365 group (f)
Yesterday the Sun came out. It got to the middle sixties and was so nice! The only draw back was a major wind. Seems someone in Texas left the door open again and we all got blown around a bunch.
I had been fooling with the old bikes off and on the last few days and finally it got the better of me. A short ride surely wouldn't hurt?
I fired up my "miss tilley" and bumped and bounced down my driveway. Figuring I'd just go for gas and then up to see my friend Luther. I started out slowly and just eased along. Making a last minute change I leaned toward Luther's and as I ambled up the long straight to his house, Well, I tried real hard but I slipped. I managed around eighty before having to shut it down for a curve. I felt like I was on top of things again.
It was good to visit with Luther. He's one of those once in a life time friends that seems to share my out look on a lot of things. After a couple of hours or so I headed back out to get my gas. Running down the mountain it was so warm and everything was clicking along so well that I thought I'd run the eight miles on into town and grab a burger and see how many other riders were out. Plus, Luther had indicated that he was looking for a project bike and I knew of a couple of people that I might catch up with that might have something. I wasn't much of a plan but it beat a slap up side the head with a greasy pork chop.
Pulling into town I picked out a spot to burger up that was close and I could keep a watch on the traffic. This was one of those days that you wait all winter for. I was sure I would see herds of riders out. After a lazy 30 to 45 minute lunch I only say one bike go buy. I know the guy and he was kind of like me. Always on one so he didn't really count.
I saddled back up to head to the house. No point in over doing it. My Doc I think is the type that would love to say "I told you so." Easing out of the parking lot I decided to make a circle home. About the same distance but a little different territory. I pulled out and went North on Old Missouri Rd. At the Joyce street light where I had planned to make my cut back across I noticed a couple of bikes in the lot of a friends gas station. Looked like they had had a problem. I pulled in and asked if there was any trouble. one of the women yelled "no, just waiting on the trailer." Both bikes were large Harley dressers and I could see the need for a trailer if they busted on ya. They are heavy, and look like it. I just don't see pushing entering the picture no matter what. Since it looked like they didn't need anything I went in to yell at Billy for a minute and let him spring for a cup of coffee.
Billy was in usual form. He doesn't ride but is what ya'd call a top notch supporter. While visiting with Bill, one of the couples came in to get some things. I kind of asked what had happened to a really newer looking Harley that needed a trailer. That's when I noticed Billy shaking his head. Seems that nothing was broken. It was the weather. It was apparently still to bad to be out on a motorcycle. From what I got out of them. They had started out from home about 20 miles down Hwy 412 toward the East. But the "Brutal" weather had forced them to pull over and call family members to bring a truck and trailer. They were all "leathered" up chaps, jackets and helmets behind farings and windshields. I just couldn't see it. However everyone rides for themselves. I'm not about to argue their point with them. I do tend to agree with my friend billy...I believe I would have at least tried to ride back the twenty miles to the house. After Bill bounced for a second cup I started back toward the house again. I cut across county roads and made a slow lazy circle. To me it was a nice day to be out. Even with the wind. Back at the house I saw my bike mechanic and his wife at the little cafe. I pulled in and shot the breeze with them and grabbed a bite to eat.
I had a good visit and even got a line on a project bike for my buddy Luther.
Pulling up to the house I looked at the LSI. 68 great miles. All in all I saw three riders and two "trailer-ites." I hope this warm weather keeps up and everything else works itself out. This was a good day.
Hope to catch ya on the road.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Clock is ticking
Well the time is drawing near. Only eight more days till I find out if I have to quit riding. Kind of funny sitting here thinking about it. The winter is about done and a few bikes are out from time to time. I'm not one of them and that's different. I cant point my finger any more at those "fair weather" riders.
After what my math has determined to be around forty some odd years in the saddle it's going to be hard to give up. Where else can you find something that is most of the time money saving, mind clearing, heart jumpstarting, that actually makes you look foreword even to going to work?
