I can't believe it has been a year since I've last updated the blog.

In the attached photo Al, Scott and I (r to l) are preparing to go to Havelock for an overnight stay at a cottage belonging to a relative of Scotts. It was a little cool, but a great ride, especially once we got off the main highways and started to cruise the side roads. We went up to Orillia, stopping at Weber's for burgers (yum) and then up to Angie & Doug's place for a brief visit. We cruised some great roads including the famous 507! A great day of riding. Spent the night at the cottage (nice place too!) and then cruised on home. Unfortunately, not having a defined route came to bite us in the ass since we had planned on crusing home north of Toronto, but we got caught up in the Woodbridge etc, suburbs and had a tough time getting out of it.

A few weeks after our trip Al was involved in an accident just a mile or so from home. Having recently restored a 77 Suzuki GT500 he was out for a test ride. An elderly guy came through a stop sign, hit him and Al died, August 30th, 2010. It was a very tough time during and after Al's funeral. I'd be out riding and be looking in my mirror for him, I'd hear bikes go by and think it was him pulling up for a ride, it was an extremely tough time. Took weeks before I even felt like riding again. R.I.P. buddy.

Went for a ride on Wednesday April 14 to Paris with Al. It was a nice day but a little on the cool side if you were anywhere near the water. Al led the way and we went through the reservation. His wife is a midwife so we stopped into the Iroquois Birthing Centre for a visit but she was out on a call. We came into Paris via hwy. 24 and the view of the town and the river is very scenic. There used to be textile mills in town but they have been converted into stores and restaurants. We ate at a place called the Brown Dog which was a cafe in the Williams mode of restaurants, were you order at the counter, take a seat and they bring out your food. Nice quality stuff, a little on the pricey side ($3 for a bottle of root beer) but I would return. They had a outdoor deck that hung over the river, but after being in the wind all the way there we elected for the inside seats. In the summer it would be an excellent lunch time trip.
We came home in a rather roundabout way, but ending up coming down passed Waterford Conservation area, a very nice looking (man-made?) quarry on both sides of the road, with campers at the one end.
I had the chance to change the rear end gear oil lately and I seem to notice a difference when riding, I'm not sure if that is even possible, but I think I waited too long to change it the first time, so maybe in a few weeks I'll do it again to make sure I've cleaned out any sediment.
Looks like a rainy weekend coming up ...

I've been for a few rides including one with Al along the Niagara Parkway. We went up Marineland Road and stopped at a nice place where you had a view looking down at the top of the Horseshoe Falls, under the Hilton. The weather has been unreal for April, even hit the low 20's C. Here are a couple of pics, one of me at the top of the falls (hard to see that) and one of Al at one of the many little roadside picnic areas on the Niagara Parkway. Took Al to the motorcycle gear store on Hwy 20 outside of Smithville.

I went for a run to London to check out a store advertised on Kijiji called Crazy Als. It was supposed to be a liquidation sale but I didn't find the prices all that great. The Smithville guy has better prices than this liquidation sale and since I need a new jacket I have been checking out what he has. I think a visit to purchase is in order, or at least on the horizon.

Back for another season. I dragged the bike out of the shed, with Scott's help, on March 12. That is early for the Great White North, and I had to back porch it for the first weekend, but I have been for a couple of shorts rides this week.

Very happy with the Odyssey battery, especially as compared to the Yamacrap. I had to put the old one on the trickle charger once a month for the winter months, but the Odyssey wasn't charged once, and when I went to do it on March 11 .... charger kept flashing over to FULL. I was amazed. Yet on Venturerider.org they talk about the Deka ETX20L, which is suppose to be even better, I think I may check that one out, if anything ever happens to the Odyssey.

I did a brief run along Twenty Mile Rd (RR 69) and then looped around to drop into the Motorcycle Gear Store on Hwy 20, just on the outskirts of Smithville. From his humble beginnings of about 20 jackets and a few odds and ends he has really built quite the store. I liked the look of a jacket there, but I am still a little undecided between leather and textile. The textiles are so much lighter, can separate them into cooler jackets and a ton of pockets. But, I like the "look" of leather on a cruiser, versus a touring jacket. But, I'm riding a touring cruiser. Aaahh, as you see .... undecided. Since my weight loss the old leather looks a little ridiculous. So I better do something soon. I should of went to the January Motorcycle show at the Airport Center, but somehow snoozed and must of missed it.

I have noticed a tiny bit of cracking on the rear Avon tire. Nothing like some others have reported on Venturerider.org but I will keep an eye on it and my rear pressure. With the mileage (kilometerage?) that I put on, this will probably be the end of the rear tire anyway. I have 13000 km on it already, but not something you want to have to worry about at $165 a tire plus the $100 install. Too bad because I really liked the way those tires rode, still do! Have to come to a decision by the beginning of next year, why put on a new tire to sit in the shed and freeze?

Not very often you can say you had a "nice" ride in December in these parts, but yesterday, December 2 was a nice ride. Went into Hamilton and dropped off some dvd's for a buddy and had a lunch at Denningers. Donna doesn't like Denningers but I am a big fan, so I usually only go without her. I had the ole standby, a cordon bleu, schnitzel with ham and cheese stuffed in it. The temperature was about 12C when I left but dropped down to 7C by the time I got home so I was glad to get off.
I have just finished my shutdown. Went for a quick (and bloody cold) ride to Crappy Tire and bought my Sta-Bil for the gas, added that in the parking lot so it gets a nice mix by the time I get home. Had the shed all cleaned out and pulled the baby into hibernation. Had to do a little back and forth, but not much. Fits nicely on one side and I still have a little room to get the battery out etc.
Last year I stored it away in a guys insulated (but not heated) barn and this year I was going to use Al's new garage but he stopped by this morning and said we will have to wait a day or so because last nights rain left a big puddle in front of the doors, but my backyard is fine, so I figured I might as well put it away here, I won't be getting it out any sooner being at Al's and here I can go check anytime I want.
Well, its a sad day but at least I'm up $60 in storage rental fees from last year.

Another biking season draws to an end. I've changed the oil and watching the weather everyday for little 60 or 90 minute rides. Storage is just around the corner, alas 'tis a sad time. The picture above was taken along the Niagara Parkway at one of the many picnic areas dotted along the shoreline.

Unfortunately, Donna only got on a few times this year for rides. We did go for a small one out to Port Colborne in the last week, and she went for a handful of other ones, but no where near as often as the 2 years previous.

Mother Nature definitely played havoc with the riding this year, cloudy or rainy a lot of the time. Then you get leery to travel too far in case you get caught in it. One thing everyone must admit, when it rains now, it pours, not many little showers anymore.

Even with the weather I still managed a half decent 13,000 km this season. The odometer is now at 35,500.

Thursday, October 8th and a break in the clouds. Jumped on the bike and tried a new route. I went to Hamilton and followed the Beach Strip through to Burlington. I then went up Guelph Line and was quite surprised at some of the views. Just north of Burlington there were a few million dollar spreads with acred lots, real gems! I then went through a wonderful little town, Lowville, with a fantastic looking golf course. The escarpment was in the background and the course was quite hilly, looked like a big scoring and big dollar place. The road was twisty and hilly making for biking fun! The next town was Campbellville with a nice little roadside rest spot.

I proceeded north and hooked up to Hwy 124 (formerly 24) and then hwy 10 when I went through Erin, the 40kph agony!

I pulled into Orangeville and had some lunch at the A&W, had a Uncle burger which tasted like a Schneiders burger fried in about 3" of fat.... yeech!! My first and last uncle burger.

