Today a wonderful, kinda-roadside attraction was brought to my attention: Pizza Farms. Having briefly researched the concept on Google, it appears to me that there are Pizza Farms all over the country.
You might be wondering what a pizza farm is. Basically, a farmer raises all the various plants and animals one might need to make a pizza (wheat, tomatoes, cows, chickens, pigs), and arranges each crop into "slices." So, you get to go through the pizza-shaped farm (usually a guided tour) and see everything that goes into making that holiest of foods. Best of all, some of them serve pizza for lunch (The farm I looked at got it from Pizza Factory. WTF??).
The only downside I've seen regarding pizza farms is the horrible puns all the news articles throw in, for example "Pizza farmer finds new way to grow Dough," or "Farmer makes lots of green by growing pizza." As a brief tangent, why do people feel compelled to make puns about any given food topic? It's funny when Weird Al does it, but Weird Al is significantly more talented than your local news outlet.
Anyway, once I begin touring in earnest, I suppose I'm going to have to hit one of these places. You never know, I might get a hayride as part of the deal! Hayrides are awesome.
Here's the link that my informant provided which set me off on this crazy path:
http://us.cnn.com/2005/TRAVEL/DESTINATIONS/09/15/pizza.farm.ap/index.html
Friday, September 30, 2005
Thursday, September 29, 2005
Hooray for persistence!
Recently, I was excited to learn that the owners of Chris-Craft boats have bought the Indian motorcycle brand, and are fully intending to resume production, probably in 2006.
I have a bit of a thing for Indian Motorcycles. I was saving my pennies to buy a new one, and then the bastards up and went out of business. It broke my little heart.
But now there is new hope of owning an American motorcycle that
1. Isn't based on an HD product, and
2. Isn't butt-ugly. I've tried to like the Victory motorcycles, I really have. They had a bike a few years ago that was sufficiently mad-max looking for my taste, but they apparently stopped building it. And I can't even find any pictures of it. Of course, that might be because I can't remember what it was called...
For a while I had my sights on a Kawasaki Drifter, which happens to look a whole lot like an Indian Cheif. Of course, then I went and saw a couple in person and realized that they looked like what they are: Cheap Knockoffs.
I can't wait to be able to afford a new Cheif, and turn it into the meanest, flat-black-est Indian in the U.S.
Here's a link to the Indian Motorcycles site: http://www.indianmotorcycle.com/
Maybe I could get them to sponsor my Pizza Tour.
I have a bit of a thing for Indian Motorcycles. I was saving my pennies to buy a new one, and then the bastards up and went out of business. It broke my little heart.
But now there is new hope of owning an American motorcycle that
1. Isn't based on an HD product, and
2. Isn't butt-ugly. I've tried to like the Victory motorcycles, I really have. They had a bike a few years ago that was sufficiently mad-max looking for my taste, but they apparently stopped building it. And I can't even find any pictures of it. Of course, that might be because I can't remember what it was called...
For a while I had my sights on a Kawasaki Drifter, which happens to look a whole lot like an Indian Cheif. Of course, then I went and saw a couple in person and realized that they looked like what they are: Cheap Knockoffs.
I can't wait to be able to afford a new Cheif, and turn it into the meanest, flat-black-est Indian in the U.S.
Here's a link to the Indian Motorcycles site: http://www.indianmotorcycle.com/
Maybe I could get them to sponsor my Pizza Tour.
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
Why I don't like national pizza chains
Yesterday I went to California Pizza Kitchen. I avoided that place for the longest time, because the words "California" and "Pizza" don't go together except as follows: "I was in California and I found this wonderful pizza place run by a family from Chicago."
I've been there a few times and it's usually pretty decent, even if their definition of pizza and mine are wildly different.
Anyway, I was there yesterday and tried the Margherita pizza. There isn't much you can screw up on a Margherita. It's crust, sauce, cheese.
How do so many places manage to screw it up?
I don't know what it was, but something in that pizza tasted FUNKY. I would have sent it back, but I was already an hour into lunch and didn't want to waste any more time.
I've noticed that most of the big chains somehow manage to mess up their pizza. You know what it is? Cost savings. If a particular brand of tomato paste is 5 cents cheaper per cubic yard, you better believe the corner will be cut. There's only one explanation for the nasty aftertaste of a corporate pizza: greed.
Why on earth do we trust large companies to prepare our food? This is a world run by MBA's. They don't care if the food is made out of foam rubber drenched in ranch dressing as long as people keep buying it.
The next time you get pizza, find a local place.
I've been there a few times and it's usually pretty decent, even if their definition of pizza and mine are wildly different.
Anyway, I was there yesterday and tried the Margherita pizza. There isn't much you can screw up on a Margherita. It's crust, sauce, cheese.
How do so many places manage to screw it up?
I don't know what it was, but something in that pizza tasted FUNKY. I would have sent it back, but I was already an hour into lunch and didn't want to waste any more time.
