2013 Triumph Daytona 675R Turns 44 (Thousand Miles)

As the 2013 Triumph Daytona 675R closes in on 44,000 miles, it's time to say thanks to all the people who have helped make this and all my riding experiences the best they could be for many years.

Richard Battles and Kathy Storin of RKA Motorcycle Luggage.
I have no idea what I did in a previous life to deserve friends like this for 30 years.
Must have been something like saving children from a burning orphanage.
I wonder if I survived. Oh, wait. If I was reincarnated, probably not.
http://rka-luggage.com/

Andrew Cox of Cox Racing Group
Protector of the world's motorcycle radiators
My comrade in consternation, shown here with his lovely
bride to be, Suzanne Gemmell Parks
http://www.coxracingroup.com/

Linda Key and Helmut Kluckner of Helimot
I always look forward to stopping by and saying hi.
Want the most comfortable boots and gloves that also offer the best protection?
Talk to Linda and Helmut
https://shop.helimot.com/shopping/default.asp

Marc Salvisberg of Factory Pro Tuning Components
Making motorcycles that are too fast for me in the first place
WAY too fast for me longer than I'm going to say.
http://www.factorypro.com/

Otto Solis (left) and Raul Meono of Wheelsmith Racing
They take the magic of the 675R and make more magic
Great mechanics, great people.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/wheelsmith-racing-san-rafael

Jim McLaughlin of Marin Speed Shop
An instant brother, we talk more about music than motorcycles.
Sold me the 675R, told me not to die on the 675R, haven't.
http://www.marinspeedshop.com/

Jeff Johnston of Pirelli
Came running up to me at Road Atlanta years ago,
said, "Can you take my wedding photos?"
"I guess. When?" "20 minutes. Start/finish line."
Friends ever since.
http://www.pirelli.com/tire/us/en/motorcycle

Rick Menapace, the ad guy for Arai Helmets since the beginning of time.
Shown here with his lovely wife, Peggy.
The embodiment of charm, we talk every week.

Bruce Porter, Arai's front line at the races.
No one was ever more loved in the AMA pits.
A true friend to all.

Ward McKee, and . . .

Shawn Ryan, and . . .

Ben Campbell, all at Competition Werkes.
Making the best motorcycle rear fender eliminators and now
the best slip-on exhausts on the planet.
http://competitionwerkes.com/

Jason Levitt of Full Spectrum Power.
Makes the best, lightest and most reliable motorcycle batteries there are.
Don't even bother looking at anything else.
https://www.fullspectrumpower.com/

Rick Marlin of Invision, formerly Fog City Fog Shield.
I think I was his first customer.
http://invisionvisorinserts.com/?product=proshield

Richard Kimes of Helmet House
I've been wearing Cortech and TourMaster gear forever.
The most comfortable and sturdy riding wear available.
http://www.cortech.net/

Robbie the Moto Tire Guy
Always pleasantly surprised at how often I show up needing new tires.
Highly efficient and prompt, great sense of humor.
http://mototireguy.com/

James Siddall of Super Plush Suspension
Politely stifling a laugh while analyzing the suspension
settings I chose myself
Just a few clicks make a world of difference.
http://superplushsuspension.com/

Bill Merriman of Stop & Go International
His Pocket Tire Plugger kit has saved me from being stranded more than once.
Don't leave home without it!
(Nice knees, Bill)
http://www.stopngo.com/

Eddie Chen of Venture Heat
I got soaked to the bone on an RKA charity ride.
The Venture Heat electric jacket and gloves kept me warm the entire time.
http://www.ventureheat.com/

Get out and ride!

Bob Dragich