Leaderboard

Brice and Zion are off the charts.

Covid thread. I told them my vaccine turned my penis into a mutated baby hammerhead shark. They banned me for the weekend to "think about what I've done" and when they unbanned me I told them to basically go fuck themselves.

Here is the video. Last two laps were the best.

Its Limited, alright... on power and handling.

Day 1 Left this morning at 7AM and arrived in Marion, VA at 6:30PM 512 miles later.

Day 2 included The Snake, BRP, Diamondback, Devil’s Whip and Tail only 416 miles today. Tory’s favorite was Diamondback. Her comment was we owned that road.

Haven't logged in here for a while. But got the ol' Connie out for rip today. After 12year and 80k miles still love this old girl.

#shitmyrichfriendsays

Took mine for a little 1900 mile stroll this weekend.

I was in Alberta and BC particularly around the Banff/Golden area in July of this year. I could not explain how beautiful it is up there. I also could not imagine what riding a motorcycle like you're about to do would be like. Unimaginably epic.

Loaded up and heading south for the smokies. Took 16 through WV/VA, staying in Abingdon, VA tonight. Staying at the gap store the next three nights.

Did some custom powdercoating on a set of 03 Cobra coil covers a few days ago, came out pretty sick. https://youtube.com/shorts/WZlqvWi52DA?feature=share

Started it! First time since last Dec. when I started the engine swap. Ran it for a few minutes then shut down to check for oil leaks. So far, so good. I'll start and run it a few more times, then put some gas in and go for a ride. I'm anxious to see how much difference I can feel with the new engine.

Last Friday was my last day of employment. After the weekend, I've now spent 2 days as an official retiree and I think I'm going to like it. I bumped the date ahead by 7 weeks from my original plan because my (now former) employer had put me on the road in Holland, MI for 19 weeks since early March with no end in sight. After 80 nights in a hotel, the manager gave me a gift bag and a card signed by all the staff. That's how you can tell you've been on the road too long. I have 2 cars that have been asking for attention - just routine maintenance. And the yard is a mess - I was able to keep it mowed, but nothing else. THEN I can get back to finishing my bike engine swap and hopefully start riding again for the fall season. Hope to meet you guys on the road!

Friday, the Spyder Wife and I set out for a overnight-er down to Augusta, KY from our home in Hocking Hills, Ohio. We take back roads as much a possible to enjoy the sights and enjoy curves with shade. Our first stop was Aberdeen, OH. for a photo of the Maysville Bridge looking south over the Ohio River. Next we crossed over and enjoyed Lunch at Delite's Diner in Maysville, KY. A 50's Style diner with great food and music. After lunch we jumped back over to Ohio and continued to Augusta, KY. Back roads again zig zaging from waterfront up high in the woods. One road (221) just North of the Higginsport Ferry had a stone wall that went for miles. This must have taken a lot of work back in the day. As the 4pm "Check In time at the "Augusta Guest House" had just past so we jumped on the Ferry and crossed over to the great little town of Augusta, KY. where food, music and friendly folks live and enjoy the river life. After check in and showers we walked down to the new "Beehive" restaurant$$$ for happy hour and dinner sitting out side with a river view. We finished and walked around town checking out the "American Queen" cruse ship that was docked for a few night stay. As the sun was closing we enjoyed the sunset by the river. We then walked back to the hotel enjoying the outdoor band playing at the Augusta pub and crashed for the night. In the morning we loaded up had breakfast outside at the General Store, ferried across to Ohio and returned home. Total miles 440

I subjected myself to southpaw lunacy and made the journey to retrieve it.

On my way 😄

Ok, need to get the right red to match the website. The long one is the best of the two.

May 14th. Meet at New Concord Marathon at 10:30. If the group grows we can switch the meetup location. I’ll create a new post soon with details.

Casinos have a system where you can be banned if you have a gambling problem. I wonder if there is something similar for motorcycle dealers.

Day 3 We ran a version of Tonik’s route today. We had a little bit of rain, but nothing too serious. Definitely beat on the Concours today and made a CBR style run on the skyway once we hit dry pavement. Definitely the best day of the trip, 437miles.

Took the Concours out for 400 plus miles today. I’m definitely getting comfortable with the big girl. Dragging the left peg was an eye opener.