I've noticed that most of the big chains somehow manage to mess up their pizza. You know what it is? Cost savings. If a particular brand of tomato paste is 5 cents cheaper per cubic yard, you better believe the corner will be cut. There's only one explanation for the nasty aftertaste of a corporate pizza: greed.
Why on earth do we trust large companies to prepare our food? This is a world run by MBA's. They don't care if the food is made out of foam rubber drenched in ranch dressing as long as people keep buying it.
The next time you get pizza, find a local place.
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
A moment of silence, then a rant.
This is twice the tragedy. A motorcycle pizza delivery rider was killed while doing his job.
http://www.pizzamarketplace.com/news_story.htm?i=23678
Don't forget to tip your delivery driver. Their jobs are more perilous than you might think.
And now, let's pretend there's a graceful segue into my rant about blind loyalty to a brand and motorcycling.
As you are probably aware, there are a lot of people out there who think that a particular American brand of motorcycle is superior to all others. In fact, people are so certain of the inherent excellence of this American brand that big box stores (who import nearly everything they sell from China. Irony?) sell a variety of merchandise with this motor company's logo to people who have never ridden a motorcycle, and never would for fear of a horrible, messy death.
Now, I'm certainly not going to say that this company doesn't build a quality product. Whether I agree with their merchandising is beside the point. My problem is with people who have never ridden anything saying that they wouldn't ride anything but this particular brand. Kudos to the motor company for excellent marketing, but shame upon the morons who think wearing a shirt that's available at any Super-Colossal-Mart in the United States makes them a non-conformist.
If you were to ask one of these asshats what motorcycling is all about, I bet he/she would tell you that it's about rebellion, freedom and individuality.
Yeah.
Look, I don't care if the bike you ride is built with pride in India; if you buy it because that's what all the other morons with new, lighter wallets tell you is a real bike instead of because you get a huge dumb grin just thinking about it, then kindly stay away from me. You obviously side-stepped the whole rebellion/individuality thing.
Say, I haven't had any pictures up for a while. Here are some gratuitous photos of a nesting VX800.
The VX800 in its natural environment.
Behold, the unblinking eye.
I hate to break it to you, but you really probably aren't cool enough to ride this bike. It would likely throw you off, run you over and leak something on you.
http://www.pizzamarketplace.com/news_story.htm?i=23678
Don't forget to tip your delivery driver. Their jobs are more perilous than you might think.
And now, let's pretend there's a graceful segue into my rant about blind loyalty to a brand and motorcycling.
As you are probably aware, there are a lot of people out there who think that a particular American brand of motorcycle is superior to all others. In fact, people are so certain of the inherent excellence of this American brand that big box stores (who import nearly everything they sell from China. Irony?) sell a variety of merchandise with this motor company's logo to people who have never ridden a motorcycle, and never would for fear of a horrible, messy death.
Now, I'm certainly not going to say that this company doesn't build a quality product. Whether I agree with their merchandising is beside the point. My problem is with people who have never ridden anything saying that they wouldn't ride anything but this particular brand. Kudos to the motor company for excellent marketing, but shame upon the morons who think wearing a shirt that's available at any Super-Colossal-Mart in the United States makes them a non-conformist.
If you were to ask one of these asshats what motorcycling is all about, I bet he/she would tell you that it's about rebellion, freedom and individuality.
Yeah.
Look, I don't care if the bike you ride is built with pride in India; if you buy it because that's what all the other morons with new, lighter wallets tell you is a real bike instead of because you get a huge dumb grin just thinking about it, then kindly stay away from me. You obviously side-stepped the whole rebellion/individuality thing.
Say, I haven't had any pictures up for a while. Here are some gratuitous photos of a nesting VX800.
The VX800 in its natural environment.
Behold, the unblinking eye.
I hate to break it to you, but you really probably aren't cool enough to ride this bike. It would likely throw you off, run you over and leak something on you.
Monday, September 26, 2005
Unprecedented reliability
I just realized it's been over a month since the VX has broken in a way that makes it impossible for me to ride it.
Scary. I think it's saving up for a REALLY BIG breakdown.
Scary. I think it's saving up for a REALLY BIG breakdown.
What to wear, what to wear?
This weekend I went to the Mesa Flea Market with Lady Luck and her mom. Among the many exciting items for sale, there was a selection of leather vests that I had to check out.
I finally found one that fit halfway decently. The price was ok ($20). So then I had to decide if I actually would ever wear that thing.
Nope. I don't have a cruiser, and I'm pretty sure I'd look kind of silly with it on over my Joe Rocket jacket.
Eventually, when I get a cruiser, I'll probably go pick one up. Until then, I've got $20 extra bucks to spend repairing the VX.
I finally found one that fit halfway decently. The price was ok ($20). So then I had to decide if I actually would ever wear that thing.
Nope. I don't have a cruiser, and I'm pretty sure I'd look kind of silly with it on over my Joe Rocket jacket.
Eventually, when I get a cruiser, I'll probably go pick one up. Until then, I've got $20 extra bucks to spend repairing the VX.
