| Author | Message | ||
     Crusty |
Sparrows, Fog And Ads It’s a nice morning, even though it’s pretty foggy. I woke up at six and started the coffee, then took my shower. However; the sun doesn’t come up until nearly 8:00. I like that the sun doesn’t set until after 7:00, but it’s the late morning sunrise that bothers me. It doesn’t get light enough to not require headlights until well after eight. This morning, I was sitting here watching the school busses picking up kids in the dark. Any time you make a move, there are going to be things that are hard to adjust to. For me, the late sunrise is it. I just think it’s interesting how the unexpected changes affect my life. There’s a sizable flock of sparrows on my front porch railing. There must be two dozen of the little birdbrains. They won’t be there long. They don’t sit still anywhere for long. I can see them through the front window. If I make any move that they can see, they’ll be gone like a shot. They come by for a few seconds at a time nearly every day, and I get a kick out of it. The fog is fairly thick, this morning. Even though it’s now light enough outside to see, it didn’t get that light until almost 8:30. I hope the fog burns off pretty quickly, but each time I look out and think it’s getting lighter, it seems to get heavier. I think it’s all blue sky above the fog, but I don’t know that for certain. Yesterday, a friend came by and gave me a queen sized bed. It’s pretty complete, except that it doesn’t have a mattress or box spring. I’ll have to get those; probably this coming month. It will be really nice when I can go to get out of bed and not find myself in a squat because the bed’s too close to the floor. My benefactor also gave me a couple of ornamental Cherubs. They’re every bit as hideous as the wall stickers in the bathroom. I really don’t understand why people like those nauseating, cute little bast**ds. I find them to be the visual equivalent of drinking a bottle of Saccharine. Now, I have to come up with an appropriately satisfying way to demolish them. I’m a cheap old goat. I hate paying Cable TV two bucks a day for the privilege of maybe finding a TV show that I might watch. So I got an antenna and I watch broadcast TV. I get the major networks; ABC, CBS, NBC, the CW, FOX, etc. and I also get the numerous channels that broadcast shows from the 60s, 70s and 80s. On any given day, I can watch Maverick, Have Gun, Will Travel and Star Trek; or I can watch The Match Game, or I’ve got a Secret and maybe even George Burns or Webitched. Since some of those shows weren’t bad (most were), I’ll watch them occasionally. But then, I have to put up with the ads. “ If you’ve died from Mesothelioma, call the law offices of Dewey, Cheatem and Howe. You may be eligible for significant compensation!” “Or, you can buy life insurance for only pennies a day” or I can even get incontinence supplies discretely delivered to my mailbox. Just so long as I have Bladder Control problems and I’m on Medicaid. Broadcast TV may not cost a lot of money, but there is a heavy price to pay in other ways. So; I feel like I should mention motorcycles. Or Traveling. Or Camping. I think I may have talked a friend into riding down to Buellvemberfest. He had a few concerns; mainly that he would get caught up in a group ride that was traveling way over his comfort zone speeds. I told him that I’m on the Roadster, and I’ll stay toward the back of the group and let them go, if they start going faster than I’m comfortable with. There’s no way that I’m going to keep up with a pack of Buells and EBRs, so I can travel comfortably at my own pace. I think he just might go. If he does, I think he’ll have a good time. If nothing else, he’ll be able to eat at Smoking’ Jims; which means that he won’t go hungry. They don’t do small portions of anything. My tent and sleeping bag are patiently waiting in the closet. I’m looking forward to being able to use them again. It’s been way too long. | ||
| Buellish |
John, we are having a Guzzi campout at TWOS on October 20,21 and 22.Come early and roam the south untill Buellvemberfest. | ||
| Wolfridgerider |
Nitro burning fun just up the road from you on Sunday Oct.22Nd  | ||
| Ourdee |
Wasn't that last Sunday? | ||
| Akbuell |
My advice to you friend: Go, and have a good time. The mantra I give to a new group I ride with, and to a rider new to our group is Ride At Your Pace. If we are much faster than you, don't worry. We will wait for you at the next turn off. If you are much faster than me, please wait for me at the next turn off. And I have a lot of experience at being the rider waited for. | ||
