tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38052208773959442172024-03-19T00:37:28.272-04:00A New Motorcycle for (BEYOND) SturgisA short discussion about motorcycling, rider friends, motorcycle gear and trip planning. Sturgis has long since passed, but the gear evaluations, bike mods and rides continue. Join me as I slide into the second half of my riding experience.JoeRockethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04520210350509646710noreply@blogger.comBlogger135125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3805220877395944217.post-20721456190173157362017-02-02T22:09:00.000-05:002017-02-02T22:09:45.300-05:00So, now I'm a car guy too...Truth be told, I've ALWAYS been a car guy, but my passion for riding is far greater than any joy one can get from driving a car. But, after 40 years of working, a couple of really good commission checks and an understanding wife, I just bought a very special car.<br />
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After a particularly hot summer ride, fraught with too many stops and too much traffic, Ms. Rocket declared that her love of riding was over. This wasn't the first time she thought she was through, so I wasn't particularly upset, just accepting of her decision. I told her that we would put her gently used bike up for sale in the spring, and not to worry, I would handle it all. Her next question caught me off guard though.<br />
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With my BMW S1000R barely a year old yet, she said, "What are you going to buy, so we can go two-up?" I was like, "Huh?" Her assumption was that I'd sell my Dark Knight for a couples bike. Okay, I'm game. Let's go shopping. <br />
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Folks, I tried, I really tried. Fortunately, I had a partner in crime, good friend and riding buddy Kenny B., whose faithful H-D Road King had seen too many roads. His bike was up for sale and he was ready to buy new. So we shopped. We looked at EVERYTHING, from every manufacturer. For 4 weeks, every chance we got, we looked, rode and touched everything on the market. Some were good, some not so. We really like what Triumph has been doing, with their stylish, smaller bikes. Ken is no giant and, as he enters the later stage of his riding career, he knew a smaller bike was his answer. Me, I seemed to be going in the wrong direction.<br />
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I rode bigger and bigger bikes, in the hopes of finding 2-wheeled marital bliss. Finally, after our second test ride two-up, on a behemoth BMW Mottarad K1600 GT, perhaps the zenith of all things motorcycle touring, I announced "Not doing it". See, it is easy to put myself in harm's way, ride like an idiot, and suppress my fears of my wife getting hurt riding her own bike. It is quite another for me to take on all of the responsibility for her safety, as we get older and more brittle. With what BMW is asking for that lovely appliance, I thought, "Hell, I can get a new Miata for that!"<br />
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<br />Last fall, Ms. Rocket and I took a test drive in a new 2016 MX-5 Miata. We loved it. It has motorcycle-like acceleration, great, quick handling and a sporty exhaust note. I knew I wanted a loaded Grand Tour, with all the buttons and bells, but wasn't in any hurry to make a purchase, and leave my daily driver out in the snow and ice. The salesman was in tune with me, got it, and didn't push. Who the hell buys a new Miata at the end of the year?<br />
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But he stayed in touch, as they do, with emails about all the other cars I don't give a rat's ass about. Mazda Vans and 3's. Cute, but not for me. And then one day an email mentioned a special 2017 car they had, a Launch Edition MX-5 RF. If you don't know this car, it is the Retractable Fastback, new for 2017. While Mazda had success with the hardtop convertible in the past, this was a new design, revolutionary really, that caught the automotive press unprepared and clamoring. <br />
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The deal with the Launch Edition (according to the Mazda people), you had to have owned at least 2 Miatas in order to qualify for ordering 1 of 1,000 units being delivered to the US Market. How was this dealer selling one at all? They sold out in like 14 minutes.<br />
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Seems that these cars arrived early, in the dead of winter and, like so many of us, there was no room at the inn, for this particular buyer. We traveled an hour to see it in person and fell in love. The cost was more for the hardtop, there was no wiggle room, and I knew that this was a serendipitous moment. After thinking about it for a whole 4 hours, we pulled the trigger.<br />
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So, I have another toy, one that we can romance into the sunset together in. Our weekends will soon be booked with romantic getaways, as far down some twisty roads as we can get. Perhaps her most endearing quality, after her warm heart, is her willingness for a good road trip. My traveling companion now can ride in comfort, safely wrapped in terracotta-colored Napa leather.<br />
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If you see a crusty old fart, driving down the road with a gal who looks too pretty for him, say hello to us. Or, if you prefer, just drop us...<br />
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A low, slow wave (I'll be sure to return it),<br />
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Joe Rocket<br />
<br />JoeRockethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04520210350509646710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3805220877395944217.post-65914434958917250352016-06-05T15:53:00.001-04:002016-06-05T16:02:11.955-04:00A brisk, seacoast romp (including seafood, big waves and a couple of close calls...)We had a heck of a day, overall, yesterday. 4 of us blasted off mid-morning, with Rye, NH as our only destination. It was sunny and warm here, in southern NH. As we headed east, the temps dropped as we neared the coast. Still, the day was full of promise, as we passed downtown Rye in favor of the beach road (1-A). After an hour's ride, we made our first stop, where we watch large rollers crash the shoreline, thanks to the tide being high.<br />
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After a short stay, standing there marveling at the beautiful scenery, we were reminded of lunch, and quickly decided on a waterfront spot that two of us had visited, nearly 15 years ago. A long-forgotten gem, we were there, thanks to my new TomTom Rider GPS, in only 10 minutes. We almost beat the lunch rush completely, but were held up by a group of 16 arriving from a wake. Out of deference to their situation, we nervously waited, as more people arrived. Finally, a friendly face caught my eye and we were escorted to the outdoor waterfront deck.<br />
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The view was great, the service was fast and friendly and the food was excellent. Here was our tableside view:<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqFEIdf7LuxW_6XcbvMVlT8nSv_RvKTvG8Is2UBc1UgW_iK_G1I3qgQksrs2mNKZnwj5bTZXCYPw5oXWk-_pA-E6M9FCoB6vz-z-XIUkV29nmZRy_qcw9iHQKJ7d-QuSFHx-eNYmgmfz8K/s1600/IMG_5014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqFEIdf7LuxW_6XcbvMVlT8nSv_RvKTvG8Is2UBc1UgW_iK_G1I3qgQksrs2mNKZnwj5bTZXCYPw5oXWk-_pA-E6M9FCoB6vz-z-XIUkV29nmZRy_qcw9iHQKJ7d-QuSFHx-eNYmgmfz8K/s640/IMG_5014.JPG" width="360" /></a><br />
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We ate quickly, as the bodies standing around seemed to pile up. Ms. Rocket was starting to burn anyway, in the strong Spring sunshine.<br />
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We took as different route home, as the seashore was now socked in with thick fog. We made short work the winding roads en route to the highway.<br />
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With biker friends on their way for dinner, we blasted home at a high rate of speed, keeping all riders in the rear view. There were the usual, inconsiderate cagers and only after dinner did I learn about a close call with a car on an off-ramp. To my knowledge, no car got near me, but BMW Jay said otherwise.<br />
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So, it's still early in the season and, despite New Hampshire's No Cellphone While Driving law being in effect for a year now, I still see asshats using their phones and other distracted driving. I guess that THEY are more important than US, and the rules don't apply. Hmm.<br />
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Be very careful out there. Two riders were killed in racing incidents this weekend, MotoGP and the Isle of Man TT. Professionals, yes, but riders nonetheless. The summer traffic, the texting drivers and the general increase in traffic volume all add to the risk.<br />
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I hope to see you out there soon. Keep your rubbers down.<br />
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A low, slow wave,<br />
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Joe Rocket<br />
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<br />JoeRockethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04520210350509646710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3805220877395944217.post-43186389141473749952015-11-16T23:15:00.001-05:002015-11-16T23:15:44.349-05:00End of Season 2015<br />
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This time of year always put me in a bit of a funk. The days get colder and darker, the wind whips up. Just having the dark shield on my Arai makes the prospect of a later-in-the-day ride a concern. The stake to the heart is the time change. Once the day starts getting dark (and chill) by 4:30, I'm done. We eked out a few later season rides, thanks to the unseasonable weather. And, I invested in a new bike.<br />
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And perhaps that's a bit of my sorrow. Having just got this great end of the year deal, I'm not even close to breaking this in. Hell, I can only think of 1 time that I switched it out of Road mode!<br />
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The long, cold, winter nap that is yet to come is a motorcyclist's endurance test. When spring comes, I will be out on the road on the first warm, dry day. We'll shrug off sand season and mud season, and ride like it's our first time again.<br />
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Until then, I'll sit by the fire and conspire to travel the globe via Google Earth. I'll travel down some international roadways that I may never get to see. And I'll peruse the pages of the "goodies" catalogs and look for that one last grommet thingie that I don't yet own.<br />
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Winter is a good time to purge too, so I will be trying to giveaway or even sell any usable gear that I now longer have a need for. I recently parted with my Mustang Seat, to a good friend who is still riding a cruiser. And I will look over all the old gear to see what needs to go away, or get put up on a shelf, just for the sake of the memories.<br />
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Until I see you out again...<br />
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A low, slow wave,<br />
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Joe (Nein) RocketJoeRockethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04520210350509646710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3805220877395944217.post-90695620256223498802015-09-13T09:08:00.003-04:002015-09-13T09:08:29.546-04:00I ride naked (a new bike, a new me).Those that know me, since the early days of the Amherst Motorcycle Club, know that I've always favored sporty, fast bikes. I follow MotoGP racing (Misano is on NOW, and I should be watching) and, after 2 sport bikes, I bought a cruiser for the 2008 ride to Sturgis. I really enjoyed Ol' Blue for many years, but lately, I was bored with it. Something was missing. No matter how hard I flogged it, tried riding it in a sporty fashion, it just failed to excite me any longer. I knew it was long overdue to look at something new.<br />
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If you read my previous posts, I recently looked at 3 different bikes (Honda, Ducati & Aprilia). I blame the Marketing (and Finance) department of Ducati (now owned by Audi/Volkswagen) for trotting out the 0% financing offer that got me into my local Ducati dealership. Shit, advertising WORKS. After settling on the Ducati Monster 1200, and failing to agree on terms, I opened up my search. One bike that came to my attention was the BMW S1000R. It was featured favorably in many comparisons with the Ducati.<br />
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After a visit to the local BMW store on Friday, we agreed to a test ride on Saturday morning. I couldn't sleep, I felt like a kid on Christmas Eve. The bike was a leftover 2015, offered at discount. It had 35 miles on the odometer but was generally unloved, probably due to the color (matte blue). This bike packs in a ton of technology into a svelte 460 lbs of (wet) weight. The list of features is long, but ABS, TC, Dynamic Damping and Cruise Control are just a few of the options on this bike. Hell, I'd have been happy with ABS and a fuel gauge! I was advised to take it for a short, 8-mile ride, so I wouldn't put on excessive miles. <br />
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As I rolled out of the lot onto a busy road nearby, I was frustrated by the amount of early morning traffic. I needed to get through this to get to a stretch of road where I could fully test the acceleration. As I was blipping the throttle, I caught the eye of our local m/c police, who ride very nice BMW's themselves. He was going the other way, gave me a look, and I gave him a friendly wave and, if not noticeable, sheepish smile hidden behind my helmet's face shield. In other words, "Yes officer, I'll keep the speed down". What a liar!<br />
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After I reached the 101 connector, I was immediately frustrated to be stuck in another line of traffic. UGH! I had go a little further than anticipated, to get the chance to open this bike up a bit. First impression, very quick. Second impression: there's zero wind protection and I was being blown back into my seat. Without a 'shield to displace some of the air coming over the front of the bike, it was like hanging your head out an airplane window.<br />
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I put about 20 miles on the bike before returning it. On the return trip, I knew that I was going to buy this bike, if we could make a deal. <br />
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You know the drill. Get a value on your trade. Low-ball offer. Misery ensues. We had that discussion, he showed the trade number, I didn't call BS, keeping it civil and wanting to walk out with a new ride. I told the rep that the value I'd been given by the Honda dealer was considerably higher (it was) and if we could bump that trade number a little AND throw in the $300+ windscreen, we might be able to stay friends. One more call to another used bike reseller and he found another $500 of trade value. The screen was added to the deal, gratis, and we shook hands and set a time for delivery.<br />
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So, that's how I was able to put the rocket back into Joe Rocket. I'm happy to be riding a new sport bike and will need to learn how all switches and idiot lights work. Here's a few more photos of my new motorcycle (Blue) Gene.<br />
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I have to get out and ride now. I'm sure you understand.<br />
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A low, slow wave,<br />
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Joe Rocket<br />
