Evan

Just rode from Roanoke to Freeborn's at Laural Springs (north of Boone). A few bumps but overall, pretty good road condition. Down to one lane for a mile or so where they are rebuilding the road.

I switched from halogen to led on my 88 and man, what a difference. Biggest benefit for me, though, is the improvement in visibility (being seen by others).

At least we're ready to help our fellow 2nd gen Venture Riders when they have problems on the road.

Five days into our Venture South and so far, the Ride Gods have blessed us. It started with the WNY rally - and Spanky 's video captures the great time there. Got lots of good advice for the rest of our two week ride to the Smokies from others at the rally. Thanks to all including Jayceesfolly for route suggestions. Rode south from the rally down 219 into Maryland and then over some other fabulous roads to get to Front Royal and the Skyline Drive, and now the BRP. Enjoying some of the best riding weather this summer. Roads and scenery are intoxicating. School has started so there is very little traffic on the Parkway. Stumbled onto some fabulous places to stay. Been meeting some great people along the way, including a couple from Whales who rented a Road King and were riding south from NYC to the Florida Keys. Also met and spent some time talking with two great biker guys - Bob who is now 82 and had to give up his Ventures (an 83 and 88) for a Road King; and his good friend Jennings Glenn who is also a passionate rider and author of the book Great Roads, Great Rides and a Back Road Touring Guide for the North Carolina area. He gave me both. Been in touch with Brown Angel and we plan on connecting when we reach North Carolina. Life doesn't get much better. Looks like my wife Anne will not be doing a blog of this trip but here are a few pics so far:

Fantastic video and pics Craig. Thank you much for preparing and posting this. Can hardly wait until next year.

Looks to me that you got lucky Clive. Beautiful bike and my favourite colour to boot.

Amazing story. Think we are all lucky that you can share it with us.

Once again, we had a great time at the rally. My thanks and appreciation to all the WNY gang who put so much into this event and make it the great success that it is. We left this morning and headed south down 219 into Maryland on our way to the BRP. what a great start for our two week ride south into the Smokies.

Absolutely amazing story John. So glad you weren't in a wreck and it sounds like you would have been were it not for your riding skill/experience.

Great tribute and great comments.

We are still on track and looking forward to joining you all tomorrow.

Thanks for posting this info Jeff. It helps explain one of my problems, which I sometime forget.

Agree with you Bob

Just listened to interesting news report released by our Ontario Provincial Police. Biker deaths are at a record high this year. However, what surprised the OPP even more was the extent those deaths involved older (45 to 54) riders on dry roads during daytime conditions. A number of reported factors were reported, including inattentiveness.

Amazing. Just now saw this video on our Canadian National News program called Newsworld.

Amazing video, especially if it is for real.

Many of the group followed our blog for our five week Venture West trip to the west coast and our four week Venture East trip to the east coast last year. For each ride, we never knew each day where we would end up that night, but had fun getting there. With four aging parents (from 88 to 95), we weren't sure we could get away this year, but it now looks like we have a couple weeks following the WNY rally this weekend, which we are also looking forward to. So, we hope to ride south from the rally and head for the Smokies by way of the BRP. I am sure my wife Anne will start another blog for this trip as it is a great way to keep connected with friends and family. Anyway, any suggestions about great sites along the way will be appreciated. We are also looking foreword to connecting with Brown Angel and Lori in North Carolina.

We can't get away until Friday. Looking forward to seeing you all there.

Sorry - Don't know why it didn't get included in earlier post. Here it is again, as provided to me by Marcarl: The needle bearing is only available from Yamaha, and you'll need the inner race as well. Parts you'll need: Oil Seal 93106-40027-00 Oil Seal 93102-25064-00 Bearing, Cylindrical 93311-32698-00 Collar 90387-203H7-00 Bearing (B6304zz) 93306-30437-00 Total: $70 from Yamaha Sports Plaza, plus shipping and waiting time. http://www.yamahasportsplaza.com/oemparts/a/yam/50042d36f8700209bc789f1c/rear-wheel You could also install a new dust seal: Seal, Hub Dust 1J7-25319-02-00 for 10 bucks, unless you already have done this.

Here is some info that might be useful re specific bearings needed (and related optional parts) that was originally provided to me by Marcarl. It includes prices from a particular supplier who offers a discount. I understand that the roller bearing (on the right side) is only available from Yamaha.

Congratulations on 30 years Steve and hope your short time in Canada is good. Don't know your plans but just a heads up, - the QEW /401 slab is one of the busiest roads in North America, especially as you get closer to Toronto. There are lots of really good riding roads as alternatives. If you need info on options, just post and you will get lots of suggestions. Enjoy your trip and be safe!

Just changed mine a few weeks ago when I had the tire off. Real simple procedure - just loosen the holding bracket screw and pop the lines off. Of course, you should shut off the gas line valve first.