Cruising Down Old Route 66

Motorcycle resurrection

2011-09-05T18:56:00.002-04:00

Yeah, it's been over a year.......... I've been busy :)

Almost back from SME NOE, stopped at the NH house to do some stuff before a delivery next week involving something heavy.

We went early but didn't stay late this year. Most of what I did involved getting the Baby Sabre running. For those that remember / care, at NOE 2009 Jason and others helped me diagnose an engine / gear noise that was a bad bearing in the angle drive housing. That's the set of gears that drives the rear wheel through the drive shaft. Dave Dodge suggested replacing the engine as it's a b1tch to get things apart and back together right. But hey, what does he know LOL. I didn't take his advice and spent some time trying to get the drive out, only succeeding in turning it into a rolling chassis.

Fast forward to NOE 2010 and Springer is in town getting ready for another epic ride on the adventure Wing. He helps me figure out that *all* I have to do is disassemble the right side ( clutch, starter clutch, idler gear, and shift linkage ) to allow the shift lever to be moved to the right allowing space to remove the angle drive. Well what do I know, I tried it. That done, NAPA in Guilford was able to supply the replacement bearing but I didn't have the correct gasket. So, the Sabre comes back to Sharon and rests on the Handy Lift while I deal with some other stuff over the winter months. Fast forward to NOE 2011, the Baby Sabre is back in Zim's garage, and the saga continues.

Yesterday, Pete asked off list if I got the Baby Sabre fixed. He suggested I post the story to the list. So I replied.

****** Blather alert: If you're not interested, hit delete now. Seidel's got nothing on me :)

I says to Pedro: Short answer; yes. Long answer follows.....................

We arrived Thursday after a very expensive trip through Augusta
involving AAA, a Ford dealership, two batteries and a starter for the F350 SuperDuty diesel. I was
pooped and didn't do anything but unload, drank, eat Linda's food, and went to bed.

Friday I started at 9AM and pulled apart the right side. I bounced a
few things off of Jason about clutches and starter drives. We
reviewed the pictures Pete insisted I take last year.

and

btw: they were invaluable

I used some gasket shellac to glue the shim/spacer on the
angle drive as well as the new gasket and let it set up. I wrestled
with the dust boot between the angle drive and the drive shaft housing
and got the angle drive installed. I stuffed the right side back
together not having a high confidence level that the bike would ever shift again.

I didn't use the new gasket on the right side as I was thinking I would be in
there again. I topped off the oil and started the bike, not knowing
that the water pump needed to be installed for oil integrity *. I
installed the water pump and started the bike again not knowing that the
clutch push rod needed to be installed for oil integrity.*
I topped off the oil and started the bike. Ran it through
the gears clutch less ( you all know you don't need a clutch for a shaftie )
and didn't hear any bearing noise. Buttoned it up
and bled the clutch system, installed the drive shaft and rear wheel /
differential. The engine turned the wheel in all gears. Drank, went to bed.

Saturday, closed up the coolant system, filled with anti freeze and started her up to find I
had a huge leak at the water pump. * Tall Paul helped me crack the case,
resurrect the O ring and apply some gasket cement. He didn't like not having the water pump
installed, so he took care of that, connected the rear hose, and reminded me to tighten the clamp
Drank, went to bed.

Got up Sunday, tightened the clamp, closed the coolant system, added antifreeze,
and checked for leaks. I had a BIG
one.* Jason found a loose hose clamp and fixed it. Warmed the bike up
and Jason took it for a ride. Came back with a few oil leaks. * Messed
with them for most of the day today and went for another ride after
lunch. The Pelikan came over, announced that something didn't sound right. He checked the oil, says there was none in the crankcase, and of course I fell for it, because it was full He still says it 'doesn't sound quite right. I sent him on his way. Drank, went to bed.

Monday, after the flood. Oil leaks are minimal. The bike is still standing and there's plenty of oil to burn off the
engine and collector, but it runs, shifts, and seems ready for prime
time. For the first time since 2009, I rode it onto the trailer. We ate again, and left for NH.

I learned a lot, had a ton of frustrations, but I'm glad I did it. Sorry Patrick,
maybe the next time I screw up an engine we'll talk about that DD race engine in your garage.

I couldn't have done it without Pete's cheer leading and suggestions, and hands on help from Jason, Laubach, Lynn, and many others. Thanks to all.

Oh, I forgot to mention we had some main fuse drama in the middle of
this whole thing.

The Zim Ranch and NOE are magic. Thanks Bob , Linda, Jeff, and the whole family. Where else can miracles like this happen. Oh, and there was lots of other stuff going on as well. I didn't take *one* picture this year, but I did fix one of my favorite motorcycles.

* This might explain Ripaldi's super fund site comment. But what does he know, he camps in a flood zone.

Bass, it's what's for dinner!

2010-08-07T18:31:00.008-04:00

Just when you thought it was safe to light the grill and start cooking the sausage, somebody catches a fish. Not a perch, not a Bluegill, but a large mouth bass.

Now that's a nice size pan fish

And I loves me some baked large
mouth Bass. Xoxoxo......

From setting the hook, 'till setting the fork, 45 minutes. Talk about fresh!

Anniversary

2010-06-26T21:16:00.004-04:00

Well I guess 39 years deserves a post.

Last year, it was a trip to Bermuda on the Magesty. I posted some pictures at

http://xrl.us/bgf285

This year, with the economy still tanking, we had to settle for lobster at the NH house. Here's what 8# of New England's finest looks like just before his final moment...........

http://xrl.us/bhp2k8

And here's what he looks like when he's ready...........

http://xrl.us/bhp2ma

The size of that left mitt is decieving. There was a lot of fat and less meat than you would think. Still, big lobsters are a better deal than the little ones. A lot more meat for the money.

It was a good day. Weather was great! The boys decided to go for a swim after they set off the illegal fireworks. They just forgot to take their clothes off :)

New addition / winter storage

2009-09-21T20:28:00.011-04:00

September 21

Got the spot for the new portable garage pretty well cleared and prepped. We moved the snow mobile trailer to a temporary parking spot and the fishing boat into the woods. We removed one of the bushes and trimmed the other so we should have plenty of room for a nice 8x12x24 foot round storage shed.

September 26

And today's the day. The delivery guy showed up at 9AM sharp with the shed in two BIG boxes . He wasn't much help installing it as he had three broken fingers. He did give us some tips and said he'd try to be back to check on our progress.

It's beginning to look like a big erector set for guys!

By noon, we had the frame erected, square, and straight. I had an air supply, so an air ratchet made the nut and bolt stuff go fast.

Next comes the cover. Doors go on first and the directions for them left something to be desired. I decided to call the delivery guy for some help. He said he'd drop by around 2PM. While we waited we finished setting the six anchors. The anchors were interesting. It's basically a huge toggle bolt on a cable. You beat it into the ground about 24 inches, pull up to set the toggle, and then attach it to the shed. Kind of like a miniature mobile home hurricane anchor.

He shows up as promised at 2PM and less than an hour later, the doors are on and the main cover is tied down. Just need to lace the skirt in and we're done.

