Big Bend short report

[Codger]

10 days Big Bend alternating day hiking and riding.  Trucked out 675 miles added to GS.  I would have ridden out the 600+ Miles each way, but the Ninjette on the 250 would have extolled a pennance for the misery.  It was good for her to ride in the park, controlled environment, limited speeds, adequate curves.  If you ride in big bend, don't crowd the centerline on the curves, to many lookiloos rambling across center.  Also plenty of wildlife to watch out for.  There were lots of cruisers, few sportbikes.  Practically all of the harleys waved.  The only group of sportbikes I saw was 4 K1200S BMWs identical except for color.  But, what would you expect from the motorcycle that conquered Poland.  Ran out of the RGV tunnel in 2nd gear from 4k to 10k.  It's nice to hear it cranked up in surround sound.  This was the dryest that we've seen it in 5 trips.  Temps were cooler than usual lows to 48F highs to 105F. 
Links to pictures for anyone who cares.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/250bumblebee/

[My Name Is Dave]

10 days Big Bend alternating day hiking and riding.  Trucked out 675 miles added to GS.  I would have ridden out the 600+ Miles each way, but the Ninjette on the 250 would have extolled a pennance for the misery.  It was good for her to ride in the park, controlled environment, limited speeds, adequate curves.  If you ride in big bend, don't crowd the centerline on the curves, to many lookiloos rambling across center.  Also plenty of wildlife to watch out for.  There were lots of cruisers, few sportbikes.  Practically all of the harleys waved.  The only group of sportbikes I saw was 4 K1200S BMWs identical except for color.  But, what would you expect from the motorcycle that conquered Poland.  Ran out of the RGV tunnel in 2nd gear from 4k to 10k.  It's nice to hear it cranked up in surround sound.  This was the dryest that we've seen it in 5 trips.  Temps were cooler than usual lows to 48F highs to 105F. 
Links to pictures for anyone who cares.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/250bumblebee/

You're a good photog. 

Dave 

[Codger]

Not me.
I'll send your compliments to the Ninjette, thanks.
I photo as well as I write, and possibly ride.

[My Name Is Dave]

Not me.
I'll send your compliments to the Ninjette, thanks.
I photo as well as I write, and possibly ride.

Edit: SHE'S a good photog. Beautiful pictures.

Dave 

[TragicImage]

excellent looking trip.


if only I could convince my girl that she'd be okay on the Ninja 250's.

[Codger]

Mine's 5'3" and she loves it.  She can flat foot it easily. 
I'm amazed when I move it around, how light it feels.  100 lbs less than the GS and lower CG.
I rode it home when we bought it.  Flicks great, makes you feel like you could do anything on it.  It also has some features and finish that the GS lacks.
I rode it at Big Bend again after 3,000 miles on the GS.  Now it feels a little tight and frenetic.  It is also more positively stable.  It takes more bar pressure to hold the corners.
I can stretch out more on the GS and I've gotten lazy with the torque spread.

[luksi]

What's the deal on that cabin/shack that you stayed in for 10 days.  Was that a rentable property or your personal getaway?

[pandy]

That looks like a GREAT getaway!!! 

[Codger]

I think they changed their name, either Chisos Mining Company or Easter Egg Valley Motel.
This is our second stay in cabin 17.  3 bed kitchenette.  They stay pretty booked up in the cabins, so reserve early.
They have motel sections and other cabins. If you want to be the cruiser type you can stay in one of the entrance motel units so everyone can drive by and see your bike.  We tucked ours against the wall for weather protection and other than coming and going, no one even knows we have bikes.  There are also good humps and bumps around that make loading and unloading easier.
I think it is actually quieter than staying in the basin.  Plus your neighbors are farther away, because Big Bend is for lovers.  The services are better, several cafes, fuel, a decent grocery store, some auto parts and supposedly a bike shop over in lajitas.
I can dig out the phone number if anyone needs it.