Pat's New Vulcan

 

I was sitting in the basement playing around on the computer when I heard the sound of a big V-twin outside.  What fool would be riding around on this 31, feels like 22, degree, windy afternoon. So I goes outside and there is Pat climbing off this brand spanking new 900cc Vulcan with a big ole grin on his face.  He had just picked it up and couldn't wait to show someone.  I told him I hoped he wasn't going to invite me to go riding.  We settled for coffee.

Backing up a couple of days, on Wednesday I rode down to Lindsborg and had lunch with Richard and Joyce.  After lunch Richard and I braved the north wind and rode to Salina to check out the sale at Outlaws and to have a Frosty.  The 1100 Yamaha V-Star that Richard has his eye on was sitting next to the 900 Vulcan that Pat bought today.  Both are nice cruisers.

Yesterday I followed Richard and his 650 V-Star to Hutchinson where he parked it in the Suzuki dealers show room for him to sell on consignment.  Of course Richard had to take the scenic route down there, I didn't mind as I was warm and comfy driving his truck.  He wandered the back roads like a guy riding his favorite horse for the last time before putting it out to pasture.  Now he claims he wasn't really lost when he headed off in the wrong direction he just wasn't real sure where it was he wanted to go.  His nick name of "Wrong Road Richard" is well deserved.  I'm thinking of getting a pool up on how long long it will be until he is riding that new 1100.  I'm betting not too long.

Thanksgiving in Virgina

Beautiful Thanksgiving Day in Harrisonburg, VA.  The fall colors are picture like, the weather was spring like and the food with my son-in-law's family was fantastic.  The only problem was I had to settle for football and nap in the afternoon instead of riding some of the great motorcycles roads in this area.

Kansas Motorcycle Legend Passes

Stan Engdahl, a legend in Kansas motorcycle racing, passed away yesterday.  He started and ran the Kansas Motorcycle Museum in Marquette, KS http://ksmotorcyclemuseum.org/. 

The picture on the left is my son-in-law, Stan and my daughter.  In the background a some of his many trophies.

 

 

The following is an e-mail that went out to the ROMEOs.

 Guys - Many of you have visited the Kansas Motorcycle Museum in Marquette, Kansas. It was a living tribute to Stan Engdahl who for over 50 years raced his Harley Davidson motorcycle. Stan passed away yesterday while watching his city fire team fight a grass fire. He just collapsed and died on the scene it was reported. Stan was 79 years old and is survived by his wife of the home.

I was one of the fortunate ones who got to see Stan race as a young man when races were held in Dodge City over Labor Day weekend. It was a memorable time that I still recall with distinct pleasure. Everything about it just reeked of excitement to this youngster still in high school. When I moved up to Lindsborg in the mid 80's, races were still being held every Memorial Day at Kanopolis and I spent many an enjoyable hour out there when the wife would let me off. Stan, much older then, as was I, still racing and was still leading the field, riding with a vengeance as he always did.

I will miss Stan. I will miss his stories. I will miss his shuffle. I will miss his quick wit and soft speech. I never heard a bad word come from Stan's lips in all the time I have known him. Motorcycling has lost a friend in Stan Engdahl.

The little City of Marquette has lost more than it realizes! The best tribute we could pay to Stan is to visit often and see that 'his' Museum continues and flourishes.  Richard Kurtz

Lindsborg, KS 11-07-07

After braving the gusty south winds on the short ride from Salina Randy, Neil, Marty and I (4 bikes 5 cylinders) entered Little Darlings only to find all the table being used.  Not to worry by the time we placed our order a table had freed up and took our place with the early arrivals.  All total there were around 17, some drove their trucks, one even walked in.  Richard and Joyce had the shortrider mileage at 1.7 miles and that included Richard getting lost once.