I went about another 10 km north of Orangeville and turned right towards Mono Cliffs Provincial Park. This is mostly a series of trails with a lookout down a small valley, but the colours where not really in their prime quite yet. I did get the picture above as I walked down one of the trails to the lookout. But the snaps from the lookout were not that great.

I've checked on http://www.theweathernetwork.com/ and there is no such thing as a Monsoon season in southern Ontario. But, lately, you'd be hard pressed to convince people otherwise. I finally had a small break in the clouds today (and I do mean small... its raining again already!) so I went for a ride to Hamilton, but I went in via Ridge Rd. and enjoyed the views off the escarpment along the way. A few trees have started to change around here so the rides are a real pleasure, I love the red trees.

As I have previously mentioned I am a member of http://www.venturerider.org/modules/Jig/index.php This is a great site for Venture or Royal Tour Deluxe riders. Full of info, and one of the hilarious things that has been going on for quite a while now is the Scavenger Hunt. The aim is to post a picture of you, your bike and whatever the previous person decides. For example some of the choices I have missed out on where a lighthouse and a National park sign. I could of got the lighthouse easy as pie down at Port Maitland, a 5 minute ride away, but I had put the bike into hibernation by then. The National park was another breeze, Rock Point Provincial Park is just around the corner too, so off I went, got the bike set up with a good view of the sign and set the camera, but forgot how to do the "timer" thingie (never use it so easy to forget). Came home frustrated looking for the ^#%^# manual only to find someone else had already beat me to it.

The latest posting was you, your bike and a childrens museum.... hint hint look UP

I finally did it!! That picture was taken in front of the Hamilton Children's Museum and I got home in time to be the first one to post. This means that I got to choose the next option so this was my choice:

Now, in the spirit of "let's have a laugh" I would like to see the following picture:

You, and your bike in front of the local Harley dealership...

oh yeah, AND.... a big Harley dude

a) in the beetch seat

b) or cleaning your bike

c) or paying some sort of homage to the mighty Yammie!

Have fun, and I can't wait for this one!

I was laughing the whole time I posted it, as you can tell I have been waiting for this for a while and I knew exactly what I wanted to see, some HUMOUR!!

Thursday, September 24th, I went with another Stelco retiree on a ride to Port Burwell. Al has a H-D Heritage Softail that he bought last year. We left at 10:30 and stopped first at the Port Dover Timmies for a coffee and small rest. We were 30 km or so short of our destination when the road signs were mentioning something about construction ahead. Next there was a sign showing gravel, yet were we cruising down the road on fresh asphalt, so we continued on. We were just beginning to get into the Wind Farm area with the giant wind turbines, when you could smell the tar in the air, and there was the construction guy stopping traffic. He said we were looking at about 20 km of fresh laid gravel ahead of us, so we detoured north for a while and then came into Port Burwell through Vienna.
It was dead in town, a couple of stores and restaurants open so we had a fish dinner and then went down to the deserted beach. We came home the same way and pulled up the driveway at 6pm. Some of the trees had started to change and the lack of traffic made for a nice ride. Gotta love fall riding!

The nemesis of all bikers, that dreaded winged deliverer of pain, the wasp.

I really thought I might get away with a whole season without a sting. After all, it is September 20th. Then I went through Fort Erie, my personal city of stings. I got a beauty here last year, where the little bugger got me twice before I could gear down, pull over, rip off the helmet and the shirt, and stomp his little ass into the pavement. Always happens right down hwy. 3 where it is four lanes wide, full of businesses and traffic, and of course, gawkers galore!! I must look like quite the sight ripping everything off and standing there gasping and full of adrenaline!

Well, of course, you must of guessed by now that the same thing happened today. Luckily only one sting this time and I crushed the life out of the little ##%&^#% then dumped him out of my shirt ... barely slowing down. He got me right on the ribs, though not so much meat, and the usual tinge and swelling at 10 minutes. But not 10 seconds after I emptied my shirt, I felt the crawling feeling on my neck of another little varmint. Had to do the gear-stop-rip-stomp dance on the side of the highway, yet again!! And this one was a nice fat bumble bee, would of tingled if he got me in the neck! Whew!

I remember when I was young, around the late 70's, I was zipping down hwy 53 in Hamilton, it was more of a country road back then, and something ... bee, wasp, June bug, small bird ??? got me in the windpipe and it was such a whack I had to pull over to get a breath! That was one I will never forget!!

Aaaah, wasps ... gotta love 'em .... love to kill 'em, that is!!

On my way home from golf today (76 best score ever at Cayuga course, 7 pars and a birdie, I was in a dream, thanks for asking) I decided to stop for lunch at Attercliffe Variety. Nice little "ma & pa" run place with decent food.

Outside were two guys from the Southern Cruisers (Welland area chapter) and I noticed one of their bikes as being quite unique. It was a Hyosung Aquilia, the 650 version. The guy said he bought it in Niagara Falls from a dealer. Nice looking bike, like a smaller version of the HD V-Rod. It had a beautiful shape to it, I was surprised to hear it held 16 liters of gas. He told me to throw a leg over, and I was surprised how light it felt, and the front end felt like it was raked a bit. Different, really different. I liked it. Felt like a great starter (650 ergo less insurance) nice and light, and a good feel to it.

Weather Channel said this was the last of the 25C days so I decided to ride over to Port Colborne for the weekly perch lunch at Minors on West St. Beautiful day, not too hot or windy, bright blue skies making for a nice ride.

When I arrived at the canal, there was a yacht moored there that was truly jaw-dropping. This beauty was called the Sycara IV and said it was out of Bikini (Islands?) It was a mass of chrome and highly polished wood. Shone like crazy, and with all that chrome it was a naturally biker magnet.

Doing a little Internet research I found out the following:

Burger Boat Company has announced the delivery of Sycara IV, a 46m Fantail Motor Yacht, to her owners. Imagine going back to a time when people actually knew how to relax and enjoy the simple pleasures of yachting. Owners of Sycara IV, Ray and Elsie Catena, were committed to exactly that – recapturing the splendor, grace and charm of an era gone by – when Sycara IV was designed. This was their inspiration for Sycara IV, a beautiful traditionally styled, early 1920's era, Fantail Cruiser.

An impressive collaboration of high profile experts were involved in the design and execution of this yacht, including: first and foremost, Mr. and Mrs. Catena with their extensive yachting experience and yacht building knowledge; Steve Narkawicz, their highly experienced and talented project manager; Bruce King with his classic schooner bow and fantail hull; Ken Freivokh, chosen to define her interior and exterior styling true to the early 1920's and Burger's team of designers, engineers and craftspeople.
While the Catenas have cruised distant ports of the world with their previous vessels, the vision for this family yacht is to see America and its surrounding waters such as the Great Lakes, the Erie Barge Canal system, its mighty rivers and the Intracoastal Waterways.
Sycara IV will make her world debut at the 2009 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.

So, it would seem they were on their maiden voyage, breakin' the ole tug in .... so to speak!

Like me, you are no doubt wondering, what does Mr. Catena do for a living?

http://www.raycatena.com/

This is the website for his Porsche, Mercedes, Lexus dealerships in NY and Manhattan.

Aaaaah, how the other side lives.... I can only dream.

Another interesting little adventure on the bike.

