Troubadour on a Tiger

2012 Floods

2012-01-21T18:03:00.000-08:00

We have been experiencing some serious rainfall this past week which has resulted in major flooding that this area hasn't seen since 1996. We haven't lived in Oregon that long but in the past 11 years we have seen our share of flooding and it has been nothing like this. I've experienced road closures, I've seen farmer's fields flood and I've chased water at a nursery I used to work trying to divert water away from everything. I've even attempted a water crossing on Lucy about this time last year but that's another story. We experienced an unseasonably dry, cold December and now we are paying for it with not only high water levels but with landslides and roads washing away.

Online photo courtesy of the Corvallis Gazette Times

The local newspapers are posting up stories everyday with photos showing the high water, reporting road closures and keeping us all updated of what is happening throughout the valley.

http://www.gazettetimes.com/news/local/rains-send-earth-moving/article_6d82891a-433c-11e1-bab4-0019bb2963f4.html

Some residents have been evacuated from their homes due to landslides while others simply have to deal with their homes flooding.

Online photo courtesy of the Corvallis Gazette Times

http://www.gazettetimes.com/news/local/the-flood-of/article_96c74746-4339-11e1-be3a-0019bb2963f4.html

The Linn County Sheriff came by my work last week looking for empty grass seed bags to use for sandbags which they offer free to anyone who needs them.

http://www.gazettetimes.com/news/state-and-regional/homeowners-authorities-battle-rising-ore-rivers/article_009399ee-28ac-5055-bfa3-d3d4acf4a0f0.html

There was one accident last week claiming the life of a mother and her child when the car they were riding in was swept into a creek.

http://www.oregonlive.com/weather/index.ssf/2012/01/oregon_winter_storm_mother_and.html

While another driver tried to cross some high water and soon discovered that it was not such a good idea.

Online photo courtesy of the Corvallis Gazette Times

http://www.gazettetimes.com/news/local/woman-rescued-from-atop-her-car-in-flooded-creek/article_3eef0c12-4419-11e1-8eb1-001871e3ce6c.html

More articles and record breaking flood levels.

http://www.kgw.com/news/local/Benton-Co-nears-record-flood-levels-137703768.html

Rick Rick even went out and took these photos around his neighborhood and of some of our favorite riding roads, thanks Rick.

Photo courtesy of my friend Rick

We are fortunate as we don't live in the flood plain and have not been affected by the high water and are safe as are many of our friends. I was a bit inconvenienced this afternoon as I had to ride Lucy home on the main highway instead of the backroads but the sun was shining and I stayed dry.

Here is a link to many YouTube videos regarding the flood of 2012:

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=corvallis+flood+2012&oq=corvallis+flood+2012&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&gs_sm=e&gs_upl=4099l4099l0l4527l1l1l0l0l0l0l76l76l1l1l0

These roads are just south of our house. This is not me, just a video I found online, but I wonder if it is the same guy in Rick's picures.

An aerial video from the Gazette Times.

I hope everyone is safe out there, be careful and stay dry.

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Bah! snow!

2012-01-16T18:30:00.000-08:00

We don't get snow around here very often so when it does everyone screams like a giddy schoolgirl, news broadcasters post dramatic headlines like "Winter Blast 2012" and send reporters out in toques and mittens to show the trapped viewers at home how dangerous and treacherous it is outside while using words like 'dangerous' and 'treacherous' and every year it makes me think of this parody video, enjoy.

http://youtu.be/37tIGLPadQo?t=5s

It only snowed about a half inch here and less than a skiff elsewhere, hardly a winter blast at all. I grew up with snow and had to shovel snow from the roof of the house, dig out my car and have driven over mountain passes in whiteouts so it is somewhat amusing when an inch of snow here shut down schools and creates a state of emergency.

Sprag Clutch

2012-01-10T19:56:00.000-08:00

I rented a trailer Saturday, loaded up Lucy and went to Saturday morning coffee to tell my story before going to the Triumph shop.

Of course, nobody wanted to leave the comfort and warmth of the coffee shop to come outside and assess the situation except for Andy. You can always count on Andy and I do value and appreciate his vast knowledge on damn near everything, (remember he discovered and came to my rescue regarding my rear wheel bearings).
We thumbed the starter, confirmed the battery was flat and headed next door to Les Schwab to jump start the bike. Unfortunately the starter just skipped and spun, when it did catch she just wouldn't start and Andy recommended we take it to Rod, so we were off to Eugene.

I received the phone call from the shop today with the diagnosis on Lucy's ailment.

See the white Tiger 1050? Yeah, me too.

These calls always start with good news, Louis said he charged the battery and she was running.

"You did not just say that" I said. "I had it on the charger overnight, tried bump starting it and attempted a jump start with Schwab's service truck".

He fessed up and said he did fiddle with a few things, "adjusted a sensor", unplugged the headlights and the starter kept spinning but when it did eventually catch she started.

Now the bad news.

She needs a new Sprag clutch as these were a defective part on these motors and a new updated part would require a modification to the cover. Since I am not an expert on the fine art of modifying clutch/engine covers I gave him the go ahead to order the part and replace it. I did discuss this possible scenario with my CFO last night and she pre-approved the necessary funds if need be. The battery has a lifetime warranty and I will go back to the shop Saturday to have that replaced and talk to Louis in person to get a better idea of what he found.

Here is a little write up of the work required from Bowl of Mice.

From Clegg of Triumphrat.net

She's a bit tempermental

2012-01-03T20:35:00.000-08:00

Separation anxiety in dogs is one thing, but in bikes too? She didn't pee on the garage floor or tear up my favorite pair of boots but she definitely showed her discontent this morning for me leaving her in the garage over the four day weekend.

I suited up and rolled her out of garage this morning to go to work and she wasn't going to have any part of it. I thumbed the starter and just as she was about to fire, I let go and that was that. the starter would spin but not engage. C'mon baby, don't be like that. Zuhzuhzuhzuhzuhzuhzuhzuhzuh ziiiiiiinnnnnnnnng, zuhzuhzuhzuhzuh ziiiiiiinnnnnnnnng, zuhzuhzuhzuhzuh ziiiiiiinnnnnnnnng. NOOOOoooooooooooooooo!!!

Maybe the mystical hamster is out of alignment, put her in gear, push, rock, push, clutch in aaaaaand zuhzuhzuhzuhzuh ziiiiiiinnnnnnnnng, zuhzuhzuh ziiiiiiinnnnnnnnng, zuh ziiiiiiinnnnnnnnng, ziiiiiiinnnnnnnnng.

%&*%#@#%*! ^&*#$%@! @#$#*&^@! Bad Kitteh! Bad, bad, bad kitteh! Back in the garage you go and I'll take Max, how do you like that? And you can just sit here alone all day.

When I got home tonight I thought I'd go give her a scratch and see if she learned anything from her childish antics this morning and an extended time out. Well, at least the starter is engaging and trying to turn over but she still won't start.
What's the matter baby? Not feeling well? C'mon you can do it, let's go play. It's warm and dry out.

No? FFFFFFFFFFINE! I can only attribute it to the timing which is beyond my diagnostic ability as I don't know whether it is mechanical, electrical (no, I didn't let the smoke out) or computer ECU magic. So off to the vet she goes this weekend and my new year starts off with a repair bill. Yea!

She's a bit tempermental.

Stay tuned, it'll be a couple of weeks before I'll get the diagnosis.

Happy New Year 2012

2012-01-02T18:59:00.000-08:00

Did anyone get the number of that bus? Was it 2011? It sure went by fast, in fact I'm a day late posting this.

Last year started off with a Polar Bear ride to test our mettle, this year there was a ride planned but everyday is a polar bear ride for me.

I decided to tackle the last room of the house to be remodeled instead. We wanted to knock out the back wall of a back to back closet and make our master bedroom larger by taking over the extra closet in a spare bedroom. It's been a busy weekend of moving furniture, breaking down walls rebuilding walls, scraping ceilings and tearing up carpeting. Unfortunately the project turned out to be bigger than my weekend. I see a few evenings and weekends of the new year being reserved for awhile. Better to clear chores from the honey-do list now than in prime riding season.

I hope 2012 is as good if not better than 2011, everyone had a happy and joyous holiday season and here is wishing you all a prosperous happy new year.

My post script from 2011:

P.S. - I've never tracked my annual mileage as others have so that can be my resolution for 2011. Yesterday's ride was 120 miles, subtracted from my current odometer reading of 24,156 makes my official 2011 odometer login reading of 24,036.
I can, however, calculate the 3198 miles I put on the Tiger since I purchased it on 9/22 with 20,958 miles on the clock. Which means I averaged 31.6 miles per day, not bad for buying a bike on the first day of autumn eh? At that rate, I would average 11,557 miles per year, but a more realistic goal would be putting my 2012 odometer reading well into the 40K mile mark.

I did come up short of my prediction, quite short indeed as I did not pass my 40k mile goal and only reached 34,574 miles last year (10,538 miles logged for 2011 equals 28.9 miles per day). I can only contribute this to a very wet Spring as the rain did not let up until July.

Happy New Year!

Happy Solstice

2011-12-23T00:05:00.000-08:00

We just got back from a Winter Solstice party, we drank some wine, danced in the clear, cold, dark night, named and anointed a mighty oak tree, offered libations, we all said a few words then drank some more wine.

It was great getting together with friends we hadn't seen in sometime and catching up on what's going on with everyone.

And if the days start getting longer tomorrow, then all the better.

Happy Holidays everyone!

Seattle Motorcycle Show 2011

2011-12-20T21:52:00.000-08:00

Another show, another weekend and another year has come and gone. While many mark the year end with all that holiday fuss, I much prefer to note it with much less stressful events like meeting fellow bloggers in Seattle for the weekend and taking in a motorcycle show.

This is our third consecutive year attending the show and every year it is in someway just a little bit different, each year we try a new hotel and of course new restaurants. Not everyone can always make it to the show every year so I'll give all of you much more notice next year.

We drove up Friday afternoon and arrived early enough to wander around town and find some dinner before Bobskoot and Mrs. Skoot arrived. Bob was anxious to go down to Pike Place Market and snap some night photos before they shut off the lights. We played around down there for an hour or more until they kicked us out by threatening to call the police on us.

This couple came out of the restaurant and into my shot, I don't think they saw me standing there but it made a great photo.

Bob on the other hand, you have to be quick to catch him.

Saturday morning it was rise and shine, bright and early to get down to the lobby for the continental breakfast and to beat the crowd. We had our fill and chatted with Bob and Yvonne before heading down to the motorcycle show.

We met up with SonjaM and Roland as well as Orin, another blogger difficult to catch on camera.

The venue this year was at the Washington State Convention Center in downtown Seattle which made it very convenient to find somewhere to eat, sneak in a little shopping, see the sights and for its close proximity to our hotels. It has been held at Qwest Field the past few years which is a bit out of the way and a bit of a walk if you want to do anything after the show. The Convention Center in my opinion is a much better location as the show was set up in different rooms which spread the crowd a bit and reduced the noise opposed to the one big stadium. Tully's Coffee was in the house to provide sustenance and restrooms were plentiful.

Moving to the show and the motorcycles.

Aurora Suzuki dealer was present with the redesigned 2012 V-Strom 650.

Triumph was there with the bike I most wanted to see, the Tiger Explorer 1200.

It isn't as big as I expected nor as heavy but at 539 lbs. wet it took some heft to get her off the side stand. It is so similar in size to Lucy that it would make a great tourer across country but I'd be reluctant to take it too far off the beaten path. Although the Explorer has shaft drive, ride by wire and traction control I still much prefer the Tiger 800.

2012 Triumph Street Triple in Imperial Purple

Tiger 800... Bob says he's already on the darkside but could be easily persuaded darker.

Even Harley fans are "Tri-curious", wait is he an H-D rep?

A BMW dealer was there with a couple of bikes and the BMW R 1200 R. and WOW is that a nice bike. I may have to change my 7 bikes for 7 days choices, unfortunately I couldn't get a picture.

Kawasaki had a large presence as well as Honda, Star/Yamaha, Ducati, Victory, Can-Am and Harley Davidson whether as manufacturers or dealers. Not to mention the vendors that braved the "poor economy" to show up and those poor scantily clad models who couldn't afford full skirts and had holes in their stockings yet always offer a smile.

I had to laugh as the young lady was teaching kids how to paint bikes. I told one guy to hide the paint cans in his garage or he'd come home to a freshly "look daddy" painted bike.

My babysitter never looked like that!

Needless to say we all had a great time at the show and it was off to lunch with the moto-bloggers.

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International Moto-Bloggers Convention 2012

2011-12-17T23:12:00.000-08:00

Stories from the first IMBC in 2010 are still circulating to this day.

Is anyone interested in getting together next summer for IMBC2012?

My Favourite Five

2011-12-11T11:55:00.000-08:00

Roger Fleming of All Things Rogey posted the following challenge:

Well the year is drawing to a close very fast, Christmas will be upon us in just a days. So here is a little challenge for you. Post your five favourite photos of 2011. Tell us why you like them. It could just be you like the pic or it could be more personal or of great meaning to you. The only rule is that you have to have been the one who took them, and there must be at least one of you.

While going through our photos from the past year it was interesting to see which photos I actually took opposed to which photos Trobairitz took. That narrowed the search considerably since she bought a camera this year and I now rely on her to document our adventures through photos. Everytime I turn around she is off snapping pictures while I'm busy checking the map, setting up camp, rustling around in the saddlebags for something or taking care of important business. She is just quicker to get the camera out.

Anyway, here are my five and why:

On the Range

I took this photo trying to mimic a photo that Irondad took of my bike alone during my first audit of the Team Oregon class. This one is of both our bikes where he was the instructor and my mentor during my second audit. The beginning to what I hope is a long and rewarding journey teaching motorcyclist the fundamentals of riding.

Behind every great man is a woman rolling her eyes.

This covers the one photo of me (and my best friend). We were in San Francisco for her birthday, walking down the stairway from Coit Tower and Telegraph Hill. It was early in the day so morale was still high. The day ended after an 11+ mile walk around SF... good times.

She always wanted to see an aircraft carrier.

This was the next day was spent in Alameda on the USS Hornet. There are many photos of her goofing around when put on the spot, but more so I love her laugh and shy embarrassed grin that follow these impromptu poses.

Crater Lake

This one is on our first moto-camping trip together to Crater Lake, we've been on overnight trips but this was our first self-contained camping trip on the bikes. A great accomplishment for her, showing how much her riding has improved during the year and how proud I am of her.

Triangle Lake

This is another of those goofy pictures that make me laugh. I was busy heating water for tea so we could warm up during a cold autumn ride while she had wondered out on the boat dock. I looked up to notice her reflection in the water. The lake is rarely this quiet and calm so this time of year was perfect to stop and enjoy the scenery.

Here is wishing everyone a happy and successful 2012 and thank you to Roger for the challenge and having us reflect on our ups, downs, appreciations and accomplishments of 2011.

Somebody stop me

2011-12-02T12:13:00.000-08:00

I have to either find some way to fund this little project or someone to talk me down. I want to marry these two Craigslist buys together:

Stella Scooter Tangerine 2 stroke - 235 miles! - $2400 (Canby)

Date: 2011-11-27, 12:16PM PST

Selling my beloved 2005 Genuine Stella Scooter 150 cc. 4 speed. Only 235 miles! I bought it this summer, but now have to part with it because of a job loss. I am the 2nd owner, original owner bought it in 2006 and only put 70 miles on it, then let it sit. New battery, Tags are good until 2013, everything works perfect except the gas gauge (common with stella). Some minor light scratches. No dents, never downed.

