These last couple of days have been slow for me. I managed to catch a stomach virus on top of everything else I got going on.
The doctor said " just lay around and you'll know when it passes".
That is hard to do. Especially when the weather is half way decent for riding. I made through to the evening of the second day and I guess the doc was right. I noticed that I felt much better.
I had'nt eaten anything in Three days so I decided to try some soup. That meant running down to the store as I did'nt have any of the standby 'chicken noodle.'
It was cool to cold out but not freezing so I figured a little ride would'nt do too much damage.
The bike fired up on the second kick and we were off.
Let me tell you it was a great ride! I rolled in at the store, grabbed the soup and was back on the road in record time. (if everytime I had to go shopping went this quick)
I fired up and really wound the bike up on the return trip. When I pulled in to park I realized, like most times, I could have just kept going. Maybe tomorrows weather will be at least as good and I can put on more than a mile or so.
catch ya on the road
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Saturday, December 10, 2011
By the light of the silvery moon
Last night the moon was full and with the cold weather it was a very nice night.
I hadnt been doing too much lately. Health wise there just wasnt any energy. So when a friend called up and said lets go get coffee I thought maybe a little fresh air would hit the spot.
I fired up the bike as I was only going down to the little gas station. I figured I could stir a better quality of air if I was out in it. The ride down was pretty quick and the chill went all the way to the bone. The air was fresh! By the time I got to the station, like most times I get started on the old gal, I was ready to put on a few miles.
We visited and had coffee till about 8pm. As we were leaving my friends asked several times about how I was feeling and I guess were concerned since it had cooled a bit while we were there. I ran over again all that the Doctor had said and that seemed to satisfy everyone that I'd make it back the whole quarter mile to the house.
I was feeling pretty good as I fired up and decided, just for grins and giggles you understand, to take the long way home.
Pulling on to the highway I ran west to the mountain and cut across to Highway 412 and ran east to Huntsville. From Huntsville I ran the back roads through Wesley and around back to the house.
About a hundred miles later it was 38 degrees when I got back to the house. Yep, it was cold! However, like most other times when I ride...it's only cold when I'm stopped. I actually felt great when I got back. There is a lot to be said for fresh air on a full moon night. I may have to research this form of treatment further?
catch ya on the road
I hadnt been doing too much lately. Health wise there just wasnt any energy. So when a friend called up and said lets go get coffee I thought maybe a little fresh air would hit the spot.
I fired up the bike as I was only going down to the little gas station. I figured I could stir a better quality of air if I was out in it. The ride down was pretty quick and the chill went all the way to the bone. The air was fresh! By the time I got to the station, like most times I get started on the old gal, I was ready to put on a few miles.
We visited and had coffee till about 8pm. As we were leaving my friends asked several times about how I was feeling and I guess were concerned since it had cooled a bit while we were there. I ran over again all that the Doctor had said and that seemed to satisfy everyone that I'd make it back the whole quarter mile to the house.
I was feeling pretty good as I fired up and decided, just for grins and giggles you understand, to take the long way home.
Pulling on to the highway I ran west to the mountain and cut across to Highway 412 and ran east to Huntsville. From Huntsville I ran the back roads through Wesley and around back to the house.
About a hundred miles later it was 38 degrees when I got back to the house. Yep, it was cold! However, like most other times when I ride...it's only cold when I'm stopped. I actually felt great when I got back. There is a lot to be said for fresh air on a full moon night. I may have to research this form of treatment further?
catch ya on the road
Saturday, December 3, 2011
back in the saddle again
I had a fork seal leaking on the old gal. At 35 years old I guess it was time she started showing her age.
A friend help me refill the forks as a stop gap till I could manage to get new seals. That helped with the 'all over the road' feel in the ride.
My shop called with the seals and I took her over. I was expecting a couple of days at the most to be a "slave to the cage" as a friend put it. He kept saying "embrace the cage"
The next day the shop called and the lady says 'John, do you have another set of forks that would fit your bike?' Now I'm not a expert or anything but this did'nt sound in any way like a good thing. Come to find out the forks had worn in one spot to the point they broke. Yep, wasnt good. I had a set off an XS1100 that were close looking to the same size. I ran them over right fast in a double quick hurry. (We're in kind of an Indian summer feeling kind of weather right now. Perfect riding weather and I got nothing to ride. plus there was this voice running through my head saying 'embrace the cage') Ok, couple of days now and I'll be back on the road I'm thinking when the phone rings..."have you got anymore forks laying around?" The XS forks wont work. Like I said, I aint no expert, but anybody could tell this was just wrong. This weather is not going to last and I'm still walkin and that voice was getting louder.
Finally I broke down and got the forks off my parts bike, and hurried them over.
Looking at the caller ID on my phone I started getting nervous. This last set had worked and I could pick it up anytime.
I caught a ride out to the shop and got the low down on all that was done to the forks and steering neck. My bill ended up costing me a little more due to the extra labor involved.
I fired up and got out on the road. Let me tell you, words cannot describe the difference in the ride. At 85 miles per hour you can let the bars go and she just floats down the road.
The weather is still holding and I'm riding along without even the slightest thought of 'embracing the cage.'
In thinking about it all my friends are the real reason I'm not 'embracing the cage.' I thank you all. (God has blessed me with the greatest friends.)
And a big thank you to my mail order bride for all your help.
catch ya on the road
A friend help me refill the forks as a stop gap till I could manage to get new seals. That helped with the 'all over the road' feel in the ride.
My shop called with the seals and I took her over. I was expecting a couple of days at the most to be a "slave to the cage" as a friend put it. He kept saying "embrace the cage"
The next day the shop called and the lady says 'John, do you have another set of forks that would fit your bike?' Now I'm not a expert or anything but this did'nt sound in any way like a good thing. Come to find out the forks had worn in one spot to the point they broke. Yep, wasnt good. I had a set off an XS1100 that were close looking to the same size. I ran them over right fast in a double quick hurry. (We're in kind of an Indian summer feeling kind of weather right now. Perfect riding weather and I got nothing to ride. plus there was this voice running through my head saying 'embrace the cage') Ok, couple of days now and I'll be back on the road I'm thinking when the phone rings..."have you got anymore forks laying around?" The XS forks wont work. Like I said, I aint no expert, but anybody could tell this was just wrong. This weather is not going to last and I'm still walkin and that voice was getting louder.
Finally I broke down and got the forks off my parts bike, and hurried them over.
Looking at the caller ID on my phone I started getting nervous. This last set had worked and I could pick it up anytime.
I caught a ride out to the shop and got the low down on all that was done to the forks and steering neck. My bill ended up costing me a little more due to the extra labor involved.
I fired up and got out on the road. Let me tell you, words cannot describe the difference in the ride. At 85 miles per hour you can let the bars go and she just floats down the road.
The weather is still holding and I'm riding along without even the slightest thought of 'embracing the cage.'
In thinking about it all my friends are the real reason I'm not 'embracing the cage.' I thank you all. (God has blessed me with the greatest friends.)
And a big thank you to my mail order bride for all your help.
catch ya on the road
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Non issues and the odd conspricy
A good number of years ago I owned a Triumph motorcycle. Like a lot of motorcycles I've owned through out my life there was nothing really special about it. It stuck in my mind because it was the first bike I had saw that didnt have a rear brake light. It had a bright tail light but no brake light. As I remember it there was no switch or anything. It just didnt have one. This wasnt a big deal given the area I was in, very rural, and the point in my life, very young. Today they refer to it as a non issue.
Flash forward to present day. A while back the rear brake light switch on my KZ had finally worn out. Only 35 years old and worn out. At the time of this discovery I remember thinking that at least it quit in the on position and people could at least see me in lower light, that sucker was bright with both sides of the bulb burning. It also has a large clear side so I had bright red and clear light after dark. The biggest thing was, it was "English", remembering my old Triumph. Over the several months that I have been running it this way I have been out in all kinds of weather and all kinds of traffic without any kind of problem what so ever...untill last night.
Coming in late last night I pulled into my parking space at the house and turned off my head light. I hit the kill switch instead of the key for some reason and got to listening to the foxes barking behind the house. They sounded closer than usual. I was hearing them over the bikes engine as I pulled in. With all of the noise and so forth I didnt notice my tail light burning brightly. This morning I thought it odd that the bike wouldnt do anything. A quick check of the main fuse led me to a dead battery. A quick jump from the car(they are good for a few things) and it fired off. Then it all came clearly to mind. My "English" style light pulled the battery down. In thinking it over, I used the kill switch and left the key on. Maybe a brake light switch would'nt be a bad investment? Then again it might have been the Foxes? A conspricy! Ya never know...
Catch ya on the road
Flash forward to present day. A while back the rear brake light switch on my KZ had finally worn out. Only 35 years old and worn out. At the time of this discovery I remember thinking that at least it quit in the on position and people could at least see me in lower light, that sucker was bright with both sides of the bulb burning. It also has a large clear side so I had bright red and clear light after dark. The biggest thing was, it was "English", remembering my old Triumph. Over the several months that I have been running it this way I have been out in all kinds of weather and all kinds of traffic without any kind of problem what so ever...untill last night.
Coming in late last night I pulled into my parking space at the house and turned off my head light. I hit the kill switch instead of the key for some reason and got to listening to the foxes barking behind the house. They sounded closer than usual. I was hearing them over the bikes engine as I pulled in. With all of the noise and so forth I didnt notice my tail light burning brightly. This morning I thought it odd that the bike wouldnt do anything. A quick check of the main fuse led me to a dead battery. A quick jump from the car(they are good for a few things) and it fired off. Then it all came clearly to mind. My "English" style light pulled the battery down. In thinking it over, I used the kill switch and left the key on. Maybe a brake light switch would'nt be a bad investment? Then again it might have been the Foxes? A conspricy! Ya never know...
Catch ya on the road
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Bullet Proof
By some folks accounts today was "freezing."
When I got up this morning the weather line said it was 34 degrees with a chance of rain. Looking out I saw that it had rained.
I figured on a cool ride so I pulled on some extra layers and headed out. It was actually kind of nice. No wind made it cool not cold.
I strapped on the thermos and kicked the old gal to life. while warming up I thought about something a friend had said about my old bike. "That's really some bike. It's taken everything you've thrown at it and keeps on going." ( that was a genuine Bull moose of a complement) Yep, so far it's shown it's self to be nearly bullet proof. I've owned several bikes over the years and have always had the best luck and most fun with the older vertical twins.
