| Author | Message | ||
     Etennuly |
Curve balls that beat your swing happen. That is why you get more than one pitch per at bat. I am having to alter long running business plans and personal plans as life around them have changed, thus changes are being required of me to survive and thrive into the future. As much as I hate to hear myself say this out loud, I will be putting my '06 Uly and '01 Blastulys on the market. I am raising funds by liquidating some assets in order to change my motor vehicle repair service business into a dealership sales business. I have several hurdles to overcome to get a dealership license, including building a new office and a lot of grounds preparation. I have loved riding this Uly like no other two wheeled machine that I have ever owned. The rush I used to get back in the day, on my ole TT500 as it jumped into the air at the top of a steep hill climb, at times was close, but this Uly has been fantastic for me. The Uly's greatness was enhanced and enriched by multitudes by me being a BadWeB member. A membership that I intend to stay involved with. I had ridden with some good riders prior to my involvement with BadWeB members, but upon, and from my first outing with groups of you all, I found out what riding a great handling machine was about. Never had I ridden with so many people who could ride with so much intensity and joy. It has been awesome. The past few years has been hard on the ole body. With other old injuries creeping back into my life, I broke a couple of knuckles last summer that seemingly are going to stay 20 percent larger than they were and 80 percent more sensitive to temperature changes. This, along with circulation problems in my fingers that haunt me from my early twenties, from where I worked at a ski resort and suffered minor frost bite several times, is not going to get better. The Docs say I froze them just enough to cause underlying tissue problems. Several of my fingers loose all circulation when the temperature drops below about 50F and they get damp. That is not a very high threshold for riding when you add in vibrations and wind chill factors. Yes, I have heated grips that heat my palms, and Gerbing heated gloves that heat my palms more, but my fingers will shut down with my hands hot. It sucks. And O they sting like little bastards as they warm back up. That one ailment is not enough to stop me from riding, but with a few other chronic programs that are rooted in me, it makes riding too uncomfortable most times. Aging sucks. I was conversing with a fellow Corvette club member recently about this and he said getting older is not easy. Some of us are not even good at it, but the alternative is for quitters. This, from a 76 year old man before limping hunched over, with a smile, out to his 438 horse power sports car. I will be posting the bikes with pictures on the Classified board in the next day or two. The custom painted, Erik autographed 63,000 mile '06 Uly will be at $4500, and the custom painted, touring modified Blast (Uly Jr) will be at $2200. I will deliver either or both of them for $500 within 700 miles of Knoxville Tn except for when there is salt on the roads. Lesser for closer of course. Thank you everybody for the fantastic Buell support system and even more fantastic friendships. I will still be around, just busy in different ways. | ||
| Tootal |
Damn Vern, really sorry to hear that. My 84 year old riding buddy had to finally give it up too and it really hurt him so I understand how you must feel about it. As he always says, "Getting old ain't for pussies!" Good luck in your new venture and I hope it all works out for the better. | ||
| Xbimmer |
Well that's unfortunate to hear, but best of luck in your endeavor. My mom (at 86) has been saying for years "Growing old is not for sissies", and at 63 I've found out she's right. I've wondered myself when I may have to hang it up... I hope you do hang around. | ||
| Wolfridgerider |
I've enjoyed riding with you Vern! From Homecoming's to Daytona, we have had some fun miles. Hate to hear you are getting rid of the Uly but I get it. Getting old aint for pussies. Bring that Vette to WV this August! Good luck with the dealership. I'm sure you will do great. While you're at it.... I might be needing a 18' car hauler The Jeep is soon to be "trail only"..... I think someone told me that would happen... wonder who that was  | ||
| Sifo |
Good luck in the new chapter of life. Hope it's another good one. There's room for a Vette at Buells In The Alps! | ||
| Pwnzor |
Vettes welcome at Glitch Badness II and Buelltoberfest VIII | ||
| 86129squids |
Well, craptastic! Vern, I've always appreciated our friendship, which began when I sold you that Uly back in the day... couldn't have known then that we'd become good riding buddies, out and back to TWO, Little Switzerland, the WV rally, and so on, much less the shenaniganz galore we participated in or instigated. Don't EVER forget your Bengay!!! Next time I get together with ya, I'll bring an economy size tube as a present. And, FWIW, you've got an open invitation to borrow my '77 R75/7 anytime you need a 2 wheel fix. Sometime in the new year I'll be bringing that to you to paint & install my Wixom fairing anyway... OTOH, best of luck in bumping up the biz! Down the line I'm sure you'll be Vettin' it more and more, and that is a dang good flavor of funnin'! | ||
| Etennuly |