<br />JoeRockethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04520210350509646710noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3805220877395944217.post-78005373905118878612015-08-21T06:52:00.000-04:002015-08-21T06:55:25.852-04:00Two naked Italians<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6hBtUzyHRIW9Kre2JmpkdwxABbhY9t2lTT5NKDxPrvpuAaCRFtMXDLygb0hUJUwEWf4gOhwzHUL8-iybnBAfEhZ3UrFL_JChhC75LZghgTJelfLKXGcMVeyDASXYepW8d-RtuW2Y11bEn/s1600/RJ2zMpGkPHRxqdNdc05yCsFAlYmCA7GnQcQebHf4L7c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6hBtUzyHRIW9Kre2JmpkdwxABbhY9t2lTT5NKDxPrvpuAaCRFtMXDLygb0hUJUwEWf4gOhwzHUL8-iybnBAfEhZ3UrFL_JChhC75LZghgTJelfLKXGcMVeyDASXYepW8d-RtuW2Y11bEn/s640/RJ2zMpGkPHRxqdNdc05yCsFAlYmCA7GnQcQebHf4L7c.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ducati Monster 1200 S</td></tr>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3805220877395944217" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3805220877395944217" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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Yesterday, I rode the Ducati Monster 1200 and the Aprilia Tuono back to
back. These bikes are similar in some respects but, by design, they ride
very differently.</div>
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Something about the matte black Aprilia was a bit hot. Like a stealth bomber, I imagined that this nondescript naked bike would help me fly under the radar of the local and state authorities. I'm invisible! Even if they could not SEE me, they certainly would hear me coming!</div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3805220877395944217" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3805220877395944217" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>The Tuono has a 1000cc V4 engine that<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">likes to rev very high. To make adequate power, you need to keep your wrist pinned and the noise level high. The seat is as comfortable as the granite garden bench we have in the side yard. You don't sink into it at all, and you imagine you are being ridden out of town on a very fast rail.</span></div>
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The dealer insisted that I ride the Duc again. I had ridden it last weekend and had almost written it off as a noisy, Italian money pit. The bright red color also is a traffic stopper. Or a traffic ticket.</div>
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After the Aprilia, the spacious and thick cushion of the Ducati felt like a La-Z Boy recliner. You know what they say about the bigger cushion. It's a ride all day sort of bike. The one thing I discovered about the riding dynamics is this: with a twin engine in the Duc, torque is the order of the day. When you blip the throttle in ANY gear, the Duc leaps forward like a Great Dane after a squirrel. It makes prodigious amounts of torque and, if any of you need stumps pulled, come see me in the spring.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7fJVJ7G6RADRv758ftUYKGoP6oFTD7VqWahmBawfFGKgbcMCQOP70LELngc7ULiyz_FrmMfS2BHgnB41xycmTEVK9UiDMYZ27AhalQoefO7mSR4Xt2SV2OnavkeIViOtScqfBhLt-5JOT/s1600/1E6qYhrYWzdiN46IkAJ_AZv9jUUN6Bt-ctqKmOlUV3Q.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7fJVJ7G6RADRv758ftUYKGoP6oFTD7VqWahmBawfFGKgbcMCQOP70LELngc7ULiyz_FrmMfS2BHgnB41xycmTEVK9UiDMYZ27AhalQoefO7mSR4Xt2SV2OnavkeIViOtScqfBhLt-5JOT/s400/1E6qYhrYWzdiN46IkAJ_AZv9jUUN6Bt-ctqKmOlUV3Q.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Both bikes are good bikes, but with different purposes. The Aprilia is more of a track tool and the Ducati is more of the gentleman hooligan's bike. It's the bike you would have stunted in your 20's, if crashing didn't stunt your riding career.</div>
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The dealer is preparing an offer and, the only question left is when? Do I want to make payments all winter? Not so much. Still lots of season left and the Duc is a 2015 model about to be marked down. Let's see what happens next. Worst case? I'm riding a 2016 model next year, tricked out the way I want it.</div>
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</div>
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A low, slow wave,<br />
<br />
Joe Rocket </div>
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JoeRockethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04520210350509646710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3805220877395944217.post-7025331388230282702015-05-05T20:27:00.000-04:002015-05-05T20:27:39.865-04:00Who butters YOUR bread???<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAnLv75OOZPHqBX4STTJPXJjdGsZfaOoydqNEDidYoNuFfI-KAUe-vIweOgNJjPj0uLsbujuA6bS205V94svCnsKmXFu3Zw6d21-65ojfRv5tX91e42aNn5PgFVMJBGS3VK5nerFY0xCO1/s1600/Buttered-Bread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAnLv75OOZPHqBX4STTJPXJjdGsZfaOoydqNEDidYoNuFfI-KAUe-vIweOgNJjPj0uLsbujuA6bS205V94svCnsKmXFu3Zw6d21-65ojfRv5tX91e42aNn5PgFVMJBGS3VK5nerFY0xCO1/s1600/Buttered-Bread.jpg" height="310" width="400" /></a></div>
I'm a very lucky guy. I know it, and all the guys I ride with know it. We have a few women who ride with us (or us with them, as the case often is) and I consider them all good riders. Of the guys who ride, I'm the only one whose wife has her own scooter. Now, Mrs. Rocket has a LOT of interests, chief among them, her gardens, her hiking, kayaking, family and her music (she's a wicked awesome trumpet player). But, she likes a good ride and even threatens to ride to work once in a while, if she didn't have to dress so purty and professional at the office.<br />
<br />
So, when last weekend looked like the first really good weekend to get out for a ride, she sent me an email from work, stating as such and, "Oh, would you rather go for a ride this Sunday or go for a hike?" When you've been married as long as I have, you KNOW that this is a trick question, with only one correct answer.<br />
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<br />
So, we hiked along the Maine coastline on Sunday, and had a fine time, just the two of us, like a couple of dating teens. We're still good together, after 30+ years of being together. It's important to find someone who shares your interests.<br />
<br />
I'll get my ride in (and a new tattoo) on Saturday and I'll try to spoil her silly on Mother's Day. Someone wiser than me once commented that you should marry the person you're not afraid to sleep with. All these years and I sleep like a baby: a big, fat, snoring baby.<br />
<br />
Happy Mother's Day this weekend to all the Moms out there. That includes fellow riders Pinkie, Crumpet, and backseat drivers Marie, Dawn and Carol. And, lest I leave out the non-riders, I'll give a shout out to my sister and sister-in-laws: Ginger, Diane, Christina and Heidi.<br />
<br />
#HappyWifeHappyLife<br />
<br />
A low, slow wave,<br />
<br />
Joe Rocket<br />
<br />JoeRockethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04520210350509646710noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3805220877395944217.post-27302400392486401432015-05-03T22:16:00.000-04:002015-05-05T20:06:50.106-04:00Viking Bags - Classic Sissy Bar Bag Review - Long Term Test<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://www.vikingbags.com/cruiser-leather-motorcycle-sissy-bar-bag.htm" target="_blank">Viking Classic Sissy Bar Bag</a></b></h2>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Long Term Test – Viking Bags Classic Sissy Bar Bag</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Can we find a better term than “sissy bar” for the back rest
on the rear of a motorcycle?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like to
think of mine as the “Don’t Leave the Wife Behind When You Accelerate Quickly
Bar”…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has other useful functions as
well, especially when you’re taking a longer trip and need a way to <a href="http://www.vikingbags.com/motorcycle-sissy-bar-bags.htm" target="_blank">secure all your stuff</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have an older tour pack that has served me well, bought
second-hand from the Klimas Kollection, but this one had so many features that
I liked that <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I just <u>had</u> to
upgrade</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To that end, I looked for a bag that I could tour with all
summer long and came up with the Viking Classic bag from Motorcycle House (<a href="http://www.motorcyclehouse.com/viking-classic-plain-black-leather-medium-motorcycle-sissy-bar-bag.htm" target="_blank">http://www.motorcyclehouse.com</a>).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are lots of dealers clamoring for your
hard-earned dollars but these folks have everything you need in one place.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Where to begin?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For
starters, it looks like an expensive piece of luggage, with heavy duty leather
and a hard shell. Look at all the straps that come with it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only thing that’s missing is wheels on
the bottom and a pop-up handle, which no doubt will be on NEXT year’s
model.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seriously, this is tough stuff.
My last bag was Cordura nylon which is good, but not as tough as this
waterproof leather.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It feels as rugged
as my Vanson competition riding jacket!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT0xfQKhjSrUdxn8t7ecOsXCzofY9spa_PGH1I5QOy39ycbzkPvbavqROHxbheLvuKQR-QbBnbBdqoDJTuCTvC_eqMV_pBPT8ibRXmOVKIf-RBKZDg1ocK11Ggu9tvk3ZXPEwtUZaQFs68/s1600/IMG_1715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT0xfQKhjSrUdxn8t7ecOsXCzofY9spa_PGH1I5QOy39ycbzkPvbavqROHxbheLvuKQR-QbBnbBdqoDJTuCTvC_eqMV_pBPT8ibRXmOVKIf-RBKZDg1ocK11Ggu9tvk3ZXPEwtUZaQFs68/s1600/IMG_1715.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a>When it arrived, I couldn't wait to unpack it all and have a look.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The chrome buckles look great and have quick
release snaps hiding underneath, so I don’t have to fiddle with buckles when I
have gloves on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The feature that sold me
on this particular model, besides the black leather and chrome, is the
side-opening zippers on both sides of the main bag.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On my old bag, I would invariably find one
more thing to bring on a road trip, and have to unpack it all just to drop said
item into the main bag from the top.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Here, as you can see, I can leave this bag mounted and easily open and
close to my heart’s content.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Which is
another reason I am leaving this on my bike all summer: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>there’s simply no reason to remove it! You’ll
get the benefit of occasional updates and commentary as I use this to commute,
ride and tour all season long.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
The mounting system adjusts to whatever size pad you have.
This is critical now that Harley-Davidson offers the WIDE backrest, as an
option.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hey, if your old lady is
comfortable back there, she’s likely to ride with you more often.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mine came set to the narrowest opening, which
was perfect for the smaller back rest on the VTX.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No adjustment was needed.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmmwv163HB_P5yP7fY2N1Ax2EwvVDLkNBX4AvgeQ2QBlW8RFm7cZtqTJhq_kkzfbH458V0klOGJvQRk6EHQRzi6kWJ8HILbGNwyxe_CwnaIh0P-NIIj_ftDcxbQxD_EDuRJSirJTl0SDOn/s1600/IMG_1713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmmwv163HB_P5yP7fY2N1Ax2EwvVDLkNBX4AvgeQ2QBlW8RFm7cZtqTJhq_kkzfbH458V0klOGJvQRk6EHQRzi6kWJ8HILbGNwyxe_CwnaIh0P-NIIj_ftDcxbQxD_EDuRJSirJTl0SDOn/s1600/IMG_1713.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The bag system also comes with a roll bag also made of heavy
leather.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This affixes to the top of the
main bag using two of the provided straps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I won’t use the roll bag day-to-day, but it provides additional volume,
when you need it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are shoulder
straps to carry this bag, and back pack straps to make carrying the main bag
easy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you’re dragging all your gear
to a hotel room at the end of a long day in the saddle, this will make that part
of your day a little better.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you don’t ride in the rain, then you’re not a rider.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The bag has a waterproof cover, for those
days when you have to ride through foul weather to get where you’re going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Any biker worth his salt spends more time
riding than polishing. The riders who never cross state lines won’t be looking
into a tour pack system like this anyway.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The main bag zips open from the sides, as I mentioned
above.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It also contains an adjustable
shelf unit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can see how this would be
helpful if you had to carry a wet pair of boots, and didn’t want all your other
stuff to get soaked too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With 4 hook and
loop straps, it divides the main bag into an almost infinite number of
spaces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Inside the bag “doors” are small
mesh pockets, to carry stuff you want quick access to (sunscreen, etc).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The outside of the bag is COVERED with
pockets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve got the rain cover
permanently stashed in one, but I have a lot of others to choose from.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYPvt_tipEOWqa1Kf-Kgk4f7gNViE42Xy4LniyEHw7pAVV-UwPazhDceYc-ly7ePd1Z_0YYQRvDCQZDfgYCOYuiiEitYJV2Q-_TeBQvqFS4DmcysxIC9cv6umJvLenkbwWiKhe7O4gkbJm/s1600/IMG_1719.JPG+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYPvt_tipEOWqa1Kf-Kgk4f7gNViE42Xy4LniyEHw7pAVV-UwPazhDceYc-ly7ePd1Z_0YYQRvDCQZDfgYCOYuiiEitYJV2Q-_TeBQvqFS4DmcysxIC9cv6umJvLenkbwWiKhe7O4gkbJm/s1600/IMG_1719.JPG+(2).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When packing a bag this big, remember to keep all the heavy
items low, so as to not affect your Center of Gravity too adversely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The bag mounts securely on a luggage rack or
on the rear seat, if your bike doesn’t have a rack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you DO have a rack, follow the weight
guidelines and don’t overload it, if you want your gear to arrive at your final
destination along with you!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here are a few pix I took today after mounting the bag on
the VTX. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It looks good!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3iSw1t_8r7ueGrQFq5gOwSEnxbIcxOAeRDKeXqwPaOcWLvve2aZJzuqBdHCbNtVxYaWGJaH85p9PTeTqFNGxoB8kDFDM3UzAaDdE5l1MmvdvVu5m9V5VQgywJsD8MCxYTDTgGbq89GaoA/s1600/IMG_1724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3iSw1t_8r7ueGrQFq5gOwSEnxbIcxOAeRDKeXqwPaOcWLvve2aZJzuqBdHCbNtVxYaWGJaH85p9PTeTqFNGxoB8kDFDM3UzAaDdE5l1MmvdvVu5m9V5VQgywJsD8MCxYTDTgGbq89GaoA/s1600/IMG_1724.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tomorrow will be Day 1 of testing and I’ll write again about
my impressions and how the bag holds up to use, sun, bugs and weather.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t wait to sling my backpack into the
new bag and get some feedback from the other riders at work. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sure they will have something to say!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A low, slow wave,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Joe Rocket</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
JoeRockethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04520210350509646710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3805220877395944217.post-3613461273871179082015-04-15T06:39:00.000-04:002015-04-15T06:39:57.795-04:00Push me/First Ride 2015<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXf8W8QcmBLR9qm8O46ApPz5ZwGJiUpkDbar0m9SdtTFgjLR0ZtnnRWxC6oQHkkksZtpj1YtwfmJPuu1gJlEDERv6WJ0II9dqvYyZw5E1bUOjwM8dn3W8jZLgByvIghvJJq_9Er5Ar-_1p/s1600/pushmepullyou.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXf8W8QcmBLR9qm8O46ApPz5ZwGJiUpkDbar0m9SdtTFgjLR0ZtnnRWxC6oQHkkksZtpj1YtwfmJPuu1gJlEDERv6WJ0II9dqvYyZw5E1bUOjwM8dn3W8jZLgByvIghvJJq_9Er5Ar-_1p/s1600/pushmepullyou.png" height="272" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Sometimes we all need a push. Friend Ken provided that with his enthusiastic text message stating he was liberating his bike from storage this past weekend. After a flurry of messages, we finally connected late on a sunny Saturday and found our way onto a series of twisty back roads that were in surprisingly good condition. Let the games begin!<br />
<br />
In other news, after a winter of low activity, I need to hit the gym. I made a halfhearted start earlier this week but am concluding that I need a gym buddy. Someone who won't allow me to quit early, just to head home for dinner or a beer. Hmm. <br />
<br />
Any thoughts of getting off this cruiser and onto a sport bike again will need to be met with the discipline to lose the belly that would stand me off that fuel tank. No more chips, no more ice cream. I wanna go #FASTER. <br />
<br />
Hope you're doing well and have a riding buddy, gym buddy or other partner who gets you through the not-so-fun parts of life. I'll see you out on the road. I hope you see less of me.<br />
<br />
A low, slow wave,<br />
<br />
Joe Rocket<br />
<br />
<br />JoeRockethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04520210350509646710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3805220877395944217.post-40593066388032406102015-04-10T06:20:00.000-04:002015-04-10T06:20:02.182-04:00Spring comes.....eventually (2015)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhraGDG1PRiRnu-kgIrEfZpc-LxJDw9X8c6NmLNJFS5MhCk3FF1ZQS6DpVeM6PwDFssBLuYwogqFoplXS0Cs8XtLjCsIZ1ZuXGPfQ8uALLQECPRaUFH3sDCche5c20vNTpH3z2Bfj6DllKl/s1600/2015-03-21+16.59.48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhraGDG1PRiRnu-kgIrEfZpc-LxJDw9X8c6NmLNJFS5MhCk3FF1ZQS6DpVeM6PwDFssBLuYwogqFoplXS0Cs8XtLjCsIZ1ZuXGPfQ8uALLQECPRaUFH3sDCche5c20vNTpH3z2Bfj6DllKl/s1600/2015-03-21+16.59.48.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Q: What's long and hard, yet fails to make ANYONE happy?<br />
A: Winter in New England. <br />
<br />
It's especially difficult for riders to suffer from a prolonged winter. It feels like it's been 6 months of cold and record amounts of snow here. Finally, at last, warmer weather is here. A prolonged spell of above 50 degrees will melt the rest of the white stuff you see above. The mounds of snow piled up by the plow-boy cowboy will remain until the beginning of May, perhaps longer.<br />
<br />
We start today, this tenth day in April, with freezing rain. This too shall pass. The forecast is for steadily warmer weather. This weekend will see me roll Ol' Blue out from under his cover, remove the charger and replace the seat to its permanent position. A test ride will blow the cobwebs out, for both of us.<br />
<br />
Auto columnist (and all around superb human being) Jean Jennings writes a great column to cagers telling them how to be safe around motorcyclists. Here is that link: <a href="http://www.jeanknowscars.com/car-life/soapbox/motorcycle-safety-a-rite-of-spring/" target="_blank">Motorcycle Safety</a> <br />
<br />
By the same token, we need to be extra alert over these next few months as the dickwad drivers slowly become aware that they share the road with other vehicles. If I seem angry about the topic of distracted driving, it's because I am. Cell phone use in moving vehicles has made the average poor driver into a complete moron. I'm happy to report that the State of New Hampshire has passed a law banning hand-held use of a cell phone, which goes into effect on July 1, 2015. I look forward to strict enforcement of this and only wish there was a way for us, as riders, to turn in the violators we see, on a real-time basis. Wouldn't THAT be grand? Perhaps I could mount a paintball gun on my bike to mark the vehicles of dangerous drivers, as a warning to other riders?<br />
<br />
Don't forget to do your maintenance, check your bike thoroughly before heading out. Stop into your local shop and get it looked at. My local dealer provides a great value in their Spring Maintenance plan. In addition to affixing an inspection sticker, they go through the whole bike, inspecting cables, fluids, brake pads and tires, to make sure all is set for a happy season on two wheels. I call it the Peace of Mind service. A visit there also gives me time to look over the new inventory, to see what's changed over the course of a year and to just dream about the next new bike.<br />
<br />
I gotta get to work but, I just wanted to say hello again. I know you'll be out soon, or have been out already. It's time to ride. Keep your eyes and ears open, and ride safe.<br />
<br />
A low, slow wave,<br />
<br />
Joe Rocket<br />
<br />
<br />JoeRockethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04520210350509646710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3805220877395944217.post-66002719482313586682015-01-18T20:29:00.002-05:002015-01-18T20:29:53.939-05:00Youth is wasted on the young...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhMUF_61sZOSUtwrJ1uhlVMR6TkLl2q9t5pM1341aoZBslLY_oVkt8Jilfw3VhLQeApHA4bMfEaGEKkEduf774XtiOlDM_7yQAZkmbaL4TXuE8cieznyd_xCLjY3eEhez0a5zs_JsLOQkZ/s1600/Snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhMUF_61sZOSUtwrJ1uhlVMR6TkLl2q9t5pM1341aoZBslLY_oVkt8Jilfw3VhLQeApHA4bMfEaGEKkEduf774XtiOlDM_7yQAZkmbaL4TXuE8cieznyd_xCLjY3eEhez0a5zs_JsLOQkZ/s1600/Snow.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It's winter, it's cold and I haven't ridden my motorcycle in over a month. I'm starting to have withdrawal symptoms. Here I sit, looking at a map of the United States on Google's mapping tool, planning a cross-country trip. But, not for me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My son plans to relocate to LA soon and is going to make the big drive across the country. Of course, I'm envious, as I'd like to be riding shotgun or, better yet, following along on my bike. As I sit here, my ankles freezing below my desk, I think about all the possibilities there are on that big map. He could blaze across the interstates and minimize his travel time and expenses or, he could wander the back roads, see the REAL country and meet people along the way. From experience, I know that the second option is the more gratifying one.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOjUhOQnHGEa_5fqj3v7vOxfzJuN8zvlzJ5SoWCiTu7S9oRt5kYr3pTXGQek69komPOIX8TfpwKWkchJEPBBDvS9L9PygtXZastWK0etPU73JQZCzUdKs334V-ofshBaDX5-DSeC2vvx_T/s1600/2015-01-12+12.11.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOjUhOQnHGEa_5fqj3v7vOxfzJuN8zvlzJ5SoWCiTu7S9oRt5kYr3pTXGQek69komPOIX8TfpwKWkchJEPBBDvS9L9PygtXZastWK0etPU73JQZCzUdKs334V-ofshBaDX5-DSeC2vvx_T/s1600/2015-01-12+12.11.22.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxu4p8Bef9k_FSvXBkxy-677lnuYX7RrNrKNleid34F2fZJqNNOwlSX9J3QB2Ls46-Bl_MVxjfytixL2iJwOVWzF1fKm6sHeuL9wh3Ehnftn7uIOpftTijsVlxO4g8zX-Ny3v3yTJvmQTC/s1600/2015-01-12+12.36.27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxu4p8Bef9k_FSvXBkxy-677lnuYX7RrNrKNleid34F2fZJqNNOwlSX9J3QB2Ls46-Bl_MVxjfytixL2iJwOVWzF1fKm6sHeuL9wh3Ehnftn7uIOpftTijsVlxO4g8zX-Ny3v3yTJvmQTC/s1600/2015-01-12+12.36.27.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Me and Ms. Rocket are just back from a short vacation in Florida. Bad timing weather-wise, but certainly a lot warmer there than here in New England. I saw lots of bikes out and thought about taking some pix but, since I was driving, I didn't have much of an opportunity. Besides, whenever I heard a squid scream by on a sport bike, he was gone before I could even get my phone out of my pocket!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A trip to Florida will surely make one feel old. Several restaurants we stopped at offered senior citizen discounts to anyone aged 55+. Seriously? I know it's just a marketing scheme to drive more people through the door but, personally, I don't consider myself a senior citizen. Hell, I barely consider myself an adult, but accept the fact that I may be considered middle-aged, whatever the hell that means these days. What happened to "60 is the new 30"?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I was fortunate enough early on in my career to get to travel to some great locations. I always tried to get a fun rental car and make the most of every visit. There are so many places that I'd love to revisit: Duluth, MN, Lynchburg, VA, South Bend, IN, Phoeniz, AZ, just to name a few. Some of the places I visited for work became vacation destinations for us, like Nova Scotia. I could go there again and again, and not only in the summer. Halifax is a great city and I have even been to Cape Breton in the midst of a blizzard! So much fun on that trip. I was young and my liver was strong then.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvB3gKGCfhPrlSL_Pv3myRIVAXs5BBhS2gGbpJT1ui32oCF_UHSJu1LKciCcp3Piqq65VZ2ZGm7PoBOfsf5b6IuT0cwO1zoclgbiLsYo7nrR8yPVKi70KJnmwrmziOIU2U_SrKPzR5hxPL/s1600/highway-map.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvB3gKGCfhPrlSL_Pv3myRIVAXs5BBhS2gGbpJT1ui32oCF_UHSJu1LKciCcp3Piqq65VZ2ZGm7PoBOfsf5b6IuT0cwO1zoclgbiLsYo7nrR8yPVKi70KJnmwrmziOIU2U_SrKPzR5hxPL/s1600/highway-map.gif" height="216" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">All this talk of traveling has got me wanting to peruse a real (paper) map and start planning. I think a few road trips are in order this year. So, let the daydreaming begin. As my fellow rider Ken B says, you have to put a stake in the ground. I'll do some map reading over the next month or so and try to fit a year's worth of riding into a few sunny months. All right my friends, I hope you are well and inspired to dream a little before the season is upon again soon. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A low, slow wave,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Joe Rocket</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>JoeRockethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04520210350509646710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3805220877395944217.post-63168070028763386842014-08-11T07:22:00.001-04:002014-08-11T07:22:33.022-04:00Here's the 60-second video review of the Alpinestars S-MX 1 motorcycle bootHey,<br />
<br />
The written review follows below, but the team at <a href="http://www.motorcyclehouse.com/" target="_blank">Motorcycle House</a> wanted some video content. Go to their site for a full line of motorcycle gear and accessories. Ask for Dewayne Jasper. Tell him I sent you!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzgfS32vTr0uxuNRu7Pi4rQLlxmYhiJxd0nvTl-nCOjdVDgRvXACoXfPuQ0tnqRX-uyxqoXDpG7gCrOrGhZgQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
A low, slow wave,<br />
<br />
"Joe" RocketJoeRockethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04520210350509646710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3805220877395944217.post-76103718235269400272014-07-27T21:49:00.000-04:002014-07-30T07:29:36.372-04:00Upgrade your motorcycle gear! Mid-season boot review.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgATUw1NSQFr5ft9LG3nTd7Dol99Z7f2lvPhldlwOQdRpuKT_AhAMeXKzALxaDuxRGVoVxlH2jX6RckrvzDWKo5SjPGktDfjufP19FIQpfU5vLZKC2yIS3Ve6FjFdTArgEb_UIi1x0tEQ4R/s1600/2014-07-17+20.22.36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh129p5ThsInIxJk5ZkpKw5KPwkx-0dlv85ynz_k11AGCwdF6dba87sV6gSxDhmILYnx88WGmAP9hTNrGWjOU_D8OiI5n4xBfivNCKBABBkHtnJ97c6zOO0Hc0Ys127MSHCCAR20bBuOGEu/s1600/2014-07-16+18.29.35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh129p5ThsInIxJk5ZkpKw5KPwkx-0dlv85ynz_k11AGCwdF6dba87sV6gSxDhmILYnx88WGmAP9hTNrGWjOU_D8OiI5n4xBfivNCKBABBkHtnJ97c6zOO0Hc0Ys127MSHCCAR20bBuOGEu/s1600/2014-07-16+18.29.35.jpg" height="640" width="566" /></a></div>
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Every time I get into a new car these days, I notice how
much is changed or improved over the car I've been (until now) so happy
with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Besides that “new car smell”,
there are tons of advancements, from electronics to power increases. The same
is true of motorcycle gear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It gets better every year. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I've had a
pair of Alpinestars boots for about 2 years and they've been great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Alpinestars is a company that knows riders and how to
make great products for them. I've never been unhappy with the older pair, that
is, until I got this upgrade.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's like
stepping out of a Toyota and into a Mercedes-Benz. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got this new pair of boots from <a href="http://www.motorcyclehouse.com/">Motorcycle House</a>.</div>
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9BIOq2AyTLtsBA9A4YhIsNb2aUfbk2my-Gi13hs_5NI3Qut_in88FT5FEmFKyTpl9HnnkbVoBXA1zLEHQwbGOZQAVjMahaI6csq4KUrFeb8RyPR_g3Fh0icMYUesonnME_TG8W4jUud0F/s1600/2014-07-17+20.23.05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9BIOq2AyTLtsBA9A4YhIsNb2aUfbk2my-Gi13hs_5NI3Qut_in88FT5FEmFKyTpl9HnnkbVoBXA1zLEHQwbGOZQAVjMahaI6csq4KUrFeb8RyPR_g3Fh0icMYUesonnME_TG8W4jUud0F/s1600/2014-07-17+20.23.05.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a> The first thing I noticed was NO MORE LACES.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I HATE laces when riding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you know how many times I've managed to
loop a lace over a shifter and not been able to put a foot down at a stop?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We only learn from our bad experiences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
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<br /></div>
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The <a href="http://www.motorcyclehouse.com/s-mx-1-boots-54125-prd1.htm?pSearchQueryId=65236">Alpinestars
S-MX 1</a> boots have a full zipper on the inside of each shoe that allows easy
entry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The strap across the front
ensures a comfortable fit.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq1qtTeD7W-6EPLkB6Wq5BXaQAFsLQiClKnYPiGdS99plDKYO7vX4S7qMaajYklLlDGTy0CSoEfGaO-Bno8tuGiEkQ9zo3nwoQ8NM6vzVa5Bw41JW6OyP_ItSoaADT4orEyvN9F4ZEJZLh/s1600/2014-07-17+20.22.29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq1qtTeD7W-6EPLkB6Wq5BXaQAFsLQiClKnYPiGdS99plDKYO7vX4S7qMaajYklLlDGTy0CSoEfGaO-Bno8tuGiEkQ9zo3nwoQ8NM6vzVa5Bw41JW6OyP_ItSoaADT4orEyvN9F4ZEJZLh/s1600/2014-07-17+20.22.29.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz3DFbmqZJ3X1Trj46sHJ6nqK2WqqQUH46I3cbQJMzN-OifrbH9heiRemUZMrbWvxSqNiWDSERyoECa8tIWWTLiDqJKmmUNxjnquK7AZK5FT31_SMUPyfmXfZDkvBE6Pa469P7qNFbT7nz/s1600/2014-07-17+20.23.31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz3DFbmqZJ3X1Trj46sHJ6nqK2WqqQUH46I3cbQJMzN-OifrbH9heiRemUZMrbWvxSqNiWDSERyoECa8tIWWTLiDqJKmmUNxjnquK7AZK5FT31_SMUPyfmXfZDkvBE6Pa469P7qNFbT7nz/s1600/2014-07-17+20.23.31.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>Heel protection is great, as are the toe sliders on the
outside edge of each boot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are
comfortable street boots, but look to be built for track duty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /> </span>
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Like many of you, I ride to work when I can, and the choice
of shoe is important from the standpoint that I have to wear these all day and
not stand out too much to the management team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I wore these just this past week on a hot day and found them to be ALL
DAY COMFORTABLE.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On my ride home, I
enjoyed the cooling air that the fabric front allowed to circulate through the
boots.
