Dad - Rides and Events

KC Final Graduation Dec 11 2011

2011-12-12T19:11:00.000-08:00

Pics are from top to bottom, text for a pic is under the pic, if you want to see the pic full size, right click - open in new window - and left click it twice, sorry Google did it!

KC gets to graduate -1- more time, so Mom and Dad had to go!

Mom had some pics of Xmas tree ornaments on the camera....

Another shot...

So as we arrive Friday nite.... let's see, crap, eat, and hhhmmm...

Well, Gramp and Gram can fix the last one!!! GBG

Carson, hence to be CJ found Gram's lap!

Let's see, crap, sleep and hhhhmmmmm... GBG!

Nite before the big walk, better try it on! It'll work!

That's the hood he gets tomorrow... the blue loop...

CJ is teething, everything is chewable...

Sign kinda says it....

CJ is all attention!

I tried, KC is on the right of the stage...

Decided to get shots at home... Here's the boys.....

Proudly showing their matching ties....

Well Gram had to get into it also...

Time for some graduation pics.

Gram bought CJ a hat... that is the smallest setting... he has a waze to go!

We had breakfast Sunday am and CJ was eying me, wondering when I was gonna shovel some his way!

Great weekend, GREAT WEATHER!! NO #$)*#*$&_()%&$# SNOW!!!! WHEW!!!!

Great visit, great trip, great occasion!!! CONGRATS KC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ... er Dr Snodgrass... had to get one in!!! GBG Dad and Mom

Mom - Trip to Tillamook and pick up Samshel in Aug 11

2011-08-11T19:57:00.000-07:00

Hey! Mom made to Tillamook to pick up Samshel for a visit!

Mike was in the middle of a "reconstruct" and will be for a long time! Great use of his years in the trades.

Putting a bay window in Samshel's room.... currently open to "breeze"!

From the outside....

We are having closure!

The master at work.

It's all in the angle.

Now we have a window, and I'm sure Samshel appreciated it!

Wyatt, having a ball... sorry, had to....

Samshel not to be outdone.

... And getting a kick out of it.... sigh....

From the outside for now...

Looks like you're doing great Mike!!! Keep it up! Be by soon for another visit! Dad

BBQ - Time to rebuild the Weber!!!

2011-05-03T19:51:00.000-07:00

OK, time to rebuild the BBQ! What is it, a gazzion years old??? I've done the easy stuff at least once, now the burners are toast... Wish I'da taken pics....

IT's a Weber!!! I can do this!!!!!!! ...said Tim the tool man.... sigh....

It finally rusted out the flavorizor bars so bad one was laying in the bottom of the grill.... sigh... And more fell apart in my hands, and some almost did... So I started to take it apart.... the pieces were easy... the burners... not...

They were rusted completely out.. the crossover tube to light the other back burners was rusted in 1/2, and the back burner was falling apart, rusted out... sigh..

..So I got to it... the fasteners that held the front and back burners, looked rusted... got out the chisel and hammer... not good, drill... no good, so got the vice grips and destroyed the burners, which was not hard... and finally got the two wing nuts holding the gas manifold on after oil and big pliers and bending the crap outta them, galvanic corrosion, dissimilar metals, they don't like each other and will weld...

OK... RTFM!!!!!!!!! sigh... the fasteners were studs, the instructions said leave them alone... I hate that, sigh... Got 'er done!!! Old crap out and cleaned up!

Ordered some new stainless hardware from Amazon... $130 and I get a new Weber! I looked around and it would cost MUCH more for junk, and I'd have to assemble it and get rid of the old one!! THBBBFF!!!!!!!!!! ( The correct way to spell the raspberry by Beetle Baily a long time ago cartoon)

The new burners... and igniter...

The lower bars...

The upper bars...

Tried to clean up the grill a bit....

Even cleaned up the tray!!! THAT was the biggest pain!! The burned on smoke and grease on the left was tough!!!

I could buy new trays for the left of the BBQ, my old fart friend did it but the ugly wood still works....... but that's over the mark....

Ran it up to over 500 after cleaning the grates and some Pam spray for "cleansing" and then sprayed again and cleaned 'er up again! Those bars are Not shiney any more!!

Hey! It all works... even took the thermometer out and cleaned all the crud off the sensor point!! .... now if it can only improve the cook..... sigh!!!! GBG Love Ya all!!! Lots and lots!!! Dad

Family reunion 11

2011-03-28T18:20:00.000-07:00

Click on a pic twice to get it full size...

This is a test blog, I wanted to try out the new Blogger format... so far... #%&*!#$)(&%*!#$% Dad Don't know why most of my pics are fuzzy, sorry!

Samshel and Wyatt had a great time on my air mattress! Bouncy, you get the pic... GBG

'course Ken had to come for a visit and a Rice Krispi treat!

Mike became a kid again as he looked thru all the toys mom saved and he had not seen in a loooooong time! Lotsa great memories! Mom helping out.

Who Dog had to look on...

KC having fun burying Samshel in the pillows and Wyatt trying to help out...

New Shower conversion - Bathfitter

2011-03-02T16:38:00.000-08:00

Pics are from top to bottom, click on a pic for a larger pic, maybe twice.. text for a pic is under the pic.

We had a galvanized pipe leak a few years ago and it was between the two bathrooms and they had to tear out a wall in the hall bathroom that had a tub, to fix it. While the wall was out we copper-ed the house and upgraded the hall bathroom to a shower over tub and some cabinets.

Time for the other one.. 35 years and old tile, caulk, pan had something in it that would discolor, pain to clean....

Bathfitters, they put a complete liner over your old one, new and easy to clean, in - 1 - day! The 3 walls are all one piece, no seams. They put down a new pan over the old one, walls, doors, and brand new!!! NOT CHEAP!!! Sigh...oh well... it would be this or a new scoot.... hhhhuuuuummmmmm.... My turn???? That Kaw Boy looks nice!! New Kawasaki Vaquero!! Bright RED!!!! (Don't listen Ruby!!!! GBG)

This is the before... didn't look too bad, but it was time.

Left and....

Right...

OK, Time to do the tear down.... Doors and hardware off...

New platform on old pan.

New pan and serious stench glue!!!

Wall piece in place...

Hardware, all new back on.

New soap dish and grab bar... for us old farts! No comments!!!

New shower door frame.

...for new doors...

Right...

Left...

Done!!! Looked great and this is all done in - 1 - day!!! Started about 0830 and done by 1600!

Thanksgiving 10 at KC s

2010-11-28T16:42:00.001-08:00

Pics are from top to bottom, click on a pic for a larger pic then click again, text for a pic is under the pic.

Thanksgiving '10! The whole family couldn't get together this year, Mike couldn't make it, and probably a good thing as the weather would've caused him a huge pain if driving. Yup, we got a snow job again, sigh, but Thanksgiving was great!!! And the snow... an "adventure", Amy kept saying snow - snow - snow! It was nice, just a pain.

Trip up was uneventful, all was clear.

After our normal stop at Rocky's at Flag City, at the 12 / 5 interchange about 12 miles north of Stockton, we stopped at the first rest stop heading up the hill. So it's been snowing! Great! Got that out of the mountains system... har...

Who Dog trying to figure out this stuff....

It didn't slow him down, out and around he went.

So we made an effort to check in and the line was crazy! The said we could do it later as we were paid up ahead of time, out to KC's. They had been busy and meal soon to be had!

Just a hackin' and hewin'! KC did a fine job!

We got food!

Mom getting ready for supper.

My modest plate.. for someone that has not eaten supper for years... yup, the week end cost me 2 pounds, sigh...

Kristi is ready.

The family - minus Mike's family and the photog.. GBG

All good meals are followed by... yeah... Forgot to say.. I took my Fingernail shirt up! Forgot to get a pic, but my record is in tact!!!

For the fortunate that have not seen it, this is my fingernail shirt! It is spiraling changing size 1/2 moons that I call fingernails. The shirt is around 40 years old so that dates it back to around '70. Back when folks were "psychedelic"! GBG

The left overs, and they were appreciated much!

Friday we walked around and hit some shops... had to take this pic for ol' time sake. First saw it over 45 years ago... Then I had my shot at KC's not performing too well laptop. I spent about 5 hours on it... I now runs nice, except for one bug and I'll fix that one the next time we meet. Gonna add more memory and he'll be GTG! Good To Go!

KC put up some lights on the sill. Well, Amy and Who Dog stayed at KC's and so on Sat we went out and everyone went to our local good restaurant The Lakes for breakfast, and they serve a lot!. Picked up everything and hit the road...

Then put the cables on, sigh.. We knew it was coming. Made it past Truckee before we did it but it was necessary, it got real bad. Matter of fact it was snow over ice and the cables were spinning and slipping a bit. But we made it and got in line with the rest and took 2 extra hours going a few miles, but got 'er done! Glad Amy was along to help with the cables!

Who Dog was having a great time and was talking to us most of the way over the mountain!

Snow - Snow - Snow as Amy would say! She likes it. Later we got battered with rain storms. She said she was one lucky girl!!!

Gee weren't we "fortunate" to get to see the second storm of the season!!! Sigh...

It was really coming down! I saw more than a few that thought the cables / chains made them in control, that wasn't! And off they went!

I have a 5 meg video shot of the snow if anyone is curious... at the bottom, just snow- snow- snow!!

Some pretty clouds around Altamont Pass.

This is a close up of the cloud on fire on the right of the above!

So on home, clean up our mess, get a good nights sleep, and boy I needed it!!! So what is next?

Jingle Bells!!! Jingle Bells!!! GBG Amy put up her nice little tree! Nice touch! Well, that's all for now kids! GBG Great weekend for me and hope all of you really enjoyed the
same!!!! Dad

Below is a 5 Meg video file of "Snow - Snow - Snow" As Amy would say! Turn off the sound, all you will hear is the rumble of the cables....

Old Farts PTA Monterey Road House '10

2010-11-19T18:48:00.000-08:00

Pics are from top to bottom, click on a pic for a larger pic and click again, text for a pic is under the pic.

Been a while since I took a shot of the local PTA group! Been too long... lets go back a waze....

Back in 02, sigh Damn I miss that place! You ol' farts have gotten older!!! GBG + sigh.. If you look at Steve's and my eyes, Paul saw it too... a lady at the bar was flashing us to get us to smile... it worked!!!

Another shot...

Out front....

On to the new....

