The morning after...

 

No, this isn't about a hangover - I haven't had an adult beverage in months.  No, it isn't some diet, just not feeling it.  This is about the day after playing a cajon all afternoon.  I was sore when I went to bed last night... yes, the assular (medical term) muscles, but also my hands, shoulders, and neck.  I don't get that after time on the drums.

Some ibuprofen and I am good as new this morning.  Even after getting out on my bicycle.  I am thinking a ride on the motorcycle/scooter needs to be on the agenda for today.

But, back to the cajon session... Mark said he enjoyed having a good rhythm to play to.  I think back to when I was a kid, totally immersed in rock 'n roll.  I apparently made my Mother crazy with "that incessant pounding"... seems that I "drummed" all the time with my hands.  I attribute that to helping develop a good sense of rhythm.  Plus, I couldn't help it - I had the music in me.  ;-)  The fact that it annoyed any adults around me was just a bonus.

Damn kids and their rock 'n roll music!

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We got out on the scoots this afternoon.  Yes, I am calling the CTX "a scoot," just like I called all the Harleys and Goldwings we had over the years.  And then when we made that switch to actual scooters 9 years ago, it was easy to decide what to call them.  Oh, I will still call the CTX a motorcycle, too; just explaining the terminology.

As usual, no destination, just out for some fun riding.  The temperature was pushing into the 80s, clear sunny skies - any warmer than this and I think we'd have to forego the mesh jackets.  It is no joke that it gets too hot to ride here during the summer months.

Today, I wanted to shoot some video of the CTX - Joan agreed to have her scoot be "the camera platform"... the 360 camera was mounted on her bike, and I ran it from my bike.  First I've been able to see how the CTX looks going down the road; good-looking bike, if I do say so myself.  Then part way into the ride, we stopped and I put the camera on my bike.

We rode out by PIR (Phoenix International Raceway) or whatever it is called these days.  Back through the Estrella Mountain area; then west to see what is developing out that way; then north through Verrado; east to the Pebble Creek area, and then... a couple, um, "comparisons."  We ran the bikes with the CTX in Drive mode (economy) - Joan's Xmax pulled away from it until we passed 50mph.  Then one more run from a stop with the CTX is Sport mode... yep, the CTX pulled ahead after about 10 feet and it was all CTX from there.  Don't get me wrong: considering horsepower to weight, it turns out just like you'd expect: the CTX is 25% heavier, but has more than 50% more horsepower.  But the Xmax is a good strong bike.

Even though this is all for fun, I was a bit surprised when the CTX pulled the front tire off the ground when taking off in Sport mode.

I'll be working on a video, but in the meantime, here's a few stills taken from the video...

The opportunity to see how the CTX looks from a perspective the rider doesn't get...

Riding through Verrado...

Ready to run 'em...

Topping off the tank on the CTX: 72 miles per gallon.

Pain in the ass...

 

If you said, "What you are to Joan," you are probably right, but I'll be darned if you get any bonus points for that.

Today was another makin'-music day at Mark's - I brought my Emerald and the new cajon.  There were 4 of us there today, 3 guitar players and a bass player.  One of the other guys and I swapped off on guitar and cajon, although I did spend more time on the cajon.  I would expect my hands would be a bit sore after pounding on that wood box for 3 hours or so... but it was my butt where I felt it.  I tried a pad on it for a few minutes, but it made for a dull sound.  So, yeah, I suffered for my "art."  On the bright side, the cajon was well accepted within the group... and I thought it added to the sound.

A good time today - we took turns suggesting songs and then went for it.  I didn't get any photos or video - I gotta remember to do that next time.

Griddle me this...

 

No, it is not what the Riddler (Batman reference) said when he was ready to make breakfast.  Steph and Dan have been making us breakfast on their Blackstone Griddle now and then.  We were intrigued.  For the record, the last time I was intrigued about something, it was Honda's Dual Clutch Transmission... and I wound up with a motorcycle.  To be fair, Joan has been more intrigued about a griddle... but last night, we did some intense research.  For Joan that meant comparing prices; for me that meant looking at griddling videos on YouTube.  Yeah, we can do this.