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These boots look great, are purpose-built and are comfortable to
wear all day long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I almost forgot to
mention the small heel is perfect for hanging off your pegs to give your legs a
bit of a rest on a longer ride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
always, Alpinestars raises the bar for riding gear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are a great value for anyone looking
for a comfortable riding boot, but who may not need the protection of a taller
boot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpf5oKhJrTQagJ2vPoAs5-Q7z-w4-ckT965FbE5SktzY719WKrKsLh7uz2Y_bwtJWEJjRZ7z6e3xuiGnwweR0Sw0U9w-l2a6nis598IHh2ZC66WIeRWZseSvAmrDnLKrgAmdXpxRinF6M0/s1600/2014-07-17+20.24.15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpf5oKhJrTQagJ2vPoAs5-Q7z-w4-ckT965FbE5SktzY719WKrKsLh7uz2Y_bwtJWEJjRZ7z6e3xuiGnwweR0Sw0U9w-l2a6nis598IHh2ZC66WIeRWZseSvAmrDnLKrgAmdXpxRinF6M0/s1600/2014-07-17+20.24.15.jpg" height="268" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Enjoy the second half of the season. A little more heat still to come and then on to much cooler weather. </span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">A low, slow wave,</span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Joe Rocket </span></div>
JoeRockethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04520210350509646710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3805220877395944217.post-18655248501310315302014-07-08T07:27:00.001-04:002014-07-08T07:28:05.198-04:00ALL DAY SUCKER<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-P3HKfe6KFiIBYY2mjgvpUmmtsihdfr4lNXrbMsyM_yHfS2gTMuX9GqnJvCAQh1N9pRPFXJxs0CyTVnARvAF1tnGZYeQYWnoHbip-BRc6l5Qd5PDShn4Xrffq5gTe0BWbzv761iNuz7Yr/s1600/Lollipop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-P3HKfe6KFiIBYY2mjgvpUmmtsihdfr4lNXrbMsyM_yHfS2gTMuX9GqnJvCAQh1N9pRPFXJxs0CyTVnARvAF1tnGZYeQYWnoHbip-BRc6l5Qd5PDShn4Xrffq5gTe0BWbzv761iNuz7Yr/s1600/Lollipop.jpg" height="400" width="260" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Perhaps </span>it's the kid in me that thinks of an all day ride in these terms. I can't ever remember having one of these dentist's 401Ks as a child, probably because my parents were too smart to let me overindulge in pure sugar. I had too many cavities as a kid, so maybe they were too broke from all that dental work to acquiesce to my juvenile demands. Now, as an adult, the controls (or lack of them) fall squarely on my own shoulders. This past Sunday's all day ride was an all day sucker. A 10, if you will. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">After a leisurely breakfast, Ms. Rocket and I rolled the bikes out and pointed them west. We had a loose plan to ride northwest to Rutland, Vermont. I had been there a year ago looking at a small tow-behind camper, the T@b Little Guy trailer. The missus hadn't seen one up close and, even though they didn't have any new units for sale, except for a hail damaged one, it provided a destination on the other end of some great roads.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7RXsaaONpNVQnQBwlAXOxF33UwOY_wCFCYyBlr9gPac2BCPC55eOD_xgGPbu1sXowlIPvJXYofq34aMd74Yo6ow3dhsR-8N0uKUdOWV5HXgdYPUSUKHShmcJqaj7KQp8pEk7AQmPNqAel/s1600/tab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7RXsaaONpNVQnQBwlAXOxF33UwOY_wCFCYyBlr9gPac2BCPC55eOD_xgGPbu1sXowlIPvJXYofq34aMd74Yo6ow3dhsR-8N0uKUdOWV5HXgdYPUSUKHShmcJqaj7KQp8pEk7AQmPNqAel/s1600/tab.jpg" height="176" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">With a late start and a goal of "lunch" in Rutland, we were hard-pressed to make good time. Long about 12:30 or so, Stephanie declared that she was "a bit peckish". I knew of a good diner just on the far side of Hogback Mountain, so we stopped. Seemed like all the holiday tourists were waiting for a table, so we strode up to the counter and plopped ourselves down onto some available stools. A quick bite, and one or two too many iced teas later, and we were down the road again. It was already a hot day and the over consumption of liquids was a recurrent theme that day. I felt a bit like Whizzer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The day was sunny, very warm and dry. At an earlier stop, I could feel the sun beating down on the back of my neck. We were dressed suitably, wearing all mesh gear and jeans. No exposed skin to get a burn. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The roads were largely unobstructed. Any time we passed through a town we did notice a bit more traffic than usual, but it was a holiday weekend after all. I love the roads in Vermont! Once you get into the mountains, it's a constant winding back and forth and over and down. Our pace was good, spirited at times, but respectful of the traffic and conditions.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We eventually arrived in Rutland, mid-afternoon. The Italian restaurant I had in mind was in another city. We used Yelp to find the Vermont Tap & Ale House and had a great butter and garlic pizza, which is really just cheesy garlic bread pizza style.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We found the RV dealer a few miles down the road. We took a cursory look at the sold units and the pock-marked one. The prices are off-putting, close to $20,000 for the luxury of standing up and a kitchen. I liked the coffin on wheels for half the price, but I doubt I'd dump money into another depreciating asset.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Pointed home, we had a minor disagreement over the route the GPS selected. By then, we were already hot and tired and too full of caffeine. A couple of miles of radio silence sorted me out and we cranked the throttles and rode into New Hampshire again. Sadly, one of our favorite roads, Rt 123, was a mess. The bumps and cracks from the past few harsh winters have torn up a once-great scenic road. Now, it was hang on and slow down. Too bad.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">One last gas stop (and bathroom break, I was fully hydrated!) and we were almost home. All told, just shy of a 300 mile day. Lots of sun and twisty pavement. A 9 hour day and still plenty of sunlight when we arrived home. Ah, the joys of summer riding!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I hope your holiday was independently wonderful. Now is the time to get out and ride. Make yours a safe one.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A low, slow wave,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Joe Rocket</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
JoeRockethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04520210350509646710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3805220877395944217.post-91130804406398488252014-06-16T07:05:00.001-04:002014-06-16T21:10:00.367-04:00Father's Day weekend and the new Honda VFR 800<br />
It's Monday morning and I should be preparing for the work day. But, it was a great Father's Day weekend here for me and I wanted to share a few photos of the new VFR 800, from Honda.<br />
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Old Blue was getting a much overdue spring service (it's practically summer). Still, you wouldn't know it from the recent weather. With inspection stickers due to expire at the end of this month, and me riding towards a valve adjustment, it was time.<br />
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Lucky for me that, as I was picking up my bike, I noticed a fork lift truck carrying a crate containing the new Honda VFR800. This is a redesign of the bike which is a huge favorite of mine, since owning the (then new) 2002 model from 2002-2007.<br />
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I was fortunate to catch the mechanic uncrating/building this and he allowed me to take a few photos.<br />
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<br />
I left the dealership happy to have seen this new version of a bike I love. With my bike home and Ms. Rocket's bike being serviced, I had to return to the shop again in the same day. On the short two-up ride there, I noticed that my turn signals were acting up. As I rode up to the shop, I saw the service manager Eric who had helped me just hours earlier. He took a look at the issue and hopped on my bike and rode it into the service bay. Moments later, he returned with the brand new VFR, announcing "problem fixed". We chuckled and I took the opportunity to sit on the fully assembled (base model) bike, just to test fit it. Yes, it still feels good to me, after riding a big, comfortable cruiser for the past seven years. <br />
<br />
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<br />
As I think about my #nextbike, I want to give this bike serious consideration. Other contenders are the VFR1200 and an ST1300. <a href="http://www.naultspowersports.com/" target="_blank">Nault's Powersports</a> has a new 2012 model in black, marked down $3000. But I think that bike is more than I want or would use on a regular basis. Thoughts? I like the idea of trading down to a lighter, faster bike as I move forward. I ruled out the 'Wing F6B simply based on size. <br />
<br />
After a brief discussion about the value of my bike in trade, I think the next step is to demo this bike and maybe one or two others. Most likely, I will wait until the start of next season. Plenty of time to do my homework.<br />
<br />
A low, slow wave,<br />
<br />
Joe RocketJoeRockethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04520210350509646710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3805220877395944217.post-8235799428079075292014-04-09T20:04:00.001-04:002014-04-13T10:13:59.252-04:00The future of battery technology is here TODAY!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
After a very long winter, the sun shone long enough for me
to consider taking my bike out from under wraps and testing the new <a href="http://shoraipower.com/" target="_blank">Shorai</a>
battery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My bike has been parked since
late November and I can normally expect to have it out again by late March, in
most years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The winter of 2013-2014
wreaked havoc on the east coast and the midwest, and I am relieved to finally
get back on the road.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I got the Shorai battery, along with a charger over the
winter months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My bike’s old, heavy lead
acid battery was on a battery tender in the bike all winter long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few days before last weekend I pulled the
new Shorai battery out of the box, along with its tender, and set it up to
charge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The batteries come almost fully
charged but, as I had the time, I wanted to make sure that I started the season
with a fresh, fully-charged battery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8AzkdOcMJFueMOR8ClhvnEUq9Tw-8PNw-3VXDx2c4elG3MYvnbWcmts_ApcZX98eYHmHaCWCWfGGzxG6bzdHolgnwqbJTaBG5hc1v-dGg_3qYXO00w2XRpIWhWhBFHbXU1s60yf59MgPH/s1600/battery1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8AzkdOcMJFueMOR8ClhvnEUq9Tw-8PNw-3VXDx2c4elG3MYvnbWcmts_ApcZX98eYHmHaCWCWfGGzxG6bzdHolgnwqbJTaBG5hc1v-dGg_3qYXO00w2XRpIWhWhBFHbXU1s60yf59MgPH/s1600/battery1.jpg" height="319" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">IMPORTANT NOTE:</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you plan
to use a Lithium-ion battery for your motorcycle, make sure to buy a
charger/battery tender that is made for this type of battery. <u>It IS possible
to overcharge one of these <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">NEW</b> types
of batteries</u> using the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">OLD</b> types
of chargers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Make sure you upgrade your
charger!</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Shorai makes a tender that clicks into place effortlessly,
through the use of a connector. There’s no guess work, no need for clamps on
terminals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a “smart” charger, as
well, and gives full indications of the battery status and when it’s
completed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mine was fully charged in
about 4 hours.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjLAUU0U9grzkUoq9-wILmgAyJPiaHwwnJ7TBD3fvZ4lvGVL2ncHFebtQUJMo1S5JJOOebp8snHotNvWiEPRGTjKGDXMz_7AmRF0RGgrfspHfuHBj2PjbOM8B6j0N3o6FgRJ9QDidCRTvJ/s1600/capcover2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjLAUU0U9grzkUoq9-wILmgAyJPiaHwwnJ7TBD3fvZ4lvGVL2ncHFebtQUJMo1S5JJOOebp8snHotNvWiEPRGTjKGDXMz_7AmRF0RGgrfspHfuHBj2PjbOM8B6j0N3o6FgRJ9QDidCRTvJ/s1600/capcover2.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Saturday dawned with the promise of a near-60 degree (F) day
and a short HONEYDO list.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For kicks, I
rolled my bike out of the garage to fire it up, only to find that the old
battery, which had been on a traditional tender, was DEAD.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Morte. Finito. Unreal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The dang charger had been glowing green at me
for the past 4 months or more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So much
for old technology!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Now to pull that dead weight out of the bike. </span>If you’ve ever tried
to finagle an old, heavy battery out of a battery box with just your fingertips,
you’ll appreciate how much fun I had.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>With the old battery out of the way, the new unit slipped easily into
place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Shorai LI technology allows for a battery that is a
fraction of the weight of a traditional batteries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is critical for anyone wanting better
performance out of their motorcycle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
can see how this weight advantage/savings would be critical to anyone doing any
racing, or simply with a sport bike and looking to maximize their top
speed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On my cruiser, laden down with a
heavy tool kit (and other baggage), the weight savings are appreciated, but
less necessary.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Shorai provides everything you need to install the battery.</b> I hit a small snag on the install though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The negative terminal connected easily but,
when I got to the positive terminal, I saw that the positive lead had tabs
around the edges, to assure a good connection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Shorai provided adapters (see below) to allow for different mountings at the terminals, but none of these were a perfect fit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew what
the solution was; it just took me a half hour of fiddling (and to be sure that I had no
other options) before I bent two of the tabs up and out of the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I finished the job by capping the charger cable end and attaching that to the bike with a zip tie. Now, if I ever want to charge this battery, all I need to do is to reach into the bike and pull out this cable. Easy! </span>With the new battery installed, my bike fired
up as if it had just been run.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9gvSrWEmuHi7JUTWtQur8crT2cllO6owSOE8bELI9i5zJORxWwWwuB7PY0kNa-XULVPhOspCcGOP3jNFlKUzqB1lcXpinh_iAijsYTi1MkxJHG6lcmKzRVc4ScyISC-LNswoS0G-y_314/s1600/boltswht.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9gvSrWEmuHi7JUTWtQur8crT2cllO6owSOE8bELI9i5zJORxWwWwuB7PY0kNa-XULVPhOspCcGOP3jNFlKUzqB1lcXpinh_iAijsYTi1MkxJHG6lcmKzRVc4ScyISC-LNswoS0G-y_314/s1600/boltswht.jpg" height="265" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once the battery was installed, I set about putting the seats
back in place and doing a light cleaning, to remove the accumulated dust.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While the bike could have used a good soapy wash, I
was too eager to get out while I still had time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took a 30 mile ride on some local back
roads, just to see how the bike was running.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Everything was great and, in my mind, I knew that I was 5 pounds lighter
(thanks to the new battery) and therefore that much quicker.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you want to lighten your load, improve your track times or
just upgrade to the latest is battery technology, look into what Shorai has to
offer. There’s a battery for just about
every motorcycle make and model and something for your other toys, as well.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I hope it’s a very long riding season this year. We’ve waited so long since our last rides that I feel like I never want the riding season to end, ever again. I’ll see you out on the road soon. <br />
<br />
If you want more info on Shorai batteries, click the link in the first paragraph or use the QR code below. If you have any questions about my experience, let me know in the comments field and I will get back to you. Thanks. Have a safe riding season! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh89sY9h2UNFWI4P8sRDEQg1gfCG4j3pj1MzDlnGitHrmSPnM232zJWcexPKv7o56Ijqo2Ux2_u_dlkbJQjvEZkzeXEpXuPfCeEKqgeuQlrjClHYzKNDicLatdSSGhqdRUFTCPMFaEwvF0t/s1600/ShoraiDisplaySticker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh89sY9h2UNFWI4P8sRDEQg1gfCG4j3pj1MzDlnGitHrmSPnM232zJWcexPKv7o56Ijqo2Ux2_u_dlkbJQjvEZkzeXEpXuPfCeEKqgeuQlrjClHYzKNDicLatdSSGhqdRUFTCPMFaEwvF0t/s1600/ShoraiDisplaySticker.jpg" height="411" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A low, slow wave,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Joe Rocket</div>
JoeRockethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04520210350509646710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3805220877395944217.post-81401782973040871592014-01-04T01:10:00.000-05:002014-01-10T06:19:47.016-05:00The best (made up) story I never got to tell...<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2uRhi_S6PctUfd_qL5h7h1RbHs8xWMcUF8yOA6h1BZUkfiRKoLtCFg6Yu9hS3KECiI-JrR2Qt2RFJ7uTqo09hs5JJQ0Ob43dCAogrLtYWX1NjxAmCr9pgt2x4KYGKKzr5oZqO9vpA7cz2/s1600/head.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2uRhi_S6PctUfd_qL5h7h1RbHs8xWMcUF8yOA6h1BZUkfiRKoLtCFg6Yu9hS3KECiI-JrR2Qt2RFJ7uTqo09hs5JJQ0Ob43dCAogrLtYWX1NjxAmCr9pgt2x4KYGKKzr5oZqO9vpA7cz2/s1600/head.jpg" height="320" width="202" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I had this thing removed from my forehead this past week,
frozen off with liquid nitrogen. It had started as a rough spot, barely larger
than a pimple, above my right eyebrow, and before I knew it, I had this darkish
discoloration that looked more like a scar than anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I let it go for a couple of years but, as I
regularly see a dermatologist, was not overly concerned. Sun damage, she
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I let it go.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
End of 2013 rolls around and I go in for my annual derma
check-up and we discuss the “spot”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tell the doc I’m tired of it and she tells
me that she has to biopsy it first, to make certain that it’s not
