Thursday, April 30, 2009

Breaking into a formation

I recently was asked my opinion on what I thought about breaking into the line of a biker formation with a car. Meaning when a group of motorcyclists is riding in staggered formation, clearly riding together as a group, has a car merge into the formation. The person who asked me used to ride, so he does have a clue, and does respect bikers. He said he was following about 15 bikers riding staggered formation, on a long winding hilly road. The group of riders was going about 5 M.P.H. under the speed limit for a very long time, and were holding up quite a line of traffic behind them. It was a difficult road to pass, with little opportunities to do so. He said there were four other cars in front of him, and the opportunity came to pass, and as a group of 5 cars, they all went to pass the biker group. He said just as the other four cars made it, a vehicle was coming around the next curve, and he realized he was not going to make it. He said he could not merge back into traffic behind the group, because he was so close to the front already, and would hit the oncoming car head on if he waited that long to fall back. He said he had no choice but to turn on his right turn signal, and pray that the group of bikers would let him merge into their formation. They did, and he did. He said not so much by either of their choice, but it had to be done. He felt they would understand, and give him a break, and as first opportunity would come, he would let them resume without him in their line up. The lead biker (Lets say Road Captain) Freaked the Fuck out. (He could not confirm if this was a HOG organization, or MC, or just casual group of friends riding together. He said he thought the latter, as no one had on any colors. Anyway, the leader would not let him pass. Would not let him do anything. Every time he went to get out of there the biker sped up, and got in front of him and slowed way down to like 30 in a 55 M.P.H, zone, furthering the traffic delay they were creating in the first place. He said this went on for about 15 miles or so, before he finally turned off. I said etiquette wise, probably not wise to break biker formation. Consider it one unit, like a really long truck. Watch as most times at an intersection if a group is riding in formation, they will proceed through an intersection as if they were one vehicle. I did mention that the lead biker sounds like he had his undies in a bunch though. I would have given the guy a break.

What do you think?

KTM Recalls 2009 690 Duke and 690 SMC for Fork Cracks

KTM is recalling certain 2009 690 Duke and 690 SMC motorcycles.

During use, the front forks could develop cracks; this could result in the possibility of the front fork inner tube separating from the axle clamp. The cause of the defect involves improper heat treatment of the front fork inner tubes by the manufacturer.

237 units are affected.

Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.

Jonway Recalls 2008 Sunny Scooters for Brake Line Retainer Defect

Jonway is recalling certain 2008 Sunny motorcycles.

The scooters were intended to be built with rubber hydraulic brake line that is routed through a retainer to prevent front tire contact. However, in some cases, the retainer may not have been installed during scooter assembly. If the retainer is missing, the front tire may rub through the brake line.

180 units are affected.

Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.

Jonway Recalls 2008 YY150T-12 and YY50QT-21A Scooters for Fuel Filter Leakage

Jonway is recalling certain 2008 YY150T-12 and YY50QT-21A scooters.

The scooters were built with 2 piece, inline, fuel filters that may begin leaking where the two pieces join.

5000 units are affected.

Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Browsing My Saved Pics and Rides...



How would y'all like to see some of the pictures I've taken this year...ones that haven't made it to the blog...or are so far back you need a pick and sledge hammer to dig them up? Well...I think it's what I'm gonna do...I feel a bit lazy today.

And although I am going for a ride today...it's something to do while I wait for Mom to get up!



An amazing street sign...yes, I took this picture!


This is a local cemetery near my home...I like small, old cemeteries...



How do you feel about country stores? I love this one...





You can find this store in the little town of Grant in Southern Virginia.



I stop to read as many of these signs as I can. You never know what's nearby to look at! Take photos of...cool stuff...and it's FREE!





TN/VA State Line

On this ride...I hit three states...






I saw these sights....



I ran across folks like these....


On other rides, I stop and take pictures of my little girl...at historic places...she is very photogenic



Here she is in front of the National Cemetery in Greeneville TN. where our 17Th President is laid to rest...



Not exactly historic...but it's cool!



A game of B-Ball anyone? This was taken in a place called "Cool Springs" in NC. A little place that had one church, a graveyard, and three houses at a cross roads. The graveyard has this basketball hoop on it's edge...



In January, I took this photos of the Covered Bridge near my home...



This fella, provided me with one of my favorite shots...



