Ralph is letting me ride his bike, I reckon I could head off to Seatle 'last' week and I might just beat you guys!
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
3 days to the Ride
Final stages of the planning and then it's time to shove off. Ralph and Blue will recover from their sunburn and head up here on Friday; Jim is already here and from his report his bike is ready to go. We'll do a little cosmetic work on mine today or tomorrow and it will be ready. I may even wax it again. The dinner plans are set and if we can keep Blue distracted so others can get some food before he cleans us out we'll be able to feed everybody.
My daughter arrives tomorrow to spend a few days with us and help with the preparation and festivities. Even the weather is cooperating; temps today will only reach 73F but by the weekend will be in the 80'sF.
We'll start out Saturday by taking Blue to our Independence Day Parade; then have the cook out and if we can squeeze it in we'll go see some fireworks. If not we'll relax on the deck and try to get a good night's sleep before shoving off on Sunday morning.
I'm going to go pick up an "e-tool" today or tomorrow to add to our camping supplies. Can't think of anything more we need.
That's all for today;
Ride safe
My daughter arrives tomorrow to spend a few days with us and help with the preparation and festivities. Even the weather is cooperating; temps today will only reach 73F but by the weekend will be in the 80'sF.
We'll start out Saturday by taking Blue to our Independence Day Parade; then have the cook out and if we can squeeze it in we'll go see some fireworks. If not we'll relax on the deck and try to get a good night's sleep before shoving off on Sunday morning.
I'm going to go pick up an "e-tool" today or tomorrow to add to our camping supplies. Can't think of anything more we need.
That's all for today;
Ride safe
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
EEEEE-HAAAAA
Light'em up I'm ready to rock! Suzi just got a whole crankcase of Lucas Synthetic and she is very happy. Shifts quieter and obviously loves the new juice. Now I just need a cup-holder that will hold some good stuff for me, saw one in the Harley Salon but they wanted blood & money for it. Think I'll make one.
Blue continues to control the weather
I drove over from Houston to New Orleans and as soon as I got to Baton Rouge, the clouds looked more and more menancing. By the time I hit Lake Ponchartrain, the deluge started and it was so bad traffic slowed to 20mph and you had a hard time seeing the headlights of the westbound traffic and you couldn't see the damn lake or anything else....Stayed that way all the way to New Oleans but let up a bit when I got of I-10 onto the parkway south towards metairie.
This morning, everythink looked pretty good until I got in my car and headed to the Huey Long bridge, which is a very narrow and long bridge. I was surprised, but you can actually pass another car on that bridge but when it is pouring cats and dogs, you really don't like to accelerate or brake. By the time I got to where I was going, the rain had let up and stayed relatively nice until lunchtime. Then the Blue VOODOO began again and it rained until I got back to the training center. Rest of the afternoon was nice until we secured training, then it was another cloudburst and the Bridge was shutdown....It took some good dead reckoning, a lot of patience and and hour or so of backroads, then major parkways (at stop and go) but I made it back to the motel. Took advantage of a brief lull to run out and get supper and it is pouring again. I suspect that Blue will have cursed the entire route back to Houston tomorrow. I'm going to try to get an early start before Blue wakes up in hopes that I can have a few hours on the road without fighting heavy downpours.
The hell with the global warming crap.....Blue is deeply involved in climate change but I don't know how he does it!
This morning, everythink looked pretty good until I got in my car and headed to the Huey Long bridge, which is a very narrow and long bridge. I was surprised, but you can actually pass another car on that bridge but when it is pouring cats and dogs, you really don't like to accelerate or brake. By the time I got to where I was going, the rain had let up and stayed relatively nice until lunchtime. Then the Blue VOODOO began again and it rained until I got back to the training center. Rest of the afternoon was nice until we secured training, then it was another cloudburst and the Bridge was shutdown....It took some good dead reckoning, a lot of patience and and hour or so of backroads, then major parkways (at stop and go) but I made it back to the motel. Took advantage of a brief lull to run out and get supper and it is pouring again. I suspect that Blue will have cursed the entire route back to Houston tomorrow. I'm going to try to get an early start before Blue wakes up in hopes that I can have a few hours on the road without fighting heavy downpours.
The hell with the global warming crap.....Blue is deeply involved in climate change but I don't know how he does it!
4 days to the Ride
It's almost here and I can feel the breeze in my face even though I'm sitting in my office wondering how I can sneak out of here. Weather reports for the weekend look good and only Monday in the U.P. gives any indication of rain. But those long range forecasts have a way of changing so we'll just take what we get and keep on riding. If necessary, we can put Blue out as a lightning rod and have him far enough behind us so that the rain is at our backs.
All the other plans seem to be completed or well along the way so I'm following Ralph's advice and "relaxing".
My neighbors have all been put on alert that we will be having a bit of a "to do" on Saturday and have promised to not call the police if they hear the sounds of a digeridoo or see a strange man walking about looking for a stick.
The next few days will just be spent assembling and packing my gear; thinking of useless drivel to post and anxiously waiting for Friday night when Ralph and Blue pull in the drive and the fun begins. Looks like I'll be smoking the turkey on Friday so it will be all ready for us when we get back from the parade.
If you're still awake after reading this enjoy the day;
Ride safe,
All the other plans seem to be completed or well along the way so I'm following Ralph's advice and "relaxing".
My neighbors have all been put on alert that we will be having a bit of a "to do" on Saturday and have promised to not call the police if they hear the sounds of a digeridoo or see a strange man walking about looking for a stick.
The next few days will just be spent assembling and packing my gear; thinking of useless drivel to post and anxiously waiting for Friday night when Ralph and Blue pull in the drive and the fun begins. Looks like I'll be smoking the turkey on Friday so it will be all ready for us when we get back from the parade.
If you're still awake after reading this enjoy the day;
Ride safe,
Monday, June 28, 2010
Five days, Hi Ho Silver-Away!
Well just a quick FYI for everyone. Talked with some folks over the weekend that mentioned you should make sure you have some quarters with you when you visit campgrounds, because to take a shower you have to put one in the door to get in.