cancerous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I agree, she jabs a needle
into my forehead and numbs me up. Before I know it, she’s putting a stitch in my
head above the eyebrow, and I go home with a Clifford the Big Red Dog Band-Aid
protecting the new wound.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Good news, it’s NOT cancer.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I walk around for a week with a stitch in
my forehead telling everyone that my wife stuck me there with a fork (like in Hot
Tub Time Machine).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Later, I have to go back to get this thing frozen off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No Novocain this time, she just whips out her
little spray gun, the size of a small butane torch and sprays the area a couple
of times with the freeze ray.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It stings
a little and then it burns a lot. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I go
on my merry way, watching this in the vanity mirror of my car, getting redder
and redder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I read all the notes and
take good care of this but still see it changing into a prominent scab above my
manly (hairy) eyebrow .<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I figure I need
a story, should anybody ask.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I
concoct this semi-believable tale, for just such an occasion…Yet nobody
asks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here it is, for whatever reason (fun?).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Office Manager:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“What happened to your forehead?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Me:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“My wife stabbed
me in the head with a No. 2 pencil.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Office Manager:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“WHAT???”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well, it’s New Year’s Eve (2013) and we’re playing
Pictionary with two other couples and we’re having a few drinks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What the heck, it’s New Year’s Eve,
right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re all competitive but having
fun and making fun of each other’s bad guesses and generally having a good
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s getting louder and louder but
everyone’s laughing and enjoying themselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s our turn and Stephanie is doing the drawing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The clue is “melanoma”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She starts to draw these squiggly lines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She draws an arm, with a spot on it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I call freckle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She shakes her head no and keeps
drawing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She draws an irregularly shaped
blob and I’m calling out anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Blob,
poop, you name it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The clock continues
to wind down and finally she draws a lower case “c” and right next to it she
draws a capital “C”, and points to the larger letter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s three seconds left and she’s tapping
the pad madly with the tip of the pencil expectantly, fervently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m out of ideas at this point but, just as
the timer buzzes a neuron somewhere deep in my brain fires and this idea rushes
forth (FOR THE WIN) and I shout out “C--T!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And that’s when she stabbed me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Seriously, it would have made a good story for the office
(you don’t know my office) but, alas, no one asked me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The scab will be gone by next week and I’ll
never have had the chance to make people gasp, laugh and wonder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Except perhaps for you, dear reader.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Happy New Year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t forget the sun block.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A low, slow wave,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Joe Rocket</div>
JoeRockethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04520210350509646710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3805220877395944217.post-75456649672365473112013-11-17T09:08:00.000-05:002013-11-17T09:08:03.536-05:00Last ride of 2013<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This year didn't turn out like I had planned, riding-wise. At the start of the season, there's SO much hope and anticipation. You tell yourself that you're going to be that guy who rides every day and to everything. Like the stereotype of the newly-released convict, we tell ourselves that we're going to "party" with our bikes non-stop. Reality is the bitch-slap most of us get.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I didn't ride to work every day, I had too many excuses. Don't tell Andy Fine (of Aerostich), but I copped out. It was too wet, or too hot or too something. As the season wore on, I told myself that the bike was there for my convenience. And sometimes, it just wasn't convenient.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As
the season wore on, and everyone's schedules got more hectic, it just
became a whole lot easier to just ride with Ms. Rocket and/or to add
Pinkie into the mix. That's Ms. Rocket's Honda VT750 below, a reliable
little bike.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhubZhVP0t5i0CILbd3tl365x9capCCiSqwd62EjqEsP9P6DLpcxOUo2IR8ZAxlOGWU4_vRTBhDz4kJELIFgO4aaZa1coZ9nBBlvb-LbtmXexdJPqRVd7FnPMbx4tn0Br3lstChm4lkBbOz/s1600/IMG_1391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhubZhVP0t5i0CILbd3tl365x9capCCiSqwd62EjqEsP9P6DLpcxOUo2IR8ZAxlOGWU4_vRTBhDz4kJELIFgO4aaZa1coZ9nBBlvb-LbtmXexdJPqRVd7FnPMbx4tn0Br3lstChm4lkBbOz/s640/IMG_1391.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Weekend riding is another thing. We had lots of great weekends with friends, our informal crew. The last remnants of the Amherst (NH) Motorcycle Club are still about, and that's who I rode with yesterday.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Knowing that I ought to winterize the bike, I was concerned that both bikes had been sitting for about a month. Yep, late in the season was when things got crazy for me and I didn't ride much, after an epic weekend to New Brunswick, Canada to ride with Faceyman, Luc and their buddies. That was the highlight of my summer and a trip surely to be repeated.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">When I bumped in Manny, he mentioned a ride on Saturday. Here was the perfect excuse to burn off that stale gas. With temps forecast to be in the mid-50s, we had the perfect day for a last ride. Arriving at the meeting place in the center of Amherst, we stood around for a bit. Not many bikes out at that hour. Ray, the ride organizer, was there on his H-D, and we waited for Manny, chatting while we waited. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4sXuXyU-5LAW2NVCZRgMELqCZHsXc77jvIjyp_Gm7K7TU9FHh3Jd7jNdq74FWQjxWzVbSq9bdqiiM4t38Ds0se1AYBDW_I-N5CB8rl46ifY_SaqX_nnq1YkfVrLctTznb30diXIf_WkuY/s1600/Rays.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4sXuXyU-5LAW2NVCZRgMELqCZHsXc77jvIjyp_Gm7K7TU9FHh3Jd7jNdq74FWQjxWzVbSq9bdqiiM4t38Ds0se1AYBDW_I-N5CB8rl46ifY_SaqX_nnq1YkfVrLctTznb30diXIf_WkuY/s400/Rays.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We headed west, towards Vermont, riding the hilly, twisty back roads of New Hampshire. Our indirect route to Brattleboro gave us lots of scenic back roads. We passed ponds and lakes covered in skim ice. The chilly morning finally gave in to a sunnier, but not overly warm day. Still, we were properly dressed for the weather and only stopped once, for a cup of coffee and a bio break. The first place that we stopped was a small convenience store/gas station which sold (among other things) gigantic Snickers bars and Reese's PB cups. I was tempted, but didn't feel like dropping $14+ on a candy bar and the inevitable diabetic coma.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXg9ejenvRGEqcW8RcXbuLT6gnFkfBLK57U1gy8WUWc3SjwioOy_oZnWNM3MsxXR7PoXjY-7xRVmCSIXh4CN3_2BBob_acMoX-ZA-LCHEA_PLgFmERtWu3mt6VVpDF6emieTogkRgk3ORY/s1600/cluster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXg9ejenvRGEqcW8RcXbuLT6gnFkfBLK57U1gy8WUWc3SjwioOy_oZnWNM3MsxXR7PoXjY-7xRVmCSIXh4CN3_2BBob_acMoX-ZA-LCHEA_PLgFmERtWu3mt6VVpDF6emieTogkRgk3ORY/s640/cluster.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We eventually made it to Brattleboro and the Whetstone Station, a brew pub sitting above the CT River. Food was okay, the beer was better. After a leisurely lunch, we played Beat the Clock, to get home before dark. Of course, that didn't mean a direct route home, just a quicker pace. In the shadows, cast by the large pines, the temps dropped quickly.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Both Ms. Rocket and I had the opportunity to put our braking systems to the test yesterday. Mine, on our way to the meeting place, when an inattentive cager pulled halfway across an intersection, without checking for oncoming (me) traffic. A little skid, some unfriendly gestures and words in my helmet, was all.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Similar for Ms. Rocket, as we crested a hill into the midst of a recent car wreck, the car still sideways across the road with the occupants trying to sort out what just happened to them. She did a great job of stopping short of Ray's rear fender.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We made it home before dark, after making one last stop to top off the tanks. Today, I'll add fuel stabilizer attach the battery tenders.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSfQSW6Zwy_knY2d-2S_a98weXSrJzlbRhLB1tVvAzmYpiff2mYhWKuoM5Cvbg4Bd9EGS-GDVg05SS3SPI6osD6r6RhQpWHBoZPafJNl5jJUYuikS87FjzV6PzAZ17lbC8NTb1C6SMBu7Z/s1600/final+gas+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSfQSW6Zwy_knY2d-2S_a98weXSrJzlbRhLB1tVvAzmYpiff2mYhWKuoM5Cvbg4Bd9EGS-GDVg05SS3SPI6osD6r6RhQpWHBoZPafJNl5jJUYuikS87FjzV6PzAZ17lbC8NTb1C6SMBu7Z/s640/final+gas+2013.jpg" width="630" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So, there it is, the season is done. All that's left is to clean the bikes and cover them. I wrote less this year than I have in many years. Maybe I rode less too. I'd need to get out the service records to confirm that. I had some great rides with great friends, though. And that's what this motorcycle thing is all about, anyhow.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Until next time, next year or until I start to fantasize about that cross-country ride (I'm reading Ghost Rider, by Rush drummer Neil Peart), I'll see you. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In the meanwhile, y</span>ou can find me on Twitter or Facebook.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A low, slow wave,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Joe Rocket</span><br />
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JoeRockethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04520210350509646710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3805220877395944217.post-18214777109876571882013-04-28T21:50:00.002-04:002013-04-28T21:50:59.172-04:00Revisiting old haunts/April 2013<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Winters are long in New Hampshire, no one who lives here would disagree. Most make the best of it, by keeping active with winter activities, like skiing, snowmobiling or ice fishing. For motorcyclists, winter is the dreaded season, interrupted only by the occasional motorcycle show.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If you're a native resident, you probably don't mind the natural selection of insects that are common to this area. When I first moved here, the locals referred to "black fly season". Being from Connecticut, we have your average pests but I had not heard of these before. Let me state right here that Black Fly Season signals the start of riding season, in New Hampshire.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">From Wikipedia: </span><br />
A <b>black fly</b> (sometimes called a <b>buffalo <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gnat" title="Gnat">gnat</a></b>, <b>turkey gnat</b>, or <b>white socks</b>) is any member of the family <b>Simuliidae</b> of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culicomorpha" title="Culicomorpha">Culicomorpha</a> <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infraorder" title="Infraorder">infraorder</a>. Most black flies gain nourishment by feeding on the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blood" title="Blood">blood</a> of mammals, including humans, although the males feed mainly on <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nectar" title="Nectar">nectar</a>. They are usually small, black or gray, with short <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthropod_leg" title="Arthropod leg">legs</a>, and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antenna_%28biology%29" title="Antenna (biology)">antennae</a>. They are a common nuisance for humans, and many <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/US_state" title="US state">US states</a> have programs to suppress the black fly population. They spread several diseases, including <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/River_blindness" title="River blindness">river blindness</a> in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Africa" title="Africa">Africa</a> (<i>Simulium damnosum</i> and <i>S. neavei</i>) and the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Americas" title="Americas">Americas</a> (<i>S. callidum</i> and <i>S. metallicum</i> in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_America" title="Central America">Central America</a>, <i>S. ochraceum</i> in Central and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_America" title="South America">South America</a>).<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">These suckers make an attempt to fly into your eyeballs, nostrils and ears, as well as alighting in your hair, biting and swarming. Doing a "preflight check" of your bike becomes a cardio exercise if again, you're not "from around heah".</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Three of us set out for New London, NH for lunch at Peter Christian's Tavern. It's on the outskirts of the Lake Sunapee region and has been there since the 1970's. My wife astride her trusty Honda VT750, Jerry aboard his Ultra and me on Ol' Blue. We found the back roads to New London largely empty. Lots of bikes were out but they all seemed to be headed in the opposite direction. We traveled about 55 miles, or so. <br /><br />Our waitress Kate was diminutive in stature but a giant when it came to good service. The decor was dark and woody and it looks like it's not seen any improvements since it was built. My wife worked in the area at a summer camp, while in high school and she says it looks virtually the same.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The food was good, the service was fine and after a hot cup of coffee, we opted for the high speed highway route home. All told, we probably ran about 120 miles or so, a good warm-up ride for the season.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The bugs only last a couple of weeks and then they're gone for another whole year. Hotter and drier weather on the way and it looks like I can ride to work all week long.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Stay safe this season. Watch out for the distracted drivers. Today's was a gal fishing a cigarette out of the pack while moving along at about 45 mph. I got her attention and made her back off. Watch out for the idiots.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Another season is officially here. I'll see you on the street and I'll probably throw you</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">A low, slow wave,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Joe Rocket</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span>JoeRockethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04520210350509646710noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3805220877395944217.post-23352184741110718842013-02-12T21:21:00.000-05:002013-02-12T21:22:25.057-05:00The Last Manual Transmission Generation and its Impact on Motorcycling<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My son has
been driving a car for almost 6 years now and never once has he really driven a
manual transmission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I saw the trend
coming, years earlier as rental car fleets moved to automatic transmissions in
even the lowliest of offerings, in order to be assured that ANY driver could
drive one. The joke used to be that, if you wanted to teach someone how to
drive a manual, you’d go rent a car rather than have them bash and crash your
gearbox.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the time my son came of
driving age, this was no longer an option.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The plan was
to get him to learn to control a car at speed and, once accomplished, to add in
the complexity of a clutch pedal and stick shift.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A great plan, but it never panned out. Once
my child had his license (or at least was well on his way to having one) his
interest in driving my manually operated Subaru sedan was nil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the few years, I’d throw it out once in a
while. His first two summers back from college; I would offer religiously to
teach him the intricacies of rev matching and engine braking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a while, the writing was on the wall.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As a kid, I
was over the moon at any fast vehicle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My Dad has a progression of better and faster cars that always keep me
wondering when I would get my hands on them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When I was about 11, my older brother’s buddy took me for my first
motorcycle ride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was hooked at the
sensation of speed, even though we probably never exceeded 40 mph.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Later, as
one of the perks of business travel, I made it a personal goal to drive as many
different cars as I could.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was never
happy to have to drive the same car twice, with the exception of the Lincoln
Town Cars that National Rental Car would let us young adults drive for an extra
$1 per day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wait? You’re going to let
this 24 year-old hoon a Town Car in the middle of a Minnesota winter?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sure hope that they had good mechanics
there at National as we were mighty tough on those “free” vehicles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you remember the scene from Hunter S.