So now as I start the count down to the doctor, I'm taking suggestions on the just in case for a hobby something or other that will do all that my bike did.
Hopefully the good Lord has something in mind?
Hope to be catching you on the road
After what my math has determined to be around forty some odd years in the saddle it's going to be hard to give up. Where else can you find something that is most of the time money saving, mind clearing, heart jumpstarting, that actually makes you look foreword even to going to work?
So now as I start the count down to the doctor, I'm taking suggestions on the just in case for a hobby something or other that will do all that my bike did.
Hopefully the good Lord has something in mind?
Hope to be catching you on the road
Sunday, March 14, 2010
3/14/10 Just piddling around...
365 Group (f)
Today was up in the lower 50's.
I had made some grand plans to ride since I had managed to get in a few miles the last few days. The last couple of days went pretty well and when the weather man said this morning that the temps would get up to the lower to middle 50's I just knew that I'd be hitting the road. However today was not as good. It was a cold damp 50's and the damp got my arthritis to the bone and it was tough to just get around.
So, I had a change of plans and spent the day working on the "ustawaz's" bike. It has been sitting for quite some time and needs a little lovin to get back in the groove so to speak.
A 1978 KZ 650 in mostly stock shape. The only changes made to this sweet old ride were minor ones. A new head light system. Handlebars to replace the tweaked original ones. A hammer and hacksaw extension for the kick stand to make it set a little more up right.It normally runs as good as it did when it was new in '78. But, due to sitting for several months it needs a little cleaning and a lot of running.
I grabbed a cup of coffee and downed several pain killers and headed out to see what I could get done with the old gal. A quick look over and I noted that a new battery is needed as it wont hold a charge. It will make the circuit to start and run but that's it. Actually it has needed a battery for about three years. It's built with a kicker and compression break so the battery kind of got slid to the bottom of the list. The carbs are in need of a good scrubbing at the least. They tend to chug a bit when your running down the road. New plugs and points and maybe new plug wires. So far so good. Not too much that a good tune up wouldn't take care of.
I grabbed my battery charger and put some power to the system and started kicking. "That compression break is definitely worth it's weight in something semi precious." After about a dozen kicks I hit it with some starting fluid and on the second kick it "popped". A major good sign. I opened the bowls and drained out some of the gas to see if I had any water. No water so I hit it again with starting fluid and kicked it a few more times. After about another dozen kicks she fired up. Running rough but running. Like I said it's been a while but now I know that all it needs is a good tune up. I'm happy with the whole thing.
I let it idle for a while and went to get a note book and pen so I could make a list of all I need to replace. A new battery. New speedo gear, a good tune up. Short list for a bike that's 32 years old.
This bike always was a pleasure to ride and I just hate to see it sitting around going into the ground.
Through out the day I went out and started the bike and let it warm up to running temperature. I had planned to rip it around the neighborhood but with the cold damp day and a low back tire I just worked on loosening everything up.
I even managed to fire up my "miss tilley" and listen to her idle a bit.
Today was a pretty fair day as far as the "bikin" part went. I had a lot of fun tinkering around with the old bikes. I figure tomorrow will be a bear after all the kicking and the cold. It was an even trade I guess. Hopefully the days will be better and better from here on out and I can actually get in a few miles. A buddy of mine has suggested a photo taking trip one day soon so I got that going for me in the future.
Catch ya on the road
Today was up in the lower 50's.
I had made some grand plans to ride since I had managed to get in a few miles the last few days. The last couple of days went pretty well and when the weather man said this morning that the temps would get up to the lower to middle 50's I just knew that I'd be hitting the road. However today was not as good. It was a cold damp 50's and the damp got my arthritis to the bone and it was tough to just get around.
So, I had a change of plans and spent the day working on the "ustawaz's" bike. It has been sitting for quite some time and needs a little lovin to get back in the groove so to speak.
A 1978 KZ 650 in mostly stock shape. The only changes made to this sweet old ride were minor ones. A new head light system. Handlebars to replace the tweaked original ones. A hammer and hacksaw extension for the kick stand to make it set a little more up right.It normally runs as good as it did when it was new in '78. But, due to sitting for several months it needs a little cleaning and a lot of running.
