A Drifter for sale

In running around NW Ohio, I ran across this 2002 Drifter for sale. This is not mine, nor do I even know who it belongs too. But it looked like a nice bike with only 2200 miles on it. Phone number and price in picture below

Not a good day

While the weather was unbelievably great, it was not my time to ride. I struggled with my gear, and then struggled with the bike. Long story short, I pulled the bike back into the garage, got out of my gear, and went up North to do some fishing.

Tomorrow night, I will revisit the battery terminals and try to get everything ship shape for the next ride.

Sigh....All part of riding...

Easter Sunday

It was high 30's and low 40's, nice and sunny with low breeze. It was GREAT to get out on the bike - Finally!!! Only rode for about 50 miles, but spent quite a bit of time to get some pictures of the bike - and of course, back home for Easter dinner.

Its going to be a great riding summer...

FINALLY

Took the bike out for a quick run today. Spent most of it at a local parking lot getting reaquainted with quick avoidance turns, emergency braking, and all of the other defensive moves to minimize my risks out on the road. Then took a quick trip downtown, filled up the bike with gasoline, and rode back out of town.

Not a lot of time on the bike, but it got me out. It was just under 40 degrees...but sunny and nice.

Clocks forward, and a Sunny today

If you looked at the sky, it would be difficult to believe that we were in blizzard conditions yesterday. Its sunny, light breeze, and temperatures hit 40 degrees (F). I got out by 11:00am and cleared the driveway. It was actually rather pleasant accept for the amount of snow on the ground and the piles of snow deposited by the snow ploys at the base of the driveway.

I got the driveway clear, and by mid afternoon the sun melted what little was left by the snowblower. I got the bike out onto the driveway and into the sun and cleaned up the garage a little. Took a picture (ok, several pictures) of my bike.

I got a vanity plate for my Nomad. "Kermt" of course!

Well, it hit :-(

The predicted snowfall hit. A rare occurrence - both the blizzard AND the weathermen getting it right. We are in a snow emergency level 3 (one can get arrested if you are on the road), and Columbus and surrounding communities are virtually closed. On the news, they had a traffic camera on route 670 - a major road through downtown Columbus. Not a single vehicle, and completely snow covered. Route 70 (the major east/west route through central Ohio) is closed just west of Columbus. Airport has all flights canceled (there are 2 still on the board, but not for long!)

We have something around 14+" of snow, but that is not the big problem. What is making it bad is the high winds (sustained in the mid 20's MPH with strong gusts exceeding 35mph) that makes it impossible to keep any roads cleared. The visibility is near white-out. Drifts are upwards of three feet.

With the wind, we have areas that are basically blown clear. Check under the truck, and you can see the grass poking through the snow on the sidewalk close to the house. And then we have drifts that are 2 and 3 feet high! I have heard drifts of 6'. I have not blown the snow around at all - this is all nature.

Do you see the street out behind the truck? Neither do I! They had just plowed it an hour or so ago.

Check out across the street. The guy there got out his snowmobile and was running around the neighborhood starting around 11pm last night.

Took this shot late afternoon on Saturday. The snow had slowed down a little, and the dogs once again wanted to go out and frolic in the snow. The youngest one lasted about 5 minutes, but the Lab mix loved being out there. She is an indoors dog, but I have not seen any dog enjoy the cold and snow more than this one!

You may ask - what has this got to do with Motorcycle Riding? Well, I was hoping to get some saddle time, or at least be able to roll the bike back and get some good pictures. Well, that is not happening this weekend. But it is time to say a prayer of thanks for a nice, warm, dry home that still has power.

Will it ever end?

I have been waiting and waiting for the weather to break. But all we have been getting is snow, ice, sleet, snow, ice, sleet... and over and over. It is going on a month since I have finished the mods, but have not been able to get the Nomad out of the garage due to the bad weather.

This weekend, just to add insult to injury, we are now looking at 14" of snow and blizzard conditions. It's March - and time to get in a few 50 degree days to run the bike a little!!!