Ran the electrical and we're already filling it up :) Now where to install the heater :)

Walkabout, F350 version

2009-08-31T19:39:00.064-04:00

OK, so it's been a while. We're talking some time here. Come October, it's time to polish the spurs and hit the asphalt again. The rough plan is to head south! This time, we're avoiding as much of the dreaded I95 corridor as possible while escaping the New England / NYC black hole to head through the heart of steel country. I'm talking Easton / Bethleham, PA and then on to Carlisle for the night. Next, we'll pass through the burgs of Shippensburg, Chambersburg, Martinsburg, and Strasburg to start a leisurely stroll down the Skyline Drive. Now I've driven I 81 for twenty plus years and never took the time to try the Drive, but this is the year. I've got the time, I *have a map*, and I'm not afraid to use it. When I'm done with that, I may try the Blue Ridge Parkway on for size. I'll eventually wander down to Charlotte and pick up the I95 headed to Florida.

Stay tuned...........

September 26

We're closing in on a plan. Looks like the original launch date may be moved up a bit. Word is, snow is coming early to the Skyline and it may be dicing riding. Might try to change the launch window to October 15th or 16th. Things move fast around here, so fasten your seatbelts. My Florida buddies plan to leave the 17th, but they'll beat me to FL by light years. I'm taking the long way 'round and smelling the road apples along the way.

Planned route:

Sharon to Carlisle, PA day 1:

Carlisle to the Skyline Drive:

The Skyline Drive route: Notice the complete avoidance of the cursed I81

More as it develops.........

October 14th. Got most of the home stuff taken care of and looking at heading south early the 22nd. Still in for heading through Carlisle, PA and then over to Hagerstown.

October 22, day 1

Reached escape velocity at 8:20 AM, on the road. Stops in Stonington, and Stamford CT, then over the Tappanzee. Two dead deer in NJ. Stopped in Bloomsbury NJ, but the fuel prices were too high. One of the things I noticed at the rest areas and truck stops is the absence of pay phones. There were none in the rest areas and only one at the huge truck stop in Bloomsbury, NJ.

I bought lunch at Dietrich's Smokehouse in Krumsville. A sandwich, a stick of pepperoni, and a slice of ShooFly was only $7. You can't eat that cheap at McDonald's. Since I didn't have a deer that needed dressing, or a hog that needed smoking, I pressed on to RoadSide America http://www.roadsideamericainc.com/ in Shartlesville. There's a great resturant next door with a wonderful collection of PA license plates, and a selection of PA Dutch hex signs. Someday I'll have to try The Haag Hotel http://www.haagshotel.com/ It's sad to see that the quant little town has been taken over by a Love's Truck Stop mega city on the north side. I wonder how long the old attactions will be able to hold on.

Onward to Carlisle, and it's only 4PM too early to stop for the night so we head to Winchester. Safe and sound at the Shoney's Inn in Winchester.

$44 tax included. Thank you Motel Coupon Books.

October 23 Day 2

Up at 5AM and nothing is open. Room cofffe and off to Shoney's at 6AM for the buffet. Out the door to Front Royal by 7AM and on the Skyline Drive at 7:30. There weren't even any Rangers to take my money.

The first 60 miles were great. Most of the foliage is gone, but there were lots of yellows with the green and browns.

I saw a lot of deer. In the early days of the park, there were none. Hunted to extinction. Some years ago 13 deer were introduced. Today the herd is around 5000. Like rats they breed! Shortly after lunch, the fog rolled in with some drizzle. Visibility went to about twenty feet in about that many minutes. It was a slow crawl for the last 45 miles. Total drive / stop time; 5 1/2 hours for 105 miles. I started to travel the Blue Ridge Parkway only to find the same conditions. Hopping on I 64 to I 81I found the sun and made some time to Roanoke. Not wanting to stop there, I continued to Christiansted. The $40 a night rooms were selling for $180 as VA Tech was having parent's weekend. On to Wytheville for a bargain coupon motel room.

There were just about every chain type resturant available near the motel. Long John Silver, Cracker Barrel, Wendy's, and so on. There were also some local choices, Chinese, a local seafood joint, but I just wanted something local and simple.Skeeter-Dog was closed, But Troy's was hopping. I had a genuine 'Northern Style Sub'. I've never had a Philly Cheese in Philly, but I bet this is what they taste like. This was a half!

Now to figure tomorrow's route to pick up the BRP in NC. Then over to Asheville.

October 24 Day 3

Today started around 6AM. I feel like I was sleeping in. No in-room coffee, so I tried the deluxe continental breakfast. The coffee was awful and the danish still partially frozen. The juice was good. Off to find some real coffee and diesel before I start my day. No luck, back to the bad breakfast and check out. I decided to back track and pick up I77 south to the Blue Ridge Parkway. I was going to take the back roads, but I needed diesel and it was still dark. Found what I needed for $2.69 a gallon and coffee was free with a fillup.

I picked up the BRP in Fancygap, VA

and soon crossed into NC. I was surprised that the Parkway is only two lanes undivided. That's 'barely' two lanes by the way.

Nice scenery but few services. After a while it gets boring and tedious. I pulled off at mile marker 261 and took some secondary roads. Man, this really is the Bible Belt. You couldn't swing a dead cat without hitting a Baptist church. And what's up with all these Christmas trees. Everybody has a Christmas tree farm planted on every available piece of dirt. Front yards, back yards, acres and acres of Christmas trees.

Soon I was thinking about where to land tonight. I could go south to Tellico Plains and take a cabin at Hunt's Motorcycle Campground, or north and stay in the Sevierville area outside the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. I had pretty much decided I wanted to take a ride through the park, and hey, it's free now that I have my lifetime National Parks Geezer pass. Plugging a couple of destinations into the GPS puts me back on the BRP. Right after I got back on the Parkway, I noticed a sign in the rear view mirror. Seems the section I got off to miss was closed due to rock slides.

A quick call to Jack Hunt confirmed that he had no cabins available, so I pointed the bow towards Knoxville and Sevierville. Found lunch in Black Mountain, NC. I believe that when you see a cop car parked outside a resturant, it's a good sign. When you see three of them, either there's been a crime, or the food is very good. While I was eating, a fourth cruiser pulled up. I had the BarBQ and told the owner he saved me a trip to Memphis.

After I got my coupon books at the TN state line and made some calls, I started getting nervous as I checked availability. Once again, my timing is perfect. It seems October is peak leaf peeping season, and everyone around thinks the leaves are still on the trees. $40 rooms going for $120 and up. I don't think so. I'm beginning to think I may have to sleep in Knoxville. I make some calls and some fellow tells me he's honor the coupon rate of $48.95. What I didn't know was it would take and hour and a half to go the five miles to get to the motel. When I got there, at 6:30PM, the rate was now $58.96 plus tax. If I didn't want it the three couples in line behind me would be glad to take it. I checked out the room and it didn't smell too bad and my feet didn't stick to the carpet. SOLD!

I had been looking for Pop's Catfish for dinner but I didn't see it as I was driving down the strip. I really didn't want to get back into the traffic and had noticed a familiar sign as I pulled into the parking lot of the hotel. It's Corky's BBQ. Now I know where I will be having supper. And I definately don't need to go to Memphis.