Friday, September 23, 2005
Yay for new food.
Today I tried something I never tried before: Indian Fry Bread.
If you can get it, you must.
If you can get it, you must.
Thursday, September 22, 2005
Cottage Cheese Brain
I haven't come up with anything interesting to write today, but I hate to leave you empty-handed when you visit The Great Motorcycle Pizza Tour for your daily fix.
So, here's a link to pictures of penguins.
Want to see a Killer Penguin?
Here's a Pizza Penguin.
What if this was the last thing you ever saw?
If something worthy presents itself today, I'll post something better. If not, sorry for the weak post. I'll do better tomorrow, I promise.
So, here's a link to pictures of penguins.
Want to see a Killer Penguin?
Here's a Pizza Penguin.
What if this was the last thing you ever saw?
If something worthy presents itself today, I'll post something better. If not, sorry for the weak post. I'll do better tomorrow, I promise.
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Dreams of a New Motorcycle
You know, the VX is pretty super. It's black, dirty and reeks of petroleum. It would be tough not to love it.
All the same, every now and then my mind wanders to something new. Something (momentarily) shiny. Something unspoiled. Something black.
There are a few bikes that fit the bill. First off is the cult classic SV650. While it doesn't come in black, the frame is black and the rest is just a rattlecan away. And I have to admit, I have a bit of a thing for the Suzuki brand. Don't ask me why.
Another bike I've been considering is the Buell City X. Chock full of streetfighter attitude, nearly 100 horsepower, comes in Black and is American made. Not to mention the price tag doesn't shatter my dreams with pesky realities of economics.
Finally, I've been thinking of a Harley Sportster 1200. Raw. Pure. Black. Pretty cheap. Not to mention I could ride the almighty hell out of it, push it in front of a train, drop it off a cliff, poop on it and still sell it to a yuppie for exactly what I paid for it. That's oddly attractive. It's almost like they're free. On the other hand, Harleys need tweaking to live up to their potential. Frankly, I'd rather just go go go.
But I think we all know that I'm going to be with the VX for a good, long time. It's scarred, old and paid for. That's worth a lot.
All the same, every now and then my mind wanders to something new. Something (momentarily) shiny. Something unspoiled. Something black.
There are a few bikes that fit the bill. First off is the cult classic SV650. While it doesn't come in black, the frame is black and the rest is just a rattlecan away. And I have to admit, I have a bit of a thing for the Suzuki brand. Don't ask me why.
Another bike I've been considering is the Buell City X. Chock full of streetfighter attitude, nearly 100 horsepower, comes in Black and is American made. Not to mention the price tag doesn't shatter my dreams with pesky realities of economics.
Finally, I've been thinking of a Harley Sportster 1200. Raw. Pure. Black. Pretty cheap. Not to mention I could ride the almighty hell out of it, push it in front of a train, drop it off a cliff, poop on it and still sell it to a yuppie for exactly what I paid for it. That's oddly attractive. It's almost like they're free. On the other hand, Harleys need tweaking to live up to their potential. Frankly, I'd rather just go go go.
But I think we all know that I'm going to be with the VX for a good, long time. It's scarred, old and paid for. That's worth a lot.
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
Motorcycles on TV
Watching the Discovery/TLC/Speed/Travel/Whatever-Channel-Wants-A-Piece-Of-The-Motorcycle-Fad-Before-It's-Too-Late channel, you'd think that everyone on a bike is in a state of near-religious bliss all the time.
Where do they find these people? I swear they spend so much time talking about their feeling of "freedom" and waxing philosophical about "just me and the road" that they can't have much time left over for actually, you know, being on the road and enjoying their freedom.
Riding, especially on longer trips on interesting roads or in rush hour traffic, does require an intense level of concentration and focus. It is possible to enter a frame of mind where there isn't room for anything besides you, your bike, and the next curve. By the time you get off the bike, the combination of adrenaline and focus can make you feel superhuman.
That makes it a good idea to go for a fast ride in the twisties before working on your taxes. Depending on how that goes, it could be a good idea to go for a ride afterwards too.
For me, the actual experience is intensely personal, and I try not to blather on to others about "freedom" and all that kind of crap. I'll leave that to the guys who trailer their bikes to rallies and keep an eye out for guys with cameras. I know that there's no way to explain the unexplainable, so I'll leave it be after "It was a good ride today." Or, perhaps I'll just smile quietly in the corner.
Although I'd almost always rather ride my bike than drive a cage (the exception is when I have to go pick up something heavy), I'm willing to admit that every now and then I can't wait to get off my bike for the day and stay out of traffic for the rest of the night. Sometimes, riding is a drag. Some days, I hit red light after red light, and I start to wonder when my clutch hand is going to give out. Some days, I have a brutal headache and every bump is a special delivery from hell.
Motorcycling is a real experience. It can be wonderful, it can be painful, it can be hot, cold, wet, dry, frustrating, euphoric, bumpy, smooth, fast, slow, smelly, buzzy, dirty, really dirty or really really dirty. But you can't get any of that from TV.
