| Author | Message | ||
     Awprior  |
Since all of the posts on this thread thus far are on the left coast, figured I'd post a few pics from my new hometown. I'm currently in East Dubuque, IL, with lots of pretty decent roads running up and down the Mississippi River. Once all this frikin ice and snow goes away, I'll have a brand spankin' new Firebolt to explore with, and I'll be sure to toss some pics on this thread... This is my backyard, overlooking the Mississippi river. The bridge is US-61 that goes from Dubuque to Dickyville, WI. Just above that is the lock and dam on the river that is closest to Dubuque. Granted, the river is frozen over and doesn't look great now, but in the summer it's an awesome site. There's even a river deck, which will soon have a hot tub, for enjoying the view and having a few margaritas.  This picture, while not entirely Buell related, is motorcycle related. This is a WWII German Kettenkrad, which was used to haul field artillery pieces, ammo and other stuff in the field during WWII. This pic was taken at Ft. Indiantown Gap, PA on Friday, which is the site of the annual Battle of the Bulge reenactment, another one of my hobbies. I'm on the right, Brian Cessna (stingaroo) is on the left. He's the one that got me into this whole Buell thing. Thanks, brother.  At any rate, I start work tomorrow, lots to do to get ready... More pics to follow. | ||
| Dino  |
Hey Alex, good to see ya here. I have a question. That thing attached to the corner of the deck railing. Is that one of those torches that's supposed to keep mosquitos away? If so, is it working?  Should be an awesome view in summer! BTW, Court could probably use that Kettenkrad thing about now. | ||
| Jerry_haughton  |
This is a WWII German Kettenkrad... BATTLE TRAX!!! Alex, what Dino said, plus hello to Stingaroo and the rest of your homies.  | ||
| Unibear12r |
Wow a real Kettenkrad. Seen pictures of them hauling WW2 German jets around. They look real funky like but I heard they actually worked pretty good. Gotta be cool to play with stuff like that. | ||
| Awprior |
The Kettenkrads are pretty cool. It's neat to see them churning up the snow. I do a 28th division GI impression, but would love to have the Kettenkrad just for kicks. I understand you can get one for around $40,000, base. I've ridden in Sherman tanks, M3 halftracks, and driven a ton of cool WWII stuff in this hobby. Pretty cool stuff, very interesting part of world history. Dino, No skeeters yet, but they'll be back in the summer. Right now it's repelling neighbors trying to steal our beer. Ferris, Battletrax for sure, it could run over everything, literally. | ||
| Stingaroo |
That Kettenkrad was very cool. It had a linkage system attached to the front wheel, allowing the tracks to lock up on whatever side the front tire was pointing. It also had a two speed tranfer case. Was very rad watching it run around, I still like our WLA a lot better... Cessna | ||
| Awprior |
 This is the newest addition to the family, Guinness, who is a holy terror. He's only 9 weeks old, and it shows. (Message edited by awprior on March 08, 2005) | ||
| Awprior |
 Taken along the eastern bank of the Mississippi when I had the dog out for a walk this evening. The bridge is the Julien Dubuque Bridge, with Highway 20 running over it. East Dubuque, IL, where I live is right behind me, Dubuque is across the river. About 90 miles due West is where Dave S, IAMike, Drew and Craig call home (when Dave is around) (Message edited by awprior on March 08, 2005) (Message edited by awprior on March 08, 2005) | ||
| Awprior |
 Guinness and a big old fish carcass. Yes, it's still cold here, most of the ice has left the main channel but is still along the shores and backwater. (Message edited by awprior on March 08, 2005) | ||
| Awprior |
 The railroad bridge that goes from Dubuque, IA to East Dubuque, IL. In the summer, the middle section rotates to let barges through. We've got trains running past the house by the river probably every half hour or so. They're cool to watch from the river deck. (Message edited by awprior on March 08, 2005) | ||
| Awprior |
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| Awprior |
 Another shot of the bridge, a little further upriver. I took a shot last week with the phone om my camera, the water was smooth as glass. A bit too much of a headwind today for that to come out. (Message edited by awprior on March 08, 2005) | ||
| Awprior |
 Ferris, for you. I know you're got dreams of a bench grinder and some Mothers in your head. Think I'll make some sort of welded creation. How much would it suck to be under the bridge fishing when one of these guys fell??? (Message edited by awprior on March 08, 2005) | ||
| Awprior |
 The picture sums it all up. The M2 is in Pennsylvania, the Firebolt is in Wisconsin, IA Mike rode out to visit on Sunday, and I'm still not riding. That's all to change soon though. I'll hopefully be picking up the 'Bolt next weekend if Dave is in town. (Message edited by awprior on March 08, 2005) | ||
| Jerry_haughton |
cool pix, Alex (and cool dog!) still haven't finished polishing my railroad spike yet, not quite ready for another senseless, er, i mean, FUN project. hurry Spring. | ||
| 3boyz |
Alex, I live in Dubuque and race a Buell for www.Wilwerts.com. When you look at the sunset my house is right below it. Rob Trilk | ||
| Stingaroo |