New guy, Paul

Jim Bents, Frank King on the right....

Frank

Paul Chamberlain, remember back in the late 80s you got these VM messages, VM is going down in 20 minutes!!!! Yup, Paul sent 'um!!! The only IBM employee left! Jim Odell on my right, he got bashful after the flash went off.....

Another new member, Eric, friend of George's, who knew his father.

Steve Domnauer, hot on the topic, golf of course, with Eric or Paul.....

George Hall watching...

Ted Werman about to take a sip...

Bashful Jim Odell..

Another shot of Teddy...

We are blessed with two gorgeous bartenderess, Julie is one. Best estimate is 6'1" on bare feet... and they reach all the way down... And she loves to give hugggs... Of course, I'd never do anything of the sort.... GBG

This is Denise and Julie behind the bar. Denice is the other 'tendress, and a gorgeous lady! She's Italian and a very vibrant and outgoing lady! I tried to get her to pose with my vest but she was too busy, sigh...

OK, got lucky.... with the camera.... sigh I needed another shot of them....

Ok, I just came in from a fallen Korean Veteran Mission and had my vest and camera, ergo the reason for the pics....

I've been wanting to take some pics of the Ol' Farts group for a while and wanted to get a pic of our local great ladies with us and my vest. So I only got one to pose, the other was busy, sorry you all missed Denise!

I think she would look "good" in our group! ..And she rides a 1800 Suzuki.....

OK, I think we could get some new members!!! GBG Great time, every Friday nite... now why do I love Friday nites..?????

Oh, the work weak is over!!! WHHAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Vets - ACBSM Free Lunch at Fremont Veteran's Hall

2010-11-06T17:49:00.000-07:00

Pics are from top to bottom, click on a pic for a larger pic - then again, text for a pic are under the pic.

Year two of the Alameda County Blue Star Moms serving Vets a free lunch. Now, can I pass up a free lunch? Don't ask me, I failed! GBG

Nice day for a ride, just missed a rain cell, just a few drops. Only 30 miles and nice ride.

Get to the Veterans Hall in Fremont....

Here I win a prize for something, I wasn't listening until I heard Cranky....

I sniff a setup, when I came in I asked how I can spend some money here, they said but drawing tickets, so I got $10 worth and they explained what to do...

I looked at the prizes and told 'um, I don't want to win anything, here's your tickets, I just wanted to make a donation. That's why I sniff a setup, but I'll take it!

Won some popcorn boxes, 2 DVD set for Wings of Glory that I'll watch and a hot glove in case the popcorn gets too hot!

Turned around and saw old friends, Doug, Dianne and Beverly B. Some day I have to get a good camera instead of $50 "deals" so I can get good shots, sorry folks...

OK, it's a VROC - Vulcan Riders and Owners Club, I ride a Vulcan, taking pics of food. They are widely known for "ride to eat". As you might notice... I was a tad late, but you can see from the marks on the plate, 1/2 was meat loaf and 1/2 was green beans!

Nice meal, topped off with apple cobbler, 'neller ice cream and cup of coffee. Great meal and I thank the ACBSM for doing this!!

Ruby - Hot Grips Heated Scoot Grips

2010-09-12T18:25:00.001-07:00

Pics are from top to bottom. Click on a pic for a larger pic. Click on it again for a much larger pic. Text for a pic is under the pic.

OK... A common problem... for us "skinny" folks, there are minuses... sigh. The common complaint I've heard is "I'm always COLD"!!!, Well, it is true. No insulation and, well, cold hurts.

Last winter, I had problems on my cranky machine rides, I'd get cold, and the hands would litterally loose circulation , I'd come home and the fingers were all white and barely working, had to run warm water over 'um for about 10 minutes to get any color back. Now I don't think that is a very good idea in the long run, sigh. They also suffer on cool scoot rides. I have been known to wrap my hands around the rear cylinder for a while to warm my gloves and liners up, but need a better fix!

Time for some Hot Grips!!! heated grips!!! Lookin' for a hot ride on a cold am!

So here's the Skie-Matic... Pretty simple, eh? Nothin' ever is, wire routing, space, connectors, etc... PF is pink female, BF is blue female, different sizes for multiple wires, midair splice to take 2 into on so the next junction wouldn't have 3 wires, just plottin' it out. The PF ^ (close as I can come) is a right angle pink female in the handlebar switch housing for space reasons... had to make sure only 1 wire went there for connector reasons... Opted to not do the Radio Shack lite on the bottom of the switch.

When I do the wiring, I think it will be simple as the relay, power and risister are in the same local and should make things easier...

So I have the hot hand grips, handle bar switch, hi temp Epoxy, wire, connectors, shrink tubing, fuse and rubber corks...? What??????????!!!!!!!!!!!

I ordered open ended grips as I knew I had to "fix" the end chrome pieca crap and need a way in... So what is that old saying? Stuff a cork in it? Yup, I'll cut it to length, hog the middle out to thread it onto the bar end threads, and nobody's the wiser! GBG

The grips are very firm, I have the throttle rocker on the right and my hand stays up on the left for the Stebel horn button... I think it will be fine, if not I can "improvise"... some more! On with the journey!!! A good fill with chalk would do a fine job too!

Mike visit after Yakima, Wa VROC Rally

2010-07-24T19:46:00.001-07:00

Pics are from top to bottom, click on a pic for a larger pic, text for a pic is under the pic.

After my Yakima, Wa run, I stopped by my oldest sons place. He bought a bank owned and got it on the cheap, but it needs work. He spent 10 years in the trades and is very capable of taking care of business!

My Yakima trip:

http://vrocafter2008.blogspot.com/2010/06/vroc-yakima-wa-10.html

Now did you know that if your drain for the washer is not up high, like it is in your place, the water will just run out, Mike learned it and ... fixed it.. while the laundry room is in work progress...

This is... was an open car port... the last opening was the garage door, Mike and I put it up in about 4 beers... GBG

Hey it works!

Ok, he still has a bit of work to do in the rain country...

Now here he is smiling about the pull down... he had his 7 year old daughter open the door, but couldn't close it... fixed! She can open it easily, it takes about 5 lbs of force to move it and it is balanced perfectly.... neither of us can figure out why it came out this good... but it's perfect! I'll take luck over skill any day!

This was the garage door, we took all the hardware from here and moved it over.

Mike's dog Rex, great dog!

Before I woke up Tues, this wall was covered.. now it has faucets and water for the washer, connect the drain, cover the walls and done! AND it did NOT leak!

They can use plastic up there, and it's a breeze! I won't say I could do it, as I'm cursed with water...

The power panel, .... work in progress...

Had to get a couple pics... Samshel

And Wyatt. He's getting so big! Enjoy... soon they'll be 31 years old! It DOES happen!

It was great fun working with Mike and spending the time. I was worried I'd be wasting his time by being there and keeping him from getting things done...

By golly, we got a lot of things done and I had a GREAT time!!! Thanks!!! The best visit I could've imagined! Thanks! Dad

Mothers Day 05 '10 in Reno

2010-05-10T16:09:00.001-07:00

Pics are from top to bottom, click on a pic to see it, then click it again to see it full size!!!! I made them larger this time and the first display won't show full size! What little text for a pic is under the pic.

Mom's Day '10 and a visit to KC's was in order! Amy had school so we got off a little late Friday, not much and got up to Boom Town about 5:30 PM.

Registered and out to KC's we went.

We took Who Dog and he talked to us most the way up...

Gettin' some rest by mom.... Amy and Who stayed at KC's, don't think the motel would like it if he stayed in our room!

The plan on Saturday was a big cook up for lunch for mom. Chicken, steak, veggies, strawberries and ice cream. Great stuff!

It was a pretty nice day and we were outside enjoying it!

KC put his old kitchen stuff in the "dog house", I can imagine a microwave, TV, keg on the right, window AC on the left... man cave time! GBG

Lady trying to get lucky....

I was surprised at Who, he got right out there and played with the others.

Even got into barking at them!

OK, I was impressed with the room... they must be hurting if they give these rooms to folks like us with discounts! Real big / thick head boards, pillow top mattresses were plush!!

That was at least a 36" flat screen, maybe larger!

The tile around the mirror was very nice. They used tables instead of cabinets for storage, kinda nice and the wood looked good.

Another shot... taking this pic was hard as I had to stand outside and focusing didn't work well....

See thru door refer...

And a safe! Comforting... I think...

Nice full length mirror....

On the way to KC's Sunday morning, Mike and family called to wish a great day and mom got to chat with all.. she was so excited she forgot to wish Nisel happy Moms day! This was kinda a papa's day too! I got to go along, eat a LOT of great food and didn't even have to clean up!!! GBG

Well, what to do on Sunday before going home... eat of course! BIG breakfast coming right up! Bacon and lots of it, waffles, eggs, cottage tators with onion and peppers, real good stuff! Amy gets the griddle...

Mom and KC yakking...

Everyone at their stations! GBG

Mom and Who Dog doing their part.

OK, it's a VROC Thing, taking pics of food... here is the finished product and it was great! My plate and I ate tooooo much!

Can't just take one pic...

I was late getting to KC!

We agreed... they did use every pot and pan and utensil!!! Well we had to do something afterward to work it off and get Who some exercise for the ride home and hopefully settle him down a bit...

A little over a mile from KC's is country! Great place for the dogs to run!

Lots of flowers blooming, they had a wet winter!

The dogs were all over and Who was right with 'um!

KC and Kristi gave mom a Snail and mom put it out by the wheel barrel she was given earlier!

It was a great week end and I'm glad all had a great time! It would have been nice if Mike and family could've been there.. someday!

Buby II Trailor hitch / Flag carrier

2010-04-25T15:29:00.000-07:00

Footnote, here it is in action a day later!!! Real fine!

Pics are from top to bottom, click on a pic for a larger pic, text for a pic is under the pic.

I like to be able to fly my 3x5 for parades, PGR funeral services, etc...

My flag before putting my trunk on. I zipped a 49C piece of heavy PVC onto my rack. Hey! It worked!!!!

This solution had a flaw that bothered me.. it was close to me and when I got in a down wind slow speed, the flag could flutter in front of me and when it did, I had to grab it and trap it behind me and the seat backrest. No biggie but nice if I could solve that problem.

Actually it had another problem that was kinda solvable with my adjustable pole, it was
real high! Caught a lot of wind.