The countryside is loaded with dams and weirs like this one...providing scenic beauty...and a wonderful resting spot for the weary traveler....



Let's not forget the country churches...




There is so much more...left for another post!
Thanks for visiting...

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Day Ride to Dublin Texas


Day Ride to Dublin Texas

My wife’s uncle invited me to go on a ride with some of the members of his church. They were going to be leaving from North Richland Hills Baptist Church after a Leading Man Breakfast meeting this past Saturday morning. So, I was up early Saturday getting my V-Star 1100 ready for the ride. I tightened up the slightly leaking oil line fittings going to the Oil Relocation Kit filter housing and put the half quart of Amsoil left over from the recent oil change in the saddlebag. Then I added a small tool kit and organized the contents of the saddlebags a little better. Lastly I gave her a much needed bath.

I draped myself in my leather boots, chaps and jacket and headed to my wife’s uncles house. It was very overcast and there was some slight sprinkling going on here and there. I put on my riding sunglasses with the yellow lenses which brighten up dreary days making it look like a sunny day. The forecast was for 30% scattered showers and lots of wind. I had checked the news radar before leaving and all the heavy precipitation, thunder storms, was to the west of D/FW. I was not sure at that time which direction we were going to be riding in.

I stopped and filled up the fuel tank on the way to my wife’s uncle’s house. I arrived and he got his riding vest on and backed his Honda Goldwing out of the garage and we were headed to the church to meet up with the other riders stopping on the way to fuel up the Goldwing. The bikes were all lined up in a row and we were now ready to go. I found out there were a total of five of us going on this ride and we were headed to Dublin Texas.

We had an interesting collection of motorcycles going on this ride. The lead bike was a brand new Yamaha V-Max. What a beautiful piece of technology, it literally purred when started. He was followed by a Honda Goldwing, my V-Star 1100, another Honda Goldwing and riding drag was a Suzuki Volusia. I put on my Airflow gloves and we rode out of town staggered fashion and headed west. We battled the normal Saturday morning traffic as the winds picked up enough to keep you on your toes.

We made our way through Fort Worth and ended up headed East on Interstate 20 to 281, where we stopped for fuel. I was glad I still had my leathers on because it was still cool in the late morning. After refueling we headed south on 281 and from there I completely lost track of the directions, and just enjoyed the ride.

The ride down was refreshing. I’m sure we did not take the most direct route because for the most part there was not much traffic and we turned onto other roads several times. There were a lot of twists and turns which made the ride fun. The scenery was gorgeous, Texas farmland, the start of the Texas Hill Country, huge beautiful older homes with wrap around porches, antique cars, Texas Longhorn cattle, dairy farms, goat farms, old buildings and barns. The odor from the dairy farms is one memory I do not relish.

We arrived in Dublin to get stuck in a long line of traffic. It tuned out that we had arrived just after the Cowboy Culture Celebration Parade. The proof was on the ground in the road left over from the horses and added another element of dodging to the mix. We turned off a side street and parked across the street from Old Doc’s Soda Shop. The Texan sun was starting to come out a little now and it was starting to heat up so I removed my leather chaps and stored them in my saddle bag. In the field next to Old Doc’s there was a line of horsemen that, after looking at the itinerary later, must have been the Ft. Hood Mounted Calvary.

It was 11:55 AM when we went into Old Doc’s for lunch. We had traveled a little over 103 miles from North Richland Hills, according to someone’s GPS, to get to Dublin for lunch. I had a smoked turkey sandwich and a large Dr. Pepper. Of course, real Dr. Pepper made with the original recipe and Imperial Pure Cane Sugar, is what Dublin is famous for. And Old Doc’s, serves them up hand mixed, soda jerk style. Several riders had another soda bar specialty, Frosty Peppers, a Dr. Pepper float made with another Texan favorite, Blue Bell Vanilla ice cream. The food and drinks were very good and the small town nostalgia made for excellent ambience.

We did not stay around for any of the tours this trip. I will have to make a trip back for that though. Lunch over we geared up and hit the trail. I decided to ride without my gloves, which later may have proved to be a mistake. I switched to my Oakley sunglasses for the ride back because the sun was out some. Honestly, I’m not even sure we took the same route back or not.