By the way, I broke down today and bought an IPod Shuffle. I have loved my full size IPod over the last year, but it is so big and hard to protect in bad weather. The IPod shuffle is very small (1" x 1.5" x .5"), and has a clip to hook on your clothes. Its not fancy, and no video. But for riding, just turn it on and go!

2008 Winter Projects are completed

Just finished the winter projects for this year. I installed some running lights on the back of the bike to increase visibility. Took two forms. There are some marker lights on the sides of the luggage rack. Beautiful, chrome LED running lights that are yellow/orange. In addition, I added some green accent lights (remember, the bike is green) that shine on the chrome of the backrest. In addition, I added some green LED accent lights in the engine compartment and also on the underside of the bike shining on the road (no, the bike is NOT leaking...that is supposed to be green light under the bike).



It's difficult to make out the bike, but here is a picture with just the accessory lights on. Its pitch dark, but you can make out the ground lights and chrome engine components. Remember to click on the picture for a full size image which will be a lot clearer.



In many states, it is illegal to run the accessory lights while driving, but are so cool for bike nights. They also do increase visibility at night. So I put the accessory LEDs on a switch so I could turn them on or off whenever I wanted. The switch is now in the switch pod.

I did a lot of small details on the handlebars. I replaced the cheapie "P" clamps I used last year, and got a couple Kuryakyn chrome P-Clamps for the volt meter and the switchpod. Provides a nice and solid mount. In addition, Chuckster cut me a polished aluminum plate for the switchpod, and it looks so much nicer than the piece I made last year. I also stripped out a lot of the wiring I did last year, and simplified it DRASTICALLY. I also wired the voltmeter (almost) directly to the battery. Where I had the wiring last year gave me false readings. And finally on the handlebar, I installed a RAM Mount for a Garmin 200W I got for Christmas.

The wire simplification was due in large part to an accessory block I installed in the compartment on the left hand side, just under the seat. The tools remain in the same place, but I put the accessory block, relay (power is only supplied when the bike is turned on), and the alarm system in this area. Not pictured, i also installed a battery charger plug on the bike so that I could put on the trickle charger on the battery, but not have to remove the seats.

I also installed a Custom World International Driver's backrest. For the longer rides, and riding two up, my back would start hurting. This should help that out a LOT. I also added Kewl Metal Helmet locks at the end of the Isogrips. That will allow me to hang my helmet directly from the handlebars instead of the stock locks which are right over the exhaust pipes. Kawasaki...what were you thinking!!!



And finally, I got a Vanity Plate for my bike. I spent a lot of time thinking about this, but finally came to the decision below. Kermit would be so proud!!!

So that's it for this winter. There will be little trinkets here and there, and some retro-fitting things that I found that I did wrong. But all-in-all, the 2006 Nomad is becoming more and more unique and functional each year! So when does this snow and ice melt, and the salt is washed away? I am getting stir crazy waiting...

Finished rewiring!

No pictures, but I just finished rewiring accessories on the bike. Just finished adding an accessory wiring block which is "hot" only after I start the bike. I used the tail light to trigger the relay to power the block.

I also added marker lights in the back and green accent lights that shine on the chrome on the backseat rest - all intended to increase visibility at night. Those turn on when I start the engine.

I separated the airhorn from the driving lights. With the amount of current the airhorn uses, I wired it directly to the battery.

The driving lights are now wired to the accessory block with a switch in the switch pod. I thought about using a microswitch and hiding it somewhere, but I would rather feature it! The switch pod echoes the shape of the tach and voltmeter also on the handlebar. So it looks cool (in my opinion).

With the voltmeter on the handlebars, I also put it on the same direct circuit to the accessory block.

Then I added some accessory lights (green of course) to accent the chrome on the bike. I could have wired it into the accessory pannel, but instead decided to wire it into an "always on" circuit so that I could turn on the lights at bike nights or rallys without having to start the bike and have all the other lights going. This is also switched on the switch pod.

Finally, I also added a charge cord so that I could plug in the trickle charger without taking the seats off. There is a fuse on this cord too, but I forgot to add it in the diagram

Some Friends from VROC

Ran across some new pictures of some of the VROC members. I don't know why these have not been posted before, but thought you might enjoy them.

