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Well, now that I have an extra bike, getting a riding partner seems a little easier, but keeping them may be the hard part. Mr. B and I had worked together for many years and shared an interest in VW powered 'duel sport' cars. After selling my Baja Bug and getting the XR 200 it seemed a good time to touch bases with an old Friend to see if he had an interest in any of my left over VW parts and as well, to see if he might have an interest in re-visiting a hobby he had as a 'kid'.
When we met-up Wednesday morning, he explained right off that his Wife told him he better not get "banged up". Seems their medical insurance is going to expire in two weeks as she was going on disability from a back injury and no longer had the extra coverage from her ex-employer. I suspect this will be an issue I will need to keep in mind when taking a Friend out. Most of the folks I know are older and self-employed, so insurance and even a minor injury would be a significant set-back. Think it would behoove me to look into an 'accident/injury' rider to add as guest coverage if such a thing exists.
As we set out, Mr. B. expressed an interest in re-visiting an area we explored in our V-dubs some years ago. He remembered a couple of creeks, and since he now has extra time to fish, he wanted a refresher on the route. The North branch of the Feather River was pretty much our destination and we did not remember it as distant as it turned out to be. I got all the twists and turns right, but as the road got drier, dustier and more rutted I kept checking in my mirrors to see if Mr. B. was staying upright. I would be inclined to think, even though he hasn't been on a bike in years, he is still likely a better rider than I.
When our destination was reached Mr. B. looked a bit haggered. It was pretty warm, dusty, and given our (my) slow pace, we had already been in the saddle for 3 hours. We clambered over wet boulders looking for fish, but none were to be seen. The route had been re-imprinted though as an unexpected plus, we happened upon an alternate that offered up lots more pavement. Suspect Mr. B's next visit will be with the Wife, and the Buggy upon the smoother ribbon of blacktop.
After trailering back to the house, we said our good-byes and Mr. B. gave me $20 for gas and the odd VW parts that I offered up (free I thought). It was a good ride. Nice to look in the mirror and see someone else on the trail going as slow as I do. Regrettably I think it will likely be the better part of a year before Mr. B. will be inclined to sit his tooch upon a dirtbike seat for 6 hours. Guess I will now have to approach candidate number "2". Gerry
Looking down on the Feather River:
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Bridge across the West Branch heading out:
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The creek (picture from last Fall):
![]()
A 'happy', dusty Mr. B. with 30 miles to go:
![]()
When we met-up Wednesday morning, he explained right off that his Wife told him he better not get "banged up". Seems their medical insurance is going to expire in two weeks as she was going on disability from a back injury and no longer had the extra coverage from her ex-employer. I suspect this will be an issue I will need to keep in mind when taking a Friend out. Most of the folks I know are older and self-employed, so insurance and even a minor injury would be a significant set-back. Think it would behoove me to look into an 'accident/injury' rider to add as guest coverage if such a thing exists.
As we set out, Mr. B. expressed an interest in re-visiting an area we explored in our V-dubs some years ago. He remembered a couple of creeks, and since he now has extra time to fish, he wanted a refresher on the route. The North branch of the Feather River was pretty much our destination and we did not remember it as distant as it turned out to be. I got all the twists and turns right, but as the road got drier, dustier and more rutted I kept checking in my mirrors to see if Mr. B. was staying upright. I would be inclined to think, even though he hasn't been on a bike in years, he is still likely a better rider than I.
When our destination was reached Mr. B. looked a bit haggered. It was pretty warm, dusty, and given our (my) slow pace, we had already been in the saddle for 3 hours. We clambered over wet boulders looking for fish, but none were to be seen. The route had been re-imprinted though as an unexpected plus, we happened upon an alternate that offered up lots more pavement. Suspect Mr. B's next visit will be with the Wife, and the Buggy upon the smoother ribbon of blacktop.
After trailering back to the house, we said our good-byes and Mr. B. gave me $20 for gas and the odd VW parts that I offered up (free I thought). It was a good ride. Nice to look in the mirror and see someone else on the trail going as slow as I do. Regrettably I think it will likely be the better part of a year before Mr. B. will be inclined to sit his tooch upon a dirtbike seat for 6 hours. Guess I will now have to approach candidate number "2". Gerry
Looking down on the Feather River:
Bridge across the West Branch heading out:
The creek (picture from last Fall):
A 'happy', dusty Mr. B. with 30 miles to go:
