tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84157077890234349232024-02-07T19:31:57.062-05:00< Southern Comfort - Cowboy's Journal >A journal about things I do and places I go. Southern Comfort was originally about my 2010 motorcycle trip through the south, in search of a little Southern-style peace of mind. Over time, the blog evolved into a biker-related journal, with stories about my experiences with people, places, and things! If you want to see what I'm up to, Welcome! Start anywhere, but to ride along on the 2010 Southern Comfort trip, it's best to start at the beginning. Thanks for visiting, and enjoy. Ken, aka CowboyCowboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13718574116005039771noreply@blogger.comBlogger158125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8415707789023434923.post-76411250574818709972019-07-23T21:46:00.001-04:002019-07-25T19:09:29.132-04:00Tuesday, 7/23, Ride Update<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz29lwZwBlESUOUfTkLC7hH0fVNTh1R0CVWxyyMh9buvVbhooOX_t21dykOQ6JvcwyDFa0PYQf5KARhxc08e7qVw_ABjNhnEKC4a9OS9ubkPXejnRUA-D7Lvru71-AWnfTNL825MRhCRcq/s1600/36D07CA1-9B39-4BDE-987B-6E68F4280C67.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz29lwZwBlESUOUfTkLC7hH0fVNTh1R0CVWxyyMh9buvVbhooOX_t21dykOQ6JvcwyDFa0PYQf5KARhxc08e7qVw_ABjNhnEKC4a9OS9ubkPXejnRUA-D7Lvru71-AWnfTNL825MRhCRcq/s400/36D07CA1-9B39-4BDE-987B-6E68F4280C67.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a> When we set out, I planned........well, as much planning as I usually do.......to put a few miles between the bike and home before we began sightseeing. Besides, there just wasn't much to stop and gawk at anyway. Pretty country though, and it was a welcome change to have a few twists in the road, and even a hill or two!<br />
<br />
We got into Corinth MS, Sunday evening for a second 380+ mile day. The Limited, fully (over)loaded, running 2-up is a fucking handful, and I’m done when then trip odometer creeps up on 400. Robin shares similar thoughts, and doesn’t argue a bit when I suggest calling it a day.<br />
<br />
On Monday we declared a play-day, touring the Corinth Civil War site and museum. Then we hauled ass to Memphis before the forecasted deluge began.<br />
<br />
In Memphis (Southaven), we made a stop at Southern Thunder HD to say hello, and while there, I asked about my Nav/Radio system which had mysteriously shut down that morning during a rain shower, and just as mysteriously, turned back on 30 miles later. Without missing a beat, my bike was in their service department where the looked it over, confirming I had the latest software, etc. They couldn't find anything, but then wanted to wash up the bike for me. All at no charge. With rain starting to fall, I thanked them for everything, but decided to pass on the wash. Wow, what a great dealer! Off we rode to the hotel.<br />
<br />
After the skies cleared a little, we rode up to Graceland, but Elvis, strangely, wasn’t there to greet us! Then off to the amazing......see it to believe it....Bass Pro Pyramid on the riverbank in Memphis.<br />
<br />
On the inside, it was hard to remember you were actually indoors. With full size boats floating on small rivers filled with humongous fish, ducks walking around, and other wildlife exhibits, it was like something out of Disney. Heck, there was even a bowling alley in there.<br />
<br />
Heading home, we passed by the party spot, Beale Street, and they were filming a movie! Traffic was a zoo, so we didn’t stop.<br />
<br />
Today.....it’s Tuesday, right?....we hit it early and hard....Arkansas by 9, and north to Missouri. Great day to ride and make some miles.<br />
<br />
We hit a new day-record for Robin of 396 miles, and we’ve ridden almost 1300 miles so far. We rode some highways to make better time, but ended on some killer 4 and 2 lane roads through the Ozarks, ending up in a place with the unlikely name of Osage Beach!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir2UmMGPpUtPz4dSzA68KSG1YcqRP6sTIk8MT1D-DeZyBmvTd5JRvxBXZw42h07I4hqgK0twB2wHdKUvDLcE0IF0v7HqHFmmCo9avj-5Cyz0xX7SLXL7TCJu-CiAJrN_wlJ8yyKSy1O48M/s1600/6B38E305-4726-44D5-956F-8A9C5014E1B3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir2UmMGPpUtPz4dSzA68KSG1YcqRP6sTIk8MT1D-DeZyBmvTd5JRvxBXZw42h07I4hqgK0twB2wHdKUvDLcE0IF0v7HqHFmmCo9avj-5Cyz0xX7SLXL7TCJu-CiAJrN_wlJ8yyKSy1O48M/s320/6B38E305-4726-44D5-956F-8A9C5014E1B3.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjil53hatSK0DjXx3hA4q232ZZU7-JrJ0xFglQwWi54SPWycxR_mOU6c5kOQ7DWCXYc9-A4dj0-y3P_Oy5lVdpf2fVTsB1aRr2z9QG-7LpFe-x_zmwBYUexMySFEQhUJAEHx7RPnbRrYlA_/s1600/9F5562BA-5491-4128-8E66-D4C1EA8075C5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjil53hatSK0DjXx3hA4q232ZZU7-JrJ0xFglQwWi54SPWycxR_mOU6c5kOQ7DWCXYc9-A4dj0-y3P_Oy5lVdpf2fVTsB1aRr2z9QG-7LpFe-x_zmwBYUexMySFEQhUJAEHx7RPnbRrYlA_/s320/9F5562BA-5491-4128-8E66-D4C1EA8075C5.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHX_nawg4LK-batmnkrjHIae1pISxfCcIEAUfrDkEoxzJC4VNzQaMARO61e6CpnLuzu9OlXbmMvhR_hQ0yAVUPmsSM20DRiiw4yug9ZRsyHRLLRPQUNfJ2unVRzqZKvjohvOV0qCQncBNk/s1600/58ACBCAB-D2D7-4ABB-88D2-D065A14B116C.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHX_nawg4LK-batmnkrjHIae1pISxfCcIEAUfrDkEoxzJC4VNzQaMARO61e6CpnLuzu9OlXbmMvhR_hQ0yAVUPmsSM20DRiiw4yug9ZRsyHRLLRPQUNfJ2unVRzqZKvjohvOV0qCQncBNk/s320/58ACBCAB-D2D7-4ABB-88D2-D065A14B116C.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifAD_EtAhKAmddTSD_wPLF16m1W9n1ufMfMBei-yoaSQ7pWAWyGwAORdC14z-Pi4fgvFI9R6Zq83RCRMpostqymXVGPfLU-KhtEfNeip4p3bCCU5gHXxqkV4My0APBAzCCeSB6syAzxSR1/s1600/318A4389-8FC9-4406-B2A7-45B8574D7BDA.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifAD_EtAhKAmddTSD_wPLF16m1W9n1ufMfMBei-yoaSQ7pWAWyGwAORdC14z-Pi4fgvFI9R6Zq83RCRMpostqymXVGPfLU-KhtEfNeip4p3bCCU5gHXxqkV4My0APBAzCCeSB6syAzxSR1/s320/318A4389-8FC9-4406-B2A7-45B8574D7BDA.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI4Z5Q127cZ2lxY-_cKtWxNcYVOH6Tvie2bzdv6YLA7PueAzDD9I11zvLNL3Fnj7ddgBvWrkpa9LgQ_0Zg5pfo6c8O9zL_ep1NYreOQ9fMJoXXrh_NsPR5JMGPZDeY2ERN_XDHtxvZpaL2/s1600/946B09D0-2536-4902-AC91-3651524B3583.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI4Z5Q127cZ2lxY-_cKtWxNcYVOH6Tvie2bzdv6YLA7PueAzDD9I11zvLNL3Fnj7ddgBvWrkpa9LgQ_0Zg5pfo6c8O9zL_ep1NYreOQ9fMJoXXrh_NsPR5JMGPZDeY2ERN_XDHtxvZpaL2/s320/946B09D0-2536-4902-AC91-3651524B3583.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQIH_P0xVohgQXiBUjtVQEunk8vEWChAAOyrRu5yEvyH-JMANgGfCzUcOP9Z5BtlPq7K_PYdPjshEFJ6w4jWVk3ZNN8gVdc8f5ZzLhwca7uc4wIR1Irquu32qlBjeQ4lSJ73khxO2JLGC/s1600/A3F727C2-C5AF-440C-B134-BF04091D3B1A.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQIH_P0xVohgQXiBUjtVQEunk8vEWChAAOyrRu5yEvyH-JMANgGfCzUcOP9Z5BtlPq7K_PYdPjshEFJ6w4jWVk3ZNN8gVdc8f5ZzLhwca7uc4wIR1Irquu32qlBjeQ4lSJ73khxO2JLGC/s320/A3F727C2-C5AF-440C-B134-BF04091D3B1A.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH5Q7GbUgCjYdd_38IXKpf2qkvttISNdp2Vr__hOkQf8GIioDzNeg7J_bAXhQZrBsdYi7fyEW2TyBRb-A6-MzJw5cSd-uzxoINVQLVasYsJ7wYvAIgz5Oui_lIJ9bTCOO4dBN8tAV7SLzt/s1600/A8448836-554A-4AAC-BDC6-E1B1EDF97638.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH5Q7GbUgCjYdd_38IXKpf2qkvttISNdp2Vr__hOkQf8GIioDzNeg7J_bAXhQZrBsdYi7fyEW2TyBRb-A6-MzJw5cSd-uzxoINVQLVasYsJ7wYvAIgz5Oui_lIJ9bTCOO4dBN8tAV7SLzt/s320/A8448836-554A-4AAC-BDC6-E1B1EDF97638.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVqgLr9-gdH7zDqaLXsNU1I8xjsrIqYS9-zkUpJtGgpdVYbI_EIJsZkF68ZfiSZ_0qgvDDZnWXV7tfboWmXY9rCUijNI9uqYY-Z7wmMKYineVWpoR56Ch9jrRwYMcukDhkhSRE-rFgm6pu/s1600/AEB1089F-F933-464E-879A-48646C6C75AC.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVqgLr9-gdH7zDqaLXsNU1I8xjsrIqYS9-zkUpJtGgpdVYbI_EIJsZkF68ZfiSZ_0qgvDDZnWXV7tfboWmXY9rCUijNI9uqYY-Z7wmMKYineVWpoR56Ch9jrRwYMcukDhkhSRE-rFgm6pu/s320/AEB1089F-F933-464E-879A-48646C6C75AC.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM1XwUiJzp4ZqkEakq2Eeufm-ptHOtCdUFmQxB25n6HxMitrhmcZFqn7J8TRKpqajrSBtrVacwE38Q1FULqrd9VHCYzLHm8nr4TY4jZ2OzNshRUc-vw6JL4TvZMIzkVjXT3XsbNHxm2KEo/s1600/B8C30524-2A50-433A-8A55-0432F9911797.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM1XwUiJzp4ZqkEakq2Eeufm-ptHOtCdUFmQxB25n6HxMitrhmcZFqn7J8TRKpqajrSBtrVacwE38Q1FULqrd9VHCYzLHm8nr4TY4jZ2OzNshRUc-vw6JL4TvZMIzkVjXT3XsbNHxm2KEo/s320/B8C30524-2A50-433A-8A55-0432F9911797.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT5H_2eKWMNhXxg1fA8D3fn-VoR7RkcgvDxa262PAEkXf2bG7h13J71YetpzDI8_dl2parN8L-xVN3eDlc5NhF6aGU-to0BveW_uj-Ue8TIZD0OwWkXt7zRrhvsXYfGuYqEa38s6zmJg0N/s1600/C86E4401-9CFD-4090-8C63-91FEF8C5ACFE.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT5H_2eKWMNhXxg1fA8D3fn-VoR7RkcgvDxa262PAEkXf2bG7h13J71YetpzDI8_dl2parN8L-xVN3eDlc5NhF6aGU-to0BveW_uj-Ue8TIZD0OwWkXt7zRrhvsXYfGuYqEa38s6zmJg0N/s320/C86E4401-9CFD-4090-8C63-91FEF8C5ACFE.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWImuajFGcS0MUlTSZfb1f9Mjn7zoeIUdr2oRX_C3OFWnsd2Gjp9QehhZQ8hfsSc8EpAFPfalDUFnYjS6wc7d_KQeOIGDZ5zwSa1gbls4rRGo-_kjbkqvGHwYJsm68QBfaco-BW9ZmkOyp/s1600/F1CC4974-6516-4DE4-82F1-3DDAFC6F546A.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWImuajFGcS0MUlTSZfb1f9Mjn7zoeIUdr2oRX_C3OFWnsd2Gjp9QehhZQ8hfsSc8EpAFPfalDUFnYjS6wc7d_KQeOIGDZ5zwSa1gbls4rRGo-_kjbkqvGHwYJsm68QBfaco-BW9ZmkOyp/s320/F1CC4974-6516-4DE4-82F1-3DDAFC6F546A.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuqWUFSxmwFn2-NupzGG3JAcKpanXzJKXJwV0chP9bYlJsWjIPhTVV-lsIF0JoyLP0t345goeKjQFFvM7_te8Oy2dvUEMT2Y-gDmQ_ulvxniON6X3zKPsd0g38TJ-9FS82iBS1uvSi8ry0/s1600/F4CED94C-4FC1-4C84-BF99-FF3541530356.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuqWUFSxmwFn2-NupzGG3JAcKpanXzJKXJwV0chP9bYlJsWjIPhTVV-lsIF0JoyLP0t345goeKjQFFvM7_te8Oy2dvUEMT2Y-gDmQ_ulvxniON6X3zKPsd0g38TJ-9FS82iBS1uvSi8ry0/s320/F4CED94C-4FC1-4C84-BF99-FF3541530356.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Osage Beach is a town on a huge lake...Lake of the Ozarks...and its very cool. We're here for the night, after a dinner of a hot fudge sundae.....YUM!<br />
<br />
Nite y’all,<br />
Cowboy<br />
<br />
</div>
</div>
Cowboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13718574116005039771noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8415707789023434923.post-42168794798951600012019-07-19T13:12:00.003-04:002019-07-20T07:25:31.522-04:00Four Years....a few weeks over 4 years!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN35FTpNji_N8gEOLmTCZPCyhwQwQwgRTIF1ncYT7ok8hskm68Fxe4ljRsjqM5fpqO_wWWFQAiNeJvhm5Ml17zil5DfSOwUqpYRqQHDIbiQ4xsIikyRrB6tOpIg7XI5-x3kvPiqwng5Jz1/s1600/E27787FC-BF2D-4F81-A466-1F20FD8CF762.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="477" data-original-width="480" height="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN35FTpNji_N8gEOLmTCZPCyhwQwQwgRTIF1ncYT7ok8hskm68Fxe4ljRsjqM5fpqO_wWWFQAiNeJvhm5Ml17zil5DfSOwUqpYRqQHDIbiQ4xsIikyRrB6tOpIg7XI5-x3kvPiqwng5Jz1/s400/E27787FC-BF2D-4F81-A466-1F20FD8CF762.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Yep, time flies, and I’ve learned (or re-learned) that’s a fact regardless whether you’re having fun or not. After four years, the time seems right to breathe a little air back into Southern Comfort's lungs, so here goes. Hope you guys bear with me while I resurrect my blogging skills, and to those (over 133,500 former readers!) who have long given up on seeing anything new from SC, (and...YIKES.....even deleted the link!), here we go again......</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
.........It's a very hot July day today here in Ormond Beach, Florida, and I can work up a sweat just walking out to the mailbox and back. It's hovering at 102 degrees, without the heat index. With the beach nearby, and a new boat here in the garage, there's a few nifty ways to cope with the heat, but we...yes, WE....are going to hit the road tomorrow morning, setting out on an adventure. This time, and for my/her/our first time, 2-up riding on the Harley Davidson for about a month with my girlfriend, Robin. Destination: Out west, with the obligatory stop at Sturgis for the annual Black Hills Motorcycle Rally.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I started kicking around the idea of my next long ride almost two years ago, and over time the plan began to crystalize. All I really wanted was to get back on the road and get away.....far away...from the East Coast. I love where I live, right in the heart of vacation-land, but I need some perspective, both scenic and personal. I've had some pretty rough times during the past few years, and it was, and is, time to go.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Going last year was my original idea, but spinal surgery was suddenly required, and that sure put the screws on the that idea. As a result everything got set back until I healed up a little, so a ride during 2019 was put on the calendar. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And also in 2018, out of nowhere (Jacksonville, actually....), Robin made an appearance in my life....a very good thing. So now it's 2019 and the ride is ON!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfsFun3aBPcP3wdgjfq_Gh2VtEwxTO38yT3FY6okCI_Z597R74BsaCojAhUTmFTpOvpcnF6u450Q5AKw_yli78f9y51kT8_bKlilbQzSbJawnQ3KRlPFrPR9EHg8di3xxI-nUzRFiAJ_M5/s1600/1965461.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfsFun3aBPcP3wdgjfq_Gh2VtEwxTO38yT3FY6okCI_Z597R74BsaCojAhUTmFTpOvpcnF6u450Q5AKw_yli78f9y51kT8_bKlilbQzSbJawnQ3KRlPFrPR9EHg8di3xxI-nUzRFiAJ_M5/s400/1965461.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Also my good friends George and Mitch At Rossmeyer HD twisted my arm last year and sold me an awesome almost-new 2017 Ultra Limited. That purchase removed any concerns about the mileage and expired warranty on my 2013 Limited. That 2013 bike sure did it's job in 2014 for my last Sturgis trip. No, that's not the only bike left. I kept the 99 Wide Glide bar-hopper that I'd picked up a couple years back. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On a side-note, it turns out that George and I were once neighbors in California, though we didn't know each other at the time. Small world! </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Ybh4GbZK1jLj2AIJTc2kEaciGfJfYKaIIcKIKsjmjoTpvHglRGaVD7nM2_2NEkEnk0i5iLd2uG-ph5fgxdopqLJPnjWO8Qc8l_4wHBZ-04w_mztlWG7ihUM6EoXhmZWYQ_-Ce5GEJoCx/s1600/IMG_1460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Ybh4GbZK1jLj2AIJTc2kEaciGfJfYKaIIcKIKsjmjoTpvHglRGaVD7nM2_2NEkEnk0i5iLd2uG-ph5fgxdopqLJPnjWO8Qc8l_4wHBZ-04w_mztlWG7ihUM6EoXhmZWYQ_-Ce5GEJoCx/s400/IMG_1460.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So we're off first thing tomorrow morning, riding 2-up on the Limited. That's Saturday, July 20, 2019. No, no fucking trailer. Sturgis, here we come. As always, route and schedule TBD as time and weather dictate. The only firm scheduled date is our house rental on Main Street in Deadwood, SD, in late July. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We're avoiding Interstate highways like the plague, sticking instead to secondary roads so we can enjoy the United States as it was meant to be seen. We'll see the sights, meet the people, and yes, get stuck at some red lights, but anything is better than long miles <yawn> on an Interstate. Ain't no deadline, and no intinerary, and there ain't gonna be one.</yawn></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The list of places we might hit include Memphis, Deadwood, Sturgis, Wyoming, the north-south back-road route through the Rockies, into Utah and Arizona, and making our way back to Daytona/Ormond. It might take a month...maybe a little more.<br />
<br />
For the record, friends and family have volunteered to stay conveniently close to airports, just in case Robin decides she can't spend another day on the back of my bike wandering aimlessly through the United States. And I think she's got what it takes, and can hang in there for the whole ride! Stay tuned as the story unfolds!</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We're asking our well-intentioned friends to restrain themselves....really, please, we're serious .....not offering any tips or advice on places to see, people to meet, places to eat, or routes to take, thus my reluctance to publish a possible route map. It's our adventure, and we want to discover it for ourselves as the trip unfolds around each bend in the road.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So Cheer's y'all, and thanks for reading Southern Comfort once again....YOU ARE READING IT, RIGHT? Stay tuned for updates!</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Cowboy and Robin, July 2019</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrRpJMt10BzhLBMr1LWK4wM9i3RiYLNjxiMWOmhIj4RxB57Q0VhKm8Y4cSyMLaHLGMHXaiIwuh39N7SH_hHtFGVvNenNp0_OFkBfuPHUGKDnsO-4kZlAmUpFDh-GE41a3LLbkTGdZjtuAT/s1600/IMG_2411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrRpJMt10BzhLBMr1LWK4wM9i3RiYLNjxiMWOmhIj4RxB57Q0VhKm8Y4cSyMLaHLGMHXaiIwuh39N7SH_hHtFGVvNenNp0_OFkBfuPHUGKDnsO-4kZlAmUpFDh-GE41a3LLbkTGdZjtuAT/s400/IMG_2411.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Cowboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13718574116005039771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8415707789023434923.post-14854258742328490032015-07-04T10:12:00.003-04:002019-07-19T18:08:24.800-04:00July 4, 2015<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4enSdZffZeEsDqhTLwx_XsObnkRnkZsZwyrxLsRWPix0nkb_qAqPGD43pBG9XFLu-yZaKhcir87UJULd7vokqRd24CF2Nk0BBoyLEATMr2erU-lFZteVnh9hGdYF-DTHnbS5-HMhRPgPO/s1600/confederate-flag1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4enSdZffZeEsDqhTLwx_XsObnkRnkZsZwyrxLsRWPix0nkb_qAqPGD43pBG9XFLu-yZaKhcir87UJULd7vokqRd24CF2Nk0BBoyLEATMr2erU-lFZteVnh9hGdYF-DTHnbS5-HMhRPgPO/s400/confederate-flag1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Wow, more than 6 months have slipped by since Southern Comfort was last updated, and that's a reminder....to me, anyway.....that life is short, and if you're not very careful, it gets away from you before you know it. Seems like the pages on the calendar in my shop just keep flipping over and over.<br />
<br />
I actually had to stop and think back about where I've been, and of course, what I've been doing for 6 or 7 months, and damn, I'm sorry to say, "Not much!", or that's the way it seemed before I started writing this. (Turns out I was wrong!) See, my retirement was cut short after a dose of financial reality set it, reminding me to NOT buy things like expensive new motorcycles or Harley trucks when my monthly income was poised to take a precipitous dive.<br />
<br />
And I was also reminded that I'd long since lost all my retirement accounts to lawyers, exes, and Anheuser Busch. You just can't live the life I've lived, and end up with any damn money! No regrets, mind ya, but taking all that into consideration, my sorry (but happy and still grinning) ass had to go back to work for a little while! And working takes away the travel time, bringing me back to the subject at hand: What have I been doing?<br />
<br />
Cross country rides not being an option, I've been exploring the local areas, learning more about my adopted home state, Florida. Turns out, there's more to this state than Daytona! I've ridden to places like Cedar Key, Tarpon Springs, Leesburg (the Bikefest), and most recently I was introduced to a new place just north of here called Fernandina Beach.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_pIRH6oumLV9KxRRfzNSMHYnJa067rbFriDs2AYW3A45PcwViGdTATDggb1W5LS-7VI7rKAht1tj4A3L6i5CpP5wV32nU_rTGdAj-34OssVwesKKxIBtxFxZIYLw7rAt8-LGyw0IFb_Zp/s1600/IMG_7048.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_pIRH6oumLV9KxRRfzNSMHYnJa067rbFriDs2AYW3A45PcwViGdTATDggb1W5LS-7VI7rKAht1tj4A3L6i5CpP5wV32nU_rTGdAj-34OssVwesKKxIBtxFxZIYLw7rAt8-LGyw0IFb_Zp/s400/IMG_7048.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: orange;">Cedar Key, Florida</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPezg6ZupPcXj-dulbCdLPWqCIc7ArCCQ_5BW2AnTDNtBlptt6NBL1tUn7wypArPsgSsD0-9p1mPJ6FBE2NxbKGmUFfrmT9fBQXOnVjbi0BzqGvYkAZofbATd_spPVhM2k3VLxfxtcY7yt/s1600/IMG_1007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPezg6ZupPcXj-dulbCdLPWqCIc7ArCCQ_5BW2AnTDNtBlptt6NBL1tUn7wypArPsgSsD0-9p1mPJ6FBE2NxbKGmUFfrmT9fBQXOnVjbi0BzqGvYkAZofbATd_spPVhM2k3VLxfxtcY7yt/s400/IMG_1007.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: orange;">Near Tarpon Springs, FL. Gulf of Mexico</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkZoEvuhrWfE84oDR35LoLIoCwx6gqPuxoFSaOUJjxVAHPygNPn_VtLJkRZCndgy_MwqMtH0ZQik7AAP3t8BPo2NZisyJf7DQpfdCvS-nptTdFZBjUOJDx4eU8L3OCmABXYD_8JlG0LTZ5/s1600/IMG_1030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkZoEvuhrWfE84oDR35LoLIoCwx6gqPuxoFSaOUJjxVAHPygNPn_VtLJkRZCndgy_MwqMtH0ZQik7AAP3t8BPo2NZisyJf7DQpfdCvS-nptTdFZBjUOJDx4eU8L3OCmABXYD_8JlG0LTZ5/s400/IMG_1030.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: orange;">Near Tarpon Springs</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt9PEllhBOTF7QeMPckzZf-NyBZ3rQZG4NStyftJVoungROReYRxwk27NG363ByNzuiOZ8hD2kMpriMwvm5CbSqqaiznwL13ulgKd8Dz_ZyAyXbEsnM2w2gLJMVrLsrxE-eqiofGyubCYm/s1600/IMG_7109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt9PEllhBOTF7QeMPckzZf-NyBZ3rQZG4NStyftJVoungROReYRxwk27NG363ByNzuiOZ8hD2kMpriMwvm5CbSqqaiznwL13ulgKd8Dz_ZyAyXbEsnM2w2gLJMVrLsrxE-eqiofGyubCYm/s400/IMG_7109.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: orange;">Rained in...It happens. I did learn that if I get hungry enough, I'll ride in it. I did.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZx6_u9rLsgtPR8-440NLphLW4TzK8ABHVzw0PXZaW7r0OSoJef9_L-WsbbiJ8vqrMCWFqWELe5Bkc1-FxWP0Z8dXOucqBgX8EWetn6TgLPlDbdyN9Um8N37J0IHSdRcaCr2x9le4dyIA-/s1600/IMG_1061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZx6_u9rLsgtPR8-440NLphLW4TzK8ABHVzw0PXZaW7r0OSoJef9_L-WsbbiJ8vqrMCWFqWELe5Bkc1-FxWP0Z8dXOucqBgX8EWetn6TgLPlDbdyN9Um8N37J0IHSdRcaCr2x9le4dyIA-/s400/IMG_1061.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: orange;">A day away from my bike. On my boat, Dixie Belle, at Ponce Inlet, FL</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">In the middle of my sabbatical from this blog, Daytona Bike Week 2015 happened. Attending this event requires almost zero effort on my part since I literally wake up in the middle of it every day. Heck, Willie's Tropical Tattoo is practically in my back yard! But I was careful to tell everyone that "I rode mine!", which sometimes wasn't quite true either. I actually WALKED to Willie's to catch the chopper show and festivities on Thursday, LOL. Bike Week turned into a damn good time, made even better by visits from my daughter, Marianne, and also friends Sol, Amanda, Don, and Sue. And right after that, Linda and Charlie passed through. It's always good to be with close friends and family.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6wfMnekxVUvEUAmv5Lc5Rsyqy66c9hoP-sjEQukkUKUZqZHTUkJbSviWEMvImz2NfNgugDFnKs4D3CD_1HvD7IfCPH8prX1q3C5MlCkkilUcEYch54RR81WYZ9S3xTmGLcjiSiVEaxPW9/s1600/IMG_6871.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6wfMnekxVUvEUAmv5Lc5Rsyqy66c9hoP-sjEQukkUKUZqZHTUkJbSviWEMvImz2NfNgugDFnKs4D3CD_1HvD7IfCPH8prX1q3C5MlCkkilUcEYch54RR81WYZ9S3xTmGLcjiSiVEaxPW9/s400/IMG_6871.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: orange;">Marianne and Amanda, Main Street, Bike Week 2015</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij_JdmpgMsxd1hpffCHFgCOEBBC9Qz1ZszWKQaWZ3r6wh4_dx5f79H1pgSHG5hgnrXQQBY-tDH3QRf9gxrRz70OfPq9P77OS35JR58wcqZZDwCDfALVFVg29CDMzv7bQKDVF9evClywAwg/s1600/IMG_6827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij_JdmpgMsxd1hpffCHFgCOEBBC9Qz1ZszWKQaWZ3r6wh4_dx5f79H1pgSHG5hgnrXQQBY-tDH3QRf9gxrRz70OfPq9P77OS35JR58wcqZZDwCDfALVFVg29CDMzv7bQKDVF9evClywAwg/s400/IMG_6827.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: orange;">Sol and I...Bike Week 2015 at the Cabbage Patch</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi82IoqCE2wVkbAmWEnBwdd936qZRb9NJyrEn7IiRgm3Au_h8wU5QBXXfBkJPYlJwbHEe1iVAjl3WnMYm4Atbbq6zFoJVo2pg0DkFBrJQ8YoyuqDA9GXc-8YAJZh7LXZkF2nYwKm_Jbr1mz/s1600/IMG_6856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi82IoqCE2wVkbAmWEnBwdd936qZRb9NJyrEn7IiRgm3Au_h8wU5QBXXfBkJPYlJwbHEe1iVAjl3WnMYm4Atbbq6zFoJVo2pg0DkFBrJQ8YoyuqDA9GXc-8YAJZh7LXZkF2nYwKm_Jbr1mz/s400/IMG_6856.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: orange;">Sue and Don, working on bikes in my back yard. Bike Week 2015</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin4DaPOwDRJyh9WPR1-_9tRkqcRlBcfR1etdg6nqk_8qXrBBDNJLAgcvcKMhNLXFxnLRR-nQuCXEICMt0UNv0uovo0PnJuApCrMCRwrcyJF8AOrcw7C_SoU7wQCWOIV8XoJu_2PGkDqV_5/s1600/IMG_6889.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin4DaPOwDRJyh9WPR1-_9tRkqcRlBcfR1etdg6nqk_8qXrBBDNJLAgcvcKMhNLXFxnLRR-nQuCXEICMt0UNv0uovo0PnJuApCrMCRwrcyJF8AOrcw7C_SoU7wQCWOIV8XoJu_2PGkDqV_5/s400/IMG_6889.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: orange;">Iron Horse, Ormond Beach, Bike Week 2015</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjE9fp4LgxwqvrHRGt62gv_j26TJQfngJozjygKsmi7AlmmksG61NuzB0tFYCucxpkddsapi90ajGif-WjUAJuDr9cvRDTLA1BvWM5PsOUZ0IN1fBSgqCDthQJyW3N8fHeCKCvtm9jpJnx/s1600/IMG_6933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjE9fp4LgxwqvrHRGt62gv_j26TJQfngJozjygKsmi7AlmmksG61NuzB0tFYCucxpkddsapi90ajGif-WjUAJuDr9cvRDTLA1BvWM5PsOUZ0IN1fBSgqCDthQJyW3N8fHeCKCvtm9jpJnx/s400/IMG_6933.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: orange;">Linda and Charlie, Cody's in Ocala, March 2015</span></div>
<br />
