the office of Vice President and allowed the nomination to stand. We had several visitors and visited after the meeting.
November, 2009 --
Ride Report: November 2, 2009 -- I rode the Ninjette II to the Guardians of Grace McKinney CMA chapter meeting. I desired to find a good low traffic route to McKinney. After consulting Google Maps I decided to take FM 545 from Blue Ridge, Texas and take FM 2933 to US 380 just east of McKinney. Bill Smith's Cafe, McKinney's oldest eatery, is the Guardians of Grace meeting location. Bill Smith's Cafe promises "down home country cooking" and delivers it in spades. The pies in particular are excellent. Bill Smith's Cafe extended quite a deal to the Guardians of Grace by providing a meeting room, a tasty buffet, and friendly service at a very reasonable price per attendee. Several visitors and about fifty members fellowshiped and enjoyed the dinner buffet. The meeting was informative and entertaining as usual. Hugh Mantooth of Trenton attended the meeting with his eldest daughter and her family. Hugh and I rode back to Trenton via FM 1827 and FM 545 via Blue Ridge. Both FM 2933 and FM 1827 provided moderate to tight turns and enjoyable sweepers.
Interior of Bill Smiths Cafe
Hugh Mantooth and Grandchild
Ride Report: November 17, 2009 -- Saturdays have been extremely busy this fall as Joleen is taking graduate classes and typically Victoria or Nathaniel have had school or church activities on Saturday mornings. For the first time in twenty-four years I took a vacation day (I took no vacation time this year) during the school year. My intention were to spend the day frivolously riding a motorcycle.
The route is what I have come to call the "Talimena Loop." From Trenton, Texas take Farm to Market Road 151 to Whitewrite, Texas. In Whitewrite turn east on FM 898 and follow it to Texas 121 just north of Bonham, Texas where the route continues on Texas 78 north to Yuba, Oklahoma. After threading along some local roads turn right on Oklahoma 70E at Albany and follow 70E to Bennington, Oklahoma.
As I was going through Bennington during a week day I finally had the opportunity stop by Master Works the makers of fine Hammered Dulcimers, Bowed Psalteries, and Zithers. I have wanted to drop by and tour their facility for some time but was usually riding by early on Saturday mornings. Seizing the opportunity before me I stopped at the shop located on US Highway 70 northeast of Bennington. I unfortunately arrived at a time when Russell Cook, owner, craftsman, and master musician was off site. The staff was very friendly and graciously honored the rather forward tour request of an unlikely convert as I am a long term bassist. Sheila Anderson, office manager at Master Works, acted as my tour guide. The amount of work and care that go into these beautiful instruments is impressive. Barbara Miller and Amy Ward also relayed their expertise during the informative tour. I have included no photographs of the workshop areas as per Master Works policy.
After the completing the Master Works tour I continued east on US 70 to the intersection of US 271. US Highway 271 north was taken to Antlers, Oklahoma. At Antlers I took Oklahoma 3 west briefly and caught Oklahoma 2 north which threads along a the Kiamichi River Valley to Clayton where Oklahoma 271 north is rejoined and the trip through the Kiamichi River Valley is continued. Apparently it was the year to replace every bridge north of Antlers and south of Talihina on Oklahoma 271. I had to stop at several construction zones which resulted in adding over an hour to the trip.
Oklahoma 271 departs the Kiamichi River Valley a few miles south of Talihina, Oklahoma and begins climbing the Winding Stair Mountains. I continued on Oklahoma 271 an additional eight miles to the western entrance of the Talimena Scenic Drive.
I had forgotten the old adage that mountains create their own weather. Even though the Ouachita Mountains are only about 2500 feet in altitude local atmospheric conditions created enough lift to develop low cloud cover with accompanying fog and drizzle the length of the Talimena Scenic Drive. I was therefore unable to run the curves as I had anticipated. Interestingly the front fender gravel guard did a remarkable job of keeping the Ninjette II free of road spray. .Upon arriving in Mena, Arkansas I fueled the Ninjette II at the usual Valero. After fueling I got under way as quickly as possible.
The return route encompassed the smooth sweepers of Arkansas 8 from Mena to US Highway 259 at Big Cedar, Oklahoma. I continued south on US 259 to take in one of the tightest sections of US highway in Oklahoma. I turned west on Oklahoma 144 at Octavia, Oklahoma. Oklahoma 144 plays tag with the Little River during its route through a Kiamichi Mountain valley until it intersects US 271 about thirty miles east of Antlers. I traveled US 271 through yet another bridge construction zone before reaching Antlers. I had intended to ride through Paris, Texas in order to attend an officers meeting of the King's Kruizers in Greenville, Texas but was running late due primarily the impromptu Master Works tour and repeated road construction delays. I rode east on. US 70, to Oklahoma 70E, then south on US 78 back to Texas and then US 121 to Trenton.
The day was cold with a consistent light northerly wind. Cloudy skies kept temperatures in the 40s through the day. Fuel mileage for the 430+ mile excursion was upper 50s to lower 60s.
A few of Russell Cook's Early and custom dulcimers on display at Master Works.
Bowed Psalters on display at Master Works
Hammer Dulcimers on display at Master Works
Strummed Dulcimers on display at Master Works.
Barbara Miller, finisher, and Sheila Anderson, office manager and tour guide, at Master Works.