I got on the road and had a enjoyable ride. Traffic was slight and we all just kind of flowed through the early morning.
Riding through town I didn't see another bike anywhere and to me that's just sad. People just don't know what they are missing. It really was a good morning for riding.
Later in the morning at work when people started to venture out I started getting the comments about the cold and rain. I don't get near as many as I use to. Like one of the corporate office ladies said "after 10 years of seeing you roar in on that thing every morning rain or shine, whats left to say?" However she did go on to say that they all thought I was crazy. Really, I'm not crazy...I have been diagnosed as being a carrier for it though.
Toward the noon hour the sun came out and it turned out to be a great afternoon. My ride to the house was just about perfect. (It could have lasted a little longer)
Tomorrow is suppose to be a tad bit warmer and I'm hoping to maybe get in a little longer trip.
"she may lay down on me tomorrow... today she runs with the heart of a timex"
catch ya on the road
When I got up this morning the weather line said it was 34 degrees with a chance of rain. Looking out I saw that it had rained.
I figured on a cool ride so I pulled on some extra layers and headed out. It was actually kind of nice. No wind made it cool not cold.
I strapped on the thermos and kicked the old gal to life. while warming up I thought about something a friend had said about my old bike. "That's really some bike. It's taken everything you've thrown at it and keeps on going." ( that was a genuine Bull moose of a complement) Yep, so far it's shown it's self to be nearly bullet proof. I've owned several bikes over the years and have always had the best luck and most fun with the older vertical twins.
I got on the road and had a enjoyable ride. Traffic was slight and we all just kind of flowed through the early morning.
Riding through town I didn't see another bike anywhere and to me that's just sad. People just don't know what they are missing. It really was a good morning for riding.
Later in the morning at work when people started to venture out I started getting the comments about the cold and rain. I don't get near as many as I use to. Like one of the corporate office ladies said "after 10 years of seeing you roar in on that thing every morning rain or shine, whats left to say?" However she did go on to say that they all thought I was crazy. Really, I'm not crazy...I have been diagnosed as being a carrier for it though.
Toward the noon hour the sun came out and it turned out to be a great afternoon. My ride to the house was just about perfect. (It could have lasted a little longer)
Tomorrow is suppose to be a tad bit warmer and I'm hoping to maybe get in a little longer trip.
"she may lay down on me tomorrow... today she runs with the heart of a timex"
catch ya on the road
Monday, October 31, 2011
Elk on a pension
I had plans to get a few things done today. Things I've been putting off for quite a while. Sometimes it just does me no good to plan. I headed out this morning in a cool 40 or so degrees to get some breakfast and get a mile or two in. I had a spur of the moment change of mind and had breakfast packed to go. Filled my thermos with coffee and headed east toward Hwy 412. I just figured to ride a while and stop some place along the way and eat breakfast off the tank.
After about ten miles I decided to run over to Boxley and see if I could get a couple of shots of the Elk.
I'm not sure what was up today but traffic on 412 was almost bumper to bumper. I cant ever remember traffic like this. It was kind of a 'high speed' slow going feeling. we were running along at speed but with all the traffic it seemed like I was just creeping along.
I eased through Marble and traffic seemed to thin a bit. Turning onto Hwy 21 I was able to open up a little and feel like I was getting some place. As I made the miles over to Kingston I was really starting to enjoy the ride. All except for the heavy cross winds. I fought a cross wind all day. Running through Kingston I met several bikes and it just made everything seem all that much better.
As I started down the mountain to the valley I let the old gal just roll letting the engine hold it back and listened to the pipes. I really enjoy how it sounds like an old truck more than it did a motorcycle. At the brake check area I saw four bikes so I eased in to say howdy. Three newer BMW's and a new LARGE Victory. They were headed to Kansas City on the return part of their trip. We visited a bit then headed on.
I ran through the valley and couldnt find any Elk. Since I was close I ran on out and had lunch with mom.
I headed back to try and make an appointment at my bike shop for a new front tube. The crosswind was still with me but it was a great ride. No Elk on the return trip either. I'm begining to think those Elk are union.
Droping down into Kingston a yellow motorcycle caught my eye and I pulled over to check it out. It was SHARP! I believe it was a stock 1970 Norton Comando. I visited with the owner, a cool guy name Steve. He lives in the Kingston area. We talked verticle twins for a few and about doing some riding one of these days.
Finally I headed out to the bike shop where I postponed my new tube for a week so they could have the bike for a while and get my fork seals put in at the same time.
Pulling back in at the house, I realized I didnt get a bunch done today. I did meet a cool guy on an old Norton and had a great ride of 168 miles.
catch ya on the road
After about ten miles I decided to run over to Boxley and see if I could get a couple of shots of the Elk.
I'm not sure what was up today but traffic on 412 was almost bumper to bumper. I cant ever remember traffic like this. It was kind of a 'high speed' slow going feeling. we were running along at speed but with all the traffic it seemed like I was just creeping along.
I eased through Marble and traffic seemed to thin a bit. Turning onto Hwy 21 I was able to open up a little and feel like I was getting some place. As I made the miles over to Kingston I was really starting to enjoy the ride. All except for the heavy cross winds. I fought a cross wind all day. Running through Kingston I met several bikes and it just made everything seem all that much better.
As I started down the mountain to the valley I let the old gal just roll letting the engine hold it back and listened to the pipes. I really enjoy how it sounds like an old truck more than it did a motorcycle. At the brake check area I saw four bikes so I eased in to say howdy. Three newer BMW's and a new LARGE Victory. They were headed to Kansas City on the return part of their trip. We visited a bit then headed on.
I ran through the valley and couldnt find any Elk. Since I was close I ran on out and had lunch with mom.
I headed back to try and make an appointment at my bike shop for a new front tube. The crosswind was still with me but it was a great ride. No Elk on the return trip either. I'm begining to think those Elk are union.
Droping down into Kingston a yellow motorcycle caught my eye and I pulled over to check it out. It was SHARP! I believe it was a stock 1970 Norton Comando. I visited with the owner, a cool guy name Steve. He lives in the Kingston area. We talked verticle twins for a few and about doing some riding one of these days.
Finally I headed out to the bike shop where I postponed my new tube for a week so they could have the bike for a while and get my fork seals put in at the same time.
Pulling back in at the house, I realized I didnt get a bunch done today. I did meet a cool guy on an old Norton and had a great ride of 168 miles.
catch ya on the road
Thursday, October 27, 2011
another day in paradise
The thunder started about the time I got up this morning. Oh yeah. It's suppose to rain today.
Sipping my first cup of coffee I began to have thoughts of slipping over to the "dark side."
As I became more awake I remembered the situation with the tires on my car. No worries about the darkside. I have been putting off changing the tires out for this whole past summer. (ya never notice the hole in the roof till it rains) This coming weekend for sure.
I loaded up and headed out into the down pour. It had rained hard enough to wash the roads off and really, it wasnt too bad.
Traffic was light as I hit the hiway. got even lighter as pulled off and on running a few errands. By the time I finally got on the road to town I was pretty much by myself. It was a good ride, even with the rain and chill. I tried to just take it easy in the weather but still made about the same time I usually do.
Pulling in at the clinic I was surprised to see no other vehicles in the lot. Guess the rain kept everybody at home? The lady at the counter signed me in and asked if I was on my bike in the rain. We chatted a bit then I went in to see the Doctor. First thing he pointed out that I looked a little tired. I told him I had a late night texting with my "mail order bride." He couldnt come up with a reply so he did his doctoring stuff and said I'll see ya again in three months.
After the doctor I headed out to find some biscuts and gravy. Over a very late breakfast I figured It was going to be a good day for a ride and decided to run down and check on mom and the family. I was only a hundred miles or so away.
I pulled up to a red light, noticing all the people in all the cars around me. How really unhappy they looked. The light changed and I pulled away rather "briskly." Whatever was making them look so sour just migh rub off?
It's just not winter enough yet to give in to the allure of the darkside.
catch ya on the road
Sipping my first cup of coffee I began to have thoughts of slipping over to the "dark side."
As I became more awake I remembered the situation with the tires on my car. No worries about the darkside. I have been putting off changing the tires out for this whole past summer. (ya never notice the hole in the roof till it rains) This coming weekend for sure.
I loaded up and headed out into the down pour. It had rained hard enough to wash the roads off and really, it wasnt too bad.
Traffic was light as I hit the hiway. got even lighter as pulled off and on running a few errands. By the time I finally got on the road to town I was pretty much by myself. It was a good ride, even with the rain and chill. I tried to just take it easy in the weather but still made about the same time I usually do.
Pulling in at the clinic I was surprised to see no other vehicles in the lot. Guess the rain kept everybody at home? The lady at the counter signed me in and asked if I was on my bike in the rain. We chatted a bit then I went in to see the Doctor. First thing he pointed out that I looked a little tired. I told him I had a late night texting with my "mail order bride." He couldnt come up with a reply so he did his doctoring stuff and said I'll see ya again in three months.
After the doctor I headed out to find some biscuts and gravy. Over a very late breakfast I figured It was going to be a good day for a ride and decided to run down and check on mom and the family. I was only a hundred miles or so away.
I pulled up to a red light, noticing all the people in all the cars around me. How really unhappy they looked. The light changed and I pulled away rather "briskly." Whatever was making them look so sour just migh rub off?
It's just not winter enough yet to give in to the allure of the darkside.
catch ya on the road
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Travel light
There is something about a cool early morning when your starting a ride.
The sun has just started to come up and you can see just enough to keep from tripping as you walk to the bike. Carefully set that cup of coffee on the tank to cool a bit as your figuring out hows the best way to tie on all the junk you seem to have to have when you ride. Last night it was decided to take cell phone and charger. Clothes for at least a couple of day. Never know, might end up being more than just a quick day trip? Might actually need some of those 'cant live without' high dollar riding accessories.
As you sip on the coffee you start to think about trips in the past, the trip ahead and things like how the GPS lays it all out nice and neat. No need to buy a local roadmap at some little out of the way gas station or drink a cold coke while some good natured store keeper tells you three or four ways to get where your wanting to go.
The suns up pretty well as you finish the coffee. Looking over the interweb the weather channel shows the possibility of rain later in the day. That means you gotta change bags to the biger one so you'll have room for the Coast Guard approved Rain-Survival suit... A few more moments of thought about the past and about all these modern convienences. A couple of Squirrels are chattering overhead as you tie the small bag to the sissy bar. They are so used to everything that they dont even jump when you fire up. Bouncing down the driveway a thought passes through your mind. Hope those Squirrels dont gnaw their way into those high dollar bags and chew the wiring off the GPS.
