| Author | Message | ||
     Court |
Your acquired optimism, a gift of the years, keeps you riding into unpredicted rain. Your acquired wisdom, a gift of the years, insures you stop at the Stupid 8. You've, from your experience and acquired knowledge, proved yourself to be among the best of the best road warriors. Keep eating spaghetti . . . riding and writing. We're with you. Court | ||
| Pwnzor |
John's prowess with his Roadster in the twisties is paralleled only by Charlie on his Victory bagger. These two guys give me a solid run for my money on a Z1000, and I'm pretty sure Charlie could have passed me whenever he wanted. Nothing short of impressive on both counts. | ||
| 86129squids |
I watched Charlie and Tim dice it up ALL DAY... so, SO strange to see a bagger ridden like that, doing the same things an expertly ridden 1125R is doing. All I want from my bike now, is a little more power. I used to be fast... the R75 really does handle beautifully with fresh Avons. Kinda glad to have sold the Sprint, I would have loved to had had its power... but I'm still alive to type this. Fun times indeed! | ||
| Crusty |
The More Things Change… …The more they stay the same. I’ve realized that’s true for me as well. Traveling has always been in my blood. My father was from North Carolina; he met my mother when he was in the Navy and when they got married, they settled in Massachusetts. But periodically, we’d all pile into the car and drive down to North Carolina and visit with that side of the family. Or, one of my dad’s brothers would drive up to Waltham and visit us. A question always asked was, “How long did it take?” My uncle John held the record for years. He would have beaten his record, once, but the cops made him sit at the toll booth on the New Jersey Turnpike for 45 minutes when his toll ticket proved he’d been speeding the whole way. After that, the toll ticket always went out the window shortly after getting on the the Toll Road. Anyhow, I grew up with the concept that when traveling, I should get from point A to point B as quickly as possible. When I started this latest bout of Tramping, I decided to to the reverse. I would no longer race to a destination; I would primarily stay on secondary roads. I wanted to see America and not just the side of the Interstate. This latest trip to Buellvemberfest was a regression to the old way of traveling. Going, I had a timetable to meet. I was traveling on a budget and I wasn’t camping out because it was too cold. When I left Suches heading for Fayetteville, I was focused on getting there. I did put up for the night in Columbia, SC when I ran into cold rain, but the focus was on getting there. I could feel the old drive to push settling on me like a warm cloak, but I wasn’t really aware of what was happening. It all came to fruition yesterday. I left Steve and Grace’s house around 7:00 yesterday morning. I was going to run straight up I-95. I planned to stop just north of Baltimore, then finish the ride today. However, I was in the Zone. I ran 80 MPH as much as I could, and just didn’t stop unless it was for gas. I sailed through D.C. just after noon, and Baltimore was behind me before mid afternoon. I figured I’d get into New Jersey before stopping. I pushed until I needed to take a break, then spent close to an hour in the James Fenimore Cooper Service Area. I got back out into traffic, then took the turn off for the Garden State Parkway. At Evening Rush Hour. For the next 2 1/2 hours, I crawled along surrounded by rabid zombie New Jersey commuters. Then, I finally got free of the worst of the traffic, and was able to get back up to speed. I had to make one more rest break at the Truck Stop at exit 71 on I-84, and that took another bite of 45 minutes, but I really needed the break. A little over an hour after that, I was home in Hudson. It was the antithesis of my Tramping Philosophy, but it felt wonderful. It’s nice to know that I still can travel that way if I choose to. It’s also nice to know I can relax and enjoy the journey when I choose to travel that way, as well. Oh; in case you're wondering, it was 802 miles and it took 15 1/2 hours. (Message edited by Crusty on November 17, 2016) | ||
| Pwnzor |
You're one of my heroes, John. | ||
| Alfau |
latest bout of Tramping Dodging fema camps could get tricky. keep your location vague. | ||
| Etennuly |
Glad you had another wonderful trip John. So sorry I could not participate this round.  Here is to making spring trips happen! | ||
| Tootal |
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| Crusty |
