If it is possible for a machine at rest to appear restless, Don Mason’s Buehl fits the bill. The machine, covered with the dust of many miles, looks like it should be moving instead of sitting in a parking spot. Equipped with two GPS units, a SPOT locator system, and lots of Touratech pieces, the bike has been modified by Mason to cover serious ground with minimal fuss.

As is so often the case, the machine is a reflection of the man. Don Mason gives off a restless energy that indicates that, like his bike, he is most comfortable when on the move. By day Mason works for Island County, Washington. In his off hours he raises and trains search and rescue dogs. And, he rides. A lot.

Mason was one of five riders to visit 120 Washington State Parks in the 2008 Washington 120 State Park Photo Tour. His elapsed time of 138 days was the shortest of the six, earning him the number one position in this year’s tour.

For the Tour, riders must visit as many state parks as possible from a list provided by the Tour organizer. At each park riders must get a photograph of the park sign along with their Tour placard and, if possible, their motorcycle.

Organized by John Davis, Editor and Publisher of NorthwestCycleReport.com, the tour was inspired by motorcycle trips Davis took with his father to state parks in California. “It was a great way to see the state and for my Dad and I to spend time together. I have many great memories of him and the places we visited,” said Davis. “With all the beautiful places here in Washington, I thought it would be good to give folks a reason to go places they might not ever go on their own.”

Mason figures he rode his 2006 Buehl XB12R Ulysses over 4,000 miles to visit all of the parks on this year’s list. “I went places that I would have never had a reason go if not for the tour,” Mason said. Asked about his favorite park, Mason said, “I think I live in the most beautiful place, so my favorite park is the one closest to home, Deception Pass.”

Mason plans to participate in the Tour next year, saying “I think I can do it in much less time; perhaps less than 2 weeks. I’ll definitely be back next year.”

Registration for next year’s event will open in March of 2009. There are plans to create tours in other states.

Others who visited all 120 parks during the 2008 event are:

• Duane Lessard
• Lyle Lessard
• The Newlywed Team of Faye Stukey and Mike Doll

The Washington 120 State Park Tour is a self-guided, self-paced motorcycle tour of 120 Washington State Parks. Riders accumulate points by visiting the parks and taking photographs to document their visit. The event is organized by NorthwestCycleReport.com, a website focused on motorcycling in the Pacific Northwest. More information is available at http://www.washington120.com.

Update - Hours after my meeting with Don, he was involved in an accident with a truck on Highway 9. Thanks to quality gear and Don’s rule of “All the Gear, All the Time,” Don walked away. The Buehl was less fortunate and sustained heavy damage.

On Tuesday I contacted Cycle News‘ legal counsel and we discussed possible courses of action. In short, they have a strong case and the resources to win it. I have neither. I have submitted a proposal for a “ramp down” period during which I will rename my site and migrate all of the content to a new domain. I am waiting for a response from Cycle News.

The attorney from Cycle News was very reasonable and indicated that her client had no interest in causing me to lose readers and there were no issues with the content of my site. As a trademark holder, Cycle News is obligated to defend their mark lest it be weakened. While I did not think that I was infringing their trademark, using two common words that accurately describe what I do, trademark law doesn’t see it that way and essentially obligates Cycle News to defend their mark.

Stay tuned.

Previous guests include Craig Vetter, Genevieve Schmitt, Jay Ridley, and Dave Nichols. You can download previous shows at HogRadio.

I hope that you will check it out.

Riders have until September 30th to visit as many of the 120 Washington State Parks as possible; documenting their visit with a photo of the state park sign.

After a cool and cloudy Spring in western Washington… a dramatic
shift to hot and sunny weather will take place starting Thursday.
Temperatures will begin to climb on Thursday… as a strong upper
ridge builds over the region and provides sunny skies. Weak
northerly onshore flow will keep temperatures from getting really
hot. Still… high temperatures across much of western Washington
will be in the 70s and lower 80s.

Temperatures are expected to reach 80 degrees on Saturday. Definitely a prime riding opportunity. However, warm weather presents unique riding challenges.

Staying hydrated is critical. Stop often and drink plenty of water. Dehydration can sneak up on you fast and impair your judgement and reactions. By all means get out and enjoy the sunshine but do pay attention to your body and stay hydrated.

Please review the tour rules and register now using the online registration form. Questions about the tour can be sent to via the contact form.

Good luck and safe riding to all participants.

“As someone who is passionate about putting miles on his motorcycles, I think the most memorable parts of the Washington 120 Tour for me were the roads.” said Watts. “Certainly the scenery at many of the parks was spectacular, but the roads into and away from some of them were truly outstanding. I likely would not have ridden a lot of these had it not been for the Tour.”

As the winner of the event, Watts selected from a prize pool that included products from Destination Highways, LD Comfort and Cycle Barn Motor Sports Group.

Registration for next year’s event will open in March. There are plans to create tours in other states as well.