A Hodge Podge Post With A Craft Idea

Hubby has finally returned from his central Florida trip to assist his recently widowed father prepare the house for sale.

Hubby's 2013 Honda CB100 in the

Bethel Primitive Baptist Church and Cemetery parking lot

Folkston, Charlton County, Georgia

What a job! He said there where multiple garbage bags of clothing, knick knacks, and just plain garbage to get rid of. He said they're still not finished. Makes me kind of thankful I stayed here. Less work and I get to sleep in my own bed. *smile* Now I understand that his father has major blockages in one or both of his legs and needs surgery. Poor man. When it rains it pours.

While perusing the Yahoo! News, which I try to do every evening, I noticed this interesting article titled "5 Things To Do With Old Sweaters".

They offered some really interesting ideas! From dog beds to pillow covers and purses, etc. I love this! I think that using old sweat shirts may work as well. Has anyone made any of these or anything similar? Please share. I enjoy "repurposing" old clothes and furniture.

Have a great evening folks!

A Ride Through The Country: Our Day In Pictures #Motorcycles

The floors need cleaning. The yard needs raking. The laundry is piling up. But the weather is so pleasant again we took the bikes out for another spin. I figure all these things will still be there tomorrow and the memories will last forever.

Enjoy the ride. ~:)

Not far from home, we stopped on Tyre Bridge Road at Fishing Creek (near Big Satilla Creek) and snapped the last three photos.

Free Ride

I’ve been Queen of the Thrones this week. We’ve been laid low all week with a minor stomach virus again. I don’t know what the virus name is but I pray it has missed everyone else in it’s devious rounds. I was ready for a colonoscopy afterwards. *lol*

I know: TMI!! TMI!! [Too Much Information]  *lol*

It looks like I am going to lose my doctor after all. I was praying that wouldn’t be the case, that somehow this cup would pass, but I just can’t afford his rates without better insurance. I had what the fascist behind the TelePrompTer called “cadillac” insurance. Then the term Obamacare reared it’s serpent’s head and shouted to the masses “Unfair! All must suffer equally. How dare anyone save and provide for the future! Misery for all!” And the masses heard and agreed. Now I’m stuck with “volkswagon” insurance and one tire is flat. At least I can still get my needed medicine, for now. I will eventually start looking for an affordable physician, but like Scarlett O’Hara said in the book Gone With The Wind, “I’ll worry about that tomorrow …” 

The days of free rides (quoting King O) are over. Redistribution of misery has begun.

At any rate, we both had started feeling chipper again. The better health and the balmier temperatures made me positively giddy. The bikes cried out to be taken for a spin. I had to get out of the house! And since Hubby is still trying to get past the break in period of 300 miles on his Honda CB1100, it was just another good excuse to burn a little fossil fuel. Today was one of those cloudless, sun low on the horizon type of days that we can be graced with in winter. The wind howled a bit too much for my liking, but, other than that, it was perfect.

I decided to combine errands with the ride since I’m averaging around 56 to 65 miles per gallon. Why waste the trip?! First made a run to our local power company to settle a minor matter. There were no issues as we’ve always have best service from them. The Customer Service is first rate. Just an accounting matter. Also, swung by the Pharmacy to pick up needed supplies. 

Then we where free as birds to go where our hearts led us. The world was our oyster. 

So, from Alma heading North-Northeast we meandered the full length of Bennett Still Road. I never realized it went straight to Baxley. There are cozy little farms, quaint old houses, livestock and fields of green sheltered by stately pines the whole length of the road. From Baxley we took Poor Robin back South to Highway 203, then on East to home. All in all it was a lovely ride. I feel “full” like I’ve just enjoyed a full course meal with no troubles in the world and someone else picked up the check.

Thank you God for the free ride of grace you give all believers (not too sin but be forgiven) through our Lord Jesus Christ.

“For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” [Ephesians 2:8-9] KJV 2000 

Thank you for putting the kickstand down and staying awhile.

Light Of My Life

There are so many things that are a beacon of hope to humanity, lights of our lives, if you will: friends, family, material possesions, memories, etc. God understands this since "... we are dust" [Psalms 103:14] and cannot understand all spiritual things yet. I'm thankful He forgives me of my weaknesses. It's natural to want to cling to what we are familiar with. I have my own self-made comfort zones too. One of them is financial needs.

