tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62583991052724336862024-03-15T18:09:26.509-07:00Adventures With Bud E. Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04974309935751844997noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6258399105272433686.post-42786038758102522652015-05-17T01:24:00.000-07:002015-05-17T01:24:24.162-07:00Wider Is BetterWider is Better.... Nothing sticks with you like an 1980's Pontiac Slogan... and has never been more appropriate. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/RO6U_KawAdg/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RO6U_KawAdg?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, I took the Monster out for a ride with <a href="http://troubadourtriumph.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Troubadour</a> out to the Fall Creek Trail head. It is about a 900 ft climb over 3.8 miles. Really it is about a 600 ft climb over 1.6 miles and then just climbs gradually. We eventually made the summit and paused for a bit to catch our breath before beginning the descent down the Highballer.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W2MpWkOf9Ts/VVhG8yhxFxI/AAAAAAAACQg/C44kUmB5saM/s1600/IMG_1364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W2MpWkOf9Ts/VVhG8yhxFxI/AAAAAAAACQg/C44kUmB5saM/s1600/IMG_1364.JPG" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yCOYnBsmNSQ/VVhG9Zm5Z0I/AAAAAAAACQ0/Kg5VX4YRxOY/s1600/IMG_1365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yCOYnBsmNSQ/VVhG9Zm5Z0I/AAAAAAAACQ0/Kg5VX4YRxOY/s1600/IMG_1365.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m0D-AEsWPGs/VVhG933r4EI/AAAAAAAACQk/Szs5JlJ6zVc/s1600/IMG_1366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m0D-AEsWPGs/VVhG933r4EI/AAAAAAAACQk/Szs5JlJ6zVc/s1600/IMG_1366.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CYIOgj0G-WU/VVhG-ezLPaI/AAAAAAAACQw/o2vjCkPqxic/s1600/IMG_1367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CYIOgj0G-WU/VVhG-ezLPaI/AAAAAAAACQw/o2vjCkPqxic/s1600/IMG_1367.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GX8TBJr6chQ/VVhG_WEOyMI/AAAAAAAACQ8/XWyxsErWZL0/s1600/IMG_1368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GX8TBJr6chQ/VVhG_WEOyMI/AAAAAAAACQ8/XWyxsErWZL0/s1600/IMG_1368.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7gfCniDbjI/VVhHCMT986I/AAAAAAAACRU/T3JEY3UOGrg/s1600/IMG_1370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7gfCniDbjI/VVhHCMT986I/AAAAAAAACRU/T3JEY3UOGrg/s1600/IMG_1370.JPG" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rPJdjx_2qxo/VVhHACtSgwI/AAAAAAAACRE/VxdK_iIxXlE/s1600/IMG_1369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rPJdjx_2qxo/VVhHACtSgwI/AAAAAAAACRE/VxdK_iIxXlE/s1600/IMG_1369.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kcLKmtm9wew/VVhHB7B5BmI/AAAAAAAACRQ/xh8Du97UO0w/s1600/IMG_1371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kcLKmtm9wew/VVhHB7B5BmI/AAAAAAAACRQ/xh8Du97UO0w/s1600/IMG_1371.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Thanks to Troubadour for the action shots..</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I look like the Pillsbury Doughboy riding a frickin toothpick...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One thing became clearly obvious. The 110mm stem and the 660mm bar did not offer the right amount of leverage to control the 4 in wide tires at speed in the twisty bits... and then I remembered... <span style="font-size: x-large;">Wider is Better....</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And the search was on.. Search all of the local sources, but nobody had the parts I wanted in stock.. Off to the interwebs.. A search on Ebay and I found a good deal on a matched stem and bar.. Dropped the stem length down to 45mm w/ 10*rise and a 780mm bar with 35mm rise. Both are RaceFace Respond components... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Parts arrived in a week... I was like a kid at Christmas...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uLGNBNK1L04/VVhMOzjRX3I/AAAAAAAACR0/xBwyzSlYB7s/s1600/IMG_1293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uLGNBNK1L04/VVhMOzjRX3I/AAAAAAAACR0/xBwyzSlYB7s/s640/IMG_1293.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9RXWWPDyQ3M/VVhL3k_404I/AAAAAAAACRk/Y-R9e3liV3M/s1600/IMG_1297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9RXWWPDyQ3M/VVhL3k_404I/AAAAAAAACRk/Y-R9e3liV3M/s640/IMG_1297.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-332I5l9l5Gc/VVhMET7UFQI/AAAAAAAACRs/r3o3dvUAbnQ/s1600/IMG_1298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-332I5l9l5Gc/VVhMET7UFQI/AAAAAAAACRs/r3o3dvUAbnQ/s640/IMG_1298.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m124fJME-ds/VVhMdAZDHKI/AAAAAAAACSE/HD_iUB5apgo/s1600/IMG_1300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m124fJME-ds/VVhMdAZDHKI/AAAAAAAACSE/HD_iUB5apgo/s640/IMG_1300.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Wider is Better!!!!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aAW1_rv8rtU/VVhMVOkvTKI/AAAAAAAACR8/wE4fV9Hq2ek/s1600/IMG_1301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aAW1_rv8rtU/VVhMVOkvTKI/AAAAAAAACR8/wE4fV9Hq2ek/s640/IMG_1301.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ready for test ride</span>..<br />
<br />
<div align="left">
<span style="font-size: large;">After test riding.. I found that I was able to move the seat up another 22mm and was sitting much more upright than hunched over. The amount of control I now had was unbelievable. It completely transformed the way the bike rode and steered. I love riding this bike.. I know, it is so typically American.. We have always got to have the biggest baddest stuff. I feel the way I did when I rode bikes as an adolescent. Pure joy and freedom. It has the same effect on people as a Ural.. They aren't quite sure what to make of it, but think it is really cool.. More later.. busy riding....</span></div>
<div align="left">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div align="left">
<span style="font-size: large;">Andy.</span></div>
<div align="left">
<span style="font-size: small;"></span> </div>
<div align="left">
<span style="font-size: small;"></span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04974309935751844997noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6258399105272433686.post-14048829341026060942015-03-31T02:18:00.001-07:002015-03-31T02:18:56.154-07:00Fat Bike Foolery <span style="font-size: large;">So, I did it... I waffled back and forth on this for a while.. Couldn't really justify the purchase.. But Dammit, when I rode that Trek Farley, it was damn fun.. The kind of youthful hooligan kind of fun. You know.. hopping curbs, and goofing off in general.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">$500. Delivered. What was I really buying and what was I giving up... I scrutinized every aspect of it. I checked all of the frame geometry against the Trek Farley 6. Nearly identical.. the chainstays are 20mm longer.. I can live with that. CrMo front fork versus alloy.. okay. Tapered head stem would have been nice, but not a deal breaker.. Tektro cable disc brakes.. I can live with that, from what I have put together, it is simpler, more reliable, cheaper and easier to repair. Note, I did not say they were better than hydraulic brakes.. I can live with that as well. The Trek was at just over $1000 more than this.. Did I mention the tires.. Glorious 4 inch wide tires.. rolling on 50mm rims vs 80mm on the Trek. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Yeah, Yeah, Yeah.. I can hear everybody saying that it is going to be awful for riding in the snow. .........I don't snow much down here, but we have some amazing trails, rock gardens, and sand.. lots of sand.... and mud.....lots, and lots of mud.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So, I logged into <a href="http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/gravity/fat-bikes/fat-bikes-bullseye-monster.htm" target="_blank">Bikes Direct</a>, added it to my cart. Checked out, and waited. And waited. I am not the most patient person, so it seemed like forever, and then there was the whole US Ports being shutdown.. F'ng unions.. that is whole other rant...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ec9sWoEEfzw/VRpHMm22K_I/AAAAAAAACOI/Yj49DuINDYg/s1600/IMG_1157%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ec9sWoEEfzw/VRpHMm22K_I/AAAAAAAACOI/Yj49DuINDYg/s1600/IMG_1157%5B1%5D.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">It arrived... A huge brown box, with all kinds of warning labels on it, of which we used to poke fun at one of my more gravity challenged friends.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V7Ob33uvQ7k/VRpG1__AFjI/AAAAAAAACOA/E9Zt31-tP6g/s1600/IMG_1154%5B1%5D.JPG" height="300" width="400" /><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Everything was tucked neatly inside. The rear wheel was already installed, just had to install the seat, head stem, bars, front wheel, and pedals. Made a few adjustments to the brake cables and it was all said and done in less than an hour so.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KkjeOCqtSiA/VRpHb3Gp9UI/AAAAAAAACOQ/zlyOxyyetkQ/s1600/IMG_1160%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KkjeOCqtSiA/VRpHb3Gp9UI/AAAAAAAACOQ/zlyOxyyetkQ/s1600/IMG_1160%5B1%5D.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-plv1RA8OB1s/VRo-7CWKoOI/AAAAAAAACNw/hUgDm3Psl6w/s1600/IMG_1162%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-plv1RA8OB1s/VRo-7CWKoOI/AAAAAAAACNw/hUgDm3Psl6w/s1600/IMG_1162%5B1%5D.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It was off for a quick ride in the dark to shake it down.. Everything seems to be set about right. Just needs a little bit of fine tuning. Then it started raining... and raining... I was only able to get in a few short runs after work and general messing about and terrorizing the neighborhood. Still fun and was only running about 9 psi.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Suddenly, the sun shone down upon me on a beautiful Saturday afternoon.. Time to see what kind of trouble we can get into. I increased the tire psi to about 13psi which corrected the self-steering issue that happens with these.. On the pavement, this is just a standard old mountain bike. Old School, no suspension, no frills mountain bike. Take it off the pavement though, and it really shines. It rolls over gravel roads and trails with ease. May as well be paved, it is that easy. The giant balloon tyres provide enough cushion to roll over lager rocks, holes and obstacles that are normally avoided on newer bikes. I did notice an odd side effect of the large wheels and tires.. If I got them rolling fast enough, there was enough flywheel effect to help them maintain without much extra effort. I am loving riding Fat...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-34bQzqnkAW8/VRpc0jrZcRI/AAAAAAAACOg/XdrYCxlRShU/s1600/IMG_1194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-34bQzqnkAW8/VRpc0jrZcRI/AAAAAAAACOg/XdrYCxlRShU/s1600/IMG_1194.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yhqg2Dvi06s/VRpc1nYjtgI/AAAAAAAACOs/Zg3W5vZQEOk/s1600/IMG_1196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yhqg2Dvi06s/VRpc1nYjtgI/AAAAAAAACOs/Zg3W5vZQEOk/s1600/IMG_1196.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HPThpOQNKto/VRpc1Ez7mxI/AAAAAAAACOk/NsAhRCKIN-g/s1600/IMG_1199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HPThpOQNKto/VRpc1Ez7mxI/AAAAAAAACOk/NsAhRCKIN-g/s1600/IMG_1199.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-exnRFTOyP6Y/VRpdU_JJ7UI/AAAAAAAACPA/WEfFe0nUphE/s1600/IMG_1202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-exnRFTOyP6Y/VRpdU_JJ7UI/AAAAAAAACPA/WEfFe0nUphE/s1600/IMG_1202.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TihY67bola0/VRpdV-V0sWI/AAAAAAAACPI/T7thvYBkVgo/s1600/IMG_1203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TihY67bola0/VRpdV-V0sWI/AAAAAAAACPI/T7thvYBkVgo/s1600/IMG_1203.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iKA-AqgHlNA/VRpdNdB2lyI/AAAAAAAACO4/Mka--sT_v9Q/s1600/IMG_1204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iKA-AqgHlNA/VRpdNdB2lyI/AAAAAAAACO4/Mka--sT_v9Q/s1600/IMG_1204.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Can I just say that again.. This is so much fun. I know its heavy and slow. I bought it for fun and fitness.. If you can pedal around a 30+ lbs bike for miles and miles... It has got to do something for the fitness.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">If you are ever only as old as you feel, this is the fountain of youth.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><em><strong>I love riding this bike...</strong></em></span><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></em></strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Andy.</span>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-ec9sWoEEfzw%2FVRpHMm22K_I%2FAAAAAAAACOI%2FYj49DuINDYg%2Fs1600%2FIMG_1157%255B1%255D.JPG&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ec9sWoEEfzw/VRpHMm22K_I/AAAAAAAACOI/Yj49DuINDYg/s1600/IMG_1157%5B1%5D.JPG" -->Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04974309935751844997noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6258399105272433686.post-77410495968938778142015-03-09T01:03:00.002-07:002015-03-09T01:06:02.795-07:00Trials and Tribulations.....Maybe It's Just More Trials..<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Lots has happened around here as of late. The family and I spent the holidays with my parents down south. My son has never spent Christmas with them, so I figured it was about time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">July of 2014, my amazing SWM TL320 was stolen from my yard my some thieving S.O.B. who likely had no idea what it was.. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4FnoREuAnV4/VP1DxC1Mq-I/AAAAAAAACMw/AG7nu_RUapw/s1600/IMG_0437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4FnoREuAnV4/VP1DxC1Mq-I/AAAAAAAACMw/AG7nu_RUapw/s1600/IMG_0437.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Likely the last pictures of this SWM that I will ever take.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Long story short, I ended up buying another vintage trials bike. This time a 1984 Fantic 300 Professional. Another amazing trials bike, motor would climb anything as long as Troubadour wasn't around..</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2Hm09CdLCFQ/VP1DYcTkAuI/AAAAAAAACMo/r64zy8NXjRQ/s1600/IMG_0580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2Hm09CdLCFQ/VP1DYcTkAuI/AAAAAAAACMo/r64zy8NXjRQ/s1600/IMG_0580.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Again, another bike with a no start problem.. 30 min worth of tinkering and a bit of new fuel and it just hums along. The differences between the two, the Fantic was a little bit heavier on the nose in terms of balance, making it steer a little better. I still preferred the predictability of the Rotax motor in the SWM. The Fantic tended to have a little bit more peaky rev range. What I have really wanted since taking the SWM to my first trials event, has been a newer like 1999 or newer trials bike by a company that is still in business and can source parts somewhat readily. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">After doing our taxes this year, I found that I had some money left over, and it was burning a hole in my pocket like a California wildfire. I was searching Craigslist, and found a deal on a 2002 GasGas TXT280. The guys was a significantly overpriced and by the time he got back to me, he suckered somebody into paying what he asked. Back to Craigslist.... Might as well call it Cracklist, since it is cheap, highly addictive and will leave you broke. Ought to have a Surgeon Generals warning on it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"> I had found it. A 2007 Beta Rev3 250, and wait for it, with a factory made long ride seat. Bam.. fired off an email, made an offer that I thought was fair, and waited. The waiting is the worst part. Makes you feel like the nerd asking the popular girl to the prom. The chance is there if you take it, doesn't make you less nervous knowing you might get punched in the gut instead. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_jztX2YrBzc/VP1KF2_o2_I/AAAAAAAACNA/BTDx5xW8644/s1600/IMG_0276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_jztX2YrBzc/VP1KF2_o2_I/AAAAAAAACNA/BTDx5xW8644/s1600/IMG_0276.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"> Meanwhile, waiting on a response, I decide to sell off my 1987 CR250, as I seldom ride it anymore, and can stand to let motorcycles sit. I consider it cruel and unusual punishment for them, they are high performance machines that deserve to run free.. Oh man... I asked $800 for fully functional CR250, which, I thought was a reasonably price for what it was. I had Craiglist flakes for breakfast lunch and dinner. One person asked if I would take $400 for it. I was insulted. One person asked what my best cash offer was, I said $700. They then had the stones to offer me $500.. Dude.....Clean out your ears... I ain't giving it away. But, I sold it eventually to a person that showed up with 700 dollars...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"> I may be slow, but I learned my lesson. So, when I listed the Fantic, I put a number out there that was big enough to keep the riff raff from calling on it. It wasn't 2 or 3 days, and a guy from 400 miles away said he would buy it, sight unseen. Trials people must be crazy. As it was, after selling both of those, that I would load up the family and drive over 500 miles to buy this Beta. Who does that?</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DDY-T_QSxDo/VP1NhM6UnWI/AAAAAAAACNM/5OlDrFZgrE0/s1600/IMG_1089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DDY-T_QSxDo/VP1NhM6UnWI/AAAAAAAACNM/5OlDrFZgrE0/s1600/IMG_1089.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Once home, I immediately set out to mixing some fuel, calls for 1.5% ratio of oil to fuel. Filled the tank, and headed for the local OHV area, as the weather this spring has been phenomenal. I managed to flip it over backwards once, and laid it up on its side once, both times, on some gnarly black diamond trails, and smiling the whole damn time.. Nothing will show how pitiful the skills you thought you had were, like modern technology. It was a little spooky riding a wheelie up a steep hill praying not to go over and while trying not to back off the throttle. That is the balance point though, and I have to learn to get used to it. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"> The last couple of weeks, have been trying to get used to how it likes to move, and to dial the suspension to my preferences. Today was some full lock static balance practice. Tire obstacles, figure eights, small wheelies and trying to hold pressure. finally I stacked up some pallets to climb up and over.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz7vivLFCYm-VQgriQ73TsZ8_YA2YBVAzTyzqiLn2FQenI3Ee09dB6c1lORvbeGyovWYH7_rjZaj5-AOlb_tQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">It's a lot harder than it looks, that is roughly 22 inches high. I did traverse it both ways, then increased the difficulty by adding a cable spool and slight left turn, and down a 12 inch wide ramp. It started to get kind of sketchy and decided to quit so I can still ride an event this coming weekend. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Keep on keeping on.. whether that is riding through the sun or trying to dig out of the Northeast's icy death grip..</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Andy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04974309935751844997noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6258399105272433686.post-32566107709579939962014-12-23T12:34:00.002-08:002014-12-23T12:34:20.433-08:00Happy Festivus<h2>
