| Author | Message | ||
     Crusty |
Thanks, Matt. I appreciate the help. | ||
| Pwnzor |
It's at the airport in Frankfurt | ||
| Crusty |
Titles Sometimes, one of the toughest things about writing these Snippets is coming up with a title. I try to title each one and make the title relevant. Sometimes, the relevancy is obvious, and there have been a couple that only I am aware of the significance. Still, it’s just something I like to do. On that note, I went to the Northeast Badweb Gathering yesterday, and I loved it. I arrived at the Dinosaur at 12:30 and didn’t leave until after 3:30.I saw old friends, new friends and made a couple of new acquaintances. We talked about all kinds of motorcycle related things. From World SuperBike to EBR production, my current Roadster, my poor old ’79 XLCH, Tubers, XBs, Suzuki SVs, Kawasaki Versys, different saddlebag manufacturers and even a couple of folks who are hoping to emulate my lifestyle. I’d say they’d like to become tramps, but Sue is too much of a Lady to fit that description and Steve is too much of a Gentleman. But they’ve been bitten by the Travel Bug. They did a month long trip a while ago, and realized that it just wasn’t enough time to see all they want to see. I hope they get to achieve their dreams and that the dreams are even better than they expect. Frank brought my old tank, and I got to bring it home. When I put the new tank on down at Vern’s, I didn’t ship the old tank back here like I had intended. Vern brought it down to Glitch badness and Frank put it in his pickup and brought it back to New York. So yesterday, Frank bungeed it to his top bag and brought it to Stamford. I used a bungee net and that held it well enough to my passenger seat that I got it home without any mishaps. I was there for three hours,and I could have stayed for a lot more. However, people had to head back to their homes, so we all headed out toward all points of the compass. I had originally planned to ride up US Rt. 7 to the Mohawk Trail and I started out that way, but when I got to Danbury, I looked at the clock and decided that taking the slab home was a wiser choice. I pulled into the driveway here in Hudson just as the Sun set, so I think I made the right decision. The new spark plugs I put in the bike on Saturday seem to have helped the fuel mileage a bit. I was running between 75 and 80 MPH and I got 46 miles per gallon. Today, I want to go somewhere again. Maybe I should head over to New Lebanon, NY and get a burger at the Hitching Post Cafe. It would be a fun ride. Or maybe I should head over to the shop and see what’s happening there. Or maybe I should just keep a low profile for the day and conserve my rapidly diminishing cash. I’ll see how things shake out. | ||
| Crusty |
Spring Has Sprung I just got home after taking a nice 50 mile backroads only ride, and I feel inspired. The temperature is 73º (F) and it just feels so good to be out on a motorcycle, that I can’t come up with the right way to describe it. I know that I’m not the only rider out there who feels the same way. I can’t be; I saw hundreds of bikes in just a few hours. I wonder; are they all unemployed, or did they suddenly get sick (cough, cough, wink)? I know that they’re not all independently wealthy. Of course, today is Patriot’s Day, which is a holiday here in Massachusetts, so maybe they just got the day off and are just enjoying Life. Now; if I could, I’d live somewhere where there is no winter. However, there is something magical about getting on the bike on a early spring day when the temperature gets nice and going out for that first really enjoyable Spring Ride. The feeling is almost enough to make winter tolerable. Well; not quite, but almost. Even though I’ve been riding since I got back in February, it still affects me in a very positive way. I feel more alive and the bike feels even better that it has been feeling. The day felt so good, that I stopped at Erikson’s Ice Cream and bought a small cup of Strawberry ice cream. They were doing a brisk bit of business. The parking lot was full, and there were people filling almost all the outdoor picnic tables. I did find one that was unoccupied, and I sat eating my ice cream and watched all the people. It just felt Right. It’s good to be alive. I was thinking that I should have thrown my penny pinching common sense out the window and gone to the Hitching Post for lunch, but by the time I thought of that, it was much too late. Still; it’s supposed to get this warm again either Thursday or Friday, so I’ll have another opportunity soon enough. I think I will go. A nice ride over the Mohawk Trail and the Taconic Trail into Petersburg, then down Rt. 22 to New Lebanon. Coming back, I’ll take US Rt. 20 to Rt. 9 to Rt. 8 to Rt.116 to Rt. 63. Lots of twists and turns with good pavement. Yeah; that sounds like what the Doctor ordered. I think I will. | ||
| Ourdee |
Thought you were laying low today.  | ||
| Zac4mac |
I know that winter thing. I'm driving the convertible for those rare warm evenings... | ||
| Pwnzor |
Looks like the package is stalled in Frankfurt. Either that or somebody didn't scan it when it got on the plane. In any case, it should scan when it gets off the plane. I'm going to call over there today and see if I can get somebody who speaks english. | ||
| 1313 |
I'm going to call over there today and see if I can get somebody who speaks english. In Frankfurt, you'll have pretty good odds. It will also help if the person you speak with is younger. English as an additional language in Germany has been more prevalent than in years past. Germany is 6 hours ahead of Eastern time, and I'm all out of info... | ||
