Due to it being the 4th of July Weekend, and due to the fact that every burb and one horse town will be having parades...there is no actual ride this Sunday.
But...
If you want to play...
Meet Tom at Dunkin on 32 at 10am. We is going to go out and play, if you need slow speed practice, high speed practice, braking practice, or just want to have a good time....join him
Sunday's thang will only be for a few hours, but it beats sitting at home watching the grass grow...or worse...m..m...m..mmm..mmmmowing...mowing it.
.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
If you're not doing anything Saturday...
I can help you out. how would you like to spend the day in beautiful New London and get paid to do it?
All you need to do is drive down to that beautiful city and be at 543 Colman Street before 8am and plan on staying the day
Let me know if your interested, because I would rather not be there....I hate working Saturdays.
All you need to do is drive down to that beautiful city and be at 543 Colman Street before 8am and plan on staying the day
Let me know if your interested, because I would rather not be there....I hate working Saturdays.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
From the Road Guard Captain
Calling for a Drill Team Practice for 4:00pm Saturday, July 2nd, at the Clubhouse in preparation of the 4th of July Parade in Groton. All must attend or practice will have to be canceled. Please respond to the Road Guard Captain ASAP if you cannot attend.
OH Yeah...one last note on the Tee Contest.
I had one person guess "Brenda" as the person in the suit.
When I asked how you figured it was Brenda the answer was.
From the angle the person looks short, and..
HE STANDS LIKE A GIRL.
When I asked how you figured it was Brenda the answer was.
From the angle the person looks short, and..
HE STANDS LIKE A GIRL.
So..how many people tried enlarging the face?
I know of two people who tried to enlarge the Chris Lloret picture to see who was in the helmet...couldn't do it could you, that's because I am not nice.
Chris was making a face in the mask, and the shield gave a little image deflection...but I still saw Chris
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klay
Chris was making a face in the mask, and the shield gave a little image deflection...but I still saw Chris
So what I did is take a picture of a skull, almost a ghost image, played with contrast and Gamma then laid it in the mask. Once it was there I highlighted the middle to lower center part and used Irfanview to give it a pixel explosion.
I've roughly drawn the skull outlines over the bottom, the most detectable area is ... the teeth
NEW LONDON CT. HELMET LAW.
Eddie ######### 27, of ## Mountain Ave., Apt. 3, was charged Sunday with reckless endangerment, two counts of reckless driving, traveling unreasonably fast, failure to carry insurance, engaging officer in pursuit, improper exhaust and not wearing a helmet
I HOPE THEY MIS-PRINTED THE PERPS AGE.
BECAUSE IF HE REALLY IS 27...WHY DOES HE NEED A HELMET?
(DID SOMEONE PASS A LAW WHILE I WAS SLEEPING?)
klay
I HOPE THEY MIS-PRINTED THE PERPS AGE.
BECAUSE IF HE REALLY IS 27...WHY DOES HE NEED A HELMET?
(DID SOMEONE PASS A LAW WHILE I WAS SLEEPING?)
klay
Monday, June 27, 2011
We have the answer for the Tee Shirt contest
I had a few different answers but the correct one was actually answered by two people.
Honorable mention goes to Evert for guessing correctly at 7:10am
But he was beat out by the Natales at 5:53am (Who gets up at that time of day to read the blog? Brings tears to my eyes)
While I had a few people answer Rich Woodhall, I can say you were close, the truck is Rich's and Rich took the picture, but the unlucky soul in the suit is Chris Lloret.
So which ever of the Natales sent me that E-mail, the shirt is yours. See Mister Dunn to collect. Oh yeah... next time...sign the E-mail so I can prove which one of you is more intelligent. (I have my suspicion)
klay
Honorable mention goes to Evert for guessing correctly at 7:10am
But he was beat out by the Natales at 5:53am (Who gets up at that time of day to read the blog? Brings tears to my eyes)
While I had a few people answer Rich Woodhall, I can say you were close, the truck is Rich's and Rich took the picture, but the unlucky soul in the suit is Chris Lloret.
So which ever of the Natales sent me that E-mail, the shirt is yours. See Mister Dunn to collect. Oh yeah... next time...sign the E-mail so I can prove which one of you is more intelligent. (I have my suspicion)
Can you see the scruffiness?
klay
DON'T RIDE IN THE RAIN!!! At least not in Groton
While you were on the reason to ride, and I was at work, Carey was cruising down 184 in Groton Ct. heading for Stonington. As he turned onto rte 27 the bike hit oil under the water. The bike went one way and he and his wife the other. The fire department arrived, the ambulance arrived, (took his wife), and the police came. Both Police departments. One of the Cops, having not been there during the accident had the psychic ability to tell what had happened and issued Carey a ticket for excessive speed due to conditions. Carey talking with the other Police was not happy, as a matter of fact those officers found it quizzical. When Carey told the cop he wasn't going fast when the incident happened, the Officer said, well, it must have been too fast or it wouldn't have happened. Carey asked the officer if he rode a bike. The Officer said, "No, but if I did, I wouldn't ride it in the rain."
There is a statement of intelligence.
So the way I see it, if you are riding in Groton and it starts to rain, you had better pull over and park, because you may not want a ticket.
klay
There is a statement of intelligence.
So the way I see it, if you are riding in Groton and it starts to rain, you had better pull over and park, because you may not want a ticket.
klay
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Up coming events
Thu. 06/30/11 - Mystery Ride
- AOB: 6:30pm David's Place, Rte 85
Sat. 07/02/11 - Membership Re-Union Party
Clubhouse & Property Clean Up Day
Relocate parking barriers- relocate lumber
Finish back nailing T-1-11 & minor nailing
7:00am breakfast Herb's 8:00am Clubhouse
Sun. 07/03/11 - Club Ride (destination to be determined)
AOB: 10:00am Dunkin Donut's unless later
posted with a different location.
Mon. 07/04/11 - Parade & Party
Groton 4th of July Parade
AOB: 8:45am Dairy Queen US Rte 1 Groton
Honor Guard Wear w/short sleeves, ascot hat.
Reg. white t-shirt, black pants, black helmet
or ball cap if you don't have the HG gear.
Have water and lotion with you.
Pot Luck Party at the Rubenstein Resort
29 Savi Ave, Waterford, Ct. off US Rte 1 @ noon
bring swimsuit & towels. Rick will be at the 06/02
meeting with a list of what is needed.
Tue. 07/05/11 - NLMC Middlesex County Dinner Ride
AOB: 6:00pm Dunkin Donuts, US Rte 1, Old Saybrook
Run to the Ivoryton Pub for the best burgers on earth
It is also a pleasant relaxing ride to get there.
Wed. 07/06/11 - Fire Inspection at the Clubhouse
Thu. 07/07/11 - Memorial Service at Jordan Cemetary, Waterford, Ct
for the passing of the 2nd President of the NLMC.
Awaiting specific details from our Club Security Officer
Jim Sullivan.
Sat. 07/09/11 - Scarritt's Annual Sailfest Firework's Party
486 Pequot Avenue, New London, on the water
Streets into the city downtown close at 5:00pm after that
take Ocean Ave to the end left for Pequot, water side
Ride your bike to minimize parking weather permitting
Optional - bring a dish. I suspect a sign may be involved
FYI - We have been selling window locations in the new 3 season room. $ 100.00 per storm window and $ 150.00 per storm door. You get your name memorialized on a plate "donated by" at that window sill, or over a doorway. There are 5 window spots left. Take a marker pen and wright your name at a window space, then pay the treasurer.
The Treasurer is now accepting payment to confirm your donation.
Want to win a free Blessing Tee Shirt?
So do I...but I can't
BUT HERE'S HOW YOU CAN
Just take a look at the photo below
BUT HERE'S HOW YOU CAN
Just take a look at the photo below
Just let me know who it is
First person to tell me gets a shirt.
It's that easy.
klay
There are 4 people who are exempt from this, and you know who you are
I can't report on the Chicken run...
But I can say the air show was fantastic, and I have the sun burn to prove it. I was suppose to have a rider, but the night before she called and said she wouldn't be able to make it. (A friends daughter, if anyone remembers the blond from the ride to the "Middle of Nowhere" a couple years ago, you should remember she's the girl that had most of the club thinking I was a pervert dating a 18 year old). So without a rider I headed down to the Equinox for breakfast, Talked with Bonnie,(she will be stopping by for a Thursday night ride sometime and may join).