I'm not at home so I can't check my list, but I don't think shower shoes were one it. To use a public shower they would come high on the suggested list. Of course we do have with us a gen-u-wine highly trained and motivated Naval Corpsman who I'm sure could handle a few cases of foot leprosy. Is that "who" or "whom?"
I'm not at home so I can't check my list, but I don't think shower shoes were one it. To use a public shower they would come high on the suggested list. Of course we do have with us a gen-u-wine highly trained and motivated Naval Corpsman who I'm sure could handle a few cases of foot leprosy. Is that "who" or "whom?"
5 days to the Ride
The sun has returned and the temps and humidity have moderated. I'm looking for any way possible to sneak out of work and go for another test ride; avoiding all foreign objects laying in the road.
Blue is now with Ralph and will be spending some time in SC entertaining the locals with his prowess of making wooden objects either magically return or disappear to never be seen again. Maybe they should find a good hunting dog to bring it back to them if the "return function" fails. I think there is an old song about "My Boomerang Won't Come Back".
When Sharon gets tired of their antics they will be heading up here to mystify my neighbors with their ability to speak the English language. I suspect the Saturday cook out will sound like the "Tower of Babel" with all the different accents.
All the final details for starting the ride on Sunday are being worked out and if the weather predictions come true we should have a nice sunny, but cool day to start out. After that we'll just take each day as it comes.
The blog will open to the public when Ralph and Blue arrive so you can all notify your friends, relatives and anybody else who is interested that they can start reading this on Friday, July 2nd
Blue is now with Ralph and will be spending some time in SC entertaining the locals with his prowess of making wooden objects either magically return or disappear to never be seen again. Maybe they should find a good hunting dog to bring it back to them if the "return function" fails. I think there is an old song about "My Boomerang Won't Come Back".
When Sharon gets tired of their antics they will be heading up here to mystify my neighbors with their ability to speak the English language. I suspect the Saturday cook out will sound like the "Tower of Babel" with all the different accents.
All the final details for starting the ride on Sunday are being worked out and if the weather predictions come true we should have a nice sunny, but cool day to start out. After that we'll just take each day as it comes.
The blog will open to the public when Ralph and Blue arrive so you can all notify your friends, relatives and anybody else who is interested that they can start reading this on Friday, July 2nd
Sunday, June 27, 2010
6 days to the Ride
The time continues to get shorter and there are fewer things left to get done. Now that the bike is all tuned up I've shifted gears to getting all my stuff assembled for packing. Fortunately I don't have to concern myself with size and weight restrictions because Ralph assures me there is plenty of room in the truck.
Went to see "Ted the Barber" yesterday and got my "washcloth cut". Now I can just dunk my head in a cold stream, wipe it off with a rag and I'm good to go. No need to pack a comb. Even had the beard trimmed so I don't have to worry about that either. Now if I could just figure out how to convince the people at work that I need the next 5 days off to "pre-ride". This is going to be a long week as the anticipation continues to mount. But, you have to wait for the good things to grow and Ralph keeps me reminding me to "relax".
Speaking of Ralph he'll be on the road soon to head out into the "wilds of north Florida" on an "Aussie" hunt. I heard that Florida pays a bounty on them if you take them out of state; they fund it with lottery sales to unsuspecting blokes who still believe the system will reward them for their purchase. Wouldn't it be a hoot if Blue actually won and took all the money out of Florida? Go Blue!
Have a safe trip down and back Ralph; practice your listening skills because you know he is just full of stories about his alligator hunt and he's armed with ammunition from his visit with your old shipmates.
Went to see "Ted the Barber" yesterday and got my "washcloth cut". Now I can just dunk my head in a cold stream, wipe it off with a rag and I'm good to go. No need to pack a comb. Even had the beard trimmed so I don't have to worry about that either. Now if I could just figure out how to convince the people at work that I need the next 5 days off to "pre-ride". This is going to be a long week as the anticipation continues to mount. But, you have to wait for the good things to grow and Ralph keeps me reminding me to "relax".
Speaking of Ralph he'll be on the road soon to head out into the "wilds of north Florida" on an "Aussie" hunt. I heard that Florida pays a bounty on them if you take them out of state; they fund it with lottery sales to unsuspecting blokes who still believe the system will reward them for their purchase. Wouldn't it be a hoot if Blue actually won and took all the money out of Florida? Go Blue!
Have a safe trip down and back Ralph; practice your listening skills because you know he is just full of stories about his alligator hunt and he's armed with ammunition from his visit with your old shipmates.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
7 days to the Ride
It's Saturday morning and I've been up for a couple of hours. The Scottie and I did our morning walk and she growled at all the strange sounds from the woods to let them know she was there and in charge. The weather is cool and the sky is clear but, rain is coming later today. This will be a day of continued preparation for the trip and cleaning up a few undone tasks so that I can leave with a clear conscience.
Hard to believe that a week from now Ralph and Blue will be here and we will be getting ready to take Blue to the "Independence Day Parade"; Ralph, your job will be to control him so he doesn't try to give us back to the Pommies.
I've started checking the long range weather forecasts for Michigan and Minnesota and the day we leave should be decent (if you can trust long range forecasts, which I doubt). Temps are supposed to be in the 70's with overnight temps in the 60's. Black Fly season is supposed to end on July 4th but I don't trust the forecast either. I have plenty of bug spray and bug repellent for us so we should be ok with that.
Ralph I know you got us a place to camp in Marquette area; have you started exploring our Monday night stop in the Bemidji MN area or are you going to wait until we get to Marquette and assess what kind of mileage we will put on on Monday? No pressure just wondering how you're going to work all this.
Hard to believe that a week from now Ralph and Blue will be here and we will be getting ready to take Blue to the "Independence Day Parade"; Ralph, your job will be to control him so he doesn't try to give us back to the Pommies.
I've started checking the long range weather forecasts for Michigan and Minnesota and the day we leave should be decent (if you can trust long range forecasts, which I doubt). Temps are supposed to be in the 70's with overnight temps in the 60's. Black Fly season is supposed to end on July 4th but I don't trust the forecast either. I have plenty of bug spray and bug repellent for us so we should be ok with that.
