tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64570554057033652122024-02-06T20:18:46.794-08:00Been Riding & Thinking About...Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11946652999166458805noreply@blogger.comBlogger137125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457055405703365212.post-31745133214756902882011-06-18T10:47:00.000-07:002011-06-19T07:47:38.464-07:00From the North Oregon Coast<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj46ugbGsK5hJDAWnRX50QvF2pidcL35_e5q_dws9avSx0fQdjNooubSwKg2bVtPIj968_8sG71nOybqWapPt5Wg-ncuvAAcbjYLEzsPpSAVR057S6N0z0RHrOGLr_y9hEGoNCGyA8duSE/s1600/Mini+Rd+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj46ugbGsK5hJDAWnRX50QvF2pidcL35_e5q_dws9avSx0fQdjNooubSwKg2bVtPIj968_8sG71nOybqWapPt5Wg-ncuvAAcbjYLEzsPpSAVR057S6N0z0RHrOGLr_y9hEGoNCGyA8duSE/s400/Mini+Rd+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I eat too many turkey meals. I should find a backup eatery but Subway is good and fast and... well, fresh.<br />
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Wednesday morning I headed for the coast to work for three days. I used our place at the beach for two nights as a base for working from Newport to Astoria.<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Portland,+OR&daddr=45.24344,-123.11203+to:Newport,+OR+to:Astoria,+OR+to:Tillamook,+OR+to:Portland,+OR&hl=en&geocode=FfyhtgIdERyw-CkndKl9CwuVVDGRhdH25rk2HA%3BFTBcsgIdonWp-Cll0UkbX0aVVDFb_dbOnBJuBQ%3BFXAaqQIdNRib-CmNmHxM29XBVDFy-_xh8XIf1A%3BFWzFwAIdK3ye-CmL-5UJRHuTVDG_ihuh8XLd9w%3BFVibtQIdUkqe-Cll_aCgBdWUVDHTT02YSzQoNA%3BFfyhtgIdERyw-CkndKl9CwuVVDGRhdH25rk2HA&mra=dpe&mrsp=1&sz=7&via=1&sll=45.065762,-124.046631&sspn=2.832058,8.723145&ie=UTF8&ll=45.47554,-123.354492&spn=1.34816,2.340088&z=8&output=embed" width="425"></iframe><br />
<small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=embed&saddr=Portland,+OR&daddr=45.24344,-123.11203+to:Newport,+OR+to:Astoria,+OR+to:Tillamook,+OR+to:Portland,+OR&hl=en&geocode=FfyhtgIdERyw-CkndKl9CwuVVDGRhdH25rk2HA%3BFTBcsgIdonWp-Cll0UkbX0aVVDFb_dbOnBJuBQ%3BFXAaqQIdNRib-CmNmHxM29XBVDFy-_xh8XIf1A%3BFWzFwAIdK3ye-CmL-5UJRHuTVDG_ihuh8XLd9w%3BFVibtQIdUkqe-Cll_aCgBdWUVDHTT02YSzQoNA%3BFfyhtgIdERyw-CkndKl9CwuVVDGRhdH25rk2HA&mra=dpe&mrsp=1&sz=7&via=1&sll=45.065762,-124.046631&sspn=2.832058,8.723145&ie=UTF8&ll=45.47554,-123.354492&spn=1.34816,2.340088&z=8" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small><br />
This was lunch in Newport on Wednesday. The ride through the mountains in the morning was mostly wet but at the coast the weather was nice. It was in the low 60's (F) with the usual onshore breeze of good fresh air.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9JMyFGgwPkcnChIwvOt-XDK3UPci3UwuOntk-sX7UvczmqCyIL9CIftLIWYARbvdercEAJXmY5e4Ird84TYyDFqgZKstMIgRZP9TVK6ggjIsRoMZFV6-sgmYTv4XHNuvmKJkh-Tpgyv8/s1600/Mini+Rd+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9JMyFGgwPkcnChIwvOt-XDK3UPci3UwuOntk-sX7UvczmqCyIL9CIftLIWYARbvdercEAJXmY5e4Ird84TYyDFqgZKstMIgRZP9TVK6ggjIsRoMZFV6-sgmYTv4XHNuvmKJkh-Tpgyv8/s400/Mini+Rd+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The weather for the three days was suppose to be mostly dry. There was only a 30% chance of showers on Wednesday morning. I debated on whether to take a regular duffel bag or my <a href="http://www.helen2wheels.com/">Helen 2Wheels</a> waterproof bag. Amber reminded me that this is Oregon and it can rain at any time. I didn't really need a reminder. I ended up getting the 30% on 100% of me so I was glad I had Helen's bag. I've had this large roll top sack for over a year and it has served me well. It's surprising how much one can pack in it when items are rolled into tube shape.<br />
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When I first started using it I was a little nervous about leaving it on the bike when I'm inside on a sales visit but so far it's been fine. I don't put anything too valuable in it and I generally park in areas which are not too public.<br />
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Below are some road trip photos. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjde1IYV4IEhX_e5M20hKxh5iSKW0S6QhNr0vvJakMe5UTU7ZZ5YLlbMzDGPhfqAq64eWE-Dagq_dhA2K9U4XzeqF0a7G9J6zRkkaBS1MhO71umLLmJW_Gb3Pem_1e8J25e4cW0_F_HgLI/s1600/Mini+Rd.+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjde1IYV4IEhX_e5M20hKxh5iSKW0S6QhNr0vvJakMe5UTU7ZZ5YLlbMzDGPhfqAq64eWE-Dagq_dhA2K9U4XzeqF0a7G9J6zRkkaBS1MhO71umLLmJW_Gb3Pem_1e8J25e4cW0_F_HgLI/s400/Mini+Rd.+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A beach chapel that has weathered many storms.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkxikKahYFz9oX960U5Vtk1oMRFskZsGYiZF0moAb7sAjz5eI5utXYb6_Ti5gd8C2ZB_ubFXjV14G0PNhFxErNezctXPMFBgVhKfVSl3kc5zk_PaXFy1ya60k-1olPGu7e1Qk0eO96U2k/s1600/Mini+Rd.+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkxikKahYFz9oX960U5Vtk1oMRFskZsGYiZF0moAb7sAjz5eI5utXYb6_Ti5gd8C2ZB_ubFXjV14G0PNhFxErNezctXPMFBgVhKfVSl3kc5zk_PaXFy1ya60k-1olPGu7e1Qk0eO96U2k/s400/Mini+Rd.+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Twin Rocks (Rockaway Beach) as high clouds approach. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyZbrTRO5i-8gAbqlsA9TfZugA0KB31-mS0UAxO5nCaMCAfZ90sW45SIXtPAL6Hc6VN300AXHtuhp8G3hw4465EZiIvXquRQBoKDZsDPk9UngHtk4xOuWaESlhPZT6ZVtC4UBuCx1Ya8Q/s1600/Waiting+for+Sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyZbrTRO5i-8gAbqlsA9TfZugA0KB31-mS0UAxO5nCaMCAfZ90sW45SIXtPAL6Hc6VN300AXHtuhp8G3hw4465EZiIvXquRQBoKDZsDPk9UngHtk4xOuWaESlhPZT6ZVtC4UBuCx1Ya8Q/s400/Waiting+for+Sunset.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This one is titled, "Waiting for Sunset". </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWF3keTePzb8juBPfScFBo_rlrvBn_-DUk3lMw2YPAYQIOTf5RI77HLuB26560unfX4xSJPlAtQ9uvaW8-Flhcrl63Agaw-ecvSBCPydpaTvnxJVEOVqNF2zAxJ13V_01MfP6TU7MN6XE/s1600/Mini+Rd.+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWF3keTePzb8juBPfScFBo_rlrvBn_-DUk3lMw2YPAYQIOTf5RI77HLuB26560unfX4xSJPlAtQ9uvaW8-Flhcrl63Agaw-ecvSBCPydpaTvnxJVEOVqNF2zAxJ13V_01MfP6TU7MN6XE/s400/Mini+Rd.+5.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: left;">It's nice to stop and explore in these small coastal towns. I stopped here Thursday afternoon to get something to drink. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJQ4UWKJPrjW8GQgDeIXG-me9lZK-Kt0UEKtsPN1E2wsLPoqzunzgnGKJpugf3Ok6VxS7BXSsbnYaMkJieb5Ctwz3ngnTnqjSX-3Nfv8YHA4pqq9rPE-ITigA4SUfDXrTXQKKoNdbff-M/s1600/Mini+Rd.+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJQ4UWKJPrjW8GQgDeIXG-me9lZK-Kt0UEKtsPN1E2wsLPoqzunzgnGKJpugf3Ok6VxS7BXSsbnYaMkJieb5Ctwz3ngnTnqjSX-3Nfv8YHA4pqq9rPE-ITigA4SUfDXrTXQKKoNdbff-M/s400/Mini+Rd.+6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Friday morning the clammers were out during low tide in Tillamook Bay. Homemade clam chowder sounds good.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjlqxGoBciyHudQIFY3-GTbueHrTInZYcyEUc0gKLf0RIv_VR6qpmQVfGzNGI7yanu4uvpyuCq50gLizL08qKpJ4JoybyniPSJHhNsN1ohwFVWSBRr_Uk6SwP1xl7DNg9iFzuuNc_CJjY/s1600/Mini+Rd.+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjlqxGoBciyHudQIFY3-GTbueHrTInZYcyEUc0gKLf0RIv_VR6qpmQVfGzNGI7yanu4uvpyuCq50gLizL08qKpJ4JoybyniPSJHhNsN1ohwFVWSBRr_Uk6SwP1xl7DNg9iFzuuNc_CJjY/s400/Mini+Rd.+7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">I have many photos of this lake. On a clear morning when it's calm I can't help but stop and click a few shots. It's a serene view that's quite different than the hustle and bustle of downtown Portland only 90 miles away. What would life be like without the push and pull of a BlackBerry and computer? </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The trip was a little over 400 miles. It was a pleasure to be on the bike. For a while now I've been experimenting with riding at higher rpm. On the way back to Portland through the mountain range I stayed in 4th gear most of the time. The speed limit is 55 mph with nice sweeping curves. The bike handled better at the higher rpm with easier ability to roll on and off the throttle and less shifting. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I hope you get some higher rpm this weekend! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">God's speed.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11946652999166458805noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457055405703365212.post-24865276467793095822011-06-10T22:49:00.000-07:002011-06-10T23:12:48.518-07:00Photos From the Week<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipF1tVscRNFwH2Rt0bvw6GWQGD1h4jPDcdzN1gjStaFpEHM04j_P8m_FGTLwQhqHuLWIrx8RNs3H3ngtvkZagNOuDY5fKaDpe88b7vb4beiaiBP4_S7HsTdNpVQ1ZYqINjNozJLttVSHo/s1600/Kidneys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipF1tVscRNFwH2Rt0bvw6GWQGD1h4jPDcdzN1gjStaFpEHM04j_P8m_FGTLwQhqHuLWIrx8RNs3H3ngtvkZagNOuDY5fKaDpe88b7vb4beiaiBP4_S7HsTdNpVQ1ZYqINjNozJLttVSHo/s400/Kidneys.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>With a full week of good weather things lined up nicely to acquire some quality saddle time. Although I was "Riding and Thinking," rather than post any particular thoughts I decided to share a few photos from the week. Nothing earth shattering just some doodling with the camera.<br />