The ride back was fairly uneventful. We stopped one time for fuel. The wind had picked up and it was pretty bad. It was a constant struggle the keep the bikes upright. You would lean into the wind and then it would suddenly die down and you had to quickly correct your lean again. Some of the gusts were extremely strong and we battled this all the way home. It made for a tiring very ride and I was exhausted when I arrived home at 3:30 PM.

After getting my leather jacket off and getting a cold glass of ice water, it slowly became apparent that this fair skinned large guy had forgotten one important item for my trip, suntan lotion. The exposed strip on my forehead, my face from below my sunglasses, my neck, earlobes, and the backs of my hands from my knuckles to a couple inches above my wrists were all turning bright red. I looked like a reversed exposure raccoon. I quickly applied sunburn lotion to all burned areas.

There were several other interesting side effects of this ride. First my rear end was very saddle sore not being used to being in the saddle for such an extended period of time. Even with a Corbin seat, I am no Iron Butt, that’s for sure. Both my hands had a slight buzzing sensation to them, like when you have held a vibrating object for too long. This and the sunburn is where those gloves may have helped. For awhile I thought I might get a blister on the inside edge of my right thumb, from gripping the handgrips so tightly, but it did not blister up. My ears were a little deaf from the wind, road noise and my Cobra exhaust. Also, despite using my cruise control on occasion, my right wrist and forearm were very soar from twisting the throttle so much, something I really enjoy doing.

We saw a lot of other motorcyclists on our 220 mile ride and I tried to wave when I saw them in time and it was safe to do so. We also encountered a lot of local police and State Trooper vehicles, most of which had travelers already pulled over. I learned a lot about riding in a group and my limitations on this trip. I also learned to plan a little better for the trip, like using SPF 99 sun block. There are also a couple pieces of equipment and accessories for the bike I would like to get that would make longer rides more enjoyable. Things like a cup holder would be nice. I forgot to pack my digital camera so the photos were taken with my Palm Treo phone. I can’t wait to get back to Dublin the try one of those Frosty Peppers at Old Doc’s Soda Shop and take a tour of the museum and the Dr. Pepper plant.

Ride on,
Torch
Reblog this post [with Zemanta]

Switch Back Creek Campgrounds, Or...IT DON'T SUCK TO BE ME!



A VIEW FROM NEAR THE SWITCH BACK CREEK CAMPGROUNDS @ http://www.switchbackcreek.com/
CONTACT INFORMATION:
570 Wallace Rd.

Shady Valley Tn 37688

407-484-3388

E Mail

switchbackcreek@earthlink.net



I know I’m one of the luckiest people alive today! I’ve been taking advantage of the warm weather we’ve been having here…the last two days! Temperatures have ranged from the low 80’s to the high 80’s! Now add to the fact I have been riding in the mountains rather than the hills or lowlands…we can take away about 7 of those degrees…and we have perfect riding temps for me and my little girl! She likes 75 degree weather…and so the hell do I!
Thermometer

I know I promised you a story on the Nortons, but I have been looking at the pictures, and I’m not satisfied with them. I’ve called Windy and asked him if he and I could do a real photo shoot next weekend, take the bikes out to a picturesque place with a non distracting background and do a real shoot that will give the bikes some justice. I also will need Windy to take that tank bag off…but hey, hold on…I’ll give y’all a sneak peak into both bikes right now!





You know, on Friday, when I went for my ride to visit with Windy...I stopped and got some shots of how to find him...street signs and of course around here, we all use landmarks rather than street signs to tell people when to turn...so here is what I got from Windy...and I have to admit...it works!



First Windy tells me to look for this street...no problem, I can read...who needs landmarks? Well...I passed it and drove about another mile before I called him and complained...he then told me to look for this landmark....



"The stone house on the corner!" I found the place right away....
Next, continue down the road to the first right....OK...I can do this! Oh and in case there is any doubt...and you can read...there is always this to point the way!



Now as I'm making my way down the road towards the campground, I see this field. I had to stop and snap a picture...lovely....I think Tennnessee has some beautiful places...right smack dab in the middle of no where!



I find the campgrounds easily enough...it's just where Windy said it would be...surprise surprise! I see Windy in the middle of his open field...talking with one of his guests...and ride up to him. I turn my bike off, stick out my hand and say..."I guess your Windy?" and sure nuff...he was.



