Checking in on all the original KawaNOW members

[nomadtom69]

Sold my Nomad to a member here and went to a BMW R1200clc for a while had a knee replacement and did not feel comfortable on the bike so I sold it and bought a SXS which I am enjoying on our hunting lease and other places

[MarkG]

For the good old days. KawaNOW was pretty wild in the beginning, it was a good idea not to take anything personally because you were going to get kidded, good and bad, one way or another. Trip decided they liked my writing style and offered me the Riding Safety Moderator position. Learned a lot from the safety studies I researched in case anyone asked serious questions.

Traded my '08 Nomad for the Victory Cross Country Tour when it was obvious Kawasaki was getting away from touring motorcycles. The Nomad was a good ride and very predictable. The Vic was also good and the wife road with me a little more often. Unfortunately Polaris did away with the Victory lineup with no warning and it was time to move on again.

The '16 BMW K1600GTL was on sale and a good fit. Thanks to "Wanderer" I started doing Iron Butt rides and became addicted being able to travel somewhere in a short time, leaving extra days for sightseeing and enjoyment. However the wind management wasn't as good for the passenger. When the opportunity came to upgrade to the '21 K1600GTL it was too good to pass up. Norma's first comment, "this is nice" was an eyeopener. The GTL is a year old and 18,000 miles later is really comfortable. Norma has been on the bike with me for 14,000 miles of which three were Iron Butt SaddleSore rides.

In June we went from Arizona to Idaho to meet Blowndodge, Wanderer, and several other veterans from the KawaNOW days. From there to Montana for the BMWMOA rally, five days in Yellowstone, and slowly worked our way back to Arizona for 4600 miles. July was another 1500 miles in Utah and then on to Texas for a 2500 mile trip. Norma is dangerous with a GoPro and a large memory card, we probably have 7000 or so pictures we still have to look through from the trips.

Already planning next years rides, one will be to Springfield MO for the BMWMOA rally. Where else I have no idea both of us are kind of wild card spur of the moment travelers. Other than the Iron Butt rides I think our average speed for scenic touring was around 45 mph. Also on the bucket list is the George A. Wyman Grand Tour from San Francisco to New York following the route of the 1st motorcycle ride across the US in 1903. Both of us like visiting the Tour of Honor sites and is worthwhile to do something different. Now that Norma is riding with me more often there is so much to do and so little time.

Find a niche of what makes you happy riding. Above all make sure it is enjoyable and fun. Try to do something different rather than the same old things and it will not get boring.

[Cajunrider]

Hello Jared. It

[radco]

Hey Jared. Long time no see !

I am still alive and kicking just not riding !
Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

[blowndodge]

I started a Various Baggers social forum after realizing this site was becoming antiquated. We've met for the past half dozen years or so at different venues. A good crowd always shows up. I still have my 2013 Victory Cross Country Tour.

In 2019 my wife and I retired and moved to southern Utah. I'm a new Grandpa to a beautiful granddaughter. Kanab this June with the gang.

[Rasta]

Hi Jared! I don't get on here much but good to see this thread.

[kawgirl]

Hey guys! I typed out a post on my latest happenings and it only posted a couple of words. Not rewriting it. ��

[coacha]

Originally Posted by Jared

Hey, I just wanted to start a new thread and check in on all the old original KawaNOW and VBA members. Some people probably won't even know what KawaNOW is.

How is everyone doing? What is new?

We're doing well. Thinking every day about retirement, coming up in about 1 1/2 years. Hoping to get out on my motorcycle some more this year after 2 years of little riding.

I know you are on 2 wheels now some too, but the kind that you pedal.

[blowndodge]

Originally Posted by Top Cat

TC here.

Cindy and I ride Victorys now. Boardwalk for her and a kingpin for me. Right now the plan is to buy a trailer and haul them out to Utah this summer and tour there and Arizona a little. I am 76 now and have no plans to give up riding.
Cindy and I became Great Grandparents this year. She is over the moon with the new Great Granddaughter.
Good to hear your doing well Scott. Thanks for starting this thread for us old folks Jared.


Can I get a link for the 2022 get together in Kanab, UT

https://mewe.com/event/60df376de46206665974efcc