Wow, I've got some serious catching up to do! Christmas as come and gone, well not quite gone, but its now New Years Eve. We had a good Christmas, the weather has been great. Ryan got his Wii and that has been a constant source of family entertainment. Its practically a workout though! I think I threw my shoulder out on the first serve I made in tennis. And boxing, what a workout! We've had a lot of fun with it so far though.
I got a couple of things for my bike which I have installed. I got a chrome windshield bar (?) thingy, the air temp and oil pressure gauges, and a heated jacket liner. Got those intstalled and they all work. I've taken 3 or 4 rides over the break and the jacket works nicely so far although it hasn't been "truly" tested if you know what I mean.
Tomorrow is the brass monkey ride. An annual Jan 1 ride with (hoped for) frigid temperatures so we can test everyone's mettle. Ride starts at 10:30, we'll need to leave here about 9:30 so it may be a bit chilly. Its supposed to get down to 29 tonight so by the time we leave it should have warmed up just above freezing.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Monday, December 17, 2007
Christmas Party
We had our Christmas Party on Saturday night, and a good time was had by all. Its always a lot of fun, the food was very good as was the band. Lots of dancing all night long. This years announcements didn't seem as cumbersome as last year, maybe cause I know everyone that much better, and also the facility was better, not sure how that could make a difference with regards to the proceedings but it may have.
The Big Texas Toy Run was Sunday. We had plans, I certainly would have liked to have gone, but we knew all along that timing was going to be an issue as we would have to drive all the way back to Mckinney from Denton, then back down to Grapevine. The temperature may have helped in our decision a bit as well as it was 28F with heavy frost when we got up. And obviously we did not get up too early!
Instead we took advantage of the time at home to clean out (part) of the storage unit and garage. We redesigned the office and Marc's room both to great improvements.
The Big Texas Toy Run was Sunday. We had plans, I certainly would have liked to have gone, but we knew all along that timing was going to be an issue as we would have to drive all the way back to Mckinney from Denton, then back down to Grapevine. The temperature may have helped in our decision a bit as well as it was 28F with heavy frost when we got up. And obviously we did not get up too early!
Instead we took advantage of the time at home to clean out (part) of the storage unit and garage. We redesigned the office and Marc's room both to great improvements.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Chapter Charity Ride
This past weekend it was time for our Chapter "toy" run. The dealership and our chapter support the Cumberland Presbyterian Childrens Home in Denton. http://www.cpch.org/home/
The dealership had an angel tree for the home, and all of the angels were quickly snapped up. It was pretty amazing what these kids wanted, essentials. Our angel was for a young girl, I forget whether she was 15 or 17. We didn't know her story at the time but she wanted sheets, a hair dryer a couple of other things and the only remotely frivilous item was a lava lamp. We also got her a storage case, a blanket and a sock full of personal items.
Saturday was a pretty full day, in addition to the run, it was the annual activities meeting where ride suggestions were solicited. Darlene, currently in transition to her new role as LOH officer (Congrats Honey!) had a couple of suggestions. I had one, a scavenger hunt, so now I guess I really have to start thinking about it. Several good rides were suggested, including the regular annual rides (Wildflower, PTP, Fall Leaf, etc) It looks like it will be another very full year.
We then had a couple of hours to kill till the run, we wrapped a few presents at the dealer table, accepting dontations for Cumberland. Must still be too far till Christmas as there wasn't a lot of wrapping happening.
This was our second run for Cumberland. Last year was primarily chapter members and was a good run, well this year was phenomonal. I believe we had 76 or so bikes, a lot of our chapter, but an awesome turnout of non-chapter riders. Several of us acted as roadblocks (?) along the way, but we also had official escorts, several police officers and vehicles assisting with roadblocks as well as a fire truck at the beginning and end of the parade. Mini-T was great again as Santa. First in line and waving the whole way. He looked more comfortable this year, he certainly stayed in costume for a lot longer this year!
Oh yeah, about the home. Our angel was an orphaned child, actually she was there with her brother, and maybe her sister(?). Not sure if it was her sister or cousin. Fortunatley her Grandfather is close and volunteers at the home so there is lots of love there for her. Another heartbreak was the family who just arrived recently. This was after the angel tree was completed so everyone scrambled to assist this family. Apparently a family of abuse and violence, the mother finally left with her 8 children. These kids have not had a christmas present for 4 years. It was very touching and emotional for all, children getting clothes that they could truly call their own, shoes that fit. And that was typical for all the kids.
The home is a great organization and we have developed a very solid relationship with them. They truly appreciate our support and welcome us wholeheartedly.
On the way home we collected 2 more ABCs. I don't know if we will be able to get to 56 or not, we are about 3 shy, but they are counties and its a good 3-4 hour ride to capture those, we just don't have that much time to give between now and the end of the year. That's alright though, we will have 46+ so will get the awards we really wanted.