From the movie Wild Hogs.. "think there'll be any trouble along the way?" "oh I hope so!"
Catch ya on the road
The sun has just started to come up and you can see just enough to keep from tripping as you walk to the bike. Carefully set that cup of coffee on the tank to cool a bit as your figuring out hows the best way to tie on all the junk you seem to have to have when you ride. Last night it was decided to take cell phone and charger. Clothes for at least a couple of day. Never know, might end up being more than just a quick day trip? Might actually need some of those 'cant live without' high dollar riding accessories.
As you sip on the coffee you start to think about trips in the past, the trip ahead and things like how the GPS lays it all out nice and neat. No need to buy a local roadmap at some little out of the way gas station or drink a cold coke while some good natured store keeper tells you three or four ways to get where your wanting to go.
The suns up pretty well as you finish the coffee. Looking over the interweb the weather channel shows the possibility of rain later in the day. That means you gotta change bags to the biger one so you'll have room for the Coast Guard approved Rain-Survival suit... A few more moments of thought about the past and about all these modern convienences. A couple of Squirrels are chattering overhead as you tie the small bag to the sissy bar. They are so used to everything that they dont even jump when you fire up. Bouncing down the driveway a thought passes through your mind. Hope those Squirrels dont gnaw their way into those high dollar bags and chew the wiring off the GPS.
From the movie Wild Hogs.. "think there'll be any trouble along the way?" "oh I hope so!"
Catch ya on the road
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Regular
One evening about three weeks ago I got a text message from one of my riding cohorts. (should never have gotten a cell phone) He was out and about and was wondering if I wanted to meet him at Huntsville, a neighboring town about 20 miles from home, and make an evening ride through the hills? Sounded good to me so I headed down Hwy 412 to Huntsville. It was a great ride over. The sun was going down and the evening temps. were just perfect.
I pulled in to the little gas station/cafe and found Louis stretched out beside his bike in the parking lot, just sorta enjoying the evening.
We visited a bit and decided to grab a snack at the cafe before getting on the road. While we were eating, I got a text message from another of my riding friends, Johnny. He was wanting to know where we were as he wanted us to run by and meet his girlfriend. THE GIRLFRIEND! The one we had heard about and had never so much as saw a picture of. The one that gave us untold amounts of fuel for good natured harrassment of "old riding bud" Johnny. I quickly sent him a message saying we were in the area and would be right over.
We fired up and headed toward home like we were hungry and someone had just yelled "supper".
The ride usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes during daylight and, depending on traffic, the odd Possum or Deer, can take up to an hour at night. We were in behind a line of cars and making really good time for most of the way. At about the halfway point we had let the cars get ahead of us quite a bit to where it was just Louis and I it seemed like. As we started down this long straight that ended in a curve I noticed I was running right at 65 and thought that wasnt too bad, just ten over. I leaned into the curve at about that same time and noticed that all the cars that we had been following were stopped dead in the road about half way through the curve.
I grabbed both brakes and started down shifting like I knew what I was doing. Trouble is there wasnt enough room to be doing anything. The car was coming up fast and Louis was on my butt. Then eveything went into slow motion. I could see a wide shoulder so I thought I'll run around on the shoulder. At least if I have to put it in the ditch I wont be running at highway speed. Like I said, everything was in slow motion, I was keenly aware of everything. The wide shoulder. My brakes locking up and my tires squalling. Louis's tires squalling and his transmitton screaming and him yelling at me to slide faster as he was about to slide over the top of me. Then it was over. I was setting about a foot and half from the back of the car in front of me. Louis managed to squall to a stop beside me and we both looked each other over to make sure we were still among the living. The seventh car ahead of us in this mess suddenly turned on it's left blinker and turned into the darkness.
We had barely gotten started moving when I heard tires squalling beind us. A pickup had came around the curve the same way we had and nearly got us. The rest of the trip was pretty normal. Not even so much as bump in the road.
We pulled up to Johnnies and met his lady friend Jennifer(she actually exists) and visited with them for about a hour.
After I got to the house I sat and thought about all the things that had happend and came to a couple of conclusions. one: God loves me and was looking out for me. Two: cellphones are evil. C: I got to find something new now to harrass Johnny about.
Catch ya on the road
I pulled in to the little gas station/cafe and found Louis stretched out beside his bike in the parking lot, just sorta enjoying the evening.
We visited a bit and decided to grab a snack at the cafe before getting on the road. While we were eating, I got a text message from another of my riding friends, Johnny. He was wanting to know where we were as he wanted us to run by and meet his girlfriend. THE GIRLFRIEND! The one we had heard about and had never so much as saw a picture of. The one that gave us untold amounts of fuel for good natured harrassment of "old riding bud" Johnny. I quickly sent him a message saying we were in the area and would be right over.
We fired up and headed toward home like we were hungry and someone had just yelled "supper".
The ride usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes during daylight and, depending on traffic, the odd Possum or Deer, can take up to an hour at night. We were in behind a line of cars and making really good time for most of the way. At about the halfway point we had let the cars get ahead of us quite a bit to where it was just Louis and I it seemed like. As we started down this long straight that ended in a curve I noticed I was running right at 65 and thought that wasnt too bad, just ten over. I leaned into the curve at about that same time and noticed that all the cars that we had been following were stopped dead in the road about half way through the curve.
I grabbed both brakes and started down shifting like I knew what I was doing. Trouble is there wasnt enough room to be doing anything. The car was coming up fast and Louis was on my butt. Then eveything went into slow motion. I could see a wide shoulder so I thought I'll run around on the shoulder. At least if I have to put it in the ditch I wont be running at highway speed. Like I said, everything was in slow motion, I was keenly aware of everything. The wide shoulder. My brakes locking up and my tires squalling. Louis's tires squalling and his transmitton screaming and him yelling at me to slide faster as he was about to slide over the top of me. Then it was over. I was setting about a foot and half from the back of the car in front of me. Louis managed to squall to a stop beside me and we both looked each other over to make sure we were still among the living. The seventh car ahead of us in this mess suddenly turned on it's left blinker and turned into the darkness.
We had barely gotten started moving when I heard tires squalling beind us. A pickup had came around the curve the same way we had and nearly got us. The rest of the trip was pretty normal. Not even so much as bump in the road.
We pulled up to Johnnies and met his lady friend Jennifer(she actually exists) and visited with them for about a hour.
After I got to the house I sat and thought about all the things that had happend and came to a couple of conclusions. one: God loves me and was looking out for me. Two: cellphones are evil. C: I got to find something new now to harrass Johnny about.
Catch ya on the road
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
I have been making my usual rounds on my bike. Shops that I deal with people I ride with, places that are more often than not a regular destination. Since the temperature has dropped a little and the riding has gotten better I have been hearing a lot of talk about what I'm guessing is a new trend or fad or whatever in the motorcycle world. Can anybody tell me about this "winterizing" everyone is speaking of? All I've heard lately is " well it's time to winterize the bikes." I thought I stayed up to date on most of the things in the motorcycle world. At least my niche in it. Apparently I was asleep when this hit.
Anyway, I keep wondering if this is something of a fad like guys with their pants hanging below their butt or diet beer? you know, something that is cute but has no place in reality? If anyone has info that would help, I would appreciate hearing it.
Catch ya on the road
Anyway, I keep wondering if this is something of a fad like guys with their pants hanging below their butt or diet beer? you know, something that is cute but has no place in reality? If anyone has info that would help, I would appreciate hearing it.
Catch ya on the road
my ride
My ride is 35 years old.
It has progressed to being a striped down, oil weeping. kickstart only machine. Thats a far cry from it's flashy beginings of an electric start, turn signaled, plastic covered road burner. I was told it was one of the bikes that began the sport bike age. Well, it runs me up and down the road. Thats all it 'needs' to do.
A Couple of weeks ago I met a lady that I had gotten to know online. We had became pretty good friends online and since she rode as well we decide to meet at a roadside cafe. It would be a good ride for each and hopefully a good visit with a new friend.
The ride over was about as good as you could hope for. Warm with those little tinges of cool that sneak up on you. For 270 miles it was a good day.
The meeting was unusual to put it mildly. It appeared that I didnt have enough money or was polished enough to be friends. This point was made very clear when she walked out and saw my bike. "i wouldnt be caught even parked near that thing." at about the time she was talking a group of riders pulled in to the gas pumps. I over heard them say they were heading to the Bikes, Blues, and BBQ rally. we walked over to look over their bikes and visit. They were on a real collection of bikes from sportbikes to dressers to a couple of worn out old bobbers. when one asked what I was riding and I pointed out (rather proudly) my Miss Tilley, well, my roadside 'date' came crashing to an end.
I spent about 15 minutes listening to a fake and forced "how nice it was to meet and we should do it again real soon" kind of talk. After she took off on her shiny Honda I walked over to the riders and asked if they'd like a personal guide to Fayetteville, Arkansas and the Bikes, Blues & BBQ rally.
We flogged it all the way and those two old worn out bobbers would flat run!
I went on this little ride to make a friend. Turned out I made nine from Northern Kansas. The lady I went to meet. well, we use to talk a bunch on line...havent heard from her since that day. Guess my credit score wasnt high enough?
My ride is 35 years old...
Catch ya on the road
It has progressed to being a striped down, oil weeping. kickstart only machine. Thats a far cry from it's flashy beginings of an electric start, turn signaled, plastic covered road burner. I was told it was one of the bikes that began the sport bike age. Well, it runs me up and down the road. Thats all it 'needs' to do.
A Couple of weeks ago I met a lady that I had gotten to know online. We had became pretty good friends online and since she rode as well we decide to meet at a roadside cafe. It would be a good ride for each and hopefully a good visit with a new friend.
The ride over was about as good as you could hope for. Warm with those little tinges of cool that sneak up on you. For 270 miles it was a good day.
The meeting was unusual to put it mildly. It appeared that I didnt have enough money or was polished enough to be friends. This point was made very clear when she walked out and saw my bike. "i wouldnt be caught even parked near that thing." at about the time she was talking a group of riders pulled in to the gas pumps. I over heard them say they were heading to the Bikes, Blues, and BBQ rally. we walked over to look over their bikes and visit. They were on a real collection of bikes from sportbikes to dressers to a couple of worn out old bobbers. when one asked what I was riding and I pointed out (rather proudly) my Miss Tilley, well, my roadside 'date' came crashing to an end.
