Trip to the Pate Swapmeet, Ft Worth Texas

The weather forecast was bad so I left solo Tuesday April 28 instead of waiting till Wed. Made 250 mile side trip to see friends in Eddy, TX. Wed.Walked the swapmeet for 2 hours Thursday and headed home at 2 PM Thursday. Arrived home 10:45 PM. 550 miles oneway to Ft Worth.
Spent both nights in a tent on the Texas Motorspeedway grounds. (heavy rain AND lightning Wed. night)

Here is my favorite song.

I don't know this guy but may someday. I like his style. May ride his route someday......
Looks like he heard Brian Burns Song and then went out and got the pictures for the video.
I bet it was fun too. Wish I would have thought of it!



If this doesn't work email me and I'll send it to you. Song about a bike doing Texas. He has been everywhere.

yellowdog@bluevalley.net

Our trip to Hot Springs and new scoot

http://picasaweb.google.com/2007xl50/2009TripToHotSprings#
Halloween night about 11:30 Carla and I decided to go for a three or four day ride. After looking at the map we decided to ride to Grove, Oklahoma the first day.
We would leave the next morning about 9 after it warmed up a little and head south. We had heard of sand dunes and nice lakes in Northeast Oklahoma but had never seen them. That sounded like a good place to start and then maybe we would go over to Eureka Springs, Arkansas.
It was pretty cold when we left Saturday morning but by the time we got over to Highway 75 and South of Topeka it had warmed up a bit. We stopped to say hello to Carla’s uncle Ivan in Caney, Kansas which, is on 75 highway and the Oklahoma border. After the chat with Uncle Ivan and the gas stop it was about 2 and the weather was getting real nice. The 125-mile ride down the 4 lane to Bartlesville and the 2 lane over to Grove was really uneventful and not too much for scenery. Grove was located on a pretty neat lake but I guess we weren’t really looking for any water sports. We had ridden about 350 miles Saturday.
After a nights rest in Grove we headed for the Arkansas Ozarks. We had to go south to Jay OK before going east so we missed Missouri. The plan was “no helmets” and that means no Missouri. We rode through Bentonville and admired all of the super nice homes probably built with Wal-Mart money. Carla had not been to Eureka Springs before so she enjoyed the ride along main street and it’s winding multi level layout. The shops and streets were crowded with people even though it is officially the off season and the economy is the way it is. Before leaving Eureka Springs we checked out “The Bikers Rest” I think that’s the name of it. The info on it is in the saddlebags. (More on the where abouts of the saddlebags later)
We stopped at another bikers motel/wateringhole/campground on Highway 62 east of Eureka Springs but that info is in the saddlebags too. (see above)
We got to Harrison and started south on Highway 7. (Highway 7 is one of the main reasons to ride in the Ozarks). Someone somewhere had told me to try Highway 123. South of Jasper I happen to see a sign that said “374 to 123”. After getting on 374 it said 7 miles to 123. We went 7 miles and came to a Tee. The sign said Highway 123 and arrows pointing both ways. To the left it said “To highway 7 and Jasper” to the right it said “NO TRUCKS, impassable for trucks, 23 miles of bad road”. Naturally we went right and rode some of the best road with the best scenery we had EVER seen. After the 23 miles of bad road we ended back on Highway 7. I think we skipped about 10 miles of Highway 7 going on 374 and 123 but that is definitely the way to go. Back on 7 we were about 40 miles north of Russellville.
The noise in the Sportster motor that had started the day before was starting to get louder so it was time to figure out which way to go from Russellville. Hot Springs was 80 miles south and Fort Smith was 80 miles west. Fayetteville (where we were planning on staying one night before heading home) was another 80 miles back north of Fort Smith.
Since we were not ready to start home we went south to Hot Springs. By the time we got to Hot Springs it was late afternoon Sunday and obvious the noise in the motor had to be looked at by a Harley Dealer. We rode by the Harley shop and the sign said open Monday at 8 o’clock. We found a Comfort Inn close by and checked in. There were two super good looking Harley’s parked on the sidewalk right outside of the lobby door. The lady at the desk said just park out there next to those bikes and no one will mess with yours.
After we parked and took the bag to the room it was time to eat. We got directions from the nice lady at the desk to The Cracker Barrel which happened to be just on the other side of 270. When we got back to the Sportster the owners of the other Harleys were outside on the Street Glide. They were husband and wife from Memphis and were going to eat at the Outback. They were super nice people and we talked about 5 minutes or so about riding and where we had ridden. They had been doing the Harley “ABC’s” and racked up loads of miles. His bike was two years old? So was mine? Mine will be 2, Nov. 4th. His too! She got her bike in April and had 12,000 miles already. They were the same age as our kids. It was really nice talking to them and it would be nice to ride together some day. We parted ways and that was it.
Carla and I rode over to the Cracker Barrel and “I’ll be Damned, “ It’s right next to the Outback. We thought about eating at the Outback but just parked in their lot and walked to the Cracker Barrel. (Same walking distance)
Monday morning at 7:30 we were at the Harley Shop. We had eaten a nice breakfast at the Hotel and left a note for the nice kids with the bikes parked next to us. “It was a pleasure to talk to you last night. Maybe we’ll get to ride together some time. We’re going over to the Harley Shop”
At Landers Harley, Hot Springs, at 8 o’clock Chris came out to look at my bike. I told him it was making a noise and as soon as I started it up he said “shut it off”. He said I’ll push it inside and see what is wrong. Chris said right away it wasn’t going to be pretty.
After a half hour or so the kids from the hotel the night before showed up. We just started off from our conversation the night before. His name is Dave, her name is Alison. She’s retired Coast Guard, he has 2-1/2 years left before retirement from the Coast Guard.
Alison’s right rear turn signal doesn’t work so Dave gets a new 1157 bulb and puts it in. Light still does work. Alison’s Fat Bob has been lowered and the tire has worn the wire in two. Landon, the service manager says we can fix that, it should not take too long to get on it.
It was sometime after noon when the Dave and Alison took off and by that time we had about 4 hours of time to talk about everything from bikes to jobs to family and friends. They were truly fun to be around and they definitely made our time at the dealers go faster. We found out our troubles with our bike where just starting. The upper end looked good. The cams where in good shape. The hydraulic lifters had been replaced and the motor started and the noise was still there. Chris was tearing the motor down further to look at the lower end.
The motor work was going to be under warranty even though it was the last day of the two-year warranty. Carla and I were in talking to Becky about an Extended Warranty when my cell phone rang. It was Dave. He had gotten about 5 miles from the Harley shop, had run over something on the highway and blown a tire. Lander’s Harley didn’t have a towing service but Landon gave me the number of the service they use and I passed the number on to Dave. We said we’d see each other again soon.
Carla and I had decided to buy an extra two-year warranty. Under this warranty it would pay for motels, food and car rental for the time our bike was in the shop.
Chris got to the bottom of our bike problem and found a rod bearing had failed. That’s bad news. 7 to 10 days to fix.
Landon was on the phone with Harley while they were trying to figure out how they where going to handle it. Landon said they were going to have a meeting about this in Milwaukee or wherever these decisions are made.
Dave’s bike came in on a rollback and Dave came riding Alison’s bike in. I suppose Alison was in the truck.
It must have been around 2 or 2:30 and Carla and I went down the street a ways to Enterprise Car Rental. We rented a 2009 Caravan and looks like we will have it the maximum 10 days allowed under warranty. We got our room back from the Comfort Inn and went back to the Harley shop.
Dave got his tire fixed and since Alison’s rear tire was getting worn they had it changed too. Dave and Alison thought about staying another night but her bike was done around 4 o’clock and they had a 3-1/2 or 4 hour ride to Memphis so they took off again. We definitely enjoyed our time spent with Dave and Alison and hope be able to ride with them sometime. They are really a COOL couple.
