Tuesday, September 17, 2024

Back in the Groove...

 

Apparently, that was a TV series.  Never saw it, but if you knew that, you get 10 bonus points.

This "groove" is my morning outing on the scoot.  It was 74º when I got up this morning; I got my morning routine done, then geared up for a ride on the Burgman, the first since we got home... seems that we have been busy.

The traffic was heavier than I remember while riding east on Dobbins - there are a series of 4 way stop signs along that route and the morning commuters were out; a bunch of cars ahead of me at each of the stop signs.  But, once I made my turn towards the South Mountain, the road ahead was traffic-free.

After spending time in North Carolina, would the ride up South Mountain be as entertaining?  Thanks for asking; and, yes, the ride is still a delight!  No camera along today, so you'll have to take my word for it: this is a fun road.  A few bicyclists along the way, not much else this morning on the way up.

I stopped at the top parking, refreshed with some ice water, and took a couple photos with my phone...





A delightful 72º at that parking area.  On the way back down the mountain, I passed one motorcycle going the other way - I think it was my buddy Allen who I've visited with when we're both at the top in the past.  And one "Whoa" moment: two white cargo vans coming at me, passing a guy on a bicycle on a blind curve... the first one was about half way into my lane; the second one couldn't see me and was 2/3 of the way into my lane.  I saw both and got to the far right side of my lane, tires right next to the while line at the edge of the road.  It got my attention... and is exactly why you don't want to ride close to the centerline on this road.

Back home an hour and a half after I left.  Refreshed.  A nice way to start the day.

Later this morning, we'll go to our storage area, get the water tanks emptied on the motorhome and bring it back to the house to get the last few things unloaded.  Tomorrow, we'll take it to Mesa to make the change to the next chapter in our RVing.

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The motorhome is at the house for what will very likely be the last time.  We dumped, flushed, and dumped the tanks again at the storage facility.  All our stuff is now out of it, and Joan is going through the interior, cleaning and double checking that we have everything out.  One last trip in it tomorrow, to the RV dealer.

This change of conveyances is bittersweet.  This motorhome has been a champ - it has taken us coast to coast to coast, border to border.  It has been home away from home and kept us comfortable.  Winnebago made it absolutely like new after the hail... we chose to do that rather than take an insurance settlement and go buy something else.  Winnebago doesn't make this model any longer; Ford discontinued this cutaway chassis with the big V-10 Triton motor.  For 2025, Ford is bringing back the E-Series chassis, with a V-8 (7.3 liter).  For those who aren't familiar, the E-Series Fords are van bodies placed on the F-Series truck chassis.  They have been the best selling full-size vans for decades.  No doubt the return of the E-Series means it will get the upgraded safety features (lane assist, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, etc) that the previous models lacked.  The Ford Transit vans are unibody construction, giving them better handling and a more comfortable ride... but, those tough E-Series vans can haul.

That said, the anticipated Class B is smaller and easier to drive (and should be more comfortable doing down the road).  New technology, both for the driver and for the accommodations in the RV part.  It won't have that gorgeous paint job of the Aspect, though.


1 comment:

Earl49 said...

I suspected when you went to the RV show recently. Now you have confirmed it -- changes are afoot! Either way, our side drive with electric and good water is available to you if you ever came through Boise.