October 25, day4

I actually slept in this morning until 6AM. When I went outside to put a few items in the truck and check out the delux hot breakfast, I noticed ice on the cars. I guess it got a little cold overnight. Well the deluxe breakfast was cold muffins, waffles and weak coffee. A quick walk to McDonalds yielded a senior coffee and a $1.25 sausage muffin.

Heading off the Great Smoky Mountain National Park before it gets crowded, I took the Gatlinburg bypass direct to the park entrance. Instant grid lock.

The next five miles to the Chimney picnic area took 30 minutes to travel. After a brief stop, I continued on to Newfound Gap, elevation 5,046 feet. It was a slow crawl for the next ten miles. When I arrived, the parking lot was full but I *found* a spot for the truck. A few pictures and I continued on to Clingman's Dome
http://xrl.us/bfyxx7 , the highest point in Tennessee at 6,643 feet. Altough the observatory tower was closed, the view was great.

Again, no parking so I just made my own. Got some shots of the 'smoke' that the mountains are famous for. About 12 noonI headed back down the mountain and the traffic into the park is very heavy. I wanted to stop in the Sugarland's visitor center for brochures but it was gridlock and getting back on the parkway north would have been impossible. I returned to Gatlinburg as I wanted to see what had changed. Not much, just more tourist traps and more tourists. The traffic was bumper to bumper both lanes heading into the park as well as on the foothills parkway. It looked like a whole lot of people were going no where. I continued toward I40 knowing that I would have to find another way east. It seems there was a rock slide overnight that closed I 40 just east of the TN state line.

I ended up spending the next 1&1/2 hours getting out of Sevierville and onto I40 then I81. I told the GPS to get me to Asheville after I got close to Bristol and found myself on some interesting back roads in East Tennessee and North Carolina. I finally made my way though Asheville and landed in Morgantown and a nifty Sleep Inn.

Dinner was at a local family restaurant Abele's, that used to be a Shoney's. The story goes that the owner ran a successful franchise for many years. Severla years ago, he was told he must sign a 30 year agreement to continue using the Shoney's name. At 70+ years, he declined, put up his own sign and hasn't looked back, except to put the $25,000 annual franchise fee in his own pocket. I had salt and pepper catfish, skillet potatoes, and slaw.
Sure beats chain restaurants.

Total miles today, 249.8

October 26, day 5

There's nothing better than in-room coffee when you're staying in a hotel. Just roll out of bed, and get your morning fix.

No pictures today. Just Interstate time getting to Florence, SC. Rain started at 2PM so I got off the highway by 4PM for a change. Dinner at Ruby Tuesday's hit the spot. Again, sorry, no photos. Myrtle Beach tomorrow. I hear it's like the Cape in winter. Just what I'm looking for.

October 27 day 6

The day dawned overcast and gray, promising to rain. The weather prognosticators also threatened rain, but it never came to be. I headed toward Myrtle Beach and was treated to an almost deserted town. I rode around by the sea shore and found the property owners had done a fine job of blocking the view for everyone else. Access was allowed at a few spots once outside of Myrtle Beach, but the parking was very limited.

Some folks whose driveways would have allowed a glimpse of the ocean went to the trouble and expense to build fences to prevent the common folks from enjoying the ocean. Would that it were like Hawaii. All beaches are public as well as their access. Hotels are required to build paths from the public ways across their property to all everyone access to the beach and waterfront.

Many properties were for sale or rent. One of the stilt houses of probably 1200 square feet had a sign with the asking price of $1,555,900. Yep, that's a million five or so. If I had it, I can think of a lot of places I'd spend it before Myrtle Beach, SC.

After I took care of some souvenir duties for the grandsons, I continued on US 17 toward Charleston. Nice ride with interesting scenery. I stopped in a state park for a visit, but declined to pay the fee. I figure at 13% tax rate, I've given SC enough of my money.

When I went to Georgetown, I spotted this beauty, some kind of smelting or refining facility. I rolled down the window to take a picture and a familiar smell overtook me. Yep, International Paper has a huge mill right there in Georgetown. Yuk!

On the way into Charleston there were lots of road side stands with ladies selling baskets made of sweet grass. I'll have to backtrack and check that out tomorrow. http://xrl.us/bfzau9

Dinner tonight was at the Chem Creek Grill.

The picture speaks for itself.

October 28 day7

Left Mt. Pleasant this morning and did some back-tracking. Something I needed to buy was back on US 17 the way I came in. No problem, 10 miles later and I'm back on track. Over the big bridge into Charleston. What a delightful old town this is once you get out of the ghetto portions.

I visited Battery Park

and read about Fort Sumter and the battle http://www.nps.gov/fosu/index.htm but I did not make the trip over. I found the downtown area fascinating and was surprised how small it is. I visited the market place and was reminded of Faneuil Hall in Boston. While not as expansive and containing fewer ameninities, it has the feeling the the Boston landmark had 30 years ago.

I talked with a woman selling Sweetgrass Baskets in the historic district. I asked her how long she had spent on the large piece in the center of this photograph. When she said eighteen months, I commented 'eighteen months, how do you you put a price on that chunk of your life?' She smiled and said, 'well, you just work on it a bit, and put it aways for a while and come back to it. Sooner or later, you're finished'. Here was someone who had truly found their center. I didn't even ask the price. How could you put a price on that much time.

Before I left the area, I was struck with how well the community lived together. The black with the white. No apparent racial tensions, no sense of different classes. I found that to be remarkable here in the community that cradled slavery not too long ago. I see more racism and hatred in Boston.

I headed off of the island and was treated to a 20 minute draw bridge wait for no apparent boat traffic. Cruising 17 out of the city was like a trip through the poverty stricken rural areas of the south I am all to familiar with. Too soon I was off the by-ways and back on I 95 headed to Savannah and beyond. I was surprised to learn the FL welcome center how has WiFi and took advantage of it to check on lodging. I landed in Yulee at a familiar exit for the night, I'm looking forward to re-discovering Amelia Island tomorrow

October 29 day 8

I left Yulee this morning surprised at the warm temps. I strolled around downtown Fernandina Beach and took some pictures of some interesting old buildings.

The island has an interesting history. Sometimes called the island of eight flags, it was captured, recaptured, taken away from, given to, and negotiated ove by many countries over the years before becoming part of Florida.

The beaches are beautiful and the real estate as pricey as in other parts of the country. Not as bad as Myrtle Beach, but still pricey. I always get excited when I see public access points for folks to get to the beach.

I had planned to stay in the St. Augustine area tonight, but a quick tour downtown convinced me that yet another historical site has succumed to the Disney effect. The area was crowded with tourists and had the carnival atmosphere reserved for places with much less history to offer.

Off to Daytona Beach for some real chrome and plastic!

I found a reasonably priced la Quinta hotel up the street from the race track. The reccomened restaurant next door, Wings, turned out to be Hooters with chicken wings. My waitress Ashley, fresh from New York City, could have gotten an outfit that actually fit her instead of the one three sizes too small. The food was mediocre at best. I guess it's not the wings that they come for, it's the breast LOL

October 30, day 9

Headed to the beach in Daytona not really knowing what to expect. The last time I was here was Daytona Bike Week. There were so many folks on Main St. you could hardly move. When you scored a parking space for your bike, you'd leave it there all day.