The dealership had an angel tree for the home, and all of the angels were quickly snapped up. It was pretty amazing what these kids wanted, essentials. Our angel was for a young girl, I forget whether she was 15 or 17. We didn't know her story at the time but she wanted sheets, a hair dryer a couple of other things and the only remotely frivilous item was a lava lamp. We also got her a storage case, a blanket and a sock full of personal items.
Saturday was a pretty full day, in addition to the run, it was the annual activities meeting where ride suggestions were solicited. Darlene, currently in transition to her new role as LOH officer (Congrats Honey!) had a couple of suggestions. I had one, a scavenger hunt, so now I guess I really have to start thinking about it. Several good rides were suggested, including the regular annual rides (Wildflower, PTP, Fall Leaf, etc) It looks like it will be another very full year.
We then had a couple of hours to kill till the run, we wrapped a few presents at the dealer table, accepting dontations for Cumberland. Must still be too far till Christmas as there wasn't a lot of wrapping happening.
This was our second run for Cumberland. Last year was primarily chapter members and was a good run, well this year was phenomonal. I believe we had 76 or so bikes, a lot of our chapter, but an awesome turnout of non-chapter riders. Several of us acted as roadblocks (?) along the way, but we also had official escorts, several police officers and vehicles assisting with roadblocks as well as a fire truck at the beginning and end of the parade. Mini-T was great again as Santa. First in line and waving the whole way. He looked more comfortable this year, he certainly stayed in costume for a lot longer this year!
Oh yeah, about the home. Our angel was an orphaned child, actually she was there with her brother, and maybe her sister(?). Not sure if it was her sister or cousin. Fortunatley her Grandfather is close and volunteers at the home so there is lots of love there for her. Another heartbreak was the family who just arrived recently. This was after the angel tree was completed so everyone scrambled to assist this family. Apparently a family of abuse and violence, the mother finally left with her 8 children. These kids have not had a christmas present for 4 years. It was very touching and emotional for all, children getting clothes that they could truly call their own, shoes that fit. And that was typical for all the kids.
The home is a great organization and we have developed a very solid relationship with them. They truly appreciate our support and welcome us wholeheartedly.
On the way home we collected 2 more ABCs. I don't know if we will be able to get to 56 or not, we are about 3 shy, but they are counties and its a good 3-4 hour ride to capture those, we just don't have that much time to give between now and the end of the year. That's alright though, we will have 46+ so will get the awards we really wanted.
Monday, December 03, 2007
Christmas Lights
This weekend was a busy weekend. The boys went to Sky Ranch for the weekend like they have been doing every year and we went to watch Don Pliler's band. A lot of folks turned up and and one point it got really smokey.
Saturday was the Lewisville Toy Run. The weather was questionable and on the way to the dealership we actually had some light rain but it held off for the run. Pretty good turn out, numbers estimated as high as 1300 bikes but I don't think there was that many. I have started reducing my estimates after being so wrong so many times!
A lot of folks did the Lone Star Challenge this past year. We (well mainly Darlene) are doing the posters for the Christmas Party. You get awarded for either 5 or all 10 points. Well we have over 50 members who have completed at least 5, in fact there were very few who only did 5. If you think of that, in order to get all the points, at a minimum you would have had to have ridden over 2000 miles. So lets say 50 did all 10 points, that is over 100,000 miles towards our club goal of 2 million miles.
Sunday was another full day getting ready for Christmas at home. We started out the day wrapping presents and after the boys got home we put the lights outside. It was a beautiful day, then around 4:00 it started getting quite cold. This am was the coldest morning so far, 34F. I was thinking about riding this am, actually this week, but wimped out today. Hopefully the rest of the week if not at least part of it.
Saturday was the Lewisville Toy Run. The weather was questionable and on the way to the dealership we actually had some light rain but it held off for the run. Pretty good turn out, numbers estimated as high as 1300 bikes but I don't think there was that many. I have started reducing my estimates after being so wrong so many times!
A lot of folks did the Lone Star Challenge this past year. We (well mainly Darlene) are doing the posters for the Christmas Party. You get awarded for either 5 or all 10 points. Well we have over 50 members who have completed at least 5, in fact there were very few who only did 5. If you think of that, in order to get all the points, at a minimum you would have had to have ridden over 2000 miles. So lets say 50 did all 10 points, that is over 100,000 miles towards our club goal of 2 million miles.
Sunday was another full day getting ready for Christmas at home. We started out the day wrapping presents and after the boys got home we put the lights outside. It was a beautiful day, then around 4:00 it started getting quite cold. This am was the coldest morning so far, 34F. I was thinking about riding this am, actually this week, but wimped out today. Hopefully the rest of the week if not at least part of it.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Tis the Season...
