Posts
Dinner at Fort Randal Casino.
Saturday, May 07, 2011
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Spring Arkansas Trip Report
I got back from my annual spring trip to Arkansas Sunday night. Over all it was pretty good trip. We didn’t get as much riding as we have in past years, but it rained a lot.
My bike Dagmar acts as dominatrix when it comes to breaking in my body each spring, especially if I haven’t spent enough time on her during the winter months. There is some leaning and pressure on my hands when I ride her. She is one heavy girl and it takes a little hand force to push her into the corners, a lot more then my GS Pig. Its worth the extra effort because Dagmar is a speed queen and solid as a rock once she is down. She comes out of corners fast and has a sexy voice. The slight pain is my thumbs is all but disappeared now, and after a couple days my shoulders were not as sore as they had been on Tuesday.
Randy was in truly good form. He rode great during the entire trip which is pretty amazing when considering Randy nearly died in December and was unconscious for nearly 5 weeks until mid-January after some very serious arterial problems. His rehab goal was to ride his new 30th Anniversary BMW R1200GS and he has now achieved that in the magnificent fashion. I was worried about him for the first couple of days of the trip, but those fears quickly went away. Randy is one tough son-of-a-gun.
Loyd had a big tear-down on his GS before the trip to fix a weeping main seal, replace the clutch, and to have some tranny work done. We were concerned when we started the trip because his GS clutch did not disengage completely. He got a new clutch from Siebenrock (http://tinyurl.com/5uov7w9). We were worried at first it might have been put in backwards, but after a few hundred miles Loyd said it was working fine. The new clutch was shaped different then stock with overlapping plate pieces like the scales on a reptile. We figured the entire clutch plate might have been a bit thicker then stock and just needed to wear off some of the rough edges on the overlapping plate pieces. Loyd road the whole distance down and back plus a few hundred more in Arkansas.
https://picasaweb.google.com/brion.hase/ArkansasTripApril2011#
My bike Dagmar acts as dominatrix when it comes to breaking in my body each spring, especially if I haven’t spent enough time on her during the winter months. There is some leaning and pressure on my hands when I ride her. She is one heavy girl and it takes a little hand force to push her into the corners, a lot more then my GS Pig. Its worth the extra effort because Dagmar is a speed queen and solid as a rock once she is down. She comes out of corners fast and has a sexy voice. The slight pain is my thumbs is all but disappeared now, and after a couple days my shoulders were not as sore as they had been on Tuesday.
Randy was in truly good form. He rode great during the entire trip which is pretty amazing when considering Randy nearly died in December and was unconscious for nearly 5 weeks until mid-January after some very serious arterial problems. His rehab goal was to ride his new 30th Anniversary BMW R1200GS and he has now achieved that in the magnificent fashion. I was worried about him for the first couple of days of the trip, but those fears quickly went away. Randy is one tough son-of-a-gun.
Loyd had a big tear-down on his GS before the trip to fix a weeping main seal, replace the clutch, and to have some tranny work done. We were concerned when we started the trip because his GS clutch did not disengage completely. He got a new clutch from Siebenrock (http://tinyurl.com/5uov7w9). We were worried at first it might have been put in backwards, but after a few hundred miles Loyd said it was working fine. The new clutch was shaped different then stock with overlapping plate pieces like the scales on a reptile. We figured the entire clutch plate might have been a bit thicker then stock and just needed to wear off some of the rough edges on the overlapping plate pieces. Loyd road the whole distance down and back plus a few hundred more in Arkansas.
https://picasaweb.google.com/brion.hase/ArkansasTripApril2011#
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Back in Bentonville, AR
Found our way back to the Bentonville BMW dealership's open house. There was found Jim, Stan and Mari.