The area around main street over by the beaches was pleasantly deserted.

I parked at Silver Beach and walked down to the water. I elected to avoid the $5.00 park on the beach fee and used public parking. The water temperature was reported to be 76°. I was impressed with the cleanliness of the bathroom facilities and at the same time ashamed of the public facilities in Massachusetts.

A quick stop in Orlando and off to my friend's house in Winter Haven.

October 31, day 10

Slept well at my friend's house after a nice home cooked meal and lots of conversation solving all the problems of the free world. Headed out of casa Blum for a day at Fantasy of Flight.

This was and remains one of the high points of this trip. What Kermit Weeks has done to preserve vintage aircraft and the associated culture is amazing. Watch this space folks. Fantasy of Flight is destined to be a major attraction in central Florida.

176 photos are in their own album at http://picasaweb.google.com/J.David.Gill/FantasyOfFlight#

Arrived at the Carlson estate in Brooksville around 5PM. I was burnt out and ready to decompress. Just what I needed, some quality time with friends in a relaxed environment. The next 6 days would be some of the most relaxing of the trip. No miles, few pictures, and my wife arrives Tuesday.

All the pictures are at: http://xrl.us/bfxnzy

Clams, the fried kind

2009-08-17T21:48:00.010-04:00

Some time ago, I set out to find the best fried clams in these parts. I have a long history of searching for the perfect fried clam dating back to Jordon's Seafood in Hanson, MA and Ransom's in Bridgewater, MA.

Recently, my first try at world class clams was at a little spot in Easton and Stoughton, MA., Doyle's Bar and grill.

Pictures later..........................

Next my search took me to Bob's Clam Hut in Kittery Maine.

Hey Linda, notice they have clam strips :)

The clams were great, the atmosphere was terrific, but........ the tartar sauce was to die for

Continuing my quest for the best fried clam in New England. Today we visited the Clam Box, Rt. 133 in Ipswitch, MA

The lunch crowd was there at 2PM on a Monday with about a twenty minute wait. The dish......

This is the clam plate, onion rings, cole slaw, with two clam cakes on the side. $25 and very tasty. Cooked to perfection. The cole slaw was a plus, but the tartar sauce was a detractor. The clam cakes were a bit dense and greasy. Too many flies in the inside A/C dining room.

I've been to Woodman's in Ipswich MA, claiming to be the birthplace of the fried clam. Very good, very fast.

A differnet kind of post

2009-06-14T20:18:00.004-04:00

Since I don't have much going on in my life, I thought I'd post a little story from the distant past while I still remember it.

Here 'ya go. Sorry, no pictures. We didn't have photography back then :)

On Labor Day weekend, 1972, my bride of just over a year and I were the guests aboard a beautifully restored 40 foot Mathews cabin cruiser, The Minx, owned by Maurice Dorian and Elsie. We were their guests as our 25 foot cabin cruiser had developed an engine problem at the dock of the Taunton Yacht Club. Our destination was Cuttyhunk Island via Sakonnet Point. The weather forecast was tentative. At the mouth of the Sakonnet River, the vessel accompanying us turned back. The seas were too much for them. Maurice pressed on with me at his side and Beverly making sure Elsie's glass wasn't empty. Elsie was famous for saying. "if it really gets rough, I'll hold it for him so he can pee in a can, but I ain't taking the wheel". And take the wheel she did not. Things improved as we arrived at the harbor in Cuttyhunk. We rafted on a piling with a 42 foot diesel trawler cruiser and went ashore for some exploration. We marvelled at the single telephone on the island, no dial, just pick it up and be connected with the operator on the mainland. Basic fishing village back in 1972. We returned to our floating accommodations, and after a wonderful supper laced with salt water breezes, we retired for the night.

It must have been 1 O'clock in the morning when I first noticed our host and captain walking around the salon in his boxers. I didn't think anything of it until a few minutes later when I heard the dual Palmer engines roar to life. It seems we had broken the piling we were tied to and the two rafted boats had run aground. The captain of the 42 foot diesel soon discovered that his prop had been trashed in the grounding and the port prop of the 40 foot Mathews was in the same condition. We were adrift in the hurricane of 1972 with one engine and prop to maneuver 82 feet of displacement hull boats away from the rocks. Maurice was at the wheel of the Mathews with the windshield open so he could see in the driving rain. The salt water was pouring into his cataract eyes as he tried to find open water. He spotted a pier and headed toward it. Just as he neared it, the owner came running out to the end with a flashing spotlight waving him off. Next, he then set his sights on a piling, the only piling still visible in the raging harbor. As he pointed the bow toward the piling, my young wife headed toward the bow with a line to lash the boats to the piling. Moments later, were bobbing on the piling, still rafted together, and laughing about our good luck in the raging storm. We didn't sleep much that night, watching the piling, the line and storm in Cuttyhunk harbor.

The next morning, we took stock of the damage. The diesel trawler would have to be hauled to have the prop and shaft repaired. The Minx would limp back to Shaw's boat yard in Dighton for repairs. It would take me a long time to stop thinking about the " what if scenarios " from the night before. No one thought to put on life vests, there just wasn't enough time to think about anything. We got lucky. As for the guy with the dock that waved us off, I'm sure he got his in the end. There is a rule of the sea, that requires any able bodied person to give aid to a ship in peril. This fellow obviously did not know or care of that rule.

It's been a looooong winter

2009-04-20T13:50:00.007-04:00

This 26 year old finally got out for a bit today. Not as toasty as yesterday, only 54° but the sun warmed my heart. Made it home safe to nearly have a head on collision with my grandson hot rodding an ATV in my driveway.

It's always an adventure.

It's not over yet

2009-03-09T19:15:00.002-04:00

Isn't the snow pretty :)

I guess we're not through with winter up here yet. Just like the Energizer Bunny, it keeps going and going and going.........

End of the year

2008-12-29T18:52:00.003-05:00

Well it's been almost three months since I last posted here. Why, you might ask? Or not.

I've often said that life sometimes gets in the way of living, and that seems to happen to me more often than not. But there's no sense in dwelling on that. The pity party is long over.

I had a chance to watch Frank Capra's 'It's a Wonderful Life' again this season. That story has a wonderful way of reaching out and grabbing hold of me, shaking me back to reality, and telling me to suck it up. It truly is a wonderful life and we shouldn't forget the fact that we are all, truly blessed.

So onward into 2009 we march, hopeful for a return to prosperity and peace. Maybe the new guy in the corner office can help.

Wood ! It's what's for winter

2008-10-02T07:45:00.006-04:00

Time to start laying in the BTUs for the upcoming heating season. Fuel oil is still too close to $4.00 a gallon. A cord of wood produces the same number of BTUs as 150 gallons of fuel oil. Let's see, $250 for a cord of wood or $560 for 150 gallons of fuel oil. Mmmm, I think I'll cut and stack some more firewood.

Just had this delivered

I've got it stacked near the stove....

At the front door.....