From there I headed across Ct. and Rhode Island on back roads. I didn't hit any traffic until rte 1 right at Davisville, then it was bumper to bumper all the way in. I knew the heat wasn't doing the bike any good when it switched to single cylinder-air pump mode. I jumped on the shoulder and stayed there til the rotary. I was joined by another bike, he was Navy, his bike (sport) was running so hot that he was going in circles around the rotary to keep it cool. I jumped on the shoulder again and as I progressed along I accumulated bikes. By the time I arrived at General parking there were 6 others behind me. The MP's directed us to VIP parking at the gate.
The show was great, Red Bull's stunt helicopter was amazing, the pilot is the only pilot in America allowed to fly stunts with a helicopter. Believe me, seeing a helo do barrel rolls and loops is outstanding. There were a number of WWII era aircraft on hand flying, including a Mustang. The Mustang and an F15 performed what they call a heritage flight, the Mustang running full and a F15 running at stall flying in formation together.
The Blue Angels put on a great show even though there was a long delay in the middle of the show because one of the aircraft (#l) had technical problems, it came in and parked, as it did the Commander throttled it up sending a dust cloud across the golf course engulfing (or would it be en-golfing) some golfers. Once he jumped in jet #7 he was back up and the show went on.
Tom would have been proud. I think if he had gone he would have been taking notes and trying to figure out how to do it with bikes.
The show attracted such a crowd that they had to close the roads coming in and shut down the gates. They said over the speakers that if you know someone on the way to call them up and turn them around. The traffic jam coming in stretched out of the former base, up the access road, up rte 4, and I-95 was at a stand still.
Leaving I decided to use the between cars run and found that most cars actually moved over to let me pass, once again I gained bikes. On the access road we were running in the left shoulder, Some guy in a car yelled out the window that it wasn't a lane, As I passed him I brought the bikes back into a lane, just as I did so two RI State Police motor cops waved to us and instructed us to move to the right shoulder an run at speed there. (Two wheels IS better than 4) We cleared a lot of traffic. At the junction with route 4, I headed to rte 4 south, looking off the bridge the north bound side of 4 was dead stopped as cages tried to get back towards 95.
I hit rte 4 south and was about the only one on the highway. I flew down to rte 2, onto 102 and had a clear road up to rte 3. I took 3 through Hopkinton then jumped on back roads into Clarks Falls. Then ran up Denison Hill and Putker, ran across rte 49, and jumped on Grindstone Hill and Hangman Hill to Chester Main over to Wyassup. If you have never had a bike on these roads I suggest you take a little trip up there, the scenery is fantastic with Farms and a Vineyard and the roads have a lot of twists and turns, but I suggest you keep an eye out for Cow excrement and SAND. I found some sand on Putker and had the back of the bike kick out. (If you want to see this area go to Google Maps and search Jonathan Edwards winery)
Then it was down through North Stonington, a stop for Gas then I ran State Highway 627, Truthfully I didn't know that road had a number until after I got home, from there it was rte 201 to Jeremy Hill and Taugwonk. Passing under I-95 I noticed that the highway wasn't moving, at all, traffic was dead stopped. Down rte 234 to Deans Mill, this is that one car wide road that is bi-directional with a double yellow line down the middle, (go figure). Jerry Brown road took me back to the Equinox and supper.
A really great day. I have to say I was good today, The National Guard borrowed my cigarette lighter because they had problems with their grilles for the after show party for the military and I gave away my spare kickstand spring and let the tools needed to install it to a Ultra Classic owner that sheared his off on a curb when they directed him off it to park.
Let's see, wierd things, at an airshow with tons of people, so many that the access was closed, I found myself standing in line for food with two people I work with, Rob and Carl, what are the chances of that?
Then the second Wierd thing, on Putker road, I came across two people with a Ultra Classic out in a field. A field in the middle of nowhere...I don't know...maybe they were having a picnic or something.
klay
From there I headed across Ct. and Rhode Island on back roads. I didn't hit any traffic until rte 1 right at Davisville, then it was bumper to bumper all the way in. I knew the heat wasn't doing the bike any good when it switched to single cylinder-air pump mode. I jumped on the shoulder and stayed there til the rotary. I was joined by another bike, he was Navy, his bike (sport) was running so hot that he was going in circles around the rotary to keep it cool. I jumped on the shoulder again and as I progressed along I accumulated bikes. By the time I arrived at General parking there were 6 others behind me. The MP's directed us to VIP parking at the gate.
The show was great, Red Bull's stunt helicopter was amazing, the pilot is the only pilot in America allowed to fly stunts with a helicopter. Believe me, seeing a helo do barrel rolls and loops is outstanding. There were a number of WWII era aircraft on hand flying, including a Mustang. The Mustang and an F15 performed what they call a heritage flight, the Mustang running full and a F15 running at stall flying in formation together.
The Blue Angels put on a great show even though there was a long delay in the middle of the show because one of the aircraft (#l) had technical problems, it came in and parked, as it did the Commander throttled it up sending a dust cloud across the golf course engulfing (or would it be en-golfing) some golfers. Once he jumped in jet #7 he was back up and the show went on.
Tom would have been proud. I think if he had gone he would have been taking notes and trying to figure out how to do it with bikes.
The show attracted such a crowd that they had to close the roads coming in and shut down the gates. They said over the speakers that if you know someone on the way to call them up and turn them around. The traffic jam coming in stretched out of the former base, up the access road, up rte 4, and I-95 was at a stand still.
Leaving I decided to use the between cars run and found that most cars actually moved over to let me pass, once again I gained bikes. On the access road we were running in the left shoulder, Some guy in a car yelled out the window that it wasn't a lane, As I passed him I brought the bikes back into a lane, just as I did so two RI State Police motor cops waved to us and instructed us to move to the right shoulder an run at speed there. (Two wheels IS better than 4) We cleared a lot of traffic. At the junction with route 4, I headed to rte 4 south, looking off the bridge the north bound side of 4 was dead stopped as cages tried to get back towards 95.
I hit rte 4 south and was about the only one on the highway. I flew down to rte 2, onto 102 and had a clear road up to rte 3. I took 3 through Hopkinton then jumped on back roads into Clarks Falls. Then ran up Denison Hill and Putker, ran across rte 49, and jumped on Grindstone Hill and Hangman Hill to Chester Main over to Wyassup. If you have never had a bike on these roads I suggest you take a little trip up there, the scenery is fantastic with Farms and a Vineyard and the roads have a lot of twists and turns, but I suggest you keep an eye out for Cow excrement and SAND. I found some sand on Putker and had the back of the bike kick out. (If you want to see this area go to Google Maps and search Jonathan Edwards winery)
Then it was down through North Stonington, a stop for Gas then I ran State Highway 627, Truthfully I didn't know that road had a number until after I got home, from there it was rte 201 to Jeremy Hill and Taugwonk. Passing under I-95 I noticed that the highway wasn't moving, at all, traffic was dead stopped. Down rte 234 to Deans Mill, this is that one car wide road that is bi-directional with a double yellow line down the middle, (go figure). Jerry Brown road took me back to the Equinox and supper.
A really great day. I have to say I was good today, The National Guard borrowed my cigarette lighter because they had problems with their grilles for the after show party for the military and I gave away my spare kickstand spring and let the tools needed to install it to a Ultra Classic owner that sheared his off on a curb when they directed him off it to park.
Let's see, wierd things, at an airshow with tons of people, so many that the access was closed, I found myself standing in line for food with two people I work with, Rob and Carl, what are the chances of that?
Then the second Wierd thing, on Putker road, I came across two people with a Ultra Classic out in a field. A field in the middle of nowhere...I don't know...maybe they were having a picnic or something.
klay
Friday, June 24, 2011
Recap of last nights meeting
This is for those of you whe were not there (like me)
Pledge
Silence
Roll Call
Secretary' report ...No Report
Treasures report...Probably said something about money
Presidents report...probably short but had something under good of the club
Webmanager talked about the webpage
News manager was quiet
Vice Pres Report...Probably short because of Jet Lag
2nd VP...went through the counties probably had this Sundays ride on his mind
Honor Guard Captain: talked about up coming parade
Road Captain...most likely talked about the Oxford ride (with comments about the American Heart association). Then moved on to the Sunday Ride, requesting Road Guards
Road Guard Captains report: Most likely said will need road guards for Sunday and 4th of July Drill team practice.
Then they talked about Old Business and New business
Good of the club most likely started some secondary conversations.
Motion to adjourn, seconded
Chatter,
Everyone jumped in their cars, headed home or to Dunkin.
Am I close?