Pig tail Hwy 23
Stopped after completing the pig tail on Hwy 23 to take this photo.. Loyds GS is running perfect now. We rode about 230 miles today. Randy continues to amaze us, he is riding great. Staying at my folks again tonight.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Nice morning in Arkansas today
Near one lane bridge in Beaver, Arkansas. Bad rain later and still raining at near midnight. Friday should be better.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Spring Trip
Leaving soon for April spring ride to Parents and Branson Blitz. The weather this morning did not look very inviting (photo below). Hopefully weather will be nicer in Arkansas. I'm going to pack this evening after the Big Sioux Riders April meeting and do some quick wiring repair. Spent Monday evening helping Loyd get his brakes and ABS system purged and ready after his recent bike tear down and reconstruction. Hope he and his GS are going to be ready.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
The Pressure Gauge Mysteries
Very good two part article on statistical study of tire pressure gauge accuracy from BMW Motorcycle Owners of America (bmwmoa.org) website:
The Pressure Gage Mysteries - Part #1
The Pressure Gage Mysteries - Part #2
The Pressure Gage Mysteries - Part #1
The Pressure Gage Mysteries - Part #2
Monday, February 07, 2011
Rest In Peace Kevin
My motorcycling friend Kevin Martin passed away suddenly this weekend. Rest in peace Kevin, we are going to miss you. Mark, Mike and I are going to try to finish what you started. Kevin is happy guy in the blue-green Rebos t-shirt beside the cone above. Photo is from the Baxter Open House in Marne last August.
Tuesday, February 01, 2011
Getting Ready
In order to keep this blog motorcycle specific - I'm really getting psyched up about the upcoming International Motorcycle Show coming up in the Twin Cities and about Green Bay winning the Super Bowl the next day. In preparation of this auspicious weekend, Bergie and Frump concocted a new batch of micro-brew, some of which I'll be taking with me to enjoy with some friends over the weekend. This batch, our third, is another kit brew. It's a lager and like the prior batches, it is very, very good. I'm not sure what we are doing right, but we need to continue doing it. I'll post some photos next week.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Cool new retro bike - Ural Solo T (sT) Concept
Basically a new, old school, air cooled BMW R71, but a URAL. The sticker is under $7K and at that price it is going to be hard to beat even by the most frugal. I really like the looks of the customized version from Bar-Design with the big tires, bobbed fenders, headlight and new seat - that thing is just cool.
Manufacture's website:
http://www.imz-ural.com/solo.aspl
These customized ones are quite cool looking:
http://www.bikeexif.com/ural-motorcycle
Manufacture's website:
http://www.imz-ural.com/solo.aspl
These customized ones are quite cool looking:
http://www.bikeexif.com/ural-motorcycle
Friday, December 10, 2010
2011 Glacier Lakes Motorcycle Club Grand Tour Announced
Rallymaster Sleddog announced the 2011 Grand Tour rules yesterday on the GLMC message board. After some initial questions and quick proactive rule changes, the following is the current rule list. Also there has been some discussion the last few months about sending out flags a little earlier this year. This is a great reason to get out and ride and visit some new places. I'm really looking forward to it again.
An Affair With Water
GLMC 2011 GRAND TOUR
This years theme is Water
You will be looking for town names that have something to do with water.
The 2011 Grand Tour will run from April 1st-September 15th, 2011
1) Polaroid photos, digital prints, or standard photos are all acceptable. Photos may also be submitted on CD or on SD card. Photos may not be emailed.
The following paragraph is a suggestion only, NOT a rule
If you are using a digital camera, it would help if your photos are shot at the lowest resolution possible (640 X 480) It makes scoring thousands of photos much quicker. When submitting them on CDs consider putting them in Alpha order & include a spreadsheet.
2) To be considered a finisher you must accumulate 25 points. You will then earn a Grand Tour shirt and entry into first level of prizes.
3) Riders with 50 or more points will get the shirt and entry into the first and second place level of prizes. Riders with 75 or more points get the shirt, and entry in the first, second and third level of prizes. Prize levels increase at 25 point increments. This is not to say that the prizes get any better at each level, only that you will be entered in more of the drawings and have better odds of winning multiple prizes.
4) The Rider with the most number of points will win the grand prize of a 200 dollar gift certificate to Aerostich Riderwarehouse AND entry in every drawing. Rider with the second highest number gets a Helmet and entry in as many of the drawings as they qualify for. Third Place will win a prize too.