It was Wednesday morning and anticipating our run to Sauble Beach, I inhaled my Rice Krispies and was yanking on the choke by 7:30 am. It was a cool morning, about 12 deg. C, and I was layered for the run. There was a blue sky with a scattering of clouds and the bike savoured the cool air as I tore down River Rd. to Scott's place, no use trying to sneak up on him.... he could hear my bike and knew the sound from miles away.



We were both looking forward to the day in the saddle, and were soon on hwy 6 south heading north towards the 403. I didn't realize how many cars there are in an early morning commute down the 403 escarpment. It was stop and go for most of the way but we were soon blasting back up the mountain towards Clappison Corners and we stayed on hwy 6 all the way into Guelph were we had our first stopover at the Speed River park. The picture below was taken of Scott as he stands proudly beside his tourer, an '85 Yamaha Venture Royale at the Speed River park.
















Guelph is a very nice city, lots of old buildings in the city core that are in wonderful shape. It has a clean appearance, but unfortunately, stoplights every 50 feet. Makes it easy to get split up, which did happen .... but nothing too bad.


We were soon back on 6 north scooting through Arthur and Mount Forest, but then we ran into the dreaded road repairs. Too bad because we were making good time! These road repairs were the worse kind, first we got the "grooved pavement" crap were that big machine has come along and chewed off the first inch or so of asphalt, creating the road that steers for you.... a special treat on a motorcycle!! Then we came into gravel, dirt or "groovy road" again on each of our little construction adventures, but first we would come upon streetlights set up on the roadway, where we would sit and wait while the people coming from the other direction passed on by. Had time for a banana at one stop and chance to change some clothes at another.











The above picture was taken as we approached Owen Sound, it was at a roadside picnic area. Just a small little area but quite scenic with a small lake and dam. I thought it was on the Saugeen River, but we passed that picnic area about 20 minutes later, and I must admit it looked even better. Maybe next time.... ;)


Owen Sound has really expanded since I last went through there, Power Centers, fast food places etc., but I remembered the hill you come down as you roll into town giving you a nice view of Georgian Bay.


Shortly we were turning left at Hepworth and heading into Sauble Beach. The same as Grand Bend, it is a small tourist drag with beach stores, restaurants and bars. And of course, the famous Sauble Beach sign below.



















We had lunch at Bob's Bar B Que, a burger and I had a chicken pot pie that was quite good. I noticed that most of the places had $8 or $9 burgers. Seems to be the new norm, over-priced burgers with a scattering of warmed up fries. I realize it isnt a 12 month season in these tourist places, but like everyone else, if I feel gouged I won't be back. Whatever happened to the mom and pop places with the great count of home made food? I actually overheard Bob (the dam owner of the place) joking about "Carving off the salmonella" back in the kitchen, leaves you with a nice warm feeling ;)

I had Scott take the customary "under the sign" photo, and an hour after arriving in Sauble, we were back in the saddle and heading south down Reg Rd 13. Nice ride down here, twisty turns, pine forests on one side and cottages on Lake Huron on the other side.

After a couple of years not riding, my buddy went out and bought an '85 Venture Royale. Scott had been working on a Harley, got a new frame and rear tire for it, was strettttchin' that sled. But the waiting was too much so this is his tourer.


This picture was taken at the rest area just prior to Rd 69 through St. Annes, still one of my fav rides around here. Lots of swooping hills and curves, a real blast! I then like to run from there to Effingham or Decew Rds., both nice, but a gear slower for sure!





This particular day we went for a ride up to the new Clares, H-D dealership in Niagara on the Lake, had a heart attack at $48 for cut off gloves, left there and went for a ride south of the Niagara Parkway. We then ended up at Port Colborne and visited my favourite fish restaurant, Minor Fisheries on West St. beside the lock and canal. A great view and an even better meal, 5 piece perch dinner for ..... wait for it..... $8:50!! Done to perfection everytime!! I go every week.




























Some extra pictures courtesy of Bryson Moto-Photo Inc. Well done Scott!

Tuesday, August 25th, went for the longest one day ride so far, from Dunnville to Grand Bend. After a search on Google maps I was surprised to find it listed as a 3 hour and 5 minute ride. With siestas I figured 4 hours door to door. I don't know who figures out the time vs distance at Google, but averaging 20 kms an hour over the limit I just made it in the allotted time.
When the kids were young we used to go to the Pinery, a provinical park in Grand Bend. I always found a low number of mosquitoes and other bugs there and the park is huge with 8 different beaches strung out along Lake Huron. Wonderful walking trails and a great morning kids program to keep them amused. I had always travelled along Hwy. 3 to get there and we averaged about 4 1/2 hours, so I was surprised to see the time difference by sticking to the 400 highways.
Took off at about 8:45 am and I was filling up the bike and draining me at the Woodstock service center by 10:30 am. This service centers (one on both sides of the highway) are quite nice with picnic areas for a rest, but beware of the prices, they WILL shock you. Best to have a picnic lunch packed. When I first got on the 403 bypassing Ancaster there was some grey clouds from an industrial fire around 52 & 2. The stench was unreal, chemical plastic smell that had me covering up my mouth as I rode passed. I found out later that it was a furniture factory that burned and the MOE had some problems with air monitoring equipment, so no readings for the first few hours. Believe me, that was some nasty smelling stuff and I would not of wanted to be anywhere near that fire without breathing protection.
The ride up and back was quite pleasant, with no problems or unforeseen events. On the way up there was quite a traffic jam in the eastbound lanes around Woodstock due to construction, but lucky for me it was cleared up on the way home and it was clear sailing. I stopped in Parkhill on the way home at the Parkhill Dam, I had the whole place to myself.
Grand Bend has changed a little in the last few years, with a Shoppers Drug Mart and Sobey's plaza being built on RR 81 just as you get into town. The "main drag" is the same, full of beach stores, fast food, head shops and t shirt stores. A very popular place for the college and university crowds. I made a stop into Archie's for a t-shirt, but the wrap at Cheryl Lynns had to wait, the lines were too big! I strolled around for a few hours, jumped back on and rode home.
I think that this is going to be the new way to cruise, longer and bigger destinations, stretching the distances to see how far is cool for a day trip. Being retired now, all I have is time, so lets start travelling, enough with the Niagara Falls route already!

I went for a ride along the Lake Erie shoreline on Friday and when I came through Long Beach the place was packed with teenagers. I guess it was their Beach Day, when they all take the afternoon off school and party at their local beach.

There was a ton of cops there, even a few on horseback given out parking tickets and generally living up to their name, OPP - Official Party Poopers. I guess they've got nothing to do in Caledonia?! But don't get me going on that subject...... grrr!

On the way home I decided I would take a little siesta at a free access area of the shoreline, so I wheeled the bike into this small parking area I have visited many times before. It is part of the trail system that Horseplay Niagara takes you on when you do their Sunset Ride. Which by the way, is a great deal. My wife and I went for our anniversary in May and we both enjoyed the ride and tour, we would do it again.

When I parked at this spot on Friday I was not situated as I am in the above photo, I was facing the other way and although you cant really see it on the picture, the ground slopes away at this point. As I have mentioned previously, I had to get the bike lowered because of my little short ass legs. So when I kicked out the kickstand it looked like the ground was a little lower than usual. But, the bike was sitting nice, no rocking or excessive leaning, so off I went to the beach. When I returned I mounted the pig, gave the handlebars a tug and ..... NOTHING! I had the 850lb pig too far over and I couldn't raise the dam thing! I pulled and pulled, nothing..... I tried to turn the handlebars while pulling, again nothing..... dam gravel wouldn't let me turn the bars wither. Oh great, now what! I'm sitting there straddling the stupid thing looking like Wally Weakling. Finally, I got off the bike, using two hands on the same side I managed to push the handlebars so the wheel wasn't pointing downhill anymore. Then I got back on and started to make racking motions until I finally got the dam thing up! EEEE ha

And here it is Monday, my arm has finally stopped aching and if the grey clouds run away maybe I'll take her out for a spin this afternoon.

