A look back at 2006 Biking

2006 has been a year of transition around my biking. On January 1^st, I took my first ride of the year, and what would be the last ride on the 1992 Yamaha FJ1200. The FJ was my first bike - a heavy, powerful, sports tourer that would see me through those first couple years of learning.

But the bike was not the “right one” for me. I am not an aggressive rider, and not flexible enough to sit for hours in the aggressive riding position that the FJ1200 deserves. It found its way to one of the better members of the FJ yahoo group who appreciates the bike for what it is, and can take care of it.

But the FJ gave me an opportunity to learn what I really wanted in a bike, how I want to ride, and the type of journeys I wanted to take. Day long trips of 200-300 miles, and multi-day trips across multiple states called to my heart. I heard the siren’s call of the road, mile after mile with the wind blowing against my body, the sun beating down on me, and the opportunity to meet people along the way.

The task to choose a bike was more difficult than expected, starting with overcoming the wife’s objections. I wanted a bike that could be set up for cruising (floorboards, windshield, storage, decent size tank, and a big comfy seat). My first choice is a Honda (I hate the overpriced, over marketed Harley’s…not because of the bikes, but their price and they type of weekend biker want-a-be’s they tend to draw). I went to VTX – Honda’s largest tourer and a highly popular bike. I got on, and my knees extended over the top of the tank! Dang.

There are lots of other options, but the category is overwhelmingly led by Honda Goldwing, the minivan of the bike world. I decided that there was a lot of practical reasons that would be a good bike for me, and decided to try it. I got on…nice size bike…. put my right leg on the floorboard and tucked my leg inside the fairing – OOPS…my leg wont fit into the fairing! None of the honda’s are big enough for my 6’4” 300lb frame.

Lots of research later, I found the Kawasaki Nomad – a beautiful bike with plenty of power, delivered with all the accruements needed for a long weekend with comfortable two up riding. The bike was heavy at 800 lbs (with fueled and riding gear), and styled after the famed but defunct Indian bikes. With that weight came size – big enough for me fit comfortably and ride safely.

At a bright green and silver color scheme, the name for the bike came easy – Kermit.
The summer passed, riding as often as my family and work permitted. I put over 3000 miles on Kermit, riding to Michigan, Indiana, and around Ohio. I have grown accustomed to the heavy weight, and have improved my slow maneuvering skills. And yes, Kermit has thrown my off once (I scraped a curb stopping the bike and throwing me over the handlebars. Amazingly, the bike sat on that curb and never fell over! No damage at all to the bike or myself - except to my ego.).

When not riding, I added modifications to the bike to increase safety, appearance, and ride-ability. I did some minor changes that required no more than tightening a few bolts, to what I would consider moderate changes that required new wiring and tapping into the existing wires. I put these changes on my web page if you are interested in seeing them.

I am looking forward already to the adventures of new year. I have ordered a radar detector mounting for the bike (have come too close too many times to getting stopped). Heading to two motorcycle shows (Detroit and Cleveland), planning on some riding trips next year, spearheaded a rally for the Great Lakes Vulcan Riders Owners Club in June, and am planning a few bike-camping trips with my son.

The future’s so bright, I gotta wear shades.

Last ride of the Year - Definitely

December with Highs in the 50's - AGAIN. Took the boy snowboarding this morning and then around 2:30 I got on the Nomad and headed off to the North. When I hit Kenton, I decided to take a road unknown to me and begin exploring. There are some beautiful homes and churches on the side roads of Kenton where obviously some well-to-do families once lived years and years ago. Now, a few seem to have escaped the decline that the whole area seems to have undergone. But those few that have been maintained are beautiful and harken back to a brighter, nobler day.


I continued on some rural roads and ended up running parrellel to Route 30 (Lincoln Highway) on a back road. Farm Country with a few small communities sprinkled along the way. My favorite was a crossroads named South Park. I continued on to Upper Sandusky where I ran around downtown and then ended up at Theil's where I bought Kermit! I stopped in, said "HI" to Tank - the saleman who sold me the Nomad. We walked outside where he looked over the bike, identifying all the changes I have made to it.

I then took off down Rte 23, around Marion and through Delaware and eventually back to Marysville. By the time I hit Delaware, the sun had set and temperatures had dropped into the low 40's. I had been away a lot longer than expected, and was not really ready for temperature drop. By the time I hit home, my fingers were numb, and my legs cold. But it was a great run of almost 150 miles....most certainly the last of the year (since tomorrow is the last day of the year, and it is supposed to rain!)

Here is where I picked up Kermit back in the early spring....

Dec 29 Helmet Speaker Test

December 29 in Central Ohio ...and it is still warm enough to ride. On one hand, what a great thing to extend our riding season into the winter months. On the other, it is eerie and a little disconcerning. I hope that this is just a cyclical thing, not a start of things to come. We have not broken records with this month-long heat wave, but have been consistently 10-20 degrees above normal.

I had a specific task for this ride - to test out some helmet speakers and my new 30 gig Ipod (review posted at the bottom). So I took off into the country, and took a left into unchartered territory of twisty roads, 15 mph 90 degree turns, and farmland ...and more farmland...and even more farmland. The sun was shining, the roads clear, and all was right with the world.

I finally ran into a "major" town (ie, more than a stop sign and at least multiple stores), and then grabbed a highway - route 33. That reminded me of why I bought the nomad. The power and stability on the fourlane. Putting the feet up on the highway pegs, and just let Kermit eat up the miles. The thrum of the engine becomes intoxicating as the the dotted white lines fly by at speeds of 65, 70, or higher....until I notice a state highway patrol car enters the expressway. CRAP, as I look down at the speedometer.....

I was going a little too fast, but not so fast that he stopped me. That has absolutely cemented the need for mounting a radar detector on the bike (and you thought I was going to say "slow down" - HA!). Also I need to mount a cruise control to manage my speed...

The ride was fantastic. Today, the weather is supposed to be just as good so I hope I can get a few hours to get back on Kermit. I know I have said this before, but I suspect that today will be my last ride of the year (I am simply running out of days, not weather!)

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Here is the eval of the helmet speakers I posted on the VN1600 Listserve if you are interested:

I got a chance to take a ride today (50's in Ohio), and tested out the speakers I received from Helmetaudio. I wore an HJC Symax helmet with earholes for speakers. I ran backroads at various speeds and highway speeds. I run stock mufflers, so there are no loud pipes. I received a new IPOD for Christmas, and ran it at max volume. Played primarily country and some classic rock.

First thing I would tell you is that the volume control is only a limiter - it can reduce the volume, but not amplify the volume. I did not use it because I have a better male/male cable, but there is no reason why you couldn't use the one that comes with it.

The unit mounts very cleanly with the speakers easily velcro'd in the ear pockets and wires run behind the padding. When not connected to the player, you cannot tell there are speakers in the helmet. In fact, if you had one of the new IPOD shuffles, you could mount that inside the helmet too and not have any wires outside of the helmet at all! A complete hidden audio system for less than $100.

The volume over the speakers is marginal. I could hear the music, but not at the head-banging, "turn-it-up" levels that I sometimes enjoy. That said, it still was audible, and would not interfere with external sounds such as horns, sirens, etc. For $20, it works OK if you have a decent MP3 player. If you want quality audio or head-banging rock volume, ya gotta look elsewhere.

I've decided I am keeping them in my helmet. They work well enough for me!

Obviously, these are just my opinions and are labeled as such (so don't sue me!!!)

Winter makes me think

With cold weather impending, Kermit tucked in for a sleep, and the New Year just around the corner, I started considering what should happen with this blog. Obviously, I won't have any new ride for awhile (well, maybe a few, short ones through the winter just to keep Kermit in shape).

But my dreaming about riding, my planning for the rally (or rallies), and possibly small changes (called mods) will continue through the winter. So I have decided to expand what this blog is all about. No longer limit the content to only rides, but all things about my motorcycle and motorcycling that strikes me.

The first posting under that new banner is about the upcoming Motorcycle shows coming up in January. I am planning on attending at least two, Detroit (Novi) on Jan 6, and Cleveland Jan 27th. The Detroit show, I am hoping to hook up with some of the GLVROC guys for brotherhood, beer, and bikes. The Cleveland show is about my son - a tradition that will be going into its third year.

Want to join me (and thousands of other riders), go to this website and find out more about them:

http://motorcycleshows.com/motorcycleshows/

Long winter's night sleep

Friday was the Christmas Lunch at work. Some emergency calls early in the morning meant that I had to wait to drive into work for lunch instead of the entire day. But, with temperatures in the 50's, it was a day made for riding.

So I rode into work, leather jacket over business casual attire, boots, helmet, etc. The only thing exposed to the wind was my Dockers - not very wind resistent. But thanks to the engine guard chaps, I kept my legs close to the engine and out of the wind. Even got a little warmth from the engine, so life was GREAT.

The line for food went from one end of hte building to the other, so I said hi to several people, dropped off a couple of gifts, and then went on my way home.....via the mall. Have to admit, I got a few looks as I was half in leathers, and half in business attire!