| Pwnzor |
OK... I've got the scoop now. Your NEW tracking number is CL613160047DE and DHL is not delivering it. They handed it off to the US Postal Service in Frankfurt. It's completely out of my control at this point. Oh, and I owe somebody a few pints of Spaten but I'll handle that if I ever end up in Germany. You can track it HERE | ||
| Wolfridgerider |
Hey Mr. Jackson, are you going to make the Buells in the Alps wing ding this year? I'm planning on heading that way. If I don't see you then, I will see you in a couple of weeks at the WVBR #9.1 | ||
| Crusty |
Matthew, Thank you for your efforts. If the USPS in Germany is as efficient as the USPS here, then I should have the bags pretty shortly. I sure hope so! Mark, I'll be at the WVBR #9.1. I have to get more of that incredible pulled pork. (Hanging out with Badwebbers and riding those flat, straight roads are just the price I'm willing to pay). Hopefully, I'll be able to upgrade my suspension by then and I'll be able to keep up a little better. If not, then I'll just have to poke along at the back of the pack. | ||
| Crusty |
While Waiting For Delivery Back a few years ago, Harley ran an ad where a car driver is talking to some riders at a gas station, explaining that he had trouble deciding between buying a Harley or buying a dining room set. He went with the furniture, and came across as a jerk who shouldn’t be on a bike to begin with. I still remember the line, “You know; dining room set, Harley, dining room set, Harley; I bought the dining room set”. That’s how I feel. I was talking to my friend Dondi the other night, and she mentioned real estate. So I looked on Realtor.com. I found two houses that I can probably get a mortgage for that looked promising. One is on the outskirts of town, and is really small (about 550 square feet) It has well water and a septic system and it has Oil heat which I don’t like. But it has a garage. It also sits on an acre and a half of land. The other house costs about 25 grand more, but it’s a good bit bigger (1250 sq. ft.), has gas heat, city water & sewer and it has a two car garage. It’s sitting on 3/4 of an acre. Both have their attractions, and both have their negatives. So yesterday morning, I did a drive by to just check them out. I’d prefer the bigger house, but I also like the idea of a smaller mortgage payment for the little house. Both are in the right price range. However, I’m not going to jump yet. I’ve made my plans for this summer, and I’m going to stick with them. Still, the appeal of having my own home is pretty strong. I would really love to settle down in my own place. Uh, yeah; for a few months, maybe; then the desire to travel would eat at me big time. Or maybe not. Maybe it’s time for this old tramp to kick back and be a suburban homeowner. I could mow the lawn in the summer and tend a cute little flower garden and carefully weigh whether I should plant Day Lillies at the end of the driveway. Nope. That ain’t me. I still would rather spend my money on gas to ride to Glacier National Park than to buy a riding lawn mower. I do plan to buy a house and I know it will severely limit my traveling, but it’s not time yet. I think next year will be the kicking off point, but it’s not here now. For now, I’m going to do a bit more tramping this summer. There’ll be some short interludes back here between trips, but I need to get the worst of the bug out of my system (if that’s possible). I really wish that my saddlebags would hurry up and arrive. As far as I can tell; they’re just sitting in Frankfort, Germany. If I could just get the bags and then get the mounts modified, I wouldn’t be having these Jeckyl & Hyde moments. I’d be spending my time looking at routes I’d like to take. Of course, that’s only fantasizing. The reality is that once I set out, I’ll go where my mood takes me. That’s what I did last year, and it worked out really well. I hope my bags get here soon. (Message edited by Crusty on April 21, 2016) | ||
| 86129squids |
Idea: How about a nicely outfitted, small mobile home (RV), with a good rig to carry the Sportster on the back (receiver rail carrier?)... You could have some Roadcrust cake and eat it too! (Message edited by 86129squids on April 21, 2016) | ||
| Alchemy |
At Americade in Lake George, NY last year, I took the time to look over some purpose made toy haulers. Some are really nice and they are built with the idea of a garage/storage at the rear for wrenching and storing motorcycles or anything similar. There are pluses and minuses and different uses but I found it something to think about. Some are big enough that it probably makes sense to just hire transportation to move them a few times a year. | ||
| Wolfridgerider |
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| 1313 |
As far as I can tell; they’re just sitting in Frankfort, Germany. I've had to track a number of international shipments coming through USPS lately and you won't receive any further notification until the package reaches (or maybe even clears) US Customs. One of mine had a day or two delay with/in Customs, but after that it was the typically good USPS service that they have been delivering lately. Not trying to bum you out - just being a realist and sharing my experiences... 1313 | ||
| Pwnzor |
The status actually changed, which is surprising to me, for the reasons Brankin just mentioned... USPS tracking is awful. The blue bar with status is new since yesterday.  | ||