Hey Prior, once I recover fully, I will stop over at your house and ride your M-2 to keep it fresh...  Maybe I can find one of those DandD pipes at somepoint to complete our bikes into twins... I am going to attempt a ride out to see you at somepoint we shall see how that goes. I have to show you the Buell Jacket I got Heather, and I just picked up a Buell helmet for the passengers on my bike. I would really like to check out that bridge at some point, drink a few beers with you and watch the trains chug by... Cessna | ||
| Awprior |
Rob, Once the weather breaks and I've a bike here to ride, we'll have to get together. If you need help wrenching on your toys, give me a jingle. BRIAN! Good to hear from you, Brother. I don't ahve a doubt in the world that you'll be fully recovered in no time and terrorizing everyone back east with the Orange Crush. The M2 is in the garage if you want to take it out. She's a little tempermental sometimes though. You can come out anytime you want, the roads are good, the beer is cold and the view is out of this world. Prior | ||
| Awprior |
Wow. I've been out here now for, what, 4 full months, time has been flying by. I guess I'm still used to working 3 months, school three months and off and on. Spent the last 5 years of my life doing that, a real job REALLY takes up the time. John Deere has been treating me well, but has also kept me very busy. The above pics I posted of my new home, we'll, it's pretty much my home now. I had been 'renting' a room off a friend of mine I'd known out here for 4 years or so, he's since transferred to Louisiana. So... I'm now a full time caretaker and curator. A new bathroom is finished, a renovated bathroom will start in a few weeks and then remodeled kitchen. Life's been busy. As such, Springfast didn't happen, the trip to NC didn't happen, mostly due to pretty much no vacation. Looking very forward to next year and 15 days of paid bike riding bliss. Anyway, A few more pictures to share... Two weekends ago was the Mississippi River Festival, complete with country music shows, dog competitions and a Cabela's fishing tournament... Country boys take heart. This is along the Mississippi River Walk, the fabled Dubuque Brewery. For the weekend, there were some tents and vendors parked out front. I think this is one of the coolest buildings in town, and it is for sale...  From the Riverwalk, you can get a pretty cool shot of the Julien Dubuque Bridge, complete with the river tour boats cruising around. These guys go by every night, sounds like they are having a heck of a party on board.  | ||
| Awprior |
The Dock Dogs were pretty cool, made me miss Guinness, posted above. He left with Luke to spend time with him. The dogs in the competition were a bit more behaved than him, IAMike can attest to that. Within 30 seconds of meeting each other, Guinness thought that riding jackets were the coolest thing ever to chew on... It's amazing how well some of these dogs are trained.  It was nothing to see these pups launch 20+ feet.  | ||
| Awprior |
Walked down to the Mississippi River Museum that afternoon as well, but didn't have a chance to get inside and wander around... On the list for the next week or so. This is out in front of the museum:   | ||
| Awprior |
And the old train station, which was pretty cool. Living here and seeing/hearing trains go by every few minutes is way different than when I was still living at home in PA.  | ||
| Awprior |
This weekend I headed to Michigan to see friends from school, whom I hadn't seen in close to 6 months. We had an alumni golf tournament... I should stick to riding bikes instead of golfing. I was not the best. Two of my good friends, learning that a golf cart isn't a dual sport at all...  I also got to see Matt after a long long time, he's still doing well, out partying with the best of us. Wish I was closer to the kid, everytime we get together there are lots and lots of great stories to tell. I'm still hoping he picks up a Buell...  (Message edited by awprior on June 07, 2005) | ||
| Awprior |
The perfect ending to a prefect sunset... A tiki torch, a few Sierras and an ok magazine (read all of the Battle2Wins about 30 times).  There's lots more to show, summer is in full bloom and work is slowing down... Stay tuned. Alex | ||
| Awprior |
This is the last night that Guinness and I hung out, I had a few beers, he drug a broom around trying to scratch the 'Bolt..  | ||
| Awprior |
And I just heard this on the radio too... The 20th Anniversary Dubuque Jaycees Fireworks and Airshow on the river... July 3rd... The whole thing goes on pretty much in my backyard. Shoot me a PM if you'd be interested in coming out for the evening, we can do a BBQ and have a few cold ones watching planes and fireworks and celebrating our great country. Alex (Message edited by awprior on June 07, 2005) | ||
| Awprior |
Got into work early this morning, seemed everyone was alreay on vacation mode, so most of us split a bit early. Went out for some way past due pictures. Headed east, to Galena, IL, site of U.S. Grant's home. It was closed when I got there, so I didn't get a tour. Snapped a few pics though.  (Message edited by awprior on July 02, 2005) (Message edited by awprior on July 02, 2005) | ||
| Awprior |
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| Awprior |
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| Awprior |
Took the long way back west, a typical shot of the Iowa country side in the area I am at. There are lots of rolling hills and decent roads, reminds me of PA.  (Message edited by awprior on July 02, 2005) |