Clear title, cash only.

annnnnd....

Cozy Scooter Sidecar - $800 (Oregon City)

Date: 2011-11-25, 11:33AM PST

Cozy scooter sidecar. Purchased from Scooterworks in 2005. All metal body, 12" wheel and tire, windshield, locking trunk, luggage rack, tonneau cover, folding passenger top, and mounting brackets for Stella or P/PX Vespas. Actually will fit most classic Vespas (the Cozy sidecar site has additional information on all compatible models). Will fit the new 4T as well as the 2T Stella. In good condition with some minor signs of wear from 5 years light use. The chrome rack and sidebar show some corrosion and will need replating or painting. The orange color matches the orange Stellas of the middle 2000's. Asking $800.

Except now I've discovered Scoot.net classifieds.

Year/Make/Model	2008 Stella with sidecar
Description	Stella has less than 1200 miles. Sidecar has less than 300 miles. It's in great shape and runs perfectly. Easily rides with two grown adults at approx. 45MPH. Gets about 50-60 MPG. $4,000 OBO.
Location	Baton Rouge, Louisiana

This one is way out of my budget.

Year/Make/Model	Vespa GS150 VS5
Description	Vespa GS150 VS5 with rare vintage side car. Full mechanical rebuild and paint by Tonka Bay scooters about 8 years ago. Runs near perfect. Paint is nicer then factory. Coverted to a very reliable non-battery VBB system. Probably one of the coolest/nicest vintage Vespa side car rigs in the US. Runs straight and strong. E-mail me for more pics or questions. $10,000.00
Location	Tonka Bay, Minnesota

But if someone would buy these so I won't, that would certainly help. Thanks.

How and Why did you get into Motorbikes?

2011-12-01T22:10:00.000-08:00

The question asked by Gary France of Flies in your Teeth: How and Why did you get into Motorbikes?
Way to get bloggers posting and thinking.

I have to think way back to when I was just a toddler, my first motorcycle memory has to be of a plastic riding toy motorcycle I received for Christmas. From there it was tricycles, to bicycles then to riding everywhere. Back in the days when kids could take off all day, not worry about stranger dangers and not come home until the streetlights came on. I went through several bicycles as a kid and putting baseball cards with a clothespin in the spokes before upgrading to a toy throttle Rev Maker.

I so want one of these.

My first experience with an actual motorcycle had to be about the age of nine or ten when a childhood friend let my brother and I ride his Briggs & Stratton type mini bike around the yard. I was hooked.

We would ride our bicycles down to a wooded area at the edge of town where the older kids would ride their dirt bikes and if we were lucky they would take us younger kids for a ride to try to scare us, it only made me want a dirt bike even more. The closest motorcycle shop was Sid's Cycle, a Yamaha dealership just outside of town along a major highway that we weren't allowed to ride our bicycles along so we would get down there by bus instead.

My brother and I must have begged, pleaded and annoyed our parents enough that the best Christmas I had was when we found a brand new Yamaha 80 Enduro under the tree.

My parents would take us down to a newly developed industrial park on the weekend where my brother and I would fight over who's turn it was to ride round and round and round the park for hours and hours. I never got bored with that bike and rode it everywhere until I finally outgrew it and I was too big to ride it.

I went a couple of years without a bike and got into trucks instead but when I finally finished high school and scraped some money together I bought a bike.

A fully dressed 1975 Honda CB750Four, she was a heavy girl and not a wise choice for a first bike. I never crashed but I wasn't a very proficient rider either. I sold it a year later and for awhile I was financially forced to go bikeless.

It wasn't until I met Brandy that I got another bike and never went without again. I bought a Suzuki GS550, it was nice and got me back in the saddle but it didn't satisfy my need for speed so I bought an '84 Honda Magna V45 instead.

Look familiar Motorcycle Man?

I discovered touring and never looked back.

And the why? That's easy, if I don't ride I get grumpy, riding is therapy.

December to Remember

2011-11-23T19:04:00.000-08:00

My wife will not be surprising me with a brand new Lexus in the living room this Christmas...

I am the 99 %

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Doubts About Roudabouts

2011-11-16T15:54:00.000-08:00

You want to instill fear into the motoring public? Public Service Announcements and graphic drunk driving films have little effect, these aren't even broadcast on television in the US. Threats of new laws, fees and fines... ha, that doesn't even faze them.

If you really want to instill fear into the motoring public, mention a roundabout.

Read the article here.

Holy shit!!! You'd think the world was ending in an apocalyptic, horrific, fiery ball of destruction.

This intersection is currently a Northbound and Southbound street (53rd) with Eastbound and Westbound traffic stopping at stop signs. The speed limit on 53rd is 45 mph.

The comments in the local paper make for an interesting read to say the least.

- "I developed an extreme hatred of roundabouts driving in Bend. The Europeans can keep them."

- "The engineer study on this project shows an increase in emissions by placing a roundabout. I was at the meeting when this was discussed. We are not in Europe folks. If you want this move there."

- "Can you imagine four cars traveling at 45 MPH entering this proposed interesection at the same time? Haven't we learned from the fiasco out on the bypass not to listen at all to any advice given the bicycle and pedestrian committee?

Does anyone in Corvallis government have a lick of common sense? Put a (cheaper) stoplight there and call it good."

Way to bury your head in the sand and believe me, there are plenty of stoplights in Corvallis, in fact another one was just installed down the street and the last thing we need is another traffic light. All of them are actuated by sensors, none of them are timed and I suggest the city change their motto to
"Welcome to Corvallis, Home of the Stoplight. Enjoy your Stay".
And where are these people getting this idea that the speed limit will remain at 45 mph entering a roundabout?

I am going to speculate, prejudge and stereotype here. I suspect that the majority of drivers opposed to roundabouts have never used them, don't know how to use them and if they have, panicked and used them incorrectly. Maybe they are simply terrified of having to finally use their turn signals.

Although there is now graduated licensing in Oregon, years ago once you turned 16 years of age, passed a written and short driving test you received your license. So this makes me believe that the majority opposed are over the age of 40, 50 or 60 and have never been re-tested or looked into further driver education. These people have been driving for 25 to 50+ years without ever having to better themselves or their driving behaviour. As roundabouts are a fairly new concept in the US have they recently been added to the Oregon Driving Manual. Now I know that as motorcyclists we are always learning, taking riding courses, signing up for clinics and track days to improve our skills. Right?

These same people are simply unfamiliar with roundabouts, afraid of change and they aren't willing to open their minds, research, read and educate themselves on the benefits or how roundabouts work.

When Brandy and I went to the town meeting last year the engineers mentioned a poll they took when proposing a roundabout in Albany, a neighbouring town. They said the proposal was faced with 90% opposition, but after it was installed and residents became familiar with it a second poll revealed a complete change of heart and the majority polled actually liked it.

New, unfamiliar and change is difficult for people to accept, but you see these opposed to change accept it everyday. Technology is a perfect example, computers were unknown and unfamiliar but now these people who hate change are reading the newspaper online, commenting and participating in real time chat and video conversation on Skype. Facebook, bah! That will never catch on. Cellphones are still not accepted by many, but those who were reluctant at first are not only talking on cellphones they are texting, surfing the web and checking email and updating their facebook status all at the same time and some even while driving.

The reason I post this is because I am curious how you motobloggers in other States of the US, in Canada and around the world think of roundabouts and of the licensing process in your municipality, district, state, province.

Which do you prefer?

Lest We Forget

2011-11-11T11:11:00.000-08:00

The 7 Day Challenge

2011-11-10T10:57:00.000-08:00

Pick seven bikes to own then name them by each day of the week and ride regularly? That's going to be tough, but sharing a garage with Trobairitz really helps.

Hmmmmm....I thought about European bikes not available over here, money is no object right? But then to get caught up in the EPA regulations and red tape quashed that idea.

Sure there are plenty of older bikes I'd love to own, models I grew up with or remember as a young teen, but I like fuel injection and the convenience of thumbing the starter and riding so my choices are of late model bikes with all the reliability and amenities of modern engineering, well, except for the Ural.

Monday is a Scooter - I'd begin with something tame and start the week off easy. The Vespa GTV300 in Espresso brown, just because it has that laid back vintage look and it can carry a cup of coffee. That and it would be so cool to rock a scooter.

MSRP: $6899

Tuesday would be a Cruiser - I may as well put Monday behind me, far behind me, and why not go to the extreme with the authority of the Triumph Rocket III Roadster. This bike is pure muscle and would flat out kick ass... my ass.

MSRP $13,999

Wednesday has to be a Dual Sport - What better way to handle the ups and downs of hump day than with a dual sport and the Triumph Tiger 1200 Explorer. This was actually a toss up between the Triumph Tiger 800 but the new 1200cc won with the shaft drive and traction control and I can buy an 800 with my own money.

MSRP Not Available, I'm guessing $16,999

Thursday I went with Electric - Brammo Empulse 10.0 Electric Motorcycle, simply for the peace and quiet, besides, it's been a long week.

MSRP $13,995

Friday requires a Tourer - and Trobairtz already put a Can-Am Spyder in ~~her~~ "our" garage so I chose a BMW K1600GTL for swtichin' to glide and I may want to haul some camping gear or tour for the weekend.

MSRP w/premium package $25,845

Saturday demands a Sidecar - Ural Patrol 2WD in orange of course. This would be a great bike to go meet the gang for Saturday morning coffee, run errands, groceries then go play in the mud and still have all weekend to get unstuck or completely dismantle, repair and reassemble using the stock toolkit (right Jim?).

MSRP $13,199

Sunday - I was going to go with classic style bike but again I can borrow Trob's Triumph Bonneville so that opens up my next choice for a Supermoto Husqvarna TE511. This too is a toss up, I could have just as easily gone with a KTM, Suzuki DR, Honda CRF230L as long as I had two sets of wheels and tires, one set for street and one set for dirt.

MSRP $8,999

Not too bad, I managed to keep it under $100k but there is always title, registration and accessories to put it over the top. I'm looking forward to everyone's choices and thanks for the challenge sweetheart.

Cold Weather Riding - Gear

2011-11-03T18:32:00.000-07:00

Okay, before rolling the bike out of the garage, check your gear. You aren't going to get far or be very comfortable riding in cold or wet weather if you're freezing cold and thinking about how freezing cold you are when you should be thinking about everything else involved with riding a motorcycle.

First thing you'll notice as soon as you get the bike started, your gloves and full face helmet on is that your visor is fogging up. Your visor is going to fog up, period. I haven't tried a 3/4 helmet or open face helmet but if you do please let me know as I have yet to find a way to keep my visor completely clear short of stop breathing. I have been tempted to try the Scorpion snowmobile helmet but I am tired of throwing good money after bad.

I do however know of a few products to help. Store your helmet inside where it's warm, the cold garage will just make it worse when you stuff your warm noggin into a cold helmet. If you're going to ride in the cold on a regular basis look into getting a Pinlock or Fog City visor insert. It creates a thin pocket of air between the insert and visor and will last a year, two or three if you're careful cleaning it. Never use paper towel or tissue to clean your visor, paper is made from wood products and will scratch, use a soft clean cotton cloth or those cleaning cloths you get from the eye doctor.

I buy a smoked visor for summer riding so my stock clear visor that comes with the helmet gets a Fog City insert for winter and I can still use it for night riding too. One problem you may experience is a bit of distortion at night and oncoming headlights will cast a bit of starburst or glare but I got used to it fairly quickly.

(online photo)

You can try anti-fog sprays, dish soap, baby shampoo, Cat Crap, Pledge furniture polish or a potato but I find these snake oils have to be applied everyday and for me are not worth the hassle. Pledge does make your helmet smell nice though.

Next, you're going to have to learn to hold your breath and control your breathing. Stop lights and stop and go traffic is the worst part of cold weather riding. If you're not moving you're fogging up. I recommend using a breath box or Respro Foggy mask. Scorpion makes a breath box specifically for their helmets, I've used it and they work well.

(online photo)

Unfortunately, these don't work well for anyone who wears glasses. So another risk I take is to ride with just my visor as protective glasses are just another surface to fog up. In my defense, I do have a good size windscreen on my bike. I wear yellow lens safety glasses when I can and as long as I am moving they don't fog too bad. I exhale slowly and direct my breath downward into my neck tube.

Get yourself a Buffwear neck tube. These things are so versatile you'll wonder how you ever rode without one. It keeps the sun off your neck in the summer, bees out of your jacket and the wind out of your helmet.

Although riding in colder temperatures doesn't require heated gear, I recommend it. Layering is a good substitute, just don't layer so much like Randy from A Christmas Story that it hampers your ability to operate the controls or turn your head.

(online photo)

Heated gear keeps you warm without the bulk and although it can be expensive I believe it is well worth the investment. Just make sure your bike's electrical system can handle the draw, replacing stators and rectifiers can be expensive. I wear the Tourmaster Synergy full liner as it comes with the control module and I've never had trouble with it. I understand Gerbing may be better but the control module is an extra purchase. There has been some major advances the past few years in heated gear and rechargeable battery operated options are now available which is great for football games or other outdoor activities.

While looking into your electrical system wire up some heated grips. This is probably the best value for the money on any bike and I would put them above heated gear on the list of things to buy. The SPI is a great bit of kit, inexpensive and relatively simple to install. If you're looking for a more rugged set up I installed the Oxford Hot Grips on the Tiger. Both are great products and each one is simply a matter of preference and cost.

Along with heated grips, hand guards are important. Grips will keep your palms warm but hand guards will keep the cold wind from robbing your hands of heat. Look into model specific guards, aftermarket or universal, just make sure you buy the best coverage you can. Anything that wraps around the outside of the bar is great and will keep your fingertips out of the wind. Off-road guards are better than nothing but I removed the Cycra guards from my Tiger and put the larger stock guards back on. We bought VStrom handguards for Trobairitz and they are fantastic. If you can't find hand guards to fit your bike try Moose Mitts.

No, not these...
(online photo)

These!!! Moose Mitts, also known as Hippo Hands.
(online photo)

These fit over your handlebars and you slip your gloved hands into them. They are relatively inexpensive and work very well but you better know your controls because you can't see them. The one and only problem I found with these is if it foggy or rainy and you have to wipe your visor it is difficult to get your wet glove back into these at speed. I imagine the more rigid version or Hippo Hands maybe better but again are much more expensive.

Gloves, gloves, gloves... glove is all you need. Gloves so many choices, so many styles, materials and textures. Ribbed for her pleasure... Wait! What? Sorry, wrong glove.
I buy textile gloves over leather gloves and gauntlet over short cuff. For a winter glove I find textile gloves are more flexible, come with reflective piping and dry quickly. Leather winter gloves tend to be stiff in the cold, bulky and take much longer to dry, not to mention a losing proposition for the cow. Gauntlet gloves keep the cold and wet weather from wicking up your sleeves. Now there are two ways to wear gauntlets gloves, go out to the garage and sit on your bike. Do your elbows sit lower than your wrists? Wear the gauntlet on the outside of your sleeve. Do your elbows sit higher that your wrists? Wear the gauntlet on the inside of your sleeve. The reason? RAIN! Water will run down your arms to the lowest point, either to your elbows or your wrists and if you're not wearing gauntlet gloves properly you are going to end up with a glove full of water or a forearm soaked down to your elbow. Short cuff gloves... well you're on your own. Either way, look for a good waterproof pair of gloves, as much as you can afford. Some come with wiper blades stitched into the finger or thumb, I don't care for these as they are usually cumbersome at best and again reduce flexibility. Also note that over time the insulated padding will break down and effectiveness will drop year after year. If you can afford it, buy two pair, not necessarily the same gloves but if you are torn between two pair, buy them both. It is nice to a have a warm, dry pair to switch to halfway through the ride, at lunch or after work and gives you the opportunity to try a different brand. You'll eventually favor one over the other so keep the other in your saddlebags or tank bag. If you love the pair you have now and they aren't waterproof I can recommend the lobster claw style glove covers, they keep your gloves dry and block the wind. I don't use them very often so I went with the Fieldsheer ZZZ Over Glove but I would trust the Fieldsheer 2.0 Over Glove to be just as good. They take a bit of getting used to but you will be surprised how quickly you do. Another option is silk glove liners, they don't work as well as over gloves but for a few bucks they do help.