Joan found the size she wanted at the price she wanted... and it happened to be at a nearby Walmart; they were showing it "in stock."  So today, we went there.  Yep, they had two...

We only need one.  We loaded it into a cart and stopped to get some accessories...

A lot of thought went into the accessories.  And the griddle, for that matter.  Steph and Dan's griddle is huge - we were looking for something that we might be able to take along with us in the motorhome... which is getting pretty darn full of stuff after getting out to the big city for the first time in two years.  Even if the Vespa sells before we head home, we may need to rent a U-Haul trailer to get everything home.  But, I digress.

The food Steph and Dan have been making has been tasty - and, it seems like it is more enjoyable than cooking it inside.  That may be perception.

We took the newly bought cooking machine to Steph and Dan's place to do the assembling in their garage.  And that's when things went into the crapper.  With the griddle almost completely assembled, we discovered the lid wouldn't open.  We took apart the lid and found that it was badly bent - no way was this going to work.  So, we packed it back up and went back to Walmart.  As I tried to explain what the problem was, the woman in Customer Service, scanned our receipt and said, "The refund might take a few days to show up on your credit card."  I would say she didn't really care what was wrong with it, but that's Walmart's problem.

We went back to the grill area and got the last one they had of this model.  I wanted to open the box and set it up in their outdoor department, but apparently you can't do that.  We bought this one, took it back to Steph and Dan's garage, and had it set up in less than 20 minutes.  Amazing how slick it works when the thing you're buying didn't come pre-broken.

So, now we need to decide if we want to give it a try before we pack up to head home (in a couple weeks).  I think I hear my belly growling.  ;-)

I need to see your ID

 

The redneck joke is: "Do you have any ID?"

Redneck responds, "About what?"  (rimshot)

I needed to get some Loctite for the bolts holding the floorboards - don't want to have those fly off while I'm rolling down the road.  Walmart (several) didn't have it.  ACE Hardware didn't have the kind I was looking for (thread-locking).  Lowe's had it... it was in a locked cabinet.  When the Lowe's guy said he'd need to see ID, I thought he just wanted to make sure I am an adult.  Nope - he needed to write down my name and address, and I had to sign for a .2 fluid ounce tube of Loctite.  Yes, really.

                                              

Are people getting high on this stuff? Liability issues with people gluing their nostrils shut?

The world is a crazy (and by that, I mean: stupid) place.

On a totally unrelated issue, does anyone know how to get Loctite Blue off a mustache and nose hairs?  Asking for a friend.

Yes, I'm kidding.  Only about the nose hairs.  I really had to show ID and sign for Loctite.  People suck.

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Mother Nature is going to be ugly this evening, with gusty winds, Blowing Dust Advisories, and a chance of rain... which will translate to blowing mud.

I got out on the bicycle and the motorcycle this morning.  I knew what was coming with the weather predictions, so that was my "riding window."  The Xmax and Vespa are snug in their portable garage; the Honda has to sleep outside, under its cover.  Chairs are folded up and laid down.  IF it comes to that, we'll be ready to pull the slides in.

The weasels are calling for "winter-like weather" tomorrow, with a high of only 69º... and a 55% chance of precip.  I hope it rains enough to wash off the blowing dirt.  Back to 80º and sunshine on Wednesday.  Maybe.

Fancy...

 

This was a day for eating good in the neighborhood.  We went to Steph and Dan's for breakfast and watched them work together on their propane griddle.  Bacon and pancakes.  Joan is pretty sure we want a smaller version of that griddle, and I can see where it would get some use.  Heck, I might even do more cooking if I don't have to worry about slopping food on the walls.

