Nice looking ride and good writeup!
FWIW, after we did PCD with Ray I had a man crush. Not sure if it is the same Ray but Ray Helms was awesome. He spent the entire day with my wife and I. In fact, I'm looking into doing a 3 day Appalachian BMW motorcycle tour that he helps with.
Did he talk any about his current jobs? That guys has it made! He runs radar for NC Highway Patrol, gets to do amazing BMW driving events around the world, was given an offer to be on the shooting show Top Shot and I'm sure the list goes on. Jealous!!