Just back to Ohio where I’ll begin prep for YT and AK departure on the 12th. I attended the Horizons Unlimited travelers meeting near Appomattox and had a great time hanging out with like minded people that don’t think you’re crazy for cashing in and leaving “normalcy” behind to create your own normal. On the way home I was hosted by Lauren and Paul Brenner at Rainbow Farm near the New River Gorge in WV. Aside from running an organic chicken farm and riding the world in their spare time (check out their YT channel “the other end of the Rainbow) they run the Appalachian Motorcycle Adventure tour company. Lauren took me for an awesome 250 mile loop through some crazy WV dirt roads. They cater to all skill levels up to hard enduro (they have one day ride with over 100 water crossings!). If you’re interested in using their services (highly recommended), their web page is here: https://www.appalachianmotoadvtours.com/ Some pictures from my last week Mystery hole! friend and we’ll-known motorcycle travel author Sam Manicom publisher Michael Fitterling

I completed the new bike today. First startup went well. Time for break in miles Alaska here I come

I have a bag that I am finished with that you can use for fresh water.

Mounted and balanced the new tires. Then took the rear rotor off the stock wheel and mounted it to the new rear wheel from Woodys. Then mounted the 320mm front rotor and mounted the wheels for the first time on the new bike. After that I installed the Safari tank (all new hardware, new petcocks, new fuel line and fittings) and plumbed the fuel lines. Then installed the fairing and re-aimed the headlight and light bar. The last item is the new shock being built for the bike by Cogent Dynamics. For the 82,000 miles on the original Sunny I ran a Cogent Mojave shock. This bike is getting a new Cogent Mojave Pro model (large remote reservoir with adjustable compression damping as well) as well as their hydraulic preload adjuster. It’ll be awesome to be able to soften the preload bit when riding the bike without all the luggage. Once the shock is in, fuel is going in and startup!! It’ll be great to see how it runs. I only rode it 10 miles or so before tearing the bike down. Some minor changes have been made from stock. Better air filter. Carb rejetted and modified with ethanol-proof o-rings and gaskets as well as a remote choke knob and manual air/fuel mixture screw (only needed one tweak on old carb in all those miles. Had to open up the air in Peru when over 16,000 ft). I’m also running a different exhaust can. The bike ripped stock. I’m sure it’ll be sweet. Alaska Ho!

Amanda and I took the Goldwing to breakfast and a quickie around Atwood Lake. Stopped in Bolivar for ice cream and then down 212 to 21/224 back home. About 150 miles and the Wing doesn't even know she's back there. This was her first time back in the saddle since the crash more than two years ago. Everything went smoothly and she's glad she decided to give it another whirl. Twenty bucks says there's a new Goldie in the garage by next spring. 😎

After 7yrs and 40,000 miles piled on I sold her for what I paid for her.

Now for all the custom parts... He wants a taller wind screen first.

Large group rides are overrated, but I definently enjoy rolling with the usual suspects that I know and trust. Crashing is never off the table, but it can be mitigated with competent riders. A failure I see more than anything is a lack of understanding between new riders and veteran riders on what constitutes a ride. While I firmly stake my flag in the soil of "personal accountability", some folks get in over their heads. The difference between riding a bike to work every day and riding a bike in the twisties is massive. It is not the same thing in the slightest to the average rider. I have a friend that has been riding for decades, but he commutes. When we hit the mountains he can't begin to stay on pace with the rest of us. He just doesn't have that skillset because it isn't how he rides. He can pilot a bike, but he has to do it at his own pace. Luckily, he's mature enough to recognize this and doesn't try to keep up. That plays a major role.. personal accountability and leaving ego at the house.

Rode it about 150 mi to start getting myself in shape for the Sept group ride. Went from Gahanna to Ash Cave and discovered a slight oil leak so I came straight back home. The right side of the bike was pretty shiny with oil film so I washed it in the driveway. Got some copper crush washers ordered so I should be back in business in a few days.

Hello sleeping strangers. Your weekly wake-up call is rapidly approaching.

Spent 3 hrs on the Goldwing with my wife this evening. Close to 140 miles. Definitely not my normal pace but I think my wife now realizes what she has been missing when I’m gone for hours. Both of us had a blast.

Drove to the middle of that God forsaken state up north last night to pick up a new steed for the stable. 2007 Ninja EX650R this thing is gem. Only 4000 miles and all original right down the tires. Picked it up for my son that just got his motocycle endorsement via taking the BRC class. Got it for a song hence why I drove so far to get it. Spent the day going through it and removing a lowering kit they had on it. Only thing left is some fresh rubber but we'll roll the old ones for now.

