Bikin-Ridin-NWA

Puzzled

2012-01-27T19:55:00.001-08:00

I have come across something unusual in my daily riding. This morning my thermometer, the dial up weather line and the interweb all said it was around 27 degrees. It's been this cold or colder when I headed out a few mornings lately. Now the thing I dont understand is, why it doesnt feel cold like it has in years past as I rode to work or where ever. I head out as I have in the past and it feels more like I'm riding in early spring weather. This morning at about 65 MPH I was fairly comfortable. More so than I was last winter riding everyday. I've tried to explain this to people lately and they just blow it off as I'm just braging (as, I'm told, although I just cant imagine it, 'bikers' are sometimes known to do). I'm not complaining but I truly am puzzled. {Could this be "Global warming"?}
This morning, as I mentioned, I had a good ride. However it was real short as my old machine was tying all the knots and it was only thirteen miles. Traffic was with me all the way. Even the traffic lights in town were on my side for a change. The day got up fairly warm and it just made me want to get out on the road. Seems that always happens when I absolutely cant take the day off.
My ride in this afternoon was as good if not better than my morning one. Traffic was with me all the way. (Funny. As warm as it was I still didnt see any other bikes though.) The only Cop I saw was going the same way and was way ahead of me. I wish all my riding days were like this.
I have a few more minor corrections, like maybe some brakes,(jury's still out on that one though) to make on my old bike. I'm begining to believe that, finally, after much time and lots of head scratching and prayer it'll be back to a dependable daily condition. Not too bad on an old ride thats just turned 30.
To quote a five year boy that is much wiser than his years. Standing in a crowd with his dad listening to their conversation about motorcycles he was heard to say " old iron is best because it's just gooder."

catch ya on the road

rant

2012-01-26T08:16:00.001-08:00

Theres something about people in this area...kind of a narrow mindedness. This morning it was 41 dregrees with a light mist falling. I rode my bike in. People I've never met before have been coming up all morning saying "how come you didnt drive your truck like you did yesterday?" I have to then explain that yesterday I drove because a friend asked me to deliver a canoe for him. Then I have to go through the same old tired nonsence I hear if the weather is less than perfect for THEM. I would love to always have perfect weather to ride in but hey, we are in North Arkansas, we're lucky we got weather the way it changes. If I were to wait on good weather 1. I wouldnt ever get in any riding 2. I'd be like most people around this area...own a ten year old bike that is still brand new and only has 2700 miles on it. So I ride. Anytime I have the chance.
This mornings ride was a real good one. The actual rain had stopped before I got on the road. I did get a few sideways glances from people. I had an air rifle strapped on for a friend of mine. Seems weapons,any kind, always gets attention. There wasnt any traffic to speak of just a great time motoring along. I delivered the "bull-mouse-alo" shooter and tooled on over to work.
Late in the morning I had a couple of people tell me they had saw me a few days ago and ask about the new lady in my life. One even said he'd heard that I was running with a fast woman. I'm not saying anything just yet, telling everyone that it's a private matter. Nobodies business and it's more fun to watch them lose a crop watching mine.
All in all, today,so far, was a good day for riding and I thank the Lord for it. Now if the evening is as good...well I may be late getting home.
catch ya on the road

Remembering a true 'wild one.'

2012-01-23T19:07:00.001-08:00

Today I made a chilly 70 mile ride back to my home town. A life long member of the community had past away and I was headed back to go to the funeral.
I had a good ride over and all but I had kind of a sadness over me the whole trip.
This old man was 82 when he passed. For the last twenty or twentyfive years he had a very long snow white "mountain man" beard. Top that off with a pair of overalls and you kind of get a picture of what he looked like.
He knew me all of my life and at times we were very close. I remember what first made him seem so different from everyone else in town...he and his wife had moved to California for a few years. When he moved back, well...he didnt just settle in to the local lifestyle like all of his brothers and others in town. One day I saw him blasting down the road on a fairly new looking Yamaha 305 scrambler. Seems a friend from out west brought it down and ended up leaving it with him to 'take care of.' The way he ripped around and the way people talked about his rippin (that was something my dad and others that age wouldnt do) made him 'too cool' to an eleven year old.
Now flash forward about ten years. I was home from school and he comes driving up to my house. He wanted me to go test ride a little motorcycle he was thinking of buying. I jumped in and the little bike turned out to be a Yamaha RD 350. I rode it around some and laid out what I thought for him. He paid up and we loaded it. As he dropped me off I warned him that the RD was one fast bike. To this day I remember his grin as he headed home.
A couple of years later he laid it down and got pretty "road rashed." Enough to make him stop riding the way he told it.
A couple of years after that it came up that he still had the bike. He'd had it fixed and parked it in his basement. I was between rides and had met a beautiful girl...who liked to ride around on a little Yamaha street bike. I asked if he'd sell it, just making conversation as I had heard he'd turned down several offers for it. When I told him why I wanted he grinned and got me the title. I rode it around for a while chasing around after and ended up giving it to my future wife as a present.
Yes my uncle Conley was one of the originals. A wild one before it was fashonable. He showed me a side of life that I'm just pretty sure only uncles are suppose to. I am so proud he took the time.
On the ride home I offered my prayers for my uncle and hoped someday I'd have a grin like that plasterd all over my face.

catch ya on the road

mixed emotions

2012-01-02T07:53:00.000-08:00

A group of my friends and I gathered together to say goodbye to a riding companion. It was sad occasion even though the group acted more like they were at a party. Something a kin to an Irish wake. In their own way each remember things and places visited, further cementing memories of their time spent with the departed.

With this years Polar Bear Ride we sadly said goodbye to the 2011 riding season.

On a happy note. The same group welcomed in the 2012 riding season with much 'pomp and circumstance.' (everybody seemed pompy & circumstancy to me)
We had a good lunch and a great ride after just to kick 2012 to a decent start.
Luther, Louis,Emily,Steve,Johnny,Zack & Wes all made the cut and are Polar Bears.
With the Lords blessing the coming years riding is going to be great.
catch ya on the road

short ride, but well worth it.

2011-12-15T17:26:00.000-08:00

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

By the light of the silvery moon

2011-12-10T19:09:00.001-08:00

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

back in the saddle again

2011-12-02T22:32:00.001-08:00

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

Non issues and the odd conspricy

2011-11-05T12:18:00.001-07:00

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

Bullet Proof

2011-11-03T19:28:00.000-07:00

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 actualy kind of nice. No wind made it cool not cold.
I straped 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. "Thats 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 verticle 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 didnt see another bike anywhere and to me thats just sad. People just dont 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 dont 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

Elk on a pension

2011-10-30T22:58:00.001-07:00

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

another day in paradise

2011-10-27T11:56:00.001-07:00

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

Travel light

2011-10-25T09:35:00.001-07:00

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

Regular

2011-10-22T23:15:00.001-07:00

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

2011-10-19T21:44:00.001-07:00

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

my ride

2011-10-19T11:11:00.001-07:00

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

3-28-11

2011-03-28T18:27:00.000-07:00

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

3/27/11

2011-03-27T08:17:00.000-07:00

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

3-24-11

2011-03-22T07:44:00.001-07:00

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

3/20/11

2011-03-20T09:39:00.000-07:00

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

3-14-11

2011-03-14T10:34:00.001-07:00

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 arent 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 didnt 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 circut 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. Could'nt 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

3/10/11

2011-03-10T07:02:00.000-08:00

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

3-7-11

2011-03-07T09:20:00.000-08:00

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

3/6/11

2011-03-06T06:21:00.000-08:00

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

3/3/11

2011-03-03T07:30:00.001-08:00

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

3-2-11

2011-03-02T04:08:00.000-08:00

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

3-1-11

2011-03-01T08:07:00.001-08:00

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

2-28-11

2011-02-28T08:53:00.001-08:00

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

2-25-11

2011-02-25T07:23:00.001-08:00

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.

2-22-11

2011-02-22T23:05:00.001-08:00

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

2-21-11

2011-02-21T06:57:00.001-08:00

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

2/20/11

2011-02-20T07:22:00.000-08:00

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

2-15-11

2011-02-15T07:30:00.001-08:00

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

2/13/11

2011-02-13T22:48:00.001-08:00

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

2/9/11

2011-02-09T16:43:00.000-08:00

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

1/31/11

2011-01-31T19:34:00.000-08:00

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.

Snow day...aaaagain

2011-01-20T10:05:00.000-08:00

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)

1/11/11 cold!!

2011-01-11T08:05:00.000-08:00

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

January 1, 2011 Polar bear gathering

2011-01-01T12:11:00.000-08:00

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.

Cool morning 12/27/10

2010-12-27T06:16:00.000-08:00

365 Group (f)

This morning was around 15 degrees when I got up around 5 a m. Way too cool for a ride but the weather channel showed promise for mid day and late afternoon.

I had started out to work when the body went south on me and I had to make some adjustments and take the day off. This back and forth in the weather plays with my body and it aint pretty. So kicking around the house I got started on a couple of small projects in preparation for the Polar Bear ride. The passenger side carburetor seems to need a good scrubbing "AAAAAgain". As it warms up I'm hitting on that.
I'm hoping that a good washing out will take care of the carburetors and get me by till a lot warmer weather. Anyway, I started washing out the carbs with spray cleaner and thought that I was doing a real good job. A friend called me and while we chatted he casually told me to try warming the carbs as I hosed them out. One of those "what the heck" deals that sort of made sense as he rattled it off. I went and got and old hair dryer and have it propped up to warm things up while I set inside and force myself to look out the window over another cup of coffee at the whole thing. I'm hoping that the warm metal hit by the cool spray will cause more trash to break loose and wash out. If not, well at least I'll have it warm enough to fool with. Who knows? I might even be able to limp it up to the Cline Motor Works world headquarters and beg for help.

catch ya on the road

12/11/10 short ride

2010-12-11T12:50:00.000-08:00

After feeding the hounds I decided to go out for breakfast. The thermometer showed a whopping 54 degrees and I could live with that.

I messed around a little getting ready and all that and never saw the clouds roll in. By the time I got out it was getting dark and cooling off. A light drizzle had started as well. Looking at the clouds I started rethinking things. I decided to just run down to the local cafe for a bite instead of running into town.
The bike fired up like champ. I'm either getting better or it's getting broken in finally. I'm always amazed at how the bike sounds with those glass packs on a cool still morning. This morning I just let it idle and listened.
I bounced down to the street and eased on out for breakfast. The early morning mist had made the roads wet and with my skinny back tire they were mildly slick. That made for a relaxed ride.
Breakfast hit the spot and after I sat around and listened to the locals shoot the breeze. I'm always amazed at how I"m able to live without knowing all the local gossip. It's quite apparent that I was not in the know.
Just as I was about to leave I got a message from sidekick asking if I'd like a jug of eggnog. Well, yep. So I sat around drinking coffee until she showed up. We visited for a few and she gave me a Delicious jug of eggnog. She headed out to work and I tooled back to the house.
Was a real short ride...but it was still better than driving the car or worse, no ride at all. I'm hoping the tomorrow is a little dryer and I can get on down the road.
catch ya on the road

12/9/10 early morning ride

2010-12-09T17:14:00.000-08:00

365 Group (f)

31 degrees this morning.

I had a feeling that today's ride in would be a good one even at the temperature. I wasn't wrong. I did have to thaw out my bike a little but hey, that's all part of it around here. Took about ten minutes to get everything warmed up and running. In the early morning still the old bike sounded like it was really ready to go.
I suited up and hit the road. I was leaving out a lot earlier than normal so there was no traffic to speak of. It was great!
As I eased my way out of town I blasted a right away trimming crew that were gathered at the station. They all just stared as I rode by.
I made my little run to the mountain in what seemed like "double quick" time. the air just didn't seem all that cold and I just kept it wound up.
Running around the lake it got a little nippy but not anything you couldn't deal with.
Tooling along thinking that I surely had the title for today I just generally had a good time all the way over to the Parkway. Once I got on the Parkway I picked up a little traffic. Other than a few cars it was a great straight shot across town to work.
Rolling up to the first light I saw my shot at the title crumble... a crazy on a Victory went slithering by to the North. Well I was still in good spirits. It's always good to know that your not the only one. All total I saw three other bikes on the road. Not bad for the temperatures and especially in this area.
My run up the parkway was nice. The bike just seemed to float along. Hope this continues. It's always better to ride than herd the car.
Pulling into work I found myself already ready to be back on the road home.

catch ya on the road

last few days 12-4-10

2010-12-05T06:27:00.000-08:00

365 Group (f)

These last few days have really been fickle weather wise. Thursday was 28 degrees when I headed out. Friday was 26. Saturday was 47. Now today is 25 at 7:15. I'm telling you, winter is almost here in North Arkansas.
This past Friday peaked out around 60 degrees and made for some good riding. I managed to get out in a gap in the traffic after work and made it across the little metro area without getting splattered. It was even a good ride in the sparse traffic. I had some hungry dogs at the "housey-enda" so I detoured and picked up a bag of chunks. At the Grocery store I gathered a few sideways looks as I strapped on the bag. (People...what can you do with em?) The ride on to the house was good and smooth. I pulled into the drive just as that old feeling of "lets keep going" was just settling in.
Saturday morning I headed out into some pretty decent morning weather. I had a couple of errands to run. The bike jumped to life on the first kick. Again I am amazed that with it's age and my mechanical ability it fires up on one kick. Whatever the reason I'll take it.
The morning was clear and sunny bright,just a real pleasure to be out in. Riding was just a major plus. I tooled down and hit all the local spots and got everything mailed and topped off. After all that I figured it was time for a little breakfast. I ordered breakfast at the little cafe and while I was waiting on it I was joined by a lady friend of mine, "sidekick". I invited her to join me and we had a pretty nice meal and good conversation for quite a while.
After all the eating and socializing I fired up and ran over to work to look over some construction. The ride was just about perfect. I found myself really longing after summer as I went through the cool shady spots. Ah well, it's only about three months away.
Heading back to the house I took my time and ran some of the back roads I hadn't been on in a while. It's good to just slow down and get out of the normal routine sometimes. Especially when you run out of road and kind of figure out you might be lost.

catch ya on the road

Winter is inching up 12-2-10

2010-12-02T16:34:00.000-08:00

365 Group (f)

Today was a good riding day.
It started out a little cool at 28 degrees but it worked out really well.
I headed out in the morning chill to the bank and gas station. I figured that if I made it that far without freezing up then I could make the rest of the way. At the bank I hit the ATM and grabbed some gas money. A short hop over to the station to top off and grab a biscuit.
The lady working the counter said "that's sad" as I paid for everything. When I ask what was sad she said that everyone knows you and they've quit asking you if your cold. Yep! I've hit a milestone.
I pulled out on the highway and wound up. In the cold air the old bike ran really well. Before I knew it I was hitting 70 and really not out of town. At that speed my nose went numb pretty quick so I pulled over and dug out my mask. Ahhhhh...Warm!
The rest of the way over to the mountain was a smooth keeping up with traffic kind of thing.
Running around the lake wasn't as bad as I figured it would be. Actually the temp stayed about the same. I made really good time even with all my stops.
I pulled onto the parkway ahead of some crazy acting traffic and began my run toward work. All along the parkway I saw crazy people. Cell phoning, coffee drinking, makeup applying crazies. Every one of them looked at me like I had a bulls eye on my back. But today I wasn't having none of it. Every traffic light was in my favor and at about 15 over they just couldn't seem to get me.
Sadly, I had to stop playing games with the early morning traffic as my turn off for work came up. I putted into the mill and gave thanks for a great ride.
I guess, as bad as I don't want it to be...winter is upon us. However, that don't slow down the riding. As "Charlie" says gitchya some!"

catch ya on the road

Friends a blessing from God

2010-10-28T18:46:00.000-07:00

Ten 9 Twelve

3

365 Group (f)

38 degrees this morning. Felt good as I bounced down the drive way.

This morning I had a side trip to make that got me out just as the sun was starting to peak out. I hit the highway and headed East for a quick run over to Harrison.

Traffic at this hour was sparce and that was nice. I wound the old gal up once I got on 412 and managed to keep it at about 75 most of the way down, making for a quick run over.

A friend had found an old Royal Enfield for sale. The price sounded right so I had to go and check it out.

By the time I pulled into Harrison it was starting to warm some making for a better ride. I tooled through town and found a fast food place to kill a few minutes as I was badly in need of coffee and was just a little early.

After many cups of pretty good coffee and a couple of trips to the restroom I was tanked enough to get out and find this diamond in the rough.

After about 45 minutes of side streets with no luck I flagged down a sleepy looking cop and asked him where I needed to be.

Finally I pulled into the driveway of where my next treasure lay just waiting for me.

I cut the engine and sat for a second looking the place over and then went and knocked on the door. I'm here about the motorcycle you have for sale...

The guy, Lenny, looked a little surprised. "I ain't got no motorcycle, just a bunch of parts that was here when we moved in". OK, a basket case, that'll work.

He led me around to the back of the house and opened the doors to the basement.

There it lay, Two boxes of parts. Mostly bicycle parts. Altho there was a tank off a Honda Q 50 in the mess.

Thinking that I had maybe heard wrong I told him the story I had been told and he replied buy rummaging through one of the boxes and coming out with a neck badge from a bicycle that said Royal Flyer on it.

I kind of stood for a minute and thought that I maybe need to get a hearing aid.

Finally Lenny just couldn't take it any more and started laughing. He told me that David had set me up. He in fact had an Enfield but had seriously found out what shape it was in and what it was worth. He'd sent it to a place in Eureka Springs for an estimate to get it back on the road.

Now that I knew I didn't need hearing help we discussed what would possess such a nice feller like him to throw in with the seedy likes of my (use the term loosely) friend David to pull something like this on an obviously nice feller such as me. It seems that my buddy David thought this would be funny and would remind me of when we were younger. After a few minutes, it did. Lenny also said that David told him that I would need that tank. Well, OK, yeah, I can use the tank.

It was a good start to my day. 196 miles. If the tank doesn't leak too bad it'll look good on my kz at bike night or somewhere equally important. Lenny took my name and number in case the Enfield went higher than he could afford. So, there's still a chance...

Now the really fun part...figuring out how long to wait before leaving a message on my buddies machine about a barn fresh something or other that he just cant live with out.

catch ya on the road

Pizza

2010-10-24T18:51:00.000-07:00

Ten 9 Twelve 3
Polarbear

365 Group (f)

Today I got a call from the boy. He was wanting to get together for lunch at a new Pizza place he'd found. Sounded good to me.
It had been a whole 8 to 10 hours since I had a ride and the weather was just about perfect. So I jumped on the kicker and headed out to gas up. Once I got out and moving I noticed how windy it was. Really if there hadn't been all that cross wind it would have been perfect.
I killed a little time at the gas station and when I finally pulled out I managed to fall in behind a bunch of bikes. We tooled along at about 40 for a couple of miles. It finally dawned on me that they were operating at the max end of their comfort zone. As much as I enjoyed poking along, I had lunch waiting on me a few miles down the road. As I leaned out and went around I noticed that the whole bunch seemed to be one family. Grandparents down to the youngins. That was just too cool.
I would have liked to visit with them some if I'd had the time.
The ride on down to the Pizza joint was smooth even with the wind. Just about like early summer.
I finally located the place on Dickson Street and realized that I'd passed it several times and never gave it much thought. It sets back off the street and is kind of easy to pass on by.
After finding a parking place I managed to get in ahead of a bunch of very young giggling college girls and located the boy.
We had an excellant meal. (I highly recommend the Cheeseburger Cheeseburger Pizza)Afterward we visited a bunch about his bike and made arrangement to get out to me for repairs. He kind of let it go in a couple of areas while he was in Irac. That out of the way he roared off to homework and I headed back toward the house.
With a little luck I'll have his bike back on the road in a day. The biggest problem is getting it out here. Neither of us have a truck or trailer. But it's all good. It'll come together.
It was a short ride only managed 27 miles. But I had fun.

catch ya on the road

Rallys and ridin around

2010-10-24T06:28:00.000-07:00

ten 9 Twelve
3

365 group (f)

Since the Bikes,Blues and Bar B Que rally I have been doing lots of riding. Several miles and going really nowhere. Usually I would start out to work with a great early morning ride in cool weather. The end of the day was usually a little warmer and made for some of the best riding. A lot of days there were errands to run, parts to pick up and things like that. Then there were little side trips that were only going to be a few miles to be able to say that I had actually had a ride somewhere. These are the evenings that turned into getting home in the middle of the night. Add all of those little trips up and it came to just a little over 1700 miles in a large trip of several days that really did go no where. But it was the end of summer and the weather was about the best for riding that we have here. It really was great. One evening it was a quick seventy miles to show a friend the Natural bridge at Alum Cove National forest recreational area.