Hey, that's right...Just before Bike Week, my son Kenny and wife Debbie visited, and before that Chris was here, and before that, Fred and Debbie! Damn, it hasn't been so boring after all! I reckon it just seems that way since I haven't took off on a long, long ride lately. Again, no whining and certainly no regrets. I still wake up with a smile (almost) every day!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg94ste9oTSZZlykX4ggo-LGTUG6ePXUu6VwzEN8PbiNMP5SusQ-1shuJARgJ0_MqDwRfKDjiYp-VEi5hEXew8z96rr3uFt0A7coC_bKq19Hw2qmPs9AvTE6cGlKXptWPwugr4WqATWHyXE/s1600/IMG_6770.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg94ste9oTSZZlykX4ggo-LGTUG6ePXUu6VwzEN8PbiNMP5SusQ-1shuJARgJ0_MqDwRfKDjiYp-VEi5hEXew8z96rr3uFt0A7coC_bKq19Hw2qmPs9AvTE6cGlKXptWPwugr4WqATWHyXE/s400/IMG_6770.JPG" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: orange;">Me and my son, Kenny. St Augustine, February 2015</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghUdHmlCUpGxGJArH5ld2uEVG3O6k2Qs_WVdWgRU80SV8PxotPvvsQDFNGE5tbkETSESgcXyKM2LZ-brV-fJuD8dDxXCNp-KZ-ePF3I0yySxEXNalVL6E_Jhv1qKnw5KkCzwq7o10RZ5z-/s1600/IMG_6772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghUdHmlCUpGxGJArH5ld2uEVG3O6k2Qs_WVdWgRU80SV8PxotPvvsQDFNGE5tbkETSESgcXyKM2LZ-brV-fJuD8dDxXCNp-KZ-ePF3I0yySxEXNalVL6E_Jhv1qKnw5KkCzwq7o10RZ5z-/s400/IMG_6772.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: orange;">Kenny and Debbie, St Augustine, February 2015</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMI-9whyxsnumZnTBo0hK_qBlF6LZ59b3HNEET96OqTb4mx8Mey5DsuprIQhQtqonB2xzdhZp36yOkqGPa7g32kNQtbxxooCM4uEn45Q2OEAt2uev26GcjovFFW4CpKSqeqscUwRmrlYSt/s1600/IMG_6699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMI-9whyxsnumZnTBo0hK_qBlF6LZ59b3HNEET96OqTb4mx8Mey5DsuprIQhQtqonB2xzdhZp36yOkqGPa7g32kNQtbxxooCM4uEn45Q2OEAt2uev26GcjovFFW4CpKSqeqscUwRmrlYSt/s400/IMG_6699.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: orange;">Fred (where's Debby? Sorry, Hon...) and Cowboy, January 2015</span></div>
<br />
The Big Dog....the 2013 Harley Limited...continues to run like a dream. No issues at all since the failed voltage regulator on the way back from Sturgis. I just replaced the tires I put on before riding up there, so the mileage I got was damn good on those Dunlops, at least in my opinion. I got about 10,000 miles out of them, which was my second set since the bike was new.<br />
<br />
I did a lot of research on tire replacement before springing for the new set of tires. I considered the Michelin Commander IIs, Metzler 888s, and Dunlop American Elites, all in the same relative price range....maybe a little more than the stock D407/408s....but then I thought back on my experience with the stock Dunlops. I rode that bike...hard....through the Black Hills, rain or shine, and spent three miserable days riding back home in pouring rain. Those tires never once slid, hydroplaned, or went flat. So what the hell was I shopping around for? I got another set of 'em, and wow, are they nice. My new-bike ride is restored, and I can now lay it back down in corners without feeling and hearing the worn cupped edges whirring away.<br />
<br />
And so on..... I reckon that's about it. The last 6 or 7 months hasn't been so boring after all, has it?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Cheers, all, and Happy 4th of July.<br />
Cowboy<br />
<br />
PS I just noticed that Southern Comfort has now been visited 91,000 times from readers all over the world. Pretty cool, and certainly unexpected. To be sure, most of the visits are related to the posts about work I did on the Joker bike, but the trailer, bike lift, and trip posts are also popular.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Cowboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13718574116005039771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8415707789023434923.post-84127639790723562812014-11-07T09:58:00.000-05:002015-06-07T20:22:52.825-04:00Southern Comfort Updated. Finally.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidrmbExaI89fnUhmUECpYWnkppucxU4pP08EnJmVErdcjlC8oHw7rz-g9KQHOHaoJtlZHd8WGMZKMU_EF_MB38OLZYqFGANyH-yotyEUNFGoJXaM-XYIWEQkaVa0rb13Ob6VOAnI2_QtrF/s1600/IMG_6508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidrmbExaI89fnUhmUECpYWnkppucxU4pP08EnJmVErdcjlC8oHw7rz-g9KQHOHaoJtlZHd8WGMZKMU_EF_MB38OLZYqFGANyH-yotyEUNFGoJXaM-XYIWEQkaVa0rb13Ob6VOAnI2_QtrF/s1600/IMG_6508.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I'm finally getting off my lazy ass and updating this blog which has been sadly neglected. To be sure, I haven't been up and down the highway to various biker events, nor have I been working on any bikes, but that's no excuse. There's been a ton of stuff going on, and I need to keep the Southern Comfort ball rolling.<br />
<br />
Or retire it, which was a thought, but for now, we'll put some more gas in it and go!<br />
<br />
Backing up a couple months, I did make it to Sturgis, and what a great ride it was. I wandered somewhat aimlessly for a few days, slowly making my way northwest, riding west out of Nashville, and then north through central Missouri. I referred to the HOG trip planning guide, and followed a few of those yellow-highlighted routes in the book, which were pleasant distractions from the boredom of a straight-to-Sturgis ride. I eventually got into the southwestern tip of South Dakota, staying there for a couple days until my accommodations in downtown Sturgis were ready.<br />
<br />
Sturgis was great, of course, and I hit all my favorite spots, plus those I missed the first time in 2012. A special treat in Sturgis was seeing long-time friends Linda and Charlie, Don and Sue, Dan and Gina, and Virginie. I don't see my close friends much since moving to Florida, so reuniting with friends was the best part of my trip!<br />
<br />
Once again, I was amazed at the riding experiences while there. From the time I hit the "Welcome to Sturgis" sign until the time I left, I rode over 1,000 miles, loving every darned mile as I twisted here and there through the Black Hills, and beyond into Wyoming.<br />
<br />
I won't bore y'all with the endless pix of the rides, babes, and bikes, but suffice it to say that eyestrain was a factor, and not to be taken lightly! Here's just a few of the hundreds of photos I took:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBSiVFFJqNcL7ZkLNEltP4G3G7b-cL40rhR1CLtXbRmP31VxpbBSPTIcIBU07ffYTJGu7wCfxe3ju_Ec-eJGRX0z4DwfzKixpc1lQpNdmqaAYBLEALhUTYQeIbqVHup6opAr4nT2wQPdkc/s1600/IMG_0534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBSiVFFJqNcL7ZkLNEltP4G3G7b-cL40rhR1CLtXbRmP31VxpbBSPTIcIBU07ffYTJGu7wCfxe3ju_Ec-eJGRX0z4DwfzKixpc1lQpNdmqaAYBLEALhUTYQeIbqVHup6opAr4nT2wQPdkc/s1600/IMG_0534.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZDGQ2fLg-H2Fg30BstJRZrSz2D40CyEk14eY_Ke9ib-hqwi9WTuZuN_hOGgWUJ1TW_KnCpdje5d199e47j9rc2MwAS-5CgixN6x3uADieuhK2nXOzFm64rOjkj67qieSX1aZpsHyR0WGt/s1600/IMG_6527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZDGQ2fLg-H2Fg30BstJRZrSz2D40CyEk14eY_Ke9ib-hqwi9WTuZuN_hOGgWUJ1TW_KnCpdje5d199e47j9rc2MwAS-5CgixN6x3uADieuhK2nXOzFm64rOjkj67qieSX1aZpsHyR0WGt/s1600/IMG_6527.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6L5MsZYHDObpwQb4SgG8jbceUTGy82qtVuEhsFJb3MV794Oh8ydb_HHqZVJBuppujCt_1f_FfUbe4VgslrFv9YGAAhViWnt9ISnx6tCpwrg9Do6kQwbdfRkoAXrJcZP1-mJym-roGsG9P/s1600/IMG_6725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6L5MsZYHDObpwQb4SgG8jbceUTGy82qtVuEhsFJb3MV794Oh8ydb_HHqZVJBuppujCt_1f_FfUbe4VgslrFv9YGAAhViWnt9ISnx6tCpwrg9Do6kQwbdfRkoAXrJcZP1-mJym-roGsG9P/s1600/IMG_6725.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_BM58CfpNmL8Ga88SFeCwstcjzV_40XnQ69la-VQ6UrFVlZnwKetVY6XyVAOy3H1p7kaQI2S7oHiLiazf8NyDyAPpyZZb8gBMGOwAXfBdUHZpBRkdeuJ2AXBVf7ttsSPIraV0ySDwXJQg/s1600/IMG_6540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_BM58CfpNmL8Ga88SFeCwstcjzV_40XnQ69la-VQ6UrFVlZnwKetVY6XyVAOy3H1p7kaQI2S7oHiLiazf8NyDyAPpyZZb8gBMGOwAXfBdUHZpBRkdeuJ2AXBVf7ttsSPIraV0ySDwXJQg/s1600/IMG_6540.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO449RQFxMZhRK3Wc18O9W5-8r7JIcOr62GjgLg9LBr1T1gKdi5GSNh7kyYn5RO1sTKZaQ5UeZjwsZ3S2Tx6V5U85Gk7Up5hrYDOi9OUZxSQ9r3InaLQnFS-WV81zb4ph18CGANvmuaH5G/s1600/IMG_6759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO449RQFxMZhRK3Wc18O9W5-8r7JIcOr62GjgLg9LBr1T1gKdi5GSNh7kyYn5RO1sTKZaQ5UeZjwsZ3S2Tx6V5U85Gk7Up5hrYDOi9OUZxSQ9r3InaLQnFS-WV81zb4ph18CGANvmuaH5G/s1600/IMG_6759.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The ride home was something of a struggle. Rain started almost as soon as I finished the first 100 miles, and it really didn't let up for the next 3 days, all the fucking way back to Florida. And if that wasn't bad enough, electrical gremlins plagued the Harley Ultra Limited starting about the same time the rain did. My voltage gauge moved up and down like a fucking tach, and the various idiot lights were going on and off like a slot machine in Vegas. By the end of Day 2, I had gotten to Paducah, KY, and I began worrying if the bike would make it home. Or me either, for that matter.<br />
<br />
I'll toss in a plug for that new FroggToggs rain gear I bought, including the boot covers. I didn't get wet except my face and anyplace I'd left the jacket unsnapped. That rain gear is damn good stuff, and worth every penny.<br />
<br />
Day 3 started uneventfully, but soon the rain and electrical problems started again, and I rode all the way home.......846 miles.....for fear the bike wouldn't start if I shut it off. I gassed up with the bike running, and ate meals in 7-11 parking lots so I didn't have to shut it off. I'd rolled out at about 8 that morning, getting into Ormond Beach about 1AM the next morning. That was one very long day on the bike, in the rain, and fighting the bike problems.<br />
<br />
The last 100 miles or so, I took a "short cut" across one of the darkest, straightest, loneliest roads Florida has to offer, Rt 100, but it shaved off a few miles. That said, next time, if under similar circumstances (God forbid), I'll damn sure stick with the Interstate through Jacksonville. If I'd broken down, which was entirely possible, I'd have been out of luck.<br />
<br />
Yes, I could have stopped and had the bike fixed, but wanted to get it worked on here in case the repairs would take a long time. As it turns out, the voltage regulator had OD'd, and Rossmeyer HD in Ormond Beach had it fixed in just a few hours.<br />
<br />
Back home, life has taken on a new routine. Gone are the days of endless work inside the house, and with boredom setting in and finances getting low, I took on a part-time job at Home Depot. It's been pretty cool, so far, doing something totally new, and it sure has kept the cash flow from getting much worse. With luck, it'll actually reverse, and maybe I can actually save a few bucks!<br />
<br />
So next on the agenda for me is getting the outside of the house painted, and then maybe some work done in the back yard. Just getting ready for guests who just might be visiting from up north over the upcoming cold winter months. Also trying to figure out how to fit in a trip north, but that's going to have to wait until it's warmer up there. Until then, I think any Southern Comfort updates will come from right here in sunny, Ormond Beach, Florida!<br />
<br />
Cheers!<br />
Cowboy<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Cowboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13718574116005039771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8415707789023434923.post-30283004794396810122014-07-22T18:15:00.000-04:002014-07-24T19:32:20.525-04:00Southern Comfort - Reset<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigDFs2eogKervo0CUeiNOE-Hl8-8MW0gYwMNyDR-xb_5Mkf1ZmVxM7C42M24OFcWJRXfsqjj4mPGSewzlGa23d80f-1yuLIJtVMGAWXmN9qdG9G9Jrwi-ijWjm-jkW-sxfk4rCXuphYA2m/s1600/IMG_5641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigDFs2eogKervo0CUeiNOE-Hl8-8MW0gYwMNyDR-xb_5Mkf1ZmVxM7C42M24OFcWJRXfsqjj4mPGSewzlGa23d80f-1yuLIJtVMGAWXmN9qdG9G9Jrwi-ijWjm-jkW-sxfk4rCXuphYA2m/s1600/IMG_5641.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Hxw126Vz8v7VGjyRGw6NB1agXXQ9TZzSeFYWSGxGEfmsiz499V0m3tmzju6cj90vYZPH2SyPW6ZUSKBNE3mAtOFI86FqzFKAHkhKCwl8CRHbnPgIfpbZCi0YUfPBeo_ZPefiYcqGHbwP/s1600/IMG_5644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Hxw126Vz8v7VGjyRGw6NB1agXXQ9TZzSeFYWSGxGEfmsiz499V0m3tmzju6cj90vYZPH2SyPW6ZUSKBNE3mAtOFI86FqzFKAHkhKCwl8CRHbnPgIfpbZCi0YUfPBeo_ZPefiYcqGHbwP/s1600/IMG_5644.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: orange;">Carrabelle Beach, Florida</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The pictures above say it all. That ill-fated trip to Texas got aborted when I ran into a storm so damn big, it was on national news for days. It's the first time I've ever been actually afraid while riding, and that fear showed up when I almost.....no shit....got blown off a bridge, right into the bay, near Panama City Beach, Florida. I said a prayer to get off that bridge, and my prayer was answered. Not long after, I gave up that ride, stopping for the night. After reviewing the weather forecast and the road closings ahead the next day, I called off the trip and rode back to Ormond Beach. So much for that ride.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And not long after getting back home and dried out, I finally gave in to an urge to have a boat. I live near the water, with year-round boating weather, so it sorta made sense. Or so I told myself, LOL. This decision was no small thing, because it meant I had to give up one of my bikes to do the deal. Just days before, I told someone I'd never get rid of the Softail Custom, but the boat owner wanted that bike...I wanted the boat....and we cut a deal. And I'd still have a Harley!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So the boat has consumed a lot of my time between that stormy ride and right now. It's been fun, and I've become a damn boat mechanic, but the times out on the water.....even into the Atlantic Ocean....have made it worth it. More on the Dixie Belle later on.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4S91rosVp6pxC7b-n8llvoa540-RoRMow07oylf9Kvf1KLUYuitc5nqn5_5qTyZ1SZV8jYZUc54ocv3oUMHAtjcTXfYHIk_POp9TQrcCoaylufq7uxHV88WY6k9uGW34MNYt-cKN2nODE/s1600/IMG_6237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4S91rosVp6pxC7b-n8llvoa540-RoRMow07oylf9Kvf1KLUYuitc5nqn5_5qTyZ1SZV8jYZUc54ocv3oUMHAtjcTXfYHIk_POp9TQrcCoaylufq7uxHV88WY6k9uGW34MNYt-cKN2nODE/s1600/IMG_6237.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But that stuff ain't really what this post is all about. I'm just checking in to say that I'm giving up on updating Southern Comfort on the past couple month's events, and instead I'm starting over....resetting.....from right about now. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
That means SC restarts right before I ride out of Ormond Beach headed for Sturgis, South Dakota, for the 2014 Black Hills Motorcycle Rally. I'm out of here in about a week, headed roughly northwest through Atlanta, Nashville, Missouri, along the Iowa-Nebraska border, and then I turn west to Sturgis. Route home TBD, but it might run east through Minnesota, or south through Texas. Not sure, and I'll check weather reports the day I leave, and make my mind up then. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm really looking forward to the rally, but even more, I'm looking forward to seeing Linda, Charlie, Don, Sue, Dan, Gina, and Virginie. Will be damn good to be around some old friends again. I miss seeing the crew since I've moved to Florida earlier this year.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm traveling alone, at least going up, to minimize the debates on when/where to stop and which route to take. With no traveling partner, I need to have my scoot squared away, so I've got new tires on it, and had it checked over end-to-end by the dealer. It looks ready for the ride. Heck, it's still under warranty!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So stay tuned to Southern Comfort if you want, and I'll try to do a better job of updating this blog during the ride, hopefully with something besides pictures of storm clouds.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUI-EMGCY88D5GVU3hi_UG2BjrfUCne5G-xWBS6nAlACgXIjU8-Mfz5DB53PIgNzMHvkDeUPu-tl3NJKEqtWvSmW0wrOE3zHKGhDkNX4Du4BwoGe3nAjpegYJxsA-jF-ymH5BNLj2vq3Sc/s1600/sturgis-chamber-1__large+-+Version+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUI-EMGCY88D5GVU3hi_UG2BjrfUCne5G-xWBS6nAlACgXIjU8-Mfz5DB53PIgNzMHvkDeUPu-tl3NJKEqtWvSmW0wrOE3zHKGhDkNX4Du4BwoGe3nAjpegYJxsA-jF-ymH5BNLj2vq3Sc/s1600/sturgis-chamber-1__large+-+Version+2.jpg" height="165" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Cowboy</div>
</div>
Cowboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13718574116005039771noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8415707789023434923.post-88678251556954254612014-04-28T10:22:00.002-04:002014-11-07T09:21:44.025-05:00Let The Riding Season Begin! Texas, Coming Up!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBMJzkebY0DWhskNG2hrnvk3j6fWhGymle9T4lzmzkTXNF3amGjkjJiLRmpDrWaRZaTsVA4HRPyX0KCps4NGr_ulOspIdNTdCA6v6HAHKqPfoIxzMwI-hMYj6Cwhaw07NqJ2fUsp7JCgcj/s1600/Texas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBMJzkebY0DWhskNG2hrnvk3j6fWhGymle9T4lzmzkTXNF3amGjkjJiLRmpDrWaRZaTsVA4HRPyX0KCps4NGr_ulOspIdNTdCA6v6HAHKqPfoIxzMwI-hMYj6Cwhaw07NqJ2fUsp7JCgcj/s1600/Texas.jpg" height="377" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I probably should have renamed this blog, <i>Home Makeover</i>, given the amount of time and focus the remodeling of my Florida house required. I don't think I've ever undertaken anything like it before, and certainly not intentionally. That said, I couldn't possibly be happier with the outcome, and I now wake up in a home of my own design in the place I always wanted to live. What's not to like, right? So now it's time to think about riding again. The work on the outside of the house can wait for Fall/Winter when Florida temperatures drop just a little.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There were two choices for a ride, actually, and a decision was required. I could putt up to Maggie Valley, NC, to meet Linda, Charlie, Sol, & friends for Thunder in the Smokies, or I could ride west to Texas to see Gypsy Father Time, Brad, Laura, Nathan, Rhonda, Mark, Colton, etc..... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Yes, I could also have tried to do both, but making both stops put me on the road a lot longer than I wanted, at least for this ride. I'm saving the year's long-haul run (and my ass!) for later in the Summer when I ride to Sturgis, SD, again, this time from Florida. Decisions aren't always easy, mind ya. My friends are like my family, but many of us will be at Sturgis together, so I decided on Texas.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In either direction, weather is a factor. As I'm writing this, I'm hearing tornado reports from Arkansas and Oklahoma, and the week's forecast isn't the greatest due to a prediction of more rain and storms. The best route, then, seems to be way south, so I'll hug the Gulf most of the way while the nasty weather blows eastward, hopefully north of my path. I should have a reasonable chance of making it without getting soaked constantly, or without being whisked away in a tornado to Oz. Worst case is that I hole up in a little motel or parking garage until the crap blows over.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho6bdj4yOTbk1XLhksUPEKKd6aIsfmzSzcaI6Se9J3ThWA-lEX8yjh0qZm0ZVT4qeZyGoDy3ZEV7lN7AviwgMxjkMC0VbQFS3E5PUpx6R_xkRkC-kJi7svQ0VaGelYtZ94ENyksIDJS67V/s1600/TexasTrip.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho6bdj4yOTbk1XLhksUPEKKd6aIsfmzSzcaI6Se9J3ThWA-lEX8yjh0qZm0ZVT4qeZyGoDy3ZEV7lN7AviwgMxjkMC0VbQFS3E5PUpx6R_xkRkC-kJi7svQ0VaGelYtZ94ENyksIDJS67V/s1600/TexasTrip.png" height="240" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The route on the map is just a rough plan. I want to get back to the idea of <u>NOT</u> knowing what's around the next corner, or what's going on in the towns I stop in. I like trips where everything is a surprise, including the towns, restaurants, weather, and yep, the route itself. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I plan to pick up a riding buddy in Fort Worth, and then head south to Austin to hook up with friends. On the way back, I'll spend a little extra time in Fort Worth to see family and pay my respects to departed family members....my Mom and Aunt Annie for sure.....before heading back toward Florida.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm going to ride the 2013 Harley Limited for the trip. The '08 Softail is good for road trips, to be sure, but I'm sorta getting used to having a windshield and not struggling with storage room, not to mention having a softer ride. Having a passenger along for part of the trip made the decision a no-brainer, especially for storage requirements! I can run for days on end with just one change of clothes, but I can't expect a girlie to do that!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My Limited is now a year and a half old, and it just turned 10,000 miles. I'm dropping it off for service tomorrow morning before I pull out. No sense getting on the road and having something go wrong, or at least not the sort of thing that can be detected during a major service check-up. I'll also get a second opinion on leaving the original tires on. They look great to me, but I want to make sure I'm not overlooking the obvious.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And so on. I'm taking my time, and I'll stop when something looks interesting or the road is wearing me out. I'll shoot for 500 miles a day, but less is OK too. It ain't a race, and for the very first time in my life, there's no job to get back to and no hard dates on the calendar to drive the schedule. I'll get back when I get back. I can't wait to get on the road!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Updates when I can....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Cowboy</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
Cowboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13718574116005039771noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8415707789023434923.post-34288748160862748232014-03-26T16:07:00.000-04:002014-11-07T09:20:38.165-05:00Retirement, Redux<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxdrTR4sT5WuJU-jxq41wxMkDpr1me-jUP_O-JrOVRFmXPEqtmPtzY5AWMOaYNNDREINmh5PZNAevJjKjbVbonfD7eDc9MWUK3TZejGged_-u9-KGb80KX-WdnsRd4v-VXVsHfFzsDjYA4/s1600/IMG_4274+-+Version+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxdrTR4sT5WuJU-jxq41wxMkDpr1me-jUP_O-JrOVRFmXPEqtmPtzY5AWMOaYNNDREINmh5PZNAevJjKjbVbonfD7eDc9MWUK3TZejGged_-u9-KGb80KX-WdnsRd4v-VXVsHfFzsDjYA4/s1600/IMG_4274+-+Version+2.JPG" height="233" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: orange;">The Ormond Beach House, As I First Saw It. Yikes!</span></div>
<br />
As mentioned in the last post, retirement kicked in for me, quite unplanned, on February 1, 2014. That's not to say that work stopped for me on that day, though. Far from it, actually. I had been down to Florida earlier in January to get the contractors started on some of the work, and when I arrived in Ormond Beach in early February with the first load of stuff, things kicked into high gear.<br />
<br />
Of course, with all the work going on, there was no place to put anything, much less get a bedroom set up, so the early weeks were spent sleeping on a mattress on the floor, literally surrounded by boxes, to save from yet another hotel bill. Each morning, I got started early, pulling whatever strings needed to be pulled to keep the work going, plus do whatever I needed to do. I wanted to get the place livable by Bike Week in early March, and have 99.9% of the work done by mid-March when company was coming in from Texas.<br />
<br />
This was no small feat given the fact that the entire interior of the house needed remodeling, including an entirely new kitchen. And I had to get almost all new furniture since the DC stuff just wasn't going to fly in a Florida home near the beach.<br />
<br />
But I've never let a little thing like an impossible timeline stop me before, and I didn't let it stop me this time despite some frustration from not getting people to work on my schedule. What's up with that, anyway!!!??? I found out that even when you're writing the check, you still ain't the boss when it comes to contractors.<br />
<br />
Let the games begin....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXGGBDxPEJLBi6quvLzw9NouBPGMB9ahU3q1I2lFvAUKKqy_-PPN6_MzBvCrw1WswD7UMs41k8bYShmB-WtDFJt_pm7Vr3i6XRIHv6MaggXNcuGK7u24-UB0Fr848cS_B489x3oPd7BNbP/s1600/IMG_4468.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXGGBDxPEJLBi6quvLzw9NouBPGMB9ahU3q1I2lFvAUKKqy_-PPN6_MzBvCrw1WswD7UMs41k8bYShmB-WtDFJt_pm7Vr3i6XRIHv6MaggXNcuGK7u24-UB0Fr848cS_B489x3oPd7BNbP/s1600/IMG_4468.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: orange;">Shopping!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