Where do they find these people? I swear they spend so much time talking about their feeling of "freedom" and waxing philosophical about "just me and the road" that they can't have much time left over for actually, you know, being on the road and enjoying their freedom.
Riding, especially on longer trips on interesting roads or in rush hour traffic, does require an intense level of concentration and focus. It is possible to enter a frame of mind where there isn't room for anything besides you, your bike, and the next curve. By the time you get off the bike, the combination of adrenaline and focus can make you feel superhuman.
That makes it a good idea to go for a fast ride in the twisties before working on your taxes. Depending on how that goes, it could be a good idea to go for a ride afterwards too.
For me, the actual experience is intensely personal, and I try not to blather on to others about "freedom" and all that kind of crap. I'll leave that to the guys who trailer their bikes to rallies and keep an eye out for guys with cameras. I know that there's no way to explain the unexplainable, so I'll leave it be after "It was a good ride today." Or, perhaps I'll just smile quietly in the corner.
Although I'd almost always rather ride my bike than drive a cage (the exception is when I have to go pick up something heavy), I'm willing to admit that every now and then I can't wait to get off my bike for the day and stay out of traffic for the rest of the night. Sometimes, riding is a drag. Some days, I hit red light after red light, and I start to wonder when my clutch hand is going to give out. Some days, I have a brutal headache and every bump is a special delivery from hell.
Motorcycling is a real experience. It can be wonderful, it can be painful, it can be hot, cold, wet, dry, frustrating, euphoric, bumpy, smooth, fast, slow, smelly, buzzy, dirty, really dirty or really really dirty. But you can't get any of that from TV.
Monday, September 19, 2005
And a very merry unbirthday to you!
Well, I had a pretty kick ass birthday. Pizza was eaten (review soon), presents were received and beer was drunk.
I got an awesome tank bag, which is going to increase my travelling range significantly. No more piddly 200 mile days for me. Now I can bring a couple changes of clothes (I pack light), water, a map, tools.... just about everything. I'm particularily stoked because it means I won't have to bring my backpack with me all the time. Hooray for that!
I got an awesome tank bag, which is going to increase my travelling range significantly. No more piddly 200 mile days for me. Now I can bring a couple changes of clothes (I pack light), water, a map, tools.... just about everything. I'm particularily stoked because it means I won't have to bring my backpack with me all the time. Hooray for that!
Friday, September 16, 2005
Birthday Pizza
Hey, it's my birthday this weekend. Plans include: eating pizza (new place? could be!), riding extensively, ignoring people telling me I'm old, riding some more, figuring out how I can be a millionaire before my next birthday (donations gladly accepted), and having cake and ice cream.
Excellent birthday gifts (no, not from YOU. Do you really think I'd beg for gifts on my blog?) would be:
A leather jacket
A new set of Craftsman wrenches
A new set of Craftsman screwdrivers
Free tune-up for the VX (incl. Valve Adjustment. I don't want to do it.)
A tank bag/saddle bags
Some kick ass stickers for my lid
One of those pizza dough rolling machines that pizza places have. Those things are awesome.
Have a good weekend!
Excellent birthday gifts (no, not from YOU. Do you really think I'd beg for gifts on my blog?) would be:
A leather jacket
A new set of Craftsman wrenches
A new set of Craftsman screwdrivers
Free tune-up for the VX (incl. Valve Adjustment. I don't want to do it.)
A tank bag/saddle bags
Some kick ass stickers for my lid
One of those pizza dough rolling machines that pizza places have. Those things are awesome.
Have a good weekend!
Thursday, September 15, 2005
The mood-altering and enhancing effects of motorcycling.
I woke up in an unusually good mood today. It was unusual because I'm normally the most pissed off zombie you'll ever see in the morning.
Because of my good mood, my ride to work was extra fun, and I was practically bursting with good will and joy by the time I took off my helmet again. People in the office were a little leery of my toothy grin and hearty cries of "Good Morning!"
They just don't understand.
For me, it is damn hard to get on my bike pissed off, and get off of it still pissed off. Usually, I just need to look at it for a minute or two and I start giggling to myself. If I head out for a ride in a good mood, I'm Sergeant Sunshine when I get off.
I have yet to have anyone tell me they feel that way in their SUV.
For a dramatic change of topic, here's a video that every driver should watch, and every rider should emulate: http://www.splicehere.tv/player.php?MF=hi&ID=spotsoffline2
Because of my good mood, my ride to work was extra fun, and I was practically bursting with good will and joy by the time I took off my helmet again. People in the office were a little leery of my toothy grin and hearty cries of "Good Morning!"
They just don't understand.
For me, it is damn hard to get on my bike pissed off, and get off of it still pissed off. Usually, I just need to look at it for a minute or two and I start giggling to myself. If I head out for a ride in a good mood, I'm Sergeant Sunshine when I get off.