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The one above is the oil cooler radiator vents. After doing the brakes last Saturday I washed and waxed the bike. If you look closely you'll see the haze of dried wax yet to be polished. Kind of a different view.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicjQ9lAONlG5j_5w7l8WDNJkc5n76iBXe06-zGdUcj584FIIB7cePu2MzzjPJQI0oqbY_vcNBHIcKtA1o6jZcQvxuYNogpqoEZs8EwgmnoW5wRkIuQE_nihlZTSY-DczCaNDu8APqEzRQ/s1600/Under+Canopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicjQ9lAONlG5j_5w7l8WDNJkc5n76iBXe06-zGdUcj584FIIB7cePu2MzzjPJQI0oqbY_vcNBHIcKtA1o6jZcQvxuYNogpqoEZs8EwgmnoW5wRkIuQE_nihlZTSY-DczCaNDu8APqEzRQ/s400/Under+Canopy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Yesterday while working in Corvallis I parked under a large shaded area.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifShv-6-4Ko-IwhVL4Uw_s03mjBxQtk52yVmMHnhHCDgiA3ynN_EaZBLu07b2lXY97arsKCLgp0260aqDyWgZTjMpb05J2rFsUWRiS3oYdVJODCFAyboqLfoDXtHH-ChU2pfohiHj6KOM/s1600/Tree+Canopy+B%2526W.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifShv-6-4Ko-IwhVL4Uw_s03mjBxQtk52yVmMHnhHCDgiA3ynN_EaZBLu07b2lXY97arsKCLgp0260aqDyWgZTjMpb05J2rFsUWRiS3oYdVJODCFAyboqLfoDXtHH-ChU2pfohiHj6KOM/s400/Tree+Canopy+B%2526W.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Something caused me to look up and I noticed how the branches seem to be leaning toward the sun. These old trees make a nice big shade canopy.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC32q_-VcaN8bKVNdW77anzF8_FpFEosmUkResviXXNgkw0thHcHJYMR1hXV2IzDT1C4ecYLh1IMAEOUxEWbbzNt2Aq55rEpOqAhk87PbutwhBJdi1Peyye6DH0P27A_Ac1Pna0Drs_Rc/s1600/Great+Harvest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC32q_-VcaN8bKVNdW77anzF8_FpFEosmUkResviXXNgkw0thHcHJYMR1hXV2IzDT1C4ecYLh1IMAEOUxEWbbzNt2Aq55rEpOqAhk87PbutwhBJdi1Peyye6DH0P27A_Ac1Pna0Drs_Rc/s400/Great+Harvest.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Before leaving Corvallis I like to stop at Great Harvest Bread to get something before hitting the road for home. Instead of taking the Interstate I took the country way through small towns. I happened to get behind a guy on a cruiser bike. Out in the country we rode at a good pace but in the towns he went pretty slow and kept a large distance away from the car in front of him. I try to learn what I can from these experiences. I realized that I tend to drift in a little too close sometimes when following traffic. The obvious problem with this is when traffic stops suddenly. The other issue, which I don't think of as often as I should, is road debris. It's harder to see and react when following too closely.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIH-tLfDLqKiq0S49xhxL7fMT9yuYL6jwsidsjgogbtHBqiZxBt2wNtwFgFWE_hT45Y6Fylk5pnLX6T4m9qfUsbAk820e8AblcCpFSXLWdzgzSTWFtEQ9esjO4KFS1jawc-QmJ9bymioE/s1600/With+Lift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIH-tLfDLqKiq0S49xhxL7fMT9yuYL6jwsidsjgogbtHBqiZxBt2wNtwFgFWE_hT45Y6Fylk5pnLX6T4m9qfUsbAk820e8AblcCpFSXLWdzgzSTWFtEQ9esjO4KFS1jawc-QmJ9bymioE/s400/With+Lift.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">This was today behind one of the hospitals I visit. It would have been nice if I could have gotten the bike in that lift. Looks like it's waiting in line for the next ride.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZPGmWGP2WAZagsxCDdchAp-sRgEQs_D3M7LTsBIOySZEBXqImuKe_6p_FpWJ2KRpP8bBrm1vINd2LC72xujOSUecNiFKHngvZvPBSwRxFcyA4F8FLxbWpr4ofVRzGh0c-LMspQaRqJe0/s1600/Mall+Wheel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZPGmWGP2WAZagsxCDdchAp-sRgEQs_D3M7LTsBIOySZEBXqImuKe_6p_FpWJ2KRpP8bBrm1vINd2LC72xujOSUecNiFKHngvZvPBSwRxFcyA4F8FLxbWpr4ofVRzGh0c-LMspQaRqJe0/s400/Mall+Wheel.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Today I had lunch at a mall. While walking back to the bike I noticed the light gently bouncing off the back wheel. This shot looks a little lonely but in my humble opinion the mall is actually a happy place. The sun didn't show up today so everything had the Northwest shade of gray. <br />
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Just some doodling with the camera while on two wheels.<br />
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God's speed.<br />
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</div>Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11946652999166458805noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457055405703365212.post-47683814777132680582011-06-05T20:13:00.000-07:002011-06-06T08:53:58.795-07:00Brake System Transfusion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis1AhyVmry6e9GsqDNUmKYIGsm2EZ0gNT1Z4z73S01AhybGQ5sM5DzeLiThk4krq33_yeKfUefPW8wGZ_IRM_63WCK4xF9VFUcPMNLS52eV8VV_I9Sb2so8vFPWMhdyThKkJpcrkEwSCM/s1600/Brakes+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis1AhyVmry6e9GsqDNUmKYIGsm2EZ0gNT1Z4z73S01AhybGQ5sM5DzeLiThk4krq33_yeKfUefPW8wGZ_IRM_63WCK4xF9VFUcPMNLS52eV8VV_I9Sb2so8vFPWMhdyThKkJpcrkEwSCM/s400/Brakes+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Back in April I devoted a post to trying to break a boxer engine myth by showing the relative ease of a routine valve adjustment. At the end of that post I commented about flushing the brake system in the coming weeks. I intended on doing this post sooner but I've been fighting a virus with a persistent cough for the past month. Friday I finally went to the doctor at the strong urging of my wife Amber. The prescribed antibiotic seems to be doing its work. I feel somewhat better. I wasn't aware of the general state of crumminess that had overtaken me. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The weather was nice yesterday. It was the first summer-like day of the year. Sunny and about 85 F. A perfect day to go riding but I thought I should get the much needed replacement of the brake fluid done. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've decided not to go step-by-step through this process for two reasons. Firstly, it might be boring but the big reason is I want to avoid any liability issues. The brake system is obviously an important part to the safe operation of the motorcycle, consequently, care should be used to make sure no air gets into the brake lines and no leaks are evident when done. I used a comprehensive writeup available online on the <a href="http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=36364">BMW Motorcycle Owners Association forum</a> by a member Semper Fi. If you're a member and you log in you'll also see his photos.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But this post is not about BMW stuff. As with the valve adjustment post, I'd like to encourage you to try flushing your brake system yourself no matter what brand you ride. The tech support post by Semper Fi is only mentioned to show that once you find a good source for step-by-step instructions, it's similar to finding a good recipe for brownies. It's hard to go wrong when you follow the recipe. Okay, maybe some surprises can pop up but trial and error does wonders for gaining experience. As I mentioned above, ingesting air into the brake system is the biggest threat and you'll know if it happens before you go for a test ride. More about that in a minute. </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/AVvXsEhJc3bhfA5yLSXyEDEqWThrEWTz_3aq5Sp-9f8YC57C-6ZAXCLrGRncj5kNDjAGISvrT2RibycyyZfOsVh70NbAfBu1X-DNlJLOjEhu5yZKgsoZI1X4skRp00GmWsvURt8NjdrJdbB3rXc/s1600/Brakes+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJc3bhfA5yLSXyEDEqWThrEWTz_3aq5Sp-9f8YC57C-6ZAXCLrGRncj5kNDjAGISvrT2RibycyyZfOsVh70NbAfBu1X-DNlJLOjEhu5yZKgsoZI1X4skRp00GmWsvURt8NjdrJdbB3rXc/s400/Brakes+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is as close as it gets to a hospital setting in our garage. When I looked at this photo it seemed sort of medicinal with the vacuum gauge and the old t-shirt spread out. The t-shirt is protecting the painted surfaces from an accidental spill of the brake fluid which is very bad for paint. The vacuum gauge (<a href="http://www.mityvac.com/pages/products_hvpk.asp#MV8000">Mityvac</a>) is used to draw the old fluid out of the reservoirs and to bleed the brake system. The setup above is the first step which is to draw the old fluid from the front brake reservoir. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></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/AVvXsEj9ttfoGFJSSFelB03xh4gHCHGHzYd2GAdf4mBnCy1hcALu91BTRPMXHD5PSnywrYFtTm_SS65qJicbz2VfPLtWUhyphenhyphenYezuk0EeriIeWgnkWy5bZP5HoZo9QjCPI2Dw9uBMXvz_29-Si9F4/s1600/Brakes+2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ttfoGFJSSFelB03xh4gHCHGHzYd2GAdf4mBnCy1hcALu91BTRPMXHD5PSnywrYFtTm_SS65qJicbz2VfPLtWUhyphenhyphenYezuk0EeriIeWgnkWy5bZP5HoZo9QjCPI2Dw9uBMXvz_29-Si9F4/s400/Brakes+2a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here is the the bleed nipple on the front brake reservoir. This is conveniently used in the process to replace the fluid in the reservoir.