A quick Detour to OUr Cabin

Still in the learning stage, I wanted to find a quiet and secluded area to help Lori get more riding time on the new ATV. We had discussed how we have not been to the cabin in such a long time. We loaded the Quad and riding lawn mower in the trailer and headed south for the weekend. Lori had called her folks and invited them down for a later summer get away. Not much argument there and the best part was Frank, their dog got to go too.

Friday night, we vegged and didn't accomplish much. In the morning, we went to breakfast and soon headed back to the beach. Roy and Opal arrived and soon plans for a Costco run were being made. I chose to stay behind and get the lawn mowed. I was able to cut it a little wider as I try to do and everything looked nice again. I unloaded the quad and had it at the ready when the shoppers returned.

Last spring, Shawn told me how a tree had come down and he cut enough to get down the drive. I looked at it and could see alot of firewood in the alder. This would not be a simple task as the tree was still partially suspended on another one and the brush was very heavy. I did not want to be under the tree or close as I went to cut it as I didn't want the tree to snap.

After a couple of hours, I had cut out three smaller trees, and then cut the brush back. Now I could escape if the tree split. Glad I did. As soon as I started to cut, it popped and split. I got out of the way and was able to clear it safely. I sawed the tree into sections, but they were heavy and I needed a way to get them down or at least to a place I could cut them out. Enter the 550 Yamaha. Lori picked up a couple tow straps for me and after a couple quick lessons, Roy was now enjoying the quad and seemed to be at ease with all it had to offer. He would come down the drive, spread the strap and we would load brush on the strap, hook it and off he would go. It worked very well for towing large amounts of brush. Then we were ready for the logs. He backed up to the edge and I hooked the straps to the three lengths. I dropped it in 4wd and started out. It towed without hesitation and now the trees were at the shed and ready to be sawed up. Both Roy and Lori rode the quad for quite some time that afternoon and Roy could be heard weighing options about what he could use one for at home.

We had a very relaxing time and it was great to be back at the beach. We need to spend more time there.

Times, they are a changin!!!

After we got back from vacation, I have been tormented with what to do. I had ridden just three times in the past 1.5 years. Although I enjoy it, my back hurts every time I get on. I recall our 2008 vacation on the bike. We were bored with our travels and looked to spend less time on the road and more time in one place ( not a full week though!). I labored with the thought of selling the bike as we were not into riding anymore. Vacation 2008 was ok at best and we have to admit, we are spoiled with our 5vr. I dont know why, but it always seems to work out with things like this. As Lori and I weighed our options and talked about our future, I sat down and a tv show would make the decision for me. I am an avid ATV rider as well as road bikes. I love the woods and sand. I record a couple ATV shows every week and sit and enjoy them in the evening. This week, they tested out a brand new 550 class ATV with power steering and fuel injection. I had longed for a mid range ATV with not onle the above options, but independant suspension which should make for a much softer ride.

I showed the segment to Lori and you could see it in her eyes. She had a possible outlet for the outdoors. I told her I wanted to trade in the 450 or sell it as I had a couple buyers. She nixed that and we started to talk about selling the wing. I spoke to some people I know in the industry and all seemed to think Goldwing sales were still strong. Well, withing three days, a dealership made me an offer, I could not look down at. Almost retail book for the 1800, a great price on this atv along with freebe's and a check for the diffreence. It was a win win as far as this deal was concerned. I rode the wing down to the dealership. By Elma, I was hurting and the ride no longer enjoyable. By the time I got back home, I was miserable and the decision was made for me. Get the value now and reassess getting another wing whn and if I can get my back fixed.

Lori and I were now the proud owners of a new Yamaha 550 with power steering. I gently showed Lori how everything worked and she eventually asked if she could ride it. After a few starts an stops, she was hooked and I couldnt get her off the bike. She rode loops down and around the back yard, down the drive and anywhere she could ride. She wants to take the atv class and with us still owning the 450, we can go ride together. The real test will be Shawns birthday in a couple weeks. We all head to Sand Lake and Lori has her helmet and is ready to eat some sand!