Picture: Bullet in the Snow (no, I didn't ride)
It's hard to believe that yesterday could be so nice and this morning there is snow on the ground.....and in the trees, and on the fences cause the wind was blowing.
I'll not ride today even though it is supposed to be in the 40's this afternoon.
Later in the afternoon: Snow all melted, 50 degrees.........going for a ride.
Picture: Neil's 1972 Honda XL250. An antique riding an antique?
Muchies and More doesn't look like the kind of place that would have white table cloths. Pretty fancy place for a little town like Narvarre. The table cloths not withstanding, it was a pretty typical small town ROMEO kind of place. They weren't quite prepared for 33 people but it was a nice day and the guys and at least three wives turned out. A few of the tire kickers that came in last ended up waiting a long time for food. Something about only two microwaves. I had a great hamburger though.
My new no name modular helmet was on the porch when I got home so I put it on and took it for a ride. It is very comfortable but I was getting some wind leaking in around the face shield. I don't think I had it down securely so I'll reserve judgement until the next ride.
$49.95 on Ebay. Looks and fits nice.
Additional contributors to pictures in the Narvarre album are Pat, Larry and Jim.
I have been having random thoughts about the REB at 10k vs. 1k.
--I can't remember the last time anything fell off.
--The bike fits like a comfortable old shoe.
--The 5 speed transmission shifts very smooth and I seldom miss a shift. Maybe it is broken in or I have just learned how to use it, all I know is that it is much smoother than at 1,000 miles.
--I haven't messed with the points, timing, carb or idle speed in thousands of miles.
--People don't seem to talk to me about it as much as when it was new, maybe they are used to seeing it now.
--I don't worry about it breaking down 100 miles from home.
Now watch something happen when I ride today!
On the way to coffee at Spangle's this morning the REB turned over 10,000 miles. I looked back on the blog and it was August 27, 2005 that 1000 miles rolled over on the odometer, that means I've had the REB for about 18 months now. 90% of that mileage was done in the first year. The REB has had an easier life since Dubya came into the stable.
I can't say enough about this little bike, it is a joy to ride, especially on short runs and around town. I am still planning on taking it to the Classic Motorworks get together in Faribault, MN this June, and to the Rally on the River in Steelville, MO the end of September.
I have decided against removing the head to look for carbon. It is running so well that it seems like it would be a waste of time (if it ain't broke.......).
If you live in Kansas you learn to deal with the wind but today was more than this windblown flat-lander could handle. I had to ride the Dub to my brother-in-laws, about 35 miles South of Salina. Temp was in the high 60s and the wind was a steady 35mph with gusts to 50. Really a stupid day to set out on a bike but I wanted to get the bike to him so he could start on the luggage rack he is building for me.
Not too bad going straight into it but when I turned to the SW at Bridgeport it was fun and games getting to Lindsborg. I slowed to 45 several times in order to stay out of the ditch and when I reached Lindsborg I pulled over to compose myself.
I made it without incident and the luggage rack is progressing nicely. It's great to have generous in-laws. Wish I had taken the camera.
It has just been cold around here lately, cold, cold cold. I can't ride so I shop. This morning I was cruising Harbor Freight Tools and bought a $10 battery float charger. Thought I'd attach it to my mower battery and see how it compares to the more expensive Battery Tenders I have on the bikes. So far, so good. I head to the check out stand and steel myself for the inevitable grilling........what's you zip, what's your phone number, etc. Does anyone else get tired of this crap every time you buy something? I don't particularly care, because that info is already available to the world, it's just the PIA factor. I hate wasting my air on giving out information just to spend money. Here is how I see it: I have money, you have stuff. I give you money, you give me stuff, have a nice day.
Guess I'm just getting Curmudgeonally in my old age. Yesterday I got my medicare card in the mail. They can't even wait until I turn 65, it's in effect the first of June (month of my BD). Don't get me started
Picture: I think this is the actual dryer that I used. That is a good looking piece of equipment.
The Dub and I took advantage of the Spring like weather (58f) and rode with Louie down to Lindsborg where we met Richard and Mr. Jones (I hate it when I can't remember someone's name) for a run to Mac for a Frosty. Turned out to be Richard's treat as he distributed $2 coupons to everyone before we ordered. I need to find out the story on those coupons but thanks Richard.
Finally a little break in the weather and the temperature is up to 39 degrees to go along with the sunshine. I hadn't ridden the REB since Dec 18th so I was anxious to see how hard it would be to start. Kicked it over several time to get the oil stirred up then turned on the gas, three more kicks with the compressor, bring it to TDC and just a little more, enrichner on, just a wee bit of throttle, nice smooth stroke and Thumpa, thumpa....one kick, just like it should be. Not bad after sitting for a month and a half. Married man's Harley............scroll down....
The sun is shinning here today so the groundhog will see his shadow. I forget what that means but the forecast is for cold temps all next week. Seven degrees and 14mph wind out of the North right now. Hope you have enjoyed this weather report from Salina, KS.