Lesson learned: You cannot lift 850 lb of dead weight, and watch were you park the pig!

After 32 years of layin' the dog,
Now its time to ride my hawg.
See ya guys, its been a gas.
Oh yeah, Stelco KMA!!

I retired April 3rd 2009 from Stelco after receiving an option of lay-off with no definite recall date or take a reduced pension and run. I would guess that approximately 80% of the guys did the same thing. Way too many signs on the wall: PCB transformers not being changed out, changerooms being dismantled, no maintenance or repairs for years now. We should of seen the signs when USSteel bought the place and the first thing they did was a little "cleanup" with any old metal or steel being separated and shipped out, looking back now it seems obvious they just wanted Nanticoke and they took Hilton Works as a free throw in to run into the ground with no maintenance and then crying "old equipment too expensive to repair" later on. Just part of the Grand Corporate Plan, and we were the unlucky pawns on the wrong game board. Could be worse, I have lots of buddies with less than 30 years, so no retiring for them.

Don't get me wrong, I found out within by first few months that we all more or less get paid the same amount in the operating side, so why do anything extra. I quickly gravitated towards to "dogger" jobs and spent a career there. I did as little as I possible could during my shift, and looking back now to see how things turned out during our constant battles with different management groups, I am damn proud of it! I took them for as much as I could, and they tried to get the same from me.

To this day I still bunch my pillow into a ball to resemble a pile of rags. Then ZZZZZZ time! And I haven't worked a night shift in 10 years or more. Just goes to show: old habits do die hard.

One of my favourite places is Princess Auto. I love looking through their flyers/catalogues and while reading one I came across an ad for a motorcycle dolly. The unit was a wheeled track to ride up on and then dismount the bike, then turn the bike around and ride off again. This would of been ideal for me in the summer time when I am riding a lot. I could of kept the bike in the driveway, under its rain cover and then I wouldn't of had to do the old "back and forth" dance each time I come home, tucking it away under the back porch. As usual, being a Princess Auto product it was only $99, not the $200 - $300 I had seen in J&P catalogue or at the bike shows, but unfortunately, since I have had the bike lowered it did not work for me. I couldn't pop the unit back up on it wheels once the bike was aboard, because the dam exhaust was in the way of the lever, AND since it is lowered the kickstand tends to stick out a little further than normal (I am always having to make sure I am parking on level land or even better, sloping away on the left side, so the bike sits right and I don't have to worry about returning to find it on its side...YIKES) so the kickstand wouldn't even fit in the dish that was built to hold the bike. It was dirty from trying to get the bike in and out, so I put it up for sale on Kijiji and sold it for $80. Small loss for a good lesson learned .... remember the dam bike is lowered and it WILL influence how it sits or stands.

Steve giving one of the garden sculptures at Winter Wheat a little lovin'!

In 2008 we didn't go on any long trips, but we did try a nice day run with a friend from work, Dave Ferrier and his wife Marg. They brought along their friends Bill and Kat and we all rode out from Dave's place in Caledonia to Sparta. With Donna and me on our Venture, Bill and Kat on their Royal Star Deluxe ( a beautiful red and black number), Dave on his Road Star and Marg on her VStar 1100 we looked like a freaking Yamaha commercial rolling down the road.

Sparta was quite interesting, we stopped at the tearoom for a great lunch and then crossed the street to a "dust collector" store with some fantastic prices and very unique items. We have bought a couple of hippos that fit over the drain pipes. Then a few miles down the road there is a very different store called Winter Wheat. Garden sculptures, ornaments and all sorts of different stuff and they have the whole property set up displaying their wares. Once there was even a lady playing a harp in the garden gazebo with music floating through the pine forest.

Here is Donna at Furnace Falls on out Rd 507 run.

In the fall of 2007, Donna and I went on a trip up to Orillia. Donna has good luck at the casinos, and it gave us a good excuse to try some different and new roads. There used to be a site with all the latest rallies and poker runs listed on them. I went on and it listed a poker run around the Orillia area, with special mention of Rd 507. This runs from Gooderham to Buckhorn and I can honestly say it was UNREAL, you twist through wonderful country of rock outcrops, pine trees, rivers and ponds with barely a straight line for the whole run. Tons of other bikes and it wasn't until I had returned home that I found out this is a very popular well known road. It was bike utopia!


Of course, we had to have a couple of Weber's burgers while up there. That is almost a landmark in the area. On weekends the line ups are quite long, it is so popular that the owner built a pedestrian bridge across the 4 lanes of Hwy. 11, that couldn't of been cheap! In the back they have a picnic area with old Pullman cars for seating and picnic tables etc. I noticed that lately some grocery stores have started to sell frozen Weber burgers. They have a special steaming method in the preparation of the meat... I will admit that they do taste quite good, but they ain't no Licks!

Here is Donna on our first overnight trip to Collingwood. This was taken on the shore of Georgian Bay in the summer of 2007. We stayed at the Mountain Springs Lodge on a free pass from complaining about our accommodations during our annual winter ski trip. This complain and get a free pass routine has almost become an annual event now, since also having done it twice at Blue Mountain. But at over $150 a night you expect a certain level of accommodations and when it is not delivered, you would have to be make your point. It pays off, believe me!

We had a nice ride all the way up, with stops in Guelph for the Quiznos picnic on the Speed River, and then a really weird experience around Shelbourne at a picnic area we were having a snack and slowly came to the realization that the area was a gay pick up spot .... yeeech! Thank God Donna was with me, studly looking dude like me could of been scary :)

Collingwood has a great set of trails for biking and hiking around the waterfront that are hard to beat, very scenic. And for the real daredevils they now have mountain biking down Blue Mountain, too fast for this old man!

Since the purchase of my Venture I have added a few things myself, not a real lot of money (especially compared to the previous owner) but I think it has made the bike complete. I finished off the "eyebrows" over the rear turn signals and front light bar. I also purchased a set of rails that run around the outside of the saddlebags. When these were mounted on the bike, using the OEM supplied holes, and this is an OEM supplied part from Yamaha, the rails did not sit right. I went on to my trusty information website http://www.venturerider.com/ and found that everybody had the same problem. Some people just bent the rails, one guy stood on his...YIKES! but eventually I found the correct way to fix the problem, drill new holes an inch lower on the bike. What a feeling sitting in front of the baby with the saddlebags off, power drill in hand, location dot punched and here I go.... it was actually a breeze. Fit and look great.

One morning riding in to work, the windshield fogged up so bad I knew it was time to either get a new lower one or cut the old one down. The price dictated that decision, $300 for a small windshield or off to P&A plastics in Hamilton for $50. Makes the bike look kind of like a "Road Glide" and fits me short ass just perfect. Please see the pic above after the cut down.

And during the summer of 2008 I bought new rubber for the bike. REALLY nice Avon Venoms, that made a huge difference in the ride, made the bike feel lighter and way easier to handle. Like I said to the wife, it now feels like I'm riding on round tires, whereas before they felt flat bottomed with curved edges. The guys at Venturerider had recommended these and they were SO right, I would replace them again in a minute, if required.

