So now that gas prices have gone up and the marketing industry has decided that green is in, certain people have started buying hybrids. And these are brand new cars they're buying. And, somehow, they think that they're saving the environment AND money. Of course, what they're really buying is the green image.
If you're really dedicated to being green then carpool, or ride public transportation or a bicycle to work. Or walk. Or work from home.
Now, if you're in need of an image-enhancement, buying a Prius might be tempting. I mean, you've got instant sorta-green street cred when you roll up in that suppository-lookin' thing. Do not give in to this temptation. Get a motorcycle instead. Here's why:
You can still save on gas, use the carpool lane and ride alone. Somehow, we Americans have developed a serious aversion to carpooling. I understand the need for independence - waiting for a ride can be a drag. I don't want to deal with your grumpy self, and I can guarantee you don't want to put up with me in the morning. But if you drive a non-hybrid alone, you don't get to use the carpool lane. And gas is expensive!
Well, get a motorcycle, instead of that ugly car thing. You can ride solo, or with a friend if you like. You get to use the carpool lane. Best of all, a good commuter motorcycle can easily get 50- 60 miles per gallon.
Motorcycles, even new motorcycles, consume fewer resources than a new car. OK, so you want to be green. Your decision is buy a new car??? Are you really that stupid? Think about everything that goes into a car. The front end of a new car is always new, high quality steel, because no manufacturer is going to trust recycled metal in their front ends. Where does that steel come from? Here's a hint: not a sustainable farm. Then there's new plastic for everything else, plus rubber, etc. etc. And then the hybrids throw in a few full-of-toxic-material batteries for good measure.
A new motorcycle needs a lot less new metal, rubber, plastic and energy to produce than a new car does.
Of course, the greenest option, for a car or a motorcycle, is to buy used. That metal, plastic, etc., has already been consumed, you might as well keep using it.
As far as ongoing maintenance goes, a motorcycle only has two tires to wear out at a time. We're not dumping nearly as much rubber dust as cagers are every day. We use less oil, less coolant, less brake fluid, and so on.
An ugly motorcycle still better looking than a Prius. Seriously, butt-ugly-chic? It doesn't exist.
A motorcycle, and all the gear and rider training you could ever want, is still cheaper than a Prius. I think this one speaks for itself, but here we go:
Brand new motorcycle for commuting = ~$8,000
Safety gear (helmet, jacket, pants, etc.) = ~$500-$1,500 depending what brand and how much you buy
Training costs vary by state, but we'll say $300.
Assuming you go all out, that's $9,800. A Prius is $20,000+.
Do you want to be thought of as an awesome biker, or a half-electric sheep? We all know you bought that Prius so you could feel all holier-than-thou. Even if you won't admit it, you want everyone to think you're a green person. You're still identifying yourself by your vehicle.
I'm not going to say I haven't been guilty of the same, but at least I've got an awesome motorcycle to show for it. And I can still be environmentally-conscious, just like you!
A Prius isn't even all-electric. I, for one, welcome the day when I can get an all-electric motorcycle that does what my gas-powered motorcycle does. I'll set up a wind turbine and solar cells in my yard, just to charge my motorcycle. Until then, however, I'm not going to drag around a bunch of heavy batteries and rely on a pair of under-powered motors to do it.
Prius drivers are slow and annoying. Have you noticed? If you want to be pretend-green, fine, but at least get out of my way. I don't think this is entirely the drivers fault (though seriously, move over meathead), the car only has an underpowered gas motor, and an underpowered electric motor to get it moving. And they have a gauge telling them what kind of mileage they're getting, so they can obsess about each and every mile per hour and how it affects their fuel economy.
Meanwhile, I can ride like a crazed spider-monkey high on crack (not that I would), and still get amazing gas mileage.
Getting a car instead of a motorcycle is admitting you're a huge wussy. "Oh, I would ride a motorcycle, but I'm scared of traffic and getting cold or hot or rained on or snowed on or whatever."
