The Plan - US Route 6 - CT to CA
I was going to fly out to Calif to see my parents when I suddenly became unemployed. Too good an opportunity to pass up I thought. Jet Blue said that I could change my reservations for a small fee ($100) but that it would be cheaper to just not show up for the flight west and then use the eastbound half of the ticket. You have to love airline thinking.
My first choice was my NX650 but then my friend Paul called me and told me about this cool bike that I had to go see. I went, I saw, I bought! The CB1100F is an old school UJM (Universal Japanese Motorcycle). Inline 4 cylinder engine, long wheelbase, upright seating. It has power everywhere, not hot rod power but smooth, effortless power everywhere in the rev range. At 586 pounds it's not "flickable" but it is rock solid once you set it up for a curve and is agile enough for spirited riding in the twisties. Add a comfy seat and a tiny wind screen and it just begs to eat the miles.
US Route 6 runs from Provincetown MA to Los Angeles CA. This was the main way to get from New England to the west coast before there were interstates. Unlike Rt 66 most of it still exists and is a trip back into an earlier America. I've ridden parts of it but never the entire length. This time I will.
I've got a couple of friends to see along the way but I have no reservations or time schedule other than being in Yosemite by the 16th. Some days may be fast, others may be short. I'll be camping whenever I can but I've always been a sucker for a '50's style motel.
I'll keep posting progress here each day. Stay tuned for more adventure.
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Great bike for an awesome trip. It's in amazing condition for a 30 year old machine. I assume it's original and unrestored. Even original pipes!
ReplyDeleteA trip like this across the States is on my bucket list, but not for a while, plus I need to get there from the other side of the world.
Good luck and stay safe. I'll be following your blog with interest.
Dave in Oz
Funny, A trip across Oz on the Gun Barrel Highway is on my list. Come visit and I'll loan you a bike. J.
ReplyDeleteHmmmm...., unemployment will probably be my only opportunity to plan a trip like this too.
ReplyDeleteDon't scratch that beautiful CB and see you on the left coast in a week or two.
Eddy in CA
Jay,
ReplyDeleteBest of luck on the ride.
There is an article about the CB1100F in Motorcycle Classic magazine's March/April 2011
issue. Titled "The One Year Superstar" it's a
good read. I'll bring it to Moto Giro for you.
Be sure to stop at The Marie Antionette Overlook
just west of Wyalusing, Pa. Have a beer at Pat's Pub. Tell him a "Dead Horse" sent ya.
Also, Check out The Ox Yoke Inn when you pass through Galeton, Pa. A real M/C friendly place
in eastern Potter County.
Looking forward to the pics.
-Doug Evans