I am still looking for a GPS unit for the bike on Ebay, but I am having a hard time getting one at a decent price. I am not paying $150 for years old technology when I can go out and buy a new one for the same price. Stay tuned.

Well, this is the new ride, 2005 Yamaha Venture!


Before I forget about Barrie Harley, let me give a little sidebar about these characters. After they have your money and the deal is done, so are your chances of any help. My bike came wired and mounted for a GPS, and it would be a lot easier to replace the unit (Ebay) if I knew the company or model #, so I called up and asked if this information could be obtained for me from the previous owner. I didn't think it was a big deal, but after 2 weeks of no answer I call back up and get told the salesman is on holiday, so I ask to speak to the Sales Manager and relay my story and also the fact that my 30 day warranty is almost up, so I can imagine the great help I'm going to get when "out of warranty" time rolls around. Dam manager threatened to hang up on me, wait till I win my millions, nothing is spent at Barrie HD.


My arrival home wasnt without a bit of an adventure, anyone who has a Venture can profess to their "top heaviness" so as I pulled up to the top of my driveway I have a covered porch where I store the bike out of the elements. I have to do a little "back & forth" in order to wheel it in place, so as the wife is standing back I proceed to wheel it back and forth and then tilt the handlebars too much and weight takes over....OMG she is going over!! Thank god for highway pegs and floor boards.... they held the sucker up until the wife dashed in to help bring it back upright. Heart attack or what! But she was under the roof and out came the Mr. Clean Car Wash System (highly recommended), Gold Classic Leather Cleaner, Mothers Car Wax and finally Blue Diamond chrome polish. Took a few hours for the initial cleaning but what a difference, the bike looked brand new.

It has been a few years since my last posting and things have certainly changed in the riding area of my life.

Back in June 2007, I decided that the VStar was too small for our touring adventures so I put it in the Bike Trader. It took two weeks before someone finally came out to Dunnville to see the bike and the first one was a lady in her twenties who loved it, came back in 10 minutes with $1000 cash to hold it for her until the next day. I thought it was sold, but she called back that evening complaining of furnace/AC problems, so I met her and gave her back her money. I couldn't resist being a "dad" and after giving her the money I said not to do that, I could of kept her deposit. Why give SO much? I think she understood I was just trying to help her out for the next time so goes bike shopping.
Eventually a guy from Woodstock called and said he was coming out to look at the bike, so when he arrived I could see the spark in his eye, took the chance and threw him the keys (after looking at his license), and when he came back I knew I had a buyer. We did the little "barter dance" and I ended up selling it for $5400, not bad 10% or $600 for 2 years of riding. We made the arrangements to meet in Simcoe the next day and after meeting, doing the sale and walking down the road to the local Arby's in order to met my wife for the ride home, the guy rode on by on the bike. Now he was a tall guy, about 6' + so when I watched him going by I have to admit that he looked a little funny on that size of a bike.
Back to the on-line Bike Trader again, this time I had narrowed my search down to a Yamaha Venture. The wife had seen the "lazyboy" seat and loved the look of that, and it had all the storage you could ever want. I was especially partial to the 2005 version with the "liquid silver" colouring. There was a guy out in Windsor, asking $16,300 for 2005 silver with a few upgrades, but when I called and asked if he was okay with he going for a small test ride he said he would have to see me first. I was leery to drive 5 hours to have him not like my looks, so I said forget it. That Saturday we went up to Barrie for a day trip to look at one in the Barrie Harley Davidson dealership. They were asking $16000 but dropped a grand right of the top so I made arrangements to buy the bike. It was loaded with extras, we eventually did a tally of the all the extras and they came to over $4000 and only 3000km on the dial. It was in the basement, (supposedly HD will not allow other companies product on the floor, so said the salesman) and dusty and dirty. They did the prep on the bike and we had made arrangements to go get it on Saturday July 14 2007, but Friday the 13th had me sitting in the back listening to the iron rolling through town on their way to Port Dover. It was driving me nuts, so I called up to Barrie and asked if the bike would me ready today and then called the bus companies and planned the route. All I saw was iron rolling down the highways all the way up north. Everything was going along great until the last bus from Newmarket to Barrie started to do the "every corner has a stop" routine so I was dashing off the bus at the Barrie station and flying to the nearest cab who got me to the dealership just in time before closing. I did a few circles of the court in front of the dealership and then on Hwy 400 I went riding the Silver bus!

Here I am about to leave.

The first day of the trip was beautiful, sunny with a light breeze. I left home at 7:30 am Tuesday and had my first rest stop in Guelph at the park that runs along the Speed River. A quick Horton's snack, a few pictures and I was on my way to the next stop, Elora at the gorge. I stopped in at the Conservation area and got a small map to the local free park in town.
While running through Arthur, I had a small mix up with "Concession 2" versus "Sideroad 2" but soon had the problem solved out after a few km run down a gravel road (yeech).
The next stop was at Eugenia Falls, a small park overlooking a nice set of waterfalls. This was also at the beginning of the Beaver Valley Road. A wonderful run through ski country, up and down and twisting this way and that until you pull into Thornbury. At this point I was about an hour behind schedule so I passed on the bay road in Owen Sound and went straight on through to Wairton. After climbing the hill I turned off on to Reg Rd 9, to Lionshead. Some of the beginning scenery was quite nice around Colpoy Bay, and the beach was nice at Lionshead, but the road itself wasn't that great.
When I arrived at Tobermory I had missed the ferry by 30 minutes, and when I read the website prior to leaving I had misread the schedule, I had to wait 4 hours for the 8:00 pm sailing. I was the first bike in the motorcycle lane waiting to board so I went for a walk through town, had a $12 fish & chips and when I went back for the loading there was only one other bike, an older Yamaha. The young guy riding it had just got his license and was going to meet his girlfriend at South Baymouth. It was a wonderful trip across, watching the sunset and cooling off with the breeze blowing . When we arrived at the dock it was 9:45 so the trip was dark and the bugs were unreal. After so many hours in the saddle, getting bug splattered, and even seeing a pair of black bears cross the highway I decided that I had to pull into the motel in Little Current at almost 11:00 pm For $61 I got a postage stamp sized room with a ceiling fan instead of air-conditioning.
I awoke the first time at 2:15 to the crash of thunder and after tossing and turning all night I finally got up at 7 am got ready and sat and watched the rain come down and watched the Weather Channel. It said that the rain was going to keep up all day Wednesday and Thursday too. At 10 am I figured "what the hell" saddled up and off I went. There is a bridge that rotates to allow boat traffic and during the pouring rain I found out that it was made of planked wood with potholes big enough to hold a tire, and some you could see the water down below!! Talk about unsafe! This was an omen of the day about to come, 6 hours of highway riding in a downpour. Needle face, clothes soaked through, boots full of water and leather jacket weighing about 100 pounds. After the third set of full body shivers I decided to pull into Parry Sound to find No Vacancy signs in all the motels. I had to bite the bullet and drop $145 for the 4th choice and jump into a hot bath. I spent the evening at the local laundromat trying to dry my sodden mess. I think I have written off the leather jacket.
Thursday was an enjoyable ride home with only a few brief splatters until I was coming down Diltz Rd, with 5 minutes left and it started to rain yet again. It was also my first trip down the 400, across the 407 and then the QEW riding the bike. Luckily it wasn't that busy, so I just cruised in the slow lane at 100 kph and watched the packs of vehicles approach in the mirrors, fly on by and then peace until the next group. It wasn't that bad, just staying on your toes for the trucks.
All in all it wasn't a total loss of a trip, but Wednesday truly was the ride from hell.... not soon forgotten! After 3 days the final total was 1350 km.