Toy Rides! This Saturday is the Lewisville Toy Run. It leaves from the dealership and its a pretty good sized run. The weather should hopefully hold out, but will likely be cloudy, with possibility of rain likely for later in the day.
The following weekend is our ride to Cumberland, which is our Chapter's charity.
The next weekend is our Chapter Christmas party, followed on Sunday with the Big Texas Toy Run. This is the big one!
There's lots of other toy runs, sometimes more than one per weekend but we won't be doing most of these.
The following weekend is our ride to Cumberland, which is our Chapter's charity.
The next weekend is our Chapter Christmas party, followed on Sunday with the Big Texas Toy Run. This is the big one!
There's lots of other toy runs, sometimes more than one per weekend but we won't be doing most of these.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Turkey Day
Happy Turkey Day - aka Thanksgiving.
Tomorrow is thanksgiving, we are getting ready, will be frying a turkey and lots of other food that the boys will be cooking. Marc is going to make ratatoullie (?) courtesy of the animated movie. Actually Marc had taken quite a recent interest in cooking.
This past weekend was busy. We went to the dealership (by car!) to decorate the dealership tree Friday night, then went to Art and Lynne's wedding Saturday, at which I enjoyed the wine a bit more than I probably should have as it made me sleepy Saturday night. Sunday Ryan and I went to the museum for his Art class assignment. Got there on opening day of the Early Christian Art exhibition at the Kimball. Darlene and Buffy put a few miles on their bikes.
Tonight is dinner ride, its an unofficial one to Hooters to use some of the coupons. There is a lot of folks expected. However.... A cold front has blown in and we are expecting upwards of 40F temp drops. So Darlene will be wearing her electrics and I will just have to bulk up!
Go Cowboys!
Tomorrow is thanksgiving, we are getting ready, will be frying a turkey and lots of other food that the boys will be cooking. Marc is going to make ratatoullie (?) courtesy of the animated movie. Actually Marc had taken quite a recent interest in cooking.
This past weekend was busy. We went to the dealership (by car!) to decorate the dealership tree Friday night, then went to Art and Lynne's wedding Saturday, at which I enjoyed the wine a bit more than I probably should have as it made me sleepy Saturday night. Sunday Ryan and I went to the museum for his Art class assignment. Got there on opening day of the Early Christian Art exhibition at the Kimball. Darlene and Buffy put a few miles on their bikes.
Tonight is dinner ride, its an unofficial one to Hooters to use some of the coupons. There is a lot of folks expected. However.... A cold front has blown in and we are expecting upwards of 40F temp drops. So Darlene will be wearing her electrics and I will just have to bulk up!
Go Cowboys!
Monday, November 12, 2007
Fall Leaf Ride
Another Fall Leaf Ride under our belt. Another great riding weekend. Great weather, a little fog on the outset but was dry. Of course the ride home yesterday was a bit windy, but also dry!
The colors were top notch this year, the leaves were a bit dry in some areas but when the sun came out those colors brightened up a bit.
Total of 880 miles this weekend, on our way to 2 MILLION MILES!!! We got a couple more ABCs points including Missouri, got an A county but missed the S county.
On the ride up we did part of the Talimina higway but somehow missed the group picture. Saturday was a ride up to Pig Trail HD, then 5 of us, Tee and Carla, Buffy, Darlene and myself took off. Through Eureka Springs, down 21, 16 and finally onto 23, the "Pig Trail" itself. Unfortunately it was getting dark along the Pig Trail as we were riding so probably didn't enjoy it as much as we could have but it made for a unique experience with the dusk conditions.
Sunday was pretty much a straight shot home, but it was windy! I am not sure of our count of motorcycles or participants. We supposedly had 50 rooms booked at the hotel. That typically translates to at least 1 bike per room.
This trip had 3 breakdowns that we know about, 2 flats and a stator so nothing serious, thankfully. Of course I had a personal loss, due to stupidity. I am now sans iPod as I left it on my bike Saturday night and lo and behold it was gone Sunday AM.
The colors were top notch this year, the leaves were a bit dry in some areas but when the sun came out those colors brightened up a bit.
Total of 880 miles this weekend, on our way to 2 MILLION MILES!!! We got a couple more ABCs points including Missouri, got an A county but missed the S county.
On the ride up we did part of the Talimina higway but somehow missed the group picture. Saturday was a ride up to Pig Trail HD, then 5 of us, Tee and Carla, Buffy, Darlene and myself took off. Through Eureka Springs, down 21, 16 and finally onto 23, the "Pig Trail" itself. Unfortunately it was getting dark along the Pig Trail as we were riding so probably didn't enjoy it as much as we could have but it made for a unique experience with the dusk conditions.
Sunday was pretty much a straight shot home, but it was windy! I am not sure of our count of motorcycles or participants. We supposedly had 50 rooms booked at the hotel. That typically translates to at least 1 bike per room.
