Region “I” Rally, Tillamook Oregon

August 16, 2017 ~ Lesley & I left Spokane and were
bound for Tillamook to the Region "I" Rally, and were fortunate enough to score an Aspen Tent camper for this trip. If memory serves, it was a pretty day. Everything was going well until we got to around the Tri-Cities when I realized that we had a little problem. I stepped on the foot brake and it went all the way to the bottom. The words that I uttered in the Intercom system would make a sailor blush. If I pumped the brake, I could get rear brake action. The problem came when I had to make a quick stop. Not sure if I would have enough time to pump up the brakes, so I decided to keep the distance between us and the vehicle in front of me larger than normal. The front brake was just fine, and it actually did a very good job at stopping the bike. Even in a panic stop. This did surprise me, and I was thankful that these actions were few and far between. We stopped for the night at "The Dalles" at the Motel 6. Got checked in and got some things out for the night. I still wasn't sure what the cause of the brake failure was. I looked under the back of the bike, and I couldn't see any brake fluid on the ground, even after pumping the brakes several times. I checked the master cylinder and found it was low on fluid. Well, there was nothing to be done since it was too late to see the service folks at the Honda shop. So, we decided to get some dinner and enjoy the night in a soft bed, soothing our aching backsides. We visited the folks at the front desk and asked where a good place to eat was. They pointed us in the direction of "Cousin's Restaurant & Saloon." They are within walking distance, so off we went. Now I must admit that I was quite impressed with this establishment. This is a place to go back to for sure. If memory serves, I had "Tom's Turkey with Dressing" and Lesley had the "Home Style Pot Roast." But then again, it could be vice versa for sure. I do know that the dinner was wonderful.

August 17, 2017 ~ Today is the day we make it to Tillamook. To start the day off, it was once again back to "Cousins'" for breakfast. Breakfast was every bit as good as dinner. Portions were awesome, the coffee was good & hot. The service, just like the night before, was terrific. We highly recommend Cousins for a hearty meal. You won't be disappointed. After packing the bike back up, we went to the local Honda shop, "Fun Country Power Sports", to discuss this issue with the brakes and to see if they had any ideas. Well, put it short, they had no time for me. The Service Manager told me that he had no one who could take a quick look. And he wouldn't have till at least the next day. I found myself rather upset with this dealership. After all, there is a substantial amount of money that is invested into a Goldwing GL1800, and you would think that the Honda shop would be a little more helpful. Suffice it to say, it sure seems to me that this is the norm. What's even worse is that we were from out of town on the way to a rally. I explained this to them, and all I got was basically a blank stare. So off to the parts counter I went, purchased a bottle of DOT4 brake fluid, and I was rather rude when I handed over the money to pay the man. Where is the world's customer service these days? I topped off the Master Cylinder, put the covers back on, and off we went. After topping off the brakes, we were off to Tillamook. Our route will take us through Portland to catch US 26. After a short drive, we turned off of US26 to OR 6. This took us through Wilkesboro over the mountains and into Tillamook. What an awesome ride through Tillamook State Forest. We arrived unscathed at the Tillamook County Fairgrounds, and here's where we set up our tent and proceeded to enjoy life.

August 18, 2017 ~ We started the day with opening ceremonies at the rally, preceded by breakfast. After all that was completed, we were left to enjoy the rest of the day. If memory serves, we made our way towards the Tillamook Creamery, but it was being remodeled and the parking was crazy, as in none available. So, we decided to check out the Blue Heron French Cheese Company. We did purchase a couple of items, but we did have fun looking around at all the items for sale. Oh, let's not forget the tasting area where you can sample their products. From here, we made our way up to Garibaldi to take a look around. We stopped at a local cafe for a bite to eat, and for the life of me, I can't remember the location, but it was pretty good.

Cape Meares Light House, then journeyed down to the Cape Meares Lighthouse. Not only was it a beautiful ride to the lighthouse, but the lighthouse itself was quite spectacular. We walked down the path, and interestingly enough, there are "Turn Outs" along the way to rest and check out the scenery. I made use of both ways to be sure. I don't remember ever seeing a lighthouse up close and personal. I've seen a couple in the distance when I was a lot younger, but this is the first one up close. To see the workmanship that goes into one of these structures and to see up close the safety they provide to passing ships in the night is awe-inspiring. What was a hoot was that while we were at the landing behind the lighthouse, a few whales were playing in the surf out towards Pillar Rock.

We made the trip back up the slope to the bike, and there to greet us were a few deer munching on the grass. It was a nice sight to see. From there, it was back to the Fairgrounds for dinner and fellowship with our fellow wingers. It should also be mentioned that there were some games to be played as well. You know, "Split the Pot", "Trike Games," and the like. All fun to be sure. And, at around 8:45 PM, we started to gather for the "Light Parade." Almost every Goldwing Rally has one of these, and they are always fun. Some riders get quite serious about "Lighting" up their rides. I know we did. Maybe not as much as others, but there is a point where I will draw the line. Anyway, arrangements are made with the local Police Department to help us hold this event. They have at least one vehicle in the lead with lights going. Other officers block intersections for us so we don't have to stop. So, if you can imagine somewhere around 100 plus Goldwings traveling down the city streets with lights flashing and horns honking, then maybe you can get an idea of what it is like. The townsfolk come out onto the sidewalks and wave, taking pictures. And of course, we honk and wave back. It's all in good fun. You see, we're trying to show people that not ALL bikers are terrible/horrible people. The light parade was a huge success, and we, along with the townsfolk, had a great time.