These boots are not made for walking and again waterproof is a must. You can buy Frogg Leggs boot covers if need be, but a good boot is well worth it. I am currently wearing the Tourmaster Solution boot which is no longer available and have been replaced with the Solution 2.0 WP. They have served me well for 18 months and I am going into my second winter with them. Next winter I'll step up to the SIDI Way Rain boot mainly because they are made of Lorica and considered vegan.

Socks, like gloves offer many different styles, materials and fabrics. There are Ceramic Sokz, coconut socks, merino wool socks, snowboarding socks, motocross socks, electric socks, socks with toes, electric socks you name it. I am using Kirkland Signature merino wool socks from Costco. Just find something that works, it's just trial and error. Too many layers can be too tight and cold, too loose and... well remember as kids we were always pulling up your socks.

Jackets and pants. This is where the majority of your budget will go, next to the bike and helmet purchase, jacket and pants are going to set you back hundreds if not thousands of dollars. Buy what you can afford of course and stick with reputable brand names. You're shopping for function, not frosting.
My personal preference is Aerostich, I bought their AD1 pants last year and I absolutely love them. They are a great over pant with full length zippers, gusseted crotch, adjustable armor/padding and they are waterproof. They are simple, without liners or insulation, no fuss no muss. I can layer long johns, fleece pants or jeans under them depending on the temperature or length of ride and I'm not caught up in zippers, velcro or snaps. In fact, I'm saving my pennies for their Darien jacket for the same reason.
Some things to consider with gear are style, fit, comfort, warmth, rain flaps, waterproofilityness and visibility. Three quarter length jackets are great for dual sports or standards but are too bulky for cruisers and sportbikes, shorter coats are great for cruisers but are going to show off your plumber's crack or whale tail on a sportbike. Check to see if the jacket zips to the pants as this will keep the jacket from riding up and letting the cold air in. Ride your bike to the store when buying gear and ask your local shop if they'll let you test sit their gear on your bike in the parking lot (offer to leave them your driver's license or credit card). Take your time, take all day, try several shops, you want to be comfortable and get to know your local dealer. I've posted a lot of links but I always shop local when I can, we need these businesses to stay open.
You want the jacket to fit, not so loose the armor shifts but not so tight you can't wear heated liner or layer some Under Armor, a shirt and a sweater under it without cutting off circulation or hampering operation of your bike. Remember to allow enough room around the neck for a neck tube, buff or scarf and still turn your head comfortably and wear your helmet when trying jackets on. You don't want to buy a jacket only to find the collar pushes your helmet down or not allow you to turn your head, it's a motorcycle gear shop, you're trying on gear so they expect it and encourage it.
Look for waterproof outer shell, Gore-Tex, storm flap zippers and waterproof pockets and zippers. I've lost a perfectly good digital camera to a pocket full of water, now I use ziplock bags whether the pocket is waterproof or not, if it keeps water out it'll keep water in.
You want a double fold storm flap on the main zippers, the fabric doubles back over itself and lays over the zipper and secured with velcro or snaps.

Storm flaps over zipper.
(online photo)

Liners are a matter of preference, they allow you to zip in or zip out layers depending on the weather. A waterproof liner is good, but make sure it is a second line of defense and not the only waterproof protection. Many summer jackets masquerade as waterproof jackets simply by adding a liner, at the very least get a 3 season jacket.
Personally, a fleece liner does nothing but piss me off, wear a long sleeve shirt and try the jacket on, I'll guarantee your shirt will end up around your shoulders by the time you get the jacket on. If it does have a fleece liner make sure you're willing to fight with it or wear a slick under armor shirt under it.

Visibility, if it's cold and rainy then drivers aren't expecting to see motorcycles. It's winter, why would anyone be riding a motorcycle in the winter? This can work for us too because when they do see us they see us, it is in disbelief but they SEE us. Retro-reflective piping is found on most jackets and you can buy a Hi-Vis jacket or buy a vest to go over your jacket.

Pants, the most important features you want to look for in pants is a waterproof crotch and ease of removal. When riding in the rain, unless you have a barn door sized windscreen all that water is going to run down the front of your jacket and puddle on your seat, right between your legs. Oh such a wonderful feeling when it starts to wick through your jeans and into your... well let's just say that water ain't warm. Check the inner seams, make sure they are seam taped or lined or sealed tight, this is where quality counts. Be careful of too many layers. All the liners, snaps and velcro sure keep you warm and snug but they aren't so much fun when you're doing the pee pee dance trying to get out of them.

Trobairitz loves the Rev'it Siren jacket and Rev'it Sand pants and says they "were 100% waterproof riding back from Day to Ona this year. No leaks" Here are a couple of her reviews.

That about covers it from head to toe for gear. I welcome any comments on gear you use, what tips and tricks you have and what works and what doesn't.

Cold Weather Riding - Traction

2011-11-01T21:39:00.000-07:00

Autumn is upon us in the Northern Hemisphere and with falling leaves and shorter daylight hours comes the threat from Jack Frost and Old Man Winter, but that doesn't mean you have to stop riding. You can extend your riding time past the "riding season" by exploring the wonderful world of cold weather riding, unless you live in the snow belt of course. Many of us live in areas where we rarely see snow, so why not ride? I ride in the cold weather for the challenge and I guess for the same reason why climbers climb, because it was there. The "how" on the other hand is a little more difficult to explain. I'll start with traction, how I assess the risk and decide whether or not to ride or admit defeat and succumb to using the car.

There is plenty to consider when venturing out in the cold and as with any ride, risk is the most important factor you must take into account. Steve of Scooter in the Sticks just wrote about risk and getting your head around cold weather riding.

Along with risk, weighing heavy is traction. The air is cold, your tires are cold and the road is cold. This is going to affect how the bike handles and how you handle the bike. Every move you make is going to be compromised, from accelerating, to turning, leaning and especially stopping. You could simply make it a rule that you don't ride below a certain temperature, but you're going to have to decide what that temperature is. Slowly and carefully work your way down to colder temperatures.

When the temperatures drop below 36° or so and the weather is questionable I check the thermometer, take my cup of coffee and I stroll outside and down the street. I'm looking for any signs of frost, moisture on the road from either fog or the previous night's rain and glare on the road from porch lights, streetlights or car headlights. I check the lawn, the windshield on the car, the tops of mailboxes, manhole covers or anything that will give me an indication that frost is present and may be slippery. I know that my input to the controls of the bike is going to have to be slow and precise. I can't grab a fist full of throttle or a handful of brake. Crosswalk lines, painted arrows, and corners are going to be slick. I have to be that much more aware.

Changes in color of the road, wet equals slick.

Pay attention to the weather, short of becoming a meteorologist, note that yesterday's highs are going to affect the morning commute. Was is sunny and warm, was it rainy and cool or has it been below freezing for days on end? If it was sunny and warm or rainy then chances are that the ground temperature will be warmer than the air temperature. Notice how snow doesn't stick without numerous days of below freezing temperatures and it just melts to a slushy mess? However, if it has been below freezing for several days then I'm checking radar maps for it be dry without any chance of rain in the forecast before I head out.

Once I'm out I'm always watching for changes in texture of road surfaces and any changes in color. They don't call it black ice for nothing. Bridges and hidden culverts are the most dangerous, anything open to the air underneath can be frosty. Watch for corners with trees overhanging the road, with the sun so low in the sky this time of year the road stays wet and can turn to ice overnight. Wet leaves and moss are great indicators of shady corners. If it gets too slick on the secondary roads I'll stick to major highways and thoroughfares where traffic has a tendency to dry the roads and clear any debris.

Moss on the shoulder, could mean moss in the corner.

If you are careful and use common sense, riding in the cold can be quite rewarding. Next I'll post up about gear.

Baby it's Cold Outside

2011-10-27T10:15:00.000-07:00

It was a cold ride to work Wednesday morning, the thermometer read 28° when I left the house. Not even close to my record low but it was the first frost this fall and fortunately it was dry. I was still able ride.

According to the news Denver, Colorado wasn't as lucky as Charlie6.

The weather just changed so quick, not letting us ease into it.

This morning was a bit warmer at 37° and the sun is making an appearance today. Although my photography skills pale in comparison to Bluekat's talent I had to stop on my way into work for these.

My favorite season is Spring, but Fall has to be my second choice. I do not like daylight hours getting shorter, the promise of the upcoming rainy season or my heating bill rising I can appreciate the sunrises, rustling leaves, the Autumn colors and the return of hot soups, comfort foods and spice tea.

Brr its cold...

Second Audit Complete

2011-10-24T07:33:00.000-07:00

I arrived to class Thursday night and recognized Elvira right away, Irondad had pulled forward in a parking spot to allow me to share. There was plenty of parking but this was a great spot at the end of a row with high visibility and just mere steps across the parking lot to class.

I believe this was Elvira and Lucy's first meeting.

Dan is the only man I know where his sticker holds true.

I was excited and so looking forward to this particular audit because who better to teach a motorcycle rider course and to learn from than the legend himself?

Dan is a fantastic instructor and learning from him during my Advance Rider Training last year inspired me to begin the journey in becoming an instructor. His enthusiasm is certainly contagious and his knowledge vast. It is an honor and privilege to have this opportunity.

Notice the head turn and eyes up.

I was busy all weekend taking notes, observing coaching technique and running around helping set cones that the only time I had to snap any photos was when Dan was doing a demo and even then I was following along listening to Kory, the other instructor. I stayed behind the students and discretely took these photos, they are already nervous and don't need to see me taking pictures.

Dan has mentioned in his blog and again on the range how a parking lot becomes your world for the weekend. It truly does. All of our attention is on the students, safety on the range and following the curriculum of the range cards.

The hero walk.

When we're not on the range, we're in the classroom. This is where it is easy to fall into the role of the student but I am there to observe the instructor, learn how they facilitate and keep the students focused and engaged.
Dan's enthusiasm in the classroom is just as impressive as it is on the range, even if his artistic ability is not.

Is this an FJR1300?

We all see Irondad as a legend, this tough guy to be feared and tremble in his presence. Dan is just one of those guys, you know, the nicest guy you'll ever meet and although not a great singer, he has a great sense of humor and is a lot of fun to be around.

I met several other instructors this weekend, each one as nice and courteous as the next. There is a mutual respect between the seasoned instructors, the interns, apprentices and even toward a greenhorn like me. Thank you gentlemen, I certainly feel welcome and I am anxious to get started.

Thank you Sir.

-

No one who achieves success does so without acknowledging the help of others. The wise and confident acknowledge this help with gratitude. ~Author Unknown

-

Humble Pie

2011-10-09T14:34:00.000-07:00

Thanks for the new header photo Irondad.

I passed my skills test this morning and get to move forward with my training, although I did not receive a "perfect score" I was well within the passing curve.

I went out with Trobairitz after coffee Saturday and practiced the off set cone weave just to make sure I had the technique down before the test today. Trobairitz mastered the technique and was doing the weave on her bike within a couple of passes.

There is a swivel of the hips required to master the maneuver that a certain instructor in the Advance Rider Training taught us. If you ask him and no one is looking, he does a great Elvis impersonation, even wearing full gear.

Fortunately the class today was full, so there are only twelve bikes allowed on the range at a time, which meant I had to share a bike with someone and was able to pick the bike. Oh darn, I guess I'll share the TU250, heh heh.

Needless to say, I nailed the off set cone weave, the emergency braking and the avoidance swerve portion of the test. ART class paid off, but the instructors just wouldn't overlook the fact that I came into the cornering portion "a little hot". I was afraid I may have been a wee bit too fast into the turn but they did say "to exit rapidly" and that little TU250 is just too willing. Can you blame me?

I also have to work at shaking that dirtbike mentality in the tight 90º turn, even though I made it, they dinged me points for not turning my head. Stupid move, because I knew it the moment I did it too. Had the instructor asked me, I could've have told him exactly what I did wrong before he told me.

So I'll keep practicing. Besides, it's for the better, a perfect score would have gone to my head and this keeps me humble. I'm looking forward to auditing my next class and the interview.

Novel idea

2011-10-06T19:36:00.000-07:00

I stumbled upon a video for you photographers Bobskoot, Irondad, Bluekat and others. You may know of this trick but I didn't and thought it was pretty ingenious.

This one is a bit lame but it might be fun to try.

All this talk of cones...

2011-10-01T18:48:00.000-07:00

Moto-bloggers practicing technique, acing exams and crushing cones what more could you ask for?

More cones of course.

"On the range"

I applied to become a Team Oregon instructor and I am beginning the journey of learning to train other motorcyclists. I get to audit two weekend classes and pass a rider skills test to be considered for an interview. This weekend is my first audit, I went to class Thursday night and observed the instructor teaching the class and took notes. It is interesting to sit in class and view the students and instructor from another perspective than taking the class itself. I am familiar with a lot of the curriculum and although I cannot comment or assist in class I am sheepishly picking up a few tips and tricks to counteract the bad habits I've picked up from years of riding.

Saturday morning started early, I arrived just before 7 am to audit the range part of the class and to hinder the instructors as they set up cones and prepped the bikes for the day of training.

I wonder if they're thinking "oh great, another photo nut taking pictures on the range"?

The afternoon consisted of more classroom, what to expect for Sunday's range session and more rider training for the real world.

Sunday is back on the range in the morning to practice breaking, more skills and a few practice laps before their skills test; mine won't be until next week but at least I now know what to expect. I'll insist on using my own bike and all I can do is mimic Roger's cone crushing attempt before I humbly beg to use one of the smaller training bikes. At least I'm familiar with riding the TU250, the new bikes that they use in class.

Fortunately another instructor arrived today on his Harley to see if he could do the offset cone weave. He did great on his first and second attempt but had to push his luck the third time and crush a poor innocent cone with the rear wheel of his hog, if I hadn't heard his verbal exclamation of his foul up from across the range none of us would have known.

I had tremendous fun today, I look forward to tomorrow, my skills test next week and my second audit the following week.

My neighbor who is an instructor goofing around on a scooter.

Teaching is fun.

Connecting and Neglecting

2011-09-23T19:01:00.000-07:00

I know I haven't been posting a lot lately, we shut off our TV and have been busy doing other things instead like fixing bearings, bleeding brakes and soon to be changing tires. We've been riding our motorcycles, enjoying summer and traipsing to San Francisco, you know... life.

The most important thing we did was shutting off the TV. After my surgery it was too easy at the end of the day to shut off our brains and zone out in front of the tube until it got dark and then drag ourselves to bed. It's amazing how busy you can be when you take the time to do something, anything.