Today (Sunday) the weather was in the low 60's (imagine, 60's in Ohio in mid December! - but not a record tho...), and I got the bike out for a good washing. It had been awhile and really needed it as Kermit will most likely be spending the next few months in the garage, looking longingly out the garage door.

Buddy has settled in for the winter hibernation - in the saddlebags. So I guess the rest of the winter, I will be starting Kermit from time to time keep the cylinders lubed and water from settling in the gas tank. Also have to keep the mice out of the exhausts!

Kermit snuggled in for a long winter's nap:

Winter Ride

Today's high temperature was just over 50 degrees, and I was able to get on Kermit for a VERY short ride. But any ride is better than none. I had to fit it inbetween running the kids for school projects, Christmas play, and some Christmas shopping. Was thinking of taking the ride into Columbus to do the shopping, but so glad I did not. I also thought about not going on the bike at all, to get gas and bring it to the garage after shopping.

But I did go to the gas station to top off the tank and put in the Stabil (who knows when I can get Kermit out again). A guy, probably in his mid 60's, stood next to his pickup truck and watched me pull into the station, stop, pull off the gloves, and open my gas tank. I live in a fairly rural area, and images of EASY RIDER went through my head.

I got off my bike, and walked around to the pump. "Hi" I said with a smile, and nodded his way. "Nice bike" was the eventual comeback, with a smile. We spent about 5 mins talking about when he used to ride his bike when he was younger, one time when temps were in the teens. He was frozen when he got to school 30 miles away, and struggled to walk into the classroom.

As we broke our conversation and went our seperate ways, I saw a smile on his face where one was not before. Memories of days gone by, but not gone from his heart. And a re-affirmation that these are the best days of my life.

It was a short ride just down to the gas station, but maybe it was the best ride of the year...

Great Lakes VROC Spring Rally

What do a bunch of Motorcycle enthusiasts do when it is too cold, too snowy to ride? They plan for new upgrades (mods) for their bikes, and plan for their rides when the weather breaks.

That is exactly what the Great Lakes Vulcan Riders Owners Club is doing! we are planning for a get together in June. Check out the web page in the "my favorite links" to the right side of this page. You will see http://www.glvrocrally.roseytimes.com/ website link where all the details can be found.

Now, hopefully we will hit the mid 40's this weekend and early next week....

40 some degrees - NOT

That is what they said, and I rushed around, doing the work thing (24x7x365 when you are salaried) this morning. Then did some Christmas shopping.

But got back home early enough so that when it hit 40 degrees (or close), I could take off on the bike.... But they lied to us. Best as I could tell, it never got above 30 - perfect for ice on the road and risking a fall.

I KNOW there will be a day or two before Christmas that I will get Kermit (my Nomad) on the road. Just have to hit near that 40 degree mark....

Last ride of the season?

Wednesday, I took a short ride of about 30 miles or so, some of it with the boy on the back of the bike. Had to go to wal-mart (I HATE that store) with wife, so I let her drive there while the boy and I took the bike. Then I headed off down old route 33 (runs parrellel to route 33 highway), then back on the highway. Getting that last of the year ride in.

The good news is that while I had not been able to be on the bike much over the last week, I did get the garage cleaned up for winter. The wife can now pull her van into the garage AND i get to keep the bike in there. ahhhhh...life is good

November 21 Ride

Needed to get out and try the new Engine Guard Chaps from www.classicchaps.com to see how much they would help in cooler weather rides. The temps were in the mid 40's but nice and sunny. It was cold, but very sunny. Amazingly enough, there were no other bikes on the road! Go figure...

Wanted to find some unique pictures of Ohio countryside as I rode. Stopped at a small town, Mount Victory, on route 31. True picture of rural Ohio...

November Delaware Trip

I had a chance to take a ride. Not a lot of time, but still wanted to get out, and have a little fun. Went to Delaware Resevoir at the dam. It was a beautiful day, and got some great pictures. I took some shots of the Nomad which ended up being the basis of the mods webpage on my website.


Here are some pics of the Resevoir from the dam side. Oh yeah...almost forgot to mention, Buddy went with me as well.

Ride Reports - Moving from MSNSpaces

I appologize to anyone who likes MSN Spaces or marked my old blog site. But their service continued to drop as they tied it in closer and closer to windows-only software. I finally gave up.
I will be posting some of the old stuff here, but also new rides. This year, I expect to ride at least several times in November, a couple times in December, and hopefully once in Jan and Februrary. Then back to riding more frequently in March.

I also have done some serious modifications (use, not technical aptitude)...and will post some info here too.