Success, finally got my working. Checked the fuse on Friday, sure enough, it was blown, replaced it and it worked. So we went on a ride yesterday and had a good test. I used a splitter and hooked up both my ipod and the zumo audio. It takes a bit of juice out of volume to do that, and you get overriding voices, but unless I want to put audio files on an SD card this will work, and it will still allow me to use Sirius radio if I want.
So the pre-ride was for the girls weekend. Darlene and I were joined by Tracy and we rode to Pine Creek Lodge, near Nacogdoches, TX. We put on about 385 miles round trip. It was pretty hot, easily reaching triple digits by the time we made it home. We tested the Traditions Tyler restaurant as well and it certainly met our standards!
Felt good to get on the bikes, that was my longest ride since May I believe as we missed a couple of rides in June while my bike was in shop.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Friday, July 25, 2008
Zumo woes
I've been struggling trying to get my zumo hooked up to power on my motorcycle. Have had the wires run for some time and used the standard slicing connectors but that didn't work. the wires from the zumo are very small, not sure if that is part of the problem with the small diameter wires. So last night tried again, tried hardwiring and soldering to the cig lighter wires which worked for a bit but then stopped. Disconnected and reconnected, still not luck so gave up on that and tried some different splicing connectors. Now the cigarette lighter won't work so I must have blown a fuse.
Rode to work this am, noticed a couple of other electrical components out, confirmed online its a fuse so hopefully when I replace that, my zumo will get power. Need to try to get this fixed tonight as we have a ride tomorrow I really wanted to use the GPS on. Its a pretty straight ride but I haven't used it on the bike as much as I would like.
Oh, and its going to be hot tomorrow, triple digits.
Rode to work this am, noticed a couple of other electrical components out, confirmed online its a fuse so hopefully when I replace that, my zumo will get power. Need to try to get this fixed tonight as we have a ride tomorrow I really wanted to use the GPS on. Its a pretty straight ride but I haven't used it on the bike as much as I would like.
Oh, and its going to be hot tomorrow, triple digits.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Beach Report
Great weekend at the beach.
We got there about 3:00 Saturday, checked into the hotel and headed to the beach. Waves were a bit small, so the boogie boarding was a bit weak.
The beach was absolutely packed on Saturday. I have never seen that many folks there. We didn't ride too far on the beach and found a spot but they were relatively few and far between. I am sure that the whole beach was like that.
Sunday we got there pretty early got a spot and the beach did not get nearly as crowded as the previous day. We set up the shade canopy, great idea, have to remember to bring that when we come back. The waves were a bit better, quite a bit actually and we were able to catch some rides pretty consistently on the boards, even Darlene got in on the action.
SPF aside, several hours on the beach, sweating, water, its easy to get sunburnt. Corey got quite a bit of sun, mostly on his face. My shoulders and neck got burned, and pretty much every exposed bit on Darlene got burnt.
For a special treat we rented a couple of jet-skis for an hour and went out into the bay. It was a lot of fun. Those things can move pretty good. Corey came with me and Marc and Ryan went with Darlene. Both Corey and Ryan took turns. Apparently Marc wasn't all that thrilled with the experience. We both had a bit of seaweed get pulled into the suction so had to take care of that.
Our jetski was registering in km's, we pretty consistently rode in the low 40's. The water was a bit choppy but not too bad at all. I got up into the 60s a few times but not for long periods as Corey wasn't too comfortable at those speeds, but he kept it at 40+ pretty much for his rides.
Long ride home Monday but pleasant. This week there is a tropical storm in the gulf. May even turn into a cat 1 hurricane. The swells were about 2 feet when we were there, scheduled to increase through the week but with the storm are now forecast at over 10.5 feet. One of these trips we'll get some really good swells, maybe 3-5 feet!
We got there about 3:00 Saturday, checked into the hotel and headed to the beach. Waves were a bit small, so the boogie boarding was a bit weak.
The beach was absolutely packed on Saturday. I have never seen that many folks there. We didn't ride too far on the beach and found a spot but they were relatively few and far between. I am sure that the whole beach was like that.
