Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Warning - The Green Taliban thinks they have the right to kill or injure you !!



I have heard of a few cases like this (wire strung across singletrack) locally. 
Be careful out there!!!

Article below:
American Motorcyclist Association warns riders of booby traps on public trails

PICKERINGTON, OH – July 12, 2016 – (Motor Sports Newswire) –  Motorcyclists and 
all-terrain-vehicle riders in three states have discovered booby traps along trails 
on public lands that place riders, hikers and others at risk, the American Motorcyclist 
Association reported today.

In Idaho, Massachusetts and New Hampshire, someone or some group is deliberately trying 
to harm off-highway-vehicle riders who use trails on public lands. Booby traps also have 
been reported in recent years along trails in Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico.

Booby Trap that was found in 2014
Photo courtesy of the Arizona Game and Fish Department

“This type of activity is extremely dangerous,” said Rob Dingman, AMA president and CEO. 
“A motorcyclist who hits one of these traps can be seriously injured or even killed. 
We want anyone with information about these tactics to contact law enforcement immediately.”

Already this year:

Off-highway riders in Massachusetts found cables strung across trails in four state parks, 
according to the Massachusetts Environmental Police and the state Department of Conservation 
and Recreation. Authorities are asking anyone who notices suspicious activity to call the 
24-hour Environmental Police line at (800) 632-8075 or the DCR Park Watch Hotline at 
(866) 759-2824. 

The New England Trail Riders Association is offering a $500 reward for information leading 
to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrators.
Members of the Mount Moosilauke ATV Club Riders near Warren, N.H., discovered boards with 
nails in several places along the multi-use trail system. Before anyone was injured, club 
members removed the boards, along with scattered nails and broken glass. The ATV club is 
offering a $1,350 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the 
perpetrators.
In Custer County, Idaho, riders found a piece of barbed wire strung across a trail about 
4 feet from the ground, endangering off-highway-vehicle riders and mountain bikers, 
according to Sharetrails.org.
“The AMA is issuing AMA Action Alerts to riders in areas where these incidents have 
occurred,” Dingman said. “But, at the same time, riders everywhere should use due caution 
on the trails, because we know there are people out there who would do us harm.”

In addition to contacting local law enforcement authorities, the AMA asks that you send an email to grassroots@ama-cycle.org about these incidents, so other motorcyclists can be alerted. Sign up for AMA Action Alerts at www.americanmotorcyclist.com > Rights > AMA Action Center.

About the American Motorcyclist Association


What makes these people think that they have the right to do these things? Do they hear little voices in their head or think that "Mother Earth" speaks directly to them? Are they so self-consumed and self-rightous that they think any means justify their twisted ends?

Here is a link to a manual for trailside attack devices with a cover story that the poster is only doing it for instructional purposes. 
http://www.skeptictank.org/ecowar/mbike.htm#section8

Remember, this is all about legal recreation in approved areas. This indescriminantly targets kids, bicyclists, horses, everyone. They are the criminals, NOT US !!



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Sunday, July 3, 2016

Taxes - UT vs CT



OK - This is just plain snarky. Every year our taxes in CT went up with little or no increase in the quality or quantity of services. Total bill for this year is ~$6000.

In Tooele, for a bigger house, the total will be ~$1200 !!

In case you think it's just a poor farm town I would put our town's schools and services up against anyone's. It's nice to be in a place that respects their citizens.



Today is tomorrow's yesterday.
Will it be worth remembering?

Sunday, May 8, 2016

The Lion Lights

This is an amazinng story about succeeding with imagination and determination.


Technology can help when it is kept to the bare minimum required to achieve the goal.

And the children shall show us the way ...


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Thursday, May 5, 2016

John Cleese on Humor and Political Correctness

Monty Python skewers the brain lazy.




Offended by this? Tough!

Want more? Click Here



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Sunday, March 27, 2016

The Superbikes of the '70s


An excellent retrospective of the beginning of the Superbike Era. Unfortunately also the final nail in the coffin containing the British motorcycle industry.