I grabbed a cup of coffee and downed several pain killers and headed out to see what I could get done with the old gal. A quick look over and I noted that a new battery is needed as it wont hold a charge. It will make the circuit to start and run but that's it. Actually it has needed a battery for about three years. It's built with a kicker and compression break so the battery kind of got slid to the bottom of the list. The carbs are in need of a good scrubbing at the least. They tend to chug a bit when your running down the road. New plugs and points and maybe new plug wires. So far so good. Not too much that a good tune up wouldn't take care of.
I grabbed my battery charger and put some power to the system and started kicking. "That compression break is definitely worth it's weight in something semi precious." After about a dozen kicks I hit it with some starting fluid and on the second kick it "popped". A major good sign. I opened the bowls and drained out some of the gas to see if I had any water. No water so I hit it again with starting fluid and kicked it a few more times. After about another dozen kicks she fired up. Running rough but running. Like I said it's been a while but now I know that all it needs is a good tune up. I'm happy with the whole thing.
I let it idle for a while and went to get a note book and pen so I could make a list of all I need to replace. A new battery. New speedo gear, a good tune up. Short list for a bike that's 32 years old.
This bike always was a pleasure to ride and I just hate to see it sitting around going into the ground.
Through out the day I went out and started the bike and let it warm up to running temperature. I had planned to rip it around the neighborhood but with the cold damp day and a low back tire I just worked on loosening everything up.
I even managed to fire up my "miss tilley" and listen to her idle a bit.
Today was a pretty fair day as far as the "bikin" part went. I had a lot of fun tinkering around with the old bikes. I figure tomorrow will be a bear after all the kicking and the cold. It was an even trade I guess. Hopefully the days will be better and better from here on out and I can actually get in a few miles. A buddy of mine has suggested a photo taking trip one day soon so I got that going for me in the future.
Catch ya on the road
Saturday, March 13, 2010
3/6/10 saturdays ride (Couldnt get it to post before...better late than never)
365 Group (f)
Today was like most of my Saturdays since I got sick. Boring beyond belief. I seem to spend a lot of the day in bed trying to catch up from the work weeks drain.
I finally drag myself out and decide to at least take a short ride. This early spring like weather I think is a blessing. As it gets warmer I seem to be able to function better.
I make the best cup of coffee in the world. So it only stands to reason that I should have a cup or seven before starting my day. The pups all like it when I sit around with them, sip coffee and "scritch" ears and rub tummies at random. Kind of a morning ritual on the days I don't have to force myself to go to work. again...it is a drag being sick!!
With all the coffee drank and the ears and tummies all attended to I start gearing up for a short ride. This morning the weather is a nice lower 50's and no wind which always makes it a plus. Ambling out to the bike I look it over for anything newly broken or worn. Looks like it's pretty much the same as I left it the last time..."Beautiful" I'm pretty lucky with her. For an older gal she has held up rather nicely.No complaints anywhere.
Slipping on my jacket and helmet I make a plan to just do a few miles and head back in. I really don't want to get too far out and have something short circuit and fall off the bike. That would be bad. Also be embarrassing which would probably be worse.
Screwing up my strength I hit the kicker and again I'm impressed. Fires up about half way through the first kick. Letting it warm up I cinch down my lid and strap on the thermos and camera. Finally it settles into that unique sound that old twins make. "frenchy fry...frenchy fry...frenchy fry." I back around and head down the worn out drive to the pavement and what I know will be a great little get away. I had figured on a lazy circle and at the most make about sixty miles and head east on hwy 45 to Hindsville. The traffic is light and the air is crisp at sixty miles per. Just the kind of morning you look for if your starting a trip. Too bad I wasn't able to do a trip right now. I still have a couple of months to go till my vacation time is available so the trips have to wait.