| Pwnzor |
Any group that doesn't wait for the stragglers at a forced turning point isn't worth riding with. Bring yourself, and have a good time. | ||
| Crusty |
I definitely will be there. It's too good a time to not be there. I'm hoping that my friend will also be there. He was sounding pretty positive, so I think he'll go. | ||
| Wolfridgerider |
About the Devils Staircase.... "Due to the torrential rain we had overnight the Hillclimb is postponed 2 weeks, it will run on Oct.22nd, sorry for the inconvience but the rain made it impossible to provide a safe event, see explanation at bottom of page." http://www.daytonmc.com/ (Message edited by wolfridgerider on October 12, 2017) | ||
| 86129squids |
With that digital antenna you should be able to get PBS... we get three channels. Don't watch the first two much, mostly news and politics, but the third is "Create". Lots of great content about traveling, cooking, plus "This Old House", which might be a source of inspiration for you. On weekends, one of the first two shows some great concerts- "Austin City Limits" is usually pretty good. Just sayin'. | ||
| Crusty |
While Waiting For Buellvemberfest Buellvemberfest is coming up rapidly. I still have to put a new belt and tire on the Roadster, but that will only take a few hours, and I won’t be getting the belt until my SS rolls in. In the meantime, I’ve had all kinds of motorcycle related thoughts that I want to sort out. Clement Salvadori wrote a piece in this month’s Rider magazine about Practicality vs. Passion. basically, while he likes all motorcycles, he prefers practical bikes. I come from the opposite side. I like most bikes and would ride anything if I had no other choice (If BMW were the only motorcycles being manufactured, I’d ride a BMW). However, I believe that you should ride the bike that speaks to you. I saw friends get the wrong bike for them and be miserable with their choice because it wasn’t the bike they really wanted. Bobby P. was a friend of mine who lusted after a Harley. He was riding an old beat up 750 Honda that he hated and would talk incessantly about getting a Harley. One day, he showed up riding a Yamaha XS 1100 that had a fairing, bags, trunk, crash bars; a Touring rig. When I asked him why he didn’t get a Harley, he said that the Yamaha was set up to travel, and was more reliable, handled better and it was more affordable than a Harley would be, so it was a better choice. Three months later, Bobby was cursing the Yamaha and wishing he had bought a Harley, instead. It took another couple of years, but Bobby finally got a used FLH, and he was happy with his ride. I’ve had numerous people tell me that I’m crazy to ride the Roadster. It’s not a touring bike. I can’t carry enough on it. It doesn’t make enough power. It’s too light. It’s too heavy. Hell, I had a Ducati rider from Vancouver give me grief at the Geographical Center of North America about my choice in rides. A freakin’ Duck rider criticizing my choice in touring bikes! The Roadster has its flaws, but it was (and still is) the right bike for me at that time in my life. It’s the only bike I’ve owned over 48 years that I’ve ridden in all 48 Contiguous States (plus British Columbia and Alberta). Yup, there are bigger touring bikes and there are better handling bikes for riding through the twisty sections quickly, and there are bikes that are more comfortable, but none of those bikes are what I want in a motorcycle. I’m willing to put up with the Roadster’s deficiencies as a trade off for it’s other, more appealing qualities. It doesn’t excel at most things; but it does everything well, and it’s very easy to maintain. That’s a huge plus. I’ve ridden it for over 77,000 miles (the odometer is showing 84K+) over the past 2 1/2 years. When I go to the rally, I’ll stay at the back of the pack, when riding in a group. There’s no way in hell I’ll be able to keep up with the fast guys on Buells and EBRs, but I’ll arrive at our destination just as happy. I have another motorcycle related Snippet that I plan to write, but if I wrote it now, it would make this one way too long. I’ll save it for another day. | ||
| Buellerxt |
