| Author | Message | ||
     Ourdee |
I had planned on surprising John at the Springfield mile by showing up. No worries John, it ain't gonna happen. My wifes birthday is that week and I promised her earlier this year that we would go to Graceland. (She's an Elvis freak) I really wanted to get a flat track race in this year. Nibble some rib eye for me. | ||
| 1313 |
Why do the engineers at Hardley – Ableson make wheel removal and reassembly so difficult? When form is your #1 priority, function is a second (after) thought. Sounds pretty much like replacing the back wheel on my V-Rod... | ||
| 86129squids |
Hey Roadcrust, thanks for the stickers! Mailman just dropped them off. I'll BOLO to find you some good ones someday. | ||
| Crusty |
Prepping For The Mile The Roadster’s almost ready to head out on Saturday Morning. Then again, I might head out on Friday morning; I’m still wavering between whether it’s better to get there a day early and get a better camping spot, or whether it’s better to save a few bucks. I’ll make that call tomorrow. That gives my subconscious all night tonight, while I’m sleeping, to decide which way would be better. Naw; bullshit; I think I’ll just head out on Friday. I really don’t think an extra 25 bucks will hurt me that much. That’s about how much more it would cost me for the extra day (That includes camping and food). As I said, the Roadster’s almost ready. I just need to change the oil, and that’ll take all of half an hour. She’s wearing her new Conti Tour tires. They feel pretty good around town; this trip will let me know how they feel on the highway. I bought some Meguiars wax/ polish and went over the bike a few hours ago. She’s really looking pretty. I hope that doesn’t jinx things. Usually, when I put a really nice spit shine on the bike, it pours like hell and the poor bike gets covered in road phlegm. But that isn’t an absolute; sometimes the weather holds off. I thought about it and I figure that as pretty as she is, she’ll look good even if she isn’t sparkling clean. That Meguiars is some pretty nice stuff. It goes on easy and dries fast. And it looks really nice after going over it with a microfiber towel. My new handlebars got here today. They look exactly like the bars that are on the bike, except that they’re black. I’m not going to put them on until next week. I’m waiting for a set of grips to come in, then I’ll change them. The black is sort of a semi-gloss; it’s not quite flat black, and it definitely isn’t Glossy. The paint also has a rough texture. Not as rough as wrinkle, but rougher than usual. I think the bars will look good on the bike. You know; I just had a thought. If I head out Friday and take US route 50 west, I could stay at Kimmel Park in Vincennes, IN on the banks of the Wabash River. That way, I could avoid the Interstate all the way to Springfield. It’s a really strong temptation. While I’ve been typing this, it occurred to me that I haven’t put a whole lot of thought into this trip. I guess it’s because I’ve been to Springfield so many times, it’s become almost a routine. Well, as I said, I’ll sleep on it and see how things look in the morning. After the West Virginia Buell Rally, I had my tent drying out in the sun room. I got it all folded and rolled up into its stuff sack yesterday. It’s sitting with the sleeping bag and pad and they can be on the bike in literally a matter of minutes. A couple of changes of clothes, some tools and rain gear and, of course, the laptop in the bags, and that will be all that’s necessary. (Yes, Gale, I’ll bring my camera, sunglasses, hat and cane) And the tickets. I don’t want to forget the tickets. If I think of it, I’m going to time myself and see just how long it takes me to be fully packed. It looks like this will be the final race I’ll get to see live this year. Actually, the final two races. There’s a singles short track on Saturday night, as well as The Mile on Sunday. I was playing with the idea of going to the mile at the Meadowlands in New Jersey, but that was before I decided to go to Colorado and Idaho. I don’t think I’ll be back in time and I don’t think I’ll have the money to go if I am back in time. I’m planning to take the Parade Lap of the track on Sunday. Just riding around the track is a rush. It’s a gas at 70 MPH; I can only imagine what it’s like at twice that speed. The other thing I’m really looking forward to is the Rib Eye Sandwiches from Coleman’s. They have the best rib eyes and are worth leaving the grandstands to get one or two. If you should go, their stand is in front of the Grandstands up toward turn four. The quality and flavor of their beef is miles above Turasky’s (the vendor inside the Grandstands). I’m hoping to eat a few sandwiches on Sunday. One each for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They’re that good. Speaking of dinner, it’s time to start cooking tonight’s repast. Later. | ||
| 04buell |
Crusty, we are just south of Effingham and northwest of Vincennes. We are gonna be here, we have a spare room and you are more than welcome to stay with us a night. It’s two hours from Springfield from our house. I will even throw a steak or two on the grill. Dukie loves company!!! | ||
| Crusty |
Jerry; You've got mail. | ||
| Tootal |