Torn Again So; EBR has introduced a new model, a Black Lightning at the Long Beach Motorcycle Show. It’s not a completely new model; it’s a variant of the 1190 SX. It’s black. It has higher handlebars and lower foot pegs. The gearing has been revised for smoother and overall better performance and it has a “Comfort Seat” made by Corbin. It’s getting closer to what I consider Sport - Tourer territory. Looking at it, I think I could convert it pretty easily into an EBR Roadster. Now, when I go to the New York Show, I’ll really have something to check out pretty closely. If I get one, though, I’ll have to put off my trip to Alaska for a year. The money I’d be saving to make the trip would have to go toward making payments on the EBR. However, the Roadster will be completely paid off by next August and I should have the MasterCard paid down by then also, so I should be able to salt away money at a pretty high rate. Then again, there’s the Roadster. I really like that bike. I think I’ve finally gotten over being nervous that the engine is going to let go after my trip to Georgia. I’ve been thinking about the changes that I still want to make; a Gen 3 Daymaker, a few more minor modifications to the saddle bag mounts, maybe a set of 30 Liter bags, an old style front fender and maybe a new paint job. That will add up pretty quickly. I could sell the Roadster, or trade it in if I decide to buy a Black Lightning, but I really don’t want to do that. I’ve got it so close to being what I think a Sportster should be, that I don’t want to let it go. I still stop sometimes and just stare at it because it’s so beautiful. Plus, it’s so easy to do maintenance on (with the exception of pulling & reinstalling the rear wheel for tire changes). But, having put 200,000 miles on Buells, I really miss the superb handling that Erik’s bikes are famous for. (Did you know that a European magazine stated that the Buell Firebolt was the best handling motorcycle ever made?) I wish that Idiot, Wandell the Butcher, hadn’t axed the marque. Then, I could have the best of both worlds. The ease of maintenance of a Sportster and the handling of a Buell. Then again, if I just go through the stuff in Storage and get it organized a little better, I bet there’d be room to keep the Roadster in there while I was traveling on the Black Lightning. Then I could keep the BL in there when I’m using the Roadster. And also; I still want to buy a house. That’s something else that has to be considered. If I find the right house, would I have to put off both the trip to the Arctic Circle and a Black Lightning? I really don’t see any realistic way to do all three at the same time. (winning the Lottery isn’t realistic; especially since I seldom buy tickets. And I don’t have any rich relatives who would leave me their fortunes if they die) So, Contestant; which will it be? Door #1, Door #2 or Door #3? Hey; I wonder if EBR would sponsor a crusty old fart’s trip to the Arctic Circle? I guess not. Oh well… | ||
| Crusty |
Weather It’s snowing. Yesterday morning, the forecast was for partly cloudy and cold; now it’s snow showers and wind this morning and the high temperature isn’t going to get out of the 30s. (for you metric folks, it won’t reach 4º C). That means traction is going to be minimal. It also means that I won’t be doing an oil change today. I’m back to full winter riding techniques. Tires just don’t grip like they do in warm weather. I won’t be doing any hard cornering, and braking distances will be longer because the tires will have more of a tendency to skid. I have to ride like a little old lady; and not the one from Pasadena. I’ve already been wearing my cold weather gear. Thermal underwear, Gerbings electric jacket liner and extra layers. When I come to a stop, it’s hard to turn my head to see oncoming traffic. the circuit in my jacket for my electric gloves has taken a dump, so I’ll just have to rely on my non-el gloves. That’s OK, the connectors between the gloves and the sleeves of the jacket liner are a pain to make them fit under the sleeve of my Darien jacket. Riding in winter is a labor of love. When I’m out riding somewhere in this weather, I really question my sanity and I give a hard look at my priorities. I don’t hate driving cars, but I’m in a position where I can only afford one vehicle. And with my particular form of insanity, I’ll always have a motorcycle. Back in my “Recreational mind altering substance” days, I enjoyed reading Head Comics. One of them was The Fabulous, Furry, Freak Brothers. They had a saying, “Dope will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no dope.” For me, at this time in my life, I believe that a motorcycle will get me through times of no car better than a car will get me through times of no motorcycle. Two years ago, we had the highest accumulation of snow in recorded history. I went to Australia last year to escape the miserable weather, and the winter was a milder than usual. Now that I’m back, we’re getting snow before Thanksgiving, and the predicted temps are below average. Boy; I’ve sure got timing down, don’t I? Well, it could be worse. I don’t think that this snow will accumulate. At least I hope it doesn’t. The forecast isn’t calling for any accumulation and I’m trying to be optimistic. Well; there’s nothing I can do to change the weather, so I’ll just have to accept it. “What can’t be cured, must be endured”. I’ll endure it, but my opinion hasn’t changed. WINTER SUCKS | ||
| Crusty |
A Quick Addendum It barely reached 37º F (2.7º C) today before the temp started dropping. The wind was blowing between 15 and 20 MPH (24 - 32 KPH). It’s going to get colder as the fall turns into winter, but it was cold enough to keep me housebound. It’s time for some Comfort Food. Roasted Chicken and Potatoes and peas roasted in the drippings. Also, the oven will add a little more warmth to the apartment. Boy, do I hate winter. I hope I have the dough to go back to Australia next year. | ||