So when I put on my trunk, the PVC had to go... ergo the need for a flag solution.

I posted a note on VROC.. (only one.... GBSEG!) and I said "Hey! I need a cheap hitch so I can mount my flag for parades, etc".

Well Joe (Chuckster1) Norris sent me an email... got to talkin' and he said "I can make you a trailer hitch, BUT ( there always is one, eh?) You can't use it for a trailer hitch!!! I said, "no problem" I don't ever intend to pull one.

BTW, he does great work and very reasonable!!! He sells and makes a lot of things and if you need something check his web site: http://www.chucksterscustoms.com/ If you find something you like or would like an alteration, send him an email! chuckster1_31@comcast.net Maybe he can help you out!

Well he has a Nomad like me and had looked into modifying the rear support bar that runs across the bike below the saddle bags. He makes hitches and was going to modify that design. Said he can make one that will have a hitch that will handle a flag. I asked how much.. while wincing... he told me and I said "build it and I'll throw in 10 bucks for lunch!". OK, so it was not a large lunch.. GBG Coming in 04/29/10!!

Here's the beauty!!!! All I have to do is remove two cap screws, remove old bar, put up new bar and two cap screws!!! And he's gonna send all the hardware... and I won't tell anyone how much because when you see it you will want one!!! Oh, and it solves the wind drag and high problem... The flag will be low and behind the scoot and trunk, so should not be too much drag!!!

Here is the steel support bar to be removed and replaced. The two cap screws are even accessible!!! Be still my heart!

And it's just in front of my Dark Side Car Tire!!! GBG! http://dadfunrides.blogspot.com/2010/03/darkside-here-i-come.html

I put this photo here close to the stock bar so you can compare... The stock bar replaced with the receiver.

I got a hitch for my get a'long!!!! And this padding is for solid steel! Whatta job.

And here's the thing of beauty! The cross bar to replace the stock one with a receiver and the flag pole insert, pin, clip and screws! What could be simpler!

While unbolting the stock bar.... I heard this "snap" and the bags moved closer together... did I tell you I like to carry stuff in my bags and they are full? Well the right one is fullest and on the stand, it moved in a bit inward....

Out with some 2x4's and other stuff to pry them apart again... sigh.. got 'er done!!! Even added some blue locktite to the threads!

Now looky there! Got me a flag holder... I'll take pics tomorrow in the sun, but it works fine!

Side shot, the receiver will not be noticeable as it is under the fender with the flag holder removed. We discussed angle of the flag and Chuckster1 decided on 5 Deg.. we went to flag poles to go, where they sell Hide A Poles.. nice units, 6.5 ft long, collapse to 19" for storage and they work fine! Anyway, their flag units lean 15 Deg.. this looks better to me!

OK, Joe was screwin' with my mind and you shouldn't mess with small things! GBG

There were 2 screws loose in the box.. not in the envelope with the mounting screws..

I sent him an email.. waitin' to see what I missed! Well... he said I have no idea where they came from! ..so I guess I got a screw loose..... GBSEG!!!

Thanks for the fantastic design, work, workman ship and it fits like a glove! Perfect!

And now to see what it looks like flyin' a flag....

We have a breezy day....

Lookin' quite fine! I have a pic I'd like to add but the blog is somehow corrupted and I had to add it to the top of the blog! Great work, thanks my friend!

Welcome Home and Thank You VietNam Veterans

2010-03-20T18:06:00.000-07:00

Pics are from top to bottom, click on a pic for a larger pic, text for a pic is under the pic.

The title was , duh, the title.... GBG the intro to the event was:

Patriots of the East Bay, represented by VFW, The American Legion, Pleasanton, Antioch and Livermore Military Families, Blue Star Moms, Lafayette Flag Brigade, Warriors’ Watch Riders, the Livermore VA and many more, all of which have a heart for our Service Members and Veterans, invite Vietnam Veterans and their families to attend our - Welcome Home and Thank You VietNam Veterans

OK, it included era vets and that covered me... but I fought the battle of Charles De Gaulle in France. Remember when he kicked NATO out of France? Most of you don't! GBG + sigh, but it was in '66/'67. I left a rural tiny air base in the Alsace-Lorraine area about 20 clicks west of Verdon.

BUT, I was invited, so after about 15 miles of crankin', I went in! Very nice crowd and event, it was large! I thank ALL that went to the effort to finally give the VietNam Vets there LONG overdue "WELCOME HOME"!!! God Bless you all and heal and move on!

So I get there... followed the map... the young lady asks why are you here, I said the 'Nam event, she said next entrance... U'e and on to the next gate, the lady asked me if I was here for the veteran event... guess my PGR banner clued 'er in, I asked where is it
... lady said, right on down the road... Saw a bunch of scoots and thought, this must be it! Not crazy about loose gravel, but I'm a whoosey...

Nice 'Vet!

'nother test for you young'uns.... do you remember dash mounted mirrors????

Some more 'Vets... guess that is more than appropriate! GBG

Gee, wonder where the event is????... GBG

The very nicely done MIA/POW 'Vet!

Here comes Audie A, one of our District 13 ALR riders to say hi!

Just shooting pics for the cause...

And here comes fiancee Cheryl!

Audie's mom and dad, he has a hard to remember name... William.. same as me!

Shot of the Huey.

Most of that is the food line! I was surprised, I got there a bit after 1400 and I was early! Jake, eat your heart out!!! EARLY!!! GBG

Shot of the cookers, Mike "The Noisy Kid" in front of me. After meeting Audie, in my wandering, Dist 13 ALR Gary R found me and said Hi! He had a table with Sandy and Mike, plus Lori and Bruce P. Of course there were many ALR folks around. Kick myself, in my hunger forgot to take pics of out table group!!!!

The MIA/POW 'Vet was pulling this scoot! The guy who rides it must be a big guy!

A better shot of the Huey.

As I was leaving, I got another shot of Audie and family. Cheryl was working with Audie on something and I think it was the Welcome Home VietNam pin that we all got.

Another shot...

It was a VERY nice event and I will wear my VietNam Welcome Home pin with Pride! Thanks to all that made this happen, it was fantastic!!!

San Jose ARC Bernal 19 Mi loop

2010-03-16T16:06:00.001-07:00

Pics are from top to bottom, click on a pic for a larger pic, text for a pic is under the pic.

Well, I was telling folks that after the Fremont fund raiser 3/14, I was going to take a nice 19 mile loop to work off all my sins... I may have fixed a few but.... sigh... This is one of my preferred rides, so thought I'd show it to Ya'll!

The weather was gorgeous and off I went. I've been treated quite badly by the weather as of recent, so I started out with a light sweatshirt... peddled 1 mile to the beginning of the bike trail...

It starts at a percolation pond, that's how we get our ground water, let it out of the dams, store it in places like this and let the water get into the ground water system. The water is very clear!

Highway 85 just west of the 87 interchange, north of Oak Ridge. This is where I lost the sweatshirt... nice out!

Other side of the perc pond, the bike trail follows a stream just to the right.

...and leads to Almaden Lake. Pretty place, the horrible paths I have to ride on.. GBG

Town homes across the lake.

This is where I lost the T shirt... 80... in the sun. From here, I take streets along the Santa Teresa Hills to Bernal Rd. that goes over my favorite hill... That's miles 2.5 to 8.5.

Hillside as I peddle along, almost to the good place!

Alright! At the park and starting up the road...

I'll take a pic from the road up by that cement wall..

Some folks ruining their day... GBG

About mile 8.8 and we start up the hill... notice it has a slight upward slant! GBG

This is about .3 miles up or 9.1, notice that we're moving right on up!

Overlooking the homes, same place.

So I go a short way so I can see up the road.. and up we go...

Santa Teresa Park, notice the ruts... hogs looking for grubs, etc. They plow quite well! And looking for deer, normally see some up here...

This is one of my favorite stops, overlooking the houses, this is about 9.7 or almost a mile from start of "up".

So I've got a bit more to go..

A park, quite nice, the family used to go there.

Now about 1.3 into the up, at a pull out / parking spot. Notice everything is green... well we've had a wet year. It's the Golden State... in a couple months it will be golden! And we'll go to HSVROC at Topaz Lake, Nv and most of CalEfornYa will catch fire and I'll have to eat smoke all the way home! Or that's what it's been for at least the last two years!

Looking back down the hill....

AT the top! This is about 1.5 mi of the "up"... notice that zig zag on the left? Kids and I called it the switch back, single track and on the other side going down, there's about 5 levels of it, pretty bad trail, very rocky and steep.

If you look at the tallest point, There is an antenna there, I think it's Coyote Point, around 1450' up.

Looking to the right at the IBM Almaden Research Center - ARC.

There ALWAYS has to be a down side! The road / trail headed down into Almaden Valley.

It's hard to see, but if you click on the pic, the left highest point is Mt Umunhum, at about 3450', the next tallest peek to the right is where the power lines go over the hill... power lines are mountain bikers best friends... they have to have fire trails and access roads for power company vehicles... nice roads for the off roader's. I took that road ONCE, and that was enough! It's a killer!

OK, so far, this is the "wild life", sigh...

We got lots of turkeys in the valley, real ones! I saw 5 dozen here once!

For the "wild life", bet that would feel good on a 100 deg day!

Some very large old growth Manzanita trees.

Looking back up this side of the trail. We're almost at the 12 mile point.

Back on the bike path, 12 down 7 to go!

A nice stream fed by the Almaden reservoir.

The other side of the bridge, the water was dirty today, unusual, but we've had a lot of rain lately, that clouds it up.

...not the yellow brick road, but pretty nice! GBG

Let's see, Sunday, first great day in a LONG time... think the trail was packed!

This is interesting, to me at least, I've watched this stream for a long time, the straight route and the branch to the right were always even split. I wondered why one didn't become the dominate branch... this year the right branch won!

Again, the water was cloudy, it's normally crystal clear. They have some very large fish in the stream, lake and perc pond. I've seen 12" round, 2+ foot long ones taken out, black bass... big ones! That rock by the tree out growth, is where they like to play. A few weeks back I saw about 8 big ones, spawning, I think.

Well, I didn't get skunked! A deer!

A tree laying down. This creek will rage! When it rains hard, all the street water drains to ditches that feed this and the run off comes in FAST! And this thing can get wild!

That tree was straight across the creek, laying on the fence post of the bike path, the last heavy rain and run off, straightened it out! I'm tellin' Ya, this thing runs bad in heavy rain!