Option #2. If you ride 50 to 4 you can ride North to Springfield. During the ride up 4 there are several places you can turn off and ride the original concrete of Route 66. They go off into corn fields, made a 90 degree turn and head back to 4. It's a fun ride on the old pavement and shows how roads back then went around property lines. Maybe see Jerry on the way there and ride 4/66 on the way home. Besides if you don't have to be home on Monday, at the intersection of Highways 4 and 40 you are five minutes from my house. Your welcome to hang here for an evening. I'm sure we can find BBQ! | ||
| Crusty |
Greg; in another couple of weeks, I'll be heading out for Colorado and Idaho. I've been thinking that would be a good time to stop by and chase some good BBQ and hopefully borrow a couch for the evening. I'll be riding US 50 all the way from Cincinnati to Montrose, CO. which should be an interesting trip. And, if you're busy that weekend, I could always stop on my way back. | ||
| Tootal |
Let me know, you're always welcome. I am planning to ride the road couch down to Georgia before my snow bird friends go back to Florida but exact dates are not scheduled so give me your dates and I'll work around them. Sounds like an awesome trip. I've ridden 50 to Colorado before. I enjoyed it so much I did it again! | ||
| Crusty |
How does Friday, Sept. 14 sound? I'll let you pick the BBQ joint. | ||
| Tootal |
Perfect. My brother's retirement party is on the 13th and I was going to hold off leaving until after that so what's a day matter. I'll leave around noon on Saturday as I usually stop in Nashville for the night. That'll work out great! | ||
| 04buell |
Crusty! Sorry you aren’t gonna make it to visit. We were really looking forward to it BUT......there’s always next time! (Carol) I’ll put the steaks back into the freezer!! | ||
| Crusty |
Migraines “Life is what happens while you’re making other plans”. Once again, that little saying proves true. Today did not go like I was expecting it to. I was going to head out this morning on US Rt 50 and was going to overnight at Jerry and Carol’s house. Instead, I got a migraine. And it was a bad one. I knew it was going to be a bad one when I started vomiting. That doesn’t happen when the headache is mild to moderate. I spent most of the day doing nothing. The pain has eased now, but I won’t be over it completely until Sunday. I’ll be able to function tomorrow and my head won’t hurt unless I exert myself or sneeze or if I move it quickly. I’ve had migraines all my life. I’ve seen many doctors and tried many different drugs, but none of them have worked. I finally gave up and resigned myself to the fact that there was nothing that would work on them when I tried one of the new rash of drugs back in the mid 90s. I also tried various migraine drugs in the 70s and 80s. I got a migraine and took Sumatriptan, and within minutes, the headache escalated into one of my worst in decades. Migraine cures work on different people in different ways. It’s always been a case of, “Well, this drug works for 80, 70, 40% (the number varies), so let’s try it. None ever worked for me. I went to the renowned Headache Center at the Faulkner Hospital just outside Boston on a regular basis for months. I had every test they could think of. I tried relaxation therapy and self hypnosis. I charted times of occurrence and possible triggers. I watched my diet. I even gave up coffee for a while. The end result was the same as if I’d never gone. Over the years, my migraines have tended to be not as bad as when I was younger. The intensity of the pain varies from almost delirium to nonexistent. I have no way of knowing how bad the headache is going to be until it’s in full swing. My migraines have cost me several jobs, over the years. People just don’t understand how sick they make me. Even friends who know me well don’t understand. I’ve had two friends who had their first migraine after they’d known me for a while and they both said the same thing. They didn’t realize just how bad they were until that first one. Other migraine sufferers know, but the general population doesn’t have a clue. Last year, I was really looking forward to the West Virginia Buell Rally. On the day I was supposed to go, I got a bad one. I never made the rally. The funny part is that when Roy (Adrenaline Junkie) and I were talking about it, I couldn’t remember why I didn’t go. I knew I was sick, but I couldn’t remember the details. When he said that I’d had a migraine, then it came back to me. I was looking forward to seeing Jerry and Carol (and Duke, of course). I had the route to their house pretty much memorized. I even printed out the directions and put them in a ziplock bag, to make sure I didn’t get lost. I guess I’ll just save them for next Memorial Day. In the meantime, I hope I feel well enough to head out for Springfield in the morning. I have a favorite coffee mug that says, WINTER SUCKS in bold letters. However, winter doesn’t suck nearly as much as a Migraine. If you get them, you know what I mean. If you’re lucky enough to be migraine free, you don’t understand. But this is true: MIGRAINES SUCK. } | ||
| Ourdee |
I get them. My doctor knows what I OD on to get rid of them. He just looked at me when I told him what worked for me. I asked if be had any advice. He told me I was going to take the pills no matter what he said so he didn't have any thing to say. I couldn't remember anything from the migraines. An extensive journal is how I finally figured out the aural shimmery clues that one was coming on. If I take the meds. before the pain, I am just wiped out but, escape the pain. | ||
