Rant Archive - February 2007

February  24, 2007 - SOME NEW TOYS FOR THE ELECTRA GLIDE

I've been having so much fun with the dirt bike this winter that I really haven't done much with the Electra Glide other than ride it between poor weather periods. I guess the nearing of March 1st (the official end of the dark months) has my mind leaning back to the EG though because lately I've been thinking about a few things I'd like to do with it. Nothing major mind you, just a few cosmetic additions here and there... and today I started.

I made a trip to the local H-D Dealer and picked up three items on my "really want" list. I got a set of Passing Lamp Visor Trim Rings, a Headlight Visor Trim Ring and a Kuryakyn Bridge The Heat Shield. The Trim Rings are replacement parts for the existing rings, not the cheap little stick on visors, so they have a billet, molded look that I love. The Bridge The Heat Shield is one of those items you have to buy to take care of a design flaw that H-D made on the Touring Bikes. Next time you see an EG or Road King check the stock exhaust and you'll notice that the exhaust shielding covers the entire pipe except for about a 4 inch part right at the curve. So what happens is you have this nice chrome exhaust system with one 4 inch space that shows the golden-brown tarnished pipe. It looks terrible and I have hated it since the first week I had the bike. Kuryakyn comes through with a part that fits perfectly, and while it's not perfectly seamless, it makes the pipes look about 100% better. Here's some pics:

I think the Visor Trim Rings (R) look way better than the stock rings (L). I really like them!

Why the heck would H-D leave a 4 inch gap in the shield? Kuryakyn solves the problem.

Feedback

February  22, 2007 - MY FIRST REMINDER OF THE YEAR AND SOME LOW-LIGHT PICS

I rarely ride in rush-hour traffic but today was one of those exceptions for two reasons. First of all, I knew the weather was going to be nice with temps in the 50's and lots of sunshine and secondly, I wanted to run the Electra Glide over to the dealership at lunch for some scheduled service. The ride in was great, I got in and out of the dealership in a timely manner and everything was looking good until I was about half-way home this evening.

I was stopped at a red light, and when the cross traffic started to proceed through the intersection, the first car through was hit by a truck that seemingly came out of nowhere in the opposite direction I was headed. I couldn't see either of their lights from my position but somebody ran a red light. Fortunately, nobody was seriously injured but the grotesque sound of metal hitting metal and the sight of automobile debris flying everywhere was my first reminder of the year that I can never expect that everyone is going to stop for a red light... or that everyone is going to look before changing lanes... or that everyone is going to stop behind me when I do.... or, well, you get the idea.

Let this story be a reminder to you also as we get into the thick of riding season that riding a bike is dangerous and we have to be on our toes at all times. Be prepared for the idiot cagers out there, always be looking for an escape route, position yourself in the lane where you are most visible, don't be in a hurry and ride safe people.

OK... on a lighter subject, when I got home the sun was starting to fade so I decided to take a few shots of the Electra Glide in the driveway and go for that low-light, grainy look. I pumped up the ISO to 1600 and believe it or not was able to hand hold these shots at 1/4 second.

Feedback

February  21, 2007 - WOW... WHAT A DIFFERENCE FOUR DAYS CAN MAKE

If you don't like the weather in Middle Tennessee, just give it a little time. Check the picture in my 02/17 post and then compare it to the one posted here from tonight. There has been about a 35 degree temperature swing in the past four days... and for the better I might add. Even with the associated sinus issues that I always have to deal with during drastic temperature fluctuations, it is a more than welcome change. It was so nice tonight that I rode about 25 miles and even got in my first "night ride" of the year. Man it was awesome! Maybe spring is indeed just around the corner.

I plan to do a ton of riding this year but it will be a little different... and I think more enjoyable because of a change I have made. About four years ago I started a riding group at the church that I attend and have lead it since. We got pretty big and last year were averaging between 35 and 40 people each ride. Well, this year, after much internal wrestling, I have given up the leadership role. To be honest with you it was an extremely difficult decision because this group was my idea and my baby for a long, long time and it has been awesome to see peoples lives blessed as a result of it. So why did I drop it then, you ask? Easy answer... I just got completely burned out.

There are inherent stresses that come with the territory and a lot of pressure when you are responsible for planning and executing 15 to 20 group rides of that size each year. Don't get me wrong, the rewards have been worth it but I'm just sort of fried and the fun has gone out of it for me. Honestly I'm looking forward to someone else being in charge so my wife and I can just enjoy the rides for a change with the many awesome friends we have made in this group. I'm also looking forward to having the time to ride with some other groups in the area and possibly even lead some rides for a local dealership... stay tuned.

One thing is for sure though... I plan to have a great year of riding!

Feedback

February  21, 2007 - TESTOSTERONE TUESDAY

A friend of mine and I have been getting together on certain Tuesday nights this winter for what we call Testosterone Tuesday. The idea came one day when we were talking about movies that we've enjoyed in the past, only to find ourselves being openly ridiculed and laughed at by our own lovely wives. For some reason they are of the opinion that movies like Rocky, Predator, Gone in 60 Seconds, Krank, The Good The Bad and the Ugly (or anything with Clint), etc are something less than cinematic genius and not worth the time they take to watch. As most men can imagine, this sounded an alarm deep within us that made us both realize that marriage had somehow suckered us in to a life of "chick-flicks"… and the worst part was that we didn't even realize it. Drastic measures had to be taken immediately and Testosterone Tuesday was born!