This trip had 3 breakdowns that we know about, 2 flats and a stator so nothing serious, thankfully. Of course I had a personal loss, due to stupidity. I am now sans iPod as I left it on my bike Saturday night and lo and behold it was gone Sunday AM.
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Weekend Report - late
oops have been meaning to post just got side-tracked I guess. Was a very busy weekend.
Friday night we went to the Nascar Craftsman Truck series race. We hung out with Brenda and Charles and crew. Lots of fun, very exciting race, lots of wrecks, actually from that perspective one of the better races we have seen. Apparently it stayed that way through the weekend, at least on Sunday. The start and end of the Craftsman race had back to back accidents, and pretty significant at that with a red flag late in the race.
Saturday was the chapter meeting, annual Long Flyer check in. I logged over 18400 miles and Darlene over 15000 miles in the last riding season. After the meeting and pictures, we went on a ride to get a couple of more ABCs points. Buffy rode with us and is apparently addicted now!
Sunday was the Teddy Bear ride from Mckinney to Plano, it was a great day for a ride, we had quite a few Eagles in attendance and overall there was approx 1500 bikes.
Oh this weekend is the Fall Leaf ride, the weather is looking good and has been changing slightly, is likely to be warm... may get some rain on return trip Sunday.
Friday night we went to the Nascar Craftsman Truck series race. We hung out with Brenda and Charles and crew. Lots of fun, very exciting race, lots of wrecks, actually from that perspective one of the better races we have seen. Apparently it stayed that way through the weekend, at least on Sunday. The start and end of the Craftsman race had back to back accidents, and pretty significant at that with a red flag late in the race.
Saturday was the chapter meeting, annual Long Flyer check in. I logged over 18400 miles and Darlene over 15000 miles in the last riding season. After the meeting and pictures, we went on a ride to get a couple of more ABCs points. Buffy rode with us and is apparently addicted now!
Sunday was the Teddy Bear ride from Mckinney to Plano, it was a great day for a ride, we had quite a few Eagles in attendance and overall there was approx 1500 bikes.
Oh this weekend is the Fall Leaf ride, the weather is looking good and has been changing slightly, is likely to be warm... may get some rain on return trip Sunday.
Monday, October 29, 2007
ABC's of Touring
Was this another lost weekend? Not really but didn't achieve a lot around the house as we focused on putting on miles and getting ABC points. We did a great job of both! We put on 660 miles this weekend, 454 on Saturday and 206 yesterday. I dont know for sure but we must have gotten around 30 points over the weekend.
We went to Uncertain, TX, then crossed over into Louisiana and up to Arkansas. Another new state for my chart. Saturday ended up being a 12 hour day due to all the stops. Its an timeconsuming process. I think we should both be able to get 46+ points. We are close and have till the end of the year.
Saturday night we got stuck on the highway for 30 minutes or so behind a major wreck on 121. I couldn't find any news reports but it probably involved a fatality. There were at least 3 vehicles involved and one was tore up very badly.
I also turned over 25K miles so I can apply for that milestone patch. woo hoo!
We went to Uncertain, TX, then crossed over into Louisiana and up to Arkansas. Another new state for my chart. Saturday ended up being a 12 hour day due to all the stops. Its an timeconsuming process. I think we should both be able to get 46+ points. We are close and have till the end of the year.
Saturday night we got stuck on the highway for 30 minutes or so behind a major wreck on 121. I couldn't find any news reports but it probably involved a fatality. There were at least 3 vehicles involved and one was tore up very badly.
I also turned over 25K miles so I can apply for that milestone patch. woo hoo!
Monday, October 22, 2007
Weekend Miles
Its getting close to our club year end. We turn in our miles at the Nov 3 chapter meeting meeting. I have exceeded my personal milage goal, Darlene is wanting to hit 15K and right now she is about 800 miles shy. We put about 200 on this weekend, we went for a little ride late Saturday afternoon then had the progressive dinner ride on Sunday. Darlene didn't ride the first leg as she was helping Buffy at the first stop. It was a great weekend for riding, although a bit windy on Sunday.
Saturday did a bit more cleanup, laid some sod so we can hopefully pass the final pool inspection, finished the street side fence and planted the rest of the greenery we bought. Still trying to plan out the final layout of the backyard. We need a shed and its going to take up some room.
Sat night on our ride, I figured it was a good a time as any, since it seems there really is no better time than any other. All my planning was falling through, Darlene has been sick for well over a month. So, at least we were on the bikes and having fun with something we share. Of course even those plans had to be changed mid ride as we cut short our final destination although we really didn't have a destination. But anyway long story short, Darlene's ring finger is heavier and no longer barren as she said yes.