</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/AVvXsEgG8O04TtxS2HCvxynNtFfIs1CU80ORbw2mTBvKwtirUJj3PTzqOvKfvqKmpU1xpKF4CS8AWLol5lgLl7dmI_XviP-2y5gDuepBcXwo-5aoT2D0QOIyvzJ0uc_NlcFlr6fpTgG7WRvSsFY/s1600/Brakes+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG8O04TtxS2HCvxynNtFfIs1CU80ORbw2mTBvKwtirUJj3PTzqOvKfvqKmpU1xpKF4CS8AWLol5lgLl7dmI_XviP-2y5gDuepBcXwo-5aoT2D0QOIyvzJ0uc_NlcFlr6fpTgG7WRvSsFY/s400/Brakes+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Brake fluid is not suppose to look like your favorite iced tea on a hot summer afternoon. Pop open one or both of your reservoirs and if it looks like this and it's been a while since it's been changed then this project should make it to your list of things to do. Good brake fluid is clear. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The brake system works by hydraulics. The fluid doesn't compress much so when we pull the brake lever the piston at the lever forces the fluid down the line to compress the pistons in the calipers on the wheel(s). Over time however, a couple of things happen. One is that air can get into the system, either by absorption directly into the brake fluid or more commonly by absorption of water, which contains air. This makes the fluid turn dark and the brakes feel a little squishy. As a rule of thumb the brake fluid should be checked once a year at the very minimum. The fluid level should be checked more often.</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/AVvXsEjlMtztyFjpzSJ7NatsgZFGf0ECgEUKiRWnDRC9Am4dMrfji71OkGL66qn6sUOHRalC3w2jlU5Y5-MjLUNToX0wiGqsL6mbS1jsY-iQeZxFU8yVmnM2mjc_eHH4KuhY2uEDnlCQJJ2VQbE/s1600/Brakes+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlMtztyFjpzSJ7NatsgZFGf0ECgEUKiRWnDRC9Am4dMrfji71OkGL66qn6sUOHRalC3w2jlU5Y5-MjLUNToX0wiGqsL6mbS1jsY-iQeZxFU8yVmnM2mjc_eHH4KuhY2uEDnlCQJJ2VQbE/s400/Brakes+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This photo shows the old nasty fluid has been flushed and replaced with new. One way to do this is to use a small syringe or turkey baster to pull out the old fluid. Always leave a small amount in the bottom of the reservoir that covers the hole where the fluid goes to the brake line. This keeps away the dreaded threat of inducing air into the system. After adding new fluid, then it's a repeated process of drawing out and replacing most of the contents of the reservoir through the bleed nipple until the fluid looks completely new. </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/AVvXsEjtRavwOZrKc1yCh9NeVRV7Tp70NT7_2IEkGqHd0JhSKitbeScKVZUtHTvV8Z1NXVydQsEPSVa_xhwMpIQsjoXJkX77v8O-TYe_YieCTvs6z7ts7b9q7tGHIiL7jkpIjLXqDS74FzWy54M/s1600/Brakes+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtRavwOZrKc1yCh9NeVRV7Tp70NT7_2IEkGqHd0JhSKitbeScKVZUtHTvV8Z1NXVydQsEPSVa_xhwMpIQsjoXJkX77v8O-TYe_YieCTvs6z7ts7b9q7tGHIiL7jkpIjLXqDS74FzWy54M/s400/Brakes+5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After the reservoir has been flushed it's time to flush the line between the reservoir and the calipers on the wheels. I removed each of the two front calipers and spread the brake pads apart being careful to make sure the fluid in the reservoir didn't overflow from the back up of fluid. Then it's the same procedure as with flushing the reservoir. It's a repeated process of drawing out the fluid at the caliper with the vacuum gauge and replacing it with new in the reservoir until the fluid being drawn is clear.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When that's done the calipers are reinstalled and the brake lever is pumped, while keeping an eye on the reservoir level, until the pads make contact again with the rotors. At this point it's time to see if any air has made its way into the system by bleeding the brakes at each caliper. I won't go through that step but the photo above shows the setup I used for bleeding the front. </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/AVvXsEhQ7Nupdn15vNlDA031XhOWrc8-9eZFRP_qifgVLcWCG8Ow2FYN1z8t124lKCI7zXXgFJqeraIbgmkmkKi5mcPCDYBYIURZX4758EqZn0OcG_swWtBj9jz40vFKFal-Ol6LM0ERBO1d6kA/s1600/Brakes+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ7Nupdn15vNlDA031XhOWrc8-9eZFRP_qifgVLcWCG8Ow2FYN1z8t124lKCI7zXXgFJqeraIbgmkmkKi5mcPCDYBYIURZX4758EqZn0OcG_swWtBj9jz40vFKFal-Ol6LM0ERBO1d6kA/s400/Brakes+6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is how the fluid should look as it's coming out the bleed nipple at the caliper during the bleed process. No air bubbles and clear fluid. This is where we make sure things are right well before the test ride.</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/AVvXsEi11Rv5Fplthls3B9Ga3nICkd0Y73xyXSehK2uHun2p07D2jev5NXq2a-fJRzMuzD4Y-cgBSNLCHRArAyFIASwHlw_xjKShwYBZgOBmKfhV4jzbUtEYMsvu5SDhFCw6MbTzGHLqnPRGZvY/s1600/Brakes+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi11Rv5Fplthls3B9Ga3nICkd0Y73xyXSehK2uHun2p07D2jev5NXq2a-fJRzMuzD4Y-cgBSNLCHRArAyFIASwHlw_xjKShwYBZgOBmKfhV4jzbUtEYMsvu5SDhFCw6MbTzGHLqnPRGZvY/s400/Brakes+7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When the front brakes are done the same process is used on the rear. I thought the photo above of the rear reservoir shows the somewhat dramatic difference between old and new fluid. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">That's pretty much it. While riding to church this morning the brakes felt stronger and I think they grabbed a little earlier. Remember that the goal when done is to have no air in the lines, no leaks, and ending up with all new fluid throughout the system. Before going on a test ride straddle the bike and make sure the brakes are firm and have a strong grip. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then maybe have a brownie, a glass of milk and go for a ride. You might avoid iced tea for a while though.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">God's speed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11946652999166458805noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457055405703365212.post-61042516612500161422011-05-21T00:05:00.000-07:002011-05-22T22:22:16.795-07:00Second Year Thoughts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHKHVPuO7sje5rVaPOoSzbfGwfUz_qisExwSN4OKlcuQDYW4B1JCIBdvZ757wR2qDjhJuGywtxIQsksopG8iZ88Q-YYpcRsTjUcZ1Imyb9yLt2NIYRTZ347xong-icg2Vwc2YqJq5iYYo/s1600/2nd+Year+Thoughts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHKHVPuO7sje5rVaPOoSzbfGwfUz_qisExwSN4OKlcuQDYW4B1JCIBdvZ757wR2qDjhJuGywtxIQsksopG8iZ88Q-YYpcRsTjUcZ1Imyb9yLt2NIYRTZ347xong-icg2Vwc2YqJq5iYYo/s400/2nd+Year+Thoughts.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Two years ago today the liftgate on the delivery truck touched down on our driveway with the Beemer. Little did I know it would begin an adventure that I still can't believe I get to enjoy.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEKBvGJ9qfE91cwI7eZoCvSj1VEwtszrGw_Ye7xMK_H2NssOu9EAmFtwdGQ6ghICr5ASYOCsujXD0jhvp-JOapXTnM7f6XD1IjC5vPvFJk9yVyp3Z0qDdXYIAopL3XpfluUtTR-vFDpDg/s1600/2nd+Year+Thoughts+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEKBvGJ9qfE91cwI7eZoCvSj1VEwtszrGw_Ye7xMK_H2NssOu9EAmFtwdGQ6ghICr5ASYOCsujXD0jhvp-JOapXTnM7f6XD1IjC5vPvFJk9yVyp3Z0qDdXYIAopL3XpfluUtTR-vFDpDg/s400/2nd+Year+Thoughts+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I've met so many wonderful people as a result of riding. Being among those who experience the thrill of straddling a motorcycle is a privilege. As the weather warms and more riders take to the roads it's great to see how many choose this form of traveling. I've made a personal commitment to wave to all other riders. I figure they deserve a salute of respect for being on two wheels.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdYk7eljQvZ81t8Tt5K69NLdv4kAPpVjM3BeOMO4eQEckbMoEWEZp1Jr0ms1Y7j4qlaOPkmyndRBFMkGWl3lBt_GCjKkPDz99Sb9meYUp__Bq1qUUaW_5Pgedl96O4nydbU-dB9jaPq_Y/s1600/2nd+Year+Thoughts+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdYk7eljQvZ81t8Tt5K69NLdv4kAPpVjM3BeOMO4eQEckbMoEWEZp1Jr0ms1Y7j4qlaOPkmyndRBFMkGWl3lBt_GCjKkPDz99Sb9meYUp__Bq1qUUaW_5Pgedl96O4nydbU-dB9jaPq_Y/s400/2nd+Year+Thoughts+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The other night one of our daughters reminded me that the motorcycle was responsible for getting a new sales account. I had been trying to sell the hospital for years and getting no where, not even an appointment. One morning as I rode into the parking lot I saw one of the engineers working on his motorcycle. I walked over and starting talking with him while he adjusted his clutch cable. He was on his morning break. We didn't talk business at all - only motorcycles. When we went inside he introduced me to his manager and said that they should start having me come around regularly and buying from us. I was pleasantly surprised.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKAoAtZexz0nnoA6-WcRoo1CNDFBhpGUvJVHh5MELzJWHQYkooLthDpKhZgH6ibdZ2p0W7xuJhKO1V2SxJ7pzPlwuS5rveFxmC8pstXFfoShD3N0Q5alQt89plNEAQ09HsbuiB7Ipe8Dw/s1600/2nd+Year+Thoughts+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKAoAtZexz0nnoA6-WcRoo1CNDFBhpGUvJVHh5MELzJWHQYkooLthDpKhZgH6ibdZ2p0W7xuJhKO1V2SxJ7pzPlwuS5rveFxmC8pstXFfoShD3N0Q5alQt89plNEAQ09HsbuiB7Ipe8Dw/s400/2nd+Year+Thoughts+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Yesterday, just before leaving the park where I took the first photo a man and his wife and son pulled into the lot in this well restored Toyota Landcruiser. He drove around the grassy circle raising one and sometimes two wheels off the ground while his wife took pictures. It was fun to watch and a unique way to get on two wheels.<br />
