I'm back! King's Island was a hoot! I didnt really go on many rides; my youngest had recently broken his right arm and wasn't allowed to ride, thus, we hung out, did a lot of chatting, munching and got a cool caricature done of the both of us. Very cool moments like that don't come around very often.
Driving through OhiO was an experience. No helmet laws! I saw a lot of guys riding lidless, some without even eye protection, at 70mph. Insane. I can't imagine what it must feel like getting hit in the face by a june bug at 70, or even a rock thrown from a semi. Lots of HD bikes on the road, though I did see some old Yammies. Mostly decked out HD's with so much accoutrements and accessories you could barely see the bike. Lots of HD dealerships down there.
I bought a set of engine guards off eBay. They are a little dinged up, having come off a wrecked Maxim X. One side has a pretty serious dent in it, but I think I'll be able to pound it out or bend it back into shape. The chrome is pretty scuffed, but again, I think I'll paint it glossy black. These things are tough to find.
Saturday, August 08, 2009
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
Off to King's Island!
I'm taking the kids and the SO to King's Island for the next 2 days, so won't be doing a lot of writing. I've always wanted to go (even though I am not a big roller coaster aficionado).
I did take the bike out for a nice ride last night, zipping down the highway (at posted speed limits) driving a bit around town. The squeak toy is still in the engine somewhere, and I fear a carb removal is in my near future. That's not a big issue, of course, now that I can get them off in a matter of 10 minutes or less. It's just that the bike is running very well... I hate to mess with anything.
I think when I get back I am going to buy those tank and side cover decals, of course, after I repair the damage I did to the one side cover. I've gotten a number of tips from DW, and plan to get that plastic shining like new again.
I do still plan a bike trip sometime this summer... perhaps after this trip. Even $20 in gas can get me places. I get nearly a 100 miles per tank, though whenever I get close to 90 on the odometer, I tend to look for the nearest gas station, and usually the low fuel light hasn't kicked in yet. One of these days, I am going to take it all the way to reserve and get an exact figure in terms of gas mileage. As it stands, I think I get about 42-45mpg.
Wish me well, and I will do the same to all of you. See you when I get back.
I did take the bike out for a nice ride last night, zipping down the highway (at posted speed limits) driving a bit around town. The squeak toy is still in the engine somewhere, and I fear a carb removal is in my near future. That's not a big issue, of course, now that I can get them off in a matter of 10 minutes or less. It's just that the bike is running very well... I hate to mess with anything.
I think when I get back I am going to buy those tank and side cover decals, of course, after I repair the damage I did to the one side cover. I've gotten a number of tips from DW, and plan to get that plastic shining like new again.
I do still plan a bike trip sometime this summer... perhaps after this trip. Even $20 in gas can get me places. I get nearly a 100 miles per tank, though whenever I get close to 90 on the odometer, I tend to look for the nearest gas station, and usually the low fuel light hasn't kicked in yet. One of these days, I am going to take it all the way to reserve and get an exact figure in terms of gas mileage. As it stands, I think I get about 42-45mpg.
Wish me well, and I will do the same to all of you. See you when I get back.
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
A Sad Day
Though I never met the man in person, William "Bill" Schmitt will be missed. He was involved in a motorcycle crash where someone turned in front of him. Massive head trauma, even though he was wearing a helmet, and another life is snuffed out. This makes me very sad, and a little angry too.
Being an ER nurse, I knew things weren't looking good when he was only breathing 2 times a minute unassisted. That, coupled with other diagnostic signs (rising ICP, decorticate posturing) led me to believe the prognosis was not good. I was going to help out on a XJ relay for this man, riding the leg between Grand Rapids and Metro Detroit. Many people from the xjbikes site were going to do a cross country ride to deliver get well cards and mementos. Now, a memorial ride is being discussed.
I spoke with bill via email through the xj site, him offering information on how to get my bike running better, tips and tricks that helped me get my bike to where it is today. He was kind and compassionate, a friend to motorcyclists everywhere, always quick with a word of advice or just a simple hello to new members.
bill, you will be missed.
In other more positive news, the newsletter is nearly complete! I'll be publishing this September for sure. I plan to offer it through this blog as well as through xjbikes. A few more simple things to do, and it'll be ready to go. This is the front cover. I plan to have a 2 page, back to back news-zine. A couple people have offered their services for writing articles. I plan to have a few beginning to end restoration projects featured.
I love it when a plan comes together.
Being an ER nurse, I knew things weren't looking good when he was only breathing 2 times a minute unassisted. That, coupled with other diagnostic signs (rising ICP, decorticate posturing) led me to believe the prognosis was not good. I was going to help out on a XJ relay for this man, riding the leg between Grand Rapids and Metro Detroit. Many people from the xjbikes site were going to do a cross country ride to deliver get well cards and mementos. Now, a memorial ride is being discussed.
I spoke with bill via email through the xj site, him offering information on how to get my bike running better, tips and tricks that helped me get my bike to where it is today. He was kind and compassionate, a friend to motorcyclists everywhere, always quick with a word of advice or just a simple hello to new members.
bill, you will be missed.
In other more positive news, the newsletter is nearly complete! I'll be publishing this September for sure. I plan to offer it through this blog as well as through xjbikes. A few more simple things to do, and it'll be ready to go. This is the front cover. I plan to have a 2 page, back to back news-zine. A couple people have offered their services for writing articles. I plan to have a few beginning to end restoration projects featured.
I love it when a plan comes together.
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