In mid-February, the furniture was delivered, and thankfully the floor was done by then so everything got piled in the center of the house where I was camped out on the mattress! Tight quarters, to say the least, and my coffee pot churned away on top of a cardboard box. I had bought a TV to keep me company at night, but with no cable, all I could get was Latino and religious channels, but with the hearing aids out, even that was tolerable!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiSQuAIWTs6T1kzxGam-Try84lnggm4lD7XO737pgmc4H5OixRJr-WxmM7kMNANPa4TtTuBC3ct0pieRZ9UdwEw25O3FHhJ9AElpU1qZXARrzlghu76MkOWguIq6Gs7g4qPoT8UHQIL8Os/s1600/IMG_4648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiSQuAIWTs6T1kzxGam-Try84lnggm4lD7XO737pgmc4H5OixRJr-WxmM7kMNANPa4TtTuBC3ct0pieRZ9UdwEw25O3FHhJ9AElpU1qZXARrzlghu76MkOWguIq6Gs7g4qPoT8UHQIL8Os/s1600/IMG_4648.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDdthKfe-WOivyzEJUc3d4hIaZj_j6s8aetwrgMJR8roe33pDJEWgUWmHl3saWPLlKgTaUcST71AJoKshaahyphenhyphentj0JoWhNA7XTlPVFEgzroCBQPnXSUdiGi_6acEKrwpV5FZAH3dIPuon_X/s1600/IMG_4649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDdthKfe-WOivyzEJUc3d4hIaZj_j6s8aetwrgMJR8roe33pDJEWgUWmHl3saWPLlKgTaUcST71AJoKshaahyphenhyphentj0JoWhNA7XTlPVFEgzroCBQPnXSUdiGi_6acEKrwpV5FZAH3dIPuon_X/s1600/IMG_4649.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sometime in late February, the carpet guys finally appeared with the carpet for the hall and bedrooms, and I was grateful to finally be able to set up the bedrooms and sleep in my own bed. By then, it had been a long time since I'd done that....almost a month! And unpacking some of the boxes could begin. Some of the kitchen work was done too, and I could begin to see a little light at the end of the tunnel!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9buorxjA7-exXvvxEjaTE-yuNujHLtdjM31p7YxsF7yz35XcWjytC9AbIuPPDIaYzdnWPOAzfzkr1jy2OO-ouiwvT2FGnuEGm_qq3LtsHCtLzWfe-FVBQtPJn6APDQ7MsOMxS-b-cGf4Z/s1600/IMG_4720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9buorxjA7-exXvvxEjaTE-yuNujHLtdjM31p7YxsF7yz35XcWjytC9AbIuPPDIaYzdnWPOAzfzkr1jy2OO-ouiwvT2FGnuEGm_qq3LtsHCtLzWfe-FVBQtPJn6APDQ7MsOMxS-b-cGf4Z/s1600/IMG_4720.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On days when I wasn't working on the house, I did the necessary stuff to officially become a Florida resident, getting tags on the truck, bikes, and trailer for starters. Yay!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs8B6BBl6H5eb36atOYy0_Er7HvjO5sQhJ3KNdOrlU-JGnB2db8w02WWYCELzFHjnwYUJpl0K8CdqUooD_P68OshmoO8dYVSgyjzA-Up_jp5EpTUeslLPrY14WnrrQWY6dGOzu7zpxENZw/s1600/IMG_4710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs8B6BBl6H5eb36atOYy0_Er7HvjO5sQhJ3KNdOrlU-JGnB2db8w02WWYCELzFHjnwYUJpl0K8CdqUooD_P68OshmoO8dYVSgyjzA-Up_jp5EpTUeslLPrY14WnrrQWY6dGOzu7zpxENZw/s1600/IMG_4710.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Late February and early March work also included two more trips back north for me, the F150, and my trailer. The second trip was to get the bikes and a truckload of stuff. The last trip was mostly the stuff out of the garage, which turned out to be quite a haul. I did the last trip up and back, including packing, in just 3 days. I had to get back in time for the beginning of Bike Week!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimIkrIrbMhcb6Ss1aO9_zDax1rbLM7ehbBHAz57hUolvNfwomdeGj55FbLbzfoLQIFqyUE5tY1pDWQft0BMWeuib22I_V2e2Kv1Uwhkt05jzKjkKNXlQlLW-KA_kU8b1GxDdc1QmL6GEYB/s1600/IMG_4608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimIkrIrbMhcb6Ss1aO9_zDax1rbLM7ehbBHAz57hUolvNfwomdeGj55FbLbzfoLQIFqyUE5tY1pDWQft0BMWeuib22I_V2e2Kv1Uwhkt05jzKjkKNXlQlLW-KA_kU8b1GxDdc1QmL6GEYB/s1600/IMG_4608.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I managed to put an awful lot of miles on that F150 Harley truck, and I need to give it a break for a while. I once thought of counting up the number of trips back and forth I made since last October but decided I didn't want to know! Let it be known that that truck earned its keep, and it can damn sure pull a heavily loaded trailer down the interstate!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Though there were days in early March when I couldn't seem to get a damn thing accomplished, I kept pushing, and slowly I turned the last corner and down the homestretch. The appliances were put into place, I was able to do laundry, and I could finally sit in the living room and watch a little TV, no longer limited to being "saved" or watching Spanish soap operas, though I will miss those short dresses! Damn, what is it about those shows! Heck, maybe they were all about hookers...who knows.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I woke up one morning.....last Thursday, actually.....and realized that it was all done. There was the smell of fresh (and still drying) paint in the air, but no nails to hammer, and nothing to install. Granted, there were still a few unpacked boxes, but I could actually hide those in the garage which was finally emptied of construction materials. It wasn't a moment too soon. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Before:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7w1xZBXeR6O2DLW57k5xLHgrtLJHVox8KA0cp8dhqRz6mVdAzu6kT-vq45Kw3_8fKoAE2Eeb85YSeUJ_ME85VSjdupcXGjopj_l18-sG_7LKUucc433fGByZyeiPJj9mL5ZqlU6b2lbj0/s1600/IMG_0057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7w1xZBXeR6O2DLW57k5xLHgrtLJHVox8KA0cp8dhqRz6mVdAzu6kT-vq45Kw3_8fKoAE2Eeb85YSeUJ_ME85VSjdupcXGjopj_l18-sG_7LKUucc433fGByZyeiPJj9mL5ZqlU6b2lbj0/s1600/IMG_0057.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijMFesJ5Bz2iCGtxOjdhteYxSmpmWUN4iL3LculXhka2HvaHn_OF7NOQZExzhx0RjIl87F_dz7mxSrAeg_HdA85eK5hu4OFADW1KTnkl0ec4rY9-uoqpLNPKsHigZ-9-_VLsw5pxm7OB0-/s1600/IMG_0059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijMFesJ5Bz2iCGtxOjdhteYxSmpmWUN4iL3LculXhka2HvaHn_OF7NOQZExzhx0RjIl87F_dz7mxSrAeg_HdA85eK5hu4OFADW1KTnkl0ec4rY9-uoqpLNPKsHigZ-9-_VLsw5pxm7OB0-/s1600/IMG_0059.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs1SnLGWT5dT8_-Jbf13DBv8Ctm_tQEOg4aeo4wpKUBvK4rFyUcK8pVY_C0MgAvb1TcAf4_7rWrJaXO634_WHpYwjyv7dAOuvFAf9SBnYlHkwtDXRVEJxyJMolEMTenWmozzQkBQfxEczB/s1600/IMG_0070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs1SnLGWT5dT8_-Jbf13DBv8Ctm_tQEOg4aeo4wpKUBvK4rFyUcK8pVY_C0MgAvb1TcAf4_7rWrJaXO634_WHpYwjyv7dAOuvFAf9SBnYlHkwtDXRVEJxyJMolEMTenWmozzQkBQfxEczB/s1600/IMG_0070.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXDtQD09vdRDlaIq3okC9LqczJkO3VGF1VF6iRXgIC_77PvCsvH9zcrJhVxYxhZMF-q3uAKc40pUdQPq300Xe7ZGijs9NiWpK3LsS8AHJhJcxPqm9qjidncoK1UwC1cPS4wqTGR4VvmpHM/s1600/IMG_0074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXDtQD09vdRDlaIq3okC9LqczJkO3VGF1VF6iRXgIC_77PvCsvH9zcrJhVxYxhZMF-q3uAKc40pUdQPq300Xe7ZGijs9NiWpK3LsS8AHJhJcxPqm9qjidncoK1UwC1cPS4wqTGR4VvmpHM/s1600/IMG_0074.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh46bCDq5YWzVAHV3S8W6_OtMPY2-1lCQxrvSRxUe2IdW7NVK8fous97SUmUfY9EFWgAGv5gOuaJj1KKXt-zJmlz9g6MXdj7H36OZKZCVyVMHu_qimRRg_PshQBRO-ea2KKgzJZ9JnuXXLz/s1600/IMG_0083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh46bCDq5YWzVAHV3S8W6_OtMPY2-1lCQxrvSRxUe2IdW7NVK8fous97SUmUfY9EFWgAGv5gOuaJj1KKXt-zJmlz9g6MXdj7H36OZKZCVyVMHu_qimRRg_PshQBRO-ea2KKgzJZ9JnuXXLz/s1600/IMG_0083.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAaZ_F8Q7Z6zkJKYvZoojZ2DhO5S-xc4vebdbwmSSRO2f_0CY1YVkqlqJ7lANcJaMO0edOYmcO4L11if1sKzsusPgqvfVBLAeFqZHz0Z6-eAoCJVy9XaymORH-WXmfOj6O5JNuHoF8Hylv/s1600/IMG_4480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAaZ_F8Q7Z6zkJKYvZoojZ2DhO5S-xc4vebdbwmSSRO2f_0CY1YVkqlqJ7lANcJaMO0edOYmcO4L11if1sKzsusPgqvfVBLAeFqZHz0Z6-eAoCJVy9XaymORH-WXmfOj6O5JNuHoF8Hylv/s1600/IMG_4480.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After:</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqkBkMk8_ZGe8anhu0-XjiqM8uj-h2CZYw2BRtQEXdRqwwbx8cfbT_YOs8mW48eL7hizOio7OgjGL1ASKh1diegEV75DhDZqJp1uRXgGQE5wxf_zF7zSZYnmMAb8bpaGz-QCinE0z3p6ZL/s1600/IMG_4756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqkBkMk8_ZGe8anhu0-XjiqM8uj-h2CZYw2BRtQEXdRqwwbx8cfbT_YOs8mW48eL7hizOio7OgjGL1ASKh1diegEV75DhDZqJp1uRXgGQE5wxf_zF7zSZYnmMAb8bpaGz-QCinE0z3p6ZL/s1600/IMG_4756.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNyuYeUy6pqpBOrWklgXFuPHaVj949L7HNCDhjWotmblhXEI7M833jiskzrkGZ_y68xGdYJKSmug82e9_UZ6YB9A3FhFNXdBrUTucNrwNHE3W0y8_0PDtfqDXZkbBE7UbBRylc9QizeYdh/s1600/IMG_4652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNyuYeUy6pqpBOrWklgXFuPHaVj949L7HNCDhjWotmblhXEI7M833jiskzrkGZ_y68xGdYJKSmug82e9_UZ6YB9A3FhFNXdBrUTucNrwNHE3W0y8_0PDtfqDXZkbBE7UbBRylc9QizeYdh/s1600/IMG_4652.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVlULOhTjmqv7cCwe0wtT12DrZINcXCNOovYxyS5bZCYK5mtn8Y5s3lRt9cCSXeftPonNw_6oCNwVJCPWgoD9Wdbm7-jIcUi5vBFuZRKVStI77ByiHhWU8hr0x5oGq8dceAync3JFGb_wu/s1600/IMG_4653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVlULOhTjmqv7cCwe0wtT12DrZINcXCNOovYxyS5bZCYK5mtn8Y5s3lRt9cCSXeftPonNw_6oCNwVJCPWgoD9Wdbm7-jIcUi5vBFuZRKVStI77ByiHhWU8hr0x5oGq8dceAync3JFGb_wu/s1600/IMG_4653.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2H7RGyS_XUyHpx3w0UxvnBiYBYayrktSjse8dv4QH3RXLUvFjSN8TGuYEAGPdrlkCbBSbw3mRUOQlwwdoPb34fv4WRHDBiGjHT5UCLALW8YMIVRJKYbACHImQ2Ec44YHgmL7Gr-qkpPZ0/s1600/IMG_4805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2H7RGyS_XUyHpx3w0UxvnBiYBYayrktSjse8dv4QH3RXLUvFjSN8TGuYEAGPdrlkCbBSbw3mRUOQlwwdoPb34fv4WRHDBiGjHT5UCLALW8YMIVRJKYbACHImQ2Ec44YHgmL7Gr-qkpPZ0/s1600/IMG_4805.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ENVKsSkd6hyhKNRvuhrOon9Z2zk6uOGFhPT2UnK7E4tWwVrDtu_Nlzcbia9_ZKoQHd-FiXCdf196ZCOeLVC_8JykZiYtOkSqsbPHfsU6IvI28efrigQana-kz_CmtcdY5CmC6OQ8mhLR/s1600/IMG_4809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ENVKsSkd6hyhKNRvuhrOon9Z2zk6uOGFhPT2UnK7E4tWwVrDtu_Nlzcbia9_ZKoQHd-FiXCdf196ZCOeLVC_8JykZiYtOkSqsbPHfsU6IvI28efrigQana-kz_CmtcdY5CmC6OQ8mhLR/s1600/IMG_4809.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5tIq0-iJOGzCWRUOK1Stty1ojhEousAP80UiEuLChXrJ7aD92kwjzqEYKhfFLUsw3-hZBKW9jAYnPg0bAc9k6GZFlWbjHE3Hsvr2OZP4K5mfiRmey933SWLrl07cutiDBr-48Cp7Ax3Q3/s1600/IMG_4810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5tIq0-iJOGzCWRUOK1Stty1ojhEousAP80UiEuLChXrJ7aD92kwjzqEYKhfFLUsw3-hZBKW9jAYnPg0bAc9k6GZFlWbjHE3Hsvr2OZP4K5mfiRmey933SWLrl07cutiDBr-48Cp7Ax3Q3/s1600/IMG_4810.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPkOY2TDEz-8dVf0mivXludyxyqRh2Keoa3d3EYiYGbiq9jtPDiqVSajPjvPui9PQM6zBVLDF_WAg-3XtxFVHBxjmgY6BRktGrJG2e_m57H0732rNUC7swMQvtBOcRLctxd7P_nIDkeg53/s1600/IMG_5041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPkOY2TDEz-8dVf0mivXludyxyqRh2Keoa3d3EYiYGbiq9jtPDiqVSajPjvPui9PQM6zBVLDF_WAg-3XtxFVHBxjmgY6BRktGrJG2e_m57H0732rNUC7swMQvtBOcRLctxd7P_nIDkeg53/s1600/IMG_5041.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit7uOPqxC6Q_kgCgncbzUA9mXTk88jx92rQjyEf2O92YZLeOz4mc_tSs-JE2GFKBY7j2EJpIz0c34C8GJCWYZZicxui0EdQQp5P2Zy9EViTz4Ux9Cbcy699oaY-SnUn09mHSiJWx_ebnPG/s1600/IMG_5043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit7uOPqxC6Q_kgCgncbzUA9mXTk88jx92rQjyEf2O92YZLeOz4mc_tSs-JE2GFKBY7j2EJpIz0c34C8GJCWYZZicxui0EdQQp5P2Zy9EViTz4Ux9Cbcy699oaY-SnUn09mHSiJWx_ebnPG/s1600/IMG_5043.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIjrjslXUkBQPBeJdCiY1B0BqprDmRT1V2q1m5aqUfmSbODb475L6b3LF9zsGK1ZGbG66ASCVydwqv0enkRhItiaHXlnPpv2umg8At4y6GZAJLTngM-p6IUdr3IWrGZfYTRwFDXF4UjYNp/s1600/IMG_5044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIjrjslXUkBQPBeJdCiY1B0BqprDmRT1V2q1m5aqUfmSbODb475L6b3LF9zsGK1ZGbG66ASCVydwqv0enkRhItiaHXlnPpv2umg8At4y6GZAJLTngM-p6IUdr3IWrGZfYTRwFDXF4UjYNp/s1600/IMG_5044.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghu3OP5VTRNiF2hBZpDRlHoZ7rsGFf74Rnsst1d2HhKl6MI-4v5nQ_nuoHPAhv8OcUtxdOgeJZBY2420jzEfCeCZFFWH5kjZvAIM1mKM9TCSm-ff1DDdGPOjT7i44r2gblYTUJ3jMUiPRP/s1600/P1000622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghu3OP5VTRNiF2hBZpDRlHoZ7rsGFf74Rnsst1d2HhKl6MI-4v5nQ_nuoHPAhv8OcUtxdOgeJZBY2420jzEfCeCZFFWH5kjZvAIM1mKM9TCSm-ff1DDdGPOjT7i44r2gblYTUJ3jMUiPRP/s1600/P1000622.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkDAeyGVCUHPPdUm9gZZ8YKCtRgwzHiuAUsNuud2jXFvcfHhx40Wr7iV3WjuDIhSKWz83eDK7tfiOleTNOT4N5lOe_iEjAfvxj3wOXGpe7X4JamgVbMTGGXexUZ7LBAP4prjbvbMv9m6wO/s1600/P1000624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkDAeyGVCUHPPdUm9gZZ8YKCtRgwzHiuAUsNuud2jXFvcfHhx40Wr7iV3WjuDIhSKWz83eDK7tfiOleTNOT4N5lOe_iEjAfvxj3wOXGpe7X4JamgVbMTGGXexUZ7LBAP4prjbvbMv9m6wO/s1600/P1000624.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic734TrvBEKhRhCpM3upp3RuzGMFTiqadMrGtzkDpYVLDP7tJGkRkJdF3VHRKsjCix0fiEJyFMg1KDuy8ta7eBN3pXV6Xb3d7gMjLjnvcFYJhmRVjVXNhX-nHGgsdAARFVB9aR5kcj_oHb/s1600/P1000621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic734TrvBEKhRhCpM3upp3RuzGMFTiqadMrGtzkDpYVLDP7tJGkRkJdF3VHRKsjCix0fiEJyFMg1KDuy8ta7eBN3pXV6Xb3d7gMjLjnvcFYJhmRVjVXNhX-nHGgsdAARFVB9aR5kcj_oHb/s1600/P1000621.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOFS-AExJKiC8aKM_qNe6_XzlZEPiWRf_MO6aSX-sYo3GHjUJRVkpbJCQOTXvA-8LTSNQrYWbom02r2uYu-opFw2hMLnUWvRv1kAXYfX_GUrkyE8CQX-x1upF0hSY-iKeeNPxHXLkBeme3/s1600/P1000625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOFS-AExJKiC8aKM_qNe6_XzlZEPiWRf_MO6aSX-sYo3GHjUJRVkpbJCQOTXvA-8LTSNQrYWbom02r2uYu-opFw2hMLnUWvRv1kAXYfX_GUrkyE8CQX-x1upF0hSY-iKeeNPxHXLkBeme3/s1600/P1000625.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3CDZH8XoQVd7EoGQVEuOyL34bmid41tkDUwA2tyXI46p7ghEjKh9mIi_VMtJN_CrXwGbuq3ciH3MJFSLMOmkoiMr7h4d2RLNulWuY3JV9DV2MRsd2d_DRZeBBsnmcX2XfJ1sSaGjIsxES/s1600/P1000629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3CDZH8XoQVd7EoGQVEuOyL34bmid41tkDUwA2tyXI46p7ghEjKh9mIi_VMtJN_CrXwGbuq3ciH3MJFSLMOmkoiMr7h4d2RLNulWuY3JV9DV2MRsd2d_DRZeBBsnmcX2XfJ1sSaGjIsxES/s1600/P1000629.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinodNj2tGi3PUznUjIcJ2VUEwPOoTb-5hYJRDDWBnafmikFQgfX_qJo3DunQ-ygQi0uEe8UqBF-1wWD8kKVE4gjPUzMu78KXnznp4xJZsCLVofmBfTE0HKSTlT4ww1ZxQXofxPS8jYP4TW/s1600/P1000630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinodNj2tGi3PUznUjIcJ2VUEwPOoTb-5hYJRDDWBnafmikFQgfX_qJo3DunQ-ygQi0uEe8UqBF-1wWD8kKVE4gjPUzMu78KXnznp4xJZsCLVofmBfTE0HKSTlT4ww1ZxQXofxPS8jYP4TW/s1600/P1000630.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfKkkx46bqrhZ2M_Snm1ILBJUB3XM3M4kaN3tlYCimrAuH_qNDaXHewXUSpfvpsAS4Wnr786d_9fRaCSjI89PWIbaDP7at23e1S90Ts9Tcfp0orK8TSPF04dvM9cMzqmYQEDK74xtDxKJ4/s1600/IMG_5047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfKkkx46bqrhZ2M_Snm1ILBJUB3XM3M4kaN3tlYCimrAuH_qNDaXHewXUSpfvpsAS4Wnr786d_9fRaCSjI89PWIbaDP7at23e1S90Ts9Tcfp0orK8TSPF04dvM9cMzqmYQEDK74xtDxKJ4/s1600/IMG_5047.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The house turned out far better than I expected, and I'm totally happy with it. And despite cost overruns, I've still got my nifty shed on order, due in early April. I'll have a halfway decent place for workbenches, tools and the bikes. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Retirement might actually begin for me now, assuming retirement means I won't be working my ass off any longer unless I choose to. I'm looking forward to a little downtime to get more acquainted with the new neighborhood, and I plan to put some miles on the Harleys to do just that!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Cowboy</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
Cowboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13718574116005039771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8415707789023434923.post-48983613907449805742014-01-31T10:33:00.000-05:002014-02-03T16:53:36.960-05:00Retirement<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCpDxY8jehWmbQBHyxb-ToccjfILl0SlK6ydCHW3zQ2eqXINIo91FjUE_IpDk8ad_onhtgdkpuKuGSe24VAS5sEMCtetkErOUNL3iOshDQFCdWpzOws66OSiWbGjOdeN-Az9JT13TX6zPp/s1600/124261.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCpDxY8jehWmbQBHyxb-ToccjfILl0SlK6ydCHW3zQ2eqXINIo91FjUE_IpDk8ad_onhtgdkpuKuGSe24VAS5sEMCtetkErOUNL3iOshDQFCdWpzOws66OSiWbGjOdeN-Az9JT13TX6zPp/s1600/124261.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: orange;"><b>Me & Joker, Looking To See What's Around The Next Bend</b></span></div>
<br />
So it's come to this. At the end of today, January 31, 2014, I'll be retired. That is simply fucking unbelievable. To my credit, I took today off so I could get an early start. Technically, the term is "working from home", but we all know what that really means, right? :-)<br />
<br />
To my oldest friends and family, I don't think there's any argument that no one ever expected me to live this long. As a hard drinking....a VERY hard drinking biker.....the odds weren't good. Especially when you add in that I liked to fight, and bar fights were a hobby of mine back in the day. And no, I didn't always win. Winning depended a lot on how late in the night the fight took place. Later = Loser<br />
<br />
I was often told it was just a matter of time until someone shot me, or that I'd hit something on the way home from a late night of partying. I have been shot at (they missed!), and a cop once assumed I was dead after a fight at the Rhapsody Club in Baltimore Highlands. And riding? I actually nodded out once, <b>riding my Harley</b>, after leaving Partners Bar in Curtis Bay, MD, and even that didn't get me! Lots of road rash, but the bike wasn't damaged too bad! But hey, it was all part of the game some of us played. Sadly, not all of us lived past those days. I miss my Bros, and the girls too, who didn't manage to get the brakes on before it was too late.<br />
<br />
Obviously something had to change for Cowboy, and quick wasn't fast enough. I was attending a lot of funerals back then for still-young friends, and one day soon, the people remaining would be attending mine. That was becoming clear, even to me. So I started getting sober back in the early 80's, and while I wasn't an overnight success in AA, I kept going back. I'm now working on 15 years of consecutive sobriety, and if there's any single reason I'm still alive, riding Harleys cross-country, and writing this blog, it's certainly the fact that there isn't a can of Bud sitting here on the desk as I'm writing to you this morning.<br />
<br />
I'm making the statement about my sobriety publicly now that I'm retired. No reason to worry too much about my own anonymity, at least not any longer.<br />
<br />
All that drippy stuff said, it's time to look forward. Though I've made a lot of great friends in the Washington, DC area, it's time to get the fuck outa here. I hate the traffic, 95% of the pretentious people, and the fact that there ain't a biker bar in sight. "A biker bar?!?!?!" That would be just awful in the eyes of the populace.<br />
<br />
What I really need is to get where I feel comfortable. Baltimore/Anne Arundel County just has too many skeletons in the closet for me, plus it's cold as hell there during the winter. Texas was attractive for several reasons, and not just for the cute ladies (lady?)! The Carolinas were also singing a siren song, but I'm single, live alone, and I'm not reclusive enough for a cabin in the woods, miles and miles from the nearest Hooters.<br />
<br />
I set my sights on Florida many years ago, since my first trips down there in the 80's. Everyone's heard me talking about it. It was a place I escaped to, and where I felt as if I fit in...where I could be myself. I went kayaking, riding, and just hanging out during the winter, and mainly around Christmas. I met people a lot like me (scary, right?) and I found out the Daytona area was motorcycle-centric, suiting my tastes to the "T".<br />
<br />
Every time I went down, it was harder and harder to leave, so after weighing all the other options, I finally bought a little house in Ormond Beach. There's a big-ass palm tree right in the middle of my front yard! I'm just 2 short blocks from Tropical Tattoo, 4 miles north of Boot Hill Saloon, and 6 miles south of Iron Horse Saloon. Yes, I'll wake up smack in the middle of Daytona Bike Week! If you're riding The Loop, you practically ride by my house. Since I'm only 2 1/2 blocks from the water, I'll get the dust off my kayaks and have the best of all worlds.<br />
<br />
Ormond Beach, by the way, is Daytona's neighbor to the immediate north. That's where Destination Daytona/Rossmeyers's Harley is located. You can hear the cars running around Daytona Speedway from my back yard.<br />
<br />
The house is undergoing cosmetic surgery as this is written, and in a few short weeks my bikes will be in the garage. Yes, a garage. It will be so fuckin' nice to just go into the garage and jump on one of them instead of the current 3 mile drive to my rented garage. And there's a spare bedroom and about a 1/4 acre of yard. Space!<br />
<br />
Come summer, I'm heading out on a very long solo motorcycle ride around the United States to see it the way I've always wanted to. No calendar, no date to be back, no itinerary, and no one to debate with if I want to take an interesting side road along the way. The latest route I've looked at is about 10,000 miles long, with a long stop in Sturgis for the 2014 Black Hills Rally. After Sturgis, I'll head for California, ride the coast to San Diego, and then putt over to Texas. And finally, I'll make my way back to Ormond Beach via New Orleans. If I don't do anything else over the next few years, I'm doing this ride. It might take 6 weeks...it might take 2 months. Longer?? Who knows.<br />
<br />
Like the picture at the top of this post suggests, I'll be riding and looking to see what's around the next bend. In retirement.<br />
<br />
Now if I could stop waking up at 6:30, that would be a damn good start..........<br />
Ride Safe<br />
Cowboy</div>
Cowboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13718574116005039771noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8415707789023434923.post-16227085915492367092013-12-07T20:13:00.002-05:002013-12-07T22:07:27.424-05:00Good Times and Good Memories....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF3Hs7nQGuDC09xwZjSErO7XIwwvVW4RfCmkwecyz0TiPTQ2K-DQ1kfLQJ-W9OQQ_dq0EZm50kM-0WUtXzWcy_w3HqPgTMhojCBZm_nHxEL6nsThpwRtOLfU8gxjyO2C_HMbgCMBtEgmXa/s1600/IMG_1728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF3Hs7nQGuDC09xwZjSErO7XIwwvVW4RfCmkwecyz0TiPTQ2K-DQ1kfLQJ-W9OQQ_dq0EZm50kM-0WUtXzWcy_w3HqPgTMhojCBZm_nHxEL6nsThpwRtOLfU8gxjyO2C_HMbgCMBtEgmXa/s400/IMG_1728.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I won't drag this out into some drippy sob story, but there was a recent event worthy of mention on Southern Comfort: Joker, my '08 Nightster, was sold earlier this week, and to a good home. Joker has had more than his share of the spotlight on Southern Comfort, so I figured the least I could do was give him a proper send-off.<br />
<br />
I had a lot of damn fun putting Joker together, changing little bits and pieces along the way. Joker became of of those bikes that, when first looking at it, you know it's not a stock bike, but you also can't really tell what, exactly, has been changed. Just a lot of small things that ended up creating a pretty cool bike, even if I say so myself. Joker attracted attention everywhere I parked it. Heck, even when riding, I'd always get a thumbs-up or two. Never failed.<br />
<br />
Even this blog got a boost in readership from the Joker modifications. There are lots and lots of links around the web to the 5 how-to articles in Southern Comfort that I wrote while doing the work, and at last count, almost 10,000 readers have checked out these Joker articles.<br />
<br />
I'm the first one to admit that it was getting hard for me to ride that bike, so it began collecting a little dust. The lack of suspension travel and the excessive vibration got to be a little too much for me, and yes, that's because I'm getting older. I really have no idea how I <u>EVER</u> rode all those fucking rigid frame bikes back in the 60's and 70's. Joker at least had a little suspension, but I still paid for a longer ride for days afterward.<br />
<br />
I rode that damn bike to Mountainfest in Morgantown, WV, a couple years ago, starting out from Alexandria, VA. I made it OK, but I was damn sure not looking forward to the ride home. And after riding it back, I vowed never to do it again! That was a long-ass 200 miles ride, and I was walking like a cripple when I got off!<br />
<br />
I sorta figured I'd always keep Joker for a local bar-hopper, but an opportunity recently came along to maybe pick up a place to live down in Daytona, and when talking to the lenders and real estate people, it was made clear that a little extra cash in the bank wouldn't hurt my chances. A survey of my secret stashes didn't turn up much cash, so I had to take a hard look in the toy department, and of the bikes, truck, and trailers, Joker stood out as an easy way to raise some quick money. He was clean, cool, and ready to ride. No excuses necessary when showing him to a prospective buyer, so an ad was placed in Craigslist.<br />
<br />
The very first guy to look at Joker bought him. Done deal. I hope Tim enjoys that bike as much as I did. He's a good guy, and I was glad to see someone like Tim get Joker. And it was also nice not to have to BS my way through the sale, masking the flaws. Hell, there weren't any.<br />
<br />
Adios Joker. Ride Safe!<br />
Cowboy<br />
<br />
<br />
PS Here are the links to the other 5 Nightster/Joker posts in order, 1-5<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><a href="http://cowboyken.blogspot.com/2011/05/nightster-projectbeginnings.html">http://cowboyken.blogspot.com/2011/05/nightster-projectbeginnings.html</a></span><br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;">
<a href="http://cowboyken.blogspot.com/2011/05/nightster-part-ii-coil-and-parking.html">http://cowboyken.blogspot.com/2011/05/nightster-part-ii-coil-and-parking.html</a></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;">
<a href="http://cowboyken.blogspot.com/2011/06/nightster-part-iii-speedometer.html">http://cowboyken.blogspot.com/2011/06/nightster-part-iii-speedometer.html</a></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;">
<a href="http://cowboyken.blogspot.com/2011/08/joker-machine-air-cleaner-installation.html">http://cowboyken.blogspot.com/2011/08/joker-machine-air-cleaner-installation.html</a></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;">
<a href="http://cowboyken.blogspot.com/2011/10/canyon-carvers-real-story-aka-joker.html">http://cowboyken.blogspot.com/2011/10/canyon-carvers-real-story-aka-joker.html</a><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
Cowboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13718574116005039771noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8415707789023434923.post-13591440423295863262013-11-07T20:36:00.000-05:002013-11-10T00:22:21.826-05:00Welcome Back Cowboy!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ9UAul16fqwCIdmZHBrimvUZymrcFZktaR1UokbQTIXITGRNC-6W6YELetJd4yFVdQB6s2dT7dSaRfZqFPwiW3kG4RLLzz6-cWdVWDEWy2wGiypyk-rqjcm16kU3ZY6cZYPzJusz0vud-/s1600/363912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ9UAul16fqwCIdmZHBrimvUZymrcFZktaR1UokbQTIXITGRNC-6W6YELetJd4yFVdQB6s2dT7dSaRfZqFPwiW3kG4RLLzz6-cWdVWDEWy2wGiypyk-rqjcm16kU3ZY6cZYPzJusz0vud-/s400/363912.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
After a lengthy sabbatical from blogging, I thought it was high time to dust off the keyboard and try to remember how to start a new post in Southern Comfort!<br />
<br />