You, sir, are a pantywaist. Motorcycles are risky, sure. Learn to ride, wear your gear, and take some damn responsibility. Riders have to contend with the elements as well. Aren't those elements what you want everyone to think you're defending? Get out and enjoy them, instead of sitting in a slow, ugly, moderately-more-protective box. Be a warrior! Take Gary's example and simply ride slower and dress warmer in the winter.
Motorcycles are fun! The number one reason to get one instead of a car! Cars are not fun. Cars SUCK. If cars were awesome to be in, they wouldn't need stereos, you wouldn't feel compelled to call all your friends while driving, and you would see nothing but smiles - instead of scowling faces - on your way to work every day.
Make some new friends, learn some new stuff, enjoy some windy state roads, stomp around in your kick-ass motorcycle boots, buy new tools, and be the environmentally aware bad-ass in your office. Get a motorcycle, not some crappy Prius.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Bring a Friend and a Kayak Riding With You
I just found this nifty blog (update - the blog is now defunct) written by a Ural enthusiast. There are only a couple things keeping me from getting a Ural:
- I have too many motorcycles already
- I don't have the money for yet another motorcycle
- No one makes a super-soaker mount for the sidecar yet
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
We All Need to Practice
A little less than a year ago, I started playing the double bass. It's a challenging instrument. Not only is the fingerboard fretless, but the instrument itself is huge, delicate and expensive, and the strings are under a tremendous amount of tension. Everything a bassist does, whether playing or just getting the darn thing out of it's case, is planned and deliberate. Inattention results in pain, injuries and, even worse, out-of-tune playing.
What's more, a double bassist needs to practice constantly, since there are no frets to keep us in tune. It's necessary to practice everyday to keep one's muscle memory fresh and accurate.
Practice, unfortunately, isn't a quick run through of one's favorite piece, either. Practice is 15 minutes of scales, followed up by whatever other sick exercises your teacher came up with to torture you. This stuff is necessary, though, so when it's time to perform you don't sound like an amateur.
Teacher? Yes, a double bassist without a teacher is scarcely a bassist at all. Is it possible to learn on your own? Probably, but why waste all that time when someone who loves the instrument can show you how to play correctly and offer feedback right away?
Now, if you'll pretend this is a graceful segue, riding a motorcycle is very much like playing a musical instrument. Like a double bass, in particular: they're big, heavy, expensive and can mess you up if you don't know what you're doing.
If you're reading my blog, you've probably already taken basic rider's training. Have you practiced any of the skills you learned since then? Have you taken more training?
I have to admit that I haven't been to the advanced rider's training yet. I keep meaning to go, and keep not doing it. All the same, I do practice my basic skills: tight maneuvering, swerving and emergency braking (and we won't mention practicing wheelies...). That way, when I need those skills, I've got them.
Practice isn't glamorous, or exciting, or even fun, but it is necessary if you want to be really good at something. And if you're going to play in traffic with the rest of us, don't you want to be sure you're really good at it?
What's more, a double bassist needs to practice constantly, since there are no frets to keep us in tune. It's necessary to practice everyday to keep one's muscle memory fresh and accurate.
Practice, unfortunately, isn't a quick run through of one's favorite piece, either. Practice is 15 minutes of scales, followed up by whatever other sick exercises your teacher came up with to torture you. This stuff is necessary, though, so when it's time to perform you don't sound like an amateur.
Teacher? Yes, a double bassist without a teacher is scarcely a bassist at all. Is it possible to learn on your own? Probably, but why waste all that time when someone who loves the instrument can show you how to play correctly and offer feedback right away?
Now, if you'll pretend this is a graceful segue, riding a motorcycle is very much like playing a musical instrument. Like a double bass, in particular: they're big, heavy, expensive and can mess you up if you don't know what you're doing.
If you're reading my blog, you've probably already taken basic rider's training. Have you practiced any of the skills you learned since then? Have you taken more training?
I have to admit that I haven't been to the advanced rider's training yet. I keep meaning to go, and keep not doing it. All the same, I do practice my basic skills: tight maneuvering, swerving and emergency braking (and we won't mention practicing wheelies...). That way, when I need those skills, I've got them.