After a cancellation and numerous plan changes, I am off on my big bike ride tomorrow morning.

It will be a solo endeavor up to Tobermory, across on the ferry and then back around Georgian Bay.

More.... so very much more.... to come!

I finally broke down and bought the tank emblems, and I must admit that I was pleasantly surprised.

The story begins with the former owner telling me that she had "steam de signs off de tank because I don't like them". I was suspicious, but I can't see any signs of major damage that would of called for tank repair, and if you are getting THAT done why not have the decals put on too. So I felt by leaving on the "Classic" sticker on the front fender it was just a small way to make it look a little more .... shall we say "Harleyish".

But the tanks looked so plain and empty, I went to Baldwins to see how much they would be, and I was shocked to hear $80. I was under the impression that these so called decals would be a sticker. I even went so far as to looking into getting the tank air brushed, and found a very reasonably priced guy in a small town nearby, but that was still going to cost me over a hundred.

When I called Kelly's in Hamilton and I was told that they would be $31 per side I decided to get them, but when I went into pick them up, they were NOT stickers, but 3D chrome plaques with VStar on them. Almost worth the money ;) And they look great mounted, although I had to use alcohol in order to clean off the wax on the tanks before using the two-sided tape to mount them. So this obviously led to a full "scrub & shine" the next day.

Today was the longest cruise so far, 260 km!

I started out with a ride to Dover, there are so many bikes there it is crazy. I saw a custom chopper today with an unreal paint job of layered devils all entwined. The rear fender was carved into a point with about a 230 on the back tire. Took my sandwich from Horton's and walked through the lot at Rosi's, where all the "big boys" hang out, then bought a drink at the Arbor and ate there.

I continued westward and then down to Port Rysere. From here it was along Front St. through Normandale, where I caught a few rays and watched all the boaters. The price of gas sure doesn't seem to hurt the boating industry, they were all over the place. Chatted with a fellow rider who knew Vic Powell from town, small world. I then jumped back on Front St. (this is a great ride, 80 km limit with some sweet curves) through Fishers Glen with that great hairpin turn, and onto Port Rowan. I am going to have to stop one day and try The Boathouse restaurant in Port Rowan.

Next came the windmills. There had to be sixty of them scattered all through the countryside. Giant white structures silently turning and turning. It was quite the site, almost hypnotic watch them turn. I then arrived in Port Burwell where there was another crapload of bikes. Some racers, but mostly roaring hogs screaming up the main drag with straight pipes blowing out about 200 decibels. I sat down by the beach and had a nice rest checking out the highway map and planning possible trips.

I traced the same route back home, while out that far it seems like a waste not to ride the best, even if it is repeating the same route.

It cant really be over a month since the last entry?!

That just goes to show how much I have be in the saddle lately. Any free time is good enough for either the one hour Reg Rd 69 run, the two hour Lakeshore ride, three hour cruise out to Chippewa and then south on the Niagara Parkway to Fort Erie or even the 5 hour loop through Rd 69, Thorold Tunnel, up to Niagara-on-the-Lake and then south through Niagara Falls to Fort Erie and back home again.

I had a few problems with the baby lately. They started with a bunch of tacks in my rear tire, removal and new tube ran me 90 clams. Then a starting problem was traced back to the battery having a loose connection in the negative terminal. Although the screw was tight in the nut, the nut was loose inside the terminal so that it would vibrate out of place and presto...no go!!

I have since changed the oil, which didn't come without strife, the darn drain plug was on SO tight I had to wrench my back wrenching the bolt. The spark plug change went quite easily and the air breather was clean. The bike is running like a charm now.

I've noticed that somethings you wouldn't give a second thought to in the car, really bug my ass on the bike.

For instance, twice now I have been waiting to turn left because of oncoming traffic, when the goof in his car puts two wheels on the shoulder and uses the right side of the lane to drive passed you. That feeling of being trapped between two cars, both moving in opposite directions at 80 kph and any escape route is cut off... I did not like it!! The second time it happened I had deliberately angled the bike in such a way as to cut off 2/3's of the lane. What happens... he flips me the bird while driving by!

But with the bad stuff comes a glowing moment. I had stopped at a light while an elderly gentlemen crossed at the crosswalk. He was easily in his 70's, and he paused, looked at the bike and gave me a nod and a smile that made me certain he was a rider in his day. "Nice bike son." he said. I thanked him, it felt great, something only another rider would understand.

Here are a couple of pics with one being closer but both reflections in my helmet taken by Donna.

May comes around, and with it my first ride into work. It was a treat getting to ride home, but damn cold riding in. The parking area designated for motorcycles at work is getting quite full, and I noticed a brand new black V Star Classic in there in the beginning of the week. Looked real nice!

I went with the wife to the local motorcycle store, Baldwins, on Highway 3 in Dunnville. She has decided that she trusts me enough now to get on the back. We went and bought a new helmet for her, a nice half helmet with silver flames, looks cool. So that night we jumped on and went for a small ride to Grand Erie Bar-B-Que in Byng, just over the river from town. I went for about a 10 minute ride prior to stopping for supper, with a few different roads and a minute or two at 90 kph in order that she could get the feel of the wind. Donna has a history of allergies, and that night we found out that the pollen count was high. We aren't sure if it was the pollen count, or the wind driving it into her head, but she had a beauty of a sinus and allergy attack later on that evening. One of the worst ever! Let's hope it was just the pollen count, or her riding days may be limited.... very limited! Although she did say she enjoyed the ride.
It sure is different with a rider on the back, I can especially notice it in first and second gears... for the half a second that you are in each one! And with the raised passenger seat, they ride higher than the driver, so she is holding on at chest level instead of waist. I imagine as she gets more use to the gearing and riding of the bike there will be less clutching of the jean jacket. But it certainly makes for a better driver, you are trying to be as smooth as possible, avoiding the jerkiness, so they have a fear free ride too. Gives you good practice on fine tuning the downshifting, which is an area in need of practice, and without a tachometer that does take time to get the feel and sound of the engine before shifting down properly...without the rocking or jerking motion!

A fantastic ride today! Left home at 11:00 am and went to St. Anns and around the Effingham loop but then I veered off to Chippewa and then south down the Niagara Parkway. I can see why they call this stretch of road Millionaire's Row. Tons of other riders out, all enjoying the great weather, seemed like riders at ever bend.

Fantastic ride today full of firsts.

It was finally warm enough to go without the chaps, and for the first time I tried a pair of polar fleece long johns I got for Christmas under my jeans. Worked out great, with a lot more mobility than the chaps. I am glad to be rid of them for a while, lets face it, they are not made for short guys. But they are a necessary evil for the Canadian rider.

Went for my first ride out to Port Dover today. I love the Lakeshore Rd. part, (heard on the Haldimand County councilor meeting that they want to pour some dough into road repairs out there, keep your fingers crossed) and I was surprised at some of the greenbelt area around Lake Erie Works (Stelco). Then when I rode passed Tim Hortons and Rosi's parking lot in Dover....... about 200 different bikes! On the way home I had a customized 1100 V Star riding behind and then roaring past... giving me a big old wave. A real sweet ride, copper coloured with fender extensions, loud pipes and it looked like it had been lowered. Somebody had spent some big $$$.