Carla and I stayed around the Harley shop waiting for the latest word on our bike.
Brian, a salesman at Lander’s started trying to trade bikes with us. He had seen us looking at a Dyna Lowrider and a Softail Custom. Brain came up with figures for financing either bike for 2 years to 7 years. He followed us around like we were hooked together or something. Naturally we were NOT interested in getting another scooter. I finally told him NO and I didn’t want to talk to him any more.
It was after 5, they closed at 6 and Landon had gone to a dentist appointment. He would know more about the bike repair tomorrow. We already knew by then that Harley wanted the old motor back and they would ship out a new one with my serial number on it.
Our mission for that day at Lander’s was done. We were hungry so we ate bacon and eggs at Ihop. After dinner/breakfast, we drove the Van downtown and did a little sightseeing in Bill Clinton’s boyhood hometown of Hot Springs. The history of Hot Springs is rich and abundant, it was an enjoyable ride even if it was in a CAGE.
Tuesday morning we woke up, had breakfast in the Lobby then headed over to the Harley shop. I looked up Brian, apologized for turning him off yesterday and told him to figure up payments on the Softail Custom without trade. Brian said while Becky and I are figuring this up you guys take the Softail for a ride. What? The bike was on the showroom floor, it had 3 miles on it. I had no idea there was a dealer that would let you Demo a bike off of the floor. We had one helmet with us, borrowed one from Lander’s and went for a test ride. We rode about 3 miles on the residential street behind the shop then headed back to get our jackets, we were going out on the Interstate. After 15 miles on the highway I was sold on the handling and the power of the bigger bike. It handled as easy as the Sporty and rode better and easier two up.
We went back inside the Harley Store, (Now it is a Harley Store as well as a Harley Shop) and were directed to see Becky for the details of their sales proposal. We decided that we could make the payments but we would need a windshield, engine guard and a luggage rack too. About that time Jim, the general manager, came in a said he would throw in the accessories (over $700 worth) for the first amount. Without thinking, I said we would need Stage 1 equipment too. Stage 1 consists of improved air intake, mufflers and a remap of the computer. (another $700). Jim flinched, shook his head then smiled a little and said OK. It is about 9:30. The bike was sitting outside so Jim had a guy from the shop go get it and start getting it ready to put the new parts on. Becky started writing up the order. Two of the parts guys were helping me pick out mufflers and other parts we needed and making sure they had them in stock. Carla and Becky had picked out the FREE T-shirts that we would be GIVEN for buying a new bike at Lander’s. It’s now after noon and once-in-a-while somebody ends up missing. Guess they have to take time to eat a sandwich or something. After the bike has been in the back room for a couple of hours, close to 1 o’clock, Becky says the papers are ready to sign. I am about to sign but ask what the $370 is for. After Becky says for LABOR to install the extra parts and I explode saying NO WAY am I paying $370 to install parts I could install myself in the parking lot. Becky says you will have to talk to Jim. I’ll go get him. Becky left and it was a while before I see her again. Jim walked in and after I told him I wasn’t going to pay for that labor, Carla saw the look on Jim’s face and she left. It was just Jim and I. He blinked first but didn’t smile this time. After it was over we both agreed the labor charges should have been included in the original negotiations and could still be friends.
The new bike was ready at 4 o’clock. As we had decided earlier that day we would keep the Van to haul the extra baggage (original mufflers and such) and head off toward Richard and Kay’s place north of Oklahoma City. Mena Arkansas was on the Oklahoma border about 150 miles west of Hot Springs and would be a good place to spend Tuesday night. Kay knew we would try to be at her place Wed.
The break-in period for the Harley was 500 miles. The key was varied RPM under 4000 RPM. Highway 270 west out of Hot Springs was perfect for the break-in, winding roads with small towns every 10 miles or so. Somehow we did get to Mena just before dark. Mena was a small town but had lots of Mom and Pop Motels and they were all just about full. (Never did figure out what was going on there) We got a nice room at the Limetree Inn. Wed. morning we both got on the bike, left the Van at the Limetree and went for a ride. We went west on 88 to 8 and headed off to a mountain in OK (can’t remember the name). Out of town a ways the sign says Mount ? 55 miles. We were wanting to go to Fayetteville also so figured we didn’t have time for everything. We turned around and headed back to Mena. In Mena highway 18 took off to the left and we had heard it was a good ride. We followed 18 up and out of town. We went up for a couple of miles and we ended up looking down at some clouds then next thing you know we’re in the clouds. Wonderful feeling and a spectacular view of the autumn leaves on the way up. Since we couldn’t spend all day in the clouds we went back to the motel, got the Van and headed north to Fayetteville. Forth Smith is 80 miles north, I thought it was closer. Highway 71 in Arkansas is NOT the highway to make time on (but nice place to break-in new motors) so it was almost noon by the time we got to Fort Smith. HOLY CRAP! 180 miles to Oklahoma City. That really doesn’t leave time to go up to Fayetteville. We’ll have to cancel Fayetteville or tell Kay we will be ANOTHER day later. We decided to go to OKC. The ride to OKC is on Interstate 40 so my varied speed is from 65 to 85. I’ve got almost 300 miles at 45 to 65.
After we get to OKC but before we get to Kay’s house (Kay lives about 40 miles northwest of OKC and we came in from the southeast) we can see it is going to rain SOON. We made pretty good time going north on I-35 but shortly after turning on to Waterloo and heading west the 15 miles to Kay’s it started to rain. Then it was HAIL. After getting wacked in the face by a hailstone I started looking for a place to pull off of the highway/street. It was raining hard enough I couldn’t see real good but did finally get off into a paved driveway for VERY nice ranch house. I got in the Van and we drove the last 10 miles to Kay’s. After an hour or so the storm was over the sun was out and we went back and got the bike. There were still piles or drifts of hailstones in all of the ditches over by where I left the bike.
Kay’s husband Richard’s mother was having surgery in Florida so he has gone to visit her. We went into Piedmont OK and had dinner Wed. evening at the local seed store and restaurant. Thursday Carla and Kay drove to town in Richard’s Icon and I rode the bike in. The bike had 455 miles on it when I left Kay’s so I knew I would get it broke-in that day. The ride into OKC and back to Kay’s then into Piedmont and back yielded 120 miles. The short stay with Kay was enjoyable to say the least. Kay is a very good friend and one of the kindest and nicest persons we know. We never see enough of her.
Friday morning it is back to Kansas and an overnight stop in Salina to see brother Jim and his wife Betty. I think it was about 50 degrees when we left Kay’s and in the 30’s by the time we get to Salina. PDCold…. The new bike stayed overnight next to Jim’s Studebaker Avanti and it liked that!
Friday after we got to Jim’s I called Landon at Lander’s Harley in Hot Springs to ask what he had found out about the Sportster. He said the people at Harley Headquarters really appreciated the 72,000 miles in two years. He said Harley was building a motor especially for me with a bigger bottom end. It should be here Monday and Lander’s should be finished Wed. or Thursday.The stay with Jim and Betty was fun and enjoyable as always but the ride home Saturday was a different story. I think it was 37 degrees in Salina and 34 in Marysville when we got home. We did stop in Junction City at the Harley Shop to get Harley Oil for the 1000-mile service on the new Softail. 950 miles on the bike when we got to Marysville so Carla and I plan to service it next time we get it to our shop in Home City.
NO planning went into this trip. Except for the visit with Uncle Ivan and maybe spending the first night in Grove, OK we really didn't care or know what was coming next. We had not planned to visit Kay (Kinnison) or Brother Jim but both were a BIG plus to the trip....
Mike Gregory and I are making plans to go down and pickup the Sportster next week.

