Don Mason and his 2006 Buell Ulysses.

If it is possible for a machine at rest to appear restless, Don Mason’s Buell 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 Buell 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 Buell was less fortunate and sustained heavy damage.