Pledge
Silence
Roll Call
Secretary' report ...No Report
Treasures report...Probably said something about money
Presidents report...probably short but had something under good of the club
Webmanager talked about the webpage
News manager was quiet
Vice Pres Report...Probably short because of Jet Lag
2nd VP...went through the counties probably had this Sundays ride on his mind
Honor Guard Captain: talked about up coming parade
Road Captain...most likely talked about the Oxford ride (with comments about the American Heart association). Then moved on to the Sunday Ride, requesting Road Guards
Road Guard Captains report: Most likely said will need road guards for Sunday and 4th of July Drill team practice.
Then they talked about Old Business and New business
Good of the club most likely started some secondary conversations.
Motion to adjourn, seconded
Chatter,
Everyone jumped in their cars, headed home or to Dunkin.
Am I close?
Thursday, June 23, 2011
THE SUNDAY RIDE !!!
Why did the Chicken cross the road? DANA
Which came first, the chicken or the egg? The egg, cuz if the chicken was around DANA would have eaten it.
Some people can't just go for a ride on their bike...SOME people need a reason... DANA is one of those people... So DANA here you go...
Sunday is "DANA'S REASON TO RIDE"
Yes!!! The club is headed north east, into the wilds of Rhode Island, They will leave Dunkin at 10:00am and head east into Groton and pickup anyone from that area at 10:20am at New England Cycle Works, for those of you who don't know, that would be, The Honda Shop on route 184. From there they will proceed east and north, crossing over water into Rhode Island. (there is water somewhere there right? I mean how can it be Rhode Island if it isn't surrounded by water?)
The Club is heading to that mythical place where the pasta and salad flows freely, ice tea arrives by the drum full, and thousands of Chickens meet (meat) their deaths daily.
So get on your bike, join the ride, and find out what DANA can do to a defenseless bird, or two...or three dozen.
WRIGHT CHICKEN FARM where the birds are slaughtered wholesale.
klay
Which came first, the chicken or the egg? The egg, cuz if the chicken was around DANA would have eaten it.
Some people can't just go for a ride on their bike...SOME people need a reason... DANA is one of those people... So DANA here you go...
Sunday is "DANA'S REASON TO RIDE"
Yes!!! The club is headed north east, into the wilds of Rhode Island, They will leave Dunkin at 10:00am and head east into Groton and pickup anyone from that area at 10:20am at New England Cycle Works, for those of you who don't know, that would be, The Honda Shop on route 184. From there they will proceed east and north, crossing over water into Rhode Island. (there is water somewhere there right? I mean how can it be Rhode Island if it isn't surrounded by water?)
The Club is heading to that mythical place where the pasta and salad flows freely, ice tea arrives by the drum full, and thousands of Chickens meet (meat) their deaths daily.
So get on your bike, join the ride, and find out what DANA can do to a defenseless bird, or two...or three dozen.
WRIGHT CHICKEN FARM where the birds are slaughtered wholesale.
klay
The Thursday mystery ride.
The Road captain will not be leading tonights ride. AND I happen to know at least one Road Seargent that is also not leading tonights ride.
So if you want to go, the first thing I suggest is maybe looking out the window.
Cuz that stuff falling from the sky is called rain.
If you still want to ride I might suggest a helmet and a rain suit.
klay
And About my new BMW bike...
While it might be better known for vehicles of the motorized variety, for over 60 years BMW has also been manufacturing a range of high-end bicycles. The company’s new 2011 range provides something for everyone – or at least everyone with a well stocked wallet – with a Cruise Bike, Touring Bike and a couple of mountain bikes.
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How do you like those Spoked wheels?
So if you want to go, the first thing I suggest is maybe looking out the window.
Cuz that stuff falling from the sky is called rain.
If you still want to ride I might suggest a helmet and a rain suit.
klay
And About my new BMW bike...
While it might be better known for vehicles of the motorized variety, for over 60 years BMW has also been manufacturing a range of high-end bicycles. The company’s new 2011 range provides something for everyone – or at least everyone with a well stocked wallet – with a Cruise Bike, Touring Bike and a couple of mountain bikes.
How do you like those Spoked wheels?
What cards in your wallet?
Index Card
***************************************************************
Credit Card
********************************************************
Playing Card
*****************************************************
Tarot Card
**************************************************
Sierra Card
I have the last
klay
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Everyone's riding new bikes...
One of our members picked up a new Harley, Had it here yesterday. Wolfie got himself the bike that the guy with the new Harley had.
And Today...
I bought a new Bike myself...
a cruiser, the BMW T6
It is blue and white, the frame is Hydro-formed and powdercoated.
klay
And Today...
I bought a new Bike myself...
a cruiser, the BMW T6
It is blue and white, the frame is Hydro-formed and powdercoated.
klay
Monday, June 20, 2011
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Two firsts tonight
First, I locked my shed tonight.. I normally don't. I usually just drop the lock through the hasp and that's it.
Second, I have never ever carried my keys on the bike. They usually stay in my pocket, Tonight though..I put them in the pouch on the windshield.
So you can see how my night went.
Want to hear about last night?
I got home yesterday at 330pm, parked the bike, went in the house. I had supper, and watched a movie. Three and a half hours later a Little kid came to my back door, the neighbors boy, cute little kid. "Hey Mister Beebe, The lights on on your bike."
These are not the words you want to hear...ever. Could be worse I guess, I could have gone out to start it this morning and have he tell me, "Mister Beebe, your headlight was on last night...but it went out by itself". yeah...that would have been worse.
As it was, I hit the run switch and the bike went werrr.......whoooom. For a second I thought I was going to have to use the jumper cables.
klay
Second, I have never ever carried my keys on the bike. They usually stay in my pocket, Tonight though..I put them in the pouch on the windshield.
So you can see how my night went.
Want to hear about last night?
I got home yesterday at 330pm, parked the bike, went in the house. I had supper, and watched a movie. Three and a half hours later a Little kid came to my back door, the neighbors boy, cute little kid. "Hey Mister Beebe, The lights on on your bike."
These are not the words you want to hear...ever. Could be worse I guess, I could have gone out to start it this morning and have he tell me, "Mister Beebe, your headlight was on last night...but it went out by itself". yeah...that would have been worse.
As it was, I hit the run switch and the bike went werrr.......whoooom. For a second I thought I was going to have to use the jumper cables.
klay
This may call for a video
Sunday's ride was to the great state of Massachusetts and Carl's Oxford Diner. A good ride up, rte 395, a better ride back, rte 12. It was a wonderful day as far as the weather was concerned, high 70s low 80's no humidity. I think I'll may make a video.
Surprise vibrating seat
Woodhall's new ride
Some Guy hanging out with the little girls on the swings
klay
Saturday, June 18, 2011
This isn't a Party!!! Where's the Cake?!!
The Last vestiges of winter were removed yesterday when a small group of members got together for a party. Most were there early and suffered the rain but that would clear up and leave a gray damp day. I arrived around noon or so with a "box of Joe" only to find that it really wasn't a party...there was no music, no ice cream and no cake, but there were a lot of nuts, bolts and screws.
The shed that was lost to the snow last year at Ricks has been replaced with a new shed. We finished up around 3:30 or so leaving the kids with the last roof panel and a group of trim boards to finish installing. It was a small turn-out but any more would have been too many.
As with all construction kits there is always a lot of left over hardware, yesterday there was even a few left over construction pieces, a bracket or two, the odd brace, a couple support pieces. These lead to blank expressions, re-reading instructions, and some scratching of the head. But at the end it was decided the best thing to do was to save them, maybe someday if the building has a sag or a list the reason these items were included with the kit may become understood.
klay
The shed that was lost to the snow last year at Ricks has been replaced with a new shed. We finished up around 3:30 or so leaving the kids with the last roof panel and a group of trim boards to finish installing. It was a small turn-out but any more would have been too many.
As with all construction kits there is always a lot of left over hardware, yesterday there was even a few left over construction pieces, a bracket or two, the odd brace, a couple support pieces. These lead to blank expressions, re-reading instructions, and some scratching of the head. But at the end it was decided the best thing to do was to save them, maybe someday if the building has a sag or a list the reason these items were included with the kit may become understood.
klay
Friday, June 17, 2011
Upcoming Events
Friday, June 17th, 2011
Rick Hazlett could use some help putting together his shelf. If you are able to come, they are starting work at 9:00 am. He says to bring "tools." I do not know what he needs.
Saturday, June 18th, 2011At the request of the Road Guard Captain, there will be a practice scheduled for all Road Guards and Drill Team. If you are interested in being a Road Guard, this practice is for you as well.
Meeting: Wal-Marts in Waterford at 1:00 pm.
Sunday, June 19th, 2011Ride of the Week.
Oxford Diner
Meet: Dunkin Donuts Route 32
AOB: 10:00 AM
Remember to bring helmets because we will be traveling to Massachusetts.