I spent about 15 minutes listening to a fake and forced "how nice it was to meet and we should do it again real soon" kind of talk. After she took off on her shiny Honda I walked over to the riders and asked if they'd like a personal guide to Fayetteville, Arkansas and the Bikes, Blues & BBQ rally.
We flogged it all the way and those two old worn out bobbers would flat run!
I went on this little ride to make a friend. Turned out I made nine from Northern Kansas. The lady I went to meet. well, we use to talk a bunch on line...havent heard from her since that day. Guess my credit score wasnt high enough?
My ride is 35 years old...
Catch ya on the road
Monday, March 28, 2011
3-28-11
365 Group (f)
Today was a chilly damp feeling day. One the weather man lured you into thinking would be changing to nicely warm in just a matter of minutes. (Didnt happen.)
I started out with a few errands and ended up at the Cline Motorworks World Headquarters. It had been a while since I had been by and I needed to visit a bit. I also needed to do a little tinkering on the bike so it all worked out well.
I needed to cut down my chain and give it a good look over. That turned into almost an all day project. I had gotten some chain lube that at the time was told I wouldnt have to worry it slinging off. That was an understatement. My chain was a sticky mess. I soaked it in cleaner most of the time I was there. Even brushing didnt get it all off. It's a great lube and like the man said. I didnt have to worry about it coming off. I had a friend give me a new Dunlop rear tire. My plan was to mount it on a spare wheel I had. Yes, that was my plan. This was the stiffest tire I have ever had anything to do with. It took two of us to break it down and mount it. After pinching the tube twice it was decided that it was a project for a warmer day. With that out of the way I got back to my chain. With it cut down and cleaned it didnt look all that bad. It would hopefully last another month or so.
In the shop was a 70'S 185 Suzuki 2 stroke street bike that was being revamped. As I understood it the plan was to make a kind of off road light duty fun machine. Something to do a little trail riding and what have you with. One of those projects that make feel like a kid again. Cant wait till it's done to see the finished product.
Getting back on the road I headed out to put a few miles on my newly cut chain.
I was a good day with a good friend. Even if the weatherman didnt get close.
catch ya on the road
Today was a chilly damp feeling day. One the weather man lured you into thinking would be changing to nicely warm in just a matter of minutes. (Didnt happen.)
I started out with a few errands and ended up at the Cline Motorworks World Headquarters. It had been a while since I had been by and I needed to visit a bit. I also needed to do a little tinkering on the bike so it all worked out well.
I needed to cut down my chain and give it a good look over. That turned into almost an all day project. I had gotten some chain lube that at the time was told I wouldnt have to worry it slinging off. That was an understatement. My chain was a sticky mess. I soaked it in cleaner most of the time I was there. Even brushing didnt get it all off. It's a great lube and like the man said. I didnt have to worry about it coming off. I had a friend give me a new Dunlop rear tire. My plan was to mount it on a spare wheel I had. Yes, that was my plan. This was the stiffest tire I have ever had anything to do with. It took two of us to break it down and mount it. After pinching the tube twice it was decided that it was a project for a warmer day. With that out of the way I got back to my chain. With it cut down and cleaned it didnt look all that bad. It would hopefully last another month or so.
In the shop was a 70'S 185 Suzuki 2 stroke street bike that was being revamped. As I understood it the plan was to make a kind of off road light duty fun machine. Something to do a little trail riding and what have you with. One of those projects that make feel like a kid again. Cant wait till it's done to see the finished product.
Getting back on the road I headed out to put a few miles on my newly cut chain.
I was a good day with a good friend. Even if the weatherman didnt get close.
catch ya on the road
Sunday, March 27, 2011
3/27/11
365 Group (f)
The rains left this area cool and damp.
Saturday I had great plans to get everything even with the Tax man and get some needed maintenance done on the Turnip. Safe to say that that didn't happen like I planned. I still have a few things to get for the tax dude so hopefully they wont take as big a bite out of my backside as it looks now. The damp weather and chilly wind just didn't even seem appealing. I can seem to deal with it when I'm moving down the road. I have a hard time in a cold house or shop for some reason.
I did manage to get together with a local rider, Louis, and plan for a trip a little later in the summer. He has been wanting to make a pretty good trip on his Sportster for a while. We are looking at taking a weekend and checking out the Ozark Folk Center over at Mountain View. Not really all that many miles but covers some really nice area. Small towns and back roads. Ya know, the good stuff.
After our planning secession I pittled quite a bit on some little projects and just generally killed off the day.
Work had a few probblems late in the day so I did manage to get in a few miles. Guess you could say the day wasnt a total waste.
Well there is always Hope...I'm hoping the weather changes again (this is Arkansas after all)and I get to get more done tomorrow. At the very least I hope I can get in a few miles.
catch ya on the road
The rains left this area cool and damp.
Saturday I had great plans to get everything even with the Tax man and get some needed maintenance done on the Turnip. Safe to say that that didn't happen like I planned. I still have a few things to get for the tax dude so hopefully they wont take as big a bite out of my backside as it looks now. The damp weather and chilly wind just didn't even seem appealing. I can seem to deal with it when I'm moving down the road. I have a hard time in a cold house or shop for some reason.
I did manage to get together with a local rider, Louis, and plan for a trip a little later in the summer. He has been wanting to make a pretty good trip on his Sportster for a while. We are looking at taking a weekend and checking out the Ozark Folk Center over at Mountain View. Not really all that many miles but covers some really nice area. Small towns and back roads. Ya know, the good stuff.
After our planning secession I pittled quite a bit on some little projects and just generally killed off the day.
Work had a few probblems late in the day so I did manage to get in a few miles. Guess you could say the day wasnt a total waste.
Well there is always Hope...I'm hoping the weather changes again (this is Arkansas after all)and I get to get more done tomorrow. At the very least I hope I can get in a few miles.
catch ya on the road
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
3-24-11
365 Group (f)
The morning temps have been great for riding.
The bike has really been liking this warmer weather. I am too. there's something to not having to adjust the carbs everytime the weather changes.(maybe if _ rebuilt em?,,,nahhhh)
The last couple days have started in the 60's and ended in the 70's. Couldnt be better.
With the above in mind I went to bed. This morning was 38 when I got up . Here I was all ready and everything for summer. Now we're throwing back to winter.
As I shuffled around getting ready the pups laughted at me and hid my gloves.
The bike fired up like a champ and I bounced down to the road.
I got out into light traffic heading west. Before I knew it I was making good time with my turnoff coming up. The run around the lake wasnt as cool as I thought it was going to be. It was actually sort of enjoyable.
I made it over to the Parkway and had to slow down. This warmed things up some. By the time my work turnoff came up I was feeling like making a day of just riding around. Maybe I'll just stick around long enough to get payroll in then head back out?
catch ya on the road
The morning temps have been great for riding.
The bike has really been liking this warmer weather. I am too. there's something to not having to adjust the carbs everytime the weather changes.(maybe if _ rebuilt em?,,,nahhhh)
The last couple days have started in the 60's and ended in the 70's. Couldnt be better.
With the above in mind I went to bed. This morning was 38 when I got up . Here I was all ready and everything for summer. Now we're throwing back to winter.
As I shuffled around getting ready the pups laughted at me and hid my gloves.
The bike fired up like a champ and I bounced down to the road.
I got out into light traffic heading west. Before I knew it I was making good time with my turnoff coming up. The run around the lake wasnt as cool as I thought it was going to be. It was actually sort of enjoyable.
I made it over to the Parkway and had to slow down. This warmed things up some. By the time my work turnoff came up I was feeling like making a day of just riding around. Maybe I'll just stick around long enough to get payroll in then head back out?
catch ya on the road
Sunday, March 20, 2011
3/20/11
365 Group (f)
I got a call from the Big C Doctor saying it was time to remove any excess build up I had in my wallet. I scheduled the meeting for Friday in the late morning so I could get back on the road before all the mid seventies weather everyone was boasting was gone.
I got everything together fairly quickly. I mean it was warm and all sun shiny and I was ready to hit the road. Sidekick showed up for last minute details on watching the "kids". After a few More dos and don'ts I hit the kicker and bounced down the drive.
I ran over to the gas station to top off and grab something for a snack along the way. After the nose bleed at the pump. I got a fresh biscuit and ham and headed out.
Traffic was light. Most people were already at work and it was like having the road to myself.
My ride over to the sprawling community of Hindsville was pretty quick and most enjoyable. The warmer weather no doubt had lots to do with it. I leaned into Hwy 412 and got some real gone. Everything was clicking and I figured the way I was feeling I could risk a ticket. All the way to Huntsville I had a real good time. I met several other riders along the way and they all had a big silly grin plastered on their face, like the one I had on mine. At the Huntsville bypass traffic suddenly slowed down. I spied the cause, a trooper beside the road with radar was keeping all us miscreants in line. After getting by him everyone opened up and moved on down the road.
At the little town of Marble, by the sale barn, I had a strange thing happen. I had always heard people talk about seeing something come off a truck or car kind of in slow motion. This morning a truck had pulled out from the sale barn and had just started getting up to speed when I saw a small dark "something" come off the rear of the trailer. In slow motion I saw it cross in front of my headlight and hit my fingers on my right hand. YES!!! it hurt. I managed to keep going until the Hwy 21 turn off. I limped over and took off my glove. With the pain I was feeling I expected at least one broken finger, if not all of them. Amazingly none were. What ever hit me just stung. I sat there rubbing my hand and thinking about what had happened. It was so clear. I saw it come out from the rear wheel on the trailer and then as it crossed in front of my headlight. Don't know what it was. I do know that it was enough. I gave my hand a good massage and headed back out.
I rolled through Kingston,there wasn't too much going on so I kept moving along. Up the hill out of town making a lot of noise. That's always lots of fun.
Before I knew it I was at the Boxley Mountain and decided that this was a good place for breakfast and pulled in at the brake check area.
It was a great morning. Good food and hot coffee. The cell phone doesn't work over here. Bike was running great...what more could you ask for?
It was at about this time I decided that stock gold Wings should be outlawed. Where I was at I could see both directions for a good way and since I couldn't see anyone coming or hear anything coming, I decided that I could just step off the road a Little and relieve myself. It was about this time an older couple on two bright shiny Gold Wings came quietly, TOO quietly, by me. Might not have been as bad if they weren't smiling these silly smiles. I'm about to mount a Senate campaign to outlaw those stock pipes that no one can hear.