Ralph I know you got us a place to camp in Marquette area; have you started exploring our Monday night stop in the Bemidji MN area or are you going to wait until we get to Marquette and assess what kind of mileage we will put on on Monday? No pressure just wondering how you're going to work all this.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Something like this......
Can't seem to post a comment, but it looks like I can post a new topic....consider this a response to Fred's picture of the tire:
That looks like an incomplete installation of the Ralph Luther Do It Yourself studded snow tire installation that he taught to John McMichael.
Now fess up, Ralph, did you sneak up to DeeeTroit and try to modify Fred's Hawg?
That looks like an incomplete installation of the Ralph Luther Do It Yourself studded snow tire installation that he taught to John McMichael.
Now fess up, Ralph, did you sneak up to DeeeTroit and try to modify Fred's Hawg?
Something like this could ruin your day
This is what knocked my rear tire for a loop and had us all confused as to what the hell went wrong with my bike. The tire never lost any air so it wasn't until they got it up on the rack that this was spotted. The second photo is the actual bolt next to a ballpoint pen to give a sense of perspective on how long that bad boy is; 5 1/2" end to end.
KUDOS to my dealer and their service manager; they took care of everything in record time and while they were replacing the rear tire they received a recall for the front tire so I now have brand new tires (front and rear) for the trip. A lucky break after what started out to be a really crappy day.
BTW; the new pipes are very nice and should break in nicely with that mellow rumble.
8 days to the Ride
Well the unthinkable has happened. Last night on a test ride after getting the bike out of the shop something went wrong. There is a banging/thumping and vibration coming from either the transmission or engine that caused me to pull the bike off the road and get it hauled back to the dealer in a trailer. Jim and I were out for a nice easy ride to the countryside when it happened. At first I thought I ran over something in the road but that turned out not to be the case. Something broke or something got dropped into the oil pan or transmission during the fluid changes. Or, something wasn't tightened up properly and gave way after a few miles on the road. Now the agonizing wait begins while the dealer figures out what went wrong and determines if they can get it fixed in time. The only good news I can get out of this is that it's better it happened before we started out than somewhere up in North Dakota or Montana. There's still time to get it fixed and I just hope it's nothing major.
More later as the saga unfolds.
Damn!
UPDATE:Good news on the bike. Turns out I did run over something and it was a large bolt that punctured the tire but did not flatten it; I guess it formed a good seal. That explains why the engine didn't make any odd noises at idle and the vibration was only felt upon acceleration. It also explainst the loud bang when I went through the intersection as the bolt went in and then was firmly seated as the tire went around a few more times before I could get stopped. Good thing I bought the extra coverage for tires and wheels because I now have a brand new tire and won't have to worry about replacing it somewhere during the trip; unless I hit something else. I'll pick it back up after work today and take another ride; carefully avoiding areas where there are lots of construction vehicles. That means I have to get out of this area because virtually every road has some type of construction project on it.
I'm back being a happy rider.
More later as the saga unfolds.
Damn!
UPDATE:Good news on the bike. Turns out I did run over something and it was a large bolt that punctured the tire but did not flatten it; I guess it formed a good seal. That explains why the engine didn't make any odd noises at idle and the vibration was only felt upon acceleration. It also explainst the loud bang when I went through the intersection as the bolt went in and then was firmly seated as the tire went around a few more times before I could get stopped. Good thing I bought the extra coverage for tires and wheels because I now have a brand new tire and won't have to worry about replacing it somewhere during the trip; unless I hit something else. I'll pick it back up after work today and take another ride; carefully avoiding areas where there are lots of construction vehicles. That means I have to get out of this area because virtually every road has some type of construction project on it.
I'm back being a happy rider.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
9 days to the Ride
Single digits in the countdown. Weather has improved and the final stages are really coming together. Ralph and Blue will meet up on Sunday and the third leg of the trip will start for Blue. They will arrive at my house on Friday and Pat has promised to have a home cooked dinner waiting for them. Blue sure knows how to charm the ladies.
I'm leaving in about an hour to turn in the "cop bike" and pick mine up from the shop. I sure hope it's ready today; although the Police Special is a nice diversion but for this week only. It's not the kind of bike I would ride on a long trip.
More later after I visit the dealer.
Getting short and Getting excited about leaving.
UPDATE
The good news is the new pipes have that nice Harley sound; not too loud but with that deep rumble we all love.
The bad news is that while Jim and I were out riding something went wrong and the bike is now back in the shop. The dealer assures me they will find it and fix it and I really want to believe them. But, one way or the other we are going; whether it's on my bike or a loaner. I should know the source of the problem tomorrow but now I can just sit back and wonder; "why me Lord?"
Ride safe,
I'm leaving in about an hour to turn in the "cop bike" and pick mine up from the shop. I sure hope it's ready today; although the Police Special is a nice diversion but for this week only. It's not the kind of bike I would ride on a long trip.
More later after I visit the dealer.
Getting short and Getting excited about leaving.
UPDATE
The good news is the new pipes have that nice Harley sound; not too loud but with that deep rumble we all love.
The bad news is that while Jim and I were out riding something went wrong and the bike is now back in the shop. The dealer assures me they will find it and fix it and I really want to believe them. But, one way or the other we are going; whether it's on my bike or a loaner. I should know the source of the problem tomorrow but now I can just sit back and wonder; "why me Lord?"
Ride safe,
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Two questions
Fred----you gonna have any of those commemorative T-shirts with you for sale?
Ralph.....how often will you have to stop to feed the truck? To feed Blue? I expect Blue may be able to make it at least two hours between meals.
Ralph.....how often will you have to stop to feed the truck? To feed Blue? I expect Blue may be able to make it at least two hours between meals.