Other times it was a breakneck run to the barbecue joint. Ya know how it goes, last one there buys.
All of this is a preparation for the really big event in the riding year in NW Arkansas...

the Polar Bear Ride.
January 1. With only one cancelling factor, ice on the road, for a select few this is the one event that defines the year for a rider. For others it's "just too cold" to get out. (as in the year the temps hit the lower 50's)

It's not much. Not a poker run or anything organised. You just saddle up and head out to a local restaurant to be counted as one who rode. You even get to buy your own lunch. However you do get to stand in any crowd and puff your chest out and say "yep! I'm a polar bear."
catch ya on the road

Another run through the hills

2010-10-10T16:33:00.000-07:00

365 Group (f)

Everything had settled down around here for the most part. That meant it was time for another run through the hills.
At about 8 am on Saturday 10/09/10 I sent a message to some friends and relatives that said they wanted to go for an over night trip the next time I went. I put it pretty plainly "the herd is leaving and if your not part of it your still standing at the trough". No one showed.
I pulled out around eight thirty and headed toward Hwy 412. I had another witch doctor appointment at the clinic in Harrison to have my blood boiled at ten and after that I didn't have any real plan. With no one with me I decided to just wander.
After the ceremonial rattling of bones, grunting and all that went with it, they finally told my chaperon that I could go with the warning that I probably shouldn't drive. That's DRIVE....no where at any time did anyone say one word about riding. Seriously I was doing pretty good as I slept through most of the deal.
Now the trip actually began and as everyone knows a trip can be measured by the food you find along the way. This one was going to be a good one.

I left Harrison and headed down hwy 7 South. The day was just perfect for riding. Even the car traffic seemed behaved. I didnt have a plan in mind and no one along to help me make one so I just ambled here and there.
I managed to stop here and there and visit old friends. I even got to take a few pictures of the country side.

At about the 300 mile mark I found myself pulling into my place at Deer. I had been a few months since I had been down and visited with family and friends. I managed to catch us some and had a really good dinner with mom. When I woke up the next morning I felt like I had been on a battery charger all night. After visiting a bit over breakfast I decided to head straight back to the house and work some on my other bike.
I was making great time. The bike was running good...like it was firing on both cylinders. I was doing so good I pulled off at a rest area to drink some water and wave at the tourists that were riding through. Thats when this trip went south as they say.

I looked at a cord spot on a fairly new back tire. This was not a good thing as I was still about 75 miles from the house. I was also about that far from anywhere else. To top everything off I was in a cell phone dead spot for several miles. Finally as I sipped water I decided to make a run toward the house. I fired up and hit the road taking it easy for about 20 miles. Thats when it hit me, The shop is open today. I began to feel better as I thought about all the other things that had broken on trips and I managed to "get on down the road".
I pulled into the shop and checked on when I had bought the tire, Doing a little figuring, all I has on the tire was about six thousand miles. Phil at Majestic Power Sports looked for me another tire and found that he didnt have one in stock. We kicked things around and finally found a front tire for a sport bike that would work. And work it did. It even looked kind of cute on there.
I settled up with Phil and eased out on the highway. I decided to run it down the highway for a while so I could get used to how it rode before I got into any curves. I was surprised. That skinny tire held the road good and did real well in the cures.

I pulled into the house and noted 478 miles. It had been a good trip even with the tire.

catch ya on the road

Bikes, Blues & Bar B Que 2010

2010-10-06T19:35:00.000-07:00

Bikes, Blues & Bar B Que...Arkansas answer to Sturgis. At least that's how one fellow explained it to me outside a pub on Dickson street at the height of this years rally. Take into consideration that he had, by his own admission, had one too many shots of "Makers Mark".
This years rally was for me a lot more fun than years past as it seemd to be less crowded. Dickson Street is about half a mile long where the rally is held and to have several thousand people tramping back and forth is an experience.
I had met a group of folks at last years rally that liked my photographs and my explanation of them so this year they asked if I would shoot the whole thing for them. As many as I could or wanted to. Heck! They were even paying me. So I dusted off my trusty sony and rounded up several spare memory sticks.
All in all I came away with a bunch of new friends from various parts of the country and around 400 shots of the get together.

Along the street were just about every kind of bike you could have ask for. As they say "something for everyone". Mostly it seemed that the baggers were the prefered ride of the masses but there were a few unique and unusual rides sprinkled through out.

to be continued...once I finish getting my duckies in a row.

Old Friends

2010-08-28T09:05:00.000-07:00

365 Group (f)
Just ridin around

These last couple of mornings have been on the real cool side . Low to mid sixties as I head out to work. Compared to leaving out in the high seventies where within a few miles your riding in the 80’s and 90’s, they are keepers.
The triple digit days have been killer with the humidity . Just sitting at a traffic light hurt.
8/27/10
I pulled out for work wearing an extra wind breaker and some gloves. With the lower temperatures welcome they do seem play hell with the Arthritis.
It was going to be a short day today and I headed in a little early with my plan being to get payroll over with as soon as possible and make the day even shorter. I was heading down to the Pig Trail for a quick ride down to Ozark to meet a friend that was riding through on 40.
Finally work was over and I headed out. I made good time at that hour running across the city to Hwy 16. Once I got on Hwy 16 I rolled out to Elkins and even managed to make it through town with out getting stopped. Once out of Elkins I opened up and really enjoyed the ride over to Hwy 23.
I really enjoy this ride through this area. Especially the Pig Trail. Some of the best riding in my area with the tight curves on the mountain. Today was exceptionally good as there wasn’t any real traffic this early in the day.
I made good time down to Ozark and only had to wait about forty five minutes on Matt. Matt and I have known each other for a bunch of years. It had been a couple of years since we’d been able to get together so this trip worked out really well. He was taking part of the summer traveling the country, blacking out a few more states on the map.
I was into my third cup of time killing coffee when I herd a low rumble coming up the access road to the Gas station. Matt pulled up on a big new shiny Yamaha Road liner or whatever their biggest model is called. He had a million dollar grin on his face and what looked like everything you could imagine tied on the bike. The first thought that came to my mind was, “son…why didn’t you just rent an RV?” He laughed and said “I did give it some thought.” Turned out it was all camping gear as he’d been hitting the campgrounds instead of motels.
We gassed up and rolled up to the square to a little café that usually has good food and spent the next couple of hours catching up.
Finally it was time to get out and walk around some and we headed out to the bikes. Matt was in rare form saying “hey isn’t that the bike you had in high school?” I had to counter with “what’s it like running all over the country in a Winnebago pretending to be a biker?” We both busted up laughing and I think we gave the small town cop cause to give us a second look.
Matt was planning on making some campground around Memphis by evening so it was time to head out. I told him that since I was older now days I had more compassion for people than I used to. Due to this fact I was prepared to ride along with him for a few miles and class up his act. Just in case anyone saw him. I also pointed out that I hadn’t saw anyone as in need of “classin up” as bad as he was in years. He got an all serious look on his face and dropped his voice an octave and said “ hey, will that thing run interstate speed?”
We pulled out on 40 and headed toward Russellville. It was like we were kids again. We played chase for several miles and just had a blast.
Finally we settled into a seventy MPH sweet spot and just cursed along.

At the Hwy 7 exit we pulled in at a gas station to top off and say goodbye. Matt And I talked a bit over a cup of coffee and he said he was thinking about coming to the Bikes, Blues & Barbeque Rally at the end of the month. I kicked over the bike and told him he had a place to stay if he made it and pulled out on to Hwy 7 and headed North.
The ride up 7 was a good one as always. Crooked and steep and made for a bike.
I finally rolled into the house as the sun was just down. Matt made his campground about the same time.

I got in about 430 miles give or take a few. Got to spend some time with and old friend and generally had one of the best days I’ve had this summer.

Catch ya on the road

"Monkey Wards"

2010-08-22T09:50:00.000-07:00

365 Group (f)

8-20-10
I had another appointment to keep the Doctors kids tuition shored up so I saddled up an headed out. Since it was an afternoon appointment and only 80 miles I got a very lazy start.
The traffic on the road down, Highway 412, was light. Also the temperature was a lot cooler than it had been. Felt like the mid 70’s. Just an overall good day for riding.
My trip down went rather quickly and before I knew it I was rolling in to Harrison for phase one. After leaving a “half gallon” of blood with the nice folks at the Hospital I pulled out for phase two at my doctor. He’s a pretty cool guy and it wasn’t so bad dealing with him. (he only wanted a pint) With all the “doctorin” done I headed out to grab a burger.
I got a burger to go and started up the mountain out of Jasper. The sign said 7 percent grade, five miles of it. It was nice. A couple of real tight curves at the bottom that trucks have a lot of trouble with if they don’t get their speed in check at the beginning.
I made the mountain and decided on a stop at the Green Thumb over look to have lunch.
It was still fairly cool when I pulled in and the burger, after not being allowed to eat anything for almost 24 hours, was GREAT!!!! A pepper jack cheese burger with everything…umm…umm!
Pulling back out I made the eight miles on over to my place in Deer and decided to crash for the night.
Pulling into my lil old home town I noticed nothing had changed in the three months since my last visit. That was a good thing.
8-21-10
I had a good visit with the family. Ate some real food and generally felt like I always do when I’m here. (that I should move back)
Firing the bike up I pulled out for the Gas station to top off. I visited a bit with the station folks and got the nutshell version of what all was going on in the area. Man it was hard to head back out.
On the road I didn’t see another vehicle for twenty six miles. Just me and yes, it was very nice. The only other life form I saw was a deer. He ran along beside me for a ways until I explained that I didn’t pick up hitch hikers.
The temperature had been holding to the mild side until I dropped off the mountain into the Boxley valley. It felt like it jumped up 20 degrees. But still the bike was running nicely and I was on it so it was all good.
As I started down the last hill into Kingston I caught a glimpse of a bike behind one of the Antique shops. Turning around to get a better look at it I saw a man out with it. Rolling up to the fence I saw that it was the guy that had helped me when my throttle cable had went south on me on my last trip through. We chatted for a few and he invited me in to look over his 125 cc “Monkey – Wards” flier. He’s putting it back together to make a ridable display for his shop. So far it was looking good. He kicked it to life and it didn’t sound too bad. It’s a 1966 125 with a Benelli 2 stroke engine.
Seems like this guy has ridden for years and was now getting into the restoring of small machines.
I made a list of things he was looking for to finish out the little bike and headed out toward the house.
I made the last forty miles to the house in somewhat heavy traffic without getting splattered. Saturday evenings on 412 can be a pain.
Pulling into the house all the critters seemed to be happy to see me. Guess it really doesn’t get any better that this.
Just a short ride, around 250 miles.

Catch ya on the road

2010-08-16T16:37:00.000-07:00

365 Group (f)

8/15/10

Today I managed to get in around 30 miles just running errands locally. The heat wave that has hit the country makes it uncomfortable to ride anywhere.
In between my little local stuff I managed to get my Clementine out to the “Vet”. Hope that in a few days the weather will have broken and I can get out for a road test on her. It’s been nearly two years since she and I tore up the road and I’m kind of getting a “bigger bore” riding itch.
I have a couple of “scout” rides of places that the “ustawaz” and I had planned on riding to before she became a ustawaz. Just as soon as the temps drop some I hope to roll to a couple of them. Also, I’m hoping that will be before I go loopy from the AC. Conditioned air is good, but I seem to have a better tolerance for the fragrance of nature.
While riding today I had several people look over my old bike. That always tickles me. For one they cant believe how old it is and that its still running or that you can ride it with having to stop at every carwash you come to. The kick starter always impresses people. Mostly, its younger sport bike riders that give me the biggest chuckle. Especially when I get it across to them that there is more to riding than going fast. I tried to explain that this bike is a Japanese rip off of the English Twins from the 40’s through the early 70’s. Usually I have to say something like “Google British Motorcycles”. That seems to make sense to most of them. Today, I had one kid ask, due to my age and my old bike I’m sure, if I ever road with any of the famous clubs. Me, being me, couldn’t resist. “Yes, I rode with the Goshen Rat Riders”. “I’m a founding member, current officer and all around member in good standing”. He seemed to ponder it over a minute and then acted like he knew who the GRR were and seemed all impressed. I’m still chuckling about that one. (I’m sure that since there are only two of us, my one and only Rat rider brother Luther will find it amusing as well.)
Speaking of Luther. Since the bottom has fallen out of my world these last few months he has been the greatest friend and biggest help to me. He is a true friend and I thank God daily for him.

I met a young lady at a White Oak while I was gasing up that had actually read some of my stuff on Blogspot. She pointed out that I needed more pictures in my work to be a real “Blogger”. Seems all her friends blogs are all pictures. As a result of this informed conversation with an expert thirty five years my junior. I have decided that I don’t too much care for the term “Blogger” , as apparently I’m too old for the position, so I done some real mind bending thinking and come up with this…if John Wayne was a “Shootest”, well pilgrim, I think that makes me a “Blogest”. I believe that way it will make it easier for people, like they lady at the White Oak gas station, to understand why my stuff isn’t all modern cell phone pictures like someone they knows blog. Mine is an attempt to write about a particular subject. I think pictures should enhance what you have to say, not be all encompassing. I’m not knocking any ones work on a blog or whatever they want to call it, everybody needs to do there own thing. People either get your stuff or they don’t.
Tomorrow is at least a decent ride into work in the morning. Before the heat comes up its really nice to burn up a few morning miles. Especially if you can get out before the “heading to work crowd.” Its sort of licensed lunacy if you don’t. But still its fun. So I have that to look forward to as I put the finishing touches on today.

Catch ya on the road

8/14/10

2010-08-14T17:34:00.000-07:00

365 Group (f)

This morning the heat was down some and I was able to get out without feeling like I was in a toaster oven.
I loaded up my laptop and headed up to my friends shop. I wanted to do some work and also get the Virago ready for its trip to the “Vet”. After a couple of years I’m hoping it’s close to getting back on the road. Again, I’m hoping that a little carburetor work and a new set of fork seals will get me to the point that I can at least start rolling back and forth to work on it.
At the shop I couldn’t get a connection off the wireless system so that got put on hold. Besides its Saturday and nobody really wants to work on the weekend…do they??
After a little visiting I started tinkering the Virago. The battery was down so Luther suggested that we jump it from his truck. While he was maneuvering the truck in place I noticed gas dripping out of the front pipe. The front cylinder had flooded. We pulled the plug out and Luther turned the engine over to clear the gas out. I was a good six to eight feet away and got soaked with gas. Apparently it was full and I have a pretty fair amount of compression in my front cylinder. Everyone has one and MY opinion is that this 82 920 is the best mid size or single person road bike Yamaha has ever built. I’ve put it through its paces. Long and short trips. Rain sleet and snow. Never a let down.
After cleaning the plug with a torch, it fired up and sounded pretty good for a 28 year old with breathing problems. It had just over forty nine thousand miles when it quit me. Now I’m hoping to put at least that many more on it before something else takes it out of action.
We loaded the old gal in his truck and pretty much called it a day as the heat and humidity had risen noticeably. It even has an award winning Ford Escort Solenoid. A roadside design that in addition to providing tons and tons of class it actually works pretty well. One of those road side fixes that saved a bunch of bucks.
I reloaded Miss Tilley and headed down the hill toward the house to let my vermin out for a while. They always seem to appreciate it when I think of them.
Think that when the evening cool come around I'll ride down to the land of the big Cheese Burger and Wi Fi hotspot and try the work thing again.

“oh yeah, Bobbie, girl…your lips are moving as you read this.”

catch ya on the road

8/7/10 Piled up

2010-08-07T17:54:00.000-07:00

365 group (f)
I piled mine up on the road today

Yesterday I was out of the picture most of the day due to health complications. Spending a good riding day in bed just sort of sucks.

I did managed to get out later in the day and headed to the grocery store. It was starting to cool a bit. Just for grins and giggles I hit the electric starter and the old gal fired up. I was amazed since the starter hadn’t worked in years. One of those pesky little things I’ve been meaning to get to. But hey, the kicker works and at the time this was my back up ride, so it really wasn’t pressing. The traffic was light and as I got up to speed I actually started to feel a bit better.
Even under the weather the ten miles to the store was really a quick ride. By the time I got there I was feeling good enough to think about tacking on a few extra miles.
I did my “Chicken Soup” shopping and headed back out. It hit me how bad off I was when I went to jump on the kick starter.
I decided against tacking on a few miles and headed back to the house. It was a good easy ride back to the house. Almost…
Pulling to my drive I managed to do everything wrong as best I can tell. I managed to hit a large bed rock that as far as I can remember had never been unfriendly toward me in the past. Once I hit the rock the front tire bounced and the frame slammed the rock then I slammed the ground. That in itself wasn’t such a bad thing for me or the bike as far as any major damage. Kind of like one of those low speed “parking lot” or turning around “off balance drops”, embarrassing, more than anything else. Really embarrassing since I didn’t have the strength to pick it back up. I was about a hundred feet or so from my normal parking spot. Yep, really embarrassing.
I called a close friend and got the old gal righted. Looking it over and thinking I’d need to let it set for a while before I tried starting it, I walked to the house and called it a day. (if I was lucky someone would drive by and steal it)
This morning I got out late after the meds took hold. (the bike was still there, guess I’m not all that lucky.) I fired up and brought it on to the house to do damage assessment. Not too bad. Cracked signal light lens, bent cruse peg. I headed up to the shop and with a little help hammered it all back together.
Now I’m heading out for another med run and repair shake down. Little luck and it’ll all hold together.
Catch ya on the road

8/6/10 Dogfight Daze

2010-08-06T19:16:00.000-07:00

365 Group (f)
up and down the road again

Today was a blast. Work actually went by pretty mooth and was really over quickly. At least it seemed that way and I guess thats all that counts.