| Crusty |
 So; it takes three days for DHL to get a package across Germany, then it takes 4 days (and counting) to prepare it so they can hand it over to the USPS. Am I reading it right, or am I missing something? (Message edited by Crusty on April 21, 2016) (Message edited by Crusty on April 21, 2016) | ||
| Pwnzor |
The postal service has had it since it arrived in Frankfurt. That's USPS tracking we're looking at now, the DHL tracking looked like this:  | ||
| Crusty |
OK; I understand. Last night, I had a splitting headache and my comprehension was not what it should have been. Still; all I can do is wait. They bags will show up, eventually. Thank you both for your helpful information. | ||
| Crusty |
If I Have To Explain… There’s an old saying, If I have to explain, you wouldn’t understand. It’s generally used as a reason somebody likes Harleys. But it also applies to other areas in my life as well. I’ve had Migraine headaches all my life. The earliest one that I remember was when I was just four or five years old. When I was growing up, I would get them every couple of months or so. The pain was horrendous; sometimes, it would make me delirious. I would have bouts of vomiting from the pain for a few hours, then, I would fall into an exhausted sleep. Over the years, I lost many jobs because of my Migraines. People just don’t understand exactly how bad the pain is. They think it’s just a bad headache. I remember telling my boss on one job that I was getting a Migraine, but I would continue working until I started throwing up. he thought I was joking until he saw me move away from the work site and getting sick. He wound up driving me home that afternoon. In the mid 70s, I was working in a warehouse with a good friend. One day he told me that he was having trouble with his vision. He was seeing a jagged shimmering light that was getting bigger. I told him that he was getting a Migraine, and that he’d better go home and go to bed. He didn’t leave until he started feeling the pain. Not only was he out the rest of that day, he missed the next day, as well. When he came back to work the next day. he told me that until he experienced a Migraine himself, he really didn’t know just how bad they actually were. Over the years, I tried to find cures. I saw various doctors and tried many different drugs. I went to the Headache Center at the Faulkner Hospital outside Boston and did everything from charting times, what I ate, assorted drugs, relaxation therapy, I had eye exams, MRIs; you name it, I tried it. Nothing helped. I remember one drug that was supposed to be really effective; It made the headache worse, and I spent the night in the bathroom heaving my guts out. Over the years, the level of pain has diminished. I still get Migraines; however, they aren’t nearly as bad as they were when I was younger. I can function while I have one now, and I seldom vomit. But they still suck. Last night I had one. This morning, my head feels like somebody hit me on the temple with a hammer. I’ve got a crappy attitude, but the pain will dim as the day progresses and my attitude will improve. If you’ve never had a Migraine, you are very fortunate, but you’ll never understand what they’re like to experience. If you get, or have had Migraines, you know exactly what I’m talking about, and you have my most sincere sympathy. I don’t have to explain; you understand. | ||
| Damnut |
I got my first ever migraine back in November. The pain was so bad that I couldn't stop throwing up. Got my second one a couple of months ago. Boy do they suck ass. I would have never thought the pain would be so bad. Good luck today John! | ||
| Wolfridgerider |
I was working counter sales on a beautiful Saturday a few summers ago. I was in a crap mood because I was stuck inside dealing with customers. I was helping a man in his late 30's. We were just shooting the breeze when he just stopped.... his face went blank and he turned and walked out of the showroom. I thought it was very strange. He returned in less than 5 minutes and apologized. He told me he started seeing flashing light and knew a migraine was coming. He had to get to his truck quick and give himself some type of shot that stopped it in its tracks. I have no idea what type of shot it was but it sounded like it was similar to a Epi Pen. It might be worth a google or a conversation with your Doc the next time you have a appointment. My wife gets migraines and I have trigeminal neuralgia. I wouldn't wish this pain on anyone... friend or foe | ||
| Sidepipe79 |
I have some drugs that will kill a migraine in about 45 min. The downside is that I will feel hungover for a few hours after. I stopped drinking because I hate hangovers so knowing that they will come sucks as bad as the migraine. | ||
| Crusty |