There were a couple of Scotty:


Toa filling up Fart's cage:


Lugnut getting out of the swimming pond:


Roseman at a Rally:


Cranky after "the spill:


Interlochen group picture:


Hope you enjoyed!!!

Cold, Wet, Snowy and bad traffic...It must be Cleveland

Went to the Cleveland Bike show for the 4th year in a row. The traffic was a good hour and a half or more to get in. I took a short cut, and saved a great deal of time, taking about one hour waiting in traffic to get into the parking lot

.

It was cold, wet/snowing as you can see by the picture of the Electronic Bulletin above and the picture of IX center to the right.

The show was good, but there seemed to be a lot fewer people there. I cannot explain the traffic backup except that their is simply not enough people taking the $8 to park at the center. That is where the traffic backup originated.

All the manufacturers were there, and I spent extra time at the Kawasaki booth checking out the new models, and the Honda site checking out the new Goldwings. Every year, I think about how nice it would be to have that 1800cc 6 cylinder engine, the big comfy seats, and all the gadgets. Then I go check them out, and they remind me more of a car then bike. I think I will pass again this year, and just enjoy the heck out of my Kermit (by the way, you did check out on the right hand side for the video of "It's not easy being green" by Leena Horne and Kermit, right?)

Checked out a lot of the accessories, but nothing really stood out. All pretty standard stuff, and mostly clothes Midway hawking. There were quite a few more three wheel vehicles on the floor this year. The lines between bikes and cars is blurring more each year! Here are some pics of a few that I thought were interesting. Remember, click on the pic to see a bigger version!

I guess, overall, it was still worth going. But next year, if I can make the Novi (Detroit) show, that's where I will head. A lot less traffic, less people, and almost the same number of vendors.

How Kermit got his name

When I first saw my Nomad, I was not thrilled with the paint options. The all black was cool, but looked just like everyone else's bike. The other option was Green/Silver. The silver was cool...But GREEN? I almost did not buy one because of that.

It was not going to be easy having a Green bike. When Green was the only color it could be, it made me wonder. But then, why wonder? Its Green, and it will do fine. And then, the more I looked at it, the more I thought "It's beautiful". Others wouldn't...it wasn't easy being Green! But I think it is the color I want it to be.

Watch the video to the right, and it will all make sense.

Michigan Cycle Show

Its that time of year; the snow is blowing, temperatures are hovering between 0 and 32, and spring seems so far away. It is the beginning of the dark countdown until I can once again start up Kermit and jump on the road in my leathers.

Thankfully, Cycle World holds its annual bike shows. I am off to the Detroit show tomorrow to look at some of the new bikes and accessories...and yes, to meet up with some VROC Friends for good food and drink.

Pictures when I return!

Last ride of the year

The weather made it to mid 40's today, and the sun was shining. I hooked the battery back into Kermit, the Nomad, donned my riding gear. My daughter got her stuff on too, and jumped onto the back of the bike, and we went for a little ride. Not too far, but enough to remind me how long this winter is going to be.

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.

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!!!

Where did the summer go?

It is 36 degrees centegrade outside, and the sun setting low on the horizon. Windchill at 55 mph, based on the new calculations is 19 degrees (used to be 3!). Its been way too long since Kermit (my Kawasaki Nomad) and I took a ride - over a month.

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.

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 10:15, he was STILL asleep. Finally got him out of bed, and we uncovered the bike, packed up all the clothes, etc.

It was cold…No, it was COLD! But I had purchased a pair of winter Olympia cycle gloves. They have gortex, and cover the sleeves of the heavy leather jacket. In addition, I now fit into my insulated heavy leather chaps (thank you, yes I HAVE lost weight). With all that, I was actually warm. So off I went to into the cold. I stopped for a quick bite to eat, coffee, and to catch up on my blackberry email from work. When on the road, I ONLY eat at the best places, and have the best to eat. This is way too familiar of a sight – fast food, hot coffee, and a map to circumvent the ever-present Ohio construction.

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 Lake Erie. There are some wonderful hiking trails, but they will have to wait until next summer. Today is a day for riding, staying warm.