A lot of times I'll see families with kids playing in the water....

We get to the park across from where I first came into the lake.

A busy day indeed! Lotsa folks!

Nice picnic areas.

Remember I said this creek rages? Look at the rock build up in the lake. That has occurred over the years, the water washes rock into the lake. Makes it nice for folks and fisher people to walk out into the lake.

Nice place for families.

Favorite view across the lake looking at Mt Umunhum...

Almost back to where I started. This is the coolest spot any where! The breeze comes across the water, 85 shades the lake, and it's real cool!

Hey! The Cranky dude survived! Great day all around! I think I still see some 'tator salad, mac salad, bit of brownie stuck in places, sigh... Next time I'll work it all off! GBG!!!!

I bought a new bike just after this ride:

http://dadfunrides.blogspot.com/2010/02/misc-catchall-blog.html

Look under Dad New Cannondale F5 Section

The thing about a cross bike, part mountain / part street bike, is it does neither very well.... sigh... Well, I rode it for 35K, and it was completely shot! Rims, tires, tubes, derailleur, gear cluster, chain, it would have cost more to fix than my new one... oh well.....

So back to a mountain bike. Got it for $400 on Craigslist, less than 1/2 price, but of course, added much to make it work for me.... and would have had to do the same if I paid full price, some things Ya just gotta do....

Darkside, here I come!!!

2010-03-06T16:39:00.000-08:00

------ Car tire update ------------

So what's next?

Two brands I believe in, Mobil 1 and Michelin... Meet the Energy Saver 195/60-16. I'll do it in a few weeks, I want to get the last of the Bridgestone...

And it is too big! Rubs the drive shaft... back to Michelin Commander stock size, over and out!!! I'm done with a failed experiment....

------------------ Car tire update 07/27/11 ------------------
After 20K, sigh.... I picked the worst tire I could find... worn out, it has some semblance of tread, but not much more than what would grab your fingernail.....

BUT!!!! There is always one... Look at that contact patch!!! The handle bars are straight ahead, not to the left, but I got contact!!!!

Next is a Michelin ENERGY SAVER - 195/60-16 I believe in two brands, Michelin and Mobil 1 oil.... Lets see what this one does!!!

Called my wrench and asked about changing the tire, he said no problem, I'll just take it to a tire shop! They can't balance it, and I said "that's what dynabeads are for"..... the journey continues.....

------------------ update 08/09 -------------------

What me change???!!! Tire 28 psi shock rebound 3 shock unchanged between 15 and 20... I want the lower pressure so the tire will sit flatter. As I was letting out 4 psi, the tire really settled down. The 2 to 3 on the shock was to stop the softness from causing a bounce in rough curves... so far so good..... X fingers crossed!

---------- update 08/02/10 ------------------------

Posted on VROC:

I've finally got 'er settled and like what I have!

Sweet spot is 32 psi, 2 on rebound and close to 20 psi in the rear shocks.
The tire is very smooth on the road and works fine in the twisty's! NO resistance to turning and handles fine. I do not push a scoot, just go down the road, so consider my casual riding.

Checked the tire for wear it has 4 tread grooves:

Groves L-R 9170 miles 3/16, 5/32, 5/32, 3/16 I didn't check it new but think 3/16 was the max.

If you look at my blog about going to the darkside (below), the profile shows that it has a natural curvature, but this was while the tire was at 40 psi for break in. And I don't think it is much different at 32.

And I've ridden all year and do not have to worry about tires! I like that! 'course, stuff happens.....

---------- end update ------------------
Pics are from top to bottom, click on a pic for a larger pic, text for a pic is under the pic.

WWWWWWWHHHHHHHHHHHOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!! On to the Darkside!!! And adventure about to unfold before your unbelieving eyes!!!!!!!!! Are you ready??!!!!! GBG!

MANY folks put car tires (CT) on the back of their scoot for miles and comfort. Some folks run V2K scoots that eat back tires in 6K miles... It is not only a cost, but huge inconvenience if you travel and have to plan a tire change along the way.

CTs will get over 40K, They cost less, making you less "tired" and well, the thought of heading into the Darkside.... here I come! GBG

Here is a link to their site: http://darkside.nwff.info/index.php

It has a tire calculator to tell you the effect of what is stock -vs- what you plan to put on your scoot. It also has a database of what everyone else is running.

My stock was 150/80-16 and I put on a 195/60-16. It says if I'm going 65, I'll now be going 64.4. Now if you understand my speedo is 10% in error, this is a joke, if it indicates 60, I'm going 54, now 53.5 or thereabouts, and a big whoop... GBG

The tire is a Bridgestone Turanza EL 400 - 2 summer tire, didn't see a need for an all weather!! GBG

BTW, in getting a CT, be sure to get one that is SUMMER rated. Methinks you do not need a M+S or all season. I say that for the softer simpler less mass tire.

There are many thoughts about doing this, do not enter lightly, but some of our riders could use a 40K tire on their scoots! Your choice, I'm just here to tell you to DO IT!!!! GBG

So everyone says the CT is wide, not round, the profile is ALL wrong, It won't work, it won't fit, you're crazy... now I fit that one! Well let's see...

Well, when I got Ruby II at about 10K, they guy said it was a new rear tire, the second one.... 10K... does not compute to me, BUT, I looked at it as thought, this is a joke, but so what? He apparently rode freeways 2-up with insufficient tire pressure. BTW, I'm at a little over 15K!

Well, it surprised me how fast it went... note the tread wear test may not work here....

Darkside, here we go!! I GOT TREAD!!!! Now to get it mounted..... drama begins...

So I go to my only wrench, and he is fantastic! NONE better and can do anything and is now a Darkside tire mount source!!

Sporttech Cycles
Rob Goldfarb
2744 Aiello Dr, Unit 110
San Jose, CA 95111
408-225-9800
http://www.sporttech-cycles.com/

So I walk in with my CT and his helper/secty says - prepare yourself... that's a car tire! Now I've been known to handle the obvious in a somewhat blunt manner, and I said yes it is! GBG

Well he started with... get outta here.... But... but... I know what I'm doing and it will fit! MANY folks do this! This is a GOOD THING!!! Then in my bashfulness, I say just put it on!

So he points to Rob, my friend and can and will do anything on a scoot... Rob walks over and looks at the tire and said.. you're crazy! Here we go again... I explain.. it works, it is the right size... just put it on.... He is an easy going person, just pay him.

The saga begins.. He takes the back tire down to our local and good bike shop, Road Rider on Monterey, and they are known far and wide.... ring...ring.... we will not install a car tire on your rim!!

Do you want me to sign a release? No, we won't do it... Can I talk to Rob? I'll translate, ask him if he knows someone that will put the tire on and spin balance it... They talked about a local car tire shop..... did not hear any more 'til later.

Got 'er mounted... get your mind out of the .... and look at that contact patch! I GOT CONTACT! And that is on the kickstand. That is at 40 psi! I'm thinking 35.... I have to clarify for truth, the handlebars were turned to the right, not worse case....

From what I've read, psi is important to the individual and machine. Higher psi for firmness, lower psi for weight load. At about 600 lbs of load, 28 would not be out of order, but then, maybe a bit too squishy. Time, after break in will tell...

When I went to pick it up... I asked Rob if he tested it... he said no... I said.. well do you know a better time to try it and see what its like? He got his helmet and off he went.. he made a trip around the block and he came back, looking and riding fine... shaking his head!

.. what did you think? Still shaking head... says it works! Feels a bit on the wants to stay up, but works! His entire shop has this puzzled expression and look at that tire, it's hurting their minds.

I explain, the scoot weights around 800, me loaded down 200,, 1000 x 60% rear load, the tire only has 600 lbs on it! I have to break it in at 40 psi for 500 miles to settle it in, but after that I can trade off on weight and firmness. And I may leave it at 40! Felt great!

So off I go for my "voyage" and I'm concerned it won't want to lean... WAKE UP!!! That damn thing bends right over! NO problem! I run it down the road, weaving around to get the feel, get to S San Jose, get on 101 and run 'er up to 90, I'm sure that's a tad under 81, sigh, and all is fine!

I'm being extremely picky here, but I "might" sense a slight bit of transition going around a corner when the tire reaches a lean point and then really wants to lean. Leaning is NOT a concern! I think my learning curve will be fast, and in honesty, if I could forget it's back there, not a problem!

Come back up Monterey, the worst of the worst roads around, and it's better than my old shoes!

Now look at that TREAD! I put pic 1 below so you can scroll up and down and compare. Notice the tire is a bit rounded, not flat. That's because the rim is narrower than a car rim and it helps it turn as it's pulling it inward.

Looks pretty similar to me! There is very little change in profile, I know - a new scoot tire would not look the same - point, the transition was almost 0!

Now I said he was a freeway runner... click on the pic and look at the side tread... that tire was ridden straight up!!! Nice side tread! Now notice the HUGE difference in the tire profile! NOT!! GBG

After Rob rode it, he said, I was concerned it would not fit.. and it fit perfectly!!! He was amazed! I opened up a LOT of minds! No, it's not for a wee wee machine but for the cruisers that a lot of us ride... you would be amazed! JM2C

There is one concern, if on the highway and you have a problem, how do you fix it? Well a plug works for most, but the problem is if you need a shop to work on it, an auto shop is out of the ?, and if like I discovered, some bike shops give you gas, guess worst case, you tell 'um to take the CT off and put on a scoot tire, or look for someone that will fix it.. THAT is a wrinkle, I thought about it after I made this choice, guess I'll know more down the road... GBG

Now I think there is some lettuce growing some where and a 2K ride is in order!

Misc Catchall Blog

2010-02-14T16:40:00.001-08:00

Click on a pic for a larger pic, text for a pic is under the pic

Below is a series of posts that I had no where else to put, most current on top.

---- Ruby Running lights, need to replace bulbs ---

Click on a pic twice to see it big.....

I got some cheap'o's from JC Whitney and mounted them to my foot pegs, cheap but works... My ? is, how do I change the light bulb? I have 3 "divots" and you can see one, it looks to me like the outer light cover is pressed into the rear housing and it needs to be popped off, but before I do it and #$&*!)*! it up, any secrets????!!!

Front view, click on the pic twice to see the lens crack....