The meeting with Financial Guy went really well. Better than I expected. I think the dangerous time for us has been averted. Hubby and I prayed before going into the meeting, seeking further guidance from the Holy Spirit who loves us best. The true Light of our lives. Our blessed Savior and He was there. And I can’t tell you how much I appreciate all the prayers of all you dearly, beloved saints. For you are saints. Anyone who believes in Jesus Christ is called a saint. Whenever there is a concern and believing Christians all put their spiritual “shoulders to the wheel”, things get moved. Last night I could feel your love and concern about the meeting. God answers prayer. There was peace, a calm and an understanding which we where lacking before. Thank you so much for adding your "shoulder" to our burden!

The good news made me so lite hearted that it definately called for a ride. Yucky weather be darned. We hopped on the metal steeds and galloped off into the sunset. Well, Ok, it’s too overcast to tell but there will be a sunset. *lol*

 Hubby with his 2013 Honda CB1100.

He said all it lacks is a windshield.

My 2012 Suzuki V-Strom DL650.

The most perfect motorcycle ever! 

(Not that I'm prejudiced or anything.) *lol*

We where having such a good time that even the locals where curious about our rides.

 Hey, get your own wheels guys.
Silly cows. Always trying to horn in. 

Moooving right along.

Something I've done around the house lately is I've added multiple strings of LED Christmas lights. They are very inexpensive (these where only $4 a 100 light string), burn cool, use very little electricity and even though it’s a soft glow, brighten up the place.

There’s a string on each of our two back decks, one in the guest bedroom and one in my office. I think I will also add a string in the carport. Later. I’m too tired to continue any further. Stress takes a lot out of one, doesn't it.

So my hope is that every one is having a funfilled and non-stressful week. Thank you again for all the prayers and words of encouragement. And keep looking up!

Ride Like The Wind #Honda

Hubby finally traded his 2006 Moto Guzzi Breva! He's had it For Sale for several weeks. Cycles of Jacksonville traded him for a 2013 Honda CB1100. He is very pleased with the outcome.

It's been a long but productive day. I'm really weary from the journey down to Jax and back. So, here's the day in pictures.

Preparing for the test ride.

Steve said he could tell this was the bike

for him after only traveling a few feet to

the curb.

Salesman Christian Stahl and Steve

seal the deal with a handshake.

Then, we where asked to ring

the bell behind them. That was

kinda cute.

 

Now we have a new metal steed

in the stables. Can't wait for a nice

day to take it for a long spin.

Guess I'm going to have to update the blog banner too.

I'll leave that for tomorrow.

 

Hubby's Home!

... and he is one cool dude too.

This photo was snapped by his little sister on her cell phone.

Turned out really good, didn't it?!

Makes me question why we have all this fancy photo equipment. *lol*

~Ride Safe~

Sparky

Only In California

Even as an avid motorcyclist, with years of experience on multiple bikes under my belt, but I don't think I'm brave enough to try riding around with one of these strapped to the side!

Vintage BMW Motorcycle and Surfboard Combo Defines Style

What say you dear reader? Would you dare it?

~ Ride Safe ~
Sparky

Indian Motorcycle: The Thunder Stroke 111™

Check out this awesome new video by Indian Motorcycle. The animation is amazing.


Ride Safe.

A Ride In The Country

A few short days ago, Sweetie installed the dog bones (lowering links), so, we took our steeds out for a spin to test all our new gear.

The 2012 Suzuki V-Strom 650 handles like a dream. This bike is much improved over my 2005 V-Strom. The gears are smoother so it shifts better (no false neutrals on this one). The bike is lighter and thinner. Plus the comfort in the seat has been improved.

Final Conclusion? I absolutely LOVE my new "Wee Strom"!

Now I wanna go somewhere farther than a few hours away. It will probably be awhile before we travel anywhere far enough to stay overnight. Got too many irons in the fire. One thing is my 13+ year old miniature schnauzer, Maxie, is steadily going downhill. Her bad days are starting to out weight the good days. I really don't know if she'll make it to Christmas (I pray she proves me wrong). Bless her little fuzzy heart. I don't want to board her anymore if I can help it. The weather must cool off a bit more. Mid-80's is still too warm. I'm also concerned that if crapweasel is not kicked out of office, there will be no money at all. For anyone. I think it more prudent to hang onto what we have at the moment.

That aside, I wanna ride! Wanna come with? Grab your gear and let's get motoring!

Yeah, that's me grinning inside that helmet. This bike is GREAT!!

My Sweetie and his 2006 Moto Guzzi Breva 1100

2012 Suzuki V-Strom DL650

2012 Suzuki V-Strom DL650
Ain't she a beut!?

This week I traded the brand new 2012 Triumph Bonneville SE for another "Wee Strom". Even after many adjustments to the "Bonney" (Hagon Classic Shocks, a more comfortable Sargent seat, handlebar risers, etc.), I couldn't get comfortable. That last ride I took on the Bonney my neck was in so much pain that it took over a week to get off the muscle relaxers and pain killers again. That's plain silly! I'm too old for this. So, we began the negotiating process, again, for another motorcycle.