It’s All A Nefarious Plot Each morning, one of the first things I do when I go online is to check to see if there are any upgrades to the shipping status of my bags. I’ll also look a few more times during the day. When I ordered (and paid for) the bags on FleaBay, they stated that the bags would be delivered between April 20 and May 5. I guess I’ll be happy if they arrive by May 5. I want them now so the Universe, in its perverse way, will insure they arrive well beyond the later date. However; I’ve figured it out! It’s a plot by THEM to drive me mad. It’s not going to work, though. I know something they don’t. It can’t drive me mad because I’m already mad! Not only do I have bats in my belfry, I’m a few bricks shy of a full load. I’m a lot like like the patient in Men In Black: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAHkfNZvX1A In the meantime, I put a spit shine on the Roadster yesterday. I had a dream a couple of nights ago and in it, the bike was filthy. I’m not afraid to get my bikes dirty, but I like them to be clean and shiny whenever possible. The dream disturbed me; add the fact that I rode the bike through the rain a few days ago, and it wasn’t looking quite as pretty as she might. So I hit the Quarter car wash, then I went by the Garage in Fitchburg and dug out some polish. After I waxed the bike, I decided to balance the cast wheels. I’d mounted the new tires, but never balanced the wheels, so I set up the balancing stand and got it done. I was going to go to REI and buy a new pillow, but there was rain coming in and I beat it for home. I made it and got the bike into the garage before the rain started. You know; I’d rather be writing about adventures on the road, but they aren’t happening just yet. The bag project is stalled waiting for the USPS and/or Customs to quit scratching their butts. I’m stuck in the netherworld of waiting. Oh, well. It’s all going to come together eventually. | ||
| 86129squids |
"I’m stuck in the netherworld of waiting." Yeah, that's actually my job! I've been in restaurant work most of my life, and OH YES there are many netherworlds involved. I'm quite happy to be in fine dining table service, working with high-end wine and spirits... had a very good shift last nite, looking forward to another one tonite, after I run Deal's Gap and go say hi to Vince and Pam, and the other Buell peeps out there this weekend. And, "waiting". Like you, Crusticle, I'm waiting to hear from Vern that my Beemer is done, and waiting to finally have the extra $$$ to pay him for it and get my tires and tuneup done. I love my Triumph, but it's only my mistress... my true love is that old R75/7! Waiting, indeed. | ||
| Ourdee |
I feel your pain Crusty. Been where you have been. So, can hear where you are coming from. There are a lot of things nearby me that I haven't seen or done. I need to make a list of them an just start knocking them out. Today is the end of winter archery league party. One of the annual events I look forward to. What it really means is it is time for Summer outdoor league. Not sure how I got so hooked on flinging pointy sticks. I need to start practice loading Lil Red for HC2016 and figuring out what I don't need to carry. EBR announced June 2nd, 10 to 12, factory tours today. That jagged silvery shimmering light took me years to remember after the migraine would pass. Until then, I was always blind sided by them. I am so lucky to have found something that works most of the time for me, If I get to them in time. | ||
| Crusty |
What A Wild Weekend This weekend has been totally bizarre. It started when I went out to the bike yesterday morning and found a “Dear John” letter sitting on the seat from one of my oldest friends. Basically, he was saying the classic, “We’ve grown is different directions, so let’s just go our separate ways”. I’ve never gotten that type of letter from a friend before. Or maybe I should say ex-friend. It threw me for a loop. Then, almost everything I set out to do was unsuccessful. I wanted to buy a camping pillow from REI. They didn’t have any I liked. So I went to Walter Dyer Leather to get a pair of summer riding gloves. They didn’t have my size. I had decided that I was going to go ahead and buy a pair of Chippewa Rally boots. I’ve been wanting a pair for a long time, and instead of buying cheap boots that don’t last, I was going to treat myself to the Quality boots I deserve. The girl measured my foot, then went in the back and returned with the information that they only had two pairs. One was size 8 and the other size 11. I tried the 11s on, but they were way too big for my size 10 feet. After that, I went to Walmart to buy a thermal carafe for my coffee maker. I had seen one the other day, so I was going to buy it, but alas, it wasn’t there. This morning, I had another Migraine. It’s only been a couple of days since the last one, which is unusual enough, but it was on the same side of my head as the last one, which is really unusual. usually, the migraines alternate from left to right to left, etc. Anyhow, my head hurts, and has hurt all day. I’m in a crotchety kind of mood. On top of all that, my saddlebags are still sitting in Frankfort, Germany. Or maybe not. All the USPS Tracking site says is Origin Post is Preparing Shipment. Hell, they could be in New Jersey, for all I know. I just wish they would get here. P.S. I just ordered a pair of Chippewa Rally Boots size 10E from Shepler’s.com. Screw it. If my day is going to suck, then I’m going to do something to make it a little better. | ||
| Pwnzor |
I wonder what event might have precipitated that letter? That's pretty bizarre. My dollar says that USPS tracking site doesn't update until you actually receive the package. Expect the worst, and hope for the best. | ||
| Crusty |
There's a whole story that precedes the letter, but I won't go into it now. I just think it's pretty strange to get a letter like that saying that a 50+ year friendship is over. It really threw me off my stride. I'm expecting the worst as far as timely delivery of the bags goes. I'm also trying to come up with a way to borrow a couple of Junior bags for a day or two, so that the welder can at least get the brackets done. I have an idea, but I won't say anything just yet. I don't want to jinx it. |
