Special shout out to my brother-in-law David who has a nightster. My sister just told me he's got some new pipes so I'm sure it sounds pretty badass now. Being in the forces he's always succeptible to being transferred and unfortunately it looks like at this point in his career his number has come up again. Hope all works out in that aspect.
Hopefully he will be in town though for this rally, and they can go check it out. This one looks particulary fun, and its well regarded. And best yet, its in my former back yard!
Wharf Rat Rally in Digby, Nova Scotia. Check it out guys, its Labor Day weekend. Hey, we'll be on our way back from Milwaukee that weekend!
This coming weekend we are heading to New Braunfels, home of the Schlitterbahn, for the Tx State HOG rally.
Later this month it will be the <3000 mile round trip to Vegas, Baby, Vegas!
One last word, special thoughts and prayers to my other sister who is getting a cornea transplant this week. Thinking of you Michelle!
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Monday, April 28, 2008
Happy Birthday to Me!
Last week was my 47th birthday, and it was Ryan's 20th. This weekend was a celebratory weekend! Friday night Ryan and Darlene went to the Frisco Roughriders games as guests of Dave and Busters, where they met us after the game. We played in the arcade for a while and had a lot of fun.
Saturday was a full day, we started the day with our chapter meeting then did the Mother's Day pre-ride. Good route if I do say so myself....
From that point on it was full on self-indulgence as Darlene treated me (and her) to a full body massage, then a pedicure. I haven't had a full massage in years and it felt good although the masseuse was a bit aggressive on my calves and forearms, but in all it was quite relaxing. As for my pedicure I had never had one before and it was a bit different especially with my rather ticklish feet.
After being pampered for a couple of hours we picked up the boys and headed over to the Cheesecake Factory for monster portions of food and cheesecake. Stuffed but in all a very good day, thanks Honey!
Sunday Ryan and I went to the Bryon Nelson tournament. It was good and relaxing but it was cold! It had rained overnight and a cold front blew in, I don't think it got above 60 the whole day. I capped off my weekend with our final game of the season. We smoked the other team 14-2, I had two goals and had several opportunities for another but couldn't capitalize.
Oh yes, the Stars won in San Jose, and are now up 2 games to 0 in the second round, all is good....
Saturday was a full day, we started the day with our chapter meeting then did the Mother's Day pre-ride. Good route if I do say so myself....
From that point on it was full on self-indulgence as Darlene treated me (and her) to a full body massage, then a pedicure. I haven't had a full massage in years and it felt good although the masseuse was a bit aggressive on my calves and forearms, but in all it was quite relaxing. As for my pedicure I had never had one before and it was a bit different especially with my rather ticklish feet.
After being pampered for a couple of hours we picked up the boys and headed over to the Cheesecake Factory for monster portions of food and cheesecake. Stuffed but in all a very good day, thanks Honey!
Sunday Ryan and I went to the Bryon Nelson tournament. It was good and relaxing but it was cold! It had rained overnight and a cold front blew in, I don't think it got above 60 the whole day. I capped off my weekend with our final game of the season. We smoked the other team 14-2, I had two goals and had several opportunities for another but couldn't capitalize.
Oh yes, the Stars won in San Jose, and are now up 2 games to 0 in the second round, all is good....
Friday, April 25, 2008
Eye of the Zombie...
That's not your typical flash red-eye. Nope, no siree. Corey took keep your eye on the frisbee a little too litterally...
Actually he was with friends at a pool and turned just in time to catch a frisbee with his face, right in his eye. I think he thought he was going to get a shiner, a black eye, but instead got a much nastier result. This is about 2 days after the peak, when it was really nasty looking. We did go to the doctor, no damage other than what is visible here. His eye is fine but it will take 4-6 weeks before his eye color returns to normal.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Wildflower trip report
Back home safe and sound, and tired. We put on 1050 miles over three days, each of them long days with lots of scenery, curves and hills. The wildflowers were virtually non-existant as the Texas Hill Country had a very dry winter and spring and that apparently does not make for good growing conditions. It was quite a contrast from last year.
However to make up for lack of wildflowers we tackled some of the best roads in Texas. It seems like every new road we ride in Texas becomes a favorite. The highlights of the trip were our Saturday trip, we rode Hwy 16 particularly the section from Kerrville to Medina. That stretch rivals some many of the other excellent roads I have ridden. Additionally we did the Three Sisters, the Twisted Sisters, or the 100-mile loop, however that ride is called. The roads in particular are RR335, RR336 and RR337. Most excellent roads that are both curvy and hilly. Some sections are challenging and all are beautiful and quite varied. In the heart of Tx Hill Country and bordering on the Texas High desert. For a relatively small area quite a bit of change in geography and geology. From lush ranch land to rocky and relatively barren countryside. Along the Guadalupe River which was very clear and inviting.
Big group this trip. I heard we had 53 bikes at KSU and several others joined us at the hotel. For Dinner Friday night we had a confirmed count of 88 folks, with three arriving later. Don't know what the total bike count was but would have been over 60.