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As I wrote one year ago today, I had no idea that riding would grip me the way it has when I began riding again 3 years ago. "And with the number of riding years ahead of me dwindling, I'm going to continue to enjoy as many miles as the good Lord will allow."<br />
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Again, I wish you many enjoyable and safe riding miles.<br />
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God's speed.Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11946652999166458805noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457055405703365212.post-49941884552276741152011-05-13T22:13:00.000-07:002011-06-06T08:53:22.688-07:00Knowing When to Stay off the Bike<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij6ayKARvK91IFWXR4tZEny_uEaLM84ezWiPiF3IVOd24TZmpkFlIEaCMyS4Dxou3GzKgGq2VwaZmgrOnpE_E06N7ofPKRvVfuxm4Jki_nSAJixjjMana2EYcKIoaEsidwuyPs4-0Epho/s1600/White+Balance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij6ayKARvK91IFWXR4tZEny_uEaLM84ezWiPiF3IVOd24TZmpkFlIEaCMyS4Dxou3GzKgGq2VwaZmgrOnpE_E06N7ofPKRvVfuxm4Jki_nSAJixjjMana2EYcKIoaEsidwuyPs4-0Epho/s400/White+Balance.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While riding late in the afternoon almost two weeks ago I stopped to catch a silhouette shot. Many times when I'm riding late in the day or first thing in the morning I see a photograph I'd like to take but it means pointing the lens toward the sun. I don't mind doing this, in fact I break this photographic rule quite often. I can never get the photo to look the same way my eyes see the landscape. It has either too much highlights or the shadows are too dark. I know that HDR processing would take care of this but I wonder if someday cameras will have the technology to see what we see.</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/AVvXsEgNTrA34qfa9ghh3GZVsz1d1dHjBzQL5wzAm5Oc6F5G2UqcIbGV0zLuXpP-e7u-LI2wR3ihh8hVfrhwSq-v2g3oh-rbtp0RYhH_GWfzi3M3fc4IG65-gchoZlNpOWiYP343Umoa4uQiWdo/s1600/White+Balance+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNTrA34qfa9ghh3GZVsz1d1dHjBzQL5wzAm5Oc6F5G2UqcIbGV0zLuXpP-e7u-LI2wR3ihh8hVfrhwSq-v2g3oh-rbtp0RYhH_GWfzi3M3fc4IG65-gchoZlNpOWiYP343Umoa4uQiWdo/s400/White+Balance+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Isn't our ability to see things the way we do amazing? Our eyes automatically adjust to highlights and shadows and even take care of white balance. I believe they are more evidence of an intelligent Designer. </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/AVvXsEgx5k6ntoVUUC0y7Cy6g3LPQpEjC_0YOSbujmMh_ETPWtiyJw18yRIhWAovhZsbE5OfuNUA9Ep2YXAJ9b8v6-yJno8lpoeDlfxSz7ZAT9rmtcati3FyWxkxefSQwficht90b53otVe3mu0/s1600/White+Balance+1_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx5k6ntoVUUC0y7Cy6g3LPQpEjC_0YOSbujmMh_ETPWtiyJw18yRIhWAovhZsbE5OfuNUA9Ep2YXAJ9b8v6-yJno8lpoeDlfxSz7ZAT9rmtcati3FyWxkxefSQwficht90b53otVe3mu0/s400/White+Balance+1_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today was the first day that I've been on the motorcycle in almost two weeks. I've had some sort of "bug". It wasn't a cold because it didn't progress like one. It started with a sore throat and aching then went to a persistent cough that's still hanging on. I feel much better but this morning as I twisted the throttle to accelerate onto the freeway towards downtown I felt a little fuzzy. Fuzzy as in not quite as quick mentally. Within a few miles that feeling went away. It was good to be in the mix again stirring it up with the morning commuters. </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/AVvXsEgBbHYFBPxRm6xnY0KOsbHhiDlZbxV1-TbHU3jVIAutY2FEJgZm59QJFyPUvxBcFGHASAWH9EuZUgMx-vcpl7xlyg4MJEGVwcQQoWBC3iTH1oy0rlnL93TB2TrRzwuNXY2HL9Z9sT-_zv0/s1600/Staying+off+the+Bike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBbHYFBPxRm6xnY0KOsbHhiDlZbxV1-TbHU3jVIAutY2FEJgZm59QJFyPUvxBcFGHASAWH9EuZUgMx-vcpl7xlyg4MJEGVwcQQoWBC3iTH1oy0rlnL93TB2TrRzwuNXY2HL9Z9sT-_zv0/s400/Staying+off+the+Bike.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A good friend, who is also a customer of mine, rides diligently everyday about 45 miles into Portland. He has a saying when he's sick. He says he doesn't like to ride when he's not "on top of his game". I like that plan. It sound like he's a key player on a sports team and doesn't want to let the other players down. This is brought into focus when I think of my family as my team. And even other drivers on the road, those folks are counting on me to be on my A game as well. </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/AVvXsEiDCEohKgl62X3JTMiFrItTlY9w9-bf5v5np2Yl6L8EI8pb2yLy9eShJ-LQDhTTIfY5YgM8P8iqtLTG98SOfFlejbvitKreCdLUL0QTyeaZ974ho9-t242WgBXEG1uCyd_S8rXtMQ8yi_0/s1600/Off+the+Bike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDCEohKgl62X3JTMiFrItTlY9w9-bf5v5np2Yl6L8EI8pb2yLy9eShJ-LQDhTTIfY5YgM8P8iqtLTG98SOfFlejbvitKreCdLUL0QTyeaZ974ho9-t242WgBXEG1uCyd_S8rXtMQ8yi_0/s400/Off+the+Bike.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As much as I dislike staying off the bike, especially when it's sunny and everyone is riding, when not feeling 100 percent it's best to keep the helmet on the shelf.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I hope you're on top of your game these days. If not... don't let your team down.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">God's speed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11946652999166458805noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457055405703365212.post-73527392378777148192011-04-30T21:59:00.000-07:002011-05-15T08:21:09.387-07:00A Couple of Errands<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8UhK940SWXMXVGeJKKQbh27Qi9oWjRh7M50J4UFe9kvY3Xwi3IUm5ruv_PEzqRf5RmXA-nwZDJxf0lo7ofV0GPAJSa0EhA6Im2DjqGxpwgEghAryEJHtPi9DidCdN3-dMnrtZki3-xBc/s1600/Errand+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8UhK940SWXMXVGeJKKQbh27Qi9oWjRh7M50J4UFe9kvY3Xwi3IUm5ruv_PEzqRf5RmXA-nwZDJxf0lo7ofV0GPAJSa0EhA6Im2DjqGxpwgEghAryEJHtPi9DidCdN3-dMnrtZki3-xBc/s400/Errand+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Last night when Amber got home from work she said the 4Runner had a funny smell. When I went to check there was a slight amount of steam coming out from the grille. Upon opening the hood it was apparent that coolant had sprayed across the front of the engine. There was a slight hissing sound which lead us to a couple of cracks in the top of the plastic radiator. It's usually good when these little opportunities happen late on a Friday but they tend to tweak the weekend plans a bit.<br />
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I took the Vespa to the parts store this morning because it's the ultimate errand machine at roughly 65 mpg. I also took it because it's fun and it was a beautiful day and it needed some attention. I guess it could be called a mini Italian Garage Queen.<br />
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An Auto Zone opened about a month ago in our town and I am happy to give them my business. I like Auto Zone and it will replace the other store I've been using for generic parts.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCNauCrLfC0PMoR2irNg9-JvAFTichK44L-Ki2k6e41yjzlaTjoip7VORHhRrLZqxEchDsPn3JY904IZ-Phqc6muKzxe9l5E9FxVZcjigsrgcwm3oMm7GnWGCTI5KhqauWFjZ2btQsr-Q/s1600/Errand+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCNauCrLfC0PMoR2irNg9-JvAFTichK44L-Ki2k6e41yjzlaTjoip7VORHhRrLZqxEchDsPn3JY904IZ-Phqc6muKzxe9l5E9FxVZcjigsrgcwm3oMm7GnWGCTI5KhqauWFjZ2btQsr-Q/s400/Errand+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Here is were I buy the import parts. I've shopped here for years. They know me and their prices are very competitive. When I called earlier in the morning to order the radiator they gave me a choice. A plastic one for $129 or a metal one for $210. Since we have about 357,000 miles on the original plastic one I went plastic again. The only stickler with these guys is sometimes I don't get the right part and don't find out until I can't make it fit on the car. More about that in a minute.<br />