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><i>
Happy Holidays and Safe Travels</i></span></h2>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qVvv0gjGejo/VJnPCn155WI/AAAAAAAACLQ/eyN3I7_cNb0/s1600/IMG_2640-SNOW.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qVvv0gjGejo/VJnPCn155WI/AAAAAAAACLQ/eyN3I7_cNb0/s1600/IMG_2640-SNOW.gif" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>From Andy and Bud E</i></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04974309935751844997noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6258399105272433686.post-1194111577653299902014-05-13T22:41:00.000-07:002014-05-13T22:41:28.650-07:00The Goldilocks Realization....<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">The Goldilocks Realization....</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B9TPnISu_lc/U3L4CxyS7YI/AAAAAAAACGs/aIjfENutZ6g/s1600/Dereks+tiger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B9TPnISu_lc/U3L4CxyS7YI/AAAAAAAACGs/aIjfENutZ6g/s1600/Dereks+tiger.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">I recently had one of those Ah-Hah! moments. A friend of mine is selling his newish Tiger 800XC on C-List....</span><br />
<a href="http://corvallis.craigslist.org/mcy/4459914114.html" target="_blank">2012 tiger xc</a><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Somebody came and looked at it and had some questions about the way that it rode and brake concern... The way the prospective buyer commented kind of irked him and made him question whether or not there was really a problem.. Reality is, with our personal machines we forget that someone else may not know the little nuances that we compensate for without thinking about them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">He asked if I would take it for a ride and verify whether or not there were actually any problems. I have wanted to test ride a new Tiger 800 since they debuted. I have resisted the urge to do so for fear of "licking the cookie" and "wanting to eat it", as some like to say... You know who you are... We swapped bikes at his house and took them down a twisty little road that I take all of the time. We stopped at the end, he said, "This 955i Tiger is so smooth. It turns in so nice and rides almost like a touring bike."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">I did find one thing wrong with his 800xc Tiger... It needed front and rear brakes. Aside from that, it turned in quickly, but I felt it lacked front end feel. The motor pulled in every gear, from any RPM. <a href="http://troubadourtriumph.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Troubadour</a> was right.. just needs three gears, first, third, and fifth. I did find the throttle was a bit digital.. on or off.. there was analog deceleration. All inherent characteristics of the bike I am sure.. All the same...It was not my 955 Tiger..</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7193/6892083357_1739d7e382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7193/6892083357_1739d7e382.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have taken it places I ought not have gone.. and done things with it that ought not have been done, (see also... Tigers with Shinko tire don't like snow or mud.) Together we have pushed our limits and learned what we can safely or should not do. It will tear up 1000 mile days.. It will traverse bad tarmac with ease. It will even allow me to probe ...carefully... down a rode less travelled, and it is often the road I choose.. It isn't the prettiest of bikes, but I am a function over form person anyway. It is neither too big to be unwieldy, nor too small to be insufficient for long distance travel.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> It is just right..... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;">It belongs to me, and I it.. </span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;">The Goldilocks Realization..</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04974309935751844997noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6258399105272433686.post-60236835828187030502014-04-09T02:52:00.002-07:002014-04-09T02:52:45.526-07:00Square Your Shoulders To The World... Trials Technique... or ...Life Lesson??<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Having purchased the SWM, and it being a trials motorcycle, and the wife and kids conveniently being out of town. I decided to try my hand at a trials event. I looked online and at various YouTube videos to try and gauge what I had roped myself into. I looked at some of the AHRMA trials videos. </span><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/CfYZxGeodxo" width="480"></iframe><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ohhhh.. this should be fun.. Not too terribly difficult..</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i4YrVJ5G-Cw/U0T5j7T610I/AAAAAAAACE0/6knIIlc5xtY/s1600/IMG_2766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i4YrVJ5G-Cw/U0T5j7T610I/AAAAAAAACE0/6knIIlc5xtY/s1600/IMG_2766.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">I wrangle up my camping gear as this is a two day event. Got it all sorted out and packed up for a Friday departure as the event was in Connell Washington, which is over 340 miles away.</span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Je4obwCmw4M/U0T5duLID5I/AAAAAAAACEs/eTUd_pR1Xew/s1600/IMG_2767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Je4obwCmw4M/U0T5duLID5I/AAAAAAAACEs/eTUd_pR1Xew/s1600/IMG_2767.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, that is frost covering everything... It's still March after all<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7409/13733840674_2be2db659b_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7409/13733840674_2be2db659b_z.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7409/13733840674_2be2db659b_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3828/13733429435_ed4d2a7730_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3828/13733429435_ed4d2a7730_b.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scout not too sure about this travelling thing.. last time in the car he went to the vet...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Drove all day and finally reached our destination.. set up the tent, (which has not seen the light of day in 7 or 8 years), in about 20 minutes. I then set up the remainder of camp and unloaded the SWM and did a little bit of last minute prep. I then lit my Portable Propane campfire and just chilled out for a while. The nice thing about it is that there is no smoke blowing in your eyes and you don't smell like campfire for 3 days after.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;">As the night settled in, I snapped these pics of the firelight bouncing off of the SWM. It reminded me of something primal. The melding of fire and metal, a tribute to Vulcan, or <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hephaestus.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0-pMs7miS7U/U0T5tSHfAoI/AAAAAAAACFI/D_9-cCZQ70M/s1600/IMG_2788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0-pMs7miS7U/U0T5tSHfAoI/AAAAAAAACFI/D_9-cCZQ70M/s1600/IMG_2788.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XU1MWrvTv4A/U0T5kkhyfTI/AAAAAAAACE8/e-BHrbZpDwo/s1600/IMG_2786.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XU1MWrvTv4A/U0T5kkhyfTI/AAAAAAAACE8/e-BHrbZpDwo/s1600/IMG_2786.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k6mG2TVYkSw/U0T6JC9lDtI/AAAAAAAACF0/XFqfyW0CF_c/s1600/IMG_2780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k6mG2TVYkSw/U0T6JC9lDtI/AAAAAAAACF0/XFqfyW0CF_c/s1600/IMG_2780.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The night was cold, temps dropped to the mid 20's. I definitely brought the wrong sleeping bag for that. The next morning, I awoke, cooked some eggs and bacon for breakfast and tried to stretch out these old bones.. It sounded more like I was having cereal for breakfast, with Snap, Crackle, and Pop.. Finished making coffee, cleaned up breakfast, and got signed in.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">With Trials events, the sections are laid out so that multiple skill levels can use different lines within the same section. You have to follow whatever skill level your line is. As this was my first event, I signed in as a Novice. This turned out to be a very good thing as I could have signed up for Vintage. However, Vintage had to ride the Intermediate lines. Oh yes, and there is a time limit to complete it.. 3 loops, 10 sections each loop, 3 hrs to complete it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">I get my little scorecard and head to the first section. Sitting there waiting, and watching and trying to figure out the which side of the little 6x6 gate indicator cards I am supposed to be on.. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">My turn. This is nothing like the video I watched.. Oh crap... drop off the edge of the bank, hard off camber left, up and over the rock, hard right down 4 ft down the rest of the bank, off camber right back up the bank, cut through the v channel in the rock, and make the immediate 90* left through the out gate...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Oh yeah, we done screwed that one all up... I didn't feel too bad though, a lot of people carried to much speed in the last bit and couldn't make the 90*.. I you don't get the front axle out the exit gate, you get a failure for a 5 score. Did I mention that this was only section one...and it got harder as it went.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Section 3...I struggled and wriggled and screwed it all up as well. However, the observer also taught trials riding and passed on some advise.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">"Square your shoulders to the world and look where you want to go. Let the bike do what it wants, but stay centered over it." So, I tried doing that the rest of the day. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">I get back to the scoring booth and turn in my card for the first loop... mostly 5's with an odd 3 in there. "You have 1 1/2 hours to complete 2 more loops." says the lady at the scoring table.. I was already worn out, frustrated and ready to pack it all in right there. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Screw it.... I came here to do this... It's go time..</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Back to section 1.. I got out of my head, knew the line, and just went for it.. Loop 2 ended with mostly 3's and 2 fives.. there were 2 sections that were way beyond my current skill level and I got more tips from the observer at 3.. "You have got to commit.. Let go, don't pull the</span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"> clutch in, ride over the obstacle." I pulled into the Scoring table with 45 min left.. Last Loop... Strung my card and kicked the starter...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Loop 3.. I dropped into my sections with more confidence each time... and my score reflected it.. one 2, six 3's, and the two 5's... pulled into the scoring table with 3 minutes to spare..</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">I went back and ate some lunch and reflected some on the day.. Then my muscles all started to knot up and I realized it was time to pack up camp and go home tonight. There was no way my body was going to make it through three more loops tomorrow and pack camp and drive 340 miles home, and still function on Monday.. It's about knowing your limits, right?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">As I packed up camp, I could watch the Advanced riders climb section one which was directly across from me. It was a goat path up these gnarly rocks and I can only imagine what it looked like from the top. One guy broke off his shift lever.. Trials Masters are evil that way... They like to see case covers split open on rocks when you get it wrong..</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Here is a couple of pics from the Advanced section one and a couple of videos.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TbBRGkHL9Q0/U0T6DN8K8zI/AAAAAAAACFk/8Yk-8MrDeIA/s1600/IMG_2798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TbBRGkHL9Q0/U0T6DN8K8zI/AAAAAAAACFk/8Yk-8MrDeIA/s1600/IMG_2798.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IzT1AhYM1kA/U0T6EL61m6I/AAAAAAAACFs/WarqkrVMNHQ/s1600/IMG_2799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IzT1AhYM1kA/U0T6EL61m6I/AAAAAAAACFs/WarqkrVMNHQ/s1600/IMG_2799.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2jCl_hw14Fo/U0T52S1cyFI/AAAAAAAACFU/UI0Mxlz04Mo/s1600/IMG_2797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2jCl_hw14Fo/U0T52S1cyFI/AAAAAAAACFU/UI0Mxlz04Mo/s1600/IMG_2797.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/9PrJhJ6E-Q8" width="853"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/KIeixLHecHQ" width="853"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Did I absolutely suck at it... You bet.. Would I do it again.. I can't wait.. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Now I know what to practice for the next one.. and that one will show me what to practice for the next one.. A steady series of progression is all I can hope for.. Besides, riding trials may be the very cheapest form of competition, as well as having the toughest competitors, namely myself...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">I almost forgot.. Somehow out on loop 2 between section 7 and 8, just bopping along the trail when next thing I know, I am laying in the weeds in heap.. just crashed for no apparent reason... I thought it was just the Tiger that needed a nap...</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3818/13733460035_7f7b3efa8f_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3818/13733460035_7f7b3efa8f_b.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Square your shoulders to the world and keep pressing on...</span></em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04974309935751844997noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6258399105272433686.post-4041660423943951522014-03-14T00:53:00.001-07:002014-03-14T00:53:40.340-07:00What's Black And Blue And Goes 100mph?<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">What's Black And Blue And Goes 100mph?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">This guy's helmet.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8UGcLErRsik/UyKzFFKk_5I/AAAAAAAACDE/fIAzpvPDf2E/s1600/IMG_2748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8UGcLErRsik/UyKzFFKk_5I/AAAAAAAACDE/fIAzpvPDf2E/s1600/IMG_2748.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oD2oYDOe-gA/UyKy9W8oMPI/AAAAAAAACC0/GJn2vovNqAc/s1600/IMG_2752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oD2oYDOe-gA/UyKy9W8oMPI/AAAAAAAACC0/GJn2vovNqAc/s1600/IMG_2752.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lnrPShr79dE/UyKzPpSJrtI/AAAAAAAACDU/ufOo1bq5RMo/s1600/IMG_2756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lnrPShr79dE/UyKzPpSJrtI/AAAAAAAACDU/ufOo1bq5RMo/s1600/IMG_2756.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"> So I finally pulled the trigger on a helmet communicator. There are now just too many reasons not to have one. For instance, being able to check in on my son while riding in the woods. Or to give instructions to him. Also for keeping tabs with my woods buddies... In case one of them "Has fallen and can't get up." Then of course there is the ability to converse back and forth with my wife without using gestures of a sometimes questionable nature. That way I don't freak out when she starts pounding on my back because a bee just flew in her helmet... Or, something like that. Took just about half an hour to get the wire routing sorted and all the components secured in there locations. Sitting here listening to Alice In Chains "Man In A Box" through the headset. Holy Cow that can go loud. Might even be enough to drown out the Potato Wobblers..</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ods9a2Qh7p0/UyKzJQu1jxI/AAAAAAAACDM/obGm40dksUQ/s1600/IMG_2759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ods9a2Qh7p0/UyKzJQu1jxI/AAAAAAAACDM/obGm40dksUQ/s1600/IMG_2759.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"> Stay tuned for further reviews of the Sena SMH10R.. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">We'll see what kind of mischief we can engage in with it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"> Apparently, they now also make an attachment for the new GoPro Hero 3 that allows you to narrate over the top of the footage.