Amy Ward of Master Works explains the tuning and scale structure of a Hammer Dulcimer.
The Ninjette II outside of Master Works.
The Ninjette II at the Sunset Vista on a cloudy, wet ride.
Rain swollen Little River as viewed from Oklahoma 144.
Ride Report: November 27, 2009 -- I and the Ninjette II rode to the monthly CMA chapter meeting of the King's Kruizers in Greenville, Texas. I took FM 36 to FM 1569 to Greenville and US 69 back.
CMA chapters hold elections in November after officer nominations are conducted in October. I had allowed my nomination to stand was elected to the position of Vice President of the King's Kruizers. I was surprised, humbled, and honored by the confidence expressed by my follow chapter members, truly an unexpected event. Ultimately the purpose of CMA and the King's Kruizers is to advance the Lord's Kingdom and make a positive difference in the lives of others. Being placed in a role of leadership in any Christian organization is a call. I intend to, under God's direction and for God's honor, "prayerfully" serve the King's Kruizers for as long as The Lord calls me to hold a position of leadership within the King's Kruizers.
December, 2009 --
Ride Report: December 5, 2009 -- The King's Kruizers has traditionally ridden in the Mesquite Santa Cop Toy Parade in Mesquite, Texas every year for the past several years. We would typically meet in Greenville and ride to Mesquite as a group. This weekend however was extremely cold with forecast lows in the lower twenties. Few members of the King's Kruizers felt like making the long early morning Interstate highway infested ride from Greenville to Mesquite and therefore the group ride to Mesquite was cancelled the evening before.
I had little desire to ride to Mesquite via crowed multilane highways alone and as I had already purchased a toy I was left in a bit of a lurch. I did some quick Internet research and discovered the Dallas/Fort Worth Toys for Tots Motorcycle Run was headquartered at VFW Lonestar Post 2150 in McKinney, Texas. The cruiser inspired route posted on the website was primarily US 380 and Texas State highway 78-- straight and boring.
The morning dawned a crisp 22 degrees and struggled to the upper thirties by the time I left Trenton. I took FM 545 from Blue Ridge, Texas to FM 1827 which ends just east of McKinney. At the registration table I donated some money and the toy. I spent some time visiting with several local motorcyclists including members of King's Kruizers and Guardians of Grace. I left early to fulfill familial obligations back home. I rode back to Trenton by way of FM 2933 and FM 545 to Blue Ridge -- turns are not straight and boring. I returned shortly before noon under sunny skies with the temperature in the upper thirties.
The Ninjette II on a cold Texas Fall morning
A good turnout for such a cold morning.
At the head of the line.
Check in and registration.
Marines at attention "guarding" and van full of toys.
Breakfast is served.
Relaxing and warming up before the ride.
Victory Motorcycles on display.
A police escort was provided.
Ride Report: December 28, 2009 -- The winter of 2009 started unusually cold and wet with fewer that normal riding opportunities. Faced with another winter storm watch headed our direction I rode the Ninjette II to the McKinney Wal-Mart and Sam's Wholesale Club to pick up one of Joleen's medication and run some other light errands. I took FM 545 from Blue Ridge, Texas and then FM 2933 to US 380 just east of McKinney. I rode back home via FM 1827 and FM 545 via Blue Ridge.
This was the first trip with a 2.53 final drive ratio. The torque curve of the "J" model Ninja 250 engine has increased mid-range torque over the older models so at the first chain and sprocket replacement a 15:38 final drive was installed. I was well pleased with the results of installing the 15:38 final drive ratio. Two key advantages arose. First, engine speed is kept under 7000 RPM (the engine spins at about 6400 RPM at an indicated 70 MPH in top gear) which virtually eliminates engine "buzz" at highway speeds and second, freeway entry can be accomplished with one gear change (engine "red line" in second gear occurs at approximately 65 MPH). No degradation of performance of performance was noted. (For more information please see my final drive remarks)
Aggressive drivers were out in force that afternoon it seemed. Shortly after leaving the house as I was approaching the junction of Texas 78 and Texas 160 I noted a Chevrolet Avalanche coming up rapidly from behind. The Avalanche continued around me even though we were going uphill in a "no passing zone" As is typical in this situation I checked to make sure there was no one behind me. After determining the road behind me was clear I grabbed some serious brake to allow the fool plenty of room to maneuver. At that moment over the hill "popped" an innocent Chevrolet Avalanche coming the opposite direction. The offending Avalanche driver fortunately had enough time to re-enter his lane and continue on his merry way.
On the way home at the same location on Texas 78 I had a Chevrolet pickup riding my tail so I sped up slightly to put some distance between me and him. The Chevy pickup simply drove further over the speed limit and caught up with me quickly as I settled back to the speed limit. I was approaching the intersection of Texas 78 and FM 815 where I turn toward home so I took a proactive posture and began using hand signals to communicate my intention of slowing and then turning left on FM 815. I slowed and cautiously began the turn as most intersections in the area were still littered with leftover gravel from the previous week's snow and ice. The pickup driver honked and aggressively accelerated past as I entered FM 815. I gave a friendly wave over my shoulder as if he were a pal with whom I had just spent the afternoon chatting over coffee. Apparently attempting to obey the speed limit and riding cautiously is cause for aggression in others.
Covered Parking McKinney Wal-Mart.
Parked behind the McKinney Sam's Wholesale Club.
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