| Author | Message | ||
     Crusty |
Not until next year. | ||
| Tootal |
I don’t have house guests very often, so when I do, I tend to go overboard. My visits have always been a good time! No need to worry!! Hey, clean sheets, good coffee and great conversation, what more could you ask for! | ||
| Crusty |
Labor Day 2019 I’m sitting in the Golden Starches in Springfield, Illinois having my morning coffee. I love coming here. By that, I mean I love coming to Springfield for The Mile, and I love hitting Macca’s for breakfast. It’s odd, but I feel like sitting here hacking out a Snippet is my Alone Time. My Personal Space, so to speak. I guess it’s because I did so much of my writing in such a location when I was on the road. I don’t have enough time to adequately describe everything that’s happened in the past few days, but here are the highlights. Paul arrived at my house on Thursday we had dinner and watched The World’s Fastest Indian. On Friday, we rode up to Indianapolis and met up with R.D. and the three of us rode to Springfield. We set up camp in the Fairgrounds and watched the Short Track Races. On Saturday, we saw the Mile and it was a very exciting race. As Zac on Badweb noted, the last lap was very spectacular. Jerry and Carol had Matthew’s tickets (he and Gretchen couldn’t make it) and gave them to two friends who had never seen the Mile. I think they were hooked after that race. In all. Our group of friends consisted of me, R.D., Paul, Jerry, Carol, their two friends whose names I’ve forgotten, Cupcake Mike, Greg and Joe who is a local. We met him last May. He’s a Sportster Rider from the XL forum and lives locally. After the Mile, Joe led a group of us to Bill’s Toasty Shop in Taylorville for a burger for dinner. It was a really good burger in an old time type of hole-in-the- wall sandwich joint. It’s about a half hour away, but it’s a nice ride through farmlands. It definitely gets my approval and I will return. We got back to the Fairgrounds and hit the sack, only to be awakened by a thunderstorm. A Big thunderstorm. It poured water and flashed lightning and thunder rumbled, cracked and boomed for over five hours. I heard that we got five inches of rain. I can prove that number, but I believe it. Everything got soaked. My Ex-Marine Corps tent kept the rain out, except that the water came up under my sleeping pad through the floor. Poor Paul and R.D. really got soaked. Once the storm passed, the sun came out and we went to work drying everything out. As humid as the air was (and still is), it took most of the day. Of course, the track was a muddy mess, so the race has been postponed until today. I hope the race runs today. I think it will, but it was foggy last night, and everything was pretty wet at the campground, this morning. It’s still humid, so things aren’t drying out as fast as I’d like. I’m going to head back to the campground and pack up my tent and sleeping gear, then head over to the track. Our plan is to head out as soon as the race is over and hopefully, we’ll make it home by Midnight. It’s been a Memorable Trip, for sure. | ||
| Ourdee |
Well well well. Im waiting the return from Macca's of the Crusty. There is gleaning to be done everywhere. I've been observing a wise biker and have gleaned a valuble tip.  look, this guy doesn't have to crawl into his tent. | ||
| 04buell |
Crusty, if it gets too late for you guys this evening. You are more than welcome to stay here tonight and head out tomorrow morning. We have no plans after 5 or 6. And the beds are clean!! | ||
| Crusty |
I'm home. I'll write more tomorrow. What a weekend and what races! One heat race was decided by .001 second. It was a memorable weekend, for sure! | ||
| Crusty |
Hold The Water There’s a work crew in my yard and they’re about to replace my lead water pipe. That will be good. I have to be here because they need to get into the basement where the old line comes in and I’m not about to leave the house open when I’m not here. Besides, I want to see just how they’re going to do it. I think they’re going to just put a liner in the existing pipe, but they may be putting a new pipe in altogether. I’ll know soon enough. So, I guess I’ll write a Snippet while they’re working. Of course, I can’t think of any of the assortment of topics that have occurred to me while I rode to Springfield and back; and I know that some of them were good topics. I could write about Monday’s race; it was incredible enough that it deserves a Snippet of its own. In fact, it might be one of the flat out best races I’ve ever watched. I don’t want to say much about it because somebody might want to watch it on TV this Sunday. It’ll be on NBCSN at 1:30 if you have cable, and it will