2008 Ride to Yellowstone and surrounding area

I just got back from what may be the ride of a lifetime. RJ Vogelsberg and I rode to Cheyenne Wyoming, The Grand Tetons, Yellowstone National Park, and Red Lodge Montana. We had talked about this ride for a year or so but decided to go Monday afternoon. We left Marysville at 6:30 Tuesday morning. (Sort of last minute but we were both ready go to anytime)
The whole trip originated around Dennis Church who lives in Cheyenne Wyo. Dennis is a Union Pacific Engineer. RJ is a Union Pacific Engineer. Dennis runs his trains from Cheyenne to North Platte Nebraska. RJ runs his trains from Marysville to North Platte Nebraska. Both stay in the same railroad motel and have for 20 years. They both are avid hunters and became close friends years ago. (Some pictures of Dennis’s Trophy Room and his trophies from literally around the world.)

http://picasaweb.google.com/2007xl50/DennisChurchCheyenneWyoTrophyRoom

RJ and I rode the 500 + miles to Cheyenne and stayed at Dennis’s Tuesday night. Wednesday we rode the interstate and then the scenic route to Jackson Hole where we spent the night at The Ranch Inn.
Thursday we toured The Tetons and Yellowstone from a prospective few have seen it. Dennis has hunted the area for years. He has spent up to 4 or 5 days at a time walking and horseback riding thought the parks hunting Elk, Long Horned Sheep and Moose. (Probably a few species I’ve missed) His insight into the area and the knowledge of some back roads made a VERY interesting day. We had motel reservations at the Comfort Inn in Red Lodge Montana for the night. We checked in after 10:30 and after riding some 50 miles at 50 MPH avoiding deer and other critters.
Friday morning we headed back to Yellowstone by way of Bear Tooth Pass. There were so many things to see and do in that 67 miles we decided to skip the park and start back to Cheyenne. We took the long and scenic way but the beauty of that route was well worth the extra time. We ate dinner in Cody after noon and realized we had 400 miles go get home to Cheyenne and ½ of that was through the mountains. It was about 10:30 before we got back to Dennis’s.
RJ and I left Cheyenne Saturday morning around 7, I think and we got back to Marysville around 6.
We rode 500 miles per day for 5 days and every minute was cool!

Pics of the ride here.....

http://picasaweb.google.com/2007xl50/2008TripToYellowstone#

Fast Forward to Sept. Cassoday

Since I did not take time to write about my trip to Oklahoma two weeks ago and the trip to Milwalkee last week here's the scoop on a weekend trip by the Frontier H.O.G. chapter to the Harley Factory in Kansas City Sept 5 and a ride to Marquette Kansas an overnight in ElDorado KS and ride to Cassoday Sept 6-7. Actualy the ride to KC and the Kansas ride where two different rides both originating at Frontier Harley in Lincoln NE. I made it all one ride and also got Ronda to the Kansas City airport. Friday Carla and I took Ronda to the KCI airport to go back to Mexico City too! (that was another overnight. I rode the bike and Carla drove the car)
I had better add that Marquette Kansas has the Kansas Motorcycle Museum and Cassoday is just a "Biker Breakfast" that started 20? years ago with 5 bikes? and has morphed into a ride the first Sunday of each month that in which 1000's (3 to 5 thousand) bikes show up for whatever bikers do. (Except) There is no booze. This is the fifth one I have been to this year and 3 or 4 last year. I have NEVER heard an argument OR anone complaining about ANYTHING..... Can you tell I enjoyed this ride. (Normally it is a one day, 300 mile around trip ride from Marysville)
Pictures of Cassoday are added.....Pictures from My World....>

Neat 50's and 60's site

Brother James just sent an email with a link to an old cars presentation I had to add it to the BLOG. It takes a few minutes to watch it but it is VERY good.
If you watch this and like it please let me know. I will add more.
thanks,
57hawk@charter.net

2nd Wednesday of the Month

Monday, July 7, I ask Mike Gregory if he thought we could get together a group for a dinner ride on the 2nd Wed of the month to take up the empty week for scheduled Blackhawk or American Legion Riders. We decided to try and got Richard Kyle of the Legion Riders involved too. We emailed members of both clubs and told them of our plans. We said Mike and I were going for a dinner ride Wed. (which by then would be tomorrow) to Steele City NE. and if they would be interested please reply. We would leave from CJ Express at 6:15.
By Wed. I had heard from Gary West and he had a prior engagement but they would be ready for the next one. Roger said he and Mary would join us at the Hanover corner. That's it, 6 of us. I told Brady and Margo at the Salty Dog in Steele City that there would be 6 of us and possibly 12.
On our way to meet at CJ's Carla and I rode by Ted and Julie Griffee's. They were loading up for the ride. When we got to CJ's at 6 there were more bikes there. I called the Salty Dog and said there would be 14 of us. Wrong, by the time we left at 6:15 there were 9 bikes and 9 couples and we picked up 2 bikes and couples at the Pony Express corner.
Although Wed. is not a big evening for Diners at the Salty Dog this Wed. was an exception. They were crowded but had 14 places saved for us. After a few minutes we were all seated and the drink orders had arrived. The meals served were for Mexican to Burgers but all very good and the service was outstanding.
While we were eating the rain shower we were expecting arrived and left. The bikes were wet but nothing we couldn't handle. Before we left for home we took a vote and it was 22 to 0 to do this again next month. Same place same time.
It looks like we have started a "2nd Wednesday of the Month Dinner Ride" group that is bound to grow.
While we were at CJ's and before everyone had showed up, Donna Maschmeier asked if this was a Blackhawks or ALR deal, or anybody's? I told her it was "Nobody's".
This ride will be open to anyone who shows up at CJ's at 6:15 on the 2nd Wed. of the month and wants to ride to eat with us, Nobody's
in picture left to right
Mike Maschmeier
Ruth Maschmeier
Carla Scheller
Teresa Ogg
Mike Gregory (in background)
Russ Ogg
Sherry Gregory (behind Russ)
Carrie Svoboda
Lonnie Johnson
Darrin Svoboda
Sherry Johnson
Deanna and Rick Schroller (behind Darrin and Sherry)
Roger McGarth
Julie Griffee
Ted Griffee
Mary McGrath
missing from picture are
Bud and Donna Maschmeier
Bruce and Jeanne Maschmeier

http://picasaweb.google.com/2007xl50/2ndWedRides

Wild 4th of July weekend!