| 86129squids |
RD, John, here's hoping those bitches leave you alone. https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2018/05/ 18/612296263/new-type-of-drug-to-prevent-migraines -heads-to-market I'm learning what to do with plantar fasciitis. What I know about migraines is that I'm glad not to have them. | ||
| 86129squids |
And, not that it may help, have you guys seen the movie pi? Part of the plot involves horrible migraines, plus global conspiracies and sci-fi. It even has the old man from Clockwork Orange in it. One of my fave weird movies, and everyone knows I'm all about weird movies.  (Message edited by 86129squids on September 01, 2018) | ||
| Crusty |
A Bit Disappointed I’m not going to make it to Springfield. My head feels like a watermelon that was dropped from a second story window. It’s a bit disappointing, but I can watch the races on my laptop. I guess I won’t set a personal record for race attendance this year. Oh, well. I’m going to keep a low profile, today. If I can muster the enthusiasm, I’ll go out and get some thin sliced rib eye steaks and make my own rib eye sandwiches to eat tomorrow. To do that, though, I’ll have to unpack the bike. She’s all set to go. Maybe I’ll feel better this afternoon. Well; there’s always next year. Or somethin’. | ||
| Zac4mac |
I share your pain John. In 2009, I managed to persuade my boss to let me have time off to go to East Troy for the "One Last Ride". Bike was all packed and ready to go, woke up the next morning with the flu. Spent a week on the couch under a couple of blankets. At least I got a sticker for the Uly.... Z | ||
| 04buell |
Crusty! That sucks!! I used to have migraines so bad that my doctor wrote me prescriptions for Vicoden by the 100’s. I also visited a neurologist in St Louis that gave me meds that helped a little. But what helped the most was rest and a blanket over my head. They have all but stopped now and I feel so fortunate. I cannot feel Bad Enough for you. Hope you feel better soon. (Carol) You just need to come visit some time when you feel like a ride!! | ||
| Tootal |
Well I hope you're on the mend Crusty. I hate to hear that. I know I've missed out on a few trips over the years but it was from the flu instead of migraines. I feel blessed that I've never had a migraine as my Grandmother used to get them and I saw what it did to her. I also think that sometimes things like this happen for a reason. It's like missing a plane and you're all upset until the news anchor tells you that flight you missed just crashed! | ||
| 86129squids |
 Sure hope you get to feeling better, Crusticle. Heck- you're retired, just leave the bike packed until you feel good again, throw a dart at a map, and head out! | ||
| Crusty |
Watching and Waiting and Watching In a few hours, the live streaming coverage of the Springfield Mile will start. Since I’m not going to be there to see it in person, I’ve taken a few steps to compensate for that. Yesterday afternoon, I went to Wassler Meats, a local butcher shop and bought three thin sliced ribeye steaks for sandwiches. Wassler has sold me the best steak I’ve eaten since moving to Cincinnati. The crazy part is that their price is lower per pound than the price Kroger charges for a similar cut. Kroger is a huge national supermarket chain, for those who don’t know. To be fair, Wassler charges a little bit more for pork chops, but they’re also tastier. Anyhow, I’m going to have ribeye sandwiches while watching The Mile. I watched the short track Singles races last night. I will say that the next time I go to Springfield, I won’t be buying an advance ticket for either the Short Track or the TT races. I may decide to go, but not until later in the evening. Just as I don’t really want to see a Little League baseball game when I go to Fenway Park to see the Red Sox, I have no interest in watching the seven year olds racing 50cc bikes when I go to see National Caliber Riders. I find it annoying to hear the announcer say, “This is race number 45” early in the evening. I have nothing against amateur racing, just as I have nothing against Little League Baseball, but I don’t really want to travel 300 miles to watch it and I don’t believe it belongs on the same program. It diminishes the event. My migraine is finally gone. My head is still a bit sensitive, but I feel human again. I hope I don’t get another like that one for a very long time. Never again sounds like the right amount of time to me. I got the new handgrips for my new handlebars yesterday. I think I’ll put the new bars on tomorrow. The Roadster is looking better and better with each little change. If I ever get all the changes accomplished, I’ll probably get a new bike and I’ll have to start over. I’ve thought long and hard about it, and I do want a new bike. There are enough positive changes in the new Roadsters to make it worthwhile to me. I’m going to think on it some more, but I’ll probable buy a new, leftover Roadster (so I get a full warranty at a slightly reduced price) next February or March. I’ll ride it with minimal changes for a while, but it will be getting a serious makeover as time goes on. A major part of owning a motorcycle is making it MY idea of an ideal bike. My idea of an ideal bike is constantly changing, so no bike will ever be finished. I’ve never achieved that goal and never will, but it sure is rewarding to make the attempt. Well; gotta set up the BBQ grill so I can have some tasty slabs of animal flesh while watching some of the most skillful motorcycle racers in the world ride around in circles. | ||