5) Only the following words & spelling, are acceptable to be used in town names. Town names must start or end with one of the words.
Bay, Bays, Brook, Brooks, Cove, Coves, Creek, Creeks, Fall, Falls, Harbor, Harbors, Hydro, Hydros, Lake, Lakes, Ocean, Oceans, Pool, Pools, Pond ,Ponds, Rapid, Rapids, River, Rivers, Sea, Seas, Spring, Springs Stream, Streams, Water, Waters.
6) Town names must be on a building, or a sign that is attached to the building. No city limit signs, No water towers.
7) Three things MUST be in the photo. 1. YOUR rally towel. 2. A significant portion of your bike. 3. The town name must be on a building, or sign attached to the building. Everything must be CLEARLY readable in the photo.
8) Signs with arrows pointing the direction of the town or miles to the town are not accepted. Even if it is on a building.no arrows allowed.
9) All entries & photos submitted must be mailed to Jack & Marlene Backer, 26537 450th Ave, Monroe, South Dakota 57047 Photos sent elsewhere will be ignored. We must receive them or they must be postmarked prior to or on September 15th 2011 at the latest.
10) Your numbered rally towel may only be used by you. No one other than you may possess your towel. If you find a towel at a location, LEAVE IT THERE. The owner will most likely be back for it.
11) Dont Cheat
12) If you lose your towel, send in your current photos and $10.00 for another towel. We won't ship out your new towel until these items are received. Any photos sent in with the old towel # after this won't be accepted. If you find your old towel later, DON'T USE IT! Only photos with the new # will be accepted.
13) Entry fee is $25.00
14) Almost any way that a town name is identified on a building is acceptable. Painted, Etched. We are just looking for the name to be on buildings
15) Town names may only be used ONCE. Even if the same name is used in many states, it may only be used ONCE.
16. Some signs are in places that it is not safe to park your motorcycle. We understand this and will allow up to 5 photos to NOT include your motorcycle. Park your motorcycle in a safe location and walk to the sign instead. Your towel must still be in the photo.
17. All questions or inquiries can be e-mailed to jbackerus at yahoo dot com. You can also post on the Barn athttp://www.network54.com/Forum/152868/
18. Don't cheat. If you ever hear yourself saying "It doesn't say you can't", then it is probably something you should not be doing.
Note: Need not be a GLMC member to participate; a rider number will be assigned to you if you do not already have one.
An Affair With Water
GLMC 2011 GRAND TOUR
This years theme is Water
You will be looking for town names that have something to do with water.
The 2011 Grand Tour will run from April 1st-September 15th, 2011
1) Polaroid photos, digital prints, or standard photos are all acceptable. Photos may also be submitted on CD or on SD card. Photos may not be emailed.
The following paragraph is a suggestion only, NOT a rule
If you are using a digital camera, it would help if your photos are shot at the lowest resolution possible (640 X 480) It makes scoring thousands of photos much quicker. When submitting them on CDs consider putting them in Alpha order & include a spreadsheet.
2) To be considered a finisher you must accumulate 25 points. You will then earn a Grand Tour shirt and entry into first level of prizes.
3) Riders with 50 or more points will get the shirt and entry into the first and second place level of prizes. Riders with 75 or more points get the shirt, and entry in the first, second and third level of prizes. Prize levels increase at 25 point increments. This is not to say that the prizes get any better at each level, only that you will be entered in more of the drawings and have better odds of winning multiple prizes.
4) The Rider with the most number of points will win the grand prize of a 200 dollar gift certificate to Aerostich Riderwarehouse AND entry in every drawing. Rider with the second highest number gets a Helmet and entry in as many of the drawings as they qualify for. Third Place will win a prize too.
5) Only the following words & spelling, are acceptable to be used in town names. Town names must start or end with one of the words.
Bay, Bays, Brook, Brooks, Cove, Coves, Creek, Creeks, Fall, Falls, Harbor, Harbors, Hydro, Hydros, Lake, Lakes, Ocean, Oceans, Pool, Pools, Pond ,Ponds, Rapid, Rapids, River, Rivers, Sea, Seas, Spring, Springs Stream, Streams, Water, Waters.