Monday, July 4th, 2011Groton Fourth of July Parade.
Parade starts at 10:00 am.
The meet time is TBA.
Thursday, July 7th, 2011Honor Guard Mission for a past President.
Service is at 11:00 am in Waterford.
Meet time is TBA
Also, reminder. If you are planning on traveling to Niagara Falls with us and still need to get either a passport or pass card, I suggest you do that now. They take some time to get back. The longer you wait, the less chance you will have to go on this trip. I consider this trip to be the trip of the year.
Rick Hazlett could use some help putting together his shelf. If you are able to come, they are starting work at 9:00 am. He says to bring "tools." I do not know what he needs.
Saturday, June 18th, 2011At the request of the Road Guard Captain, there will be a practice scheduled for all Road Guards and Drill Team. If you are interested in being a Road Guard, this practice is for you as well.
Meeting: Wal-Marts in Waterford at 1:00 pm.
Sunday, June 19th, 2011Ride of the Week.
Oxford Diner
Meet: Dunkin Donuts Route 32
AOB: 10:00 AM
Remember to bring helmets because we will be traveling to Massachusetts.
Monday, July 4th, 2011Groton Fourth of July Parade.
Parade starts at 10:00 am.
The meet time is TBA.
Thursday, July 7th, 2011Honor Guard Mission for a past President.
Service is at 11:00 am in Waterford.
Meet time is TBA
Also, reminder. If you are planning on traveling to Niagara Falls with us and still need to get either a passport or pass card, I suggest you do that now. They take some time to get back. The longer you wait, the less chance you will have to go on this trip. I consider this trip to be the trip of the year.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
To those who received the Email blog blasts
If you read the blog, you may have noticed that there are postings but no E-mail hits to let you know of new postings. That is because blogger came up with a new system, Cell phone notifications. The new system, which I have not used, cleared out the E-mail system.
So once I get those loaded back in (if possible) the system will be back to normal. until then, you'll have to continue to just visit the web page.
klay
So once I get those loaded back in (if possible) the system will be back to normal. until then, you'll have to continue to just visit the web page.
klay
Another great day on vacaction
Today I am conferring with a lawyer, and running errands, The sun is shining, it is warm and wonderful, the bike is sitting outside enjoying the sun, and we are going nowhere until after 3pm today, so it sits.
the problem with the horn was water, I removed it, dumped the water out, stuck a paper towel up inside and now it no longer makes the gnrk sound, now its sort of an asthmatic nasal Gr-nn-blatnn.
Me thinks it it full of crap that was in the water.
klay
the problem with the horn was water, I removed it, dumped the water out, stuck a paper towel up inside and now it no longer makes the gnrk sound, now its sort of an asthmatic nasal Gr-nn-blatnn.
Me thinks it it full of crap that was in the water.
klay
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
A note about the last post
As I sat in Dunkin I called people I thought might like to take a ride today. Now I didn't bother with Danny and JR because I know they are at work, Danny won't take the time off to play hooky and JR has a real SOB of a boss and can't get the time off. Besides, if he actually called in sick and went on the ride, I'm pretty damn sure his boss would have found out. But, the reason I am writing this is because of all the lame excuses I recieved.
So come on people, the next time we hold a weekday, let's not be at work ride...Let's not be at Work...and RIDE!!!
klay
- Working
- Dentist Appointment
- Graduations
- building a proch
- I'm up near Hartford
- I'm in Indiana
So come on people, the next time we hold a weekday, let's not be at work ride...Let's not be at Work...and RIDE!!!
klay
"You made me scrape my plates"
First off I want to apologize to Mike, For some reason the reply I sent you about today...went nowhere. But...even though you didn't know about it...we waited for you.
My vacation.
Yes I am on vacation this week, let's see, I worked Saturday so the vacation started then...and...I was sick on Sunday and Monday. So I made arraignments to pick up a friend and ride on Tuesday..remember Tuesday? Come on...it was yesterday...and...That's Right!!!...It rained. So much for a ride. So I jumped in the cage, picked up my rider and we went to Cabelas and Hooters (Wethersfield)...and a ride. The sun did come out...just as I was dropping her off.
So.. let's get to today.
I woke up early and took the bike out for breakfast to visit a "friend", (yes a different one), she works. Dumb woman. Any how... I headed out on the highways and byways of this great state of ours, the weather was fantastic, 68 degrees and rising, dry, sun shining..absolutely brilliant. I arrived at her place of work and found out she is off today, (probably out on her Sportster cruising northern Ct). So I ate a little toast,(not crazy about liquid chickens), had a little coffee and set out on my own ride. Let's see I told Joe to meet me at Dunkin at 10am, I thought I told Mike to meet me also. Now...What to do with two hours on a beautiful day...oh yeah...leave a message on Danny's Cel to let him know what he's missing,(It's sort of a duty), and ride. So I cruised round Mystic, Noank and Groton, then proceeded up route 12 to the Mohegan Pequot bridge. On the way I learned something, Those signs along the road...the ones that say "Work area ahead" they are there for a reason. they let you know there may be a "hazard" ahead. Today's Hazard took the shape of the Utilities Company, in this case..The Water Department. In the area of Dow Chemical I noticed there was a lot of water on the road, and it was in the vicinity of a Hydrant. Ah-ha, they are flushing hydrants. Just up the road, past the Gales Ferry Firehouse there was a Water Company truck on the shoulder opposite my lane, there was a water department person standing off the shoulder on my side of the road, and there was a Fire Hydrant. The hydrant was shooting water onto the opposite lane and amazingly enough the water filled the entire road, I watched a car coming the other way and it took a hit from the water, water flew everywhere, it was great, Now I slowed a bit, probably not enough, and proceeded through, The water sprayed both directions as the front wheel plowed through, then I came across the actual stream of the hydrant, mind you it was not shooting in the air across the road it was more like a jet stream under the waters surface.
Have you ever had a hose in your hand and decide to put something in front of the stream? What happens? That's right!!! It sprays everywhere, Well, when you are on a bike and the water is streaming across the surface and you break the stream with oh..lets say...a motorcycle, there is only one place for the water to go....UP.
It felt like I was stepping over a geyser that decided to go off just as I was on top of it. The water went up...I felt like I was driving in a Swimming pool, (do I taste Chlorine?) Now on a hot summer day it probably would have been wonderful, but when it's in the high 60s and you are making a breeze, and everything you own is..dripping...it gets chilly fast. Oh yeah, the water ends up on your windshield, behind your windshield behind your glasses and ...up your nose. It was actually rather enjoyable at that moment...the rest of the ride wasn't. As I cleared the geyser the Water Company guy on the side of the road was just shaking his head.
I headed to Dunkin on 32 to await the arrival of Joe and Mike. I ordered a tea and went outside in the sun to dry. Joe arrived and ordered a Coolata and we waited for Mike. As mentioned in the first sentence Mike wasn't coming because I forgot to hit send on the mail message that said where and when. At 1015 we hit the road, 163, Chesterfield, Grassy Hill, around abouts to 154, 154 to Lyme where we saw two lines of motorcycles approaching, not just any bikes, these boys were rigid, and neat, and perfect, It was eight bikes of the Connecticut State Police, probably training. We headed up along the river then took the route that the Road Captain took us on, up hills down hills, corners curves bridges a big Buck, Yes a rather large animal crossed the road ahead of us just before we regained 154. We took 154 to 82 and followed the same route I took the guys on a week or so ago to Bidwells except that we went to... Bidwells. As we approached Cottage street from Doyle I could see Joe was going to miss the turn, so (following) I turned on my indicator and blew my horn. This would normally work, the person in front hears the horn, looks in his mirror, sees the turn indicator and adjusts the ride accordingly. And this would have worked, except...we believe because I drove through a Hydrant flush..my horn doesn't actually blow, it sort of goes "gnek" . So for the rest of the day I annoyed Joe with Gneks.
We did find that just about every winding twisty road we chose above route 6 had...a slow car on it. Cross road actually had a member of the undead driving a car ahead of us, I swear she was dust in a dress.
After Bidwells, Joe took us down 32 to 6 across to 97 down to 14, Then a right turn at Martellos down to 49, a left after Newent took us across to rte 12. We grabbed 395 across to Jewitt City and rte 138, stopped for fuel,(Victory motorcycles), then it was one back road after another across 165 down to 201. A left on 201 and up to 165, a right turn and we ended the ride at Buttonwood farms.
All in all a great day, I had the plates and kickstand sparking on a couple roads and I know Joe had a couple hits way back on Grassy hill. Because as we got to the end of that road he said," Hey,You made me scrape my plates"
klay
My vacation.