Although the Triumph T160 Trident was every bit as super as the Japanese bikes (IMHO) the perceived lack of reliability and the dismal parts availability meant that it never had a chance. 



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Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Pony Express


It's amazing that the Pony Express only lasted for a year and a half. The story and legends always made it seem like a much bigger part of American history. 



Luckily the original Pony Express route ran through Salt Lake City on it's way to Sacramento. There is a lot of local history here and monuments are set up at each of the way station locations. Each rider rode 12 hours a day at full gallop, exchanging horses every 10-12 miles which was about an hour an a half. They rested overnight at the end station, then got onto a new horse and headed back where they came from as soon as the rider from the opposite direction came in at the end of their section.


In it's day this was hard core high desert. Some of it in the Salt Lake City area has become total suburbia but a few miles west and it's open ranch and farm land. What's great is that the people here consider it an important part of their heritage and have preserved most of the route in it's original state. 


It's a bit humbling to cover a day's worth of riding in only a couple of hours on my own trusty steed. No Native Americans were out to attack me so I had a pleasant ride along the way.

My plan is to map out routes like this for future rides. First I'll traverse the route to make sure I know where it goes and then go back another day to record the turns and mileage. I'll convert this into roll charts that I'll post for anyone interested


There is the second half of the Pony Express Trail to the Nevada border to check out. After that the California and Mormon pioneer trails across the desert beckon.

When it gets too hot in the summer I'll migrate up into the Wasatch Mountains to check out the mountain passes and mining towns. 

What could be more fun for a dual sport rider?


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Monday, March 21, 2016

Getting Ready To Ride

I woke up on Saturday with a wonderful feeling, No Chores That Must Be Done Today! Lots of things that Should be done but nothing that was Make It or Break It. What a great moment!

So I decided that it was time to pay attention to the motorcycles. It has been getting warmer by the day and that restless feeling was starting to make itself known.

I hopped into the truck with a hand full of Harbor Freight coupons and came home with a new Motorcycle lift ($299), a tiny air compressor ($39), and some miscellaneous odds and ends. When I got home it didn't take long to sweep out the dirt and leaves, move the toolbox, and get the Miata backed out. 

Unloading the 350 lb lift was a minor challenge. I backed the truck into the garage and slid the box containing the lift out until it tilted down to the ground. Then I piled up a couple of boxes under it and drove the truck forward. The collapsing boxes broke the fall of the lift as it dropped off the tailgate. Piece of cake.


This is what it looked like when I was done. The Africa twin is up on the lift as it is going to get a valve job. I've got the Transalp and NX250 to ride until that's done. Such a tough life.


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Sunday, March 13, 2016

Why Utah is wonderful - Part 23

Here's a sign you would never see in New England or California.


Keep the gate closed - Play nice - Enjoy the beauty that is all around

People here know how to share, unlike the left and right coast where it's all self-centered and narrow minded exclusion.


This is what they share. Miles and miles, not just a few acres grudgingly allowed by the Green Taliban. I'm so glad I'm here!


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Sunday, January 24, 2016

A house becomes a home

People have been asking for pictures of the new house in Utah so here they are. The place is still a work in progress. The carpeting has to be taken out so I can replace it with a 3/4" oak wood floor. Then the furniture can be moved in and set up properly. 

After that a 10x20' workshop will be installed in the back yard for working on the motos. That will have to wait until spring so a concrete pad can be put in.


The street where I live
The road to Home Depot
Kitchen
Living / Dining / Kitchen area

Living / Dining / Kitchen area
Exercise room for now
My messy office
Bedroom looking out window
Bedroom not looking out window
Formal living room with very formal NX250
Future art work room
Garage with toys
Guest Suite Under Construction - Come visit in the spring!
Large room for drying clothes while waiting for the dryer to be delivered
Big storage room
As you can see there is lots of work to be done but I'm working on it every weekend so it will be ready in the spring. Work now while there is snow on the ground and ride when it's warm.


Come Visit!



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Sunday, January 17, 2016

On the way to Home Depot

It was up to 46F today and a few brave souls were out on their bikes. I'm not that well acclimated to the cold weather yet so I took the pickup.