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Track just switched to Heart... That sounds pretty good in here.. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Until next time.. Polarbear and Bud E. will be rocking out.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U7x_MsHVWvY/UyK1SAqk7XI/AAAAAAAACDg/2PLHc0rxBJc/s1600/IMG_2765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U7x_MsHVWvY/UyK1SAqk7XI/AAAAAAAACDg/2PLHc0rxBJc/s1600/IMG_2765.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04974309935751844997noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6258399105272433686.post-41845127714948848242014-03-12T17:37:00.001-07:002014-03-12T17:38:13.832-07:00For Sale: <br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <strong><em>For Sale:</em></strong></span></span><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;"></span></em></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">A million smiles and a life long obsession for all things moto.. </span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;"></span></em></strong><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PYdw3NaGM38/UyD0TJxxHEI/AAAAAAAACCQ/OnmDB1BsGZ4/s1600/IMG_2743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PYdw3NaGM38/UyD0TJxxHEI/AAAAAAAACCQ/OnmDB1BsGZ4/s1600/IMG_2743.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aunf18JOfQc/UyD0pVjQDyI/AAAAAAAACCk/UULJThObEqk/s1600/IMG_2740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aunf18JOfQc/UyD0pVjQDyI/AAAAAAAACCk/UULJThObEqk/s1600/IMG_2740.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WvOLl0o9Er8/UyD0Z_XgmcI/AAAAAAAACCY/e4VuPmYRM7I/s1600/IMG_2742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WvOLl0o9Er8/UyD0Z_XgmcI/AAAAAAAACCY/e4VuPmYRM7I/s1600/IMG_2742.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So sad to see it go. Its time here was through. Bud E's home for wayward motorcycles found a loving home for the Suzuki Jr50.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It has been crashed into a tree. It has been crashed into a fence, ...more than once. It has slid out from underneath on a high speed turn on loose rock. It's beaten and scarred. I wouldn't have it any other way.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Chdxdi8yHA/UQtUzhh_DLI/AAAAAAAAB18/c0b_q6zhYBs/s1600/IMG_1599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Chdxdi8yHA/UQtUzhh_DLI/AAAAAAAAB18/c0b_q6zhYBs/s1600/IMG_1599.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7209/6892190381_97d2ccd404_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7209/6892190381_97d2ccd404_z.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It has brought tons of smiles and with a simple twist of the wrist. It has brought good times and memories spent with family. You can see his smile even in the helmet..</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7199/6892198325_b2fc6c553c_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7199/6892198325_b2fc6c553c_z.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But its found a new home. A new five year old boy whose birthday is today. Too start him down the motorcycle way.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Sold...</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">and there it goes.. the cycle of life continues...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CkMhvOH-gNg/UyD0qYP32OI/AAAAAAAACCo/CNNnJbhIj-k/s1600/IMG_2745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CkMhvOH-gNg/UyD0qYP32OI/AAAAAAAACCo/CNNnJbhIj-k/s1600/IMG_2745.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span> ..<br />Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04974309935751844997noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6258399105272433686.post-84839801073163874162014-02-22T23:01:00.000-08:002014-02-22T23:01:00.103-08:00Saturday ...... "Sun" day<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There is talk of droughts and snow and crazy weather everywhere. I was not concerned with the </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">relatively dry fall and early winter we have been experiencing. As of late it has been feet of snow, ice, and rain..... Days on end filled with rain, rain and wind, and finally fog and rain... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Or, "Welcome to Oregon".. its winter and once it starts to rain, it isn't likely to stop any time soon. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dGocHAJBwdc/UwmIaGiuiHI/AAAAAAAACAk/KHCqD7Io0ds/s1600/IMG_2714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dGocHAJBwdc/UwmIaGiuiHI/AAAAAAAACAk/KHCqD7Io0ds/s1600/IMG_2714.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OoXZZ1HVx2U/UwmINbwip4I/AAAAAAAACAc/LbSxjyZR4O8/s1600/IMG_2713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OoXZZ1HVx2U/UwmINbwip4I/AAAAAAAACAc/LbSxjyZR4O8/s1600/IMG_2713.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Today, the sun shone down upon us and graced us with its radiant brilliance. Time to get the bikes and have a little practice session in the yard.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Well, that, and the fact that I needed an excuse to test out some recently acquired obstacles to play with</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vdla84SksjE/UwmIve8Hv_I/AAAAAAAACA0/xdtNmLcAox8/s1600/IMG_2715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vdla84SksjE/UwmIve8Hv_I/AAAAAAAACA0/xdtNmLcAox8/s1600/IMG_2715.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">So, I got the cub out and had a little fun a little offroad slalom using the cable spools and a long 4x4 timber that I acquired. I tell you what, it is a lot harder than it looks. I think there was 1.5 - 2 meters in between them, and they are almost a meter in diameter. The ground is very uneven, holes and ruts. The soil is super saturated clay, that kind of squishes out water when you step on it. Today was a lesson about clutch control and steering. The exercise was to enter down either side of the 4x4, cross over between that and the first spool, slalom the next spool, circle around the last spool and reverse the pattern. Ohh... did I forget to mention.. Don't hit the van or the fence... and that he has the attention span of..., well,.. a 10 year old.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-muYGpbWB-XY/UwmI7mECL-I/AAAAAAAACA8/P-l6gF-H4LE/s1600/IMG_2716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-muYGpbWB-XY/UwmI7mECL-I/AAAAAAAACA8/P-l6gF-H4LE/s1600/IMG_2716.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dQHUBFncfPU/UwmIs1muDCI/AAAAAAAACAs/V-vD5i18nDE/s1600/IMG_2717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dQHUBFncfPU/UwmIs1muDCI/AAAAAAAACAs/V-vD5i18nDE/s1600/IMG_2717.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5EYiEpVtRX8/UwmJ1Xl1OGI/AAAAAAAACBk/8Fw3do6tAxc/s1600/IMG_2720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5EYiEpVtRX8/UwmJ1Xl1OGI/AAAAAAAACBk/8Fw3do6tAxc/s1600/IMG_2720.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xaGfywtbCg8/UwmJf6kvOQI/AAAAAAAACBc/n4orQlXQScY/s1600/IMG_2721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xaGfywtbCg8/UwmJf6kvOQI/AAAAAAAACBc/n4orQlXQScY/s1600/IMG_2721.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GLwVFy90V1A/UwmJDzieLoI/AAAAAAAACBE/TQfL_kW3u6Q/s1600/IMG_2718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GLwVFy90V1A/UwmJDzieLoI/AAAAAAAACBE/TQfL_kW3u6Q/s1600/IMG_2718.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fxzPbSGIsuA/UwmJ22Z3mRI/AAAAAAAACBs/llc3P26kHpA/s1600/IMG_2723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BGKro2KBrSE/UwmJdur1EjI/AAAAAAAACBU/4GFTU-nD8R8/s1600/IMG_2722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BGKro2KBrSE/UwmJdur1EjI/AAAAAAAACBU/4GFTU-nD8R8/s1600/IMG_2722.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fxzPbSGIsuA/UwmJ22Z3mRI/AAAAAAAACBs/llc3P26kHpA/s1600/IMG_2723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fxzPbSGIsuA/UwmJ22Z3mRI/AAAAAAAACBs/llc3P26kHpA/s1600/IMG_2723.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a> Yes, it was a challenge for him. He was learning the importance of covering and pulling in and releasing the clutch to smoothly apply and take away the power. This is a very important skill to have since traction tends to be at premium around here. Just ask <a href="http://troubadourtriumph.blogspot.com/2014/02/snotgun-creek-ohv.html" target="_blank">Troubadour</a>. After a couple of hours, he was starting to get pretty comfortable with the clutch and how slowly or quickly it needed to be applied as well as some throttle control. It is a little 2 Stroke Honda CR60R and revs really quickly. We were outside in the sunshine and that was good.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vu26_umoy8s/UwmJ5hDbFsI/AAAAAAAACB0/5y9kXaYDhkk/s1600/IMG_2724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vu26_umoy8s/UwmJ5hDbFsI/AAAAAAAACB0/5y9kXaYDhkk/s1600/IMG_2724.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UCDIukdZ9e8/UwmKBo7rXbI/AAAAAAAACB8/9O4Yg9Dyj20/s1600/IMG_2725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UCDIukdZ9e8/UwmKBo7rXbI/AAAAAAAACB8/9O4Yg9Dyj20/s1600/IMG_2725.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a>For myself, I upped the ante. My goal was to enter, circle each spool, reverse it and back out, without putting a foot down. This too, is harder than it looks. The front wheel would get stuck in a small hole or up against a rock and throw my balance all off. Its all about practice, right? If it were easy, it wouldn't be any fun. I did manage to clean the section a couple of times. That is a phase I hope to use much more often in the future. Trials is about control. Slow deliberate movement and balance.<br />
<br />
Yes the best in the world have figured out how to overcome amazing obstacles with ease, (Check this out) <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/dFyp4BcnkUc?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
But for the rest of us mortal men, Trials is test of ones skill against himself and his environment. A test of how well you have mastered your motorcycle riding craft, and every foot down is another lesson learned.<br />
<br />
<br />
PolarBear and Bud E.</span>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-OoXZZ1HVx2U%2FUwmINbwip4I%2FAAAAAAAACAc%2FLbSxjyZR4O8%2Fs1600%2FIMG_2713.JPG&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OoXZZ1HVx2U/UwmINbwip4I/AAAAAAAACAc/LbSxjyZR4O8/s1600/IMG_2713.JPG" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-fxzPbSGIsuA%2FUwmJ22Z3mRI%2FAAAAAAAACBs%2Fllc3P26kHpA%2Fs1600%2FIMG_2723.JPG&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fxzPbSGIsuA/UwmJ22Z3mRI/AAAAAAAACBs/llc3P26kHpA/s1600/IMG_2723.JPG" -->Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04974309935751844997noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6258399105272433686.post-57741731604618672402014-02-13T23:16:00.000-08:002014-02-13T23:16:37.683-08:00What Is a Polar Bear To Do With All Of This Snow<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><em>2-6-14</em></span> <br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> I awoke to a layer of white as far as the eye can see... </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2820/12470775114_a56836789f_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2820/12470775114_a56836789f_c.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">No problem, just part of the job, and the weather is supposed to be better up north. After warming up the service van, I head out on the road. Traction is okay, not slipping too much. I arrive at the interstate, tiptoe down the onramp and cruise about 40 mph, noting the numerous vehicles off in the median and shoulder. Reach the next metro area and everything comes to a stop.. Ohh Crap..</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5478/12470256435_0fef274cb3_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5478/12470256435_0fef274cb3_o.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"> I start to navigate through the maze of stop and go trucks and cars. People can be very impatient.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7332/12470247145_e0d6b36ad7_h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7332/12470247145_e0d6b36ad7_h.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7382/12470707674_4282621326_h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7382/12470707674_4282621326_h.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">I decided that I had had enough fun and called it a day and turned around. Near white out conditions and an improperly equipped service vehicle make for a bad combination.. 2 1/2 hours later, I arrive mostly in one piece. The passenger side wiper arm could not hold up to the volume and weight of the snow and detached itself. Now I have near white out conditions and only half of my windshield is cleaned.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3747/12470723674_003ff8a0da_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3747/12470723674_003ff8a0da_b.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5511/12470377223_71a1c5abe9_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5511/12470377223_71a1c5abe9_c.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"><em>2-7-14</em></span><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span></em><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Report.. More snow falling.. had over a foot yesterday and more overnight.. This is not your light fluffy snow.. This is what they call Cascade Concrete. It is very heavy and has a super high water content. So, though the depth does not seem to be growing significantly, it is being compacted into a solid mass.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">So, What is a Polar Bear to do with all of this snow?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">I couldn't let <a href="http://troubadourtriumph.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Troubadour</a> have all of the fun from the last snow..</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/LjdtZaHCJqc" width="480"></iframe><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">We get out the SWM and practiced wheelies in the snow.. I actually wasn't sure how much traction would be available... Last motorcycle I dumped in the snow was a 575 lb Tiger... I was still a bit gun shy, but it was good fun and I got my ride fix in.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3SqsGwcwgN0/Uv2_1Ciu0nI/AAAAAAAAB_U/UKm7m6i6NIg/s1600/IMG_2703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3SqsGwcwgN0/Uv2_1Ciu0nI/AAAAAAAAB_U/UKm7m6i6NIg/s1600/IMG_2703.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VtHalJnMvqc/Uv2_0qm5uFI/AAAAAAAAB_Q/gWglbVPr2LI/s1600/IMG_2704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VtHalJnMvqc/Uv2_0qm5uFI/AAAAAAAAB_Q/gWglbVPr2LI/s1600/IMG_2704.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iuE9TZUL0z4/Uv3ABXxZQfI/AAAAAAAAB_k/hxeQ2J2nASk/s1600/IMG_2706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iuE9TZUL0z4/Uv3ABXxZQfI/AAAAAAAAB_k/hxeQ2J2nASk/s1600/IMG_2706.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_PjAgVI9880/Uv3ACs4d5RI/AAAAAAAAB_s/v86PmOJksjU/s1600/IMG_2705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_PjAgVI9880/Uv3ACs4d5RI/AAAAAAAAB_s/v86PmOJksjU/s1600/IMG_2705.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-13d_DJe_EMk/Uv2_0T4MmcI/AAAAAAAAB_M/AfPOAN7slWk/s1600/IMG_2702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-13d_DJe_EMk/Uv2_0T4MmcI/AAAAAAAAB_M/AfPOAN7slWk/s1600/IMG_2702.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This bike has been</span> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><strong><em>Bud E.</em></strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> approved</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Polarbear</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04974309935751844997noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6258399105272433686.post-44574700145523861622014-02-11T01:23:00.001-08:002014-02-11T01:24:57.093-08:00Bud E's Home for Wayward Motorcycles Adopts Another<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, a little bit of history about me for context.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> I can already hear people say, "Another one.. Doesn't he have enough already??" Okay, maybe that is just my wife.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"> I am a fourth generation motorcyclist. There is a photo of my great grandfather standing on the seat of his old Indian sank in the mud up to the axles. So, apparently doing foolish things on motorcycles is a hereditary trait. My grandfather raced boats, and cars. Worked the Motor Patrol in LA County, was CHP and die hard Goldwing Rider. My father raced cars, and rode misc. old Honda's until he had a spill when I was younger, and that was the end of that. He soon developed MS and poor balance. Before I was married, I goofed around with my cousins on ATVs and raced amateur dirt track cars. So, I <span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #e06666;">LOVE</span> </span><span style="font-size: large;">anything mechanical. Trains, Cars, Airplanes, Motorcycles, Tractors, Heavy Equipment, all fascinate me with their engineering and craftsmanship. I make a decent wage as a Forklift Tech. It's not great, but it keep a roof over our heads, food on the table, and keeps the lights turned on. So, there is no way that I can afford to mess around with cars. The math formula for that is <span style="color: #6aa84f;">$$$$</span> = <span style="color: #990000;">speed.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"> </span><span style="color: black;">Motorcycles, on the other hand, can be found on the cheap, if you are patient and know what you are looking for and can perform any repair work on your own. I love "Vintage" motorcycles, but the price of anything that is not a total basket case is through the roof. So, I have settled in on motorcycles that were important for one reason or another. I try to keep the price below $500. That way it is mostly just the little bits of overtime that I acquire rather than playing with House money. The 1974 Honda MT125 is one.. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VoN6wbFBeo4/UvnNug59X2I/AAAAAAAAB9A/Tbo5hoOGi3A/s1600/IMG_1594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VoN6wbFBeo4/UvnNug59X2I/AAAAAAAAB9A/Tbo5hoOGi3A/s1600/IMG_1594.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: black;">Granted, it is not the CR125R, but is a very close cousin and was street legal.. The Elsinore completely changed what motocross was.. It was developed completely without Mr. Honda's knowledge or approval. He hated 2 strokes. It is a great story to read.</span></span></span><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LfnrDS49J58/UvnXKbBtWpI/AAAAAAAAB9w/dymlbb1fQZo/s1600/IMG_1602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LfnrDS49J58/UvnXKbBtWpI/AAAAAAAAB9w/dymlbb1fQZo/s1600/IMG_1602.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> The Suzuki Jr50, I bought to try and pass on my love of all things mechanical...</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ncdxZvPd6pQ/UvnXLL_QIVI/AAAAAAAAB90/jziRtLVtOT4/s1600/IMG_1598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ncdxZvPd6pQ/UvnXLL_QIVI/AAAAAAAAB90/jziRtLVtOT4/s1600/IMG_1598.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> Jury is still out on that. Can't say I didn't try. He had short legs and it is one speed with a centrifugal clutch.. It had some carb issues that needed sorting but was a good start for my son.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> The 1983 Honda Cr60R, was only imported in '83, '84 and part of '85.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5u2heWRGO5k/UvnTadNFfyI/AAAAAAAAB9U/UXLYNlmQTZ8/s1600/PB011514.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5u2heWRGO5k/UvnTadNFfyI/AAAAAAAAB9U/UXLYNlmQTZ8/s1600/PB011514.jpeg" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cvZoWFWaXoA/UvnVig4xZeI/AAAAAAAAB9g/y8ppizbQEE4/s1600/IMG_2615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cvZoWFWaXoA/UvnVig4xZeI/AAAAAAAAB9g/y8ppizbQEE4/s1600/IMG_2615.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> Honda was winning everything. It was the battles between David Bailey, Johnny O'mara, Bob Hannah, Rick Johnson, and Brock Glover, and Chuck Sun. It was the days when they left it all out on the track and then left just a little bit more. ( Okay, going a little of tangent there, but I was in my formative years then). Honda made all the motorcycles look relatively the same, but they all came with big power. It is a little rough, and doesn't run. I pay the guy a $100 for it and haul it home. Quick search on Ebay.. $50 in parts and a bit of labor later. It fires every time. I love it when stuff works the way it was supposed too. It spins up a little too quickly for him and is still getting used to the clutch.. I have ridden it, and it damn near threw me off the back in a wheelie at 50kph.. It was awesome...</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> 1987 Honda CR250R. They jacked the compression up this year and added a factory rear disk brake. This was <span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;"><em>The</em></span> motorcycle I wanted when I was in my teens.. It started and ran, but needed some work.. still does, but I ride it anyway.</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zMaeIaW5E_U/Uvna-PVOiuI/AAAAAAAAB-E/lN9heA1Fb3A/s1600/IMG_2626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zMaeIaW5E_U/Uvna-PVOiuI/AAAAAAAAB-E/lN9heA1Fb3A/s1600/IMG_2626.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pvkckxNZIfs/Uvna4TiRb8I/AAAAAAAAB98/Q7lQxRazx78/s1600/IMG_2628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pvkckxNZIfs/Uvna4TiRb8I/AAAAAAAAB98/Q7lQxRazx78/s1600/IMG_2628.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Strike that.. I try to ride it, but I suck at it.. It is tall, awkward, and I just haven't been able to put it all together yet.. Yet... I say.. Which brings us to the latest member to reside at Bud E's Home For Wayward Motorcycles.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">In an attempt to gain more practice and control, I started watching Motorcycle Trials riding techniques. They have been referred to as the ballet of motorcycle riding.. Precision and Control is the name of the game. I thought to myself, that looks cool. I wonder if I can do that. I tried to do it on the CR250, but it had other ideas. I need an inexpensive specialized motorcycle for this. I found one.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"> For Sale, 1982 SWM TL320 motorcycle $350. Hmmm.. never heard of them before.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8NXFSLfvFBU/UvniT5p2jZI/AAAAAAAAB-Y/IJmSd8Na8zE/s1600/1495421_373133526164495_1523446343_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8NXFSLfvFBU/UvniT5p2jZI/AAAAAAAAB-Y/IJmSd8Na8zE/s1600/1495421_373133526164495_1523446343_o.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"> Turns out I should have.. Bernie Schreiber used to ride for them after a fiasco with Bultaco. Anyway, it was kind of the "IT" bike to have. Rotax motor that pulled like a freight train. Betor suspension all the way around.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"> Talked my loving wife into letting me purchase it. Offered him $250. Drive way up the coast with the trailer. Look at it. It is a little rough and has a small leak from a shift shaft seal. Okay, owner said it has spark but won't start.. kick it over several times to confirm.. No spark.. What's up dude.. So, he knocks off another $50. Haul it home.. Clean it up a bit.. start messing with it.. Found the spark plug boot is corroded. Cleaned up the boot and cut the plug wire back just a bit. Hook it all up ... Kick, Kick, Kick, Pop, Pop, Pop.. We have ignition...</span><br />
<a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3699/11724872935_b7a9323839_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3699/11724872935_b7a9323839_c.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2835/11725115483_7ce6641333_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2835/11725115483_7ce6641333_z.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">This is so much fun to ride. I get why they ride them, every obstacle can be ridden a thousand different ways. It just chugs along, I had no idea that a 2 stroke could run that slowly. I now am beginning to develop the control necessary to help achieve my goal of one day racing my CR250 without doing bodily harm. If not, it is still fun and challenging to ride.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">I love all aspects of riding motorcycles. Going into a corner trying to put knees and elbows down is awesome. Flying across gaps on a motocross bike is amazing. I want do it all. Hmm might have to see about a Flat Track Single now...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"> How much fun can you have on a limited budget.. A whole heck of a lot don't you know.. Do I still want a fuel injected two stroke enduro motorcycle with an electric start and a kickstand? Yes... Will it make me a better rider.. Not a chance.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Dollars for dollars, I will have more fun on my old, beat up, wore out motorcycles; than a guy who just dropped 10k on a new 450f. Why, because these machines and I have a connection across time. They evoke memories of growing up wanting to ride like Marty Smith, and David Bailey, Rick Johnson, and Bob Hannah.. They all just seem so much tougher than riders today. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">And if it completely goes to crap.. I am out less than $500... Dang near costs that to take a date to dinner and show these days.... </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Polarbear and Bud E.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"> </span>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04974309935751844997noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6258399105272433686.post-63511455455755070782014-01-03T01:16:00.002-08:002014-01-03T01:16:34.334-08:00Polar Bear ride New years of 2014.. ... . ... ... ... . OR . ... .... .. .. .. .. Add Plus one to the Karma Column<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vMYpd2R0gAE/UsZs-gYmmYI/AAAAAAAAB7Y/pTvFreWiaKQ/s1600/IMG_2639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vMYpd2R0gAE/UsZs-gYmmYI/AAAAAAAAB7Y/pTvFreWiaKQ/s640/IMG_2639.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2sUmaO4hNYc/UsZtASwaFmI/AAAAAAAAB7g/7nb9Bbn3i6s/s1600/IMG_2638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2sUmaO4hNYc/UsZtASwaFmI/AAAAAAAAB7g/7nb9Bbn3i6s/s320/IMG_2638.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
So, the local group that I ride with posted up a New Years day ride.. However, there was also an offroad group doing the same thing and couldn't commit myself to either one until New Years morning.<br />
The weather at the house was complete crap. Dense fog and cold, but I had a good feeling it was going to be nice over at the coast, and I really needed a Vitamin D fix. So, asphalt it was going to be.<br />
Now I had read earlier that they were departing about noonish... Apparently I misread when the departure time was, and thought I would be there a half hour early, but missed them departing by over 15 minutes. Off to the races it was.. I had a general idea of the route they were taking, and if not ohhhhh... well..... I was riding.. Out through the city and right on Reservoir.. whack the throttle open and let it rip... Mind my manners through the sleepy little town.. Left on Hwy34, My right hand rotated the grip fully. The Tiger let out a mighty growl. The shifter went bang, bang, bang, bang, bang. Top gear ripping down the straight.. Eyes scanning the horizon for other predators ( of the four wheeled and flash light kind) Downshift to third, swivel the head, lever the knee, look up the hill to the next left, right left complex. Ohh... we were having a grand time of it, ( I think she has been feeling a bit neglected as of late, even with our Saturday jaunt to coffee). After many more left, right, left, complexes; the road settles down a bit and the throttle jams open once again. Soon, I see a large group of riders on the side of the road taking a break.. I know these guys.... I didn't think I would have caught up to them so quickly though.<br />
<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/1502869_10152127352516692_1618078789_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/1502869_10152127352516692_1618078789_o.jpg" width="400" /></a> They began to depart and I jumped in line and it was a slow game of follow the leader. Granted, they were doing what they should have been doing, but I had just had a lot of fun by myself trying to catch up to them. I settled in behind a red Kawasaki Vulcan, with a rider who was unable to maintain corner speed.. I nearly ran over the rider three times. AAARRRGGGHH.. is one the phases that was uttered in my helmet. Thank goodness I don't have a Sena Smh10 with the always on mic., somebody would have heard phases that not even the worst sailors use. We made it all the way to the beach and nobody died.. The group was headed south and some headed back the same route. I being me, decided that I had done enough group riding for the day. I decided to go north<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1450202_10152129819681692_1944777874_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1450202_10152129819681692_1944777874_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
So we travel across the bridge and this road catches my eye.. Hmmm, where does this go. So, I take off on the fabulous little road called Bayview Drive. It is a wonderfully curvy road that turns ties into another curvy road, Beaver Creek. I had already been on Beaver Creek, so I stayed on Bayview. After a while it is no longer paved.. No problem, this is a Tiger after all, and I ain't scared of no dirt... It wanders up and down and around the hills, and get start to form an idea.. I think I might be able to get to Elk City from here without catching Hwy 101.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; height: 192px; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left; width: 189px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Pg-HOnfpLI/UsZtHh9VcOI/AAAAAAAAB7o/IfDrlUWZB0c/s1600/IMG_2640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Pg-HOnfpLI/UsZtHh9VcOI/AAAAAAAAB7o/IfDrlUWZB0c/s320/IMG_2640.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bud E has been feeling festive this holiday</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
From there I could run out through Nashville and over to Blodgett. Now, in typical Polar bear fashion, this being started after 13:00 and it gets dark at 16:45, and we have no map, no cell service, no GPS, limited signage,(they mostly get used for target practice), and just over half a tank of fuel.. <br />
<br />
<br />
Ohhh and I told my wife I should be home by 16:30ish<br />
<br />
<br />
Skip forward to 15:00.. many miles of dirt road, long vistas, fading light and an impending sense that we are not going to be home before 16:30. I end up on this logging mainline and am following the mileage markers.. Of course, every now and then they disappear for a couple of miles and start hoping that your on the right road. I came across a herd of elk standing on the road in front of me.. A couple of growls from the Tiger had them moving again in another direction.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Aq4iWApm7zw/UsZtc8Y8eXI/AAAAAAAAB74/EhPaV0rTfdU/s1600/IMG_2642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Aq4iWApm7zw/UsZtc8Y8eXI/AAAAAAAAB74/EhPaV0rTfdU/s400/IMG_2642.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k1p0bER4ij0/UsZtefn4A8I/AAAAAAAAB8E/d9RqDgIIr2I/s1600/IMG_2643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k1p0bER4ij0/UsZtefn4A8I/AAAAAAAAB8E/d9RqDgIIr2I/s200/IMG_2643.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the roads were really muddy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e4x1NSMr2y4/UsZtnVsBeEI/AAAAAAAAB8M/vh_Nms6NF1w/s1600/IMG_2641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e4x1NSMr2y4/UsZtnVsBeEI/AAAAAAAAB8M/vh_Nms6NF1w/s640/IMG_2641.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I had a State Trooper pass me going the opposite direction just before this, so I thought I was headed the right way.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
With one eye on the road and one towards the fleeting light, I scrap the Elk city plan and just need to get to a highway. It is now 15:35. Making my way off the ridgeline and down the hills I see this couple walking. Casually dressed and like in their early 50's, they flag me down. "Our car broke down a few miles back. Can you give me us a lift down to the fish hatchery?" It is getting dark and cold in this little valley, and I am still not entirely sure where I am. Sure, Why not. The husband climbs on and we start going down the mountain.. Turns out, it is another 6 miles to the fish hatchery. He climbs off and starts heading up to a house to call a wrecker. " Would you like me to go get your wife?" I ask. "I know it is a rough road, but if you wouldn't mind.", he replied. So I whip the Tiger around and go flying up the road back to her. She climbs on and we bound on down to the hatchery.. I didn't see the husband, " I let him off right here." She climbed off and headed up to knock on the door. Yeah, chalk one up for good karma.. What are the odds that with all of the crazy roads I could have chosen, ( If you ever look at an Oregon map and see all the little gray or red unmarked squiggly lines, yeah, those are the roads I was on.) I would find my way to them at just the right time. A sense of satisfaction and amazement came over me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I proceeded to drop the hammer and race the light.. I needed to clear the Alsea twisties before the darkness set in with the fog. Raced to Alsea.. Texted my location and new estimated arrival time, and headed for home in the cold and the dense fog. A sense of relief filled me as I exited the last corner and headed down the long straight, making it through there before the darkness set in as well.. Back through the sleepy little town. The low fuel light just came on. Back through the city. It is now very, very, dark, and very, very foggy, and very cold. Vision is very limited. It almost becomes surreal.. Just a little bubble of light in darkness. The solid lines on the road look the same and I lose track of my sense of speed. I can't tell how fast I am travelling until I am almost upon the dim tail lights of the car just in front of me.."(*)&*(", where the hell did he come from and why the hell are they going so slow....I was totally unaware of my closing speed.. Alright, dial it down... cross the interstate.. cross the open fields. Searching for the light indicting my turn.. Ahhh Home... Pull the Tiger into the carport.. Stretch out the arms and legs.. Take a nice hot shower.. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">And thus ends another </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>Adventure with Bud E.</strong></span></span></em></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: x-large;"></span></em></strong> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is most likely the route that we took.. best that I can recall and the mileage is pretty close. </div>