I have yet to have anyone tell me they feel that way in their SUV.
For a dramatic change of topic, here's a video that every driver should watch, and every rider should emulate: http://www.splicehere.tv/player.php?MF=hi&ID=spotsoffline2
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Alpine Pizza Review!
This is the first "Road" review. My usual pizza posse and I needed to get the almighty hell out of Phoenix for a weekend, and I took the opportunity to ride 3 hours to Flagstaff, AZ. Naturally, I had to find a place to get pizza.
The Place: Alpine Pizza,
7 N Leroux St
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
(928) 779-4109
The Posse: Me, Lady Luck, Bo, Baldy-Beard
The Pie: Mexican Pizza
Alpine Pizza was a discovery wrapped up in a surprise. We were checking out the Route 66 Days Car Show (which we didn't know was going on before we got to Flagstaff), and above the rows of gleaming automobiles, I saw.... a sign.
Naturally, I demanded we abandon the car show to the Hawaiian-shirted, Bermuda-shorted tourists and consume as much pizza as possible as rapidly as possible.
My plan worked out remarkably well. Let's get to the review!
Crust - I think the crust was the second best part of this pizza. It tasted good enough that I'd probably eat it on it's own, if I had a side of sauce. On the other hand, it was too crisp and too soft at the same time. I couldn't really fold it taco style, but it wouldn't hold itself up. I feel that pizza needs to be eaten without cutlery, so you can see my dilemma. 3 Crying Luckies.
Sauce - The sauce was easily the best part of the pizza. It was spicy, and there was almost enough to please me. As always, I could have gone for more sauce. 4 Crying Luckies.
Toppings - The toppings were this pizzas weakest point. I'm hoping that they just make a lousy mexican pizza. There was plenty of cheese, and it was good, but the rest of the toppings were boring. I didn't need to pick them off, but they didn't make me leap out of my seat and cheer. 2.5 Crying Luckies.
Ambience - This place is cool cool cool. There was wood everywhere, and all of the wood was carved up with people's names, statements of love, and obscenities. They had an ok juke box (No Dio or Elvis? WTF?), but more importantly they had a pool table. I would cheerfully spend an evening eating a crappy pizza in a place like this, as long as they kept the beer coming, and Alpine Pizza's pizza was fairly decent. 4 Crying Luckies
Overall, Alpine Pizza gets a solid 3.5 Crying Luckies. I would go back, and would remember this place if I was in Flagstaff looking for a place to hang out with a bunch of friends, some of whom are not of drinking age.
Now, let's talk about the ride. I took the less-scenic route on my way to Flagstaff, but "less scenic" isn't bad. Basically I took I-17 the whole way. One doesn't need to exit, as 17 dumps you out in town. I parked on San Francisco Blvd and walked the 2 blocks over to Leroux St. 17 is a good road to ride really fast on, except for the parts marked "rough road." They aren't kidding. If you have the time I'd recommend riding up 89A to Flagstaff. It's very, very twisty.
While in Flagstaff, I rode up and back down Snowbowl Road, which is a great ride. It's quite twisty, with lots of opportunities for knee-dragging. The ride to and in Flagstaff gets 5 Crying Luckies. I didn't ever want to get off of my bike, and rode almost 450 miles over the weekend.
The Place: Alpine Pizza,
7 N Leroux St
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
(928) 779-4109
The Posse: Me, Lady Luck, Bo, Baldy-Beard
The Pie: Mexican Pizza
Alpine Pizza was a discovery wrapped up in a surprise. We were checking out the Route 66 Days Car Show (which we didn't know was going on before we got to Flagstaff), and above the rows of gleaming automobiles, I saw.... a sign.Naturally, I demanded we abandon the car show to the Hawaiian-shirted, Bermuda-shorted tourists and consume as much pizza as possible as rapidly as possible.
My plan worked out remarkably well. Let's get to the review!
Crust - I think the crust was the second best part of this pizza. It tasted good enough that I'd probably eat it on it's own, if I had a side of sauce. On the other hand, it was too crisp and too soft at the same time. I couldn't really fold it taco style, but it wouldn't hold itself up. I feel that pizza needs to be eaten without cutlery, so you can see my dilemma. 3 Crying Luckies.
Sauce - The sauce was easily the best part of the pizza. It was spicy, and there was almost enough to please me. As always, I could have gone for more sauce. 4 Crying Luckies.
Toppings - The toppings were this pizzas weakest point. I'm hoping that they just make a lousy mexican pizza. There was plenty of cheese, and it was good, but the rest of the toppings were boring. I didn't need to pick them off, but they didn't make me leap out of my seat and cheer. 2.5 Crying Luckies.
Ambience - This place is cool cool cool. There was wood everywhere, and all of the wood was carved up with people's names, statements of love, and obscenities. They had an ok juke box (No Dio or Elvis? WTF?), but more importantly they had a pool table. I would cheerfully spend an evening eating a crappy pizza in a place like this, as long as they kept the beer coming, and Alpine Pizza's pizza was fairly decent. 4 Crying LuckiesOverall, Alpine Pizza gets a solid 3.5 Crying Luckies. I would go back, and would remember this place if I was in Flagstaff looking for a place to hang out with a bunch of friends, some of whom are not of drinking age.