definitely be worth watching. (They just drove a little backhoe up the hill into my front yard and have started digging.) There was a guy whose name I’ve forgotten who was camped sort of near us in Springfield. He was riding a Yamaha FJ and did a lot of long rides. I tend to be a Sport Touring enthusiast; before I got the Roadster, I was riding a Moto Guzzi Norge. However, having had a Buell S3-T, I really don’t care for a bike that large. The guy was a nice guy, and we had a good conversation. He liked his bike and we talked about traveling a little bit. I remember stopping at Competition Accessories in Ohio one time and looking at the Sport-Tourers. None of them were comfortable for me and they all seemed huge compared to my Thunderbolt. My Buell fit me like a glove. I guess that’s partly why I like the Roadster so much. I’ve got it set up so that it fits me and my riding style. I kept hoping that Buell would come out with another Sport-Tourer, but I guess the moronic decision makers at the MoFoCo were afraid that it might take away potential Dresser customers and they killed the possibility. I heard that originally, the 1125 was supposed to be a Sport-Tourer, but the MoFoCo nixed that, like they nixed the idea of putting a full fairing on the 1125 when it came out because a full fairing made it look like a sport bike. (Duh!) I won’t go into the “Graffiti Bike” rant, but Hardley-Ableson really porked Erik. I think they were the corporate equivalent of Jeffrey Epstein and Buell lived on their island. Anyway; the idea is that I like a bike that makes adequate power, handles reasonably well and looks good to me. I think I’ve succeeded with the way I have the Roadster set up. It isn’t perfect. There’s always room for improvement. I’d like better brakes and better suspension and one of these days, I’d like to try a Mustang wide seat out of curiosity and I wish it was fuel injected. And it would be stunning if it was painted Soul Red. But the Roadster is the only bike I’ve owned that has been ridden in all 48 contiguous States, plus up through Canada’s Glacier, Banff and Jasper National Parks. And there isn’t another bike that I’d want other than a new Roadster. I’m torn between wanting a new Roadster and fixing up mine. There are various reasons why either choice would be good, but no matter which way I go it will be costly. If I have someone like Buelliedan or Hammer Performance go through my engine and transmission, replacing worn parts and bearings and making the bike stone reliable, it will cost at least as much as buying a new bike. But if I buy a new Roadster, I’ll have to modify it to resemble my baby. I have a fender and 4 ½ gallon fuel injection gas tank and I know what handlebars I like and the saddlebags will be pretty much a straight swap. I go from one possibility to the other. In the meantime, I still have to finish paying off the plastic and the furnace loan before I can begin to save towards a new bike or a rebuild. I have my Priorities. I’m sick of being reamed by banks who are trying to “Help” me. Maybe if they used some K-Y occasionally, I wouldn’t mind so much, but I’m feeling pretty raw, still. Anyhow, to change the subject, I’m looking forward to the upcoming Meet’n’Eat at Thurman’s in a couple of weeks. I hope that a bunch of folks show up and the burgers are as good as MSN says they are (that’s a 50/50 chance) and that we all have some great conversation. It should be fun. | ||
| Ourdee |
To post on Crusty or post on weekends? I'll post here.... What a wonderful weekend. When you have great friends suggesting a ride, or a food, or something to see. Stop and listen for a minute. Put some thought with it. Every time I thought I'd just sit this one out last weekend I shut up and put on my gear. I was not disappointed, even once. I experienced new to me events, tastes, and perspectives. I enjoyed more life this weekend than I had in a while. The Sportster enthusiasts are a little different, but still great people. I even met some real live drunk redneck racist freedom loving Merikans. They weren't on bikes. I discerned a bare minimum of public education in them. They were generous to my skin. And I watched my back in an uneasy state while they were around. I usually add fuel to the fire, but found myself silent in their presence. The greater the contrast the more vivid your view. I was happy when back with my friends. Mom said not to accept a ride from strangers for a reason. I understand how they were shaped, and respect their right to think as they want, but can not condone their treatment of others. They caused me to look in myself and run an inventory of my thoughts. In the fashion of the disciples, once in a while it is good to step back and ask, "Is it me, Lord?" Great weekend! | ||