<iframe frameborder="0" height="500" src="http://ridewithgps.com/routes/3856816/embed" width="100%"></iframe><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"></span></em></strong> <a href="http://ridewithgps.com/routes/3856816" target="_blank">http://ridewithgps.com/routes/3856816</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"></span></em></strong> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"></span></em></strong> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"></span></em></strong> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04974309935751844997noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6258399105272433686.post-1634596553554286272013-04-05T00:12:00.000-07:002013-04-05T00:12:14.883-07:00Best of Three Falls<span id="goog_646813165"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a>So, Easter has a little different meaning for everybody, But as a general rule it is a celebration of renewal. Being a fully fledged member of the church of speed, our prayers were answered with a sunny day and warm temps. Time to kick the tyres and sacrifice some dinosuars. I had awakened at 6:30.. I put together an idea for a route. Plotted it on Ride with Gps, and e-vited some friends to come along on this somewhat impromptu ride. No responses and it was getting on 10:00.. Daylight was wasting and Bud E. was getting anxious.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pHHLV0cheRA/UV5lpWAAaVI/AAAAAAAAB30/qBKKDIkm4K8/s1600/IMG_2517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pHHLV0cheRA/UV5lpWAAaVI/AAAAAAAAB30/qBKKDIkm4K8/s640/IMG_2517.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New m2r lid. Fits so nice and is so light due to the carbon composite. Damn.. those Aussies make a nice helmet, and got it off ebay for a steal too. I almost feel bad. Not!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So, I geared up, popped on my new M2R Nemesis carbon composite lid, threw on my Dragon DX goggles, thumbed the starter and lit out like a prairie fire.<br />
<br />
This is <a href="http://ridewithgps.com/" target="_blank">Ride with GPS.</a> If you have never used it, check it out. I use it for route planning and tracking. Sometimes just to see where it was that I went. I love it when it shows that there is no road, but your riding on it. It really is quite handy, I use the free side of it, not sure what's in the premium section. <br />
<br />
The only problem with trying to share it was I had to load it in through the HTML side of the blog. But its loaded, and I figured it out myself.<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="500" src="http://ridewithgps.com/routes/2311723/embed" style="height: 437px; width: 100%;" width="100%"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
First, out of town, and along the river out to McDowell Creek Falls. Lots of good twisties in there. I hike to the first falls. Full gear and carrying my helmet.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yft6U46S_xY/UV5qKXyaXPI/AAAAAAAAB4E/CzqUtyoozvk/s1600/IMG_2518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yft6U46S_xY/UV5qKXyaXPI/AAAAAAAAB4E/CzqUtyoozvk/s640/IMG_2518.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-utJw1X_-QzY/UV5qNTWb7bI/AAAAAAAAB4M/A5mvX12Novs/s1600/IMG_2519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-utJw1X_-QzY/UV5qNTWb7bI/AAAAAAAAB4M/A5mvX12Novs/s640/IMG_2519.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5hnpwOErXMI/UV5qVCvR19I/AAAAAAAAB4c/8LfZPcCI_5A/s1600/IMG_2521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5hnpwOErXMI/UV5qVCvR19I/AAAAAAAAB4c/8LfZPcCI_5A/s640/IMG_2521.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OqBwsLlC-ok/UV5qc2gC3lI/AAAAAAAAB4s/3UT14gHSUJY/s1600/IMG_2523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OqBwsLlC-ok/UV5qc2gC3lI/AAAAAAAAB4s/3UT14gHSUJY/s640/IMG_2523.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gGN2KrvU3BY/UV5qd3mOzQI/AAAAAAAAB40/vbMidD8xqcg/s1600/IMG_2524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gGN2KrvU3BY/UV5qd3mOzQI/AAAAAAAAB40/vbMidD8xqcg/s640/IMG_2524.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Next was to skirt around the edges of the farmland around here.. If its flat its farmland around here. If its not flat, its Timberland or Vineyards. Over the hills and across the rivers.. All the way to Silver Falls.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Unique thing about Silver Falls State Park. All of the land was donated to the state by the family that owned it. There are ten falls in total, and about an 8 mile trail to collect most of them.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The falls in the picture is called Winter Falls. It was the easiest of the ten to access in full gear, again. I was huffin' and puffin' like the little engine that could trying to climb back up that set of switchbacks.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8OJFCXOQ4Zs/UV5vR9edQeI/AAAAAAAAB5M/GzvvW27TDcI/s1600/IMG_2527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8OJFCXOQ4Zs/UV5vR9edQeI/AAAAAAAAB5M/GzvvW27TDcI/s640/IMG_2527.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HVlPlsZF3lU/UV5vU0_BvUI/AAAAAAAAB5U/8ay54-_9OdI/s1600/IMG_2530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HVlPlsZF3lU/UV5vU0_BvUI/AAAAAAAAB5U/8ay54-_9OdI/s640/IMG_2530.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GCI4gclcXFk/UV5vV51yxII/AAAAAAAAB5c/nyZ3DG2UGVA/s1600/IMG_2532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GCI4gclcXFk/UV5vV51yxII/AAAAAAAAB5c/nyZ3DG2UGVA/s640/IMG_2532.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Its 134ft drop from top to bottom.<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After catching my breath, (Damn, I am out of shape), Bud E and I lit out of there, scaring the crap out of the cruiser riders that were just kind of poking along. I opened up with all three cylinders and really worked hard at getting right to the very edge of the tire. I still can't force it all the way over but am getting mighty close. We tooled on through Silverton, back to Sublimity, and across the valley to catch Alsea falls. I almost gave it up. I thought there is no one sharing this with me so what's the point. Still, I set out to cover 3 falls, not 1 or 2, and I think I would only have disappointed myself if I had given up.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I reached Alsea Falls State Park, and what do I find... the damn gate is locked... "Bullshit", I say to Bud E. Oh well, I hiked down to complete the mission.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u9uc7NeVMrI/UV5zPusFGRI/AAAAAAAAB5s/6pWkdv0AB1o/s1600/IMG_2533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u9uc7NeVMrI/UV5zPusFGRI/AAAAAAAAB5s/6pWkdv0AB1o/s640/IMG_2533.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_CmTjdRKn3Q/UV5zQmRlWlI/AAAAAAAAB50/OeUH6lOy29E/s1600/IMG_2535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_CmTjdRKn3Q/UV5zQmRlWlI/AAAAAAAAB50/OeUH6lOy29E/s640/IMG_2535.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oV5AtY9rnOc/UV5zTHsz_wI/AAAAAAAAB58/KgWCgObaoI4/s1600/IMG_2536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oV5AtY9rnOc/UV5zTHsz_wI/AAAAAAAAB58/KgWCgObaoI4/s640/IMG_2536.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
I load back up and get ready to take off. Now, there is some construction going on just up the road where they are replacing a culvert or some such nonsense. I end up sixth in line heading into this tore up section of road, these people are putzing along trying to navigate the gravel and bumps. If they are going this slow now there is no way I will be able to enjoy the remainder of South Fork Rd. So, as soon as I clear the first barricade and am firmly in the construction zone. I did what any sensible rider would do.. I dropped two gears and rolled the throttle to its stop and passed every single one of them, flingin' gravel and dirt all over them. I never looked back, because I am sure they all gave me a dirty look, but I didn't much care at that moment. I was feeling good about my accomplishment, and nothing was holding me back.... except.... the fuel light suddenly came on. Hmmm.. What to do? <em><span style="font-size: large;">"Screw it"</span></em> Bud E. says.. <em><span style="font-size: large;">"Its a frackin' Tiger. It will make it. Stay the course. Finish the ride."</span></em> So I finish the ride back across the valley. Never stopping for petrol. We made it home. I was tired and sore, but reinvigorated at the same time. <br />
<br />
I was initially disappointed that I didn't have anybody else riding along. By the end though, I was just kind of in a happy place. I rode well, the Tiger did what I asked. And for a moment, all was right in my world.<br />
<br />
Until next time.....<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>Polar bear</em></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<em><span style="font-size: x-large;">You know.. I think Bud E. might be having a bad influence on me... Naaaaaaaaaaaaah.....</span></em><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04974309935751844997noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6258399105272433686.post-5143781409798043312013-02-07T18:28:00.001-08:002013-02-07T18:28:14.143-08:00The Prince of Darkness Strikes Back....Again...Ackkkk!!!!!!! <br />
<br />
Lucas... The Prince of Darkness has struck again...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
So, I put the tiger on the battery tender for the last three days since I have been out scooting around on the Zuma.. Anyway, started it up to go to bike night. no problem.. Ran awesome. didn't hit any rain until I reached Corvallis. Had some good conversation and was going to hit the Gym afterwards. Went to start the Tiger and it cranked very slowly, but did start. Okay, the battery is a few years old, I will go home first, just to be safe. I get 5 miles from home, in the pitch black night and its now raining, I look down and my tachometer has just gone to zero. Okay, that's kind of odd, I think to myself, give some throttle.. Still accelerates.. Things are golden... Signal to change lanes, and the speedometer starts bouncing to the same rhythm as the signals. Uh oh... this is starting to make me nervious. Made it home, like a good tiger should. Fired up the Zuma and off to work out. I'll deal with the Tiger when its daylight.</div>
This morning before work, I hook up a set of jumper cables and start it up. The tach starts working again... Cool, I say to myself. It just needs a new battery. I purchase a battery from one of the vendors that I use when I need batteries for lift trucks. Go about my day and come home and drop the battery in. Check the charging system, 12.6v..... Hmmmmm.. That doesn't seem right.. Should be up near at least 14v... Check of the wiring and found a burnt connection from the stator to the rectifier. Fix the connection.. Still no improvement. Remove the Rectifier.. Test the diodes.. all seem to test okay... I hope its not the stator.. check from wires (a to b) 10ohms, (b to c) 10 ohms, (a to c) 10 ohms.. Okay, thats good one more test. Check for short to frame...10ohms.. <a href="mailto:$#@@#%#$%%$$#$#&(insert">$#@@#%#$%%$$#$#&(insert</a> your owm explitive)...Check the Interwebs to confirm... Sure enough. Stator is Dead... Prince of Darkness has claimed another victim...<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://d3d71ba2asa5oz.cloudfront.net/92000038/images/8hyhnf0m0lwptwpj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://d3d71ba2asa5oz.cloudfront.net/92000038/images/8hyhnf0m0lwptwpj.jpg" width="622" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><em>The Victim</em></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
$140 for the aftermarket stator...and yeah, we have to order it.... <br />
Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04974309935751844997noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6258399105272433686.post-87584074960843277082013-01-31T22:03:00.001-08:002013-01-31T22:03:44.894-08:00The Family That Rides Together<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This is a post I had started on in July and never quite got back to.</span></i></span></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
So.. the weekend before Fathers Day found the whole family out and about on Motocycles..My wife had only recently passed her Team Oregon BRT Class and wanted some more practice. So I loaded up the bikes on the trailer and hauled them to an area I had scouted a week earlier. The spot I scouted ended up with people camped there so we searched for another spot. I unloaded the Elsinore to see what was up the road. I found a nice flat, wide spot that was perfect. Rode back and let SweetPea ride it up to the wide spot.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2UVVtj4kEEI/UATkV4uX1EI/AAAAAAAAAKk/YERgng5nYYg/s1600/IMG_1573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2UVVtj4kEEI/UATkV4uX1EI/AAAAAAAAAKk/YERgng5nYYg/s400/IMG_1573.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G9WjGPhpztQ/UATmfwldEOI/AAAAAAAAAK4/2lw2mTR59c0/s1600/IMG_1591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G9WjGPhpztQ/UATmfwldEOI/AAAAAAAAAK4/2lw2mTR59c0/s320/IMG_1591.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rrB9NHwRgQE/UATlbVfIRhI/AAAAAAAAAKw/AsT5PIQy2J0/s1600/IMG_1589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rrB9NHwRgQE/UATlbVfIRhI/AAAAAAAAAKw/AsT5PIQy2J0/s320/IMG_1589.JPG" width="320" /></a>I thought for for she was going to stall it along the way, but she made it with no problem.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nMUQSnJ051I/UAUiVerPsUI/AAAAAAAAALQ/nnlysxcYwgo/s1600/IMG_1608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nMUQSnJ051I/UAUiVerPsUI/AAAAAAAAALQ/nnlysxcYwgo/s320/IMG_1608.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nMUQSnJ051I/UAUiVerPsUI/AAAAAAAAALQ/nnlysxcYwgo/s1600/IMG_1608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-breD2FxfWxI/UAUhVXH52QI/AAAAAAAAALE/HYTNGMJsG1Q/s1600/IMG_1607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-breD2FxfWxI/UAUhVXH52QI/AAAAAAAAALE/HYTNGMJsG1Q/s320/IMG_1607.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look where you want to go</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Then my daughter decided that riding motorcycles looked like fun. So after a brief tutorial she was off and running..I was really impressed she had natural ability..<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LAiQt2YW73Q/UAUjHmx9vII/AAAAAAAAALY/f0MmnsViT0g/s1600/IMG_1610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LAiQt2YW73Q/UAUjHmx9vII/AAAAAAAAALY/f0MmnsViT0g/s320/IMG_1610.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Head and Eyes Up</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Lucas was being Lucas...goofing around on the little Suzuki Jr50....<span id="goog_1822148287"></span><span id="goog_1822148288"></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0axIvCaCgag/UQtU3p4USNI/AAAAAAAAB2M/5AY03NQy1bc/s1600/IMG_1600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0axIvCaCgag/UQtU3p4USNI/AAAAAAAAB2M/5AY03NQy1bc/s640/IMG_1600.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GRwM-Bmwfq4/UQtU3OAEcwI/AAAAAAAAB2E/gILD8ue196c/s1600/IMG_1621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GRwM-Bmwfq4/UQtU3OAEcwI/AAAAAAAAB2E/gILD8ue196c/s320/IMG_1621.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Chdxdi8yHA/UQtUzhh_DLI/AAAAAAAAB18/c0b_q6zhYBs/s1600/IMG_1599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Chdxdi8yHA/UQtUzhh_DLI/AAAAAAAAB18/c0b_q6zhYBs/s320/IMG_1599.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TvyMkb1PAgM/UQtU6D2YfnI/AAAAAAAAB2U/NwkbqPRrOPE/s1600/IMG_1637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TvyMkb1PAgM/UQtU6D2YfnI/AAAAAAAAB2U/NwkbqPRrOPE/s640/IMG_1637.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Everyone had a great time and wants to do it again....<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qamf-xYtCZc/UQtWAdicf2I/AAAAAAAAB2g/JjdNoexG4VI/s1600/IMG_1584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qamf-xYtCZc/UQtWAdicf2I/AAAAAAAAB2g/JjdNoexG4VI/s200/IMG_1584.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mJvt-12qNmw/UQtWJGHqbDI/AAAAAAAAB2o/kk_VdJu7Py0/s1600/IMG_1638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mJvt-12qNmw/UQtWJGHqbDI/AAAAAAAAB2o/kk_VdJu7Py0/s200/IMG_1638.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bpJz6cH6nzc/UQtWPjAUGhI/AAAAAAAAB3U/fpiZKmR6KK8/s1600/IMG_1640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bpJz6cH6nzc/UQtWPjAUGhI/AAAAAAAAB3U/fpiZKmR6KK8/s200/IMG_1640.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V7uOe7efw1k/UQtWM17AxoI/AAAAAAAAB3M/X2e_wDau1vo/s1600/IMG_1639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V7uOe7efw1k/UQtWM17AxoI/AAAAAAAAB3M/X2e_wDau1vo/s640/IMG_1639.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kind of like one those Incredible Journey photos</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4RyZ2JD5nbY/UQtWJdUpehI/AAAAAAAAB2s/IObcjyv7lHA/s1600/IMG_1627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4RyZ2JD5nbY/UQtWJdUpehI/AAAAAAAAB2s/IObcjyv7lHA/s640/IMG_1627.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My faithful dog Scout... Waiting for me to come back..</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Might have to buy more motorcycles.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Cue the Maniacal Laughter<span style="font-size: x-large;">!!!!!</span></span></i></span><br />
<br />
<br />
January 31,2013<br />
<br />
edit: Recently added a Yamaha Zuma 125 Scooter to the stable.. No pictures yet as a recent car prowl resulted in a net loss of camera battery charger and my kick ass $30 Gps.Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04974309935751844997noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6258399105272433686.post-21656660949598337752013-01-24T00:45:00.001-08:002013-01-24T01:04:04.347-08:00Princess Scooterpie Mascot Challenge..... Accepted<div class="title">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://scootermayhem.blogspot.com/2013/01/do-you-have-moto-mascot.html" target="_blank">Prin</a><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://scootermayhem.blogspot.com/2013/01/do-you-have-moto-mascot.html" target="_blank">cess Scooterpie</a> posted up a new blog cha<span style="font-size: large;">ll<span style="font-size: large;">enge...<span style="font-size: large;"> Do you hav<span style="font-size: large;">e a moto Mascot...</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="title" style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1DfBHSF3RsY/UQDptZHa-BI/AAAAAAAABzM/4721OhygK9M/s1600/659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1DfBHSF3RsY/UQDptZHa-BI/AAAAAAAABzM/4721OhygK9M/s640/659.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="title" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">You bet I do<span style="font-size: large;">... His name is<span style="font-size: large;"> <i><span style="font-size: large;">Bud E.</span></i><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;">He is my <span style="font-size: large;">riding and adventu<span style="font-size: large;">re buddy..</span></span></span></div>