Now, let's talk about the ride. I took the less-scenic route on my way to Flagstaff, but "less scenic" isn't bad. Basically I took I-17 the whole way. One doesn't need to exit, as 17 dumps you out in town. I parked on San Francisco Blvd and walked the 2 blocks over to Leroux St. 17 is a good road to ride really fast on, except for the parts marked "rough road." They aren't kidding. If you have the time I'd recommend riding up 89A to Flagstaff. It's very, very twisty.
While in Flagstaff, I rode up and back down Snowbowl Road, which is a great ride. It's quite twisty, with lots of opportunities for knee-dragging. The ride to and in Flagstaff gets 5 Crying Luckies. I didn't ever want to get off of my bike, and rode almost 450 miles over the weekend.
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
And soon it will be Fall
It is starting to be cool in the mornings again. The first cool morning near the end of summer always reminds me why I love living in the desert so much. Elsewhere in the country, riders will soon be packing their bikes away for the winter. Not me. It's getting to be prime riding time again.
For a drastic change of topic: The pizza review will probably be up tomorrow.
For a drastic change of topic: The pizza review will probably be up tomorrow.
Sunday, September 11, 2005
Glorious Weekend.
This weekend I rode up to Flagstaff. The VX ran great, and the new front tire made a huge difference in how the bike handled. I rode fairly aggressively, and didn't have any "oh shit" moments in the twisty bits. On the way to (and from) Flagstaff I averaged about 90 mph, and I think I hit the ton a couple of times very briefly.
I stumbled across many things this weekend. For one, "Route 66 Days" was going on. That can only mean one thing: CAR SHOW. While at the car show, I discovered a new pizza place. There will naturally be a review later this week, once I've had time to write it up.
But for now, how would you like to see some pictures of cars and the VX?
I call this photo "VX800 in Repose." This was on my way back down Snowbowl Road.
I don't know much about old school hot rods, but I know a good accessory when I see it. Check this guy out:
Seriously, that's almost cooler than the car.
If you like Clutch you'll understand why I had to get a picture of this Dodge Swinger.
What's not to love?
And now for my favorite cars of the show:
This car had flame outlines done using a sharpie. You can't see them in this picture, but believe me when I tell you they were most ratty.
I want it. I need it. I have to have it. This car took 3 tries to get a decent photo of it. People kept getting their ugly, tourist butts in my way. How rude.
I stumbled across many things this weekend. For one, "Route 66 Days" was going on. That can only mean one thing: CAR SHOW. While at the car show, I discovered a new pizza place. There will naturally be a review later this week, once I've had time to write it up.
But for now, how would you like to see some pictures of cars and the VX?
I call this photo "VX800 in Repose." This was on my way back down Snowbowl Road.
I don't know much about old school hot rods, but I know a good accessory when I see it. Check this guy out:
Seriously, that's almost cooler than the car.
If you like Clutch you'll understand why I had to get a picture of this Dodge Swinger.
What's not to love?
And now for my favorite cars of the show:
This car had flame outlines done using a sharpie. You can't see them in this picture, but believe me when I tell you they were most ratty.
I want it. I need it. I have to have it. This car took 3 tries to get a decent photo of it. People kept getting their ugly, tourist butts in my way. How rude.
Friday, September 09, 2005
Buying tools
One of my favorite things, when it comes to wrenching, is casually strolling out to the garage around 8:00 pm, and discovering I can't do anything until I buy some new tools.
Now, as much as I love getting new tools, I hate last second tool purchases. For one thing, last second means I have to go to the Auto Zone closest to my house. I love Auto Zone, but I don't like the Auto Zone closest to me, as it's in a nasty neighborhood. Every time I go, someone will jump out from around a corner (or just appear out of thin air) and ask me for a ride. Of course I say no, so then they start asking for money.
Beggars don't bother me much, and I'm happy to help them out if I can. All the same, I hate getting dragged into a 5 minute conversation when I just want to take my new tools, get back to my garage, and get the front wheel off of my bike. I don't need a backstory to feel good about helping someone out.
After I was freed from the crazy beggar-talk, I zoomed home and got that front wheel off in less than five minutes. Today I get the new tire mounted, and tomorrow I'm off to Flagstaff.
With any luck, with this trip to Flagstaff will come bold, new, untasted pizza. Have a good weekend!
Now, as much as I love getting new tools, I hate last second tool purchases. For one thing, last second means I have to go to the Auto Zone closest to my house. I love Auto Zone, but I don't like the Auto Zone closest to me, as it's in a nasty neighborhood. Every time I go, someone will jump out from around a corner (or just appear out of thin air) and ask me for a ride. Of course I say no, so then they start asking for money.