I finally got it all back together and headed on to the clinic. Guess it's cause I was close, I got to thinking about it all and the trip took a turn to being not as much fun. Pulling into the clinic I parked up next to the door where everyone could see my ride. I had about an hour with the doc, then about an hour drawing blood and so forth. They really are good people here. Even if it don't always sound like it. I do appreciate them.
I left with a lot to think about and headed out to my place at Deer.
The ride up the mountain was a good one. 7% grade for five miles. Hairpins and switch backs. Yep, it was good.
I kicked around at home with mom and family for the rest of the evening and crashed early. It was good to be back home.
Next morning,after breakfast, I did a walk around of the bike and got ready to get out and beat the Thunder Storm that was heading in.
I cant really say much about my last 100 miles other than it was one major cross wind! I did beat the storm. I didn't get any rain so I guess that means I beat it?
I ambled around home and came in from the East side. I had wanted to get a picture off the bridge for a while. Something about this just jumped out at me.
catch ya on the road
I got a call from the Big C Doctor saying it was time to remove any excess build up I had in my wallet. I scheduled the meeting for Friday in the late morning so I could get back on the road before all the mid seventies weather everyone was boasting was gone.
I got everything together fairly quickly. I mean it was warm and all sun shiny and I was ready to hit the road. Sidekick showed up for last minute details on watching the "kids". After a few More dos and don'ts I hit the kicker and bounced down the drive.
I ran over to the gas station to top off and grab something for a snack along the way. After the nose bleed at the pump. I got a fresh biscuit and ham and headed out.
Traffic was light. Most people were already at work and it was like having the road to myself.
My ride over to the sprawling community of Hindsville was pretty quick and most enjoyable. The warmer weather no doubt had lots to do with it. I leaned into Hwy 412 and got some real gone. Everything was clicking and I figured the way I was feeling I could risk a ticket. All the way to Huntsville I had a real good time. I met several other riders along the way and they all had a big silly grin plastered on their face, like the one I had on mine. At the Huntsville bypass traffic suddenly slowed down. I spied the cause, a trooper beside the road with radar was keeping all us miscreants in line. After getting by him everyone opened up and moved on down the road.
At the little town of Marble, by the sale barn, I had a strange thing happen. I had always heard people talk about seeing something come off a truck or car kind of in slow motion. This morning a truck had pulled out from the sale barn and had just started getting up to speed when I saw a small dark "something" come off the rear of the trailer. In slow motion I saw it cross in front of my headlight and hit my fingers on my right hand. YES!!! it hurt. I managed to keep going until the Hwy 21 turn off. I limped over and took off my glove. With the pain I was feeling I expected at least one broken finger, if not all of them. Amazingly none were. What ever hit me just stung. I sat there rubbing my hand and thinking about what had happened. It was so clear. I saw it come out from the rear wheel on the trailer and then as it crossed in front of my headlight. Don't know what it was. I do know that it was enough. I gave my hand a good massage and headed back out.
I rolled through Kingston,there wasn't too much going on so I kept moving along. Up the hill out of town making a lot of noise. That's always lots of fun.
Before I knew it I was at the Boxley Mountain and decided that this was a good place for breakfast and pulled in at the brake check area.
It was a great morning. Good food and hot coffee. The cell phone doesn't work over here. Bike was running great...what more could you ask for?
It was at about this time I decided that stock gold Wings should be outlawed. Where I was at I could see both directions for a good way and since I couldn't see anyone coming or hear anything coming, I decided that I could just step off the road a Little and relieve myself. It was about this time an older couple on two bright shiny Gold Wings came quietly, TOO quietly, by me. Might not have been as bad if they weren't smiling these silly smiles. I'm about to mount a Senate campaign to outlaw those stock pipes that no one can hear.
I finally got it all back together and headed on to the clinic. Guess it's cause I was close, I got to thinking about it all and the trip took a turn to being not as much fun. Pulling into the clinic I parked up next to the door where everyone could see my ride. I had about an hour with the doc, then about an hour drawing blood and so forth. They really are good people here. Even if it don't always sound like it. I do appreciate them.
I left with a lot to think about and headed out to my place at Deer.
The ride up the mountain was a good one. 7% grade for five miles. Hairpins and switch backs. Yep, it was good.
I kicked around at home with mom and family for the rest of the evening and crashed early. It was good to be back home.
Next morning,after breakfast, I did a walk around of the bike and got ready to get out and beat the Thunder Storm that was heading in.
I cant really say much about my last 100 miles other than it was one major cross wind! I did beat the storm. I didn't get any rain so I guess that means I beat it?
I ambled around home and came in from the East side. I had wanted to get a picture off the bridge for a while. Something about this just jumped out at me.
catch ya on the road
Monday, March 14, 2011
3-14-11
365 Group (f)
This past weekend was great for riding. Rather what little I did was. I had been experiencing a jerk in the steering on my last couple of rides that led me to think it might be time for new bearings.
Bearings aren't really a hard deal but they are a pain to fool with. (For me anyway.) I spent a good part of Saturday getting to the bearings. Luckily they just needed cleaning repacking. I managed to kill most of the day doing what I could without a press. Seems to have done the trick as jerk/catch is gone.
Sunday I had great plans of taking a link out of my chain and heading down to go to church with mom. As I headed out to ride up to my buddies shop I stepped on some loose gravel and sort of slipped a little and managed to pinch a nerve in my back. It didn't seem like a big deal until I tried to kick over the bike. (by the way, I now fully understand the term Heavy Compression Engine) About half way into the kick something giggled it's way into a full blown short circuit and I rolled somewhat less than gracefully off the bike. I managed to land sorta semi on my back. After about an hour I noticed two things 1. Most of the electric shocking pain was gone and 2. Got a loose clamp on the lower header pipe on the right side. Couldn't see the left side from where I was laying.
I finally managed to work my way into a sitting position and then slowly crawled back to the house.
I spent the rest of the day and night loaded up on pain killers and flat on my back.
Guess it was one of those bikin not ridin days?
Hope after the Monday Dr. appointment to catch ya on the road
This past weekend was great for riding. Rather what little I did was. I had been experiencing a jerk in the steering on my last couple of rides that led me to think it might be time for new bearings.
Bearings aren't really a hard deal but they are a pain to fool with. (For me anyway.) I spent a good part of Saturday getting to the bearings. Luckily they just needed cleaning repacking. I managed to kill most of the day doing what I could without a press. Seems to have done the trick as jerk/catch is gone.
Sunday I had great plans of taking a link out of my chain and heading down to go to church with mom. As I headed out to ride up to my buddies shop I stepped on some loose gravel and sort of slipped a little and managed to pinch a nerve in my back. It didn't seem like a big deal until I tried to kick over the bike. (by the way, I now fully understand the term Heavy Compression Engine) About half way into the kick something giggled it's way into a full blown short circuit and I rolled somewhat less than gracefully off the bike. I managed to land sorta semi on my back. After about an hour I noticed two things 1. Most of the electric shocking pain was gone and 2. Got a loose clamp on the lower header pipe on the right side. Couldn't see the left side from where I was laying.
I finally managed to work my way into a sitting position and then slowly crawled back to the house.
I spent the rest of the day and night loaded up on pain killers and flat on my back.
Guess it was one of those bikin not ridin days?
Hope after the Monday Dr. appointment to catch ya on the road
Thursday, March 10, 2011
3/10/11
365 group (f)
Today has the promise of middle to upper 50's so it should be a good day to get out and do something.
In looking over the days calendar for "gotta do's" I realized it was my birthday. So since I don't have an immediate family any more...other than the pups and Woodrow, my almost politically correct bird, to do these days with, I'm heading out to the river to take a few pictures and see if there is any one brave (stupid) enough to be out on the VERY cold water.
Should be a good ride as the morning is sunny and clear. The air is crisp and about 40 degrees. Almost perfect for a start.
I'm hoping to take in all the major points of interest. The Marble cafe for breakfast. The Square in down town Kingston. Maybe even hit a few of the Flea markets in the area on the way back?
Hoping to get in about 300 miles today without really going anywhere. Let ya know how it turns out.
catch ya on the road
Today has the promise of middle to upper 50's so it should be a good day to get out and do something.
In looking over the days calendar for "gotta do's" I realized it was my birthday. So since I don't have an immediate family any more...other than the pups and Woodrow, my almost politically correct bird, to do these days with, I'm heading out to the river to take a few pictures and see if there is any one brave (stupid) enough to be out on the VERY cold water.
Should be a good ride as the morning is sunny and clear. The air is crisp and about 40 degrees. Almost perfect for a start.
I'm hoping to take in all the major points of interest. The Marble cafe for breakfast. The Square in down town Kingston. Maybe even hit a few of the Flea markets in the area on the way back?
Hoping to get in about 300 miles today without really going anywhere. Let ya know how it turns out.
catch ya on the road
Monday, March 7, 2011
3-7-11
365 Group (f)
This morning I rolled out to work a little early. I had plans of getting breakfast then a nice ride around the lake to work.
While I waited on breakfast I was made current on all the local gossup as well as the current gripe, high gas prices. Seems that everybody has a problem with $3.40 per gallon when they drive an oversized truck that gets 4 to 6 MPG. Also, the majority of the driving they do is recreational.
My food came and I ate listening to all the griping. As I finished I couldnt resist making a suggestion to help with all the pressure they were struggling with. "why not get a scooter or motorcycle for that daily manditory treck to the coffee shop?" I went so far as to explain that with the one I ride I get a weeks work of back and forth to work on a tank full. Or about $10.00. This met with all kinds of moaning and groaning that gave me the impression that if they did something to fix the problem they wouldnt be able to gripe and blame Politicans, Rag Heads or Illegal Alliens or someone else.
I finally got to the point of it being to hard to keep from laughing so I headed out. Kicking the bike to life I jumped out and headed toward the lake.
My ride around the lake was a good one. Added about twenty miles to my morning ride and made me feel about 20 miles better when I got to work.
It always helps when you can start your day with a good breakfast, a good laugh and a good ride.
catch ya on the road
This morning I rolled out to work a little early. I had plans of getting breakfast then a nice ride around the lake to work.
While I waited on breakfast I was made current on all the local gossup as well as the current gripe, high gas prices. Seems that everybody has a problem with $3.40 per gallon when they drive an oversized truck that gets 4 to 6 MPG. Also, the majority of the driving they do is recreational.