Practice isn't glamorous, or exciting, or even fun, but it is necessary if you want to be really good at something. And if you're going to play in traffic with the rest of us, don't you want to be sure you're really good at it?
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Three Days Off and No Pizza Review?
I know, I can't believe it either. It's not that I went without pizza for the whole weekend, but pizza at the Anthem outlet mall food court is scarcely pizza at all.
We did, however, go to the famous-enough Meteor Crater shortly outside of Flagstaff.
It was a hole.
No, really. The crater is a big hole, but a hole all the same. Actually, it's a big enough hole that it's difficult to grasp how huge it is, until you look through one of the conveniently provided telescopes and check out the six foot tall spaceman by the 3x5 foot flag at the bottom. Up until I saw that, I was really, really disappointed that we'd paid $15 - each - to get admission to a gravel pit. After seeing the various items they'd placed to provide a sense of scale, however, I was only a little disappointed that we'd paid $15 - each - to get in.
It was super windy while we were there, which made the whole experience a little more interesting, and the museum was pretty good. Well, no, it wasn't. It was OK. The gift shop was pretty spectacular, though.
Honestly, I was more impressed with the geodesic dome gas station just off the I-40 on the way to the crater than with the crater itself. I think it would have been more interesting if we could have hiked to the bottom of the crater.
To be fair, the $15 gets you a guided hike around the rim of the crater. We didn't go on the hike because I was gasping for air when I was just standing there. High altitudes are fun! It also gives you admission to a movie, which we also didn't bother to check out. So we probably could have done a better job of getting our money's worth.
Though, seriously, for $15 per person, there should have been a roller coaster.
We did, however, go to the famous-enough Meteor Crater shortly outside of Flagstaff.
It was a hole.
No, really. The crater is a big hole, but a hole all the same. Actually, it's a big enough hole that it's difficult to grasp how huge it is, until you look through one of the conveniently provided telescopes and check out the six foot tall spaceman by the 3x5 foot flag at the bottom. Up until I saw that, I was really, really disappointed that we'd paid $15 - each - to get admission to a gravel pit. After seeing the various items they'd placed to provide a sense of scale, however, I was only a little disappointed that we'd paid $15 - each - to get in.
It was super windy while we were there, which made the whole experience a little more interesting, and the museum was pretty good. Well, no, it wasn't. It was OK. The gift shop was pretty spectacular, though.
Honestly, I was more impressed with the geodesic dome gas station just off the I-40 on the way to the crater than with the crater itself. I think it would have been more interesting if we could have hiked to the bottom of the crater.
To be fair, the $15 gets you a guided hike around the rim of the crater. We didn't go on the hike because I was gasping for air when I was just standing there. High altitudes are fun! It also gives you admission to a movie, which we also didn't bother to check out. So we probably could have done a better job of getting our money's worth.
Though, seriously, for $15 per person, there should have been a roller coaster.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Out of Town
Lady Luck and I are going to Flagstaff for the weekend. Posts will resume Monday night or Tuesday morning.
Have a good Memorial Day weekend!
Have a good Memorial Day weekend!
Friday, May 23, 2008
Motorcycle Repair is Best on Dark and Stormy Nights
So, I've developed a bit of a superstition about working on the VX800: the repairs don't take unless both of the following conditions are true
One of my local UTMC buddies went to the trouble of customizing an 8mm socket for me recently, but I haven't met up with him yet to get it. Once that's in hand, we'll try to tighten that sucker up.
And, if that doesn't work, I guess I'll try getting it into a shop, because I gotta get the darn thing running. It's been sitting for nearly two years, and that's just really sad.
- It's dark out
- The weather is stormy or unbelievably hot
One of my local UTMC buddies went to the trouble of customizing an 8mm socket for me recently, but I haven't met up with him yet to get it. Once that's in hand, we'll try to tighten that sucker up.
And, if that doesn't work, I guess I'll try getting it into a shop, because I gotta get the darn thing running. It's been sitting for nearly two years, and that's just really sad.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Planning a Trip to Oregon
In the first week of July, Lady Luck and I will be headed for Oregon for about a week.