Made it home Sunday late afternoon. Pain is manageable as the doctors prescribed all the good pills. Feeling my ribs move around is probably the most unpleasant part of the aftermath. Happy to see that the Goot-zie looks about 97% ok... they are characterful bikes, and now that one has a bit more ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. Thanks for the help everyone, and Joel in particular. I have every intention of resuming two-wheeled therapy sessions by August.

Got some time to work this weekend. Carbs mounted yesterday and exhaust today. This is the exhaust that Hoblick Cerakoted a few weeks ago. It looks even better on the bike.

Before I give what I expect will be an unpopular opinion let me give my 2A creds. I have been active for years getting this crap fixed. Organizing and attending open carry events at parks that had illegal no gun signs. Spending my own money helping sue Cleveland Hts, Cleveland and Oberlin for their illegal laws. And getting all the illegal gun laws off the books in the town I live in. In other words I have been in this fight getting shit done for years instead of just bitching about it on the internet. You are welcome. Removing the requirement for training is a really stupid fucking idea. When I took my CCW class there were two people there that clearly had never had much to with guns before. I don't know if the class got them far enough along or not but it certainly helped. Now these kinds of people will have no training and will be wandering around having accidental discharges that may kill someone you love. You have to go through a ton of training to drive a car. 8 hours of gun training is not a burden. All rights have limits and conditions and as long as they are reasonable conditions I have no problem with them. Proper safe gun training is not a hoop and not a burden.

Just returned from trucking the bike down to Taledaga National Forest, AL. for two days of Adventure riding the Forrest roads and two tracks in the mountains.

Oh, and almost got killed today. The closest I have ever come, even closer than the car that spun out in front of me during rush hour in St. Louis. Running pretty hot on 212, so very twistie, but not running super hot as I am 2up with a boatload of luggage. Very blind hard right hander, I am left side of my lane trail braking into the corner and start to lean and bam...there is the front end of a fucking 18 wheeler right there....and yea, he had a full trailer in my f'ing lane. There is no shoulder. Throttle off, ease on more brake and dive to the white line...that's all the room I can give him. A few more inches to the right and I am going to wreck. Debbie tells me there was only 2 or 3 inches between my mirror and the side of the trailer. And yes, trucks are prohibited on that road. I U turned got the plate and called him into the State LEO's on 911. Fuck that guy.

Some photos from the Tail photographers

Busted out of Hocking Hills at 9am in a NE direction on curvy back roads with little traffic. Slipped under New Lexington on secondary roads while turning more north passing Crooksville and Roseville turning up to the river crossing at Philo then thru Chandlersville to our coffee stop in New Concord (Chapmans Coffee). Fueled up and headed south on 83 picking up 313 east around Senecaville Lake to 800 south thru Woodsfield jumping on 255 to our lunch spot in Sardis, Marv’s place. To our surprise it was closed. The man living next door stated that they closed last week, unable to find workers. So hungry and disappointed we jammed down the shoreline to FLY, (Riverview Diner) Lunch sucked but we were at the Ferry so across the river into Sisterville for a trip back north to the bridge at New Martinsville/Hannibal. After crossing back into Ohio we jumped on 536 to 78 and Blasted 78 home to the HOCK. Just under 300miles for the day of great asphalt roads and very little traffic.

Got to ride Nelsons last weekend and not work or coach. Was able to work on my own riding which was nice. Rode the Friday twilight and Saturday. Got a lot of open track.

Rode with @Likwid for a few miles today. Ran into a slew of OR.net miscreants in New Concord. Zoomed past my crash site and came across a white tractor hauling a tanker trailer. Kind of creepy but at least it didn't hit me. Had a pork sundae in Bolivar with Matt and then scurried home before the rest of society rolled out of bed.

Not my bike but the bike I’m riding to the gap Thursday. Getting everything looked over to make sure it’s ready. Dad and I are riding down and meeting my wife and mother for a long weekend at Gatlinburg, but we’re gonna ride for a little bit.

Similar ride to @Pauly... Left around 7:15 am to meet the rest of the crew in Canton at depart by 8:30. Definitely chilly this morning, makes me want to get done heated great. Headed down to 751/93/83 to the muskie bucket. Took 78/377/555/676 into Marrietta. Had lunch at Arby's took 26/260/565/145 then cut through a back road to 78/379/147/800 the bolted up 800/799/250/646/212/77 and back home. Got home at 7 pm with 458 miles.