What I did on the weekend. [Archive]

kbasa

10-09-2006, 11:29 AM

It's fall here on the west coast and while it's somewhat different than the tree event we used to get back in New England, it's still a time for shortening days, changes in the local plants and that melancholy feeling I get from more darkness.

So I went for a ride a couple times, did some chores and spent some time taking pictures.

If you've got time, come on along.

First up, Saturday, including on R11RS, Tomales Bay and Hwy. 1. It was foggy, so it was electrics for me.

http://kbasa.smugmug.com/photos/100641145-L-2.jpg

kbasa

10-09-2006, 11:32 AM

I originally stopped in this spot, which is covered in poison oak, because I saw something going on in the water (when I should have been watching the 20mph hairpin). I pulled over and walked over to the edge of the cliff and saw more pelicans than I'd ever seen in one place. I think it's pelican migration season and these guys were stopped for a rest on their way to Mexico.

They were making all kinds of racket and randomly flying and landing up and down this little inlet. They're not very elegant, stately or dignified, but I've got to tell you that a pelican floating along reminds of watching a nice fishing boat making it's way into port. They have a certain kind of functional honesty I really like.

http://kbasa.smugmug.com/photos/100642208-L-1.jpg

kbasa

10-09-2006, 11:34 AM

While I was standing there, these guys came toodling along, part of a larger group of BMWs. I headed north after putting my camera stuff away and managed to catch a few of them when they got hung up behind, what else, a tourist in a rental car that doesn't know what a pullout is for. :bluduh

http://kbasa.smugmug.com/photos/100643030-L-2.jpg

kbasa

10-09-2006, 11:36 AM

Headed home, the Nicasio Organic Farm was preparing for their Harvest Fair on Sunday. They've pulled all the pumpkins out, which makes it easy for folks to find a jack o' lantern candidate and makes for a great photo opportunity.

http://kbasa.smugmug.com/photos/100644040-L-2.jpg

kbasa

10-09-2006, 11:39 AM

Pumpkins? Yeah, we've got them. The hills are brown now. We got our first rain in 5 months in the middle of last week, so it won't be long until they turn emerald green again. We get about 36 inches of rain a year here, it all comes in about short time, the winter, with none over the period of May to October. It seemed kind of strange to me when we first moved here, but I really like not having to worry about rain in the summer.

The downside is that in the winter, roads on the north side of the hills won't see any sun. They stay wet and in many cases start growing moss on the road. Add some moisture and you've got kind of a skating rink going on.

http://kbasa.smugmug.com/photos/100644516-L-1.jpg

kbasa

10-09-2006, 11:42 AM

While I was wandering around taking pictures, my friend David happened to ride by. He's got a Ducati 1000S that he's nuts about. He's thought about Beemers, but I think he's going to buy one of the new Tigers instead.

We both agreed that fall riding is terrific.

http://kbasa.smugmug.com/photos/100645596-L-1.jpg

From there, I went home. I've got a ton of stuff to do to get ready to head out on Wednesday for a couple weeks and Tina wasn't too psyched I was out using up half the day to go riding.

chasman

10-09-2006, 11:42 AM

GREAT PICS! Thanks for sharing Dave.

Riding Like the Wind...

CHASMAN
Black '02 K12RS

Burnszilla

10-09-2006, 11:46 AM

We drove through Nicasio on Sunday on our way to Limantour Beach. It was a zoo!

kbasa

10-09-2006, 12:10 PM

So Saturday night, this woman, who still manages to stay married to me, agreed to have dinner with me. We went to a place called the Fly Trap, which is sort of a strange name for place as nice as it is. They had a guy playing piano and a woman doing some singing while we had dinner.

http://kbasa.smugmug.com/photos/101189762-M.jpg

While we were there, we had dinner with this guy. You might know him, but probably with other certain, how shall we say, appendages attached to his head.

http://kbasa.smugmug.com/photos/101189519-M.jpg

kbasa

10-09-2006, 12:11 PM

We drove through Nicasio on Sunday on our way to Limantour Beach. It was a zoo!

Nutty, huh? It was crazy in the afternoon.

kbasa

10-09-2006, 12:12 PM

Creme' Brule' for dessert. Yum. They had some kind of chocolate thing that looked pretty good, too.

http://kbasa.smugmug.com/photos/101191729-L.jpg

kbasa

10-09-2006, 12:13 PM

When we were headed home, we came across this scene in the parking lot. A bunch of kids getting ready to go out to a nightclub across the street.

Ah, to be young again, eh?

http://kbasa.smugmug.com/photos/101192663-M.jpg

kbasa

10-09-2006, 12:15 PM

Sunday was nicer, though. The sun was up and we only had some patchy fog along the coast. There's a big reservoir about ten miles from here, which seems to attract fog. Sunday was no exception, so I stopped to take more pictures of the GS.