The weather was phenomonal, including the relatively cloudy conditions on the trip home.
My ride "posse" on Saturday.
Trip shots
However to make up for lack of wildflowers we tackled some of the best roads in Texas. It seems like every new road we ride in Texas becomes a favorite. The highlights of the trip were our Saturday trip, we rode Hwy 16 particularly the section from Kerrville to Medina. That stretch rivals some many of the other excellent roads I have ridden. Additionally we did the Three Sisters, the Twisted Sisters, or the 100-mile loop, however that ride is called. The roads in particular are RR335, RR336 and RR337. Most excellent roads that are both curvy and hilly. Some sections are challenging and all are beautiful and quite varied. In the heart of Tx Hill Country and bordering on the Texas High desert. For a relatively small area quite a bit of change in geography and geology. From lush ranch land to rocky and relatively barren countryside. Along the Guadalupe River which was very clear and inviting.
Big group this trip. I heard we had 53 bikes at KSU and several others joined us at the hotel. For Dinner Friday night we had a confirmed count of 88 folks, with three arriving later. Don't know what the total bike count was but would have been over 60.
The weather was phenomonal, including the relatively cloudy conditions on the trip home.
My ride "posse" on Saturday.
Trip shots
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Darrek's tattoos
While Darrek was in town, I took a few shots of his tattoos. I am certainly no expert on tattoos as I have a grand total of none. Anyway, he has pretty much a full sleeve on his right arm and is working his way to a full sleeve on his left arm. I believe all his work has been done by the same artist back home and the designs are related by some common threads, again, I can't even try to explain the concept and relationships of his tattoos, but I believe its skulls and faces in trees, webs, lizards and scorpions.
He also got a tattoo on his calf to commemorate his trip to the states, an alien (get it) taking care of business.
Just as a reference, here is a three inch long gecko we captured in the back yard.
He also got a tattoo on his calf to commemorate his trip to the states, an alien (get it) taking care of business.
Just as a reference, here is a three inch long gecko we captured in the back yard.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Ride prep
This coming weekend is the annual AEHOG Wildflower ride. We will be leaving early Friday for a three day weekend. I have pre-ridden so will very likely be an RC in some capacity this weekend, maybe leading or tailing most likely.
The wildflower reports are not very promising this season, apparently due to a dry fall and winter. I think that is mostly west of I-35, which of course is right smack in Hill Country where we will be. All the more reason to venture out a bit on Saturday. Right now I have a 270 mile trip to the Three Sisters (335, 336, 337) which are reputed to be some of the best roads in Texas. This will include riding through Kerrville and Leakey. I'd like to stop at the Frio Canyon Motorcycle Shop. It will be a fairly long day, as the average speeds will likely only be about 40 mph as the roads are twisty and hilly.
Round trip we should put approx 1000 miles. We are predicting over 60 motorcycles this weekend, not everyone will make the same ride we will on Saturday, as there are many local opportunities including the Willow City Loop, Enchanted Rock and Luckenbach as local riding attractions.
I have to keep an eye on my primary fluid, it may be a good idea to change it as I have a slight leak and may be down a few cl or even an ounce or two. I think I may have a bad gasket. Its one I have never touched but one of the other guys in group had a similiar issue and had it replaced under warranty. Topping it up will not be a bad idea.
The wildflower reports are not very promising this season, apparently due to a dry fall and winter. I think that is mostly west of I-35, which of course is right smack in Hill Country where we will be. All the more reason to venture out a bit on Saturday. Right now I have a 270 mile trip to the Three Sisters (335, 336, 337) which are reputed to be some of the best roads in Texas. This will include riding through Kerrville and Leakey. I'd like to stop at the Frio Canyon Motorcycle Shop. It will be a fairly long day, as the average speeds will likely only be about 40 mph as the roads are twisty and hilly.
Round trip we should put approx 1000 miles. We are predicting over 60 motorcycles this weekend, not everyone will make the same ride we will on Saturday, as there are many local opportunities including the Willow City Loop, Enchanted Rock and Luckenbach as local riding attractions.
I have to keep an eye on my primary fluid, it may be a good idea to change it as I have a slight leak and may be down a few cl or even an ounce or two. I think I may have a bad gasket. Its one I have never touched but one of the other guys in group had a similiar issue and had it replaced under warranty. Topping it up will not be a bad idea.
Crash!
Well our boy Ryan had a little fender bender yesterday on the way home from work. After leaving a red light the traffic apparetly stopped in front of him and he hit the vehicle in front of him. Fortunatley it was at low speed and he was on his brakes so no one was hurt. The other vehicle was a Honda Pilot (SUV) and when he hit the brakes, his truck dove a bit and went under the other drivers bumper. As a result the other drivers bumper took out his headlights, grill and bent but did not put any holes in the radiator. Unfortunately Ryan's truck is about 17 years old so its not worth a lot book value, parts are scarce so in all liklihood it will be written off. Oh yeah the driver side quarter panel took a bit of a nudge and jammed the drivers door. The bumper on the other vehicle had little damage, maybe some scratches and embedded glass from the headlights so it likely needs to be replaces as it was plastic covered. Not sure if there was any other damage. Its too bad, the engine is still in great shape and just had brakes, and some other work.