Pulling into Hindsville I look around at the old buildings and again try to imagine how this place must have been a few years ago. Gearing up I slip out of town and head west on hwy 412. I open up to about seventy and just enjoy the ride. Not much traffic at the time of day and the sun shining brightly makes for a real enjoyable time.
Before I know it I have run through the small communities of Sonora and Nob Hill and am tooling into Springdale. Ahhh Springdale, a traffic light on every corner. It's all good though. Since I haven't been able to ride in so long even the light to light isn't that bad.
I follow 412 up to US 71 and head South. Still in town but moving at a quicker pace. I'm generally headed toward Fayetteville and my circle back to the house. Thinking it over I stay on 71 to Township street. Heading up over the hump on Township I amble towards the Bar b Que place and lunch.
"My girl" isn't working today so there was no hug and that's kind of a let down but the grub was great and I left a happy camper as always. Firing up I point myself East on Mission (Hwy 45) and back to the house I go.
Pulling in to the house I felt pretty good, the best I've felt in a long time.
Like most of my riding has been these last few months, it wasn't much distance wise (I forgot to check my "Lickety split indicator" to see how many miles) but it was a keeper. I'm hoping that I can do it again soon.
catch ya on the road.
Today was like most of my Saturdays since I got sick. Boring beyond belief. I seem to spend a lot of the day in bed trying to catch up from the work weeks drain.
I finally drag myself out and decide to at least take a short ride. This early spring like weather I think is a blessing. As it gets warmer I seem to be able to function better.
I make the best cup of coffee in the world. So it only stands to reason that I should have a cup or seven before starting my day. The pups all like it when I sit around with them, sip coffee and "scritch" ears and rub tummies at random. Kind of a morning ritual on the days I don't have to force myself to go to work. again...it is a drag being sick!!
With all the coffee drank and the ears and tummies all attended to I start gearing up for a short ride. This morning the weather is a nice lower 50's and no wind which always makes it a plus. Ambling out to the bike I look it over for anything newly broken or worn. Looks like it's pretty much the same as I left it the last time..."Beautiful" I'm pretty lucky with her. For an older gal she has held up rather nicely.No complaints anywhere.
Slipping on my jacket and helmet I make a plan to just do a few miles and head back in. I really don't want to get too far out and have something short circuit and fall off the bike. That would be bad. Also be embarrassing which would probably be worse.
Screwing up my strength I hit the kicker and again I'm impressed. Fires up about half way through the first kick. Letting it warm up I cinch down my lid and strap on the thermos and camera. Finally it settles into that unique sound that old twins make. "frenchy fry...frenchy fry...frenchy fry." I back around and head down the worn out drive to the pavement and what I know will be a great little get away. I had figured on a lazy circle and at the most make about sixty miles and head east on hwy 45 to Hindsville. The traffic is light and the air is crisp at sixty miles per. Just the kind of morning you look for if your starting a trip. Too bad I wasn't able to do a trip right now. I still have a couple of months to go till my vacation time is available so the trips have to wait.
Pulling into Hindsville I look around at the old buildings and again try to imagine how this place must have been a few years ago. Gearing up I slip out of town and head west on hwy 412. I open up to about seventy and just enjoy the ride. Not much traffic at the time of day and the sun shining brightly makes for a real enjoyable time.
Before I know it I have run through the small communities of Sonora and Nob Hill and am tooling into Springdale. Ahhh Springdale, a traffic light on every corner. It's all good though. Since I haven't been able to ride in so long even the light to light isn't that bad.
I follow 412 up to US 71 and head South. Still in town but moving at a quicker pace. I'm generally headed toward Fayetteville and my circle back to the house. Thinking it over I stay on 71 to Township street. Heading up over the hump on Township I amble towards the Bar b Que place and lunch.
"My girl" isn't working today so there was no hug and that's kind of a let down but the grub was great and I left a happy camper as always. Firing up I point myself East on Mission (Hwy 45) and back to the house I go.
Pulling in to the house I felt pretty good, the best I've felt in a long time.
