Forgive me STN, for I have sinned...

[Vladimir]

Yesterday, when I was supposed to be working on a project that is due for a management review this afternoon, I looked outside and noticed it was beautiful and sunny and warm. I looked back at my laptop... and then... I logged off of VPN and turned off my laptop. I know that I *should* have put thoughts of gray skies and wet weather in the forecast out of my mind and continued to serve my corporate masters.  But... I didn't... can I be redeemed?!

Instead of working, I headed off to meet up with one of my regular riding partners, Jim. Jim rides a Triumph Daytona 955i. We have a spot up north on Highway 9 we normally meet at so I hopped on the bike and waded into traffic. The problem with Seattle is getting *out* of the city sometimes.  Took me an hour and twenty minutes to ride roughly 40 miles. Oh joy. Fortunately the rest of the ride made up for that.

Temperatures in the 80s made for a comfortable ride as long as you’re moving. I wore my mesh gear anyway for maximum air flow and my hydration pack also. Our goal was to ride Highway 9, a nice twisty stretch of road north of Arlington, WA.  The problem is that Highway 9 is straight as an arrow south of Arlington.  Fortunately Jim knows an alternate route via roads through farming country on Burn Road. The roads are still mostly straight, but with frequent 90 degree bends so it’s still a fun ride.  And generally, no traffic to mention.

The ride up was great. As we often do, we stopped at a favorite restaurant near Big Lake, WA. I don’t even know the name of the place, but it’s right on our route so we stop there. They have great burgers! After a relaxing dinner, we mounted up and rode our route in reverse. The ride back was even better. The sun had dipped behind the hills to the west and the temperatures had cooled off a little. This made for perfect riding conditions. Far too soon, we were back at our meeting point and it was time to split up and head for home.

And I confess, I didn't really feel a moment of guilt...  

[bizarro]

[SlakeMoth]

Heh, you're forgiven.

[desert_rider]

That's what it's all about buddy!  

[1KPerDay]

Nice vid. Who's the music?

[Tar Snake]

I for one am SHOCKED! simply SHOCKED! that anyone would do such a thing!

[Dano]

Nice, the only sin would to be to sit in a cube on such a nice day.

If you want to mix up your next ride with Jim,   take Woods Creek north out of Monroe up to Granite Falls then Jordon Road instead of Burns to Arlington.

[nwconk]

You know how in some replys they ask for the 6 minutes of their life back that they just wasted.  It's ok I don't want it back.  

--chris

[Vladimir]

Nice vid. Who's the music?

Both of those tracks are off the new 12 Stones album called "Anthem for the Underdog."  The first song is "Adrenaline" and the second song is "This Dark Day."

[Vladimir]

Nice, the only sin would to be to sit in a cube on such a nice day.

If you want to mix up your next ride with Jim,   take Woods Creek north out of Monroe up to Granite Falls then Jordon Road instead of Burns to Arlington.

Thanks for the tip... dang, looks like I'm going to have to take another afternoon off soon!  

[1KPerDay]

The first song sucked (at least the lyrics)... the second wasn't bad.

[Yakiman]

You’re such a slacker!  

Good vid and tunes. My wife, ever the adrenalin freak, enjoyed.

Your friend is smooth and fast (as you must be). You’d be surprised  how many riders I’ve ridden with (well, maye not) who haven’t mastered the simple slingshot cornering techniques displayed.

[tdrcomm]

Say four "Hail Kawasakis" and strive to be more diligent next time...

... by picking a longer route and shutting down the laptop sooner.