Well, actually, we'll be headed for San Francisco and then up to Oregon along the coast. Portland is one of many places we're considering moving to. Naturally, one of my major questions about moving anywhere is "How's the riding?"
Thankfully, unlike some other cities I could mention, there's a place in Portland (well, slightly south of Portland) that rents non-Harley-Davidson motorcycles. In fact, Oregon Motorcycle Rentals has a couple of Triumphs and a Ducati or two as well as the usual assortment of cruisers. Unfortunately, they don't have a Ducati Sport 1000, though they do have a GT 1000.
...I'd better stick with a Triumph. I don't need to get the Ducati-lust again.
Does anyone know of a shop that rents scooters in Portland? It'd be fun to get a pair and buzz around the city for a day or two.
Well, actually, we'll be headed for San Francisco and then up to Oregon along the coast. Portland is one of many places we're considering moving to. Naturally, one of my major questions about moving anywhere is "How's the riding?"
Thankfully, unlike some other cities I could mention, there's a place in Portland (well, slightly south of Portland) that rents non-Harley-Davidson motorcycles. In fact, Oregon Motorcycle Rentals has a couple of Triumphs and a Ducati or two as well as the usual assortment of cruisers. Unfortunately, they don't have a Ducati Sport 1000, though they do have a GT 1000.
...I'd better stick with a Triumph. I don't need to get the Ducati-lust again.
Does anyone know of a shop that rents scooters in Portland? It'd be fun to get a pair and buzz around the city for a day or two.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Adding to the Definition of Cruising
This company offers cruises specifically for motorcyclists. It sounds pretty good for a non-threatening adventure vacation. I wish they had a cruise to Alaska, but I fear I'm just going to have to take a month off sometime and ride up there on my own, for a somewhat more threatening adventure vacation.
I'm sure the guided rides are a good thing, but they sound kind of boring. That's just me, though. When I ride, I focus on riding, not looking around at the pretty pretty scenery. I appreciate riding through beautiful places, but I don't linger long, if you know what I mean.
All the same, I imagine these are a pretty good time for those of us who want to see the Caribbean by boat and wear garish shirts, but don't want to leave our bikes at home.
I'm sure the guided rides are a good thing, but they sound kind of boring. That's just me, though. When I ride, I focus on riding, not looking around at the pretty pretty scenery. I appreciate riding through beautiful places, but I don't linger long, if you know what I mean.
All the same, I imagine these are a pretty good time for those of us who want to see the Caribbean by boat and wear garish shirts, but don't want to leave our bikes at home.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Random Moto-Thoughts
Well, it's Tuesday, and you guys all know that means I'm too tired to think straight this morning. So, here's a few things rattling around in my head this morning.
- The Triumph and the Vespa are both just about due for service. We've been pretty happy with the shop that services the Vespa, but I gotta find a new shop for the Triumph. Can anyone recommend a good shop in the Phoenix area that works on Triumphs?
- Yesterday it was crazy hot out, and today it's supposed to get up to 104. It's only mid-May! We've got an "Excessive Heat Warning" today. Time to get a cooling vest, I think.
- I would love to get a personal air conditioner for the garage.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Top Posts
Hey folks, I figured it was time for a self-congratulatory post. So, here's what I think are some of my bests posts.
Why Don't You Get Rid of That Donorcycle?
Motorcycles Are Risky - Deal With It!
Are Your Riding Skills Good Enough?
Ten Ways Motorcycling Improves Your Life
Where the Street Lights End
Get Used To It, Already
My Take On What Makes A Real Biker
Lucky and the Blustery Day
Brush It Off
Fear Vs. Control
Oh Yeah, The Great Outdoors
Nobody's Fault But Mine
Riding to Interviews
Moto-Stealth: Part One
Moto-Stealth: Part Two
Moto-Stealth: Part Three
Moto-Stealth: Part Four
Very, Very Scary Biker
The Alphabet According to Me
Cell Free Self-Reliance
Why Don't You Get Rid of That Donorcycle?
Motorcycles Are Risky - Deal With It!
Are Your Riding Skills Good Enough?