I had to go to Home Depot today and took this picture along the way. Utah is so amazing!


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Saturday, January 16, 2016

Funny Motorcycle Adverts

The only reason I'm posting this is because I think the first one is so funny! The rest are good but the first one is hilarious!


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Friday, January 1, 2016

New Year -> New Adventure Bike

Yamaha Vino 125

Ran into this at my friend Ben's shop, MotoConsult. It was just too darn cute not to take home. I figure a new set of knobbie tires and it's good to go on the TransAmerica Trail. All the way to Utah!!


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Sunday, December 27, 2015

Hungry - not as much as this guy!!

Now this is funny! Not the least because the company had the sense of humor to turn it into an ad for their tacos.

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Tuesday, October 20, 2015

How was your commute today?


On my way home after a good day at work.


Yes, this is what Salt Lake City I-215 looks like at 5:30 rush hour. Sorry Boston and San Francisco. Eat your hearts out. ;)


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Thursday, September 10, 2015

The Future Is Coming


It's coming in the spring. Eddy gets the first one and I get the second.

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Sunday, August 16, 2015

Another plus for Salt Lake City

While Boston pulic radio stations are whining about veggies and fat kids. The Salt Lake City station KUER is featuring a motorcycle racer from Japan.

.

Who knows, if this keeps up I might even start donating again. 

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Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Rush Hour in Salt Lake City


I'm  posting this to taunt my Boston friends.

I made this video around 8:15 this morning on I-295. I-215 is equivalent to Rt-128 around Boston. Just set the cruise control to 72mph, then sit back and relax! None of the stress of Massachusetts traffic!

A week ago, on my way to the airport in Boston to get to SLC, I allowed 4 hours for a normal 2 hour trip and I still missed my plane because of traffic on the Mass Pike! People in SLC don't speed, cut each other off, drive like idiots, or hog the fast lane. They just drive like reasonable human beings.

One more reason I think I made the right choice moving here! 



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Monday, June 15, 2015

A new adventure

All the t's have been crossed and all the i's have been dotted. I'm on my way to Reno tonight and then off to Salt Lake City tomorrow. I might even have a place to stay when I get there.

A rocky start with the car but it's running fine now. Things are looking good!

All I'm missing is my OTL!!

Sunday, May 31, 2015

Another day at the races

The Murdercycles MiniBike Throwdown 23 was filled with thrills and spills.



Luckily the minibike is ok! And so is the rider who walked away laughing.


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Saturday, May 23, 2015

Double take

Although totally a Pepsi person I have to give Coke a gold star for this one!

Let's take an extra second | Experiment
Tomémonos un segundo para destruir los prejuicios. Creado por Cyranos McCann para Coca Cola.Enjoy!
Posted by Redactores Publicitarios on Wednesday, May 20, 2015
-

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Saturday, May 16, 2015

Voluntown Fire Dept & EMT Fund Raiser


The Voluntown Fire Dept is the first responder for much of the Pachaug trail system. This is something I found out the hard way a few days ago. The EMTs came and got me and hauled me off to Backus Hospital. First rate care! They took my bike to the fire station and kept it until my brother would pick it up for me.

What was amazing is that they told me there was No Charge for any of it. The EMTs, the ambulance ride, the bike pickup and storage, NOTHING!! You can't get any better than that.

On Saturday, June 6th, they are having a Steak Dinner Fund Raiser. $15 for dinner. It starts at 6pm in the afternoon. The address is 205 Preston City Rd (Rt 165), Voluntown, CT 06384 which is just south of where 138, 165, and 49 cross. 

My buddies and I will be attending and I urge everyone who rides Pachaug to add it to their schedule. We should support those who support us.



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Sunday, May 10, 2015

Take a break before you break something!


Inspector Harry Callahan (Clint Eastwood) said "A man's got to know his limitations"


Continuing to ride when you know you're exhausted is a good way for things to end badly!

Thanks to the Voluntown EMT Squad for taking good care of me!


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Friday, May 1, 2015

Vintage parts disconnect

I go to the Honda shop to get some parts for a 1964 Honda C100 Super Cub I'm restoring.