Great post, Crusty, I am right with you! I don't follow your thread but I tuned in this morning and could not agree more. Well said. I have a long story that immediately came to mind when reading your post but I'll save most of it. Here's a small snippet though: I have a 1996 Sportster Custom that I've had since new and after getting rear ended on my FLHC by an 18 wheeler in late 2007, which totaled the bike, I converted my Sportster into a touring bike. I had the rear belt changed to drop the rpm's in each gear by nearly 500 rpm's and, to me, it was much better, it still had a lot of low end spunk, and it was much more comfortable cruising at 70-75. I heard all kinds of 'comments' when out on trips, always with a smile on their faces though, supposedly I guess to not piss me off. LOL Example: "Did you ride all the way from Texas on THAT"!? Unreal. Do some people not know that riders love their rides and saying, 'cool bike', or 'that's a good looking bike', etc., is so easy to say and it makes the rider feel good? That Roadster is special, Crusty, all 48 contiguous states in two years, are you kidding me! That bike is a keeper, Man! Ride on my friend, and ride safe. | ||
| Tootal |
We always asked our Sportster riding buddy's how they like riding a dirt bike? Now that I'm riding a Ulysses, who's riding the dirt bike!? It was all in jest. I wouldn't say that to a stranger though. I've ridden Jap, Limey, Kraut and Merican. All were great bikes in their day. Motorcycles are like wine and beer. If you like it then it's good! | ||
| Pwnzor |
Let me just say this about that: I've always loved Honda CB750's because the 1976 CB750F1 was my first bike. Before I got it, I couldn't wait to get a bike, any bike. When I got it, I loved it, rode the piss out of it to as many places as I could think of to go. In any weather, at any time of day or night. I've had several Honda CB-whatevers since then. Loved them all. As I look back over the pantheon of bikes, I can point to each of their flaws, but I remember the love I had for each of them. I've never been a Sportster guy, but knowing you and watching your travels from afar, I have seen that it is every bit of any bike you want it to be. It has taken you to far away places, seen things that others never will, and been very reliable along the way. When the motor grenaded on you, the Crusty Relay was instantly formed, and upon your return to the home-20 it rose from the ashes like the Phoenix and continues to churn out the miles, providing solace to it's owner and entertainment to countless readers who enjoy your posts from your various destinations. On top of that, it hangs in the twisties just fine, better than just fine, oversized hard bags and all. The Sportster has my respect. | ||
| 86129squids |
 ... As a 5.5 year HD/BUELL salesman, I've seen countless bikes fixed and farkled any which way, to the moon. You took that Sportster and made it into the SportCrust! Most HD buyers spend $$$ and make mods just for show, your build is for the GO, the long haul. And yes, your prowess in the twisties speaks to ability and comfort in the saddle. Sure hope I can make it to Suches. | ||
| 04buell |
My 2004 Silver Harley Custom 1200 was a great bike for distance. This was the first year the engine was rubber mounted and it was a smooth ride. Just after this was taken on Daytona Beach we added the hard bags to it that matched the bike. It looked like a mini dresser and I had plenty of room for the Necessary stuff. Can’t say much for the quality of the Harley Hard Bags. They had a tendency to come open while riding and I did lose some stuff on a couple rides. I say, ride what makes you feel the most comfortable. That’s what makes the riding life fun!,  | ||
| 04buell |
   We have had several bikes thru the years and they have all been “our favorites”. | ||
| 04buell |
  Hmmm. After going thru bike pictures, I am begging to think we may have a bike “fetish”. Haha. | ||
| 04buell |
 | ||
| Crusty |
Modifications & Magazines I’ve been looking at maps again and thinking about just how cold is the water of the Beaufort Sea in mid June? I could look it up, and probably will, but I’d really like to experience the sensation on my feet. Thinking about that leads me to think about what changes I want to make to the Roadster before I make that trip. I want to change a couple of mounting points on the saddlebag mounting brackets, and also put a couple of additional braces on them. Then I’d like to get them powder coated black. I also want to put an aircraft style gas cap (like my Buell Tubers had) on my gas tank. The stock gas cap makes a very loud clunk when I go over bumps, and it sounds like the front end is about to come off. I think I’d like to put an older style (late 70s / early 80s) front