6) Town names must be on a building, or a sign that is attached to the building. No city limit signs, No water towers.
7) Three things MUST be in the photo. 1. YOUR rally towel. 2. A significant portion of your bike. 3. The town name must be on a building, or sign attached to the building. Everything must be CLEARLY readable in the photo.
8) Signs with arrows pointing the direction of the town or miles to the town are not accepted. Even if it is on a building.no arrows allowed.
9) All entries & photos submitted must be mailed to Jack & Marlene Backer, 26537 450th Ave, Monroe, South Dakota 57047 Photos sent elsewhere will be ignored. We must receive them or they must be postmarked prior to or on September 15th 2011 at the latest.
10) Your numbered rally towel may only be used by you. No one other than you may possess your towel. If you find a towel at a location, LEAVE IT THERE. The owner will most likely be back for it.
11) Dont Cheat
12) If you lose your towel, send in your current photos and $10.00 for another towel. We won't ship out your new towel until these items are received. Any photos sent in with the old towel # after this won't be accepted. If you find your old towel later, DON'T USE IT! Only photos with the new # will be accepted.
13) Entry fee is $25.00
14) Almost any way that a town name is identified on a building is acceptable. Painted, Etched. We are just looking for the name to be on buildings
15) Town names may only be used ONCE. Even if the same name is used in many states, it may only be used ONCE.
16. Some signs are in places that it is not safe to park your motorcycle. We understand this and will allow up to 5 photos to NOT include your motorcycle. Park your motorcycle in a safe location and walk to the sign instead. Your towel must still be in the photo.
17. All questions or inquiries can be e-mailed to jbackerus at yahoo dot com. You can also post on the Barn athttp://www.network54.com/Forum/152868/
18. Don't cheat. If you ever hear yourself saying "It doesn't say you can't", then it is probably something you should not be doing.
Note: Need not be a GLMC member to participate; a rider number will be assigned to you if you do not already have one.
Friday, December 03, 2010
Back to Motorcycles - New Triumph Trophy
There are some new spy photos claiming to be of a new Triumph Trophy, one with big engine, big fairing and a shaft drive. Also rumors of this new engine going into a new Tiger. Very interesting.
Articles:
http://blog.motorcycle.com/2010/12/03/motorcycle-news/new-triumph-touring-bike-spied/
http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/newsresults/New-bikes/2010/November/nov1710-triumph-trophy-spy-shots/
Articles:
http://blog.motorcycle.com/2010/12/03/motorcycle-news/new-triumph-touring-bike-spied/
http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/newsresults/New-bikes/2010/November/nov1710-triumph-trophy-spy-shots/
Monday, November 15, 2010
Jimmy John's - Not very impressed
Not really a motorcycle or travel topic, but I finally found my way into a Jimmy Johns here in Sioux City. This chain was really popular with some people so I decided to stop and grab a sandwich to take back to work after I finished running some lunch time errands. What a disappointment.
White bread only, no choices, no toasted bread, boring cheese, confusing setup, and it feels really, really rushed. I don't need stress on my lunch break and I like having at least a few minutes of downtime to reflect on the day. The sandwich was too chewy, tasted like they piled on the salt, included only mayo, and was a pretty darned boring sandwich. Reasoning I can make better sandwiches then this, I was totally unimpressed. I think the reason Jimmy Johns is so popular here is it is new. I give them three years before they fold up and leave town. Meanwhile I'll be sticking with Subway, Blimpies, and Quiznos.
White bread only, no choices, no toasted bread, boring cheese, confusing setup, and it feels really, really rushed. I don't need stress on my lunch break and I like having at least a few minutes of downtime to reflect on the day. The sandwich was too chewy, tasted like they piled on the salt, included only mayo, and was a pretty darned boring sandwich. Reasoning I can make better sandwiches then this, I was totally unimpressed. I think the reason Jimmy Johns is so popular here is it is new. I give them three years before they fold up and leave town. Meanwhile I'll be sticking with Subway, Blimpies, and Quiznos.
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