This is Why I Love Burgman Riders - Valerie From Guam
Email this article to a friend. Click here.
Valerie, a site reader and participant just sent in an article about Guam, where she rides her Burgman 400.
Through this site I have made some wonderful friends and met some great people. I really appreciate Valerie taking the time to write about where she lives, share a bit about herself and just share a more personal side that allows us all to get to know a fellow Burgman rider, just a little bit more.
If anyone would like to share, just contact me. It would be wonderful to get more similar articles from readers.
Steve
Valerie From Guam
Since signing on as a member of BurgmanRiders.com I thought I would take the time to describe Guam to those who are unaware of America’s secret tropical isle.
Guam is a territory of the United States located 900 miles north of the equator in the Western Pacific. We are really out here in a vast expanse of water! Guam is approximately 6,000 miles from San Francisco, 3, 800 miles west of Honolulu; 1,500 miles south of Japan; 1, 596 miles from the Philippines and 2, 026 miles east of Hong Kong. Guam is the largest island in Micronesia and the southernmost of the Mariana Islands which include the islands of Saipan, Rota, and Tinian. The island is 212 square miles in size; or 32 miles long and from four to eight miles wide. The population numbers approximately 170,000 and consists of three ethnic groups: Chamorros Guam’s original inhabitants; Filipinos and Caucasians.
My husband and I arrived on Guam in July, 2006. We are both active duty members of the US Navy and are stationed on Guam for three years. Although the average yearly temperature is 85 degrees Fahrenheit, we do have a fair amount of rain which can make riding treacherous at often unexpected times. The rainy season is July through December with September and October averaging 14 inches of rain. Many of the roads are constructed of crushed coral which is very slick when wet. But when it is dry; riding around the island can be a real treat, especially around the southern most scenic end.1
Rain storm that has passed and is out to sea
View of southwest tip of Guam from the top of Mount Lam Lam (highest point on isle).
My husband rides a Harley-Davidson V-Rod and would go on island rides with the two HD groups doing “good works” on the island.
He enjoyed these rides a great deal especially the camaraderie but always felt guilty about leaving me behind! His V-Rod is not a bike for passengers and I never really liked the feeling of not being in control.
So, last year my husband bought me my 2007 Silver Burgman 400 and I have never looked back! I go on all the rides with the HD groups and they are all great about letting me tag along. They might not be as tolerant as they are if I couldn’t keep up, but so far that has never been a problem. As a matter of fact my scooter is usually the talk of the group amongst all that chrome and leather much to the chagrin of new HD owners looking for some notice!
Me & my Burgman, Mount Lam Lam in the background.
I have had the best time riding my scooter around and across Guam. There is no more intimate way to explore your surroundings than behind the windshield and handlebars of a bike. I’m looking forward to bringing my Burgman back to the states in 2009 and continuing the adventure!
(8 votes, average: 5 out of 5)
Loading ...
Hi Valerie and welcome! When I was in the Marine Corps back in the ’60s I stopped over in Guam on my way to the Far East. We did get a leave for the night, but there didn’t seem to be much night life. Things probably have changed in the past 45 years. We ended up in the Enlisted Mens Club, but had a good time anyway. I would imagine just cruising around the island on a scooter would be way more fun. I live at the Foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, and my most enjoyable rides are through the mountains on the older more rural less traveled roads. It just seems that you have a closer relationship with nature and the hidden spirits. Enjoy your Burgman - I wouldn’t be without mine. And when you return to the States, you have to visit East Tennessee.
Valerie-
Great pictures and story….thanks for the contribution. I love your bike….it’s just like mine! Hope to hear more from you in the future. Enjoy your ride and your beautiful surroundings!
ScooterGirl
Hi Chillbilly!
I suspected I might see a response or two from someone else who was somewhat familiar with Guam. Steve has given me the green light to send in more articles about the area. I hope to get you and others like you caught up on Guam happenings. Pictures say a thousand words…I can show you some nightlife in 2008!
My husband and I will be making Jacksonville, NC our next “permenent change in station” (PCS) this summer. As a former Marine you know where I’m headed. I certainly hope to make it to TN.
Valerie
(NavyNurse)
Hello ScooterGirl (Robin)
I had already figured out that you and I have the same bike! Can’t wait to see them side by side when we meet up for a ride in the Raliegh area. Sometime after I get back to the mainland I want to find someone who can put a little purple paint on my fenders.
Valerie
Hi Valerie,
I was looking at your pictures of that beautiful island as it reminded me of 1968
when I arrived at the Naval Air Station Agana. I spent the best part of 18 months there. I bought my first bike there, Honda 90 cc and my friends and I spent all of our off time riding the island, boony stomping through the jungle. Trips to Talafofo Falls. Climbing over the many WW-2 tanks and bunkers. Thanks for bringing it all back. I never stopped riding and after 40 years, I’m loving my 650 Burgman. My wife is about to purchase her own 450 Burgman and we plan on spending our retirement years riding the Texas Hill Country. Hope you enjoy your time on Guam as much as I and you and your Burgman arrive back to the States safely. Wayne
Thanks to everyone for your comments. Steve let me know it was okay to send more information on the topic of Guam and you have given me more topics to cover. I will try to give all of you an update of Guam in the year 2008.
Valerie