April 21 update:
As you can see the damage was not too bad, but for a vehicle that old its pretty much a write-off. We got hold of a small body shop and they were able to repair and get the truck roadworthy for a very reasonable cost. Ryan picked it up today and is back on the road.
April 21 update:
As you can see the damage was not too bad, but for a vehicle that old its pretty much a write-off. We got hold of a small body shop and they were able to repair and get the truck roadworthy for a very reasonable cost. Ryan picked it up today and is back on the road.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Tornado update
Its official. A small tornado touched down in the southern part of McKinney and Allen. It was about 2/10ths of a mile wide and had winds of approx 90 mph. I would say that is the tornado that hit the KittyHawk airport in Mckinney (Allen?) the Allen Cineplex and hit the powerlines and houses on 720 that I took pictures of.
I took a drive up Alma on Friday, between McDermott and SH121, and there was a lot of damage. Well at least as far as I was concerned. I haven't seen that much immediate damage from tornadoes or hurricanes before so it sure looked like a lot to me with numerous fences down, including brick and steel poles, as well as broken windows and a lot of roofs torn up. But most impressive probably was the rather large trees that were reduced to splinters at their breaking points.
So there you have it, that was close enough, and strong enough for me. I have no desire to be caught in any storm of that or greater magnitude!
I took a drive up Alma on Friday, between McDermott and SH121, and there was a lot of damage. Well at least as far as I was concerned. I haven't seen that much immediate damage from tornadoes or hurricanes before so it sure looked like a lot to me with numerous fences down, including brick and steel poles, as well as broken windows and a lot of roofs torn up. But most impressive probably was the rather large trees that were reduced to splinters at their breaking points.
So there you have it, that was close enough, and strong enough for me. I have no desire to be caught in any storm of that or greater magnitude!
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Tornado Alley
Its been a busy couple of weeks with lots going on and I haven't posted lately. Will try to give some updates soon on the race and other recent goings on, but the big news is the storms of late.
We are just coming out of several days of severe weather with us getting it the last two nights and most notably last night/this morning. This morning about 3:30 the storms starting getting close and then the power went out so we couldn't see their progress, before we knew it the sky was a constant lightning flash and the sirens were sounding. We rounded up the boys and the cats and took refuge in the bathroom, but fortunatley it quickly passed. We lost power for over two hours I think.
This morning I could hear the neighbors outside and sure enough a piece of our fence had blown over. I got that re-erected and shored up a post that had broken as well. I went for a little drive to see what kind of damage was locally as there was lots of damage all over the metroplex on the news.
It turns out we were quite lucky. A couple of broken tree limbs in the immediate neighborhood and very few to no shingles lost. On my drive however within a mile of the house was a strip that was hit very hard. Route 720, between SH-75 and Hardin. About 8-10 power poles were down, several snapped in half. Also several houses on the north side of 720 were almost stipped bare off shingles and tarpaper with several fence sections down.
We are just coming out of several days of severe weather with us getting it the last two nights and most notably last night/this morning. This morning about 3:30 the storms starting getting close and then the power went out so we couldn't see their progress, before we knew it the sky was a constant lightning flash and the sirens were sounding. We rounded up the boys and the cats and took refuge in the bathroom, but fortunatley it quickly passed. We lost power for over two hours I think.
This morning I could hear the neighbors outside and sure enough a piece of our fence had blown over. I got that re-erected and shored up a post that had broken as well. I went for a little drive to see what kind of damage was locally as there was lots of damage all over the metroplex on the news.
It turns out we were quite lucky. A couple of broken tree limbs in the immediate neighborhood and very few to no shingles lost. On my drive however within a mile of the house was a strip that was hit very hard. Route 720, between SH-75 and Hardin. About 8-10 power poles were down, several snapped in half. Also several houses on the north side of 720 were almost stipped bare off shingles and tarpaper with several fence sections down.
Friday, April 04, 2008
Gentlemen, Start your Engines!
Its NASCAR weekend in Texas! Dale, Peter and Darrek are already out at the track alongside Charles and Brenda and Crew. We will be leaving shortly to head out. Darlene and I will only be attending the Busch race tomorrow, or whatever the series is called now, but Ryan will be staying the duration.
Also tomorrow is the Fallen Eagle Ride on behalf of Karen Riley and other former American Eagle members who have passed away. We will not be able to attend but I also wanted to post the online donation site for any visitors who may wish to donate.
American Heart Association
Also tomorrow is the Fallen Eagle Ride on behalf of Karen Riley and other former American Eagle members who have passed away. We will not be able to attend but I also wanted to post the online donation site for any visitors who may wish to donate.
American Heart Association
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
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