Wow! What a weekend. The 4th of July was on Friday this year so the weekend was a natural for a “Wild One”.
I guess this 4th of July weekend started last Thursday evening when about a dozen of us met at the Legion to set up the doorprizes for the American Legion Riders 4th of July Poker Run.

Friday we registered for the Poker Run at Goob’s in Frankfort then rode to Onaga. The ride to Wamego was along the Vermillion River and a new road to many of the riders. The trip to Possie’s in Randolph from Wamego was super from 99 at Westmoreland to highway 13 through Olsburg. Possie’s showed their usual good hospitality and made the stop there very enjoyable.
Carla and I skipped the location to pick up a card in Linn and we headed to Marysville to help check in the players as they finished their hands at the Legion Post. The run was scheduled to end at 6 o’clock and everyone was in on time. 75 Registered, with around 60 bikes. We probably raised $500.00 to $600.00 for the American Legion Riders Legacy Run being held in August.
Winners were:
1st Place - Selma Packett - $150.00
2nd Place - Tami Mullins - Elsie Grace Gift Basket
3rd Place - Nan Lisher - Jacuzzi Room
4th Place - Eric B. from Seneca - Massage by Ruby
Worst hand - (TIE) Shannon Searcey, Cricket - $25.00 each
All received a door prize.

pics here:
http://picasaweb.google.com/2007xl50/2008ALRFirstJuly4thPokerRun

Saturday morning at 8:30, 4 couples, (Roger and Mary McGrath, Cricket and Karen Geopfert, Mike and Sherry Gregory, and Carla and I), Darrin Svoboda and son Cody, and Ted Griffee met at CJ Express to go to Eldorado Kansas. The idea was to ride the scenic route rather than hurry. We stopped in Marquette and ate at the “Horses and Hawgs Saloon”. We wrote “BLACKHAWKS M/C, Marysville 2008” on the wall at the 12’ ceiling level. The bar owner said there were names and messages from 40 states and several countries written on that wall in the last 6 years. Hopefully we’ll be on the map for a few years. Another highlight of that meal was when we started taking pitures of couples. Ted didn't have Julie so Mike found a beer sign that met the need. When we got to ElDorado, which is about 150 miles from Marysville we had ridden 300 miles. (We did take the scenic route). It was about 6:30 and waiting for us in ElDorado, at the motel, were Gary and Lucy West and Dan and Fran Feldhausen who had left Marysville about noon. The owner of the Sunset Inn got out a garden hose and hooked it up so we could wash our bikes. (Did I mention it was raining when we left Marysville 40 minutes late and rained for about 30 miles?)

Sunday it was 25 miles over to Cassoday and the main reason we were in Southern Kansas anyway. Cassoday is the monthly (First Sunday of the month) ride for breakfast. The 200-mile ride home (instead of 150 miles STRAIGHT home) was uneventful but a VERY pleasant ride. The temperature (80 to 90 degrees) was perfect for ridding and the roads were great. A new road for me was from Tuttle Creek Dam to Olsburg past Lauflin Ranch.
My 50,000 mile service is scheduled for Tuesday and I turned over 51,000 about 5 this afternoon.

pics here:
http://picasaweb.google.com/2007xl50/4thOfJuly2008

Two weekends in Salina Kansas

Roger and Mary were planning on going to the Smoky Hill River Festival in Salina the weekend of June 14th and 15th and we were going to Salina for the Central City Street Rods Car Show June 20th and 21st. We decided to combine the two weekends so we could do a little motorcycle riding together. We rode together to the Riverfest and Carla and I had to come home Saturday afternoon for a Sunday dinner with Aunt Betty and her husband Rick. They were here from San Antonio visiting Mom.
Carla and I went back to Salina for the Cruise Friday night. Carla had taken Friday off from work and we drove the Studebaker up to Lincoln to pickup my bike. (Here's the story)
I had been having trouble keeping the clutch adjusted and while I was at Frontier Wed. afternoon they said they wanted to take it apart and look at it. I do have a service appointment scheduled for next Tuesday but they wanted to look at it NOW. After they took the primary case off I was informed the clutch was toast. It was too late Wed. to overnight parts from Milwaukee but they overnighted them Thursday. It took most of Friday to do the work after the parts arrived.
Carla and I got to Frontier around noon. About 1 o'clock we decided she would go head and drive the Stude to Salina and get registered for the cruise night then wait for me at Jim's or the staging area for the cruise. (Jim is my brother that lives in Salina and the main reason we got hooked up with the Salina carshow in the first place.) The bike could take until 5 to get done and I would come down as soon as possible.
While I was waiting I rode a Frontier Demonstrator. It was a 2008 Heritage and I liked it. Might have to make a Heritage my next scoot. As I was leaving the parking lot I met Dan and Leslie pulling in on their Road King. They had an appointment for service at 2 o'clock. Talked to them for a few minutes and they said they were going down to Salina with Roger and Mary the next day. (Saturday) COOL!
After a 50 mile ride and as I pulled in to park the Heritage, Chuck (a Frontier mechanic, maybe the best they have) (another story, Chuck and I have ridden together on a couple of HOG breakfast rides. One in particular I might have mentioned here earlier) was pulling in on my bike as he had been on a test ride. Everything looked and worked good. It was ready to go and only 4 o'clock. I take a leak, tell Dan and Leslie I'd see them tomorrow, call James and let him know I'm on my way.
It was 180 miles to Salina from Lincoln and the cruise starts at 7:30. Since I would take I-80 and US 81 South it is all 4 lane and the speed limit on 80 is 75 mph. I have plenty of time but it's nice the Studebaker is aready on it's way.
At a gas stop in Geneva, I called and Carla has made it. I arranged to meet Carla and Jim (and his wife Betty and their Avainti) at the host Motel and the start of the cruise. The trip was fantastic, the weather was perfect and I must have been an hour early for the cruise.
The cruise route was different than last year and that was neat. The route had been published in the local paper and in the penny press so there were people in their front yards everywhere we went.
The cruise ended at a BBQ back at the host Econo Motel (or what ever it was). That was good and we should remember who caters that as we would recommend them to anyone. The cars where parked for viewing and the whole thing was pretty impressive.
Saturday morning by the time we got the cars to Thomas Park and ate breakfast, Roger and Mary, and Dan and Leslie met us at the park.
After a look around the place we took off on our planned motorcycle ride to Marquette. The ride to Marquette was not long (maybe 40 miles) but the scenery was really nice. We took Old highway 40 west. We saw that good farmland of the Smoky Hill river bottom and the wheat was just about ready to cut. Next were rolling hills and then flint hills. We cut south and went across the Kanopolis Dam. Kanopopolis Lake was smaller than I had remembered. (Later found out that is where Salina gets 50% of their water) Right south of the dam was Kansas Highway 4 and a sign, Marquette 7 miles east.
We parked in front of the Kansas Motorcycle Museum and walked to the Valley Cafe to eat. After a good Roast Beef dinner we walked to Steve's British Motorcycle Museum. Next it was the main attraction for bikers in Marquette, the MUSEUM.
It's 8 miles east to Lindsberg and the shindig they are having with main blocked off for their Swedish festival and a Volvo carshow in the city park. After a look inside one of the giftshops and a ride around town it was time to get on the 4 lane and back to the Salina Car Show.
Back in Salina all of the show cars were there, we took some pictures, sat in the shade and talked for a while.
Roger and Dan and wives took off for home around 3:30 I think. Trophies were passed out at 4 (we didn't get any:-)) and we left shortly after. Carla drove the Stude to Jim's. I rode around a little before going back and did see some of the wheat harvest starting a few miles east of Salina.
After cleaning up and a little nap we ate at a neat place downtown. We went to bed early. Sunday after breakfast Carla drove the Stude home the normal route and I found a new way home on some back roads.
It was pretty early when I got home so went for a ride east to Fairview then down to Corning. I finally caught someone at the Bar/Grill in Corning and set up a date for the Legion Riders meeting there August 27.
I will be leaving Aug 26 for a ride to Milwaukee for the 105th Anniverary of Harley Davidson. Guess I'll miss that meeting.