My food came and I ate listening to all the griping. As I finished I couldnt resist making a suggestion to help with all the pressure they were struggling with. "why not get a scooter or motorcycle for that daily manditory treck to the coffee shop?" I went so far as to explain that with the one I ride I get a weeks work of back and forth to work on a tank full. Or about $10.00. This met with all kinds of moaning and groaning that gave me the impression that if they did something to fix the problem they wouldnt be able to gripe and blame Politicans, Rag Heads or Illegal Alliens or someone else.
I finally got to the point of it being to hard to keep from laughing so I headed out. Kicking the bike to life I jumped out and headed toward the lake.
My ride around the lake was a good one. Added about twenty miles to my morning ride and made me feel about 20 miles better when I got to work.
It always helps when you can start your day with a good breakfast, a good laugh and a good ride.
catch ya on the road
Sunday, March 6, 2011
3/6/11
365 Group (f)
The other day, while waiting out a storm I happened to hear Tab Benoit singing a song called "shelter me". This one song kind of put my foul weather riding in perspective.
" the earth can shake... the sky come down...the mountains all, fall to the ground. But I will fear, none of these things.....shelter me Lord underneath your wings... "
Today is good and cool again. We seem to be in that "Arkansas' constant state of change" weather.
I have a couple of errands to run today. I'm hoping that it warms up a bit. I'd like to get in a few extra miles. Maybe make another run down to my mothers place or over to the Buffalo river? I guess I'm just really ready for spring and summer.
It's time to head out so...
catch ya on the road
The other day, while waiting out a storm I happened to hear Tab Benoit singing a song called "shelter me". This one song kind of put my foul weather riding in perspective.
" the earth can shake... the sky come down...the mountains all, fall to the ground. But I will fear, none of these things.....shelter me Lord underneath your wings... "
Today is good and cool again. We seem to be in that "Arkansas' constant state of change" weather.
I have a couple of errands to run today. I'm hoping that it warms up a bit. I'd like to get in a few extra miles. Maybe make another run down to my mothers place or over to the Buffalo river? I guess I'm just really ready for spring and summer.
It's time to head out so...
catch ya on the road
Thursday, March 3, 2011
3/3/11
365 Group (f)
Today the weather 'doodette' said it was going to be warm with a good chance of rain. Looks like it is going to be a good day for a ride.
I filled up a thermos and packed up the rain gear, just in case. At about 4:30 I headed out. The bike fired up like it was ready to go, so I did.
My real loose plan was to run by my mothers place and say howdy on my way to work. I headed east on 412. Since I was about two hours ahead of the early morning traffic, it was sort of like having the road all to myself. I did have Deer to worry about as they have been making a name for themselves lately by running out in front of people. I just hugged the middle of the road and went on.
It was a good ride down. Sixty seven miles through the hills in the dark. I got there just as mom was getting ready to do the readings at the weather station.
We had a cup of coffee and visited a little.
After about 45 minutes I headed back out and got on the road to work.
I ran highway 7 North to Jasper. I gassed up at the bridge I decided to run up Mt. Sherman & Low Gap then down the possums shank to 21 and back west on 412.
Back on 412 traffic was heavy with morning 'go to work types.' I made the short run up to Marble to the little cafe and had a quick bite to eat. Pulling back out I got on the tail end of a line of aggressively moving traffic. I made good time all the way back to work. Even made most of the lights in town.
Now that I'm settled in for the day I'm wondering if I should take the same route going back home? It's just under 200 miles on some of the greatest roads for riding. Gotta think it over a bit.
catch ya on the road
Today the weather 'doodette' said it was going to be warm with a good chance of rain. Looks like it is going to be a good day for a ride.
I filled up a thermos and packed up the rain gear, just in case. At about 4:30 I headed out. The bike fired up like it was ready to go, so I did.
My real loose plan was to run by my mothers place and say howdy on my way to work. I headed east on 412. Since I was about two hours ahead of the early morning traffic, it was sort of like having the road all to myself. I did have Deer to worry about as they have been making a name for themselves lately by running out in front of people. I just hugged the middle of the road and went on.
It was a good ride down. Sixty seven miles through the hills in the dark. I got there just as mom was getting ready to do the readings at the weather station.
We had a cup of coffee and visited a little.
After about 45 minutes I headed back out and got on the road to work.
I ran highway 7 North to Jasper. I gassed up at the bridge I decided to run up Mt. Sherman & Low Gap then down the possums shank to 21 and back west on 412.
Back on 412 traffic was heavy with morning 'go to work types.' I made the short run up to Marble to the little cafe and had a quick bite to eat. Pulling back out I got on the tail end of a line of aggressively moving traffic. I made good time all the way back to work. Even made most of the lights in town.
Now that I'm settled in for the day I'm wondering if I should take the same route going back home? It's just under 200 miles on some of the greatest roads for riding. Gotta think it over a bit.
catch ya on the road
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
3-2-11
This morning I woke to a heat wave compared to yesterday. 37 degrees, maybe spring is starting to 'spring'?
I rushed around getting ready hoping to come up with an excuse to skip work and make a long ride. Nothing really worked so I saddled up for one more day at the grind.
I had a frost on the bike again this morning. Not as heavy as yesterday but I still had to dry it off.
Finally I got all the "blow dryin"
done and fired up. listening to the early morning rumble I tried again to find an excuse to play hooky...ah well.
As I headed down the road to the highway I was thinking ' a little breakfast would sure hit the spot' so I headed to the little cafe for something quick.
I pulled in and parked by a shiny new red Honda 1300. The owner had ridden over from the sprawling city of Kingston. Apparently he frosted out at about 40 miles.
We visited a little over coffee until he was warmed enough to make the final ten miles of his trip.
I pulled out and made the run to the mountain. Traffic was light and moving along at a good clip so there wasnt any fooling around.
I turned off and noticed that the sand and gavel from the recent weather was mostly off the roads. This made the curves more fun as I didnt have to hug the center line.
The rest of my ride was pretty nice even with the heavy traffic on Butterfield Coach and the Parkway. So nice that I think I'll try it again a little later this afternoon.
catch ya on the road
I rushed around getting ready hoping to come up with an excuse to skip work and make a long ride. Nothing really worked so I saddled up for one more day at the grind.
I had a frost on the bike again this morning. Not as heavy as yesterday but I still had to dry it off.
Finally I got all the "blow dryin"
done and fired up. listening to the early morning rumble I tried again to find an excuse to play hooky...ah well.
As I headed down the road to the highway I was thinking ' a little breakfast would sure hit the spot' so I headed to the little cafe for something quick.
I pulled in and parked by a shiny new red Honda 1300. The owner had ridden over from the sprawling city of Kingston. Apparently he frosted out at about 40 miles.
We visited a little over coffee until he was warmed enough to make the final ten miles of his trip.
I pulled out and made the run to the mountain. Traffic was light and moving along at a good clip so there wasnt any fooling around.
I turned off and noticed that the sand and gavel from the recent weather was mostly off the roads. This made the curves more fun as I didnt have to hug the center line.
The rest of my ride was pretty nice even with the heavy traffic on Butterfield Coach and the Parkway. So nice that I think I'll try it again a little later this afternoon.
catch ya on the road
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
3-1-11
365 Group (f)
This morning it was a crisp 27 degrees when I got up. I made a pot of coffee. In the time it took to make, the temp dropped to 26. This morning did'nt seem to be starting out real great.
I managed to get a couple of cups of coffee down and that seemed to take the sting out of thinking about riding in to work.
with the pups fed and thermos filled I headed out. Even covered the bike was white with frost. Took a few minutes with a hair dryer to get everything "defrosted". Once the frost was knocked off the bike fired up and I was ready to hit the road.
I was meeting sidekick at the cafe in town for a "before work" cup of coffee so that was my first stop. That little half mile ride wasnt bad at all.
After coffee I fired up and jumped into traffic to see what the other tweleve and a half miles would be like. The run along to the mountain wasnt too bad. Everyone was moving at a sane pace for a change and there wasnt any cross winds. It was actually like a very cold early spring morning.
Once I got off the highway and on side roads it was really good riding.
In town the traffic picked up quite a bit. Felt sort of like "push and shove" from light to light. Two of the young urbanites that motored along side me for a couple blocks were involved in hastily appling makeup and downing a pop tart. Other than those two 'award winners' the ride was about as good as it could be on a cold early March morning.
The weather is suppose to be warm this afternoon, should be a good ride back.
catch ya on the road
This morning it was a crisp 27 degrees when I got up. I made a pot of coffee. In the time it took to make, the temp dropped to 26. This morning did'nt seem to be starting out real great.
I managed to get a couple of cups of coffee down and that seemed to take the sting out of thinking about riding in to work.
with the pups fed and thermos filled I headed out. Even covered the bike was white with frost. Took a few minutes with a hair dryer to get everything "defrosted". Once the frost was knocked off the bike fired up and I was ready to hit the road.
I was meeting sidekick at the cafe in town for a "before work" cup of coffee so that was my first stop. That little half mile ride wasnt bad at all.
After coffee I fired up and jumped into traffic to see what the other tweleve and a half miles would be like. The run along to the mountain wasnt too bad. Everyone was moving at a sane pace for a change and there wasnt any cross winds. It was actually like a very cold early spring morning.
Once I got off the highway and on side roads it was really good riding.
In town the traffic picked up quite a bit. Felt sort of like "push and shove" from light to light. Two of the young urbanites that motored along side me for a couple blocks were involved in hastily appling makeup and downing a pop tart. Other than those two 'award winners' the ride was about as good as it could be on a cold early March morning.
The weather is suppose to be warm this afternoon, should be a good ride back.
catch ya on the road
Monday, February 28, 2011
2-28-11
365 Group (f)
This morning my little hound dogs woke me up to let me know that a really good storm was going on. Apparently we had an earthquake about the time the storm started and they wanted to make sure I knew about it.
The weather channel said everything was moving through pretty quickly and the sun would be out in the afternoon.
I put together a bottle of coffee and stumbled into my rain gear as I headed out. It wasnt raining and I took that as a good sign.
The bike fired up without too much effort and seemed to be ready to roll pretty quick. The driveway was kind of interesting as the heavy rains had washed new ruts in things. Once I got on the pavement it was all good.
The air was damp and had a real raw feel to it as I ran up to highway speed. another good crisp morning ride. About a mile down the road the wind picked up, making for quite the rodeo. There's nothing like sudden hard gusts of wind on crooked wet roads. At the halfway point I was on some of the "hilly" stretch of road. The wind eased off to be replaced by gravel washed out of driveways. I zigged and zagged for a couple of miles and finally said the heck with it and rode the center line until I got almost into town. This was not one of those mornings to look at the scenery.