Thompson’s <u>Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas</u> where they pump a Cadillac’s
tires up to 70psi and then proceed to drift it all over town?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was us, pushing those big rear wheel
drive cars through, around and over snow drifts. We might have had a little
something to drink at dinner first, now that I reflect on it.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What does
this have to do with motorcycles you say?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(You did say that, I heard you.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The generation who can no longer drive a “stick” will find themselves at
a serious disadvantage when it comes to motorcycle riding. We’ve already seen
more than a few bikes test the waters with automatic transmissions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As gasoline prices rise (and fall and rise
again), we’ll see more people experiment with scooters, which continue to grow
in displacement to rival what once was considered a “large” bike.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Manufacturers are adapting their product
line-ups to augment and eventually replace manual transmission bikes with
automatics and other hybrid vehicles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And by hybrids, I don’t mean electrics, though developments there
continue to advance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean
three-wheeled trikes or “ekirt”s, like the Can Am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you’re a newbie or just getting on in
years and want to continue to ride, why would you want to have to shift your
Honda or Harley-Davidson trike?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Speaking
of Honda, they continue to surprise and amaze me with the diversity of products
that they develop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Burgeoning
markets will dictate the low-end of the spectrum but developed countries will
demand and receive the latest innovations and electronic controls, including
the aforementioned electrics, gas/battery hybrids, ABS, ride by wire and
automatic transmissions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Low volume
bikes will lose options and may eventually be offered with one choice of
transmission, which may be the choice which nets the most profit, an automatic
(for the people).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Clutch
handles and foot shifters will go the way of kick-starters and a new era will begin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure, there will always be those motivated
individuals who will go to the effort to learn to ride a “proper” bike, with
all the manual controls but, how long before those bikes (our bikes) are no
longer considered the norm?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think you
can expect to see a radical change to our rides and the industry over the next
20 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess the only positive thing
about that is this is about when I’ll be hanging up my leathers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hang on to your current inventory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the whole world goes mad, in 50 years
our bikes will be collector’s items for precisely the simple and manual
controls we enjoy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Might make a nice
gift to that grand-kid who (I sure hope not yet) is eventually on the way.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The snow is
melting and Valentine’s Day is this week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Kiss and be kind to your “Old Lady” or “Old Man”, as the case may
be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And get ready to ride again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m shooting out of my driveway at the first
sighting of bare asphalt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know you’re
eager too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Make sure you do the proper
safety checks, especially those tires, as you’ll need all the grip you can get,
with the sandy roads here in the Northeast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And wear the gear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t care
if you go textile or leather but wear a helmet and cover up that ugly old body
of yours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Myself?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m thinking of a custom Vanson jacket, with
inlaid leather, worthy of being handed down to the next generation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sure hope that kid learns to shift soon!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A low, slow
wave,</span></span></div>
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<![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>JoeRockethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04520210350509646710noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3805220877395944217.post-71462908561872250872012-12-07T06:41:00.002-05:002012-12-12T19:25:51.760-05:00Fighting for my network<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: small;">Yet another
tirade has arrived from the company that makes Joe Rocket motorcycle gear.
Earlier this year, I got a direct message on Twitter saying, in effect,
“We appreciate your disclosure (see my profile below) but you have to stop
using this Twitter name.” I replied with my own direct message, calling them
rude.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-size: small;">Here
is what my profile page looks like. How is it possible that anyone would
be confused?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjviR4InxlbkisESXMKnI6Yn9xp5IWclnFR1NjcXjmK7Jkr1WxmtEMcWxqoqqOeuxYGC65RZNRfaVkM5UVvhM2drEJvuSPFDtFKTjYlMdQO3etazLCNLwQF93_hI4hPn9f_Zd9ptmzvB8Dc/s1600/My+Arai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjviR4InxlbkisESXMKnI6Yn9xp5IWclnFR1NjcXjmK7Jkr1WxmtEMcWxqoqqOeuxYGC65RZNRfaVkM5UVvhM2drEJvuSPFDtFKTjYlMdQO3etazLCNLwQF93_hI4hPn9f_Zd9ptmzvB8Dc/s200/My+Arai.jpg" height="200" width="171" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Joe
Rocket </b></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin-bottom: 0.75pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><s>@</s>JoeRocket</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>I'm twisted (it's all
in the wrist!) I AM NOT affiliated with the company that makes and sells Joe
Rocket motorcycle gear. I own a ton of it though.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">They don't like the
fact that I have been tweeting for the past 4 or 5 years using the name @JoeRocket.
I think what really pisses them off is that I have over 7 times the followers
and I don't even really try to build my network. If I had resources and a
budget, perhaps some swag to give away or some contests, I think I could do a
lot better than 181 followers!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Here are their latest
offensive messages, in order:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: small;">"@JoeRocket
character popped up on my radar yesterday. I am taking steps to have him taken
off Twitter. Jumping through their hoops to get this done
today." </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-size: small;">Yes, they sent that to ME. </span><span style="font-size: small;">That was late in October and then today
I get this:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: small;">"Ahhhh now I
see. Seeing your Sturgis link it's safe to assume you are the
"character" I've been looking for behind @JoeRocket. What possibly
(sic) benefit is there to assuming the name of a brand you have no affiliation
with whatsoever?"</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Character? Am I? Maybe I am a fan, or at least <i>I was</i>.<span style="color: black;"> </span><span style="color: black;">Now, all that is soured. I won't ever buy
another piece of their gear and am giving thought to selling, discarding or
donating anything with their brand name on it. Sadly, ALL of my and my wife's gear is Joe Rocket brand. Let's see, it's been three jackets and three pairs of over pants, plus a set of leathers.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: small;">I'm sure
that their Marketing Director Steve Blakeney is thinking that all my Twitter friends
and fans are following me <i>mistakenly</i>,
thinking I am them, the company that owns that brand. I disagree. I
have never pretended to be anything other than just another rider. A
regular guy who gets on his bike as often, and for as far as he can go. Steve,
since you're monitoring my blog now, let me ask, do you even ride?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: small;">A dozen
years ago, I made the mistake of investing a big chunk of money in riding gear,
bags, etc. for my first trip to Nova Scotia. All of it was festooned with
the Joe Rocket name. At the time, I was astride my Kawasaki Ninja and all
it took was one look from a Harley rider for me to be christened "Joe
Rocket". Truth be told, it eventually got shortened to Rocket, for
the ease of use. Back in 2007 when
Twitter was relatively new, I thought why not? This is how my friends
know me. Soon, I was writing this blog and reaching people everywhere who share
a love of the open road with two wheels under them.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-size: small;">When
I search Twitter, I see about 25-30 people using some variation of the Joe
Rocket name. Why? Because we
are/were fans. We like the gear, we
strap it on when we go out for a ride or on a tour. And we advertise that company as we do
it. I have been brand loyal to Joe
Rocket since that first set of leathers.
Does Sullivan's, Inc. want to shut down all of those accounts or just mine,
so they can use it instead of the more descriptive @JoeRocketGear? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><u><span style="color: black;">The real
issue here is my Twitter and blog network.</span></u><span style="color: black;"> If I cave in
and Sullivans, Inc (owners of the Joe Rocket and Power Trip brands) has my account
closed, then I lose all of my faithful followers, the people I follow and my online
connections. It was a year ago that I corresponded with Mr. Blakeney
TELLING HIM that I was tweeting as @JoeRocket. I guess he had his head up
his ass that day or, didn't bother to read my email or review my offer to
assist them grow their social media presence.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: small;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-size: small; line-height: 115%;">At this point, I'm not sure of the
resolution. I won’t give up my contacts so that they can be cadged by the
rude Marketing Director who is trying to breathe life into his social media
campaign. I’m sure you wouldn’t want me
to either.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-size: small; line-height: 115%;">Do me a favor, if you agree that I’m being
treated unfairly. Retweet this blog link
to your friends and ask them to read this and pass it along as well. It’s a cautionary tale for any fan of any
company or brand. If you disagree, I
welcome your opinion too, and would like to hear what you think is the best way
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">One last thing…Maybe
the folks at Sullivans owe an explanation about the origin of the Joe Rocket
name. I wonder how they came up with
that?</span></div>
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<span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-size: small; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Gw_y-gpt4uyX2IusUq8PnEETLhUXtjQ6f4dHUkSf9jWmpGYCC8tP_R1FVl1kjtUTQaa8FSwcqW69C_8zwRAV28QY_AG2xWCaszYzAk7sARZ8vw8E7YdJ1GSVKmC5fTrDVsoaAtHOmBGL/s1600/joecool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Gw_y-gpt4uyX2IusUq8PnEETLhUXtjQ6f4dHUkSf9jWmpGYCC8tP_R1FVl1kjtUTQaa8FSwcqW69C_8zwRAV28QY_AG2xWCaszYzAk7sARZ8vw8E7YdJ1GSVKmC5fTrDVsoaAtHOmBGL/s1600/joecool.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
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<span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-size: small; line-height: 115%;">Thanks for listening and, as always…</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-size: small; line-height: 115%;">A low, slow wave,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-size: small; line-height: 115%;">Joe Rocket</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
JoeRockethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04520210350509646710noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3805220877395944217.post-3194819063857584562012-10-16T15:28:00.000-04:002012-10-16T15:28:00.260-04:00THE DREADED BUCKET LIST<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<br /></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOqBrd5L6t7fMmKJEv_w22Gpo0zI6ofKITVmCXbswebq1VIglyPYbGnRrugZJPQyZ1OOvSNuucu1cXGlvU7BNFFJ722Eojb08Mase_ZKu7qTVMFU2MOu3YcRW3AD-JMijIs9TSbiib-PCl/s1600/bucketlist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOqBrd5L6t7fMmKJEv_w22Gpo0zI6ofKITVmCXbswebq1VIglyPYbGnRrugZJPQyZ1OOvSNuucu1cXGlvU7BNFFJ722Eojb08Mase_ZKu7qTVMFU2MOu3YcRW3AD-JMijIs9TSbiib-PCl/s320/bucketlist.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Why do we fear death so? I'm not going to get all religious or philosophical on you. For me, it's because I enjoy life as much as I do. Still, there comes a time when you stop feeling invincible and you become aware of the time you might have left. We all know that there are no guarantees or implied warranties on our life spans, still, you always <i><u>expect</u></i> to have more than you get.<br />
<br />
I've got an aging parent and an aunt with some serious health issues. Both are in their 80's and I can say with conviction that they have both lived good lives. What's left now is just the dirty business of "moving on". It's the painful and humiliating act of being helpless before the whole world. I don't proclaim to be an expert on death and dying, I just know that getting old or being very sick can be a messy affair. Thank goodness for the helpful caregivers, healthcare professionals and places like hospice.<br />
<br />
We touched on this subject recently, my family and me, and I gave our only child my instructions. I want to be "toes in the sand" someplace warm. Preferably poolside with scantily-clad females running about. I doubt that there exists a hospice on a beach in Florida with a sexy "clothing optional" staff, but maybe it will seem that way after they put me on the morphine drip.<br />
<br />
So, I've started to think about the stuff I want to do, places I want to see, etc. Perhaps more important than this, is being to do some of this stuff with my loved ones at my side. I need to get some of these down on paper (or bytes) so that we can plan, negotiate and finance the most important ones. I'm blessed with a beautiful and exciting wife, who has a penchant for exploration. Over time, her desire to have "adventures" has rubbed off on me and now, I too want to fill my eyes with new vistas. The key, of course, is to be able to do this while you are still young or healthy enough to get around.<br />
<br />
Without any fanfare, here are just a few of the things that I want to accomplish, before the shepherd's crook yanks me offstage, from the wings:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Tour the coastal USA. I think a great ride would be a counter-clockwise tour of the country, keeping the beach off your right handlebar as much as you can. I'd blast across the top of the country, tip my hat to Canada, and bomb down the West Coast, after stocking up on supplies in Vancouver.</li>
<li>I want to ride across the US, in mostly a direct route, riding Route 66, while it still exists. I have family outside of San Francisco and, a ride from New Hampshire to there sounds like a good excuse for a family reunion.</li>
<li>I want to own a small roadster, preferably a Porsche Boxster S, but I am willing to consider new Mazda Miata, Honda S2000 or Nissan 370Z convertible. I want to drive it sparingly, wax and polish it with a soft cloth and keep it in mint condition to turn over to my son on his 40th birthday. This would be my vehicle for short weekend excursions, when we've given up riding.</li>
<li>I want to experience Hawaii, Rome, Sicily and Naples, Italy. I want to eat my way through the countryside like Andrew Zimmern sucking on a pig spleen.</li>
<li>I want to run a few laps at my favorite racetrack, Lime Rock Park, in Connecticut. It was there that we went as kids, so Dad could enjoy the racing. It would put a big smile on my face to drive around that circuit and to think of him watching me.</li>
<li>Watch my son walk down the aisle. </li>
<li>Welcome a grandchild into the family (but NOT any time SOON).</li>
<li>Do a Grand Tour. No, not like a concert tour. I mean to travel around to say hello (or goodbye) to all the people who've meant something to me, in my life.</li>
<li>Sing with my brothers. Yep, silly stuff but I think that it would be a memorable moment.</li>
<li>Finally, have that beach view and lifestyle that I've always wished for. </li>
</ol>
Well, it's a start. Like my wife says, I want, I want, I want. I know that the secret to happiness is to be content with what you have. I am. Still, I have goals and these are just a few of them. Some I know will come naturally. The rest I will have to work towards and plan for. I know that a new @ $88,000 Boxster S is highly unlikely but, I left some wiggle room in there and hope to have the same outcome. The rides, well. I'm ready today. <br />
<br />
As we face the onset of Winter (a dirty word in this house) I'm tempted to pack my bike and beat it down to a friend's house just outside of Orlando. The weather would still be warm and the beers are always cold. But, I can't pull the missus from her obligations and spending money foolishly now will come back and bite me on my ass.<br />
<br />
So, what goals have you set for yourself, before you shuffle off? I'd like to know. Maybe our goals overlap and we can find a way to help one another. Or maybe you have a Boxster you want to loan me for a weekend??? Ride safe!<br />
<br />
A low, slow wave,<br />
<br />
Joe Rocket <br />
<br />