---- end running lights section -------

---------- Dad New Cannondale F5 Section ---------------
Below is a blog of a gorgeous ride! At the end... be very aware! GBG lack of clothes... The Cranky dude and my old bike "Silver"! RIP!

http://dadfunrides.blogspot.com/2010/03/san-jose-arc-bernal-19-mi-loop.html

OK, my Cranky machine had 30K on it.... Last one made 35K IIRC, but that's a joke! GBG Remember????????? Oh look, there goes a squirrel......

The old bike, Silver, needed new: 2 rims, 2 tires, chain, cluster, 2 brakes, derailer, shifters... not worth the cost! Quite honestly, the new bike cost less than repairs would have!!! 'cause that's what I told the wife! GBG ... and it's true! Would'a been > $600!

I've always wanted a Cannondale, like Red... looked at Craigslist and saw a new '09, barely ridden for about $500 under new... be still my heart!!!! The guy lived 6 miles from me... beat feet to Credit union, take out... $400 bucks!!! YES!!!!!!!! It was legit and I even gave him 20 bucks extra! He wanted 500 and I offered 400....

Meet Big Red!!! (sorry Stewey!!! GBG) Cannondale F5 - 27 speed, disk brakes, variable adjust / lock out shock, you basic Cranky Machine!!! GBG Yes, I stole it... but the guy said the rear gears needed adjusting... heck... piecea cake, eh? #$&(%#$%&# it had adjustments I've never seen and no way to research...

On to Wheel Away, my favorite bike shop and they are a Cannondale dealer... (and the bike was bought there) Take it in for an adjustment and asked for a handle bar riser... I had already moved my 3" stem riser over... Pick it up the next day!!!

...next day.... got to talkin' to the guy there tellin' him I'm gonna move my rack over... he said... can't.. The disk brakes... it won't work.. you COULD make it work but YOU got your work cut out for you... Geez.... New rear rack! (hey, the old one was dirty... sigh) And of course my old carry rack bungees were worn out... new ones!!!

Hey, need fenders, grabbed a pair... you can't use them... the disk brakes and the fork doesn't have any mounting... sigh Had to buy a plastic pieca "stuff"!!! (@%(&$

Well, it had Presta tubes, and I don't like adapters, and the rims had not been drilled and of course no Mr Toughie's!!! The guy says "hey, we can do it for a couple bucks"!!! So I get them to mount the rack, front fender, handle bar riser, new Schrader tubes, Mr Toughie's, drill the rims.... hey, I'm NOT in a hurry! &(#$%#($%

Oh, it only had one water bottle cage... can't have that!!! Put one on!!! &$(%$&%(^ ( the old ones were dirty.. sigh)

Oh, did I say it had disk brakes? Well we need a spare set of pads, eh!!! So @($%&#$( later and $230 $&%@(&@#$%_ bucks I get out of there...

Done, eh!!!!!!!! HAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!! Hysterically laughing!!!!!!!! &(%$@&(%$($

... so NOW ALL I have to do is move: toe clips, pump, computer (and reprogram it!!!), flanger bell, bar ends, the new seat was trash... move the seat, seat carry pouch back to old seat! ... adjust everything... sigh. I'm glad I think this is my last bike!!! Should take me well over 100K, and by then I should be on a rocking chair by the keg! I'm almost at 76K, so maybe I have a chance!

Maybe a stationary recumbent bike... GBG Now they have two kinds, an USS and ASS!!! Under Seat Steering and Above Seat Steering! I think I like ASS! GBG

WHEW!!!!!!!!!! Lookin' good for maiden voyage! Am I done? Any scoot rider will tell you that there are three things that are trash on a new ride, seat - fixed, and tires.. these monsters gotta go and hand grips!! And I need a suspension seat post, that's my solution to a hard tail!

Another shot....

About to take off... it's been raining, sigh... but we have a bit of clearing!!! What could go wrong... sigh

Big Red and I got trashed!!! It rained like hell!!! I kept thinking I could make it around the cell... got hung up at a long light, and the joke and rain were on Big Red and I! Soaked!

Had my rain gear FWIW, the water ran down my legs into my shoes... squish... squish... We had an appropriate maiden voyage!! She lives!!! Whoo Whoo!!!!! GBG

... the daughter Amy says... gee, does that mean I get your old rack???!! I said yup! She said thanks! So while it was raining... take it off my old bike.. nothing is easy, eh?

Well the old bike fenders I could not use had a long screw that I could not move over, out comes the junk screw collection... SUCCESS! Have everything.. go to put it on.

Amy's bike... reflector in the way... """@&@ ...did I say the old bike was a 27.5 wheel base and Amy's is a 26??? ....and needed a "bit of adjusting???!!!" Had to fab a new bracket for reflector??!! Hey!!!! Got 'er done!!!! and had a lot of fun!!!

Amy has a new / old rack! The only thing on the old bike worth using is the fenders... RIP Silver!!!!

-------------------- update 04/17 ---------------------------

Well, it is a hard tail, I like to fix that with a suspension seat post. Got a Promax for about $40 delivered to the house, and boy what a difference! Takes the hit out of bumps! Went on a ride and enjoyed it! Noticed my back tire was wiggling... 2 rear wheel broke spokes!!! Did NOT enjoy it! $(%(&#$%(&_#$%

Rear tires, the spokes that break are next to the drive gear cluster, so you have to remove it to change the spokes.... &(@%&(@

This is due to the power delivery on that side and the design of the rim which puts more stress on the right (while sitting on the bike) side of the bike, where the gears are.... so it's a double stress hit!!! So off to the bike shop to get a dozen spokes... #$*)%#)$%*! sigh... + GBG

Well, now the "end"? of the upgrade... got some new Michelin 1.75" city hard pack off road tires.. got a deal, got 2 shipped to the house for 40 bucks... ride test today... WOW I got an extra gear out of 'um and I was flyin'!!! The ones that came with the bike... I can't describe how bad there were! They were slugs! Unbelievable! It rode like a completely different bike! Think I'm done?! Whew!!!!

----------END Dad New Cannondale F5 Section ---------

-------------- Junk Power Supply Section ---------------------

Pics are from top to bottom....

Ted Werman, one of our retired old farts, gave me a power supply he had laying around, mine is on the fritz, does funny stuff..

Should be 1/2 hour job, taking your time and cleaning the chassis out...

Har! #$%&#!(%&#$(%#&$

So I get the little carry around vacuum out and I want to take the input pipe and put on the output and use it as a blower.... I THOUGHT it did that... well, before I broke it gave up the idea and got out my brush, the fat one I carried in my CE tool case, and proceeded to vac out the case.....

Well, the crevis tool was cracked / broken... wife had tried to tape it and used black electrical tape.... that stretches... Cut it all off and got out the duct tape.... just started to tape it and the $&*%&%*@#$_ tape ran out...

Got more tape, works good... So I go inside and look at the cables and it is really simple a 24 pin connector and a CPU power connector and I/O power...

So I'm unplugging the drives, have to get some cables out of the way so I could see.... got to the CPU power cable... The #$(&"$#&@$$@& thing is UNDER the ^&%($%@_&@%^ CPU heat sink!!! !&(!#($%!#$(%

OK, I release the lower fan latch and get it out.. Old one out/ new one in... Routing / plugging drives and power cables... all went well... PC booted!!! Whoo Whoo!!!! if was later it woulda been beer time!!!

All the drives there, cd works.... no )$&$@_()%&* sound!!!!

I use the speakers in the monitor, tried an external set, NG $&$#@*(@^&$(^%

Looked at the sound source, Sound Blaster, everything said it was good.... (&(&@$%^((@$ powered off the PC and made sure the SB was seated, powered backup and magically it all worked...

I hate Bill Gates!!!! I'm up on my new Antec supply... If weight is any measure of quality, the Antec is 4 times as good as my old one, it was MUCH heaver!

Well, I was curious about the drastic difference in weight, so out comes the screw driver... There was hardly anything in the &"! *_%*$ thing/

We HAVE to have a shot from all sides.....

I held it up to the light and could see thru it! That's why I wanted inside....

Upper right, it said it had a 450W output... I don't know how they calc'd that but it was a no-name pieca junk! Caused me untold hours of system not running right! $@%&(#@#% &#$%(& Fingers crossed... Cranky

---------- End of Junk Power Supply Section -----------------

VROC - NorCal Annual Polar Bear - Panoche Road

2010-01-31T17:28:00.000-08:00

Pics are from top to bottom, click on a pic for a larger pic, text for a pic is under the pic.

Link to Don VSP (the foggy guy! GBG) blog:

http://2010norcal.blogspot.com/2010/01/jan-31-polar-bear-ride.html

Our second attempt at our annual PBR (Polar Bear Ride), last week was terrible and we did a time out. Turned out to be a great choice! The weather was fantastic... after Don VSP got out of a fog! GBG Don and the Sacto bunch had a bit of our valley's finest tule fog to put up with. This is the stuff that causes hundred car pile ups in the valley.. nasty stuff!

Well, it started out a bit hazy at my place too.. but I only had 45 miles to the staging point, the sacto folks had about 175 and a biga mist to go thru! Plus the temps they were in were down in the low 40s. To put in perspective, my entire ride was 216 miles!
By Don VSP standards, that's a SHORT run!

It was a tad chilly here too... but it was warming up and the day was great, musta got up to 60, couldn't ask for more!

We stage at McD's in Hollister... They put in a new bypass around Hollister and it was great! I missed ALL of the town and went right to the staging point!

Don VSP finally got out of his fog! and less than 10 minutes late, not bad! When he called me at 0830, he was parked, couldn't see 100 yards and it was like riding in a cloud, very wet, and cold.

We had 11 scoots, pretty good turnout! Redbeard was handing out PBR pins for the new riders. Thanks Cap'n!

We're about to get started about 1/2 hour late but we made good time. It was clear, sunny and the grass was green and hills gorgeous, could not have been better!

Panoche Inn on duh, Panoche road! Really neat old place and it's in the absolute middle of NOWHERE! I'm talking 50 miles from anything!

Don VSP getting a smoke break.

Well, I HAD to go inside, eh? That's where the %&(@%@( rest room was!!! GBG Well, money may not grow on trees, but it does from the ceiling!!! I cut Larry off on the left.