Sunday we got there pretty early got a spot and the beach did not get nearly as crowded as the previous day. We set up the shade canopy, great idea, have to remember to bring that when we come back. The waves were a bit better, quite a bit actually and we were able to catch some rides pretty consistently on the boards, even Darlene got in on the action.
SPF aside, several hours on the beach, sweating, water, its easy to get sunburnt. Corey got quite a bit of sun, mostly on his face. My shoulders and neck got burned, and pretty much every exposed bit on Darlene got burnt.
For a special treat we rented a couple of jet-skis for an hour and went out into the bay. It was a lot of fun. Those things can move pretty good. Corey came with me and Marc and Ryan went with Darlene. Both Corey and Ryan took turns. Apparently Marc wasn't all that thrilled with the experience. We both had a bit of seaweed get pulled into the suction so had to take care of that.
Our jetski was registering in km's, we pretty consistently rode in the low 40's. The water was a bit choppy but not too bad at all. I got up into the 60s a few times but not for long periods as Corey wasn't too comfortable at those speeds, but he kept it at 40+ pretty much for his rides.
Long ride home Monday but pleasant. This week there is a tropical storm in the gulf. May even turn into a cat 1 hurricane. The swells were about 2 feet when we were there, scheduled to increase through the week but with the storm are now forecast at over 10.5 feet. One of these trips we'll get some really good swells, maybe 3-5 feet!
Shop report
We picked up Darlene's bike from the the shop last week. She had it in for 35K checkup and some other things. She got her cam chain tensioners checked out and they were in great shape, so that's good and a relief. 2 bikes, both in good shape. She also got some brakes and probably the big upgrade was the easy pull clutch kit.
Big improvement in her clutch response. I used to find her clutch hard to pull, but now its better than mine, and I thought mine was pretty easy to pull.
I wired my Zumo, but something's messed up as I don't have any power, will try to tackle that again before this weekend as we have a pre-ride for the Diva ride. It does work good though as we have been playing with it in the car for a few trips we have taken.
I still have to do some work on mine before the Milwaukee trip. Can't find any reported problems on the K&N oil filter so I must have just got a dud. Not sure whether to try it again or not. Lots of folks swear by them, and they have the nut on the end for easier take off... Guess it'll be a spontaneous purchasing decision at the time.
Big improvement in her clutch response. I used to find her clutch hard to pull, but now its better than mine, and I thought mine was pretty easy to pull.
I wired my Zumo, but something's messed up as I don't have any power, will try to tackle that again before this weekend as we have a pre-ride for the Diva ride. It does work good though as we have been playing with it in the car for a few trips we have taken.
I still have to do some work on mine before the Milwaukee trip. Can't find any reported problems on the K&N oil filter so I must have just got a dud. Not sure whether to try it again or not. Lots of folks swear by them, and they have the nut on the end for easier take off... Guess it'll be a spontaneous purchasing decision at the time.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Ride to Work Day
Today is the third Wednesday in July, officially Ride to Work Day. We have a fledgling biker community here at EDS and after a couple of false starts, today's organized activity went off very well. The official meeting spot was at Sonic in Plano, but that was a bit too early for me so I meet at the official EDS starting point. When I got there, there were a couple of other bikes and in short order the rest of the crew showed up. The official count came in at 33 bikes and we did a tour of the campus. There was a very wide variety of motorcycles, Harleys, Hondas, Beemers, etc., even a couple of scooters.
It was very well organized with support from EDS and Campus Security. There was a videotaping in a support vehicle, which will no doubt be posted soon.
Ride To Work Day
EDSBikers
Monday, July 14, 2008
RC Graduation
I have officially gone from a RCIT (Road Captain in Training) to RC (Road Captain). At the chapter meeting on Saturday, Holly promoted the rest of the RCITs. I guess its crunch time now, as for the past couple of months I'm not been riding a lot, for a variety of reasons, and have probably the least RC experience of the group. No worries though, just need to find the time.