Little Darlings is a newly opened place that is trying to revive the buildings original drugstore look and menu.  The hamburger was terrific and they also have hot dogs, chili and some other things I don't remember.  The fountain drinks are unique in this day and age.  I topped off my hamburger with a real chocolate malt. 

We visited for awhile and took Burma road back to Salina.  The REB rode much nicer with the 30mph wind and it was a joy to hear the thump of the small single of the group.

Lindsborg, KS 11-07-07

Lunch at Little Darling's

Potwin, KS 10-31-07

 

  I was trying to warm up with a cup of coffee as Marty rolled his Guzzi into Taco Bueno's parking lot.  It wasn't really that cold but I wanted to get out of the north wind for a few minutes.  We waited a few minutes to see if anyone else would be foolish enough to try and ride in a gale.  The rest of the crew was apparently smarter than we were so struck out south to Potwin.  The wind pushed us along at a gas saving pace but when we turned to ride east for awhile it tried to knock us down.  That was the pattern the whole 97 miles to Grandma's Kitchen, with the wind OK, to the side, hang on.

  A good number of ROMEOs showed up and the place was full when we walked in.  You could tell who arrived early cause they parked in front.

    I think Grandma herself was waiting tables and as it turned out she forgot all about Bob and I.  Marty finally got his food and Bob and I just sat and waited.  After I saw that four guys that arrived long after us were eating I inquired as to the possibility of ever getting something to eat.  Grandma was very apologetic and we were soon served.  The special was a giant chicken fried steak.  Not a bad hunk of meat.  By the time we finished eating the place had cleared out so I didn't get any bike pictures.

  What to do after a giant piece of meat?  Why Scoops for ice cream of course! 

It was getting on about 3pm so I decided to break away from the group and head the Dubya into the wind before it got too late.  Marty had gone by a different route.  He had to work at 7pm so guess he needed a nap.  Not a bad day considering.

 

10,000 Miles on the REB February 27, 2007

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.......).

Allen, KS February 21, 2007

Picture: Mainstreet Pub & Grill, Allen, KS

The ROMEOs ended an 11 week drought in fine fashion today with 33 hungry old bikers showing up in the Flint Hills town of Allen, KS. The Flint Hills is cattle country and Allen didn't disappoint as several real live, hat wearing, spur clinking cowboys were seen trying to get a bite of lunch in the midst of a hoard of old men with nothing better to do than ride to a small town and take over the only cafe for lunch.

Like many small Kansas towns Allen has seen better days as evidenced by several boarded up, once grand, old stone buildings. There was even once an Allen Hotel that obviously hadn't seen a guest in many years. The little place is still hanging on though and the flag proudly flies outside the tiny U.S. Post Office and the senior center was open for business. Say, now there is an idea! Why doesn't this bunch of AARP eligible motorcyclists hit a senior center for lunch sometime?

It was a little on cool side when Pat, Neil, Louie, Randy and I struck out for Allen at 9:30 and was only slightly warmer when we arrive at 11:30. There was already a good crowd of ROMEOs chowing down but there was just enough of the special left for us. Roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, peas, a biscuit and drink for $5 and change, can't be beat.

Pat and I passed on ice cream at the DQ in Council Grove and instead beat it back to Salina so we could try out the new overpass on North Ohio and visit the H-D/Honda store. I think it was worth every cent of the 8 million (the overpass not the H-D store). I bought one of those plastic helmet strap latch snap clicker thingies but haven't been smart enough to get it put on yet.

For Tiny Tim in the UK: Thanks for the kind words. I tried to reply to your message but Yahoo says you aren't receiving.

Entry for December 20, 2006

Rain!!! At last some moisture in the form of rain. It is around 40 degrees so hopefully we will be spared the ice this time around. Just 100 miles West they are getting snow.

Good thing I got a little riding in last Monday. Adjusted the valves on the REB and it sounds and runs great but something isn't right if it will only hold adjustment for 500 miles. I guess I just need to fire up the stove in the garage and pull the head off the thing to see if I can tell what is going on.

