YAHOO is FUBAR February 22, 2007

Well Yahoo has the photos album screwed up again so no pictures for now.

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.

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.