In the cellar

And splitting more right off the truck

And even a quarter cord of 'free' wood

Wonder if I have enough. Now I need to start making kindling

A visit from a friend

2008-08-21T15:38:00.010-04:00

Just wrapped up a most enjoyable visit from my best buddy. We've been friends since the Navy in 1967. It's good to sit around and drum up stories that go back 40+ years. Kinda like bench racing only without the lies.

He and his bride spend the warmer months up north with daughters and grandchildren and head back to the more temperate climes in Florida at the first chill! He had a few things on the agenda for his visit with me.

Management has been after me to help solve a SNAFU I created when we built the house over twenty years ago. The steps to the main entrance were installed with the riser and treads reversed. This made for some interesting entrances, especially during the icy months. After ripping out the old, 'Bob the Builder' made sure we installed the new stringers correctly. The digging was the worst part.

After the job is done, the MAN himself takes a break and declares "Our Work is Done Here",

and, that it's time for this:

And so ends day one.

Tuesday, we were ready for a road trip. Time to bring some modern conveniences to this place. We already have toilets. Now that we have good water (thanks to this), why not add a washing machine. No more hauling laundry back and forth for me.

I was successful in getting Dennis to spend some money as well. It's always fun to watch other folks spend money.

Enough work! The next day it was time for a little R & I. That's riding and ibuprofen for us older folks. Dennis is an old school dirt rider, mostly 2 smoke stuff. He sure didn't need a headlight on that bike, the grin on his face was blinding!

After we abused our bodies it was decided that I had to take care of the falling down deck on the front of the house. My friend loves to see me spend money as well, so it's off to Home Depot so I can buy a jack. A temporary solution, but a good fix, and I'm sure it will hold us over until he returns next summer for a more permanent repair. And maybe those stairs!

Thanks for visiting Dennis, we accomplished more in the few short days you were here than I have in the last year.

Don't worry, I'll save some projects for you next visit. See you in the winter. I'll leave you with this: (Please ignore the obnoxious host's introduction)

A visit to Mt Washington Valley

2008-08-21T15:20:00.003-04:00

Took a little ride up through North Conway to visit one of my favorite overlook spots. I thought it would be a great spot to stop for lunch. The view was spectacular. (click on the images for a larger version)

Lunch, on the other hand, was less inspiring

Stopped on the way home to view the old boat houses in Chocorua, but it seems one has been lost to decay and neglect. Now only one of these wonderful structures remain.

The view of Mt. Chocorua is spectacular. Here's a link to legend of Chocorua. The local residents graciously allow public access to this parking / viewing area. Let's hope visitors appreciate the privilege and respect the land so we continue to enjoy access.

All's well that ends in the well

2008-08-05T20:10:00.013-04:00

After fighting a point style well for over 22 years, I am making the plunge. The fine folks at Comac Pump & Well http://www.comacpumpandwell.com/ have agreed to take a large bite out of my finances and are here to drill a real well and, install all the stuff needed to have running water in the house. Just like city folks.

Their package deal is for up to 400 feet of drilling. I visited the crew earlier today up the street. I wish I hadn't asked how the last two wells went. 500 feet and 800 feet respectively. OUCH.

First, they bring in the little excavator

Next, traffic control guides the drill rig down the curved driveway, trying to avoid pruning too much vegetation

Here they are parked and ready to go tomorrow at the crack of dawn. One more truck to arrive, the one with all the pipe I'll be buying.

Stay tuned tomorrow. The wooshing sound you hear is my money leaving the bank........

Day 1, drilling. First we dig a pit to mix the mud and other stuff they drill with.

Then they raise the derrick some 30 feet in the air

Time to trim some trees out of the way

They just hoisted this dude up with a saw to trim away the tree limbs

Day 2 drilling and we have lots of water flowing.

Semi finished waiting for the drill team to arrive

Monday, the team arrives to trench and install the pump

That's about 5 feet deep

Inside plumbing system

Finished well head all graded

Plenty of water. After flushing the well for a day or so, we should be all set. The last step is to have the water tested by the lab.

Guess who had a birthday

2008-07-21T20:54:00.004-04:00

Yup, she's thirty today :)

And guess what she had for dinner ..........

That's what 8 lbs. of New England lobster looks like, before we cooked it.

Happy birthday sweetie.......

Endicott Car Show 2008

2008-07-13T15:06:00.003-04:00

Long time no posty huh?

Today was the 37th annual Bay State Antique Auto Show held on the grounds of the Endicott Estate in Dedham, MA. The weather was perfect and the crowds were not too large. The parking was right out front for the early motorcycle riders. More cars than could be seen in a full day but I tried.

I've included a few pictures at http://picasaweb.google.com/J.David.Gill/EndicottShow2008

From the asking prices of some of the cars in the corral, it's a very good time to own an old car.

Americade 2008

2008-06-05T18:07:00.038-04:00

Here we are at the beautiful Sleep Inn in Queensbury, NY, a mere7 miles to the village of Lake George where all the festivities will take place. As well as the deafening loud pipes and miles and miles of parked bikes. Just like in Sturgis, folks get their prime parking spaces on the main street ( Canada Street) and will leave their bikes parked there for the week..

Not a bad place for $60 a night, continental breakfast included. Problem is, it ain't $60 a night (:

But it is right across the street from Molly Wart, not that I'll step foot in there!

But enough of that. Welcome to beautiful downtown Lake George, NY

Lot's of tourists to see

As well as some local wild life.......

It seems there was a competition for the ugliest bike in town. While the Rune is a top contender,

I think the 'New American Motorcycle' has the edge.

Yeah, that settles it. From the rear, it's a bulls eye. The clear winner is the Victory Vision

Over at Roaring Brook Ranch, the activity center, the hot dog kids kept us fed

While we eyed some custom jobs

And waited for the Great Lakes Drill team to finish warming up

Up close and personal with the drill team captain

El Capitàn showing off

Lots of precision moves in close quarters

Peg scraping on a Gold Wing

Some close quarter maneuvers

Lee Parks was there for a primer on his Total Control program complete with demonstrations

The next day it was off to Million Dollar Beach and Tour Expo. But not before a little reminder of how much a family event Americade is

While rain was forecast for every day we were here, only a few drops fell. The skies were gloomy most of the time though

Back in the Village a local questions the officer about ticketing activity

With a gleam in his eye, Ossifer Buford says "sales have been brisk"

Barmaid's car

There are rules everywhere

And a sale on boobies

Spider web paint job on Spyder

We left the Village Thursday morning and headed out to Chestertown to visit Adirondack Ural. This has become an annual ritual. When we arrived, the place was closed. That's the first time this has happened.

Just as we were about to leave, the mechanic showed up on this Chinese bike

He says the place will open at 11AM and suggests we chill out here:

So we had a bagel and listened to the local gossip. Seems someone in town had died and the funeral was at 10:30. Jeesh, small towns. Somebody dies and the town shuts down. Well this explains the delayed opening. By the time we were ready to leave, we got to see the funeral procession complete with fire truck escort.

When we returned to the dealer, the mechanic was hard at work putting on side cars.

Lots of things to drool over

The shiny green one above has reverse and optional two wheel drive. There's a drive shaft under the side car for on demand power to the side car wheel.... Me likey!