Thanks ya'll. Riding the Uly is really a tough thing to give up. I had plans to make it to 100,000 miles, then hang the Uly on/in a wall in my office. I feel like a thirty five year old quarterback who has been on injured reserve for three years and just been released. I'm only 58, but a few issues have me feeling and sometimes acting like I am 78. That started twenty five years ago with a back injury and surgery ending with permanent problems from the spinal chord damage. After a couple of months of not really being able to, I was happy to just stand and walk after that. Sixteen years later the Uly actually became good physical therapy for that. Thus far I have lost thirty pounds over the past year, that helps but not everything. My dad had the same kind of physical maladies happen to him when he was a couple of years younger than me. He had to retire at 57. Me, I am turning the page so that I can continue working at an occupation that I enjoy and that fits my physicality. My repair shop will remain open as a staple, and a diversification plan. I am hoping to find enough work to instill a couple of good guys there. The economy has sucked wind so bad over the past few years I have not been able to keep the truck body shop busy enough to keep good help on and make a living myself. I used to have five people hired on and kept them going for a lot of years. So many customers in our region have folded or cut back to a third of what their fleet sizes were seven years ago. I have a couple of good customers who I will remain fully attentive to into the future. If I was not raising funds for reinventing myself the Uly would not get sold, but it is one of several things that need to be liquidated to make the change work. Business plans tend to be costly. Mark, I think I got you covered on a hauler. Call me when you get a chance. And, looking back, I still feel the BEST ride of my long riding career was when we turned left to go East from Homecoming '10. Thank you for that one. Oh crap! I hope I don't have to liquidate the Vette!  | ||
| Tootal |
Vern, I'd liquidate that Vette! Keep the Uly for warm days and make a lot more money on that POS Vette!! Once your business is making more money you can go out and get yourself a decent car!!!  | ||
| Etennuly |
OOOOhh! I never got to use this emocon before!.....   Thanks Greg, I needed that! | ||
| Hughlysses |
Vern- Sorry to hear it but I understand where you are. Good luck with your diversification plan; I hope it works out well for you. OTOH, I have a gut feeling that Uly still won't be gone come next spring though, so maybe you'll figure out a way to have your cake and eat it too.  | ||
| Buellish |
Vern,I hear ya about making tough decsions,hey whatever it takes to make it work.I feel like every day above ground is a victory for me. What Matthew said above about Vettes.Thats one thing about Badweb,it can't be said that we ever turned away anyone because they quit riding a Buell. | ||
| Crusty |
Vern, I understand about liquidating valued items to achieve goals and I hope your new business endeavor succeeds spectacularly. However, used Ulys don't sell for much, so, like Hughlysses, I have a feeling that you might still have it next spring. If you do, consider just keeping it. I wish I'd kept my '06 Uly instead of trading it on the '08 XT. Also; I have to echo what Buellish said, Thats one thing about Badweb,it can't be said that we ever turned away anyone because they quit riding a Buell. I know this is a fact, as do you. I hope to see you at Mark's gig next August, whether you're driving a 'Vette or Smart Car or even hitchhiking. I'd say that I hope to see you at Glitch Badness, but I don't think I'll be back from Australia until after that. Good luck with the new endeavor, and I hope you have a Wonderful Christmas! | ||
| Ratbuell |
Every day you look down at the grass IS a victory - believe me, I know  It's always been a hoot riding with you, Vern. I'm proud to know you, and will miss riding with you. Daytona. WVBR. Buelltoberfest. Homecoming, via the U.P. ALWAYS a good time, and always a comfort knowing there was a levelheaded(ish), responsible(ish), creative problem-solver-type dude in the group. That said...I get it. I find as I get older and busier (or is the busy level the same and I'm just that much slower?), I'm riding a lot less. I lie to myself and say its because I'm not working at a dealer anymore...but I know better. I don't admit it...but it's true. But I'm still too stubborn to hang up the gear just yet  Even so, I know the time is coming and I understand. I wish you luck with liquidating, but part of me (and I suspect part of you) hopes you don't get any buyers and you get to keep the Uly in the stable for those "good days" when the ol' body cooperates and allows some miles. And if you DO find a buyer (you've got a great looking, perfectly-sorted Ulysses, after all)...you've always got a backup ride here in MD. 4 acres to park the motorhome, too...but if I see you in a robe at 5am mumbling "shitters full" and dumping your tank into my yard....well....I own guns to go with the bikes. Good luck. I know we don't see each other often, but you're one of the alarmingly few people I truly consider "friend". I feel like I could call on you anytime for any reason...and I KNOW you could do the same with me. Use your head with the new bizness, don't go overboard or get emotional (or over-medicated), take your time and do it right. And COVER YOUR ASS. Do it all with an LLC or similar - let 'em have the business if things go sour, but don't let 'em take your home. But you already know that. Peace, brother. Merry Christmas, and good luck!   | ||
| Reindog |
Install heated handgrips and keep your Uly. | ||
| Robertl |
Most importantly, do what is best for you. Keep moving, because that keeps many of the issues under control. Good luck with the dealership! My wife has been thrilled with her Spyder after being diagnosed with M.S. That damn thing will make you lazy: auto, reverse, can drive on grass/gravel/sand, auto cancel signals, and a huge windshield that even blocks wind from the hands. | ||
| Etennuly |