Then there is the computer and social websites, I was connecting and neglecting, they don't call it "wastebook" for nothing. Forums, Netflix, Facebook, Google+, Craigslist, ebay, when does it end? It ends now. I've neglected the house, the yard, the blog and I've wasted too much time watching videos, reading status updates and commenting on other peoples lives. When I need to be reading the stack of magazines I have on the coffee table, the books sitting on the bookshelf, the blogs you all put so much time and effort into for yourselves but share with us as well.

We shut off the TV, cancelled Netflix, locked down facebook and stopped logging into the forums every hour on the hour. Netflix made it easy with the whole Netflix and Quikster fiasco, they want to change our accounts and separate DVDs and streaming. I was mad at first but realized my energy could be focused elsewhere and closed our account.

Then facebook completely revamped their whole webpage and changed the way they share your information. You think Big Brother was scary, there's a new thug in town.

Google+ is the new social network, I gave that a try until I was banging my head on the desk. Plus one this!

Connecting with friends at Saturday morning coffee every week, bike night once a month and checking the forum once every other day or two should suffice. There is always email and although I despise the cell phone I suppose I could open Skype once in a while.

Anyway, amongst all the online social interaction, we have gone on a few rides. Some on our own, some group rides and a couple of more intimate rides with another couple, Josh and Meg. Trobairitz wrote a bit on our rides so I won't reiterate, but she did leave out the best part at the peacock park.

We met some kids that invited us to go sledding. ATGATT!!!

This is a completely new concept to this Canuck as I never heard of sledding down grass slopes in the middle of summer.

Simply find some cardboard or nylon sheeting, climb a hill and go.

I haven't ROTFLMAO like that in a long time.

Ahhhh, reminiscing.... good times!!

Can't do that on facebook, how's that for a 'Like'.

___________________________________________________

Trobairitz has been posting our adventures in San Francisco but hasn't got to Sunday yet when we went to Alameda. She wanted to go see the USS Hornet, a World War II aircraft carrier. I won't spoil her tale but I encountered something much more fun than a big old ship.

We boarded the BART system to Oakland and hopped a bus to Alameda. The bus dropped us off just outside the Naval Air Station so we walked a few blocks. We didn't see the MythBusters but could see the Hornet in the distance.
When we came around the corner I had to stop to take a photo, what wonderful fun is this?

What a great photo op, of course you know of whom I thought.

But then we got closer and spotted... *rubbing my eyes*... could it be?

Sophie with a Hi-vis jacket on the ground beside her?

Irondad!!! We found your doppelganger!!!! Or did we slip back in time? A younger, dapper Dan?

To train and to learn under the watchful eyes of an aircraft carrier would be pretty cool. I could've stood there all day watching bikes go round and round.

Even from the control tower...

the captain's chair...

and the flight deck, I did.

Seeing these bikes on the course gave me something to think about, now I have all this spare time.

"A tribute to learning is teaching." -Wise Saying from the Orient

Why I shouldn't work on my own bike...

2011-09-14T12:30:00.000-07:00

While dealing with my bearing fiasco, I noticed that my rear brake pads were due for replacement and promptly ordered new pads all the way around. The front pads were fine but I knew I'd better have a set in my tool chest for when the time came to change them out. While picking up the pads from the shop, the ever helpful young man at the counter asked when the last time I changed the brake fluid in the bike. Way to up-sell. Well I said, I haven't had the bike a year yet and the previous owner was a retired shop class teacher and we know how meticulous they can be, so I would say about a year. I checked the sight glass in the front master cylinder/reservoir and sure enough it could definitely use a change.

I bought some Speed Bleeders over a wet dream I had thinking I'd attempt bleeding my own brakes. I've bled brakes before and it is so much easier with two people but I am more work at my own pace, enjoy the peace and quiet, mutter to myself, kinda guy. Speed Bleeders would make the job so much easier and maybe, just maybe I wouldn't be so reluctant to change my brake fluid next time.

After a week of going round and round looking for the absolute best, high performance, race quality, motorcycle specific DOT4 brake fluid that money could buy, I settled on Galfer Brand and I was all set.

I started with the front bleeders and had the old ones out and the new ones installed in no time at all. I was standing proud in my garage that I hadn't stripped out the aluminum threads on the brake calipers. However, in my eagerness I realized that now I was committed. The delicate integrity of brake fluid has been tainted, the seal broken and there is air in the system, there is no pressure behind the lever and the bike is officially out of commission. I gazed upon the two little innocent looking Phillips bolt heads holding down the cover of the reservoir.

Being from Canada I was born and raised on Robertson drivers, such a wonderful invention, I applaud you Mr. Robertson.

And I have learned to appreciate many other socket type heads throughout the years.

I have a set of hex keys and even a few torx driver bits in my arsenal. All wonderful to use but seeing a Phillips type head will bring this grown man to tears. Why, oh why does this style still exist? Most useless fads come and go, giving way for new and innovative replacements. Take music media for example, just in my lifetime I've seen vinyl records, reel to reel and 8 track tapes make way for cassette tapes and compact discs. Now they're obsolete with MP3 and digital media taking over to the point that I don't even know what to call it. (Where's my cane?) So why do we hold on to such a poor design as the Phillips head? Why?

So anyway, you see where this is going, right? Yes, these two little thorns would be no different and knowing that an aluminum reservoir and steel bolts create a wonderful galvanic reaction, I took my time and approached the task slowly, delicately and with utmost precision. Needless to say, I stripped out the head and reached for my drill. I drilled out the first bolt head hoping to leave enough material to grab with a pair of vise-grips once I got the cover off... well, it worked in theory.I went after the other side and drilled a small hole being careful not to lose the head of the bolt this time. I inserted a screw extractor, with a few taps of the hammer I managed to get a good purchase on the screw and slowly turned counterclockwise until... the extractor snapped. Shit! Shit! Shit! and much, much more expletives.

Deep breath and muttering to myself. I used a center punch and hammer, slowly tapping the screw from its grip. That's one out, the cover is off and I emptied the reservoir and stuffed a paper towel to catch any shavings, now back to the other side. Using a smaller bit I drilled out the broken bolt just a wee bit more and the next day I bought another extractor. You would think I'd be smart and buy a better quality extractor than the one I just broke right? The new extractor filled the well I had just drilled and the drill bit is no match for the remnants of the new extractor.

I went ahead and flushed the system, bled the brakes and replaced the cover with the one bolt while I ponder going after the other with a rotary tool and left hand drill bit, purchasing a better quality extractor or replacing the whole reservoir and master cylinder. As long as I get to it before the rain comes.

And I did replace the one bolt with a stainless steel hex head.

I did ride to work today, what a difference new fluid makes. The Speed Bleeders made it simple to flush and bleed the system. I recommend them.

What was that?!?

2011-08-19T18:47:00.000-07:00

When you hear a pop like a rock hitting your swingarm or panier, pull over and check it out. It might just be something important, but isn't everything on a motorcycle important?

The Triumph shop in Eugene was hosting a group ride to Steamboat Inn for lunch last Sunday so I rode down to join in. I scheduled to meet a new riding buddy Dave and his Bonneville enroute in Monroe and since we had time, I took him down a few backroads to Eugene instead of the long straight boring way. We met another riding friend and regular Saturday Morning Coffee attendee Andy on his black Tiger 955 at the shop. The three of us met with a couple of other riders that we know from previous events and from the shop. We enjoyed conversation over doughnuts and coffee while we waited for more riders to show up.

As motorcyclists the conversation always ends up on the subject of tires and with four of us Tiger riders it was about dualsport tires and Heidenau in particular. I mentioned Cheryl and Leslie's blog and their trip to Alaska on new Tiger 800XCs and on Heidenau K60 Scouts. I mentioned how much I like my Shinko 705s, I find them to be quite capable, trust them in the corners and I can buy a pair for less than one Continental TKC80. I've have 7000 miles on them now so we strolled outside to take a look. We were inspecting them when Andy asked what was going on with my axle. It looked like a piece of wire had wrapped around an axle spacer, hmmm this can't be good and needed closer inspection and a request for confirmation from one of the shop mechanics.

I hefted her up on the center stand while Andy the forklift mechanic and Quentin the shop mechanic poked, prodded, gestured, spun the wheel, gave it a good shake and finally decided that the bearing was still intact and it was just the bearing seal, we'd just keep an eye on it to make sure it was okay. Fortunately it was not an axle bearing but the sprocket carrier bearing. Sweet, I wouldn't have to bail on the ride.

Eventually there were 10 bikes and 11 riders ready to head out. I kept an ear open for any protest from the bearing and we stopped soon enough that I could check on it. It wasn't hot or smoking so we carried on and enjoyed the ride.

We took some backroads that I had never been on before and the route took us to a forest service road that I definitely need to explore some more.

Rod's Demo Tiger 800

The weather was perfect, the road fantastic and we made it Steamboat Inn for lunch.

Not a lot of vegetarian options but they serve breakfast all day so I ordered the potatoes and vegetables with cheese.

It wasn't long before we were out in the parking lot and on our way.

We finished off the ride meandering over and west of the I-5 to Elkton and Drain, the lowest point in Oregon. Fellow riders started peeling off for home and the group got smaller as we got closer and closer to the shop.
Dave, Andy and I thanked Rod for hosting the ride then headed north toward home. Dave stopped for fuel in Junction City and Andy headed north east toward Lebanon as I continued due north to Corvallis.

It was somewhere along the ride when your mind is truly clear that I remembered hearing that pop earlier in the week and thinking the lid to my panier had opened or a rock had hit the swingarm. The bike never developed a vibration or squealing noise and I was running late so by the time I made it to work I had forgotten all about it. I'll bet that's what it was, my bearing had failed.

So after a quick calculation from the time I heard the pop and week of commuting, attending bike nights and Sunday's ride, I rode 600 miles on a failed bearing. Luckily I made it home safely and inspected the bearing a bit closer.

Oh boy, this doesn't look good.

Hmmm, wonder what this is going to cost me?

It looks worse than it was. I cleaned up all the parts, referred to Bike Bandit's schematic, took inventory and only needed to replace the bearing and I replaced all three to be safe.

The hard part was removing the old bearing races from the sprocket hub and the spacer. I managed to get the inner race from the spacer with an angle grinder but I didn't have any way to get the outer race from the hub as my hammer and screwdriver wasn't going to do it.

Andy told me to bring the hub into work and the next morning he was waiting for me in his service van ready to help. With a threat from the die grinder and a little persuasion with the 32oz. ball-peen he got the outer race to see things his way.

It took four days to source the bearings and oil seals locally but she's back together and happy. Now to replace the front ones too... maybe tomorrow.

-

My Tent and Billy

2011-08-10T20:24:00.000-07:00

Since our adventure down to Wolf Creek, scouting camping sites along the way and missing out on the OBDR I've been wanting to go camping on the bikes. I had all the equipment, just hadn't had the opportunity to put it to use.

While at bike night last week a friend mentioned he had been up to Crater Lake on his bike. The road around the rim had just opened a week or two ago and I had been meaning to get up there since last year. I pulled out the maps, found some campgrounds, loaded up the bikes and last Saturday we were off. I hate making reservations at campgrounds or even hotels for that matter, it puts a sense of urgency and obligation on the trip. You pay a deposit then you have to be there by a certain time or you lose the site/room and it just takes all the spontaneity, fun and adventure out of the trip. I knew there were plenty of campgrounds along the route and we were self sufficient so worst case scenario would be to pull off into the woods and set up camp for the night without a fire.

We left Saturday morning coffee, rode down Peoria Road, Harrisburg over McKenzie View and over to Lowell and up highway 58 to Oakridge where we stopped for a bite to eat and part ways with Andy as he went off to find gravel roads and parts unknown. Trobairitz and I continued on over the Willamette Pass down Hwy 97 into Chemult for something cold to drink before heading off into the woods.

We could have rode down to Klamath Falls and found a hotel too if need be but we found a perfect site at the first campground we pulled into, Farewell Bend Campground off highway 230 just north of Union Creek. Stopping to look at the campground map and avoiding the playground area we eyed a site off at the end of a loop along the river. We couldn't believe it was available and quickly claimed it by parking our bikes and walking up to the camp host site to pay before setting up the tent, starting a fire and making dinner.

A nice little plateau for the tent with a river view.

Of course my billy is the latest in camp technology and worth every cent. I love this thing, it boils water in just a couple minutes and makes one hell of a blow torch to start a campfire.

Sunday morning we were up early, put some hot oatmeal in us for breakfast and went for a walk down the trail to Rogue Gorge.

Then it was off to ride the rim.

We had a great weekend, fantastic weather and an even better ride. Now we can't wait to plan our next camping trip.

-

Headed for Home

2011-07-23T19:48:00.000-07:00

We followed our friend Dani's ride report and recommendation of the historic Wolf Creek Inn. She rode down here a week earlier to meet her sister from California and posted up a couple of points of interest and I used it as inspiration, making sure I followed her roads and stopped for photos.

Wolf Creek Inn is believed to be the longest running hotel in Oregon and is now an Oregon State Park. There isn't much in Wolf Creek but a general store and a couple of gas stations, we were on the bikes way too long to hop back on in search for dinner. Suspecting dinner at the Inn was going to be pricey we decided to give them the benefit of the doubt. The menu was lacking vegetarian or pescetarian options and limited our choices so for $18.95 a plate we both had a pasta dish with a salad. No food pics, it wasn't anything special and not worthy of going back to the room for the camera.

Our room was sparse with no television, phone or bedside alarm clock. Furniture was of the period although each room was updated with modern plumbing and facilities.

We hadn't made reservations and were fortunate to get a room even if it was two twin beds. Unfortunately, it was on the ground floor and the old building creaked and moaned until the guests above us went to sleep much later than we did.

In the morning, breakfast was included with our room and again it was not worthy of food porn pics. I went and fueled the bikes, loaded up and we were on our way to find Cow Creek Road and Dani's sign.

Dani's bike a week earlier.

And we did.

The road looped from Glendale north to Riddle with plenty of twisties to teach my apprentice cornering and lean angle, now that she was much more bright eyed and bushy tailed. We meandered our way up to Oakland and Dani's next stop at Mildred Kanipe Memorial Park while trying to avoid I-5.

Dani at the park and the peacocks that I so wanted to see.

We didn't see as many peacocks in the parking lot as she did, but the one that greeted us was sure interested to see what we had that might resemble lunch.

After a short visit having no food nor knowing what peacocks eat, it was a quick jaunt up Territorial Road along the Applegate Trail past Eugene and back home to Corvallis. The weather was perfect, not too hot and the trip was well worth it for 11 days post surgery test. I did scope out a few camping spots and I asked Trobairitz if she'd do it again; although it took some thought, she said she would and be up for camping along the way.

Sounds like a plan to me.

-

Cleared for take off.

2011-07-22T20:43:00.000-07:00

I went to see the doctor Monday morning and he cleared me for take off. So following doctor's orders, I did.

Perusing my Benchmark Atlas of Oregon and messing around on Google maps I put together a ride loosely based on Fuzzy's 3 day, 3 items, $300 Scenario and inspiration from a friend whom just got back from a ride about Southern Oregon. We both had the week off so I loaded the bikes Tuesday night and we left Wednesday.

Although we did take more than 3 items, we did manage to spend less than $300 over 3 days including meals, fuel and accommodation for 2 riders and 2 bikes. I know Fuzzy's intent was as a solo rider, but there was no such a clause in the contract. I suppose I could pare it down to 3 items each if I took the camera, GPS and toiletries while Trobairitz took a map, food and a change of clothes (I said loosely). Regardless, we lived pretty lavishly on $300 and wouldn't have known what to do with the other person's $300.