Maybe I should learn about photoshop so I can get the big, bright hotspot off the saddlebag, eh?

http://kbasa.smugmug.com/photos/100985060-L-1.jpg

kbasa

10-09-2006, 12:16 PM

While I was standing around, figuring out what to do, my buddy Dan rode by on his MV Agusta F4. After he went by, he gave it a big twist. It's not quite Ducati opera, but music comes out of that bike's pipes pretty well too.

http://kbasa.smugmug.com/photos/100985469-L-1.jpg

kbasa

10-09-2006, 12:18 PM

Over on the other side of the lake, the sun angle and the fog made for some dramatic shots. I'm just going to post them as I don't think I can add anything to them with my inane comments. :ha

http://kbasa.smugmug.com/photos/100990518-L-1.jpg

kbasa

10-09-2006, 12:19 PM

http://kbasa.smugmug.com/photos/100991061-L-1.jpg

kbasa

10-09-2006, 12:19 PM

http://kbasa.smugmug.com/photos/100992402-L-1.jpg

ultracyclist

10-09-2006, 12:22 PM

What is a "pull out" so when I visit my brother in California I do not look stupid?

kbasa

10-09-2006, 12:24 PM

Out at the Bovine, I ran into my friend Jeff, who's got a new car. 1964. 327/300hp. 4 speed. Oh, be still, my heart. It's wonderful and a nice counterpoint to his 944, R11RS and R100RS. Sometimes, the best tool for the job is a sledgehammer.

http://kbasa.smugmug.com/photos/100992849-L-1.jpg

SIBUD

10-09-2006, 12:25 PM

Thanks for taking the time to post the pics.

My wife's brother-in-law is moving from Belmont to Novato. Guess I should ask to borrow his R 1100 R when we next visit! :dance

kbasa

10-09-2006, 12:26 PM

What is a "pull out" so when I visit my brother in California I do not look stupid?

They're a little paved spot on the side of the road that allows vehicles to pull over, out of the way and let faster traffic by. In CA, if you have 5 vehicles behind you, you're required to pull over (though many folks don't!). They're marked, so you know where they are. I think they're actuall called "turnouts".

Most of the locals will pull over to let bikes by, which is pretty nice.

Me, and all the other riders thank you! :wave :thumb

kbasa

10-09-2006, 12:28 PM

Thanks for taking the time to post the pics.

My wife's brother-in-law is moving from Belmont to Novato. Guess I should ask to borrow his R 1100 R when we next visit! :dance

Betcher dupa, man. All these pictures are within 20 miles of Novato. I live about 5 miles from Novato.

knary

10-09-2006, 12:29 PM

:lurk

kbasa

10-09-2006, 12:29 PM

The Bovine Bakery, in Pt. Reyes Station, usually has a pretty good assortment of bikes hanging around. This Sunday, though, was a pretty fine day. Take a look and see if you can find the Japanese or American bikes in this collection.

:ha

http://kbasa.smugmug.com/photos/100996177-L-1.jpg

kbasa

10-09-2006, 12:32 PM

A bit later, these guys showed up, having come up 1 from SF. They're all pretty fast guys and a couple years ago, you would have seen R1s, RR, GSXRs and the like when they pulled in. Now, they're on Multistradas and GSs and claim they're actually faster than they were on the sport bikes. It doesn't make much difference to me. I can't keep up with them at all.

Not. At. All. They're amazing.

Check the exhaust plumbing on the silver one. Pipes? We don't need no stinking pipes! It's actually not much louder than the ones with the full exhaust.

http://kbasa.smugmug.com/photos/100997229-L-1.jpg

kbasa

10-09-2006, 12:33 PM

Just to work the Italian theme a bit further..........

http://kbasa.smugmug.com/photos/101001594-L-1.jpg

kbasa

10-09-2006, 12:35 PM

Oh my. Did they have to make those pipes look like that? What is it with the Italian sense of design? Why can they take simple things, like exhaust plumbing, and make them look so elegant and wonderful? Is there a sort of special sauce they drizzle on their drawings? Cars, bikes, helicopters, scooters' it doesn't seem to matter.

They know how to contruct beauty.

http://kbasa.smugmug.com/photos/101004736-L-1.jpg

kbasa

10-09-2006, 12:36 PM

Even the innards of their bikes are a piece of art.