Returning to Lake George Village, I was reminded of a breakfast experience last year. If you're ever in Warrensburg, NY and you find yourself near Potter's Diner

RUN AWAY, run away very fast.

You find the darndest things in these little towns

Back to Lake George Village and more family stuff

The couple that rides this conversion is from Assonett, MA and rides up every year. He has been unable to balance a bike for many years, but refuses to give in to a trike. He even has a bracket rigged to store his walking can. Unfortunately, we didn't get a people picture this year.

More random shots in the village.

The best food to be had in the village is the Capri Pizzeria and Resturant, since 1972

Since we ate there three times this week, the crew began to recognize us as locals

Lookie, we found boobies on sale at Riley's as well

And remember to brake for moose, it could save your life

When we returned to our hotel, we found some folks from Boston that had trailered in four Can-Am Spyders and were looking to rip it up.

Here's the happy group. After I took this pic, the leader came walked up to me waving his camera, asking me to take their picture. I said "I just did". Oh, you want me to use your camera. OK, why not :)

Observations.....after six years

Roaring Brook Ranch: Great Lakes Drill Team. Good team work, but not a contest against the Cajun Wings from New Orleans. Too bad the war messed with their team. The Purple Peddlers were not missed. The Lee Parks demo was interesting, but if I tried to do what he said without a lot more lecture and parking lot practice, I'd be dead for sure.

Attendance: Maybe due to weather, the streets were fairly empty until Thursday. Many hotels still had vacancies as of Thursday morning. Parking at Million Dollar Beach was open, but full at the Forum. Probably due to the weather forecasts for rain.

Police presence: Incredible. Tickets issued for parked bikes with non-DOT pipes. They didn't even have to hear them to write the ticket. Sound checks entering the village started on Wednesday, a full two days early. A surprising number of Darwinians received tickets for no helmet. Lots of parking violations. Please, give me a break, unlimited parking is $7 for the week with a PP permit.

Bloat: Americade is bursting at the seams. Several vendors had to be located in the Fort William Henry parking lot, further limiting available parking.

Sprawl: What was once limited to Lake George Village and northern Queensbury, now extends 15 miles north beyond Williamsburg. Even the Ural dealer in 25 miles away in Chestertown is reaping the benefit of this growth.

Vibes: Still a cool family oriented rally atmosphere. Yeah, there's a few 1%ers, but they basically fall in line with the attitude of Americade.

Future: We'll be back, but for a toned down version. Probably one day at the vendors and another day or two in the village. Oh, and a visit to the Ural dealer for sure.

That's all for now folks. Thanks for listening.........

Pride Day

2008-05-17T21:07:00.017-04:00

Each year, the town of Wakefield NH holds an event called Pride Day. It's a day for the town to come together and celebrate it's proud heritage, culture, and future. There's food, carnival stuff for the kids, promotions for the local businesses and politicians, but mostly, there's the parade.

We had near perfect weather this year. There was a mini-carnival with air slides, a petting zoo, and even a rock climbing wall.

In the true NH spirit of live free or die, there were no helmets for the kids climbing the rock wall. Would you expect anything less for a helmet optional state? Our grandchildren did not participate.

Lots of vintage cars in the parade.

And who would have thought a town the size of Wakefield would have so many emergency vehicles.

I must have counted 15 pieces of fire apparatus after this old fellow passed by.

We even have an eco-car. Cute little electric car for what, ticket patrol?

The complete album is here:

http://tinyurl.com/6g65da

or here

http://picasaweb.google.com/J.David.Gill/WakefieldPrideDay

Dumbass me

2008-05-05T19:05:00.002-04:00

Today I had lunch with two guys I've know for over thirty five years. I haven't seen them in nearly nine months, but it's like we just saw each other yesterday. I guess that's the way it is with real friends. Not just folks you used to work with, but friends. Those folks who make an effort to stay in touch through the years, even though our paths take different roads. Real friends.

Anyway, my bad for not taking a picture of the lunch friends or the food. The food stays the same, but the friends change. Those not there were talked about as usual.

Next time, pictures.......

Steve and Doug's Mini-wrench fest

2008-05-04T20:46:00.006-04:00

Just got back from a nifty motorcycle wrench fest with some friends in N. Grafton. One of the fellows needed help getting the carbs cleaned on his V65 Sabre and another offered to host the event. If you bring food, they will come.

All in all about 11 folks gathered, some to work, others to hang out and eat.

Pictures can be viewed here http://tinyurl.com/68yzd2
or here http://picasaweb.google.com/J.David.Gill/SteveAndDougSMiniWrenchFest

Free at last, free at last, I thank God Almighty I'm free at last

2008-04-27T18:58:00.011-04:00

No this is not a spiritual post, just the way my motorcycles felt today. When they were liberated from their winter entombment they began to sing this Gospel song.

Today the northern bikes were liberated from the neighbors garage and got a little run down the road. Yeah, the Magna shares the sh1te out of me and the DRZ is a hoot.

Here they are resting in their summer home. Mmmm, five bikes in this little shed? Better start looking for a bigger shed!

Prolly sell the Magna if it wasn't like a first son to me.

Oh, did you want politics? Try this from MLK and Ron Paul themselves..........

DUDE, it's almost over

2008-04-18T21:03:00.010-04:00

Here we are in the great white, er, great brown and muddy north. Yeah it's that time again. The snow is leaving with a vengeance, and the little buzzing biting things are right around the corner.

We managed to reach the three entombed motorcycles today and actually got two of them to start. The DRZ roared to life after only a few cranks, while the 24 year old Magna complained for some time. Finally it roared to life and ran like it was on the road yesterday. Methinks I was incorrectly filling the carbs I had drained in November. Last to come to life will be the the little XR100. It needs some fresh gas in it's tank.

We also found these poking through!

On the way back, we found this landmark

And decided to help the local economy by ordering their specialty. Local clams. As they say on TV, yum!

I've got to admit, they're the best clams I ever had. And that special tarter sauce, well, if you've been to Bob's you know what I mean.

They're on route 1 in Kittery Maine, next door the the Kittery Trading post.

The roads are still a mess as we are about 2 weeks from the end of mud season, so it's too early to start tearing up the dirt. But the ice is out and the lake is coming up!

Fed up with winter

2008-04-08T19:07:00.011-04:00

Well I think that I have had enough of winter. After hibernating in SE Mass for a month, I decided to venture north to NH to see how the melt down was going.

My first surprise was no phone service. An ice dam falling off of the main roof took out the network interface. Local phone company is not in a hurry to respond. I'd be out-of-luck if not for the TCP/IP phone service. No cell service here in the boon-docks.

The general melt down is going slooooooooow. We still have ice in the driveway and 3 foot mounds preventing access to the front of the house. But we are excited that soon mud season will be here with all those biting things.

The lake is opening up, slooowly but the roofs are clear. There is still a foot or two of snow on the decks.

While the bikes are still entombed behind the neighbors frozen garage doors, I am unable to visit them, though they are calling to me.

I was forced to placate myself with a dinner of garlic rosemary encrusted lamb chops and Mexican rice.

Oh, and a glass of Pinot Grigio.