Yes I am on vacation this week, let's see, I worked Saturday so the vacation started then...and...I was sick on Sunday and Monday. So I made arraignments to pick up a friend and ride on Tuesday..remember Tuesday? Come on...it was yesterday...and...That's Right!!!...It rained. So much for a ride. So I jumped in the cage, picked up my rider and we went to Cabelas and Hooters (Wethersfield)...and a ride. The sun did come out...just as I was dropping her off.
So.. let's get to today.
I woke up early and took the bike out for breakfast to visit a "friend", (yes a different one), she works. Dumb woman. Any how... I headed out on the highways and byways of this great state of ours, the weather was fantastic, 68 degrees and rising, dry, sun shining..absolutely brilliant. I arrived at her place of work and found out she is off today, (probably out on her Sportster cruising northern Ct). So I ate a little toast,(not crazy about liquid chickens), had a little coffee and set out on my own ride. Let's see I told Joe to meet me at Dunkin at 10am, I thought I told Mike to meet me also. Now...What to do with two hours on a beautiful day...oh yeah...leave a message on Danny's Cel to let him know what he's missing,(It's sort of a duty), and ride. So I cruised round Mystic, Noank and Groton, then proceeded up route 12 to the Mohegan Pequot bridge. On the way I learned something, Those signs along the road...the ones that say "Work area ahead" they are there for a reason. they let you know there may be a "hazard" ahead. Today's Hazard took the shape of the Utilities Company, in this case..The Water Department. In the area of Dow Chemical I noticed there was a lot of water on the road, and it was in the vicinity of a Hydrant. Ah-ha, they are flushing hydrants. Just up the road, past the Gales Ferry Firehouse there was a Water Company truck on the shoulder opposite my lane, there was a water department person standing off the shoulder on my side of the road, and there was a Fire Hydrant. The hydrant was shooting water onto the opposite lane and amazingly enough the water filled the entire road, I watched a car coming the other way and it took a hit from the water, water flew everywhere, it was great, Now I slowed a bit, probably not enough, and proceeded through, The water sprayed both directions as the front wheel plowed through, then I came across the actual stream of the hydrant, mind you it was not shooting in the air across the road it was more like a jet stream under the waters surface.
Have you ever had a hose in your hand and decide to put something in front of the stream? What happens? That's right!!! It sprays everywhere, Well, when you are on a bike and the water is streaming across the surface and you break the stream with oh..lets say...a motorcycle, there is only one place for the water to go....UP.
It felt like I was stepping over a geyser that decided to go off just as I was on top of it. The water went up...I felt like I was driving in a Swimming pool, (do I taste Chlorine?) Now on a hot summer day it probably would have been wonderful, but when it's in the high 60s and you are making a breeze, and everything you own is..dripping...it gets chilly fast. Oh yeah, the water ends up on your windshield, behind your windshield behind your glasses and ...up your nose. It was actually rather enjoyable at that moment...the rest of the ride wasn't. As I cleared the geyser the Water Company guy on the side of the road was just shaking his head.
I headed to Dunkin on 32 to await the arrival of Joe and Mike. I ordered a tea and went outside in the sun to dry. Joe arrived and ordered a Coolata and we waited for Mike. As mentioned in the first sentence Mike wasn't coming because I forgot to hit send on the mail message that said where and when. At 1015 we hit the road, 163, Chesterfield, Grassy Hill, around abouts to 154, 154 to Lyme where we saw two lines of motorcycles approaching, not just any bikes, these boys were rigid, and neat, and perfect, It was eight bikes of the Connecticut State Police, probably training. We headed up along the river then took the route that the Road Captain took us on, up hills down hills, corners curves bridges a big Buck, Yes a rather large animal crossed the road ahead of us just before we regained 154. We took 154 to 82 and followed the same route I took the guys on a week or so ago to Bidwells except that we went to... Bidwells. As we approached Cottage street from Doyle I could see Joe was going to miss the turn, so (following) I turned on my indicator and blew my horn. This would normally work, the person in front hears the horn, looks in his mirror, sees the turn indicator and adjusts the ride accordingly. And this would have worked, except...we believe because I drove through a Hydrant flush..my horn doesn't actually blow, it sort of goes "gnek" . So for the rest of the day I annoyed Joe with Gneks.
We did find that just about every winding twisty road we chose above route 6 had...a slow car on it. Cross road actually had a member of the undead driving a car ahead of us, I swear she was dust in a dress.
After Bidwells, Joe took us down 32 to 6 across to 97 down to 14, Then a right turn at Martellos down to 49, a left after Newent took us across to rte 12. We grabbed 395 across to Jewitt City and rte 138, stopped for fuel,(Victory motorcycles), then it was one back road after another across 165 down to 201. A left on 201 and up to 165, a right turn and we ended the ride at Buttonwood farms.
All in all a great day, I had the plates and kickstand sparking on a couple roads and I know Joe had a couple hits way back on Grassy hill. Because as we got to the end of that road he said," Hey,You made me scrape my plates"
klay
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Aug. 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th Canadian Northeast Tour
I am beginning to plan our Canadian Northeast Tour. The Road Captain has already set a course and now I have to find the lodging. This will be a "Moran Plan" type ride.
The Plan is to ride up through the Catskill Mts., through the Finger Lakes then North to Lake Ontario staying in Oswego for our 1st night. The 2nd day is a scenic ride along Lake Ontario crossing into Niagra Falls, Canada for 2 nights. Last leg is a ride through the Adirondack's staying a 4th night at Lake George. Then homeward bound through Vermont.
I cannot ask for blocks of rooms until I know who's going. This is a big undertaken so please don't wait to think about it. This has already been discussed so you should know if you want to go or not.
The deadline for my list is Sat. 06/18. I will seek blocks of rooms based on that information. Don't snooze! I will start with the Canadian lodging first and once confirmed the other two locations.
Don't forget you will need a passport or pass card. Pass cards are quicker and cheaper
Weather co-operating this should be the best trip of the year. Remember, reply ASAP.
Jim
The Plan is to ride up through the Catskill Mts., through the Finger Lakes then North to Lake Ontario staying in Oswego for our 1st night. The 2nd day is a scenic ride along Lake Ontario crossing into Niagra Falls, Canada for 2 nights. Last leg is a ride through the Adirondack's staying a 4th night at Lake George. Then homeward bound through Vermont.
I cannot ask for blocks of rooms until I know who's going. This is a big undertaken so please don't wait to think about it. This has already been discussed so you should know if you want to go or not.
The deadline for my list is Sat. 06/18. I will seek blocks of rooms based on that information. Don't snooze! I will start with the Canadian lodging first and once confirmed the other two locations.
Don't forget you will need a passport or pass card. Pass cards are quicker and cheaper
Weather co-operating this should be the best trip of the year. Remember, reply ASAP.
Jim
Friday, June 10, 2011
From the President
Reason to Ride
Sunday, June 12, 2010
AOB: 10:00am Dunkin Donuts
Rte 32 Uncasville, Ct.
Watch the weather. Many have said they won't be there if the weather is threatening. I especially don't expect those from the Western Side of the State to show.
We will have a second AOB from behind McDonald's in Plainfield at 10:30am
Laconia
Monday, June 13, 2011
AOB: 8:00am Dunkin Donuts
Is there anyone interested in a day trip to Laconia? Please let me know ASAP. This is plan as of now. Be aware that I have been sick since Monday and don't seem to be improving much so I am going to try to get into to see a doctor today, Friday. This could knock me out of the box.
Sunday, June 12, 2010
AOB: 10:00am Dunkin Donuts
Rte 32 Uncasville, Ct.
Watch the weather. Many have said they won't be there if the weather is threatening. I especially don't expect those from the Western Side of the State to show.
We will have a second AOB from behind McDonald's in Plainfield at 10:30am
Laconia
Monday, June 13, 2011
AOB: 8:00am Dunkin Donuts
Is there anyone interested in a day trip to Laconia? Please let me know ASAP. This is plan as of now. Be aware that I have been sick since Monday and don't seem to be improving much so I am going to try to get into to see a doctor today, Friday. This could knock me out of the box.
It' is finally there..and it only took two months
I took video at the bike blessing, a lot of video. My plan was to make a long video and download it to YouTube, well so much for that. First, for some reason the program I use to edit and make movies would not acknowledge the audio type the new camera uses. I ran updates to the program, added APPs and plugins, downloaded new drivers and still nothing. After three weeks of banging my head against the wall I remembered that Windows has a program called Moviemaker. So I took all the clips and loaded them into that program. that program combined them into a movie but the edit system in that program is down right annoying. So I saved it to a video file. I then used my original program and opened it what I found was now that Windows put the footage together the other program could read the audio. So I shortened it down to a 15 minute video and uploaded it to YouTube...nope. YouTube kept having issues with it. Now I am not sure if the problem was YouTube or my computer but I kept getting "unknown reason failure notices. After 6 nights of trimming out sections, last night I kicked it through again and coming home from work to day I checked it and can happily say...