Back home for the afternoon.  Ordered a couple things for the CTX and re-did the Facebook Marketplace and Offer Up listings for the Vespa.  The Offer Up ad wasn't showing up.  Got that taken care of.  The Facebook Marketplace ad was just screwy - depending on what device you were using, it was mostly accurate... or, it thought we were in Canada.

Then back to Steph and Dan's - our treat for pizza and salad this evening.  Oregano's is my favorite pizza here.  Joan ordered it ahead online; like a couple hours ahead, with a scheduled pickup time.  I wondered how that would work, but it was fast and easy.

After that fine meal, Steph and Dan were on for dessert: Creme Brulee.  Dan had started it yesterday, and when it was time for dessert, Steph took the ramekins out of the fridge, coated them with sugar, and went at 'em with a torch, while Dan made some fresh whipped creme...

Yes, I held my pinky out while we ate them, topped with fresh strawberries.

It was good to spend time with them this weekend.  And the kitties, of course.

Officially for sale...

 

Today was the day: I listed the Vespa for sale on Craigslist, Offer Up, and Facebook Marketplace.  Here's the info, if you know anyone looking for a lovely Vespa...

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2020 Vespa GTS 300 HPE for sale.  Adult ridden, bike is in excellent shape.  4,400 miles.  Color is Blu Energia.  Always kept inside when not being ridden.  Extras include: Vespa rear rack, Givi top case (trunk) 37L with a color match panel - holds a full face helmet plus more, Givi mid-height windshield with a Laminar Lip deflector, USB double connection in left knee pad (to power your devices), Kubler Speed Ring which makes the speedometer more accurate (and I’m told will up the top speed to 85mph - I had it to 75 once to see, and that is more than fast enough on a scooter).  This model has ABS brakes and traction control.  Bike is for sale because the owner (a long time rider) has gone back to a motorcycle after 9 fun years of riding scooters.  The Vespa GTS is a beautiful design - this bike gets compliments at stoplights and gas stations all the time.  Miles per gallon has ranged from a low of 64 to a high of 92, depending on terrain, speed, and wind.  Great for getting around town, even more fun out in the twisties.

Owner is from Texas, our bikes travel with us in a cargo trailer (our “portable garage” when we’re on the road); we are in the Phoenix area for about two weeks.  It if hasn’t sold before we head back to Texas, it will come home with us.  You can buy a new one for $7200 (before adding all the extras on this bike) plus another 2 grand in fees and taxes (if you can find one).  The price on this one is $6,500 (including all those necessary extras).  No test rides until you put cash in my hand.  Clear title.  Reply to the e-mail through this ad with your phone # and I will return your call.  Bike is in the Goodyear area. 

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There are two other Vespa GTS 300s that we could find for sale in the area, one is the same year HPE, the other is a year older and not the HPE engine.  Both are priced significantly higher than mine.  No, I'm not giving it away, but I did price it to move.  We'll see if there are any savvy buyers here in the desert.

On Facebook Marketplace, the ad seems to "come and go": one minute it is listed as available, the next it is listed as sold.  No, it is not sold - the ad has only been up an hour or so.

The boy is better...

 

Rufus is pretty much back to his old self this morning - he was ready for his breakfast and wanted to go for a walk afterwards.  We kept the walk short, but it was good to get out before the heat of the day... it is going to be in the 90s here in the Valley of the Sun today.

I got out for my morning bicycle ride, then too the CTX for a ride.  Joan thinks it "clears my head," but I wasn't feeling in need of any clearing, just wanted to get out in the breeze.  Today, I stopped to take a few photos...

 I have come to appreciate the look of the CTX... and the heft.  It feels solid and planted when going down the road.  Ruf is better, I got out for a ride - this boy is better, too.

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Steph and Dan came over to our site when they got off work - a short visit before they had to head home, but it was nice to get to see them.  We sat out on our patio, and Rufus joined us out there.  After sitting on Steph's lap for a while, Ruf wanted to get down.  He wasn't on his leash, so Steph asked if it was OK to let him down.

