Magic Gas Additive February 19, 2007

Finally a half decent day! Almost up to 60 but a bit breezy, still managed to put 30 miles on the REB just putting around down running errands, etc. The REB is closing in on the 10,000 mark and I'm still trying to decide if I should pull the head for a de-carbon. It is running fine and I'm reluctant to mess with it. My friend Bob gave me some magic gas additive that he uses in all the city vehicles. He says it get rid of the carbon even in old engines. I will give it a try and see if anything happens.

Curmudgeon February 16, 2007

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

A Great Hand Dryer February 06, 2007

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.

If you are like me you just hate those hand dryer blower things instead of paper towels in public restroom. Well I am here to tell you that Wendy's in McPherson, KS has a primo hand dryer in their restrooms. This thing had instant heat and was pushing so much air that my hands looked all distorted as I held them under the blast. It takes so little to impress me.

We made some big motorcycling plans today, hope I can make some of these trips. We took the Old Meat Packing Road back North just to have a few turns and curves getting into Lindsborg. As Louie and I hit the Salina city limits the trip meter turned over 73 miles. A great day for a little bimble about the countryside. Good thing we got out as the forecast for tomorrow is a high of 25f.

One Kick February 05, 2007

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.

Rode around the airport industrial area for a few miles before going over to my buddy Don's to work on a piece of furniture I'm refinishing. He has a nice heated shop and let's me use all his tools and materials, good deal for me. He builds clocks shaped like the one above with a variety of pictures and sports logos, what ever a person wants.

With a little luck I'll get the Dubya out for a spin tomorrow.

Weather Report February 02, 2007

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.

Entry for January 20, 2007

It has been over a month since I've ridden the REB, that is the longest it has sat idle since I bought it in July '05. I have a Battery Tender hooked up to, Stabil in the gas and fresh oil in the engine so guess it should be OK.

We still have ice on the street and expecting 3-6 inches of snow this afternoon so doesn't look like I'll be riding any time soon. Wonder how a sidecar would work on ice?

Brass Monkey January 15, 2007

Above Freezing........ Below

Yep, is is indeed cold. Ten degrees this morning with a predicted high of 18. Guess I'll fire up the REB later and see how it handles on a sheet of ice and sleet.............NOT!!!!

Speaking freezing things off of brass monkeys the most common story is of naval origin about something called a monkey that held cannon balls (shot) aboard sailing ships. Story is the monkey was made of brass and was square so you could stack a pyramid of shot in it. When it got cold the brass would contract at a different rate and the balls (shot) would fall down. Seems to me they wouldn't be very stable to begin with. If you have ever been on the deck of a Naval vessel you know what I mean. Sounds like something made up by CANOE (the Committee to Ascribe a Naval Origin to Everything).

At any rate it is too damn cold for me to ride.