<div class="title" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="title" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="title" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="title" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="title" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dYWRE9yzpBE/UQDpuIiuzsI/AAAAAAAABzU/ZA76mFAZGqU/s1600/658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dYWRE9yzpBE/UQDpuIiuzsI/AAAAAAAABzU/ZA76mFAZGqU/s400/658.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Downtown Skagway AK</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="title" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="title" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="title" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="title" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="title" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="title" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="title" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="title" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="title" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="title" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="title" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="title" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="title" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="title" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="title" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="title" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="title" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="title" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">W<span style="font-size: large;">e go looking for sun and snow..<span style="font-size: large;"> Twisty road<span style="font-size: large;">s and s<span style="font-size: large;">ometimes down a hole..</span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-voVCNWITvwQ/UQDr6Z1rw6I/AAAAAAAAB0Q/7n29Oyq1eu8/s1600/559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-voVCNWITvwQ/UQDr6Z1rw6I/AAAAAAAAB0Q/7n29Oyq1eu8/s200/559.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NR-ItEaQGQU/UQDr33BrJGI/AAAAAAAAB0I/DfyjuOknPeM/s1600/754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NR-ItEaQGQU/UQDr33BrJGI/AAAAAAAAB0I/DfyjuOknPeM/s200/754.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a0si3LIiRTc/UQDr3P-yXfI/AAAAAAAAB0A/dbrKG2YVFKw/s1600/638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a0si3LIiRTc/UQDr3P-yXfI/AAAAAAAAB0A/dbrKG2YVFKw/s320/638.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Uk1d8K7l6E/UQDrymfnqJI/AAAAAAAABzw/m09ZAxkbWHE/s1600/533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Uk1d8K7l6E/UQDrymfnqJI/AAAAAAAABzw/m09ZAxkbWHE/s640/533.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brother Bear... Damn.. I thought everything was bigger in Texas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Pk5BGTfkKM/UQDrzg2ttBI/AAAAAAAABz4/wRHH-wxispE/s1600/575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Pk5BGTfkKM/UQDrzg2ttBI/AAAAAAAABz4/wRHH-wxispE/s1600/575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Pk5BGTfkKM/UQDrzg2ttBI/AAAAAAAABz4/wRHH-wxispE/s400/575.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Please note Sarah Palin's location on the far right of this page.<br />
Give me the fish....Please..... <br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="title" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="title" style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PsW1XR_5cQM/UQDvSx0sp3I/AAAAAAAAB0s/RBv0rvC8mXI/s1600/1007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PsW1XR_5cQM/UQDvSx0sp3I/AAAAAAAAB0s/RBv0rvC8mXI/s200/1007.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="title" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="title" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="title" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="title" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="title" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="title" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="title" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ewvVrEAW2zg/UQDxs35xbdI/AAAAAAAAB1Y/TABORPxmZZU/s1600/444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ewvVrEAW2zg/UQDxs35xbdI/AAAAAAAAB1Y/TABORPxmZZU/s200/444.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d56B_FsHevY/UQDvYsKLKZI/AAAAAAAAB00/nTGgl8Syx_M/s1600/955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d56B_FsHevY/UQDvYsKLKZI/AAAAAAAAB00/nTGgl8Syx_M/s200/955.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2HycYJJriSU/UQDvZV5AU0I/AAAAAAAAB08/PpTKPzgsZNo/s1600/954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2HycYJJriSU/UQDvZV5AU0I/AAAAAAAAB08/PpTKPzgsZNo/s640/954.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="title" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="title" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="title" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="title" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="title" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="title" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="title" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="title" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="title" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="title" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="title" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="title" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="title" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="title" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L8A7yYduWKw/UQDxt-0HKWI/AAAAAAAAB1g/74nfMD8XRzg/s1600/445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L8A7yYduWKw/UQDxt-0HKWI/AAAAAAAAB1g/74nfMD8XRzg/s640/445.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="title" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="title" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">As far as a name for the motocycle.. no<span style="font-size: large;">... no name...don't really know w<span style="font-size: large;">hy.. Just nothing has struck my fancy.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">No matte<span style="font-size: large;">r.. When we are all together<span style="font-size: large;">, there is no telling what kind of trouble will fi<span style="font-size: large;">nd us (not that we wo<span style="font-size: large;">uld go l<span style="font-size: large;">ooking<span style="font-size: large;">)..</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> We'll keep an eye out<span style="font-size: large;"> for you further down the roa<span style="font-size: large;">d.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></div>
Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04974309935751844997noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6258399105272433686.post-80052051155739780572013-01-17T19:22:00.000-08:002013-01-17T20:41:17.801-08:00Polar Bears... they're everywhere.. <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">So, How about this.. posting again...even in the same month this time.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I <span style="font-size: large;">ha<span style="font-size: large;">ve been graced to see a lot of these Unit<span style="font-size: large;">ed States growing up.. My fathers <span style="font-size: large;">sib<span style="font-size: large;">lings were scattered across <span style="font-size: large;">all of them<span style="font-size: large;">. During the summer we<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: large;">would pack up and head out and down the road. Th<span style="font-size: large;">ose are stories to be told another time. My job, however, also allows me to see a lot of the great state of Ore<span style="font-size: large;">g<span style="font-size: large;">on... Just yester<span style="font-size: large;">day I had a servi<span style="font-size: large;">ce call that was 25<span style="font-size: large;">0 miles away through<span style="font-size: large;"> the ice and snow and fog. But when I arrived, what <span style="font-size: large;">glori<span style="font-size: large;">ous sight did I see...</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KEkApxURsbQ/UPiz5D0hLSI/AAAAAAAABwo/5wdfakGnV1E/s1600/IMG_2327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KEkApxURsbQ/UPiz5D0hLSI/AAAAAAAABwo/5wdfakGnV1E/s640/IMG_2327.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">My very own <span style="font-size: x-large;">namesake...In Ne<span style="font-size: x-large;">on...<span style="font-size: x-large;"> Isn't that <span style="font-size: x-large;">cool... I<span style="font-size: x-large;"> mean <span style="font-size: x-large;">right.. that is cool...</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yIbsfV9KUmM/UPiz7smUq5I/AAAAAAAABww/eAg9uF1OgWc/s1600/IMG_2328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yIbsfV9KUmM/UPiz7smUq5I/AAAAAAAABww/eAg9uF1OgWc/s640/IMG_2328.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Polar Bear Cafe in downtown Merrill Oregon</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4YHEfk1QOLo/UPiz85UX1cI/AAAAAAAABw4/5m7i9JDlcDs/s1600/IMG_2324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4YHEfk1QOLo/UPiz85UX1cI/AAAAAAAABw4/5m7i9JDlcDs/s320/IMG_2324.JPG" width="320" /></a> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">It was cold down there.. But the sun was shining. I grabbed the point and shoot a<span style="font-size: large;">nd g<span style="font-size: large;">rabbed a few pictures of Klamat<span style="font-size: large;">h Lake which was frozen over.</span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n1j4vVbZjC4/UPizz9oEKLI/AAAAAAAABwQ/52vxe6AutWk/s1600/IMG_2323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n1j4vVbZjC4/UPizz9oEKLI/AAAAAAAABwQ/52vxe6AutWk/s400/IMG_2323.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1YsTb8-IL0w/UPizx0_bciI/AAAAAAAABwI/Ic0LnWB4Xvs/s1600/IMG_2322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1YsTb8-IL0w/UPizx0_bciI/AAAAAAAABwI/Ic0LnWB4Xvs/s400/IMG_2322.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">After getting the <span style="font-size: large;">lift truck repaired I dec<span style="font-size: large;">ided t<span style="font-size: large;">o vi<span style="font-size: large;">s<span style="font-size: large;">it C<span style="font-size: large;">alifornia...<span style="font-size: large;"> Literally one side of the ro<span style="font-size: large;">ad is Oregon.. the <span style="font-size: large;">other side is <span style="font-size: large;">California.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> <span id="goog_1696895297"></span><span id="goog_1696895298"></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mpDrsE6DYts/UPiz0ZTCRwI/AAAAAAAABwY/yopDh_ypGOY/s1600/IMG_2325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mpDrsE6DYts/UPiz0ZTCRwI/AAAAAAAABwY/yopDh_ypGOY/s640/IMG_2325.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Looking at California</span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lie1ZlA8K_U/UPiz3-m-BLI/AAAAAAAABwg/b2VGNTehHtg/s1600/IMG_2326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lie1ZlA8K_U/UPiz3-m-BLI/AAAAAAAABwg/b2VGNTehHtg/s640/IMG_2326.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Looking at Oregon</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I am so glad I live in Oregon......Even the worst parts loo<span style="font-size: large;">k better tha<span style="font-size: large;">n the best<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: large;">parts of <span style="font-size: large;">other state<span style="font-size: large;">s..</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Y<span style="font-size: large;">ou know.. I though<span style="font-size: large;">t about bringing Bud E along for the ride...Maybe next <span style="font-size: large;">time....</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04974309935751844997noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6258399105272433686.post-71575333443974441922013-01-03T22:46:00.000-08:002013-01-03T22:46:27.961-08:00New Year.... New Goals<span style="font-size: large;">Okay... I have slacked off on this blog thing long enough....</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">This year<span style="font-size: x-large;">s goal is to post much more often.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: large;">My problem I think was that I was trying really hard to keep i<span style="font-size: large;">t all motorcycle re<span style="font-size: large;">lated<span style="font-size: large;">, which sometimes limited <span style="font-size: large;">posting. <br /><span style="font-size: large;">So<span style="font-size: large;"> readers and ride<span style="font-size: large;">rs, <span style="font-size: large;">you may find a bit of rand<span style="font-size: large;">om<span style="font-size: large;">ness from time to time.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Other goals<span style="font-size: large;">.... make more time for fitness and drop a 3 or 4<span style="font-size: large;"> S</span>to<span style="font-size: large;">nes..</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Y</span>eah<span style="font-size: large;">, I said it Sto<span style="font-size: large;">nes..</span></span> and <span style="font-size: large;">no<span style="font-size: large;">, I don<span style="font-size: large;">'<span style="font-size: large;">t mean <span style="font-size: large;">Taylor<span style="font-size: large;">, Wood, or Stewart<span style="font-size: large;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">I think that is about it for goa<span style="font-size: large;">ls... I am<span style="font-size: large;"> one of thos<span style="font-size: large;">e people who always asks.....<span style="font-size: large;">Where does that road go... So<span style="font-size: large;">, I go and find out. Sometimes to my own peril, but what the hell...<span style="font-size: large;">This Merry<span style="font-size: large;">-G<span style="font-size: large;">o-Round only goes round once.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Onwards and <span style="font-size: large;">upwards... we had a polar bear<span style="font-size: large;">/<span style="font-size: large;">Ne<span style="font-size: large;">w Years day <span style="font-size: large;">ride.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">What polar bear ride woul<span style="font-size: large;">d be com<span style="font-size: large;">plete wi<span style="font-size: large;">th</span></span>out out a polar bear...</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZVfTRVDfVxQ/UOZzcgAq63I/AAAAAAAABvQ/abS4s9M10eo/s1600/IMG_2274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZVfTRVDfVxQ/UOZzcgAq63I/AAAAAAAABvQ/abS4s9M10eo/s320/IMG_2274.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> It wa<span style="font-size: large;">s a <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">glorious</span> day for a ride... The a<span style="font-size: large;">ir was crisp<span style="font-size: large;">...(26*f). <span style="font-size: large;">The sun was <span style="font-size: large;">shining.. I was the first one to the usually coffe<span style="font-size: large;">e shop. <span style="font-size: large;">The sun <span style="font-size: large;">beamed throug<span style="font-size: large;">h the door and I notice<span style="font-size: large;">d the little bit of steam waft<span style="font-size: large;">ing out of the cup and tried to catch it with the camera.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P2u5oLGj7Oo/UOZzVDP9LaI/AAAAAAAABu4/Sxz2tNXHikM/s1600/IMG_2273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P2u5oLGj7Oo/UOZzVDP9LaI/AAAAAAAABu4/Sxz2tNXHikM/s320/IMG_2273.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Soon the rest of the<span style="font-size: large;"> riders <span style="font-size: large;">(fools who haven't go<span style="font-size: large;">t a lick <span style="font-size: large;">of sense to get out of the cold) </span></span>arrived. <span style="font-size: large;">After a bit of conversation<span style="font-size: large;">, and <span style="font-size: large;">a recount of Troubadour's<span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="http://troubadourtriumph.blogspot.com/2013/01/polar-bear-ride-fail.html">Polar bear ride fail<span style="font-size: large;">. </span></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We saddle<span style="font-size: large;">d up and were on our wa<span style="font-size: large;">y.</span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xcGZIZkEDYU/UOZzbNIgPJI/AAAAAAAABvI/g3125GZulos/s1600/IMG_2276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xcGZIZkEDYU/UOZzbNIgPJI/AAAAAAAABvI/g3125GZulos/s320/IMG_2276.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qCPo9Ne43A8/UOZzaFiglPI/AAAAAAAABvA/wGboWJHyuv0/s1600/IMG_2275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qCPo9Ne43A8/UOZzaFiglPI/AAAAAAAABvA/wGboWJHyuv0/s320/IMG_2275.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">The r<span style="font-size: large;">oads were in <span style="font-size: large;">mostly fair s<span style="font-size: large;">hape.. I little di<span style="font-size: large;">fficult to tell the di<span style="font-size: large;">fference be<span style="font-size: large;">tw<span style="font-size: large;">een what was damp,<span style="font-size: large;"> and what <span style="font-size: large;">was f<span style="font-size: large;">ro<span style="font-size: large;">zen in the shade. <span style="font-size: large;">I was <span style="font-size: large;">riding.. and that was all tha<span style="font-size: large;">t mattered. <span style="font-size: large;">He<span style="font-size: large;">re is a little slide show I put together with the GoPro.. I may do this more often. Set it <span style="font-size: large;">too tak<span style="font-size: large;">e photos every 5 sec. and just let it run..</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: large;">I<span style="font-size: large;">ronically, <span style="font-size: large;">from the time I turned it on until I got home, <span style="font-size: large;">it took exactly 955 photos<span style="font-size: large;">. Whi<span style="font-size: large;">ch is one for every cc of my <span style="font-size: large;">Tige<span style="font-size: large;">r<span style="font-size: large;">, and that is special.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/YW8JaMywUZI?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lTPcnStt0qQ/UOZ58R_nT2I/AAAAAAAABvo/edLmW6UTxUk/s1600/IMG_2278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lTPcnStt0qQ/UOZ58R_nT2I/AAAAAAAABvo/edLmW6UTxUk/s400/IMG_2278.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> Like Mickey Frickin<span style="font-size: large;">' Mouse <span style="font-size: large;">sa<span style="font-size: large;">id, See you real soon.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The Polar Bea<span style="font-size: large;">r.</span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04974309935751844997noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6258399105272433686.post-40635146717980209602012-08-03T00:07:00.000-07:002012-08-03T01:26:23.686-07:00Monterey and MotoGP....Adventures with Sweet PeaSo, this is the second year that my wife and I have escaped for 4 days without the kids......<br />