They will do a BBQ for a group if you call them. It would be a great outing, a really really far out outing! GBG

Cheryl and Larry Lopez
Panoche Inn
29960 Panoche Rd
Paicines, Ca 95043
(831)628-3538

Give a call! Do the trip some time, Hey Skid, this is a Sandy road! you'd have some sore ribs!!!! GBG The #($%#(&#($ yellow line, where we had one and more than one lane, was worn out too! Patches had patches! Tad bit bumpy....

The picture board... I meant to rotate the &!#$%(# thing, sigh... and I went back and did!

Quaint ol' place.

More money and Larry, he was a 'Nam era Vet.

Don getting some shots in and a drink.

The view around the area, not much to see! The grass was green and it looked fantastic! How does THAT look to a snow bound northerner???!!!

The road leading in and this section is in the best shape....

When you leave, just about a mile east, make a left, if you go straight, you are in for about 10+ miles of dirt road! And NO, I ain't goin' there...

Hey! We made it, after going up I-5 90 MPH!!! Don was getting hungry!

Don getting the last out of his smoke, Mike S was on his right..

Got Kevin's face on the left and the close in were Redbeard and Bruce Bigtwin.

I tried a hold it out and shoot, but didn't net much distance, just got Kevin R.

Here is a shot from the front of the tables. We've set at this line of tables every time I've been here, 3 or 4 times... Valdez on the left has one heckofa white beard! Offering a bit of the free wine, and it's really quite good... hic....

Caught Don VSP in the act! It was ice cream and chocolate topping for desert, like any of us pork chops needed it! Great meal, huge, Tomorrow, it's 20 on the cranky machine!

BTW, my cranky machine odometer went over 75004 yesterday! 25 years of cranky'ness!!! GBG I had just finished my 100 miles for the week, took 8hr 39 min
I was currently going 0 mph!!! GBG My right 2 digits are after the decimal... on the second line up.. only 1 decimal on the bottom number..

One of the best!!! Thanks Don VSP for doin' this!!!! A beautiful day (for me) and the run was one of the best! The food... burp... damn I'm gonna hate myself in the AM on the scale... But, I'll work it out!

Great to ride with old friends! Ride safe and long!

Christmas '09

2009-12-26T18:17:00.001-08:00

Pics are from top to bottom, click on a pic for a larger pic, text for a pic is under the pic.

Xmas 09, and one of the best I've had for many reasons! Family!!!!!! And they are all doing fine and I'm soooooo pleased. Mike just signed papers for his first home couple days ago, 3 weeks ago Kristi graduated from UNReno and, well, it's been a great year!

That blog, where we got snowed in attending her graduation... about 60% down.. http://tinyurl.com/ylh7p6l

Well, Amy had to try out the fireplace and see if it still worked.... seems to be fine.

Our new kitty inkling.. and she doesn't have one, fascinated by her first fire!

Ok, tators done.. GBG (that will cost me!) Wife Donna, Casey, Amy, Kristi and I. That shirt is about 45 years old. If you could see it close, you'd go blind! I call it my finger nail shirt! It has spiralling ever smaller curved half moon shaped images and it hurts the eyes!

I've worn it for Thanksgiving and Christmas every year we've been married! The kids argue over who gets it when I kick off!

Amy giving Who Dog a great big hug! He's a lover dog! Houdini is his name, I never use it...

Our youngest Casey and wife Kristi. She's getting a tickle out of Amy and Who Dog!

Our tree! OK, Amy's tree, but she lets us look at it! Cute little tree and I like it!

Mom enjoying the fireplace... the room was dark 'til the flash went off, yeah, I got shouted at!

For completeness, a pic from Kristi's graduation, My oldest boy Mike and family. Mike with son Wyatt on lap, with wife Nisel and Samshel sitting by Wyatt. Nice looking family!

Absolutly a great Christmas! Hope all had as good in your life!

Mike's Ore State Police Academy Graduation!

2009-12-17T19:35:00.000-08:00

Pics are from top to bottom, click on a pic for a larger pic, text for a pic is under the pic.

I had to do this in two sections, my son Casey's pics are after mine, no way could I thread them together... so it will be a little disjointed having two sections, sorry!

My oldest boy graduated from Oregon State Police Academy first of August! It's been a long hard pull for him! God Bless Ya my boy! Hard worked for and well deserved!

Bit of story... Mike spent 3 years in the Army and doing reserve time and applied to Or for the job. He always wanted to get out of KalEfornYa and this was his opportunity!

It's interesting.. as he was out of state, they had to send an officer down to investigate ALL the counties to see if he had any background... took two years!

Well, after done, the investigator came by and asked the neighborhood folks what he was like, background check...

Of course, stellar was the response! He finally came to the house to talk to Mike and while he was there, I was coming in from a PGR ride, vest and all... he stood up and said "now there is a real biker"!!! I just shook my head.... nnnnoooooo...

Well it turns out that he had a Gold Wing and then bought a Harley and of course, he was a biker!!.... I knew right there, Mike had the job!! GBG

So mike moved up to Tillamook, Or where he would be stationed December 08 and it was traumatic! He had his truck loaded to where the springs were flat and pulling a toy hauler loaded down with a Jeep and much more.... With the Grace of God, he made it!

Well, he went into class beginning of 09 and graduated in Aug, and of course a trip was in order. Mike's daughter came down for a visit (gramaw flew up to Portland and brought her back) and we drove her back.. in a tiny little compartment.. more later...

When Mike moved, he took all he could.. but left some... Mom went up a bit later and we loaded the Rogue down so bad she could hardly see and didn't even have space for her luggage...

Well when we went up... we were loading the "truck" again! And off we go...

Some of Mike's old toys that he wanted for his kids...

Some of his old college books and of course the "truck" was packed!

I opened the tailgate and stuff fell out...

To the top! But we saved a little seat place for Samshel! She was crowded the entire way, but she's a trooper! Mom had to put her luggage under her legs... we were full!

Our first destination was Brookings as I wanted to get the most miles in KalEfornYa as I know how the roads are into Or. We had to have a kid stop and walk, and I can't resist taking pics of the coast....

Gorgeous!

Here's gramaw and Samshel walking on the beach, stretching legs and relaxing....

I didn't get any more on the way up.. driving... Here we are at Mike's place in Tillamook.

Casey, my youngest decide to come up as he and Mike are very close. He flew into Portland and took a bus over to Tillamook and Nisel, Mike's wife picked him up. We left on Thurs and arrived on Friday nite an Mike was still in the academy waiting for Saturday graduation.

So we make it to the graduation site and here are the graduates lined up in formation.

Nisel, Wyatt and gramaw being helped by an OSP Trooper. They are not police, they are Troopers!

Wyatt looking great and in good form!

The crowd in the auditorium... the screens you see were a continuously running slide show of the Troopers during training.

It's a formation thing! GBG I was trying to spot Mike, but the uniform threw me... they kinda all looked alike! GBG

There is Mom Donna and Mike and Casey. It was hard for me to recognize him in uniform! It just blew me away!

Mike's family, Samshel, Nisel, Mike and Wyatt.Sorry for he head turner... and more to come..

Family waiting patiently for the graduation to start.

.. so in preparation, after the meet and greet, all the Troopers left and formed up and marched in and looked grand!

They did a neat trick, went past up and came back by doing a reverse and threading their own lines and reforming and back up front.

Standing tall! The young lady with the flag was small, but I'd bet it would be a bad decision to try to take advantage of it!

Passing inspection and congratulations being given for a job well done.. I'm talking six months of intensive training!

They finally get to the stage and we have some speaches...

After the graduation Mike was allowed to take pics at the stage by the flag, here with Samshel.

Mike and family, all looking good and proud!

Mike and Nisel.

Mike and Casey after the graduation.

Of course mom and I had to get into it....

Mike is showing me where he got hit with a bean bag gun shot, IIRC.

Afterwards it was off to get some lunch and celebrate! Wyatt and Nisel.

Ok, by now you know 'um...

Wyatt at home finally and he's playing with dads truck, we call it Thumper! Love the sound, and have heard it come down the court for many years.. and really miss it now..

Wyatt and Casey by Mike's off road Jeep.

Well next day it was off to Tillamook's great attraction! The Tillamook Cheese Factory! And if you go there, this is a MUST DO!!! For the Ice Cream!!! And Fudge!!!

This lady had one of the 31 flavors platter! I asked her if she was going to eat it all!!! She said NO!!!! Our whole table will! Bet they didn't make it!

All their flavors...

IIRC, this was Rocky Road and butterscotch swirl... the scoops were large and it was CHEAP!!! You hafta try it if there!

Going around our "lunch" table.. it was all we could eat, of course we had to buy some fudge to take with us!

This is the ice cream drool counter!

Ok, they have cheese too!

Mike was showing us some homes he was thinking about, this is an odd tree, I think it was a Monkey Puzzle Tree! It is a puzzle how a monkey could climb it! GBG

Here is Samshel taking some swings, and by golly she really connected with some!

See him flinch! She pounded one!

...wiffel.....

Mike catching up on some yard work.

Casey, Samshel and I were playing frisbee.... That is Mike's toy hauler in front.

Mike got a trash burner. we threw a bunch of stuff in it and tried to light it.. smoked a lot and didn't want to burn... later we found out mom had pulled a bunch of green weeds and they were on the bottom! Fire won out!

It was close to Mikes 30th birthday so a celebration was in order.

Casey has of me taking this.... down a bit...

Mike gets to do the honors.

Wyatt getting his share too.

Here's proof we won!

Next day Mike took us to look at some of the places he was thinking about getting, he's a first time buyer and is trying to get a starter home.

It has blems...

Monday we head back home with Casey. He wanted to come home to visit a bit before back to Reno. I wanted to show them old town Florence on the way back.. funny how things turn out...

We were motoring down the road enjoying the ride down the coast and we saw this BIG sign, "Mo's The best Clam Chowder", and Casey said, "gee, I'd love some clam chowder".... mom was right behind.

So down the road we went looking for Mo's... it was exactly where I wanted to take them!!!!

This is one of the places Sherm took us folks during the FOOLs (Foggies Old Ore Loop) run in '07. Last time when we left, they all took off, and the last I saw of them was Happy Wanderer's tail light, I was slow to get my gear on and and of course had not a clue where I was. I asked a passerby where was 101.. if you can find that, you're GTG all up and down the Or coast! Found it and headed back to Coos Bay.

This is the ice cream place we hit in 07, I stayed away this time.

Heading back on the coast, Casey was shooting now.