Ten Ways Motorcycling Improves Your Life
Where the Street Lights End
Get Used To It, Already
My Take On What Makes A Real Biker
Lucky and the Blustery Day
Brush It Off
Fear Vs. Control
Oh Yeah, The Great Outdoors
Nobody's Fault But Mine
Riding to Interviews
Moto-Stealth: Part One
Moto-Stealth: Part Two
Moto-Stealth: Part Three
Moto-Stealth: Part Four
Very, Very Scary Biker
The Alphabet According to Me
Cell Free Self-Reliance
Friday, May 16, 2008
Why You Should Ditch Your Friends and Ride Alone
Getting out and causing a ruckus with a bunch of friends is a lot of fun. I always enjoy showing people the roads I like to ride, and it's nice to have someone to chat with at the stoplights on boring roads. At the end of the road, a lot of times there's a restaurant or something else that's best enjoyed with friends. Also, it's nice to know that you've got a buddy or two along in case of a breakdown or some other unpleasant event.
On the other hand, riding alone can be even more fun. For one thing, when you're riding alone, you can ride at your own pace. Some days, I like to ride at 90, other days 70 is just fine. Trying to keep up with someone else when I'm having a slow day sucks, and waiting for someone when I'm having a fast day also sucks.
In addition, a lone biker meets a lot more people along the way than a group does. Other people are simply less likely to approach a group of bikers than a solo rider. Chances are you'll meet a variety of interesting folks while travelling alone that you wouldn't even see if you were with your buddies.
An additional problem with travelling in a group is that motorcycle to motorcycle communication can be rather difficult. So if you spot something interesting along the road, it's likely you won't get to stop and check it out if you're in a group (unless you're the lead rider).
Riding in a group is a good time now and then, but riding alone opens up all kinds of opportunities for adventure. Besides, did you really start riding because you're a team player? Get out there and be a rugged individualist - by yourself.
On the other hand, riding alone can be even more fun. For one thing, when you're riding alone, you can ride at your own pace. Some days, I like to ride at 90, other days 70 is just fine. Trying to keep up with someone else when I'm having a slow day sucks, and waiting for someone when I'm having a fast day also sucks.
In addition, a lone biker meets a lot more people along the way than a group does. Other people are simply less likely to approach a group of bikers than a solo rider. Chances are you'll meet a variety of interesting folks while travelling alone that you wouldn't even see if you were with your buddies.
An additional problem with travelling in a group is that motorcycle to motorcycle communication can be rather difficult. So if you spot something interesting along the road, it's likely you won't get to stop and check it out if you're in a group (unless you're the lead rider).
Riding in a group is a good time now and then, but riding alone opens up all kinds of opportunities for adventure. Besides, did you really start riding because you're a team player? Get out there and be a rugged individualist - by yourself.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Why Don't You Get Rid of That Donorcycle?
The term "donorcycle" irritates me. At least, it did, until I thought about the people who use it. See, using the word comes across as angry and scornful, but it's really just disguising the speaker's fear.
Sure, sure, they go on about "all these" motorcyclists (usually in gangs of 50 or more, as I hear it) who fly through traffic with little regard for the safety of those around them. Why, they got cut off one time by a guy on a bike! Another time a whole bunch of motorcycles passed them, and they were so loud, and dressed so strangely!
If you listen to them long enough, their fear becomes more evident. Are they afraid of motorcycles? Sure, at first glance. But are they really afraid of a machine that merely provides thrust and a means to direct it? No, what these folks are really afraid of is the underlying psychology of freedom and self-reliance.
I believe certain people are afraid of bikers for the same reason certain people are afraid of clowns.
...Yes, I just compared bikers and clowns in a positive way. Bear with me, it'll make sense in a second.
To badly rephrase something Tom Robbins wrote, people are afraid of clowns because they are absolutely free. Clowns do whatever the hell they want to. Most folks, on the other hand, do not. Instead they live by a set of rules taught to them by an external authority figure, be it school, religion, government, marketing, bosses or that old guy down the street. People who don't live by these same arbitrary rules are bad.