Eat you heart out DC, too bad there's no smell-a-vision on the Net!

Moving ahead in the digital world

2008-03-22T19:18:00.007-04:00

Well that's one small step for some, and a giant leap for me. Yeah, I know, but moving into the rarefied air of DSLRs for me seemed monumental. After a long checkered past in film photography ranging from 35 mm to 4x5 sheet film, through many years of point-and-shoot digital photography, this was a GIANT leap. I had decided I would pick one of the top industry leaders. After considerable research, I decided on Nikon, and the D40 was my first choice. Ironically, I attended a wake with my BIL just last week. He is a new owner of the D40 and loudly sang it's virtues from the pulpit. I had to try one. Off to the local mega-mart-super-store, I spent 45 minutes taking pictures, playing with controls, and chasing useless sales droids away. I was hooked. The only problem, the D40 felt like an old Kodak Instamatic, not the sophisticated DSLR that it is.

Taking advice from some experience owners, I looked at an older model. Once I touched it, I knew I would own it. The model, a Nikon D70s.

For me, this is comparable to the newer D200 and D300 for a fraction of the cost. I am NOT a mega pixel obsessed camera measurebators so for my money, 6.1 mp is plenty.

Shopping on line, I found a number of options in both the US and grey markets. I settled on a US model with an 18-70 mm auto focus lens mostly for factory support and the ability to download firmware updates. It seems if you own a non_US model, Nikon will not service it nor will they allow you to download firmware updates. It was in like new condition so I hit the buy button. When it didn't show up as promised I cancelled the order and check locally. I found the same camera in new condition with all accessories for about $150 less at http://www.bromfieldcamera.com/. It was off to Bromfield camera in Boston (Steve was very knowledgeable and helpful) , and the rest as they say, is history. I picked up a US D70s in pristine condition with all the stuff that comes in the box, including a Nikkor 18 -70 mm AF/s lens with only 5K shutter releases on the clock. I've shot about 250 images so far and am beginning to understand how to use it as a point-and-shoot. I'm just beginning to play with the non-automatic settings for back light, stop action, etc. Next up, a macro and maybe a 55-200 mm lens.

If I'm ever able to make the Rt 66 trip, at least I'll be able to post-up with some splendid photos. If not, maybe I can go back to commercial photography for a living.

Mmmm. I wonder if there's a market for a motorcycle riding photojournalist.

It's almost over, I think

2008-03-14T18:30:00.010-04:00

Look over my shoulder. Yeah, that way. What do you see? It ain't white is it. We actually hit 52° today and I got out on two wheels for a very therapeutic 50 miles.

I think winter has finally loosened it's grip on this part of New England, and we are ready for the next phase. That would be May flies / black flies, ticks, pollen, and all that other stuff that comes with the warming up time. Me, I'm ready. between the price of energy, and moving this much snow, I'm done. Put the snowmobiles away for another winter. But not up north.

On the brighter side, two motorcycles got exercised today, and the NX got a warm up in the garage. Need to talk to my FL connection about getting that one legal.

Cut-off finger tip is all healed up after only three weeks. Able to make some chords on the guitar. Never combine cutlery with wine!

Life is good

2008-02-23T15:39:00.004-05:00

Almost cut my finger off last night while cooking dinner. But in the end, just a large chunk had gone missing. Woke up this morning sore and feeling sorry for myself. First I remembered this too will pass. Then I thought of all the troubles others I know endure, and I remembered, life is pretty good.

I felt this little piece of wisdom was worth sharing.

Then I found this video, what a dichotomy: What a Wonderful World / What a Terrible World

Same song, different perspective........

Snow

2008-02-11T14:26:00.000-05:00

Is it still February????

Given the conditions up north with the snow and the cold

About the only thing I'm riding lately is this

Oh yeah, and these.........

Let me know when winter is over please

February ride to a birthday party

2008-02-02T15:35:00.000-05:00

Hello, my name is Dave and it's been 6 weeks since my last ride. Actually, it's been less than a month and I was able to get out today.

Today the local temps are headed to near 50° and I need to go to a birthday party. A very good excuse for a February Rounder ride. http://www.yearroundriders.com/

As I planned my route, I had hope to ride through scenic D.W.Fields Park

but all I encountered was this

Well I'm not a truck, but I guess the road is still closed. What's up with that?

Plenty of folks out feeding the geese though ($50 fine if caught)

Anyway, off to see the birthday boy and his mother Julie, my favorite niece.

Talked some dirt bike trash with her husband Dave and we sniffed a few bikes. After some refreshments it was time to head home before the sun got too low in the sky. The sand around here is hard to see in the long shadows.

Back home, a little over 40 miles and just a bit of a chill in the air.

Now to warm up while changing the oil.

January Rounder Ride

2008-01-07T13:26:00.000-05:00

Well, I never claimed to be to be too bright.

I got my January 'Rounder' ride in today. Temps in the upper 40 ° so that works for me. Just a little ride to circulate some oil, freshen up the gas in the carbs, clear the winter fog from my head, and surprise a lot of lot of cagers. I didn't see another bike while I was out. In fact, the last bike I saw was making it's way north on 128 New Years day in the rain snow mix. Some rider on a HD full dresser.

Roads here were just wet with lots of sand in the corners. No lean angles today.

This shot is of New Pond in Easton. Plenty of ice out there but I wouldn't trust it to be safe

Tomorrow should be even better. May try to dig the trailer out.

SnowDaze

2008-01-01T21:39:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year................

We had a wonderful week up here in the snow, the Cats got liberated from their summer prison and had a big smiles on their faces. They said thank you for the fresh gas.

While the trails are in the best shape they've been in years, it's still too early to cross most of the ponds around here. No sense in putting perfectly good machines at the bottom of the lake.

The northern bikes got visited in the garage and took a turn on the Battery Tender. With this much snow around, there'll be no two wheel antics for now. I'm glad I got my rounders ride in on Christmas day back in MA.

It's hard to imagine this is where we had picnics just a couple of months ago.

And it was not so long ago we sat around and enjoyed the campfire in these chairs.

Motorcycle Carrier

2007-12-01T16:25:00.000-05:00

Well I finally got my MC carrier setup on the truck. I got it from these folks: http://www.rampsandcarriers.com/ nice product, well built. And it didn't come from China.

It stands a little tall. Here's the little NX on the back.

That bike is riding 22" off the ground. The ramp that was included is way too short to push a bike up. I extended it with a 2x6 that's about 4 feet long and I still need to power walk the bike up the ramp. I think the solution is to lower the carrier with one of these.

The question is, is 10" of lowering going to put the bottom too close to the ground. That would be 9" of ground clearance. We'll have to think about this a bit more.

Once I get this thing closer to the earth, I'll try to load the DRZ.

Had hoped to take a little ride into the woods today. Temps 14 ° winds 20-30 mph. I don't think so. Need to take this rig south!

Test ride

2007-11-05T16:31:00.001-05:00

Due to some personal issues, I missed my days in the dirt with the NX this past weekend. I decided the NX needed a test ride. Made the registration transfer from the Sabre to the NX just like my hero Pedro taught me. I'm ready to go.