| Ourdee |
Crusty's Yamaha FJ riding friend was the owner of the tent I posted above. He is sitting on a stool under the umbrella reading a book in the picture. | ||
| 86129squids |
"They caused me to look in myself and run an inventory of my thoughts. In the fashion of the disciples, once in a while it is good to step back and ask, "Is it me, Lord?" RD, I enjoy your "snippets" as much as anyone's, including my own. Well said. | ||
| 04buell |
We just ordered an umbrella that size. Looked at one in Springfield at the Husqvarna shop, but didn’t know if would would be good to keep on the bike during the races so we decided to wait til we got home to order one. I think I am gonna like it for races and ballgames!! We sure had a great time on Saturday and our nephew Gary (with the beard) is already talking about going back to the two races next year. He likes races of all kinds so I believe we gained an enthusiast. The Mile came through once again!!! | ||
| Crusty |
Ragtime and Racing A few years ago, I got a package of Green Giant Teriyaki Vegetables. It was one of the veg. assortments that I enjoyed. This package, however, was missing the sauce. So I called the number on the box and told them about it. A week or so later, I got a coupon for another package and a letter explaining how what I reported couldn’t have happened. Now, I’m not in the habit of lying to save a buck on a box of frozen veggies, and to be indirectly accused of doing just that really offended me. That was the last time I ever complained about a product. Now I think that if I really get burned, I’ll find a greedy shyster and let him make a lot of money for himself and a little for me. I brought that up because I just had a Lean Cuisine Spicy Beef and Bean Enchilada, and it had more sauce than is usual. I’d call and compliment them, but I just don’t want to be accused of lying again. I got the lunch on sale for $2.00; I really don’t care if they would send me a coupon or not, but it would really piss me off if I got another of those letters telling me that it couldn’t have happened and implying that I’m a liar. It tasted pretty good, though. In a little over three hours from now, Practice for the Williams Grove Half Mile will begin. As I’ve been doing for almost all the races this summer, I’ll connect my laptop to the TV and I’ll watch pretty much everything from Practice to the Checkered Flag and the end of the Main. If anyone other than the Indian Factory team wins, I might just watch the trophy presentation. I was at a race a while back having a discussion with a race fan and he called the Indians “Cheater Bikes”. They’re not. They are built within the rules. But I really dislike Indian’s policies. First, if you paint the bike any color other than stock, you get no Contingency money. That ensures that you get a field of identical clones. (They’re not identical in how they perform, but they all look the same) The other thing that I find really objectionable is the fact that if you ride any motorcycle other than an Indian at any AFT National, you forfeit any and all contingency money for the season. I also find Polaris' (owner of Indian) advertising to be fictitious; especially when they talk about having a noble tradition of racing. Polaris bought the name Indian in 2011. They are not America’s oldest motorcycle manufacturer as they claim, and they haven’t had a long history of running against Harleys. The current iteration of the brand is less than ten years old. In other words, they’re liars and control freaks. I don’t like them. I gained a lot of respect for Brian Smith and the Crosby Radio/Howerton Racing team when they left Indian and went back to building and racing Kawasakis. I was really impressed with the performance of the Harley-Davidson XG750Rs at Springfield. I was also impressed with the performance of the XGs in the Production Twins class, as well, even though Dalton Gauthier’s bike died while he was leading. Personally, I think that the Production Twins should be the premier class. It’s closer to the spirit of the old Class C, which was based on Production bikes. The AFT Twins class is like the old Class A. The field has been shrinking. There are very few races where there is a full field. It’s become too expensive to field a competitive bike for many teams. If the Production Twins class became the Headliner class and received the money that Pro Twins pays, I bet the field would grow quickly. It’s already growing; at each race where they run there are more Production Twins entered than at previous races. One other personal bonus is that Polaris (Indian) doesn’t make a 750 cc street motorcycle. Back in the ‘30s, both Harley and Indian did. That means that I wouldn’t have to put up with those lying advertising claims that bug me so much. Well; that’s enough bitching for now. I hope everybody has a great day. | ||