10 days to the Ride
I just got off the phone with my Harley Dealer and my bike will be ready to come out of the shop after work tonight. Now I just have to figure out how to get out of work early and go hang around at the dealership with a forlorn look so that they will hurry up and finish up the work. I'm actually more concerned if the rain will hold off than I am with them hurrying. Better they get it right than go fast and forget something. Once the bike gets home I will finally finish the install of the rider backrest and then I can't think of anything else I need for it. Maybe a little riding around to break in the new pipes but that should be about all.
Blue is at the second stop of his "sojourn" through Florida and will visit the oilfields (beaches) of Pensacola/Panama City to see if the oil soaked pelicans are good to eat. Knowing Blue he will probably lend a hand in cleaning the poor birds up.
Ralph is loading up the truck with "SK" music and I can just hear the two of them singing along with "The Hag" to some forlorn country tune about dogs/trains/mama/drinking etc. Hey, isn't that the ingredients for the perfect country song?
Enough of this;
Ride safe, think sunshine in the northern plains
UPDATE ON THE BIKE
When Jim and I showed up at my Harley Dealer they informed me the bike wasn't quite ready and we'd have to wait about 45 minutes. That was ok so we started looking around at all the "stuff" Harley stores have replaced the corner Hardware as the ultimate "man store". All kinds of shiny chrome stuff sold by buxom young women.
We were enjoying the scenery when the service manager informs me that the bike still isn't done but she's going to give me a loaner for the night so we can get a ride in. It wasn't really necessary but she insisted so I rode off on a 2010 105 cu in Harley Electra Glide Police Model. What a difference that little bit of extra horse power makes. That bike was quick and very responsive. Not a bad ride and they have promised me I'll get mine back tomorrow; all tuned up, washed up, revved up and ready to go. Still anxious to hear those new pipes.
Blue is at the second stop of his "sojourn" through Florida and will visit the oilfields (beaches) of Pensacola/Panama City to see if the oil soaked pelicans are good to eat. Knowing Blue he will probably lend a hand in cleaning the poor birds up.
Ralph is loading up the truck with "SK" music and I can just hear the two of them singing along with "The Hag" to some forlorn country tune about dogs/trains/mama/drinking etc. Hey, isn't that the ingredients for the perfect country song?
Enough of this;
Ride safe, think sunshine in the northern plains
UPDATE ON THE BIKE
When Jim and I showed up at my Harley Dealer they informed me the bike wasn't quite ready and we'd have to wait about 45 minutes. That was ok so we started looking around at all the "stuff" Harley stores have replaced the corner Hardware as the ultimate "man store". All kinds of shiny chrome stuff sold by buxom young women.
We were enjoying the scenery when the service manager informs me that the bike still isn't done but she's going to give me a loaner for the night so we can get a ride in. It wasn't really necessary but she insisted so I rode off on a 2010 105 cu in Harley Electra Glide Police Model. What a difference that little bit of extra horse power makes. That bike was quick and very responsive. Not a bad ride and they have promised me I'll get mine back tomorrow; all tuned up, washed up, revved up and ready to go. Still anxious to hear those new pipes.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Don't forget to take your Take Her Deep CD
You guys need to be playing TOMMY COX so that the civilians can appreciate him too!
11 days to the Ride
Woke up to the sound of thunder and the flash of lightning this morning. Been a wet spring and the first day of summer is starting out the same way. But supposed to clear up later today and with luck I'll get the bike back today or tomorrow.
So, for now I'll post another "teaser" photo of a sight we can see on our first day on the road. You should be able to recognize where this is. I hope the weather is as clear as it is in the photo.
Monday, June 21, 2010
12 days to the Ride
Now we can legitimately say we are leaving next week. Time to start monitoring the long range weather forecasts just to see what lies ahead. I'm anxiously waiting for my Harley dealer to call and tell me to come pick the bike up. Should be ready by tomorow or Wednesday. Bought some new Levis yesterday in a smaller size. With all the weight I've lost the other ones were in danger of falling off. It will be interesting to see how they weather after 3 weeks on the road. From brand new to that good faded "Levis Look". My new USS Skipjack denim shirt also arrived so I now have a complete "uniform" for our meet with the SSMC riders. I'll be full dress "bubblehead". This Saturday I'm planning a ride up to Bay City, Michigan to attend the state convention of the Marine Corps League if the weather cooperates. This will be a "recon" run to make sure that our route north is clear of any construction obstacles. MDOT doesn't show any work being done up there but I don't always believe what they tell me. It will also give me the opportunity to see how loud the new pipes are going to be at highway speeds. I hope I don't need ear plugs; I find them uncomfortable except when I'm playing the pipes indoors.
UPDATE: I picked up some really good insect repellant today. I hope none of you are allergic to DEET. It's what we give our field workers when they have to go into the swampy areas. Jim can attest to how good it works.
Well that's enough drivel for today; time to get back to work.
Ride safe
UPDATE: I picked up some really good insect repellant today. I hope none of you are allergic to DEET. It's what we give our field workers when they have to go into the swampy areas. Jim can attest to how good it works.
Well that's enough drivel for today; time to get back to work.
Ride safe
Sunday, June 20, 2010
USS Ohio at the Hood Canal in Washington
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I don't see any smoke; I wonder how they do that? Must have a bunch of gerbils on a wheel spinning the shaft.
13 days to the Ride
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!
The closer we get to taking off the more difficult it is for me to sleep. I'm like a kid waiting for Christmas; or like I told Pat, it's like my last 30 days in Viet Nam counting them off until I came home. The "attack Scottie" and I went out for a walk earlier and bumped into the film crew that is working in the woods across the street from me making some kind of Vampire Movie. They showed up yesterday afternoon with all their equipment and a bunch of adult and kid actors and have been in the woods all night filming. They finished up at 0400. Seems they are part of a school project one of the kids is involved with at the neighbor kid's school. I tried to horn in on the action and asked them if they needed a "Vampiper" but they just gave me a strange look, shook their heads and wandered into the woods. I think the mosquitoes had a field day last night.
On "Ride" related subjects Pat and I are off to the local emporium of cook out stuff to start laying in supplies. I'm in charge of red meat and she is in charge of veggies and all that wholesome stuff. She just won't buy into the fact that "cheetos" are corn and that makes them a vegetable.
