Well, just returned from Atlanta from a business trip. I flew down and back on Vision Airlines and flew first class. Man, what a bike. When I was told I was going to Atlanta I had to figure in how to take all the business stuff, like computers and dress up clothes, and I must tell you the Vision with the Saddleman 4100 handled it all perfectly. Even in the threat of rain I went this way, and fortunetly all went well with minimal exposure to the elements.

Wednesday morning proved to be the test with a good heavy drizzle all morning. I had to ride in that morning to work since I was leaving and put on my dress-up clothes and donned my leather over it. I hardley got wet, even in the seat, and that was only because of the stops. My only regret was I didn't get to meet the Lone Ranger before I left. He is the one who sacrificed his Vision while deployed so that Bustec could make the first hitch for it. He was assigned and started his first day to work on the same post I was visiting. We were not able to connect since I had to leave. When I talked to him on the phone as I was departing he told me he had rode his bike in that morning as well. I've got to return to Atlanta within the next year and look forward to riding back down again and hopefully a ride with him.

I pulled in home about 20 minutes before midnight after 574 miles in about 10 hours even with a detour to take care of business in Leesville, SC. I'm thinking of changing my handle to Knight Rider since I do a lot of riding at night it seems. I was listening to the CB and coming through Virginia and as I passed a couple of drivers chatting when the trail truck said "Check out the funky looking lights on this bike." as I passed the lead truck he said "Yeah those are funky looking lights." That's all they said about it, but they did notice. I probably got more compliments on this trip than any other when getting gas where folks made it a point to come over and say something and to get a closer look.

At first I thought my trip would have been tainted by worrying about clutches and brakes and starting problems, but I must say she performed flawlessly with the exception of the occasional pop that seems to be my thorn. The hotel I stayed out let me park it up next to the building while I was there. I made the Valet laugh when I pulled up the first day and he says "Can I valet this?" I said "No. I'm okay." He laughed at that.

I was amazed at the number of bikes I did not see rolling up and down I-20 and I-95 even with the warmer weather and wondered if folks are losing the enthusiasm to ride anymore. The thing that drove me to get another bike after 20 years was the fact I saw all the bikes on the road, even year round with the die-hards and wonder why I wasn't riding. In the past few years it seems this has dwindled even among the die-hards that I know.

The Vision is a great ride whether it is for business or pleasure. I'm looking forward to another mini-vaction paid for by my company when they send me on at trip.

By the way, I was able to celebrate my 20th Anniversary on our day, that is why I pushed to make it home before the day ran out. We're just two fools in love.

as soon as a I have time to ground it I'll go over it good as I think there is a "leak" somewhere that's throwing things off. I think the root cause is the exhausts gaskets are shot and I have new ones somewhere. I also think that there is another leak further back, but it could be an intake issue. I need to start my homework by going over the manual. I have the extended warranty, but if I can do it for a few bucks and a few hours I'll do it myself. The dealer wants to keep it toooooo long for me. If I can do it, I'll do it, if not I'll relent and take it to them. I thought about another flash of the map and hope that will cure it, but have to track down the leak first, that cured it the first time.