I had had a pretty fair ride in. Temps. were in I guess the mid 70's and apparently too cold for everyone else to ride as I didnt see any one else on a bike. I live in an area where most of the riders I know look for those perfect conditions to ride. I guess it's so their ride will be most memorable?
I had such a good time at work that I planned an evening ride to burn up a few miles and make the trip to the house a wee bit more fun.
Pulling out from work I hit an open spot in traffic and started the stop light shuffle. Coming up to the third light as it turned green I was attacked and found myself in a rather serious dog fight with a onry female on a GSXR. It was intense! Traffic light to traffic light as fast as I could. I knew that once we got out of the lights I was toast but hey, still had three left to go so I was doing what I could to make the best showing my 33 year old ride could. I was also having a great time and wondering why I wasnt being pulled over by the local "big hats." Never one to dwell on such I powered on.
Finally we rolled up to the last light and gearing down it changed to green. Luck was with me and I was in second which gave me the take off I needed. She was still running in a higher gear and didnt see the light until I was gone. "yippie ki yea"
She caught me as I hit 80 and insultingly rode along with me till it was over. Just as I hit the "ton" she, like all the firery ladies in my life, waved bye bye and was gone.
The rest of my ride home was just about perfect. Kind of really relaxing.
After pulling in at the house I inspected my machine for damage from this "dog fight" seems she shot off the driverside nose cone on my glass pack. Ah well. Something for tomorrows tinkering.

catch ya on the road

7/31/10 A lazy day

2010-07-31T19:46:00.000-07:00

365 Group (f)
Herding up and down the road...again

Today was a great day for riding so I did. Not too far mind you but it was a good one.
I fired up the bike and headed out to the Cline Motor Works World Headquarters.
It was a quick ride and as I started getting into it it was time to pull in.
I made my way to the R&D section to get a look at what was new on the block. This trip it was a Dual Sport Goldwing. I for one was impressed! It looked like the best of both worlds. After all the work is done I should be able to get a few pictures of it. Right now, since it's still in the development stages, it's best that I don't.
After chatting up their lead designer, Luther, for a while I tinkered my old Virago a bit and finally gave up as the humidity was in a killer mode. I am hoping to finish it off soon and get to herding it around some.
Before I knew it it was time to get back on the road again. I got the dates for the annual polishing of the chrome for this year. (The polishing of the chrome is an annual event that to the hale and hearty among us rates up there with Daytona and that bagger fest in South Dakota.) Thinking to myself it should be a good one this year, I headed out.
Leaving Clines I headed east and logged a few miles looking over some minor bone yards and check with a few of the local riders in my quest for parts to finish off the Virago. Parts are coming slowly but they are coming together.
Now as I pursue a cup of coffee at a White Oak Station I'm using the other hand to type this and, hey, it's all good.
I got a 10 mile pud run ahead of me so......
catch ya on the road

7-11-10 Ridin around

2010-07-11T11:11:00.000-07:00

365 Group (f)
Still herding mine around

I started out in a big wait this morning. An acquaintance said that she had bought a tasty older triumph and all that. I was planning to end this weekends festivities at Eureka Springs and invited her to ride over. She didn't make it and it was getting hotter so I pulled out.

The traffic was unusually heavy for this hour of a Sunday morning so I had more of an intense ride over than normal. Seems like the heat has brought out the "idjits." Most of them seemed to be pulling a boat, texting and in my lane. I finally made it over to Eureka ant the traffic was worse than the ride over. I made my way down through town and figured that I'd have to fight my way around, decided to give it up and go find a quick burger. The burger place wasn't too crowded and I got in and out pretty quick. I got it to go so I could get out of town and back toward the house as it was now really hot. With all the recent rains, humidity is killer today.

On my way out of town I found some riders beside the road looking over a map. I pulled in and found out that they werent lost, "just looking over their options". They were looking to run over toward Harrison and then up to Branson for Silver Dollar City and all that. I ate my burger and put them on the Hwy 62 fast track. No sense trying to "un lost" them any more than they were.

Running back toward the house I met several bikes and everything looked like they were trying to get back to a shady spot. I ambled along stopping here and there for a couple of pictures.

Since this morning really didn't go like I wanted with the heat, I plan to get back out later this afternoon. Maybe get in a few miles and have a good something or other for dinner?

The Richland creek bridge coming into town. The water looked low when I went through. I walked out and, yep! it was low alright. Normally it has a bunch more water in it. It's been so hot around here lately that even this little dab of wet looks sooo good.

Around 760 very quick miles. Maybe more?

Catch ya on the road

7-8-10 Another day in Gods country

2010-07-08T16:05:00.000-07:00

365 Group (f)
Yep! I rode mine today

Today was a great day! The ride into work was about as good as a ride into work could be. Cool and light traffic, all too short.

I had a couple of old friends from my Texas days call out of the blue and ask if I wanted to get together. Seems that they had been riding a little and been promising their wives a trip. They wondered if I'd like to ride South and meet up with them? I thought it all over and since they twisted my arm and I cant take the pain, I "reluctantly" agreed to meet them. It sounded like the old days before everyone got all famous and started wearing a big hat when they "crooned" . We would just start and ride until we ran into each other. Should be all kinds of fun. So my weekend should be a good one.

The rain started for real a couple of hours before I left work. Good and slow. The area needed it so I cant complain. I pulled on my rain gear and plowed out into the after work rush. I'm here to tell ya, I had fun. Almost as much fun as that"kid that was shooting my face with a bb gun". Seriously, It was a good ride, even with the rain. I met a couple on a Harley and they were soaked to the bone and beyond. As we sat, waiting on a green light, they did say that "as miserable as it was, they were having a blast. They were from Springfeild, Mo and had been over killing the day at Eureka Springs.
My ride home was pretty uneventful and kind of soggy by the time I got to the house. I did notice that on days like this, I really enjoy the looks I get from people. Ya know. The "that boy ain't got good sense" looks.

(Alright Gary, I'll be heading your way tomorrow evening. See ya about Texarkana.)

So all in all, today was a good riding day I don't care who ya are.

Catch ya on the road

7-3-10 Bikes, Babes& Bling

2010-07-03T14:57:00.000-07:00

365 Group (f)

I herded mine up and down the road today

This year is the first year for a new rally in my back yard. "Bikes, Babes and Bling," is geared toward the female rider.

Since it was so close to the house and I actually knew a couple of females that ride I figured that I could safely get away with showing up and taking a few pictures.

The morning started out really good for such a gathering. Warm and sunny. I grabbed up a couple of cameras and headed toward Fayetteville.

My ride over was a good one as I saw several bikes on the road and traffic was light.

Dickson street wasn't too congested when I got down there. There were several bikes parked along the streets. I found a space to park about midway of the block. Looking over the bikes, One kind of jumped out at me. I'm not too sure but this guy might be a spokesman for "John Deere".

The crowd was very small. I figured that it was probably due to the poker runs that were going on. As I made my way around I saw several vendors that covered most everything you could ask for in bike accessories. A bike show was going on and I wandered around taking a few pictures and finally I saw some locals that I knew. They told me that the threat of rain had send most of the local riders home. That plus the Rodeo of the Ozarks and two other organizations holding poker runs explained the very light turn out.

I managed to get some really good food at one of the local Mexican places and visited with a couple of locals and several riders from Kansas and Missouri.

The rain,mostly light, seemed to keep everyone away. It really wasn't that bad. Most of the people I saw were getting around in it with out too much trouble. I think this would have been a lot better if there hadn't been so much going on for it to compete with.

After talking top some of the event organizers I'm looking foreword to next years. I have a feeling that it will be like the "Bikes, Blues & Bar B Que" rally. It'll just keep growing and getting better.

These two young girls rode up from the Dallas area on a very nice looking Road King and a Slick newer Star. They made the Rally and didn't seem to be fazed by the weather or the light turnout. In the rush of the soggy moment they introduced themselves and I sadly say that I cannot remember their names. ("old age...old age" anyway that's the excuse I'm using) They had the Riders spirit more than most that I ran in to and seemed to be one heck of a lot of fun. The were looking for directions and since it was on my way I rode along with them for a few miles and pointed them in the direction they needed to go. I hope they had a safe trip.

This new rally was a fun one even with the light turn out. I hope more people see it as one to attend next year.

catch ya on the road.

6/26/10 A sweet ride.

2010-06-26T17:22:00.000-07:00

365 Group (f)
I herded mine up and down the road today

Today was a great day for a ride. Clear and sunny.

A neighbor and I had planned to ride over to the Buffalo River and get fabulously wealthy treasure hunting with metal detectors.

The ride over was about as good as it gets. not too much traffic and the most of what traffic there was was other bikes. The only down side to the ride over was the metal detector catching wind on Lewis's handle bar and slapping him up side the head each time he got up to speed. We had only planned to spend a couple of hours on the river due to the heat and after about a couple of hours we were ready to go. The heat and humidity was killer. I snapped a few pictures and we saddled up for a short ride back to Kingston to gas up then on to Marble to eat lunch.

The ride back up the mountain was sweet. Lewis's Sportster and my Tilley were purring right along. In no time we were on top of the mountain and lining out the rest of the run to Kingston. Falling in behind about a dozen or so bikes, I noticed that there were about twice as many as there were on our trip down. Pulling into Kingston we snaked our way around the other bikes as they tried to sort out which way they needed to go. As I leaned back onto hwy 21 to the gas station I had a strange sensation hit my right hand. An odd kind of tingling mixed with a dose of "oh crap". I rolled on the throttle and the grip twisted but the engine stayed at an idle. Now I'm no expert but this cant be good. I coasted across the road and into the parking lot of the Post Office in greater downtown Kingston, Arkansas. A post office with an asphalt parking lot and no shade in what felt like 100 degrees and 100 percent humidity.
For the next couple of hours we tried several things to get me a throttle. All we really managed to do was burn. Finally after the fishing sinker trick failed, we decided to check out an Antique/Junk shop next door to cool off and maybe find something that would get me back on the road. As we looked around we were checking our cell phones for a signal. Both of us said at the same time "no signal" when Lewis's phone rang. I hollered "hang up and call this number"!! He did and we got the Calvary on the way. I kept looking around while Lewis went to call his sister back. As I was looking at tools Lewis hollered for me to come back outside. He had a pair of vice grip pliers and wanted to know what I thought. He had gotten the pliers from the guy at the post office. This guy even produced a few large zip ties. I tied the cable end to the master cylinder and clamped the pliers to the broken cable end. Thumb drive.

It worked. We pulled out and headed on to the gas station. After topping off we ordered burgers and decided to wait on my rescue party in the air conditioning.

About the time we finished the burgers my friend Luther arrived with tools and my cables. I showed him what we had come up with and after much discussion I decided to try and make it back home with the pliers rather than try and change it out in the heat.

The next thirty seven miles were a blast! About a mile or so on the road the rain started. Heat showers. Cool and wet and felt great. It would rain for a mile or so then stop and the wind would dry you out. It did this five or six times before finally riding out of it. In addition to the rain the pliers would hit the kill switch when I got a little too carried away. I finally got it all sorted out and wound the old gal up and no moss grew under my backside.

As we pulled into town, Lewis headed to his house and I headed for Luther's shop to put my cables on.

Today was a good day. I had a good time, a good ride , and realised (again) that God has blessed me with great friends.

110 miles. Several bottles of "sparking spring water" and generally a good time. Oh yeah! One rusty looking penny. One 1/8 ounce lead sinker and one gold tone cross ink pen.

catch ya on the road

6/8/10 Girl, you know who you are.

2010-06-08T15:26:00.000-07:00

365 Group (f)
I herded mine up and down the road today.

These last few days have been a lot of hurry up and get no where. I have a lot to do around the place and what have you. Just seems like I cant get into a groove with anything. Sort of a big lack of interest.

One of my really bright spots has been the ride to and from work each day. But, if I don't find a way to tack on a few extra, that's only a short lived twenty six miles, round trip. I'm not complaining, a ride is a ride. Even if it's just turning around in your drive way with the motor idling, it's a ride.
Maybe it's early summer fever or the recent illness or that there is a democrat in the white house or....
Anyway. Each morning I head out and by the time I get to work I'm in a state of mind to just keep going.
Today was no different. I managed to dodge all the morning madness and rolled into work a little early. After the start up "hoopin" and "hollerin" everything settled into the usual crawl. I pretty much deal with the same people day after day and let me tell you they can be a real drag. I know, everybody cant ride. But still...
Today was one of those days up till about noon. There is a lady that comes to deal with the company(you know who you are) that just brightens the day. Never really dawned on me till today while talking with her. Shes one of those people you cant help liking and enjoy being around. Always seems to be upbeat and it seems to rub off. A great personality and a real sense of humor and "drop dead gorgeous!"
So now after careful consideration, some days are worth something after all. I mean, there's the ride in and out and all the people that really make the day.
Today, my trip home was, well...I fudged a little and added thirty five miles, a real good one.
Catch ya on the road

5/29/10 A humorous stab at exorcise

2010-05-29T17:07:00.000-07:00

365 Group (f)
"Yep! I'm part of the herd."

Recently I hit upon a weight loss program that really does work. However, I do not recommend it to any one for any reason!! On this program I did lose almost 43 pounds in just under a month.

This morning the local radio station said at 10 am that it was already 80 degrees and no rain in sight. I headed out to do some of the doctoring stuff the Doc's told me to do and as a result of the above mentioned weight loss program, I really felt it. Lately my body is still a lot under powered so to speak. I even had a hard time lifting the bike off the stand. I did manage to get in about 70 miles in all this required running around. I thought about what the doctors said about finding some type of exorcise to rebuild my strength. I think that I may have hit on something. Like the weight loss program, I don't recommend it. I think it's going to be the ticket for me though.

There is about two acres and the grass is a little over three feet in some places thanks to all the rain we've had. The mower (see picture) is a genuine push mower that seems to never run out of gas. It just don't get better than that...lol
It's funny. I never thought that mowing the yard would help keep me on the road.

Catch ya on the road

5/20/10 Another trip on the Long Road.

2010-05-22T18:58:00.000-07:00

Herd 365 (f)
I herded mine up and down the road today...

This morning I had another "Long Road" trip to make. The weather has been lots of rain for the last few days but this morning was sunny.

When I went out the sky was clearing and the sun was coming out. Looked like a good morning to start a ride.

I bounced down to the highway and headed east on 45. The road was damp in places but over all was in good shape. I ran up to about seventy and settled in behind some small car traffic and watched the scenery slip by. As I came up on the Huntsville turn off I noticed the traffic was stacked up and moving rather slowly for that hour of the morning. I figured either a wreck or a cop up ahead as people were starting to flash their lights. About 2 1/2 miles up there was a Highway Cop setting beside the road. We all behaved as we went by and he seemed kind of appreciative. It was early.

After passing the cop I was able to get back up to speed and the traffic starting thinning out. I was having a blast just tooling along.

I turned onto Hwy 21 and started the twenty five miles or so of curves. As I came close to the sprawling metropolis of Kingston, Arkansas I noticed blue lights flashing in the distance. As I got closer I saw that there were Fire and Rescue vehicles there as well. I slowed way down and saw that the Sheriff himself and a couple of his deputies as well as several fire people, Rubberneckers and the odd nose picker were all looking at a low water crossing. After all the rains the small creek was way out of it's banks. I figure some one got washed off the crossing. I also noticed that the trees were all torn up on both sides of the road. It looked like a tornado had gone through.

Pulling the hill out of Kingston I actually kept it at the speed limit as there is a first time for everything. The wind started picking up as I went over the mountains. I fought some serious crosswinds in the valleys. Sliding down into the Boxley valley I saw young Elk every where. They were standing in fields along the road as well as standing in the road in a couple of places. I counted twenty as I rolled through. They weren't there on my way back when I had the time to take a few pics.

After pulled the mountain out of Boxley I began to hit sporadic rain. I managed to get pulled over and get my rain gear on before the down pour started. The rain wasn't too bad by itself. But the fog set in with visibility at times something along the lines of absolutely zero. Then the cross winds started back up. I was at a point that usually too me about 15 minutes to make the last eleven miles to my place. This morning it was closer to forty five.

I pulled into my place and parked in a tractor shed. Time to dry off before going on in to see the doc's.

Yep! This morning was a good ride. With all the weather I still made pretty good time.

The doctors gave me some good news for a change and the weather had broken. It was edging up close to eighty degrees as I left the cancer center.

My ride back was a good one the temps were just perfect. The wind was still there but not continuous. I made good time back to the house.
Today was just shy of 210 miles according to my LSI. I had a good time. Now really, could you ask for more?
catch ya on the road

5/18/10

2010-05-18T15:38:00.000-07:00

Herd 365 (f)

This morning was cool but a lot dryer than yesterday.

Looked to be another good day to be riding. I loaded up my junk wondering if I was going to have to hire someone to tow me up and down the road to get started this morning. After cinching everything down I pulled the strangler about half way up and hit the kicker and the old gal fired right up. I was still puzzled. Maybe yesterday was just a case of the bike wanting to sleep a little longer? I know I wanted to stay in bed. The street was dry this morning and I really opened up and got some distance quick. It was one of those "idjit" moves that just felt right. At the highway I hit a hole in traffic and was out of town before I had time to think about it. The run over to the mountain was sweet. My GFM said 75 most of the way and that was pretty good for my bike and where I was at. At the foot of the mountain I headed North and had a good run around the lake. Nice and cool and all by myself.
I ran through the ups and downs and twisties all too soon as far as it was going this morning. I could have used a few more miles of that kind of ride.
Traffic started picking up as I got closer to town. Pulling onto the parkway I almost got tagged by a grinning Mexican in a Neon. After getting passed him I figured that a ticket would be a small price compared and I let the hammer down. After putting several hundred yards between me and all the idiocy I eased off and settled into a smooth ride the rest of the way to work.
After work I took a lazy approach to going home. The pain has been coming back these last few days. This afternoon it was back with a sharp "pointy gougey" thing. I decided that I would just tool around and end up either in the ditch or back home. Rolling down Hwy 265 was a good ride as I was ahead of most of the traffic. The trip to the house was semi smooth and I actually felt like I would survive another day. Pulling into the house I decided to load up on pain meds and later make a real ride some place for dinner.
catch ya on the road.

5/17/10

2010-05-17T16:39:00.000-07:00

Herd 365 (f)

This morning it was foggy and damp with no rain in sight! Just about a perfect morning for a ride.

I remember thinking as I headed out to the bike that this was going to be a great ride, even if it was only in to work. As it turned out it was a great ride. Just a real rough start to it. First, after all the kicking I could muster for a good twenty minutes didn't produce anything more than a cough now and then, I decided to roll start down my driveway. When that didn't work I decided that a roll down the street was in order.

Sitting beside the street in the drive of the church next door I slowly began to consider the possibility...something might be amiss. Checking everything over again and finding nothing wrong I was really scratching my head. I decide on one last kick before walking back and getting the car. About half way through the kick she fired up and rumbled like always. Now I'm really puzzled.
Anyway, I jumped out into the street and headed for work. The bike was running as good as it always does and before I got into traffic I ran it up to the top a couple of times and had a blast.
I made over to the turn off at the foot of the mountain and headed along the lake. Thinking that this would be a good morning to skip work and ride around some I had to fight to keep heading to work. Bills to pay and all that won out.
Sitting at a stop sign I noticed that I had made it about half way to work and hadn't saw another bike. Not even the usual regulars. On a morning like this I should have seen several. Man! People don't know what they are missing.
Traffic was light in town and I made really good time and didn't even have a single close call. All the way to work. Now that, I think, is an indicator of what the day would have been like if I had just headed off somewhere.
The day moved along and I finally got to the end of it. The bike fired up without too much trouble and I headed back toward the house.
Both ways, it was all too short. But it was a great ride. And the day was just perfect for it.
Catch ya on the road

5/15/10 Monsoon

2010-05-15T21:13:00.000-07:00

365 Group (f)

May 15, Today it rained, RAINED I tell ya!, like a big dog!