Almost at home and I had my first "switch to reserve". Happily everything went good, gas station not too far away, money in my pocket, and I remembered to switch it back to main tank after filling up :)

Good Friday has arrived and the rain with it. Not much in the way of bike news lately. The rides have been intermittent, getting out whenever it is warm enough. I still haven't taken it to work yet this year, almost did yesterday with 19C but still dam cold in the mornings, especially after just crawling out of a warm bed at 5:15am.
I went for a ride out Lakeshore Rd. to Selkirk, but it was still rather chilly, so I stopped at the Parrot Head Cafe. While there I ran into an old high school buddy who just happened to be admiring the bike. After 30 years, sure is a blast to run into someone like that.

I had a buddy telling me about these two friends of his at work who were getting back into riding, they were real Gung-ho, riding at any opportunity that came up. Then it ends up that one of them was an old room mate of mine back in the 80's. We have since emailed each other and are planning a ride together as soon as Mother Nature helps out. He sent me an email of this road in the States called "The Dragon" ... 10 miles of switchbacks
Looks unreal!! They have their own website dedicated to this stretch of the road with all the stats of accidents and even deaths every year. I guess people are just pushing that edge a little more each time until ... too much!

Finally a nice day!! With temperatures in the mid teens the ride was a real pleasure.

I went out along Reg Rd 69 by St. Anns and instead of turning around at RR 24 I continued on 69 easterly until I came to Effingham Rd. Right turn here and this was a real pleasure, uphill twisters as you climb the escarpment. This is another road I had heard about on Great Ontario Bike Roads. http://bikeroads.atspace.com/
Read through the "contributions" area for tons of different roads to try. A short but sweet one near home is at the top of Diltz Rd. turn right along RR 45. I like to go this way when doing the "69 route". Just watch out for the 2 one lane bridges.

Last Saturday I went to the Bike Show at the Automotive Building at the Ex, and I was not too impressed. About 50 nice customized beauties, with 40 grand price tags. But after walking around the whole thing 3 times, we went home, an hour and a half after we arrived.

I have attached the sissy bar and the whole scrub & polish session took about 3 hours. Does anything look better than your bike polished, with the sun gleaming off it? I can sit and look at it for ages.

I remember when I first bought the bike, I would sit outside and just look at it, still unbelieving that it was mine.

The weather forecast is crappy for the next few days. So she is shiny..... but covered.

I put the battery back in today, and apart from the cover giving me a little grief, it went okay.

After missing the Saturday morning biker TV shows I was determine to go for a ride. A few other riders out, mostly big hogs. It was a little cool, but the bike was riding very well. I have read other owners mentioning that the bike rides better in the mid to mid-high tach range, and I definitely found that to be true today. I think I have been having a tendency to "pile through the gears" too quickly. In fourth gear and I'm barely over 50 km. Today's ride was a lot nicer.

I still have to get it cleaned up and get the sissy bar re-attached. The headlight visor looks good, for $25 it was a good deal, and really adds to the "classic" look. The Yamaha version was almost triple that for a little Star stamp in the visor.

And here's another move you don't want to do.

I wasn't sure when it was finally going to be the last day and time to put the bike away for the winter. I was going out for a ride most November evenings, and then on the way home I would fill the tank.

I had put it away in the shed, added my Stabil and was going out to check on it on one of those 10 degree Celsius January days. As I opened the lock I could smell the gas. I freaked! Dashed in thinking that I had maybe left the little bleeder scews open when bleeding the carb bowls. No nothing there. I went to the other side and the gas has puddled on the floor and is pouring out of the side of the cap. I flew into the house, grabbed the turkey baster and sucked the level on down.

I guess that since the tank was cold when I filled it, put a little too much in, then the couple of tablespoons of Stabil, then the temperature change and voila.... a freakin mess!!

So when the say fill the tank.... it doesn't mean like your car. Leave some room for expansion. Live and learn.

A real bonus about living in Dunnville is some of the local roads. Lakeshore Road along Lake Erie is a twisty curvy wonder that has to be experienced. It takes about an hour to get from Dunnville out to Selkirk along the coast line. One of my favourite rides.

Like a kid with a new toy I couldn't get enough of it before the winter came.

Funny story looking back........
My buddy was on night shift and had said that he wanted to go for a ride together. I had been pounding in the miles so I now felt comfortable riding with the "Harley boys". I woke up early and went for a 2 hour ride, got home just in time for lunch and the phone ringing. He had got up early from nights.... let's go!! So I jump back on the sled and fly over to his place. We then proceed to ride for about 3 to 4 hours. I must admit my ass was killing me, and I was a tad stiff when we pulled back onto the buddy's gravel driveway. I went to get off (don't ask me what the hell I was thinking) but I brought my left foot up towards the gas tank instead of bent backwards, I caught my toe in the space between the gas tank and the seat and having the momentum started already....I go flying! Actually do a shoulder roll up the stones and HORRORS the bike fell over too! But, typical Harley guys, they are at the bike in a flash helping me. Thanks again Joe! I was devastated, I figured scratches, dents broken stuff!!! But no!! Nothing!! It seems it landed on the saddle bag, foot board and front right turn signal! Dam miracle. I guess I looked a little shook up, Joe said I still looked pale 40 minutes later.

Now.... it's funny! That night I had a nightmare that I was rounding a corner and the bridge was out on the Welland Canal. I put the bike down, but it was too late and it started to fall in the water. Luckily, I landed on a ladder with one hand and held up the bike by the handlebars with the other hand. I told you it was a nightmare!

How about that Mother's Metal Polish?!? The bike was clean, but after getting into that magic potion, I was truly shocked. A bit of elbow grease and the dam thing shines like glass!

I had a 3" or 4" stain on the pipes from the former owner. She had hung the saddlebags centred over the rear fender so once something was added to the the bag it rested on and melted into the pipe. Easy to do, hell I almost did it myself. A buddy at work saw it and suggested 00 steel wool to clean it off. Worked great!!

Because there was no manual with the bike I ordered one through Amazon.ca I made the order late Saturday night of Thanksgiving weekend and it was in my mailbox on the Tuesday morning. Truly amazing delivery! It was a Clymer book, but I must admit, the few things I have done were not quite right in the book. For instance, the book stated during an oil change you had to drop the exhaust in order to get at the filter. Not true on the 650!

My birthday is in November, so my wife bought me a nice rain cover for the bike. And then for Christmas she bought me a bike jack that was on sale at Crappy Tire. Dam heavy thing. I put it together and the wife and I slugged it out to the shed. In the house when I checked out how to use the jack it lowered very slowly ( I know, I know...that's 'cause it has no weight on it stupid). I had raised the bike up, but when I got down on all fours to check the "level" it was only on 3 of 4 points. So I stepped on the release pedal. Well, let me tell you, it came down a lot faster than I had expected. Almost flattened the wife!

And her she be....

This picture was taken at Lake Erie near Freedom Oakes Golf course. Since then I have replaced the sissy bar pad, chromed the rear tail light, license plate and bought a nice Highway Hawk master cylinder cover. As you can see the former owner steamed off the V Star and Yamaha decals, but left on the Classic one.... makes me feel like a Harley wannabe......... so I have a date in late April to see a guy in Waterford who does some really impressive air brushing. After checking out the price of "official" Yamaha decals (almost $100!!) it seems the better option with some real customizing.

End of September 2005, on a Saturday morning, and I had to go get a hernia checked out at Shouldice Hospital in Toronto. While we were there I wanted to check out a couple of bikes in the Trader. The first guy was so adamant that his price was firm I didn't even bother to go by, instead I went to see a lady in the Lakeshore area who had a 2004 VStar Classic with 4000 km that she had originally asked $6700 for but had lowered down to $6300.