<br />
We attended the MotoGP event at Laguna Seca last year as an anniversary gift....for her it was getting away... for me it was high octane race fuel and draggin' knees... She had such a good time that we decided to do it again this year....and next year is already being planned. It really is impressive to see riders pushing that hard and dragging knees and and doing stoppies from 150mph entering a corner and then doing a wheelie launching out. Ohhh and the noise...such a noise that I've never heard before...the exhaust notes from some sound like music while others literally feel like they are shredding your eardrum (Its so awesome..television doesn't do it justice.)<br />
Thursday found us driving from my parents house in CA..(that's California for My readers to the north) and we see this guy on Hwy 101 <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7HxberGj5l0/UBtbbPdc2UI/AAAAAAAAAMo/pVmPTgrlcVY/s1600/IMG_1785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7HxberGj5l0/UBtbbPdc2UI/AAAAAAAAAMo/pVmPTgrlcVY/s320/IMG_1785.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I suppose that's one way tho carry a spare... </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RdD8p6yiX8o/UBtcPJZsuqI/AAAAAAAAAMw/GiyPovRRHYQ/s1600/IMG_1805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RdD8p6yiX8o/UBtcPJZsuqI/AAAAAAAAAMw/GiyPovRRHYQ/s320/IMG_1805.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everything here is shades of brown.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yVpkC4V6HV4/UBtd9wqbf9I/AAAAAAAAAM4/rtsqI-FmVdM/s1600/IMG_1825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yVpkC4V6HV4/UBtd9wqbf9I/AAAAAAAAAM4/rtsqI-FmVdM/s320/IMG_1825.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_fNPH2LWaA8/UBtel5uCmMI/AAAAAAAAANk/-3C2IdoB-DA/s1600/IMG_1823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_fNPH2LWaA8/UBtel5uCmMI/AAAAAAAAANk/-3C2IdoB-DA/s320/IMG_1823.JPG" width="320" /></a>Driving though Salinas we saw a plastic bin factory on fire...that was pretty hot to see but snarled traffic worse than with just the race traffic.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T7SfHGXB704/UBtekL9g6ZI/AAAAAAAAANc/Df4fj66vbt0/s1600/IMG_1820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T7SfHGXB704/UBtekL9g6ZI/AAAAAAAAANc/Df4fj66vbt0/s640/IMG_1820.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
We checked into the hotel and made our way to Cannery Row. (Yes, The Cannery Row made famous by John Steinbeck). Had some dinner from a second story Mexican restaurant and took in the sites before the weekends craziness took place.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qdjLF9CYXM4/UBteDpTuqkI/AAAAAAAAANQ/cEovOa9FBGQ/s1600/IMG_1828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qdjLF9CYXM4/UBteDpTuqkI/AAAAAAAAANQ/cEovOa9FBGQ/s320/IMG_1828.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evening on the Peninsula</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kN4a9bFsYL4/UBteBclQsaI/AAAAAAAAANI/5tlghcDY8QQ/s1600/IMG_1827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kN4a9bFsYL4/UBteBclQsaI/AAAAAAAAANI/5tlghcDY8QQ/s320/IMG_1827.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">People watching while waiting for food.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kN4a9bFsYL4/UBteBclQsaI/AAAAAAAAANI/5tlghcDY8QQ/s1600/IMG_1827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KoEL9NxWS_I/UBtd_YUsjLI/AAAAAAAAANA/YgrHo3ut0H4/s1600/IMG_1826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KoEL9NxWS_I/UBtd_YUsjLI/AAAAAAAAANA/YgrHo3ut0H4/s640/IMG_1826.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I thought Troubadour was headed for Hells Canyon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Friday morning, we learned from last year that there was no reason to hurry to the track, so we slept in, ate some breakfast, and let the fog burn off.. Arriving at the track, they had opened up pit road to people with paddock passes, which we had... We got fairly close to the MotoGP garages.. Amazing, is all I can say. the way they lay it all out, break it all down and send it to the next venue, which could be halfway around the world.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KCXuevIAv5c/UBtksCpJF4I/AAAAAAAAAOE/EZZiwxtxL6U/s1600/IMG_1835.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KCXuevIAv5c/UBtksCpJF4I/AAAAAAAAAOE/EZZiwxtxL6U/s200/IMG_1835.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cal Crutchlow Tech3 Yamaha</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hoLGFbrAQg8/UBtkv9rjO_I/AAAAAAAAAOU/muDff_UiEHw/s1600/IMG_1838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hoLGFbrAQg8/UBtkv9rjO_I/AAAAAAAAAOU/muDff_UiEHw/s200/IMG_1838.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ben Spies rides</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qzRgbnqKNuA/UBtkt92bvAI/AAAAAAAAAOM/cJ9Ft0I2-hQ/s1600/IMG_1837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qzRgbnqKNuA/UBtkt92bvAI/AAAAAAAAAOM/cJ9Ft0I2-hQ/s200/IMG_1837.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andrea Doviziso Tech3</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-43-8SBkj3no/UBtkyoKHwXI/AAAAAAAAAOc/wErfNVl3CG8/s1600/IMG_1839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-43-8SBkj3no/UBtkyoKHwXI/AAAAAAAAAOc/wErfNVl3CG8/s200/IMG_1839.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jorge Lorenzo's team working their magic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fix7nOtPY5Q/UBtk0eNrQ0I/AAAAAAAAAOk/hXXhUxVxDY8/s1600/IMG_1840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fix7nOtPY5Q/UBtk0eNrQ0I/AAAAAAAAAOk/hXXhUxVxDY8/s200/IMG_1840.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nicky Hayden's Ducati</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QBL6plEvw88/UBtk1yPH0QI/AAAAAAAAAOs/xP_VB2m5l8k/s1600/IMG_1842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QBL6plEvw88/UBtk1yPH0QI/AAAAAAAAAOs/xP_VB2m5l8k/s200/IMG_1842.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looks like Rossi needs a Doctor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iwZGtDrhrk8/UBtk5vQ7f9I/AAAAAAAAAO8/I6USBgEqCCs/s1600/IMG_1844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iwZGtDrhrk8/UBtk5vQ7f9I/AAAAAAAAAO8/I6USBgEqCCs/s200/IMG_1844.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zJrxAFfREi8/UBtk3rGCmbI/AAAAAAAAAO0/E4ev4z8jytY/s1600/IMG_1843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zJrxAFfREi8/UBtk3rGCmbI/AAAAAAAAAO0/E4ev4z8jytY/s200/IMG_1843.JPG" width="200" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vpg9cTlo4wA/UBtk94juzvI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/X2gK-WLwXnw/s1600/IMG_1850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vpg9cTlo4wA/UBtk94juzvI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/X2gK-WLwXnw/s200/IMG_1850.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NM_QHhVcJIs/UBtkqvd00jI/AAAAAAAAAN8/lWiAE49sQDE/s1600/IMG_1833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NM_QHhVcJIs/UBtkqvd00jI/AAAAAAAAAN8/lWiAE49sQDE/s320/IMG_1833.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front stretch and finish line</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KGbloJMSyTU/UBtk71Nf0AI/AAAAAAAAAPE/qrit0oJDZv0/s1600/IMG_1846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KGbloJMSyTU/UBtk71Nf0AI/AAAAAAAAAPE/qrit0oJDZv0/s200/IMG_1846.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SweetPea and Polarbear </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Then we made our way through the AMA Paddock and checked out all the racers there.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u01a-kl4yoQ/UBtseVUSrdI/AAAAAAAAAQA/-sNHHF5ID74/s1600/IMG_1854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u01a-kl4yoQ/UBtseVUSrdI/AAAAAAAAAQA/-sNHHF5ID74/s640/IMG_1854.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So, they're not Crocs...Can you name this stylish racer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p1MlXOO-h3k/UBtsgwVFvQI/AAAAAAAAAQI/n8F1QXJrots/s1600/IMG_1899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p1MlXOO-h3k/UBtsgwVFvQI/AAAAAAAAAQI/n8F1QXJrots/s640/IMG_1899.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Its Ben Bostrom!! He is great on Cafe Racer.. Pretty good on a GSXR 1000 too..</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MHz-egPqgxw/UBtscZW3ZII/AAAAAAAAAP4/GXoIKGbeN8M/s1600/IMG_1853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MHz-egPqgxw/UBtscZW3ZII/AAAAAAAAAP4/GXoIKGbeN8M/s640/IMG_1853.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ya know Ben.. If this racing thing doesn't work out</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HGxh0rROL94/UBtsaF7HT-I/AAAAAAAAAPw/rUtO5VWdm14/s1600/IMG_1852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HGxh0rROL94/UBtsaF7HT-I/AAAAAAAAAPw/rUtO5VWdm14/s640/IMG_1852.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You should try male modelling.... Keep rocking it Ben!!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V6ixmdvi9CU/UBtwk2dAyeI/AAAAAAAAAQg/ajxjKPw-ddw/s1600/IMG_1856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V6ixmdvi9CU/UBtwk2dAyeI/AAAAAAAAAQg/ajxjKPw-ddw/s320/IMG_1856.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Josh Hayes..Bad Fast!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kwy43aVRwEs/UBtwpaNTSgI/AAAAAAAAAQw/g3ftQbFrxhI/s1600/IMG_1858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kwy43aVRwEs/UBtwpaNTSgI/AAAAAAAAAQw/g3ftQbFrxhI/s200/IMG_1858.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gp1Y4v8CUto/UBtwrj8VNEI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/6oFyuvl0v5s/s1600/IMG_1895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SiIl2DvQ9nw/UBtwxcFwfbI/AAAAAAAAARM/tcOCcmovh7U/s1600/IMG_1897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SiIl2DvQ9nw/UBtwxcFwfbI/AAAAAAAAARM/tcOCcmovh7U/s200/IMG_1897.JPG" width="200" /></a><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gp1Y4v8CUto/UBtwrj8VNEI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/6oFyuvl0v5s/s320/IMG_1895.JPG" width="320" /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gp1Y4v8CUto/UBtwrj8VNEI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/6oFyuvl0v5s/s1600/IMG_1895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Something for my Canadian Friends....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eXTg5u7ks1Y/UBt0AZrW-pI/AAAAAAAAAR0/gGa_vOqDC-0/s1600/IMG_1893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eXTg5u7ks1Y/UBt0AZrW-pI/AAAAAAAAAR0/gGa_vOqDC-0/s640/IMG_1893.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zz-D-Qbh7zI/UBtz-PkR2BI/AAAAAAAAARs/L2Umgof9mP0/s1600/IMG_1892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zz-D-Qbh7zI/UBtz-PkR2BI/AAAAAAAAARs/L2Umgof9mP0/s200/IMG_1892.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iOWVQ3XeDRE/UBt0Du3h_vI/AAAAAAAAAR8/bT7Xgi4dxJI/s1600/IMG_1894.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iOWVQ3XeDRE/UBt0Du3h_vI/AAAAAAAAAR8/bT7Xgi4dxJI/s320/IMG_1894.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
And all things animal<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7H9oB3PtZjg/UBt2Haz1V-I/AAAAAAAAASY/VVWmsb-76qE/s1600/IMG_1915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7H9oB3PtZjg/UBt2Haz1V-I/AAAAAAAAASY/VVWmsb-76qE/s400/IMG_1915.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That Zebra doesn't stand a chance........</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GNvjehln9z0/UBt2E1nd4TI/AAAAAAAAASQ/TC5ioBQMnkU/s1600/IMG_1910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GNvjehln9z0/UBt2E1nd4TI/AAAAAAAAASQ/TC5ioBQMnkU/s200/IMG_1910.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KLO9vNWUNC0/UBt2CjxMahI/AAAAAAAAASI/aAOmOm0-lDE/s1600/IMG_1908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KLO9vNWUNC0/UBt2CjxMahI/AAAAAAAAASI/aAOmOm0-lDE/s640/IMG_1908.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Troubadour.....</span> .<span style="font-size: small;">.I found your scooter....</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
That's all from Friday............. Saturday was qualifying, practice and the Supersport class race..<br />
Went back to Cannery Row...They shut it down and only allowed two wheeled parking...It was like bikenight, but 1/4 mile long.... but I will get to that another day....<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04974309935751844997noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6258399105272433686.post-17814510360405739302012-07-16T19:56:00.002-07:002012-07-16T19:57:38.329-07:00Once in a lifetime.....Kind of a sad day really...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J7pmUnhekPU/UATLXrJCqgI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/JdEVBKZqRCY/s1600/IMG_1772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J7pmUnhekPU/UATLXrJCqgI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/JdEVBKZqRCY/s320/IMG_1772.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I suppose its kind of stupid...I sold my 1979 Ford Bronco this evening..<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F9oFyJosTbo/UATO5-5drBI/AAAAAAAAAKY/_sHkuSWt8ug/s1600/IMG_1773-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F9oFyJosTbo/UATO5-5drBI/AAAAAAAAAKY/_sHkuSWt8ug/s320/IMG_1773-001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">date of the original ad..</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IVd3rLDEUD0/UATMYshgTeI/AAAAAAAAAKI/HzOLm8QD_XI/s1600/IMG_1774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IVd3rLDEUD0/UATMYshgTeI/AAAAAAAAAKI/HzOLm8QD_XI/s640/IMG_1774.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was like the Craigslist of its day....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Yes, Its been more of a decrepit lawn ornament and eyesore more than anything...but it was the last thing I bought before i got married.....What does it mean? Does it mean that those times are now fully behind me. Is time finally gaining on me?<br />
<br />
Crap...now I have the Talking Heads song <span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>"Once In A Lifetime"</i> </span>stuck in my head...How did I get here? This is not my beautiful house.<br />
<br />
<br />
What is it with me and vehicles named after animals..I've owned a<i><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">69 Cougar, 79 Bronco, and 2 Triumph Tigers....</span></i><br />
<br />
Ps. Anybody want to pick up Bud E. for the motoblog gathering..he is quite the party animal.. He finds new ways to get me into trouble...<br />
I will be riding around the California Central Coast during that time.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04974309935751844997noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6258399105272433686.post-38858175875112924972012-05-22T18:20:00.001-07:002012-05-22T18:20:20.063-07:00Thanks Ohio, ......Or .........Dare to be Stupid?<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Okay, so I am driving around Cincinnati today, in this<strong><em><u><span style="color: #b45f06;"> CHEAP, POS,</span></u></em></strong> Chevy Aveo.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C-RICYwCHJY/T7w6FCvW7II/AAAAAAAAAJs/4BFQJLgajak/s1600/IMG_1562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C-RICYwCHJY/T7w6FCvW7II/AAAAAAAAAJs/4BFQJLgajak/s640/IMG_1562.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"> So, unlike our current weather at home, the sun is shining and it is upper 70's maybe low 80's. I am blasting through trafficand I notice something is not right. To my far right two lanes over is what looks like somebody standing in the lane. Granted, my view is somewhat obscured by the very fact that in the Chevy Aveo my as is sitting approximately 15" off of the pavement, (I may be givivg it to much credit). Upon closer inspection the the individual is not only standing in the lane of traffic stopped for the red light but is simultaneously straddling a motor scooter, with no helmet on.....Gasp. Gasp.... Who would ride without their helmet... Back to reality..something must have happened to it or it was stolen while at work. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;"> So I am cruisin around looking for a place to eat and I somebody else with no Frackin' lid. Then another, and another,...too many to be coincidence..Ohio must not have a helmet law... Got back to the hotel room and popped on the laptop....Sure enough found this:</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td nowrap="" style="font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold; padding: 7px 10px 8px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;">Safety Helmet: </td>
