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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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The Future Is Coming

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

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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.

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

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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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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!!

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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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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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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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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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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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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