A biker deliberately undertakes an activity he or she knows is risky. What's more, a biker professes to enjoy this risky activity, even though our health teachers told us not to. How dare we? We need to get back in the boxes with the other happy drones, and stop making them uncomfortable with our leather jackets and dirty fingernails. Living the life we see fit to live, a life of freedom, joy and known risk, is unacceptable to these folks. They're a step away from yelling at us to get a haircut and a job.
We bikers are an eccentric bunch. I don't mean the hawg-polishin'-ridin'-two-miles-to-the-bar-in--chaps-and-fringe bikers - those guys get spooked and go back to their beige lives pretty quickly. No, I mean the guys who ride the hell out of their bikes, all year round - or at least as much of the year as they can. We have our own ideas about what's awesome, what's not, and how we want to live. If you disagree with us, well, it must suck to be you. It takes a different mindset to realize it's better to live your own great, risky life than a mediocre "safe" life.
And just how "safe" is this proposed life, anyway? I could stay in bed all day, every day, for fear of death. But then I'm taking a risk of having a blood clot in my leg break loose and lodge somewhere lethal. We're all going to die. If you have to die, wouldn't you like to have lived an amazing life?
This idea is just as true for our work, our family life, our hobbies, everything we do. Would you rather fit in and get along, or live in a way other people wish they could live? It's not hard, but it is a choice we all have to make: fit in, or make the world fit us.
Get rid of my donorcycle? Forget it.
Sure, sure, they go on about "all these" motorcyclists (usually in gangs of 50 or more, as I hear it) who fly through traffic with little regard for the safety of those around them. Why, they got cut off one time by a guy on a bike! Another time a whole bunch of motorcycles passed them, and they were so loud, and dressed so strangely!
If you listen to them long enough, their fear becomes more evident. Are they afraid of motorcycles? Sure, at first glance. But are they really afraid of a machine that merely provides thrust and a means to direct it? No, what these folks are really afraid of is the underlying psychology of freedom and self-reliance.
I believe certain people are afraid of bikers for the same reason certain people are afraid of clowns.
...Yes, I just compared bikers and clowns in a positive way. Bear with me, it'll make sense in a second.
To badly rephrase something Tom Robbins wrote, people are afraid of clowns because they are absolutely free. Clowns do whatever the hell they want to. Most folks, on the other hand, do not. Instead they live by a set of rules taught to them by an external authority figure, be it school, religion, government, marketing, bosses or that old guy down the street. People who don't live by these same arbitrary rules are bad.
A biker deliberately undertakes an activity he or she knows is risky. What's more, a biker professes to enjoy this risky activity, even though our health teachers told us not to. How dare we? We need to get back in the boxes with the other happy drones, and stop making them uncomfortable with our leather jackets and dirty fingernails. Living the life we see fit to live, a life of freedom, joy and known risk, is unacceptable to these folks. They're a step away from yelling at us to get a haircut and a job.
We bikers are an eccentric bunch. I don't mean the hawg-polishin'-ridin'-two-miles-to-the-bar-in--chaps-and-fringe bikers - those guys get spooked and go back to their beige lives pretty quickly. No, I mean the guys who ride the hell out of their bikes, all year round - or at least as much of the year as they can. We have our own ideas about what's awesome, what's not, and how we want to live. If you disagree with us, well, it must suck to be you. It takes a different mindset to realize it's better to live your own great, risky life than a mediocre "safe" life.
And just how "safe" is this proposed life, anyway? I could stay in bed all day, every day, for fear of death. But then I'm taking a risk of having a blood clot in my leg break loose and lodge somewhere lethal. We're all going to die. If you have to die, wouldn't you like to have lived an amazing life?
This idea is just as true for our work, our family life, our hobbies, everything we do. Would you rather fit in and get along, or live in a way other people wish they could live? It's not hard, but it is a choice we all have to make: fit in, or make the world fit us.
Get rid of my donorcycle? Forget it.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Build your own Dyno!
I love do-it-yourself projects. The problem solving, the tool acquisition, the gathering of required materials, and best of all, the part where I get to tell people I made it.
And if there's one thing I love to read about, it's other people's obsessive, large-scale DIY projects.