It was in great shape. Two tone blue, navy on the top and light metallic blue on the sides. No scratches or dings and she had saddlebags and a sissy bar (but she had lost the sissy bar pad). I asked the lady if she would take $6000 even for it, and she balked. So I took a chance, I gave her my phone number and said that 6 grand was my limit, if it didn't sell by Tuesday she could call me. All the way home I questioned what I had done, was I going to lose the bike I wanted over $300.

She called about 30 hours later, early Sunday evening. It was mine!

We arranged for the pick up for 4:00pm on Tuesday, but getting on a new bike and then jumping into Toronto rush hour traffic seemed like a torture test to me. So I called a buddy with lots of miles under his belt on lots of different bikes, and I asked if he would mind piloting my new baby home for me. He jumped at the chance.
The seller of the bike seemed to be getting on nicely with Scott when we went to pick it up. So nicely in fact, that she had a small confession. It seems that the money I had given her for the bike was going toward her new BOOB JOB. She was a French-Canadian lady and said, "my whole life I have nothing, now I am happy!" She was going to put in the ad...Bike must go, Twins on the way! I felt like my money went to a worthwhile cause!!
Thanks again Scott, I don't know what I would of done without your help. But I must admit, that was the longest dam ride home from Toronto ever, me grinning like a freaking idiot the whole way.

Then by the time I dropped Scott back off at home and I raced back to get on my new baby, the whole dam neighborhood is out checking out Steve's Mid Life Crisis. So I threw my leg over, cranked her up and (Thank God) didn't stall her as I putted down the road, with that same "ear to ear grin".

What a feeling!!!

I was now an official M2'er. Actually I had to go get the temporary license renewed before the hard copy arrived in the mail months later.

Time to decide on a bike. Let's face it, the bank account is what does the talking. Also, because I still have to go for my full motorcycle license in 18 months or so, I was very leery to "go big you'll just move up later" philosophy some of my friends had stated. I understood what they were saying, but after 20 years on 4 wheels I wanted to feel safe and have fun!! Then after talking to the insurance shylocks my mind was set.

I was looking at both the Honda Shadow ACE and the Yamaha VStar Classic. I liked the classic look of both the bikes, they seemed a good size for me and most importantly the buying price and the yearly insurance gouge were manageable.

I was so in tuned to the Bike Trader online version, that after a while I figured out the new postings arrive at about 4:00 pm on Wednesdays. (A little helpin' hand for you shoppers!)

The hunt continues................

Went to the St. Catherines Motorcycle Store, had a nice 2003 (I think) black and cherry VStar, but for $6000 it had some damage to both front and back fenders. Plus I got my first taste of "no test rides for M2'ers" which alot of places seem to adhere to.

Looked at a few black VStar Customs at Kelly's in Hamilton, but decided I wanted the Classic.

Motorcycle School was a blast!

The Friday night class was all lecture. But I was so pysched for the actual hands on riding the following two days that even the lectures were tolerable.

I arrived at the parking lot for the Saturday riding 20 minutes early, and there was about 8 people there already. We were all biting at the bit, checking out the Kawaski 100's all lined up and ready to go. There was 15 guys and 5 girls in the class. They started us out by pairing us up, and then with the bikes in neutral, we sat on and our partner gave us a small shove. We had to coast forward and then come to a controlled stop. We did the same thing and veered away to the right and then the left side.

Time to start them engines. vrooom vrooom! We had a good time Saturday and Sunday.... then we had a break after lunch and they set up the courses for the M2 Test. Dum De Dum. You could see the tension on everyone's face.

A short girl fully decked out in Gold Wing gear was so involved watching the group doing another test that she drove straight into the cement blocks around the edge of the parking lot, flew ass over tea kettle into a small gulley, and then.. ouch.... the Kawi 100 climbed the parking block and crashed onto her. She got in her car and drove home, but I'm sure alot more than her pride was aching. I felt sorry for her, but then one of the other girls said, "Her old man has a Gold Wing in the garage waiting for her after she passes." Thank God she didn't. Actually of the 5 girls only one passed and 3 of them had already bought Harley Sporsters to ride with their boyfriends. The girl who did pass deserved to, and I give anyone who passed credit, it was fun but you had to have control of that little bugger at all times. If you messed up on any rules, like shut down etc. they would get you in a group and then as they were explaining the next exercise to you, one of the other instructors would check the bikes. If something was wrong they would push it out into the middle of the parking lot so as you returned to your bike ... it was gone.... oh crap there it is ..... embarrassing but you only did it once! Let me talk from experience!

As you probably figured out by now..... I passed!

Jump ahead 25 years, after 18 years we have finally paid off the palace, one kid in University and the other in high school. I have always told my wife that if we "won the million" the only thing I would want would be a Harley.

One day she starts talking about bikes, what size, how much, motorcycle school etc. And then I get the "blessing". Lets just say I was surprised. Bike Trader was now my constant companion.

In July, 2005, my eldest was going for her Driver's Test, so I figured while I was waiting for her, out came the $17 and I wrote my motorcycle beginners. I passed!! (Oh yeah, and she passed her driver's too.) By the way, anyone thinking about doing the same as me, take a tip from me.... read up on the new fangled graduated license stuff!!

The following Monday I went to the Canadian Motorcycle Association office in Hamilton, laid down my $350 and registered for Motorcycle School in September. Next stop with the wallet was at the local motorcycle store for a helmet. Does everyone else feel as dorkey as me trying on helmets? Mind you, everyone else doesn't have to look for "pumpkin" sized lids.

Years passed and I started working for Stelco (29 years later and I'm still there) when a friend who had a Honda 650 was talking late one night shift about his cousin who was selling a Honda 350 on-road off-road ..."perfect for someone wanting to get back on two wheels". I went home and tried to get my parents to co-sign a loan for the bike, but as my Dad put it "not a bloody chance son". I figured what have I got to lose, so I went to the bank myself the next day and lo & behold they gave me the loan. I'll never forget the front curtains flying open and the look on my Mother's face as I wheeled the bike up the driveway. I took it out that night for a test ride....dumped it up some guys front lawn at about 25 mph, ripped off my watch, scraped myself all up the right hand side, and came wheeling it home with a bent back brake. The parents were "oh so impressed". I kept that bike for 3 years then I got an offer for $150 less than I paid for it ... couldn't turn it down. But many a summer day since than I have had the "urge".

My first experience on two-wheeled motorized devices was way back in about 1968. I was 11 at the time, (you do the math and the Blog's title starts to make sense). Two friends of mine, who lived next door to each other both had mini-bikes. This was something that I didn't even bother to dream about, owning a mini-bike! We definitely didn't have that kind of money in our family. I do remember one being a bright yellow Rupp owned by the Clark brothers, but the other one was a no-namer that the Alford brothers owned. The no-namer was the one I rode the most. When they excavated the basement for the local school they created one big pile of earth that was about 20 feet high at the one end, and tapered down to the ground at the other end and ran about 300 yards long. Then they made a field full of dump truck loads of earth .... mini bike heaven!! All our spare cash went into gas and to this day I still remember the taste of gas we siphoned from dubious places! Aaah the joys of youth. The Big Dirt Hill (as we so imaginatively named it) was a mecca for local dirt bikers so it wasn't long until I had my first taste of the dreaded CLUTCH, borrowing a friends' Honda 100.