I also started looking into the construction zones by accessing the MDOT website. The ride to the U.P. from my house shouldn't be effected by any construction. Ralph and Blue may want to consider using US-23 out of Toledo instead of I-75 to I-275 where there are numerous construction sites and lane closures. US-23 will take you around them and still get you back to I-275. I'll explore whether other states have similar sites to alert us to construction along our proposed route.
What the hell; I can't sleep so I might as well do something useful
The closer we get to taking off the more difficult it is for me to sleep. I'm like a kid waiting for Christmas; or like I told Pat, it's like my last 30 days in Viet Nam counting them off until I came home. The "attack Scottie" and I went out for a walk earlier and bumped into the film crew that is working in the woods across the street from me making some kind of Vampire Movie. They showed up yesterday afternoon with all their equipment and a bunch of adult and kid actors and have been in the woods all night filming. They finished up at 0400. Seems they are part of a school project one of the kids is involved with at the neighbor kid's school. I tried to horn in on the action and asked them if they needed a "Vampiper" but they just gave me a strange look, shook their heads and wandered into the woods. I think the mosquitoes had a field day last night.
On "Ride" related subjects Pat and I are off to the local emporium of cook out stuff to start laying in supplies. I'm in charge of red meat and she is in charge of veggies and all that wholesome stuff. She just won't buy into the fact that "cheetos" are corn and that makes them a vegetable.
I also started looking into the construction zones by accessing the MDOT website. The ride to the U.P. from my house shouldn't be effected by any construction. Ralph and Blue may want to consider using US-23 out of Toledo instead of I-75 to I-275 where there are numerous construction sites and lane closures. US-23 will take you around them and still get you back to I-275. I'll explore whether other states have similar sites to alert us to construction along our proposed route.
What the hell; I can't sleep so I might as well do something useful
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Successful Mission to Support the Troops
LtoR first row(kneeling; Pat Gardner, Susan Sackett, Carol Sidelko and Sue Czuj (all nurses who work at Blue Cross) also kneeling is Frank Nagy. Frank is the grandfather of a Marine we sent packages to last year. Row 2 kneeling Dennis Schultz Escolar Base USSVI qualified on USS Cusk and Fred Gardner Escolar Base USSVI and Marine Corps League Det 570; qualified on USS Skipjack.
We had another successul mission to provide boxes of goodies to the troops in Afghanistan. We had the names and addresses of 4 local area troops (2 Marines, 1 Army Scout, and 1 Air Force pilot) and they each got 8 boxes of various and sundry food stuffs, personal hygiene items, reading material and other stuff.
Frank owns a 1945 Harley Davidson "Army Courier Bike" that is fully restored and rideable. Nice guy and was so appreciative of what we did last year for his grandson that he drove 200 miles (one way) to help us pack the boxes. Says he'll come back in November when we do it again. I may ride out to Muskegon, MI (home of the USS Silversides)and see if we can go for a ride together. That would be neat; a 1945 and a 2009 Harley side by side.
14 days to the Ride
Blue is now somewhere over the Pacific and we've already had one of the severest thunderstorms that I've seen in years. Knocked the power out for a bit and made lots of noise but not as much rain as I thought it would provide. It's now moved east so we'll end up with a nice day and maybe lower temperatures.
Today I'll be doing something other than thinking or "blathering" about this trip. This is the day we pack and ship boxes of goodies to the troops in Afghanistan. We've got a good mix of recipients from the Army, Air Force and Marines and the amount of "stuff" that has been donated never ceases to amaze me. Participants in this semi annual event are from Blue Cross (my wife and some of her colleagues) USSVI (me and another Escolar Base Member); my company and the Marine Corps League. We even have the grandfather of one of our earlier recipients helping out today. I'll put photos up later.
We return you now to your regularly scheduled mindless prattle.
Ride safe,
Blue let us know when you're in CONUS and don't make that first phone call an appeal for bail money.
Today I'll be doing something other than thinking or "blathering" about this trip. This is the day we pack and ship boxes of goodies to the troops in Afghanistan. We've got a good mix of recipients from the Army, Air Force and Marines and the amount of "stuff" that has been donated never ceases to amaze me. Participants in this semi annual event are from Blue Cross (my wife and some of her colleagues) USSVI (me and another Escolar Base Member); my company and the Marine Corps League. We even have the grandfather of one of our earlier recipients helping out today. I'll put photos up later.
We return you now to your regularly scheduled mindless prattle.
Ride safe,
Blue let us know when you're in CONUS and don't make that first phone call an appeal for bail money.
Friday, June 18, 2010
15 days to the Ride
We are in the final stages of the planning for this adventure and I'm running out of things to plan for. Our itinerary is set for the Seattle area; our hosts are checking out the roads for us to follow from Idaho back to Renton; Miner's and Fat Smitty's have increased their inventory of red meat to accomodate Blue; Starbuck's is building new stores all along the route so McManus will feel at home and the bear is patiently waiting at the table for "lunch" to arrive. Now if we could get John Bay to toss a few lahbstuh's our way we would be set. I wonder if we can get some Dungeness crab while we're out there? Hmmmmmmmmmmm. I also wonder if we can sneak over to the Horse and Cow while we're on the Olympic Peninsula? How about a little side trip to the Pacific Ocean; just to see it?
Blue is now in the air somewhere between Perth and Tokyo and will be over the Pacific on his way to Chicago and ultimately Orlando over the next 24 hours.
Ralph and I have been comparing packing lists and I think we have all the essentials covered. We have camping gear, tie down gear, emergency tools, my neighbor is going to loan me a tent/sleeping bag pad repair kit and I have stocked my Unit 1 medical bag. I have a bottle of really good insect repellent for each of us and I think I can come up with some good stuff to spray inside the tents to kill any critters that get inside before we climb into the sleeping bags. Now if I can just find a horse hair rope to keep the "slithery" things at bay I'll be all set.
