Monday, December 31, 2007
Last ride of the year
After dropping her back off at home, I rode over to a friend's house that I had not seen in quite a while. We put some Stabil in his bike, and his sister's. But mostly BS'd for about an hour.
I am now sitting here, 20 minutes before the New Year rings in...It was a great year, and I am looking forward to even more time on the bike next year. And it starts this weekend with the Detroit Motorcycle show.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Snuck another ride in
It was 42 degrees when I took off around 12:30. Had to get some sunglasses, so I hopped on the bike to get in another ride before the snow starts to fall and stick. It continued to warm up, and so I took a nice 40 mile jaunt and grabbed a double expresso.
I parked right on the main drag. I picked up my coffee and sat down at a counter near the large plate glass window to watch my bike. As each car passed, the brake lights would go on and the driver would gaze out at the bike.
Man, I am going to miss this!!!
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Where did the summer go?
So I focused on completing a few chores; winterizing the lawnmower, reorganizing the garage so my wife can park inside, covered the camper snuggling in for the winter. And then, late in the afternoon, I bundled up and went for a ride.
Surprisingly, I was not cold. I image that the clothing was a major factor. But probably as likely is the enthusiasm that poured through by veins. I did not ride long, maybe 45 mins - an hour tops. But it was refreshing to my soul and attitude.
This winter is going to try my patience, being a long gap between between rides.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Lake Erie Run
What a ride! It was just over freezing when I started out this morning. Buddy was sound asleep allnight. And when it was so cold outside, we talked it over and decided to wait until it was mid 30’s. Buddy went back to sleep, hogging the entire bed. By
It was cold…No, it was COLD! But I had purchased a pair of winter
The first stop, after getting lost REPEATEDLY, was Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge. The wind pushed me around on Route 2 until I ducked into the Refuge. A beautiful place right along
As I continue east along
I continued east as the sun warmed thing up. I passed Port Clinton, and opted to go toward
Back on the bike, I ride over
I also picked up a bottle of Chianti. Deep taste, but still light enough for a heavy dinner. Jody was working the wine tasting. Buddy could not resist pushing his luck with this blond wine expert. Buddy was able to solicit a few giggles and a big smile from Jody as I took their picture.
On the way back to
I decided to stop at a historic scene, at least for the many people that drove across
Families would come to Blue Hole, look deep into the pond, and then picnic along side the oxygenated creek that held fingerling trout darting amongst the vegetation.
But time progressed, and tourists were more interested in the high-energy, heart throbbing excitement of Cedar Point, just down the road. Faced with low visits, and increased costs to meet new government regulations, the owner decided to close the doors.
Blue Hole is now a Ohio Fish Hatchery. Only open during weekdays, it is difficult to visit. However, it is still worth the effort. The quiet hush of babbling brooks, fish breaking the surface, and large grassy areas prime for a blanket and picnic are still there- maybe even better than before. There are hundreds, if not thousands of fish ranging in size from fingerling (an inch or two in length) to lunkers. And the former star of the area remains- Blue Hole. It shows it age, but remains as mystic as it was in my youth.
As I ride the bike back past all the canals, I could still feel the emotion, the excitement, and the near reverence of that quiet area. Blue Hole has not disappeared, but has retired to a serene life that can be still shared with a little dedication.
I left Castalia with a little tear in my eye. I stopped, visited my mother, and then rode on home to the
Friday, October 26, 2007
Planning next ride
Then on Monday morning, I will take off for a run around Lake Erie. checking out the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, Port Clinton, Firelands Winery, the former Blue Hole. After visiting family in Norwalk, grab an espresso at Sheri's Coffeehouse, take some pictures of the Murals in Bucyrus, maybe a world famous Bologna Sandwich in Waldo, and eventually make my way back home to a soft recliner.
