Thoughts about motorcycles, tools that work (or don't), travel, and occasionally politics. Places I've gone, routes that were special, and food I've found along the way.
And, thankfully, not too much of any of it.
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.
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!!
Now this is funny! Not the least because the company had the sense of humor to turn it into an ad for their tacos.
Make my day, tell a friend about this blog!
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. ;) Make my day, tell a friend about this blog!
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. Make my day, tell a friend about this blog!
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!
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!
The Voluntown Fire Dept is the first responder for much of the Pachaug trail system. This is something I found outthe 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.
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. Make my day, tell a friend about this blog!
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! Make my day, tell a friend about this blog!
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
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!
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!
Make my day, tell a friend about this blog!