You know, my husband is so thoughtful. He never even made a fuss about my not being able to ride the Bonney. Truthfully, he couldn't ride it comfortably either. He said his hip hurt after a short spin too. I guess we're just Adventure Bike people at heart.

By the way, he's still loving his used Moto Guzzi Breva 1100. But after bringing home my new bike this week, he now says that a Wee Strom may be in his future. This is one cool guy! :)

Now, I get the fun part of tweaking my new ride. I have to install "dog bones" (to lower it). I'll need hand guards, new luggage, etc. etc. Hey, I'm just doing my small part to keep the economy rolling. *giggle*

My World Is Finally Spinning In Greased Grooves

Well, after much delay, and weeks and weeks of (not so patient) waiting, my new set of wheels have arrived. It was a long haul to a community just outside of Atlanta but it was worth the wait.

The Bonney!

Another view

My Bonney joined the stable
with Hubby's "Guzzi" and our cafe racer.
So whadda y'all think? Ain't she purdy or what!?

I need to make a couple of changes before any long distance riding. The seat is an absolute torture rack, so, I plan to have this seat padded and reshaped by a reliable source close by. Also, it needs a set of risers installed to bring the handlebars back just a tad. After my neck surgery I'm very sensitive to back and neck pain. This happens with every motorcycle I've owned of late. One must do what one must do to make it comfortable. BUT I AM SO HAPPY to be wheelin' again!

Aw, yes, the world is now spinning in greased grooves. :)


Triumph Bonneville purchased from the good people at Freedom Powersports, Lawrenceville, Georgia USA.

Me, From A To Z

I've received a challenge to explain who I am from A to Z. So here's my vain attempt at such a task:

A - I love any food made with Apples. I even like the Aroma.

B - Wild Birdwatching is a much favored hobby.

Our little country road.
C - Living in the Country is the only place for me.

D - I love my Doggies. Ok, I just love doggies period. :)

E - Just had two Eye surgeries for cataracts.

F- I've got more Friends than I deserve.

G - I'm a Genealogy addict. And I like Guns.

New wheels!
H - Happy to be married to wonderful my Husband.

I - I dislike Injustice. Intensely.

J - Jesus is my Saviour.

K - I get my Kicks on two wheels.

L - Lilac colored flowers are in bloom everywhere right now.
M - I live, eat, dream, think, talk, breathe, function best around: Motorcycles.

N - I lean towards Neat freak but have my messy moments.

O - I am an Only child.

P - Love digital Photography!

Q - Been told I'm Quirky. Is that just a nice way of saying "weird"?

R - Did I mention I like Riding motorcycles?! :)

S - Snakes are cool.

T - One can never have Too many motorcycles.

U - For me, the Unknown is not to be feared but is to be explained.

V - Vtwins rock!

W - It's always two Wheels for me.

X - I dislike getting X-rays. For any reason.

Y - One of my favorite words is Yes, let's go for a ride.

Z - Would you believe there's a motorcycle called Zundapp?

Now, how cool is that?!

Funny Friday ~ When A Harley Won't Do

Ride Naked

2007 Suzuki V-Strom 650
and
2007 Triumph Tiger 1050
That got your attention, didn't it? [giggle]

It was with a sad heart that Hubby and I sold our precious motorbikes this past weekend. Both of us had tired of the Adventure Bike type of riding and have every intent of changing our riding styles.

The style we both hanker for is called "naked bikes". For the non-rider that means no plastic side panels on our bikes. For example like the:

Triumph Bonneville SE 870
The "Bonney" is the bike I'm seriously considering.

I was lucky enough to ride one a few months ago during the Triumph Demo Days in Orange Park, Florida.

The Demo wasn't a good one because the owners had put an off road muffler on it. It was so freakin' loud that I was hestitant about buying the bike. That was a stupid marketing move on the owners part. I'm not a 20 year old male for goodness sake. I like quiet machines. Anyway, even though they tried to ruin the experience, I still enjoyed the ride and the feeling stayed with me all these months. I like the light feeling and easy handling of the bike. It's a sweet little bike. So, Hubby and I made the leap this weekend by selling our precious duo. We've had so many adventures on these wheels. I almost cried but I feel like they both found good homes in Florida.

I could also end up with a Triumph Bonneville T100. They're very similiar except one has mag wheels and one has spoked. It's six one way and half a dozen the other.