Saturday did a bit more cleanup, laid some sod so we can hopefully pass the final pool inspection, finished the street side fence and planted the rest of the greenery we bought. Still trying to plan out the final layout of the backyard. We need a shed and its going to take up some room.
Sat night on our ride, I figured it was a good a time as any, since it seems there really is no better time than any other. All my planning was falling through, Darlene has been sick for well over a month. So, at least we were on the bikes and having fun with something we share. Of course even those plans had to be changed mid ride as we cut short our final destination although we really didn't have a destination. But anyway long story short, Darlene's ring finger is heavier and no longer barren as she said yes.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Ride to Eat, Eat to Ride
Doesn't it just seem so?
This weekend, Sunday actually, we are having a progressive dinner ride and poker run. Should be fun. I think we will have a good turn out, weather is supposed to be great and its a mid-day run. I just hope everyone's homes have plenty of facilities...
This weekend, Sunday actually, we are having a progressive dinner ride and poker run. Should be fun. I think we will have a good turn out, weather is supposed to be great and its a mid-day run. I just hope everyone's homes have plenty of facilities...
Monday, October 15, 2007
New Tire
Had to get some work done on the bike on Saturday. There is a known issue with the front motor mount and I had to get it replaced under warranty as it was shredded. I noticed it before the AR trip but felt it would be ok for that trip, but I didn't want it to go much longer.
There was a lunch ride that day and I figured I could get the work done and join that. Of course the eagle-eyed service tech noticed my rear tire was soon due to be changed. I had been hoping to keep it on for a while longer and it did have some more miles, but I don't know if it would have been smart to go on the Leaf Ride in November with that tire so I got it changed. That took longer than I thought so I was unable to catch up to the group.
I did a little ride around looking for a good place for photos, I may have found one in downtown Pilot Point. I took a couple of shots will have to look at them. I wanted to stay a bit west for the sake of Fran and Marybeth for thier christmas pics but unless they have a recommendation I'll have to come up with something.
Riding season is drawing to a close (AE) so we are getting all our pics and mileage in order.
There was a lunch ride that day and I figured I could get the work done and join that. Of course the eagle-eyed service tech noticed my rear tire was soon due to be changed. I had been hoping to keep it on for a while longer and it did have some more miles, but I don't know if it would have been smart to go on the Leaf Ride in November with that tire so I got it changed. That took longer than I thought so I was unable to catch up to the group.
I did a little ride around looking for a good place for photos, I may have found one in downtown Pilot Point. I took a couple of shots will have to look at them. I wanted to stay a bit west for the sake of Fran and Marybeth for thier christmas pics but unless they have a recommendation I'll have to come up with something.
Riding season is drawing to a close (AE) so we are getting all our pics and mileage in order.
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Beach Trip
The boys had Monday off from school, so we took a short family vacation down to Port Aransas this weekend. It ended up being quite an eventful trip!
Its about 420 miles so we left early Saturday morning and arrived about 2:30 pm after a short delay at the ferry. By the time we got settled and down to the beach it was after 4:00. We had just gotten into the water when Ryan let out a bit of a shriek with Marc beside him. I was in the water and about 12-15 feet away was a large fin! Ryan thought it was a shark and Marc didn't know what was going on, but it was quickly obvious that it was a 5-6ft porpoise just playing around feeding on the small fish. We hung out and watched the porpoise for a bit as it moved away. It never got that close again but was in the general area. A bit later we saw some other kids get even more freaked out as they all left the water as they were convinced it was a shark!
We also took a drive for several miles along the beach road as Darlene hadn't done that in Texas before.
The waves were ok but small. We were able to boogie board a bit and we picked up a couple of more boards for Sunday.
On Sunday we got up early and after breakfast and a short tour of Port A we headed to Mustang Island State Park. It was probably no later than 10 am when we got there and pretty much stayed there all day. We made some sand castles, ate some food, had the beach pretty much to ourselves. We had a couple of small jellyfish stings, maybe even just some seaweed. It was getting later in the day, we were going to start winding down sooner than later when Ryan freaked out and hopped out of the surf in absolute pain. He was in bad shape holding his foot up. We looked at there was quite a bit of blood and he said he walked on something and it stung him. The pain was getting worse so I ran him up to the ranger station and they said it was likely a stingray sting and to take him to ER so that was about 3:30.
Sure enough he had been stung by a sting ray, one of 1500-3000 such injuries per year. The doctor had treated 3 that day, all to "foreigners". Basically you have to immerse the wound in hot water, over 103F to neutralize or deactivate the toxins. We on the other hand had put ice on it! No wonder he was in so much pain.
I read a bit about stingrays today online, I didn't realize it was as painful as that.
Anyway yesterday was another 8 hour travel day home. Ryan is hobbling a bit as his wound is right on the bottom of his foot.