Of course, this one has had a bit of blingity bling added, but still....

http://kbasa.smugmug.com/photos/101004166-L-1.jpg

kbasa

10-09-2006, 12:39 PM

We still had things to do in the afternoon, though, so when I got home, we piled back on the GS and headed out to look at landscaping materials. We're just getting underway with a complete relandscape of our yard. One of the things we want to add is a focal point in the backyard, probably in the form of a fountain. We found a basalt column fountain that they'd put together. You can guy all the components separately, so we think we're going to go with something like this out there.

http://kbasa.smugmug.com/photos/100989578-L-1.jpg

kbasa

10-09-2006, 12:39 PM

We thought about this, but liked the verticality of the basalt stuff better.

http://kbasa.smugmug.com/photos/100990372-L-1.jpg

kbasa

10-09-2006, 12:40 PM

I'd like something like this, which I think is both humorous and beautiful.

Toto, we're not in Kansas anymore.

:ha

http://kbasa.smugmug.com/photos/101000890-L-1.jpg

kbasa

10-09-2006, 12:41 PM

After we got done with the landscaping stuff, we just headed home and did what Sunday afternoons are perfect for - a nap.

Hope you had a great weekend too!

Burnszilla

10-09-2006, 12:43 PM

A couple of those Ducs where still in Pt. Reyes Station when we stopped there. I also saw a BSA.

Are you shooting with the Nikon? Shots look very Nikonish.

jwhite518

10-09-2006, 12:50 PM

That landscaping place looks a lot like American Soil Products in Richmond. Nice pics!!

kbasa

10-09-2006, 12:50 PM

A couple of those Ducs where still in Pt. Reyes Station when we stopped there. I also saw a BSA.

Are you shooting with the Nikon? Shots look very Nikonish.

Yeah. D50. I shot these as RAW, so there's no processing on them. A couple I touched up using Smugmug's color correction, but other than that, they're exactly as they left the camera.

You must have been right behind me. When were you out there? I was back to the house at about 11:30.

kbasa

10-09-2006, 12:52 PM

That landscaping place looks a lot like American Soil Products in Richmond. Nice pics!!

Thanks! That's exactly where we were. Our designer sent us there.

I'd kinda like a bench by the front door and really liked this one. I think I got over ruled, though. She thinks something made entirely out of stone will work better out there.

http://kbasa.smugmug.com/photos/100992886-L-1.jpg

Hodag

10-09-2006, 01:01 PM

nice pics...

I like the bench in wood and the tall fountain.

Burnszilla

10-09-2006, 01:05 PM

We were there around 1pm. We went to Limantour to sprinkle Justice's ashes on the beach.

SheRidesABeemer

10-09-2006, 01:11 PM

I didn't realize brad's ears could come off! :doh

kbasa

10-09-2006, 01:12 PM

We were there around 1pm. We went to Limantour to sprinkle Justice's ashes on the beach.

Justice?

username

10-09-2006, 01:16 PM

ok... great report, and great pics, but this one...

http://kbasa.smugmug.com/photos/100985060-L-1.jpg

looks like it is from a photo shoot or something. perfect.

nicely done! :thumb

Burnszilla

10-09-2006, 01:23 PM

Justice?
Our dog.

nhlkats

10-09-2006, 01:26 PM

sweeeet pics man! really like the lake shots :thumb

kbasa

10-09-2006, 02:08 PM

Our dog.

Sorry to hear that, man. :(

kbasa

10-09-2006, 02:09 PM

ok... great report, and great pics, but this one...

http://kbasa.smugmug.com/photos/100985060-L-1.jpg

looks like it is from a photo shoot or something. perfect.

nicely done! :thumb

Thanks. Behold, the power of a fill flash. :ha

I need to photoshop that big blob off the bag, though.

kbasa

10-09-2006, 02:10 PM

sweeeet pics man! really like the lake shots :thumb

Thanks!

Plenty more out there: http://kbasa.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/6887

How 'bout it folks? Anybody else getting out for a nice fall ride? Let's see some foliage shots so I can be homesick for New England in the fall.

RevWillie

10-09-2006, 02:23 PM

While we were there, we had dinner with this guy. You might know him, but probably with other certain, how shall we say, appendages attached to his head.

OK Brad, at some point in time, you are going to have to return to Northern Indiana, where winter has already made riding less-than-wonderful. Back away from that nice California wine and climate and head back to the rust/snow belt.

SheRidesABeemer

10-09-2006, 05:32 PM

Thanks!

Plenty more out there: http://kbasa.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/6887

How 'bout it folks? Anybody else getting out for a nice fall ride? Let's see some foliage shots so I can be homesick for New England in the fall.

I saw lots of nice folliage on my trip DownEast this weekend, alas, I had 2 wheel 2 many...But I got to take a friend in need out for a spin :wave

SNC1923

10-09-2006, 05:55 PM

Dave,

Nice, user-friendly, picture-packed ride report. Thanks for having us along. I agree with username, that GS shot is art. Several shots of the lake(s) are great as well, but I have to go with the fountains at the landscape place. I just love a good fountain, though they make me want to pee. ;)

rinty

10-09-2006, 06:03 PM

kbasa

10-09-2006, 06:05 PM

Great photo essay Dave. Are the RSL and GS new machines in your stable? It's Thanksgiving in Canada today, and we had a nice one for riding: about 50, sunny, and no wind. There was a big rider crowd at Bragg Creek just west of Calgary, and the fall colours are holding. We should be able to bag a few more rides before things really start to cool off.

