Vintage Bikes In Elbe

As part of a three day event co-sponsored by the Lemay Auto Museum and the Ace Cafe in London (yeah THAT Ace Cafe), there was a "Run To Rainier" today.  They only made it to Elbe (about 15 or so miles short of Mt Rainier Nat'l Park, but close enough).  Since I was hoping to see some old iron I wrangled a few people together at the last minute and headed on up to Elbe.

Of course, we waited, and waited.  By the time everyone was questioning if they had cancelled the run, or taken a different route or wondering if it was time to go home, they finally arrived.  Not as I had hoped, in one large group, but in several smaller groups.  Still it was all good, and everyone was enjoying checking out the bikes as they came in.  Especially me, as I saw the old Norton above roll in.  That made my day.

As I was checking out the Norton, and taking a couple of pics of it I happened to notice another guy taking photos.  I looked closer, and realized it was the famous Michael Lichter.  So I went over, shook his hand and welcomed him to the area.  Sonn some more bikes were rolling in and it was time to check them out.

When we finally were getting ready to roll out, Dave and Kayla began to roll towards the road and past Michael Lichter.  Who immediately began taking a bunch of pics of the Springer Softail they were riding.  Dave shut off the bike because his exhaust was blowing up dust.  When the pics were done Dave rolled back on the throttle and headed out.  I was right behind him.  Since I was just riding my Gypsy Rose I was totally surprised when Michael Lichter began taking pics of us.  So I did the same thing and sat there until he was done taking pics.  The Norton had made my day, but having Michael Lichter take pics of me and my wife Robin on my bike REALLY made my day!!

Catch ya on the road sometime...

Today Was A Good Day

A few of us ended up riding up through Spanaway, and stopped at Vintage Motorcycles Northwest.  That made my whole day.

But seeing this sweet old Pan took the cake.  Nothing beats the beauty of a truly sweet looking Panhead.  At least to me.

Well I am tired, and it is just after midnight, so I am heading off to hit the rack.  I have a feeling I'm gonna be riding my old '57 Pan "The Black" in my dreams tonight.

Catch ya on the road sometime...

A Ride

Going to be heading out for a ride with some friends today.  No real destination, just getting out and going for a few hours.  But that's the best kind of ride isn't it?

Catch ya on the road sometime...

Reorganizing

I am going to try to reorganize the garage a bit.  Make it a little easier to keep track of nuts and bolts and parts that come off of bikes that get worked on.  Since right now I got a buddy of mine's bike in there getting repaired, and my brother's bike as well, I figure now is as good a time as any to TRY to get it in something like an organized mayhem.  It will also give me a better chance at keeping track of what parts I have just laying around the place that I keep forgetting about.  Who knows, I might even end up with some trading stock I have forgotten I even had.  (Like that hasn't ever happened before)

Catch ya on the road sometime...

Mother Freedom

Here is a little video I put together about how I feel the freedom we enjoy as Americans.  Especially as American motorcycle riders.  Notice I didn't say 'Bikers'?  That's because to me, 'Bikers' are a small portion of the riders out there on the road, and that word has been getting really misused over the last 20 years or so.  Anyway, here is the video.  I hope you enjoy it.

Catch ya on the road sometime...

Whew...Another Jubilee Is Over!!

Welcome!!!

"One..Two.."

"...THREE!!"

Parading Through Town

"Come Back Again...Ya Here!"

I'm bushed, and heading to bed.

Catch ya on the road sometime...

Going To Be Busy For The Next Few Days

Will be off enjoying the Logger's Jubilee with friends riding in from around the Pacific NW this weekend, so I won't be on here for a few days...the fun starts tomorrow and doesnt end until sunday night.

Catch ya on the road sometime...

Busy Busy Busy

Been kind of busy the past few days getting ready for Logger's Jubilee, and my back yard turning into a  motorcycle campground.  Between splitting and stacking firewood, and running to Renton with T to get parts, Saturday night and part of Sunday morning was spent wrenching on Dave's Fat Boy.  The plan was to just replace the drive belt.  Which is a major pain in the ass because of all the parts that needed to be removed.  But in the long run, it was worth it.  Dave found the locknut for the pulley on the mainshaft was only finger tight ( instead of torqued to 120 ft/lbs), and only the two screws holding the locking plate in place kept the nut unscrewing.  But it was loose enough that the pulley was wobbling on the mainshaft.  The oil seal was leaking, and the spacer behind the pulley had developed a sharp edge to it.  Which was cutting into the seal.  So at 10:00 AM Sunday morning, work stopped and we jumped into his Ford to go to Renton to get parts.  I even bought a new gas cap to replace the one I had lost Friday while doing 95+ on the way home.  So as you can tell by this condensed version of the past few days, it has been busy.  I have about half the firewood bucked and split, and will try getting to that today since the temps will only be in the mid 80s and not mid 90s again.

Catch ya on the road sometime...