Riding prospects look grim for the next couple of weeks because of the weather. The Kids start arriving tomorrow with the grandson and his parents coming on Saturday. It will be great having everyone home for a few days. Maybe the weather will warm up enough that Pam and I can ride together.

Entry for December 15, 2006

Picture: Me and the bar maid, nice friendly little beer joint with good hamburgers.

I'm falling behind on my blogging. Last Wednesday, the 13th, six of us ROMEOs went on a short lunch ride to Tescott, KS. While the "official" ride had been canceled due to a lousy weather forecast, by the time Wednesday rolled around the forecast had improved considerably. In fact it turned out to be a gorgeous day. After lunch at the Somewhere Bar and Grill returned to Salina for a tour of the motorcycle dealerships, all three of them. It's fun to BS with the salesmen and look at the bikes. They don't even mind if you sit on them but no one offered any test rides.

Entry for December 11, 2006

Picture: Alexander reaches for Santa (Dad).

The weather lately hasn't been conducive to motorcycling. I did manage to get the fluids changed in the REB last Tuesday. I changed the engine oil to 10-40 for the winter. Richard popped by on his scooter as I was doing all this high tech Enfield fluid changing. It was nice to have another hand when I drained the primary so I didn't get ATF all over the driveway. Everything looked bright and shinny in there BTW. The magnetic drain plugs collected a fair about of slug but I didn't see any thing that looked like metal. Maybe it was ground up too fine to recognize.

No new motorcycle pictures so here is another Christmas picture of Alexander. The girls will be home in less than too weeks and we are really looking forward to their visit.

Entry for December 05, 2006

Picture: The latest cover of Riding South magazine

Yesterday was one of those rare Kansas days..... no wind. I could hardly believe it but by the time I got back from running a few errands (in the truck) my coat was off and the temperature was pushing 50 degrees.

What to do, what to do? Oh yeah, the Dubya is sitting in the garage still filthy from last weeks early morning ride in the slop. First order of business is to clean the Dubya. Not clean, clean, mind you but riding clean, there is a difference. As it turned out the ride was OK but still a little cool so I just did a 20 mile lap of the city and called it a day. Today is calling for 55 degrees by mid-afternoon and it is the REB's turn to be ridden. If things work out I'll get it warmed up good and change the oil when I get home.

My Riding South magazine was in the mail yesterday and it was a particularly interesting issue. One column I liked was written by a 79 year old motorcyclist that lives in Arkansas. It is reprinted by permission of the author and publisher.

Riding South is a neat little newspaper magazine that focuses on The South but has general interest articles as well. It is distributed free of charge through motorcycle shops in it's area or is only $12 a year by mail. The publisher/editor/paperboy, Robert Shearon, is a real biker in that he hardly ever drives but relies on two wheels.

Contact Robert at: 1220 Jameson Ave

Benton, AR 72015

Ph: 501-860-8884

E-mail: robertshearon@sbcglobalnospam.net (leave out the nospam)

 