Jim has the coffee pot and it will be interesting to see if our aging guts can handle "campfire coffee" Sorry McManus no latte's and bagels while we're on the road unless you can find a good caterer.
I might toss in a bottle of Famous Grouse just to take the chill off each night before we turn in. I'd bring single malt but I know it wouldn't last past Marquette; Mulanix would be sneaking over to have a "wee dram" every 30 minutes.
Pat is taking care of all the "cook out" supplies and even picked up some "Independence Day" plates and cups so that Blue can experience our celebration of freedom here. We'll go to the parade on Saturday morning and then return to my house for the final prep, briefing and food fest.
Be prepared to leave at oh dark ugly on Sunday July 4th. Ralph and I are the early birds and I'm chomping at the bit to get underway.
Shipmates; it is all coming together and to date we've had the minimum of FUBAR'S; this is going to be fun.
That's all for today unless I find a good photo to post later.
ADDENDUM:
Now that Blue is on his way here our temps in Michigan have shot up into the 90's F. From a very comfortable 77F yesterday to this; the man sure does have an effect on the weather. If he can make it 90F+ in Michigan just think what is going to happen in Florida and South Carolina.
Ride safe;
Blue is now in the air somewhere between Perth and Tokyo and will be over the Pacific on his way to Chicago and ultimately Orlando over the next 24 hours.
Ralph and I have been comparing packing lists and I think we have all the essentials covered. We have camping gear, tie down gear, emergency tools, my neighbor is going to loan me a tent/sleeping bag pad repair kit and I have stocked my Unit 1 medical bag. I have a bottle of really good insect repellent for each of us and I think I can come up with some good stuff to spray inside the tents to kill any critters that get inside before we climb into the sleeping bags. Now if I can just find a horse hair rope to keep the "slithery" things at bay I'll be all set.
Jim has the coffee pot and it will be interesting to see if our aging guts can handle "campfire coffee" Sorry McManus no latte's and bagels while we're on the road unless you can find a good caterer.
I might toss in a bottle of Famous Grouse just to take the chill off each night before we turn in. I'd bring single malt but I know it wouldn't last past Marquette; Mulanix would be sneaking over to have a "wee dram" every 30 minutes.
Pat is taking care of all the "cook out" supplies and even picked up some "Independence Day" plates and cups so that Blue can experience our celebration of freedom here. We'll go to the parade on Saturday morning and then return to my house for the final prep, briefing and food fest.
Be prepared to leave at oh dark ugly on Sunday July 4th. Ralph and I are the early birds and I'm chomping at the bit to get underway.
Shipmates; it is all coming together and to date we've had the minimum of FUBAR'S; this is going to be fun.
That's all for today unless I find a good photo to post later.
ADDENDUM:
Now that Blue is on his way here our temps in Michigan have shot up into the 90's F. From a very comfortable 77F yesterday to this; the man sure does have an effect on the weather. If he can make it 90F+ in Michigan just think what is going to happen in Florida and South Carolina.
Ride safe;
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Just got off the phone with my dealer and the new pipes have been shipped and unless something goes TU all work will be completed by next week and I will be good to go. I even have my local "helmet shiner" polishing my "noggin cover"
It's amazing when you offer the "garden gnome" a bottle of Butthead Beer how much work you can get out of him.
16 days to the Ride
Since there was concern that the Miner Burger might not be big enough to satisfiy Blue's appetite I decided to look into "Fat Smitty's" which we will visit on Monday when we go up to the Olympic Peninsula. This one just might do the job.
On another note I'm really "bummed" today as my Harley dealer continues to spin me up over the delivery of my new pipes and scheduling of my maintenance prior to the trip. This is the first time I've had problems with them and I'm ready to cancel the order; get the oil change done and worry about all this stuff when we get back. I'm going to impress on them, in no uncertain terms, that they WILL have my bike ready to go in time; no excuses will be accepted.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
17 days to the Ride
All this talk about Blue's appetite made me wonder if the Miner Burger the Seattle area guys are talking about is going to be big enough. I guess we'll just have to wait until we get there. If that doesn't work the following day we'll be going to "Fat Smitty's" and possibly the Horse and Cow.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
18 days to the Ride
Another teaser photo; we should see scenes like this on Sunday on our ride to and from Yakima Washington. This is taken in the Chinook Pass facing Mt Ranier
Our schedule in the Seattle area continues to get refined and it looks like it will be Sandpoint Idaho on Friday July 9th; followed by our ride into Renton (Seattle) on Saturday July 10th. On Sunday we ride to Yakima (hence the photo above) and will meet up with Doug Dahlke (SSMC Member) and enjoy a "Miner Burger" and all the sights to see in the area. Tomorrow I will write about the Monday trip to the Olympic Peninsula and what awaits us there.
Ralph; cool temps up here in case you want to come early.
Monday, June 14, 2010
19 days to the Ride
Just another teaser photo; this one from the Jackson Hole National Elk Refuge website. Bill Linn was mentioning this area last night so I did some searching; if there is a way we can get to this area, which is south of Yellowstone I sure would like to try it. The photos of the area are awesome.
We are now down in the "teens" and before you know it Blue will be here and the Ride will officially begin.
I spoke with Bill Linn (SSMC President of Cascade Chapter) and he is diligently working out the details of our 3 days in the Seattle area. We'll probably have about 10 to 15 riders out of Sandpoint to Renton. Then on Sunday it's either Yakima or Olympic Peninsula with Monday being the other. Those details are still to be worked out. On the Tuesday that we check out of Renton we'll be meeting up with some SSMC Riders out of Portland to begin our trip south and then up the Columbia River Gorge. From there Bill Linn has given me some good options for getting to Yellowstone which we will review prior to leaving here or when we meet up with him. I'm trying real hard not to over plan this thing so it can "just happen". All that said we should have a lot of fun, see some amazing stuff and bring back enough stories to put all of our grandchildren to sleep.
Ride safe,
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Hand Salute
The details change, but the dedication, the courage and the pride never does. Nor the tears, I'm afraid.
click here:
Sorry for the injection of seriousness, but stories like this make me proud to be Doc's friend.
click here:
Sorry for the injection of seriousness, but stories like this make me proud to be Doc's friend.