The Bike Blessing Video footage is up on YouTube
I highlighted the color for those members who don't read new story posts, they just scan them. (You know who you are)
So follow the link, see the bikes, hear the bikes....be...the bikes.
http://www.youtube.com/user/klayofthemystics?feature=mhum#p/a/u/0/qPVrOjqRMfY
klay
The Bike Blessing Video footage is up on YouTube
I highlighted the color for those members who don't read new story posts, they just scan them. (You know who you are)
So follow the link, see the bikes, hear the bikes....be...the bikes.
http://www.youtube.com/user/klayofthemystics?feature=mhum#p/a/u/0/qPVrOjqRMfY
klay
Never plan...just do
I am on vacation next week, I planned for it in January, the idea is 5 days to do nothing but ride. I sent out an E-mail, letting some people know that I have the week off and wanted to know if they wanted to join me on the roads. I received 2 positives, and 1 am not sure from E-mails. Well here's why it is better just to say "I won't be here next week, instead of planning dates six months earlier.
The weather is suppose to be great, mid to high 90's and sunny all week, that's the end of the good news. So I planned on a wonderful week off, then reality.
Not sure how many of you know this but my father is in a wheel chair. Well he found out I was off all next week, so he called the doctors. Now I have to take him to the doctors on Thursday and Friday. I am now down to three available riding days...oh wait the lawyer needs to see me "next week", no date mentioned.so that may kill another day. So out of 5 days I am down to two. Steve had an idea for a ride to the Poconos, but Steve is going to be at work and cant' make it.
So it looks like have 2 days for me and a tied up vacation. Don't know where I will ride or for that matter when.
So next year I won't plan my vacations, I'll just check the 10 day forecast and take the week off, I ain't telling anyone til it's time.
klay
The weather is suppose to be great, mid to high 90's and sunny all week, that's the end of the good news. So I planned on a wonderful week off, then reality.
Not sure how many of you know this but my father is in a wheel chair. Well he found out I was off all next week, so he called the doctors. Now I have to take him to the doctors on Thursday and Friday. I am now down to three available riding days...oh wait the lawyer needs to see me "next week", no date mentioned.so that may kill another day. So out of 5 days I am down to two. Steve had an idea for a ride to the Poconos, but Steve is going to be at work and cant' make it.
So it looks like have 2 days for me and a tied up vacation. Don't know where I will ride or for that matter when.
So next year I won't plan my vacations, I'll just check the 10 day forecast and take the week off, I ain't telling anyone til it's time.
klay
Thursday Ride attendance
A few days ago I posted a story about us needing Road Guards, how we have too few showing up for the rides. Well last night was no exception, not too few...None. Not one Road Guard showed up for the ride. As a matter of fact the entire turn-out was rather thin.
With the skies threatening dire weather,Gerry and I arrived at Davids for supper at about 5:15pm, we ate and waited for riders. Craig arrived and ordered his supper but wouldn't be riding. A.O.B. was set for 6:30 but at 5:50 the the Black clouds which had been off to the west rolled in and dropped altitude, If you ever saw an alien movie where really threatening clouds start heading for the ground you could appreciate these. The wind picked up bending trees over and throwing debris around. When the umbrellas started leaving the tables we figured we would take off instead of waiting out the storm inside. We got on the bikes and headed east on 85 hoping to stay ahead of the rain that was sure to be coming. About 30 feet down the road I was hit by a wind gust, it felt like I was slammed in the side by a medicine ball and it sent me and the bike about three feet to the side., if I had been riding closer to the center of the road I would no longer have been on the pavement. Trying to get ahead of the storm we hit the light at chesterfield rd and the one at 161. We took off down 85, the trees where whipping around, they would be bent over in one direction only to instantly snap the opposite way. The road was debris covered with the air full of swirling crap, leaves, sand, dirt, twigs, and small branches. Amazingly the junk was swirling around but it was also getting sucked past us towards the approaching storm. As we were passing the reservoir, the air was filled with the sound of cracking trees and branches, this brought my attention not only to the road ahead but also to the tree line ahead. One second the trees on the right would be waving over the road, the next second the trees on the left would be over head. The sun was gone, blocked out by the black clouds, the debris was swirling and then ahead, above, I saw a branch, it was dropping straight down, as if someone had been holding up above the road and just let go of it. I locked the brakes, checking the mirror at the same time to see where Gerry was, the back end drifted a bit right, release brake, re-apply, look for the branch, hard to see through the dark and the crap, then it came into view in the road, a quick look determined I could not see either end of it. It was about 6 or 8 inches in diameter, and across the entire lane. I had two choices, either stop, pull over and see if we could move it while the trees above continued to drop debris from the sky. or just drive over it, I chose the later and cranked the throttle. The bike slammed over the branch and we continued on. We were still ahead of the rain, then we stopped for lights at 395, cross roads, Target, Home Depot, and I-95. a couple drops on the windshield and we jumped on 95 north, The wind gusts continued but if at 65 we were buffeted back and forth we found at 70 it was fairly smooth, we jumped off the highway in Mystic, and split up as we headed home. I put the bike in it's shed just as the rain started to fall. I got the car, went to Gerry's to pick him up. I found him trying to smoke a cigarette while cringing under a small roof ledge at his house as the rain poured down. The run to the car, 20 feet, was enough to soak him. We headed back across the river, now in torrential down-pour, Wires down on 32 near the college and south 32 was shut...what do we care we were heading for coffee at DD, Montville.
The ride was actually rather fun, we stayed ahead of the rain so we didn't drown, the wind gave you something to do as you rode, and the debris in the road gave you enough of a challenge avoiding the larger objects to keep it interesting, The only down side was the amount of crap in the air, I got hit in the face, directly below my right eye, with a twig, it stung like hell. I remember wondering, "where the hell did that come from, how did it get around the windshield?" I didn't complain though... I just looked in my mirror and smiled, knowing Gerry was getting a pasting,...ahhh...there's nothing like riding a low rider...that no windshield, light cruiser, in a swirling debris field. he's probably still picking bark out of between his teeth this morning.
klay
With the skies threatening dire weather,Gerry and I arrived at Davids for supper at about 5:15pm, we ate and waited for riders. Craig arrived and ordered his supper but wouldn't be riding. A.O.B. was set for 6:30 but at 5:50 the the Black clouds which had been off to the west rolled in and dropped altitude, If you ever saw an alien movie where really threatening clouds start heading for the ground you could appreciate these. The wind picked up bending trees over and throwing debris around. When the umbrellas started leaving the tables we figured we would take off instead of waiting out the storm inside. We got on the bikes and headed east on 85 hoping to stay ahead of the rain that was sure to be coming. About 30 feet down the road I was hit by a wind gust, it felt like I was slammed in the side by a medicine ball and it sent me and the bike about three feet to the side., if I had been riding closer to the center of the road I would no longer have been on the pavement. Trying to get ahead of the storm we hit the light at chesterfield rd and the one at 161. We took off down 85, the trees where whipping around, they would be bent over in one direction only to instantly snap the opposite way. The road was debris covered with the air full of swirling crap, leaves, sand, dirt, twigs, and small branches. Amazingly the junk was swirling around but it was also getting sucked past us towards the approaching storm. As we were passing the reservoir, the air was filled with the sound of cracking trees and branches, this brought my attention not only to the road ahead but also to the tree line ahead. One second the trees on the right would be waving over the road, the next second the trees on the left would be over head. The sun was gone, blocked out by the black clouds, the debris was swirling and then ahead, above, I saw a branch, it was dropping straight down, as if someone had been holding up above the road and just let go of it. I locked the brakes, checking the mirror at the same time to see where Gerry was, the back end drifted a bit right, release brake, re-apply, look for the branch, hard to see through the dark and the crap, then it came into view in the road, a quick look determined I could not see either end of it. It was about 6 or 8 inches in diameter, and across the entire lane. I had two choices, either stop, pull over and see if we could move it while the trees above continued to drop debris from the sky. or just drive over it, I chose the later and cranked the throttle. The bike slammed over the branch and we continued on. We were still ahead of the rain, then we stopped for lights at 395, cross roads, Target, Home Depot, and I-95. a couple drops on the windshield and we jumped on 95 north, The wind gusts continued but if at 65 we were buffeted back and forth we found at 70 it was fairly smooth, we jumped off the highway in Mystic, and split up as we headed home. I put the bike in it's shed just as the rain started to fall. I got the car, went to Gerry's to pick him up. I found him trying to smoke a cigarette while cringing under a small roof ledge at his house as the rain poured down. The run to the car, 20 feet, was enough to soak him. We headed back across the river, now in torrential down-pour, Wires down on 32 near the college and south 32 was shut...what do we care we were heading for coffee at DD, Montville.