Rinty

Thanks, Rinty. No, the RS has been hanging around here for a decade now. Originally, it was Tina's bike, but she didn't like it as much as the VFR, so the RS is mine and, well, the VFR is sort of mine too. :ha

The GS is about 2.5 years old and is probably my favorite bike of all time.

Glad to hear you guys are still riding up there. I'd bet the colors are terrific right about now.

dancogan

10-09-2006, 06:37 PM

Thanks. Behold, the power of a fill flash. :ha

I need to photoshop that big blob off the bag, though.

A little like this? I just took a little brightness out of the bag.

kbasa

10-09-2006, 06:56 PM

A little like this? I just took a little brightness out of the bag.

Thanks, but not quite. I've got a reflective AdvRider decal there and it makes a big round hotspot right on the bag that I think should disappear.

:dunno

bluestune

10-09-2006, 07:17 PM

Great shots Dave! Can't wait for my next ride in northern CA. :thumb

kbasa

10-09-2006, 07:31 PM

Great shots Dave! Can't wait for my next ride in northern CA. :thumb

We'd love to see you! :wave

dancogan

10-09-2006, 07:41 PM

Thanks, but not quite. I've got a reflective AdvRider decal there and it makes a big round hotspot right on the bag that I think should disappear.

:dunno
Oh!

kbasa

10-09-2006, 08:30 PM

Oh!

OH! Totally sweet! THANKS!! :buds

Burnszilla

10-10-2006, 10:04 AM

I was going to nominate that bike photo for 'photo of the week' but now I can't because it's been doctored. :D

dancogan

10-10-2006, 10:06 AM

I was going to nominate that bike photo for 'photo of the week' but now I can't because it's been doctored. :D
Actually, it's been lawyered! :nyah :laugh :laugh

iRene

10-10-2006, 10:18 AM

Just to work the Italian theme a bit further..........

http://kbasa.smugmug.com/photos/101001594-L-1.jpg

I like this shot for the "RED" theme, too. Tasty!

BradfordBenn

10-10-2006, 06:32 PM

OK Brad, at some point in time, you are going to have to return to Northern Indiana, where winter has already made riding less-than-wonderful. Back away from that nice California wine and climate and head back to the rust/snow belt.

Sigh!

But my bikes are here....

ian408

10-15-2006, 12:59 AM

Well Dave, I've been working the past few weekends and boy, do I miss
riding. THis was a nice respit...maybe I'll get out tomorrow?

Thanks for taking us along.

BobMielke

10-15-2006, 03:15 AM

I'm hoping this is the hotspot you were speaking about Dave. Glad to help.
http://rmielke.photosite.com/motorcycles/Kbasa.jpg

rinty

10-15-2006, 11:00 AM

The shots look very Nikonish. Burnzilla

Burnzi:

What makes a picture look Nikonish?

Rinty

mrbshields69

10-15-2006, 11:57 AM

KBasa,

I was looking at the pic on the site link below. I the "day in the dirt" site close to you? It looks like a great place to ride. Is it open to the public?

Thanks!

Plenty more out there: http://kbasa.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/6887

How 'bout it folks? Anybody else getting out for a nice fall ride? Let's see some foliage shots so I can be homesick for New England in the fall.

Burnszilla

10-15-2006, 02:28 PM

KBasa,

I was looking at the pic on the site link below. I the "day in the dirt" site close to you? It looks like a great place to ride. Is it open to the public?
Kbasa is out of the country right now, so I'll answer the question for ya.
Carnegie SVRA (http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=410) Open to the public and near Livermore, CA

Burnszilla

10-15-2006, 02:30 PM

Burnzi:

What makes a picture look Nikonish?

Rinty
After looking at a lot of digital photos you start to see the different characteristics of cameras.. Canons have that certain look. Pentax and so on. I find Nikons to show a lot of contrast. Also this photo did not look like Dave's older photos that he took with his Canon. The new Canon digital SLRs take amazing photos.

mrbshields69

10-15-2006, 05:02 PM

Burnszilla,
Great, thanks.... I will have to visit there soon. :D

Kbasa is out of the country right now, so I'll answer the question for ya.
Carnegie SVRA (http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=410) Open to the public and near Livermore, CA

tjtraver

10-16-2006, 12:50 PM

Here's one of my favorite pics of last Saturday's ride thru the Catskills , which I thought I'd share . This pretty much captured the feel of this area of the country . Leaves were 100 % give or take .

Todd