"Sure - he won't go anywhere."  Just like I said, he sat on the welcome mat by the door, just enjoying looking around.  Right before Steph and Dan left, I said to Rufus, "Are you ready to go home?"  He hopped up on the step, facing the door... the boy knows "home."

Looking at his eyes, I think he is feeling fine again.  He was social while we had company, then he and I went for a short walk later.  He's a good boy.

 

Priorities...

 

Heck with motorcycles, scooters, and music gear - how's the big furry boy doing?  Thanks for asking.  He is better, but not back to his normal self.  He had a tough day yesterday, not the chow hound we're used to.  Fortunately, no more barfing after the multiple episodes in the morning.

Some time during the night, he apparently fell off the bed.  That isn't good.  Joan stayed up most of the night to keep an eye on him.  This morning, he slid up next to me, purring and looking for our morning snuggle routine.  That's a good sign.

He ate most of his morning food, went back to snuggle with Joan, and is now sitting by me as I write this.  Yesterday, he mostly laid on his favorite scratcher toy, obviously lethargic.  Today, he is getting back to his normal self; certainly not 100%, but definitely better.  Not "bright-eyed," yet, but not lethargic.

Those with fur babies understand that we know when they aren't feeling well.  This boy is normally joyful in how he interacts with us, so when he wants to just lay by himself, we know something isn't right.  Rufus is family.

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The Vespa is nearly done.  I wasn't aware that the parts from AF1 Racing did not include the little "connections" to actually attach the stuff (reflectors, nose trim piece) on the fender.  This Vespa dealer didn't have them in stock, but says their other store has them - I offered to drive to Scottsdale to get them, but they have other stuff coming in the morning.  So, maybe tomorrow.  Or, Saturday.  On the bright side: the fender is on the Vespa and it looks good again!

I have decided to put the Vespa up for sale.  When I get it back, I will get some photos and see if there is any interest in it on Craigslist or OfferUp.  Yes, the CTX is turning out to be all I hoped for.  I have been a "scooter guy" for 9 years... I guess I am still a shared owner of the Xmax.  We'll see how it plays out.

Cajon...

 

No, that is not the singular form of testicles in Spanish... that would be cajones (slang for having courage).  A cajon is a wood box used for making percussion sounds, originally from Peru...

 If you recognize the surroundings in the photo above, that is a cajon in the motorhome.  I was not looking for another guitar, but have been interested in this percussion instrument.  This particular one can be used acoustically, but also has a pickup built in, so you can plug it in to record or to use it with an amplifier.  For my use, it may replace a full drumset.  Maybe.

You play a cajon by striking the front or sides with your hands (you can also use brushes or mallets) - where you strike will determine the tone: towards the middle will be a bass drum tone; in the upper corners will sound more like a snare drum (there are snares built into it); somewhere in between will sound more like a tom-tom drum.  Strike it on the sides and it will sound like a bongo or conga.

Mark and I are getting together today, so I'll have the opportunity to try it out with another instrument.

Also today: I am dropping off the Vespa at a dealer here to get the front fender replaced.  The appointment is for tomorrow morning, but it is on the way to Mark's.  It will save me a chilly ride tomorrow morning.

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The plan doesn't always pan out.  After posting the above early this morning, Rufus barfed.  Then, a few minutes later, again.  Then, again.  Our furry boy doesn't feel good.  He wouldn't eat - that is a real sign that he doesn't feel good.  We debated taking him to the vet... but, decided to see how the morning progressed.  Not much different by 10:00, so I let Mark know we'd have to reschedule.  We felt we needed to keep one of us here to keep an eye on him (the plan was for the 4 of us to get together).

By noon, he wanted to drink some water.  By 1:00, he ate a tiny bit.  By 3:00, he was ready for a bit more food, but you can tell he is still listless.  5:00 and he ate a bit more, but still not his normal chow hound (um, cat)... but he definitely looks better than this morning.  Joan went to get him some food made to digest easily, but no more barfing since this morning. 