I managed to putter around the house, reading and pestering friends on line till late afternoon when the down pour finally ended. Heading out I decided to take the bar off the back of the bike until the next installment of the long road. Once I got that done it was road test time. Got to make sure it still runs OK without that major piece of equipment. Sloshing down the driveway I noticed that someone really should mow some grass around here. At the street I decided to head up to my friends shop and check on his Gold Wing project. It's coming along really nicely. He's made a real sharp bobber out of it. After looking over the bike and visiting a while I headed toward town and the Bank. It was a nice ride, all fresh and green after the monsoon. The sun was out and it felt warm. Traffic was light, the bike was running like a new one and I was riding it, doesn't get much better. I really had a real blast tearing down the road. Pulling into town I dodged a little traffic and pulled into the bank and the ATM. After the usual disappointment of banking I pulled out and headed to my favorite Bar B Que joint to eat and see if the girlfriend was working. She was and the grub was pretty good as is usual. After eating I visited with the gal a little and made a dinner date for the future. I got a goodbye hug and headed out. I didn't feel much up to a long ride but it was so nice out after the rains that I didn't feel like just heading back to the house either. I just rode around the area on side roads for a while. Finally the sky started looking dark again so I pointed back toward the house. Pulling back into my parking space at the house I noticed my pups, all noses and slobbers, at the window and couldn't help but grin. For a wet lazy afternoon life wasn't bad. I'm hoping tomorrow is dryer and I can make a better/longer ride.
53 miles and each and everyone of them a keeper.
Catch ya on the road

Long Road

2010-05-08T17:27:00.000-07:00

365 Group (f)

This shot is along Hwy 21. I was on my way back from the long road and pulled over to take a break from sixty five miles of cross winds and have a cup of coffee. It is a quiet place and for about forty five minutes I didn't see a vehicle of any kind. It was great!

I headed out Wednesday afternoon on another phase of the long road with the doctors.
The weather couldn't have been better. Traffic was like, well traffic. But it wasn't too bad. I was ahead of the getting off work crowd and made good time, even with all the stopping to take pictures and eat hush puppies and so forth.
The first hundred miles kind of clicked by and was really a comfortable ride. One of those deals that went so good you don't remember anything about it.
Pulling into Harrison I took the back streets over to the "Horse-pistol" and got the check in stuff taken care for the next day. Heading over to the motel I fell in with a couple of hooligans on a Harley dresser and a big Yamaha cruiser. We raced from traffic light to traffic light. My "tilley" could wax em between lights but they had me on top end. All was good.
I crashed at the motel with a pizza that I bought having forgotten that I wasn't suppose to eat anything and watched a rerun of a documentary on Motorcycles and ATVs. Let me tell ya, watching late night TV with a large meat lovers pizza sitting next to you and not being able to eat it just sucks!!
Morning came way too soon and I headed out to the biopsies, tests and other junk designed to remove the excess growth from ones pocket book. After four hours of medical stuff they said I was done for this round. Cool!! I fired up "tilley" and tooled around town some to see how much it had changed. Hard to believe that 30 years ago I was a cop in this little town. Any way, it was a lot of fun just running the streets and all.
Settling up with the lady at the motel I picked up a map and plotted a trip through the hills that started out on secondary roads and ended up on "fifth-endary" roads ending back on hwy 7 south almost to Dover and Russellville. It was a good ride. Twisty and up and down. Back on hwy 7 I made good time the forty some odd miles back to my place at Deer.
After a couple of days of recouping I fired up and headed back toward the house.
The ride back up was windy to put it mildly. I was constantly fighting to stay in the lane and sometimes...on the road. A couple of times the wind seemed to stall the bike. It was a strange and tiring experience. All together it was 428 miles and, all in all, it was great trip. In a strange way, I'm really looking foreword to the next one.

Catch ya on the road

Doctors

2010-04-24T11:08:00.000-07:00

365 Group (f)

Monday 4/19/10
Well it was a nice day as I started out to go over the hump to the doctors and all that. The temps were hovering around 60 and it was just about as perfect a day for riding as there ever was.

I pulled out from the gas station at home all loaded down for an extended stay. I was caring about 40 pounds extra and that made for a real solid balanced feeling in the ride. Once I got out away from town a little I opened the old twin up and we literally "howled" down the road. The bike was running like a top and I pinned back the ears and surprisingly made pretty good time.
At about eighteen miles in I got into some traffic that forced a slow down and behave some.
Once I got out of traffic I just floated along for about twenty five miles. With only the occasional chicken truck to give me concern, it was about as good as it gets up here.
Pulling into greater downtown Kingston Arkansas I slowly made the loop around town center and grabbed the Hwy 21 exit for a run up the hill and see just how fast I could tag at the top. Today was a good day as I bested my personal best on this bike by 15 MPH. Topped out at what I read on my LSI as 92 MPH. Not too shabby for a 10 mph rolling start on serious uphill climb on a bike that's 33 years old.
The ride through the hills was every bit as good as it ever was. Thirty five miles of two lane ups and downs. Switch backs and long sweepers. God really smiled on this part of the world as far as riding a Motor Sickle goes!! (Chessie, you should come ride these hills.)
Finally I pulled into my place at Deer and dropped off the baggage. Visited a few with Mom and headed out to the CTCA and the doc's.
The Doc's didn't seem to be able to tell me much with out some super serious testing that we're going to do next month. Seems that they suspected something but always stopped short of telling me. Finally I said "lets just cut the she-ite. Answer one simple question. Can I keep riding or is it THAT bad?" All three looked at each other the made the greatest dumb ass remark I've ever heard... "a motorcycle?" No a Goat. Duh, yeah, a motorcycle. That prompted one of them to ask me all kinds of questions. He definitely came up on my "cool O meter". He's from India and really not a bad guy. After about a dozen questions I finally said come on and took him to the lot and showed him Miss Tilley. He kept saying "so you rode all this way over here?" Seems in his youth he had wanted a Royal Enfield..."many many years ago." Finally I got the sawbones three to issue forth the following statement.
"Ride as long as it doesn't hurt and you feel comfortable doing it".
So now this has opened a whole new can of something or other. As I was thinking from their first comments that I'd cease up riding along and crash into a bus of touring seniors from East Patterson New Jersey killing everyone aboard making headlines for days or something like that. Finally I was in a good mood and I thank God for that.
After making all the necessary upcoming appointments I walked out to the lot and noticed that I had a pretty good crowd. I mounted Miss Tilley and pulled out the kicker. Yelling "fire in the whole" at the top of my lungs I fired up. After that kind of settled down I turned on my "genuine forklift back up alarm" and backed out of the parking space. Now that I had a real crowd...I couldn't help myself and laid the bike over and left them a donut to remember me.
The ride back out to the house is only a pud run as some call it, only 34 miles. I had a blast and just took my time side roading and what have you till I had to switch on reserve.
Looks like you just might see me on the road

BarBQue

2010-04-18T16:46:00.000-07:00

365 Group (f)

Getting ready for my ride to the doctor tomorrow I found that I was out some of the things that I needed for an over night or three stay. So I jumped in my "Who-ver round" and headed to town.
With all my errands run and done I decided that I was hungry and started looking around for a place to grab some grub. I decided on the Bar B Que place as their food always hits the spot and well...these are my gals

The lovely young lady all by herself is my "girlfriend " that I have fondly spoken of in the past. Don't she look ornery?

Don't they both look like I'm truly a lucky guy?? hummmmm?

Don't Bar B Que sound good?

Hope to catch ya on the road

Last Ride...?

2010-04-17T15:36:00.000-07:00

365 Group ustawaz (f)

For the last month or two I had been having my "usual" bad back trouble and a new wrinkle of being so very tired. I have been going back and forth to my Doctor trying to figure things out.

We did a lot of new testing and and the first round came back like always, birth defect and arthritis. On 4/1/10, I borrowed my friends gold wing for a bit of a softer ride and went back for round two of the testing. Doc said that he wanted to try these new tests as they were a little different. He said he was going to look at a broader range. I guess broad was a good word for it as it took in several more things than the ones before. I had a great ride down in fiftyish degree weather and actually felt pretty OK when I got there. Almost led me to believe a real soft tail might be the answer...almost.

More blood and so forth drawn and the usual "I'll call you."

I spent the night with my mom and had a good ride back up, even with killer cross winds. I have decided that a striped down gold wing is a ride to have. No bags no faring just bike.

On 4/5/10 the doc called saying he may have found the problem. (finally) I was all set to hear that the vertebrae had finally fused itself together. Instead he basically said that what the tests showed and the symptoms I had it was a good shot that I had Chronic Leukemia. He also said he was setting me up with an internal medicine specialist and an oncologist. Ya know, that wasn't really what I was expecting to hear. I mean the warm part of the riding season is just getting started. I have miles to put on! I made him repeat it all, twice. He did say that that was the worst case. That other things had the same symptoms and were indicated in the same way by the tests and not to go and do anything stupid till everything had been looked over. Since he's a real straight shooting kind of a doctor and my entire families doctor, I tend to believe him as he has always been extremely thorough in the past.

So as Mr. Harvey says..."Now you know the rest of the story".

4/20/10 is my appointments with the large gun type doctors and I'm planning on a ride down. Get a look at how the wind is going to blow in this thing and then hopefully a ride back?

Hope you all have a great riding season and that God rides with you. Maybe I'll catch ya on the road?

Old habits are hard to break.

2010-03-28T10:38:00.000-07:00

365 group (f)

Yesterday the Sun came out. It got to the middle sixties and was so nice! The only draw back was a major wind. Seems someone in Texas left the door open again and we all got blown around a bunch.
I had been fooling with the old bikes off and on the last few days and finally it got the better of me. A short ride surely wouldn't hurt?
I fired up my "miss tilley" and bumped and bounced down my driveway. Figuring I'd just go for gas and then up to see my friend Luther. I started out slowly and just eased along. Making a last minute change I leaned toward Luther's and as I ambled up the long straight to his house, Well, I tried real hard but I slipped. I managed around eighty before having to shut it down for a curve. I felt like I was on top of things again.
It was good to visit with Luther. He's one of those once in a life time friends that seems to share my out look on a lot of things. After a couple of hours or so I headed back out to get my gas. Running down the mountain it was so warm and everything was clicking along so well that I thought I'd run the eight miles on into town and grab a burger and see how many other riders were out. Plus, Luther had indicated that he was looking for a project bike and I knew of a couple of people that I might catch up with that might have something. I wasn't much of a plan but it beat a slap up side the head with a greasy pork chop.
Pulling into town I picked out a spot to burger up that was close and I could keep a watch on the traffic. This was one of those days that you wait all winter for. I was sure I would see herds of riders out. After a lazy 30 to 45 minute lunch I only say one bike go buy. I know the guy and he was kind of like me. Always on one so he didn't really count.
I saddled back up to head to the house. No point in over doing it. My Doc I think is the type that would love to say "I told you so." Easing out of the parking lot I decided to make a circle home. About the same distance but a little different territory. I pulled out and went North on Old Missouri Rd. At the Joyce street light where I had planned to make my cut back across I noticed a couple of bikes in the lot of a friends gas station. Looked like they had had a problem. I pulled in and asked if there was any trouble. one of the women yelled "no, just waiting on the trailer." Both bikes were large Harley dressers and I could see the need for a trailer if they busted on ya. They are heavy, and look like it. I just don't see pushing entering the picture no matter what. Since it looked like they didn't need anything I went in to yell at Billy for a minute and let him spring for a cup of coffee.
Billy was in usual form. He doesn't ride but is what ya'd call a top notch supporter. While visiting with Bill, one of the couples came in to get some things. I kind of asked what had happened to a really newer looking Harley that needed a trailer. That's when I noticed Billy shaking his head. Seems that nothing was broken. It was the weather. It was apparently still to bad to be out on a motorcycle. From what I got out of them. They had started out from home about 20 miles down Hwy 412 toward the East. But the "Brutal" weather had forced them to pull over and call family members to bring a truck and trailer. They were all "leathered" up chaps, jackets and helmets behind farings and windshields. I just couldn't see it. However everyone rides for themselves. I'm not about to argue their point with them. I do tend to agree with my friend billy...I believe I would have at least tried to ride back the twenty miles to the house. After Bill bounced for a second cup I started back toward the house again. I cut across county roads and made a slow lazy circle. To me it was a nice day to be out. Even with the wind. Back at the house I saw my bike mechanic and his wife at the little cafe. I pulled in and shot the breeze with them and grabbed a bite to eat.
I had a good visit and even got a line on a project bike for my buddy Luther.
Pulling up to the house I looked at the LSI. 68 great miles. All in all I saw three riders and two "trailer-ites." I hope this warm weather keeps up and everything else works itself out. This was a good day.

Hope to catch ya on the road.

Clock is ticking

2010-03-24T13:56:00.000-07:00

Well the time is drawing near. Only eight more days till I find out if I have to quit riding. Kind of funny sitting here thinking about it. The winter is about done and a few bikes are out from time to time. I'm not one of them and that's different. I cant point my finger any more at those "fair weather" riders.
After what my math has determined to be around forty some odd years in the saddle it's going to be hard to give up. Where else can you find something that is most of the time money saving, mind clearing, heart jumpstarting, that actually makes you look foreword even to going to work?
So now as I start the count down to the doctor, I'm taking suggestions on the just in case for a hobby something or other that will do all that my bike did.
Hopefully the good Lord has something in mind?

Hope to be catching you on the road

3/14/10 Just piddling around...

2010-03-14T18:45:00.000-07:00

365 Group (f)

Today was up in the lower 50's.
I had made some grand plans to ride since I had managed to get in a few miles the last few days. The last couple of days went pretty well and when the weather man said this morning that the temps would get up to the lower to middle 50's I just knew that I'd be hitting the road. However today was not as good. It was a cold damp 50's and the damp got my arthritis to the bone and it was tough to just get around.
So, I had a change of plans and spent the day working on the "ustawaz's" bike. It has been sitting for quite some time and needs a little lovin to get back in the groove so to speak.

A 1978 KZ 650 in mostly stock shape. The only changes made to this sweet old ride were minor ones. A new head light system. Handlebars to replace the tweaked original ones. A hammer and hacksaw extension for the kick stand to make it set a little more up right.It normally runs as good as it did when it was new in '78. But, due to sitting for several months it needs a little cleaning and a lot of running.
I grabbed a cup of coffee and downed several pain killers and headed out to see what I could get done with the old gal. A quick look over and I noted that a new battery is needed as it wont hold a charge. It will make the circuit to start and run but that's it. Actually it has needed a battery for about three years. It's built with a kicker and compression break so the battery kind of got slid to the bottom of the list. The carbs are in need of a good scrubbing at the least. They tend to chug a bit when your running down the road. New plugs and points and maybe new plug wires. So far so good. Not too much that a good tune up wouldn't take care of.
I grabbed my battery charger and put some power to the system and started kicking. "That compression break is definitely worth it's weight in something semi precious." After about a dozen kicks I hit it with some starting fluid and on the second kick it "popped". A major good sign. I opened the bowls and drained out some of the gas to see if I had any water. No water so I hit it again with starting fluid and kicked it a few more times. After about another dozen kicks she fired up. Running rough but running. Like I said it's been a while but now I know that all it needs is a good tune up. I'm happy with the whole thing.
I let it idle for a while and went to get a note book and pen so I could make a list of all I need to replace. A new battery. New speedo gear, a good tune up. Short list for a bike that's 32 years old.
This bike always was a pleasure to ride and I just hate to see it sitting around going into the ground.
Through out the day I went out and started the bike and let it warm up to running temperature. I had planned to rip it around the neighborhood but with the cold damp day and a low back tire I just worked on loosening everything up.

I even managed to fire up my "miss tilley" and listen to her idle a bit.

Today was a pretty fair day as far as the "bikin" part went. I had a lot of fun tinkering around with the old bikes. I figure tomorrow will be a bear after all the kicking and the cold. It was an even trade I guess. Hopefully the days will be better and better from here on out and I can actually get in a few miles. A buddy of mine has suggested a photo taking trip one day soon so I got that going for me in the future.

Catch ya on the road

3/6/10 saturdays ride (Couldnt get it to post before...better late than never)

2010-03-13T20:58:00.000-08:00

365 Group (f)

Today was like most of my Saturdays since I got sick. Boring beyond belief. I seem to spend a lot of the day in bed trying to catch up from the work weeks drain.
I finally drag myself out and decide to at least take a short ride. This early spring like weather I think is a blessing. As it gets warmer I seem to be able to function better.
I make the best cup of coffee in the world. So it only stands to reason that I should have a cup or seven before starting my day. The pups all like it when I sit around with them, sip coffee and "scritch" ears and rub tummies at random. Kind of a morning ritual on the days I don't have to force myself to go to work. again...it is a drag being sick!!
With all the coffee drank and the ears and tummies all attended to I start gearing up for a short ride. This morning the weather is a nice lower 50's and no wind which always makes it a plus. Ambling out to the bike I look it over for anything newly broken or worn. Looks like it's pretty much the same as I left it the last time..."Beautiful" I'm pretty lucky with her. For an older gal she has held up rather nicely.No complaints anywhere.
Slipping on my jacket and helmet I make a plan to just do a few miles and head back in. I really don't want to get too far out and have something short circuit and fall off the bike. That would be bad. Also be embarrassing which would probably be worse.
Screwing up my strength I hit the kicker and again I'm impressed. Fires up about half way through the first kick. Letting it warm up I cinch down my lid and strap on the thermos and camera. Finally it settles into that unique sound that old twins make. "frenchy fry...frenchy fry...frenchy fry." I back around and head down the worn out drive to the pavement and what I know will be a great little get away. I had figured on a lazy circle and at the most make about sixty miles and head east on hwy 45 to Hindsville. The traffic is light and the air is crisp at sixty miles per. Just the kind of morning you look for if your starting a trip. Too bad I wasn't able to do a trip right now. I still have a couple of months to go till my vacation time is available so the trips have to wait.
Pulling into Hindsville I look around at the old buildings and again try to imagine how this place must have been a few years ago. Gearing up I slip out of town and head west on hwy 412. I open up to about seventy and just enjoy the ride. Not much traffic at the time of day and the sun shining brightly makes for a real enjoyable time.
Before I know it I have run through the small communities of Sonora and Nob Hill and am tooling into Springdale. Ahhh Springdale, a traffic light on every corner. It's all good though. Since I haven't been able to ride in so long even the light to light isn't that bad.
I follow 412 up to US 71 and head South. Still in town but moving at a quicker pace. I'm generally headed toward Fayetteville and my circle back to the house. Thinking it over I stay on 71 to Township street. Heading up over the hump on Township I amble towards the Bar b Que place and lunch.
"My girl" isn't working today so there was no hug and that's kind of a let down but the grub was great and I left a happy camper as always. Firing up I point myself East on Mission (Hwy 45) and back to the house I go.
Pulling in to the house I felt pretty good, the best I've felt in a long time.
Like most of my riding has been these last few months, it wasn't much distance wise (I forgot to check my "Lickety split indicator" to see how many miles) but it was a keeper. I'm hoping that I can do it again soon.

catch ya on the road.

3/13/10 Breakfast

2010-03-13T13:24:00.000-08:00

365 Group (f)

This morning started out cold and damp. The light rain last night didn't do much other than make everything soggy.