Beggars don't bother me much, and I'm happy to help them out if I can. All the same, I hate getting dragged into a 5 minute conversation when I just want to take my new tools, get back to my garage, and get the front wheel off of my bike. I don't need a backstory to feel good about helping someone out.
After I was freed from the crazy beggar-talk, I zoomed home and got that front wheel off in less than five minutes. Today I get the new tire mounted, and tomorrow I'm off to Flagstaff.
With any luck, with this trip to Flagstaff will come bold, new, untasted pizza. Have a good weekend!
Thursday, September 08, 2005
A note on the state of the blog
What's up with comment spam? Is that ACTUALLY an effective advertising technique? Who falls for it?
Anonymous comments are still allowed, but I've enabled the "word verification." If you aren't a spammer, please feel free to leave comments (or not, I'm not needy).
Anonymous comments are still allowed, but I've enabled the "word verification." If you aren't a spammer, please feel free to leave comments (or not, I'm not needy).
Wanna see some pictures of the VX?
Well, you don't get to today. HA HA! I was going to take some pictures last night, but then instead of doing that I helped Baldy-Beard get his scooter rideable again and we went out for a quick 40 mile ride.
Baldy-Beard's exhaust was more or less falling off. He took it in to a local scooter shop to get a new tire put on and they apparently botched the reassembly in a big way. There was one tiny little bracket holding the exhaust onto the scooter. Good thing it held.
It took maybe 20 minutes to get everything bolted up tight (assembly order is one of those fun things that makes everything trickier the first time around...), and his scooter is running well, and quietly, again.
Today, I'm going to order a new front tire, as this weekend we're going up to Flagstaff. Naturally, I'm riding while the everyone else rides in the car. I'm stoked.
Baldy-Beard's exhaust was more or less falling off. He took it in to a local scooter shop to get a new tire put on and they apparently botched the reassembly in a big way. There was one tiny little bracket holding the exhaust onto the scooter. Good thing it held.
It took maybe 20 minutes to get everything bolted up tight (assembly order is one of those fun things that makes everything trickier the first time around...), and his scooter is running well, and quietly, again.
Today, I'm going to order a new front tire, as this weekend we're going up to Flagstaff. Naturally, I'm riding while the everyone else rides in the car. I'm stoked.
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
One more reason I love to ride every day.
I filled up my tank last night. It cost me less than $10. I spent an extra 5 minutes at the gas station waiting for a Hummer or some other gargantuan, entirely useless truck to pull in so I could dance around in front of them waving my receipt and singing the "Happy Happy Joy Joy" song (or perhaps a new Oompa-Loompa song extolling the virtues of a fuel-conserving vehicle).
Luckily for everyone, none showed up.
Has anyone else noticed a number of people who have started driving extra slowly? You know, the "my gas mileage is best at 55 mph, and that's exactly how fast I'm going to go, and if you don't like it, you can go around me" types. If they'd only get motorcycles, it wouldn't be a problem.
On the other hand, the last thing the motorcycle world needs is a bunch of yahoos switching to bikes for the gas savings and getting killed because they insist on talking on their cell phones and drinking triple-mocha-half-caf-whiz-bang-frappe-lattes while on the road. I can see the media and lawsuit frenzies now...
In other, related news, the U.S. is apparently getting more and more "Mad Max" every day. This morning I saw a car abandoned in the right lane on a busy road, with no flashers/flares/anything. If the excitement in New Orleans continues, soon the U.S. will be all tanker-truck-raiding, thunderdome-fighting, funky-hairdo-having fun fun fun. Get your flat black rattle cans ready now.
Luckily for everyone, none showed up.
Has anyone else noticed a number of people who have started driving extra slowly? You know, the "my gas mileage is best at 55 mph, and that's exactly how fast I'm going to go, and if you don't like it, you can go around me" types. If they'd only get motorcycles, it wouldn't be a problem.
On the other hand, the last thing the motorcycle world needs is a bunch of yahoos switching to bikes for the gas savings and getting killed because they insist on talking on their cell phones and drinking triple-mocha-half-caf-whiz-bang-frappe-lattes while on the road. I can see the media and lawsuit frenzies now...
In other, related news, the U.S. is apparently getting more and more "Mad Max" every day. This morning I saw a car abandoned in the right lane on a busy road, with no flashers/flares/anything. If the excitement in New Orleans continues, soon the U.S. will be all tanker-truck-raiding, thunderdome-fighting, funky-hairdo-having fun fun fun. Get your flat black rattle cans ready now.
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
Good news and bad news
The good news is: I found my digital camera, and will take some pictures of my bike and put them up here.
The bad news is: I've been damn tired, and couldn't be bothered to take photos this weekend. Maybe I'll take a couple tonight, but my magic eight ball says it's not likely.
You might think that a 3 day weekend would scream "GO OUT AND RIDE, YOU TOOL!" And it did. It's just that I couldn't get out of bed for more than an hour at a time this weekend. The last three days were a blur of high intensity sleeping.