Its about 420 miles so we left early Saturday morning and arrived about 2:30 pm after a short delay at the ferry. By the time we got settled and down to the beach it was after 4:00. We had just gotten into the water when Ryan let out a bit of a shriek with Marc beside him. I was in the water and about 12-15 feet away was a large fin! Ryan thought it was a shark and Marc didn't know what was going on, but it was quickly obvious that it was a 5-6ft porpoise just playing around feeding on the small fish. We hung out and watched the porpoise for a bit as it moved away. It never got that close again but was in the general area. A bit later we saw some other kids get even more freaked out as they all left the water as they were convinced it was a shark!
We also took a drive for several miles along the beach road as Darlene hadn't done that in Texas before.
The waves were ok but small. We were able to boogie board a bit and we picked up a couple of more boards for Sunday.
On Sunday we got up early and after breakfast and a short tour of Port A we headed to Mustang Island State Park. It was probably no later than 10 am when we got there and pretty much stayed there all day. We made some sand castles, ate some food, had the beach pretty much to ourselves. We had a couple of small jellyfish stings, maybe even just some seaweed. It was getting later in the day, we were going to start winding down sooner than later when Ryan freaked out and hopped out of the surf in absolute pain. He was in bad shape holding his foot up. We looked at there was quite a bit of blood and he said he walked on something and it stung him. The pain was getting worse so I ran him up to the ranger station and they said it was likely a stingray sting and to take him to ER so that was about 3:30.
Sure enough he had been stung by a sting ray, one of 1500-3000 such injuries per year. The doctor had treated 3 that day, all to "foreigners". Basically you have to immerse the wound in hot water, over 103F to neutralize or deactivate the toxins. We on the other hand had put ice on it! No wonder he was in so much pain.
I read a bit about stingrays today online, I didn't realize it was as painful as that.
Anyway yesterday was another 8 hour travel day home. Ryan is hobbling a bit as his wound is right on the bottom of his foot.
Monday, October 01, 2007
Great Weekend!
Well, survived another weekend! Actually I shouldn't kid about that but it was another full weekend. I left Friday at noon to help map out the Fall Leaf ride and got home Sunday afternoon with 985 miles on the odometer. Darlene had a busy weekend, besides trying to recover from her respitory problems, her and Ryan went to the football game Friday night then she went on the Girls weekend ride, the LOH LOH party. She beat me home by a couple of hours but didn't have as far to ride.
Our ride took some new roads for the Fall ride and I guess that is why they do the pre-rides. The fall ride is one of the larger chapter rides and we are expecting upwards of 60 bikes this year. New location, two nights in Ft Smith AR, instead of one night in Mena, and one night in Hot Springs.
First stop in OK was a problem, not enough gas pumps and certainly not enough toilets. The three gas stations in Tishamingo each only had one toilet, not even a mens and ladies rooms.
We lost Cowboy briefly at this stop, Ray Caul received a police escort back to our pod, and Marv somehow passed us as we went to the third station. Onwards to the lunch spot, where we had lunch last year, and lo and behold they had decided to shut the doors.... There was a sign announcing a new name, but no other information. Fortunately there was another restaurant in town that should be able to accomodate, however the parking was not great.
Talimina highway. Great weather, for a change.. and no traffic. Awesome ride. We only went half way then headed north on.... some state road. Finally got into Ft Smith around 8 pm then on to the restaurant. In bed by 10:30, or at least some of us were, myself included.
Morning came too early for some, but not all. Barnes had three routes mapped out, we decided on the mid lenght ride as that was the only one that went to the Pig Trail dealership.
More great roads, with terrible infrastructure for a large group. One stop even had an outhouse.... not gonna happen. Some some creative planning still to occur. Some ideas though, maybe multiple routes with warnings..
Only incident happened on this leg as Matt had a starter problem. He bump started and we got to the dealership. Very great service later, was only a bolt missing, that also provided the ground. We all met up with Rod Dean who none of us have seen since he left AE. He was very happy to see us all and we now have a lunch spot as the owner of the dealership commited to hooking us up for lunch, no doubt he will sell a few t-shirts!
Back to the hotel and a couple of miles before we arrived we had a chance to clean out the carbon so to speak. Bobby was riding the Joker bike and when he cracked the throttle, that thing barked and took off... nuff said right here but sufficiently high speeds were obtained.
This time I was in the some who decided to stay late. I got up at 8 am, on 4 hours sleep... Great ride home, did the other half of Talimina, not quite as good an experience as the trip up but fun nonetheless. And best of that, some great rides in north east Texas that I was unaware of.
Our ride took some new roads for the Fall ride and I guess that is why they do the pre-rides. The fall ride is one of the larger chapter rides and we are expecting upwards of 60 bikes this year. New location, two nights in Ft Smith AR, instead of one night in Mena, and one night in Hot Springs.
First stop in OK was a problem, not enough gas pumps and certainly not enough toilets. The three gas stations in Tishamingo each only had one toilet, not even a mens and ladies rooms.