This morning, while Joan held him, she asked if I'd play something on the cajon... certainly not the most relaxing instrument, but I can vouch that it can be played somewhat quietly.  Rufus likes music, and the cajon didn't seem to bother him at all.  Joan pulled up some music, and I played along to a few songs; I kept the concert short.  And very low key.

That ain't right...

 

Rufus likes routine.  When the routine gets interrupted or changed, he has to ponder on it for a bit.  Considering all the changes that come with motorhoming, he adapts just fine.  Probably better than me.

This morning, Joan decided she needed a change while I was out for my morning bicycle ride.  She has Rufus in his harness when I got back from my ride, so he and I went for a short walk.  It's always a short walk in the morning, because he knows there will be a morning treat after the walk.  Routine.

When Rufus and I came in, we both saw the change: Joan had swapped sides with the dinette... she was sitting on my side... my computer was moved to the other side.  Think that doesn't make a difference?  Try swapping sides of the bed (assuming you share a bed).  Rufus is used to sitting by my left side on the dinette seat or my right side where we have a pad on top of my electronics container.  I am used to sitting with my right elbow on that pad... or, I share the pad with Rufus (when he wants to look out the window).

Joan said, "My arm hurts this morning, I needed a change."  OK.  I slid into "the wrong side" of the dinette (before the hip replacement, it was always easier for me to lead with my right hip.  I commented that it didn't feel right... and Rufus isn't sure where to sit.  She said, "You two can handle the change - if you're going to ride a 'big boy bike', you need to be adaptable.

Big boy bike?  She's referring to my CTX vs the Vespa.  Although, to be accurate, the CTX sits lower than the Vespa.  But, I have no doubt that the CTX looks like "more machine" than the Vespa.

Rufus settled in on the pad by the window.  Facing the wrong way.  Routine.  He and I are big boys - we'll deal with it.  ;-)

 

 

Being normal...

 

No one has ever accused me of that.  But, we had a normal kinda day today.

The hinge on the glasses Joan bought last summer busted yesterday.  Being in the big city, it was easy to find an eyeglasses repair shop.  I had no idea that places who sell glasses don't repair them.  She called the repair place this morning, and we headed out.  About 20 miles away.

 The guy in the shop looked them over, determined they were repairable, gave us a price and said it would take about 2 1/2 hours... unless he ran into unforeseen problems.  I really don't like that disclaimer.

We had time to kill - out for an early lunch, then a Costco run.  It has been 2 years since we've been in a Costco... we don't have one reasonably close to us at home.  We walked around, picked up a few things, and re-upped the membership in the Self-Service line.  Easy.  And in spite of the crowd in there, it all went pretty fast.

We still had more time to kill, so Joan suggested ice cream at a "nearby" McDonalds.  Nearby is a relative term... Apple was having some sort of issue with Apple Maps (we both updated our phone's operating systems yesterday, and thought it might be us... nope, a quick check online showed lots of people having issues).  After a leisurely drive through traffic, we pulled into the drive-through for Mickey D's and wondered what the odds were that their ice cream machine would be working... yes, it is a running joke how often their ice cream machines are non-functional.  But, luck was on our side - hot fudge sundaes all around!  And by the time we were done with those, it was time to go pick up Joan's glasses.

Yes, they were ready at the appointed time.  The guy said it took more work than he first thought, but the price was as quoted.  Certainly less expensive than buying new glasses... as long as the repair holds.

Then back home, where Rufus was happy to see us.  And, happy to see the new box we brought him...

Everybody sing: I was I was a Hebrew National wiener... um, no, that's not right.  And no, we didn't buy a case of hot dogs.  That was the box Joan picked to put our Costco stuff in for the ride home.  Rufus thinks any box we bring home is just for him, and we don't do anything to burst that bubble.  He will sit in it a time or two, then he's ready to move onto something else.  But, a box is better than most actual cat toys for the Big Ruf.