| Etennuly |
post 1000 on the Crusty travel thread! But who is counting? | ||
| Etennuly |
I too hate winter. As we age it becomes a formidable foe who's grip is ever harder to overcome. I moved to Florida thirty years ago to get away from the Northern Pa. winters. I moved from Florida to Tennessee to get away from the population explosion. We had our first blast of winter the past two nights. It has been dry here and we have had little frost if any this year, but BLAM! we are in the teens from a very mild 70F last week. Why is it every time I read one of your snippits lately I get cold and hungry?  | ||
| Crusty |
Thanksgiving Morning 2016 I’m a creature of habit, like most people. Every time I ride through Scranton, Pennsylvania, I sing 30,000 Pounds of Bananas by Harry Chapin; when I’m Tramping, I like to stop at McDonalds and get a sausage McMuffin for breakfast almost every day and I try to go out for a ride every New Year’s Day. I also have some bad habits, but I won’t go into them here. I have one routine that I consider one of my better habits. Every Thanksgiving morning, I like to go over the past year and look at all the really good things that either I’ve done, or have happened to me. I guess it’s a “Gratitude List” of sorts. This year, I’ve got a big one. A year ago today, I was in Spring Creek, Queensland. I saw sights I’ve never seen before, and had a wonderful time. I got to enjoy the company of Melia, Roni Ann, Kristyn and the kids (Samuel, Nathan, Tylana, Coby and Kayla) and I got to see Ron. I went to the Troy Bayliss Classic and got to swim in the bathwater warm Southern Pacific Ocean. I got the Iron Motor back and, even though it was heartbreaking to see it in such rough shape, I got it cleaned up pretty good, and I even got it to start. It’s not rideable yet, but it can be with a bit more work and money. I came back to the States and proceeded to modify the Roadster. I found a set of cast wheels on Fleabay, got the Hepco saddlebag mounts modified to fit the bike and bought a set of bags to fit it. I bought a dented up Custom gas tank, and Vern did his magic and turned it into a real thing of beauty. I hit the road again and saw more of God’s wonders and visited a bunch of people. I crossed the Mojave Desert, rode through Yosemite and Grand Canyon National Parks, rode through Monument Valley again, visited three Canadian National Parks and saw a lot of magnificent sights.The view of the valley carved out by the Glacier in Banff is permanently etched in my mind as is the sight of the Athabasca Glacier. Went to the EBR and Buell Homecoming, Glitch Badness, the WVBR and Buellvemberfest and I saw the Memorial Day weekend Springfield Mile. I had a couple of things happen that turned out exactly opposite from what I first thought. When I was in Canada, it started raining while I was camping in Glacier National Park. It was a cold rain and it really dampened my spirits (pun intended). I decided that I would get on Route 93 and head south back to the US. I saw the exit for Rt. 93 on Trans Canada 1 and took it. I thought I was going South, but I was actually going North. I didn’t discover this for a couple of hundred miles. By the time I figured it out, I was almost in Jasper National Park. I’d seen so many beautiful sights that I decided to keep going. Because of that mistake, I saw some incredible things and it was possibly the most fortuitous mistake I’ve ever made. The other bad thing that happened was when the engine in the Roadster let go. It died in the middle of Illinois. I rented a U-Haul truck and got the bike to my brother David’ s house in Cincinnati. I had just decided on a course of action when the people of Badweb spontaneously got together and worked out a relay to get me and the bike to Massachusetts from Cincinnati. David was astounded that the members of a forum would do something like that. And that leads to the thing I have most to be thankful for; the people in my life. I have had so many people help me in so many ways it’s almost unbelievable. My Families; Megan, Rocky Grace, Steve, Connie, David, Jack, Tony, Jim, Candy, Ernie, Billy and my Australian family who I already named. People like Tammy, Oz666, Damnut, Froggy, Wolfridgerider, Etennuly, Stormtruck2 and Lorraine, Pwnzor and Gretchen, NittanyXT, Court, Bullish, Mr. Grumpy, Ferris Bueller, 1313, Tootal, Glitch, Zac4mac, Coolice, Ourdee, Guido, Guy, Torey, Jim, Sandra, Dondi, Ted, Jackie, Happy Pat and everybody else who has helped me this past year. If I didn’t mention you, I’m sorry. There are so many wonderful people in my life that I’m feeling overwhelmed. I love each and every one of you. Thank you for being part of my life. I am truly Blessed. (Message edited by Crusty on November 24, 2016) | ||
| Pwnzor |
Righg back at ya, buddy. Gretchen and I are thankful to number you among our friends. | ||
| Buellish |