Like most of my riding has been these last few months, it wasn't much distance wise (I forgot to check my "Lickety split indicator" to see how many miles) but it was a keeper. I'm hoping that I can do it again soon.
catch ya on the road.
3/13/10 Breakfast
365 Group (f)
This morning started out cold and damp. The light rain last night didn't do much other than make everything soggy.
I had thoughts of getting out and doing some catch up riding. But with the cool damp, my arthritis had something else to say about it all.
Thinking about the summer coming up (I hope) I started putting stuff together for a couple or three key trips I'm planning on. All the things I travel with that get stored away for the winter. I managed to get it all out and in a big pile in the floor.
Air mattress, Sleeping bag and Rattle pump. I still have to mount the rattle pump on the bike. Makes the air mattress experience sooo much easier. Going over the sleeping bag I find it's still in pretty good shape and will probably last one more summer. The carry bags for all my junk is another story. Rips and tears and just a lot of road character. I always hate to have to get rid of them. They are part of that bragging without saying a word that people always notice when I stop some where. Maybe a few minutes with a needle and some thread?
I looked over at the thermometer and it was up to a whole 48 degrees. I decided to just take a short scoot around the area. The bike jumped to life and as it warmed I slipped into my coveralls and finished a really good cup of coffee.
Bouncing down my drive I was glad that it was the weekend. No morning rush to work traffic. I slipped out and headed down to gas station/cafe to look over their breakfast menu. Who knows, biscuit's and gravy might just hit the spot? Pulling in I almost decided to just pass on the whole deal. The local "blowflies" were all in attendance. Here lately I have really had my fill of the local gossip - rumor mill and the people with nothing better to do that keep it stirred up. Anyway, the Biscuit's got the better of me and I went in and ordered. Looking around I had a real brain explosion and hollered at the girl to change my order to a to go order. Ten minutes later I was back on the road and looking for a place to eat breakfast.
Pulling the mountain I decided on the cemetery at Sons Chapel. It has a circle drive and as I remembered it a pavilion. Also, you couldn't ask for a quieter,better crowd to have breakfast with.
As I ate I noticed a car coming towards me. It was a deputy that I knew form the area. He got out and looked my little operation over then expressed a concern that he had been there a whole two minutes and I hadn't offered him, at the very least, any coffee. Seems that people had been coming up here and drinking, partying and knocking over headstones and such he explained. As I poured him a cup of coffee I explained that if he reached for one of my biscuit's I would beat him about the head and ears with his own gun. We chatted for a few. Kind of sucky, at times, there isn't any respect left anywhere. The deputy thanked me for the coffee and headed out. I packed up my trash and started back towards the house. It was a real good morning for riding. Cool and light traffic. I figured that since I was out already I would look over a few of the local wide spaces around the lake to see how they were holding up.
Most of the spots had a truck with a boat trailer parked at them. I guess the Crappie were up. I tooled around the area and realized that I had been out a lot longer than I had intended.
Heading for the house I took the path of least resistance and most miles and ended up on Hwy. 412. This stretch of highway is a lot of fun. It's fairly new and not worn out for the most part. That means it's mostly smooth. It's also laid out like an interstate. So I really enjoy riding it as I can usually get my old bike up to a good cruising speed and float for several miles. Today was one of those good ones. Not a lot of traffic and a noticeable absence of "John Law." I was just getting into the ride when I came up on my exit to cut across to hwy 45. that is definitely a draw back. 45 while not as smooth was just as much fun and before I knew it I was coming up on my little town. I slowed down and pulled in to the Gas station to top off. It was funny. here I was four hours later in the day and the "Blowflies" were still there where I had left them. I topped off and visited for a few with a couple of people about my ride for a few minutes then headed to the house.
Pulling in to the house I noticed that my "LSI" showed a 157 miles. Not too bad for a breakfast ride. I had a good time and am sort of looking at trying a 'breakfast run" each weekend, if I can find anyone interested. Sort of like the old bike nights we used to do where we would pick a different place each week for dinner and ride there. It was a lot of fun.
catch ya on the road. (I'll be the one with the gravy on my chin)
This morning started out cold and damp. The light rain last night didn't do much other than make everything soggy.
