I found a very low mileage 2018 Gen 3 Versys 650 a couple hours north. I contacted rayZerman seeking an informed opinion and he gave it a thumbs up if the inspection and price was right. Thank ye Ray.
Out of curiosity, I did a quick search and also located a KLX in stock at a dealer 3 hours north. Damn, back to simmering.
A couple days later, after a long chat with myself while isolated from distraction riding my lawnmower, I knew the stew was getting tender. I resolved to flip a coin over who to call as soon as I parked the mower.
Two out of three flips came up tails for the KLX. So I called Eric, a pal of 20 years (he was service manager for the wiring harness recall of my 2006 FJR when I first met him). I asked two questions: 1) is that spanky new 2023 KLX 300 still sitting there? 2) Are you working tomorrow? He put me on hold to double check and came back with not only is it here, it's still in the crate. it will be ready by the time you get here tomorrow. See you about 11:00 sir. Thanks Eric. He knows I don't call unless things have come to a head. I make it too damn easy for him but in return I get the royal carpet and no bullshit.
We got our usual long time, no see catching up complete with highly embellished hunting tales done while kicking the tires and thumbing a starter. He asked if I would cruise the new gun shop while the finance gal closed with another customer (the bike shop was hopping for a Thurs). Salivating, I came out of that shop, to find the bike loaded on my truck and the finance gal put lunch on hold to get me heading on a timely journey south. We settled. Thanks Jenny. Eric helped me tie down. Thanks Eric. Until next time.
I bid him adieu, he was right back at it and my road trip south began.
Well into the afternoon and just north of Monterey, VA, I spied a new-to-me bakery and deli in the heart of Highland County's Amish community so I knew I was in for a treat.
The place is immaculate, not a single speck of dust even and carries a great selection of carefully prepared bulk foods and spices.
The young lady was a little stiff when I went in, but she was there by herself and her kids were playing in the back and in walks this grizzled old hoodlum, so could hardly blame her. I was riding a dopamine bronco so by the time I left, I had her laughing and smiling and was glad she felt at ease. I will surely visit again and highly recommend you do too should the opportunity arise.
Came out with a sliced-and-made-on-the-spot two hander! Homemade bread so light the sandwich almost levitated!!
Southbound in Highland County managing a two-hander with one.
The sign over the obviously Amish farm entrance is of the Ten Commandments.
And fresh this morning oatmeal chocolate chip M&M Cookie Monster cookies! Yowsers!! Tastes so good, it makes you high (Guy Clark).
Say? Did I mention there was a kick ass dual sport in back?
I soon left Highland County behind and entered Bath County.
Given the recent rains, there was no way I wasn't going to stop at Falling Spring.
And while stopped.
Just north of Covington.
Introducing lil neon bike to soon to be native habitat.
And there's the grinning jackass again.
The sign should say…trucker, kiss yer ass goodbye!
Always good to get back home.
But wait! Bad boys, bad boys, whatcha gonna do when…
Finally rolled up Speckled Buck Lane where the welcome committee waited. And so did the woodpile I should have been home stacking.
Introduced little neon to some new stablemates and called it a day.
Fun road trip!