First off, I was somewhat startled to find that almost 64,000 people have visited the blog, with the most-read posts being those about Sturgis (surprise!), all the how-to articles for the Joker custom work, the Bagger Wobble articles, and amazingly, the post about #4, my Manco Thunderbird mini-bike. That last one actually is a shocker. Who knew? I guess peeps go to that one when Google-ing for info on that bike which, by the way, has just about doubled in value in just about a year. Cool. (Or maybe I just got it for a bargain-basement price. Either way, I'll take it.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgujjYSJU1DYeftKZUYaYTo74PJRu4OrSdEZu5q1R0SqYtiNEKVcuWB7ZFFo_qk9DPb1jPlOoobvYzMMWqaBUJQbhHroietH2LZQAZ4s-OlZrsAg2_QSGeFe3NVCBNnP6qXZbWqOvdusHPF/s1600/IMG_2170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgujjYSJU1DYeftKZUYaYTo74PJRu4OrSdEZu5q1R0SqYtiNEKVcuWB7ZFFo_qk9DPb1jPlOoobvYzMMWqaBUJQbhHroietH2LZQAZ4s-OlZrsAg2_QSGeFe3NVCBNnP6qXZbWqOvdusHPF/s400/IMG_2170.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: orange;"><b>MANCO Thunderbird. Made in Indiana!</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So I left off, back in July or May or ???, by telling y'all I'd bought an enclosed trailer, got rid of the 4Runner, and bought a truck that could pull the damn thing. It didn't hurt that the new truck was a 2008 105th Anniversary Harley Davidson F150 that just happens to match my 2008 Softail Custom Anniversary Edition. I had to buy it, right? Hell, it almost matches my trailer too!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKjO6Q7A2QqxdMmaHVoNP_6-vsaGF4rUQuewFBSuFgU8FpNOH3Oe1Tn7Y0S8jk8K85Fvd37kXUEVMagFGWAMlbadzDeh7h-SMTLMCxJp783La_szAbxBlMgNXLOTIF4GPegggA29K3wwL2/s1600/IMG_3973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKjO6Q7A2QqxdMmaHVoNP_6-vsaGF4rUQuewFBSuFgU8FpNOH3Oe1Tn7Y0S8jk8K85Fvd37kXUEVMagFGWAMlbadzDeh7h-SMTLMCxJp783La_szAbxBlMgNXLOTIF4GPegggA29K3wwL2/s400/IMG_3973.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvGB2mnG9f8bKs4niKce2mp2FzJaxnjAYnI2mQkoUjZoHpQcyqWQgNgPWRA1knRxA2Kv4ajbxxxtxeycMbOrti67eamQNJs7sr6q8Gg9dE8Q0hdKlCNyjr6p0UdMGWpWrU7bdTCKh-pD-9/s1600/DSCN0019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvGB2mnG9f8bKs4niKce2mp2FzJaxnjAYnI2mQkoUjZoHpQcyqWQgNgPWRA1knRxA2Kv4ajbxxxtxeycMbOrti67eamQNJs7sr6q8Gg9dE8Q0hdKlCNyjr6p0UdMGWpWrU7bdTCKh-pD-9/s400/DSCN0019.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've been real happy with the truck, but I have had a little trouble. A hole in the radiator cost me $900, and a cracked exhaust manifold cost another 1800, with a set of plugs, filters, and a belt thrown in. Still it's one bitching truck, and has no trouble hauling the trailer.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And what else......Heck, there's been so much.</div>
<br />
Well, I took off in August on the spur of the moment and headed south, ending up in Maggie Valley, NC, making sure to run Tail of the Dragon on the way. This time, though, I was on the new Limited, and I'm here to tell you, that ain't no XL1200N. I still managed to get 'er going, though, and I've got myself a citation just to prove it!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_y0iFlRTfSBSrpXv4iAoWse40XbX-RqtAKjLgiBL97MQwwOC-1QJO0ESec9qir3ih_YPddF-iIkV4kxHr8MyGmkeobRpch0TawTqUkOzX7RhVtjP4IqWCAFCTP4O0B5111vHxdrsE6dB7/s1600/IMG_3757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_y0iFlRTfSBSrpXv4iAoWse40XbX-RqtAKjLgiBL97MQwwOC-1QJO0ESec9qir3ih_YPddF-iIkV4kxHr8MyGmkeobRpch0TawTqUkOzX7RhVtjP4IqWCAFCTP4O0B5111vHxdrsE6dB7/s400/IMG_3757.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: orange;"> "Sir, do you know why I pulled you over?"</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOHon75vvow_TIHHNi3CcyLafyTIQcv3kByrlRmGY7yK8Hr_DWtQmWPLhgI17DSGLximHGYXFM4CU-fR5eJhfYRP5VMDCHLokfwh5vqkdV6Zz4Stj6Fhz1ywMv0fQ7A30HOiu5eaqMrarV/s1600/363898.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOHon75vvow_TIHHNi3CcyLafyTIQcv3kByrlRmGY7yK8Hr_DWtQmWPLhgI17DSGLximHGYXFM4CU-fR5eJhfYRP5VMDCHLokfwh5vqkdV6Zz4Stj6Fhz1ywMv0fQ7A30HOiu5eaqMrarV/s400/363898.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw66aQJYMcHcC8WdjwNBxrI_7D-569A4_HxFEvhZAv2B2IPvq5UWfZY_OuqzBvU4ILm103FqICneSrqWHjOPqsxu8KfgPc81Xkl_yb2iITOYy_NjXVYXEa05sl6KTYNh4zEEpu67FDx4r9/s1600/IMG_3763.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw66aQJYMcHcC8WdjwNBxrI_7D-569A4_HxFEvhZAv2B2IPvq5UWfZY_OuqzBvU4ILm103FqICneSrqWHjOPqsxu8KfgPc81Xkl_yb2iITOYy_NjXVYXEa05sl6KTYNh4zEEpu67FDx4r9/s400/IMG_3763.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
While in Maggie Valley, I hit Dale Walksler's Wheels Through Time museum, and wow, what an experience. I met Dale and his son, Matt, who were great, great people. The museum is simply beyond description. There's more antique US-made bike stuff there than I've ever seen, and all displayed in some remarkably cool ways....period displays. And Dale occasionally blasts through the aisle on one of the bikes. Fast too!<br />
<br />
Matt and I talked at some length about the idea of setting up a small machine shop in the area to support bike builders and (I thought) restoration. Turns out that Dale and Matt rarely use the services of a shop. They will wait to find an original part as much as <u>A YEAR</u> before having one made, preferring only the real McCoy. He said they might only use a machined part once or twice a year, and only for parts that simply don't exist. In short, if I set up a shop in Maggie Valley, Dale and Matt won't be my biggest customers!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYlJCysACA-9NIJ5CKOmiwhmxdH4gz3uV_mX-gviyzDEmjpid-0AG7NenwOrlx75O6fiE0_au9XxUheDHCP-exMH01E2MZHyrEDuGff9X5BNCUHpr1XXnT5VLdLX3EIyMPw_mQQxYUtqI2/s1600/IMG_3768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYlJCysACA-9NIJ5CKOmiwhmxdH4gz3uV_mX-gviyzDEmjpid-0AG7NenwOrlx75O6fiE0_au9XxUheDHCP-exMH01E2MZHyrEDuGff9X5BNCUHpr1XXnT5VLdLX3EIyMPw_mQQxYUtqI2/s400/IMG_3768.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6IZQfwCDxkNGSgOm34fx-0l6WsBwjAbvc5AKlI7KSjbkPpTH_WiBTmkbb3dafYnLl_cMSyN2n2xw4VNmLnO_2DxbyVNBbhBSqbfsZN80r0dDdM1AcPrnFZK4TlCgqIdaAB4iCXXV4eymg/s1600/IMG_3773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6IZQfwCDxkNGSgOm34fx-0l6WsBwjAbvc5AKlI7KSjbkPpTH_WiBTmkbb3dafYnLl_cMSyN2n2xw4VNmLnO_2DxbyVNBbhBSqbfsZN80r0dDdM1AcPrnFZK4TlCgqIdaAB4iCXXV4eymg/s400/IMG_3773.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrN_zM4dFw4x7GvqVvmZmJV9TxNcDT6nbr5uq69MVLV6vKxAu-3uhyphenhyphenO1VR1F5oCSnWkVhCMqgP94eVAZcZ4ane5eETD_W7FnhCUc8R4vi2eqq1ZOSIbz2E1En3RndmlMh5PRixtYlS_uio/s1600/IMG_3771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrN_zM4dFw4x7GvqVvmZmJV9TxNcDT6nbr5uq69MVLV6vKxAu-3uhyphenhyphenO1VR1F5oCSnWkVhCMqgP94eVAZcZ4ane5eETD_W7FnhCUc8R4vi2eqq1ZOSIbz2E1En3RndmlMh5PRixtYlS_uio/s400/IMG_3771.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
And sometime before 9/11, a few complete idiots organized something billed as a Million Muslim March <span style="color: red;">ON 9/11! Really? </span>Suffice it to say that word traveled fast within the biker community with people riding into DC from all over the US, and I was proud to ride with some veterans, meeting in the Virginia suburbs and riding in en masse to descend on the Capitol, looking high and low for the Million Muslim rally. Fuck them.<br />
<br />
Turns out less than 20 of those assholes showed up, with more media coverage people and security folks than participants. Meanwhile, the biker community had thousands and thousands of riders show up, and on almost no notice. Some rode for days and days just to make the final ride into town. Again, fuck that bunch of assholes (They pissed me off. Can you tell?), along with the people that wouldn't give the bikers a permit to demonstrate. Needless to say, we did anyway.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Zcn2_Ou2JM6j06GVzRQwrn9Kk0FHlbOlAGSH3NtYPayrvdENQmdTkiejQLu5y7TxIM8IstYISF6suINkVz0jUFH9nvzB_-wHsbKcLFNCqDzpbEpFLDPN8bX3_S7J_v8fJqOlqlqF2Gf6/s1600/1385025_449789625139786_1598650025_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Zcn2_Ou2JM6j06GVzRQwrn9Kk0FHlbOlAGSH3NtYPayrvdENQmdTkiejQLu5y7TxIM8IstYISF6suINkVz0jUFH9nvzB_-wHsbKcLFNCqDzpbEpFLDPN8bX3_S7J_v8fJqOlqlqF2Gf6/s320/1385025_449789625139786_1598650025_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: orange;"><b>Cowboy, Chuck, Rick, and Murph</b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrvbIv4vJtz5k-8_RAS-wKwoBJ0XicdjxInb2o4H4aSErnq-ags1YqihC7iJbkY9n-OCX1TC5pNMZUTpfl-tbLKqlOt6Woe-8xCbN1XNGwP8vgLqpIj1Zj-Yd1jzbZQUOd9ZjU45QMsKoD/s1600/P1030051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrvbIv4vJtz5k-8_RAS-wKwoBJ0XicdjxInb2o4H4aSErnq-ags1YqihC7iJbkY9n-OCX1TC5pNMZUTpfl-tbLKqlOt6Woe-8xCbN1XNGwP8vgLqpIj1Zj-Yd1jzbZQUOd9ZjU45QMsKoD/s320/P1030051.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: orange;">Clubs, and even the police, called a truce for this run.</span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7itaVo82PoAZL24z75AjgoXS8F3QmfdDKoNC6mGwOycq8EE24VVI-fgXpfbVdRW5j-WAEgnD9PNhQCV-75Juwy57Y72lFRPNx9xPOoG2nD-n4b8wAH1HTy53v5ZLpM4N6wqwZuNGH1ZPR/s1600/IMG_3878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7itaVo82PoAZL24z75AjgoXS8F3QmfdDKoNC6mGwOycq8EE24VVI-fgXpfbVdRW5j-WAEgnD9PNhQCV-75Juwy57Y72lFRPNx9xPOoG2nD-n4b8wAH1HTy53v5ZLpM4N6wqwZuNGH1ZPR/s400/IMG_3878.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: orange;">Lots and lots of bikes at our meet-up. Similar meet-ups were going on in locations surrounding Washington, DC.</span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtYa4A0Iw513Z5ZETkZsHAXe7zkAzF4mzowVJImP2elS2Zf3HkurDB4bD0QsT2FiR-nnv670BRhY2GML-n7BrjEM6pNuaQfgci2oSX9W_eHdoNscYf0d8QT6vLTemPi_4OruxHB1UfQmGz/s1600/IMG_3884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtYa4A0Iw513Z5ZETkZsHAXe7zkAzF4mzowVJImP2elS2Zf3HkurDB4bD0QsT2FiR-nnv670BRhY2GML-n7BrjEM6pNuaQfgci2oSX9W_eHdoNscYf0d8QT6vLTemPi_4OruxHB1UfQmGz/s400/IMG_3884.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: orange;">We had to eat, right? Murph, Bobbie, Chuck, Rick and Cowboy at Hooters, Fairfax</span></b></div>
<br />
In late September, I made a run up to Brooklyn, New York, for Indian Larry's Grease Monkey Block Party, and damn, what a great time that was. The cops had city blocks blocked off and a good time was had by all, and especially me. That was my first time riding in New York City, and once I got the hang of dodging yellow cabs, it was fun! Well, not so much fun that I'm doing it again next weekend, but certainly a whole new motorcycle riding experience for this kid.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihiLUxqPVNKctdIIxhEzhR-D1ClTfZb9W13n2QSzr0UvoELoen4a1WQpDtFJ5KzJQDTDq2eiAjHRwzJx3WqSDDcARrHZIuZ3ux1TgifPFmaDpNa8Sz_m9aBKxpYuO1pu076IliZRIm6lpW/s1600/P1000033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihiLUxqPVNKctdIIxhEzhR-D1ClTfZb9W13n2QSzr0UvoELoen4a1WQpDtFJ5KzJQDTDq2eiAjHRwzJx3WqSDDcARrHZIuZ3ux1TgifPFmaDpNa8Sz_m9aBKxpYuO1pu076IliZRIm6lpW/s400/P1000033.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj86xSrdV3Uc0mA3Lz0ZZDVQuijP-psfOqfOBd7pm7OPkO0leJix7qijIuzFMbp9d8BRU_hqLGTQmRRcP9VuS0j7s9CaU1-YQKDb03Tjwma4RQz2USk8Qd2syy2ZscKuT9UJstZSLifGZ4w/s1600/P1000042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj86xSrdV3Uc0mA3Lz0ZZDVQuijP-psfOqfOBd7pm7OPkO0leJix7qijIuzFMbp9d8BRU_hqLGTQmRRcP9VuS0j7s9CaU1-YQKDb03Tjwma4RQz2USk8Qd2syy2ZscKuT9UJstZSLifGZ4w/s400/P1000042.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkOVjjCcdxKjgSsiUvYRuZIpVhAC7NO9hQRbShq34zZvHct-YXw5Bx34PvERmLuE2LvkDKlMDbr4wtKKZFpKOqOmeZOFd1-B0WC54qxO1ftnzk_KncA23ekjQ-caGPtrFCuH7vmEx9EBJQ/s1600/P1000058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkOVjjCcdxKjgSsiUvYRuZIpVhAC7NO9hQRbShq34zZvHct-YXw5Bx34PvERmLuE2LvkDKlMDbr4wtKKZFpKOqOmeZOFd1-B0WC54qxO1ftnzk_KncA23ekjQ-caGPtrFCuH7vmEx9EBJQ/s400/P1000058.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfO9ikfxRe7_xRqluUL53iRXmvwlG3ZvIy2sCRNhs0qQMR16ycHWqUYe-us0CzxllIQpff_x716rvJIDwBsOi_sXDReggLLc0qeAZN3Fkabuipq13BPuw4hFVckVKxcFtg0Ze7WVpMthEF/s1600/P1000152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfO9ikfxRe7_xRqluUL53iRXmvwlG3ZvIy2sCRNhs0qQMR16ycHWqUYe-us0CzxllIQpff_x716rvJIDwBsOi_sXDReggLLc0qeAZN3Fkabuipq13BPuw4hFVckVKxcFtg0Ze7WVpMthEF/s400/P1000152.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5xJHuQ4HsfF0AAq9nhb012d9pkxpGDXK8XjPv49fjGbbrvUoeBS_UzBR9Bg78Fen8Ho-uhGMirHMfm3rlydiMaTVSDxKSVi8uIvagHeCrgDbFW7jgPdP0LcJ9l2XXD5FhDxTvaAKfo6hY/s1600/P1000195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5xJHuQ4HsfF0AAq9nhb012d9pkxpGDXK8XjPv49fjGbbrvUoeBS_UzBR9Bg78Fen8Ho-uhGMirHMfm3rlydiMaTVSDxKSVi8uIvagHeCrgDbFW7jgPdP0LcJ9l2XXD5FhDxTvaAKfo6hY/s400/P1000195.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOk5bAsRZMpVawTZOwFNiw3t_xYNEs2_FPJdmLjhwWaKRVraa20_ItqiKajaKLb_ydJPW4pbqLvbPVRBjJWRNW74K4c33Roa55FEyIRSk_zXGH_Z4qGqTgwpprkC5h302daTKKTaHdNW3h/s1600/P1000207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOk5bAsRZMpVawTZOwFNiw3t_xYNEs2_FPJdmLjhwWaKRVraa20_ItqiKajaKLb_ydJPW4pbqLvbPVRBjJWRNW74K4c33Roa55FEyIRSk_zXGH_Z4qGqTgwpprkC5h302daTKKTaHdNW3h/s400/P1000207.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8s-oqG37x1R_7zSCC0O8XmXc2D_GFlAuIDgAI7HWcuuGLE2NJZcY1y39CgBsOnQFd_VQxZuYZKEqz6kiH0vATCVFdbhzElEkZ76raq8gAioeV_TE9eqM0x_f3LlWW76whmywXma_p788V/s1600/P1000234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8s-oqG37x1R_7zSCC0O8XmXc2D_GFlAuIDgAI7HWcuuGLE2NJZcY1y39CgBsOnQFd_VQxZuYZKEqz6kiH0vATCVFdbhzElEkZ76raq8gAioeV_TE9eqM0x_f3LlWW76whmywXma_p788V/s400/P1000234.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMpHV-jwZG-mbLNiXQ37hfHP9ly5i6TzROlaQr_iE5OJW3TcmChJVUiqtoWAgD76FkF9wKEf95oLU81cj6hcvgcNX8gSIILa3w7ZaNKCuTrg_SGuYuwmZC0tTQwHSpy2HAiAjtj6iZ4PsN/s1600/P1000249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMpHV-jwZG-mbLNiXQ37hfHP9ly5i6TzROlaQr_iE5OJW3TcmChJVUiqtoWAgD76FkF9wKEf95oLU81cj6hcvgcNX8gSIILa3w7ZaNKCuTrg_SGuYuwmZC0tTQwHSpy2HAiAjtj6iZ4PsN/s400/P1000249.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhemPBUt4BFOBKpjYiAwXrP0IvHHKIlW8mnaJgPsxf6QnXYgUe-atggw1MhLSeEXHHctXtxyAPX-kNLl2t2D16ML5JQb0PX8WQw8AEJhabaBQ0nog5PZqeWioq5m2g_NKE_mVqkyDH0lC-1/s1600/P1000255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhemPBUt4BFOBKpjYiAwXrP0IvHHKIlW8mnaJgPsxf6QnXYgUe-atggw1MhLSeEXHHctXtxyAPX-kNLl2t2D16ML5JQb0PX8WQw8AEJhabaBQ0nog5PZqeWioq5m2g_NKE_mVqkyDH0lC-1/s400/P1000255.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
And in....heck, I think October....some great friends of mind invited me up to a cookout. These people were around at the very beginning of Hells Creations MC getting started, and some I've known for a lot of years. It was just so great to see everyone. One of my great friends, Bob C, said he had some photos from way back when, and here's a few of those pix to close up this post. Thanks, Bob!<br />
<br />
Enjoy<br />
Cowboy<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBXAr1diwv1D9pxRtfqrn26E6AS4Hi-3lSNEKwJ2Wc_orOo_qwlWXCzZtIr1lH0n56ZU8guhsqTNkxWxuXcU_R5iao5K8oe7pW77wiO72gykjbB3cLu_QNWtV8_GsMFL6taQeuB7vKlmPT/s1600/Scan+132830003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBXAr1diwv1D9pxRtfqrn26E6AS4Hi-3lSNEKwJ2Wc_orOo_qwlWXCzZtIr1lH0n56ZU8guhsqTNkxWxuXcU_R5iao5K8oe7pW77wiO72gykjbB3cLu_QNWtV8_GsMFL6taQeuB7vKlmPT/s640/Scan+132830003.jpg" width="443" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: orange;">Spider & Cowboy, '72</span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYbyJjtl1asEf9L9GE51XQpnRX6V1Rr4ugS2-BXNhSiGbbtCqbAyrJRONg6iRN3uRs0hWzR-uDAJM8RlnKOMDV7GEoJyZ2VmiedDR8Bcojdg2tofSHLOv0tEyjrt_11R8dGJaYfuKuhGgV/s1600/Scan+132830009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYbyJjtl1asEf9L9GE51XQpnRX6V1Rr4ugS2-BXNhSiGbbtCqbAyrJRONg6iRN3uRs0hWzR-uDAJM8RlnKOMDV7GEoJyZ2VmiedDR8Bcojdg2tofSHLOv0tEyjrt_11R8dGJaYfuKuhGgV/s400/Scan+132830009.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: orange;">Cowboy & his K Model Chopper</span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW7NKrlilFXjeWqr8LdT6PhWlCxuKnAXzg7ASGvQAFGM-gLBKVBES-Pf72K19tw_Ns8w1T4atPrid8VJM1DaYqBSEi-BPW8KQIunhdaUUIgalf-cQgynSniqteHZxL3_RmihTIaJ3L5kPy/s1600/Scan+132830021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW7NKrlilFXjeWqr8LdT6PhWlCxuKnAXzg7ASGvQAFGM-gLBKVBES-Pf72K19tw_Ns8w1T4atPrid8VJM1DaYqBSEi-BPW8KQIunhdaUUIgalf-cQgynSniqteHZxL3_RmihTIaJ3L5kPy/s400/Scan+132830021.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: orange;">A line of bikes...My purple bike in the middle</span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihAWrVo-NqPXErJgoW3DHYMr47ulbSp-nLXKhF1KNbh_ymMh8IgWDfdqyZUQXIDqP8uZZIIvqXNYiKCTz5V7BhlnV5SkpC-pMD8bqSw-_Ys8F3zFv9yD9T7OiBD8ZlgzwcT4kvDZF7tc02/s1600/Scan+132830027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihAWrVo-NqPXErJgoW3DHYMr47ulbSp-nLXKhF1KNbh_ymMh8IgWDfdqyZUQXIDqP8uZZIIvqXNYiKCTz5V7BhlnV5SkpC-pMD8bqSw-_Ys8F3zFv9yD9T7OiBD8ZlgzwcT4kvDZF7tc02/s400/Scan+132830027.jpg" width="287" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: orange;">Spider RIP</span></b></div>
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><br /></span>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Cowboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13718574116005039771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8415707789023434923.post-23138189543187350262013-07-01T15:43:00.001-04:002013-09-19T20:17:47.867-04:00Three Months?! Damn.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxjT-KFRR6G3jKA6hjUdbX0_5gagbr_8jrreFrfHTNgruz45zbp05QTzqCsmDbRKE_3twh2BmqafaIID1IbJa8fCQl0hAkHOmNJ89OYWp-RqJu0l6xxHfvQdGQpq244CL7b8SayzU2fdd6/s960/MountainTurn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" oya="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxjT-KFRR6G3jKA6hjUdbX0_5gagbr_8jrreFrfHTNgruz45zbp05QTzqCsmDbRKE_3twh2BmqafaIID1IbJa8fCQl0hAkHOmNJ89OYWp-RqJu0l6xxHfvQdGQpq244CL7b8SayzU2fdd6/s320/MountainTurn.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Now and then, I'm told, life happens and people get busy. That's damn sure the case with me, and Southern Comfort has collected an inch of dust. If it weren't for the Joker posts, along with the bike lift and Kendon Trailer info, this blog would have faded into the Blog-o-Sphere.<br />
<br />
I've been busy in some damn good ways, I'm happy to report. I broke down and bought an enclosed trailer, I got rid of the 4Runner, and there's been some great rides, the most recent of which was the Ride To Nowhere with a terrific group of friends. <br />
<br />
I won't even attempt to update y'all about all that stuff in a single post, so hold on for updates if you're interested. For now, I'll just check in and report I'm alive and well and having a great time.<br />
<br />
More to come<br />
Cowboy</div>
Cowboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13718574116005039771noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8415707789023434923.post-12929079716814831032013-04-15T20:34:00.002-04:002013-09-19T20:17:20.329-04:00Boston<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrPrp4Q9VwO9jrB_d9cwCm5YvBlVAUEpX0vhQ77XQmzIHIQssnHbzWo4ad8fQvBtmN3jW4nhVloi87G62XMpcCwg8gswfqYifiegSNOlc4Pd3RSdh7iLA_NBbJadUJg4gtSc3yuYy9ZH3k/s1600/04152015aNeverForget.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrPrp4Q9VwO9jrB_d9cwCm5YvBlVAUEpX0vhQ77XQmzIHIQssnHbzWo4ad8fQvBtmN3jW4nhVloi87G62XMpcCwg8gswfqYifiegSNOlc4Pd3RSdh7iLA_NBbJadUJg4gtSc3yuYy9ZH3k/s320/04152015aNeverForget.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBlby2gLBoZ5U3a6iGrKMBETaYP4QD9Oi3hsR2tM8t7lbqwc4OPmN8WjHtse7QPzQX4L6W2yH-Hht8VT3tivAj9enAOj_74997BXg2Po4hWiDwfedl3E3y4ZOx3A1pGQyfYfTU8i1ces84/s1600/04152015NeverForget.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBlby2gLBoZ5U3a6iGrKMBETaYP4QD9Oi3hsR2tM8t7lbqwc4OPmN8WjHtse7QPzQX4L6W2yH-Hht8VT3tivAj9enAOj_74997BXg2Po4hWiDwfedl3E3y4ZOx3A1pGQyfYfTU8i1ces84/s320/04152015NeverForget.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><b>Never Forget</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Cowboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13718574116005039771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8415707789023434923.post-29626639360908358862013-03-06T20:13:00.002-05:002013-09-19T20:17:05.615-04:00Return Engagement<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs_1JufEu7FKMrQ-FNn4quXOCoKzEOlCu8yLuHBmI5Dve-clxEQLx-n6pTbtSFYT6dVhKjpqnLZowbzMdPh1B8OY-poipMt-_TIcwpqxF0t5AbRyALcdnn-xAZqC5AvlzDnGizUCuH6aMe/s1600/AutoTrainLogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs_1JufEu7FKMrQ-FNn4quXOCoKzEOlCu8yLuHBmI5Dve-clxEQLx-n6pTbtSFYT6dVhKjpqnLZowbzMdPh1B8OY-poipMt-_TIcwpqxF0t5AbRyALcdnn-xAZqC5AvlzDnGizUCuH6aMe/s320/AutoTrainLogo.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
About Daytona: I've made it very clear to anyone who was interested, and to a few who weren't, that I was RIDING my fucking bike back from Daytona, mostly to avoid the boos and hisses from the crew that would rather ride through a hailstorm than trailer a scoot. And I confess, I'm sorta one of those people. I've handed out my share of abuse! "Motorcycles are for riding, you pussy!"<br />
<br />
So I've been packing, and then re-packing, to get ready for the ride back from Daytona. Rain gear, chaps, gloves, and heavy leathers that take up a lot of room, just in case I hit bad weather coming home. And I've been thinking....and thinking.......<br />
<br />
Time passes.....<br />
<br />
See, this trip back is one straight slog, northbound on Interstate 95, the undisputed world's champion of congestion, big- rig traffic, and nut cases driving minivans full of rug-rats coming back from some theme park in central Florida. I've done this run on a bike a time or two, and it's like a 800 mile obstacle course where your stress level is through the roof every mile you ride. White knuckles. There's no joy, not to mention the fact that there's also no "Oh Wow, look at that!" scenery for the entire trip. Unless, of course, "Oh Wow!" means look at the accidents......<br />
<br />
I'll re-mention the congestion, particularly from Richmond, Virginia, northward. It's a fucking parking lot at 2AM on a Sunday morning, let alone on a Monday afternoon when I'm be in the home stretch. And when I'm most likely to be freezing my ass off.<br />
<br />
Shit. Despite all my "I'm riding!" BS, this wasn't looking like the best idea I ever had.......<br />
<br />
So I bit the bullet today, reluctantly plunking down $420 bucks for a return trip on the AutoTrain. The $420 covers the bike and a reserved seat, which is sorta outrageous, since I'm going down for $320, <u><i>which includes a sleeping compartment</i></u>! Amtrak jacks up the price for northbound travelers. I guess they figure you'll pay more just to get home, and sit upright in a seat all night doing it. Damn, they're right!<br />
<br />
And that's it. The decision was made, and I'll be one of those peeps showing up at Daytona Bike Week all fresh as a daisy, and <yawn> returning home with only event-miles on the new bike. Though I was sure looking forward to my first good ride of the year, Daytona just ain't gonna be it. I'll just enjoy my time there, and party just a little less. Like $620 less.......</yawn><br />
<br />
Cowboy<br />
<br />
PS....Just 3 more days and I'm gone!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Cowboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13718574116005039771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8415707789023434923.post-89281195929535328842013-02-24T21:42:00.002-05:002013-09-19T20:14:27.967-04:0013 Days and Counting – Daytona, We’re on the Way!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0rrXH2gra0nOQD21ofL3M5TYBiqOSflmneGqgS_XnlVMwFP7_PvVOMRLJG2qese1DSsLkpd8Vcjfhivn5BA6MwvNfXq2951mKns74wZBdqiVmutpJQV_QDqzdZTcZl31I_IPG1JF_1hOi/s1600/lucky-13-logo-boudi-uk.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0rrXH2gra0nOQD21ofL3M5TYBiqOSflmneGqgS_XnlVMwFP7_PvVOMRLJG2qese1DSsLkpd8Vcjfhivn5BA6MwvNfXq2951mKns74wZBdqiVmutpJQV_QDqzdZTcZl31I_IPG1JF_1hOi/s320/lucky-13-logo-boudi-uk.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Funny how the last few weeks of an event I’m really looking forward to seem to drag by like molasses in Minnesota in January. Of course, the two or three days just before will go like wildfire when I realize all the crap I’ve forgotten to take care of!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But I’m hoping that’s not going to happen. I'm taking the new 2013 Limited to Daytona, so I have new tires and new…well, new EVERYTHING!.....so breakdowns are way, way down in probability. And even if something OD’s, the Harley Ultra Road Warranty (or whatever it’s called) will take care of me. Or so they say in the sales brochure.....<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I'm excited that Linda and Charlie are meeting me down there! They’re both like family to me, but the best part is that we have the greatest travel agreement ever. We can all go someplace…the same place…and even have the same lodging arrangements, but past that, it’s a come-and-go-as-you-please agreement. We’ll certainly do some stuff together, but there’s no itinerary or schedule. It worked great for us in New Orleans and Sturgis, and it’ll work fine in Daytona too.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mike, Eric, Dan, Gina, Ashley, Caroline, DeAnna, and Robert will be down there too, and who knows who else I’ll run into. I hear from my favorite daughter, Marianne, that meeting anyone at a specific time and place during Daytona Bike Week is a fantasy due to traffic, plus all the fun distractions that can lead a person astray, so the best we can hope for is something like “Boot Hill, Main Street, Thursday evening”, or maybe the “Broken Spoke on Rt 1 this Saturday night”. Perfect!<br />
<br />
There's actually a rumour circulating that Robert will be celebrating a big birthday down there, but I ain't giving up any numbers! Happy early Birthday, Robert!<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I'm taking a little time-out during the festivities for a little house-hunting, figuring there just has to be a way to get year-round riding time on my calendar. Heck, maybe something with a garage that’s suitable for a little motorcycle-oriented machine shop. Who knows what might happen if I find something. Me? I’m fucking sick of the rat race, not to mention the DC traffic which is now rated the worst in the US, so I'm motivated.<br />
<br />
I also have a date with <a href="http://www.dankitepinstriping.com/">Dan Kite</a>, the world's best pin-striper, to get him to apply his magic touch to the Limited, making this the third bike Dan has done for me, with Joker and the Road King being the first two. If you want nice work done, track Dan down at any major bike event. At least say hi to him and his wife Gina. Awesome people!<br />
<br />