John,the fact that you sing 30,000 Pounds of Bananas while riding through Scranton Pa would endear you to me even if you didn't keep us entertained with your tramping exploits. Happy Thanksgiving and thanks for being my friend! | ||
| Alfau |
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODMye94wMfk audience precipitation. | ||
| Crusty |
Cruisin’ The Interwebs Like just about everybody, nowadays. I spend a significant amount of time on my computer surfing the Net. I have three different E-mail sites, my motorcycle related forums that are important to me (BadWeB, XL Forum, ADV Rider and Moto Campers), my Credit Union and Credit Card sites, a couple of different Weather sites and a few game sites. There are lots of other sites I visit, like Youtube and TV Guide, etc, but those are the sites I visit frequently. The one thing all those sites have in common is that they’re all free. I won’t pay to “Upgrade” to ad free status. So, when I click on the link to Photobucket, I’m subjected to a ton of screwey ads,that annoy the p*ss outta me. The same thing is happening with Youtube. Of course, I can get a free trial to Youtube Red, but why? Many of the songs I listened to just a few months ago have been removed by the copyright holder. So I can pay to not hear what I was wanting to hear? I get a kick out of the ads touting the secrets that Doctors HATE for me to know, or the ads that extoll the virtues of having six pack abs when I’m 80 years old (Usually with some old fart’s head photoshopped onto Mr. Universe’s body accompanied by a hot 20 something chickie) or the ads that tell me to type in my name, and I won’t believe what happens. (This one usually has a picture of some young honey looking horrified) I strongly suspect it’s because she saw just how much spam has started appearing in her inbox. Then there’s the ad that asks you to remember someone from a ‘70s sitcom and tells me that I won’t believe how (s)he looks now. Hell, I look at a picture of myself from the '70s, and I can't believe the difference. Also, ads have gotten pretty specific. If I go to Dennis Kirk and check out tire prices, then I’m going to be inundated with Dennis Kirk ads whenever I want to check the latest forecast. The same holds true for many other sites. This is why I have three different Email sites. The one I use for my friends and legitimate business, one as a backup in case Google takes a major dump and one just for spam. I have to admit that I have actually clicked on some of those sites. I always use the Spam mail site as my E-mail address. That way, I can tell when my e-mail has been sold to other miserable predators. I usually use a ficticious name like Barful Pharttewater or Rancid Veeblefester. So, when I get an ad that says Rancid, you can now buy a million dollars of life insurance for $0.27/month! I know where they got my e-mail address from. One thing that seems to have gone out of fashion is the Nigerian Minister of internet scams. Mr. N’gunga would be happy to deposit 12 million dollars in my bank account. All I have to do is give him my account number and password, and I’ll be rich for life. Um, yeah; OK. The reason I’m hacking out a Snippet on something so obviously non-motorcycle, is because I woke up aching all over. I felt like I had a fever, but my temperature was normal. I’m holed up inside, and I’m hoping that the fever doesn’t show up. But if it does, I wonder if there’s a secret remedy that Doctors hate to have their patients know about? (Message edited by Crusty on November 26, 2016) | ||
| Ourdee |
I 4 emails. One for work. One for friends and purchases. And 2 that start AnusticularCraniumitis@ and PhluidPhart@. Just in case I'm on the lam and try to contact you, you will know it is me. | ||
| Crusty |
Just a quick note. On my way back to Massachusetts from North Carolina, I saw 66,666 miles on my odometer. Yesterday, I had 67,890 showing. I get a kick out of things like that. I saw the bike turn 50,000, 55,555 and 60,000 (I missed out on seeing 56,789. I forgot about it until it was well past viewing). I just thought I'd share that. | ||
| Etennuly |
I do that odo number thing perpetually when riding. Always calculating gas mileage to. I have done a wheelie at every ten thousand mile mark on my odo. Must be a mental thing. | ||
| Crusty |
Apprehension and Anticipation Today’s November 29. It’s a little too early to start doing Christmas Cards, but I have done a little Christmas Shopping. I won’t be giving much for gifts this year, but I’m putting as much thought as I can into the gifts I am giving. I guess the part that sucks is that I can see so many great gifts that would be perfect for someone, but I can’t afford to buy them. Oh, well. I think that people will like what I have managed to put together for them. It’s a necessarily short list of people, but it’s all I can do this year. I have to see my Cardiologist this Thursday morning. He’s going to want to put me on cholesterol medication, and I don’t want to start taking it. I’m going to have to start asking him some hard (for me) questions. For instance, I want to know what the issues with my Mitral Valve are, how serious they are and what can be done about them. If I only have a couple of years before my heart quits, then I’m not going to start taking