| Author | Message | ||
     Alchemy |
Cushman - Swooshman! At one straight stretch this red blurr swooshed past me on the left. There was Toona's dad tucked down and pulling away from me. Easily doing close to 70 with his black satin "Cushman" jacket streaming like a cape behind. What a fun ride! | ||
| Toona |
Now for some thoughts on how to make the Res Ride better: 1. I'll probably break up the ride into segments. Rather than ride the entire ride start to finish in one loop, we could ride the first segment and stop back at the shop for a short break. If you choose, you could do the next segment or sit it out. Do the next segment, back to the shop, etc, etc, etc. I could set up a time schedule for each segment, so if you came later in the day, you could still make a segment or 2. This year, if you weren't here when we left, you missed out on everything. 2. More leaders. If you wanted to run the first segment over and over again, you could, if I had more leaders. 3. Chase truck. Not sure how I could do this with multiple rides on multiple segments. I guess just either follow the biggest pack of riders or stay at the shop/HQ. I dunno. 4. Go to Clem's BBQ. I could add a segment ride to Clem's earlier in the day, instead of at the end of the day. 5. Have less aggressive rides? More touring than technical? 6. Start the event on Friday? With you all coming in 2 to 4 hours each way, make it worth the trip. Sunday is out for me, so I couldn't extend it until then. 7. Maybe on Friday, do an extended segment to Route 144 from Snow Shoe, PA to Renovo, PA. I've not been there YET, but I've been told it's comparable to Deal's Gap-just not as many turns in that short of distance. (and it's not 11 hours away) See map here: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&saddr=snow+s hoe,+Pennsylvania&daddr=germania,+pa&sll=41.373202 ,-77.856674&sspn=0.223112,0.459366&ie=UTF8&z=9&om= 1 8. Does the Buell Demo Truck come to "independent" events, or only dealer hosted/sponsored events. Each of the 3 dealers "closest" to me are over 100 miles away, to the northeast, south and west. How far out would the Demo Truck need to be scheduled? 9. Get Court to attend and tell some of the "Remind me to tell you sometime" stories  He seems to like "my neighborhood", maybe next time he won't be at "suit drying speed"  and he could enjoy the ride as well. I've not been on an S1 or S2 yet.... 10. Any suggestions from you? Just because it happens here doesn't mean it has to be done "my way". I'm open to suggestions. | ||
| Toona |
Wow, Bueller of the Week! from the one and only COURT!  tears of joy! To Court: I'm sure my father would enjoy taking a spin with you, he's got a few Cushmans, so you wouldn't even have to bring yours. I have some other Cushman friends as well, that just couldn't make it in this past weekend-maybe next year it will be Buell/Cushman weekend  Alchemy, I sent a link to Dad- he'll like the "Swooshman" moniker. | ||
| Xb9er |
Hey Bob as a former Cushman owner all I have to say is DONT DISS THE CUSHMAN, CHICKS DIG EM. Dan coming back from 4wheeling today, I came home through carroltown, patton, glassgow way...and I was thinking maybe you could add a piece that goes past lake glendale...going from pattons side to coalport has some nice twisties, especially coming right into patton. Thats just an idea, I think lake glendale would be a great debumb your backside stop. chris (Message edited by xb9er on May 27, 2007) (Message edited by xb9er on May 27, 2007) | ||
| Toona |
Chris, I thought about taking a loop that way, but decided to avoid it because of all the campers/tourists around Prince Gallitzen State Park campgrounds over the holiday weekend. I don't think Alchemy/Ben was dissin' the Cushman. (Message edited by toona on May 27, 2007) | ||
| Toona |
Hmm, a thought just came to mind.... Friday Night.......... Go Cart rides at the local amusement park, hmmmmmmmmm  | ||
| Xb9er |
Dan your the man That hampster just doesnt stop turning does it? go carts and not forget the awesome mini golf | ||
| Bueaddicted |
Toona, your Dad on the Cushman was priceless! I watched him pass Alchemy at full speed and then closing up on me fast - all I saw was a red blur on my rear view mirrors!  What a great day, and very well organized.  | ||
| Bueaddicted |
Eric, we should get together with other Buellers and meet for some rides/food, or whatever. Forgot your cell number - I'm going to pm mine. PA turnpike was great! I think I cleaned out the "carbon deposits" my bike had!  | ||
| Alchemy |
Toona, It is a great idea to be thinking of ways to add even more interest to the event. I see no problems with thinking big. With 40 attendees the event could scale to some broader interest. The Buell demo ride truck is coming to Americade so it would seem conceptually possible. More ideas and comments: More events and more leaders seems possible More days even but with a central event on Saturday. There would be benefits in having a favored hotel/motel. Is a nite at the drag races possible? How about a tech talk session and demonstration on various topics like suspension tuning, tires, brake pads and TPS resets etc. Motorcycle safety training discussion Flea market table Some interest rides. I think the Johnstown flood film they play in the memorial park near Johnstown (proper name escapes me) is well done. There is still some decent trout fishing at the end of May. There are music venues possible in the evenings. Some events for spouses. I think it would be interesting to have a "fill in name" contest/award by secret ballot to select the most interesting Buell motorcycle in attendance. There are many ways to go with this and it could change yearly and have different categories. Tee shirts that help fund the event somehow. That's all for now. | ||