If you're a hopeless tuner, you might want to have your own Dyno. Or, if you've got a community garage/tool library with a bunch of your buddies, this would make a great addition.
Check out Steve's DIY Dyno.
I bet that if you are properly motivated, have a machinist friend who will work for pizza and beer, and you have a good understanding of how these things work, you could build it for less than he did.
And if there's one thing I love to read about, it's other people's obsessive, large-scale DIY projects.
If you're a hopeless tuner, you might want to have your own Dyno. Or, if you've got a community garage/tool library with a bunch of your buddies, this would make a great addition.
Check out Steve's DIY Dyno.
I bet that if you are properly motivated, have a machinist friend who will work for pizza and beer, and you have a good understanding of how these things work, you could build it for less than he did.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Sunday Moto Movie!
This week, a review of the new Kawasaki Ninja 250R. I know these are generally considered beginner bikes because they're light and not overly powerful, but it seems people forget how fun it is to push a nimble little bike to it's limits.
Incidentally, that's why Lady Luck won't let me ride her Vespa.
Incidentally, that's why Lady Luck won't let me ride her Vespa.
Friday, May 09, 2008
Links for Friday
Lady Luck took the day off, so I was able to ride to work today. The weather was perfect and it was really tempting to just blow off work and keep riding.
I was browsing around this morning and found this article about outlaw bikers in Oregon. I particularly like the photo of the guy with a club tattoo on the back of his head.
Have you seen the nUCLEUS? The ergonomics looks pretty extreme, the bodywork is ugly as heck, and it's supposedly an alternative fuel vehicle, although they can't be bothered to mention how it's alternative (I'm guessing electric).
Don't you love it when you're digging a hole and you accidentally find a buried motorcycle? I know I do.
I was browsing around this morning and found this article about outlaw bikers in Oregon. I particularly like the photo of the guy with a club tattoo on the back of his head.
Have you seen the nUCLEUS? The ergonomics looks pretty extreme, the bodywork is ugly as heck, and it's supposedly an alternative fuel vehicle, although they can't be bothered to mention how it's alternative (I'm guessing electric).
Don't you love it when you're digging a hole and you accidentally find a buried motorcycle? I know I do.
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Golden Crown Panaderia - Official Pizza Review!
Originally, I had intended to review the local pizza place in Los Alamos, NM. Of course, they were closed while I was there. I rode back to Albuquerque, mildly disappointed that I didn't get to sample nuclear-themed pizzas (I'm making that part up).I arrived in Albuquerque around late-dinner time. I didn't have any luck finding a place in the phone book, and the concierge, though eager for a ride on the Triumph, couldn't recommend a non-chain pizza joint. So, I got on the phone and consulted The Great Motorcycle Pizza Research Team (Lady Luck). She directed me to Golden Crown Panaderia, which was only a few blocks from my hotel.
The Place:
Golden Crown Panaderia
1103 Mountain RD NW
Albuquerque, NM 87102
505-243-2424
The outside of the building didn't look like there would be delicious pizza inside, and I was somewhat apprehensive going in. It was getting late, after all, and the whole trip would have been a failure without a pizza review.Luckily, there was indeed delicious pizza awaiting me inside. Golden Crown offers a few different kinds of crust. I tried the "Peasant" crust, which is a basic multi-grain crust, with pepperoni, canadian bacon, and pineapple on it. The other crust sounded intriguing, but I didn't want to risk a green chili crust, in case of delayed pepper-related intestinal distress on my ride back to Arizona the next day.
The pizza was glorious.
The sauce was generously applied, and delicious. The toppings were good quality, and the crust was delicious. The crust was a little heavy, but one would expect that with a multi-grain crust.
The staff was fantastic, they bent over backwards to serve me. Perhaps my reputation preceded me? Nah, not likely.The restaurant itself was rather cozy inside, and I didn't really dig the shabby chic decorating scheme. You might love it. There was also plenty of seating outside. I chose to stay inside, since I'd been trying to stay warm on the bike all day.
Anyway, if you're in the neighborhood, I recommend getting pizza at Golden Crown. They get 4.5 Crying Luckies.