Anyway, that is the Plan! Lets see what REALLY happens! Probably a hangover on Monday, and just go home ---- :-)
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Just under 500 miles
This weekend was a 500 mile ride. Thursday evening, I packed the bike. I made sure I carried plenty of layers as the weather was supposed to range from low 40’s to low 70’s. And given the length of the ride, I wanted to make sure I had my GPS and Radar detector, tools, and all the other things you need to take “just in case.” The bike is here on the side of the road, ready to go!
Friday evening was cold, crisp and night fell too quickly. I had already made arrangements to be in
It never fails to amaze me how friendly people are in the mid-west. Whether I was resting at a gas station, truck stop, restaurant, or Hilton, people would come up and talk about their desire to be on a bike, to run away on the road for a few days, or feel somehow compelled to share part of their lives.
On the way back on Sunday,
On the way to
I spent time riding around
Hilger’s was having a huge – no, HUGE Halloween activity. They had a sun flower maze, story telling giant, rides for the little ones, and some fantastic hay bale statues. And pumpkins and more pumpkins. And of course, their typical great farm foods and pumpkins of every type and size. And did I mention the pumpkins?
For meals, there is nothing better than The Rib Room on State. The ribs were better than I remembered, the beer cold, and the old style club restaurant from the Rat Pack days. A true meat and taters kind of place – Ribs or Steak, baked potato, salad optional, no veggies. Listening to music like Amore, How Much is that Doggy in the Window, I Left My Heart In San Francisco, Goody Goody, etc. You could almost imagine Frank Sinatra sitting in the dining room eating one of their T-Bones.
On Sunday, before I start the ride back, I just had to have lunch at King Gyros. If you are every in
I made it home Sunday night before the sun set. My rear end was sore, but I felt revitatilzed by the weekend of good people, good places, fresh air, and time to be alone to think and contemplate my navel.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Run away...Run away...
The goal is to ride amongst the changing colors of all the trees. The best rides are those where the leaves are just turning, but are not covering the road making it slippery. So I have a hotel in Fort Wayne expecting me, and a rough route to follow the Fall Foliage map.
But like any ride, there always seems to be a challenge. Last ride, it was temperatures moving toward 90 degrees or more. This time, just a few days later, it is the cold! Temperatures will drop near freezing at night, and only reach the low 60's during the days.
Normally, I would consider this perfect riding weather, but I am not sure the body has had time to acclimate yet. So I will be wearing the heavy leather jacket, chaps and of course the full face helmet, boots and gloves. Under the gear will be heavy shirts, jeans, neck protection. On the bike, I have larger lowers and engine guard chaps to deflect the bone-numbing windchill.
Hang in there. I will be back on Sunday and should have a couple pictures of blazing color and people I meet along the way.
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Short ride before the heat hit
I got up early enough to beat the heat, taking off in high 60's. By noon when I returned, it was already in the 80's. With average high supposed to be around 70 degrees, it looks like this will be another year where we will go from Summer to Winter with no fall.
I decided to run down to PepBoys to pick up a couple common items that most larger autoparts would have; Fuseblock, Auto alarm, and dielectric grease (stuff that keeps water out of electric connections). Zero for three!!! I could not believe it. But I did find a couple small relays that will fit on the bike for future wiring projects.
Decided to take a more scenic route back, running old route 40. All along the road you could see signs of a once major roadway that has fell victem to the Mega Highway of Route 70. I went to take a few pics, but found that I had taken out my card out of the camera. On the way, I also stopped at Darby Creek Park, a beautiful little park out in the middle of nowhere. But again, no pics.
It was good to get out, but the temps are rising and the Brownies are on the tube, so I am glad to be back.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
West Unity American Legion Poker Run
Saturday morning, I got to the American Legion about 1/2 hour early. There were 50 or more bikes at the Poker Run. Mostly Harleys, but a few Goldwings and at least one Nomad (mine!). Everyone was standing around, looking at the bikes. After asking where to register, I went inside, stood in line, paid my bucks for the charity, and then went back outside.