Pictures of the Car Show are here:
http://picasaweb.google.com/2007xl50/2008SalinaCarshow

Ride to the Dog Days of Summer in Steele City

This ride was sort of a spur of the moment ride concieved Friday at the Crusie Night in Marysville. Carla and I and Ted and Julie thought we would catch the carshow at 1 o'clock on Saturday, the BBQ tasteing contest at 2 and then go to Steele City at 3. I emailed Mike Gregory and he put the word out by email of our plans and that we would leave from Schroller Auto Parts parking lot. At three o'clock we had gained Mike and Dan and Fran.The seven of us had a good (windy) ride to Steele City and had plenty to do until the drawing for the 2008 Harley Dyna at 5:30. Carla had a chance on the bike but didn't win.
After another very pleasant ride home we stopped in Joe's and chewed the fat till 8. One thing we did discuss was TO DO THIS AGAIN. We are going to make more dinner rides in the evenings and anyone can start one. Let everyone know by email where you are going, where you are leaving from and what time. Some suggestions, Mexican on Tuesdays at Salty Dog and Posie's. Buffalo Wings on Wed. in Harbine Nebraska

more pics. http://picasaweb.google.com/2007xl50/2008DogDaysOfSummerAtTheSaltyDogSteeleCityNebraska

OH SHIT!

Mike Gregory and I had planned on riding to Strong City to cancel the motel reservations I had made for Aug 2 (6 rooms) so we could ride Sat. stay over night in Strong City and be close to Cassoday for the Aug. bash there. The Blawkhawks Poker Run had to be sheduled for Aug. 2. We had decided to reshedule for July 5 and stay in ElDorado Kansas instead. Our plans now, do the American Legion Riders Poker Run July 4th and do the two day Cassoday run the 5th and 6th.
OK we canceled and found the Sunset Inn in ElDorado. Reservations will be made there when we get a commitment on the exact number who will be going. (Lots I hope)
The ride down was fantastic. We went down 99 and south of Alma took 4 west. The wind was from the south at 40 to 50 miles an hour. The combination of the twisting road, the strong winds and riding 80 mile an hour made it seem like you were flat out racing. Lots of old memories there. We found a Hot Rod and Harley shop in Eldorado and had to check it out. Nice place and LOTS of neat stuff. We checked out 3 motels, ate and left with a good tailwind and the sun warming things up for a perfect ride home.
Once we got to I-70 a weather started looking like it had when we had left in the morning. Dark and stormy looking with the wind still a factor. As we were gassing up in Junction City about 4, I called home and said I'd be home by 5:30 for our Thursday night out with Mom and cousins Bill and Barb. We headed north on 77 then the short cut up 82 to get to the 77 detour. As we got to 24 there was a storm spotter that said there was a tornado on the ground just north of us and more action to come. We headed East to the normal 77 and the offical 77 detour through Olsburg.
It was easy to keep a study 70 mph and we were doing good but would not make it home by 5:30 going the extra miles. We stopped in Frankfort to call home but no cell signal so we going north of town and stop on top of the hill. Had trouble getting anyone and the sky was looking bad. We decided we had better just get going and also decided against putting the rain gear on.
HERE'S THE "OH SHIT" PART. 7-1/2 miles east of Home City all hell broke loose. Out of nowhere came a south wind with rain that blew Mike and I both right off of the highway. We were still going 70 and did get stopped on the shoulder. But Mike had to lay his bike down because the wind was blowing the 800 pound bike hard enough he couldn't keep it up. I had slid right in behind Mike (about 1 foot beween us). I was hanging on the my bike it was being pushed away so hard I had trouble getting it on the kickstand. Somehow I did get it on the kickstand without being blown over the top of it. (I'm not sure how) I could hardly see anything but I think there were cars going by us on the highway and not sure if they could see us or not. I saw Mike on the north side of his bike and I wanted to be on the north side of mine too, to keep it from blowing over. When I finally got around mine I saw Mike on his knees holding on the his bike and protecting his face with the motorcycle gas tank. I did that and things looked a little better. It finally seemed like you had control of what was happening. The rain was pushed so hard by the wind that every drop that hit bare skin would sting. It seems like it was NEVER going to let up. My knees started hurting from the pressure of holding the bike up to keep it from being blown over on you and maybe because of the jeans being so wet. It lasted way to long and just wouldn't stop. I know Mike was praying too. Please no hail. Please don't let the highway traffic slam into us. Please let the rain ease up. As soon as we could stand up and look around Kent Wassenberg
had pulled up behind us in his pickup. We talked to him a minute, took time to smile while he took our picture and decided to ride on in to Home City. It was still rain pretty hard but the wind had gone down and visiblity was better.
While we were under the canopy at the station in Home City a storm spotter stopped by and said we had been at the edge of a tornado. That bad weather had moved east but there was possiblities of more bad weather tonight.
Half way to Marysville from Home City Mike and I decided to stop by Joe's Bar before going home to the hot showers. It's history NOW but it was an experience for sure.
Kent stopped by the house with pics he had taken. Thanks Kent....

The TV is now saying there were four tornados on the routes we could have brought home.

http://picasaweb.google.com/2007xl50/TornadoRide

LOTS of things in the last week...

The day AFTER Memorial Day I took time to mount a 3'X5' Flag on the bike.
Wednesday 28th of May we had an American Legion Riders meeting at Spanky's in Seneca.
Carla worked a half day Thursday (5:30 to 9:30) so she could make an 11 o'clock appointment for her Acupuncture treatment to help her back pain. She had taken a days vacation for Friday too. We decided to ride the bike up to Lincoln on Friday so we could be with Stacy Saturday morning, May 31st when she had to meet her evil landlord:-)

_________________________

OK, Stacy was going to buy a house last Nov. Her devorce was a little messy and she didn't have the money to buy the house then. She was going to "rent to own". Then the seller backs up and Stacy signs a years lease with intentions of buying the house at the end of the year. Then the bottom drops out of the real estate market and the seller refuses to lower his price. Stacy is wanting a lower price and the owner puts a "For Sale Sign" in the front yard. They go another round and they settle on month to month rent. After a couple of months Stacy gets an eviction notice. Be out in 30 days. She has been looking and decides on a 6 year old townhouse closer the kids schools and for less money than she could ever get the house for. She takes posession of the new place 10 days before her month is up and is COMPLETELY moved by the 31st. The landlord shows up half hour late Saturday morning but does check the place over and gives Stacy her $1650 deposit back. (For some reason that afternoon he called her and ask her for a date???)

