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Jerry_haughton
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 - 02:06 pm: | 
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my name is Ferris and i have a problem.
ok, with my fancy intro outta the way, i want to beg, borrow or steal a new Ulysses and do a ten-day, 2500-mile adventure tour on The Thing and chronicle the journey, in words and pix, here on BadWeatherBikers.
for those unfamiliar with my work (where HAVE you been?), go here or here or
here or here. there's plenty more of this kind of stuff archived throughout BADWEB, if checking out all the above hasn't left you short of breath and your modem pleading for mercy.
oh, you can also take a gander at www.fastferris.com, but i'm just getting started on the site and it's still in diapers. please Staintune'd.
anyway, i'd like to get my mitts on a new Ulysses and ride the wheels off it for a week and a half, and then crank out an epic adventure saga for the entertainment of the teeming BADWEB masses. i'm not interested in dyno specs, rake and trail figures, finite element analysis and the like, i want to load up some gear and ride the 12X like it's obviously meant to be ridden, like, do a "real world" report on how it fares, high road, low road, on road and off, fast, slow and all points in between.
to do this i need HELP! most importantly, natch, i need a Ulysses to call my own for ten days. potentially problematic, this issue, but i'm hoping that my bold, unprecedented display of public groveling and begging won't go unnoticed by the folks at Buell PR or one of BADWEB's awesome sponsors, perhaps causing an entrepreneurial epiphany upon realizing the marketing and exposure (all positive, if i have my way) that would come from lending me, and BADWEB, a studded glove in this endeavor.
i ALSO need help from the deeply devoted denizens of BADWEB, in at least two respects: first, if y'all think this is a great idea (even if you're kicking yourself for not thinking of it first...), SING OUT and let the folks who own the XB12X keys know!
would'ya be interested in reading the piece i'm proposing? then hang a post on here and say so! if this thread dies in about two hours, my hopes of pulling off this gig, and your hopes of reading about it, are zero-zip-nada, and i crawl outta here red-faced and ashamed.
if you think this idea SUCKS, well, you're entitled, but you've got nothing to gain by saying so here, and at least SOMETHING to lose. still, hammer on me in public if you must, but remember, i'm just like you, with feelings, busting my hump trying to make a living, trying to be a good human, and trying to have some fun riding motorcycles in the process.
ERIK BUELL, CORPORATE BUELL, AND ANY BUELL DEALERS/BADWEB SPONSORS WHO HAVE MADE IT THIS FAR: am i nuts? (go ahead, take a moment before you answer...)
does this hair-brained scheme that's been bubbling in the black cauldron of my mind since last Saturday at 10 a.m. MDT stand a chance in heck of becoming reality? i hope so. i'm sincere, professional, TRYING to be humble, and decent with keyboard and camera. judging by the public's reception of the XB12X so far, you certainly don't need ME for the Ulysses to become an overnight, wildly successful, success story, and good on ya for that.
but wouldn't it be cool to do this ANYWAY? (who knows, i might actually sell a few Buells in the process. it wouldn't be the first time.) BADWEB has been championing Buell motorcycles since this place was nothing more than six or seven guys e-mailing back and forth to each other in 1998 (yes, i was one of those guys), and what i'm proposing would make an awesome way of saying thanks, not to mention a neat feature piece here on this hallowed board, something to entertain, enlighten, inform and, well, take up considerable bandwidth.
i've got 'Stich, Arai, full complement of Widder electric gear (ready to put the 12X's power outlets to work!), Nikon digital and Dell laptop, and 40 years of riding experience, all ready to roll. i'm self-employed, so can self-deploy in about two moments' notice.
this could, should, and WOULD be fun for all concerned. sure, yes, including me. like i said at the top, my name is Ferris and i DO have a problem.
DEAR BADWEB: if ever i needed to hear from you, it's NOW. it's a gutsy (or stupid) thing i've done here, and the difference between HERO or ZERO might rest in your fingers. y'wanna make this little moto-fantasy come true?
then this would be the time to say so, loud, proud and passionate. vote often.
i believe we can do this, or i wouldn't try.
ride to lean,
Ferris Bueller |
Newfie_buell
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 - 02:18 pm: |
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Hey Ferris,
Your idea SUCKS!!!!!
Only because they should send one to ME.
I know I could really put that puppy through its paces.
Good Luck,
For even a better idea!!!!!
Have Buell PR send you one and send me one, then we can meet at the Continental Divide and share our experiences.
"The Atlantic Meets Pacific Adventure!!!!"
"Ferris and Newfie On the Road" |
Rubberdown
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 - 02:20 pm: |
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Hey, No harm in asking, right? Hope you get it. |
Chasespeed
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 - 02:21 pm: |
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I say go for it..
If I could afford one, I owuld let you use mine while I was gone..
Chase |
Stealthxb
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 - 02:21 pm: |
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Go for it Jerry!
I would enjoy hearing your interpretation of Erik's creation.
Ferris Buellers Days Off...ROAD |
Bomber
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 - 02:32 pm: |
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I think it's a capital idear -- there are COEs in the hands of many magazines, I imagine, hoping to get some good, unbiased coverage, and allow the readership to become informed consumers --
mayhap if you also state that you'll post on Advriders and other boards, thereby broadening the potential readership (and following Sherwin Williams old tag line advice), your chances may improve
re: your problem -- it's only a problem if you try to stop, and you've shown little interest in that course of action -- I predict you'll not heal, but be OK in spite of the affliction |
Spudman
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 - 02:33 pm: |
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Ferris ... you da man!
This is an awesome idea! And who better to do it than the original Buell advocate, the Ferris man himself. The Buell factory would be foolish to pass up your unselfish offer. I can hardly wait to read of the exploits and see the stunning photos.