There was a good turn out at the chapter meeting on Saturday, actually a very good turn out, which was suprising for the middle of summer. Got to catch up with a few folks, including Paul and Michelle, post wreck. Paul seems to be doing very well but is still moving quite slowly. I am sure he is anxious to get his bike back so he can truly assess the damage and get it back on the road.
Darlene put her bike in for some service, in preperation of out Milwaukee trip. 35K service, an easy clutch, and cam chain tensioner inspection. Hopefully it will be ready on Wednesday for the dinner ride.
We had a birthday celebration for Marc yesterday, lots of pool fun. They looked like they had a great time.
There was a good turn out at the chapter meeting on Saturday, actually a very good turn out, which was suprising for the middle of summer. Got to catch up with a few folks, including Paul and Michelle, post wreck. Paul seems to be doing very well but is still moving quite slowly. I am sure he is anxious to get his bike back so he can truly assess the damage and get it back on the road.
Darlene put her bike in for some service, in preperation of out Milwaukee trip. 35K service, an easy clutch, and cam chain tensioner inspection. Hopefully it will be ready on Wednesday for the dinner ride.
We had a birthday celebration for Marc yesterday, lots of pool fun. They looked like they had a great time.
Monday, July 07, 2008
Independence Day
Back to work after a very relaxing holiday weekend. No riding but plenty of relaxing and a bit of work around the house.
Things kicked off Friday with a neighborhood parade. Several families and kids had a parade in the neighborhood and had bikes, etc decorated. Was cute.
We went to the fireworks at Craig Ranch for Red, White and Boom, which was the name for the new annual July 4 celebration that Mckinney will be having. The location was good for watching the fireworks. We got there too late to check out the festivities, but I think the planners learned a few things about the traffic patterns. I thought we would be in and out, no doubt the planners did as well, but I think there was a lot more traffic that headed north out of the park instead of to the 121. I would like to think that next year, there will be better “action” on the departing traffic with much more assistance from the police. It didn’t take long to get home, especially considering other events like KaBoom Town in Addison, but was worse than I expected.
Saturday Darlene and I went to downtown Mckinney to partake in the festivities as the boys did not want to head out. It was packed! There was a homemade ice cream contest but there were just too many folks for us to stay in line, so we did the touristy thing and hit the antique stores, and the pub.
Police "trike" in downtown Mckinney.
We got home in time to pretty much turn around with the boys and head over to Devils Bowl Speedway in Mesquite to watch Brad Lasater race. It was a lot of fun, a dirt track with localized racing. They also had a great fireworks show.
Sunday was back to (house) work. A typical Texas summer day, so that means that one must consume lots of fluids when working out of doors. Actually we had a very productive day as I built some high shelves in the shed while everyone else was working in the garage. We are finally getting our garage back. Not that a car will ever share it again with two motorcycles in there, but at least there is now walking room.
I had a ride planned, but Darlene really didn’t want to ride in the heat and my planned destination was one I want her to be part of so will save that for another day. We got lots accomplished however.
Things kicked off Friday with a neighborhood parade. Several families and kids had a parade in the neighborhood and had bikes, etc decorated. Was cute.
We went to the fireworks at Craig Ranch for Red, White and Boom, which was the name for the new annual July 4 celebration that Mckinney will be having. The location was good for watching the fireworks. We got there too late to check out the festivities, but I think the planners learned a few things about the traffic patterns. I thought we would be in and out, no doubt the planners did as well, but I think there was a lot more traffic that headed north out of the park instead of to the 121. I would like to think that next year, there will be better “action” on the departing traffic with much more assistance from the police. It didn’t take long to get home, especially considering other events like KaBoom Town in Addison, but was worse than I expected.
Saturday Darlene and I went to downtown Mckinney to partake in the festivities as the boys did not want to head out. It was packed! There was a homemade ice cream contest but there were just too many folks for us to stay in line, so we did the touristy thing and hit the antique stores, and the pub.
Police "trike" in downtown Mckinney.
