I don’t know how many marques have odometers that allow you to roll up 100,000 miles and then keep going, but BMW does. Here’s a pic of the odo on my 1990 K75 BMW. After many miles as a solo ride the bike…nick-named Coda… was transformed into a tug for our sidecar outfit.

Almost There

Since then it has hauled us all over the mountain west pretty much effortlessly. We cruise the interstates at about 70 mph with enough left to pass at a good clip when necessary. Pretty respectable performance for an old 750. Considering the fact that I’ve seen K75s with more than two hundred thousand miles on their odometers I’m counting on many more happy miles.

There

The Data Ports Up The Lemmon, 2012

One of Tucson’s oldest motorcycling traditions takes place the first day of the year: It’s “Up The Lemmon”, when adventurous riders of all  makes and models ride up to Windy Point on Mount Lemmon. Depending on road conditions a few hardy souls go all the way to the top.

This is a good ride for the three-wheeling fraternity, since there is always the chance of slippery ice snakes in the road. Data Port, and possibly Mrs. DP, will take the sidecar outfit.

Meet at the McDonald’s on the corner of Tanque Verde and Catalina Highway at 9am. Come early for coffee at McDonald’s.

Looking ahead just a bit, this year is the 40th Anniversary Gathering of The Brass Monkey Sidecar Rally. Sidecarists are a rare breed among the three-wheel fraternity in part because, apart from the Russian Ural sidecars, they have to rig their outfits themselves.

The Brass Monkey welcomes all riders, both solo bikes and three wheelers. If you’re a solo rider this is your chance to check out the rarest member of the motorcycle fraternity, the sidecar. Here are dates and location:

Dates: February 15th, 16th, 17th and 18th

Where: Crazy Horse Campground, Lake Havasu City

Call Campground for reservations (928) 885-4033

You don’t have to camp. Many riders elect to motel it, go to the campground and hang out.