Monthly Archives: January 2010
January 16, 2010
Plans for the New Year
I've got some things planned for the New Year.
I'm pretty sure the situation at work won't let me repeat last year's riding, where I took two weeks off each for WFO-8 and CFR. For now, I have mostly firm plans to do a BBG in late April/early May, and am almost positive I can make WFO-9, which will likely be held on the north coast of California. I'd really like to ride up to the Dam Tour bonus dam in Hudson's Hope, BC, but that may take some doing at work.
The bike is in good shape, but there's a few maintenance items it could use if the budget holds out:
- I still haven't gotten the 52,000 mile valve check done, and the mileage is up to 54,400.
- I have about 3,000 miles or so left on the rear tire; the front has probably 15,000 miles left.
- I'll probably need to do some maintenance on the suspension by the summer. If I can make it to British Columbia, or if I get some extra time for WFO, I can stop by GP Suspensions in Portland, but otherwise I can do some of it myself - and I'm sure Doug and Hal will help out if needed.
- My hydraulic lines are still the stock OEM set, and are due for replacement. Galfer stainless lines look best.
- I need to install my Hella FF50 auxiliary lights. The install isn't too bad, but I know that I'll need to clean-up all the custom wiring under the front fairing before I can add anything else, and that may take a few days. I may park the bike on the patio, so I can leave it torn apart overnight.
The bike is well accessorized, and there's nothing that needs to be added, but there's a few things I'd like to do:
- I'd like to add a Pelican 1520/1527 case, mounted to the stock rear rack, for longer multi-day trips, IBA rides, and possible rallies. I've got some of the parts, and can do most of the work before I actually get the case itself.
- At some point, I'd like to get a BLM fuel cell, with a LindaT custom cover.
- My Wild Bill foot pegs work okay, but could be better. Maybe some Kuryakan's would do the trick.
January 1, 2010
Because I Could
Long distance guru Dean Tanji puts together some of the best rides, and announced the "Because We Can" ride earlier this month:
SoCal’s LD Riders Last Ride-To-Eat Of the YearWednesday Dec 30, Guadalupe, CA
It's hard to imagine why, butt, a third of LD riders live where it's frozen solid. Their motors have been "winterized" (a very scary word). It's a process akin to embalming where fluids are changed and the life force is removed and placed on a bench with a Battery Tender on it.
All these riders are just grumpier then hell and can be found hunched over their little computers 24/7, wrapped in a tattered blanket, wearing long-johns (with button rear flap), earmuffs, fingerless gloves and peckin' away. The "sit here, twist that" aggression is now directed solely at the little keyboard and what ever pops up on the screen. They're probably typing like they ride . . . some smooth and effortless . . . others herky-jerky, pecking all over the place. All the while they're mumbling, snortin', dozin’ off and sending each message off with a "smack" of the SEND NOW key yelling "Stuff this up yur candy ass “final drive” drivel ‘n smoke it." Then muttering "If I can't ride, nobody's gonna get the last word on me!" =:o
Another third can only get out on a rare good day. Some screw little metal studs into their tires, shoes, gloves and butt to maintain traction. And they ride till they can't take the pain any longer and they're always in danger of breaking off a very blue finger or black toe. Butt, just knowing they can still ride puts them into a moderately civil disposition. :^|
While the rest of us . . . well . . . life is good. Ride every day or at least every weekend. :^) The electrics are packed away somewhere. And we might even put it on if it gets down to the low-60's! Burrrrr :^))
The timing of this ride is different this year. It’s usually on a weekend between Christmas & New Years. But with Christmas on Friday Dec 24 and New Years on Friday, Jan 1, many (including myself) have weekend family obligations. So this year well see how many can show up in the middle of the week.
SoCal LD Rider's "Because We Can" Ride-To-Eat
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
11:30 Noon - 2:00 PM
The Far Western Tavern
899 Guadalupe Street
or Highway 1 & Ninth Street
Guadalupe, California 93434Phone: 805-343-2211
http://farwesterntavern.com/This is a real, genuine "Santa Maria Style BBQ" steak house. The Far Western's claim to fame is their "Bull's Eye Steak" which is a prime cut rib eye steak. The 10 oz "Bull's Eye Steak" is ~$20 and the 14 oz is ~$26. Most luncheon items are in the $10-15 range.
This is not banquet food. Unlike many restaurants that require a prepaid guarantee and a limited group menu, we are ordering off the regular lunch menu and each steak is prepared as ordered. There will be "one check per table". Please bring a wad of cash in all faces (Jackson’s, Hamilton’s, Lincoln’s and Washington’s) to simplify the "one-check-per-table" paying.
Please be aware that service may be a little slower under these conditions. However this give you all more time for tire kickin'.
Northern California LD folks, this is half way between Orange County and the Bay Area! 225+ miles one-way! Not even a full tank for most of you guys. It's the perfect “last” ride-of-the-year ride.
I rsvp'd right away.
When Wednesday dawned, it was cold and rainy. I put on my Widder, and got to Burbank before the rain started and I had to put on my rain suit (under the freeway at Buena Vista). I had originally planned to ride Foxen Canyon and Tepusquet on the way to Guadalupe, but the rain delayed me enough to make the detour impractical. I went straight there, on US-101, CA-154, CA-135, and then CA-1.
I met up with a bunch of old friends, and had a great time at lunch. I sat with Old Michael (ask him about his "canker sore"...), Dr. Rich, Sin-Loki, and dcarver, and we spent the time telling tall tales. Fairlaner was there too, and Jerry White, and bunch of others. I left around 2:00pm, and headed straight back. The rain started at the top of the hill on the 154, and stayed around until the 134 split in North Hollywood. I met up with Carole and Mandy for "Did You Hear About the Morgan's" in Alhambra (not Hugh Grant's best effort...).
It may seem odd to ride 3 hours there, and 3 ½ hours back, almost all of it in the rain, just for a 2 hour lunch, but I had a great time.