Crank, crank, crank. No start. Just put a new in-line fuel filter in so maybe it's kinked. Could be, take the filter off, now the hose is too short. Get new hose and clamp. Check fuel line, yup got gas. Crank, crank, crank. Couple of back fires later I say, well heck, just kill the battery why don't you. So I did.

While it's charging I check some other stuff. Pull off the plastics and pull the air filter. What's this? DeCon on the chain. Have I fallen victim to mice in the air box? Take out the funny little metal screen in the air box. No, no evidence of mice-in-the-airbox. What's this funny screen behind the filter? Crank, crank, crank, backfire. Well let's just pull the funny little screen and give it a whiff of ether. Worked on the backhoe. Whoa, fire, fire! That's what that screen was for. CO2 extinguisher to the rescue. Flame out but still smoking. Get it out of the garage stupid, let it burn in the driveway.

Well the fire is out, no damage thanks to my quick thinking with the CO2. Now what. If we're getting fuel, then it's gotta be spark. Mmm, that new spark box did have some issues at NOE. Let's test for spark. Strong, regular spark. Let's pull the plug and see what it looks like. Take the cowlings off, take the tank off, no I didn't really need too, but I didn't realize that until I had it off. WTF, the plug is barely finger tight.

Here's what the old one looked like.

That'll clean right up huh. Well, I have a new one, so I may as well use it. This one gets tightened to the German torque spec, guten-tight.

Hook everything back up, bump the starter and it roars to life. Tank back on, plastic back on, gear up, turn on the gas. Gas is pouring out where it shouldn't , oh no. It looks like the 18 year old petcock is leaking. Gear off, panic mode, check where it's leaking. Nope, just another turn on the fuel line clamp.

Tighten the clamp some more, no leak, and we're off.

Get about 1 mile down the road and the bike stumbles, stumbles, and....stalls.

Oh yeah, the gas is off. It's probably OK to turn the gas back on now that it's not leaking any more.

Gas on and we're off again, making some miles and warming the engine, the chain, the tires, and my heart.

Great little test ride today. There may be a little speedo head or cable noise around 50. That will be omething else for the winter projects. Happy days now. Next, the dirt.

Remember; life is hard, but it's harder if you're dumb!

Street Legal

2007-11-01T23:34:00.001-04:00

Ah yes, and now we have installed the requisite DOT approved turn signals donated from a Suzuki VL800 and we are ready for the open road!

And they work. FrankenBike is ready for the open road. Well, maybe we need a valid license plate first huh? At least we've got the Hardley bashing covered...........

NX250 /AX1 update

2007-10-22T21:04:00.000-04:00

Houston, er...Sharon, we have Headlights !

Two sweet Ecodes to light the night. No DLRs here, I don't think DOT would like that in the US.

Next, DOT front turn signals salvaged from a Suzuki VL800 wreck.

New-to-me bike

2007-10-22T09:33:00.000-04:00

Thursday, October 11, 2007

Last night a new bike was delivered here thanks to my friend Jason. It's a 1989 Honda NX 250/AX1 dual sport. It's a little rough around the edges, in need of a few parts. You can start with headlights, turn signals, choke cable, a battery, a place to sit, and some other general fixing up, but it is a blast to ride and, because it's a hybrid with some donor parts from a Chinese AX1, it's a pretty unique ride. The bike came with new DOT knobbies, all the plastic, and that engine does run strong. Lots of plans for it but here's some early shots.

Like I said, it's a hybrid

Stay tuned.........

New To Me Garmin StreetPilot 2610

2007-09-12T17:39:00.000-04:00

Well, I'm the proud owner of a refurbished GPS from edgegps.com. Came with everything you need to get started except know-how, but that's coming slowly. Took forever to install MapSource on the laptop and I had trouble registering with Garmin. Sorted that out and got going. Nice interface, easy to figure out, and it talks to me. You need to have local maps installed or it'll route you backwards and forwards over the interstates. I was even able to transfer all of my waypoints from the eTrex so I'm ready to rock and roll. Waiting on a 2 GB CompactFlash card to hold all of the continental US maps, and some motorcycle specific mounting stuff. This is gonna be great for the Route 66 adventure.

Labor Day trip

2007-09-10T12:01:00.000-04:00

Tuesday, September 4, 2007

Spent Labor Day weekend in Maine attending a SabMag gathering. It's called NOE since the location is pretty much north of everything. About 60 folks and 55 motorcycles descended on Piper Pond. Some rode from as far as Oregon and the Carolinas. We enjoyed lots of food, garage space for wrenching, a barn loft for sleeping, and lawns for camping. Some of us were able to score cottage space in adjacent houses, sheds, and barns. While some folks headed up to St. George, Canada, others hung around and wrenched, drank, ate, and lied. I rode up to Jackman and back. A short 150 mile loop. The leaves are already changing. The Baby Sabre did good on gas at almost 50 mpg. No performance awards or other that the two gathered by a couple of folks on the way north. $175 and $283 IIRC. No drops, no crashes, and only a few road calls for service. Some pics below.

Piper Pond from my front door

Lots of bikes

Wrenching

Ole Pedro fixes leaky fork seals with sandpaper and superglue

While others went onto Canada, I visited Jackman

Cool old church in Jackman

Overlook near West Forks, I think

Back from Jessup MD

2007-08-04T22:29:00.000-04:00

Saturday, August 4, 2007

Well I just returned from seeing Glen Heggstad's presentation. I was totally blown away. What a story and such a powerful delivery. The perspectives brought to light of peoples of different parts of the world, so different from what we Americans are spoon fed by the media. It has changed my views forever. Thank you Glen for keeping your promise to all those you met. If you can, hear his story, if you can't, read the book, Two Wheels Through Terror.

Two days, 430 miles round trip, a good investment. I also enjoyed Bob's BMW in Jessup MD, the host for Glen's show. Bob has a fantastic museum of vintage bikes at his dealership. As a bonus, I got to sit on an HP2.

Headed to Jessup MD

2007-08-03T21:03:00.000-04:00

Friday, August 3, 2007

Well I had decided I really wanted to see the presentation put on by Glen Heggstad, The Striking Viking on advriders.com. This fellow has traveled a great deal of the world on his motorcycle, been captured by rebels in South America, and written a book called Two Wheels Through Terror. He has spoken all over the country over the last couple of years and I wanted to catch one his presenstations before he either fades into obscurity, rides off into the sunset, or becomes so famous I couldn't afford to see one of his shows. My closest opportunity was to be Jessup, MD, or Philadelphia, PA. Even though it meant traveling to the Baltimore Washington metro area on a Friday afternoon, I chose Jessup, MD.

Leaving home at 8:30 I was averaging 60 mph until I hit the George Washington Bridge in NYC. There goes an hour. Next up, the New Jersey Turnpike. Three more hours to go 115 miles. The the famous southern merge after the Delaware Memorial Bridge. All tolled, 9 hrs and 15 minutes to travel 406 miles. Currently holed up in a reasonably priced La Quinta after a pretty good tex-mex dinner at Don Pablo's.

The show is at 10AM tomorrow. Will get there early and give Bob some extra tourist dollars.

2007-06-12T08:19:00.001-04:00

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