| Alchemy |
Bueaddicted, It sounds like you hit some rain in the final leg home. I missed the actual rain somehow. I now have just hit 5k and have to do my 5K service before I leave for Americade next Tuesday for 6 days. I agree that we should be able to get together and do some local rides with Ekass13 this summer. | ||
| Rasmonis |
Toona, Great ride we had a blast. Got a little wet going home, but not enough to really matter. I'm glad we managed to avoid the rain during the ride, what a workout, I was exhausted by the time I got home. Oh, thanks for the reset, running smooooth...  | ||
| Toona |
Alchemy, thanks for the input. Here's some of my thoughts on your ideas: More rides: Yep, that's kinda how it was done at MBIV, there was a central meeting location with a bunch of rides (not really scheduled rides, but rides) that left on a regular basis. I don't want to "micro-manage" the event, but there needs to be some leadership involved. I guess various colored signs could be posted-red route, blue route, etc. Yeah, the main rides on Saturday-for those that can't get off on Friday because of having Monday off. The H.I. (Holiday Inn) seemed like a nice place, but the rate they were charging $100-$120 range seemed a bit high. I guess a group rate would help. Any input/help from Ekass or others that have done that before might help? Maybe a call to the convention and visitors bureau may help? Drag races are out. The closest raceway is 100 miles. Tech Sessions: That could be done. Maybe early morning or late evening time frame - saving the daytime for riding. Basic maintenance -wheel/belt removal, changing spark plugs, TPS resets, oil changes, brake pads, etc could be covered. Buells really are simple to work on, so basic mechanical experience will enable one to do a lot of your own service. It would shed a lot of light on how simple the service work is and that you don't have to pay the big bucks at a dealership (let alone time/delivery to and from) for them to do the work for you. I personally don't have much experience in the suspension set up, I know how I like my bike, but it could be drastically different than others preferred set up. Swap/flea market space: It would be more feasible if most of the attendees "trucked/trailered" in, but riding to the event would hinder from bringing old parts to trade/sell. Fishing: Kinda the same deal as the swap meet. You'd have to bring your gear w/ you on the bike. Spouse night(s): Anything is possible. Altoona has about every normal chain restaurant known to mankind from fast food to coat and tie required. Along the idea of spouse involvement, that's why I suggested a touring ride (maybe to J-town Flood museum) or State College or ?. Normal hwy speeds, no technical twisties. There are also 2 amusement parks nearby, mini golf, State Parks, the Altoona Curve baseball double A farm team for the Pgh. Pirates, etc. "People's Choice Awards": It could be done, but that would mean the bikes would have to sit still for a certain amount of time, so everyone could get a good look at them. I go to events to ride, but I'm not much for trophies, so they don't matter much to me. Don't get me wrong, it's nice to be recognized for some trick work on your scoot, but not everyone has the ability, tools or checkbook to have it done. I've also seen P.C. Awards go wrong-example: I show up with the most friends-so I'd win-no matter what the judging category may be. I thought about t-shirts for this year. I honestly didn't have a clue as to how many to order. The more you order, the cheaper per shirt they become. But I didn't want to front the $ for the shirts, then have "X" dozen shirts left over to use as shop rags. Funding the event: I dunno, I organized the Res Ride to get together and RIDE. Not to make money. I'm blessed by God with the business that I have, that I don't have to (or want to) make money off of my friends. Maybe someday, if professional help is needed (NO COMMENTS from XB9er or Rasmonis about me needing profession help ) that may change, but until then.... delegation will be key; one person in charge of setting up hotels, another ride routes/signage, getting Buell involved in the future, etc. Some things would have to be done by a local ahead of time, but some could be done online/phone from out of town. Thanks for the ideas/comments. Please keep them coming. All of us together are smarter than one of us alone. My responses to your ideas, are just that, my responses, not a criticism, but a different way of looking at an idea. Dan | ||
| Boostjunkie |
Hey whats up fellas. I was introduced to this forum from a guy, Chris(Xb9er), at a local car show earlier today. My name is Jason, Im from the Ebensburg area, I ride a 2003 XB9R. Just wanted to drop by and say hello from another local Buell rider. Looking foward to possibly meeting up and riding with fellow owners  . Heres a pic of the 9R........  | ||
| Alchemy |
Boostjunkie, I had dinner at Penn Gables on Friday night. I used to live in Ebensburg in the 60s. It has changed a lot. Nice looking bike. We had some great rides out of Altoona on Saturday. I had never been with so many Buells before. Quite cool. | ||
| Ekass13 |