a drug that will prevent a heart attack in ten years or so. I also refuse to live a lifestyle that has me coddled in safety, eating foods with no flavor and not going anywhere or doing anything exciting just so I can live a miserable life for longer. Hunter Thompson said, Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What a Ride!" I agree with that. I just hope that Dr. Robotis can understand what I’m trying to tell him. I’m pretty sure that Erik Buell is going to be at the International Motorcycle Show in New York. That really gives me something to look forward to. Not only will I get to see the new Black Lightning (and hopefully sit on one), but I’ll get to tell him what I want in a motorcycle. Truth be told, the Black Lightning is getting pretty close to my idea of a 21st Century Sport Tourer. All it needs is good hard saddlebags and a windshield. I wrote about it on a thread on BadWeB, So; I'll take a Black Lightning with the taller bars, lower pegs, comfort seat, windscreen and hard bags. Oh; I want to switch out the black plastic body work for red. I think a Red Lightning Sport Tourer would be a great choice in bikes to ride to the Arctic Circle next June. Don't you? It really would be cool if EBR were to introduce such a model. However, if all they do is offer the accessories to build such a bike, that would be pretty sweet, too. Another thing about EBR being at the show is I’m hoping that Mike Kirkpatrick is there. Mike is a real Class Act, and I’d love to see him again. I stayed at his place in East Troy one night this past July. He offered me a ride on his personal bike that I turned down. (I have this little mental bug in my head that says, “Trouble is attracted to borrowed bikes” ) It would bother me tremendously to take somebody’s pride and joy out and either do something to mess it up, or to have something unexpected happen beyond my control that messes it up. I do regret that I didn’t take him up on the offer, but If I had the chance to do it over, I’d still not take it out. I like Mike too much to chance messing up his baby. Hey; I once passed up a chance to ride a Vincent Black Shadow. I’m glad I did; a bracket that’s hard to find broke while the owner was riding it. (I was riding my Harley Dresser behind him) If I had been on the bike when it happened, I would have felt terrible and would have felt obligated to find a replacement bracket. Then again, if Jimmy ever gets his Brough Superior SS 100 back on the road, I won’t pass up a chance to ride it. I did once, and I’ve always regretted it. So; it’s pouring and I’m going to be housebound for the next couple of days. On Thursday, I see the Cardiologist. Next week is the IMS at the Javits Center followed by lunch at the Dinosaur. And Christmas is coming. Life is not boring. | ||
| 86129squids |
Holy Crap, John. DON'T pass up a well thought out chance to ride a thoroughbred steed. If you're given the chance, you're well trusted and sorted... Input/output, gear check- GO! | ||
| Crusty |
Several of you either E-mailed or called me after my last Snippet expressing concern, so I felt I should knock out a quick update. After my visit with the Cardiologist yesterday, things aren't looking quite so dire. I will be getting an echocardiogram on the 15th, then blood work after the first of the year. I start taking an anti cholesterol drug today, but if I lose weight, I'll be able to stop. The Doctor told me that everything is looking pretty normal, so I really don't have to be worried. Now, back to the important stuff - Motorcycles! | ||
| Pwnzor |
My prayers were answered, then. Good deal. Thank you for the update. | ||
| Ourdee |
Caution note: I can't remember the name of the blood pressure med. my wife was put on. Point: She started having memory problems, like old timers. Stopped the med. and she returned to normal. Some people in nursing homes also returned to a normal life out of the homes after stopping the med. Please let us know what drug he gives you. | ||
| Damnut |
Hey John, Any interest in going to the IMS show on Friday? I was going to go on the weekend but figured it would be less busy on Friday and could see more in less time. Let me know. | ||
| Crusty |
Jim, I'm pretty much locked in to going on Saturday. I'm going down with a friend, and it would really mess her up if I changed plans now. If you do go on Friday; you know that the show doesn't open until noon or 1:00 or so, right? I've done both Friday and Saturday in past years. Friday is usually a bit less crowded, but the show opens late. Anyhow; Sorry. | ||
| Griffmeister |
Jim, the Friday show starts at 2:00 and runs to 9PM. Maybe I'll see you there if you go in the afternoon. I'm going with the better half, she wants to see all the holiday displays like Macys so I got her to agree to go to the IMS while we're in town. Unfortunately the Dino's a little out of the way for that itinerary, probably going to Jr's or something like that. John, have some pulled pork for me on Saturday. | ||
| Damnut |
Cool, maybe I'll hit the Dino before I go to the show, probably go to the Stamford location since it's on the way. Is there bike parking in front of the Javits Center? |
