My 2000 BMW F650

My fun little BMW F650 "beach cruiser". Not what you'd expect - not a typical BMW nor is it even a typical cruiser. Think more along the lines of those "beach bicycles" - sturdy and capable.

Not mine, just placeholder of same make/color till I find a pic.

It was a common site to see Suzette and I out and about town on the bike. We'd go for drives to check out the neighborhoods, cruise the beach, or head over to Petty's for some lunch. We'd ride to church in the summer, two deacons showing up with motorcycle helmets, much to the titter of the church ladies.

The bike had more than enough refinement that it would look good where ever it went. It looked like a much more expensive machine, sort of like the R1200 RT's little brother (which in effect it was). When riding this bike, people would stop, stare, and start a conversation.

Suzee learned how to ride on it. Yes, all though she did not pursue a license, she could ride. She said she preferred to ride on the back of mine. Snuggling.

This 650cc single cylinder Rotax engine had enough torque to haul us up and down the side roads. The frame and suspension was surprising comfortable. The bike had nice features, such as fuel injection, heated hand grips, and I'd even added the full side bags for those occasions we'd want to bring a lunch.

On those days I'd head out on my own, the bike was sporty enough to be a joy to ride - though no threat to a sport bike - it would cut through the hills with vigor. Despite the plastic cowl and all, I'd take it out and toss some dirt on the trails, weave between the trees, and handle the less challenging off road rides following the local BMW group.

Other, more accomplished, riders of this model bike have crossed continents.


This bike ran flawlessly for the couple of years I had it. I'd like to think that was because it was well loved. And that I'd learned the lesson with past bikes on how important maintenance was to a good ride.

I sold it when we moved to New York City. Living in midtown Manhattan - where everything can be reached via taxi or subway - made having a vehicle unnecessary. If we were going to ride a bike from the city it would have to be big enough to handle the highway, with both of us on it, for the trip back up to NH.

It's one of those bikes I'll always remember with a smile.

Rick and Suzette's Honeymoon

Draft for honeymoon in Jamaica (more to come)

Swim with the dolphins: The looks on our faces in the below picture says it all - this was one of the most amazing experiences of our lives. Highly recommended.

Return Home - to a snow storm

Rick and Suzette's Wedding

(Draft for wedding post, more to come)

 

Rick and Suzette's Engagement

NEWMARKET - Thomas and Agnes King of 113 New Road announce the engagement of their daughter Suzette to Rick LaFleur of Portsmouth, the son of Mrs. Michele Mudge of Auburn and the late Jack LaFleur.

Miss King is 1987 graduate of the University of New Hampshire with a bachelor of science degree in business administration and a master’s degree in computer information systems from Boston University in 2000. She is a senior business analyst for Liberty Mutual in Dover.

Mr. LaFleur is a 1996 summa cum laude graduate of the University of New Hampshire with a bachelor of arts degree in psychology. He is a software engineer for Fast Search and Transfer in Wellesley, Mass. 

Never Forget

It was years before I moved to New York City. A crisp Monday morning, driving down interstate 495 in Massachusetts on my way to work. I heard the announcement on the radio that a plane had crashed into one of the world trade centers towers. My thought was initially that it must be an accident. Not until the second plan struck did I understand that we were under attack. It was a day that changed the world.