The parts person is a young guy who is eager to help but is a little confused by my requests. Trying to be concilitory I say, "That's OK, this bike was made before you were born.

He looks back with a grin and says, "Hey, that model was made before my parents were born!"

We both laughed at that one and I'll bet he's telling his friends just like I'm telling you.


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Friday, April 24, 2015

Larz Anderson Motorcycle Exhibit

The Larz Anderson Museum in Boston is showing a new exhibit of motorcycles titled Beauty of the Beast beginning 8 May. Sounds like Art of the Motorcycle Boston Style.


This museum focuses solely on motor cars and cycles, both antique and modern. Their lawn exhibit days are a special joy.

Here is part of the announcement.
The new exhibit will be exploring the motorcycle from an artistic, historic, mechanical and cultural perspective will open to the public on May 8th. The exhibit will examine the life history of the motorcycle, from the pioneering 1800’s era – when an engine was simply bolted to a bicycle – through the present day technological and artistic triumphs achieved by manufacturers in Asia, Europe and the United States, leading to a shift in cultural perceptions, and a world-wide fan base of enthusiasts.
There will be a special Opening Party on 7 May from 6-10 if you would like dinner and a preview showing. They usually let you wander about more freely at these events in case you want to look a little closer at the bikes. 

See you there!


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Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Honda shows a 250 adventure bike prototype



An article in ADVPulse reveals a prototype 250 Adventure bike from Honda based on the highly regarded CRF250L.

This looks pretty exciting but I'm still waiting for the new Africa Twin!


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Monday, April 20, 2015

Something more to contemplate

A while ago I offered a couple of quotes to think about. I started writing a post to discuss my thoughts but was quickly overwhelmed by where it took me. It still sits in my Drafts folder as a struggle to bring it into focus.

In the meantime I came across this quote in an article by James Clear. It extends my thinking on this subject; that we seem in such a rush to get nowhere.
“One is weary of living in the country and moves to the city; one is weary of one’s native land and goes abroad; one is weary of Europe and goes to America, etc.; one indulges in the fanatical hope of an endless journey from star to star…
One is weary of eating on porcelain and eats on silver; wearying of that, one eats on gold.”
—Soren Kierkegaard

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Thursday, April 16, 2015

Free Trials Training Classes

Admit it, you've always wanted to ride a trials bike. Who wouldn't want to be able to wheelie and bunny hop a motorcycle!?

New England Trials Assn is holding free trials clinics and will even loan you a bike to ride. How cool is that!? Or how crazy?


You can find signup info here. Send an email to NETA Prez Charles Gray <cegray51@yahoo.com> and he will send you the signup form. I'll be riding the May event in Meriden CT. Come join me or attend any of the other clinics.



Don't forget that the USA round of the Trials Championship will be held in Rhode Island this year. These guys are even better than all those YouTube videos! Taking the NETA class will expand your appreciation for these riders. Plus you'll be able to dazzle and amaze your friends with all your new knowledge of scoring and technique.

Warning: Trials riding can become very addictive!


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Tuesday, April 14, 2015

First Ride Of The Season

After a depressingly cold and snowy winter the sun has finally appeared and turned the snow banks into bike friendly mud.


Bob, Dave, and I did a pre-ride of the Pachaug Big Bike/Adventure Loop on Sunday and had a blast! Dave was on a XR650L, Bob on a DRZ400, and I rode my ATK 605. This is in preparation for publishing the loop route sheet for the NETRA BB/A Series.


I was happily surprised that there was not as much mud on the trails as I had expected. On the other hand there was some snow on the ground next to the trail in a couple of places. One puddle had mini-icebergs floating in it!

Those pesky electrons!
The sunny, 60F weather was perfect for riding and we kept up a good pace. Best of all, no injuries and no major breakdowns. My main fuse blew but it was quickly replaced and no other problems were experienced.

Dave, going up the hill!
We're doing it again this Saturday. Be There or Be Square!

Reminder: Don't forget about Jap Bike Mike's Swap Meet on Sunday the 19th!

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