We lost Cowboy briefly at this stop, Ray Caul received a police escort back to our pod, and Marv somehow passed us as we went to the third station. Onwards to the lunch spot, where we had lunch last year, and lo and behold they had decided to shut the doors.... There was a sign announcing a new name, but no other information. Fortunately there was another restaurant in town that should be able to accomodate, however the parking was not great.
Talimina highway. Great weather, for a change.. and no traffic. Awesome ride. We only went half way then headed north on.... some state road. Finally got into Ft Smith around 8 pm then on to the restaurant. In bed by 10:30, or at least some of us were, myself included.
Morning came too early for some, but not all. Barnes had three routes mapped out, we decided on the mid lenght ride as that was the only one that went to the Pig Trail dealership.
More great roads, with terrible infrastructure for a large group. One stop even had an outhouse.... not gonna happen. Some some creative planning still to occur. Some ideas though, maybe multiple routes with warnings..
Only incident happened on this leg as Matt had a starter problem. He bump started and we got to the dealership. Very great service later, was only a bolt missing, that also provided the ground. We all met up with Rod Dean who none of us have seen since he left AE. He was very happy to see us all and we now have a lunch spot as the owner of the dealership commited to hooking us up for lunch, no doubt he will sell a few t-shirts!
Back to the hotel and a couple of miles before we arrived we had a chance to clean out the carbon so to speak. Bobby was riding the Joker bike and when he cracked the throttle, that thing barked and took off... nuff said right here but sufficiently high speeds were obtained.
This time I was in the some who decided to stay late. I got up at 8 am, on 4 hours sleep... Great ride home, did the other half of Talimina, not quite as good an experience as the trip up but fun nonetheless. And best of that, some great rides in north east Texas that I was unaware of.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
LOH LOH / Fall Pre-Ride
Busy weekend coming up. I'm going to Ft Smith AR with the road captains on the Fall Leaf ride pre-ride. We are leaving Friday noon and will return Sunday. It should be pretty aggressive riding with these guys and not a lot of delays at gas stops. Weather is forecast to be pretty good with chance of rain Sunday but hopefully we will be ahead of that. Should be another 1000 mile weekend, give or take.
Darlene is having their LOH LOH all girls weekend, tagging on the Saturday lunch ride. They have a large group of the ladies and should have a great time at an East Texas "resort". Darlene has planned this one out and should be quite successful, the only thing out of her control is the timing of the lunch ride and the impact it will have on her agenda.
We are getting the pool plastered tomrrow and then filling with water if all goes per schedule. All things going well, we can probably be swimming late next week.
The AEHOG calendar year is drawing near, for the November chapter meeting its time to submit Lone Star Challenge (we have all 10 points, yah!) and the Long Flyer. I have just over 15K miles so have met my goal, although given the rides we did I'm surprised I didn't have more. Additionally I should turn 25K by the end of the year and get my HOG mileage.
Darlene is having their LOH LOH all girls weekend, tagging on the Saturday lunch ride. They have a large group of the ladies and should have a great time at an East Texas "resort". Darlene has planned this one out and should be quite successful, the only thing out of her control is the timing of the lunch ride and the impact it will have on her agenda.
We are getting the pool plastered tomrrow and then filling with water if all goes per schedule. All things going well, we can probably be swimming late next week.
The AEHOG calendar year is drawing near, for the November chapter meeting its time to submit Lone Star Challenge (we have all 10 points, yah!) and the Long Flyer. I have just over 15K miles so have met my goal, although given the rides we did I'm surprised I didn't have more. Additionally I should turn 25K by the end of the year and get my HOG mileage.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Meers Burgers
Well this weekend we logged a relatively quick 556 miles. Saturday, quite early we met in Decatur at 8:00 am. We got there a bit early, in fact we were the 2nd and 3rd bikes there and the first bike was a new guy, so we were a bit concerned we had the right meeting place! We are never early.
Anyway we ended up with 21 bikes in 2 pods. I was tailing the second pod so had great view of all the bikes in front of me. The roads were nice, Meers is in a pretty nice and hilly part of OK, in the Wichata mountains. As we rounded the corner and crested a hill, there's a traffic jam in front of the restaurant. We arrived about 1:00 pm and had about a 45 minute wait before we got seated. Nothing around for miles but the restaurant is a destination. Supposedly the 8th best hamburgers in the US. They were very good. Meers is an old mining town and the restaurant has been around since 1901. http://www.meersstore.com/main.html
Several of the folks headed back home after lunch and a smaller group of us continued on Scenic 115 on to Quartz Mountain Resort in Lone Wolf. It was only about 80 miles and relatively uneventful ride. Our room was on the ground floor facing the lake with a patio door. When we opened the door there was a small snake and a small scorpion welcoming us!