Mileage was short for three days at 477 miles but this route was single lane, no painted lines or posted signs forest service roads and a novice rider. When you're 50 miles deep in the woods, midweek, without seeing another car for hours, damn straight I used both the GPS and map to figure out where we were.

Let's see, the GPS says we're here... now where's here exactly?

Yes, I got lost a few times but can you blame a guy when he's faced with this!

Now look closer.

Notice anything funky about this map?

For the life of me I could not get my bearings short of standing on my head. What kind of person posts a map upside down with South facing up and North facing down? The answer.... a woman! That's right, I said it. Only a woman would turn a map upside down to read it and thankfully I just happened to have one with me because I never would have gotten out of there without her.

My GPS wasn't any help either. Tootling around close to home, I know where I am and which way is North for the most part so the screen on the GPS is set to rotate around my icon. When you're in a strange neighborhood let alone the woods this is not such a great feature. I went into the menu and set North facing up so my icon would rotate instead of the map. No more getting lost, right? Good thing I had the map too.

We made it South to Reedsport and the coast to stay at the mother-in-law's. We were going to surprise the brother-in-law too but he was out of town on business. Thursday we were Southbound to Coquille and Powers which is pretty much the end of the road as it turned into forest service road 3348.

I thought it was great, the Tiger eats roads like this for breakfast but I sure wouldn't want to do it on a Suzuki Gladius.

We stopped a lot for breaks, views and vistas.

But with the quality of the road, the incline and descending tight turns, my poor navigator was beat and plain tuckered out.

I had to get her into town and fed so we were off to Wolf Creek Inn for the night.

to be continued...

-

Take the Course - Get Endorsed

2011-07-17T09:21:00.000-07:00

Team Oregon has been doing some advertising lately and what better way than to use the local transit system as a traveling billboard. I thought the ad was very well done, short, simple, effective and to display it on the back is brilliant.

I've seen bus #753 a couple three times around town and it has caught my attention each time, but I've only made note of the bus number twice. Is it on other buses or just this one?

The second time I saw it I wondered what bike they used in the ad, I knew it was a cruiser but I couldn't dismiss it as the usual Harley, it looked too familiar.

The City of Corvallis is celebrating da Vinci Days this weekend and after we met the Brew Crew for Saturday morning coffee we drove downtown to check out the kinetic sculpture vehicles before the parade. Neither one of us do well with large crowds so we went in, did a quick loop and got out. No photos, too many people and we lost interest very quickly.

But, Corvallis City Transit was on site promoting their new fareless system. (Off topic, but $2.75 tacked onto our monthly water bill without property owners being able to vote on it is not fareless). And, they just happened to use bus #753, giving me the opportunity to get up close and look at the bike.

Now I could be wrong but that sure looks like a Triumph America.

I sold my America so I can't take the photo and compare it to the bike itself, but I do have photos.

I'm going to call it as I see it, that is a Triumph America, way to go Team Oregon for using such a great bike in your ad.

Now.....who's the rider?

- Addendum: Saw the ad on another bus, that makes 2.

July 8th, 2011 OBDR...not

2011-07-08T12:30:00.000-07:00

Today's the big trip. The gang is leaving today for the Oregon Backcountry Discovery Route... without me.

I was planning to participate, I purchased all the gear, maps and went through the motions and meetings but as I wrote last May I had to cut the practice weekend short. Not long after, I decided that I had to withdraw from the trip completely. A lot of consideration went into the decision including a trip to the doctor's office. I was cleared to go but as the weeks went by leading up to the trip the pain and discomfort made the choice for me.

I may be off the bike for a week or two and just when the nice weather finally gets here. Why would I do this to myself? Trust me, I'd rather be out a couple of weeks now than continue to cut my day rides short all summer.

Last year I thought I had pulled a groin muscle, nothing serious just a minor strain lifting something, but when it failed to get better I feared it may be a hernia. Of course, I don't need to go into details about how men think when it comes to injuries, medical issues, going to the doctor or the US healthcare system. I've mentioned many times before that I procrastinate, I also don't care for hospitals or going to the doctor. We didn't have the best medical plan at the time either. But now with the insurance squared away I have no choice but to take the time off.

January is our busiest time of year at work and securing time off in the Spring is next to impossible. This year we were busy all the way through June but because I scheduled time off for the trip so far in advance I already have a week off work.

My reason for posting this on the blog is that I found very little information on the web regarding recovery time and resuming regular activity. I have found results anywhere from one week to six weeks depending on the type of surgery but nothing definite nor anything pertaining to motorcycling. I'm just documenting my recovery as a diary entry and to help other motorcyclists.

I'll have it pretty easy as an outpatient having laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair, unless complications arise and I wake up with a much larger incision than I expected or it turns out to be bilateral repair. I know I am making a bigger deal out of it than I should and I hope to be on Trobairitz' smaller, shorter, lighter bike within a week and on my taller bike within two weeks. My concern is my lifting restrictions, not being able or allowed to lift more than 20 pounds for several weeks.

So while the group goes off road riding the OBDR I'm off to the GSRMC instead.

Have a safe trip and we'll see you when you return.

___________________________

July 9th - Seven days makes one weak.

The doctor said at least a week, what I heard was just a week.

I am doing well this morning. I have the best nurse a man could ask for, fantastic bedside manner with just enough sarcasm to keep me in line. I did fill my prescription for percocet just in case, but with my reaction to codeine in the past I'm reluctant to use it. The only pain medication I've taken is Ibuprofen and it is sufficient keeping me comfortable.

The surgery went well, doctor said it was a good size but I breezed through it. I have three small 1" horizontal incisions in a vertical row from my navel to my pubic bone. I am sore, more discomfort than pain so it feels as if someone sucker punched me below the belt. The pain in my shoulders and below my lungs from the gas they used to inflate my abdomen was worse than the discomfort at the repair site.

The reason I can't find anything online regarding recovery is because it isn't a big deal after all. It was a quick and easy procedure and the worst part of it was the grogginess coming out of surgery. It is difficult getting up and down from a sitting position but I use my walking stick for assistance. I have a little pillow that was made and donated to the hospital by a local sorority to use for pressure when I laugh, cough or if I have to sneeze. All is well and I'm feeling so much better than last night. It's the 5 days of not riding that'll hurt, he did mean work week right?

Off to Saturday morning coffee to meet the brew crew.

And a Happy 40th Birthday to my brother Barrett!

________________________

July 10th

Feeling better yet, I am able to stand up and sit without assistance from my nurse or walking stick. Walked around quite a bit yesterday, plan to walk even more today and go back to work tomorrow for at least a half day. It was great to see everyone for Saturday morning coffee although I found talking loudly to be strenuous and somewhat tiring. I am still unable to produce a satisfying cough to clear my throat and laughing is still painful (watched a comedy movie last night).
All and all a very easy and speedy recovery. Looking forward to riding next week.

_________________________

July 11th

Back to work today, making me realize how often I get up from my desk during the day. Due to all of our field reps in town it was a very stressful day. It is difficult to catch up from missing Friday when a half dozen cowboys belly up to the shipping counter for a bullshit session. Sans any medication, I got done what needed to be done and called it quits at 3:00, and went home to lay down.

_________________________

July 12th

I am amazed at how fast my recovery is coming along, today was much better although I did go back to using Ibuprofen. I developed numerous small rashes that were not going away and feared staph infection. Trobairitz made me go to the doctor today and learned it is poison oak. Of course it is, glad it didn't go systemic like it did last time.
Regardless, I am doing very well, walking much faster and confident I could ride tomorrow. I won't, but I could.

Overall I am glad I had this done and regret not doing it sooner.

_________________________

July 15th

It's Friday, one week and I am doing well aside from some bruising which takes so long to heal. I was going to attempt to ride Max to work today, but the boys are having none of it. The sitting position against the tank is just not conducive to my recovery. I see the doctor on Monday and I feel better waiting for him to sign off on my progress.
The rain this past week has made it easier to accept not riding, I think I can make it 3 more days.

__________________________

July 18th

Went and saw the doctor today, all is well and I'm clear to resume my normal activities. However, he gave me a lifting restriction of 40 to 50 lbs. for a few more weeks. I think I can restrict myself to 50 lbs. a lot longer than that, I've done my tour of duty and don't have anything to prove.
Overall, the week to 10 day recovery was well worth it and I feel so much better than before the surgery. I've passed that point now where the pain recovering is less than the pain and inconvenience of dealing with the hernia. So don't hesitate, get it done and if anyone has questions, don't hesitate to email me.

I'm back in the saddle again.

-

Start 'em young

2011-07-06T21:36:00.000-07:00

We had a new rider at bike night tonight.

Thanks for joining us little dude.

Happy Independence Day 2011 !!!

2011-07-04T00:01:00.000-07:00

Wait. Isn't Pamela from Canada?

and Catherine Bell the UK?

-

Addendum for Sonja and friends:

SonjaM said...

Why are there no guys? Please don't forget your female followers...

Irony...

2011-07-03T08:42:00.000-07:00

http://www.gazettetimes.com/news/national/article_2831f8ae-53c0-546f-975e-957fdce1ea0e.html#ixzz1R3bvkHVM

Police say a motorcyclist participating in a protest ride against helmet laws in upstate New York died after he flipped over the bike's handlebars and hit his head on the pavement.

The accident happened Saturday afternoon in the town of Onondaga, in central New York near Syracuse.

State troopers tell The Post-Standard of Syracuse that 55-year-old Philip A. Contos of Parish, N.Y., was driving a 1983 Harley Davidson with a group of bikers who were protesting helmet laws by not wearing helmets.

Troopers say Contos hit his brakes and the motorcycle fishtailed. The bike spun out of control, and Contos toppled over the handlebars. He was pronounced dead at a hospital.

Troopers say Contos would have likely survived if he had been wearing a helmet.

___

Information from: The Post-Standard, http://www.syracuse.com

_________________________________________________

More:
http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2011/07/parish_man_protesting_motorcyc.html

Happy Canada Day 2011!

2011-06-30T23:52:00.000-07:00

I'm On A Boat

2011-06-27T20:05:00.000-07:00

I am a logistics coordinator so it is my responsibility to get product from production to our customers as efficiently as possible. Many of our customers require that I use their logistics programs and carriers but we also ship to other customers as prepaid freight so I shop rates and chose the carrier. We like to use brokers, that way we know the drivers are certified, licensed and insured.

One broker has worked with our company for years and offered to take us out fishing Friday. How could I say no, I've never been out to sea other than the ferry between Vancouver and Victoria.

The broker made all the arrangements to charter a 43' boat and have 3 of us to go salmon and halibut fishing off the coast of Newport. We figured that an hour drive to the coast to catch the boat at 5:30am was a little much so we decided to go Thursday night, get a motel room and grab some dinner. We would be well rested and catch the boat bright and early in the morning in plenty of time, right?

We went down to the Rogue Brewery for dinner, this was not one of our better ideas.

We just made it to the boat on time and it was good thing they had coffee on board as we didn't have time for breakfast. Why we paid for a motel room I don't know, we certainly didn't use it. No sleep then eight hours on a boat, can't be that bad can it?

Buh bye land, I'll miss you.

The ride out wasn't too bad, the water smooth with only 2 foot swells and within an hour we were fishing for salmon. Our broker friend/host insisted the fishing would be better if he chummed and proceeded to grab the rail, he then took an hour nap on the bench in the cabin. Good thing I took Dramamine, it's the only thing that kept me from following his lead. The rest of us were all doing well with the boat under power and fishing for salmon but just when we finally found a hot spot and had two on our lines the US Coast Guard showed up.

There was some chatter on the radio but I guess that wasn't good enough, they wanted to come aboard. We had to stop what we were doing, the salmon spit the hooks, the Captain shut off the motors and we had to bring in our gear.

I don't know why they came aboard or what they wanted but they checked the safety gear, life jackets and all the paperwork while the Captain was on the phone to the Oregon State Police, the dock house and the Coast Guard. Everything was handled very well and amicably by both the Captain and the Guard. The radio chatter continued among other fisherman throughout the day, I guess the USCG overstepped their boundaries and were in big trouble.

The Captain was very apologetic for the delay and offered to extend our time and we were back to fishing. Another hour or so went by without a bite, we didn't catch anything and decided we'd switch to halibut fishing.

Pulling up our gear, the 1st mate went to work to switching all our rigging from flashers and spinners to a 2 lb. weight and bait fish. Turns out I do better trolling for salmon with the boat under power than I do drifting for halibut. The wind had picked up, swells increased to 4 and 5 feet all while fishing off the side of the boat. Where did I put that other Dramamine?

I did pull in the first fish of the day, a yellow eye rock fish but had to toss it to the birds as we weren't allowed to keep it.

Capt. Dick with my catch

Another hour and we were finally bringing in some halibut.

My co-worker with the first halibut.

My co-worker brought in two smaller fish while the Admiral hooked a bigger one and handed it off to our broker/host.

I was done for the day, my knees were aching from the all day aerobic workout not to mention being bashed up against the rails all day. My stomach wasn't doing well with the motion of the ocean and lack of food so it was my turn to sit it out.

Land-Ho!

Back in the marina.

The captain and crew treated us very well but a 10 hour fishing trip is too long, I'd be up for another trip but I'd limit it to 5 hours and make the hour long drive to the dock in the morning.

We did land some nice fish, not bad for a group of four guys who could barely see straight at 5am.

-

Glad I'm not a father day ride 6/19.

2011-06-20T19:22:00.000-07:00

The great thing about not being a father, let me rephrase that. One of the many great things about not being a father is that I can do whatever I want on Father's Day. Now this is where fathers everywhere are attending brunches, lunches, dinners, barbeques and pool parties set up by their wife and kids to keep them from the golf course, the fishing hole or the TV to watch the ball game, the race or whatever and basically from the peace and quiet relished by those of us who enjoy such moments every weekend.

A friend was flying home from work for the weekend and sent me a text message Friday asking if any rides were planned for Sunday. As with many in our riding group he doesn't have any kids either, so I posted up a group ride on the other side of the valley, close to his home to accommodate his tight schedule. The poor bastard still got roped into one of the many obligations I listed above and bailed on me. While his bike sat in his garage, the weight creating flat spots in his tires I went for a ride.

This is the same route Rick, Trobairitz and I took last year, but this time Trobairitz wanted me to go without her and to enjoy the ride without a newbie... so I did.

I took my usual route across the valley, which is the same route I take to work but this time I was a bit ahead of schedule to meet the guys so I stopped to smell the flowers. Normally I ride past fields of grass seed and through clouds of pollen but this year a company in North Carolina has planted several fields of Meadowfoam to use in perfume and cosmetics. Much more pleasant and aromatic to ride past than grass pollen.

Good thing I am not afraid of bees as these hives were quite active.

I was on my way and still arrived early so I went past our old house in Lebanon to see how the landscaping was coming along. We chose the design and layout of the house and had it built for us so the yard was a blank slate.

I can sure tell which plants are hardy and which ones weren't. Where's the...and what happened to the...?

Obviously, the new owner doesn't own a pair of pruners or shears. Too bad everything is overgrown, it was perfect when we sold it 5 years ago. Meh, I took the money and run.

I met the guys down the street, a fellow Tiger rider and another friend on a nicely detailed GSXR (justa750) whom I hadn't ridden with in some time. We met at an old corner store and I discovered this old time machine and costume changing room. I donned my helmet, checked my watch, stepped inside for a bit and sure enough when I stepped out it was the future.

