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Milestones: First 100 mile solo ride, and one year since MSF course completion

Just a bit of minor crowing.

One year ago, I graduated the MSF basic class, and got my California M1 a bit later. In November, I bought a Harley Sportster of all things. Never liked riding that much and I will sell it to give it a better home, but of course I now have the GSX-r600 (L1) and love it.

So today was also a milestone for completing my first long ride of over 100 miles. 109 to be exact. Just stopped quickly twice to pee and get some gas. I did it solo, just to soak it all in, concentrate, and not worry about keeping up/losing anyone else. As I'm still getting to know the bike and my limits (had it now for 3 weeks -- aug 10), I cherish this solo time with it... though my g/f and a couple friends all have bikes of their own who could have joined me, etc.

I live in the Oakland Hills, but for the route, I went over to Clayton (near Mt. Diablo), Marsh Creek Road (gorgeous, rural, nice twisties)... then to highway 4 (Vasco road), and right over to Livermoore. Then took a few country roads I already knew to Danville, then onto Danville Blvd, and back to home via Lafayette/Moraga.

Was the first time for me, on Vasco road where there was a fair amount of single to 2 lane directional fast traffic from 50 - 70, but with maintaining like 60 mph or so for like 15 miles. I had to, or the cars would have piled up behind me. The highway was in good condition, and safety medians separating traffic and day time lights required. You could see at night or dusk, it could be really sketchy. With twists and curves, you need to be "on it".

I'm not used to going that far for that fast... I usually do like across the Bay Bridge, or other minor roads around the hilly parts of the East Bay. Was a good challenge for me, and well, I think I survived.

There was no one else on the country roads surrounding Livermore (on the Mt. Diablo side of the 580), so I could also practice stand-still/fast accelerations and shifting.

loved it.