Thanks Brad, from the test ride the day I bought the Uly I knew you were a nut case Jonesin for fun. Joe, thank you and back at you the same! We did have a bunch of good riding for quite a while there. That U P trip was one that will be remembered. I still appreciate what you and Laird did when I got so sick as we were leaving that frigid weekend in Daytona. Right good of both of you. BBB layover parties were great fun. The first time you and the Frog stayed in my fifth wheel I had to laugh as both of you, as you, in unison exclaimed such great relief at being able to plug in and recharge your electronics. Even though I am not leaving, just grabbing a gear I like to say, I would like to thank and mention everybody whom I have been blessed to meet and ride with. But I don't want to offend anyone I might fail to mention such as the fine people above and The Other Mark, George, Jeremy, Matt, Glitch, Carlos, Kristi, Ken, Jim, Jim, Chad, Webe, Micah, Steve, Jon, Court, Fu*&^%ng Gary, Mike and the other Mike and What's his name and What's her name, names that I can only remember when they are in front of me. This has been one of the finest chapters in my life. Thank you for this forum that made these things happen Blake. I really intended to continue riding but as it is today, 63 degrees, I am wearing gloves just walking around here, because of these aching little digits. After the Uly sells, I only see any other bikes that I might pick up, as items to sell. Wishing every one the best! | ||
| Wolfridgerider |
Heading North West to go South East  | ||
| Etennuly |
 Yeah and this was heading East from Homecoming also! We done good! | ||
| Etennuly |
Ya know.....None of this would have happened if not for this guy and his crew of Elves.....  who just happened to have built my fantastic American made Sport Touring Ulysses. Thanks Mr Buell. I don't know if you read this stuff anymore, but my son, now all grown and married, still talks about the day, as a young teenager, he got to spend drawing pictures for and with you at Smoky Mountain HD. That was such a cool thing you did. | ||
| 86129squids |
Hunnhh?!?!? Dangit Vern, I've never known about that... if you still have those drawings, please take pics and post up! That was probably when they did the "World's Biggest Burnout"... OK, the Yootube vid was kinda sucky, so check this out. It's basically a homegrown commercial for the dealership, but you can see some P3 abuse, and LOTS more moto-abuse, all in fun. Lots of my friends, co-workers, and assorted miscreants. https://vimeo.com/9512939 I think this is what Vern was talking about. Erik Buell was there, no one noticed him except a rare few... I saw him standing in a long line to BUY a T-shirt. All he had to do was ask Scott or ANY of us, and we'd give him one. Off our back. It was a monumentally FUN day, lots of work for me and my comrades, and I sure hope Erik enjoyed it as much as the rest of us. IIRC he was hurting from a neck/spinal injury, and couldn't go on a ride... DANG. If I can successfully excavate and organize my office/junk pile, I'll find the picture of Erik and me. Good times. Yeah, there's that other one too. | ||
| Etennuly |
Yeah Brad that was the day. I volunteered to do the Buell test rides as a guide. My daughter did sign ups for the riders and my granddaughter and son came along for the day. I did the burn out to. I had just installed a new rear tire the week before, so I limited my burn to just enough to get the job done. An idjiot two bikes to the left of me burned his rice burner to the ground. He got it roasting, went through the gears, leaned on the rev limiter until his tire exploded then kept it wound up until the chain came apart, then the engine blew up with rods out the front with oil and antifreeze spraying all around. The people in the crowd behind him were not impressed. He dropped it on the ground and walked away from the smoking heap. I still have the shirt, with Erik's autograph, hanging on my office wall. Another great day on a motorcycle. | ||
| Dr_greg |
I had the good fortune to stay with Vern for a couple days on my "Civil War" trip in September, and he showed me around the Great Smoky Mts and the Tail of the Dragon. I could barely keep up with him. Life moves on, don't I know that. Thanks for the memories, Vern...  --Doc | ||
| Etennuly |
Thanks Doc. I wish we would have had one more day, or at least a few more hours on the day we did get to ride. We blew by some great photo ops that should not have been missed. Given that, I sure know what a limited time each area of a long trip can have. Reading your blog, you certainly covered a lot of ground on that trip. If you ever get back here do not miss any opportunity you have to ride the Cherohala from one end to the other. Even if it is a trip over and back. For our area rides, it has much less traffic and is Appalachian Scenic to a "T", and great fun to ride usually at slightly higher speeds. From my place it adds about three hours to a day of riding going beyond the Dragon loop. | ||
| Tootal |
 Damn Vern, I'm starting to see a resemblance! | ||
| 86129squids |
DANG. Missing brother FOR SURE. Start making plans for Halloween! | ||
| Etennuly |
So now we have discovered Captain Kangaroo has 'helmet hair' too. Nice.  Bet he did not even ride a motorcycle. | ||
| Tootal |
Maybe not but he was a Marine and he entertained children for the rest of his life! Pretty cool guy in my book!  | ||
| Etennuly |
Greg you are probably way too old to have watched Captain Kangaroo.  His show entertained me and my brother when we were kids. I believe his was one of the first shows to baby sit people's children on/with TV. The beginning of the end of family togetherness. | ||
| Tootal |
Yep, WAY too old! You know, maybe you and Dr. Greg could get back together. He could be Mr. Green Jeans! You two could actually teach young kids that not everybody gets a trophy and you need to work hard to get ahead! Better than the crap they teach today! |