Living here in North Idaho I have a strong desire to be a Ulysses owner. There are more dirt roads than paved leading to some of the most beautiful scenery. Your experience, if it should happen, would be a big push for me to make my desires a reality.
Come on Erik, put Ferris on the back of a Buell mule for all of us to enjoy. |
Rubberdown
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 - 02:35 pm: |
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Give it to him! |
Tripper
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 - 02:36 pm: |
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Dear Buell Public Relations Manager. If you need a reference as to Young (cough) Mr. Ferris' riding ability, please call me. 716 861 0324
I can assure you that he is fast, and safe. usually. 
Show your guts Mr anony. Let him have it. You know it's worth a good laugh to read the results.
With Respect,
Tripper |
Whodom
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 - 02:41 pm: |
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Sounds cool to me. Be sure and double post to advrider too. That would sell a LOT of XB12X's. |
Jeremyh
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 - 02:57 pm: |
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why don't we just ask all the badwebbers to donate 1oo bucks each |
Reepicheep
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 - 03:04 pm: |
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If you did it, and you wrote it, I bet Motorcycle Online would publish as well. |
Shotgun
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 - 03:08 pm: |
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Great idea, Ferris, but think bigger! Alaska to Terra Del Fuego! That way we'd get a book and a video out of it. |
Jim_sb
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 - 03:11 pm: |
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Hi Ferris,
Three things come to mind.
1. Didn't Court already do this? Back in the day? <g> Therefore the precedent is established!
2. I think "Ulysses to Alaska - And Back!" is the adventure.
3. You're going to need 2 bikes. And another player(Court?). Otherwise who will be there to take pics of you leaning the bike over?
Sounds like fun. Wish I could join you. The 12X looks like it could be a whole lotta fun.
Jim |
Csg_inc
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 - 03:15 pm: |
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Hey Ferris If you sent the finish piece to Thunder Press would that make you a "Real" jounalist? They by quailify for "Press Credentials" and like Bommer said a bunch of magazines got them to do articles.
I for one would be most grateful to get your review. I will either be getting the X or the BMW GS and your review would sure help in my selection process. I have my name down for a test ride at my local dealer as soon as one gets here also have completed my tests on the GS already. So please get this done asap.
DAVE |
M1combat
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 - 03:27 pm: |
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Ferris Bueller's Day off... ROAD...
Sounds like a winner to me... I rather think there should be two bikes though (I think we should need to test BOTH colors). Any guesses as to who I think the other rider should be?
I'd bet the TWO rider thing may not happen but no problem... I for one would LOVE to see this happen. If you get anywhere near Arizona... you KNOW you'll have a few wing men (at least on the pavement stretches  ).
22 years here... 20 in the dirt (and I was born/raised in AK, I can find us (er, I mean you) a place to stay anywhere up there ). |
Lake_bueller
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 - 03:28 pm: |
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Ferris...I have an even better idea in the works. Unfortunately, the logistics don't allow for this "adventure" to take place for about 2 years. Short story....16K miles in 60 days |
Denisea
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 - 03:36 pm: |
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You guys are way too fast! Didn't get a chance to put in my two pennies...
sounds like an epic journey to me.  |
Sleez
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 - 04:03 pm: |
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"build it...and he will ride."
i would love to see this happen! i truly enjoy reading the writings and seeing the pics of any adventure that Jerry pursues! do it!!
make sure we ride together, i can show you some great dirt roads up here!!!! there is a passage from willits to fort bragg, all dirt, about 30 miles drops down into the coast, gorgeous, has been done on horseback....!!!! |
Azbueller
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 - 04:11 pm: |
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Sounds like too much Saki there Yamamotosan!!!! |
Tripp
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 - 04:20 pm: |
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this sounds like a great opportunity for buell! excellent exposure and real world testing! they must have a couple test bikes out there that they've lent to magazine staffers. i would think a camera crew and a support vehicle would help, and a little cable exposure would be good too! maybe you could approach discovery channel or tlc, anything like you propose would be waaaaay better than the clown around chopper show they've been airing! |
Azbueller
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 - 04:22 pm: |
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Careful Ferris, you don't want to end up like this!!!
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Sleez
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 - 04:25 pm: |
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check this route;
willits, ca to fort bragg, via sherwood rd, that turns into sherwood-fort bragg rd, mostly dirt logging roads, check it out on google maps, the hybrid version! |
Seanp
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 - 04:31 pm: |
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I'd love to go along as your photographer! I'll even buy my own XB12X. I have a 'stich, a Canon EOS 10D, and a couple of Powerbooks, (12" and 17" . The only thing I don't have is a lot of free time over the next year, (read: NONE!) But when I get back, I can take a mean picture, I love riding in any kind of weather, and I have no issues whatsoever camping and "roughing it".
I know we've never met, but hey, I'm a nice guy. Ask my wife... She's stayed married to me for a little over five years. (Of course, we've only lived together for about two or three of those 5 years... And she's never camped with me... Hmm. Maybe I'm not that nice!  |
Ray_maines
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 - 04:35 pm: |
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Best of luck to you Jerry.
I hope it works for you and, by extension, all of us. Somebody somewhere just has to have a test bike that isn't being tested.
BD: Interesting what's appropriate and what isn't, no? |
Misato
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 - 04:44 pm: |
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BD, he just likes fb better.
fb, if I had one I'd give you the keys.. |
M1combat
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 - 04:49 pm: |
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Well... I only see one sizable difference.
Your idea turned into something more akin to "lets buy a bike, have someone ride it around the country and then see if we can find anything charitable to do with it".
This will just be a demo bike that should produce a well written account of the events that unfold... That's not to say that you wouldn't have produced the same. I do see them as a bit different though... |
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