_____________________________________

Carla and I took our time riding up Friday and stopped by the Salty Dog in Steele City Nebraska for lunch. I think it took 125 miles to get the 77 miles to Lincoln. Saturday after Stacy is safe from the landlord we go on an annual "Tour of the Alps" poker run put on by "The Boys in the Back" at Frontier Harley. The poker run was fairly short, 100 miles, and about 4 o'clock I told Carla we should go home and I'd go to Cassoday (the first Sunday of the month run) tomorrow. We were home for only a little while and Carla was running around doing laundry and other things she could be putting off until tomorrow. Then I found out she was planning on going with me to Cassoday. That was cool but I was surprised she was going to ride some more after the 300 miles we had just done in the last two days.
Sunday morning when we got down to the Marysville City Park (the normal starting spot for anyone wanting to ride as a group) at 7AM there were 3 bikes and 10 minutes later there were a total of 9 bikes, 9 riders and 8 passengers. Rich Temps, Gary and Lucy, Doug Powers and his son, Darren Swobada and his son, Ted and Julie, Dennis and Monica, Lynn and Kim, Russ and his wife (sorry), The ride down was good as always and nice to have that many bikes running together. In Council Grove when we stopped for gas I remembered I was suppose to call Don Kotapish and tell him I was going to Cassoday. Since I am such a nice guy I decided to call him and apologize for not calling earlier. I called and Don answered. I told him I was in Council Grove and sorry I hadn't called earlier. He said "I'm in Council Grove too, I'm getting gas". We were 20 foot apart, I would not have needed the phone to talk to him. Don rode the rest of the way with us. In Cassoday we hooked up with Roger and Mary McGrath as they had gone down Saturday and spent the night at Emporia. We ate BBQ Pork for breakfast at 11AM and started back home at noon. It was a little unusual but everyone that started in Marysville rode back plus we had Roger and Mary. We took 50 over to Emporia and Highway 99 to south of Wamego. (That ride from Eskridge to Alma may be the best riding in Kansas.) Lynn and Kim had a daughter to move in Lincoln so they stayed on 99 and went home but we hit 18 west to Manhattan and stopped for refreshments. Roger, Mary, Carla and I headed west, Russ and wife stayed longer to eat and the rest headed home (I think).
Our total mileage for the 3 days was around 680 and I'm proud of Carla. She enjoyed the ride, has worked 10 hours today (went to bed shortly after 8) and her back doesn't hurt to bad.

Memorial Day is about over.

Last Friday, Saturday and Sunday the Nebraska State, Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) held a Rally in Fremont Nebraska. Roger and Mary McGarth and Carla and I had planned on going up Saturday and staying over for the Sunday events then finding something to do on Monday. The weather Friday night was terrible with storms here and up there both. Roger called EARLY Saturday morning and we decided because of the forecast we would postpone that ride 24 hours and leave Sunday morning. We did get to ride some Saturday afternoon and went over to Concordia knowing we would end up in Vining Kansas for supper. The weather had straightened out and the ride was outstanding. The food was great and we got home after dark with plans to meet east of Odell at 8AM the next (Sunday) morning.
The ride to Fremont was straight up US 77 and 130 mles. After arriving and signing in, Roger started signing up for the "Road Kill" event that was scheduled for 1 o'clock as part of the GAMES. As it turned out, we BOTH signed up for ALL of the Games consisting of, The Slow Race, The Ring Toss, (passenger puts a ring on a cone as they ride by) The Bike Wash, (passenger throws waterballoon up and over a rope as they ride under it. passenger has to catch balloon on the otherside of the rope. sometimes she (or he) misses and the rider, bike or both get soaked.) The Road Kill, (passenger scoops stuffed animals up off of the pavement with a fish net as they ride by).
Needless to say: 1. we didn't do this as good as the ones who have done it before. 2. There were a few who go to a Rallies all of the time. 3. no trophies for us. 4. we had a very good time trying and have decided to practice for NEXT time.
We had decided to stay at our daughter Stacy's new place (not the new place from last Nov. but the new place from last Friday. more on that later). Mary found a way to Lincoln that took us by a BIG lake that I can't remember the name of. I think we went west on US 30 and south on 79 . We stopped at the restrant (Parker's) on the Lake for drinks and a snack. The lake was only a few miles from Lincoln but by the time we got to Lincoln we could tell it was going to rain. Luckily we got the 15 or 20 miles through Lincoln and it had not rain YET. Stacy wasn't home but a quick call found she was on her way. We decided we would take her car to eat because it WAS going to rain. Roger and I put our bikes in the garage and started unloading Stacy's Explorer. (She had picked up more stuff from her old house for her new house) We had the car unloaded, the car in the garage and the garge door down. We had sat down at the kitchen table to talk when the wind came up and it started pouring down rain. We watched some of the neighbors shingles fly off of the roof. A loud bang turned out to be a lawnchair getting blown off of the rear deck of Stacy's.
The storm was over in 15 or 20 minutes so we got in the car to go eat. We saw trees uprooted and limbs in the streets but no houses damaged bad.
Dinner at Mulligan's and by the time we got back to Stacy's it was after 10 and time for bed.
Monday morning at 6:30 Roger, Mary and I walked about 5 blocks to a UStop gas station for coffee and a look at new Chevys on the walk back. By 8:30 Carla was about ready and Stacy had found out her Cable Guy wouldn't there to hookup the Dish till 10 so she could go to breakfast with us. We had our bikes loaded so we rode and Stacy drove to breakfast. By 9:45 and after Stacy took our picture we made an uneventful (but nice) ride home.
We had some tree damage in Marysville and Roger has emailed and said he had a big limb down in his back yard in Hanover.
It's 9:45PM now and Carla is gone. I bet she is in bed and Roger and Mary are too. They all have to be at work at 5:30 in the morning. I get to rest up while it rains for the next couple of days:-)
more pics: http://picasaweb.google.com/2007xl50/2008NebraskaStateHarleyOwnersGroupRallyFremontNE

Carla and I are just home from a Blackhawk dinner ride.

This evening we ate at The Koester House Mexican Restaurant. The Blackhawk Motorcycle Club 3rd Tues of the month dinner ride started with the meal then we went for a 60 mile ride to BR, Cottage Hill, Barnes Hanover and Bremen. It was a real good ride but was a little cold since we where under dressed.
Last Saturday I rode with the Blackhawks to Marquette Kansas. We attended the Thunder on the Smokey Annual Motorcycle meet. Marquette is the home of the Kansas State Motorcycle Museum and Steve's British Motorcycle Museum. There where probably 4000 bike there Saturday and more Sunday.
Sunday morning at 6:30 I took off to Lincoln for a Breakfast ride with the Frontier H.O.G. chapter. About twenty bikes left Lincoln at 8 and rode to Auburn NE and ate at Darlings Diner. Great breakfast. After breakfast we split up and I rode east with Larry Starr, his sister and brother-in-law (I forgot their names already). We rode US 136 though Rock Port, Maryville and Bethany MO to I35. They went north to Iowa and back to Lincoln. I went south to US 36 and back to Marysville. Got home around 5 PM and logged close to 500 miles.
Yesterday (Monday) and today I have worked over at the shop and have done a lot in cleaning up the yard. Lots of junk and a couple old Blazers taken to the salvage yard. Westar Electric had tree cutters to remove limbs from around the power lines and those guys cut down 4 or 5 trees I had wanted taken out anyway.
Tomorrow it's back to Lincoln for the 425000 mile service and pickup my leather vest from the cleaners. I may ride a Demo bike to the cleaners while the bike is being done. I'd like to ride a Lowrider but hope I don't like it. (can't afford to trade)
This next weekend Carla and I are going with Roger and Mary McGath to the Nebraska State H.O.G. Rally in Fremont. It is a three day deal (Fri, Sat. Sun.) but we will spend Sat and Sunday there. We have rooms in Fremont Saturday night. Monday is Memorial Day so we may ride over to Omaha and go to the Zoo or do something. We're expecting showers off and on all weekend:-)