------------------ Casey's pics of the trip --------------------------

.....did I say they all looked alike? Well, they filed out for their diploma and each stood by the flag for a photo op, mom, Casey and I kept asking.... is that Mike.... we all missed him as he stood there, sigh but when his name was mentioned, we both ran but I took the wrong route and Casey got a cell phone shot! Mike with diploma and the brass!

Nice pic of Samshel with Mike's hat on...

Back in Tillamook, Mikes neighbors had a goat and Casey and mom had to go visit.

Mom trying to feed it...

Another pic of Wyatt in Mike's off road Jeep....

Samshel cow-lowning around. GBG This is at the Tillamook Cheese Factory where we stuffed ourselves on ice cream! YUM!!!!!

Casey and mom by a view window....

Mooooo! And I have to say Tillamook has a bit of "cow" aroma to it! GBG

Wyatt in Thumper.

Playing around in Mike's family room....

The Cranky dude (Dad) out in the back yard.

Mike and Wyatt trying to get the fire lit...

Me taking Mike's birthday cake pic....

Wyatt playing around Mike's toy hauler.

All burned out and the grass is GONE!!!

Casey was checking out the flowers by the house Mike was showing us.

I think this was where we stopped for a break and Casey went up to look at the ocean.

How can you resist pics of the coast?

This HUGE bananna slug in the walkway! Had to be at least 8" long!

It was a great trip! This was a huge accomplishment! And well earned and deserved!

Kristi Graduation and Snow Job 2009

2009-12-09T17:49:00.001-08:00

Pics are from top to bottom, click on a pic for a larger pic, text for a pic is under the pic.

We went up to celebrate Kristi's graduating from her long journey thru college, and she did good! God Bless Ya Sweetheart!!! When KC and Kristi chose their education path it led them to University Nevada Reno UNR so it was off to Reno, again!

Unbeknown to KC and Kristi, Mike, Nisel, Samshel and Wyatt were coming in from Tillamook, Or too! Kristi's folks Tina and Dan also, as was Tina's father Sam and cousin Mark.

Nice gathering and my entire family visiting. As you get older that happens less... sigh.

So we met out at KC and Kristi's place in Sparks for a snack (snicker.. more to follow) and here is Dan kicking back.

Tina's dad Sam is looking great for 80!!! Hope I look as well "when" I get there!! GBG

KC and Kristi stirring it up, We have cooks in the kitchen!!!

Dan's pasta and salad plate... 1... GBG

Here is some of our "snack"!

Ya hafta have a salad.

How could you go hungry?

So we left early, ahem, late you know... 2000, 8 PM for you civies, and Amy and I went back to the hotel room and mom went out to the Reno airport get Mike and family for the BIG surprise next day! And they were!!!

Well here we are at UNR for the second time in 2 years, KC graduated last year with a MS and we will be back here again for KC's Dr degree.

The folks with the back ribbons mean something special, they have ways to ID folks with many decorations....

The "dignitaries" going on stage to start the event.

The stage floor, rear section, in the middle is where Kristi is! CONGRATS!!!!

Another shot...

Here's Wyatt heading out...

And There She Is!!! The Graduate!!! Great on Ya!!! ... now get to work!!! GBG

Wyatt, Nisel Mike, Samshel, Amy and Kristi chatting.....

Mike, Amy, Kristi and KC... My family, and a darn great one! Mike recently graduated from Ore State Police Academy and is a Trooper in Tillamook, Or.

Folks think about Tillamook cheese... if you go there, for your sake, go to the factory and taste their ICE CREAM!!!!!!!!!!! It is FANTASTIC!!! Some of the best ever and it's cheap!!! And they have fudge that will blow your socks off! That was my lunch!!! Whew!

Samshel playing around...

Dan, Mark, Tina and KC gabbing...

Kristi, mom and Mark....

OK, I had to do a double shoot, this one was KC's best.....

Kristi's best....

Samshel in front then Dan, Kristi, Tina and KC.

Afterward we went to Chili's.. never been there.. I was impressed with the service and the menu was DEEP, lots of stuff and it was good.. er, not for us dieters... but good.....

Nisel, Mike and Wyatt, caught him in a smile, kinda...

It's a VROC thing, you have to take food pics! GBG

After lunch we all broke up and relaxed a bit... Mike and family had a joining room with us and Amy took Dan and Tina's room that they decided not to use as their family came along and stayed elsewhere...

Mike watching the tube...

KC and Dan, think KC was looking at his shoe... GBG

Dan and Tina for a Xmas shot.

I love this one, Kristi was rubbing and patting KC's head... if you look at the eyes... they say it all!!! LMAOROTF!!!! (laugh my ass off rolling on the floor!!)

Wyatt need a slow down.. he'd been great all day and was over tired....

We have a budding hairdresser! Samshel working on Kristi!!!

KC, Amy and Mike in the "computer room" Mike printing out a boarding pass....

Samshel still trying to get it right....

Here's the entire family! It's great when we can all get together!! God Love Ya as much as I do! L-R Amy, Casey and Kristi, Samshel on my lap, Donna, Wyatt, Nisel and Mike.

This is another pic, but Mile got a clip.......

Dan and Tina's turn..... L-R KC, Kristi, Tina and Dan.....

Mike's family turn! Lookin' great! Mike, Wyatt, Samshel and Nisel.

So we had breakfast on Sunday, our get out of town day..... practice shot....

This is the one the waitress took... sigh... I didn't look at it close enough... blurred... sigh.... sigh.... it is what I have... a great pic of my family!!!

So Sunday we head out... the only way from Reno to San Jose is 80, the only route available in winter.. you can do 50 or 88 but didn't want to try it. I knew snow was coming big time... a lot of folks decided to try and kill themselves at the summit... hope they are OK... but we set there for hours... and you can see it coming in.....

I got to a point that the overhead signs said "80 closed! All traffic must exit"!!! I cheated and took a CHP emergency U turn and headed down the road.. and even that was not easy. It was really coming down!!!!!

So we had some late lunch at a place that had a Kokopelli theme! This is for my friend Sherm...

Had some floor markings too.... Well we went out to KC's and it really snowed... and that was after one more effort to go over the hill... got stopped again... back to KC's...

Here we are going back to our room in Reno...

Reno got a "Snow Job"!!!! So I called the local weather lady and said.."That is not what I asked you for!!!!" GBG

Next day... Reno does NOT see snow like this!!! 6" inches of snow!!!! And still coming down hard!

Hope no one needs the courtesy van,.,,,

KC did a search and on Monday and said 80 was open with chains... looked bad to me, but Amy and Mom had to get home... alto the deal we had on the room at $25 a nite and the weather would be clear Tuesday... I was hesitant... but they insisted.....

Down to the garage and we put cables on... glad all 3 of us tried putting them on in our driveway under MUCH better conditions... and I'll say doing it in the garage -vs- in a snow bank was much preferred!!!!!!

Poor Blue out yonder, third from left, got 'er gassed.. again... and off we went with empty bladder and snacks.. this time!!!

So out we head.... snow everywhere and still coming down... did I say I was a tad concerned??? We had to go thru 8+" of snow just to get to 80! But then it got better due to traffic and conditioning....

As Amy was often to say... snow.... snow.... snow... She was loving it! It was pretty... just not from the drivers seat...

Stalled and parked trucks.. not going anywhere....

Ok, some trucks were moving, and we saw many more... and one cost about one hour sitting with stopped traffic while the tow trucks pulled it straight again...

We talked to a trucker... they can do fine with chains... but if you stop them on a steep hill and snow... they can't get moving again... so one of them slipped back and jackknifed on the road closing all lanes..

The Chp chose to stop traffic on a level spot... good choice!

I have to say, I was impressed with the Rogue and cables... I went thru snow that was scrapping the under carriage and it handled fine and just ate it up... Quite pleased...

I also got to learn what the anti traction felt like under braking and acceleration, the old braking systems would go bang...bang...bang... These were a hummmmm just a vibration and felt great!

The other pics were in the valley where they don't normally get snow... now we're in the upper elevations and real snow!!!

Our trucker buddy was not impressed with the trains.. He said they take our business... but he did allow they have a place in transportation...

Repeat Amy's line.... snow...snow....snow..... Did I mention that on the way up on Friday that there was NO SNOW!!!!!!!! $#%"*&#@%*#!$ We'da made it but for them unfortunate folks that shut 80 down....

While we were stalled for at least an hour... the snow stopped... whew... and the snow on the trees started to cascade down like white dust, quite pretty!

THE SUN!!! THE SUN!!!!!!!!!

Whoo Whoo!!!!!

Over the hill and down to our house we go!!!!!!! WHEW!!!!!! WHEW!!!!!!!

Ok, we made it! It was pretty tho... in after thought... none of that snow was there on the way up! It HAD to be the snow of the century.... 'cause WE was IN IT!!! GBG

Have to say it was a great weekend! The family got together and a great event happened and it was fabulous!

Trunk HP Trading Arrived Broke 12/02/09

2009-12-02T12:52:00.000-08:00

Pics are from top to bottom, click on a pic for a larger pic, text for a pic is under the pic.

Well, I ordered a trunk and in it came... I like to take pics of things I receive so if there is any problem, I can document it. I shoot all sides of the packing to show any signs of damage...

All sides below, the packing looked OK... Note it is still sealed...

The inside looks OK, so far so good!

I opened the trunk and it was latched so no movement would have been alowed, and the lid did a funny twist, The left hinge was broke.

More shots of the break, the entire hinge shot... Luckily, it turns out the seller lives about 10 miles from me and I sent him a note as to where does he live so we can exchange the trunk...

Got a new trunk today! Guy was a good guy! I showed him the broken hinge and explained I think it broke from taking a shock and the hardware inside the trunk was flying loose, the brackets and bolts. I think that hardware hit the lid and broke the hinge, it needs to be secured or packed outside the trunk!

Thanksgiving 09

2009-11-26T18:30:00.001-08:00

Pics are from top to bottom, click on a pic for a larger pic, text for a pic is under the pic.

Thanksgiving 09 and the family is getting scattered so a small gathering, but it was fun and food Great! Thanks Mom!!!

We have the bird!!! Looking great! Nice and juicy!

The apple crisp...

Almost ready to go....

Nice setting.... Cranberry sauce, gravy, potatoes fruit salad, stuffing... speakin' of being stuffed!!!! GBG Then it was time for the apple crisp! Whew, this is gonna look bad tomorrow... when the numbers go up on the scale!