Joan wanted to get back to a book she's reading, I felt the need to try more stuff with the DCT transmission on the CTX.  Warm and windy... it's the desert.  Good to get a ride in, though.  Topping off my tank, I got 67.5 mpg... not as good as the last tank... I may have been trying some solo acceleration runs.

And that's what passes as a normal day.

Doing the wave...

 

No, we did not go to a spring training game (yes, they are back on).  We went over to Steph and Dan's, where they made breakfast burritos on their outdoor griddle again.  Tasty!  Plus, we had "cat entertainent" with their 3 cats.

Back home, Joan was ready up for laundry; not much I can do after helping carry stuff, so I went out on the CTX for a while.  A windy day today, 18 out of the southwest, with higher gusts.  I experienced a couple of those gusts that moved me and the bike around; I would guess pushing 30 mph.

There were a lot of other motorcyclists out today.  I didn't keep track of how many I saw, but after getting waves from the first 4 or 5 (yes, I always wave back, if I didn't initiate it), I started paying attention to the waves.  This was a first: every single motorcyclist waved.  I guess I don't expect that when riding in the big city, but I was far enough out on the western edge of the Valley to not be in city environs.  I would guess I passed 30 to 40 other bikes going the opposite direction.  A bit of everything... Harleys (the biggest percentage), a Goldwing, some sport bikes, several ADV-type bikes (no scooters); and they all waved.

"Why do motorcyclists wave to each other?" you ask.  Thanks for asking.  I'm going to say it is a solidarity kind of thing, with each of us happy to be out enjoying the ride.  The "two finger" wave is a way of saying "two wheels" or "keep it two wheels down" or "ride safe."

I know I was happy to be out there... gusty wind and all.

That is a file photo, 'cause I didn't see that much greenery here in the desert.  But, it gives you a feel for what I am talking about.

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Back to Steph and Dan's for supper: they made orange chicken and fried rice on their outdoor griddle/grill...

Yes, they made two meals for us today!  Whoohoo!

Plus: the fender I have been waiting for since last July arrived at their house today!  I opened the box - it seems to be the right color (haven't checked it against the bike, yet).  Almost everything is there.  Almost?  Yes, there are supposed to be 4 rubber washers needed for the install... there is only one.  If the dealer in Peoria doesn't have those, we'll punt with something from Ace Hardware.  Yes, the invoice shows 4 (four) washers.  So close.

Floor it...

 

"Are you talking about racing again, Jim?" you ask.  Thanks for asking, but no.

 We went out for breakfast with Steph and Dan this morning - same restaurant we went to last week for Steph's birthday; Joan's choice today.  It was a nice way to start the day and a pleasant visit.

Regarding the title of this post: the splined adapters came in today's mail - I rode over to Steph's to pick them up.  Back to our RV site and I went to work.  It was a pretty easy install, except for having to be out in the Arizona sun for the right side of the bike (I pulled the bike onto our cement patio so I wouldn't have to kneel in the gravel to do the work).  It all came apart and went together with no fuss.

For the last nine years, we have been riding scooters (almost all modern scooters have floorboards); prior to that, it was decades of full dress bikes, also with floorboards.  I was thinking this CTX would be even more comfortable with floorboards, plus the adjustability of the placement of those would have my feet back just a bit closer to my body.  Win/win.

How it looks with the floorboard installed...

 And what it looked like with the original peg...

Yeah, that's a lot more real estate for your foot to move around now.  I took it for a test ride - the angle I put them was a guess, but it turned out to be very comfortable.  A longer ride is in order.  With the splined adapter, you can adjust the angle of the floorboards to fit them to your comfort.  In fact, the outside of the box that the floorboards came in states: "Ribbed For Your Comfort" (a ribbed rubber footbed)... I considered that for a title to this post, but I had concerns about what that would bring in for anyone doing a search for that.