20 days to the Ride
Just got in from an interesting night in the tent. Takes some getting used to but I got a decent nights sleep and learned a couple of lessons that should have been obvious. It was very humid last night so I left the flap on the "rain fly" open to let what little breeze we had come in. Then fell asleep and awoke to the damndest rainstorm I've been in in quite a while. Lesson learned; don't leave the entire flap open. Just enough to let the breeze in so you can get it shut in a hurry. But no harm done; a little water doesn't hurt anything. I was using the warm weather sleeping bag so I just set it aside and got into the cold weather bag and left it unzipped. I'm sure everything will dry out today and I'll get it all packed back up and ready for the trip. The best news is that the tent did not leak and it held up nicely in the wind. I still need a little practice in getting it set up more quickly but that will come with practice.
Result? First night in the tent was a success.
Result? First night in the tent was a success.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
21 days to the Ride
Things just keep getting accomplished and the list of things to do keeps getting shorter. My pipes will arrive on Wednesday so the bike goes into the shop on Thursday for a couple of days of maintenance to get it ready for our trek.
Today, I finally got the Garmin I wanted and will be charging it up and testing it out over the next week or so. I got the Garmin NUVI 255 WT. I'm not going to mount it on the bike but will have it with me to see how well it knows its way around the woods and valley of Montana, Wyoming, Idaho and Washington.
I also borrowed my neighbors power washer and got the deck all cleaned up for our "shoving off dinner" on Saturday July 2nd. Pat is in charge of the menu but I know I'll be spending time, after the parade, manning the smoker and the barbecue. I have filled the cooler with some "Butthead" beer but I suspect that Jim and I will have it all consumed before you guys get here. Next week I go up to the local store and get some Aussie Beer so Blue won't get homesick.
I'm running out of things to plan for but will follow up with Bill Linn in a while on our itinerary out in Washington. I know we're flexible but which days we're going to be in Yakima and which day we're going to be on the Olympic Peninsula keeps changing. I'm sure by the time we get there it will all be sorted out.
I've decided it's time to test the tent out so it has been put up; now I just have to find the mosquito repellent because they are really bad this year with all the rain we've had. If I survive tonight I'll give a sit rep tomorrow.
That's the "sitrep" for today.
Ride safe,
Today, I finally got the Garmin I wanted and will be charging it up and testing it out over the next week or so. I got the Garmin NUVI 255 WT. I'm not going to mount it on the bike but will have it with me to see how well it knows its way around the woods and valley of Montana, Wyoming, Idaho and Washington.
I also borrowed my neighbors power washer and got the deck all cleaned up for our "shoving off dinner" on Saturday July 2nd. Pat is in charge of the menu but I know I'll be spending time, after the parade, manning the smoker and the barbecue. I have filled the cooler with some "Butthead" beer but I suspect that Jim and I will have it all consumed before you guys get here. Next week I go up to the local store and get some Aussie Beer so Blue won't get homesick.
I'm running out of things to plan for but will follow up with Bill Linn in a while on our itinerary out in Washington. I know we're flexible but which days we're going to be in Yakima and which day we're going to be on the Olympic Peninsula keeps changing. I'm sure by the time we get there it will all be sorted out.
I've decided it's time to test the tent out so it has been put up; now I just have to find the mosquito repellent because they are really bad this year with all the rain we've had. If I survive tonight I'll give a sit rep tomorrow.
That's the "sitrep" for today.
Ride safe,
Friday, June 11, 2010
22 days to the Ride
We're going to get some good publicity out of this ride; not quite the "Cover of The Rolling Stone" but I'll take it.
Another teaser photo from Washington. This is the "New Dungeness Lighthouse" located up near Port Townsend on the Straits of Juan de Fuca
Plans contine to firm up while we're in the Seattle area. We will be riding/ferrying across Puget Sound to the Olympic Peninsula on Sunday, July 11th which will take us all the way up to Port Townsend. This will take us right through Port Ludlow where an infamous Bubblehead Electrician Chief of world renown (in his mind anyway) resides. It will also give us an opportunity to see mountains, ocean, and the submarines. Might even be able to have lunch at Horse and Cow. Stand by for more updates as the dates get closer. Not sure how we're going to do all this but it sure sounds like fun.
Ralph you got room in that truck for Stoops and Bob after we unload all the gear into the hotel?
Thursday, June 10, 2010
23 days to the Ride
Got word this morning that Dave Stoops and his wife Terry will be joining us in Renton, WA for a few days. I think that's his photo below sitting at the picnic table. Typical, he came empty handed. (ping) Maybe we can get a reprise of the BASH Girls with Gentry, Ric and Stoops donning their grass skirts for "one more dance".
This get together in Renton/Seattle has the makings of one memorable time.
BTW; I learned last night (or was reminded anyway) that while we boat sailors "ping" Marines "plong" which is the sound the spoon on a hand grenade makes when the pin is pulled. So if you're going to "ping" on our resident jarhead expect a "plong" coming back.
This get together in Renton/Seattle has the makings of one memorable time.
BTW; I learned last night (or was reminded anyway) that while we boat sailors "ping" Marines "plong" which is the sound the spoon on a hand grenade makes when the pin is pulled. So if you're going to "ping" on our resident jarhead expect a "plong" coming back.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
24 days to the Ride
Well the pinging has started and this is shaping up to be exactly what I hoped for. Now if the weather will cooperate and my Harley Dealership will get off their duff and finish my bike up I can quit fretting the small stuff and start petting the (oops). Ralph (our king of the road) has set us up in a campground on a lake in the U.P. for our first night on the road and we will quickly know if these old bones can handle roughing it. I can hear the whining and crying now (and that's just me). We'll also know, first hand, if a wild bear really does that. We'll be sure to get photos and other evidence and save it for McManus since he has such an interest in bears. The photo above was cadged from the website of Perkins campground and shows the beach area. Notice that the U.P. doesn't use that "sissy" sand that Florida does. Rocks, weeds and ducks are all we need up here.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
25 days to the Ride
I got a phone call from Blue last night and we had a good chat, a few pings and an all around good time. It will be even better when he and Ralph arrive here for the festivities. I've added another event to the itinerary for Saturday July 3rd. Blue asked me why we were leaving on July 4th because that is such a big holiday here and he is anxious to experience it. So, all of you are invited to go with Pat and I to the parade that our Pipe Band will be performing in and Blue can mingle with the crowds and get a feel for what happens in small town America on Independence Day. Maybe we can talk Jim into taking us on the boat out into the middle of Cass Lake for the fireworks display that night. What a send off that will be for us.
