At the meeting place 9 AM, there were over 200 bikes ready to go. We were broken up into groups and hit the roads. Self and friend only two visible scooters stayed together and had no problems in keeping up. 55 to 65 mph was no problem at all keeping in position. Some speeds exceeded those in the areas of passing were no problem also. This being my first sustained high speed was a bit concerning at first but shortly became easy to handle. I didn't wear my gloves being I found my hands were getting too warm and sort of falling asleep! Wore My helmet with the pull down shade and clear pull down face guard which I found was a must. It was a very hot sunny bright day and the bugs beat up the face mask! Some of them sounded like rocks striking. The run was called a "Poker Run", "Ride for Homeless Vets" ending up at 117 miles and it took 2 gallons of gas giving to 60 mpg with 600 miles on the unit. I'm glad I had the oil and filter change before the ride, seemed to run much smoother. Heat gauge stayed exactly the same during the entire trip at about mid-gauge. Got scared once going around a right curve when I went too close to the middle and got into a tarred section of the highway which divides the pavement at 55 mph. Sort of froze up at first and than started thinking how to get out of this, slowing down a bit and hoping to find a smooth tarred section to get over to the right before meeting any on coming traffic. This was my first big learning experience in hitting the big roads and I didn't feel belittled with all the big bikes...The X500 stood up to all!
