Tangential Thoughts: First Encounter with Dragons

Digging through email archives, I thought I would post up my original reflection on riding the Dragon. I somehow got it in my head that it would be fun to put wheels of my ancient, faithful CB700SC into Georgia. This was a trip I took back in 2008 - pre-GPS, minimal planning, just getting out onto the open road with a loose understanding of where I was going and no particular timeframe in mind.

Here it goes:

CB700SC

I have an old warhorse for a motorcycle -- a 1985 Honda Nighthawk S, CB700. 700 cc, small bikini fairing. I have about 32,000 miles on it. It just hums along, requiring about as much maintenance as a shovel. Designed as a technology showcase back in the 80s, it has some features (hydraulic valves, shaft drive, twin front disc brakes, fuel gauge/gear indicator, 6-speed transmission) which were a bit ahead of its time. I particularly like the power hit between 8,500 and 10,250 rpm - it makes clicking down to third gear for two-lane passing fun.

From the Stagecoach Trail

It is definitely not designed to be a touring motorcycle, primarily because the gearing is so short. I spin between 6 and 7,000 rpm on the highway, which has a predictable effect on gas mileage. Personally, I like being out there in the air - it makes me feel like I'm on a motorcycle. Eventually I will probably add another bike to the stable, but I don't think I could ever get rid of this one.

The one thing I would change is the location of the oil filter. To get it out, you have to reach between the four headers. The engine is so tightly packaged that it only fits out between the number 4 exhaust pipe and the frame. It is a very tight fit, very un-Honda. I'm a little surprised it is engineered that way.

Another point of interest - it is oil cooled. To assist cooling, oil is stored in the frame. As a consequence, there's a center drain plug, plus two smaller plugs on the left and right frame rails. Patience (or multiple drain pans) is required when doing an oil change.

Reflections

This trip had everything. Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia. 1,457 miles. A cool early morning ride from Lexington to Knoxville, seeing multiple sunrises from my helmet as the terrain got hillier. Cruising through the early morning fog as I wound my way towards Knoxville. The luscious, non-stop curves of the Dragon. Meandering roads, following rivers and rapids. Curving, climbing, cooling roads as I passed 5000 feet of elevation. Long, straight roads. Serenity of making time on the interstate. Sun so hot I needed to fill my shirt with ice. Rain so cool that it pitter-pattered on my faceshield and helped lower my core temperature. The ecstasy of no traffic and beautiful roads. The challenge of being surrounded by cars on arrow-straight highways.

It made me run the gamut of emotions, but the two that come through the strongest are harmony and thankfulness.

What I am thankful for – my lovely wife, who tolerates and encourages me to do what I must. My beautiful children, and the thought of sharing adventures big and small. The truckers who are out there, sharing the roads, making my convenience-filled life possible. Trees, and how wonderfully cool they make a summer's day. Entering a glade or forest when you are hot and sweaty, there's no better feeling. Except possibly for filling your shirt with ice and rinsing off your head. The police, fire fighters, paramedics, and doctors who take care of us when bad things happen, when we make mistakes. The depth of experience that travel by motorcycle allows. Balance. Harmony. Slow, quiet stretches and interstate-speed running.

In a single day, I experienced a half-moon and stars shining down on me, the sun come up, lovely, mountainous interstate passages, incredibly challenging non-stop curves, the cooling of elevation, the sweltering heat of mid-day Georgia sun, a rain shower just when I really needed to cool off, more delightful curves, another blissful interstate run in the cool evening hours as the sun set, hot and tasty barbeque with the sounds of live music in the background, and more rain.

I need to write more, but I am exhausted. It was a blessed trip. I have lived a lifetime in two days and an evening. The pictures just don't do it justice – my mental movie cannot be shared. I feel fulfilled, centered, happy, and so incredibly thankful. I am at one with the universe.

The Facts:

	Moto Mileage	Trip Mileage	Gallons	Cost	Price	MPG
Starting Mileage	31430.8
Bakers Corner, IN	31559.9	129.1	2.923	$ 11.86	4.057475197	44.16695176
1790 Airport Exch Erlanger, KY	31698.0	138.1	3.237	$ 13.92	4.300278035	42.66295953
1970 Pleasant Ridg Lexington, KY	31777.9	79.9	2.179	$ 8.98	4.121156494	36.66360716
1111 S Main St Jellico, TN	31888.5	110.6	2.994	$ 12.18	4.068136273	36.94388778
??	31987.6	99.1	2.225	$ 8.63	3.878651685	44.53932584
141 Bank St. Tellico Plains, TN	32098.5	110.9	2.183	$ 8.71	3.989922126	50.80164911
4900 Appalachian Hwy Blue Ridge, GA	32162.1	63.6	1.292	$ 5.22	4.040247678	49.22600619
2528 East 1st St Crossville, TN	32283.7	121.6	2.447	$ 9.79	4.000817327	49.69350225
500 Main Nashville, TN	32401.0	117.3	3.054	$ 12.21	3.998035363	38.4086444
553 Duntov Way Bowling Green, KY	32470.3	69.3	1.615	$ 6.56	4.061919505	42.91021672
Scottsburg, IN	32611.7	141.4	3.25	$ 13.16	4.049230769	43.50769231
4922 S Western Ave Marion IN	32768.6	156.9	3.355	$ 13.75	4.098360656	46.76602086
Ironwood and 23 South Bend, IN	32885.3	116.7	2.811	$ 11.55	4.108858058	41.51547492
Finishing Mileage	32888.5
Total	1457.7	1454.5	33.565	$136.52	4.059468397	43.33382988