Amy was NOT up for a pic... GBG

Ok, now she is!

Great meal and I hope you all had as good! It sounded like Mike got a bird about the size of a horse!!! GBG Apparently a large one! Ahhh, leftovers... Dad

RubyII - Clearview +3" wider windshield / Fairing!!!!

2009-10-27T19:55:00.000-07:00

Pics are from top to bottom, click on a pic for a larger pic, text for a pic is under the pic.

OK, when I got my sweet (again!!) Ruby, it had been pretty badly trashed, and the windshield was part of it.

It had scratches and a film all over it and when the sun shined on it, it became opaque and there was nothing I could do about it... but replace it...

I read a post on VROC, and other than ALR and PGR, my home away from home..... I seem to have a lot of them???!!! GBG (VROC, Vulcan Riders and Owners Club, I ride a Kaw)

About the post.... Clearview Windshields, they are a tad thicker, 3/16 -vs- 1/8, don't make me do the math! GBG Well, they say they are 1" wider and have a recursive lip on top, it curls up and shoots the air stream a bit higher.

Well, I got to thinking... this normally where my problems begin, sigh... So I emailed and called the Clearview folks, real fine folks and will work with you! Their shield was .... later in the post...

I asked him... I want it 3" wider! I measured my front end and thought that would take the shield out to my hand guards, and life would be MUCH better in colder weather!

So I ordered the stock 19" high as the height of my stock shield was fine and 3" wider.

The guy I worked with, He lives and works about 8500 feet up the hill outside Denver:

John Lauk

Clearview Shields
303-838-0886
800-798-6089
info@clearviewshields.com

OK, I wanted a comparison.. Here is the old shield.. if you look, there is a gap between the shield and my hand guards, enough the air peals back and focuses on my hands, the guards will stop rocks, rain, and big bugs... not air.. in the cold, not nice.

A better pic of the left side...

Right side...

You can see how bad that shield is.. shine some bright sun or headlights and it goes brilliant glow and not nice.

Here is my new shield!!! Can you see me now!!!!

The old shield on top of the new one... folks putting that new one in the brackets was one HUGE PITA!!!! They wanted me to put a rubber insulator in the center of the plastic... Now you think about it... sheets of steel above and below, threading screws and the only way to get the inserts in was bare plastic, they would NOT fit thru any metal brackets!!! PITA ALERT!!!! Got 'er done!!!!!! My back was killing me!!!

Right side overlap....

..guess... GBG

Well, now what do we have here!!!??? Lookin' fine and as you can see, the shield overlaps my hand guards. These are like most of 'um, an angle bracket that fastens to the bottom of the brake / clutch pivot, and some formed plastic, these were for a Valk, but they are pretty much alike...

Actually the shield tho' measuring a bit less than the old one was a tad taller... The recursive lip goes straight up -vs- continuing back, kinda surprised me.

Right side overlap....

Left side... it's close, but I'll bet the overshoot will be OK, and if not, I can tweak the guard bracket a bit...

I can see CLEARLY now... I guess it's time for the rain to fall.. GBG

I didn't waste ANY time in getting the first mark so I wouldn't have to worry about it... sigh...#$&!#)*%!#)_*%!_*

The shield held it's own... drew some blood...

Done right???!!! Oh, pshaw... went to put on my Edmund's lowers.... clunk... it went out further and the dreaded interference... #*%!#_)*%!#)

OK, I've cut shields 3 times, and my lowers once, its real easy, get a good jigsaw, a 21 - 24T metal blade, new or in good condition, and it will go thru the plastic like a hot knife thru butter...

Got out the wife's French Curve and plotted a line, after I coated the lower with blue painters tape, so it wouldn't leave glue residue, and marked it off... CLUNK! ... round 2, cut 2... it's easy going shorter.... it worked!

So I turned it over on top of the other one, with tape already on, drew the line and rip!

Clean, sandpaper and done!!!!

As you can see..... I cut 'er a tad close....

Went to my ALR meeting tonight, winds close to 40 mph, and got the hell blown out of me!!! GBG 40 mph wind into a 70 mph scoot will get blown around!!! Did with my old shield too!! Seriously, it was fine, I kept a tight grip in the high winds, fearing a "sail" effect and it did not happen... The ride was fine and I think I've got a winner! Thanks John!

Hey!!! I like it!!! Between my shield / FAIRING, and lowers and chaps... I got a much better ride.. Did I say "I can see clearly now!!!" GBG

IBM Plant Site and Bike Trail

2009-09-01T15:17:00.000-07:00

Pics are from top to bottom, click on a pic for a larger pic, text for a pic is under the pic.

Well, I was playing and messed the blog up, sorry, I was on a ride to take some pics of the old IBM site and my bike trail. Started at the corner of Monterey where Walmart shopping center is, needed something there, and then headed across the road...

View Larger Map

If you click on the View Larger Map, you will be inside Google Maps and you can move around and do the "Google Map" thing.

This is across the street, where you turn off Monterey left to go over to 101, and the Walmart shopping center is on the South East corner of the intersection.

Turned a bit left for another shot... I crossed the tracks here and went up Cottle to the main gate and turned left on Pok.

This is just inside the gate looking west along Cottle..

Turning left a bit, that is Bldg 010 I believe over yonder...

This is a turn around and looking east, if there was any part of 025 left, I missed it...

As you go in on Pok. the road bends left to go to Boulder, over to Endicott and right along the tracks.... Headed out the back to 099...

This is just a bit right of the park sigh, and that's 010.

This is where Boulder met End. and went along the tracks south.

This is where the road runs between 100 on the left and down the street a bit on the right...

005 ... I was shooting over a closed gate, this was the end of the road, so to speak... GBG

And I was right! 100

The souther I go, here is security / fire dept... 009

And something new being built...

A better pic, I had no clue what it was to be...

A little turn to the right and shot...

This is behind the new construction, with 050 in the back ground.

This is the back edge of the plant and the farm begins.

The orchard...

The road south headed to 099.

'member how the road went around 099? Well, it got chomped and it now goes straight along the tracks.

Like this.... And that's that for IBM...

Not on to my bike trail! I always wanted to take some pics of the terrible trail I HAVE to ride on, and here I was zooming thru with a camera and I said to self, HOLD ON THAR!!!

This is the trail with Coleman on my back and Almaden about a block to the right, looking out over Almaden Lake. Quite nice and they have some BIG 'UN'S in there! I've seen some monsters! I've seen some 28" and 10" round Black Bass, dame big things, that folks have caught, that is in the perk pond I'll show in a bit...

There's a little island in the middle that the birds like.

This is to the right, you can see Mt Umunhum in the back ground with the flat top where the old radar building sits. They're trying to open it up and make it a park, and I will try to be the first up there!

I'm now on the north side of Coleman, under an overpass and this is the backside of the lake. It is currently 5' higher than in the winter months, why they do this I have not a clue, but the damn damn is coming up...

The fisher folks like this place, even tho they have quicksilver warnings all over the place, lawyer signs, I call 'um...

If you look close, you can see the damn damn the water is just at the edge, and the panels that are in place are over 5' high...

They're propped up with logs, come December, they'll let the lake go down and take them down, and put them back up around April. Go figure....

This is the perk pond I was talking about. I saw one guy bash a huge fish head on the side of that cement pump house / control gate thingamajig... That's highway 85 just west of 87 interchange.

The pond goes over around the land mass.

Look at that water! Crystal Clear!

This the other side of that land mass, if you look, there's a turtle swimming...

And another turtle on that edge piece floating on the water... I don't know why, but they line the perk ponds with these things, like a bunch of grass in netting, I don't have a clue as to why, and most of them wind up in the water eventually...

This is under 85 and next to Windfield and Thornwood

I saw a herd of ducks...

Turn out the lights! All good things must end some time, end of the path, now...

I have about a mile on this horrendously busy street! Actually, I'm standing over the wooden fence marking the end of Chynoweth, GBG It's a very nice path and I'm on virtually every day. On the south side of the lake, it goes out and I have different ride options that throw in some nice hills...

Grab on Grip Covers - stock grip covers

2009-08-27T16:48:00.000-07:00

Click on a pic for a larger pic, text for a pic is under the pic, for what it's worth the pics are from top to bottom.

OK, I like fatter softer grips than stock, and I'm cheap and lazy! That sets the stage for foam "grip covers". They feel softer, but not spongy as they are not very thick, just add a little bulk to the stock grips. They feel great! And they are cheaper and easier to the Kury fix... The stock bars grips are 1 3/8" diameter and with the over grips they are 1 5/8".

I had them on Goldie, and they did not "transfer" very well, I tore one trying to reinstall it. I looked and could not find them at our local bike shop and went on line, most sites wanted $12.50 and $10 bucks to ship one set.. So I went web hunting and found the source....

Grab on Grips sales@grabongrips.com
350 E Beech Ave
Walla Walla, Wa 99362
509 529 9800

They cost $12.50 and I got 2 sets. They charged me a whole 2 bucks for shipping!

The ones I got were MC402 Grip Covers - blk - fits 1.25 - 1.45 OD stock grips and they are 5.0" long. My stock grips were 1.375".

If you look the dot that's punched out it is for the desc. I typed, they also have 4.25" long grip covers that fit 1.25 - 1.45, the ones I got, 4.25" long Grip covers fits 1.45 - 1.65 OD grips and 5.0" long grip covers fits 1.45 - 1.65 grips.

They work for heated grips also. The install says to use hair spray.. I've used foam slip on grips on my cranky machine for years... lots of water is the secret, get 'um real wet and keep 'um wet! They are not going anywhere after they dry, and that is real quick!

As you start them on, grip them with your thumb and first finger, squeeze and make a twisting and pushing motion, keep 'um wet, and they will work up and onto the stock grips.

As you can see, they cover the entire grip, from the chrome step down to the end of the handlebar... you might try the shorter ones if you like shiny stuff...I'd rather have the grip.

If you look, the normal step down from the chrome ring is gone, the grip is now level to a bit thicker than the inside ring.

Here is a stock grip, and you can see the inside grip step down...

What I like is it butts up to the chrome ring and does NOT interfere with my Vista Cruise throttle lock, and you don't have to mess with it to make it work...

Like I said, cheap and easy.. they feel great! JM2C + FWIW