Finally I made it to the Parkway and surprisingly light traffic. I made real good time the rest of the way in. Only one idiot in a Dodge wagon caused any problem. Seems that it bothered them that I could get away from the lights faster than they could. This guy just couldnt stand to be behind me. I finally turned off to head over to work and lost him.
I made it in to my parking space at work just as the rain started back up again.
This was a good ride and I had fun. Makes me look forward to this evenings ride back.
catch ya on the road
This morning my little hound dogs woke me up to let me know that a really good storm was going on. Apparently we had an earthquake about the time the storm started and they wanted to make sure I knew about it.
The weather channel said everything was moving through pretty quickly and the sun would be out in the afternoon.
I put together a bottle of coffee and stumbled into my rain gear as I headed out. It wasnt raining and I took that as a good sign.
The bike fired up without too much effort and seemed to be ready to roll pretty quick. The driveway was kind of interesting as the heavy rains had washed new ruts in things. Once I got on the pavement it was all good.
The air was damp and had a real raw feel to it as I ran up to highway speed. another good crisp morning ride. About a mile down the road the wind picked up, making for quite the rodeo. There's nothing like sudden hard gusts of wind on crooked wet roads. At the halfway point I was on some of the "hilly" stretch of road. The wind eased off to be replaced by gravel washed out of driveways. I zigged and zagged for a couple of miles and finally said the heck with it and rode the center line until I got almost into town. This was not one of those mornings to look at the scenery.
Finally I made it to the Parkway and surprisingly light traffic. I made real good time the rest of the way in. Only one idiot in a Dodge wagon caused any problem. Seems that it bothered them that I could get away from the lights faster than they could. This guy just couldnt stand to be behind me. I finally turned off to head over to work and lost him.
I made it in to my parking space at work just as the rain started back up again.
This was a good ride and I had fun. Makes me look forward to this evenings ride back.
catch ya on the road
Friday, February 25, 2011
2-25-11
365 Group (f)
It's 33 degrees and damp this morning. I had planned to be a wimp and drive the "who ver round" to work. There was just one little catch to that plan...the car was almost out of gas and when I got to the station I noticed two things, gas was at a heart attack inspiring $3.34 a gallon and they were out of gas.
I buzzed back to the house and redressed. Yep! It's a good day for a ride. The Ustawaz and the RHR (redheaded handsome rascal) showed up for a visit about the time I was ready to fire up...seems that the best laid plans of me and the Mouses always get an obstacle or two thrown our way.
I had a nice visit with the RHR, who in all his four year olds wisdom pointed out that it was a "good time" for a ride. As they left I fired the bike up. Pulled the strangler and it fired on the second kick. I let it warm a minute and hit the road just knowing I was late.
I had a good fast and chilly ride out of town. traffic was lite and that always makes it better. In the early morning cool the bike ran like a champ.
I ran hard all the way in to the job only to get there 30 minutes early. Yep, it was going to be a good day. I can hardly wait till quitting time and the ride back to the house...
catch ya on the road
...the ride home in the evening was painful. The air was damp making it feel "raw cold". no matter the speed I rode at, it seemed uncomfortable. I guess I was just in too big of a hurry for warm weather. So, after a careful observation of the situaion...I give thanks to God... I got to ride...I got to ride... nanner, nanner, nanner.
It's 33 degrees and damp this morning. I had planned to be a wimp and drive the "who ver round" to work. There was just one little catch to that plan...the car was almost out of gas and when I got to the station I noticed two things, gas was at a heart attack inspiring $3.34 a gallon and they were out of gas.
I buzzed back to the house and redressed. Yep! It's a good day for a ride. The Ustawaz and the RHR (redheaded handsome rascal) showed up for a visit about the time I was ready to fire up...seems that the best laid plans of me and the Mouses always get an obstacle or two thrown our way.
I had a nice visit with the RHR, who in all his four year olds wisdom pointed out that it was a "good time" for a ride. As they left I fired the bike up. Pulled the strangler and it fired on the second kick. I let it warm a minute and hit the road just knowing I was late.
I had a good fast and chilly ride out of town. traffic was lite and that always makes it better. In the early morning cool the bike ran like a champ.
I ran hard all the way in to the job only to get there 30 minutes early. Yep, it was going to be a good day. I can hardly wait till quitting time and the ride back to the house...
catch ya on the road
...the ride home in the evening was painful. The air was damp making it feel "raw cold". no matter the speed I rode at, it seemed uncomfortable. I guess I was just in too big of a hurry for warm weather. So, after a careful observation of the situaion...I give thanks to God... I got to ride...I got to ride... nanner, nanner, nanner.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
2-22-11
365 Group (f)
This morning was a pretty fair morning for riding. Clear and a snappy 26 degrees.
My main plan was a simple one, to get to work without freezing up. After the first couple of miles I was surprised that it really didnt seem all that cold. I guess I just wanted to ride bad enough that it balanced everything out? Whatever the reason, I had a good ride in.
There wasnt a lot of crazies out this morning. The school busses more that made up for them though. It seemed that every side road and hill had a slow moving "Yellow Buffalo" poking along on it.
Once I got in town and on the four lane I was able to do a little catching up so it still worked out pretty well. I managed to make it in time for a cup before the grind started.
Work passed slowly by and the temperature had made it up to 50 by the time I saddled up to leave. This made my ride even better. I picked a hole in the traffic and got gone. The closer I got to being out of town the lighter traffic got and I found myself running pretty hard between traffic lights. At one light a couple of "motorhead" looking young guys pulled up beside me. After a minute they rolled down the window and asked what year my bike was. The seemed impressed when I told them it was a 77... I guess they werent really all that bad even if they were in a car? They stayed with me for the last two lights, waved real big and went North. I headed South toward a Cheeseburger.
catch ya on the road
This morning was a pretty fair morning for riding. Clear and a snappy 26 degrees.
My main plan was a simple one, to get to work without freezing up. After the first couple of miles I was surprised that it really didnt seem all that cold. I guess I just wanted to ride bad enough that it balanced everything out? Whatever the reason, I had a good ride in.
There wasnt a lot of crazies out this morning. The school busses more that made up for them though. It seemed that every side road and hill had a slow moving "Yellow Buffalo" poking along on it.
Once I got in town and on the four lane I was able to do a little catching up so it still worked out pretty well. I managed to make it in time for a cup before the grind started.
Work passed slowly by and the temperature had made it up to 50 by the time I saddled up to leave. This made my ride even better. I picked a hole in the traffic and got gone. The closer I got to being out of town the lighter traffic got and I found myself running pretty hard between traffic lights. At one light a couple of "motorhead" looking young guys pulled up beside me. After a minute they rolled down the window and asked what year my bike was. The seemed impressed when I told them it was a 77... I guess they werent really all that bad even if they were in a car? They stayed with me for the last two lights, waved real big and went North. I headed South toward a Cheeseburger.
catch ya on the road
Monday, February 21, 2011
2-21-11
365 Group (f)
This morning rain was back in the forcast. Figuring that with the temps getting up to the middle 50's, should'nt be too bad a day for riding.
I got up and going a little earlier this morning so I could beat the traffic. I have spent the last few days working on my bikes, tune ups and such. I figured a few extra miles under the guise of going to work would be in order.
Pulling out from the house I eased down to the highway and then over to the station to top off the tank. ($3.15 a gallon. Just sucks.) After gas I pulled out in the general direction of work. My plan was a simple one. I had an extra hour and a half. just ride around until I was forced to head in.
I managed to zig zag the "metro" area pretty well and finally ended up over on 540 by Bentonville when it was time to head in. Just as well as it was starting to rain.
I ran up 540 with the morning lunatics and remembered why I dont like interstate riding around this area.
I had a good ride. The bike ran great in the early morning cool and I located a couple of new breakfast spots to try. Yep!
Going to be a good day.
catch ya on the road
This morning rain was back in the forcast. Figuring that with the temps getting up to the middle 50's, should'nt be too bad a day for riding.
I got up and going a little earlier this morning so I could beat the traffic. I have spent the last few days working on my bikes, tune ups and such. I figured a few extra miles under the guise of going to work would be in order.
Pulling out from the house I eased down to the highway and then over to the station to top off the tank. ($3.15 a gallon. Just sucks.) After gas I pulled out in the general direction of work. My plan was a simple one. I had an extra hour and a half. just ride around until I was forced to head in.
I managed to zig zag the "metro" area pretty well and finally ended up over on 540 by Bentonville when it was time to head in. Just as well as it was starting to rain.
I ran up 540 with the morning lunatics and remembered why I dont like interstate riding around this area.
I had a good ride. The bike ran great in the early morning cool and I located a couple of new breakfast spots to try. Yep!
Going to be a good day.
catch ya on the road
Sunday, February 20, 2011
2/20/11
365 Group (f)
These last few days have been great! The weather has came back around and the riding is good. I've managed to put on several miles in the last few days running back and forth to work and everywhere in between.
This break in the weather has also allowed me and my partner (Photo above) to get quite a bit done on the kids old ride. As of yesterday I had everything replaced and got it fired up. I'm hoping today to get a little further on it so I can get it up to the Cline Motorworks to put the finishing touches on it. I'm shooting for having it ready to go by early april.
catch ya on the road
These last few days have been great! The weather has came back around and the riding is good. I've managed to put on several miles in the last few days running back and forth to work and everywhere in between.
This break in the weather has also allowed me and my partner (Photo above) to get quite a bit done on the kids old ride. As of yesterday I had everything replaced and got it fired up. I'm hoping today to get a little further on it so I can get it up to the Cline Motorworks to put the finishing touches on it. I'm shooting for having it ready to go by early april.
catch ya on the road
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
2-15-11
365 Group (f)
This morning the weather channel promised sun and middle 60's.
Since it had been about three weeks of cold, snow and ice since my last ride I was really looking for a mind clearing ride.
The drive still has a lot of snow and ice on it and mud...lots of mud. I made my way down it without dumping myself in a snow bank and even managed to stay mud free.
Pulling out on the highway I poked over to the post office and the gas station then hit the road. With a full tank of gas, all my errands run and a bacon biscuit in my pocket, I was ready to do a little riding.
Running along 45 with the early morning traffic I made good time as they all seemed to be in a hurry. I got out of the traffic mess at the foot of the mountain and had a nice run along the lake until I got to the hilly part of the road. Lots of loose fine gravel still on the road from the ice. After that first slide my mind was suddenly clear and focused. (Funny how that works)
I ran the rest of my trip to work without any major issues and a large grin plastered on my face I even got there early enough to have a cup of coffee before hitting the grind. This morning was like a spring morning. Cool, clear and made for riding.
catch ya on the road
This morning the weather channel promised sun and middle 60's.