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I used bungy cords to lash the radiator to the Vespa. That was a first. I mentioned to a guy walking into the store that the ride home might be tricky. He said yeah, but he's been to Asia and seen worse on a scooter. I was slightly concerned about the radiator falling off and the car behind me running over it.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcPtrzdrepkMYd2chTQ2YNBgCHnGRiB6-asDW3sic_s4tkwkszYAlIELOr937ONLWESdhk6NfzhyO3WVehXekvx9DjE320eQT4JL8P63-tQg_14XxzTFa_080Q3EthWDkvMdtYhUdht04/s1600/Errand+2b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcPtrzdrepkMYd2chTQ2YNBgCHnGRiB6-asDW3sic_s4tkwkszYAlIELOr937ONLWESdhk6NfzhyO3WVehXekvx9DjE320eQT4JL8P63-tQg_14XxzTFa_080Q3EthWDkvMdtYhUdht04/s400/Errand+2b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>These hairline cracks shown below were the problem in the old radiator. I think we got our moneys worth out of it though. The 4Runner is 15 years old.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPhdTlToUg_oV8g7mMZbOYOwZIWlv6nkGWPXTR_-AI7B7aOzXDCA73NlfZmnIiiDKUWGAjjbLRzzjywvlYMelQJvi0M1caTIRGzIVZ37NuxDtVIXXWjMPKt6tREA5pqrbZ8LPz5RjISOI/s1600/Errand+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPhdTlToUg_oV8g7mMZbOYOwZIWlv6nkGWPXTR_-AI7B7aOzXDCA73NlfZmnIiiDKUWGAjjbLRzzjywvlYMelQJvi0M1caTIRGzIVZ37NuxDtVIXXWjMPKt6tREA5pqrbZ8LPz5RjISOI/s400/Errand+3.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Before leaving the store with the new one, Gerald the counter guy, was bothered by the fact that the box had been opened previously. We checked it and everything looked okay but it wasn't until I got it bolted in and went to hook up the bottom hose that I noticed the radiator was too short. It turns out it's the wrong one. I'll get it exchanged on Monday. This probably happened to the last guy who bought this one. Sometimes Murphy's law is unavoidable when it comes to cars and motorcycles.</div></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc8UsHhOzXwDPM-Vq9AgwHeIxgRzd9MDulAgOV8NAfqDQgpvGEpydXlW81X5MYz4Tot8P_zeY84RNTHwiEk1qb6Imj2htiboH4JVZsBtE1Wn1fQdqLyKmmRlRh7HTWpCx6c_Ss8aImlpg/s1600/Errand+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc8UsHhOzXwDPM-Vq9AgwHeIxgRzd9MDulAgOV8NAfqDQgpvGEpydXlW81X5MYz4Tot8P_zeY84RNTHwiEk1qb6Imj2htiboH4JVZsBtE1Wn1fQdqLyKmmRlRh7HTWpCx6c_Ss8aImlpg/s400/Errand+5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Late last night Amber came down with a 24 hr. flu as did one of our daughters. I was chief cook and bottle washer so dinner tonight was quick and... cheesy. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe-cAX5yQCH8a1b5Nlo0D74SqhgEc9_YVoWiz0gsHNgRxfS4BdhDEMDMwKBwnDpn1kVfwqWyoBEIWdp4EXRk9aV3j85ITY8IWyCKqbzCb_NzrIm3nHxe17zFFrp5N7b_2DB_8zrQmkzyo/s1600/Errand+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe-cAX5yQCH8a1b5Nlo0D74SqhgEc9_YVoWiz0gsHNgRxfS4BdhDEMDMwKBwnDpn1kVfwqWyoBEIWdp4EXRk9aV3j85ITY8IWyCKqbzCb_NzrIm3nHxe17zFFrp5N7b_2DB_8zrQmkzyo/s400/Errand+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>This was another first. I've never brought pizza home on the bike. The best part was hearing the comments people made. Even the guy in the store asked, "How are you going to get the pizzas home on the bike, man?" Oh, they shouldn't be too hard after bringing home a radiator on a Vespa.<br />
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God's speed.Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11946652999166458805noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457055405703365212.post-88789036349408403572011-04-25T00:05:00.000-07:002011-04-25T00:05:00.584-07:00Some Thoughts on the Road<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2wB9x-mH4DCI-Vv8QFGK407T2t5qNKl2AbT-iAUzR76dmX3mkevcqgDzX-M8VpAvuMpbNRUK5fQEXeakZ_hsfOMZQg-YHPhPtcJ1rSrCovv6j8M8lqvh8JxME8HED3QmU7p5UA31NYs4/s1600/On+the+Road+1b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2wB9x-mH4DCI-Vv8QFGK407T2t5qNKl2AbT-iAUzR76dmX3mkevcqgDzX-M8VpAvuMpbNRUK5fQEXeakZ_hsfOMZQg-YHPhPtcJ1rSrCovv6j8M8lqvh8JxME8HED3QmU7p5UA31NYs4/s400/On+the+Road+1b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Yesterday morning as I rode to the county jail to do volunteer work, I had some wonderful memories in my thoughts. Not only being Easter, it happened to be our 40th anniversary.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQngE0zpn7tBamO4LBFJR6M46u-HHjlIKdZ-KTEzTO8H_nEJUazWNUOsP3WHFDNQ2Y10p2gNU_QXLBrxBBmUsmOyJLaWdt6-vYW00WBtbW0A2dFaVUCZ2HTaxP-qRU3vx8HjaaA79ewnk/s1600/On+the+Road+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQngE0zpn7tBamO4LBFJR6M46u-HHjlIKdZ-KTEzTO8H_nEJUazWNUOsP3WHFDNQ2Y10p2gNU_QXLBrxBBmUsmOyJLaWdt6-vYW00WBtbW0A2dFaVUCZ2HTaxP-qRU3vx8HjaaA79ewnk/s400/On+the+Road+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Some thoughts on the road:<br />
<ul><li>I'm thankful that Amber agreed to marry me.</li>
<li>I can't believe she's put up with me all these years. </li>
<li>I'm thankful God has blessed us with our family. </li>
<li>Forty years ago I didn't know that my love for Amber would be greater today than it was then.</li>
<li>I wouldn't change a thing.</li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWdnZGOaX6d2Spr7Oxx_6vN5BS_kNn3k8q-eThIXf64a_Z5rZr-fh75pQC3D63BWKI0COpyX0kB49Lk00PgD8jlG3GbHdn77iUigT-oxR86a5eQ2n7-vbWXWj2kFxK9lrDr7G3sft3LP4/s1600/On+the+Road+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWdnZGOaX6d2Spr7Oxx_6vN5BS_kNn3k8q-eThIXf64a_Z5rZr-fh75pQC3D63BWKI0COpyX0kB49Lk00PgD8jlG3GbHdn77iUigT-oxR86a5eQ2n7-vbWXWj2kFxK9lrDr7G3sft3LP4/s400/On+the+Road+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>These years have gone by way too fast. Treasure each day.<br />
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God's speed.Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11946652999166458805noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457055405703365212.post-48445121064650069762011-04-24T00:05:00.000-07:002011-04-24T00:05:00.883-07:00He is Risen!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6jH0Kvk9f1XZI2_507YKHNHFz2F5vyxPs8dmaxGid9A4mpip6-1oZJ_6KZjcmdnTcdwTAKkiQ8dn05nXSx2LjKzihv_vT_nJfXwb7DbatwzyXRE8HPEav2A_bz0rpplO2jzWqqolyFlc/s1600/He+is+Risen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6jH0Kvk9f1XZI2_507YKHNHFz2F5vyxPs8dmaxGid9A4mpip6-1oZJ_6KZjcmdnTcdwTAKkiQ8dn05nXSx2LjKzihv_vT_nJfXwb7DbatwzyXRE8HPEav2A_bz0rpplO2jzWqqolyFlc/s400/He+is+Risen.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><i>"But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. </i><br />
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<i>“Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’” </i><br />
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<i>Mark 16:4-7</i><br />
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<i></i>Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11946652999166458805noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457055405703365212.post-29354994381370155092011-04-22T08:15:00.000-07:002011-04-23T22:42:01.956-07:00Meeting RichardM & Downtown Parking Farkle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLiaX1u_RsUfMGJA2WIaqZBKwkNDse6Rvr9roB5Xg19VgVGzCswBNpWY1K_Fy6m5mgAlTCbWmY3GTK25Mq8fHzmnpdkn8foQ8Cefc1JNf8TW6Hlpbx2xnIEYBhrzbLnwN1m0hlMYq6mEQ/s1600/RichardM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLiaX1u_RsUfMGJA2WIaqZBKwkNDse6Rvr9roB5Xg19VgVGzCswBNpWY1K_Fy6m5mgAlTCbWmY3GTK25Mq8fHzmnpdkn8foQ8Cefc1JNf8TW6Hlpbx2xnIEYBhrzbLnwN1m0hlMYq6mEQ/s400/RichardM.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Last week in a post on <a href="http://blog.machida.us/">Richard Machida's</a> blog he mentioned that he would be stopping in Oregon to visit relatives on his way home to Alaska from a meeting he would attend in the East. I commented that it would be nice if we could get together for lunch, so we did yesterday. Richard was gracious enough to stop and meet me for a late lunch at a Subway Sandwich shop about 15 miles south of Portland.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is only the second time that I've met a fellow blogger. Last year I met with <a href="http://intrepidcommuter.blogspot.com/">Irondad</a> a couple of times and I came away with the same feeling yesterday. These meetings are unique. That is, the connection is further down the road than it normally is when you meet someone for the first time. And there's plenty to talk about while filling in the blanks that are left with blogging.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I greatly enjoyed meeting Richard and getting to know him. We're both originally Southern California guys who have migrated to the Northwest. And we're both Beemer riders. He hadn't eaten since early in the morning when leaving Washington DC and was willing to interrupt his drive to be with relatives and have a late lunch with me. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thank you Richard for stopping on your way south. Hope you continue to have safe traveling my friend!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">__________________________________________________________</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/AVvXsEh0rGoew_cB8yEbPm_YUn5VYXtBVZXfcdDnaDwo8LTMkN2NJ6L_gqLfzj2pBgDFL3CX8LpgDcAE9PeE2TWx4odlH1pCGS8Z1JB35nFlSFc6Z8fn4GnL67O8Nn2hEpvIedP8-defE-Yi85E/s1600/Parking+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0rGoew_cB8yEbPm_YUn5VYXtBVZXfcdDnaDwo8LTMkN2NJ6L_gqLfzj2pBgDFL3CX8LpgDcAE9PeE2TWx4odlH1pCGS8Z1JB35nFlSFc6Z8fn4GnL67O8Nn2hEpvIedP8-defE-Yi85E/s400/Parking+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Before I met with Richard I had a sales call at one of the older hotels in downtown Portland. Just to briefly explain our parking meter system, we used to have the standard coin meters at every parking spot. Some years ago the city installed green boxes like the one on the left. This is where you pay to receive a small parking permit which is displayed on the inside of the window of your car facing the sidewalk. Most people don't like this because you have to walk to the box in the middle of the block, pay, wait for the permit to print, then walk back to the car. If it's raining it's a hassle. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For motorcycles the instructions say to display the permit somewhere near the seat, as in sticking it between the two seats. Of course this means it can either blow away or even be stolen. Mix rain into the equation and the permit is in bad shape. Since the permit is also the receipt, if it disappears you also lose your proof of payment. It's a pretty lame system for those on two wheels.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A few weeks ago while parking, a meter person had just finished giving the car in the next spot a ticket. I brought up this point about motorcycles being at a disadvantage and he gave me a coupon to get a free parking permit holder. I didn't know these existed!</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/AVvXsEict3azuk5LKjD26JAbsimPLdcg-1HY9pMhEN_2s2A3bMdM_YrYtqk-iV752iZUrseYKyHet-RzhxtCcGO3smbqycjfcr8D2pA8fQqNV0bzRtMeo8AnlfIa8FKKhp8oQEk4h635NaKg1c0/s1600/Parking+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEict3azuk5LKjD26JAbsimPLdcg-1HY9pMhEN_2s2A3bMdM_YrYtqk-iV752iZUrseYKyHet-RzhxtCcGO3smbqycjfcr8D2pA8fQqNV0bzRtMeo8AnlfIa8FKKhp8oQEk4h635NaKg1c0/s400/Parking+2.jpg" width="286" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I sent in the coupon and within a couple of weeks received this handy little farkle. The parking permit is held captive in the plastic display and kept safe from the elements or someone lifting it. Yesterday was my first time using it and as I walked away from the bike in a downpour I walked with confidence knowing I had city approved protection.</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/AVvXsEi-AGXvG1ff93prp2o4f2It_HW3w-d7UH1A3xMwMTyAHgd7DKsdBhez_X-ylkDts5tXIX8Kagpoh3ZCBMj-MmqrkgfxN7WR1lkmJE2h0I4qmvxdY1V0N5INnoNzpr78rRhHC1OXaUhKupA/s1600/Parking+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-AGXvG1ff93prp2o4f2It_HW3w-d7UH1A3xMwMTyAHgd7DKsdBhez_X-ylkDts5tXIX8Kagpoh3ZCBMj-MmqrkgfxN7WR1lkmJE2h0I4qmvxdY1V0N5INnoNzpr78rRhHC1OXaUhKupA/s400/Parking+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's funny how little things like this can bring happiness.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrmE7-uKdmcC9b5wJoccDxgTHr_X749PF4y6f8vY7YwunOOzSADXIWArqvubxYSr3xrY_9SaAu3P35BYjX-HkkFTetvcsK7PJoTQE8Oo55Xa5_Tx0DfJUSZgDAS3fTsc4qUSZ03YSYenA/s1600/Parking+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrmE7-uKdmcC9b5wJoccDxgTHr_X749PF4y6f8vY7YwunOOzSADXIWArqvubxYSr3xrY_9SaAu3P35BYjX-HkkFTetvcsK7PJoTQE8Oo55Xa5_Tx0DfJUSZgDAS3fTsc4qUSZ03YSYenA/s400/Parking+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When I came out of the hotel the shower had passed and the sun was shinning. Perfect for the ride to meet Richard, although it wouldn't last. In the short 15 minute ride down I-5 there was sun, rain, and hail. Typical Northwest spring fare. If you don't like the weather stick around for ten minutes and it'll change.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">God's speed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11946652999166458805noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457055405703365212.post-31569219478932045722011-04-17T23:03:00.000-07:002011-04-22T21:08:28.302-07:00Breaking a Beemer Boxer Myth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJYZPKWJ3t6YlwGEUfdXg0G_j0RSJ-FosXN9sVd6DyVRJ67m3AtfRhk9VRsZ6X7S-MlfeENiA_I2DYpasYheAgbjZGAK5FasLe_eGnzeUcc_SuZQy64rfQNI9Ai9WFYq6FiuFme3SdKg/s1600/Myth+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJYZPKWJ3t6YlwGEUfdXg0G_j0RSJ-FosXN9sVd6DyVRJ67m3AtfRhk9VRsZ6X7S-MlfeENiA_I2DYpasYheAgbjZGAK5FasLe_eGnzeUcc_SuZQy64rfQNI9Ai9WFYq6FiuFme3SdKg/s400/Myth+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Yesterday I adjusted the valves on the Beemer and I'd like to break a myth about servicing BMW boxer engines. One of the reasons that some people speak poorly about BMW's is because they require servicing every 6,000 miles. This is true of any horizontally opposed engine with mechanical valves such as the original style VW Bugs and Porsches. The reality is it's not only a fairly simple task, it's also very satisfying. Allow me to explain but first a little background.<br />
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Many moons ago when I met Amber she had a '67 Bug and I had a '61 356 Porsche convertible. Every time I'm reminded about that car I feel like... ah, crying because it sure would be nice to have now. Shortly before we got married the Porsche had a valve burn out because it was adjusted too tight. At the time I didn't know anything about working on cars so I took it to the same independent shop that I use to take my '63 VW Bus for servicing. The problem was the shop wasn't real experience at working on Porsches. We didn't have the money to get the Porsche fixed and working on it myself was way too scary. It was something only professionals should do, or so I thought.<br />
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About a week before our wedding I had the Dunlop radials taken off the Porsche and put on Amber's Bug. That was probably a bad move because the night before our wedding we left her Bug parked outside our future apartment and it got stolen. The car was later found but had been converted into a dune buggy.<br />
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About three years later we bought a beautiful light blue '68 Bug for $800. After about a year the motor needed rebuilding and my independent shop wanted $700 to do the job. Not long before this we had bought our first house and our first daughter was an infant. We were strapped for money and spending $700 was out of the question.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPKVvPIvBWpkIQCT3OYmCYkWtFaatUF8YWM0DIN4s8Ux-xCd-8j66DlhjTxYUiCog8PDCqsRlCxlZwKhJTzk9V3O8EU_Rc5klf2GYXBtg1UACBSKUBoYVb4CnC9pPOuSuNqnFdE5zcDN8/s1600/Myth+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPKVvPIvBWpkIQCT3OYmCYkWtFaatUF8YWM0DIN4s8Ux-xCd-8j66DlhjTxYUiCog8PDCqsRlCxlZwKhJTzk9V3O8EU_Rc5klf2GYXBtg1UACBSKUBoYVb4CnC9pPOuSuNqnFdE5zcDN8/s320/Myth+2.jpg" width="246" /></a></div>That's when Amber coaxed me into rebuilding the motor myself. At first I was reluctant because it seemed like a huge mountain to climb with me not having any experience. I bought John Muir's book "How to Keep Your Volkswagen Alive." If you haven't seen this book it's worth a look if you can find one. It's both informative and funny. By the mid 70's VW Bugs were everywhere and this book was popular. Now it's a classic. Like it says, it's for the complete idiot. It walks a person through every step including when to take a break and when to have a beer.<br />
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It was because of this book I was able to rebuild that motor. It was my first and consequently a hugely rewarding experience. It opened my eyes in so many ways as to how a motor works. I felt I knew that car inside and out. The result was a far more gratifying driving experience. The myth was broken that only professionals can work on cars. <br />
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Now I'd like to break that myth for you on how difficult Beemer boxer engines are to service. Let's look inside.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfF1RWLbqx1LbNaKhoPqzXllHiUBBKeHipCOnWMs1GJ-sg8HqNBHN6YGD3iN28RMverfCQSkMCG8yKIz2kpDhbsu9WR9u2C644dnB0trgtFYR1brGZwrxX6fq2O10_Y8JKqakM9sjq8x8/s1600/Myth+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfF1RWLbqx1LbNaKhoPqzXllHiUBBKeHipCOnWMs1GJ-sg8HqNBHN6YGD3iN28RMverfCQSkMCG8yKIz2kpDhbsu9WR9u2C644dnB0trgtFYR1brGZwrxX6fq2O10_Y8JKqakM9sjq8x8/s400/Myth+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Without going into a lot of boring detail let me just say that each cylinder has two sets of valves which consist of two intake and two exhaust. The goal in doing a valve adjust is to insure that when each set opens they open to a prescribed amount. Let's get on with the work and hopefully this will make more sense.<br />