My favorite bike, was a well worn, Krylon painted Harley. Owner has a GREAT sense of humor that comes through in his bike and in this pic below.
On the Poker Run itself, we all were pretty much free to run the course at our own pace, and stop whereever we wanted. I stopped for a sandwich at a Subway in Napolean near the hotel I was staying. There was a Harley Stealership there. Decided to stop in just to see what they had. What a great find! About 25% of their shop was a street mock up, housing antiques from Harley Davidson. Cool!! Here is a picture.
Finally got back to the Legion at about 3pm. Asked Alma to sew a few patches for me on my jacket. We have tried to meet for all summer, and it was great finally meeting Alma and hubby Wendell. Everyone congregated in the Legion hall for pop and food after the run, and had the poker drawings and various raffles. What a great time it was! They raised almost $2,000 for "Operation Support our Troops". What a wonderful way to mix a great day for a bike ride with support for a great Charity.
Sunday, I decided to head out to Hudson Leathers, pick up some pin holders, and socialize with other riders who decided to go there as well. On the way home, after a 100 miles or so, I stopped at a rural truckstop for a drink of water and a stretch.
But all good things must come to an end. 475 miles in two days. Home safe and sound. Kids loved their gifts from the Harley store. Another great weekend. I truly am blessed. Here is a map of all the places I ran around.
Friday, September 28, 2007
On the run up...
"Nov. 2003 — The AMP-Ohio/Green Mountain Energy Wind Farm — Bowling Green, Ohio. The first utility-scale wind farm in the state of Ohio, this wind farm originally consisted of two 1.8 MW wind turbines, the largest east of the Rockies. The capacity was doubled in 2004 when two more turbines were added. "
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Been awhile...
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Interlochen Rally
Late Wednesday afternoon, I ran up to Toledo to meet up some of the VROCers on our way to Interlochen, Michigan for a long weekend of bike riding and camping. By the time I got up there, the odometer showed another 450+ miles had been clicked off. It was a great weekend, with lots of good friends, good food, and good times. The campgrounds was motorcycle focused. Temperatures dripped into the mid-30's on one of the nights! On the way back, it stormed all the way from Interlochen to Marysville, with some storms strong enough to drop visibility almost zero! Heavy rain, temps in the 50's & 60's, high winds, and a motorcycle....brrrrrr....still trying to warm up and dry out! The trip was approximately 1015 miles long, half in miserable conditions.
Here is home for a few days, my transport, and a relaxing morning in a camp chair.
And yes, Buddy came along. I stopped at a local winery, and they invited him in to share in some of their wares. Even had him behind the wine tasting bar, and he jumped right into a glass, ready to do his tasting one bottle at a time!
After having lunch in Traverse City, a couple came running up with their photographer. They had just gotten married, thought I had a really good looking motorcycle, and wanted to take their picture with it!
Some of the approximately 60 attendees sitting around the fire as night approaches.
Friday, August 10, 2007
Finished the jack blocks
They simply fit on the on the bolts.
Here is a pic where I cut slots for the tabs on the frame. And also cut a slot to go around the kickstand wiring. Here is the pic of the bike on the jack.
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Dry Run packing for next rally
It is raining and lightening here, so could not take the bike for a ride today. So decided to get ready for the Interlochen Rally. This time, it is just on my bike, rain or shine. And when I get there, I am camping – again, rain or shine!
The ride is about 400 miles, and 7 hours without stops. My plan is to split into two days, getting to
So it is less than 2 weeks away, and I think I have everything I need for a comfortable stay (within the context of tent camping, that is!). I did a preliminary packing, but the tent was so small, the airmattress would not even fit! So I have to use the larger tent.
So now, figuring out how to pack it all on the bike. Best way to do this is a dry run. Here is all the stuff. Not that much, but it looks like a lot to put on the back of a motorcycle.
And here is it packed on the bike. IT FITS! And with a little space still available.
From the left and right sides: