I have been riding motorcycles since the summer of 1974. My current ride is this 2006 Concours, acquired in 2009. The bike, like my previous Yamaha XJ1100J, has an in-line 4-cylinder engine and is shaft driven. I prefer bikes set up for touring with large windshields and saddlebags which add more comfort and convenience on long rides. The stock seat was replaced with a Russell Day-Long saddle in 2011.

My 'daily commute' was about 114 miles round-trip until I retired in 2020. Most of my longer trips ran a couple thousand miles.

Accessories on this bike include a Rifle windshield, stainless-steel brake lines, footpeg lowering kit, highway bars, throttle lock for cruising, and a small cooler that gets attached to the lugage rack. In addition the bike is equipped with a trailer hitch and I pull a light-weight trailer on long trips. The trailer carries my tent, cooking supplies, clothing, sleeping bag and a few other handy items.

I have enjoyed visiting many parts of the US (and parts of Canada) on my rides. This photo is from a trip to Santa Margarita, California, and is typical of my camp sites.

The colored states in the US map indicate what states I have ridden in or through. My goal is to hit all 50!

I've only been in 2 Canadian provinces so far, as you can see by the Canadian map. Another of my "Bucket List" goals is to ride the Trans-Canadian highway across Canada. That would be an experience!