When is the last time you got a typewritten letter

I have received a typewritten letter from a Watch Repairman in Tennessee. He had written to say that a Studebaker Watch that we had sent had been restored to 100 point condition. The watch had taken 2nd place at the 2006 Studebaker Nationals. (It should take 1st at the next one).
I called George this morning to tell him "the check is in the mail". I ask him if he had typed the letter on a typewritter to make sure. He said he uses his typewritter all the time. He is 87 years old, maybe that has something to say about it......
Thought this was worth telling as I can't remember the last time we have gotten a typewritten letter.
Oh! Rode to Lincoln Tuesday eve for H.O.G. meeting. Yesterday rode to Lincoln for 40,000 mile service on bike. This afternoon I'll ride to Lincoln for a H.O.G. dinner ride and Stacy will ride with me to dinner. We'll go the "Big Dog" in Murdock, NE.
Oh! At the H.O.G. meeting Tues. night, I got two 1st place trophies for most winter miles. Sportster class and Open class. 6006 miles.

Greensburg KS, 1 year after Tornado

Yesterday, Sunday, May 4, 2008, Roger McGrath and I rode down to Greensburg to help dedicate a memorial for the victims who died from the tornado that struck the town one year ago. As it turned out President Bush was also coming to town so we got some double duty. President Bush gave a talk at the High School Graduation.
Roger and I along with another 500 (that's a guess) motorcycle riders and members of the American Legion Riders held flags for President Bush's motorcade.
It is close to 300 miles down there so I left at 6 AM and met Roger at the Pony Express corner at 6:15. It was 35 degrees in Marysville and 32 in Hanover so we had a COLD ride for a few hours. We got there about 11:30 and had a chance to ride around the town and look at the destruction still showing and see a local Car Show. Among the Shelby Mustangs, customs and street rods there was a car that really stood out. It was a small 1990's blue car that had been saved after the tornado, it was pretty well all beat up from the tornado but had a make shift windshield and no top and was entered in the show.
I saw 75 degrees on a bank thermometer somewhere on the way home. My NEW bike isn't new anymore as it rolled over 40,000 miles north of Salina. The ride overall was VERY GOOD and it was good to see a small town coming back to life and all of the support they have.
Pics. http://picasaweb.google.com/2007xl50/GreensburgKansasOneYearAfterTornado

Yesterday I got a brochure in the mail from a Car Club in Salina Kansas. It was a registeration form to register for this years annual car show. It was a VERY nice brochure and from a show I always enjoyed attending. Last year Carla had driven the Studebaker down for the show and I rode my bike. This year I was going to pass on this show because I had planned a 3 day ride with the Frontier H.O.G. charter around the state of Nebraska.
When I opened up the brochure and saw MY Studebaker, I filled out the registeration form and sent the check. Guess I'll do Nebraska next year....

Monthly Cassoday Rides Start April 6

Doug Powers and I were the only two from Marysville to go down to Cassoday but we hooked up with Don Kotapish and Rob Hartloff from Blue Rapids. Ran across them in Council Grove and rode the rest of day with them. The turnout for the event was almost unbelievable. It was cold but there were as many bikes there as the good times last year.
We came back though Emporia up 99 to 18 and over to Manhattan. 357 miles and a very good ride. Especially after it warmed up....

6010 winter miles....

Today was the day to go to Lincoln and verify the miles for the 2007-2008 H.O.G. winter mileage program. After the 77 mile ride up there I had 6010 miles since Oct 30, 2007. The way home was 148 miles. Came back through Hickman, Holland, Panama, Adams, Sterling, Tecumsa, Pawnee City and DuBois before getting to Seneca Kansas. I was going down to Corning and back on K-9 but it started looking like it could rain so it was straight home. Stopped by the motorcycle park and since it had been a work day there, some guys were still there at 4:30. Chuck, Dan, Lynn, Dennis and I know I missed a couple more, were just getting ready to leave. Looked like they had done a good job of cleaning up. Forecast for rain next four days!!!!!

Weather, what a bummer.....

I woke up this morning while Carla was getting ready for work. It was 4 AM and the temperture was 43 degrees. I told Carla I was going to ride down to Kansas City since it should be pretty warm today. When I got up at 8 it was 38. (Oh well it'll warm up) It's quarter till 12 now and it's still 38. I have ridden downtown to the post office and again down to the bank but unless I put on the cold weather gear it's too cold to leave town. Hell, I might as well have gone to work ;-)

St. Patrick's Day and raining

Since it's St. Patrick's Day and raining I am sitting here watching "Price Is Right".
Only got away from town twice last week. Rode to Frontier for 35,000 service Tuesday and Kansas City Wed.
Coming back from Lincoln I went to Denton, Sprayge, Hickman, Roca, Claytonia, Dewitt, Plymouth, Harbine, Odell, and Steele City in Nebraska. Rode to Washington and Cowboys Cycle Shop on the way home.
The trip to KC was to take a power supply for a video game to Moss Dist for repair. It was a little chilly on the way down but nice coming home. On the way home I decided to take the long way. Stopped by the Basswood Resort in Platte City. A Harley Sportster Rally will be held there the last weekend of June and the "Top Ten" group may go down in Sept. (Top Ten group are 5 couples from Marysville that get together as often as possible. They include Jim and Betty Scheller, Bill and Nancy Gallagher, Denny and Carol Schwertfeger, Rich and Jane Temps and Carla and I.) From the Basswood I turned left and went the opposite way of the normal way in. Ended up riding 2 lane blacktop to the edge of St. Joe. I rode back south to Atchison then came home on Kansas Highway 9.
Last night I got an email from a cousin (9 times removed) from Arizonia telling me he has ordered a new Harly Low Rider. The bike is in stock but will have mini Ape Hangers and a few other add-ons installed. Now let's see. If we met halfway to go for a ride wouldn't we be close to the Rocky's??? Think about it Terry..... Durango to Cheyenne???

Rode today in cold weather

Had to ride or go crazier and since the forecast was for 45 degree weather this afternoon I decided to ride up to Frontier Harley in Lincoln. Just put on the leathers and left the cold weather gear at home. WRONG, it was 32 when I left and 34 in Beatrice so stopped at WalMart and got some hand warmers and toosty toes warmers. They helped me make it to Lincoln but I needed them on the way home too. I don't think it ever got above 40.
A cousin of mine who lives in Arizona had priced Harley Sportsters and Dyna Low Riders. He had ask what the costs were in Nebraska. GOOD reason to ride up there, RIGHT. Come to find out they are quite-a-bit cheaper in Lincoln. Makes it another good ride.....
Cold tomorrow then a warm up expected. 50's and 60's next week!!!!!