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The photo above shows the intake valves on the throttle side. They're hidden inside the two springs. We'll look at the adjusters in a minute. Look below the lower valve spring and you'll partially see a chain. This is the timing chain and has two markers on its gear that tell us when each piston is at "Top Dead Center" (TDC). We want the the piston in the ready-to-fire position at the upper most point (TDC). That way there will be lash or looseness between the end of the valves and the rocker arm adjusting nuts. In a position other than TDC those springs would be compressed and that would be a bad time to set the adjustment. The rectangular block barely visible to the left of the chain is our marker that tells us the piston on the clutch side of the bike is at TDC. I put the bike in 6th gear and bumped the back wheel with my hand in the direction it normally goes to get this marker in its position.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ-CXXFYsTmVAuYoPmBUwo083N9MgEa-h8-wEvkFaBpD1OiiMlKveSNXRMd7YhPslUOowWN4kyZU3wyax61iznv5HXpU_0YgYdXn4n6mLKIVe44cihAlLkYw1GeSyS1CT4RuMtkuCrtFc/s1600/Myth+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ-CXXFYsTmVAuYoPmBUwo083N9MgEa-h8-wEvkFaBpD1OiiMlKveSNXRMd7YhPslUOowWN4kyZU3wyax61iznv5HXpU_0YgYdXn4n6mLKIVe44cihAlLkYw1GeSyS1CT4RuMtkuCrtFc/s400/Myth+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The good news was both sets of valves on the clutch side of the motor were still within the correct tolerances and didn't need adjusting. See how easy that was! We're halfway done already! <br />
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The photo above shows the throttle side of the bike. I have already bumped the rear wheel so the marker for this side is in its proper spot at TDC. This side is where our photos will come from. I've stuck the four feeler gauges in their respective spots to show where all the action happens. The exhaust valves are on the right and are adjusted to .30 mm clearance while the intakes on the left and will be set to .15 mm.<br />
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There is more to this but I don't want to risk your eyes glazing over and you dozing off at your computer. If your laptop isn't plugged in your battery will wear out and you'll wake up to a black screen. No, I've never done that. Although this might make a handy sleep-aid in the future so feel free to use it that way if you desire. There won't be any copyright infringement. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5dmkZoUsyFWjGISG7639W-SlGr-hTraS8_Oy0oIUJt49LxjAaiNvMkfqCd6mJ9Q4VN9-WLzryKGos7gliHVtKTrZ7ZZ5CSbnGl_WZBUOnDr6mHsbYzaHiYqc3tbBD3Yz3KgQmN-JZHE4/s1600/Myth+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5dmkZoUsyFWjGISG7639W-SlGr-hTraS8_Oy0oIUJt49LxjAaiNvMkfqCd6mJ9Q4VN9-WLzryKGos7gliHVtKTrZ7ZZ5CSbnGl_WZBUOnDr6mHsbYzaHiYqc3tbBD3Yz3KgQmN-JZHE4/s400/Myth+5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Here's where things get kind of busy. There are three things going on. We're sliding the feeler gauge up and down to feel the drag between the valve end and the adjuster. We're controlling the drag on the feeler gauge with the hex wrench in the left hand. And we're tightening the adjuster nut with the 10 mm wrench in the right hand once we get to the correct drag. This is done in concert. The key is to get both valves set to the same drag so they're as close to identical as possible. This makes for a smooth running bike with a smooth idle. This is the hardest part of the process but trust me, after you do this a few times you become experienced quickly. It's a simple trial and error process that's fairly easy after you get the hang of it. <br />
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This is repeated on the intake valves but using the .15 mm feeler gauges. Once we get these two sets adjusted we're done. You now have the satisfaction of doing the job yourself, spending the afternoon bonding with and learning more about your bike, having the assurance that it's done properly, and saving a fair amount of cash. BMW club members have a wealth of information available on the forum online for doing all kinds of work. So if 6,000 mile services are keeping you from owning and enjoying a BMW Airhead, I'd like to expel that myth. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwiG6zJJQUZPx1jhVtvIo7YuTRc3CJf8LOtBuV6BjW6I5oXHATTj0ytfgrzAy6sULn8ZDpX-Np54RH57AUWNQUg-NtlcIqLIjPZyRrJ2sec-6_WPpKAkaqUt-HbkxLGPKRCZs58HlqFTY/s1600/Myth+m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwiG6zJJQUZPx1jhVtvIo7YuTRc3CJf8LOtBuV6BjW6I5oXHATTj0ytfgrzAy6sULn8ZDpX-Np54RH57AUWNQUg-NtlcIqLIjPZyRrJ2sec-6_WPpKAkaqUt-HbkxLGPKRCZs58HlqFTY/s400/Myth+m.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>No matter what brand of motorcycle you ride, if you haven't done your own work don't let the fear of the unknown stop you. I recommend getting a manual, doing the research, investing in some tools, and enjoying the extra part of owning and riding a motorcycle.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgXm8apNIQSt437yssQ2jy2Aos0gOGcaRsVRA9jn_jbi5FrJ9jCtCogphC7GkHTVwRbfw3GpIFeHHzJvsdUwIuGZb7HYDxoB4KuoPzQdDWnHNmW0ltyD5Ilst0Tsn_05184g9I1fBwEEY/s1600/+Myth+7+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgXm8apNIQSt437yssQ2jy2Aos0gOGcaRsVRA9jn_jbi5FrJ9jCtCogphC7GkHTVwRbfw3GpIFeHHzJvsdUwIuGZb7HYDxoB4KuoPzQdDWnHNmW0ltyD5Ilst0Tsn_05184g9I1fBwEEY/s400/+Myth+7+.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I also changed the oil and filter and want to mention that I had a helper. Our 5 year old granddaughter, Avery, was handing me tools and was the person behind the camera on some shots. She said she might ride on the Beemer someday and that maybe it will be when she's eighteen. I told her I hope it's sooner than that! She brought me the handful of dandelions.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbmv2pnvH709BgsqGctnm-FeYuDhdvuh8Xyb304w0cMtXaQpT3AtetJlFIqD3_diweNvLT-r4ed5DS-R8FpV5P8wrHvdUIrGZe67n8DpqIDBSPw4AHvuVktlT8cMi4xWRvX9lzbRwC32I/s1600/Myth+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbmv2pnvH709BgsqGctnm-FeYuDhdvuh8Xyb304w0cMtXaQpT3AtetJlFIqD3_diweNvLT-r4ed5DS-R8FpV5P8wrHvdUIrGZe67n8DpqIDBSPw4AHvuVktlT8cMi4xWRvX9lzbRwC32I/s400/Myth+9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>When the work is done and there aren't any leftover parts, that's a good thing. The only thing left is to wash the bike and go for test ride.<br />
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I can't think of another machine that gives the owner the reward of actually feeling and hearing the results of a tune-up like a motorcycle. Because we're straddling the motor and holding the handle bars we can sense when things are a little off or spot on. Doing your own work gives you an even greater awareness of how your machine is running.<br />
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It's been almost two years since I got the Beemer. She's due to have the brake system flushed so stay tuned for that job in the coming weeks.<br />
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God's speed.Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11946652999166458805noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457055405703365212.post-39782799347297941812011-04-10T16:50:00.000-07:002011-04-22T08:29:01.744-07:00Simple yet Complex<object style="height: 385px; width: 640px;"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/C_CDLBTJD4M?version=3"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/C_CDLBTJD4M?version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="425" height="350"></object><br />
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This is not an endorsement but <strike>wood</strike> would you buy one of these? Not even to reward their hard work?<br />
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While watching this for the first time I was babysitting our 4 month old granddaughter. She was dozing in her infant seat on the kitchen table. This video put her to sleep!<br />