In related news....<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I did a little preparation of the new Limited for the ride back, and for our future road trips. In spite of a big price tag, I sprung for the Harley Road Tech version of the Garmin Zumo 665 GPS unit. Rather than go with a bar-mounted unit, I sucked it up and bought the fairing mount, figuring drilling holes in the brand-fucking-new fairing would only hurt for a little while. I was right about that, thankfully. (Ask me about that again if I ever trade it in….)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I won’t go in depth about the install, a la the Joker series of posts, but I will say that getting into the wiring harness on a bike with less than 400 miles on it took some thought. My buddy Jeff held my hand (well, not literally) and the instruction manual through the whole wiring process, and Jeff probably got sick of hearing me ask about wire colors and pin locations repeatedly. Sorry for driving you nuts, Jeff, but thanks again for your help!<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBcX69Q4f06Ug0ZBxFaamVYDF2EjYUQEGvlcBDw_mB67_VS3SG_5tnsV9abGuGvMnjvCkNVaz3SM-l445LMRBefbSmbeE2cJAL0jT59N7tDJkfVC3Z-JaHD0qCGF11tbeqLUhRnFLJTG5J/s1600/P1010839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBcX69Q4f06Ug0ZBxFaamVYDF2EjYUQEGvlcBDw_mB67_VS3SG_5tnsV9abGuGvMnjvCkNVaz3SM-l445LMRBefbSmbeE2cJAL0jT59N7tDJkfVC3Z-JaHD0qCGF11tbeqLUhRnFLJTG5J/s400/P1010839.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: orange;">Serious Pucker Factor Right About Here....Just sayin...</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZNfQuj4eN79mP0ib0qR0BHTdsONIAaIkoD_PpiT_RT1SHKFoYOPML4y23QNt5jXuq7b5fkPPL60UuQDKaR1-_t4dRTRQLF_MecPoZrssOczOEVKDYbHXOG4khWXJkwp7iX9mGcTNli58v/s1600/GPSMount.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gsa="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZNfQuj4eN79mP0ib0qR0BHTdsONIAaIkoD_PpiT_RT1SHKFoYOPML4y23QNt5jXuq7b5fkPPL60UuQDKaR1-_t4dRTRQLF_MecPoZrssOczOEVKDYbHXOG4khWXJkwp7iX9mGcTNli58v/s400/GPSMount.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: orange;">The Mount is Mounted</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf-1CnWu9pp06fAbzC93YvlY2xJqNQQ0XwqjtiMnDgvUUxk99cvkXJFd06ieioiIKqhDoA0D7XsWKDHc7EkkLPJuJRnqCrZYxruEo45qb74cU-O9gbkmxGYcUoe8QxZwN17bEgrQM8VaJ4/s1600/JeffnLimited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gsa="true" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf-1CnWu9pp06fAbzC93YvlY2xJqNQQ0XwqjtiMnDgvUUxk99cvkXJFd06ieioiIKqhDoA0D7XsWKDHc7EkkLPJuJRnqCrZYxruEo45qb74cU-O9gbkmxGYcUoe8QxZwN17bEgrQM8VaJ4/s400/JeffnLimited.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: orange;">Jeff aka "Gadget"</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
After getting it wired, we figured out pretty quick that one of the connections wasn’t right, but 5 minutes of re-reading got us back on track, and after re-plugging in a connector or two, we had it right. The GPS plays through the speakers, and cuts off the audio for new directions. And the XM radio works fine too, though it’s a mystery why, for all that fucking money, it was still necessary to run a wire out to the external aux jack in the face of the radio.</div>
</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" gsa="true" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8OfGr0zxfgLdQro9qWJTQuJUjEyuwgLN3a-7b6YJzwu4yozphem-SVBhPPf5gqD4VTkkISEnf_g8uyk8K9j7matcES4nmNyCcsszIqsU3A8IsGweDjEG3fsnAW5d6dBK9FOzN0diOFEOD/s400/Innerfairing.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<br />
Speaking of speakers, while the fairing was apart, I replaced the factory speakers, front and rear, with Harley Boom Audio speakers which make a LOT of difference. Nice.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFZGe19NDZ8Px0YSGcyaM2p4zHuS7RFeZXqbicFOxNZlIyaGapGPSDtFwLVwQlaWEUDw82WLLwYtDaDHde2v4mrM7MJIT_oepkKMBxDqp27nbXyHxkmPwK1ZHQ1JpqDlWxOVZhLSKFEh9q/s1600/RearSpeakers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gsa="true" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFZGe19NDZ8Px0YSGcyaM2p4zHuS7RFeZXqbicFOxNZlIyaGapGPSDtFwLVwQlaWEUDw82WLLwYtDaDHde2v4mrM7MJIT_oepkKMBxDqp27nbXyHxkmPwK1ZHQ1JpqDlWxOVZhLSKFEh9q/s400/RearSpeakers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
After all that fun, I took the bike out for a 70 mile shakedown cruise, figuring if the wiring harness was going to go up in smoke, I'd prefer that to happen nearby instead of trapping us down in Daytona. Wait! I might have to give that a little more thought......</div>
<br />
But the ride was uneventful, nothing went up in smoke, and we are ready to rock Daytona! Stay tuned!<br />
<br />
Cowboy</div>
</div>
Cowboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13718574116005039771noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8415707789023434923.post-75123878660130940872013-01-31T20:46:00.001-05:002013-09-19T20:11:39.114-04:00Let The Season Begin! Well, Almost.....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt4TotO7HkhugTTvF6PyFL0ZV39tcYZG40CyhsgSVE8VYTwqaikdCRm-pPhDMQ_4jdZ30QrjrVHYTjE6XxacroThREIsLDtN4l2_hG9EZ9cBePaiR5250wCErD2V25Wvk78_jPmGho7x5A/s1600/P1010672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt4TotO7HkhugTTvF6PyFL0ZV39tcYZG40CyhsgSVE8VYTwqaikdCRm-pPhDMQ_4jdZ30QrjrVHYTjE6XxacroThREIsLDtN4l2_hG9EZ9cBePaiR5250wCErD2V25Wvk78_jPmGho7x5A/s400/P1010672.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Last time I looked, which was just last night, all my bikes were getting dustier, and though the battery tenders and a space heater keep them ready to ride, I just ain't getting many miles under my belt.<br />
<br />
Well, that's not quite true. We had an unusually warm January day a week or so ago, so I took the new Limited out for a 100 mile trip to nowhere, and except for the last few miles, I managed to avoid highways. I got lost on some 2-lane Virginia roads that eventually took me through the Civil War battlefield, Manassas. I got there by seeing a side road that said "Trucks Not Recommended". That was enough for me to turn around and make the turn.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxqOycyftYjvcQdgZ4Eqs0g2TgSQxSASUU-VfpbHQjQA9PqSeI46y8ZTa8gYJ_Pa9ReZfja8c6_HrmQXk3Km545WyjR5CRg0d3Axkrrze3l_W_LdpwOIw-61w_I8Or5isoEwoz_3eVMufZ/s1600/P1010724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxqOycyftYjvcQdgZ4Eqs0g2TgSQxSASUU-VfpbHQjQA9PqSeI46y8ZTa8gYJ_Pa9ReZfja8c6_HrmQXk3Km545WyjR5CRg0d3Axkrrze3l_W_LdpwOIw-61w_I8Or5isoEwoz_3eVMufZ/s400/P1010724.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
And those last few miles I rode were just after sundown, and don't let anyone fool ya. It's still January, and it got chilly pretty damn quick. I was damn glad to get home. I managed to get the bike up to a whopping 450 total miles on the clock, so it's broken in just a little more. I'm going to finish up that first thousand miles pretty soon!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And where am I going for the rest of the break-in period? <b>DAYTONA BIKE WEEK</b>, that's where! As many times as I've been to Daytona, I've never once been to bike week, and that's in 44 years of riding. Better yet, Charlie and Linda are flying in from the UK and are meeting us there! New Orleans all over again. (Read the older SC articles for more on N'Awlins) And I think my old North Linthicum neighborhood Bro, Mike, will be down there too. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4LAeir44l8M9GwevEmBci0cfl1oMHNZWvnFgjBtahYUc7fZsOEMOzoWMMJh3JEu1ua77nNzEk5mfEFPN6l5wBI95TlLEAadxvqJ_MVeqR1AjYEuRJ9m7Zz5VY5JfBPV59mnDFb4wQb0J/s1600/2013DaytonaBikeWeekLogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4LAeir44l8M9GwevEmBci0cfl1oMHNZWvnFgjBtahYUc7fZsOEMOzoWMMJh3JEu1ua77nNzEk5mfEFPN6l5wBI95TlLEAadxvqJ_MVeqR1AjYEuRJ9m7Zz5VY5JfBPV59mnDFb4wQb0J/s400/2013DaytonaBikeWeekLogo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now I'm gonna 'fess up. I planned on riding down originally, but decided later on to try the convenience of the Amtrak AutoTrain for the southbound leg of the trip. I load the bike up at 4PM, find my nifty sleeping car and a seat, and then the party starts! About 9:30 the next day, I'm there, fresh as a daisy and ready to party. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Zb-TFazJde4JOlUTpiYJeMFk3SUs0fTWQeLsNcrsbOi8JGHKEBMEsapAWbKiS8cp0cw4QBAs15OB8omd-7CzWJH-rrBJ99Q0lSOSQmF53n7aC1ODGxn7jwv_TMMat_ogLRdge2AipNQv/s1600/AutoTrainLogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Zb-TFazJde4JOlUTpiYJeMFk3SUs0fTWQeLsNcrsbOi8JGHKEBMEsapAWbKiS8cp0cw4QBAs15OB8omd-7CzWJH-rrBJ99Q0lSOSQmF53n7aC1ODGxn7jwv_TMMat_ogLRdge2AipNQv/s400/AutoTrainLogo.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now before you say I wimped out on the ride, I'm jumpin' in here now to tell you I'm <i><b>riding</b></i> back to Virginia the following weekend. I'll start out in a t-shirt, and I'll be in winter gear before I get home. And hopefully not rain gear! I can do wet and I can do cold, but I just hate wet AND cold.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm going to rough it in Daytona, staying in a little place known as the Wyndham Ocean Walk. Sure it's going to be tough sleeping on a feather bed next to the oceanfront balcony but someone has to do it, LOL. Linda and Charlie are staying there too and we're going to try to keep each other in line. Yes, I know. Lost cause.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6WkK8Ex9-FXCF9O6nyAMOkdRJlcxv4H44HbEhwrvfNSz3EOT8dgd4Gddvrd6rwExl7xjQgHTo2aGrSnyB9f_Lbor4pk9eeo7RQnBM9D7cBue66gzHTqFKj0FXVYcD43wZrjX1USxF3srU/s1600/WOW_pool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6WkK8Ex9-FXCF9O6nyAMOkdRJlcxv4H44HbEhwrvfNSz3EOT8dgd4Gddvrd6rwExl7xjQgHTo2aGrSnyB9f_Lbor4pk9eeo7RQnBM9D7cBue66gzHTqFKj0FXVYcD43wZrjX1USxF3srU/s400/WOW_pool.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And the Wynhdam just happens to be 2 blocks from Bike Week Ground Zero, Main Street. It's walking distance to the Boot Hill Saloon and crawling distance back. And while we're resting our bones, we've got a front row seat to the parade of bikes and people running up and down A1A. I'm told the scenery is hard on the eyes. Seein's believin', and stay tuned for a report on that.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And that's about it for the pre-trip notes. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've been getting some small accessories for the new 110th Anniversary Limited, but hell, it already has most options. I added some organizers for the Tour Pack, and a windshield/fairing organizer, plus one of those little deals that roll up the retaining cord for the Tour Pack lid as you close it. For the lousy 18 bucks that gizmo cost, you'd think Harley would slap one on a Limited for all the damn money they get for one of them. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Of course, the bike is already sportin' a spiffy Dallas Cowboys tag frame.... Go Dallas.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm also looking to add a Zumo 665 GPS for the road trips, but don't know if I'll have that on before Daytona. And yes, I bought a HD collapsible luggage bag...$100 bucks....that sits on top of the tour pack rack. I figure we'll stash the rain gear in that, and use the rest of the room in it to carry back the souvenir t-shirts. All 157 of them!</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Beyond that, life is good, and I ain't complaining. Daytona, Here I come!</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Cowboy</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Cowboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13718574116005039771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8415707789023434923.post-89413272961264030202012-12-26T19:33:00.000-05:002013-09-19T20:07:25.843-04:00Time flies....Wow.....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOf4ilIfR7ueaJ7UUXpiPhRrp4x3qxwd4XEAqf1E917mFGTNaQJEujIqg5H0u0-X7OhpKTbOrW3C6I0yI2gvLU7Xq1PzGph_553vVPI2daDgIR__MbqmprwKJpialuolUV45DBmlPOf5m3/s1600/522241_10151300456500186_240897837_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOf4ilIfR7ueaJ7UUXpiPhRrp4x3qxwd4XEAqf1E917mFGTNaQJEujIqg5H0u0-X7OhpKTbOrW3C6I0yI2gvLU7Xq1PzGph_553vVPI2daDgIR__MbqmprwKJpialuolUV45DBmlPOf5m3/s400/522241_10151300456500186_240897837_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: orange;">Last ride for Big Blue...on the way to trade him in....</span></div>
<br />
Since my accident in late-September, there have been so many things going on, it's been really hard to keep track of it all, and harder still to find a little time....at least enough to focus....so I could update Southern Comfort. Mind ya, there's sure been more good than bad, so I'll take it!<br />
<br />
October...<br />
<br />
Well, the month was basically one long series of doctor's visits, mixed in with insurance activity and replacing the Hummer. All of that was one royal pain in the ass. On the tail-end of the month, about all that was left on my plate were the ongoing doctor's visits. By then, a 4Runner had taken up residence in the parking spot outside, and the insurance and legal stuff was turned over to my attorney. Good riddance.<br />
<br />
November.....<br />
<br />
During my month+ of couch and recovery time, while I was getting my brain unscrambled from the accident, I mulled over the idea of getting a new bike. Why? Well, I received a mailer from Harley showing off the new 110th Anniversary line of bikes, and they just happened to include a note that said I was pre-qualified to go pick one up. This was nothing short of marketing genius, and they had me from page 1!<br />
<br />
I didn't need a new bike, mind ya. I'd just bought a 99 Road King earlier in the year, and there wasn't a single thing wrong with it. New tires, almost new Vance and Hines pipes, etc. etc. It ran perfectly and I had the chassis stiffened up to handle well too, riding like a dream to and from Sturgis. Plus it had a TON of interchangeable and detachable accessories.<br />
<br />
But on the other side of things, or so I told myself, I bought that bike specifically to ride to Sturgis, and the ride was over.<br />
<br />
One Sunday afternoon, I drove over to Patriot HD, with the idea that I should at least look at the 110th Anniversary bikes, just to sniff around one, sorta up close and personal. I strolled through the showroom and in the back....the very last bike in the row.....there was a 110th Anniversary Limited. Top of the line. Loaded with every option. Beautiful paint and emblems. Sound system. Cruise. Great seat, including a comfy passenger seat. Tour Pack. Etc. etc. etc.<br />
<br />
Keith and Scott helped me sort out the makings of a deal, and I put a price on the head of Big Blue. Next thing I knew, the Limited was mine.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaWz2xbTL-fDsiWEXJkHfEf1QiuOrp6L_p6xSj9lV-kz8kidspoIMV3dho8P883xFLdKei86hjiB-D8dPpl3bIt0zGRFcJCdUpViFnLOn1R5CvICO8JEa9RrhNsyiVVAJb6kaKLOhQeg7M/s1600/IMG_2371.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaWz2xbTL-fDsiWEXJkHfEf1QiuOrp6L_p6xSj9lV-kz8kidspoIMV3dho8P883xFLdKei86hjiB-D8dPpl3bIt0zGRFcJCdUpViFnLOn1R5CvICO8JEa9RrhNsyiVVAJb6kaKLOhQeg7M/s400/IMG_2371.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2-BD0C3p8NNKPDUNFW4vwUGf_lo2FRTAdjfkkP1GPmB027sj2luHqHnii1hyphenhyphenLX-GBJOnFJdeUhNEHtQRJpco2tKZQuueIQd0JXxUgXyJpuCeyHefhBtfs8S2RQ9tsnMrKTf3CPkmeamDP/s1600/65330_10151301645885186_199186295_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2-BD0C3p8NNKPDUNFW4vwUGf_lo2FRTAdjfkkP1GPmB027sj2luHqHnii1hyphenhyphenLX-GBJOnFJdeUhNEHtQRJpco2tKZQuueIQd0JXxUgXyJpuCeyHefhBtfs8S2RQ9tsnMrKTf3CPkmeamDP/s400/65330_10151301645885186_199186295_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: orange;">2013 HD 110th Anniversary Limited</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: orange;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj43TuQmA8l7cOP9T27LBMUixg_3lZVHRgS8VhpwZ5oIH8vH_YcW0x6AE2yD7TG2GYUkNLSbi0BHMqNoD7U9Ix4zALvjktG5Q2_zsi8v-h2OGrfe4QtdgDYeM67wn9-Cblk_AK836xycS2T/s1600/395158_10151301650900186_7764761_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj43TuQmA8l7cOP9T27LBMUixg_3lZVHRgS8VhpwZ5oIH8vH_YcW0x6AE2yD7TG2GYUkNLSbi0BHMqNoD7U9Ix4zALvjktG5Q2_zsi8v-h2OGrfe4QtdgDYeM67wn9-Cblk_AK836xycS2T/s400/395158_10151301650900186_7764761_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: orange;">Home with the boys</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
December.....</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Yep, it's the holidays. Anyone following Southern Comfort for any length of time knows I disappear on Christmas, heading to Daytona Beach or Texas or New Orleans or wherever. But not this year. Nope, a combination of accident issues and family obligations kept me right here at home</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm plotting new adventures that will appear here in Southern Comfort, and Daytona Bike Week is #1 on my list. Stay tuned for that. The new 2013 Limited still only has around 350 miles on it, and I'll break it in on the way to Florida!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Happy Holidays!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Cowboy</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
PS Sometime this month, the Southern Comfort blog will get its 46,000 visit. Again, it's flattering to have people worldwide following the blog. All the best to each of you!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Cowboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13718574116005039771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8415707789023434923.post-23235670297191721782012-11-20T19:11:00.003-05:002016-06-23T09:51:32.810-04:00No Motorcycles<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfsZXYJWxHb0H7b2pAxYXoKc67lhyJKaRwFq7PtPekTdz4kbAGMyAX-N_kahAaMDre3vUghEEunes-3phi0JkhNO0lmQDg7eE3UKpW1xKFRgJEFz8jUAn_1_csMjvf08VGMBaqmtbz06Sb/s1600/No-Motorcycles-Sign-K-6938.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfsZXYJWxHb0H7b2pAxYXoKc67lhyJKaRwFq7PtPekTdz4kbAGMyAX-N_kahAaMDre3vUghEEunes-3phi0JkhNO0lmQDg7eE3UKpW1xKFRgJEFz8jUAn_1_csMjvf08VGMBaqmtbz06Sb/s400/No-Motorcycles-Sign-K-6938.gif" title="" width="270" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Photo courtesy: <a cc="" href="https://www.blogger.com/%3C/span%3E%3C/font%3E%3Cfont%20color=" style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><u><a href="http://www.myparkingsign.com/" target="_blank">http://www.myparkingsign.com/</a></u></span></a></span></span><span style="color: #073763; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">" target="_blank"> </span></span><span style="color: #073763; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><a href="http://myparkingsign.com/">MyParkingSign.com</a></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Bummer.<br />
<br />
With the exception of the ride to Luray, I've haven't as much as turned a fucking wheel on any of my bikes. I carefully broached the subject of riding in a Toy Run last weekend with my doctor, and she looked at me as if I'd lost my mind. (And NO, I wasn't trying to get her to ride, but hey, she's kinda cute and has a great f'n job, so.......)<br />
<br />
But I digress, as I'm known to do when I'm bored to death.<br />
<br />
To make a long story short, the accident yanked the rug out of a significant chunk of my life, riding my motorcycle, and I'm not taking it well.<br />
<br />
I've just been sitting around, doing damn near nothing, and have gained 5 or 6 pounds from becoming a couch potato. The only non-couch activity I've done, unrelated to work and doctors, was getting my Sturgis tattoo redone, plus a run down to Texas to see family and check on my house, and even that little trip put a hurtin' on me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5N3Iq0LJvJM3PX9w_6WsIeqv-6iPNCp3XTX8W03ezgbM4qKAw61HVobWQCA_54NJjM8nJoTwXp1hacsnZ6gYiyxtnXZjj6k1mtIEHhPZmh3_pEyDyM8WC2jNSbhCI-GrMz6ycP7s8IYlk/s1600/the+boys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5N3Iq0LJvJM3PX9w_6WsIeqv-6iPNCp3XTX8W03ezgbM4qKAw61HVobWQCA_54NJjM8nJoTwXp1hacsnZ6gYiyxtnXZjj6k1mtIEHhPZmh3_pEyDyM8WC2jNSbhCI-GrMz6ycP7s8IYlk/s400/the+boys.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: orange;">"The Boys!" Me, with Colton and Nathan in Azle, Texas</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: orange;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoe5pP0oS2LajRXLJ4rn7zZotQm6HfsXB-UjjBsg5tQPeHCt99O66uvvFjU2rdOc-SyXdvQBR3px6303XRIRZnzlpc_G6jZwNeGjLn4_husoX_NibQfy1VzV8IbrWjPS8cIMfZUn9v6Q9U/s1600/P1000510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoe5pP0oS2LajRXLJ4rn7zZotQm6HfsXB-UjjBsg5tQPeHCt99O66uvvFjU2rdOc-SyXdvQBR3px6303XRIRZnzlpc_G6jZwNeGjLn4_husoX_NibQfy1VzV8IbrWjPS8cIMfZUn9v6Q9U/s320/P1000510.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: orange;">Before - the Main Street, Sturgis, version</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLyh08ahEqsTdFh_v6pAisKAJxz2eMsd8TsKrYAEbFEDoObGSBuFbdEo_-HJ2ygFISxi9mzwp3vIyesmpAtybYqBmgvajlTcDLg29XZ6sO5BwTL7GMpzTPN2NNWsCuIr2CMjuEPIq8s88T/s1600/IMG_2260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLyh08ahEqsTdFh_v6pAisKAJxz2eMsd8TsKrYAEbFEDoObGSBuFbdEo_-HJ2ygFISxi9mzwp3vIyesmpAtybYqBmgvajlTcDLg29XZ6sO5BwTL7GMpzTPN2NNWsCuIr2CMjuEPIq8s88T/s320/IMG_2260.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: orange;">After - Sean Bajek at Saints & Sinners, Fells Point, did his magic once again</span></div>
<br />
In a weak moment that I'll blame on painkillers, and with lots of time on my hands, I started chewing on the idea of a new bike. Yep, another one. This time, though, I figured if I bought a new one, one of the three I have would have to go in as a trade, keeping the fleet the same size.<br />
<br />
So I instantly ruled out the '08 Softail Custom 105th Anniversary. That's my favorite bike, and it's still the best damn motorcycle Harley Davidson ever built, plus it's a ton of fun to ride.<br />
<br />
And Joker? Who the hell would want that one??!! Useless except for speed runs to Hooters and the occasional burnout to impress whoever happens to be looking. Or for nobody, since it's just fun to do it. And besides, what else can I ride the Dragon with at crazy speeds!<br />
<br />
And #4? As cool as the little guy is, he ain't gonna put a dent in the down payment on a new Harley.<br />
<br />
Leaving Big Blue.<br />
<br />
That's a tough one too. That Road King is a damn nice bike, and runs just great. Not one hiccup all the way to Sturgis, on to Wyoming, then Denver, and back here. So I don't know whether to let it go.<br />
<br />
And the good news is that I don't need to make a decision right this second. I can sit back and watch some more TV and maybe gain a couple more pounds.<br />
<br />
Wish the fuck I could ride.<br />
<br />
Cowboy<br />
<br />
<br />Cowboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13718574116005039771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8415707789023434923.post-73458024490595026072012-11-02T22:34:00.003-04:002013-09-19T20:02:11.452-04:00Every Picture Tells A Story<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm8sIDdnu-ZAgvPYGpPh0eS__T50zSG0PlJk7yMWsreOips9fPikmqpVn3J8_kYYMOjF-PZmX25fIEZtEI-vvN_0nq6UrDTxuLgSVAPcWmK3n5NxD9OxqxqHLgBtByJU9hPIfhMmaLRIyv/s1600/IMG_2177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm8sIDdnu-ZAgvPYGpPh0eS__T50zSG0PlJk7yMWsreOips9fPikmqpVn3J8_kYYMOjF-PZmX25fIEZtEI-vvN_0nq6UrDTxuLgSVAPcWmK3n5NxD9OxqxqHLgBtByJU9hPIfhMmaLRIyv/s400/IMG_2177.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Every picture tells a story, or so they say. This picture, then, explains why I haven't posted anything new about riding, and for fear of saying something unintentionally misleading, I haven't posted anything about the accident either, which I hope to avoid here.<br />
<br />
Suffice it to say that on the way back from Pennsylvania, after I picked up #4, I got pushed off the Interstate and into a concrete wall that didn't move a fucking bit. No, not even when a Hummer hits it at about 50. Lots of other stuff moves, but not that damn wall.<br />
<br />
The good news, and yes there is some good news, is that I had already dropped off Leesa, so she wasn't injured. Equally good was that I was able to walk out of the hospital early the next morning without looking like a commercial for medical devices and dressings. Hurtin' for certain, but walking, and for that I'm extremely grateful.<br />
<br />
It's a testament to the construction of a Hummer H3 to have made it out of that one alive. The Hummer is headed for the scrap yard, but it did its job. And let's hear it for the seat belts and airbag! Saved my ass for sure!<br />
<br />
And yes, #4 made it out OK too. Tough little fucker.....<br />
<br />
Props go out to my daughter who scoured the contact list for anyone that could get down to Virginia and help me out. She never gave up, and eventually got hold of Fred. And props also go out to my daughter-in-law Debbie who kept in constant contact with the hospital, and kept the Patient Services lady in the hospital constantly running around, LOL.<br />
<br />
I've gotta toss in a side note about F'n Fred. Yes, the same F'n Fred who makes an occasional cameo appearance in Southern Comfort, and who, when not riding one of his eleventy-three motorcycles, can typically be found in a Hooters Restaurant in Anywhere, USA.<br />
<br />
Fred, after hearing about the accident, drove all the way to the Virginia hospital from way out in the Maryland suburbs, and he did this in the wee hours of the morning. When I was finally released, Fred got me out the door and gave me a lift home, but not before stopping in an all-night pharmacy so I could get the Rx's filled. After dropping me off, he drove all the way back to his Maryland home to go back to sleep. But he wasn't done with me yet.<br />
<br />
The next day, that F'n Fred shows back up at my place, and off we went go to the towing yard to retrieve my personal belongings from the Hummer. With no help from me (I was in the fucking ozone with pain killers, and doing some serious hurting), the Hummer was completely unloaded, and everything, <i>INCLUDING #4</i>, was loaded into his truck, and then unloaded again at my garage.<br />
