Sand, food and Fun

After a whirwind and taxing two weeks, I was looking forward to some quad riding and fun in the sand. This is an annual trip with the family and includes pulling the 5vr to Sand Lake with Shawn hauling the bikes down. It is somewhat challenging as we have no hookups there and tight quarters with that many people.

Lori and I headed out early Thursday afternoon. Mark pulled in from Cheney in time to catch a ride south. We made good time and wanted to stop for dinner in Astoria when our first challenge of the weekend hit. Walt and I took a quick walk as Lori and Mark ordered Pizza. As we rounded the back of the trailer, I always check everything to make sure we are ok. Walt and I noticed something wrong with the left rear trailer tire. Oh crap, some rivet or stud in the corner. At least I was in a parking lot, so changing the tire should not be a problem. I looked at the time and hit tire shops on the GPS. There was an open tire shop less than a mile away. I called and they had a tire in stock. I pulled in and of course as luck would have it, the rivet was in the corner, so it could'nt be fixed. $145.00 later, we were on the road and headed south. We found our spot, loaded water and were were soon tucked in and getting ready for bed. Shawn and Don arrived with Chad around 11 or so. We settled in and dreamt of sand adventures to come.

I was apprehensive with what we had just done with the bikes. I was second guessing myself over the decision to trade in the Goldwing for the 550 Yamaha. Would the ride be enough of an improvement to make it worth what I had done? Would I look down at the 550 because of what I had done? I just told myself, this was a positive move and we can always get another Wing if we decide this was not for us.

Friday morning was crisp but clear and perfect for riding. As we looked around, we were almost the only ones out there. This is what its all about. I managed to talk Lori into allowing me to ride the 550 first. She reluctantly allowed this and off I went.

As soon as we hit the sand, I knew this was the right bike. It had lots of power and a very smooth ride. The throttle response was very positive and I was livin large. It was a little hard getting used to the suspension as it rolled side to side absorbing the shock. I was ready for the ultimate test...the trails. This would be the test to make or break. I headed off into the trails on the east side and soon was floating through the turns, hills and whoops. As I rounded one set of turns, I banked right, sand filled grin on my face and oops!!!, this quad is a little wider than the 450 and I had just put the first mark on the plastic. I went into a narrow trail, realized it and stopped. I slid sideways and hit a small tree. I hit a second as I backed out. Oh well, now it looks ridden.

I returned to the camp and Lori was patiently waiting. She had her helmet on, waiting...rumor has it a couple stopped by and gave her a dollar...something about Lori and Helmets. I jumped on the 450 and we backed out. Still apprehensive Lori pulls out with stern instructions to stay on the level and let her get used to riding a quad. We headed out, turned west and worked our way toward the ocean. As we continued, a smile broke across her face and the speed increased. We rode for about 45 minutes and upon our return, she declared it was fun and not what she thought it would be. I was happy as the bike was a hit and Lori was having fun.

I hung with Lori, Walt and Chad off and on all day. Late in the afternoon, Chad, Lori and I took Walt for a walk and boy did he enjoy his time with Walt. We ate way too much for dinner and it was time for the obligatory sunset ride. Off Lori and went with Mark in tow. We headed up the hill and watched the sun go down over horizon. Friday was a hit. Later in the evening, Jennifer, Peyton and Eric, Jenn's brother were at the sand and as is the Fretts' tradition, settled most of the worlds problems around the campfire. It was cold this evening, but clear. We were asleep as soon as we layed down. Life is good!

Saturday, Lori went for a ride and then got the twitch to head south for shopping. Soon, she and Mark headed out. This meant, I had the 550 all to my self. Peyton and I hit the sand and both enjoyed the ride. I did notice that his quad was heating up at times and would start to smoke. We shut it off and it did better.

That evening, Peyton wanted to go up to the sunset and we headed out. Lori and Mark got back and Lori stayed behind. I do remember at some point, we were riding around and I saw a truck I felt looked like Shawn's. It was Shawn with Chad in the child seat with an ear to ear grin. They were out 4 bying and he loved it. Sorry, got off topic a little, as Peyton and I headed up the hill, his bike started to loose power and smoke. Don was with us and all of the sudden, it seized. Something major went wrong and his quad was toast. Mark was in the area on Shawns quad and went to get Shawn. Soon, here comes Shawn, Jenn and Chad to the rescue. They load the broke bike up on the truck and off we go. Peyton rode back with me. Peyton was sad, but a real trooper and understood what had happened.

Lori and I went out Sunday morning for a last ride. It was great to have her out riding and enjoying the sights. I was having a great time and things were going as well as we could expect. I went back to camp and grabbed Peyton and headed out. I took him on some lower trails and climbed some small hills. I laughed as he never quit talking the whole ride. What a trooper.

We got back to camp and reluctantly packed up for the trip home. It was a great weekend and I think everyone had a great time. A couple hours of cleanup and unloading gave way to Lori and I resting in the comfort of our recliners catching up on tv shows we recorded earlier.

I feel better now knowing two things were accomplished. A smoother ride allowed me more time riding and the enjoyment Lori and the others had eating sand makes you feel real good. It did me.