The ride was actually rather fun, we stayed ahead of the rain so we didn't drown, the wind gave you something to do as you rode, and the debris in the road gave you enough of a challenge avoiding the larger objects to keep it interesting, The only down side was the amount of crap in the air, I got hit in the face, directly below my right eye, with a twig, it stung like hell. I remember wondering, "where the hell did that come from, how did it get around the windshield?" I didn't complain though... I just looked in my mirror and smiled, knowing Gerry was getting a pasting,...ahhh...there's nothing like riding a low rider...that no windshield, light cruiser, in a swirling debris field. he's probably still picking bark out of between his teeth this morning.
klay
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Thursday Mystery Ride night!!!
Tonight's Mystery
ride promises to
be pretty
Good.
I'm not sure
exactly where
we are
going...
But it promises
to be pretty
interesting. So
Come on out
and join us!!!
REMEMBER: RIDE WET, RIDE ENERGIZED, RIDE WITH A HELMET SO THE HAIL DOESN'T PENETRATE YOUR SKULL.
klay
be pretty
to be pretty
interesting. So
and join us!!!
REMEMBER: RIDE WET, RIDE ENERGIZED, RIDE WITH A HELMET SO THE HAIL DOESN'T PENETRATE YOUR SKULL.
klay
Harley donates $250,000 to tsunami relief
Man digs out vintage 50's Harley after Tsunami washed it and his home away.
It's a matter of priorities
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Not too bad for playing tag on a highway
Right side of fairing opened
headlight, turnsignals, and driving lights
Front fender and relector
front fork cover, crash bar, and pegs
Tour pack lid
right hand lower
right hand saddlebag cover
Considering the alternatives...The bike didn't make out too bad.
klay
Two corrections to the deer strike, Dave did not break a toe, he says if anything is broken it's his nose and if you look at the windshield you can see a big greasy print of where he stuffed his face into it. Second, he doesn't believe he was knocked unconscious, he believes he was just dazed, when he realized what was going on the bike was doing about 50mph in a death waddle one and a half feet from the guard rail. his right lower was jammed up in the pedal so he had no rear brake, he had to scrub the speed off with the front brake. Kaitlin was actually riding sidesaddle at this point, sitting on the saddlebag with here arms wrapped around what was left of the tour pack. After stopping Dave walked back to the site of the deer and found his glasses, this was before the State Cop told him to get back to the bike.
The Tourpak was already for Americade, fully packed, Dave said when he stopped the bike the pack was empty, all their stuff was on the highway. As he stopped a car pulled in behind him and gave him rear protection, the passenger of the car went right to Kaitlin to make sure she was OK, the passenger...was a nurse.
The Adams will be using the car
The family will be using the car for any trips coming up, the new Harley, that pretty blue one, sort of isn't.
There is an old saying that Harley's drop parts, well...when you hit a deer at speed on I-95 the parts come off a little faster than usual. Dave and Kaitlin were cruising down 95 last night when a deer heading for the woods changed directions, it cost the deer it's head, It cost Dave a Travel pack, a fairing, headlights and driving lights, the lowers and consciousness. On impact Dave was temporarily knocked out, Kaitlin came off the back but refused to leave the bike, clinging to the seat. Neither of them was seriously injured, Thank the Lord, as the bike never went down. Dave has sore ribs and possibly a broken toe. Kaitlin has a sore leg. The bike, or what is left of it is at Mikes Harley.
klay
There is an old saying that Harley's drop parts, well...when you hit a deer at speed on I-95 the parts come off a little faster than usual. Dave and Kaitlin were cruising down 95 last night when a deer heading for the woods changed directions, it cost the deer it's head, It cost Dave a Travel pack, a fairing, headlights and driving lights, the lowers and consciousness. On impact Dave was temporarily knocked out, Kaitlin came off the back but refused to leave the bike, clinging to the seat. Neither of them was seriously injured, Thank the Lord, as the bike never went down. Dave has sore ribs and possibly a broken toe. Kaitlin has a sore leg. The bike, or what is left of it is at Mikes Harley.
klay
ORANGE
Sandwich came up to me on Tuesday morning and asked if I would be busy that evening. I told him I was stuck working til 7pm but after that I was free. He asked if I would go up to Tree's after work..his Tins were done. Not bad timing, I believe it was either November or December that the guy took them to paint and here it was June 7th., no bike for the Blessing, no bike for Rolling Thunder, hell for that matter no bike for Sunday rides, no bike for Thursday mystery Rides..simply put...No Bike.
The best part, the date, the 7th of June...with him moving to Ohio in the morning of the 8th. So with all hopes of riding it gone at least it would make the trip to Ohio in one piece. So Sandwich headed to Westchester to pick up the Tins, I got off work and went home. he called about 10pm. He had the parts and was coming out of Westchester heading to Tree's. I hopped on my Scoot and took the cruise to North Stonington. The temperature was fantastic, just cool after a day of hot. I took a route which looped around and came into North Stonington from the east, stopped for gas, then headed to Tree's. I pulled in the driveway and parked next to the Penske truck (packed front to back with all Sandwiches belongings), and was met by Tree, Amanda, and Johna. We moved Sandwich's bike out a bit, and talked as we waited for Sandwich to make the 34 mile trek.
Sandwich arrived with a big smile and a number of blanket wrapped bundles. We set out the tins and I have to say the color is fantastic, an glowing orange which catches the light with a hint of a yellowish gold, Totally striking. We laid out the Blankets and set the tank on one and the rear fender on another, we set the side covers and front fender aside. Sandwich opened his bag of hardware laid it out and went to work trying to remember what brackets,bolts, screws, grommets, and nuts went where, (It has been a long time since he took the bike apart in 2010). He mounted the speedo bracket on the tank, then began placing bolts on the appropriate parts before actually attempting to attach anything. What we found out real quick was that the bolt threads on the tank were not protected against painting, the threads were full, not just painted...there were no threads to be seen and would need to be tapped. We set the tank aside and moved to the rear fender, we mounted the tail-light and the turn-signal LP holder with all the bushings and grommets in place then ran the harness through it. This is where all work came to a screeching halt. The bolt holes for mounting the fender to the frame suffered from the same thing as the tank...paint filled. With Sandwich heading across country in the morning all his belonging were stored in the Penske truck for shipping, his tool box was loaded first, so it was buried somewhere up by the cab. You can't clean out threads if you don't have the tools.
All we could do was re-wrap the tank, re-bag the hardware, and set the tins aside for shipping. Sandwich threw the side covers on so at least there was some orange on the bike. Now came some new challenges, the idea was to roll the bike up the ramp into the Penske moving truck, then connect the ramp across to his pickup, roll the bike across and tie it down in his pickup for the bikes ride home. Problem was with the truck loaded front to rear, there was no way the bike was going into the moving truck. The other problem was that Sandwich's truck had a bed liner in it and no access to the tie downs. So we removed the liner and Tree and Amanda stuffed it in the Moving truck along the top of all his stuff. We also found we had no planks or hillside to use to load the bike in the Pickup, at this point Amanda suggested pushing the bike up the ramp, using the motorcycle jack to raise the ramp, back the truck up, lift the ramp the rest of the way, back the truck up under it and roll the bike in. I told Sandwich that he should be really happy about having her as a girlfriend because she was a genius. So the four of us backed the bike up the ramp, Sandwich got the jack and lifted the ramp, Amanda headed to the cab to move the idling truck back under the ramp. Amanda calls over to us as we're holding the bike, “Hey, the door of the truck is locked” . Sandwich yelled back, “Is the window open?” At this point I said, “OK, maybe not a genius, but she still had a good idea.” As she backed the truck up Tree held the bike and Sandwich and I lifted the ramp. The bike was rolled forward into the truck and lashed down, ready for its ride home, proudly displaying its orange side covers.
With that done I said my farewells and headed home, the air was still comfortable and the ride was rather longer than it should have been since I just cruised along back roads. My path was crossed by a opossum and a fox...but I wondered, when will be the next time Sandwich's and my paths will cross.
To Reuben have a great ride home and a safe ride home, and I hope everything works out back in Ohio.