We hopped on our bikes, rode out to Sweet Home for gas then it was across the dam... oops I missed that turn, across the bridge to Quartzville Road. We had to watch for campers along the roadway as it meanders along Green Peter Lake and camp spots are right along the narrow road.

The road was twisty with a few mossy spots, fallen rock had littered several sections and last winter's frost heaved the pavement but it was nothing the Tiger didn't devour as I pulled away several times from the track bike. I felt like a Jackal out running the GSXR.

Until the elevation got the best of us and we ran into snow at 4135 feet, the same elevation I froze my ass off on Memorial Day weekend. At least today was sunny and 20 degrees warmer.

We had to stop Andy from making an attempt and got him to turn around.

We stayed awhile, soaked up the sun and BS'ed when Kenny rolled up on his Buell Ulysses. It is sure great to know other riders in the area from bike nights.

We were stopped a mere 10 miles from Hwy 22 and had to ride back the 40 miles of twisty roads, oh darn.

It was a fantastic ride down the hill and I played in the corners all the way down. A great day, a great ride but it was getting late and we didn't make it to our lunch spot so we were getting hungry.

There are no flat spots on our tires or new neckties in our drawer.
Happy Father's Day....

-

Dear diary:

2011-06-12T17:02:00.000-07:00

It is June 12th and it is still raining. Not a sunny sky, warm, bright double rainbow producing rain but dull, gray, cold, miserable, nothing nostalgic or romantic, 8 months of I'm about to kill someone rain.

And when it does stop, it stops just long enough that I get to mow the lawn before it starts to rain again.

On the bright side, ever the optimist, in another week or so the days will start getting shorter.

-

Sophisticated Dandy

2011-05-29T12:36:00.000-07:00

My Mom and Step Dad are snowbirds and come through to visit twice a year either headed North to Washington from Southern California in the Spring or vice-versa in the Fall. On their most recent visit two weeks ago, I was telling them about an off-road riding trip that a couple of others riders were planning and told the folks I intended to go too.

I laid out the maps and went over the details and answered their questions. We would be doing the Oregon Backcountry Discovery Route (OBDR) from the Oregon/California State line to Oregon/Washington State line. It is a nine day, 900+ mile off-road adventure with two additional 300+ road miles to get to the start and to home from the finish. We would be self contained camping along the way with every other night at a developed campground with running water. I likened it to the Long Way Round documentary with Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman.

Dad just could not see me tackling such an adventure on my big bike let alone survive nine days camping in the middle of absolutely nowhere. He could understand if I was raised hunting elk with a cast iron frying pan like my step brother, but he said I was more a sophisticated dandy.

Now I'll be the first to admit, I am terribly handsome and I do enjoy my Starbucks. I have stayed at some pretty lavish hotels, drive a nice new car and take very good care of my stuff, but I've worked damn hard to get here. I've worked on a rock crusher while living out of the back of a car and bathing in a creek, for years I've carried many a truckload of drywall up many flights of stairs, moved more furniture, appliances, pool tables, jukeboxes, pinball machines, pop and snack machines than I care to count.

Okay, that was twenty years ago, but I can still do it, right?

This weekend was a trial run, practice if you will for the OBDR. We would leave work early Friday, ride 168 miles South to Eugene then East to La Pine and stay over at East Fort Rock OHV Area to practice riding on dirt trails. While two members of our party went over a day or two earlier, Erik and I had to go to work Friday but were able to get out early.

Wot, wot, matching jackets, Triumph Adventure nonetheless.

We had our bikes loaded, fueled and were ready to roll.

We were rushed for time, we had to make it over the Willamette Pass before 5:00 to beat the freezing temperatures and make it to camp before dark to set up camp.

I know how you feel buddy.

We endured pouring down rain from Eugene to Oakridge before Erik stopped for fuel and to cinch down his load. We trudged on through rain which turned to sleet which turned to snow over the pass. Neither one of us could see as ice formed on our visors faster than we could scrape it off. I at least had a windscreen, Erik had no protection on his Scrambler. The rain penetrated my jacket as I had forgot the liner, then the rain rendered my heated liner useless as there must be some safety feature not allowing it to turn on when it is saturated with water. The damp spot on my shirt wicked ever so slowly and increased in size while decreasing my body temperature. We finally stopped on the leeward side of the pass to shed our gloves and embrace our heated grips barehanded. Erik's jacket was covered in ice. We both switched to a dry pair of gloves and trudged on toward La Pine where we stopped for gas and a bite to eat. It was 24 more miles down a forestry road into camp and darkness was approaching fast.

We got into camp and hurriedly set up our tents while it snowed on us. Next was to gather any dry wood we could find, try and start a fire to warm up and dry off. We didn't have the luxury of driving over or having the warmth of a camp trailer but we were able to store our wet gear inside the trailer to dry out overnight which was greatly appreciated. We were offered the accommodations of the trailer but this was a practice run to test our camp gear so we politely declined opting to stay in our tents instead.

Right.

This was bad idea number two. I had been fighting a cold all week and thought I'd have it beat by the weekend. Below freezing temperatures and sleeping in a tent at 4200+ feet in elevation will prove otherwise. I couldn't sleep at all and when I did I would wake up coughing, but on the bright side I used the opportunity to put on another layer of clothing. Dawn arrived and at 5 am I made the decision to call it quits; my health wasn't going to get any better on this mountain.

I gathered my things, packed up my camp, loaded my bike then waited on everyone else to wake up.

Erik was up first and promptly started his stove to make tea and some breakfast. Nothing says roughing it like cooking over gasoline.

The other two were in the comfort of the warm trailer and were sleeping in.

I went for a walk up the trails to see the terrain they would be riding.

I found some sunshine, stood for a bit to soak up the warmth then headed back to camp. I waited for the temperature to warm up a bit, bid the group farewell and headed for home. I stopped in La Pine where I was back in cell service civilization to call Trobairitz and ask what was for dinner. Soup? Sounds good to me, I'm on my way.

Sophisticated Dandy? Damn straight.

-

6 Things Nobody Tells You About Owning a Motorcycle

2011-05-26T12:14:00.000-07:00

This was posted by a friend on a popular social network page. I seem to be terribly busy lately so I haven't posted much in a while and don't have much time to post now, so yes, I am cheating by posting somebody else's work but this was too funny not to share.

http://www.cracked.com/article_19217_6-things-nobody-tells-you-abouthttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif-owning-motorcycle.html

-

Once I thought I was wrong but I was mistaken.

2011-05-15T11:51:00.000-07:00

I rode down to Eugene Friday night after work to attend their monthly Bike Night held at the Sonic Drive In in Springfield. I enjoy standing around talking bikes and meeting new riders.

Photo taken by forum member Wiley Coyote

I am sure Sonic Drive In has a fantastic menu but as with most fast food chains, they lack anything resembling vegetarian fare. French fries and tater tots do not constitute a veggie meal. So I stopped at a Cafe Yumm on my way...

Barely.

I came into town from the north of a very busy beltway and was stopped in the left turn lane turning east when I spotted the sign for the cafe straight ahead on the right. I made the left turn and moved over to the right lane and made a right turn to go around the block then into a Chevron gas station parking lot so I could position myself to turn right, move left across four lanes of traffic of Gateway Street into the cafe parking lot on the west side of the street. Local bloggers know this part of town and this road, as all the road construction going on, the disabled traffic lights and the new Cabela's store that just opening recently.

I had planned to wait until the light down the street to my right turned green and then slip into moving traffic and merge over to the left turning lane. Unfortunately, during rush hour traffic courtesy can become your worst enemy. One car stops to let me in and now I am stuck in stalled traffic, I sneak over one more lane and am now perpendicular behind a stopped car and in front of a truck in the left lane. The oncoming traffic to my right is clear and I move out to cross the remaining lanes when I caught a bright red Ford Mustang in my left peripheral.

Oh Shit! I made a mistake! I didn't even consider that a car would be traveling down the left turning lane. Of course, I should have known. People will drive two blocks in the turning lane to make a left turn just so not to sit in traffic. I could blame the driver but I was in the wrong, it was my mistake and can only be thankful that they must have seen my front wheel, stopped and waited for me to cross. I am also thankful they stayed off the horn as not to scare the living crap out of me. Courtesy was my friend that time and saved my ass. Thank you... sorry.

Stupid! Stupid! Stupid!

Trobairitz said she was glad she wasn't with me and my response was that I never would have threaded traffic like that had I not been by myself. So why did I do it? I couldn't have turned left, traffic was gridlocked. I should have turned right, traveled north through the intersection I came in on, away from the busy traffic then turned around and came back, positioning myself in the right lane to make a right turn into the parking lot.

I am human, I made a mistake and I learned from it. Maybe a Sonic burger isn't so bad because being a vegetarian is downright dangerous.

-

Silence is Golden

2011-05-10T12:29:00.000-07:00

In my case, silence is silver.

I'll post up a review in the future as this post is more of an entry so I remember when I bought it and when I need to replace it.

I have read articles and heard from other riders how comfortable and quiet a good quality helmet can be. I've always worn earplugs with my HJC helmets in the past and I've used a Scorpion for the past three years. All of them are decent helmets for the money but unfortunately they are also very loud even with earplugs. I may not be able to blame the helmet, but my own head shape. It seems the majority of the population have round heads, I can't blame helmet manufacturers for designing their product to fit the majority of the population. It does however make it very difficult for the minority, those of us with a long, oval head shape to find a well fitting helmet, a proper fitting helmet. I've actually filed and sanded the Styrofoam in my helmets to alleviate the pressure point on my forehead.

I made it through the winter with my Scorpion EXO400, the rain, the road spray and grit, the fogging visor, poor ventilation and noise but I wasn't going to ride another summer without a new helmet.

I went to many shops and tried on many helmets from the Shoei RF-1100, to Schuberth, Shark, HJC, Nolan, HJC and the new Scorpion helmets with no luck. I tried on modular helmets that allow the chin bar to flip up and helmets with fighter lenses that flip down, helmets with the air pump inflatable cheek pads but I kept going back to the Arai Profile. I was even looking at the Arai before I purchased my Scorpion, I just couldn't justify the price and promised myself the next helmet was going to be an Arai.

I'm glad I did, all the reviews were true. I've only put on 20 miles in it but it's quiet, well built, ventilated, comfortable silence...now I can really hear myself singing and that may not be a good thing.

So what are you wearing, how did you decide on your helmet and would you buy the same helmet again?

-

ABCD Centerline Challenge

2011-05-01T18:31:00.000-07:00

Finding a centerline without cagers roaring by is difficult enough. Trying to stand out there with your bike long enough to take a photo is a whole other challenge altogether.

We got up this morning and suited up to go out for a group ride to the coast for lunch. Stopping to take pictures while on a group ride is never an easy task so the whole day I was wondering how to make the ABCD Challenge. I had an idea of what I wanted to do, I just had to find a deserted road to set it up.

After the group ride, we headed home and I finally found a road that would suffice, even then a car disturbed our set up. Cagers just don't understand motorcyclists, let alone motorcyclists parked in the middle of the road taking pictures of their bikes.

I wanted to portray an optical illusion as what we see when we ride isn't always as they first appear. I've mistaken roadside mailboxes as pedestrians, deer and other roadside hazards. Curves, corners and side roads filtering sunlight and shadowed by overhanging trees can play tricks on the eyes.

Although a bit worn and faded, (aren't we all), thanks for the centerline challenge.

Salad spinner?

2011-04-20T06:04:00.000-07:00

I keep going back to work on a project I've been tinkering with in the garage. I don't know how we got on the subject but a couple of us at coffee one morning were talking about garage space, driveway angles and the ability or lack there of to negotiate our bikes in and out of the garage, past vehicles in the driveway and out to the street. The conversation went way too far into having an electric, motorized, switchable turntable in our garages to spin our bikes around so we could ride in, spin and ride out. Like this:

http://www.cyclespinner.com/

But at $1200 there had to be a way, an much less expensive way...
a Red Green type of way.

So I had a sheet of 3/4" plywood in the garage left over from the kitchen remodel, all I needed was a Lazy Susan and some casters. I searched the interweb and found that Lowe's has a 1000 lb. capacity Lazy Susan bearing.

I had originally mounted it directly to the plywood in hopes to keep the spinner as low profile as possible. Unfortunately, plywood flexes and I once I had the bike up on top of it I couldn't get it to turn at all. I'm not an engineer by any means so all of my work is by trial and error.

I did have a length of pine shelving kicking around left over from a closet renovation. I rarely throw anything away, maybe that's why my garage is so crowded. I don't need to sell bikes to make room, I just to throw a bunch of this crap away and stop doing renovations.

I screwed the pine plank to the underside of the plywood taking note of the warp in the plywood and remounted the Lazy Susan to the plank.

This of course raised the plywood up off the floor and now the bike on the platform resembled a drunk coed dancing on a roadhouse bar pedestal table.

Honestly, the reason I wanted a table platform is that I'm too lazy to put the bike up on the center stand to spin the bike. The Tiger is a tall bike for a guy like me with such short legs, so to slip even a 1/4" under the center stand and try to get it up is nearly impossible.

This was discussed in the original coffee conversation.

I needed casters to take up some of the wobble along the outside edge. There wasn't a lot of room and I played around with a couple of ideas before I wandered into Harbor Freight and found these little gems.

I mounted eight of them around the outside of the plywood and with the pine shelf being 5/8" this raised the outside just enough to make giant skateboard.

I couldn't get the bike onto the table without it skating away (more trial and error), so I had to find something to place under the Lazy Susan bearing. I found a piece of rubber mat at the hardware store but discovered it wasn't quite thick enough to meet the bearing so I scrounged around the garage and found an old rubber welcome mat kicking around. I said I never throw anything away. It was just tall enough along with the rubber mat I bought at the store to work and hold the table still.

Using a ramp, I was able to back...er, heft the bike up onto the table and give her a spin.

The garage is just wide enough.

And around she went.

I've used it the past couple of evenings and it works great. When Trobairitz and I both ride, she can pull in first, spin her bike around then back it off into the garage and then I pull in spin it round and leave it parked until my next ride.

Now all it needs is a coat of paint and a more permanent ramp built. I know there's some old paint around here somewhere from some sort of renovation.

Let's see yellow and green make....

-

When it rains...

2011-04-17T08:58:00.000-07:00

it pours, and what do you do when faced with a rainy Saturday? If you're ambitious you go for a ride like real motorcyclists. But I come home with wet gear nearly everyday from my commute.

So instead, we explored our favorite roads in anticipation of summer. We had lunch after our usual Saturday morning coffee and decided to run up Mary's Peak in the car to see if the snow level had receded. We made it to the second gate before we ran into snow. Unable to proceed any further without running the risk of getting stuck, I snapped a few photos of the car.

The road up was littered with debris from the trees this winter, overhanging birch trees make a terrible mess. Conifer needles carpet the corners and gravel lay in wait for the highway maintenance crew to sweep up this Spring. It may be several weeks yet before the road to the top is clear.

On our way down the mountain we decided to take the journey over to Harlen via the National Forest Road 3000. It is just a gravel road but there are a couple of side roads to throw you off if you don't know where you're going. Having only taken this road once before, several years ago I cheated and plugged in the GPS to have tracks to follow out, just in case.

We found a couple of camping spots, discussed how we would camp including sleeping arrangements and are now saving our pennies for a rooftop tent. This made the most sense as we can camp anywhere the car takes us, mountains, beaches or WalMart parking lots. We don't have to sleep on the rocks or the cold damp ground and hopefully will be a little bit safer from things that go bump in the night.