Why I Ride By Ralph Landon
My friends often ask why I ride a motorcycle at my age. some are genuinely curious but most are somehow offended at what I am doing.
The say things like do you want flowers or should we just contribute to your favorite charity?
In dark moments I could smell the flowers and cars would suddenly appear in my path.
But life is not to explain after all, at least the important parts. You enter it alone, leave it alone, and people just make foggy guesses about your purpose.
Yet after years of riding I know some of its purposes - for me.
The first purpose is to have something waiting for me, one of those things men need in some other part of the house, yard or town that they can escape to. I have tried many things! Cars, guns, cameras, and even airplanes, but none have been so satisfying as my motorcycle.
Cars tend to bore me with their commonness, and the problem with cameras is that they depend on the whims of the spirits - you have to need to take a picture to want to take it. Guns have a nasty side to them, and once you lose the urge or even the capacity to kill things they sit in cabinets emasculated of their essential purpose.
Airplanes are fine for certain times in life but you buy imperatives with airplanes - you have to stay sharp and remain current to maintain your license. Airplanes remind me of my limitations.
The nice thing about having a motorcycle waiting for you is that it does not require you to do anything with it. Sometimes it is enough just to check the battery or ponder the likelihood that you could overhaul the engine if you really applied yourself. A motorcycle represents endless possibilities, among them just sitting with a can of chrome polish in your hands looking for rust. Sometimes my wife would say, I thought you were going for a ride, is something wrong? and I would say, No, I'm looking for rust.  A person can always depend on rust.
The second purpose relates to that intangible thing we call freedom. When I first learned that motorcycles are called freedom machines I thought that had something to do with speed, far places and raunchy company - beer, broads, and a cloud of smoke.
That is not what freedom means to me! What happens with age is that you are expected to grow predictable, and once you do, more and more people step forth to manage your life. It becomes known that you are around weekends, so you get invited to places you don't want to go. And you're around to fix faucets, faucets that you would just as soon let drip. The freedom my machine gives me is very easy to describe: It is the license to be accountable to no one.
The third purpose concerns place. For me there is a dramatic difference between being away and being gone. I love to be away, but am gone only when I have to be. The motorcycle better than anything else has taught me to understand where my psychological borders are - the Greenbriar River in West Virginia, a little country store, a diner in a small town.
For me the beauty of a motorcycle is not in the going, but in the stopping. The most important device on my bike is the kick stand and I use it with abandon. There is no sound like the silence of a killed engine when geese are flying overhead. The roar of the engine is music to the ears of some riders - I prefer the cooling tick of a resting bike. I have gotten somewhere - away, not gone, and for the first time I have truly been there. I have discovered a few new places on my motorcycle but they are of small significance compared to what I have discovered about familiar places. It's not that you uncover a lot of surprises in the hills of West Virginia, it's just that you meet yourself going back and back again.
Motorcycling has given me a new respect for inconclusiveness, cameras end up in photographs, guns in trophies and airplanes in personal achievements. I don't know where I'll be going with my machine when I next decide to ride. Maybe I'll go somewhere tomorrow and maybe I'll wait til next week. It will be there waiting for me whatever I decide, picking up rust along the way and I will be free to decide when I want to get unpredictable again. Then the word will be out that I'm gone again, but I'll know I'm merely away, visiting places I have been before and thinking it's not all that bad being a senior citizen.
Editor's Note: Landon, of Hot Springs Village, is 80.

 

Entry for November 25, 2006

I had an interesting motorcycling experience this afternoon. An acquaintance of mine owns a 1973 Triumph 750 (One carb, what does that make it?). I see the Steve at church and we had talked about it several times but I had never seen it. He told me last week that he was putting it on Ebay because it is too difficult for him to start since his knee replacement. I volunteered to start it for him once he got his newly painted tank back on. Today was the day so I rode the REB over to his house.

Nice looking bike, just 15k on the clock, nothing dinged or anything. Just a good looking original bike. Now I have never started a 750 Triumph but how hard could it be? Turned on the petcocks (why do you need two petcocks for one carb?) tickled the Amal until gas ran out, kicked it over three times with the key off then key on and bingo. Well not quite, I kicked it about four time and got no joy so I had him pull a plug out to see if there was spark and there was. Steve suggested dropping a little gas into the cylinder to prime a bit. It fired up first kick after priming, died once, started back up and ran fine. Sounded sweet. I rode it around the block just for the experience. Only tried to stop with the gear shift once.

We decided to take a little ride so off we went on a circuit around Salina and the old girl never missed a beat. We stopped by home so I could show him Dubya and he was rightly impressed. As he rode away it occurred to me that I should have taken a picture. Sure hope he gets a good price on Ebay, it will make someone a nice ride or would be a great restoration.