Hubby wants a:

Moto Guzzi Breva 1100
Another "naked" bike. Easy to ride, simple to maintain, just like the "Bonney".

However, we live so far out in the boonies that we have to pipe in sunlight. The only place to buy such an animal is in Dahlonega, Georgia. That's quite a haul for us but I guess we'll have to make the trip. At least North Georgia is very beautiful, so, I don't mind having to make a trip there.

Hubby said he plans to call the Breva his Italian Mistress.

How do you say "jealous" in italian? [ha ha]

Cafe Racer Project Bike

Our New Cafe Racer
by Hubby and Sparky

For quite some time now, we have had a hankerin' to build or restore our own motorcycle. So early in 2011, we traveled to Destination Honda in a far off land called South Carolina. There for a mere pitance we purchased a nice little Suzuki cruiser. It is a 2002 S40 Savage with about 18,000 original miles on the clock.

Let's go home guys!
We've got work to do!
This ugly duckling was to be the beginning of a metamorphosis from frumpy cruiser to a dashing cafe racer. The cafe racer style bike was an English idea that took root in the Sixties era. Performance bike enthusiasts would strip away everything on their bikes that added weight without function. They would mount the latest high performance tires, brakes and exhaust in order to get as much speed as possible out of their rides. Groups of these riders would meet in London area hangouts, like the Ace Cafe, where they would argue over whose ride was the best and settle the disputes with impromptu races starting from one cafe and ending there or at another.

Our project is something we have been wanting to do for a long time but felt that without a shop equipped with a welder and other metal working tools, would be beyond our limitations. Enter Ryca Motors of California and their Cafe Racer kit made expressly for the Suzuki Savage. With this kit you get everything needed to build a cafe racer with little more than a set of wrenches and an angle grinder (30 bucks at Lowes).

After getting the Suzuki I spent some time riding it on the local roads just to be sure there were no mechanical issues that needed to be addressed. The only "issue" found was a small oil leak at the shift shaft seal but other than that the bike seemed quite sound.

Does anyone else feel a draft?
Next came stripping the bike down to the frame. This meant removing the seat, fenders, gas tank, battery box, air box and the wiring loom. It looked a bit naked now with everything stripped off the frame except the motor and wheels. While the bike was thus "undressed" was a good time to fix the oil leak and clean the road grime from the frame and motor. With this done, I contacted Ryca and ordered our kit. They would later contact us when they were ready for us to send them the gas tank and rear wheel hub for modifications that they perform as part of the kit price. The mods included cutting and welding the gas tank to change it to a more "sporting" shape and fitting a new 18" rear wheel to the wheel hub so that a proper sport type tire could be mounted, the tire also being part of the kit.

It's still drafty in here ...
After a while we received our kit with the modified tank and were ready to start the build. I had requested that the painted parts be prepared with just a primer coat as we had already contacted a local custom painter to give our project some added bling. Our painter, Eddie Bedgood of Alma, Georgia, was recommended to us by a local bike shop. He is a true artist. One can find him on Facebook if interested. Eddie discussed various paint themes and colors with us based upon the ideas we had decided on. We settled on a bright metal flake Yellow with a Black racing stripe and outlined with White pin stripes.

Look! Up in the sky!
Is it a bird? A plane? Nah it's just Superbike.
Eddie finished the tank with a hand air brushed Suzuki "S" on each side, beautiful. As can be seen from the pictures, Eddie does great work and I would highly recommend him to anyone wanting custom paint work.

After receiving the painted parts from Eddie it was simply a matter of installing the parts from the kit using the video directions provided at YouTube by Ryca. They're very through. Since my shoulder disability, the most difficult job was modifying the front forks. It takes amazing strength to hold them down and then turn so they'll stay in place. It required me and two friends from church to hold the springs down and install the fork caps. The rest of the build was simple, reinstall the modified wiring loom, install the new battery box, new seat and modified tank and the clip-on bars with controls.

After completion, the bike was rolled out of the workshop and we crossed our fingers that the bike would start and run after so many weeks of sitting up and all the modifications to the wiring. Tank petcock was turned on, choke set, push the starter button and within a few seconds after the float bowl filled it fired up then settled into a nice idle. What a relief! Now for the fun part: a test ride. The clip-on bars and racing crouch posture took some getting used to and this bike is not for long distance rides unless you're a contortionist but it is fun, fast and handles great, just like a proper cafe racer.

I look pretty cool now, huh?!
At least I don't feel a draft anymore ...
There are many more photos of the project at this link. Be sure to click on the photos above to view full size.