We found our way out easy enough, I knew not to get too far off the beaten path of our spontaneous adventure as we didn't have food, water, shovel, map or even a full tank of fuel nor did we tell anyone where we were. I'll be adding those essentials to the blanket, flashlight and minimal first aid kit already in the trunk.

We had fun and stayed relatively dry.

Now we're looking forward to exploring more dirty roads in both the car and on the bike.

___________________________________________________

ABCD - Will You Take Part?

2011-04-13T19:50:00.000-07:00

ABCD - Will You Take Part?

Maybe you would like to join in with this.....

A Bloggers Centerline Day, or ABCD, will take place on Sunday 1st May 2011.

The plan is to inspire as many bloggers as possible to go outside and take a photograph of themselves on this day, wherever they are in the world. The photo can be creative, arty, contain more than one person, be in any type of location and can contain anything else you like. It must however contain the centerline of a road and at least part of you, the blogger.

There are 5 rules....

Rule 1 - the picture must be taken on 1st May 2011.

Rule 2 - the picture must be of yourself, and you must be a person that publishes a blog. You can include whatever else you like in the picture, including other people if you wish.

Rule 3 - the picture must include the centerline of a road.

Rule 4 – you should publish the picture on your blog on 1st May 2011, along with a few words about the picture and why you chose that location or pose.

Rule 5 - when you have posted the picture on your own blog, put a comment on http://garysusatour.blogspot.com/2011/04/abcd-will-you-take-part.html and include in that comment the address of your own blog post containing your own picture.

Gary France will then pick his favourite photos and publish these as being the winners. There will be a prize of $100 awarded to the overall single winner, as chosen by Gary.

In order to get this event known as widely as possible, please copy and paste this posting onto your own blog, including the title. Please do that today!

As a reminder to yourself to take the photo and post it, put an entry into your diary for 1st May 2011.

Let’s see if we can get as any people to join in as possible.
--------------

She's back...

2011-03-29T00:43:00.000-07:00

I got the release from Eddy last week to pick up my bike, he had the racks finished and was sending them out to be powder coated on Monday. We took our time at coffee on Saturday so I knew we weren't going to make it up there at a decent time and decided to go South to Eugene for the day instead. I was looking for trailer wiring for the car so I could rent a trailer in case the weather was unfavorable Sunday and didn't want to ride. Erik wanted to take his bike up to Eddy to see if he could fabricate racks for the Scrambler.

Erik and his bike 'Hilts'

I thought I would trailer his bike up and both our bikes back but the closest wiring harness was in Klamath Falls, 214 miles away and I'm sure UHaul won't release a trailer without the car being wired. Oh well, Sunday was supposed to be the better day for weather so we headed north to pick her up. After running a few errands in Portland and picking up a few things we headed to Eddy's and waited for Erik to arrive.

The racks looked fantastic even sans powder coating. I can only imagine how well they'll look black.

They are designed to lock and unlock on the same mount as my hard bags. I can switch from hard bags to soft bags in under a minute with a turn of a key and two clips per bag.

Eddy does nice work and met the challenge.

I have room on the left side to make an ABS pipe tool tube or two (Wee-Strom style), which I'll mount to the rack itself for quick removal.

No lane splitting for us.

Sure looks nice and I'm happy to have the Tiger back.

Not that the Gladius isn't a great commuter, but it doesn't have the fairing and windscreen the Tiger has to protect me from the rain and wet, grimy road spray.

I did however notice when I hopped on her in Eddy's driveway how hefty she is, after riding the nimble 650 for a couple of weeks the Tiger is a tall bike. It took me a couple of miles to adjust and get familiar again but when we did I was singing in the rain... all the way home.

Somehow I don't think Erik was enjoying the rain as much.

----------------------

S-I-P-D-E

2011-03-27T21:02:00.000-07:00

Yeah, we all learn it in motorcycle training but I have no idea what S-I-P-D-E stands for. Scan, something, something, something and Execute, I think. It doesn't matter to me that I don't remember what it stands for or that I had to Google it just to find the acronym.

The motorcycle SIPDE strategy consist of following 5 basic steps:

Step 1: Scan – Constantly be scanning ahead for hazards.

Step 2: Identify – Identify potential hazards quickly.

Step 3: Predict - Predict what may happen with the potential hazard.

Step 4: Decide – Decide your best course of action to avoid hazard.

Step 5: Execute – Execute your plan to avoid hazard.

What matters is that it instinctively came to me when I needed it Saturday afternoon.

I was driving South to Eugene yesterday to shop for a few things and visit Rod's shop. The weather was indecisive so we took the car and drove the leisurely route down Bellfountain Road to avoid traffic and enjoy the drive. The local riders all know the route and the long straight stretch and hill approaching Airport Road intersection. As we climbed the hill a white Toyota Corolla came Northbound over the crest of the hill and started crowding the yellow line. It was enough to raise concern but we have all seen it before and I hit my high beams, which normally causes the driver to correct. Normally. Then when that didn't work and my horn proved ineffective I didn't even have to think about it. I never even considered the brakes, I somehow kept my foot into it while keeping both right wheels on the shoulder and out of the ditch while the oncoming car just cleared my left rear quarter panel, hit the ditch and down to the next culvert, mailboxes and street sign. I swear they were going to clip us and put us into the ditch or put our car into a spin. Neither of us slowed down, Trobairitz and I watched the accident unfold in the rear view mirrors.

I got the car turned around and before I could ask Trob to call 911 she mentions that it's time to put our training to use. The elderly woman driving the car was already getting out of the car by the time I got to her and what I thought was talking to another person. Fortunately she was the sole occupant but a little disoriented and had no idea what had just happened. I asked her to sit down and kept her calm by talking to her and answering her questions while trying to keep her still.

She was alright, the airbags had deployed and broke her glasses but when I explained that the airbags went off she asked why would her chest only be sore on one side.

Oh shit, better send an ambulance, thankfully it wasn't a heart attack. Her car hit the culvert and bounced out and took out the sign. We never saw her brake lights.

Once off the phone and assistance dispatched, Trobairitz came over and talked to her to set her at ease while waiting for the ambulance. I thought I'd better get some photos for the police and insurance company before the home owner came down his driveway and started cleaning up. He was so concerned about getting his mail and cleaning up the gravel until the Philomath police officer arrived and told him to stop. I got our car moved off the road and made room for the ambulance, firetruck and two Sheriff's cars. Wow, must have have been a slow day for them. They took our statement and sent us on our way, but only after a fireman told me I looked cold and asked if I wanted a blanket. I was simply in a little bit of shock so I declined and said having a car come at you head on just scared the shit out of me.

The deputy that took our statement told us he will require her to take the DMV test. We walked back to the car and we were on our way. I had to stop a couple miles down the road and check the quarter panel for white paint. Had I braked instead of accelerated it would have been a lot worse. Motorcyclists do make better drivers.

We did make it down to Eugene and to Rod's shop to check out the new Triumph Tiger 800.

It is much nicer in person than it looks in the magazines.

I didn't have my gear with me to test ride it, I'll wait for a sunny, dry day... if I can wait that long.

- Addendum:
Courtesy of Corvallis Gazette Times
Saturday, March 26

INJURY ACCIDENT: 1:17 p.m., Bellfountain Road and Shamrock Lane, Philomath. Harriet Shivers, 78, of Newport, struck a row of mailboxes and a street sign while driving her 2004 Toyota Corolla before coming to a stop on the west side of Bellfountain Road. She does not recall her speed at the time of the crash. She had chest pains from the force of the deployed air bag, and was transported to Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center.

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First Day of Spring

2011-03-20T10:02:00.000-07:00

Finally, we make that transition from Winter rains to Spring rains. It is a different rain, cleaner, crisper, fresh... warm rain. Who am I kidding, it's still rain. The real difference is the sunny breaks between showers, during the Winter rains the skies stay gray and monotone where we get periods of blue sky and teasers of sunshine with Spring rain.
The roads are still wet, but dry much quicker now. The chance of snow has passed, at least on the valley floor, which means the street sweepers will start winning the battle of keeping the roads clean of gravel and debris.
Riders will be pulling the battery chargers off their bikes and out from under cover, checking the tires and eager to burn off that old fall gas and fuel stabilizer. Be careful out there, if you haven't been riding all winter you're going to be a little rusty with your skills until you get back into the rhythm.

I am installing heated grips on Trobairitz' Gladius this morning as the warmer days of summer are still three months away. The weather this morning is indecisive so it's a good day to tear the bike apart for a little wiring job. It shouldn't take me long unless I run into some sort of distraction.

We drove to coffee yesterday morning as we didn't want to ride two up on the Gladius and I wasn't too keen about riding on the back. A friend and fellow rider just got back from New Zealand, he was in Wellington helping to restore motorcycles for the museum. He said he passed the Triumph dealer everyday to and from his work and thought of me. They were out of shop T-shirts but he was kind enough to pick up a key-fob for me. I thought that was very kind and thoughtful of him, thank you David.

I better get out to the garage and get on those grip heaters so I have time to give her bike the hand wash that BobSkoot so kindly mentioned in her blog comments. Thanks Bob, I though we were pals.

Happy Spring Equinox and keep the shiny side up.

-

These Eyes...

2011-03-06T08:40:00.000-08:00

These eyes cry every night for you.

It has only been overnight but she isn't home, she isn't here with me. It is all my fault, it was my own doing, I pushed her out the door. The hardest part is knowing she is with another man. What did I do? What was I thinking?

We spent the morning together, had a bath, went to coffee and we were playing, laughing and having such a great time. We went to Portland and talked all the way up, enjoying the sunshine and scenery.

But then I tricked her, she didn't know it was coming; I feel like such a heel, she didn't deserve this. I'm sure she just thought I was visiting a friend, but then I got in the car and drove away without her...

I knew she'd be okay but I also know she was scared, I couldn't look back to see her crying or show her my not so brave face.

Although she's with another man, I know she's safe and this will be better for her. She has a friend and she'll be warm and protected for the next week couple of weeks while she gets a new rack. Not that was anything wrong with the rack she had, this new rack will be much bigger.

She is at a friend's house who created SBKomponents and builds rack for sportbikes. Eddy's is the Honda CBR 1000RR, the friend she is staying with.

I bought a set of soft bags for offroad adventure riding and I didn't want to use the stock panniers in case she wanted to nap along the way. I also didn't want the bags to swing loosely and get caught in the wheel or chain and sprocket. SBKomponents is going to make a set of racks that will utilize the mounts from the hardbags to accommodate the softbags. I will be able to switch back and forth between the two with the simple turn of a key. It will be something new and a challenge for Eddy as it is different from the other stationary racks he has built for other bikes. I am excited to see the finished product as Eddy is meticulous in his work and uses stainless steel fasteners and powdercoats all of the hardware.

I have seen two of the three bikes on his website (the R1 photos are two different bikes) and Rick just had a set made for his ZZR.

So I'll be without her for two weeks, but if you can't be with the one you love, love the one you're with.

Yeah, I am the Troubadour.

-

Oh, to be the best

2011-02-26T20:27:00.000-08:00

Even Ducati wants a Tiger, Italians never were.... subtle.

Then there is Scion's attempt

Ford's more famous Sunbeam Tiger

I finally have my Tiger running now, I replaced the stepper motor that controlled the Idle Air Control Valve. The electrical gremlins have been rousted out of hiding and sent packing.

(stepper motor)

Unfortunately, the gremlins moved out of the garage and made it as far as the driveway where the car was parked and claimed the Body Control Module as home sweet home.

The car left Trobairitz stranded Friday morning. I highly recommend becoming a member of AMA with automatic renewal as it includes their towing service which saved me an expensive tow charge to the dealership.

The Tiger is now our main mode of transportation for a week while our one and only car is in the shop. I guess the saddlebags will go back on the bike so we can fetch some groceries. We'll either no longer take the car for granted or simply learn to live without it.

Shiny bits

2011-02-17T21:19:00.000-08:00

My stepper motor did not come in last week as I had hoped. I was planning to pick it up last Saturday and install it Sunday but of course it arrived Tuesday instead. I won't be able to make it to the shop until this weekend. This delays my repair a week and has me manipulating the throttle to compensate for the poor idle. The bike runs fine at speed but the faulty stepper motor won't regulate the air intake at idle and cause it to stubble and stall. I'll replace it this weekend and hope it fixes the problem.

In the meantime, I've been ordering farkles online and today I received new footpegs from K&L Cycle.

A much more aggressive cleat to secure my feet while standing on the pegs as I explore beyond the pavement. These drop the pegs about an inch thus lowering my weight on the bike.

I mounted them right away and adjusted the shift lever, the brake lever seems good but I may adjust it after a ride or two. They look odd, not because they don't have rubber inserts but because they are so clean.

I really need to wash my bike sometime.

Maybe this summer, when the rain stops.

-

Off to see the Wizard

2011-02-05T08:01:00.000-08:00

I have been busy lately with work and home. This is our busy season at work and though the rest of the country is buried under six feet of snow we are being pushed to ship grass seed. This is thanks to computers and the loss of human interaction. Buyers aren't looking out the window and basing their decisions on what the weather is doing right now or expected to be in the next few weeks but rather gazing into a computer monitor and reading what sales were last year. I know it takes time for product to ship, the transit time for an order to reach the distribution centers, then be consolidated with other orders and shipped again to individual stores. It can take two to three weeks for a store in Pennsylvania to receive an order from Oregon but it also can take weeks for snow to melt.

I laugh cause everything we do is so reliant on computers, even our bikes. Several weeks ago we had a lot of rain, it was blowing sideways wet. During that time my bike developed an ailment and has not been running at her best, experiencing hesitation, rough idle and stalling. I've had the tank, battery box, air box, filter and spark plugs out twice, replacing the spark plugs the second time and draining the fuel tank suspecting water in the fuel. It is nearly an hour job to dismantle the Tiger to get to the plugs and another hour to reassemble just to find it still runs rough. I've spent hours online reading forums learning about ECUs, IACVs, EFI, O2 sensors and all the little electrical gremlins residing in modern bikes. I've done all I can to fix the problem so now it's off to see the Wizard today to have him remap the ECU. (And maybe test ride a Street Triple).

Computers, do they really make life that much easier? When they are doing what they are supposed to do then yes, otherwise it takes another computer to fix the computer that you need. Great, now computers are a need.

-ADDENDUM: I had a great ride down to the Triumph shop and a better ride back, now that I know what the problem is. Apparently the gremlin I've been chasing is a faulty stepper motor for the Idle Air Control Valve, a $113 part. So with the part on order and an hour shop labor to disassemble, diagnose and reassemble and two new O-rings for the fuel fittings I am down $191.50. I have to tolerate the rough idle for another week until the part comes in, install it myself to save me an hour labor charge, then next time I'm at the shop they'll wipe the codes for me.

Ahhhhh, computers.

Triumph Tiger Off Road

2011-01-23T19:45:00.000-08:00

I am looking forward to some offroad adventures this summer and I've been watching videos of Triumph Tigers tackling the great outdoors.

Oh no, mirror.

These guys need to secure their loads.

Now this is much better.

I can't wait.

-

New year changes

2011-01-08T07:35:00.000-08:00

My New Year wasn't met with resolutions, I normally don't do that, my only resolution was to make note of my odometer as in my last post and even that was post script.

My employer however, had other plans.

I went into work last December 28th and within a half hour was summoned to the principal's office so to say. My supervisor had called a meeting and informed the four of us in her department that management was making some changes. This can't be good.