Since it had been about three weeks of cold, snow and ice since my last ride I was really looking for a mind clearing ride.
The drive still has a lot of snow and ice on it and mud...lots of mud. I made my way down it without dumping myself in a snow bank and even managed to stay mud free.
Pulling out on the highway I poked over to the post office and the gas station then hit the road. With a full tank of gas, all my errands run and a bacon biscuit in my pocket, I was ready to do a little riding.
Running along 45 with the early morning traffic I made good time as they all seemed to be in a hurry. I got out of the traffic mess at the foot of the mountain and had a nice run along the lake until I got to the hilly part of the road. Lots of loose fine gravel still on the road from the ice. After that first slide my mind was suddenly clear and focused. (Funny how that works)
I ran the rest of my trip to work without any major issues and a large grin plastered on my face I even got there early enough to have a cup of coffee before hitting the grind. This morning was like a spring morning. Cool, clear and made for riding.
catch ya on the road
Monday, February 14, 2011
2/13/11
365 Group (f)
Today the melting began in ernest around my place. 24 inches of snow had really put a damper on things. No riding, tinkering or anything productive. I managed to get the driveway opened and am hoping that with tomorrows forecasted temps. I will be able to get back on the road by Tuesday. At least mount my new back tire?
Either way, catch ya on the road...soon as I can
Today the melting began in ernest around my place. 24 inches of snow had really put a damper on things. No riding, tinkering or anything productive. I managed to get the driveway opened and am hoping that with tomorrows forecasted temps. I will be able to get back on the road by Tuesday. At least mount my new back tire?
Either way, catch ya on the road...soon as I can
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
2/9/11
365 Group (f)
"God is Great, A cup of coffee is good and this weather is crazy!!!"
I was anticipating this morning as being a good, maybe a ride in, kind of day.
The recent snow and ice was all but off the area roads that I use. The weather folks said that we would get some more snow but, I for some reason had the feeling it would miss us. At least the bulk of it. After careful deliberation I have come to the conclusion that my weather forecasting skill needs some honing.
I got up to about eight inches of new snow and it was still falling. By 8 am it was a good 12 inches deep all over the area. I made a few phone calls and got work covered and settled in to wait it out.
When the snow stopped falling I measured an average of 18 inches all around my place. Lots of drifts were up to 36 inches.
Guess it was a good thing that I really hadn't planned to ride in.
I had a couple of small tarps covering my bikes (as you can see) that are nowhere to be found. I'm thinking the wind took them off.
when the thaw hits...catch ya on the road
"God is Great, A cup of coffee is good and this weather is crazy!!!"
I was anticipating this morning as being a good, maybe a ride in, kind of day.
The recent snow and ice was all but off the area roads that I use. The weather folks said that we would get some more snow but, I for some reason had the feeling it would miss us. At least the bulk of it. After careful deliberation I have come to the conclusion that my weather forecasting skill needs some honing.
I got up to about eight inches of new snow and it was still falling. By 8 am it was a good 12 inches deep all over the area. I made a few phone calls and got work covered and settled in to wait it out.
When the snow stopped falling I measured an average of 18 inches all around my place. Lots of drifts were up to 36 inches.
Guess it was a good thing that I really hadn't planned to ride in.
I had a couple of small tarps covering my bikes (as you can see) that are nowhere to be found. I'm thinking the wind took them off.
when the thaw hits...catch ya on the road
Monday, January 31, 2011
1/31/11
365 Group (f)
(except for snow days)
First it was the weather all up and down and so on. Snow one day and 70 degrees with shiney sun the next. Then the bike for some unknown reason started needing things. I worked through most of the needs and ended up having to do the one thing I really don't like to do with an older bike...replace with newer parts. There is just something about taking off the original and replacing it with something younger. Even if it looks close to the same and gets the job done, it still just don't seem right.
My headlight was the last issue to work out. For some reason it would just blow the low side of the old sealed beam bulbs after a few hundred miles. I couldn't figure it out and a friend suggested that I try a newer head light system. So I did. Rummaging through my parts pile I found everything I needed. It's working. Rather well as a matter of fact. It's one of those bulb within a bulb looking systems. It just bothers me for some reason to have the headlight off a 78 model on my 77.
This past weekend was great riding. Weather was up in the almost 70's and just right. I got in a few miles and blew the soot out of my system.
Today was a mild day as I started out to work. Upper 40's with the promise of light rain turning to freezing rain and sleet. I managed to make it to work and back home without having to leave the bike somewhere and beg someone to come get me. Yep! It was a good day.
This storm is forecast to be a whopper. Half inch of ice and 8 to 12 inches of snow. If I survive it I think I'll take another ride and see what else needs
replacing.
NOTE: George The painter is having a show at his studio. It's in Tombstone AZ in February. I'm seriously considering making a ride up. At least change in the weather.
After it blows over...catch ya on the road.
(except for snow days)
First it was the weather all up and down and so on. Snow one day and 70 degrees with shiney sun the next. Then the bike for some unknown reason started needing things. I worked through most of the needs and ended up having to do the one thing I really don't like to do with an older bike...replace with newer parts. There is just something about taking off the original and replacing it with something younger. Even if it looks close to the same and gets the job done, it still just don't seem right.
My headlight was the last issue to work out. For some reason it would just blow the low side of the old sealed beam bulbs after a few hundred miles. I couldn't figure it out and a friend suggested that I try a newer head light system. So I did. Rummaging through my parts pile I found everything I needed. It's working. Rather well as a matter of fact. It's one of those bulb within a bulb looking systems. It just bothers me for some reason to have the headlight off a 78 model on my 77.
This past weekend was great riding. Weather was up in the almost 70's and just right. I got in a few miles and blew the soot out of my system.
Today was a mild day as I started out to work. Upper 40's with the promise of light rain turning to freezing rain and sleet. I managed to make it to work and back home without having to leave the bike somewhere and beg someone to come get me. Yep! It was a good day.
This storm is forecast to be a whopper. Half inch of ice and 8 to 12 inches of snow. If I survive it I think I'll take another ride and see what else needs
replacing.
NOTE: George The painter is having a show at his studio. It's in Tombstone AZ in February. I'm seriously considering making a ride up. At least change in the weather.
After it blows over...catch ya on the road.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Snow day...aaaagain
There is about 3 inches of snow all over everything.
After carefull deliberation I have decided to take a snow day and just leave the bike parked. At least until I run out of food or smokes or whatever. As many of you can no doubt tell, this was a hard decision to make. Hopefully this decision wont scar me for life or have any effects that might cause future generations to be born Nekkid or anything.
catch ya on the road
(when I get over bein a wimp)
After carefull deliberation I have decided to take a snow day and just leave the bike parked. At least until I run out of food or smokes or whatever. As many of you can no doubt tell, this was a hard decision to make. Hopefully this decision wont scar me for life or have any effects that might cause future generations to be born Nekkid or anything.
catch ya on the road
(when I get over bein a wimp)
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
1/11/11 cold!!
365 Group (f)
Since the Polar bear ride the weather has been fickle to put it mildly. I made a couple of trips into work with the temps hitting the middle 50's. Just about the time I began to think that maybe this winter would be ridable, well...this morning is 11 degrees. Snow is falling and there is just something that makes me think that a ride is out for a few days.
I'm doing a lot of catching up today and hope to get out and at least check on the bike. Ya know, one of those "bikin" days where you walk with your swagger cause you aint in the saddle ridin.
I hope to get a few pictures of the snow and all so people will feel sorry for me. So, stay tuned.
on a bit warmer day...I'll catch ya on the road
Since the Polar bear ride the weather has been fickle to put it mildly. I made a couple of trips into work with the temps hitting the middle 50's. Just about the time I began to think that maybe this winter would be ridable, well...this morning is 11 degrees. Snow is falling and there is just something that makes me think that a ride is out for a few days.
I'm doing a lot of catching up today and hope to get out and at least check on the bike. Ya know, one of those "bikin" days where you walk with your swagger cause you aint in the saddle ridin.
I hope to get a few pictures of the snow and all so people will feel sorry for me. So, stay tuned.
on a bit warmer day...I'll catch ya on the road
Saturday, January 1, 2011
January 1, 2011 Polar bear gathering
365 Group (f)
This years Polar bear gathering was attended by only two hale and hearty riders, me and Luther.
It was a lot of fun for me...as they always are. The temperature was 24 degrees and it was a beautiful sunny day.
Luther was all saddled up on his Bandit and I rode the Turnip, "miss tilley".
We pulled out from the local cafe/gas station in downtown Goshen for the easy seven or eight miles down to the Mexican place. I had been having some problems with the turnip and it's driver side carb. It was chugging and popping and all that unless I was up to highway speeds. But we were mostly on a highway so it wasn't too bad.
It was a great ride down and when we got there we were greeted by Christy at the door. she seemed to think that I should have been wearing gloves or something as my hands seemed cold. I showed her my gloves and she seated us.
The lunch was really good and seemed to go by quickly. Since no one else showed up by the time we had finished we called an adjournment and headed back to the house.
Really it wasn't all that bad to me. I didn't once hear Luther complain so I'm thinking it was a good day to ride.
So, today ended the 2010 riding season and starts the 2011 season.
Hope to catch ya on the road.
This years Polar bear gathering was attended by only two hale and hearty riders, me and Luther.
It was a lot of fun for me...as they always are. The temperature was 24 degrees and it was a beautiful sunny day.
Luther was all saddled up on his Bandit and I rode the Turnip, "miss tilley".
We pulled out from the local cafe/gas station in downtown Goshen for the easy seven or eight miles down to the Mexican place. I had been having some problems with the turnip and it's driver side carb. It was chugging and popping and all that unless I was up to highway speeds. But we were mostly on a highway so it wasn't too bad.
It was a great ride down and when we got there we were greeted by Christy at the door. she seemed to think that I should have been wearing gloves or something as my hands seemed cold. I showed her my gloves and she seated us.
The lunch was really good and seemed to go by quickly. Since no one else showed up by the time we had finished we called an adjournment and headed back to the house.
Really it wasn't all that bad to me. I didn't once hear Luther complain so I'm thinking it was a good day to ride.
So, today ended the 2010 riding season and starts the 2011 season.
Hope to catch ya on the road.
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