Another one in the books. Started off the day making my way to TCR to pick up something for the thing they're doing until November 28th. Rode in heavy gusty winds along eastbound 84 so I could make it to Hood River in time to meet up with another friend. That friend is the former owner of the Tiger 900 I now own.

From the food truck right off exit 62, we headed over to the Hood River Bridge, crossed that, headed east for a little bit to SR142 for some twisty fun. We also made a detour to a cemetery since it's one of the things to knock out on that thing from TCR. We got back on 142 and headed toward Blockhouse. We didn't go that far east. We turned north on Glenwood Highway where we were treated to some beautiful scenery and a controlled burn in progress. Fall is my favorite time of the year to ride. The air smells nice and the temperatures aren't too hot.

We took a small break at the Glenwood General Store, where there is a food truck. My friend wanted to get a quick meal before rolling out. Westward we went! We ended up on Trout Lake Highway to hit up a solid place for pies. I think it's called Heavenly Grounds Espresso. I didn't buy anything since my stomach was still very full from the 7 chicken tacos I had in Hood River.

We headed south back to SR14 where we turned west for an eighth of a mile to hit up a real solid scenic viewpoint. It's along Cook-Underwood Rd. We did the trek along it to SR14, and that is where we parted ways. He went east and I went west to endure the endless lines of amateur drivers who can't seem to get their damn vehicles up to the speed limit, or move the hell over when they're holding everybody up. Boy, I am glad the bike I have now has enough muchas to its gracias when it comes to making massive passes! The old 650 wouldn't have been able.

I obviously didn't go straight home once I hit the Vancouver city limits. I just felt like doing a little more before heading that way.

Los Angeles Taqueria has, IMO, dethroned the El Amigo cart in Vernonia as being "the best." 7 soft tacos didn't cost an arm & leg like the other location. The chicken was juicy and full of flavor and the red sauce has some zing. Enough to make me smile, but not enough to turn my stomach into Kilauea. I can't do anything hotter than Serrano peppers since it'll cause an unwanted trip to the ER. The lovely ladies working that cart are friendly and super personable.

Props to u/BigsoupZ1000 for being a trooper on a short notice DM. He is actually about it in regards to a post he made yesterday in both Motorcycles and here. He is also a very solid, stable, and safe rider. The exhaust on his bike sounds sweeeet! I felt its rumble in my chest.

The weather wasn't looking too favorable this morning. It was pouring when I woke up. It was also pouring in his area. I honestly wouldn't have been disappointed if he decided to flake since the local weather wasn't cooperating. However, road conditions and weather improved just north of Vancouver. SR4 was a mix of bare & dry and bare & wet in some sections.

Lunch was had in Ilwaco at Sips & Subs Espresso Cafe. The lady who owns the shop is a super cool gal. Give her business your money! We parted ways at the bridge to Astoria. I got absolutely soaked halfway between the bridge and Naselle. The downpours on the 30 side of the river looked much worse. WSP troopers were in their usual afternoon hiding spots along SR4 and 401.

My friend and I will be taking the team Oregon motorcycle endorsement in November with the goal of us riding automatic, 4 stroke scooters, 125-150cc.

The site is pretty basic and navigates strangely, so I wasn’t able to find anything on the practical skill test that specifically mentioned scooters. Will the skills test be on motorcycles the entire time? Neither of us have intentions of riding bikes and as far as I can tell all the verbiage/photos/reviews are for motorcycles.

Just want to know ahead of time before I go and take the skills test and waste my $230 if I’m not ready. I rode dirt bikes a bit as a teenager but it’s been a while and I’m concerned I wouldn’t pass on a bike with speed consistency and shifting.

If there’s another option for endorsement that isn’t team Oregon that specifically trains you on scooters I’d love a recommendation. Thanks

We are hosting a ride out for my buddy who passed on Friday which I’m sure you guys have seen about online, this is going to be a chill ride for the most part the date is tomorrow October 7th, more experienced people in the front leading, nothing too crazy we just want to show up for our buddy who loved bikes more than anything so if you could spread the flyer share the word that would mean a lot. Thanks guys 🙏

Seems most shops are closed Monday. Any shops y’all recommend me bringing my wheel in to have a tire mounted and balanced near 99th and Holgate area that might be open? Or is anyone capable of helping out with this for pay? Thanks!

Please chime in if you have experience with the Motion Pro PBR or similar. I'm planning to do chain+sprockets over the winter and I want to get a quality tool for the job.

Stolen from Belmont st in Portland Oregon on 10/02/26. Please let me know if you see it.

Do we have a good place for used tools these days? Been a while since I've needed (RIP Ted's Tool shed) but I have a couple of wrench/socket sizes to buy for my bike. Any recommendations in the PDX greater area?

Has anyone had some made locally? I used to have a pair but lost them years ago. I just got back from a week long ride and having been through a variety of foam plugs my ears are tender. Looking for any recommendations on custom fit plugs.

It's absolutely stunning up there right now!

Riding a 2019 Kawasaki Versys X 300.

First big solo trip is done. Happy to see the fur balls and can’t wait to be back on the road

Anyone know of other fun dirt roads up north of Washougal?

I have a spare set loaded wheels laying around that are just taking up space, the tires are bad however... Free to a good home, would appreciate a pack of beer or something tho 🤙🏼

Located in Hillsboro.