<br />
I could not have been more thankful and grateful for a Bro like Fred, and when I expressed my gratitude, he just smiled and said, "That's what we do." He's one hell of a guy, and if you don't have a friend like Fred, it's your loss.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_5lB4FMt7_Rii3NHXPqN5rUtrWEsODmGJBO2SqmMyT_kaSUoJ_1Aziu2XLNV8TIYAbEUfoDEtJUrqwI7sEewnmDBO18avxy_jBitS5jHyGrMKu-jtsClS2pq9XX1cRGUVA4CJeAi59KEb/s1600/IMG_2186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_5lB4FMt7_Rii3NHXPqN5rUtrWEsODmGJBO2SqmMyT_kaSUoJ_1Aziu2XLNV8TIYAbEUfoDEtJUrqwI7sEewnmDBO18avxy_jBitS5jHyGrMKu-jtsClS2pq9XX1cRGUVA4CJeAi59KEb/s400/IMG_2186.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: orange;">F'n Fred on #4. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: orange;">Fred reports that #4 has a decent low end, but there's a terrible flat spot at high RPMs, maybe due to a governor. He recommends a supercharged, hemi-head, chainsaw engine.</span></div>
<br />
Time passes....<br />
<br />
In the past month, I've reluctantly had to just take it easy. Just sitting around was driving me (more) insane, so feeling a little better, I rode Big Blue a Saturday or two ago. I met Angel and Jim, and we all rode out to see Charlie and Linda. Fun day, and it was great to see the leaves changing colors, but that night and the next day reminded me that it was too damn soon after the accident to be back on a bike. The last few miles were like riding with a full-body toothache, and traffic was just fucking awful coming out of the mountains. Come to think of it, it was just fucking awful going in too....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjousFk3YXS-bryf8SzElBIxDyvi3QXPRFNPH0MQC7PhFkVAFvNQBxv2kI-QI7pb944xpRnBiWlVOay_yHEhrfm9XteFWWxYfXVkrFe4U_LnK3DMDs3EmGM_0scYuIKlxoqArObvLTiLVvF/s1600/621307_10151271792210186_1129236168_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjousFk3YXS-bryf8SzElBIxDyvi3QXPRFNPH0MQC7PhFkVAFvNQBxv2kI-QI7pb944xpRnBiWlVOay_yHEhrfm9XteFWWxYfXVkrFe4U_LnK3DMDs3EmGM_0scYuIKlxoqArObvLTiLVvF/s400/621307_10151271792210186_1129236168_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I put Big Blue away after that so the temptation wasn't, and isn't, so strong. Out of sight, out of mind. Well, riding is never really out of my mind, but taking a ride now requires a little more thought and effort than just putting the helmet on and roaring down the highway.<br />
<br />
And the Hummer has morphed into a 4Runner. I now know that running around town, in DC rush hour traffic, a Hummer actually gets better gas mileage than a 4Runner! That was sure an awakening! Who woulda thought that? I'm sure the 4Runner will make up for the difference on road trips, or at least that's what I'm hoping.<br />
<br />
Don't get me wrong, it's a nice SUV, but is sadly soooo mainstream and civilized, I can barely find the damn thing when I come out of a grocery store. It blends right in with all the rest of the vehicles. I use the remote and wait for the flashing lights to make sure I get in the right truck.<br />
<br />
One afternoon, I was outside at the condo talking to two ladies in my neighborhood, and they were asking about the accident. And then they asked about the 4Runner in my parking spot. Julie said "Is THAT yours? Well, at least you still have the Harleys." So I guess there's a message in that. It's not the vehicle peeps would expect me to be driving.....<br />
<br />
Life goes on, right? I'm following doctor's orders, which is very hard, and doing all the things I'm told to get all the parts and pieces functioning again. Again, I'm grateful that I wasn't in some cheese box.<br />
<br />
And that, friends, is what's been going on. Maybe the picture didn't tell the whole story after all, but if you look on the far right hand side of the picture, near the back of the truck, there's that F'n Fred.<br />
<br />
Cowboy<br />
<br />
PS Thanks to everyone for checking in on me, and for all the well wishes. I even got flowers from my friends at Thomson Reuters! That was a first. Flowers? For me? Really?<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Cowboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13718574116005039771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8415707789023434923.post-13380760860126809782012-10-10T22:08:00.002-04:002013-09-19T20:04:29.894-04:00#4 - Manco Thunderbird Mini Bike<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq0xdwZxO-56NEYaR_Iq1ux3nEcJtC_AJTxIVMnP6CU2Gne8IJ7EJByd-vqdQWl8sMysIIVAi2DQEMtpPco1e29hCYEPDxY49oFOZrjesOk-yORcN2Cc9AuaW_JckzDaeeauhAsupF39if/s1600/manco+Thunderbird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq0xdwZxO-56NEYaR_Iq1ux3nEcJtC_AJTxIVMnP6CU2Gne8IJ7EJByd-vqdQWl8sMysIIVAi2DQEMtpPco1e29hCYEPDxY49oFOZrjesOk-yORcN2Cc9AuaW_JckzDaeeauhAsupF39if/s400/manco+Thunderbird.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: orange;">As Advertised! Manco Thunderbird - Made in USA!</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
It happened again. About the time I had an extra couple hundred laying around, something new caught my eye. I was clicking through the latest offerings on eBay for bike parts, and like I've done a time or two in the past, I started looking at stuff I had in days gone by...cool stuff.<br />
<br />
And often, "cool stuff" is defined as something with an engine. So this time, I was looking at old go-karts, which I raced for a little while as a kid. I had an Acer Racer with a Power Products engine back in the day, and every so often I look to see if one of those things has been offered on eBay. And though I didn't see any, I did notice a couple old mini-bikes, which I didn't have, but I always wanted one.<br />
<br />
So mixed in with all the rusty Rupps, a guy in Pennsylvania had a Manco Thunderbird for sale with no reserve price, labeled as "vintage", and the last bid was pretty low. So with no further motivation than "I always wanted one", I bid on the thing, and low and behold, I won the auction.<br />
<br />
So off to Pennsylvania to claim my prize!<br />
<br />
I was pleasantly surprised to see the condition of the bike, especially for something with a vintage label, but it turns out that label was a bit of a stretch. The bike was probably made around 2000, and you can still actually buy a Manco Thunderbird B-Model, though the new ones are a little different. So I guess mine is vintage since it's an older model, and also assuming you're 15 years old like the seller!<br />
<br />
Before loading this beast into the Hummer, I wanted a test ride, so off I went, tearing down the residential side street at the blinding pace of about 35MPH. Now that might seem slow, but when you don't yet know where the brake is, and not really sure the damn thing even has one, 35 starts looking pretty damn quick.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB-6wi-DIeML0TdDdZLThzKROCB2hPIesCi5D0_H1xd6tM0oxC-zQOE8Mfkjxj5AgL7yJobFkMQ0TTanwEsYlRTtfAxD12Aow7dbaoAixcWvPx5yma31Pw8vd9cZbPxMdWMZUHnUwPim6V/s1600/IMG_2171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB-6wi-DIeML0TdDdZLThzKROCB2hPIesCi5D0_H1xd6tM0oxC-zQOE8Mfkjxj5AgL7yJobFkMQ0TTanwEsYlRTtfAxD12Aow7dbaoAixcWvPx5yma31Pw8vd9cZbPxMdWMZUHnUwPim6V/s400/IMG_2171.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: orange;">Safe Return After a Blast Down the Road</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
But I found the brake, got it turned around, and headed back to load it up. There really isn't much else to check out on a mini-bike. It either runs or it doesn't. Moves and stops or it doesn't. And the tires have air in them or not. Wait, there was one switch...the on/off. And that seemed to work just fine, and as I found out later, that bike damn sure won't start until you turn the switch on. Even after pulling on the recoil starter about 10 times!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkYct9aRXck2ihgR7EHbMIOoS2u455MAhYsU__ReVlEwc17ssla-s-SYmnDP0Ku_LnmSQAAlmAmzJPseluEr_eJsXjGbiWARMWw4J1mUtd4w0WkeYb9aK4fSNYsohuV_TIFqhTj3YWPE7g/s1600/IMG_2174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkYct9aRXck2ihgR7EHbMIOoS2u455MAhYsU__ReVlEwc17ssla-s-SYmnDP0Ku_LnmSQAAlmAmzJPseluEr_eJsXjGbiWARMWw4J1mUtd4w0WkeYb9aK4fSNYsohuV_TIFqhTj3YWPE7g/s400/IMG_2174.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="color: orange;">It Fits, and Standing Up Too!</b></div>
<br />
On the way back, I stopped at the Harley factory in York, PA, where #4 was promptly unloaded and driven 'round the parking lot amongst all the Harley peeps. Smiles all around as we made a few laps through the people attending the York HD plant's Open House.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmkNkOOaI1Oo78td4y28-tALdPGN-xh7WSe3jRJ1XrHoQ5bn1FyZXCjW3Xp9jGjjla6jVRD_ZLxWGcYHnK56qwyA1Z6regUNqFPruajWcqHmOWzd4Y3Q0EuqDJ4McYICV2JrCdXRNqTb6T/s1600/ChiponMini.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmkNkOOaI1Oo78td4y28-tALdPGN-xh7WSe3jRJ1XrHoQ5bn1FyZXCjW3Xp9jGjjla6jVRD_ZLxWGcYHnK56qwyA1Z6regUNqFPruajWcqHmOWzd4Y3Q0EuqDJ4McYICV2JrCdXRNqTb6T/s400/ChiponMini.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: orange;">Chip-Man in the HD Parking Lot</span></b></div>
<br />
After getting it home...Wait! that's an entirely separate story that I won't get into right now, but suffice it to say that the mini-bike made it to the garage but the Hummer didn't.<br />
<br />
Anyway, when I finally got the mini-bike to the garage and inspected it closely, I noticed that several of the nuts and bolts looked like some kid did the maintenance with vise grips and a crescent wrench, and you know what? I'll bet that's right! I know because I did the same damn thing as a kid. It also needs a new fuel line with a cut-off valve. But that's about it. Tires are new, no breaks in the frame, and it runs just fine.<br />
<br />
Fine, for now, anyway. I've got my eye on a 10HP racing go-kart engine that should make this little sucker fly!<br />
<br />
So now I have a mini-bike, with no use for it whatever, but it's still pretty cool. The bike was christened with the name "<span style="color: orange;">#4</span>". <span style="color: orange;">#4</span>, of course, is because that's my 4th bike. It's now tucked away in the garage with my Harleys. Maybe one day it'll grow up?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlQ5kn58xZzgUAuUrhtG1lZfAy_iETSGVf_oWE01_6APB8EiH0m2ss-hloQd9-CoLfwT575Y28tus_vhWjJtlXqrdDWYFj3LaNSB_GQMZWHioinkuK93Y0ZS9CztMIjLMIKUIMdd3AZ67t/s1600/IMG_2189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlQ5kn58xZzgUAuUrhtG1lZfAy_iETSGVf_oWE01_6APB8EiH0m2ss-hloQd9-CoLfwT575Y28tus_vhWjJtlXqrdDWYFj3LaNSB_GQMZWHioinkuK93Y0ZS9CztMIjLMIKUIMdd3AZ67t/s400/IMG_2189.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="color: orange;">The Fleet, without Big Blue</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="color: orange;"><br /></b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCUepLwtKrIG7qKYVoIrTXMq3zwfcRW3AndMhvzPXDkBXbSi1ekLzmHwft4q2yx-uov-Xidtc8u69U0VSFg_kbQ12qEz8cWn5hyphenhyphen1cciThe0PbejXWU5_VjmqoIo51Cmgo9LsPdByLwfNNx/s1600/IMG_2200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCUepLwtKrIG7qKYVoIrTXMq3zwfcRW3AndMhvzPXDkBXbSi1ekLzmHwft4q2yx-uov-Xidtc8u69U0VSFg_kbQ12qEz8cWn5hyphenhyphen1cciThe0PbejXWU5_VjmqoIo51Cmgo9LsPdByLwfNNx/s320/IMG_2200.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: orange;"><b>Had to Get a Number Plate with a "4"! Not as easy as it sounded!</b></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
If not, I'll always have a little toy to toss in the truck when I go up to the mountains, or maybe to some event where little bikes are allowed. Then I can be one of those annoying people running all around, stirring up dust, and making lawn-mower sounds early in the morning or late at night.....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Cowboy<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Cowboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13718574116005039771noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8415707789023434923.post-85594167987254125372012-09-19T21:22:00.000-04:002012-09-23T21:47:14.743-04:00Delmarva Bike Week 2012 - No, I'm Not Going......<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqheRwLrcVeCKubaPTTfO7yuKw_krR8HiR1SvlRWGg2w17waoqTBoaTAxWQb9bf-im6dd8ijldkOtqYdZFKMGO4NKXmjl45J7748vp9wdvfEcBMkE6pUxNm_iU8N-ndL-NVDZ12x3bdwRw/s1600/DBW2012.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqheRwLrcVeCKubaPTTfO7yuKw_krR8HiR1SvlRWGg2w17waoqTBoaTAxWQb9bf-im6dd8ijldkOtqYdZFKMGO4NKXmjl45J7748vp9wdvfEcBMkE6pUxNm_iU8N-ndL-NVDZ12x3bdwRw/s400/DBW2012.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: orange;">(Pssst. Stop clicking on those arrows in that image. It's a screenshot and they don't work.)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I wasn't going to Delmarva Bike Week, 2012. I told several people that I wouldn't go back there, and I had some pretty good reasons. Too many cops, too many cages, and too many tourist families mixed in with the motorcycle crowd. I can just imagine all the stories they tell their friends when getting back home after spending an expensive week in a seaside hotel, otherwise filled with bikers.<br />
<br />
I have, however, seen several of these wives/girlfriends stealing a long look the biker guys, so maybe they aren't really so upset. And the men ain't bashful about checking out our girlies, so maybe this works out OK. But in any case, they sure don't let the little teenage daughters out of their sight, even for a second. LOL<br />
<br />
Where was I....Damn, just the thought of those teeny-boppers got me off track........ Kidding, of course.<br />
<br />
Well, not really.<br />
<br />
Anyway, after turning down a couple good offers to go, I began reading Facebook posts of some peeps who were going, or who were already there, and it looked like I was missing out on some fun! At the very last second, when I just couldn't take it anymore, I said "Fuck it!" and booked a room. I decided to roll out Saturday morning to catch the last couple days.<br />
<br />
Delmarva Bike Week isn't really a week, by the way. It runs for only 5 days, wrapping up on a Saturday and Sunday, usually 2 weeks after Labor Day weekend.<br />
<br />
I rode my 105th Anniversary Softail Custom down there. It's a great bike for a road trip, and fun to ride. I can play around a little on the Softail, unlike the Road King. I also only had the small Roll Bag tied down to the luggage rack. I decided that if it...whatever IT was....didn't fit in that bag, along with the spare peanut helmet, then I wasn't taking it. I don't like the looks of the detachable saddlebags on that bike, so I left 'em hanging on the garage wall.<br />
<br />
The ride down was easily one of the best riding days ever. Mid-70's...just cool enough to wear a leather jacket. The bike ran well in the 70-degree temps, and there were blue skies and just a light breeze all 170 miles of the run.<br />
<br />
The Eastern Shore of Maryland is mainly flat, but the road twists and turns through miles of farmland and wooded areas, and through several Eastern Shore towns, offering a nice mix of scenery and places to take a break now and then. And gas stations! Unlike my Sturgis ride, it was nice to see plenty of gas stations!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZOjcLi2fV2oFAyo_F4Cwz7DLGYt_y6aJA5jJp2rgY2ghCeVxYvdxxUdjFo2GOHp6bHOhNrooGGp1mD1_TOs35CKOM0gkLEwsIGS0KiWLpmOWW9VYABSUe2a0CUsYkIFtomtjZn037-ZQE/s1600/IMG_2163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZOjcLi2fV2oFAyo_F4Cwz7DLGYt_y6aJA5jJp2rgY2ghCeVxYvdxxUdjFo2GOHp6bHOhNrooGGp1mD1_TOs35CKOM0gkLEwsIGS0KiWLpmOWW9VYABSUe2a0CUsYkIFtomtjZn037-ZQE/s400/IMG_2163.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
<br />
As I got closer, there was an increasing number of bikes on the road, all headed down Rt 50 toward (if you're from Baltimore) "the Ocean", and (if you're from the DC area), "the Beach"! I got in with a few groups along the way, and we bunched up, enjoying the ride together.<br />
<br />
And unlike previous trips to Delmarva, police were conspicuously absent until I hit Berlin, MD, about 5 miles west of Ocean City. The last few times I went, the cops were thick from the Chesapeake Bay Bridge all the way to OC, but this time that wasn't the case. Hooray! In Berlin, they had radar set up, but there's a State Police station there, so you gotta expect that.<br />
<br />
When I got to Ocean City, which is the focal point of the event, I was pleasantly surprised to find out my hotel, The Atlantic, was literally at Ground Zero, right next to the center of the action at Wicomico Street and the Boardwalk. I was far happier to find out my room was on the opposite side of the hotel from the stage, so I was even going to get a little sleep!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGH6VunXY1vPQR50AGOKRl9CkTsJ7G5HwetB29cHM8CCDy2zhaBPNSUMrEuBoG8fiITauioCSKATm2aMjmZokXJ7LDTFCPKiCuWH5p_T9kU3YNBOE3HXFjXGlTuGEVv8-LUs2Calg8Gzh8/s1600/IMG_2130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGH6VunXY1vPQR50AGOKRl9CkTsJ7G5HwetB29cHM8CCDy2zhaBPNSUMrEuBoG8fiITauioCSKATm2aMjmZokXJ7LDTFCPKiCuWH5p_T9kU3YNBOE3HXFjXGlTuGEVv8-LUs2Calg8Gzh8/s400/IMG_2130.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
My friends were spread out from one end of Ocean City to the other....miles and miles....and there was simply no way I was going to hurry from place to place, checking off the boxes. Instead, I hit The Cork Bar, hung out with my daughter, Marianne, and Tammy, and began slowly making my way north from there, figuring at some point I'd run into a few friends.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4itf1bBdDfhtO3mhK6Kbx3qfWwMm7dm5LaSVNg5n7OKb8XVcZgczlja6E6HaXFHTbxzA1KZXjdUHBkgjkGBIGe6PlXx3i_Xviscm_-QKWH8rdXUmINGbu74_1WdVdeg9doq4IVdX9dVr2/s1600/IMG_2131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4itf1bBdDfhtO3mhK6Kbx3qfWwMm7dm5LaSVNg5n7OKb8XVcZgczlja6E6HaXFHTbxzA1KZXjdUHBkgjkGBIGe6PlXx3i_Xviscm_-QKWH8rdXUmINGbu74_1WdVdeg9doq4IVdX9dVr2/s400/IMG_2131.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9S_IkNs4vU1aSReqy5a-J9odM-qOG3vLBJX9NONxaRvYy85lZG-n8dHOcX2RtRJbabGIQNqzNQ_HefLwjZZJlyRVgPBdT0yBKoIhGJoyWW0TBO656dlGHUbmXtRyAUoqRcm7jRb-o4YVW/s1600/IMG_2132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9S_IkNs4vU1aSReqy5a-J9odM-qOG3vLBJX9NONxaRvYy85lZG-n8dHOcX2RtRJbabGIQNqzNQ_HefLwjZZJlyRVgPBdT0yBKoIhGJoyWW0TBO656dlGHUbmXtRyAUoqRcm7jRb-o4YVW/s400/IMG_2132.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
After a stop for a lunch of steamed crabs.....Yummy!....I hit a couple hot spots, mostly checking out what the vendors offered.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.robsusedharleyparts.com/main.php">Rob's Used Harley Parts</a> had a great display of goods at the OC Convention Center, and in the pile of goodies was a 1957 Panhead frame, unmolested. Every tab and mount was still there, and no signs of a tweak or weld repair anywhere. But I just didn't have $5,000 on me. And they had an engine and title for a similar amount! Damn, I wanted....I still want...that rig.<br />
<br />
There were vendors stretched out all up and down Coastal Highway, and if you wanted it, it was there someplace. If not right in OC, then it was probably at one of the satellite venues just over the Inlet bridge or in Salisbury. The Harley dealer in OC closed up, so that was a switch from earlier years. Nothing going on there this time.<br />
<br />
Anyway, from the the Convention Center, I rode a few blocks up to Seacrets, a joint not unlike Jamaica, only it's in Ocean City. There's a band, a DJ, loads of bars, and even tables in the water to sit at. I guess they make it easier if you fall off your stool, except I guess the splash would attract a lot of attention...<br />
<br />
And there was also the Swede, Cathy, Bob, Dave, Carolyn, Lisa, Sierra, Carrie, and......damn, I know I'm missing someone..... Anyway, it was great to run into this crew and a good time was had by all. After a few beverages, we split up, agreeing to hook up again later that night.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr2Df88AYXsvgs5iuynHnjCLPzkcBfC1vSyDRM1lHKtldBlbpBwoVQILCmqNTDFCtCEUYcftgK9HDJhVRRk_LFbDhu378qjYTJ4JcoEzf5lzm3OGoUJ4UojurexIjksqVyCNIWXc9CpS0p/s1600/IMG_2134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr2Df88AYXsvgs5iuynHnjCLPzkcBfC1vSyDRM1lHKtldBlbpBwoVQILCmqNTDFCtCEUYcftgK9HDJhVRRk_LFbDhu378qjYTJ4JcoEzf5lzm3OGoUJ4UojurexIjksqVyCNIWXc9CpS0p/s400/IMG_2134.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0KWsqliWw90zczmOu5a8WEUcEWBJkJagcQIVzGc2nSg2n3QOvQeOuLK8DRER0CFnUV6MmyEwixylJAN_LgxwUuB56otIzpTULmBcXekS0nWpbf33qXq7aVcyuF1LmHmssWAQNQc0Lh-3P/s1600/IMG_2139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0KWsqliWw90zczmOu5a8WEUcEWBJkJagcQIVzGc2nSg2n3QOvQeOuLK8DRER0CFnUV6MmyEwixylJAN_LgxwUuB56otIzpTULmBcXekS0nWpbf33qXq7aVcyuF1LmHmssWAQNQc0Lh-3P/s400/IMG_2139.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieYBO073fbS4rIHmat8oiyOiMRtI090ZaDXT5hBD8R9WnHjelZhkqEtkgIi8R6hG1YUr5MtAMcZCMFS76ZgKo0nDe3mtMpiZGUjLzl72shevPIWXrqfCQ0kpaj8lOdTHojWqTKjDK53Wch/s1600/IMG_2143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieYBO073fbS4rIHmat8oiyOiMRtI090ZaDXT5hBD8R9WnHjelZhkqEtkgIi8R6hG1YUr5MtAMcZCMFS76ZgKo0nDe3mtMpiZGUjLzl72shevPIWXrqfCQ0kpaj8lOdTHojWqTKjDK53Wch/s400/IMG_2143.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
From there, I went back to the hotel, and got in touch with Charlie, Linda, Ashley and Caroline, and the fun started again. And later the Seacrets crew met up with us. And more fun began. And so on...You get the idea, right? Fun! And you ain't lived 'til you hang out with a cute 5'11" girl wearing stilettos......<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyphenhyphengGKIanyGl24CS9Vxy9IMhVl1sKmlm2dHnE7eBGtE-HiWNkctFWRXQc3JNBuL5oQtxQVTbe6JB-dj95CRewmEZLh6SwOa0U55LnKkkqFjRZMzj8SGnkFvF3XKxmO5WeEKXriwJx5hvKv/s1600/IMG_2145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyphenhyphengGKIanyGl24CS9Vxy9IMhVl1sKmlm2dHnE7eBGtE-HiWNkctFWRXQc3JNBuL5oQtxQVTbe6JB-dj95CRewmEZLh6SwOa0U55LnKkkqFjRZMzj8SGnkFvF3XKxmO5WeEKXriwJx5hvKv/s400/IMG_2145.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSe8Je4Vd75HPYXoFJJ6Z_eVjb6H8IXAaRYQJVUcNEf5GE_7pKNUzVvjbhgoIhCkeS0kwHC4qqUGUSQ3uvu0uPqKFgnj1H_pF2NuNBRqj2npYOkzAyuRYOZsuf1inGOGf9i2t_89_PmtY1/s1600/IMG_2152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSe8Je4Vd75HPYXoFJJ6Z_eVjb6H8IXAaRYQJVUcNEf5GE_7pKNUzVvjbhgoIhCkeS0kwHC4qqUGUSQ3uvu0uPqKFgnj1H_pF2NuNBRqj2npYOkzAyuRYOZsuf1inGOGf9i2t_89_PmtY1/s400/IMG_2152.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY9sTQ95oSJ7m5Q4FiMj1du9t7TPdhwpE469kM_rpvvNkeoiWTUgpv10Bb2Ui50adEvI5fHGyycsqafN0hqgcBtbl7R_n3VeQEvn1SkL7rZUQ6CxuWy8XAGBvaQu4LWgcXKktwF3un6ZtV/s1600/IMG_2153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY9sTQ95oSJ7m5Q4FiMj1du9t7TPdhwpE469kM_rpvvNkeoiWTUgpv10Bb2Ui50adEvI5fHGyycsqafN0hqgcBtbl7R_n3VeQEvn1SkL7rZUQ6CxuWy8XAGBvaQu4LWgcXKktwF3un6ZtV/s400/IMG_2153.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I did make an honest effort to lure Leesa into the mix of people, but Leesa managed to resist even my strongest advances. I even offered to......Well, I ain't going into that.<br />
<br />
And so it turned out to be a really great, albeit far too short weekend, and well worth the trip. Absolutely nothing planned, and I didn't see half the peeps I knew that were down there, but it's a no-hard-feelings-thing with my crew, and as long as everyone's having fun, that's all that counts. If we miss each other, there's always next time.<br />
<br />
And there will be a next time for me. Now I can't wait for <a href="http://www.delmarvabikeweek.com/">Delmarva Bike Week, 2013</a>. Only 358 more days to go. And I'll be staying at the <a href="http://www.atlantichotelocmd.com/">Atlantic Hotel</a>. And partying at <a href="http://seacrets.com/">Seacrets</a>. And somewhere eating steamed crabs. And.........<br />
<br />
I'm posting one last photo, taken just as I was on my way outa town. I was lured into the trap, and almost before I knew it, this photo was front and center on Facebook. My only salvation was that the damn thing wasn't pink. Linda refers to this loathsome mechanical device as a Chick Magnet. I'm not so sure, and I think she has "curiosity" and "pity" confused with "interest".<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKom-ggnqfz0sFPwvJy5cum0bTrfwsuyWeeRIDJxt-Urq_ACs8UtfnQaLJKflJ-8xI1VO7fhUPG99pYxxPBVFHgflr8Was3yGbi7VtCAVT2mGrK76j6CuyhqcLA-51kAIDNHM3NBZO4O1C/s1600/IMG_0121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKom-ggnqfz0sFPwvJy5cum0bTrfwsuyWeeRIDJxt-Urq_ACs8UtfnQaLJKflJ-8xI1VO7fhUPG99pYxxPBVFHgflr8Was3yGbi7VtCAVT2mGrK76j6CuyhqcLA-51kAIDNHM3NBZO4O1C/s400/IMG_0121.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Cowboy<br />
9/19/2012<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Cowboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13718574116005039771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8415707789023434923.post-64223196509179487652012-09-17T18:30:00.004-04:002012-09-17T18:43:02.125-04:0040,000 Visits<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5EyoOEFy4RSxXM9R3NlYSw4dKc2XbPwD3z5Ug3txnIbGiJStV7Lp_G1yG4d_xlypgbJ6STOV3XviywgWcXrDFkn8cpCJarkZwZxbuSLRHnfxYnWA_6cUybJdcCtI0Vy2kN3TGgYOWa4lz/s1600/40000.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5EyoOEFy4RSxXM9R3NlYSw4dKc2XbPwD3z5Ug3txnIbGiJStV7Lp_G1yG4d_xlypgbJ6STOV3XviywgWcXrDFkn8cpCJarkZwZxbuSLRHnfxYnWA_6cUybJdcCtI0Vy2kN3TGgYOWa4lz/s320/40000.gif" id="blogsy-1347921644936.9216" class="" alt="" width="320" height="163"></a></div>
<br>