Now climbing off the bike after making sure the ground I was "camped" on was firm and level...I climbed of my little girl and spun around...checking things out...yes, I think to myself, "It's as he discribed on the blog cast...good, I'm dealing with an honest man!" So I ask Windy, "What's your vision for this place in a few years?" Wow...did I ever learn a few things! "Look down here if you would please Ma'am..."



"I've got a road roughed in now...it leads down to the creek, where I plan to put some primitive tent sites in." The road leads down into a bowl shaped depression below the main level of the camp. At one time, it was a Laural thicket...now Windy has cleared most of the brush away, and I can see something wonderful this way will come. I can almost make out the small stream in the distance. Windy has 21 acres to play with here...and he has loads of plans to help make your camping and riding dreams come true!

Here is where Windy is planning a small lake. There is a stream that will feed it seperate from the creek that runs out beyond the area we see here!



Here is the creek...



Now I realize it don't look like much now, but once he gets the area properly cleared...including the bank area...you will see exactly what he does...and I can see it as well...in a year maybe two...you will see a lot of wildlife and some great camping down there.

For now though, your regulated to the field. I forgot to take pictures of that area...but if you scan back up at the field I posted earlir...that's pretty much what you get!

Windy has his bath house built and ready for your bathing and toilet needs...check out what you get!







Hot water on demand...


If you don't want to rough it...then book one of his quaint cabins! They feature twin beds an in wall AC unit, electricity, and a vainty. Comfortable units to be sure!





I'd like you to keep in mind this campground is a work in progress. Windy is develouping his dream as he is able. He trades labor with neighbors all around him. This one has a business which clears land...Windy will trade his mechcanical skills for the machinary to clear his land...it takes time to do something good...it takes longer still to do it right. I believe Windy is doing this right.

This area is full of great motorcycle riding! Within a mile or two of SR421...or better known to the locals as "The Snake". click here to read more about SR 421 and The Snake! http://www.squidoo.com/the_snake

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Thunder Roads Bike Night Texas


Thunder Roads Bike Night Texas

Thursday night April 23rd I stopped in after work to see what was going on at the Thunder Roads Bike Night Texas first bike night in the D/FW area at Big Shots Café in Bedford. It is sponsored in part by Texas Harley-Davidson, which is located right next door. They are going to have these every fourth Thursday of the month. They had some bike only parking set up outside and I got there early enough to use it. Live music was by the Justin Ross Band, and although I had never heard of him before, he sounded great. I really enjoyed his rendition of Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues”.

When I arrived another guy backed in right next to me riding a Honda VTX 1300 with Vance & Hines pipes. We both walked in together and he asked if I was waiting on anyone else, which I wasn’t, so we decided to share a table. Turns out he is a Lead out at the Arlington GM plant and had just got the news about them shutting down for 9 weeks that morning. He said about two weeks ago they had them working overtime and Saturdays! He was not in a good mood to say the least.

We both ordered a Bud Light draft and he ordered a Quesadilla and I ordered the Chicken Fried Steak. The drinks arrived first, cold and refreshing. Big Shots Café was starting to fill up by this time. The food came out right before the Justin Ross Band took the stage and started tuning his guitar. We chatted about our bikes and riding and then the food arrived.

Big Shots Café being your typical sports bar style restaurant I was not expecting gourmet cuisine, so I was quite shocked at the large size of the plate and the Chicken Fried Steak that was on it. It covered almost the whole plate only leaving a small part of the mashed potatoes sticking out and a spot for the small bowl of green beans. Both our eyes got big and my new friend said he hoped I was real hungry. I replied that I was and would give it my best attempt. We chowed down and the food was excellent. The steak was great. The mashed potatoes were awesome, and I’m not a huge fan. They made them with the skins on, added onions, garlic and butter. On top of that they left them lumpy so you could still tell you were eating real potatoes. The green beans tasted great as well. The whole meal tasted like it was home made. I devoured everything except about two bites of the steak.

We finished up our meals and drank a couple more beers while listening to Justin Ross rocking the stage. The place was getting full and about 85% of the people there had a Boozefighters logo or emblem on. It was still early but it was time for me to go, I still had to get up early and go to work the next morning. On the way out I saw a few vendors had set up selling motorcycle paraphernalia. As I rode off I promised myself I would be back. Hope to see you there.

Ride on,
Torch
Reblog this post [with Zemanta]