I had thoughts of getting out and doing some catch up riding. But with the cool damp, my arthritis had something else to say about it all.
Thinking about the summer coming up (I hope) I started putting stuff together for a couple or three key trips I'm planning on. All the things I travel with that get stored away for the winter. I managed to get it all out and in a big pile in the floor.
Air mattress, Sleeping bag and Rattle pump. I still have to mount the rattle pump on the bike. Makes the air mattress experience sooo much easier. Going over the sleeping bag I find it's still in pretty good shape and will probably last one more summer. The carry bags for all my junk is another story. Rips and tears and just a lot of road character. I always hate to have to get rid of them. They are part of that bragging without saying a word that people always notice when I stop some where. Maybe a few minutes with a needle and some thread?
I looked over at the thermometer and it was up to a whole 48 degrees. I decided to just take a short scoot around the area. The bike jumped to life and as it warmed I slipped into my coveralls and finished a really good cup of coffee.
Bouncing down my drive I was glad that it was the weekend. No morning rush to work traffic. I slipped out and headed down to gas station/cafe to look over their breakfast menu. Who knows, biscuit's and gravy might just hit the spot? Pulling in I almost decided to just pass on the whole deal. The local "blowflies" were all in attendance. Here lately I have really had my fill of the local gossip - rumor mill and the people with nothing better to do that keep it stirred up. Anyway, the Biscuit's got the better of me and I went in and ordered. Looking around I had a real brain explosion and hollered at the girl to change my order to a to go order. Ten minutes later I was back on the road and looking for a place to eat breakfast.
Pulling the mountain I decided on the cemetery at Sons Chapel. It has a circle drive and as I remembered it a pavilion. Also, you couldn't ask for a quieter,better crowd to have breakfast with.
As I ate I noticed a car coming towards me. It was a deputy that I knew form the area. He got out and looked my little operation over then expressed a concern that he had been there a whole two minutes and I hadn't offered him, at the very least, any coffee. Seems that people had been coming up here and drinking, partying and knocking over headstones and such he explained. As I poured him a cup of coffee I explained that if he reached for one of my biscuit's I would beat him about the head and ears with his own gun. We chatted for a few. Kind of sucky, at times, there isn't any respect left anywhere. The deputy thanked me for the coffee and headed out. I packed up my trash and started back towards the house. It was a real good morning for riding. Cool and light traffic. I figured that since I was out already I would look over a few of the local wide spaces around the lake to see how they were holding up.
Most of the spots had a truck with a boat trailer parked at them. I guess the Crappie were up. I tooled around the area and realized that I had been out a lot longer than I had intended.
Heading for the house I took the path of least resistance and most miles and ended up on Hwy. 412. This stretch of highway is a lot of fun. It's fairly new and not worn out for the most part. That means it's mostly smooth. It's also laid out like an interstate. So I really enjoy riding it as I can usually get my old bike up to a good cruising speed and float for several miles. Today was one of those good ones. Not a lot of traffic and a noticeable absence of "John Law." I was just getting into the ride when I came up on my exit to cut across to hwy 45. that is definitely a draw back. 45 while not as smooth was just as much fun and before I knew it I was coming up on my little town. I slowed down and pulled in to the Gas station to top off. It was funny. here I was four hours later in the day and the "Blowflies" were still there where I had left them. I topped off and visited for a few with a couple of people about my ride for a few minutes then headed to the house.
Pulling in to the house I noticed that my "LSI" showed a 157 miles. Not too bad for a breakfast ride. I had a good time and am sort of looking at trying a 'breakfast run" each weekend, if I can find anyone interested. Sort of like the old bike nights we used to do where we would pick a different place each week for dinner and ride there. It was a lot of fun.
catch ya on the road. (I'll be the one with the gravy on my chin)
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