fender on it, as well. I think that would be better in the rain than the current fender is. Fork gaiters to help protect the tubes would also be a good idea. There are thousands of miles of dirt road I’ll have to traverse. Maybe some sort of headlight protector, as well. I think I’ll leave the belt on. Converting to chain drive is an awful lot of work, and I really prefer the belt. Of course, if I’m sitting on the side of the Dempster Highway with a broken belt, I’ll be thinking that not converting to a chain was a stupid idea. I’ll definitely be giving that a lot of thought. I also should start hitting the gym. The bike isn’t the only thing that needs modification to prepare for the trip. It wouldn’t hurt if I were to lose a bit of the excess lard I’m carrying around. Oh joy. Planet Fitness, here I come. I know that once I start hitting the gym daily, I’ll get into it. The ride North might just be motivation enough to get me off my dead ass and get me started. It’s no secret that I find the Harley 750 Street Rod appealing. I’ve mentioned it in a few different Snippets. I’ve looked at the Flat Track race bikes, looked at the Street 750, and I’ve checked out the Street Rod at Harley Dealerships and I spoke at length with a Harley Representative when I went to the Springfield Mile during Labor Day weekend. Cycle World did a comparison with an FZ-07 Yamaha, and while the Yamaha won, the Street Rod was a close second. Mike in Georgia sent me a copy of Motorcycle Consumer News that did a review of the Street Rod. They had absolutely nothing good to say about it. They went after the bike like CNN goes after Donald Trump. I’m not going to say much about MCN, but they also said that the Buell Blast was a total piece of crap and a Suzuki Savage was a better beginner’s bike. Having had wives who owned both, and a step daughter who rode a Blast from Massachusetts to East Troy, WI, I have a very opposite opinion. Their review of the Street Rod was so biased, it pushes me toward the bike even more. Kind of the way Motorcyclist magazine pushed me toward Buells when a Honda employee was the Editor-in-Chief. I distrust all magazines, any more. I read a few, but I take everything they say with more than a grain of salt. I'm still thinking about a Street Rod. Well; time to get a start on the day. | ||
| Ourdee |
Getting into shape? I have found the most important thing for me to do when I am slimming is to keep a food diary. Everything consumed is logged along with any headaches and weight morning and evening. I learned a lot from it. I did not realize before it that I consumed and forgot. Also found triggers for my headaches. | ||
| Zacks |
Round is a shape... | ||
| 04buell |
Zacks—-  That’s funny. | ||
| Crusty |
Crusty's Pickup   | ||
| Pwnzor |
Whatcha makin'? | ||
| Tootal |
You big stud you... | ||
| Hootowl |
I once carried two steel sb chevy heads home from the machine shop in a sea bag on my back riding an 83 shadow. I had to lay down to put the bag on my shoulders. Pretty f'ing stupid, but I was young and indestructible. I'm still immortal...so far. | ||
| 1313 |
Crusty - once again - is my hero! Why would someone talk down that bike? Or more importantly who TF cares what other's opinions are? I've had some people flat out tell me that they didn't like my bikes. I told them that's OK, because I didn't buy the the bikes I did to please anyone but me. Do everything you can with what you got - and be proud of what you can do! I have some similar pictures of crazy shenanigans with my XT-BOLT, but I'm more curious as to what Crusty is making too... So, Whatcha makin'? | ||
| Ourdee |
Tire tool not tall enough? | ||
| Pwnzor |
I once carried a 18 inch long plecostomus in my tank bag. Yes, it was alive, and yes it survived the 15 mile ride across town in a doubled up plastic bag, to his new home in another fish tank. Back to Crusty's DIY project indicated by 4x4's on the Roadster. What ya got there...? | ||
| Crusty |
Hopefully, I'll write a short Snippet about it in the morning. Tonight, I'm exhausted and I'll be in bed and asleep before 10:00. Real short version. I got a Home Depot gift card as a birthday / housewarming gift. I went to Home Depot to pick up a few things for the house. I bought a Riobi circular saw and some other stuff.. I got the 4x4s for free. I used one (I cut it with my new saw) to support the bed frame in the middle, as the feet aren't quite long enough to reach the floor. I just wanted to share the pictures I took of the bike with a load on. |