Once again, I took a look at statistics for Southern Comfort, and I noticed that sometime over the weekend, as I was kicking back down at Ocean City Bike Week (or was it Delmarva Bike Week?), Southern Comfort had it's 40,000th visit. That's frickin' amazing to me.<br/><br/>I won't go into how this blog started as I have in the past when recognizing milestones, but suffice it to say that Southern Comfort wasn't destined for fame and fortune. I figured it would quickly fade into Internet obscurity, and much to my surprise it actually has a following.<br/><br/>Fortune awaits, I reckon. In almost 3 years, the blog has generated a whopping total revenue of $13.96, but Google won't pay up until I make at least $100 bucks, so I think it'll be a long, long time before I get a check to cash.<br/><br/>Still popular: the pages on East Coast Sturgis, all the Joker how-to articles, the Kendon trailer posts, Sturgis 2012, and the posts that talk about motorcycle lifts. Another real hit-maker is one post that has a picture of a girl in a ripped up pair of jean shorts! That post gets tons of hits from Europe and the Middle East! The bike articles are mostly read by peeps in the US and Canada, but there are hits worldwide on those too.<br/><br/>Referring sites are primarily Google, Facebook, HD Forums, and DK Customs. And that's about it for the statistics. there's a million more that are interesting, but probably only to me.<br/><br/>Thanks for reading and keeping me motivated. Southern Comfort lives on!<br/><br/>Cowboy<br/><br/></div><p> </p>
<br/><br/><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Cowboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13718574116005039771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8415707789023434923.post-17304393233313962142012-09-09T10:35:00.001-04:002012-09-18T22:57:29.590-04:00Sturgis Ride - What Worked....What Didn't<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8P7Ji_hwON4ZfMj4QM7rRURUnsKe5Pl7rKkUxjoVW29OgATBJ8IqqmPADtj6iQw1TX_dwz2mu-rNT9-EFwx2c1kryVVb62m7t1pVlGgIS8dSL_tCf6_DCBvUY3zLMLJbBfihmasYAQDfc/s1600/thumbs.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8P7Ji_hwON4ZfMj4QM7rRURUnsKe5Pl7rKkUxjoVW29OgATBJ8IqqmPADtj6iQw1TX_dwz2mu-rNT9-EFwx2c1kryVVb62m7t1pVlGgIS8dSL_tCf6_DCBvUY3zLMLJbBfihmasYAQDfc/s320/thumbs.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It's fair to say I over-prepared for my ride from Virginia to Sturgis this year. Heck, I even went to the extreme of buying another motorcycle just for the ride, but I'll use any excuse to get another Harley, so I'll rule that out. This is about things that worked well, things that were a bust, and things that fell into the "It seemed like a good idea at the time." department.<br />
<br />
<b><u><span style="color: yellow;">What worked well:</span></u></b><br />
<br />
<i><b><span style="color: orange;">Reda Gas Container</span> </b>-</i> Though I never once needed it, that Reda 1-gallon gas container provided peace of mind on two occasions, and I was damn glad I had it. Gladder still that I remembered to put gas in it! (thanks to Chuck for the reminders!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0zkVdlE2-qZbX9wUk1wMYpOVoXm6kHljBhGbbmxilku0M4CJ07OoAPoUhOkkrFwlh0PC7yZzQ4g1OpYxzV82cI7qUNNSHFbZ6GBr2LkwEh7PbumC0XResAvVCubd0UoWItS68dDAA2N6D/s1600/GasBag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0zkVdlE2-qZbX9wUk1wMYpOVoXm6kHljBhGbbmxilku0M4CJ07OoAPoUhOkkrFwlh0PC7yZzQ4g1OpYxzV82cI7qUNNSHFbZ6GBr2LkwEh7PbumC0XResAvVCubd0UoWItS68dDAA2N6D/s400/GasBag.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><i><span style="color: orange;">A bike with a fairing</span></i></b> - This falls under the bike purchase, sorta, but I did long ride on a Softail Custom with a detachable windshield and wind deflectors mounted, so I had an idea of a baseline for daily mileage. Having a fairing made the longer ride far less fatiguing, and gave me a longer daily range.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf0no8-_z1HgDZQY9HA5hhUyasxggRMAav5_ADtDmI6VjrFicG2Vs0aeo1zvlS5nKPQGdjCbFscl04pWW1th5Ph_edc7MogAYYkPX8L2D5gXmn-1QYkRv5-UI3K-FCBhAlVCxs85kUrtrn/s1600/IMG_0452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf0no8-_z1HgDZQY9HA5hhUyasxggRMAav5_ADtDmI6VjrFicG2Vs0aeo1zvlS5nKPQGdjCbFscl04pWW1th5Ph_edc7MogAYYkPX8L2D5gXmn-1QYkRv5-UI3K-FCBhAlVCxs85kUrtrn/s400/IMG_0452.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: orange;">The Softail Custom, as set up for the road in 2010. (Yep, ugly as sin)</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7hUmX6ZK7mHSa7hL_j6I4FgrswIiAcD2Pw5nOWcRs935cLc52Bppadr9jU5DmjwUgwZ1qZnOpi7W1Et-2wNuycfZsZ6eq6IMLhvspBsLuKq-sC_i3UJ4e7THCZch8m_OQOKutwVYbJcad/s1600/P1010244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7hUmX6ZK7mHSa7hL_j6I4FgrswIiAcD2Pw5nOWcRs935cLc52Bppadr9jU5DmjwUgwZ1qZnOpi7W1Et-2wNuycfZsZ6eq6IMLhvspBsLuKq-sC_i3UJ4e7THCZch8m_OQOKutwVYbJcad/s400/P1010244.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: orange;">The Road King with Memphis Shades Fairing</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i><span style="color: orange;">True Track stabilizer</span></i></b> - Made a world of difference in Big Blue. Stable for the entire ride, and took out almost all the Bagger Wobble. It paid for itself on every sweeping 80mph curve on I79 in West Virginia. I enjoyed every mile of it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS_RVRrz7irDyRDMCpxPc4NKYOYubB3pXdRbaPEjXRvJTR-A9Y12Do4smYQtq0nWUj01YS2Cv-pIgHDRHq9En-wF1jF_QDqL4D8qJI1dkaKz2Xo31iTnB7GbJAZfsxCvmLD-0vDsCQGENw/s1600/IMG_1541.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS_RVRrz7irDyRDMCpxPc4NKYOYubB3pXdRbaPEjXRvJTR-A9Y12Do4smYQtq0nWUj01YS2Cv-pIgHDRHq9En-wF1jF_QDqL4D8qJI1dkaKz2Xo31iTnB7GbJAZfsxCvmLD-0vDsCQGENw/s400/IMG_1541.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i><span style="color: orange;">Kruzer Kaddy cup holder</span></i></b> - Get one.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqeq-OH98xKgkhJdhm-L-Lwor9O05ZPTYOz9FsQjt5zYDil2PtkJp0v0axo62OKaoYDzfajPnOsvAD7S6TqGc5kWE8k1lVA6yktzDO0pmIdmZFIeuIIM6LOM_skHNysJidra9prCVll8Vj/s1600/P1010243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqeq-OH98xKgkhJdhm-L-Lwor9O05ZPTYOz9FsQjt5zYDil2PtkJp0v0axo62OKaoYDzfajPnOsvAD7S6TqGc5kWE8k1lVA6yktzDO0pmIdmZFIeuIIM6LOM_skHNysJidra9prCVll8Vj/s400/P1010243.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><i><span style="color: orange;">Saddlebag/Tour-Pack liners</span></i></b> - I bought these liners a while back, just in case, and wow did they make my overnight stops easier. I just opened up the tour pack or saddlebag and hauled the liner, with contents, into the hotel room. No running back to the parking lot in my boxers to dig in the saddlebag for the toothbrush!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6QFnq34728rYoOElYbTgrRFwCPxvGrl1UQtxJcd637YiYOAR0gjMwYqVGuHJu7HD8dC7Gmck4AAgxvTHuUqhkxULJjqtkM6HVJ_enjyswoSWUcZiNrDGNuPW1LP5hV2CrBBB-UZhQVI3i/s1600/P1010239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6QFnq34728rYoOElYbTgrRFwCPxvGrl1UQtxJcd637YiYOAR0gjMwYqVGuHJu7HD8dC7Gmck4AAgxvTHuUqhkxULJjqtkM6HVJ_enjyswoSWUcZiNrDGNuPW1LP5hV2CrBBB-UZhQVI3i/s400/P1010239.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: orange;"><b><i>Powerlet 12V accessory plug</i></b>,</span> bar mounted - Kept the iPhone charged all the way up and back.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2GZFM4yrfQzlJmpgo_SgxHTN16TKYlQyCuOKsHs78Pcil97TNfBifujGaLRGlZVGDPFS8GzPcPYlq3JFpnAjYbUtLyNqWmYcbHXNyRByOzopMwf3RzD-ag7xUtMdh24xzl1Hi5zjVaIm0/s1600/P1010241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2GZFM4yrfQzlJmpgo_SgxHTN16TKYlQyCuOKsHs78Pcil97TNfBifujGaLRGlZVGDPFS8GzPcPYlq3JFpnAjYbUtLyNqWmYcbHXNyRByOzopMwf3RzD-ag7xUtMdh24xzl1Hi5zjVaIm0/s400/P1010241.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><i><span style="color: orange;">Harley rain gear</span> </i></b>- This Harley stuff may be pricey, but it works. Don't buy the cheap stuff. You'll just toss it and buy the good stuff anyway. (That's easy for me to say. My son and daughter-in-law gave me mine for a gift. Thanks Kenny and Debbie!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhezxqDVCWK2FOuOGZGYw4xuUxofeePoiflLUUuyO-00D3USk_KwEn5kCVN-QlnQaG5HDNJVfleaPnZgsRIFFbcZnLP6WJGHzgaOOCduaIczC3NNQ5HeN0Kuej1Hk9LVdaZg8FBYI_MHY4P/s1600/100_0330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhezxqDVCWK2FOuOGZGYw4xuUxofeePoiflLUUuyO-00D3USk_KwEn5kCVN-QlnQaG5HDNJVfleaPnZgsRIFFbcZnLP6WJGHzgaOOCduaIczC3NNQ5HeN0Kuej1Hk9LVdaZg8FBYI_MHY4P/s400/100_0330.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b><i><span style="color: orange;">PIAA High Intensity Headlamp</span></i></b> - Nice....Far better than stock, and illuminated the critters that were all over the freakin' road out west. Two Gold Stars for Mark at Patriot HD for suggesting the upgrade.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFv-ENYtg-Wh12U0GbK7VYnacmoVTtGqUQhK5n5D2kxvlMSE9OfGYWdH4DlvQ8Po2zjt0xOafdLpTzHAJ8-a_gW6bTH4w6J3PRmemEH84f59hBdTHsILerl530k1Rf4GFn-i5pboX58FoV/s1600/P1010245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFv-ENYtg-Wh12U0GbK7VYnacmoVTtGqUQhK5n5D2kxvlMSE9OfGYWdH4DlvQ8Po2zjt0xOafdLpTzHAJ8-a_gW6bTH4w6J3PRmemEH84f59hBdTHsILerl530k1Rf4GFn-i5pboX58FoV/s400/P1010245.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><i><span style="color: orange;">New Metzler M880 Marathon tires</span></i></b>. Great ride characteristics. I liked the way the bike felt with this tire design and tread pattern, and no worries on wet roads. And after the 4,920 miles, they still looked almost new, so these don't wear as fast as the Harley Dunlops.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6R-5T1ktj0TTt8mOYRT7BEhLghgqqZjkOI6vdO_UUKPk0pAjSSUR3vb8kzpcKmzO5ou0gmLWLp5yWO42e3lEnKCx97oCIcgpd1PLigyydr9_iUBHsFScqhZiPtejZCbHK6sHjPIJ38d4b/s1600/metzler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6R-5T1ktj0TTt8mOYRT7BEhLghgqqZjkOI6vdO_UUKPk0pAjSSUR3vb8kzpcKmzO5ou0gmLWLp5yWO42e3lEnKCx97oCIcgpd1PLigyydr9_iUBHsFScqhZiPtejZCbHK6sHjPIJ38d4b/s320/metzler.jpg" width="234" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b><i><span style="color: orange;">Cruise Mate </span></i></b>- This was an addition I made at Sturgis. I needed something to relieve the right-hand cramps and numbness on long stretches, and using the stock Harley star wheel just wasn't easy. The Cruise-Mate Throttle Control was a nice looking piece of machine work, and Kuryakn only charged me $50 for it, plus another $15 bucks to install it at the J&P Cycles lot at Sturgis. This little gizmo did the trick, working as I hoped. A quick flick with the thumb, and I was able to relax that right hand. <br />
<br />
Installation, while pretty simple, requires rethreading a hole in the control, by the way. Minor mod to the stock hardware. Hence my request to get the Kuryakn guys to slap it on. Hell for 15 bucks, how could I say no?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzOUSXi52P_a6Zgb-x4D1RHHQvtPK2nFLpRquheWDVRQ08UmD_1TRxgiAaLV6fxOjVd0mHkExtVmiRiPVtTUyrM4FFVJqVkutoENpoGKoBnUGFb_qo4CBOkd0uqVDk7p6ZieUeRYfVlFWh/s1600/Cruisemate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzOUSXi52P_a6Zgb-x4D1RHHQvtPK2nFLpRquheWDVRQ08UmD_1TRxgiAaLV6fxOjVd0mHkExtVmiRiPVtTUyrM4FFVJqVkutoENpoGKoBnUGFb_qo4CBOkd0uqVDk7p6ZieUeRYfVlFWh/s400/Cruisemate.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
There was just one thing that took some getting used to: there's no serious sense of pressure or resistance when it locks. It just didn't feel like it was "tightening up" against anything, but it worked just fine. I could also easily operate the throttle when it was on, so the rotational resistance applied by the CruiseMate's 1/4 turn doesn't cause safety issues. And a quick flick of your thumb disengages it completely.<br />
<br />
Remember that a Cruise Mate is a throttle lock, and <strong><em><u>not</u></em></strong> a cruise control. When using it, uphill sections mean you'll slow down, and going downhill causes you to speed up (like a fucking rocket), but this little deal is an outstanding, low-cost solution for giving your right hand a rest on long trips, and is a lifesaver on the long flat stretches. Like anywhere between Denver and the eastern border of Kansas....<br />
<br />
I tried to get one of these Cruise Mates installed before I left Virginia, but I ran out of time and opted instead for a quickly-available and slightly-easier-to-install solution from eBay. See below.<br />
<br />
<b><u><span style="color: yellow;"><br /></span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: yellow;">What didn't:</span></u></b><br />
<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: orange; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Manual Cruise / Throttle Lock, </span>which is the exact name to search for on eBay - This throttle lock solution also worked, and saved me from a little numbness on the ride to Sturgis, but the damn thing was loaded with sharp edges, and it takes up some room at the top end of the grip. The lost room on the grip, half an inch or more, moved my hand down just a little too far to reach my turn signal button easily (doesn't take much), and that lever sticking up always seemed to catch on something.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir8HNT3wTxpLpi1O16h_H19mxAnPdgFvRck4Y4Ppj60q3p3qJ2TdERSEvUjFyVdTW2EW5ZpvuxF0W_ysOQouTJRRU74lPRLy0L4vTlQ-F8H0rzsXVL0GPoAHUJFcQrJ4H7aXxntXJCMHx-/s1600/Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir8HNT3wTxpLpi1O16h_H19mxAnPdgFvRck4Y4Ppj60q3p3qJ2TdERSEvUjFyVdTW2EW5ZpvuxF0W_ysOQouTJRRU74lPRLy0L4vTlQ-F8H0rzsXVL0GPoAHUJFcQrJ4H7aXxntXJCMHx-/s400/Image.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: orange;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And there were all those damn sharp edges. I thought I was going to need stitches before I got to Sturgis.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Bottom Line: I took it off at Sturgis and had the CruiseMate installed. But it does work, and doesn't require any mods to existing hardware. $33 bucks or so on eBay. Or stop by my place and I'll give you one, plus a couple bandaids.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: orange;"><b><i>ScalaRider Pro 2 headset</i></b> </span>- I spent a lot of time trying to make sure I found a helmet headset that enabled me to stream music from my phone via bluetooth. While I'm sure I wasn't doing things just right, I only got it to work once during the entire trip. Even then, the volume was low and I couldn't hear it well.<br />
<br />
Yes, I know I'm partially deaf, but even cranked up, I didn't hear much, while the GPS voice was SCREAMING AT ME. TURN, TURN, TURN!!!! That fucking woman drove me nuts.....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigPnGlWLgS0Id89HUuIXIVXl96PurZEfYQjgt4LTFI6GDP00jaELoU806gNKzBV5wXy6c_IblqXz4S8y9ZfJCzQMgBQMYbR2-_u-awsYKFIeBFW8I3KRHpPyUWkKyhNbY6ivzsgIqsQfRt/s1600/0000-Cardo-Systems-Scala-Rider-Q2-Pro-Multiset---.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigPnGlWLgS0Id89HUuIXIVXl96PurZEfYQjgt4LTFI6GDP00jaELoU806gNKzBV5wXy6c_IblqXz4S8y9ZfJCzQMgBQMYbR2-_u-awsYKFIeBFW8I3KRHpPyUWkKyhNbY6ivzsgIqsQfRt/s320/0000-Cardo-Systems-Scala-Rider-Q2-Pro-Multiset---.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Scala Headset Pt 2 - I wasn't using the microphone, but the damn thing must stay attached in order to use the rest of the unit. It was always in the way. After a while, I just gave up on this thing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu89_mlhyphenhyphenPp9oUjTC9LTvWuN-fngX7ViW5aIamWk1q1sX1gd6aagp1DG7FZpUKL1L_W5gkWCV3g4AeISpoxJreNm5p_XL73ryhRcGK-Y6_a09Fs2nxeysWHcfXiNBxJNM4xy5KgBTWkAKY/s1600/P1000149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu89_mlhyphenhyphenPp9oUjTC9LTvWuN-fngX7ViW5aIamWk1q1sX1gd6aagp1DG7FZpUKL1L_W5gkWCV3g4AeISpoxJreNm5p_XL73ryhRcGK-Y6_a09Fs2nxeysWHcfXiNBxJNM4xy5KgBTWkAKY/s400/P1000149.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: orange;">Note that in this pic, the receiver unit wasn't even attached. By this point, I'd given up on hearing any tunes, and that lady in the GPS was getting on my nerves.....</span></div>
<br />
<br />
Scala Headset Conclusion - For the trip, it was a waste of money, but maybe it'll be OK for riding 2-up, so I won't list it on eBay. Yet.<br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="color: orange;">GPS SunShade</span></i></b> - High expectations, but could barely see the GPS in sunlight, before or after installation. Left it on cause it was better than nothing, but don't get your hopes up. And as you can see, despite the pretty pictures on the internet, it's sorta ugly.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0vm0zTr1JU7D1QIWnrHPV57B1etI9JmSVvfO2gSgEHinjGE-HvOV98mrJNtoGBZVCjVRyR3r66pT-V5zhpWIPE7_IO-5-prhGH8P5luSDZDPOmqnFf6JncZgv_tSaMgZ3AOJeHoJxTDa5/s1600/P1010242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0vm0zTr1JU7D1QIWnrHPV57B1etI9JmSVvfO2gSgEHinjGE-HvOV98mrJNtoGBZVCjVRyR3r66pT-V5zhpWIPE7_IO-5-prhGH8P5luSDZDPOmqnFf6JncZgv_tSaMgZ3AOJeHoJxTDa5/s400/P1010242.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><u><span style="color: yellow;">Neutral:</span></u></b><br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="color: orange;">TomTom Rider 2 GPS</span></i></b> - On this ride, I really didn't need the GPS, but it was a convenience, and saved me from a few wrong turns. That said, trying to look at it in the bright sun, while simultaneously trying to keep from being run over, also caused me to miss a few turns so......<br />
<br />
I also found out that this particular GPS wouldn't let me store a campsite location since it wasn't actually on a road. I thought that was a little fucked up.<br />
<br />
On one occasion, I did get turned around in the Black Hills and wasn't sure which way was home, but in the Black Hills, with all the scenery and riding a motorcycle, who cares? Anyway, the TomTom Rider 2 GPS helped get me home.<br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="color: orange;">iPhone handlebar mount </span></i></b>- Damn, who cares where your iPhone is while you're riding?!? I thought having it up there would be convenient and cool, but in reality, not much value at all. The mount was close to the 12V power source so I guess that helped, but the phone could just as easily been in the windshield bag. I sure wasn't checking Facebook or reading texts while riding,,,,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKT0M9zWo7Y2vFoSMru-rNkUvIg5McQ9eOpgQFsVH5Y5SgU3TiPe7xJ-OXiJ7_wT4U_l6nMpdXcq1D5wc1-iLe5raI_w2w3F_FaCTgrW9zMJxPpherqe98uyH1wdzuqYJ2IhR__XknOzIc/s1600/P1010240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKT0M9zWo7Y2vFoSMru-rNkUvIg5McQ9eOpgQFsVH5Y5SgU3TiPe7xJ-OXiJ7_wT4U_l6nMpdXcq1D5wc1-iLe5raI_w2w3F_FaCTgrW9zMJxPpherqe98uyH1wdzuqYJ2IhR__XknOzIc/s400/P1010240.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
One of the reasons for getting that mount was having the phone in a decent location for the bluetooth connection/reception, but since that was a bust, it almost wasn't worth the trouble of using the mount. I will say that the phone never got wet while in there, so that's a plus, but sometimes I wanted to use the phone, and had to unsnap the case, unplug the phone, etc, etc. etc.<br />
<br />
<br />
<i><b><span style="color: orange;">Saddlebag lid organizer</span></b></i> - They were there but I didn't use 'em. Just something extra to dig through.....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzfI2iRRsu2O6dAtd6gVfgCsKYJC5WWhwybXUiJWcqi81r8TYTSYdaJywMlze_0HFRe7H2_B5-vP19yVRom_UL6r3jFz0yXH5GF7YfzkLhY9IzPXGQMUb34KnuH4G5H_-LDWkt12WMvxq/s1600/IMG_1325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzfI2iRRsu2O6dAtd6gVfgCsKYJC5WWhwybXUiJWcqi81r8TYTSYdaJywMlze_0HFRe7H2_B5-vP19yVRom_UL6r3jFz0yXH5GF7YfzkLhY9IzPXGQMUb34KnuH4G5H_-LDWkt12WMvxq/s400/IMG_1325.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Ab4m3X72y4_jaBn_QlkiqRPCwefHO_88RHnpKScSac7Q7B7sQQSSXKwBLWYPw8hSQf-s_XshZWykZjAPu0r68idx8PlvkgCtd5t31iXKcknfstK57i8Lv0ksJ1Eo6PDke_BXJcWX2F_n/s1600/IMG_1327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Ab4m3X72y4_jaBn_QlkiqRPCwefHO_88RHnpKScSac7Q7B7sQQSSXKwBLWYPw8hSQf-s_XshZWykZjAPu0r68idx8PlvkgCtd5t31iXKcknfstK57i8Lv0ksJ1Eo6PDke_BXJcWX2F_n/s400/IMG_1327.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
<br />
So that's just a few thoughts on equipment for a road trip. There was definitely more good than bad, and maybe I could have saved a couple hundred, but all in all, no regrets except I can still hear all those pings, voices, and nagging reminders that were received loud and clear through the headset, yet I couldn't hear the fucking music.<br />
<br />
Cowboy<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Cowboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13718574116005039771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8415707789023434923.post-81030528525175385052012-08-29T21:13:00.003-04:002013-12-27T07:16:02.010-05:00Packing For My Motorcycle Road Trip<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4IA4yohc7wlP3ADOjvUut63c66NNVNAYlSVt1V6agY6bCa02qiPJuMNRm9sTvToWGy3MMkWvjvFLh_mFDaCULwbNStLsLZVQ6nd9laX4fFC1opsc8f8R0PCPfaQRt9DN78tMk6E72lENS/s1600/IMG_2052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4IA4yohc7wlP3ADOjvUut63c66NNVNAYlSVt1V6agY6bCa02qiPJuMNRm9sTvToWGy3MMkWvjvFLh_mFDaCULwbNStLsLZVQ6nd9laX4fFC1opsc8f8R0PCPfaQRt9DN78tMk6E72lENS/s400/IMG_2052.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: orange;">Everything on this workbench was in my left saddlebag</span></div>
<br />
I had a little experience with packing for a long road trip, having ridden from here in Alexandria, Virginia, down through the southeast to New Orleans, and then across Florida, before turning back north to make my way home. 3,400 miles, give or take a couple hundred, as I recall. This was the ride back in 2010 that gave this blog it's name...Southern Comfort.<br />
<br />
Before I left for that run, I got a lot of good advice about packing, I looked at a ton of websites, and I picked the brains of peeps who have gone on similar rides on similar bikes. I rode a 2008 Softail Custom on that ride, without a ton of extra storage, so space was limited.<br />
<br />
As it turned out, I didn't need much of anything in the way of tools or spare parts on that ride, which is a testament to how well new Harley Davidsons are built. They're a far cry from either of my old rigid frame Panhead choppers, I'll tell you that!<br />
<br />
But for the upcoming Sturgis ride, I was going further, and riding a slightly older 1999 Road King that I'd bought just for the trip. I had a lot of confidence in the bike, given the level of maintenance and care taken by its previous owner, but a bike is a bike and anything can happen, right?<br />
<br />
I was not just stopping at Sturgis, either. I had some half-baked plans to ride into Wyoming and Colorado afterwards, into areas where getting gas wasn't going to be easy, much less spare Harley parts. So I wanted some assurance that I could at least get to the next town if something broke.<br />
<br />
So what did I take with me?<br />
<br />
I started by setting a limit that every bike-maintenance-related thing had to fit in one saddlebag. First, I bought a <a href="http://www.redagascan.com/">Reda gas container</a> and a <a href="http://www.saddlemen.com/en/products/liners/item/25483-flh-saddlebag-liner-for-use-with-reda-style-gas-can">Saddlemen luggage bag</a> that's made specifically to fit with the Reda container. I figured the comfort of knowing I had extra gas was worth losing the small amount of space the 1-gallon container took up. (Click that highlighted text, above, for more info on those products)<br />
<br />
Ebay is a good source for the container. You'll spend about 40 bucks, plus tax, for the pair from <a href="http://www.easternperformance.com/">Eastern Performance Cycles</a>, which is where I got mine. The container never leaked a drop, nor was there an issue with fumes, and it had a spout so no need to carry a funnel.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0zkVdlE2-qZbX9wUk1wMYpOVoXm6kHljBhGbbmxilku0M4CJ07OoAPoUhOkkrFwlh0PC7yZzQ4g1OpYxzV82cI7qUNNSHFbZ6GBr2LkwEh7PbumC0XResAvVCubd0UoWItS68dDAA2N6D/s1600/GasBag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0zkVdlE2-qZbX9wUk1wMYpOVoXm6kHljBhGbbmxilku0M4CJ07OoAPoUhOkkrFwlh0PC7yZzQ4g1OpYxzV82cI7qUNNSHFbZ6GBr2LkwEh7PbumC0XResAvVCubd0UoWItS68dDAA2N6D/s320/GasBag.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
And before you chuckle about this damn gas can, there were two stretches of road, one in South Dakota on SD44, between White River and Interior, SD (128 lonely miles<span style="color: red;"><b>*</b></span>, with the 2-lane all to yourself), and another on US85 in Wyoming, between Newcastle and Lusk (85 miles) where gas stations are non-existent. But the scenery's nice while you're hoofing it! Anyway, that extra 35 miles of gas was looking pretty darned good to me on both, and I'm glad I had it.<br />
<br />
<b style="color: red;">* </b>On SD44, pretty early in that long stretch, I do remember seeing a gas pump near some outbuildings in a Lakota settlement I went through, and I had the passing thought of asking them if they'd sell me some gas, but decided to hit the next regular gas station instead. There wasn't one. The image of that pump I passed up tortured me for the last 10-20 miles of this lonely stretch of road!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoLFDMClHdcNrWSJZm4NstftRrjFMYs3mfkt5OE5KijZATNI6to6mZZDr_ji27UCi0hdn2T8FfTJ5E-X8aWmuaQC0gwA98HqTIBme8Z1snFNN-C5TJiOcAxiI9bh6PZAsCAaBJsN0nZ0yU/s1600/P1000150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoLFDMClHdcNrWSJZm4NstftRrjFMYs3mfkt5OE5KijZATNI6to6mZZDr_ji27UCi0hdn2T8FfTJ5E-X8aWmuaQC0gwA98HqTIBme8Z1snFNN-C5TJiOcAxiI9bh6PZAsCAaBJsN0nZ0yU/s400/P1000150.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow;">A very appropriately named gas station in Interior, South Dakota. It was the most beautiful sight I'd see that day, because I was damn sure running on fumes when I got there.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Then I chose some tools. I took:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Snap ring pliers, small enough to help replace the clutch and brake lever. I broke a brake lever on the New Orleans ride, so I definitely wanted something to help with a similar event. But without the oversize Mississippi gal to help out.</li>