<img class="css-3d-layer" src="https://mts1.google.com/vt/lyrs=h@189287860&hl=en&src=app&x=8929&s=&y=13890&z=15&s=Galil" style="-moz-user-select: none; border: 0px none; height: 256px; left: -418px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; top: 161px; width: 256px;" /> <img class="css-3d-layer" src="https://mts1.google.com/vt/lyrs=h@189287860&hl=en&src=app&x=8929&s=&y=13890&z=15&s=Galil" style="-moz-user-select: none; border: 0px none; height: 256px; left: -418px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; top: 161px; width: 256px;" />JoeRockethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04520210350509646710noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3805220877395944217.post-50192573416653797632012-09-19T15:50:00.001-04:002012-09-20T08:08:40.506-04:00SENA SMH5 Bluetooth Headset & Intercom product review<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hello everyone! I'm excited to tell you about a new product I'm reviewing, the SENA (<a href="http://www.senabluetooth.com/">http://www.senabluetooth.com</a>) SMH5 Bluetooth Headset and Intercom. These retail for $129.00 for the single unit and $249.00 for the pair. I did see the dual set on sale at an online retailer, for less than $190.00. These are sold through local m/c shops and SENA has a full list of retailers on their web site. Find one near you and support your local retailer.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's how</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5BnyGt80qJOaqDFExd6DryRV3z5m9AxGOrkBjApbBKRtwtXCYmn5gVj9Qoy0BQi4Ufz_uI6AEA9RDuLPTo2DPPINwGQxSR2c_eN3vWoBOqQayaY4apcyU7ZVAaBcIolCygztCtGoxdg_Q/s1600/SENA+Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="35" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5BnyGt80qJOaqDFExd6DryRV3z5m9AxGOrkBjApbBKRtwtXCYmn5gVj9Qoy0BQi4Ufz_uI6AEA9RDuLPTo2DPPINwGQxSR2c_eN3vWoBOqQayaY4apcyU7ZVAaBcIolCygztCtGoxdg_Q/s200/SENA+Logo.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">describes the product:</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">"The SMH5 is a Bluetooth 3.0
stereo headset with Bluetooth intercom designed specifically for motorcycles.
With the SMH5, you can call handsfree on your Bluetooth mobile phone, listen to
stereo music or voice instructions of GPS navigations by Bluetooth wirelessly,
and have two-way intercom conversations in full duplex with a passenger or
other motorcycle riders.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">Thanks to the
latest Bluetooth 3.0 and the advanced digital signal processing technology, the
SMH5 offers the best sound quality for both incoming and outgoing sound in its
class. Also, the easy-to-access and intuitive button operations make the SMH5 a
perfect companion for motorcycles."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-color: white;">First, let me say that my neighbors really must think we're a couple of kooks. First, there's the whole biker thing. They probably don't get it but, that's okay, because YOU <u>do</u> get it. But when they see me out riding the lawn tractor with my full-face helmet on, it must seem a little weird. And when they stop and ask me what I'm doing and I tell them to "Hang on a second, I'm in the middle of a phone call." well, that REALLY perplexes them.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-color: white;">These headsets are great. My wife and I are doing a lot more riding together lately, each on our own bike, and having these intercoms is a great way to share the experience. When I'm riding solo, I have no one to worry about but myself. Sure, in a group ride, I keep an eye on my fellow riders but, when I'm out with the love of my life, well, that's a bit different. In that situation, there is a whole other level of concern. It's great to have a means for instantaneous communication. ME: Is your bike running alright? Do you want to take a break? What do you mean I don't need <i>more</i> ice cream???</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-color: white;">We've been enjoying the ability to chat (or not) as much as possible. The SMH5 provides a very clear stereo sound for voice, mobile or music. And, if you have a Bluetooth-enabled GPS, it will connect to that too, negating the need for additional ear buds or speakers.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Installation was simple and SENA provides all the parts you need (and then some). I had lots of extra </span><span style="line-height: 18px;">Velcro</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> pieces to use later. We ride with full-face ARAI helmets, so the set we got has a mic that sticks in place, right in front of your mouth.</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgK7y7CJk2VPpHdluYu5_3vxtdY7GoRXH6_fAO5Ayr5sdbiVqOM_21aydixC17Gd-P6UM2qQy86I8w6zl02ki76lTZyMyMxXUM04Uns48TrBcOSwrhxlZsK4_hn8mI4l_QN3Edu2f3KHXG/s1600/2012-08-25_09-39-16_744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgK7y7CJk2VPpHdluYu5_3vxtdY7GoRXH6_fAO5Ayr5sdbiVqOM_21aydixC17Gd-P6UM2qQy86I8w6zl02ki76lTZyMyMxXUM04Uns48TrBcOSwrhxlZsK4_hn8mI4l_QN3Edu2f3KHXG/s400/2012-08-25_09-39-16_744.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-color: white;">The units themselves are compact, with self-contained antenna, unlike other models I've seen. There are only two buttons to control the until, the round jog dial, reminiscent of a rotary phone (Yes, <u>I am THAT old</u>) and the red on/off button. Simple! One <i>minor</i> complaint was the length of the mic wire. I suppose I could relocate the mic to the far side of my chin bar but, I wanted it right in front. As a result, as you can see in the photo to the right, I had extra wire that I looped around the unit.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-color: white;">The quick-start guide was enough to get me out on my first ride but, I <b>definitely</b> recommend downloading the full User's Guide from SENA's web site. You will thank me later!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-color: white;">The units pair easily and will also find other bluetooth devices (cell phone) to pair with quite easily. One of the many benefits with the SENA product is that it allows you to pair with more than one rider. The SMH5 can connect with up to two other units for intercom but, for clarity, can only be in duplex mode with one unit at a time. SENA's SMH10 can connect with with up to 4 people via intercom at the same time. So, if everyone one in your "gang" wants to stay in touch, on a long ride, now you can. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-color: white;">Just choose which device suits your group.</span></span> Perfect for those long rides to Sturgis, the Saddlesore 1000 and more! SENA also offers a product called the SR10, which allows you to connect via Bluetooth to two way radios/short range "walkie-talkies".</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-color: white;">Each headset came with a USB charging cable. I have lots of ports on my PC so I was able to charge both units at once. Still, I would like a converter or connector so I could charge these from a wall socket. I see that SENA offers that as an accessory, on their site: </span></span><a href="http://www.senabluetooth.com/products/acc_SC-A0107.php">http://www.senabluetooth.com/products/acc_SC-A0107.php</a> <span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">I'd pay a few bucks more just to get that as part of the set.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Range is good. SENA says that you can expect a quarter of a mile. We did some testing just this past weekend and found that the sound quality did not diminish greatly at 1/10th of a mile. Bear in mind that these units work best in line-of-sight. I topped a hill and the unit cut out on me. Once wifey had passed the same point, we were back in contact.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">One feature I like is the ability to turn the intercoms on or off and use just the Push-to-Talk (PTT) feature. I know that this will save my batteries and we never had an issue of running out of juice, on an all day ride. Of course, you can keep the mics open and listen to your partner breathe, if you're into that. I found the wind noise from the helmet a bit annoying so I quickly got into the habit of tapping the jog dial once and waiting for the units to connect. It did so quickly. PTT is the way to go, if you have a long day of riding.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-color: white;">The sound quality is amazing. The speakers sit deep in the helmet, attached with Velcro and I was thrilled by the sound quality upon streaming music from my smart phone. Now I can stream Pandora to my helmet as I burble down the road. It's amazing what the right tune will do to augment your mood, while riding.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-color: white;">Sound quality is equally good with the phone. You can voice dial (the default setting), if your phone is capable, or you can dial from your phone and toss it back into your pocket and ride on.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-color: white;">Overall, I think this product is probably the value leader in this category. At the entry price, everyone in your club can afford to buy one and make your rides safer and more fun. The units work as advertised and are not overly complex (see my earlier review of a competing product). I do wish the range was better but, the SENA SMH10 offers a better range AND can connect to these units. So, you have lots of options. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-color: white;">Here are the headsets for open face helmets, for my cruiser buddies. These have a boom mic, which you can move about as needed.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">For the price, the SENA SMH5 can't be beat. Let me know if you have any questions or comments. I love hearing from you and will respond here or on Twitter. You can find me there as @JoeRocket. Until then...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">A low, slow wave,</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Joe Rocket</span></span></div>
JoeRockethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04520210350509646710noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3805220877395944217.post-66483429687051537012012-08-24T12:24:00.001-04:002012-08-24T12:29:37.374-04:00When the music's over...So much has happened since I last wrote, that this post feels like one of those annoying annual holiday letters, written and sent en masse, by the long lost relatives you hardly know. "Johnny lost a tooth and has chlamydia!" Seriously, who gives a crap? But, I'll try to make this somewhat interesting or, at the very least, profane.<br />
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My last post centered on the test results of the Interphone bike-to-bike communication system. I have to say that I really liked its capabilities, but was perhaps a bit overwhelmed by the complexity and underwhelmed by its range and battery power. Well, I just got my hands on a Sena communication system and, as soon as I can get these added to our lids and get out for a ride, I'll start my testing. I'll post a full review here, in the near future.<br />
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My summer has been given over to kick-starting my brain. I took a 12-week course on Project Management, and plan to take the test (eventually) so I can be a Certified Project Management Professional, or PMP. Yes, I've been making pimp jokes for some time now. My PMP hand, etc. You get the idea. The other challenge has been Mrs. Rocket's work. She's in Defense, working for a large contractor here and is engaged in a sufficiently important and onerous project. So, her time has not been her own either and there has been little riding to write about.<br />
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Last month though, I was treated to a special day of riding with some new friends. I have followed Bryan on Twitter for years (@Faceyman) and on his blog (<a href="http://www.faceyman.com/">http://www.faceyman.com/</a>). Each and every time I even remotely <i>mention</i> Canada or a desire to ride to a destination therein, he implores to come visit. Well, he beat me to it. Last month, he and fellow moto-enthusiast best bud Luc (both living in Fredericton, NB, Canada) made an epic ride through ALL of the New England states. He pinged me in advance for ride ideas and routes and I was rewarded with a day in the White Mountains riding with two of the nicest riders you'd ever want to meet. As riders, we found that we three all had a lot in common. Luc and I ride the same bike (well, Luc has 3 bikes), the Honda VTX 1300 and Bryan was on his cruiser, as well. Both enjoy sport bikes, as I have in the past, and they alternate their scooters, depending on the type of ride they're in the mood for.<br />
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Anyway, after a long day of riding, I hated to see them go. They continued on their adventure, which you can read at Bryan's blog, and found great roads and interesting people along the way. It was a great vacation for the two of them, nothing planned but a general idea of which direction to head next. I envied them and the time off but I surely will relish that first ride together, most likely not the last that we'll share. More on that later.<br />
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I took a long solo ride through Vermont and Massachusetts and, running late allowed my TomTom Rider GPS unit to take me via the "shortest route". Yeah, you may have guessed that it deposited me onto unpaved roads, and it did. What I wasn't prepared for was 20 miles of that! The conditions were good so I just plugged along, too stubborn to try a faster route. Men are like that, you know. I wouldn't ask directions if I were lost in Transylvania, hence the GPS unit. The following weekend, the missus and I took a similar route, stopping along the way to look at some old cars I found the prior weekend. <br />
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I have a fondness for 60's and 70's era cars and, for the past few years been fixated on a late 60's Ford Galaxie 500 convertible. But, so far, the funds and the perfect car have eluded me. The building with the dusty early 60's Galaxie was chock-a-block with old T-birds and other goodies. I'll go look again.<br />
<br />
With our son splitting his time between Boston and home, we didn't have any plans for vacation this summer. We made plans to see family members in Maine and planned a short stay on Campobello Island, off the coast of Maine. I quickly conspired to make a slight side-trip, to Fredericton, seeing how it was "practically" on our way...We had a GREAT night out with our new friends and got to meet the wives who support/tolerate their riding habits. Neither of them rode and, there was an awkward moment when I verbally stubbed my toe by asking. The humorous response and evil eye was directed back at both men, "Well, if they ASKED us..." Oops! Sorry guys! In any event, it sounded like the ladies knew how to have fun on their own. We had an enjoyable visit in their city, sharing our time and a great meal. I know we'll be back.<br />
<br />
Our final destination in Canada was Campobello Island. Bryan suggested a great route, which circumvented extra miles and border crossings. We finally landed on the island, a quiet and beautiful destination with few amenities (like WiFi). I was forced to relax, read and rest. <br />
<br />
The only disappointment in the whole trip is that we didn't ride the bikes. We covered over 1,000 miles and the weather was perfect. With such a short week planned, I was concerned that any poor weather would severely impact our ability to make all of our destinations.<br />
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As you can see, it was beautiful there and I have plans to return. On the bike.<br />
<br />
Okay, I've caught you up some. I'm off like a herd of turtles. More stuff to do. It's Friday and the "boy" announced he's dropping in on us this weekend. Off to prepare for that, stocking up on pizzas and other stuff he likes.<br />
<br />
I'll get out and ride this weekend and, with any luck, be using my new headsets. And that means that the missus has to listen to my subliminal messages in her ears the whole way...<br />
<br />
Summer is winding down. Make the remaining weekends count. Get out and ride your tuchas off. That means "ass", in case you don't know Yiddish slang. Have fun and report to me on Twitter. I'm there as @JoeRocket. See you out there!<br />
<br />
A low, slow wave,<br />
<br />
Joe RocketJoeRockethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04520210350509646710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3805220877395944217.post-62732298103261050632012-04-29T12:20:00.000-04:002012-05-04T13:28:46.817-04:00PRODUCT REVIEW: Interphone F5 Motorcycle Communications System<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: large;">Update:</span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><br />I had some updates to this review that I wanted to append. I did a few more tests and had some new insights to share.</span></span></span></h2>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><br />The Intercom range - Hmm. On my initial ride, Mrs. Rocket was close behind me on her own scooter the whole time so, I didn't get a good test on the range of the intercoms. A new test showed the intercom to have about a quarter of a mile of range in line of sight. When I turned a corner and disappeared around some trees, that range fell to about one-tenth of a mile. You might find that a bit distressing if you ride in canyons on in heavily wooded areas like we do.<br /></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Revised phone test - I tested the unit at home, dialing into the unit from my home phone. The voice-activated answer settings were no longer active and I could not answer a call. My phone paired easily and I was able to make calls using the phone without removing my helmet, which is a benefit.<br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Revised radio test - </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">the RDS no longer announced the station every few moments. Again, I think the settings changed from one use to the next.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Conclusion - This is a great unit, with a boatload of features. Is it complex? Yes. Would I eventually learn how to use all of these features? Yes, in time. I think that the initial ownership period would be frustrating and I would prefer something with better range and more ease of use. I wonder if Apple has thought about getting into this market???</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">A low, slow wave,</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Joe Rocket </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">I was eager to test and review this new
product for <a href="http://rocketmoto.com/">RocketMoto.com</a> as I am a bit of a technology geek and a rider who likes
long rides, either in a group or in the company of one other rider. For most riders, a bike-to-bike system like
the Interphone F5 would be just the ticket.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">My first impression, upon opening the
box was that there’s SO MUCH STUFF! The
list of included parts is extensive and the manufacturer of this device has thought
of every possible option that you could want, in a bike-to-bike communications
system. This is a complete audio system
that allows for rider communications, phone, GPS and music (built-in radio
receiver, streaming bluetooth and MP3 inputs).