As I continue east along Lake Erie, I run into a landmark that anyone will recognize who has spent an afternoon walleye fishing in Lake Erie- The Bessey Cooling Tower. Those who live in the area often forget that we have a Nuclear Power Plant in our back yard. For those who travel east to Cedar Point, or across Ohio on the turnpike there is often amazed that here, right on the Lake in the Mid West is a Nuclear Power Plant. The cloud from the cooling tower can be seen for many many mile, especially during when there is a large steam release.

I continued east as the sun warmed thing up. I passed Port Clinton, and opted to go toward Catawba Island. I stopped at Mon Ami, a restaurant and historic winery.It is purported to be one of the oldest wineries in the region. I imagine that I present quite an image…6’4” in full biker gear, carrying buddy. But DJ was very helpful in picking out a few wines that meet my palette for a dry, white wine. And both she and Margaret were more than happy to greet Buddy with a couple bottles of bubbly at the tasting bar.

Back on the bike, I ride over Sandusky bay. Again, buffeted by the winds, but such a wonderful view of the water. In just a few months, ice will start forming in the area, and the ice fisherman will take over the area. But until then, it is still riding time. I continue on to Castalia. The first stop there is Firelands winery. The last time I was there, I bought a bottle of Ice Wine – a great treat of a very sweet wine made with grapes that remain on the vine until after the first frost. The sugars concentrate to form a very sweet desert wine.

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 Columbus, Buddy opted to ride with the wine stash. I started out from the Firelands Winery with four bottles of wine. I am not sure if any of them are left! I have to admit, it was really my fault.

I decided to stop at a historic scene, at least for the many people that drove across Ohio from the early 1930’s to 1990 – Blue Hole. It was a tourist attraction which boasted a spring fed lake whose waters held no oxygen, and as a result no life. In PT Barnum style, the owner claimed that the Blue Hole was bottomless with all efforts to measure its depths failing.

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 Columbus area. It was growing dark, and the cold was reclaiming its hold on all. By the time I got home, temperatures were down to 40’s.

Planning next ride

Taking Monday off work for what may be one of the few last rides of the season. I hope to get in another couple weekends, but we are closing in on November... Anyway, the plan is for Sunday to go meet up with some friends to watch the Brownie football game. Depending on how long the game goes, and how much beer I drink I will get a room in Findlay or Toledo.

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 ---- :-)

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 Fort Wayne, including getting a Hilton Room right downtown for $45 (typical room price $109!). I rode along the Maumee river on River Road, through Waterville.

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, Grand Rapids (Ohio) was having their Applebutter Festival. Hundreds of people from all directions enjoying the arts, crafts, and most of all apple-based foods. http://www.applebutterfest.org/applebutter-festival.htm

On the way to Fort Wayne, I stopped in Napoleon to put on a heavy shirt under the leather jacket, rest my weary rear end, and drink a bottle of water. Standing at the counter, paying for my water, a voice behind me said “Are you going to be winning all the money at this rally too?” I turned around, and it was one of the guys from the September West Unity rally. What a great surprise! The only time I met this guy was at that run, and ½ month later, he still picked me out of a crowd. He proceeded to tell me about the rally they were holding across the road at the Harley Davidson's dealership, a Toys for Tots Ride. But not for me this weekend - I had reservations.

I spent time riding around Fort Wayne, visiting some of the “old areas” from when I used to live there. Spent a lot of time riding in the outskirts as well as in the city. Heading out on Route 30, I stopped on a side road to take in the view, remember the people I knew there, and to check my blackberry. The family is always just a call away, and unfortunately work is too. This time, I spoke with my daughter, wanting to go clothes shopping with her mom. Of course, she needs some new clothes!

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 Fort Wayne, stop and have one of the best, original Gyros. But beware, the portions are huge, and the flavors strong. You wont need to eat again for days!

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.

Run away...Run away...

Time to take a ride and forget all about the pressures of the job and home. Who said escapism is a bad thing? I have decided to take a ride in Northern Indiana and Ohio, and stay in Fort Wayne for the weekend. The plan is taking 1/2 day vacation on Friday (already scheduled), ride all day Saturday, and return on Sunday.

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.

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.