;-)

They do stick out about an inch and a half more than the pegs.  I am hoping it won't be an issue for the floorboards dragging when we are doing spirited riding in the curves, but they are designed to fold up (as were the original pegs).  I don't ride as hard as I used to... mostly because I don't heal as fast as I used to.  If it is an issue, I can move the mounting position to fit them higher, but this is very comfortable.

I'm not racing with you anymore...

 

Joan and I got out on the bikes today.  It was warm(ish) and sunny, with an afternoon high of 82º predicted.  We took off to do some "urban cruising."  No destination, just riding around the northwestern part of the Valley of the Sun.  Mostly roads we are familiar with: Citrus, Northern, Waddell, Bell Road, then west where it turns into the Sun Valley Parkway.  That's the road that runs along the north and west side of the White Tank Mountains.

We didn't do the loop around the White Tanks, just rode it as far as Sun City Festival.  As we are seeing everywhere we go here, new homes are going up at an incredible pace.  I know there are a lot of people moving to the Phoenix area, but I am stunned that there are so many new homes going up.  And, if you can believe the ads you see on the local TV stations, home prices are sky-rocketing here.

We missed coming out here last year, thanks to Covid and that pesky cancer thing I dealt with - a lot has changed since we were here last.  It seems like all the roads we are familiar with in the West Valley have way more traffic than I remember.  Sun City Festival sit out there by itself, miles from other civilization - that road was delightfully light for traffic.  Seems that someone, and I am not mentioning her name, wanted a re-match on bike acceleration.

Real world acceleration on a bike means "roll-on" to me: how it moves out from a predetermined speed.  In Sport mode, the CTX easily pulls away from Joan's Xmax.  Faster than how the Xmax pulls away from the Vespa.  Someone wanted to run them from a stop.  That someone did the count and we pulled away.  Quickly.  The Xmax is a strong performing mid-size scooter.  It was, again, no match for the CTX in Sport mode.  I am pretty sure Joan was not holding back to make me feel good about my motorcycle purchase... since after trouncing, she said, "I am not racing with you anymore."  I guess she only wants to race when she knows she will win.  ;-)  Hey, I spent the last 9 years in the "being trounced" category, but I still raced whenever she wanted to.  For full disclosure, this is all for the fun of it, and always has been.  We are not reckless in our riding.

In the grand scheme of things, the CTX is not considered a "high performance" motorcycle.  In fact, some reviewers have called it "doggy."  I have to say that I am delighted with the performance and comfort of the CTX.  It is not as nimble as the Vespa or her Xmax, but it is a lot of fun to ride.  The Dual Clutch Transmission (the thing that attracted me to this model originally) has been even better than I hoped.  I think those reviewers just didn't know how to use this bike/transmission for the best performance.

One area where the Xmax will not be beat: the fuel mileage.  Yamaha has come up with a great combination of performance and economy with the Blue Core engine technology in that bike.  I needed to fuel up today; she still had half a tank left, but decided to go ahead and top off her tank.  Our riding had been on secondary roads (mostly 45 mph) and highway (55+ mph).  I couldn't believe I got 77 miles per gallon on the CTX - I am very satisfied with that.  Joan blew me away with an even 100 miles per gallon on the Xmax.  Incredible.

When we got back to the motorhome, it was time for one more new experience with the CTX: seeing how it will fit in the cargo trailer.  Considering the CTX weighs 150 pounds more than my Vespa and 100 pounds more than Joan's Xmax, I was hoping it wouldn't be a beast to move around and fit into the cargo trailer.  Oh, sure, we have measured it, and the numbers work out... if I use the side of the trailer where the Xmax goes.  There is also that "no hand brake on the left handlebar grip" thing that I am used to with the scooters; the CTX has a foot brake with your right foot.

Moving the scoots in, I can easily give it gas with the right hand, while using the brake on the left hand to keep it under control as I walk the bike into the trailer.  With the CTX, I have to use the right hand on the throttle and keep the front brake (also on the right hand) covered.  It turned out to be easier than I thought.

For now, I won't be making any changes to the chock positions (it's what keeps the bike in place) in the trailer.  But, something is probably going to have to give if/when we decide it is the Xmax and the CTX we want to haul in the trailer.  That means drilling some new holes and crawling under the trailer to repostion a chock, and add some additional tie-downs (also through-bolted in the floor).  I have some time to think about it.  But, realistically, two bikes will be MUCH easier to deal with.  Decisions.

This afternoon, Joan said something to me that I haven't heard in a long time... what?  No, that's none of your business... she said, "I really feel like a hot dog."  I suggested Wienerschnitzel.  I was pleasantly surprised when she agreed.  We did, and it was good.  I am pretty sure they put crack in their chili-cheese dog.  It has been a couple years since I had Wienerschnitzel, and I think I have whimpered as we have passed them in our travels, being too long with the motorhome and tow to easily stop.  I think she may have suggested a hot dog for me... what a woman!

Convergence...

 

If you said, "When two or more things come together to form a new whole," you get 20 bonus points... for having a good vocabulary... or having a dictionary (do people have those anymore?)... or using Google.  If you said, "Did you merge the Vespa GTS and the Honda CTX together to make a 700cc scooter?"... well, no, that's just silly.  But, apparently, I got for bikes that have a 3-letter model name; before the CTX and the two GTSs, there was a Honda PCX.

This convergence is what is happening the next few days: St. Patrick's Day, the full moon moon (which will happen at 1:20 am local time here on the 18th), and the Vernal Equinox (Sunday, the 20th).  Each of those things on their own tend to make people crazy (ask any bartender), but all 3 coming together over the next 3 days... the Crazy Train is leaving the station on Track 9.

If you're a binge drinker, we'll see you next week.  If you're an introvert, well, see you next week.  If you tend towards crazy behavior, this is your time to shine.  If you like to pick fights in public, this would be a good time to line up a friend with bail money.  If you're one who tends to inadvertently get caught in public fights, this might be a good time to stay home and binge watch something on Netflix.  If you are someone who shares your password on Netflix, this might be a good time to tell those you share with to get their own account... apparently, Netflix has announced that they will be cracking down on that.  And, if you are someone who reads this blog all the way through, you are now done with this installment.

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We got out on the bikes this afternoon, Joan on her Xmax, me on my CTX.  No destination in mind, but Joan saw a lake area south of Buckeye that looked interesting on the map.  When we got to the turn for that lake, it was a couple miles of gravel - we decided to take a pass.  We rode up into that park we were in north of Buckeye last week, and Joan suggested a comparison shot: "You had the Vespa here last week, so this will be a good comparison..."

 Not exactly the same angle as when I had the Vespa here...

The CTX is significantly larger than the Vespa, even if you can't tell it so much in these photos...

Yes, I was intentionally standing in front of that fender-less front end on the Vespa.  My fender has been shipped, the Vespa dealer in Peoria is ready for us as soon as we get the fender in.  It will be nice to have that scoot looking good again.

 

We stopped at Tailgaters in Buckeye for lunch (hadn't seen that there before).  Still the best fried cheese curds I've ever had.  Then, back on the bikes for more riding and an eventual stop at Steph and Dan's, where they "gifted us" with a couple fancy cupcakes.  No, we never lose weight while we're here.  But, we do enjoy our time here!

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I love a parade!

It's an RV park thing, I guess: any reason for a golf cart parade.  Lots of carts decorated in green this afternoon.  And some of them tossing out candy... since this is a 55+ resort, it wasn't kids who were the recipients of the sweet stuff.  And, while there was some "penny candy" (which probably goes for much more than that these days), there were some fun-size candy bars, too.  Happy St. Paddy's Day!