| Ourdee |
I find it sad that the closest street bike looks wise to the Indian race bikes seams to be Lil Red. They should run translucent red tanks. | ||
| Crusty |
First, the Race bikes. Dalton Gauthier's Production Twin:    Then, the Factory AFT Twin ridden by Jarod Vanderkooi:    | ||
| Crusty |
Lunch Stop at the Crucker Croaker (Cracker Barrel) on the way to Springfield:  Saturday night dinner in Taylorville:  Group Photos - L. to R. - Mike, Joe, Me, Paul, Greg and R.D.    | ||
| Crusty |
But wait! There's more! Inside Bill's Toasty:  Dinner Stop in Indianapolis:  | ||
| 86129squids |
I love little sandwich shop hole-in-the-walls like that. Give me a "Mom and Pop" place like that anytime over a chain. | ||
| Tootal |
We should have taken a picture of the burgers! They were huge and delicious! | ||
| Crusty |
Next year; when I go back. Bill's Toasty is a VERY memorable place! | ||
| Buellish |
http://www.holeinthewallga.com/ | ||
| Ourdee |
I had breakfast there. | ||
| Buellish |
Me too,and lunch! | ||
| Ourdee |
Did you try a burger there? | ||
| Buellish |
No,I've eaten there several times but have never had a burger. | ||
| Tootal |
I love the hole in the wall! My friends have been taking me there for a long time. Great omelets! | ||
| 86129squids |
I just scanned the whole menu... yum. Plus they've got catfish AND rainbow trout!!! Dang. | ||
| Crusty |
Now, this is just a thought; but Breakfast at the Hole in the Wall and Dinner at Jim's would be a great way to fill up on Friday during Buelltoberfest. | ||
| Buellish |
That sounds like the start of a great weekend! | ||
| Ourdee |
HITW: 7 to 4 Mon-Sat 7:30 to 2:30 Sun | ||
| Crusty |
On September 22 My birthday is in 12 days. I really like to celebrate it; it’s a very important day for me. Before I retired, I would usually take the day off from work. I don’t get too lavish in my celebrations. I might get a nice cake or a really good steak to celebrate with. Once, I got a $35.00 bag of coffee beans to enjoy. That was a mistake. Even though they were beans from Kenya, they were hand-picked gourmet (or Coffee Snob) beans and they made coffee that tasted like sh*t. Since they cost so much, I didn’t want to just throw them away, so I mixed them with some Kenya beans from Starbucks. That blend turned out pretty good. I’m not a gourmet, but I know what I like. In 2014, I rode out to Springfield, Massachusetts and demo rode an EBR 1190 SX. That was a real treat; especially since I had ridden the new (at the time) Indian Scout just a few days before. While the Magazines pandered to the Indian, the EBR was one of the best motorcycles I’d ever ridden. If LAP hadn’t pulled the plug when they did, I would have bought a Black Lightning. Nevertheless, riding the SX was a wonderful experience. Especially since one of the Demo rides lasted about 45 minutes over Western Massachusetts back roads. It was truly a Dream to ride. Sometimes, I’ll buy myself a Birthday Present. I just did exactly that. I called Rush Order Tees and ordered the shirt I’ve been thinking about and mentioned in a previous Snippet. If I wasn’t so broke, I would have ordered a new leather pouch for my belt, but I decided to go with the shirt. I hope I get it in time. It’s supposed to arrive by Sept. 19, but once it took almost two weeks for a gas cap to come from 20 miles away. Things can and sometimes do go wrong. As I’ve said and proven repeatedly, I’m not very Computer Literate. I have to give a big shout out to Evan Miller at Rushordertees.com for helping me with my order. He showed me exactly what Customer Service is all about. I like to point out examples of great Customer Service whenever I get it. I recommend them wholeheartedly and will do business with them again. Evan treated me right and I want the world to know it. Instead of fixing myself a nice Rib Eye this year (I tend to do that), I’m going up to Columbus to a Meet&Eat at The Thurman Café. Supposedly, according to MSN, they make one of the 100 best burgers in the USA. That sounds like a good place for bikers to gather and shoot the bull and enjoy good food. I hope they serve Pepsi or have good coffee. Maybe I should bake a blueberry pie and have pie ala mode instead of cake to celebrate on Sunday evening? I have a friend whose birthday is on the same day, although she’s a few years younger than me. I just thought of what to get her. Since she’s on my Snippet e-mail list, I can’t say what it is, but I think she’ll like it. In any event, I hope it’s a Happy Birthday! |