| Robertl |
Glad to hear you are feeling better John. Mine started after sinus surgery back in 2007 and seem to be caused by acid re-flux. The only solution for me is ice packs on face/head, quietness, darkness, and time. Typically I am down for the day. | ||
| Tootal |
How does Friday, Sept. 14 sound? I'll let you pick the BBQ joint. https://www.pappyssmokehouse.com/ Pappy has several Harley's all built by my friend Gary Duckworth. | ||
| 04buell |
Was it you Tootal, that has the friend that has the BBQ Joint in Iuka Illinois? Smoked to the Bone. We still havent made it there but it’s on the wish list. There is an Ice Cream Korner there as well that is awesome. | ||
| Tootal |
Yes, and I still haven't made it out there. It would be nice if the weather cooled off since I'd much rather ride out there instead of drive. If that ever happens I'll let you know. | ||
| Crusty |
Good Intentions “The Road to Hell is paved with Good Intentions”. I first heard that back in grammar school. I had good intentions yesterday when I went to change out the handlebars on the Roadster. I went to Harbor Freight and bought a set of soft straps in the morning. I didn’t want to hurt anything on the bike while I worked on it. But I wasn’t watching as close as I should have. I put the strap around the lower triple tree and it also went around the metal tubing of the brake line to the left brake caliper. When I tightened everything up, the brake line broke at the diverter block. I didn’t notice it at first. I was busy taking the Master cylinder, clutch lever and switch housings off the bars. When I took the right side switch apart to remove the throttle sleeve, I saw that the idle cable was broken. Then I saw the dripping brake fluid. So I finished swapping out the bars. I tried calling the Harley shop, but they were closed for Labor Day. So, I went online to Ronnie’s H-D Parts microfiche and looked up the part numbers for everything I’m going to need. When the shops all open at 10:00, I’m going to start calling and hopefully, one of them will have all the parts that I need. I do have to say that the new bars do look really good on the bike, though. Once I get the brake line and idle cable swapped out, the bike will be running and looking sweet. In The Dark We had a hellacious thunderstorm come through a short while ago. It was raining so hard that I couldn’t see three houses away. The thunder was loud and constant and the lightning was striking about once every second or two. I got a text from Duke Energy (my electric company) saying that power would be restored in a little over two hours. So I guess I might as well write a Snippet. Besides, now I’ll find out how long this new laptop will run on battery power. The Roadster is back up and running properly. It cost me almost a hundred and fifty bucks for the parts. I sure do miss Buell parts pricing. Erik liked to keep parts at a reasonable price. However, I didn’t skimp on any of the necessary parts. I had to go to two different dealerships to get everything. The first one I went to had the brake line, but not the idle cable. The second shop had the cable and the crush washers for the banjo fittings. I also needed the little plastic hoops that hold the wiring for the switches to the handlebar. I had the broken brake line and the idle cable replaced before noon, but it took almost three hours to get the damned brake line bled. It just didn’t want to be cooperative. But I got it, eventually. Once the bike was completely back together, I went over to the quarter car wash with a can of Gunk and cleaned all the fluid off the bike. I’m glad it uses DOT 5 fluid; that won’t eat the paint like DOT 3 will. With the new black bars, the Roadster is looking better all the time. I think the next item will be either a black Handlebar clamp, or a black air cleaner cover. That won’t be for a while, though. I had to charge the parts on my credit card. I hated to do that, but it was necessary. I just realized that I never posted the Snippet that I wrote early yesterday morning. I guess I’ll make this a twofer. It probably won’t go out until later tonight or tomorrow morning. With the power out, I have no internet. I hope they get it up and going faster than anticipated. It’ll probably take longer, though. Oh! The Trials and Tribulations of living in these Modern Times! And speaking of Modern Times, I haven’t seen the Charlie Chaplin movie with that name for quite some time. I’d plug it into the DVD player, but the power’s out. The rain has stopped altogether, but it’s still overcast, so it’s getting dark. I’m glad I have all these LED lights handy. Maybe I’ll read a book or look at some maps when I finish writing this. Or maybe I’ll just grab a chair and sit out on the front porch. On second thought, I won’t. The rain has started back up. Well; everything should be back to normal in another hour or so. I hope. | ||
| Ourdee |
May have to put a chair in the tent dryer. | ||
| Crusty |
May have to put a chair in the tent dryer. I have a story about that. Remind me to tell you about it sometime... | ||
| Buellish |
"Remind me to tell you about it sometime..." Hey,when did Court take over this discussion? |