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Summer Plans for the Scooter
OK, so I had some technical difficulties, and the pizza review didn't get finished. Tonight? Tomorrow? It'll be here.
In the meantime, I've been daydreaming about the wicked things we're going to do to Lady Luck's scooter this summer. She doesn't ride when it's hot out, so summertime is going to be scooter-modding-time this year.
First up is getting the seat recovered. Right now it's a beige sort of fake suede ugly seat. Well, it's not that bad, but it's far from awesome. We're going to get it covered in red with white piping.
Next up is getting the wheels powder-coated red, and mounting whitewalls (or applying whitewall paint to the current tires).
At some point, we're going to get some pinstriping done as well.
And after that, we'll start taking it to bike shows.
Yeah.
I don't know what, if any, performance mods we can do to the scooter. I guess I'll have to research it a bit. I've heard we can increase the performance by adding an air scoop to the intake. Maybe we'll be able to soup it up and make it match it's hot-rod exterior.
In the meantime, I've been daydreaming about the wicked things we're going to do to Lady Luck's scooter this summer. She doesn't ride when it's hot out, so summertime is going to be scooter-modding-time this year.
First up is getting the seat recovered. Right now it's a beige sort of fake suede ugly seat. Well, it's not that bad, but it's far from awesome. We're going to get it covered in red with white piping.
Next up is getting the wheels powder-coated red, and mounting whitewalls (or applying whitewall paint to the current tires).
At some point, we're going to get some pinstriping done as well.
And after that, we'll start taking it to bike shows.
Yeah.
I don't know what, if any, performance mods we can do to the scooter. I guess I'll have to research it a bit. I've heard we can increase the performance by adding an air scoop to the intake. Maybe we'll be able to soup it up and make it match it's hot-rod exterior.
Monday, May 05, 2008
Are we still in the 60's?
In Grayslake, Illinois the mayor cancelled a biker festival because they "got word" that two "rival gangs" were going to have a rumble.
I'm not a part of that culture, so someone clue me in: would a couple of 1% clubs REALLY rumble at a festival? Seems to me they'd be smarter than that.
Pizza review tonight!
I'm not a part of that culture, so someone clue me in: would a couple of 1% clubs REALLY rumble at a festival? Seems to me they'd be smarter than that.
Pizza review tonight!
Friday, May 02, 2008
No Pizza, but check out Falcon Motorcycles!
Ever get that sinking feeling when you realize you forgot to do something like, oh, format the pictures for a pizza review?
There aren't a whole lot of custom builders that get my interest. For the most part, everyone is building what everyone else is building. I like Exile, they've done some cool stuff. I like that Confederate does something different, though I wouldn't be caught on one. And now, there's Falcon Motorcycles (beware awful site navigation scheme). They've built some tasty bikes. My favorite is the "Bullet Falcon." It appears their design method is "take apart old Triumphs, keep the good bits, and slap 'em in a new frame."* So, I guess, they aren't really doing something new so much as just doing it well.
*Update - I didn't mean to imply that these guys are only putting Triumph parts in a new frame. If that was the case, it would be obvious, and I wouldn't have been intrigued. It's plain to see there's a lot of work put into each bike. Perhaps I should have said they take old Triumphs apart, keep the good bits, and reconfigure them into something wonderful.
There aren't a whole lot of custom builders that get my interest. For the most part, everyone is building what everyone else is building. I like Exile, they've done some cool stuff. I like that Confederate does something different, though I wouldn't be caught on one. And now, there's Falcon Motorcycles (beware awful site navigation scheme). They've built some tasty bikes. My favorite is the "Bullet Falcon." It appears their design method is "take apart old Triumphs, keep the good bits, and slap 'em in a new frame."* So, I guess, they aren't really doing something new so much as just doing it well.
*Update - I didn't mean to imply that these guys are only putting Triumph parts in a new frame. If that was the case, it would be obvious, and I wouldn't have been intrigued. It's plain to see there's a lot of work put into each bike. Perhaps I should have said they take old Triumphs apart, keep the good bits, and reconfigure them into something wonderful.
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