They thought of everything! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">After I laid out all of the components,
I was a bit worried about the complexity but, all of the parts are clearly
described in the owner’s manual and I quickly identified the ones that I needed
for the full-face helmets we wear. The
set even included several replacement parts, for wear items like mic covers and
additional adhesive strips.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">As this is a 2 rider system, there are
two of each component, with the exception of a tube of waterproofing silicone
grease. The set contains two different types of microphones; a universal boom
mic for open face helmets and a helmet-mounted mic for full face helmets. Additionally, there are two ways to mount the
bracket that holds the rechargeable Bluetooth module, which is the heart of
this audio system. There is an
adhesive-backed mounting plate and a clamp-style mounting bracket, with an
extension piece, to fit any type of helmet.
I chose the latter.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Mounting the bracket on our helmets was
the first and perhaps most challenging task.
I chose the clamp mount, so I could easily remove these at the end of
our test. The challenge came from the
need to use the extension piece but, Interphone wisely supplied the longer
mounting screws, to make the job as easy as possible. It was a bit “fiddly” but, the hardest part
of the install was now done! Next, I
positioned the stereo speakers into each helmet, each backed with velcro-like
material to make positioning and re-positioning a snap.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">I then concentrated on the actual
Bluetooth module. It clearly is of
quality design and construction. It has
a rubberized, waterproof exterior with large raised buttons. Its low-profile design is compact and does
not sport an ungainly antenna, like some other systems.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">The multi-headed charger allows you to
charge both modules at once, using only one plug. Within three hours, the headsets were fully
charged and ready to use. They mounted
easily with a positive “CLICK” and the system was ready for a test.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">The owner’s manual comes in 13
different languages (!) so you know that this truly is a global product which
is appreciated worldwide. The primary
control is the large round button in the center, which the manual refers to as
the Multi-Function Button (MFB). It
controls all of the inputs and allows you to switch between menu functions with
a toggle up or down. Volume is
controlled by the + and – buttons. All
four are raised and easy to control, while riding and with gloves on.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Test #1</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">- Intercom</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">A group of five took a slow ride to the
seacoast, avoiding highways and getting a good tour of small New England
towns. My wife was using the second
headset and we set the system to Intercom for this first test. We were both impressed by the clarity and ease
of communication between us, no matter how far behind me she was at any
point. If the group was momentarily
separated, I was able to provide clear instructions as to where I planned to
stop to wait for the others. It quickly
became apparent who was the extrovert in our pair! I enjoyed being able to share directions (“Turning
right in one mile”) to let her know what to expect on these unfamiliar
roads. For this ride, I did not pair the
Interphone to my GPS device (more on that later).</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">On the return trip, we chose a more
direct highway route. It became apparent
that our headset volumes were not properly set and, no matter how much I tried
to increase it, we couldn’t hear one another.
I now believe this to be user error, having later learned that the
headsets have an Automatic Volume setting, which I think would have compensated
for the ambient noise at highway speeds.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed being able to communicate with another
rider, out on the road.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Test #2- Radio, GPS and Mobile Phone</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">A second test was conducted a few days
after the first. I turned on the
Bluetooth Module and was told I had “medium battery” available. For the one hour ride, I presumed this was
sufficient. I paired the unit to my cell
phone on the first try. The two devices
sought one another out and I was out the door in just a moment. As I waited for another rider to join me, I
tested the phone system. I pushed the
MFB and selected phone using a voice prompt to place a call. It connected perfectly and the audio was loud
and clear on the in-helmet speakers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">I then programmed a local radio
station, into one of the 5 presets. The
station has a strong signal that I assumed would serve me on this shorter
ride. Once on the road, I fired up the
radio and was pleased that the first song was “Born to Be Wild”, by Steppenwolf. Perfect.
I cracked the throttle wide open and roared down the highway. And then it got a little weird. The Interphone F5 identified the radio
station. And then a minute later it did
it again. Hmm. I hit the scan button to something other than
my 1 preset and was soon listening to another station. Once again, the station call letters got
popped into the middle of the music. It turns out that I had the RDS (Radio Data
System) turned on. I scanned a couple of
other stations and was listening for a total of twenty minutes when the system
shut itself down. It appears that I ran
out of juice! Note to self: Make sure RDS is set to OFF and your headset
is fully charged before each ride.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">For the GPS test, I tried to pair the
Interphone F5 Bluetooth Module with my TomTom Rider. It failed to pair. The TomTom is an older unit, about 4 years
old, and while it has Bluetooth connectivity, it delivers the audio to a small
receiver that plugs into a helmet speaker.
The problem here was the age and design of the GPS unit, not the Interphone
F5. On a newer GPS device, I have no
doubt that this would have paired as easily as it did to my mobile phone.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">So, from my previous ride, when I used
the system for about 4 ½ hours total, and I got maybe another 30 minutes on it
when the system told me that I had approximately half-power. Needless to say, I was disappointed. I suspect that the short phone call and all
the radio scanning had an effect on the battery life. The test I did not get to make was how long
the system would work, continuously. Interphone
says the units have 700 hours of stand-by time and 11 hours of talk time. If I planned to use a system like this, I
would want it to last all day long, perhaps as much as 12 hours on one charge.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Test #3</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br />
Initially I was not thrilled with the audio quality of the radio test. The sizes of the stereo speakers are small,
by necessity, and they are easily overloaded by a poor radio signal. Where this system shines is when it streams
music from a Bluetooth phone or with the addition of an iPod or MP3
player. My Android phone streamed music
perfectly when paired to the Interphone F5. If you use a service like Pandora
or Spotify, or just pair this with your iPhone, you will have an endless supply
of music while touring.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Another source of music is through
attaching external audio devices, such as an iPod or an MP3 player. I attached my iPod Mini to the Aux input,
using the supplied coiled cord and found that my iPod didn’t have enough power
to drive these speakers. Fortunately, I
have a small, pocket-sized amplifier called a Boostaroo. Once that was jacked in between the iPod and
the Aux input, I had all the volume that I wanted (and MORE). The speakers have a much better sound with
this type of music input, providing a full, rich sound. You
might want to save the radio functions for times when you have a strong signal
or, need local weather information, when riding.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Conclusions</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">This is a premium system, designed for
the rider who wants it all. You can make
and take phone calls, communicate effortlessly with other riders or listen to
music, all at the same time. The system
automatically mutes other inputs at incoming phone calls or intercom
messages. Additionally, the system is
able to link multiple modules, allowing multiple riders (6+) to communicate and
greatly extending the range of the units.
This would be very beneficial to all but especially to riders who like
to spread out on the road.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">The quality of these units is very
high, well-designed and with an attractive low-profile. You needn’t feel like My Favorite Martian,
with antennae sticking out of your head.
These units do it all, in a stylish manner, at a very favorable
price. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">The most important benefit, beyond all
the personal ones, is safety. Imagine
being able to point out road hazards, distracted drivers, etc., as they are
spotted and communicating it effortlessly and immediately to others in your
group. No more need for confusing hand
signals or missed turns. Whether you
ride two-up, solo or in a group, the Interphone F5 Bluetooth Audio system will
make it easier to communicate and will add a new level of ease to your
ride. No more missed calls or missed
turns. Don’t get left behind! <br />
<br />
MSRP is $499.00.</span><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Product Description</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">INTERPHONE F5 is designed for
motorcyclists who like to travel in pairs or groups, and provides
conference-type communication 6 or more users - even on different motorcycles
INTERPHONE F5 is equipped with multimedia capabilities, thanks to its FM radio
with RDS and wired connections with MP3 players (iPod)/Bluetooth® with A2DP
profile. INTERPHONE F5 is equipped with TTS (Text To Speech), which provides
status messages and ensures maximum comfort and total safety during use.
INTERPHONE F5 is available in single and paired versions, and is easily
installed on any type of helmet. </span></div>
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</div>JoeRockethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04520210350509646710noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3805220877395944217.post-49095498529647439732012-03-18T22:43:00.001-04:002012-03-19T06:17:38.762-04:00First ride of the season (FREEDOM)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Did you feel
that? Riding season has begun
again. It starts slowly, with a day of
agreeable weather here and there and then WHAM!, spring is here. Hope springs eternal at the start of a new
riding season. Like the start of a new
school year when anything is possible, your weekends and time behind the
handlebars feel unlimited. After a long
winter or, in our case, a mild winter, the warm weather encourages thousands to
gas up and go. Anywhere.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">And that’s
what riding is all about, isn’t it?
Freedom. The freedom to choose
your destination and point your bike towards it. It almost doesn’t matter which direction you
choose, as long as the roads are smooth and there’s an open lane in front of
you. What to choose? The seacoast or the mountains? </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Living in
New England provides a lot of riding opportunities and challenges. If you ride a sport bike and want to test
yourself, there are many difficult back roads with lots of switchbacks. If you have a cruiser or a touring bike, you
might enjoy a milder pace and endless vistas.
We have it all, here in New Hampshire, some of the best riding in the
country.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">For our
first ride, I picked a familiar destination about 2 hours from home. We know the place and the roads there take
you through rolling hills and winding twisties.
With the aforementioned mild winter, the signs proclaiming Frost Heaves
were lying. The road was smooth most of
the way, until a route change put us onto a road in need of repair. No worries.
After blasting along for most of our trip, it was okay to slow the pace
and to pick a line on the bumpy pavement.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">We stopped
for lunch, to talk and to drink coffee.
The company was better than the coffee but even bad coffee is welcome at
times. We ran into some friends, eating
in the bar at the restaurant and enjoyed seeing other bikers out enjoying the
day. The parking lot was filled with
many different types and brands of motorbikes, all of their owners reveling in
the day. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">It’s nice to
have company on a ride but, as always, someone has a deadline. Two of us took the fast way home; the others
returned from the direction we arrived.
With a highway return, we rode as fast as sense and traffic would
allow. The bikes love the cool, dry air
at this time of year and we wasted no time on the road. Our return was almost half of the time that
our outbound trip took but was equally enjoyable. There is nothing like a fast bike on a smooth
road!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">I shot
through a tollbooth and was not at all surprised that my EZ Pass transponder hadn’t
worked. I noticed it last year on the
few passes through toll areas. A phone
call should set that right, as it has worked for me in the past. Arriving home at
a decent hour, I still had time to enjoy the setting afternoon sun with my
spouse, grateful to her for allowing me a day to myself.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> A first ride is like a first kiss, you never know what to
expect. Today was a good one and I look
forward to many more this year. Most of
the riders I know say that they will “ride more this year”. Somehow, life, work, other obligations get in
the way.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">We’re
fortunate to have this personal freedom and to live in a country as large as the
United States. From my door, I can look
west to thousands and thousands of miles of undiscovered adventures. All I have to do is plan one (or not).
</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Get out and
ride. It’s what you need. It’s what the world needs, more freedom.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">A low, slow
wave,</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Joe Rocket</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>JoeRockethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04520210350509646710noreply@blogger.com3