<li>A set of craftsman combination SAE wrenches....1/4" to 3/4"</li>
<li>Medium size straight screwdriver</li>
<li>Medium size Phillips screwdriver</li>
<li>6" and 8" crescent wrenches</li>
<li>Small Channelock pliers</li>
<li>Dikes</li>
<li>Needlenose pliers</li>
<li>Tweezers</li>
<li>Small vise grips</li>
<li>Allen wrenches...a foldable set. Turns out I did have to buy a regular Allen set to tighten up my fairing. The foldable set didn't fit into the area I was working in...needed a regular length wrench to do the job.</li>
<li>Small ballpeen hammer</li>
<li>1/4 drive socket set</li>
<li>Spark plug socket and a 3/8 drive ratchet to fit it</li>
<li>Flashlight and spare batteries</li>
<li>Rubber/latex gloves</li>
<li>Work gloves from the local 7-11, for reinstalling hot exhaust pipes. I think I packed these because of vivid and painful memories of putting the pipes back on my 55 Panhead. Many times. Using my shirt. And still burning the living shit outa my hands.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
All these tools, except the heavy work gloves and socket set (in its own plastic box), were layed out on a towel and I just rolled up the towel. It made a relatively small package and kept the damn tools from rattling around. Plus I had a towel! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Spare parts...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I went to my local Harley shop and asked what parts most frequently failed on a 99 Road King. They said "tires!". </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Ruling out carrying a fucking spare (and I got a new set of tires before I left!), I asked what else, explaining why I wanted to know. They recommended a headlight bulb, a tire repair kit, a couple fuses, some mechanic's wire, some electrical wire, and a few miscellaneous nuts and bolts. And some duct tape and wire ties. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Danny Boy at the parts counter said "Take some wire and go. You can fix anything with wire!"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I ended up taking:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>A couple small handfuls of smaller nuts, bolts and washers. Like some 1/4"or 5/16" stuff that would hold something together.</li>
<li>Tube of 242 Loctite</li>
<li>5 or 6 fuzes</li>
<li>Headlight bulb</li>
<li>Mechanic's wire (didn't want to ignore Danny's advice!)</li>
<li>A little spool of 16 gauge electrical wire</li>
<li>Wire ties </li>
<li>Electrical tape</li>
<li>Racer's tape</li>
<li><a href="http://www.stopngo.com/">StopNGo</a> Tire repair kit with compressor. That's a nice little kit, by the way. Click the name for info</li>
<li>A string tire repair kit for rips instead of punctures.</li>
<li>Clutch and brake levers</li>
<li>JB Weld</li>
<li>A couple extra exhaust clamps that were laying around the shop</li>
<li>A short length of rubber fuel line, and two hose clamps to fit it</li>
<li>A new set of spark plugs</li>
<li>A few extra tie downs and bungee cords</li>
<li>Owners Manual for the bike</li>
</ul>
Last of all, I took a <a href="http://www.rei.com/product/718294/adventure-medical-kits-ultralight-watertight-9-first-aid-kit">First Aid kit I picked up at REI</a>. This was a suggestion of my neighbor, John, for the New Orleans trip, and I think it's a damn good idea.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHrpAxcLGJgP4Ey_PsooB1L_DDfMErsCezW_DIlk9LbpMesRI3-XZgBen5rYdvqXfjxq2iZyrhB25DdBb5T65dvqcoz0mQbNDo_rJkjBBDnmmsg2N-9IerU7Njqr2De6yilkqQ-9MBJ_a3/s1600/440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHrpAxcLGJgP4Ey_PsooB1L_DDfMErsCezW_DIlk9LbpMesRI3-XZgBen5rYdvqXfjxq2iZyrhB25DdBb5T65dvqcoz0mQbNDo_rJkjBBDnmmsg2N-9IerU7Njqr2De6yilkqQ-9MBJ_a3/s400/440.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So believe it or not, everything listed here fit in one saddlebag, and to my surprise, I still had a little room left over to shove in a seat cover for rainy days.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As for the rest of my stuff, I took extra boots, enough t-shirts to keep from smelling too bad, an extra pair of jeans, underwear, and socks. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I actually bought some underwear that were supposed to keep that perspiration down to a dull roar, and therefore the damned rash I sometimes get from hot weather, long-distance riding. It worked! No rash, and I didn't have to use that corn starch that John G recommended. Click <a href="http://www.ldcomfort.com/">HERE</a> for a link to the place I ordered it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
PS: If you get that damned rash, nothing...NOTHING...works better than corn starch<b><span style="color: red;">*</span></b> to clear it up. If you feel the rash coming on, don't wait. Toss a handful into your underwear and hit the road. It's a HUGE relief. Or don't wait. Just use it before you go. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="color: red;">* </span></b>Corn Starch Usage Note: If you think you might be getting lucky sometime that night, I strongly suggest hitting the shower real quick before things get steamy. Might be tough to explain having heavy deposits of powdery residue on your private parts, and that corn starch/rash explanation is hard to sell. Just sayin'...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Besides the regular clothes, tools, and spares, I took a leather jacket, gloves, chaps, spare helmet, good rain gear, extra goggles, and an extra pair of prescription glasses. And though it was 100 fucking degrees on some days, there was also an hour or so during one ride when John and I damn near froze. Seeing snow in that windy mountain pass on 385 would not have been a surprise. Don't be a hard-head if you ride in the heat of Summer. Take a fucking jacket. I was real glad I had mine.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And I packed chargers and spare batteries for all my electrical stuff. I took along a spare USB adapter that hooked to my 12v cigarette lighter/outlet and to my phone mount. I thought I ordered one, but two came in the mail, so I tossed the extra one in the bag. As luck would have it, one of the girlies at the EasyRiders Saloon that washed my bike for me also filled my first 12v/USB adapter up with water. Poof!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But she was cute, so who cares......</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Anyway, the spare came in handy, and next time I'll take out the adapter, tuck it away, and put the cover on the outlet. Assuming the girls aren't there. If so, I could easily forget again. Who thinks of this stuff with distractions like that around?!?!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Ds1q4zhdG1T8OouNsqypIhF6dS_8OiWbCTgyBks2AoKz08PCONgbWQzLVMH0T8e6XGy5Vtkk_-bZS2KlzqqkSTUiaGcK7zRiEJz4MpY5c71PfzOT9ttylK6syvXJA_Omh1MwygUGo8bH/s1600/P1000561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Ds1q4zhdG1T8OouNsqypIhF6dS_8OiWbCTgyBks2AoKz08PCONgbWQzLVMH0T8e6XGy5Vtkk_-bZS2KlzqqkSTUiaGcK7zRiEJz4MpY5c71PfzOT9ttylK6syvXJA_Omh1MwygUGo8bH/s400/P1000561.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFxm3JnbRcQ-OiS2vct502N2CZKUyZgiS95SQuans2fqrlW11QojYyzQYWpNqktvhz7Dvjzt4EQRQVTsTCWowgPU82TL375eQHUS4PgqYXx8RpulCZa0LJTuSLkK4RQIxVmLoIIz3XwU6x/s1600/P1000562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFxm3JnbRcQ-OiS2vct502N2CZKUyZgiS95SQuans2fqrlW11QojYyzQYWpNqktvhz7Dvjzt4EQRQVTsTCWowgPU82TL375eQHUS4PgqYXx8RpulCZa0LJTuSLkK4RQIxVmLoIIz3XwU6x/s400/P1000562.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So that's what I hauled along, and there was a little room left over to haul back some souvenirs. I didn't need much of the bike stuff, but on every lonely stretch of road, I was glad I had it. Especially that can of gas. In fact, the only thing I needed during the entire ride were a few tools to adjust my fairing, plus I lent a couple wire ties to a kid in a truck stop to keep the bumper of his Ford Fiesta from dragging the ground.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One part did break that I didn't have, nor would I have dreamed I'd need a spare. Inside each sagglebag are two 1/4-turn twist-pins that attach the bags to the frame. The business end of one of those pins broke off about 4,000 miles into the ride. I just happened (Thank you, Baby Jesus) to be right next to a Harley dealer when I noticed it. They had one in stock, so for $8 bucks, plus the price of one more t-shirt, I was out the door and rolling again. So maybe buying one of those and carrying it along too ain't a bad idea. Takes up just a little room, and no tools necessary to replace it.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Cowboy</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Cowboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13718574116005039771noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8415707789023434923.post-73141939495471259602012-08-24T20:16:00.000-04:002012-08-26T00:04:35.483-04:00Sturgis Black Hills Rally...A Special Moment<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9rgqDxNZWwzqXPCq_99_73tJQkyqgf3xhCTt2lLyrl3BFqgRao0W1ksJ9W5EHM2XQ8eA_GQqOZTIf9jbdLmYqII1xQEmG5-tEn-Jze_LTNKfg33Mx9jX7nUo-ugDnSfcI_52Snuhwp64c/s1600/IMG_0310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9rgqDxNZWwzqXPCq_99_73tJQkyqgf3xhCTt2lLyrl3BFqgRao0W1ksJ9W5EHM2XQ8eA_GQqOZTIf9jbdLmYqII1xQEmG5-tEn-Jze_LTNKfg33Mx9jX7nUo-ugDnSfcI_52Snuhwp64c/s400/IMG_0310.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For John....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
During the days before the Sturgis rally started, my friends Charlie, Linda, Bev, John, and I did our share of riding in the surrounding area. Heck, I actually put 700 miles on my bike while I was up there, just doing all the rides in the surrounding countryside. Yep, that's correct 700! One day's ride through the Black Hills covered about 225 miles, and I did that ride a second time, running it backwards, just to make sure I didn't miss anything!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On one of those rides, some things came up, and my crew ended up splitting up, leaving John and I on our own. Which brings me to my subject.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You see, John and I have known each other since we were kids....very small kids....preschool. We grew up next door to each other, went to the same schools, got yelled at by each others parents, and as soon as we were old enough, we rode motorcycles together. In later years, John, his dad Big John, and I all worked together at EMD, building locomotives. In fact, I think Big John, a very good man, got me that job. So see, we've got history.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And then the inevitable happened. Jobs change, lives change, and I ended up moving away from the area for work. I settled down in the DC area, and then California, and then back here in DC. And at some point, I got away from riding. Not for any special reason, mind ya, it just wasn't a part of my life for a while.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Time passes....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Some years back, maybe around 2006 or 7, I started paying an occasional visit to the local Harley dealer, Patriot, in Fairfax, Virginia. I'm not 100% sure what triggered it all, but I think it was my son's purchase of a Street Glide, and letting me ride it around OBX one Saturday afternoon. That afternoon, with the wind blowing and the Harley rumbling along, I wondered why the hell I didn't still have a bike! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But I still hadn't made a purchase. I just window-shopped now and then, going back home to a life of socializing with some folks that I really didn't have a lot in common with, but that's another story. This story's about riding motorcycles, and it's about John.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So one day, I get a voicemail that says, "Don't make me come down there and get ya!" This happens a couple times. Finally, I call the number in the caller-ID to see who the hell is making silly threats. A lady answers, and I tell her I'm Ken. She hands the phone off to someone, and that someone is John. What a terrific surprise!!!! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So we BS a little....well, actually we BS a lot....and after catching me up on who's doing what, John tells me he's got a couple Harleys, his wife Bev (it was Bev that answered the phone) had one, and wanted to know if I had a bike. Embarrassed, for reasons I can't quite explain, I told him no, that I didn't have a bike any more, and that I hadn't had one for a while.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This was no small admission, and John didn't take it lightly! LOL. He said, Damn! You need to get another bike and get back up and ride with the crew!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
That was all it took. The very next day, June 1, I bought a brand new Harley Softail Custom from Patriot, and a few days later I rode that fucker right up to John's house. It probably didn't have 200 miles on it. And we've been riding together ever since. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizoH0GGnovSM0CCtQXJE7sdEUzwup6C-8v-jQyzef4K0QTrprN2yUwXL2vfzU7qJrf5cV-PbjTwJfbcxxqrAswgqKT3RxJAUlZY1CK7Zc-eb0pyY0F7UbOZ4PHV-L58GnoA0wVoqbkIs1a/s1600/June152008_John_and_Bevs_house+018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizoH0GGnovSM0CCtQXJE7sdEUzwup6C-8v-jQyzef4K0QTrprN2yUwXL2vfzU7qJrf5cV-PbjTwJfbcxxqrAswgqKT3RxJAUlZY1CK7Zc-eb0pyY0F7UbOZ4PHV-L58GnoA0wVoqbkIs1a/s400/June152008_John_and_Bevs_house+018.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: orange;">The new bike, and some great old friends riding together again. RIP Crazy Steve, on the left....</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
John tells everyone that if he hadn't called me, I'd still be attending dinner parties in Old Town Alexandria with my lawyer-wife (I was engaged at the time), driving around in my Porsche, trying to act like I was having fun. You know something? He's probably right. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
That engagement didn't survive the motorcycle purchase, by the way. A few blasts around town on the back of the bike, plus one trip to Daniels put an end to that!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So here's the Special Moment: As I said, on one of those Sturgis rides, it was just John and I rolling northbound on 385, heading for Deadwood, South Dakota. Rolling mountains and big sweeping turns, and John and me running side by side, with a wide stretch of road to ourselves. Our Harleys were almost harmonizing. John pulled up close alongside with this HUGE grin, pointing back and forth between him and I, and then holding two fingers together. At first I didn't get it, but then I realized what he was saying. We were still riding together and having fun after all the years of friendship. Now, how great is that?! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now I'm telling ya...I had the greatest feeling about that ride, and the moment lives on. I love the guy like a brother, and I think it's amazing that two little kids...two next door neighbors...have kept up the friendship, and can still share and appreciate a special moment like that. Thanks, John, for being my friend, and thanks for being along on that ride. I'll never forget that big smile on your face.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSyZchx5Bx96qLsdcV4TPuyWWGC1B2Yp0f3b923XKvtzKPEEdD4LhXjA_q9bMEZE66lQ7Rf9sUwl_uCnbVmnEgsP1Ij7q1TFuCb9JAQyA54UQBqTO3l_G4_gTHVMetGS-vi57hRxMmCzIN/s1600/P1000541.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSyZchx5Bx96qLsdcV4TPuyWWGC1B2Yp0f3b923XKvtzKPEEdD4LhXjA_q9bMEZE66lQ7Rf9sUwl_uCnbVmnEgsP1Ij7q1TFuCb9JAQyA54UQBqTO3l_G4_gTHVMetGS-vi57hRxMmCzIN/s400/P1000541.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
And thanks for saving me from the dinner parties.<br />
<br />
Cowboy<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Addendum: There are many of my old friends that really should have been there, and sadly, some have passed on. I'll take a little time to remember three great friends who, like John, I also grew up and rode with. They left the party way too soon....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipuGPixPEOmussA4vB9scAai1qSBxEJSYRrIKxtWvdrxzPU4BubIk5-japfO7VEud7dJ4f26FSgpminAtIxlxHd-uNCYCUVcZmkMjp0NhKQDzdkwlpnEoOKkGYJvck3oW-lhFdbrp4rH1M/s1600/Steve.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipuGPixPEOmussA4vB9scAai1qSBxEJSYRrIKxtWvdrxzPU4BubIk5-japfO7VEud7dJ4f26FSgpminAtIxlxHd-uNCYCUVcZmkMjp0NhKQDzdkwlpnEoOKkGYJvck3oW-lhFdbrp4rH1M/s320/Steve.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Crazy Steve</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5AfKQlxul-P71aIj4w5OhR0THYDBsXxTHu2OyyEBGAeKrUqlRl3wtg1DVdgx9q71FZ2hzAO8COoj5LqNgKenyz8eJNzoCJBVZl4F1QfoW3udRx30pY4qRe-EdrXLyp4l5sIeqllSqlf6P/s1600/SpiderBigBob_CraigStanding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5AfKQlxul-P71aIj4w5OhR0THYDBsXxTHu2OyyEBGAeKrUqlRl3wtg1DVdgx9q71FZ2hzAO8COoj5LqNgKenyz8eJNzoCJBVZl4F1QfoW3udRx30pY4qRe-EdrXLyp4l5sIeqllSqlf6P/s400/SpiderBigBob_CraigStanding.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Spider and Big Bob</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
RIP</div>
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Cowboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13718574116005039771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8415707789023434923.post-29476357786381482072012-08-19T20:17:00.002-04:002012-08-21T18:33:43.313-04:00Wobble, Wobble, Bagger Wobble!, Pt 3 and Final<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCdPEa1FbGopTdH9qINmNSDQdlVph4_paIxTlOx3we8qs4GPpiwn9TotynIqmsVHlPHWqk7UKqA4uuEn_nLdn25MvBl1E-0sHLwM9piJ81xG4-TORmkKeO4t743fFUixj1B_oenc9IZLbb/s1600/P1010229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCdPEa1FbGopTdH9qINmNSDQdlVph4_paIxTlOx3we8qs4GPpiwn9TotynIqmsVHlPHWqk7UKqA4uuEn_nLdn25MvBl1E-0sHLwM9piJ81xG4-TORmkKeO4t743fFUixj1B_oenc9IZLbb/s320/P1010229.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Hey again!<br />
<br />
Welcome back if you've been following my blog, and specifically the upgrade to dampen or eliminate the scary-as-Hell wobble I experienced right after getting my 1999 Road King, aka Big Blue.<br />
<br />
My worst experience with the wobble was riding hard and fast into a sweeping entrance ramp, getting off I95 onto I64, with my bike loaded down with gear for OBX Bike Week. The bike felt as if the back tire had gone flat, setting up an eerie side to side wobble that seem to be centered right under my seat, like the frame was twisting or something. Holding the forks steady did nothing to settle it down.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As I said in earlier posts, I did the research, found that the problem wasn't just with my bike, and learned about various solutions which were really just variations on the same theme: provide a solid link between the rubber mounted tail end of the engine/swing-arm and the frame. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br />
Another solution was to just slow down, respecting the fact that this thing ain't gonna handle like my Softail Custom or my Nightster. Being marginally intelligent, I fully understand that handling a big-ass, heavy bagger is gonna be different, but I ride fast, enjoy riding fast, and if there's a way to correct the problem so I can enjoy the bike a little more, making it suit my riding style, then I'm doing it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I won't rant on again about this design, but really Harley D? You paid someone good money to design this?<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So in Wobble Wobble, Wobble, Bagger Wobble!, Pt 1, I talked about the problem, and the solutions available. In Pt 2, I talked about bent cross-member issues, and why the Bagger Brace, a very nice unit, didn't work on my 99 Road King. Finally, I mentioned that Ron at <a href="http://www.true-track.com/">True Track</a> got me dialed into a solution, and Ron was simply a wealth of information about the wobble/wandering issue. Ron's an expert on this problem, so if you want details and answers, call him at 1-818-445-6204.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibMkAqczW3_MQNPuvmHg-rsNEjWXLAf6cr4vJ-39hWV-O2ORSGr78Li16LFG1jRxpSErNSwbrygp5XULzIuJc_KDyMffsdWWG1v0bGhd_nWrm1IMVKBk5IssU7VdOzNVgYCdGoq0tVl2xA/s1600/20-00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="" height="240" id="blogsy-1345425956276.5354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibMkAqczW3_MQNPuvmHg-rsNEjWXLAf6cr4vJ-39hWV-O2ORSGr78Li16LFG1jRxpSErNSwbrygp5XULzIuJc_KDyMffsdWWG1v0bGhd_nWrm1IMVKBk5IssU7VdOzNVgYCdGoq0tVl2xA/s320/20-00.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here's the True Track 20-00 unit as I was installing it:</div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2JJBFVKVcsOQBJTk7ysgL_8muCKDgkIvQ8WNJHMoLCTjkoxrQfWziiEa25aK3CycEVv7tRum_c3QIh3rPpG3Dqe-UnYe8NoxmcWAC4Dj53fHBKiXpkiwSZSLiDlF-V2snAh_ibgfbFsu4/s1600/IMG_1539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="" height="239" id="blogsy-1345425956322.7205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2JJBFVKVcsOQBJTk7ysgL_8muCKDgkIvQ8WNJHMoLCTjkoxrQfWziiEa25aK3CycEVv7tRum_c3QIh3rPpG3Dqe-UnYe8NoxmcWAC4Dj53fHBKiXpkiwSZSLiDlF-V2snAh_ibgfbFsu4/s320/IMG_1539.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX4I_4mn94CH54DapjHeoB55C5dUyYrnf2GgNjIav8cQXB8ekEdwWKBgxPWwdOCscUSQgJ3cbYLMO4unAOrYx8a-TtmDCZY4JoLcuNTflw-Lq_D5w1Bt7eS5-Hgo-vx3XJc5IJcqjhhNwz/s1600/IMG_1541.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="" height="239" id="blogsy-1345425956304.5034" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX4I_4mn94CH54DapjHeoB55C5dUyYrnf2GgNjIav8cQXB8ekEdwWKBgxPWwdOCscUSQgJ3cbYLMO4unAOrYx8a-TtmDCZY4JoLcuNTflw-Lq_D5w1Bt7eS5-Hgo-vx3XJc5IJcqjhhNwz/s320/IMG_1541.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I tested it around town and had great results. See Pt 2 (link below) for details. There was still some instability around trucks that I blame on the fairing, but the scary wobbles seemed to have gone away. Still, I had a concern about carrying weight, and I wanted long term results before I pronounced the problem as "solved".<br />
<br />
Fast forward to Sturgis, 2012!<br />
<br />
I left Alexandria, Virginia, in late July headed for Sturgis, South Dakota, to attend my first Black Hills Rally. This trip was the only reason I even bought the Road King, so I had my fingers crossed that it wouldn't scare the hell outa me every hundred miles or so. The bike was loaded down with spares, tools, some clothes, and the usual selection of t-shirts I can't seem to leave home without. One for any occasion...formal, casual, and work! (same jeans, of course..)<br />
<br />
But I digress......<br />
<br />
Before leaving, I also swapped out the Continental Conti Milestone tires that had a few thousand on them for a new set of Metzler M880 Marathons. Didn't want to get to Sturgis and have to go tire shopping. I had other things on my mind when I got there.<br />
<br />
And off I went. Hit some rain in the mountains without a problem, and cornering wasn't an issue. I gradually gained more confidence in the bike, and by the time I got to Sturgis I'd lost the worry that the damn wobble was suddenly going to rear its ugly head. Weight didn't seem to be an issue.<br />
<br />
Passing trucks, etc, wasn't a big deal either. A little buffeting from wind turbulence, as expected, but no trouble maintaining my line of travel. Ditto for various road surfaces. The bike didn't want to wander around, and there was no feeling that the real wheel was trying to trail off on it's own, trying to steer the bike.<br />
<br />
On the way home, and particularly on I79 between Charleston, WV, and Buckhannon, WV, the True Track was really put to the test. I79 is beautiful along that stretch, with wide sweepers running left and right and up and down (and every imaginable combination! If you get a chance to ride I79, then do it!) so I was able to put Big Blue on 80mph and see if all was well.<br />
<br />
Wow!<br />
<br />
I enjoyed the hell out of that stretch of highway, and there's just no way I could have run like that without that True Track unit. I just know it. Every corner gave me a little more confidence. and finally I was just kickin' back enjoying the ride with a big stupid grin on my face.<br />
<br />
So that's my well-earned endorsement for the True-Track 20-00 stabilizer after a rather grueling <strong>4,920 mile road test</strong>, along with a recommendation to try one if you're having the same troubles. If there was going to be a problem, I'd have had it. I looked at other solutions, maybe to save a couple bucks, and ended up with the True Track. It worked, and worked well. And again, I'll recommend calling Ron. 1-818-445-6204<br />
<br />
Here's links to the previous two articles:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://cowboyken.blogspot.com/2012/05/wobble-wobble-pt-1-frame-brace-upgrade.html">Wobble, Wobble, Bagger Wobble!, Pt 1</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://cowboyken.blogspot.com/2012/05/wobble-wobble-bagger-wobble-pt-2-frame.html">Wobble, Wobble, Bagger Wobble!, Pt 2</a><br />
<br />
<br />
Cowboy<br />
<br />
PS Sturgis was a fucking blast!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div id="blogsy_footer" style="clear: both; font-size: small; text-align: right;">
<a href="http://blogsyapp.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Posted with Blogsy" height="20" src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" style="margin-right: 5px; vertical-align: middle;" width="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>
</div>
Cowboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13718574116005039771noreply@blogger.com0