What? Hey, you run on 2 hours of sleep per night for a week and tell me you don't need to recuperate.
The bad news is: I've been damn tired, and couldn't be bothered to take photos this weekend. Maybe I'll take a couple tonight, but my magic eight ball says it's not likely.
You might think that a 3 day weekend would scream "GO OUT AND RIDE, YOU TOOL!" And it did. It's just that I couldn't get out of bed for more than an hour at a time this weekend. The last three days were a blur of high intensity sleeping.
What? Hey, you run on 2 hours of sleep per night for a week and tell me you don't need to recuperate.
Friday, September 02, 2005
About the Suzuki VX800
Since VX800's are pretty rare, I thought I'd talk a little bit about my bike and why you are probably not cool enough to ride it.
In essence, the VX800 is Suzuki's early 90's version of the Universal Japanese Motorcycle. It's not a cruiser, it's not a sportbike, it's not a dirt bike, it's just a motorcycle. Two wheels, handlebars, a motor and not much else.
The VX800 looks kind of crotch-rockety to the untrained eye, but a motorcycle afficianado will notice various subtle differences from sportbikes. The forks are kicked out significantly farther than a typical sportbike. In fact, the front end is much more cruiser than crotch-rocket. The rear wheel is driven by a shaft drive, which sacrifices some performance, but eliminates a lot of maintenance. For those of you who've been following this web log for a while, you'll know that any maintenance spared is most welcome. The seating position is very upright, and the handlebars are pretty high.
The engine is the same as the 750 Intruder, only bored out to 805 cubic centimeters. It's quite torquey, and rumbles nicely. It makes about 46 horsepower, peak, which is plenty for normal street riding. I won't say that I wouldn't like some more power (who wouldn't?), but I'm quite happy with it as it is. The gearing is set up so that one doesn't need to downshift to pass. Just give the throttle a little tweak and away you go. All the power the bike makes is immediately usable. I love that.
There is minimal plastic, which appealed to me because I prefer the streetfighter look to that of a fully-faired bike.
The VX is a practical, reliable (so I hear...) and fun bike. It isn't as flickable as an SV650, but it maneuvers well enough to have a good time carving canyons. For a v-twin, the gas mileage is respectable (appx. 40 - 45 miles to the gallon). It's not flashy, and requires a higher degree of confidence in penile size and ability than many other more popular bikes. I would probably get another VX if I had to do it over again, although I think I'd go for a lower-mileage specimen. The one thing that really bugs me is how hard it is to get parts for it.
Well, I'm pretty tired from a crazy week, so I'm going to go and doze for a while now.
In essence, the VX800 is Suzuki's early 90's version of the Universal Japanese Motorcycle. It's not a cruiser, it's not a sportbike, it's not a dirt bike, it's just a motorcycle. Two wheels, handlebars, a motor and not much else.
The VX800 looks kind of crotch-rockety to the untrained eye, but a motorcycle afficianado will notice various subtle differences from sportbikes. The forks are kicked out significantly farther than a typical sportbike. In fact, the front end is much more cruiser than crotch-rocket. The rear wheel is driven by a shaft drive, which sacrifices some performance, but eliminates a lot of maintenance. For those of you who've been following this web log for a while, you'll know that any maintenance spared is most welcome. The seating position is very upright, and the handlebars are pretty high.
The engine is the same as the 750 Intruder, only bored out to 805 cubic centimeters. It's quite torquey, and rumbles nicely. It makes about 46 horsepower, peak, which is plenty for normal street riding. I won't say that I wouldn't like some more power (who wouldn't?), but I'm quite happy with it as it is. The gearing is set up so that one doesn't need to downshift to pass. Just give the throttle a little tweak and away you go. All the power the bike makes is immediately usable. I love that.
There is minimal plastic, which appealed to me because I prefer the streetfighter look to that of a fully-faired bike.
The VX is a practical, reliable (so I hear...) and fun bike. It isn't as flickable as an SV650, but it maneuvers well enough to have a good time carving canyons. For a v-twin, the gas mileage is respectable (appx. 40 - 45 miles to the gallon). It's not flashy, and requires a higher degree of confidence in penile size and ability than many other more popular bikes. I would probably get another VX if I had to do it over again, although I think I'd go for a lower-mileage specimen. The one thing that really bugs me is how hard it is to get parts for it.
Well, I'm pretty tired from a crazy week, so I'm going to go and doze for a while now.
Thursday, September 01, 2005
Sleep?
Well, it's almost 4 am, which means that I've been at work for way, way, way too long. Presently there is no hope of ever leaving.
Anyway, this is my post for the day. Sorry...
...Uh, my motorcycle probably broke, and I probably want pizza. See, it's like you didn't miss anything at all!
Ok, have a good day, loyal readers.
Anyway, this is my post for the day. Sorry...
...Uh, my motorcycle probably broke, and I probably want pizza. See, it's like you didn't miss anything at all!
Ok, have a good day, loyal readers.
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