I had to retrieve a pair of glasses taken in for repair, so what a great excuse for a ride. Backroads all the way, left about 1 PM, so minimal traffic. Black Mollie chuffed along at 40-50 MPH seamlessly. In town the newly resurrected right side shift set up got a work out. Re-learned to wait at stoplights far enough behind the vehicle ahead so as to be able to see the light! The modest performance of my ES350 was adequate for light traffic.
The ride home was more fun, the farther I got from town the better it got. The low rolling foothills mostly succumbed to 4th gear. The 4 degree advanced cam pinion really did the trick, allowing the 350 to continue to pull long after I assumed it shouldn't. When the angle got too steep, a quick downshift to 3rd let progress continue at 35-40 MPH. The pace allows one to take in the view - I was able to watch a red-tail hawk drag a ground squirrel into the shade of an oak and start a late lunch.
The 350 really captures the feel of old-time riding. Hills are a negotiation between limited power and gearbox ratios, curves are approached with prudence dictated by limited brakes and "just adequate" traction. This is a far cry from most modern hardware, but appealing nonetheless.
Topic: Fresno 60 mile out 'n back run (Read 2256 times)