I had thoughts of getting out and doing some catch up riding. But with the cool damp, my arthritis had something else to say about it all.
Thinking about the summer coming up (I hope) I started putting stuff together for a couple or three key trips I'm planning on. All the things I travel with that get stored away for the winter. I managed to get it all out and in a big pile in the floor.
Air mattress, Sleeping bag and Rattle pump. I still have to mount the rattle pump on the bike. Makes the air mattress experience sooo much easier. Going over the sleeping bag I find it's still in pretty good shape and will probably last one more summer. The carry bags for all my junk is another story. Rips and tears and just a lot of road character. I always hate to have to get rid of them. They are part of that bragging without saying a word that people always notice when I stop some where. Maybe a few minutes with a needle and some thread?
I looked over at the thermometer and it was up to a whole 48 degrees. I decided to just take a short scoot around the area. The bike jumped to life and as it warmed I slipped into my coveralls and finished a really good cup of coffee.
Bouncing down my drive I was glad that it was the weekend. No morning rush to work traffic. I slipped out and headed down to gas station/cafe to look over their breakfast menu. Who knows, biscuit's and gravy might just hit the spot? Pulling in I almost decided to just pass on the whole deal. The local "blowflies" were all in attendance. Here lately I have really had my fill of the local gossip - rumor mill and the people with nothing better to do that keep it stirred up. Anyway, the Biscuit's got the better of me and I went in and ordered. Looking around I had a real brain explosion and hollered at the girl to change my order to a to go order. Ten minutes later I was back on the road and looking for a place to eat breakfast.
Pulling the mountain I decided on the cemetery at Sons Chapel. It has a circle drive and as I remembered it a pavilion. Also, you couldn't ask for a quieter,better crowd to have breakfast with.
As I ate I noticed a car coming towards me. It was a deputy that I knew form the area. He got out and looked my little operation over then expressed a concern that he had been there a whole two minutes and I hadn't offered him, at the very least, any coffee. Seems that people had been coming up here and drinking, partying and knocking over headstones and such he explained. As I poured him a cup of coffee I explained that if he reached for one of my biscuit's I would beat him about the head and ears with his own gun. We chatted for a few. Kind of sucky, at times, there isn't any respect left anywhere. The deputy thanked me for the coffee and headed out. I packed up my trash and started back towards the house. It was a real good morning for riding. Cool and light traffic. I figured that since I was out already I would look over a few of the local wide spaces around the lake to see how they were holding up.
Most of the spots had a truck with a boat trailer parked at them. I guess the Crappie were up. I tooled around the area and realized that I had been out a lot longer than I had intended.
Heading for the house I took the path of least resistance and most miles and ended up on Hwy. 412. This stretch of highway is a lot of fun. It's fairly new and not worn out for the most part. That means it's mostly smooth. It's also laid out like an interstate. So I really enjoy riding it as I can usually get my old bike up to a good cruising speed and float for several miles. Today was one of those good ones. Not a lot of traffic and a noticeable absence of "John Law." I was just getting into the ride when I came up on my exit to cut across to hwy 45. that is definitely a draw back. 45 while not as smooth was just as much fun and before I knew it I was coming up on my little town. I slowed down and pulled in to the Gas station to top off. It was funny. here I was four hours later in the day and the "Blowflies" were still there where I had left them. I topped off and visited for a few with a couple of people about my ride for a few minutes then headed to the house.
Pulling in to the house I noticed that my "LSI" showed a 157 miles. Not too bad for a breakfast ride. I had a good time and am sort of looking at trying a 'breakfast run" each weekend, if I can find anyone interested. Sort of like the old bike nights we used to do where we would pick a different place each week for dinner and ride there. It was a lot of fun.

catch ya on the road. (I'll be the one with the gravy on my chin)

2/20/10 those gals are brats.

2010-02-20T16:49:00.000-08:00

365 Group (f)

Today hit 56 degrees and I had to go in to work. Add it up and you get a ride in. That new math is really something.
My hounds were all excited. It had been a while since I had geared up around them for a ride and they were all about "helping". They are really a bunch of fun for little ankle bitin vermin.
I got all my junk strapped on and jumped on the starter pedal. That is one of those pleasures you just can't always describe, kicking a bike to life, in a way that most people can understand. As the old bike fired up I felt that the day was going to be a good one for riding.
I bounced down my drive and headed toward town. At the highway I gave serious thought to taking the long way and being late. I mean it's Saturday and I am suppose to be off. Just about the time I decided to be a little late, the bike died. This is not good. I pushed it out of the road and started kicking. And kicking. After about the seventh kick I noticed my trip meter and realized that I was out of gas. Been a while since I had really ridden any so I don't remember the last time I topped off. Not a big deal. I hit the reserve and let it have a few minutes to prime the carbs. The eighth kick she fired up.
I eased out and headed up the street to the gas station. Nine dollars to fill up. I'm still happy with that compared to filling a car. I went in to pay for the gas and had to listen to the local "blow flies" and their cracks about cold and rain and all that. As usual, they stopped just short of admitting they were jealous.
Traffic was nice and non existent and winding the old gal up on the straight aways, I really had a good ride over to the foot of the mountain. I made my turn and hit the back roads. There isn't any way to say it...it was just nice. Floating along, listening to the pipes split the early morning still. After all these years that is still one of my favorite things.
The rest of my trip through town was good. No traffic and smooth streets always make for a good ride. Pulling into work I checked on everyone and everything and killed time until they were satisfied. They told me I could ease out around noon and also reminded me that I was on call. Oh well. I pulled out and ran up to 71 and headed south. I took care of a couple of errands and eased across back streets to the BBQ place. It had been a few days since I had been by there and I was a little hungry. Walking through the door my "gal" shot me a big smile. I made my order and her and the girl working with her informed me that they were buying my lunch. Arguing the point didn't seem to be getting me anywhere with these brats so I just gave in and grabbed a booth. I had to laugh about it. I'd love to be in my twenties again and as onry as these two. After my food arrived they took turns between customers to come and visit. It was a great lunch. To get even, I left a big tip. As I was heading out the door I got several big hugs. I'm here to tell that makes a "slightly older" man feel good. I promised to come back and headed out to a light mist. Still warm enough. Just a light mist falling.
Running down the highway to the house was a nice short ride. If I hadn't been locked into work I would have made todays a little longer trip. It was that good out.
Well, what can I say. The "weemens" still love me. Lunch hit the spot and the bike ran great.
Catch ya on the road

2/18/10 as good as a spam sammich!!

2010-02-18T17:32:00.000-08:00

365 Group (f)

Today was the first day since the cold and snow hit my area that I have been able to ride any.

Temps got up to close to sixty and it timed right with my doctors orders about taking some time off from riding. Soooooooo...I uncovered the old gal and fired up. It had been several days since my last ride or even starting the bike so I let it warm for several minutes.
Someone once said that Harley's had a "potato potato" sound as they sat and idled. I noticed that this old twin has more of a refined sound. Kind of like "frenchy fry frenchy fry" .
Anyhow, it sounded good. I jumped on and headed down my worn out drive. Since it was starting to cool off again I only rode around town a little but it was nice to be out.
I made a couple of passes around the neighborhood and headed out on the highway to the straight stretches. Making a couple of top speed passes I figured it was time to head back and see how the spine was going to react. So far it felt fine.
It wasn't much of a ride only managed 23 miles without actually going anywhere. However, after the cold and snow and doctor, there's something to be said for it. I think it might actually catch on.
With a little luck the temps will hold in the 40's and up for a while and I can get back to a daily grind as it were.
Catch ya on the road

1/16/10 Kicking around

2010-01-16T15:06:00.000-08:00

365 Group (f)

Today was starting out really good. I got to sleep in for the first time in several months and the automatic timer gizmo on my coffee pot actually worked like it was suppose to. I had fresh coffee at 11:00 when I finally staggered out. The day was suppose to be in the mid 50's and should make for some good local riding. Since I'm more or less on call for work and cant really get too far away, local riding is about it for a while.
After some coffee and a shower I was ready to get out and tackle the bike. Seems like ages since I have ridden but really it's only been four or five days. Always funny how the cold that forces you to drive your "who-ver-round" convinces you that a lot of time has passed and all that. First off it looks as though local riding will be all that I get to do. My back tire is in bad need of being replaced. It's about slick and definitely not something I'd want to tackle the demands of even the two lanes with. So with that in mind I guess maybe a quick trip to the Bar b Que joint couldn't hurt. It's been a few days sine I'd seen the place and the bossy young lady that works there. Looking over the rest of the bike, my collection of parts as it were, I make mental note of things that need attention. Like new throttle cables. Maybe a P pad to cover the wiring on the rear fender? New control switches for the lights and on and on...little stuff. Nothing that keeps the present ride from happening, but stuff that is needed to keep the overall machine alive. Well, maybe eBay this evening? Right now it's time to hit the kicker and see where I stand in today's quest for great barbecue. It's got to be the damper air at this time of year...Quarter choke and the old gal fires up on the first or second kick. Never like that during the summer months. letting the bike idle to road temperature I round up the pups and grab my helmet. I bribe them a little with a hand full of the really "good" treats and they sort of sack out. I don't like to have the worry of them becoming a road kill while I'm gone. Finally everything is done and set and I helmet up and bounce down the drive. At the street I get that odd feeling of ''yeah" creeping up my spine. There's just something about being on a bike while the rest of the world ain't. I ease down to the highway and head west towards good looking women and good food. As I leave town I start edging up on my speed. Like I said earlier, little stuff. Finally satisfied I settle on a brisk 70 mph and have a comfortable ride over to the mountain. Pulling the mountain I have a sense of solid in the bike. I drop into fourth and it felt like the old gal just settled down and dug in for a real solid pull. No whoopin or wheezing or anything just a strong pull and a great rumble from the pipes. Topping the mountain I opened up on the down run of a dip in the road and came out the other side at about a hundred. Figuring that this was about as close to town as I could get away with silly stuff I backed it down to around sixty and considered my shake down done. Floating along the last four miles to town was nice. Like the last time I was down this way when we were on the Polar Bear run. Just nice to be out and in it. I eased up a little and came up to the traffic light. As is pretty much normal a bunch of cars were backed up. When I got to where I could I cut off through a gas station lot and over to an ATM. Here it was around noon on a Saturday and there was people everywhere. From the ATM I looked out at the traffic and it reminded me of an Ant Farm. Just sucks! I grabbed the cash and jumped into an opening in the ants. I got stuck in the inside lane and was forced to poke along for a couple of lights. Finally I got an opening and slid across to the outside shoulder and made some progress. Pulling into the BBQ place I felt pretty good. It was a good quick trip. Looking around I located a semi flat parking space to give me a shot at checking the oil before I left and backed in to the stares of a couple of local guys that have bikes but for some reason don't ever ride them and their ladies. Funny, they all had on "biker garb" and really did look the part.
I walked in and got in line to order and as I made my way to the counter my "bud" saw me and in mid order taking she came around the counter and gave me a big ole hug. Now that's special...don't care who ya are. Finally everything settled down and I got up to the counter and made my order. I piled down at my usual table to wait and all the girls that work there came by and visited a little. It was nice. My "yanked" pork sammich came and my bud delivered it and sat with me for a few minutes as I ate. This is the way all BBQ joints should run.
I finally got my meal done an was lounging over my last beer when Whit came and sat down again. We chatted for a while and as I got ready to leave she gave me another big hug. Perfect ending to a really good lunch.
Back out in the lot I stood the old gal up and checked the oil. About a tablespoon low. Not too shabby for a 33 year old ride. Hitting the kicker I roared out of the lot and generally in the direction of the house. As I came down the street towards the light I shifted up to third to catch the light when all of a sudden I heard a Harley with open pipes right next to me. Looking around I didn't see another bike and then it hit me. It was my bike growling like an enraged moose. My pipe had split when I grabbed third gear. One of the band aid welds I had made back in the summer had finally given out. Limping over into a liquor store parking lot I looked over the damage. Not too bad. Just way too loud. The kind of loud that gives you a headache. Not the cool kind of loud. Sitting there thinking it all over I figured I could tolerate it the eight miles to the house and was starting to form my battle plan of a 40 mph trip when a Housing contractor pulled in. I knew the guy in a distant way and when he asked if he could help, it hit me, yeah! I told him I needed some metal flashing and bailing wire if he had any. He did and I made some quick wraps with the flashing and secured it all with bailing wire. He looked it all over when I handed him back his pliers and said "well, like willie nelson once said." "on the road again". I thanked him and jumped on the starter and it was pretty decent.
My ride back to the house was a good smooth kick back sort of deal. Not much traffic and no hurry. I really enjoyed it. Too bad that the day was settling into afternoon. I could have been talked into a run somewhere.
I topped off the tank and tanked up on some coffee at the little cafe/gas station by the house. I also got a couple of zoo zoo's for later and as I was paying for everything I thought, what the heck, and got a dollar scratch off card. Joking with the gal at the counter about becoming an instant "ga zillion aire" I scratched it and was a $20.00 winner. That's it. Time to head to the house. Couldn't get any better so time to end the day on a high note.
Pulling up to the house the pups had their noses pressed against the window and appeared glad to see me. It's nice to be loved!

Catch ya on the road

1/12/10 Another day in paradise

2010-01-12T17:01:00.000-08:00

365 Group (f)

Today was a shade warmer than it has been. Got up to 47 degrees I heard from a guy at work.

I hadn't been doing a lot of riding lately so today I figured on getting in a few miles. I had a bike gathering of sorts to photograph after work so I saddled up.
When I headed out I had the fleeting thought that I was a "weee" bit nuts as the "hover round" was running good when I parked it yesterday.
I struggled into the snow mobile suit and went out to start the bike. It wasn't too bad. The wind wasn't blowing and felt more cool than cold.
After a little priming and a couple of cold kicks she fired about half way through the second kick. I'm still amazed. Fires right up after sitting for about a week in zero weather. I set the idle to a little faster than normal and headed back in for the work junk and my camera...and, since I was there, another cup of coffee. Finally, with the junk all strapped in place and my camera packaged for warmth I headed down my bumpy driveway. At the street I eased out hoping to not find and stray patches of ice. I made my way down to the highway and headed west. In the cool air the old twin ran really well and I hit a good steady clip of about 50. Wasn't too cold at this speed and really kind of comfortable being wrapped in a snow mobile suit and all.
I made good time over to the foot of the mountain and hit my back roads. The temps seemed a little cooler as I ran around the lake but as I pulled the hills I felt several warm pockets and figured it would better the closer I got to town.
I got on the new park way and ran along with traffic ignoring the "gawkers" and had a good time,all in all. I was also the only person to ride to work. Guess i have the title.
After work it was down right warm feeling when there wasn't any wind. I didn't bother with the snow mobile suit and just got on 71 and headed over to Fayetteville to take a few pictures of some folks and their bikes. On the way over to the juke joint where we were meeting I picked up a newer looking Victory and we rode along for a couple or three traffic lights. I gotta say I think he was enjoying the way people looked at us as much as I was. he turned with a wave toward the interstate and I headed to Dickson street.
After taking pictures of the bikes and shootin the breeze with everyone I decide to put on the snow suit and bite the bullet and head the long way toward the house. Poking along through town was almost like a fall afternoon cool but not cold. Once on the highway it did get down right cold. I had a good ride in. Even saw a couple of other riders as I slipped through town.
I had a good time, especially looking at the "rubber neckers" looking at me like I was cheating. Hey you can get around slow moving traffic too...ride a bike. I also had a good time waving at the little kids in the cars and suv's. They looked real excited as I would ride up and waved really big at me as I buzzed passed them at traffic tie ups.
Who knows? I may have to do this again tomorrow.

Catch ya on the road

January 2, 2010 "yep, I'm a Polar Bear!"

2010-01-04T11:25:00.000-08:00

365 Group (f)

Today the temp got up to a whopping 29 degrees, I heard.

Today was also our annual Polar Bear ride. Where all us die hard types all meet on a traditionally cool day of the year, have lunch and explain to people that it's a good day to ride.

It was a great ride. A little cooler than years past but still a load of fun.
I started off by literally brushing the ice and snow off my bike. Seems that my cover just cant take the winds we've been having lately. I had to use a hair dryer to thaw out the ignition and light switches. With the cooler temps I was sure that the old bike would be a bear to start but it fired up on the first kick. To say I'm amazed is really putting it mildly.
After warming up for several minutes I headed up to my riding buddy Luther's place. The loose plan was to leave from his house and head to the Bar B Que place in town for lunch. Also, see how many other riders we would encounter along the way.
As it worked out the two of us were all that showed for lunch. It was a great lunch and a good relaxed time.
As I said he and I were the only ones we saw until we were heading back to the house. As we were leaving town we met a determined looking rider heading in. He seemed tickled to see us on the road and really put some extra effort into waving as we passed.
So this years ride is done...Grand total 3.
Already looking forward to next year.

catch ya on the road

12/26/09

2009-12-26T11:31:00.000-08:00

365 Group (f)
'Nuff said!

Catch ya on the road

12/10/09 COLD!

2009-12-10T09:16:00.000-08:00

365 Group (f)

14 degrees here this morning!

There was the promise of a rise to the middle 30's today. Now that's a heat wave...don't care who ya are. I managed to get out and put the charger on the battery as that seems to help with my "one and a half to two thirds" kick wonder. This morning I even managed to prop a heater up against the oil pan. That seemed to make all the difference in the world. Yesterday was as cold but I didn't ride as the car was handy and all that. Today however there were many variables, like a friend that needed my car. So, a ride in was in order.
I got into my snow mobile suit and went to disconnect the charger and heater. The bike fired up on the second kick, settled into a nice rumbling idle. I gave it a few minutes to warm up and headed out.
Like yesterday, it wasn't too bad in the short haul. This translated into slower speeds. About 45 was the sub Arctic sweet spot. I made it down the highway to my turn off without any problems. Most people on the road I think were just too cold to be stupid this morning. After I got off the highway and on the county road my 45 mph sweet spot ran out good and I even felt like I made pretty good time. I also didn't feel like I was freezing.
Pulling on the Parkway traffic picked up a little and since it's mostly short straight shots between traffic lights I hammered down between the lights. As I pulled away from my last light on the parkway, a sport bike pulled in behind me. He was all leathered up and frozen looking. He followed me over to my turn off at work and pulled in beside me.
Introducing himself as Josh he said he was curious as to how far I had ridden this morning. When I explained that I was coming only a total of thirteen miles he seemed impressed. Telling me that he had only just gotten started where he got in behind me and was going to take his finals at the university. He also asked if there was any tricks to riding in the cold. All I could think of to tell him was go slow and stop to warm up when he felt like it. Josh nodded and pulled back out into traffic. Hope he made it and was able to hold a pencil.
I asked the Security guy if he had seen any other "idjit's" on two wheelers this morning. Laughing, he said, yep. Seems that a lot of the morning "in town" riders rode in as usual. This made me feel pretty good about my morning adventure.
Hope work gets in gear. Cant wait to see what the evening ride is like.
Catch ya on the road...(if I don't wave it's because my arms are frozen in place)

12/09/09 13 degrees

2009-12-09T15:25:00.000-08:00

365 Group (f)

This morning it was thirteen degrees when I got up. No I didn't ride in today. I thought about it and ...nahhhhhhhhh.
When I got back to the house this afternoon it was up to 25 degrees. A regular heat wave. I couldn't resist. I Fired the old bike up and ambled down the drive. I figured on just a quick pass through the neighborhood and back to the house.
Once I got on the paved road and got going it really wasn't too bad, for a short haul. I tooled down to the gas station and ordered some fries to go.
As I waited on my fires several people ask me silly questions about being cold and did my heater work. I managed a straight serious face and replied yep, heater works good. Defroster doesn't do so well though. A couple of these people even came on with the old "I was going to ride my Harley today but..." routine, to try to impress the young the girls working there. It was quite humorous actually. Posers is I think what they are call now days.
The girls at the store all know me and knew that I was having fun. I got my fires and a coke and saddled back up. The trip meter on my LSI said 2.3 miles. 0.3 miles over the daily requirement.
For a short run and I do mean short, it wasn't too bad. Kind of fun actually.
Oh yeah, fries werent too bad either...lots of ketchup and all.
Catch ya on the road

12/8/09 Not bad

2009-12-07T08:28:00.000-08:00

365 Group (f)

This morning was a cool one. The weather channel said it was around 38 or so. Felt cooler to me but who am I to argue with experts.