Finally some good riding weather

Forecast was for 65 degree weather today so I took off about 10 with no particular place to go. Started north and the tail wind was pushing me so hard that I couldn't keep the speed below 80. I turned west on Nebraska Highway 8. Ended up going 85 miles west to Supeior NE. then south on highway 14 to US36. I stopped by Lovewell Lake while on 14. At the 36 junction I was starting to go west when 3 bikes came by going east. I followed them to Scandia when they pulled in for gas. They were going to Concordia from somewhere I have forgotten. Out west somewhere, they were going home though Hays. Got back to Marysville about 3 and had ridden 225 miles. Saw Rich Temps and Chuck Marquett at Joe's and we rode to Frankfort to see the new Henry's Chopper Shop, had a couple beers (and 1 Diet Pepsi) at Goob's then headed home. It wasn't five yet and I needed a little more riding time. Rode up to Lone Elm and over to Oketo then home. Total miles right at 300. Good way to start March.

The Bike is home....

Carla and I left for Lincoln this morning to pick up the Harley after the oil tank repair. It was above freezing when we left and a nice toasty 40 degrees by the time we got there. We spent about an hour talking and looking around (Carla picked out a $300 Harley Davidson necklace forValentines Day) When we left the temp was up to 45 and we left without the necklace.
On the way home I showed Carla a couple of the bars where I have made friends. We went by the joint in Roca and no cars or bikes outside so we went on to Hickman. (I was on the bike and Carla was driving her car behind me.) We went by Sadie's and no bikes there. While in Hickman we went by Jack's house. His truck was parked outside and the garage door was down. He must have been taking a nap? Next stop was Spraque. Even though there were no bikes we went in and had a pop and a bag of chips. Back outside we decided to part ways and head home. The tempature in Beatrice was 48 and it was 49 when I got home. I took my winter gears off, put on the leathers and rode around town.

Saturday afternoon and the bike is done

It's Saturday, over 40 degrees and just got a call saying my bike is ready to "Rock and Roll". I told Mark I wished I was in Lincoln now.
Tomorrow the high is suppose to be 22 and the bike shop is on winter hours and closed on Monday anyway.
Stacy's divorce court date is Tuesday. Carla and I will drive up Tues, go to the trail and I will ride my bike back around 4 o'clock. 40 to 45 degree so will be able to really try out the new cold weather gear.
Maybe weather in the 50's next weekend.
Oh! Next weekend. Brother Jim's son Bob's fourth child, Chloe, is getting baptized Sunday and Stacy will be her God mother. Bob and his wife Nicolle have 4 childern, Cole and Caroline, (twins) Caleb and Chloe. Two boys and two girls and I think they said they were done.....

Super Bowl Sunday

It's Super Bowl Half Time and Tom Petty sure looks old. I'm glad I haven't aged :-) I haven't gone outside all day and really haven't been out much all week. The battery tray on the bike was also cracked and the dealer didn't have one of those in stock. It will be at least another 4 days before I get it back, then the weather will be raining or snowing plus the cold. The weather down south isn't good for riding either. Hope I am not stuck to the couch when it finally warms up....
The game is back on...

Temperatures rise!

It was 45 yesterday, should be over 50 today and close to 60 tomorrow. Good temperatures for riding this time of year BUT, yesterday after the funeral and after riding about 5 miles, I noticed oil all over the bike and oil dripping on the ground. After seeing that the plastic oil tank had split along a seam at the top, my temperature rose too. It was around two o'clock then so I loaded the bike on the railer and took it to the Harley shop in Lincoln. They have a new tank in stock but their service department is closed on Sunday and Monday so it won't be fixed until Tuesday. The bike is under warranty and the cost of the tank and lost oil should be covered but not the 4 days without the scoot. It seems the tanks splitting has been a problem for the sportsters. Frontier Harley will wash the bike before they let me have it back and it was awfully dirty so that's a plus.
I will have to reschedule an appointment with the Marysville Advocate for a photo shoot Monday. JoAnn Shum is going to do a feature story for the paper about my H.O.G. mileage and the awards.
I have a lot of stuff to do in the shop and will probably start building another bike trailer while I'm waiting to get my scooter back. (could CLEAN the shop)

weather is still lousy!!!

It's suppose to get above freezing tomorrow, over 40 degrees for highs for 3 days then back to the very cold side. Seems like winter should be over by now and still January....
I will go to a funeral tomorrow and another one Saturday. An old friend of the family (one of my parents good friends) tomorrow and my brother's mother-in-law Saturday.
Ooh, and between the two funerals, tomorrow afternoon, I'll get a colonoscopy. I have just started the prep for that. I haven't done this before. Hope to get back on here soon.....

COLD!!!

It's cold now and is not suppose to be above freezing for at least 5 more days....

A VERY good evening!

Tonight I am going to pat myself on the back. I went to a Frontier HOG (Harley Owners Group) meeting in Lincoln Nebraska. Mileage awards where going to be given for last years miles. I had 30,323 miles on my Sportster and had been told to make sure and come to the meeting because I would be recognized for the miles. I found that the mileage awards would be awarded for 3 classes. There were Open, 20 places, Women’s 10 places and Sportsters 5 places. I ended up with a 1st place certificate, trophy and set of tires for the Open and 1st place certificate and trophy for the Sportster class.

The Frontier Harley Group has 950 members. The total mileage recorded for the chapter was over 1.5 million miles. I am not sure how many members participated in the mileage program. Each member who participated in the program got his name put in the hat for a drawing one time for each 1000 miles. I think there were 20 drawings of $100 gift certificates at Frontier Harley. I won TWO of those.

Earlier I had stopped by Great Plains Cycle Supply and picked up a pair of cold weather pants that I had ordered the day after Christmas. The coat was in stock and I have used it. They ARE warm. Thanks Mom for the Christmas money.

Got to Ride some today too. Will ride again tomorrow…..

Ronald K Scheller

Bob Moser made Lifetime member of the Blackhawks Motorcycle Club

Although Bob was voted a lifetime member in November it is worth talking about again. Bob is 82 years old now and rode a Harley when he was going to school. I think he was riding a hog in 1926. Bob was a Blackhawks member in 1964 when I joined and is still riding his new Harley. It was decided he deserves an honorary membership.

Correction

The 5 CD set of Planet Earth was FROM brother Jim...

Some DVD's for Christmas

Carla and I just watched "The Wild One" with Marlon Brando. Newest car I saw was a 53 Ford Woody (probably was a Country Squire)

I got some DVD's for Christmas. "World's Fastest Indian", "On Any Sunday", "Rebel Without A Cause" with James Dean and Natalie Wood, "Beyond The Law" Charlie Sheen, "The Heavenly Kid" and a couple more.

We also got a 5 CD set of Planet Earth for brother James too....

Carla is fine, it's cold outside and the BLOG should be updated

I have let the BLOG get behind and a few people have called to ask about Carla. Carla went back to work Jan. 2 for 6 hours a day, 4 days a week and 25 pound weight limit. That lasts for 6 weeks. Carla actually had little pain and feels better now than before the op. The weather has been to cold to ride much, but since I got some winter riding gear from my mother for Christmas I will ride more if the temps ever get back above freezing. We had a nice Christmas. We took Mom up to Stacy's in Lincoln for Chirstmas Eve, Christmas and Paige's 16th birthday on the 26th. New Years Eve was about normal but we did stay up until after midnight. We watched the Jayhawks take the Orange Bowl last night. (we're KSU fans but still Kansans) Mizzou looked good in the Cotton Bowl too!!!