Dan, I could definitely take care of setting up the hotel situation. The Holiday Inn rate would go down allot if we could guarantee X many of rooms for that weekend. Whenever you get a round about number of weekend attendees, let me know. I'll talk to the sales manager & pull my strings. There’s allot I can do If I have some notice and I'm always down to help. Keep me informed. | ||
| Toona |
Ekass, thanks for the offer! Any idea what kind of lead time you would need? 1 month, 2 months, more? If you want to continue this discussion via email, that will be fine. | ||
| Xb12xscpa |
Short 5 minute video of the ride on Saturday. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6573878168 700081762 | ||
| Xb9er |
Jason welcome aboard...next time we go ride I'll drop you a pm. Randy cool video, what was the name of your camera again? chris | ||
| Toona |
Cool video Randy, I missed checking out your camera set up. I've been considering setting something up, but haven't taken the time yet. | ||
| Xb12xscpa |
the camera is oregon scientific (cheap), not the greatest picture, but the point gets across. | ||
| Bueaddicted |
Toona, take a look at some videos I made with my cheap digital camera. Nothing exciting, but at least I have now an idea where to mount the camera. I'm still deciding if I'm going to purchase a bullet camera or not. Remember that the videos are highly compressed to be able to go on YouTube - on my computer they are much, much better. Click on the video link - the video at the bottom (#4). Also tell Chris that the sound it plays in the beginning is with the Drummer I had. Take care, Paul http://home.comcast.net/~prferr/ (Message edited by bueaddicted on May 29, 2007) | ||
| Xb9er |
wow, that drummer sounds grreat, also the picture of your bike at washington crossing park looks awesome. | ||
| Chasman |
toona hold onto the shop/ big time storm coming at you. 2:10 friday. | ||
| Alchemy |
Toona, More comments on the Res Ride options... I think the informal smaller rides is a good one. Just makes sense and adds some flexibility. The technical discussions and demos have high interest for me but I don't quite know how to fit it in timewise unless it was right after breakfast or such. I would love to see brake pad upgrade, tire change, suspension adjustments, engine rotation etc. I guess some of this could be Friday. I think some area rides of interest on Friday or Saturday might be attractive to some. One thing to consider on Friday is that school is in session and there are school buses on the side roads in the afternoon. Personally, I would be happy to put $10 in the pot for some cold drinks and snacks. I would probably have paid $10 for a cold coke when we were on top of Wapsie mountain<grin>. I am happy to chip in some to fund things when it makes a better experience and I understand that would not be intended as a profit. Bueaddicted, thanks for the video. Fun stuff. | ||
| Toona |
Chasman, I'm in York, PA this weekend. It rolled thru right after the car show was over tonight. Hopefully it will be gone by morning. Alchemy, I'm still thinking thru possible improvements. The "dry" stop at Wopsy was a definite no-no, Sorry. I had a brain fart. We could have stopped at a little ice cream stand/burger shack around 4-5 miles away from Wopsy. My brain froze/dried up (probably from lack of liquid refreshment). We were a little behind schedule and I had announced that we would be stopping at the lookout, so we did. In retrospect, it could/should have been skipped in lieu of the ice cream/burger shack, if for nothing else-just to get a drink. | ||
| Alchemy |
Toona, I liked the top of Wopsy even if it is hard to guess the spelling<grin>. I am familiar with the name from years of watching Altoona TV where they would mention the mountain transmitting site. My ride that weekend gave me a greater appreciation for hydration systems supported by some tankbags. Seemed silly at first but now I can see the benefit of access to fluid when riding for a few hours in the sun in leather and a full face helmet. With the Uly one can ride for 2+ hours without a petrol stop so it made me rethink the value of the idea. | ||
| 05mxdiesel |
Toona, 144 from snow shoe to renovo is a very nice ride, but I wouldn't even compare it to deals gap. Also coming down into renovo is the best part of the road and can be pretty dangerous with grit on the road from rain and down trees and limbs from storms. Nice and scenic with state forests on both sides of the road, plus you can go to hyner's lookout in renovo which is nice view of the river and renovo. | ||
| Mark61 |
Toona, Check out Mid State Airport at Black Moshanon State Park area/ Phillipsburg. They have sports car rallies/ racing there so maybe you could set up a Buell meet? Also regarding rt 144-what 05mxdiseil said PLUS I know 4 people who have hit or been hit by deer and bear on that strech of road! If you have a mailing list re;Buell stuff in centeral Pa. add me too it! I live a few miles for 1 of those drag stips you mention! mark61 | ||
| Toona |
Hey Mark, I'm doing a re-run of the Res Ride Sept 22. It leaves from my church at 9:15 and ends at Roar in the Mountains. Altoona's version of a bike weekend. The pace will be a little slower because of the cruisers riding 2 up that will be going along. PM me, if you need some more info/address. I blew thru your town last Friday, until I got stuck for 1/2 hour going thru the "Narrows"  I missed part of 2nd round of qualifying at the NHRA drags in Reading, PA. I still made the trip in 2:51, according to my GPS unit. It took me 3 hours to come home w/o a delay, taking my good ol' time. I came back thru Sat. night and followed a mid 50's Ford thru there at 35 mph. I'll be SOOOO glad when it's 4 lane thru there. |