I tanked up on some really good coffee and "wooled" the hounds around some. As daylight started creeping in the windows I slipped on my snowmobile suit and headed out.
It really wasn't all that bad when the wind wasn't blowing. It took three kicks this morning as the oil was a "weee" bit thicker. But hearing the way the rumble split the morning quiet it was worth the extra effort.
As it warmed up I strapped down all the junk for work. I couldn't help but chuckle at the "extra over sized saddle bags" a well meaning friend told me I needed. Bless her heart, she just still don't get it. No more than I carry, no farther than I go it would just be a waste for me. But she means well.
Bouncing down the drive I get a great picture of early morning heavy, almost ice, frost on everything. With the sun light hitting it, everything is bright, clear and clean looking. I love mornings like that.
The traffic was light and I settled into a easy ride of about fifty mph. It wasn't too cold at this speed. With the light traffic it was just about as good as it gets. I made my turn at the foot of the mountain and started through the short twisties, slowing down to look over a herd of deer that were ambling around with some cattle. Smart critters, it's deer season around here. I almost stopped and took a couple of pictures, but it's cold and that's a good enough reason for me to weenie out.
Once I topped the hill at my half way point I could feel a warm temperature change and figured that it probably would get a little warmer through out the day. So my ride back in should be a good one.
I got on the parkway and fell in with a bunch of hooligans that were trying to play bumper car tag or some such nonsense. I finally had enough and as the next light changed I put some real distance between me and them. It's bad enough riding around this small town morning traffic with the regular idiots. No sense encouraging the ones with a pedigree.
A look at my watch showed me to be several minutes ahead this morning so I figured a cup of coffee and and a biscuit "somethingorother" was in order. I jumped on 71 north and hit the first drive through I saw, a Sonic, where a lovely older lady took my order and cheerfully advised me that as cool as it was she was convinced that I had left my good sense at home. Man! This was going to be a good day. I rode out laughing and headed over to the office.
Work oozed by as it always does and at quitting time I was really ready to head for the house. I pulled out into the evening traffic and headed toward the side streets I use to get across town to the new parkway. Once on the side streets the traffic is normally light as I'm slipping through mostly residential areas. Today was a little different as there was some work on the traffic lights going on. As I sat in traffic waiting on the cop to let us go I saw another rider coming up behind me in the turn lane. He was just easing along trying to get to as close to end of the line of traffic and around whatever obstruction there was as he could. He pulled up beside me and motioned ahead in a questioning way. "Workin on the lights" I yelled. He nodded and we sat there for a few. Finally the cop motioned us on and we eased our way out of the traffic. We ran along to the 265 intersection. With a wave he went his way and I went mine.
I had a good uneventful ride back to the house and felt very relaxed. Pulling back in at the house I thought about the day and, well, "not a bad ride".
catch ya on the road

11/28/09 Holiday rides, good food and all that.

2009-11-29T06:20:00.000-08:00

365 Group (f)

I looked over the weather channel and thought it looked like a good day for a ride through the hills. Ya know, a settling of the Turkey as it were. I figured on a quick 150 miles of twisties and in the process drop in on some relatives and "mooch" a meal (or several) of leftovers.

Pulling out from the house I eased down to the highway and drifted east. Thinking that I would just take my time and not be in any hurry I planned for traffic that is normally pretty hectic in this area around a holiday. Once on highway 412 I noticed that there wasn't any traffic. An occasional bit of local traffic was all. I found this odd for a few miles then it came to me. "Global Warming". That must be it. Man! All that mental preparation for the traffic on my part for nothing.

As I came into Huntsville I happened to look in my mirror and saw a neatly worded sign that read "Kenworth" . I gave this sign some thought and decided that I needed to get over on the shoulder and ponder it further. It was funny after the fact. I didn't hear the big rig come up on me. If I had I might not have gained more gray hair than I had when I started. After I got settled back down I pulled back over into the lane and opened up. Really it was shaping up to be a nice ride.

Coming into Marble I toyed with the idea of an order of hush puppies. But decided to pass in favor of some leftover dressing. Hammering on I hit 21 and ran over to Kingston got in behind some locals and was slowed down some. Once out of Kingston I had a real leisurely ride down to the Buffalo River. There weren't too many holiday weekend floaters out so I had the chance to stop and look over the Elk herd. There were a couple that I had heard about that were suppose to have massive racks. I wanted to get a couple of pictures of these guys. Looked like about forty of them were grazing in the field next to the road. The big ones I had been hearing about were with a smaller bunch across the field from me. Too far for a decent picture, but even at that distance I could see what all the talk was about. They truly were impressive. Next time I'll bring a bigger rig and maybe get my shot.

Leaving the Elk to do what ever it is that professional tourist attractions do I headed across the valley and up the mountain. As I climbed out of the valley I could feel the temperature change and ran through several pockets of warmer air which always seemed like a surprise treat.

Pulling into my place I saw several family member sort of lounging around the front of the house. Holiday dinners with my family usually last for a couple or three days. This was the start of day two. After a great lunch, most of the afternoon was spent nibbling and visiting and tinkering with the bikes. When it came time to leave I really felt stuffed. I said goodbyes all around and packed up a doggie bag, kicked the old bike to life and headed out wondering why it seems we only do this at holidays. Everyone was saying the same thing "we should get together like this more often". I agree, but then again, I'm always hungry.

The ride back up was a little more traffic filled and a lot of cross winds. It was like an 18 wheeler was passing you every few minutes. The kind of riding that wears you out.

Finally I pulled into the house and unsaddled. Radar came trotting over and gave me the once over sniff and decided that I was a keeper. I gave him and my little guys some of the glazed ham and cemented my position around here for a little while yet.

Ended up being one hundred eighty four miles and three dinners. Not a big ride. But not too shabby either.

This little "brat" is my niece She wanted a picture to remember the "moment"...?

It's always the ornery ones that get to your heart.

Catch ya on the road

11/22/09 pos. stage two...but the jury's still out

2009-11-24T14:51:00.000-08:00

365 Group (f)

This weekend was about as good as it was going to get for a while. Daily highs were forecast for the upper forties to maybe mid fifties.

Since it had been 15 months, my Dr. hinted that I needed to get around to some tests that he had told me about ...well, fifteen months ago.Since it was fairly warm and all, I saddled up Miss Tilley and headed toward the sprawling metropolis of Jasper, Arkansas. Hopefully this trip would keep my Doctor at bay for another year or so. The ride started out good and crisp. I mean it was a great start. Bike running great and me on it. I tooled over and jumped on highway 412 and thought what the heck. I opened up. Deciding that a ticket wouldn't be such a bad thing at this particular point in my life, I peaked a hundred and stayed there for a few miles. Feeling the cool air and the vibrations and all that goes with it. I ran up behind a small car loaded with kids and was forced to slow some. It was good while it lasted. I had ran this stretch of road many times over the last thirty years. Sometimes with friends, mostly by myself. It's always a great ride for clearing out the cobwebs of Doctors, Lawyers, livin and dyin, vermin of that lk. There was a bright spot on the horizon. After the Doctor there was a family get together. All the remaining family was getting together. So this should be good. After my run down 412 I peeled off on to 21 and headed towards Kingston and the ride over the mountains to the valley. I pulled the hill out of Kingston and had a good run up.Topping 80mph. That is one of the places I check the condition of my ride. How fast it will top that half mile long hill from a dead stop take off. Today was a good climb.
In all this foolin around I had worked up a chill and decided the after the short ride over to the Valley I would pull over and have a cup of coffee. The ride over to the valley was all too short. I pulled in to the brake check area and poured a cup. Several people blew by and waved shaking their heads as it dawned on them that I was riding in this weather. As I waited around for the coffee to cool I looked around a little. This is a real out of the way place, on the side of the mountain and people use it as a dump when they are in the area. I noticed lots of beer cans, a couple of old TVs and an old refrigerator. Standing there looking around I also noticed a critter.
This guy was sleeping on an old rusty refrigerator door. I first thought he was a recent road kill till he opened one eye and looked at me as if to say "hey! I'm sleepin here".
Firing back up I tooled down the mountain and made and easy ride of the remaining thirty miles to my place at Deer.
I stored my junk at the house then headed off to hear out the Doctor.
There isn't anything like living in the hills. "Upppp one side and then downnnnn the other" with lots of great curves all over.
The pow wow with the Doc went more or less OK, kind of like I had planned for. I headed back up the mountain to see the kinfolks and do a little visiting (eat a lot of great food) with the family.
Maybe with a little luck I'll find a half nekkid Mermaid or something just as cool on the return trip tomorrow.
catch ya on the road

11/14/09 Slacking

2009-11-14T14:51:00.000-08:00

365 Group (f)

Today was a nice day to do just nothing. So, being an expert at nothing...

I figured to get in a little riding and a little maintenance on the bike today and generally just be a slacker.

I managed to get out around nine A M. With cup of coffee in hand I did a walk around of the bike to see if anything jumped out screaming "fix me". Nothing did. I had been having a lot of vibration noise lately. I figured a good snugging up of bolts and screws would take care of the aggravation and wouldn't take all day.

As I got into it I didn't find too many loose anything. I did find a couple of things that had just worn out. The signal light on the left front. The stem is a pressed together two piece unit and it was drooping like a bloodhounds ears. I guess age had finally gotten into the joint as it was really floppy. I had noticed it at some point apparently. There were a bunch of rubber bands and some electrical tape on it. They too had given up.

Looking through my small salvage yard I found a new pair of those Harley style clip on signal lights. They were still in the package. I must have had them for a really long time as the price on them was $4.99 . I spent the next couple of hours trying to sort out the wiring harness. It is old, dried out and after all these years molded into position. It took a while but I managed to get the wires routed and everything insulated. They really only had one real problem with these clip on types. Handle bar sizes. I had to make a spacer of sorts to get them solid on the bars. They work good and if I do say so myself, don't look half bad.

By the time I finished with the lights it was well past lunch time. Not being one to turn down an excuse to take a ride or eat a meal, I fired the bike up and announced to which ever governmental agency was watching me by satellite, "shake down" and headed down the drive.

I figured to make it quick and so I headed toward my favorite Bar B Que place. It's a quick seven to eight mile trip and a good straight stretch for twisting the grip. On the way down I remembered one of my last visits there where I had a lovely young lady tell me how things were fixing to shape up. This produced a good chuckle and made the ride all that much better.

As I neared town the traffic started picking up. People were acting like they were totally lost to their world of cell phones and associated junk. Plus they were acting as though they hadn't noticed I was sporting new cool looking signal lights. I guess there really isn't any accounting for some people?

I eased up to the traffic light on Mission just in time to see a herd of sport bikes blast by like they were late for something. This is the second time I've see these guys and I'm still not thinking much of them. I like to go fast. But I'm not too interested to tearing down narrow city streets in heavy traffic at a hundred miles per plus.

Finally my light changed and I pulled into the B.B.Q. place. As I walked through the door my little honey looked up and smiled real big. I made my order and grabbed a seat. A few minutes later "Honey" brought my food and sat down with me. While I ate we chatted about a little bit of everything then she brought up the bike rally at the end of the month. I couldn't help it and started to chuckle. When she wanted to know what was so funny I almost couldn't tell her. Finally I got it out about her giving orders and how funny it struck me. After her face returned to it's normal color she said "would you please take me to the party"? Seems that her current boyfriend is motorcycle challenged. In several areas. Seems that he's even challenged walking and chewing gum.
After everything settled down And we had a real chat about the whole thing, Well, I got roped into going to a bike show and following party. I still think I was hosed on the deal but it aint the first time. I didn't come away empty handed though. My meal was on the house.
I fired up the bike and decided to make a few errands and circle back to the house. The temperature was starting to drop a bit and it was definitely jacket time.
As I was getting back on the highway for the house I noticed a real lack of evening traffic. Thinking it over it came to me. It's game night at the University. One of the best times to be out around this area on a bike. Everyone is out in a parking lot "tail gating". That means no traffic.
I had a good ride back to the house. Although it was just too short it was fun. I also did a pretty fair job of slacking. So, over all, today was a keeper.
Catch ya on the road

11/11/09 I blame Amanda (ha ha ha)

2009-11-12T17:11:00.000-08:00

365 Group (f)

Today was a rather good day for riding, after the fog burned off. Temperature got up to the low 60's and was just all around nice.

I got an early jump on the morning traffic and headed toward Fayetteville to the bank. My plan was a simple one. Go to the bank and get money. I had forgotten to get gas or money the day before and it was getting really down there on the reserve.
I roared into the bank and up to the ATM and that's when it happened. I was headed to work and would have made it had it not been for the bikes that roared by. The last bike had the wife of a friend of mine on it and she turned around and rode up to me.
Apparently they were all playing hooky from work and she said I might as well too. Try as hard as I could to resist, well, I caved.
Barb told me where they were heading and I agreed to meet up with them in a few.
Today was payroll day and I at least had to go and make sure everyone got paid. So I pulled out and made a mad dash down Old Missouri Road toward a gas station and then work. Not once did I give thought to how silly this was. Others did and told me as much, but not me.
I pulled into work and rushed the payroll through. Once I had the confirmation in hand. I left "sick" and headed north on Highway 71 towards Bella Vista. Once I got over to the little community of Bella Vista I caught up with everyone and we all roared out for a day of back road riding that was just what the doctor ordered. Well, If he'd been there he would have ordered it.
We tooled around Benton county and wound up on hwy 62 and made a lazy circle up into Missouri. Not really headed anywhere or doing anything other than just riding around. A bike version of follow the leader. We road back roads that I didn't see a sign or number or anything on. Finally we dipped back down and tooled through Carrol County to a point between Green Forest and Berryville. Everyone agreed that it was about lunch time so we headed for Eureka Springs and lunch.
After lunch, it just seemed that the day was done. Everyone had a full belly and the laziness that comes with a good meal settled in. We all stood around and shot the breeze for a while then started drifting off to where ever.
Keeping a slower pace I headed out for the house. I just tooled along enjoying things. The way the bike was humming along, the way the sun was shining and kind of warming me, it was all good.
Pulling into my little town I looked down at my trip counter. 258 miles and didn't go anywhere that I could really remember. Nor could I tell you how to get there. But I'm making plans to go back soon.
Catch ya on the road

11/4/09

2009-11-05T06:19:00.000-08:00

365 Group (f)

This morning was another good bright and sunny start. The 48 degrees was another plus.

Yesterday I was saddled with a must appear at work but still managed to have great morning ride in. This morning wasn’t as intense as yesterday so I was able to over sleep and get back into my routine. Up and going. I started early looking for my gloves, keys and junk. The little bandits had snatched them again. Funny but the longer we play this game the more creative the little one gets in hiding things.
After lovin everybody up I grabbed my helmet and headed out to burn up some road.
The bike fired up and purred like a content little kitten. I ambled down toward the road and watched a couple of bikes slide by. Seems everyone was making the most of this nicer weather. There was no truck this morning to use as an excuse to twist the throttle but I did anyway, making good time down to the highway.
I had apparently timed things just right as there was no traffic allowing me to do one of those “evil old California stops”. Blasting onto the highway I kept everything more or less civilized till I hit the edge of town. As I cleared town I saw a local on a sport bike coming up on a side road and the race was on. He rolled the stop and jumped out just ahead of me and took off. Crossing the twin bridges I was climbing on ninety five and starting to really gain on this guy when he decides to shut it down and run respectable. Well, it was fun while it lasted.
We tooled along for a couple of miles to my turn off, he waved and I headed on towards work.
I ran the curves down Habberton and decided to run on out to 412 and make it a little more of a ride. This is such a nice stretch of road with hills and curves that it’s at times a treat to ride, especially at this time of year with the cooler temperatures.
Pulling up to 412 I see several bikes out headed toward town. Another indicator that today was going to be a good day.
The traffic was flowing nicely at about sixty five to seventy with no one acting like they were in a life and death struggle to get someplace. It was just a nice ride all the way around.
As I pulled up to the first light coming into town things really bogged down. Apparently there was an accident ahead and the cops were holding everyone up. I eased over on the shoulder and started slowly walking the bike up the shoulder. Before long I had managed to get ahead of most of the backed up traffic to the point where when the cops started moving everybody along again I was first in line. I really don’t think anyone realized that I had jumped them while they sat there. Anyway, no one tried to run me down.
The rest of my ride was just traffic light to traffic light all the way to work. Lots of starting and stopping. As I pulled up to the Security Gate I noticed that several people didn’t ride this morning. The Security guy pointed out that it was a whole two degrees cooler this morning than it was yesterday. Yep. That must have been it. Pulling on in I parked and made my way to the break room and coffee. I was also curious as to what today’s excuses for not riding were.
This morning was just another ride to work but it was a keeper. If they were all like this last couple of days, well, maybe work wouldn’t be such a bad thing?

11/3/09 The Amanda & Kim Chronicles

2009-11-03T10:20:00.000-08:00

365 Group (f)

This morning was a riders dream. Sun was shining. Temperature was right around fifty. It was a most beautiful start to the day.

Yesterday afternoon had been great. The ride was a keeper. I even got to spend a little time with one of my favorite female types over dinner who casually informed me that there was a poker run and bike show coming up at one of the local watering holes. She also pointed out in a matter of fact fashion that she was going and I was taking her. This should be good. She’s roughly half my age and already giving orders. After dinner I had a good ride and an even better laugh all the way home.