To Amanda I say...take care of him.
klay
Pictures of the night will follow
The best part, the date, the 7th of June...with him moving to Ohio in the morning of the 8th. So with all hopes of riding it gone at least it would make the trip to Ohio in one piece. So Sandwich headed to Westchester to pick up the Tins, I got off work and went home. he called about 10pm. He had the parts and was coming out of Westchester heading to Tree's. I hopped on my Scoot and took the cruise to North Stonington. The temperature was fantastic, just cool after a day of hot. I took a route which looped around and came into North Stonington from the east, stopped for gas, then headed to Tree's. I pulled in the driveway and parked next to the Penske truck (packed front to back with all Sandwiches belongings), and was met by Tree, Amanda, and Johna. We moved Sandwich's bike out a bit, and talked as we waited for Sandwich to make the 34 mile trek.
Sandwich arrived with a big smile and a number of blanket wrapped bundles. We set out the tins and I have to say the color is fantastic, an glowing orange which catches the light with a hint of a yellowish gold, Totally striking. We laid out the Blankets and set the tank on one and the rear fender on another, we set the side covers and front fender aside. Sandwich opened his bag of hardware laid it out and went to work trying to remember what brackets,bolts, screws, grommets, and nuts went where, (It has been a long time since he took the bike apart in 2010). He mounted the speedo bracket on the tank, then began placing bolts on the appropriate parts before actually attempting to attach anything. What we found out real quick was that the bolt threads on the tank were not protected against painting, the threads were full, not just painted...there were no threads to be seen and would need to be tapped. We set the tank aside and moved to the rear fender, we mounted the tail-light and the turn-signal LP holder with all the bushings and grommets in place then ran the harness through it. This is where all work came to a screeching halt. The bolt holes for mounting the fender to the frame suffered from the same thing as the tank...paint filled. With Sandwich heading across country in the morning all his belonging were stored in the Penske truck for shipping, his tool box was loaded first, so it was buried somewhere up by the cab. You can't clean out threads if you don't have the tools.
All we could do was re-wrap the tank, re-bag the hardware, and set the tins aside for shipping. Sandwich threw the side covers on so at least there was some orange on the bike. Now came some new challenges, the idea was to roll the bike up the ramp into the Penske moving truck, then connect the ramp across to his pickup, roll the bike across and tie it down in his pickup for the bikes ride home. Problem was with the truck loaded front to rear, there was no way the bike was going into the moving truck. The other problem was that Sandwich's truck had a bed liner in it and no access to the tie downs. So we removed the liner and Tree and Amanda stuffed it in the Moving truck along the top of all his stuff. We also found we had no planks or hillside to use to load the bike in the Pickup, at this point Amanda suggested pushing the bike up the ramp, using the motorcycle jack to raise the ramp, back the truck up, lift the ramp the rest of the way, back the truck up under it and roll the bike in. I told Sandwich that he should be really happy about having her as a girlfriend because she was a genius. So the four of us backed the bike up the ramp, Sandwich got the jack and lifted the ramp, Amanda headed to the cab to move the idling truck back under the ramp. Amanda calls over to us as we're holding the bike, “Hey, the door of the truck is locked” . Sandwich yelled back, “Is the window open?” At this point I said, “OK, maybe not a genius, but she still had a good idea.” As she backed the truck up Tree held the bike and Sandwich and I lifted the ramp. The bike was rolled forward into the truck and lashed down, ready for its ride home, proudly displaying its orange side covers.
With that done I said my farewells and headed home, the air was still comfortable and the ride was rather longer than it should have been since I just cruised along back roads. My path was crossed by a opossum and a fox...but I wondered, when will be the next time Sandwich's and my paths will cross.
To Reuben have a great ride home and a safe ride home, and I hope everything works out back in Ohio.
To Amanda I say...take care of him.
klay
Pictures of the night will follow
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
"Road Guards" not the vulgar "Blocker"
Road Guards are essential to a safe ride, they allow the Club to pass through intersections safely. Up through the end of last year we had a good group, good as in quantity of and capabilities, this year...we have very few Guards showing up for the rides. Part of the problem is jobs requiring people to work late and people moving away.
The last ride we were lucky in that we had two show up and we had two Road Sergeants who could fill in. The problem is we can not depend on having just enough on hand because at any given moment one or two may be unable to ride.
So with that in mind "We need More Road Guards".
If you are interested let the Road Guard Captain know...He is at the Thursday night meetings.
Important fact: Road Guards can NOT have a passenger with them and they have to be able to handle their bikes at the Road Guard Captains standards. This pretty much means being able to make a hammerhead turn (on your bike) in "A" lane. no Y turns, no running through the gravel and under brush.
So if you want to be a Road Guard and know you can do what's required see Good 'ol Tom.
If you don't think you can do the turns, get the measurment from him, then practice and when you can...then try out.
What it comes down to is we need Guards, We need you.
klay
The last ride we were lucky in that we had two show up and we had two Road Sergeants who could fill in. The problem is we can not depend on having just enough on hand because at any given moment one or two may be unable to ride.
So with that in mind "We need More Road Guards".
If you are interested let the Road Guard Captain know...He is at the Thursday night meetings.
Important fact: Road Guards can NOT have a passenger with them and they have to be able to handle their bikes at the Road Guard Captains standards. This pretty much means being able to make a hammerhead turn (on your bike) in "A" lane. no Y turns, no running through the gravel and under brush.
So if you want to be a Road Guard and know you can do what's required see Good 'ol Tom.
If you don't think you can do the turns, get the measurment from him, then practice and when you can...then try out.
What it comes down to is we need Guards, We need you.
klay
Monday, June 6, 2011
Radio Shack!!!
You have to love them, I went to the New London store a few months ago to buy a power adapter to run the portable CB off the bike cigarette lighter. The New London store was very helpful, they said "what?" scratching their head. They told me to try the Waterford store. I went to the Crystal Mall and the counter help knew exactly what I wanted, pulled it off the shelf and I bought the adapter.
Well after getting smashed into the tank the old one shorted out. So today i went to the New London store with the old one, they said " oh, we have those"..the Guy walked over to the display checked the pin size and sold me a straight adapter. I took the unit outside, plugged it in the lighter and found it would work great...as long as I don't turn the front wheel. When you turn the wheel the power adapter smashes into the gas tank. I took the adapter into the store, explained the problem and told him I needed an angled unit. The counter guy smiled took back the old one and sold me a angled adapter. I took it out to the bike to make sure it cleared the tank. Satisfied the new unit would fit I threw it in the saddlebag and went on my merry way.
I got back to work, measured out the wire on my original adapter and got ready to cut and solder the new one. The adapters come through with 6 feet of wire and that is way too much to have wrapped around the bars.
So, having to work on a customer I stopped what I was doing, when finished I lined the adapter up to make sure of the wire length and I happened to look at the adapter. The old adapter had different settings on it, 4.5,6,9,10,and 12 volts. The new adapter has 3,4.5,6,7.5, and 9volts.
Now if you just sold someone an adapter for 12volts don't you suppose the next one with the correct fit would also be 12volts? I guess they don't train that into their people.
Well after getting smashed into the tank the old one shorted out. So today i went to the New London store with the old one, they said " oh, we have those"..the Guy walked over to the display checked the pin size and sold me a straight adapter. I took the unit outside, plugged it in the lighter and found it would work great...as long as I don't turn the front wheel. When you turn the wheel the power adapter smashes into the gas tank. I took the adapter into the store, explained the problem and told him I needed an angled unit. The counter guy smiled took back the old one and sold me a angled adapter. I took it out to the bike to make sure it cleared the tank. Satisfied the new unit would fit I threw it in the saddlebag and went on my merry way.
I got back to work, measured out the wire on my original adapter and got ready to cut and solder the new one. The adapters come through with 6 feet of wire and that is way too much to have wrapped around the bars.
So, having to work on a customer I stopped what I was doing, when finished I lined the adapter up to make sure of the wire length and I happened to look at the adapter. The old adapter had different settings on it, 4.5,6,9,10,and 12 volts. The new adapter has 3,4.5,6,7.5, and 9volts.
Now if you just sold someone an adapter for 12volts don't you suppose the next one with the correct fit would also be 12volts? I guess they don't train that into their people.
What the ?????
I don't know what this says about those in the picture but I'm thinking if you ever have to ask Rich for a "hand", you may want to really check for alternatives before "hand" .
Dana, seen getting a massage, may have someone cute in front of him but there is something going on in "the background" he may want to know about.
I can happily say, this type of thing only started after I left
klay
Dana, seen getting a massage, may have someone cute in front of him but there is something going on in "the background" he may want to know about.
I can happily say, this type of thing only started after I left
klay
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