This week we watched one of my all-time favorites, First Blood. If you've not seen it, this movie is a must-see-guy-movie that tells the story of Viet Nam veteran John Rambo (Sylvester Stallone), an ex-Green Beret down on his luck who is pushed over the limit by a brain-dead, small-town sheriff. In the end, Rambo is forced to become a one-man army and use his guerilla fighting tactics to defeat the entire county Sheriff''s Department… all against his own will.

So why am I talking about this on a biker blog? Well, I had forgotten but a motorcycle played a key role in the film. When Rambo first escapes the jail-house, he runs into the street, yanks a guy off a motorcycle that is riding past, hops on and outruns the Sheriff into the hills with some pretty fancy riding. I tried desperately to find a still shot from this scene but had no luck. All I can tell you is that the bike is some sort of early 1980's on-off road bike (maybe Honda) and stunt rider Buddy Jo Hooker does some pretty slick riding on it. Check out First Blood  and thumb your nose at chick-flick lovers everywhere!

BTW… One of my favorite lines in the movie is delivered by Rambo's old platoon leader, Col. Trautman to Sheriff Teasle. Trautman has been called in to try and help capture Rambo but Sherfiff Teasle is only interested in storming the hills to teach Rambo a lesson... a tactic that Trautman knows is a mistake. It goes like this:

Sheriff Teasle: Are you telling me that 200 of our men against your boy is a no-win situation for us?

Col Trautman: You send that many, don't forget one thing.

Sheriff Teasle: What?

Col Trautman: A good supply of body bags.

Feedback

February  17, 2007 - MIDDLE TENNESSEE GETS DUSTED

I had really hoped to get some riding in this weekend, but as the end of the week drew closer it became less and less likely. Our temperatures have been stuck under the freezing mark for the past few days and a quick glance out the window this morning revealed a light dusting of snow that squashed any lingering hope I may have had. The picture to the right was taken down my street at 7:45am and it has been snowing off and on all day long. I suppose that later this summer I will be glad we had this cold spell but it sure seems like we should be past this by now. I'm ready for it to end and the sun to start warming things up again so I can get in some serious saddle time!

The day wasn't a total motorcycle bust though. I got to have breakfast with a friend from Atlanta who was in town. Allen is the guy I posted about back on June 12, 2006 who rode from Atlanta to Deadhorse, Alaska on a Kawasaki KLR650. The trip was documented by his riding partner in Blog form and it is a fascinating "must-read" for any certified bike nut. CLICK HERE to check it out. Allen is the "real-deal" kind of motorcyclist and the kind of guy you could just sit and talk to all day long about motorcycles. After spending some time with him this morning I'm ready for a road trip! If I can just survive this Winter cold snap, I may be able to take one!

Feedback

February  16, 2007 - THUNDER ROADS TENNESSEE - MARCH 2007

The March 2007 issue of Thunder Roads Tennessee should hit the stores later this week. Many of you know that I have contributed to the magazine several times in the past but this issue includes the first of what will be a monthly column called Out & About With Swag. I'm looking forward to sharing some of my pictures and riding experiences on a regular basis and want to thank Editor Ruth Rose for the opportunity.

If you are in Tennessee, be sure and pick up a copy of Thunder Roads at your local shop... or if you are out of state, check them out on-line at www.ThunderRoadsTennessee.com.

Feedback

February  11, 2007 - A LITTLE TASTE OF SPRING

Today was awesome! Temps actually reached the 50's here in Middle Tennessee and the sun was shining to boot. Now I know you guys in Florida and Texas are probably rolling your eyes right now as you're sitting around in your flip-flops and shorts but believe me, with the temps we've been having around here for the last two weeks, the 50's were a welcome relief and offered a little taste of Spring. I was so excited I got all three of my babies out, rode them all and even got a group picture. Only two-and-a-half more weeks until March 1st... the official end of the Dark Months. WhoooHooo!

I also got a new hat for the collection today. This one came from my mother and is a cool leather Harley-Davidson cap. It's kind of unique in that it has ear flaps that fold up and out of the way when not in use.

CLICK HERE to see all the hats in my growing collection.

Feedback

February  9, 2007 - SPRING THAW ARTICLE HITS THE HORSE

Be sure and pick up a copy of the March 2007 issue of The Horse Backstreet Choppers. Not only will you get one of the best magazines on the planet but on page 59 you can check out an article and pictures that I contributed called "Thawing Out In Nashville". It's a re-cap of last years Spring Thaw Swap Meet and Bike Show held here in Middle Tennessee and features not only my story but a whopping 32 of the photos I took that day.

And speaking of the Spring Thaw Swap Meet and Bike Show… this years event is coming up on Saturday March 31st and will be bigger and better than ever. If you are anywhere near Middle Tennessee, come on out to the Calsonic Arena in Shelbyville and check it out… it's an awesome show and this year the first 3,000 people through the door will have a chance to win a 2007 Harley-Davidson motorcycle! For more info and directions visit www.bikerdesigns.com.

Feedback

February  3, 2007 - I SHAKE MY FIST IN YOUR FACE OLD MAN WINTER!

Like I said on Wednesday, I was determined to get out and ride this week just to prove that Old Man Winter was not going to get the best of me. Well, today was the day and with the remains of our first snow of the year still on the ground, I made my way through the backroads of Middle Tennessee for about a 40 mile ride. The temperature was down around 38 but the plentiful sunshine and blue as can be sky made for quite an enjoyable ride and by the time I got back home I felt much better having shaken my fist in the face of old man winter. Only three-and-a-half weeks until March1st... the official end of the dark months. We're almost there folks!

Feedback