Since this was a mandatory day at work I couldn’t really get out and enjoy this morning like I wanted but I was going to make the most and best of what I had.
As I packed up my junk for work the pups looked a little on edge. Duhhhh! I hadn’t given them their morning treats. They are pretty much little junkies. They just got to have their morning fix. Now that I had them back on track they settled in to helping me get ready. The little one hid my gloves and my little “bear” was sitting on my keys while I raced around looking for them. The two males just stayed pleasantly under foot. And, Woodrow, my bird finally woke up and felt that he had to give a dissertation on all the ills of this world at the top of his lungs. Yep! They love me.
I finally got it all together and headed out. I strapped everything on and jumped on the starter. Rumbling to life the old gal seemed like she was ready to go. On these cooler mornings the old bike really seems to run great. I warmed the engine a couple of minutes and took off bouncing down my drive. One of these days I’m going to have to fix my drive or maybe buy a dual sport?
At the street I jumped out ahead of a pickup truck and hammered it for about a quarter. The truck really wasn’t that close but any excuse to wind up is a good excuse. I made good time down to the highway. Traffic was light and I was able to ease out and over to the Post Office without too much trouble. With no more errands, it was time to settle in and enjoy the ride.
Pulling back on the highway I noticed the Marshal was sitting at the gas station driveway. Since I consider him a friend and he usually doesn’t hassle riders, I eased my way out of town at a respectable speed. Soon as he was good and out of sight and I was good and out of town I opened up. Running along at about seventy I was feeling good and really beginning to enjoy the ride. Every morning should be like this.
Everyone must have had corn flakes with honey or something for breakfast this morning? They all seemed to be feeling pretty good. Two cars passed me at just slightly under warp speed. I had thought about making them work for it but what the heck, my turn off was coming up and there just wasn’t enough road to really make it interesting.
I made my turn at the mountain and leveled out down the center line. No traffic meant I could fudge a little and before I knew it I was through the curves and pulling the hill at the half way point. Man it goes by fast when it’s good. Running up to Guy Terry Road I toyed with the idea of jumping across and doing the back roads for as long as I could. I thought better of it and decided to get on in and hopefully get the day done early so I could take the long way back home.
At the first light traffic was really piled up. They all seemed to be soaking in muddy molasses. I finally got tired of messing around and as soon as everything started moving I jumped the turn lane and managed to get ahead of it. Everyone and was poking along and each light seemed worse than the last. I guess it’s better than that pinball feeling I normally get, but I still don’t care for poke along driving. It’s funny, in this small metro type are it’s either everyone pokes along or every ones drag racing from light to light. There never seems to be a middle ground.
Pulling up to the Security gate at work I noticed that about everyone that works here that owns a bike had ridden to work. I stopped and chatted with the Security Officer for a minute and watched several of the areas regular riders scrambling down the four lane towards work.
This was a good morning ride even if it was way too short. Only thing I can think of that would have made it better is if I were heading out on a trip.
Catch ya on the road

10/24/09 odds -an- ends

2009-10-24T15:32:00.000-07:00

365 Group (f)

Today was much better than the last entire week has been. The rain stopped and it actually warmed up some this afternoon.

I went up to my friends shop to try again to do something with my bike. Looks like, bad as I hate to, I'm going to have to haul it to a shop where they can get to the bottom of my carburetor problems. Everything I do seems to get me close but always ends up where I started.
I did manage to get the new tires done and mounted and had a good visit and looked over my buddies new house that he's about got built. It is nice! Hope it all finally ends up being finished for him smoothly. Coming back to the house I took apart the carburetors on my Kawasaki. A little cleaning was in order as it's been kinda sluggish and doing some "poppin" and "bangin" at traffic lights. I have gotten quite good at tearing the carbs down and cleaning them while they are mounted. Doesn't beat a rebuild but gets me through till I have enough time to have the bike down for a while. I filled every nook and cranny with carburetor cleaner and let it soak for a few minutes then took an air tank and blew it all out. After all this and we were back together I fired up and the engine sounded pretty good. Nice low rumbling idle and no noticeable popping or banging.

The rains were back before I could do any test riding. I guess we are in for a monsoon season for a while. The weather picture doesn't look so good and my weather forecasting back is at def con 27. So I'm a four wheelin for another day looks like.

You know it's bad when 1. ya can kick the bike over without tears 2. it's raining so hard you cant see the road in front of you. Hopefully the saw bones will have something figured out, other than surgery or an electric starter before too much longer.

Who knows? Maybe I'll...

Catch ya on the road

10-22-09 none

2009-10-22T12:30:00.000-07:00

365 Group (f)

Today the rain was back.
It was a mess anyway you looked at it. I had pulled a something or other in my right side yesterday evening that produces muscle spasms at every thought. This morning the spasms combined with my arthritis flaring up in the middle of the night as the storm moved in and a kick start only bike, I would be better off taking the car.
So, as far as riding, I did'nt. That means you can stop reading now. No bikin, no ridin means no reading.
Hope to Catch ya on the road

10-20-09 A good day to ride

2009-10-20T12:56:00.000-07:00

365 Group (f)

This morning was an absolutely perfect day for riding. 55 degrees and the promise of 70's in the afternoon with no hint of rain in the forecast.
I filled my thermos with some of my award winning coffee and grabbed my helmet.
The bike fired up without a lot of whining, begging and pleading on my part and I took that as a good sign. As it is getting colder it's getting to where it takes a few extra kicks to get going in the mornings. But I write that off to old age.
While the bike was warming I kind of did a walk around to check for loose this and leaking that. I didn't find anything new, another good sign. Finally I eased down the drive to the street. At the street I had to wait for morning traffic to settle down. Seems like everyone was running late again and traffic was coming in little clusters of three to five vehicles at a time. Plus my drive hits the street at the start of an almost blind curve.
I finally got out and eased toward the highway and a gas station. I topped my tank and grabbed a bottle of carb cleaner and just for grins and giggles I bought a $2 lottery ticket. My gas came to $4. Carb cleaner $2 Lottery ticket was $2 ...big winnings on the ticket $10 So the state bought my gas, Carb cleaner lottery ticket and gave me 2 bucks out of the goodness of their heart.
Yep it was going to be a good day.
Since I'm still in the parts hunting mode I headed east for Harrison and points in between. The short scoot over 45 to Hwy 412 was a smooth one as all the heavy part of the morning traffic was pretty much gone. As I topped the hill to merge into 412 I noticed a car beside the road. The driver appeared to be an older woman. I pulled over and asked her if she needed any help. "darn thing wont start" was her reply. Sure enough it was dead. I asked the lady to raise the hood and let me look over the battery connections. Finally she said "I guess you'll have to do it, I don't have the strength to pull the latch". As I reached in to pop the hood I noticed the head light switch was in the on position. I asked how long she had been sitting there and she said she had pulled over just about day light to rest a bit. It was starting to look like she had pulled over and shut off the engine leaving the lights on. This I explained would be a quick fix if she had any jumper cables. We'd just flag someone down and get a jump and she could be on her way.
Looking through the car, lots of junk but no cables. Not even a spare tire. Unusual way to be traveling. Also, no cars came by. This was odd.normally cars are all over at this time of the morning.
I explained again what I needed and told her if worse came to worse I'd ride back and get some cables. While we were talking I noticed a short extension cord laying in the trunk with all the other junk. Thinking of an old trick I had used on bikes before, I asked her if I could use her cord to try and get her going. She said have at it. I cut the ends off the cord and stripped off the insulation and made a make shift set of jumper cables. I hooked them to her car and the bike. I had her take the keys out and lay them on the dash. I wasn't sure what it would do to my system if she got over anxious and tried to fire up the car while The bike was hooked to it. Starting the bike I idled it up to about 3500 rpm's and asked her if she drank coffee. I poured her a cup of coffee and set down to wait. After the coffee was drank I unhooked from the car and told her to try it. The car fired up like it was suppose to. I was tickled. My small alternator and make shift cables had done the trick. The lady was more than surprised as she had at the start of this little experiment, uttered many doubtful phrases. I took the extension cord lose from her battery and put the hood down. She asked what she owed me. I really hate it when people do that. Anyway, I told her I'd keep the extension cord and she wouldn't owe me anything. She gave me a look like I had gone simple standing in front of her. I pointed out that my mother was about her age and that I would hope someone would stop and help her if she were ever stranded. She seemed to understand my thinking and grabbed me and hugged all the air out of me and thanked me again. She also told me that she was headed to her daughters and when they wanted to know why she was so late, well, she had a story to tell em. She grinned real wide and got in the car. I watched her pull away and thought yep! a real story to tell everyone.
Pulling out onto 412 I tooled on down to Marble. I figured to top off my thermos and grab some of the mandatory hush puppies before continuing.
After my Marble stop I eased on over to Harrison in a pretty uneventful fashion. At the bike shop I gave em my list and asked what they could do to help me. Most of the stuff would have to be ordered and would take a couple of days. I paid them for the parts and told them I'd be back through in a week or so. This was to their liking, someone not in a life and death hurry. While we talked one of the shop guys spotted my bike and they all went out to look it over. One remarked as to how there are lots of them out there still yet but they hardly ever see em or see one that someone actually puts the miles on. Every one seemed to like the old bike and thought the glass packs off the old ford pick was cool as all get out.
After talking to the shop guys I decided it was close enough to lunch either way and headed toward something to eat. It's been so long since I spent any real time in Harrison, so aside from fast food places I really didn't have any idea where would be a good place to eat. Tooling through town, remembering how things ustawas it hit me. The Hospital. Sounds funny but when I was there with mom for her surgery I was told that they have a great lunch buffet. What the heck, worth a try. I eased up to the Emergency room entrance and made my way to the cafeteria. The buffet wasn't bad. They had a little bit of everything. Really the only thing that was missing was salt.I had a real good meal of roast beef with all the trimmings for right at five dollars. Not too bad I didnt think. have to remember this place in the future.
Pulling out from the Hospital I dodged a couple of obvious speed traps and made my way back north. I seemed to recall a place somewhere around Berryville or Eureka Springs that had a motorcycle bone yard.
The ride out to Berryville was a nice one as the weather had really warmed as the weather channel had promised. I asked around at several places but know one knew of a bike bone yard. heading on toward Eureka I met a lot of bikes on the road. Late season vacationers from the looks of the license plates. Pulling in to outskirts of eureka springs i stopped at the Iron Horse stables and a couple of other places that catered to bikes and ask them if they knew of this bone yard. All anyone knew of was the usual places, nothing new. So it looked like another strike out on new junk to prowl through. All in all I really wasn't too disappointed. It was a great day for riding and I was really enjoying it. I managed to kill a little time riding around Eureka and finally headed back toward the house.
It really was a good day for a ride. The bike ran along pretty well for all 237 miles and I was on it. Couldn't ask for more than that.
Catch ya on the road

10/18/09 Bikin, not ridin days

2009-10-18T17:36:00.000-07:00

365 Group (f)

This weekend was kind of a dry one compared to the past couple. It rained a little a couple of times and was overcast more than sunny. Temperatures got up to the middle fifties. All in all it was a keeper.

I had big plans starting into this weekend but like most of my plans they unraveled pretty quickly. I managed to get a few parts picked up here and there. Stuff that I had bought several weeks ago along with some tires that a friend had given me.
In between work, running around picking up parts I managed to visit with an online friend in the center part of the state and had a lot of fun chatting with her. She rides and always has a way of lightening the load when I chat with her. I have gotten a couple of ideas about the bike from her and am trying to incorporate them.
I made a quick ride over to the bicycle shop in Springdale and got a pair of mini ape hangers to fit my bike. I plan on trying out a whole new sitting position on my lower back for more than just short time as I ride. Planning on making it everyday for a while and see if it helps. After the bike shop I headed out to the salvage yard to pick up a pair of struts they had made for me. After the salvage yard I decided to go and grab some grub.
The ride between Springdale and Fayetteville is short hop between traffic lights. Several of them. I was told that it's real deceiving as it looks like a good long stretch from one light to the other but you cant ever make any time on it. That's true. But I always ask, whats the hurry? If your riding in any town, anywhere you should know that it's rare to make any kind of good time.
Finally I pulled up to the light at Mission and still had one skin. I felt that this was a special accomplishment during this quitting time of the day afternoon rush traffic. The light changed and I slipped across the intersection and into the parking lot of the Bar B Que place. This place is great food and all the atmosphere you could want rolled into one location. Plus one of my favorite people is back working there. After eating and visiting I headed back out to run everything out to the house. It was a rougher than normal ride with everything tied to the bike. Cant say enough good things about bungee cords.
I Clanked up my drive way and unloaded the parts. Radar came up and gave everything the once over sniff and trotted back to his spot on the porch. He's looking pretty good lately. Sandy seems to be keeping the groceries to him. He don't even look like the flea carrier I brought home.
I let out my pack of hounds and started on the bike. I pulled off the worn out shocks and replaced them with some homemade struts that lowered the rear about an inch and a half. Next I repositioned the rear fender to try and redirect the rooster tail of water that it throws out when I'm riding in the rain. Then the fun part. Measuring for the springs for the tractor solo seat. I have been told that if set up correctly it will ride as comfortably as what I had. I'm up for trying that. Plus being one of the inseam challenged, lowering the bike was big on my list of important thing to do.
Progressing from one little project to another I killed all afternoon. It was starting to get dark when I finally noticed. The pups are normally a good gage of time. I mean they always make sure that I know it's dinner time. Looking around I found them all sacked out beside Radar. Little vermin...picking up bad habits.
After feeding the pups I got back out to the bike and went back over everything to make sure I wouldn't lose anything tomorrow on the ride in.
In spite of all my plans crashing down around me I still got a few things accomplished and had a good time. Only got in about a hundred miles running around picking up parts and such. But hey, beats a jab in the rump with a pointy object.
catch ya on the road

10-13-09 Ridin in the Rain....finito

2009-10-13T17:20:00.000-07:00

365 group (f)

In keeping with the duck days of October, it rained again.

I woke to another drizzly mess. It was cool and soggy all over. If this keeps up I may have to start parking at the church next door.they don't seem to have the red clay problem that I have.
Kind of rough every once in a while to find your bike laying on it's side because the kickstand buried up in the soft clay.
I uncovered my bike and it fired up with with just the minimal amount of sweet talking. Strapping on my thermos and camera's I planned to make a day of this mess. As the bike was warming I went back to the house for some last minute extra lovin on the "hounds". They always seem to like this last minute stuff, or maybe it's the treats I give em? grabbing a hand full of treats for radar I headed out. Radar got up and showed an unusual amount of interest in walking with me to the bike. he even reared up on the seat and gave everything the serious sniff over. Kind of like saying "OK, I got a good grip on things." I gave him his treats, scratched his ears and he trotted back to the dry porch. Hound after my own heart.
I bounced down my drive to the street and headed southeast. My intent was to run the county roads toward Elkins and pick up hwy 16 and run it all the way to hwy 7. From there I guessed I'd just flip a coin and go north or South.
The county road I was on brought me into the middle of Elkins. Elkins is a small town with a big reputation for being a speed trap. I'm always hearing stories of people getting tagged for as little as one mile per hour over. Since this is far from being my first rodeo, I eased through town about five under. Clearing Elkins I got up to a good comfortable speed and started making a dent in the miles.
Before I knew it I had run through the small communities of Crosses and Combs and was coming up on St. Paul. St. Paul is a very small community on hwy 16. All that I know of there is the gas station and store. As the station came into view I was reminded of a Poker run a few years back. One of the runs stops was at this store. While we were there , one of my buddies blew an oil line off his Harley and had managed to soak everyone riding behind him with oil. Turned out to be a small fix, just a clamp. I had gone into the store to see if they might have a small clamp and as I came out I was struck by the size of the town and the number of bikes. Bikes were parked side by side for what seemed like a half a mile in each direction. As I stepped onto the porch of this store I said to no one in particular "looks like Hollister California in the forties". For some reason the sight of the bikes had brought an old movie about that incident to mind. As I stood there looking around an old guy grinned real big and says, "It does." we started talking and he told me that he had grown up out side Hollister and was living there when that incident took place. Although he wasn't in town during the incident. He was in the area and recalled the numbers of bikes and all the Cops. He said it was big talk for days after. His introduced himself and all I can remember is, his first name was Lenny. We chatted for a few minutes and I remembered the clamp and oil line. As I tooled on through the little town, I wondered if the old man was still around.
Leaving St. Paul the road is a pretty fair two lane that you can travel for it's entirety at times without ever seeing another vehicle. Today was almost one of those days. All in all I rode about eighty miles without seeing a vehicle. I finally came up on a pickup as I neared the town of Fallsville. Fallsville is a neat little wide spot. Sometimes there is a store-gas station there sometimes there isn't. Not a whole lot of business in the area. Today it looked dead as I came through. Setting my sights on the station at Nail I eased on down the road and hoped I made it. The bike does pretty well but over the years I have learned a thing or two and pushing your luck when you didn't have to was one of them.
At nail I gassed up and headed on towards Deer and lunch with mom before I flipped the quarter. I have four days to kill and I wanted to get in several miles before I turned back. So far I only had a hundred and forty seven of them. I'm hoping for at least that many more through these hills before I call it a day.
Let ya know tomorrow how today ended up.
I ended up staying over with mom for another day and night with Flu like symptoms. I felt like I was done. No energy no nothing. It was a job to just get out of bed and into the kitchen for breakfast. I finally gave up and went back to bed. I slept all day and most of the night. I mean I slept. Deep with out interruption. That seemed to be what I needed. I got up the next morning much improved. Since I had lost so much time I just decided to scrap trying to recover and had mom make me an appointment with her doctor.
About ten I struck out for Jasper and the Doctor. The ride to Jasper is always a good one. A real good combination of straights and twisties. Especially on the mountain. Great curves on the mountain.
Pulling into Jasper I slowed way down and just looked over everything. Not much changes around this small town, but there is a yard sale of something of interest usually going on.
I made my turn off the square and ripped up to the clinic. The doc is a cool dude and gave it too me pretty quick. I had a case of a new fast moving flu. Usually hits the stomach and lasts a day or three. Yep that would be me. Told me to down lots of liquids and hold on. I could do that.
back out at the bike I had picked up some "groopies". A pack of neighborhood hounds were laying beside my bike. They looked all comfortable and kind of sad that I was taking their "leaning post". Firing up I eased back out to the street with the hounds trotting along behind. I though it looked cute. It only lasted a couple of minutes. One saw a squirrel or something and they all took off like they were late for something.
Getting back on 7 I decided that since I was actually diagnosed with the flu I would just be line it to the house and try for a trip next weekend. With this all settled the rain started again.
I picked a route home up 74 and over to 21. 74 out of Jasper is another favorite short ride of mine. Like most of the little area rides around this part of the country, straight stretches and twisties. Very enjoyable but very much too short.
Pulling the Boxley mountain I made good time all the way to Kingston and actually, good time all the way to the house. Pulling into the drive I saw a bunch of Rabbits sitting in the middle of my drive. On up at the house where I normally park I saw Radar laying by one of my other bikes. Neither party of critters seemed overly concerned. Man! It's always good to get back.

My ride this weekend wasn't as much as I had planned but sometimes it happens that way. I did have a good time while I was on the road. I enjoyed my time with my mom, always do. I'm hoping that the coming weekends are a little dryer and that I can get in my last trip of this years season in without too much trouble or fanfare. About 370 miles this time around. Not bad.
Catch ya on the road

October 9, 2009 The Duck days of October

2009-10-10T17:07:00.000-07:00

365 Group (f)

These last few days have been really strange weather wise. Rain and sunshine. Rain and rain....