Hey Jim; still got the boat?
Monday, June 7, 2010
Rooms booked in Sandpoint ID and Renton WA
I just booked the rooms in Sandpoint Idaho and Renton WA. Bad news for Bob McManus is that we should get adjoining rooms so we can regale you with our stories of life on the road.
The prices are about what I mentioned earlier so by sharing rooms (no hot bunking required) we won't get hurt too bad unless they use the "Big Apple" ploy of adding 43 different taxes on top of the the room fees.
Also, the t-shirts came today and they look pretty good and will do for their intended purpose. When Pat gets home I'll have her take some photos with me modeling it so you can see what it looks like.
What do you expect for the wages they pay around here?
26 days to the Ride
I received a real nice phone call from Bill Linn who has taken over as President of the Cascade Chapter of SSMC. They are our hosts during our stay in the Seattle area. We will meet up with them in Sandpoint Idaho on Friday July 10, 2010 and will spend the night at the Days Inn. See photo above for a preview of Sandpoint. Bill got us a favorable rate here and if we split rooms it shouldn't break the bank. Then it will be about a 400 mile scenic ride through the Cascade mountains. On Sunday we will cross over onto the Olympic Peninsula and tour the area and even go to the Submarine Museum where we can observe Ralph and John Clear go at it in the best submarine style of pinging. On Monday we will take a ride to Yakima and have lunch at the Miner Burger and visit with Doug Dahlke (SSMC Member who lost a leg in a motorcycle accident) This will be another scenic ride. We will return to our hotel in Renton in plenty of time to get a good nights rest for the Tuesday departure headed for the Columbia Gorge.
I also learned that Bill is a former Marine (spent two years in the Corps after submarines). That will give us 3 Marines and 3 Submarine Sailors while we're out there; I get to join whichever side is winning.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
And then there were four
I just got off the phone with Ray Frase (our Army rider) and it looks like he may be dropping out of the ride for family reasons. I understand his reasoning and we'll miss him. But, everyone has to make their own decisions and this is a big commitment of time and money. Plus, Ray has done this before so it wouldn't be quite the new adventure it's going to be for me and Jim. I also just spoke with Jim and he and Darlene are on the way up to Michigan. While we were on the phone I had him check out the back window to make sure his bike was still on the trailer and he hadn't lost it. He assured me it's there and they will be back in Michigan by tomorrow or Tuesday at the latest. It will be good to get some riding in with him before we depart. We need some freeway practice so maybe we'll make a run to the bridge to check out the steel grates.
That's all for now; keep checking back for more updates and I will post a photo of the t-shirt as soon as they arrive.
Ride safe; Blue get rid of that cold.
That's all for now; keep checking back for more updates and I will post a photo of the t-shirt as soon as they arrive.
Ride safe; Blue get rid of that cold.
27 days to the Ride
Another preview of what I hope to see and experience on this ride. This is somewhere in Montana and it represents what I see in my minds eye when I think about riding across the great northern plains and the Rocky's come into view. I can't wait to start replacing these "stock photos" with real ones that we actually take.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
28 days to the Ride
Since I don't have the t-shirts to post a photo I thought I'd add something we might see in North Dakota. Big aren't they?
Got a notification overnight that our T-Shirts have been shipped and should arrive at my house by June 8, 2010. I'm anxious to see them and will post a photo when they arrive.
In 4 short weeks we'll all be here at my house making the final plans to depart early on Sunday July 4th. I'm still waiting for my new pipes to arrive so that I can get the final tune-up, oil change and other "pre-ride" maintenance completed. Starting to get a little antsy on this as I want to get it all done at the same time. But, if they don't arrive in time they can just hold them at the dealership until we get back. I sure don't need to be scaring the bears or snakes out there in the wild west.
I also received a couple of Dolphin decals from Ron Martini so now I can decorate my helmet with a "submarine look"
Ride safe; raining here today so the bike stays parked while I complete other chores.
Note to Ralph; Pat says thank you for thinking of her and she will share "shrimp on the barbie"
Friday, June 4, 2010
29 days to the Ride
Too bad McManus won't be with us when we get to this area in Minnesota. It's called "Bears Den Road" and it's near the headwaters of the Mississippi River. We all know how much McManus likes bears.
Just another teaser as we get down to the real ride.
Feel better Blue; nothing worse than having to fly when you don't feel good.
Ride safe
Thursday, June 3, 2010
30 days to the Ride
Another teaser about the sights in the U.P. of Michigan. We'll be riding through this general area (Porcupine Mountains) on day two. It's not all "flat" here; just where I live.
Final work on my bike should be completed in the next week and then I'll be fully ready to go. Going to test the tent and sleeping bags this weekend (rain or shine) and after that it's just sit back and wait for you "out of towners" to arrive.
We are getting short;
Ride safe (Blue: hope you've been getting in some practice rides)
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
32 days to the Ride
Thought I'd give you guys a little teaser today on the first of many wonderful sights we will experience. All us Michigan guys know this is "Big Mac" officially named the Mackinac Bridge (pronounced Mackinaw). At one time it was the worlds longest suspension bridge but I think it has been surpassed. It will be an interesting ride across it on July 4th; especially if it's a bit windy. It's a metal grate bridge so Ralph will have to stay close behind us and keep other cars from getting too close. I've been across a couple of metal grate decks and they can test your riding skills.
We can now officially say we're leaving for the trip "next month"
Ride safe,
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