Coil Bracket

The old one broke...

so I made a new one. Lost a little bit of riding time on Sunday but saved a little coin by using some scrap on the work bench. All in a day's work.

Austin and Back, Part 2

 Valdez!

Artwork by Jon Meeks

 Burning out.

 Morning view over the water at the last campsite

The Big Easy

Though this wasn't a motorcycle trip and wasn't during Mardi Gras, it was still an awesome, relaxing time. We were down for the wedding of some of our close friends and got a great vacation out of the deal. We were able to see a lot of the city, do some drinking, gambling and we ate some awesome food. Instead of saying more, I'm just going to caption the pictures and that's it.

      Coffee, day drinking and a good book.

View of the water.

 Our limo.

 Jackson Square

 Bourbon Street

 The same.

 Cafe Du Monde.

The Napoleon House

Totally different sight in the morning.

07/28/13

     Its easy to lose track of things that you think are basic once you are on the road and out of a daily routine. I woke up and didn't even realize it was Sunday. Wes and his wife laid the hospitality on thick serving biscuits, eggs and bacon. It almost a shame we had to leave...almost.
     The morning was much colder than I expected. I put my rainproof windbreaker on under my vest and until the wind blew it back up to my elbows, it did its job. It was chilly but I managed to stay close enough to comfortable.
     Wes had first hand knowledge of the area and whipped around the farm roads and deftly negotiated us through the small rural towns. He would point at things, like a cemetery, and at a stop would explain that the cemetery was where John Dillinger was buried. In addition to being fun to ride, these roads were some of the most scenic I have ever ridden.
     We came around a curve and were treated to one of the best views I've ever seen. There was a clearing in the trees and you could see the field below. The sun was still low in the sky and had barely started burning off the dew and fog. Words don't do it justice. I was drop jawed and despite my attempts there was no place to pull off and get a picture. That said, there are always moments you can recall in your mind's eye. This was easily one.
     To get to Route 66, we needed to eat a lot of miles and in a hurry so that meant interstate. After the splendor of Indiana farm roads, it was sad to have to leave them. I was spoiled. That said, setting yourself up for failure and ending up successful can make the up-turn that much sweeter.
     The interstate was scenic, for interstate that is. The things along the interstate made it interesting. We passed a GIANT roadside cross in Illinois. Easily the biggest example I have ever seen, I would love to know the story behind it. Everyone's cameras came out so hopefully there will be one with me in it.

stolen from Wes at http://junkwithwheels.blogspot.com/

     Crossing into St. Louis, we encountered some traffic, which was strange for a Sunday. Thankfully, our route passed right by the St. Louis Gateway Arch. I learned the hard way at Niagara Falls, sometimes attractions are best appreciate from afar.
     The gas stops were good. The group seems really comfortable and we've become good friends fast. Good natured ribbing among guys is a good sign of that. There were laughs, some at my expense, but I know the score. It is a good sign that we are getting along.

      The last half hour was rainy and we got just wet enough to call ourselves wet. We arrived at the KOA in Joplin, 550 miles plus under our belts. The rain did not appear to be letting up so we upgraded our primitive site to a cabin. As I type this and talk to Ken, our companions are dining at an Ion Skillet restaurant walking distance from where I sit. There is cold beer and soon we'll have a fire. The fun has yet to stop. Tomorrow we hit the mother road. Its hard to imagine that we can still go up from here.

Last Ride of 2012

So it wasn't really as much of a ride as it was a chance to hang out with Brandon a bit more before he headed back to the Land of the Rising Sun. It was cold as Hell on the way there and the way back. All the same, there is always a good time to be had at the Dojo. Brandon assured me, when you can't ride for 6 months at a time, a ride of any length is awesome.

Nick was there working on his pan and took it for a spin around the block. There are still issues to be sorted out but he's getting very, very close. 

Brandon has mad trampoline and beer drinking skills.

It was good just to stand around and bs. I'm looking forward my first ride of 2013. That said, I really need to stop being lazy and change the oil on my Sporty...

Swap and Drag

Had another great time at this event, as usual. I didn't take a ton of pictures this time around and spent most of the day catching up with people. It's pretty great to see so many folks you know all in one place and having a good time.

Kustom Jeff and I left out at 7am Saturday morning in the freezing cold. The first hour and a half was brutal but after the first gas stop and a little coffee, it got warmer quick and the rest of the ride was awesome. 

The drags were fun as usual with a crazy mix of bikes, muscle cars and odd stuff like mopeds and lawnmowers going down the strip. Amazing what some people want to run and race...like a Ford Explorer vs a Chevy Tahoe...not one of the more interesting races. 

Got to see a AJ from Mississippi, make a couple new MS friends and thanks to Jeff's genius, actually got to set up the hammock near the track. Ross made some killer chili that we all heaped onto closeout hot dogs and we spent the rest of the evening huddled around the fire drinking beer and moonshine and talking shit. Met the folks from Hate City and yes, all of the stories you've heard are true.

The next day we took our time getting up and out. The fire was re-lit and we huddled again as the sun rose. We parted ways with the MS crew and got everything loaded and hit the road. We stopped for breakfast and Jeff and I boogied back to Birmingham. If there is some reason you haven't made it to this one yet, you need to. It's a great time with good people and plenty to see and good parts up for grabs. Do not miss the next one...

Stole the last two photos from Ian, thanks dood.

Dixie Roundup 2

Unlike last year, this event all took place in one location. That location was Courtyard 25 (formerly 29 Dreams). This meant that the bike show, campsites, bands, etc were all in one spot, a spot with two bars and a restaurant on site. Yep, it was awesome. I met some folks face to face that I had only ever talked to on the web and ran into a ton of other rad people from all over the southeast and beyond. I was busy running from spot all weekend and didn't take as many photos as I should have. Mixed drinks, beer and moonshine will have that effect on you...anyhow...here we go.

Highway 25 on the way in. There is always trash and animal carcases thrown off the side of the mountain at this spot...but now if you need a boat, there is one for the taking.

  Off the other side...

Shooting the breeze right off the road from camp. A ton of folks set up near the fire pit in tents, hammocks and some just on the ground. There were several installations just like this all throughout the campground.

 Dirt jumping a bagger. Things got a little crazy here and there...

 

http://www.facebook.com/JustifyTheseScars

Killer band, hilarious and played forever despite equipment issues.

The morning after. Folks were slow to get up. The people with long hauls ahead of them were quicker. I left around 10 with Kustom Jeff and was home just in time for lunch with the family. Great weekend and as if you needed an excuse to get to Alabama, the Dixie Roundup is it.

As seen this past weekend...