This morning I rushed around and got ready to leave hoping to catch a break in the rain or at least get out before the morning traffic. It was coming down hard. Finally I was ready and couldn't put it off any longer. I grabbed my helmet and went out. Thinking again for the umpteenth time I need to hit the salvage yards and get my car back on the road. Putting on my helmet I stepped out into what I refer to as an Ozark Hurricane. Heavy winds and lots and lots of hard driving rain.
Strapping my thermos on I figured the bike wouldn't start after being left out in the storm. Hey, it was warm and sunny when I parked it. I hit the kicker and she fired up. After sitting all night in a down pour, fired on the first kick. I'm ever and always amazed at my old machine.
Sloshing down the drive I saw just how much it had rained. My drive was all washed out again and water was standing everywhere I looked.
I eased onto the road and started down toward the highway. There wasn't much traffic so I just eased along and looked over all the trash and gravel that had been washed into the road. The next thirteen miles was going to be a ride.
At the stop at the highway the street makes an ever slight dip. Water was running about four to six inches deep. I pulled out and eased up to highway speed. The rains had washed off all the oils so going wasn't too bad, just had to keep an eye out for standing water.
From town to my turn off at the foot of the mountain wasn't too bad. I made as good of time as I normally do. After I made my turn I hit some heavy ground fog. I also had the high lite of my trip. In the fog I saw what looked like a small truck with one head light. As it got closer I saw that it was a Honda Shadow with a totally drowned young man riding it. He had on a leather jacket and chaps and looked like he was soaked through. I figured he had been riding in the worst part of the storm. He was wet to the point of normal. I've been that wet a couple of times in my life. Just comes a point when you just don't notice the water anymore. He was at that point. As we past he waved real big and kept on going.
I made good time over to Butterfield Coach Road. As I came up on the stop sign the rain eased noticeably and the fog was all but gone. I could see both ways well enough to slowly roll the stop and not break my ride. I was having a good time. That's another thing that always amazes me. No matter the situation I can get lost in riding.
Pulling up to the new parkway as it's called traffic was stacked up due to the rain. I managed to get on and got out ahead of most of it. I did have that feeling of being the ball in a pinball machine run up my back. Especially when a guy in a duel cab pickup tried to jump out on top of me. By this time the rain had all but stopped and I had decided that I needed to get out of every ones way before they figured they could go back to their normal driving routine. So. I wound the twin up and put some real distance between me and the advancing enemy forces. From each traffic light I blasted away ahead of everyone so I had time to pull over almost off the street at the next light. That way maybe someone wouldn't slide all over me.
Finally I got off on the side street I was looking for and just tooled on up to the job.
Rumor had it we had gotten around six inches of rain. It looked like. everything was definitely soaked. The job site looked washed.
Good rain gear is a must. Don't care who ya are. Nothing cooler than being dry on a wet day.
About noon the sun started peaking out and I got that old familiar feeling....come on 4 o'clock so I can get on the road.
May be doin the back stroke but I'll catch ya on the road

10/5/09 settling back down

2009-10-05T18:26:00.000-07:00

365 Group (f)

Today was a good cool and damp morning. It was about fifty five degrees and overcast. Perfect riding weather. Too bad I had to go in to work.

While I was warming the bike up and getting ready I had one of those thoughts of running away from home. Just jump on and ride for a while. Then radar came trotting by and snapped me back into reality. Some one has to be around to feed that hound.
I headed down my worn out drive to the pavement and thought maybe it'll be a good ride to a short day.
The damp in the air seems to agree with my bike and it was running like a fine watch or some other costly something or other. I pulled onto the highway, traffic was light and before I knew it I was out of town heading down the straight stretch towards the mountain. I managed to pick up some traffic that held me close to the speed limit. I was running a little earlier than usual so I was hitting the early early going to work crowd. This wasn't too bad. Most of these people didn't seem to be in a texting mood and no one tried to run me over.
I made it to the foot of the mountain and made my turn to skirt around to Springdale. It was just a great morning to ride. I have been having to do a lot of forced riding these last couple of weeks due to family obligations and it was really nice to just get to settle down some and enjoy.
Running through the hills was fun. Cool damp air then into a warm air pocket. I could do this all day.
As I came up to Butterfield Coach road the traffic started picking up a little and indicated a cop was near by. So I ran along close to the speed limit and sure enough there he was. He even pointed his hand held radar gun at me and waved. After getting by him I tooled along and made it into town and the traffic light madness. I really hate traffic lights. Except for the blasting away and leaving the SUV's sitting still. That tends to tick them off and makes me all tickled. Kind of my version of dragging between lights. No matter how they try they just cant get off the line like I can.
My ride into work was a good one. Not nearly long enough, but a keeper anyway. I was a little down as I didn't see any other bikes on the road I guess winter is already here for most of the riders in this area.
I'm hoping that this day goes by fast and I can get back out while it's still cool enough to enjoy. I'd like to put on a couple of hundred miles for therapy. Guess I'm just not ready for summer to be over.
catch ya on the road

9-20-09 just ridin around.

2009-09-20T17:18:00.000-07:00

365 Group (f)

This morning I got up to the Sun coming up. The rain had finally stopped for a while.

After a hurried breakfast I headed out to the shop to start on my bike. It needed a few things before hitting the road. And with the sun out I definitely wanted to hit it today.
I plugged in the coffee pot and started plasma dripping then moved to the bike around to the chain hoist. Once I had the bike in the air the rest would be easy. It timed out just about right. I got the bike lifted just as the coffee quit dripping. Break time!!
After a couple of cups and lots of figuring I hit the drain plug and emptied out the oil. It was black but I didn’t find too much of anything in it that concerned me. Next I put the plug back in and filled it with diesel and pulled the sparkplugs out and rolled over the engine by hand several times to loosen everything. I drained the oil pan again and let it drip till I was finished with everything else.
The chain and sprockets were new about a month and a half ago and was still looking pretty good. I washed them off and looked it all over then adjusted and lubed the chain. A quick check of the points and plugs and I was ready to pour new oil in and be done with it for today.
I put in the new oil and rolled it through the system a few times by hand then put the sparkplugs back in and let it back down to the floor .
After all the coffee was gone I jumped on the starter and half through the second kick she fired, and was back in business as some say.
Bouncing down mom’s driveway and out to the highway I had a feeling that today would be a good one. I headed for Clayborns and gas. Topping off I poured in a bottle of Carb cleaner and eased out for today’s run through the hills.
I ran 16 over to Hwy. 7 and headed south. This is a pretty good ride. A scenic route all the way down to I 40.
I figured on just a few miles this morning and then back to the house and maybe do some more tinkering. At Lurton I took a left and got on Hwy.123 and headed down what you could call a local equivalent to the Dragons Tail. Not as long but definitely as much fun. Having grown up in this part of the world had its advantages at times. Like not needing a map. In real rural parts of the world some things never change and the road I was on was like that, unchanged. I tooled down the mountain and through the community of Mt. Judea (Mt. Judy) and just ambled along until I came back into Jasper and Hwy. 7 again. Having grown up in this area also has disadvantages as I couldn’t really tell you anything about this part of my ride. Other than it was a great one. What can I say; I was home and just riding around. I hit 7 and headed back south. Pulling the mountain is always loads of fun. It literally starts as you leave the actual town. A tight curve at the town limit, that when I was lots younger I drug foot pegs on several times leaving the shop in an alcohol induced state of "gotta get home quick." It would be an almost daily ritual. Larry would close the shop and we’d all jump on our bikes and chase each other up the mountain.
About half way up the mountain there is an emergency truck run away ramp. It has a nice paved spot around it for the tow trucks to set up. Today, no tow trucks, a bunch of bikes had pulled over there. They had ridden up 7 from I 40 and were taking a break. I visited with them and explained the area a little. They all seemed interested in the local roads and what would make a god ride. I showed them a few things on their maps and pointed out the Hub Motorcycle Resort over at Marble Falls. We chatted a while. I gave them my numbers and I explained that I would be in the area for another couple of days. Should they have trouble just give a call.
Pulling out from the truck ramp I pulled the rest of the mountain and settled in for an all too short seventeen mile ride back to the house. Along the way I was stuck by the lack of traffic and just how much fun it was to ride these hills.
Pulling in at moms I looked at the trip counter on my L.S.I. and some how I had racked up 113 miles. Thing is, I don’t really remember any of them. I do remember the people I talked to along the way and their cars, trucks and bikes. I also noticed that I am more relaxed than I’ve been in months. Kind feel like Jell-o looks. Let me tell ya, it be good!!
Catch ya on the road

9-19-09 Radar and the Hairy legged mountain woman

2009-09-20T16:54:00.000-07:00

365 Group (f)

The rain continues and this morning, I got up to a wet everything.
My plan had been to get an early start on some light maintenance on the bike and hopefully get in a few miles before lunch. With the rain, it was looking now like I would get the chance to hit my bone yard and pick up a couple of parts for one of my project bikes instead of any before lunch riding.
I have a friend with an old 305 Honda that I have been working on for a while. I was hoping to get up and going for the Bikes, Blues and BBQ rally.
It’s not anything, special, a bike her dad cobled together from a Dream and a couple of old 350’s, just an older bike in good condition. Something for her to ride around a little and to park on the curb for folks to look at and say, "I had one of those when I was in college" or "I started out on one of those." Today looked like I might get the chance to finish it.
I finally got enough coffee in me to get both eyes open at the same time and headed out to my junk pile. A lot had changed around this place in the last thirty years. Fields, barns, Goats…no no the Goats are the same.Still in the way. The roads around the place have had to change from time to time. My bone yard however was still the same. A trip down memory lane as some say.
Old Honda’s in various conditions. Cushman’s, Triumphs, BSA’s My Suzuki’s, notably the old water buffalo. This small piece of ground with all this junk piled on it is one of the most comfortable places in the world for me. Every time I’m here I end up spending more time than necessary for whatever I’m doing. Today was no different.
From my motocross days the Suzuki 125 was standing off to one side looking dapper as ever even with a blown engine.
The old Honda CL 90 that has been every thing from a hill climber to a road burning "hog" with ape hangers for that classy look and running on just the header pipe for the annoying the neighbors approach. I guess this little bike was the best of the bunch. For a kid of 13, growing up with these wheels was awesome! The places that I was able to go and all I was able to do because of it, is like being in your 30’s and tearing across the country on an old shovel head. I can’t adequately describe it. Other than to say I’ve been lucky. I have been allowed to experience something unique in my life, twice. It’s almost like getting to live two lives.
The Suzuki GT 750 Water Buffalo. A fast bike I don’t care who ya are. My uncle bought it with big ideas. He wasn’t a rider and asked me to come over and look it over and see if it was worth what he had given for it. Long story short I convinced him I needed it and he needed to stay on four wheels. That was a great bike for years. It was just the thing to get on the road several days at a time. Road trips became more fun, if that’s possible. A freak accident took this bike out of service. Due to having to be away on a job, I had to leave the bike sitting, the engine locked up. The shop advised spraying something like WD40 in the cylinders and rocking it in gear to break it loose. It worked. A second time this happened I had help in spraying the cylinders. Due to this help the little red straw from the spray can ended up inside the middle cylinder. Since money was too tight to have the shop get it out. And their advising against running it with the straw in the cylinder, I rolled it into my parents carport and there it set for years. Actually I have two of them, one for parts. One of these retirement days, I’m planning to bring it back to service.
My bone yard is hard to visit because I get back into another time with everything I look at and end up forgetting what I was there for.
Finally, I grabbed up the parts I had came for and headed back to the shop for more coffee and to get started. After another couple of cups I started to clean up the bone yard swing arm for the 305. It was in pretty fair shape. A little surface rust, that came off with mild effort and steel wool. After a good cleaning and repacking I put it all back together and started bolting all the little pieces in place. Before long it was starting to resemble a motorcycle’s back half. Once I had everything back together I primed everything and hit the kicker. Finally after lots of coaxing the old ride fired up and blew smoke for about thirty seconds. A little rough running from setting but it sounded real good. I let it idle for a few minutes and shut it off. Time to start the clean up, mostly dust and cobwebs from 5 years sitting in a shed. The last owner had thought to drain the gas so the tank was in good shape. I replaced the gas lines and added fuel filters and scrubbed all the age discoloration off.
The rain was really coming down now. I had an idea and got a bucket of water and some dishwashing liquid. I lathered the old bike up from with a brush and rolled it out in the rain. In just a few minutes it was looking pretty good. I brushed around on things till I was satisfied and rolled it back in the shop to wipe down. I wasn’t going for "brand" new looking, just serviceable. Once I got it all dried off I started with the replacing of all the rubber. New tires, cables, chain and sprockets and anything else that looked like it needed it. Before long it was at a point where I felt comfortable about riding it.
I went in for something to eat and called Sandy and told her I had a surprise for her. She laughed and said "it’s not another hound dog is it?" I had to remind her that Radar was a special member of the family and not just any old hound dog. Then I told her to come by and look at her dad’s old bike.
Sandy showed up and looked the bike over from head to tookerus and broke in to her big silly grin. I explained that all it needed to be totally finished was tags and insurance but if she wanted to try it out we could burn up the roads around the house without too much worry. That was all it took. She jumped on and turned on the key and went to pushing the horn button and looking lost. I had to laugh. This isn’t your sportster girl. No fancy push buttons on this old ride. Again she looked lost. I patiently explained that she would have to be a real "hairy legged mountain woman" to ride this machine as it had to be kick started. I walked her through the starting process and I got to admit it was fun to watch her jump on the starter. Finally she got it right and it fired up. Yep! She was happy.
We tore around the dirt roads around the house for about an hour and after getting good and soaked, packed it in. Sandy was happy as I’ve ever seen anyone. She said she was going to go call her dad and tell him all about it, and headed toward the house. I noticed that she stopped and gave old Radar a big hug.
Now all that’s left is a little more cleaning and for her to tag and insure the old ‘girl’ and let the hair grow on her legs so she can start it without too much trouble. Oh, and maybe get a side car for Radar?
With a little luck she make it to the rally and people can poke each other as they walk by and drop an octave in their voice and say I used to have one of those. Otherwise she’ll just have to suffer and ride her Harley, again.
Catch ya on the road

9-18-09

2009-09-20T16:50:00.001-07:00

365 Group (f)
I was sitting at work, watching the clock slowly tic off minutes, waiting to head for the weekend. Unless I crashed my bike, my weekend would be a good one no matter what happened. I was headed to my moms place down home and that’s always good.

Finally! Quitting time. I pulled up to the Guard shack, told the Guard that I would be out of pocket till Monday and eased on. Traffic finally broke enough that I could get out on the street and head east. This afternoon everything clicked and I was out of town in about ten minutes.
I had a couple of errands on my way, pup treats, bird food and ATM. I headed down Old Missouri Road toward Mission and Walgreen’s.
I grabbed my critter supplies and headed on to the ATM and the house.
It was cool this afternoon. My bike was purring like a happy little Kitty as I made my way down HWY45. In no time at all the eight miles to the house was over. I could hear my bird whistling as I pulled up. Critter loves me, what can I say.
I fed and loved up all my critters and they helped me pack. Even Radar put in an appearance and gave his approval. Once I had everything all tied down, I ‘wooled’ everyone around again and kicked the old bike to life. Sitting there listening to the low rumble and feeling the mild vibration, I couldn’t help but grin. I finally toed into gear and hit the road.
I jumped down and caught Hwy 45 east for a ten mile run over to Hwy 412. This little ten mile stretch usually goes by fast especially when my bike is running like it was today. However, here we are on a Friday afternoon at about quitting time in a rural part of N.W. Arkansas. Two things pop to mind. Loonitec driving and local radar toting cops. For the ten or so miles I made good, ‘within the speed limit,’ time.
The last time I made this ride it was slow going on 412 at the start. Not today. I got on as a fast moving chicken loader went by and it was 70 MPH for the next seventeen miles. Just outside Huntsville my "escort" turned off and I backed off my speed a little, coming upon a place known for Cops watching traffic. Past that I opened back up and made really good time all the way down to Hwy 21.
Turning on 21 I settled into a smooth pace that made good time and allowed me to look around and see what had changed in the last week or so. Relax as it were. The road is twisty and for the most part in good shape. It’s a big hit with tourist riders. A little effort with a map and you can have a really good ride through the North part of the state and connect with most major highways.
The weather was cooling down as I neared Kingston. A couple of places a felt a sprinkle or two. In Kingston I stopped and put on some gloves.
Pulling the long hill out of Kingston was fun. It always is. Kind of a game I play when I get to do it from dead stop. I see how fast I can top out. This evening I hit about 85 by the time I crossed the finish marker. On top of the hill I really noticed the cool. The sky looked darker. I had the feeing I was going to get wet.
As I tooled along things popped into mind like Deer jumping out on the road. It sort of unconsciously caused me to ride the center line most of the time from then on. It was a good ride. No traffic other than a couple of Dual Sport riders that I met.
As I came off the mountain into the Boxley valley there were cars all over the place. I slowed thinking that I had come up on an accident. Turns out that a herd of Elk were grazing and providing a photo op in a small field next to the road. People had stopped to take pictures and get a good look as they were real close.
The run through the valley was sweet. It’s a straight shot for about three or 4 miles so I got to open up again and had a good time. Pulling the mountain on the other side was just as much fun. Tight curves all the way to the top. Another big hits with touring riders.
From the top of the mountain all the way to moms it was a great ride. Tight curves and then open straight stretches, then more curves. All the way down I kept thinking about the accounts of "The Long Ride" I had read recently in "The Horse" magazine. Those guys had a blast on that ride and this little mountain run was having a similar effect on me. I gotta bounce Luther and Stan and a couple of others about starting our very own "run what ya throw together ride". Maybe make a couple of hundred mile trip around through the hills and eventually grow it into a long ride.
I rolled into mom’s place just as dinner was being set on the table. Tell me I’m not lucky.
This trip was a good relaxing one. Like all trips of that kind, it didn’t last near long enough.
But, like an old guy on an old Harley told me once about 30 years ago. "Any miles on a bike beats a jab in the butt with a sharp stick any day".
Tomorrow is going to be a maintenance day on the bike. Oil change, chain tightening and all that really good stuff that makes up the "bikin" part.
Catch ya on the road

9-17-09

2009-09-17T10:27:00.000-07:00

365 Group (f)

This morning was another damp one. As I headed out to town the rain had all but stopped and it looked like a good day was starting.
Pulling on to the highway I headed west toward Fayetteville and before I knew it I was crowding 80 mph. The damp air was agreeing with my old twin. I floated along like this for three or four miles until I came up on a sub division. A car pulled out in front of me causing me to greatly reduce my speed and mutter unwholesome phrases. This seems to happen more around this time of the year. Think it has something to do with school starting back.
After getting past this "chuckle head" I had a good ride on into town to the first convenience store I saw. Coffee and gas were greatly needed. While I was sipping my coffee I made small talk with the woman behind the counter. She had mentioned Bikes, Blues & BBQ Rally that was coming up at the end of the month. She pointed out that there seemed to be more bikes around than normal and that she had noticed people that she had known for years and never seen on a bike before riding around town. Pointing out that it was funny how you can not really know someone. As we chatted I asked her if she wanted to have some fun with these neighbors of hers. (Of course.) I told her to start asking questions about their bikes. See if they stuttered and stammered over their answers. Look over this leather they were now wearing and see if it all looked new. And....if she could manage it to get a look at their bike. See if it had a rental sticker on it. I explained that since this rally has grown to one of the biggest in the country. Every body wants to be a part of the crowd, a few people break down and buy a bike. But, now, bike rentals are a going business. She thought about what I said then cracked into a laugh.
After leaving the gas station I headed over to work to turn in some paperwork to get my guys a raise. Running down Old Missouri Road I noticed a couple on a newer Harley inching along ahead of me. Traffic was backed up as everyone was apparently running late for work. By cheating a little I managed to get up beside them and we talked a bit about the slow moving traffic. They were headed to almost the same place I was. Finally I had had enough inching along and decided to hit the back roads and get around all this mess. Without asking, I just told them to follow me and took a right on Old Wire Road and tooled the narrow back roads over to Hwy.412. Rolling into a parking lot, they were laughing about the traffic. He said he hadn't considered doing that. I explained that it was one of the benefits of being on a bike.
The rest of the day I spent picking up camera supplies and all the junk that goes with it for me and Bikes,Blues & BBQ. After last year, I'm getting it all done early. Nothing worse than going to photograph something and running out of film and or memory or battery before you really get started. I had to run back to the house about every three hundred or so shots to download. So this year I'm hoping for around a thousand to 1500 before taking a break. People have asked me for more so these albums have steadily grown each year and that's what we are all about. Keeping everyone happy.
If you get the chance I recommend you visit Bikes, Blues & BBQ. I always have a good time.
Catch ya on the road