Darlene came down with a bad cough so when we got up in the morning we took off early to get home. The drive out of the resort was great, through the grounds and along the lake. We saw 4 deer by the road and a bit further a flock of turkeys.
We got home just after noon.
Anyway we ended up with 21 bikes in 2 pods. I was tailing the second pod so had great view of all the bikes in front of me. The roads were nice, Meers is in a pretty nice and hilly part of OK, in the Wichata mountains. As we rounded the corner and crested a hill, there's a traffic jam in front of the restaurant. We arrived about 1:00 pm and had about a 45 minute wait before we got seated. Nothing around for miles but the restaurant is a destination. Supposedly the 8th best hamburgers in the US. They were very good. Meers is an old mining town and the restaurant has been around since 1901. http://www.meersstore.com/main.html
Several of the folks headed back home after lunch and a smaller group of us continued on Scenic 115 on to Quartz Mountain Resort in Lone Wolf. It was only about 80 miles and relatively uneventful ride. Our room was on the ground floor facing the lake with a patio door. When we opened the door there was a small snake and a small scorpion welcoming us!
Darlene came down with a bad cough so when we got up in the morning we took off early to get home. The drive out of the resort was great, through the grounds and along the lake. We saw 4 deer by the road and a bit further a flock of turkeys.
We got home just after noon.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Uncle?
I got a note from Annette yesterday that they had a new addition to the family. I guess that makes me an uncle again?
Well maybe not but its quite the addition. Dave bought a new Harley, looks like the Nightster. Congrats Dave, I know you will enjoy it. By the way, is it low enough Annette can ride it?
Well maybe not but its quite the addition. Dave bought a new Harley, looks like the Nightster. Congrats Dave, I know you will enjoy it. By the way, is it low enough Annette can ride it?
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Rat in da kitchen
Well not really but in the AC unit. We were outside working on the fence when the upstairs unit came on and wham, wham, wham. the thing started making a racket. I was thinking oh no, I hate repairs!!!! I popped the breaker and went over to see what was going on. I was met with a horrific smell and obvious visual cues that a small animal had met its demise. Of course we can't just leave the poor thing there lest it really begin to stink, so I did the honorable thing and tore apart the unit to retrieve (what was left of) the carcass. It was actually a rat, and a fairly large one at that...
Gates done, final inspection can be done, keep fingers crossed.... After that plaster, and firing up the equipment.
Ride this weekend to Meers OK for lunch then on to Lone
Wolf to stay at the Quartz Mountain resort. Should be a nice area and if we get there early enough maybe some cool sights to see.
The gaming computer is coming along, a few hiccups along the way but its the first computer we (mostly Ryan) have built.
Gates done, final inspection can be done, keep fingers crossed.... After that plaster, and firing up the equipment.
Ride this weekend to Meers OK for lunch then on to Lone
Wolf to stay at the Quartz Mountain resort. Should be a nice area and if we get there early enough maybe some cool sights to see.
The gaming computer is coming along, a few hiccups along the way but its the first computer we (mostly Ryan) have built.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Work, work work work work
Pool is coming along, hopefully will be done in a couple of weeks dependant upon weather and who knows what else. Have started on the fence, I think its going to be a bigger, certainly more expensive project than I thought. Some more to do this weekend, get the gates up so that we can get final inspection.
Looking at ride calendar for rest of the year, there are only three big rides left, and one of them is after the Nov meeting, meaning after the Long Flyer turn in. So any miles will be in the next 6-8 weeks. Trip to Meers weekend after next will add a few miles but its not that far of a trip. Then the Ark Leaf Ride pre-ride will add some, likely about 1000. After the formal leaf ride in Nov will have to do another service. I just hope my tires get more mileage this time. That is one thing I haven't been impressed with, I can only get about 8000 miles on a rear tire.
Lets see, what else, oh yeah, we won our D league playoffs. Still in Semi's in C-league, tied 1-1. Next game Thursday night, will be a tough one. If we go, I'll miss the game next Tuesday night as we have tickets to the Henry Rollins spoken word gig.
Looking at ride calendar for rest of the year, there are only three big rides left, and one of them is after the Nov meeting, meaning after the Long Flyer turn in. So any miles will be in the next 6-8 weeks. Trip to Meers weekend after next will add a few miles but its not that far of a trip. Then the Ark Leaf Ride pre-ride will add some, likely about 1000. After the formal leaf ride in Nov will have to do another service. I just hope my tires get more mileage this time. That is one thing I haven't been impressed with, I can only get about 8000 miles on a rear tire.
Lets see, what else, oh yeah, we won our D league playoffs. Still in Semi's in C-league, tied 1-1. Next game Thursday night, will be a tough one. If we go, I'll miss the game next Tuesday night as we have tickets to the Henry Rollins spoken word gig.
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