<td style="font-size: 10pt; padding: 7px 20px 8px 3px; vertical-align: top;" width="100%">Required by law for novice riders, required under age 18 </td></tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap="" style="font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold; padding: 7px 10px 8px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;">Eye Protection: </td>
<td style="font-size: 10pt; padding: 7px 20px 8px 3px; vertical-align: top;" width="100%">Required by law unless equipped with windscreen </td></tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap="" style="font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold; padding: 7px 10px 8px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;">Passenger Age: </td>
<td style="font-size: 10pt; padding: 7px 20px 8px 3px; vertical-align: top;" width="100%">No Restriction </td></tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap="" style="font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold; padding: 7px 10px 8px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;">Helmet Speakers: </td>
<td style="font-size: 10pt; padding: 7px 20px 8px 3px; vertical-align: top;" width="100%">No Restrictions </td></tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap="" style="font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold; padding: 7px 10px 8px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;">Mirrors: </td>
<td style="font-size: 10pt; padding: 7px 20px 8px 3px; vertical-align: top;" width="100%">One required by law </td></tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap="" style="font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold; padding: 7px 10px 8px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;">Headlight: </td>
<td style="font-size: 10pt; padding: 7px 20px 8px 3px; vertical-align: top;" width="100%">Modulating headlight permitted </td></tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap="" style="font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold; padding: 7px 10px 8px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;">Turn Signals: </td>
<td style="font-size: 10pt; padding: 7px 20px 8px 3px; vertical-align: top;" width="100%">Required if manufactured in 1968 and after </td></tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap="" style="font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold; padding: 7px 10px 8px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;">Handlebars: </td>
<td style="font-size: 10pt; padding: 7px 20px 8px 3px; vertical-align: top;" width="100%">Maximum of 15" above seat </td></tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap="" style="font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold; padding: 7px 10px 8px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;">Muffler: </td>
<td style="font-size: 10pt; padding: 7px 20px 8px 3px; vertical-align: top;" width="100%">Muffler required. </td></tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap="" style="font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold; padding: 7px 10px 8px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;">Noise Restrictions: </td>
<td style="font-size: 10pt; padding: 7px 20px 8px 3px; vertical-align: top;" width="100%">Counties and Townships may adopt regulations that establish Max
A-weighted sound level based on measurement at a distance not less than 50 feet
from center line of travel (Title 45, 4513.221): 1)82dBA at 35 mph or less;
2)86dBA at more than 35 mph. </td></tr>
<tr>
<td style="font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold; padding: 7px 10px 8px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;">Riding
Two Abreast in Lane: </td>
<td style="font-size: 10pt; padding: 7px 20px 8px 3px; vertical-align: top;" width="100%">Persons riding bicycles or motorcycles upon a roadway shall ride
not more than two abreast in a single lane, except on paths or parts of roadways
set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles or motorcycles. </td></tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap="" style="font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold; padding: 7px 10px 8px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;">Lane Splitting: </td>
<td style="font-size: 10pt; padding: 7px 20px 8px 3px; vertical-align: top;" width="100%">Not referenced in Administrative Code or Statutes </td></tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap="" style="font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold; padding: 7px 10px 8px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;">Insurance: </td>
<td style="font-size: 10pt; padding: 7px 20px 8px 3px; vertical-align: top;" width="100%">Compulsory Liability (Minimum Limits)(12.5/25/7.5)<br />
<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody>
</table>
So, I am kind of an ATGATT believer. I also don't think that personal safety should be mandated by the state..(Personally, I think the world would be a safer place if people would be allowed to die from their own stupidity). I guess I was more shocked to see people, without even the stupid novelty imitation DOT stickered skull caps, just riding around with the wind in their hair. Seeing it in real life gave me a very uneasy feeling and honestly just frightened me. Sometimes I think, yeah, that would be nice, to not have to wear a helmet. Now its, NO FRACKING WAY ARE YOU GETTING ME OUT THERE WITHOUT MY DOT, SNELL, ECE, RATED FULL FACE HELMET.</span>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04974309935751844997noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6258399105272433686.post-18360886660215951072012-05-22T14:57:00.001-07:002012-05-22T14:57:46.137-07:00Not Bud E<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, I'm in Chicago and Whom should I meet?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">In immortal words of Jeremy Clarkson. Its not the Stig. Its the Stig's soul singing cousin.<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;"> (Top Gear reference)</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">Meet Ellbud Blues.....</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xkFtZpsK-X4/T7wKeBWFXxI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/be2yP7wUCAc/s1600/IMG_1560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xkFtZpsK-X4/T7wKeBWFXxI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/be2yP7wUCAc/s640/IMG_1560.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f9YEd3ShXqk/T7wLACYB5JI/AAAAAAAAAJg/atAO75C-q9I/s1600/IMG_1559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f9YEd3ShXqk/T7wLACYB5JI/AAAAAAAAAJg/atAO75C-q9I/s320/IMG_1559.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-59QzluzYQaE/T7wKwbCzgwI/AAAAAAAAAJY/v2BbIFCA7KQ/s1600/IMG_1561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-59QzluzYQaE/T7wKwbCzgwI/AAAAAAAAAJY/v2BbIFCA7KQ/s320/IMG_1561.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">okay, a little imagination may be required. I couldn't find a fedora and Ray Bans and it was in the middle of O'hare Intl. Airport..</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">OHH... sweet home Chicago..</span>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04974309935751844997noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6258399105272433686.post-80820218163905614422012-05-21T00:05:00.000-07:002012-05-21T00:05:39.499-07:00Is that a Wocket in Your Pocket?<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Okay, I have been busy playing catch up with work. So its been awhile. But Trobaritz threw down the gauntlet and I can try to figure out what I carry with me on most rides. I have a couple of different jackets in which i ride so most everything goes into the tank bag.</span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w2Nvrc5CFOI/T7nXdzPwlOI/AAAAAAAAAH0/0KxGeFlCDrU/s1600/IMG_1550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w2Nvrc5CFOI/T7nXdzPwlOI/AAAAAAAAAH0/0KxGeFlCDrU/s640/IMG_1550.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> I guess its kind of a where's waldo mishmash of stuff. So lets see what we have today.....</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1. hat 2. Alieve 3. Gps and 12v adapter 4. cell phone <span style="font-size: x-small;">(which if I am doing it right has no reception) <span style="font-size: large;">5.multiple lengths of rope 6.first aid kit 7. tire pressure gauge 8.pocket screwdriver 9.wire 10.2 granola bars 11. busted golf pencil 12. rescue inhaler 13.misc earplugs 14.Ipod 15.visor cleaner and anti fog 16.multipurpose towel 17.earbuds and case 18.sunglasses and case 19.loose change holder made from the last vestiges of a long lost habit 20. bottle of water....never know how hot it will be or how many bugs need to be removed. 21.wallet (but only if we are only stopping every 150-200 miles. 22. (not pictured) an occasional change of shoes.</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Otherwise it is just these in the jacket... cause Lord knows those jackets are heavy enough. </span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nc2dZwr4ks0/T7ncgzLm6uI/AAAAAAAAAIA/EOqhCOKzISw/s1600/IMG_1554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nc2dZwr4ks0/T7ncgzLm6uI/AAAAAAAAAIA/EOqhCOKzISw/s320/IMG_1554.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> But then when I have the ability to have the 13liter tank bag, 39 liter top box, 35 and 45 liter panniers....the question becomes what don't I want to bring....?????</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Hell..that's more storage than a mazda miata or them little smart cars.. and its way more fun...</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Until next time.... Polarbear and Bud E.</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">aaaaaaaaa </span></span>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04974309935751844997noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6258399105272433686.post-54906207223691183562012-04-22T23:44:00.001-07:002012-04-22T23:44:57.630-07:00A Toast.. To New Adventures....<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/Master_Cylinder_218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="277" src="http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/Master_Cylinder_218.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">This is what my normal is.</span></span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So, opportunity recently arose that found me applying for and interviewing for a new position at work. Moving from a technician to a much more administrative position. This is kind of a <span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #990000;">BIG</span> <span style="font-size: large;">change from what I know and do daily. Logistically, its not going to fly right now. I mostly did it just for the experience, as I have been fortunate not to have needed to apply for a job in 13 years. Some of those key job landing skills end up like stale fuel in a carb. that's sat all winter. It went well and good, but I am still unsure if administration is in my bag of tricks..</span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTCyUoR5QCba8iyon1evB07KepuAI3cKFr7n6eEdOoX1yBfe_dD7A" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="377" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTCyUoR5QCba8iyon1evB07KepuAI3cKFr7n6eEdOoX1yBfe_dD7A" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">However, that is not near what I am most proud about. </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PMENL-AyP-8/T5Txr2fc54I/AAAAAAAAAHs/ZYo0--3z29s/s1600/IMG_1526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PMENL-AyP-8/T5Txr2fc54I/AAAAAAAAAHs/ZYo0--3z29s/s640/IMG_1526.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Recently, my wife decided to enroll in the Team Oregon Basic Rider Training Program. I was very nervous for her, as this is <span style="color: #cc0000;"><u><i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Way.....</span></b></i></u><i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></b></i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;"> outside of her normal comfort zone. I know she can do it, but her head gets in the way... I tried to teach her how to drive a manual trans. long ago. It ended in tears and the realization that a lot of mechanical things come easy to me. She has no motorcycle or ATV riding experience, except pillion with me; which makes her a hell of a lot braver than me to start with.. I wouldn't do it. Off to the training class for instruction on Thursday.. Came home with some questions and trepidation. I answered as best I could and tried to just get her to relax and enjoy the experience. Saturday on the range left her feeling even less confident and stressed to the max.... I helped to quiz her on the written aspect, and tried to pass on <span style="color: #76a5af;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Basic</span></b></i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: black;"> <span style="font-size: large;">riding tips to help. I told her to trust in the training.</span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;">You know....<span style="color: #9fc5e8;"> <span style="color: purple;">Use the force Luke... Trust your feelings....</span></span><span style="color: purple;"> </span> </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;">So, Sunday, she came home and showed me this.... </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i9A_kqk9TsM/T5TxTgTdcZI/AAAAAAAAAHk/_xr5s048484/s1600/IMG_1525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i9A_kqk9TsM/T5TxTgTdcZI/AAAAAAAAAHk/_xr5s048484/s320/IMG_1525.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Bam... <span style="color: purple;">Just like beggars canyon back home...</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">She was so proud of herself. I am really proud of her too.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">(yes, I said those words to her...) </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">Now she can shop for expensive Italian boots and ride something that looks better than me...</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">The only problem I foresee in the immediate future is, </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;"> while riding two-up,</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;"> her bonking me on the head while riding to tell me I am doing it wrong. Thank goodness we don't have intercoms.......</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="color: black; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b> So a toast to you and to new adventures on down the road. May the sun and wind be at your back and your corners forever clean.</b></span></i></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: x-large;"> </span></i> </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04974309935751844997noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6258399105272433686.post-50401892946073105362012-04-14T07:55:00.000-07:002012-04-14T08:36:59.996-07:00Spring Is Coming.......2 Sunny Days at a time<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hG3vcaAe8zE/T4mQ5itJtUI/AAAAAAAAAGs/rX4KZK9s4mA/s1600/IMG_1508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hG3vcaAe8zE/T4mQ5itJtUI/AAAAAAAAAGs/rX4KZK9s4mA/s640/IMG_1508.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">U.S.O.(unidentified shiny object)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QHyn8NiQ9zM/T4mTGtugqHI/AAAAAAAAAG8/y8fRgDhkVHA/s1600/IMG_1504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QHyn8NiQ9zM/T4mTGtugqHI/AAAAAAAAAG8/y8fRgDhkVHA/s200/IMG_1504.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duck in Beaver Country</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FlqrYwIG8bc/T4mRJO7kUNI/AAAAAAAAAG0/1XNBpVmyPxM/s1600/IMG_1510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FlqrYwIG8bc/T4mRJO7kUNI/AAAAAAAAAG0/1XNBpVmyPxM/s200/IMG_1510.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">flooded fields from record rainfall in</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OR</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Spring is coming.... Yeah... We are starting to see the trees and flowers bloom. There is a large USO (unidentified shiny object) outside my window. and the smell of BBQ in the air.</span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7m_YBp0i-7A/T4mTbvJdd6I/AAAAAAAAAHE/Z5FdcqemMs8/s1600/IMG_1506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7m_YBp0i-7A/T4mTbvJdd6I/AAAAAAAAAHE/Z5FdcqemMs8/s640/IMG_1506.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tangent Dr...Tigers don't swim..</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I purchased a STOK Quattro from Home Depot Last year. I really enjoy cooking on it. We cook more than 50% of the time on it. A variety of meats, vegetables, and fruits,(yes fruits..grilled papaya is like candy).. So, it get used year round.. I burned out all four burners.. Contacted STOK..10 year burner warranty...Sweet...send me 4 new burners...</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5g9fsOBD3Cc/T4mXQxarRbI/AAAAAAAAAHU/TpjKvy--NDU/s1600/IMG_1522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WC3OgDrFfGI/T4mW34-hZpI/AAAAAAAAAHM/S95XvTec5UQ/s1600/IMG_1521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WC3OgDrFfGI/T4mW34-hZpI/AAAAAAAAAHM/S95XvTec5UQ/s320/IMG_1521.JPG" width="320" /></a><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5g9fsOBD3Cc/T4mXQxarRbI/AAAAAAAAAHU/TpjKvy--NDU/s320/IMG_1522.JPG" width="320" /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Ohhhhhhhhhhhh... new burners transformed it back into the awesome grilling machine I remember.. I usually have a difficult time grilling chicken legs, ( the fire is to cold and they end up taking to long and end up dry, too hot and the catch fire and end up as cinders). Of course cooking in the dark, wind, rain, snow, whatever mother nature has on tap that day doesn't help.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> But today I got it right.... </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kGn-oZuvLqg/T4mXmZ0M5vI/AAAAAAAAAHc/bpJDNyvV0Ro/s1600/IMG_1524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kGn-oZuvLqg/T4mXmZ0M5vI/AAAAAAAAAHc/bpJDNyvV0Ro/s640/IMG_1524.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04974309935751844997noreply@blogger.com4