She told us that there were going to be some departmental changes. One being that the department we were part of was being dissolved. Gulp.

She was being promoted to manage the new department and a co-worker from another department, which was also being restructured, was coming in and taking my spot. Oh crap.

I was being moved into the new Operations Logistics department.

Each of the three previous departments had their own Logistics Coordinator, now we have three new departments and only two of us are the logistic coordinators for everyone. The other or third LC we had moved into my spot, not my position, my physical spot.

That moved me closer to the shipping desk, my duties haven't changed much as of yet. I will report to the new Operations Manager, but that is about all that affects me, except that my desk moved.

Remember when Irondad visited me at work and co-workers warned me of a suspicious culprit lurking about my bike trying to peer into the windows of the mother ship? My desk was here and difficult to spot any seedy characters skulking about.

Well that empty spot by the window is my new "spot" or what many wish for "a corner window office".

I now basically have a wide screen TV in my office, there isn't much on but I can keep a close eye on my bike.

This is about as close as one could get to working with your bike without actually working on it or riding it.

However, I may have to post a sign for Irondad's next visit.

P.S. - We are all aware of Irondad's office, the lucky dog and thanks to BlueKat for the idea of showing us her office and how far she is away from her bike. Let's see your office in proximity to your bike and where you spend your day, a challenge if you will.

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Last ride of 2010

2011-01-02T10:40:00.000-08:00

We have been enjoying clear sunny skies and dry winter days since last Thursday. Absolutely fantastic weather for an extended four day weekend from work although quite cold for our area.

Some of us were willing to brave the cold so Rick put together a last ride of 2010. (I link his blog in attempts to get him to write something). We bundled up to tackle the near freezing temperatures riding 40 miles north to Salem and introduced some friends to Sushi Kyo.

I wasn't bothered by the cold but for cold toes as I have heated gear and finally some fairing, handguard and windscreen protection I lacked on the America. Trobairitz wasn't so fortunate and following her I knew she was suffering as she wouldn't sit still and was constantly shaking her left hand trying to get feeling back to her fingers. I told her several times on the radio to pull over but either not hearing me or just being stubborn, refused to pull over until I passed and cut her off onto the shoulder. I radioed Rick to go ahead and that we would meet up with them at the restaurant.

Stopping the bikes, pulling off our helmets and gloves to lay bare the cold breeze despite the bright sunshine that had lulled us into a false sense of warmer days of summer. After a few minutes with gloves stashed into the engine area to warm up and warming her bare hands on the engine case of her bike we were ready to move on. A fellow rider and friend QCD rode by, slowing down to make sure we were okay, I gave him a wave of thanks and he proceeded on his way as not to let go of his heated grips I'm sure.

We made it to Salem and had hot green tea and miso soup waiting for us when we arrived. After a great lunch and warming up it was time to suit up again and make our way home.

Rick offered Trobairitz some extra hand warmers he had in his trunk and we stuffed them into her mitts to add some extra warmth to her heated grips. We rode down the east side of I-5 through Turner, Marion and Jefferson where we started to head west into the sun. I broadcast a bit of trivia over the radio about ice crystals in the sky forming a halo around the sun producing a Sun Dog, but we already knew it was cold. Too cold to stop for photos so I had to pilfer a photo from the interweb.

We made it home for a hot bath, hot coffee and Carolans Irish Cream to warm up. Trob finally admitted to understanding the merits of owning a heated liner, if I had known this is what it would have taken I would have froze her solid long ago. She even asked about hand guards for her bike, so I told her that the BMW G650GS comes with hand guards and a charging system heavy enough to handle all kinds of heated gear. (I do what I can).

First Ride of 2011

Needless to say she turned down the invitation to the Polar Bear Ride to the coast for chowder yesterday. I went to Saturday morning coffee and we all waited for the sun to come up and warm the valley as best it could from so far away. It was somewhat warmer than Friday, I believe it got up to 35˚F or so. Four of us rode straight out Hwy 20 to Newport to Bobskoot's favorite place and warmed up with a hot cup of chowder at The Chowder Bowl.

As usual whenever we leave the sunny valley the coast is cloudy or fogged in. It wasn't long before we headed back, taking a quick scenic ride along the bay through Toledo and back up to Hwy 20 home. Both days and both trips were about a hundred miles each, a good way to mind Auld Lang Syne and ring in the New Year.

May 2011 bring everyone health, wealth and happiness.

Happy New Year friends.

P.S. - I've never tracked my annual mileage as others have so that can be my resolution for 2011. Yesterday's ride was 120 miles, subtracted from my current odometer reading of 24,156 makes my official 2011 odometer login reading of 24,036.
I can, however, calculate the 3198 miles I put on the Tiger since I purchased it on 9/22 with 20,958 miles on the clock. Which means I averaged 31.6 miles per day, not bad for buying a bike on the first day of autumn eh? At that rate, I would average 11,557 miles per year, but a more realistic goal would be putting my 2012 odometer reading well into the 40K mile mark.

Of course, buying Trobairitz a new bike may alter my calculations some, hehehehe.

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Thanks for the laugh Tim.

2010-12-30T21:01:00.000-08:00

A friend posted this on a popular social website and made me laugh.

Happy New Year everyone!!!

Happy Solstice

2010-12-21T12:37:00.000-08:00

The days start getting longer, at least for those of us in the Northern hemisphere, sorry Geoff and Raftnn, no sympathy from me as I read your blogs of you two riding, enjoying summer and posting pics of Pohutukawa - the NZ Christmas tree.

However, this day is of great significance to us motorcyclists North of the Equator, it means the clock has turned, we have rounded the corner and started our way towards Spring. The sun returns and stays with us just a little bit longer each day, warming the earth, melting the snow and ice.

Sure, it's the first day of winter and the beginning of a new season, but in Oregon we start every calendar year as cold and wettest, then Spring is warmer and wet, Summer is just plain hot and dry then in the Fall it is back to wet. With 7 months of the year being wet, the short dry season is all we have to look forward to.

I looked outside to the sky last night before heading to bed and it was too cloudy to bother staying up for the lunar eclipse. I did hear today that the sky in our area did clear up. Of course photos of last night's event are all over the interweb this morning, I stole these from Huffington Post

Sure hope you photographers got some great photos as I always look forward to all of your great work.

Wishing everyone a Happy Solstice, a Merry Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Happy Holidays and Season's Greetings.

IMS Seattle 2010

2010-12-16T12:51:00.000-08:00

We went to the International Motorcycle Show in Seattle last weekend. Same thing as last year, but we didn't take the train and drove up. We also had Tbolt with us, well, at least for as long as we could contain her. She was volunteering at the Women's Ride Booth at noon til 3:00 so as soon as we arrived at 11:30 she got her bearings and was gone.
We met a couple of friends that used to live around here, Eddy recently moved to Vancouver, Washington and Doug to the Dalles, Oregon.
Getting on the road early and driving directly to the show, we were hungry, so off we went in search of lunch; Rick suggested Pyramid Brewery Alehouse around the corner. After a bite to eat and visiting with the guys we were back at the show sitting on bikes.

Eddy

Doug

Then I had to go harass the Harley guys.

All in good fun,

until the Harley rep pulled a knife and offered to remove the logo from my shirt. Who would of thought Harley guys would get so jealous over a shirt.

So I went over and checked out a Victory...

then kicked it over and blamed the Harley guy.

We looked at some gear,

helmets,

Yamaha,

and Ducati.

While trying to locate BobSkoot and Mrs. Skoot, the stunt show started.

It was a lot of noise and very little stunting, these guys weren't half as good as the Ducati team was last year. We couldn't hear the announcer or understand him as he mumbled and had the personality of a wet noodle. The two riders tried but just couldn't get traction on the slippery floor and didn't know to use Coca-Cola and maple syrup on the floor the night before to make it sticky.

So we gave up, walked away and went in search of fellow Canadians. While we played phone tag with Bobskoot, we checked out Honda.

And messed with the Honda guys.

I didn't know SonjaM was at the show until it was too late and was headed home. Sorry we missed you.

We chatted with Daniel from PNWRiders as he was there taking pictures.

Then it was over to Suzuki.

I kid Bob and Josh about the Wee Strom,

but had I not found the Tiger, I was very close to buying this model in this color. A very nice bike.

We checked out a few more bikes, the camera was getting heavy and it was nearing the end of the day. The crowds were waning, we were tired from being up so early and the drive so we headed out.

We made it over to the hotel, checked in and met in the lobby before dinner. We lost Tbolt somewhere...too bad, because dinner was fantastico.

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What is a yute?

2010-12-10T22:34:00.000-08:00

The question was asked by Judge Chamberlain Haller played by Fred Gwynne in the movie My Cousin Vinny.

There has been blogs of late showing pictures of the author as a yute. I believe it started with Geoff of Confessions of an Ageing Motorcyclist and (faint) hope that other bloggers will be stupid enough to follow suit.
Of the bloggers I follow, SonjaM was first to join in with Motorcycle pictures? Yes! Embarrassing? No (not yet)!

Bobskoot of Wet Coast Scootin quickly followed posting From the Past.

Before long Trobairitz was posting pics in her blog post Let's Do The Time Warp Again and then in Grubby Little Urchin

So now it is my turn with me on the tricycle, note the plastic motorcycle behind me, I started at an early age.

This is me on the first day of school; I don't remember if this was playschool or kindergarten but I was 5 or 6 years old. Wish my mom still had that little Ford Cortina.

My brother and I received our first bike from Santa in 1980 or '81, a little Yamaha Enduro 80. We dinked around on that for several years and learned to ride. I eventually rode friend's bikes too and was hooked. Sorry no photos, lost in too many moves.

Not a lot of me on bikes, but of me and my bikes. I think I was 13 or 14 years old on the quad with my cousin Landon up in Valleyview, Alberta one summer for my uncle's 50th birthday party.

My very first real street bike out of high school was a 1974 Honda CB750Four with full fairing and bags. My mother talked me into this over a little Honda 250, maybe she thought I wouldn't outgrow this one. It was a nice ride, although heavy to pick up after dropping it the carport one day when I forgot to put the kickstand down.

From there I moved onto an '81 Suzuki GS550 but got bored with that real quick and bought an '84 Honda Magna V45. This was a great bike and I loved it and rode it from Penticton, B.C. to Calgary and back one weekend.

But as Bobskoot can attest, ICBC isn't kind when it comes to insuring vehicles and it just became too expensive for a young man in his 20's to own two cars and a bike.

Yes, that was my Barracuda in the background. Eventually sold them both to move to the US.

In the meantime, I played around on Dad's trike.

Since then we've owned another Honda Magna V45, a Kawasaki KZ900LTD, Kawasaki Ninja 650R, Honda Nighthawk 250, a Triumph Sprint ST, Triumph America...

and the now the Triumph Tiger and Suzuki TU250.

So that's a yute.

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Pre-trip inspection

2010-12-01T12:39:00.000-08:00

I am a procrastinator, I have admitted it in past posts, I also have a terrible memory or what I call CRAFT disease.

I have all the intent in the world to check my bike, do a pre-trip inspection but while walking to the garage I'm like a puppy, if something else grabs my attention along the way, I fetch the ball and completely forget what I was going to do in the garage.

So it should be no surprise when I felt something odd through my rear brake pedal last night on my ride home. A slight pulsating and... could that be a rock in my brakes causing that grinding? Meh, I'll favor the rear brakes and check it when I get home.

So it should be no surprise when I felt something odd through my rear brake pedal this morning on my ride to work. A slight pulsating and... could that be a rock in my brakes causing that grinding? Meh, I'll favor the rear brakes and check it when I get to work.

See what I mean? Welcome to my world, everyday is something new.

If I had only had four days off to work in the garage and check my bike, replace the worn brake pads, clean and lube the chain, replace the worn brake pads, change the tires and replace the worn brake pads.

I called the local parts store this morning, the new brake pads are on order and should be here tomorrow. I'll limp my bike home tonight, wonder what that pulsating is in my brake pedal and remember to favor the rear brakes. I do eventually learn through repetition.

The problem is I have to get myself into a routine of checking my bike at least once a week. I would say daily but I am also a realist and I know that isn't going to happen. I'm like a puppy, if something else grabs my attention along the way, I fetch the ball and completely forget what I was going to do in the garage.

I'll be caging it tomorrow and you'd think it would teach me for procrastinating, but it won't because I won't remember it.

"It's déjà vu all over again".
~ Yogi Berra

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Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T09:23:00.000-08:00

Okay guys, time to head out to the garage to find, clean and return to the kitchen drawer your wife's turkey baster before she sees it's missing. Although knowing that you used the baster for leveling acid in your batteries, emptying the float bowls in your carbs and transferring fuel from your bike to the lawn mower last spring or bleeding your brakes, do you really want it back in the kitchen?

I like Thanksgiving,

...it's everything Christmas should be.

I'm thankful that Thanksgiving falls on the fourth Thursday each November so there isn't any guessing of what days the boss will give you off of work. A guaranteed four day weekend, none of this 25th of December falling on a Saturday, Sunday or mid-week scheduling crap, eating up your precious vacation days you've squirreled away for that trip you want to take next year. Sorry Canada, this is one holiday I give to the US for getting right.

I'm thankful there isn't the commercialism attached to Thanksgiving. I don't feel obligated to go out and spend hundreds of dollars on material things for others that they already have or didn't ask for. Although the grocery stores are busy with people pushing, shoving and going toe to toe for the last can of cranberry jelly log, I don't have to participate. Our cupboards are stocked, we don't eat a lot and we aren't working in the kitchen all day.

I'm thankful for the weather, although this year we had a brief dusting of snow and ice a bit early, today is looking to be clear and sunny. I may be able to sneak a ride in this afternoon. November is usually much better for weather than the end of December. I hope those who are traveling for Thanksgiving aren't taking this for granted because it's going to be much worse in another month.

I'm thankful for the one, simple holiday greeting "Happy Thanksgiving". There is only one way to say it and what's better than to wish someone a neutral greeting. No one can take offense because of their beliefs, you don't have to make sure to include or you accidentally exclude a certain group when offering a friendly salutation.

I'm thankful for not decorating. No climbing on the roof, precariously hanging over the edge or dragging out and climbing a 40' ladder with wet, slippery snow packed boots to string lights on the house, trees and shrubs in the yard. I'm not untangling 600 feet of twinkling lights only to find that I have to go through seventeen hundred and ninety four lights to find the one bulb that's burned out. No trees were killed in the making of this holiday only to be toss out on the street 3 months later with the trash. And best of all no tinsel, who thought of this little accessory anyway?

I'm thankful for the peace and quiet. Even though some radio stations and department stores insist on playing holiday music 18 weeks early, one can get through Thanksgiving without hearing Jingle Bells and Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer 42 times a day. The bell ringers have started but you can still avoid those stores and find what you need at another store that has at least held out allowing the incessant ringing until tomorrow.

I rant and joke with tongue in cheek, but in all seriousness, I am very thankful.

I am thankful to have such a loving and caring family.

My wife Brandy,

my Mom and Dad,

my brother Barrett, sister-in-law Lisa and my favorite niece Faith,

my mother-in law Carleta,

my brother-in-law Tiger and sister-in-law Tanisha.

I am thankful for all my friends, readers and fellow bloggers.

I can't forget little Basil kitteh.

I am thankful for my health and to hear how fortunate and healthy my family and friends are and that everyone is doing well.

I wish everyone and your families a Happy Thanksgiving.

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