We got home in time to pretty much turn around with the boys and head over to Devils Bowl Speedway in Mesquite to watch Brad Lasater race. It was a lot of fun, a dirt track with localized racing. They also had a great fireworks show.
Sunday was back to (house) work. A typical Texas summer day, so that means that one must consume lots of fluids when working out of doors. Actually we had a very productive day as I built some high shelves in the shed while everyone else was working in the garage. We are finally getting our garage back. Not that a car will ever share it again with two motorcycles in there, but at least there is now walking room.
I had a ride planned, but Darlene really didn’t want to ride in the heat and my planned destination was one I want her to be part of so will save that for another day. We got lots accomplished however.
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Shed
We finally got our shed. Easier to buy than build, given the other projects we have on the go, like the fence, and the heat of the summer. Bought it from Tuff Shed, not inexpensive, compared to building one self, but it was up in 4 hours and is very sturdy and well built. Hard to beat that. We need to paint and put up shelves and that is it.
Work in progress
FIN
Ain't it cute!
Work in progress
FIN
Ain't it cute!
Rodents and assorted pests
We've been having a minor rat problem of late. Between getting spattered in the AC unit, making a nest in Darlene's car and just being the pests they are, we decided to take action. I have seen them during the day and they are not mice, but pretty good sized rats. We put a sticky rat trap out, and the only thing we caught were feathers, perhaps a bird swooped up a rat that had been caught. After the last A/C incident I figured poison was the only way to go. Sure enough when Darlene got in her car this am, there was a very sick rat stuck in the fence, and it was a big one. With the tail it had to be at least 12-14 inches long. The others I have seen have been a bit smaller than that. The bait is all gone so I'm gonna put a bit more out there.
Shot with D's camera phone...
The next pest report is a bit more tragic. And while not everyone may consider a deer a pest, a lot do. Several of our AE Family are off riding the GCR, or Grand Canyon Rendezvous. We received word that one of them, Paul M, hit a deer earlier today. He is hurt, apparently at least a couple of broken bones, but other than that should be fine. From what I hear I think he is worse off than his motorcycle. No word on the deer. Our hearts and prayers go out for a speedy recovery and safe journey for the remainder of the group.
Shot with D's camera phone...
The next pest report is a bit more tragic. And while not everyone may consider a deer a pest, a lot do. Several of our AE Family are off riding the GCR, or Grand Canyon Rendezvous. We received word that one of them, Paul M, hit a deer earlier today. He is hurt, apparently at least a couple of broken bones, but other than that should be fine. From what I hear I think he is worse off than his motorcycle. No word on the deer. Our hearts and prayers go out for a speedy recovery and safe journey for the remainder of the group.
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Happy Canada Day, eh?
Ah, its Canada Day... Hot dogs, Fireworks, officially the first day of summer in Canada... Screechh... Wait a minute, I'm in Texas, summer started weeks if not months ago! Still though, its an important day.
Down here, we are fortunate to wrangle a long weekend out to the deal as July 4 is on a Friday. Mckinney is starting an new celebration this year, Red, White and Boom, with festivities Friday and Saturday. They are having the bulk of the celebrations both downtown, and then at Craig Ranch, which should be easy for us to get in and out of.
Million Mile update - well I only contributed 15 miles but I did contribute. I checked this morning, there is still time for some more folks to contribute, but when I looked they was over 2.7 million miles on the odomoter. I don't know if they'll make it to 3 million or not but it sets a good bar.
Later this month, July 15, is national ride to work day.
Down here, we are fortunate to wrangle a long weekend out to the deal as July 4 is on a Friday. Mckinney is starting an new celebration this year, Red, White and Boom, with festivities Friday and Saturday. They are having the bulk of the celebrations both downtown, and then at Craig Ranch, which should be easy for us to get in and out of.
Million Mile update - well I only contributed 15 miles but I did contribute. I checked this morning, there is still time for some more folks to contribute, but when I looked they was over 2.7 million miles on the odomoter. I don't know if they'll make it to 3 million or not but it sets a good bar.
Later this month, July 15, is national ride to work day.
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