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God's speed.Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11946652999166458805noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457055405703365212.post-24025088183544519222011-03-26T19:17:00.000-07:002011-03-26T19:17:00.729-07:00It Looks Like Ben-Hur had a Choice...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhybdU71OBTjJqT9vy-cYzBIHk91kxnBnEKegy85YEa3GknltzO4e58iaRxIhop4ww8avN4-ycKLkhTnswthoOM-VD8JW-tQLTXuMRIKsv3IxWOEQmIwBsBse1z1h-uLH5L9MFjEcKqg_Y/s1600/Ben+Hur+Scooter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhybdU71OBTjJqT9vy-cYzBIHk91kxnBnEKegy85YEa3GknltzO4e58iaRxIhop4ww8avN4-ycKLkhTnswthoOM-VD8JW-tQLTXuMRIKsv3IxWOEQmIwBsBse1z1h-uLH5L9MFjEcKqg_Y/s400/Ben+Hur+Scooter.jpg" width="280" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">... either a chariot or a Vespa.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11946652999166458805noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457055405703365212.post-64496809921503019302011-03-24T20:30:00.000-07:002011-03-25T06:39:21.943-07:00A Visit to the Spruce Goose<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi981y0VabiOdOvVLvpE6-i2JmRdPa3v0IjULPoXHqjs24DgXtgH04xChtcxM7YvA9DFcXHjtlL_A8HAm2TwqTrzxa3mTNIOwi8mLGSRO6IrREMU9tXChcNFJrYGtpNjluAulavj1wWST4/s1600/Evergreen+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi981y0VabiOdOvVLvpE6-i2JmRdPa3v0IjULPoXHqjs24DgXtgH04xChtcxM7YvA9DFcXHjtlL_A8HAm2TwqTrzxa3mTNIOwi8mLGSRO6IrREMU9tXChcNFJrYGtpNjluAulavj1wWST4/s400/Evergreen+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>It was a wet, wild, and at times windy ride this afternoon as I rode to McMinnville, OR to see some accounts. McMinnville, more commonly known as "Mac", is home to the Howard Hughes Spruce Goose. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hughes_H-4_Hercules">The H-4 Hercules Flying Boat</a> was moved to this site from Long Beach, CA in February of 1993 by Evergreen Aviation. If you enlarge the photo above and look through the glass you can see her.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTGWI0r9eJGyFVN_8U6NuMvYes1hlcDrqF_5cXxLNbbENJxwJf6zJ1bf2wDIklBGJNQHgHo6TC4IM9_wQRJd73ZvAxtWalQBWRAUYjsSxrnzbqctMJbvFCa3gs5C_nYODjzGQSP5dMRSA/s1600/Evergreen+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTGWI0r9eJGyFVN_8U6NuMvYes1hlcDrqF_5cXxLNbbENJxwJf6zJ1bf2wDIklBGJNQHgHo6TC4IM9_wQRJd73ZvAxtWalQBWRAUYjsSxrnzbqctMJbvFCa3gs5C_nYODjzGQSP5dMRSA/s400/Evergreen+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Evergreen has built a nice <a href="http://www.evergreenmuseum.org/">aviation attraction</a> around the Spruce Goose centerpiece. The jetliner above was recently added on top of this building which is an indoor water park. This summer you'll be able to slide out of the 747 into a pool. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglrhskeG8eevi2OE83Mp3eiiI_Nt2FHa8FmLzuTCGQEIkY1KicB99NceFJ8Z_uvqOnkZ_0-5tTOIQV6pJ7btBouaFdK0H6ZFJcnPaGpYhklvgkGCGdLfVE3dzzfjsRuJPO3UZeJ1sThiQ/s1600/Evergreen+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglrhskeG8eevi2OE83Mp3eiiI_Nt2FHa8FmLzuTCGQEIkY1KicB99NceFJ8Z_uvqOnkZ_0-5tTOIQV6pJ7btBouaFdK0H6ZFJcnPaGpYhklvgkGCGdLfVE3dzzfjsRuJPO3UZeJ1sThiQ/s400/Evergreen+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Next on the plans for this popular attraction is a resort. Whether you're an aviation buff or not this museum is a must see if you're in the Portland area. In fact, the BMW International Rally last year had a kick-off visit and luncheon here before the Rally. It was well attended by many motorcycle enthusiasts.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxwg2UztwKgsSQd883xhjanG7Op1_2f88y25EB_1xQ66bZTvqD-4YV8QFOV5lJ93f7Jm-H_jRiyCTyp0dloB4aAyFKbbSC9qlRmluZuRh3c1oPdNjavir0CFDayTpumlpn0yHNU4ly_4M/s1600/Mac+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxwg2UztwKgsSQd883xhjanG7Op1_2f88y25EB_1xQ66bZTvqD-4YV8QFOV5lJ93f7Jm-H_jRiyCTyp0dloB4aAyFKbbSC9qlRmluZuRh3c1oPdNjavir0CFDayTpumlpn0yHNU4ly_4M/s400/Mac+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The Spruce Goose is about 3 miles east of town. Here is downtown Mac on 3rd street. As you can see, the afternoon traffic here is almost unbearable. Both sides of the street are lined with quaint shops along with unique restaurants and pubs. This is a college town so Friday and Saturday nights are busy here.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEGD0WK8CkLLJHxb8wpa9w9vM-NXkSq4Mtsj5WgyG6n7KIBJUQ-tbvUwJUbdUvgVuSaJ6hV4u4foEdahGTWrUhRsGESwMaX1uzFICugS5-F-iSp7bwIqF2IAluAvcYAxNnPZ9joEvjhuA/s1600/Mac+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEGD0WK8CkLLJHxb8wpa9w9vM-NXkSq4Mtsj5WgyG6n7KIBJUQ-tbvUwJUbdUvgVuSaJ6hV4u4foEdahGTWrUhRsGESwMaX1uzFICugS5-F-iSp7bwIqF2IAluAvcYAxNnPZ9joEvjhuA/s400/Mac+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">When I see one of these I can't resist stopping.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjytNExuvaKIs6rJ6Cg42jon-GfkhjLoP4x43v2DynWCzv4dPYWGjsWYhfN0cLrTum2N_0sEFXTOyWJmCn30lctXJfk25ImZcOWyH_YTmON1XzlSJSLzTtrODml2lcjXkyBUemOKhVcVsk/s1600/Mac+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjytNExuvaKIs6rJ6Cg42jon-GfkhjLoP4x43v2DynWCzv4dPYWGjsWYhfN0cLrTum2N_0sEFXTOyWJmCn30lctXJfk25ImZcOWyH_YTmON1XzlSJSLzTtrODml2lcjXkyBUemOKhVcVsk/s400/Mac+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">I think almost everything they sell is healthy and it's very good. These fruit bars are irresistible for a hungry traveler.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQg3QIDWvGANOR3fClk24Si8oN-MKXvWtCNJQVi-YcLclrfA1uSWef7xFC10gn3FwS5Kif-Hg0T7OzD07ObH0P3qzkQSwXxP2ecPyNEBHVpgAQuF7VePmcF9bQoOwuIx_zIWJh2nrD0g/s1600/Evergreen4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQg3QIDWvGANOR3fClk24Si8oN-MKXvWtCNJQVi-YcLclrfA1uSWef7xFC10gn3FwS5Kif-Hg0T7OzD07ObH0P3qzkQSwXxP2ecPyNEBHVpgAQuF7VePmcF9bQoOwuIx_zIWJh2nrD0g/s400/Evergreen4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">After I took this photo it would have been nice to get in the blue rig, twist the key and take off. I had all the gear on so it was doable. I guess I'll just have to settle for dreaming about it.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">God's speed.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11946652999166458805noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457055405703365212.post-50112144464749641702011-03-22T19:14:00.000-07:002011-03-23T22:22:42.796-07:00Early Spring Sunset<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-P-bA3BBEwWjWVDICmVuUNBm_3pqKLOrhPl8g3XtsmpmzNKAtXaODeVqmSJQ-r-f7toYdpQC42tTmnaBHwq6AW0BcKa3rKpVGmyKnFsFD7Btr1Yt5lWaT18GvKgyCS4gFFp3eaZxSEM4/s1600/Early+Spring+Sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-P-bA3BBEwWjWVDICmVuUNBm_3pqKLOrhPl8g3XtsmpmzNKAtXaODeVqmSJQ-r-f7toYdpQC42tTmnaBHwq6AW0BcKa3rKpVGmyKnFsFD7Btr1Yt5lWaT18GvKgyCS4gFFp3eaZxSEM4/s400/Early+Spring+Sunset.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Stopping somewhere on a road to take in an early Northwest spring sunset. In the northern hemisphere another winter season has been put to rest again. Spring is the door to warmer weather with all the beautiful colors emerging soon. <br />
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I hope you view it with your kickstand up.<br />
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God's speed.Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11946652999166458805noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457055405703365212.post-73638514110203229412011-03-18T23:22:00.000-07:002011-03-20T09:00:02.162-07:00Is Riding Like Downhill Skiing?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiqCjuk3CzD2wHSmjLNa3DGnJBvxw9TDV-fKM-vMNqHPhTKZ39M_anIarLwoQQWF7Sq_0S0GDeJuF7VYGorWgaRBIrnqb0NRvCs4az2kQK0P1ivG9M-JrunpfmiGrNcGd2q-9er_F65Oo/s1600/Seat-Gloves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiqCjuk3CzD2wHSmjLNa3DGnJBvxw9TDV-fKM-vMNqHPhTKZ39M_anIarLwoQQWF7Sq_0S0GDeJuF7VYGorWgaRBIrnqb0NRvCs4az2kQK0P1ivG9M-JrunpfmiGrNcGd2q-9er_F65Oo/s400/Seat-Gloves.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The other night I went to a gathering of folks and met some great people. It was a Bible study that's been in existence for roughly 30 years. I sat next to a gentleman who is in his 70's and is an avid downhill skier. He's been skiing for over 50 years and he's now in an age bracket which puts him into the ski-for-free category. I'm pretty sure there aren't too many 70+ downhill skiers. When you reach that age you get to ski for free. It seems like a just reward for still having supple muscles and joints. <br />
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Last year I wrote about we who ride on two wheels being in a <a href="http://ridingandthinking.blogspot.com/2010/02/todays-morning-ride.html">subset of the population</a>. This man is in a subset too and judging by what he said and his smile while saying it he enjoys his sport very much.<br />
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When I mentioned to him that I ride a motorcycle and that there are some similarities with regard to danger but also a big fun-factor he got serious. He talked about how dangerous motorcycles are and gave a few examples of accidents. You know how that conversation goes. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn1lTTlwOrzGT0bGsMzoVRQPBkp0YbRXxhF1GLX23Gri0_HUy5wFSdNC6jQngnTfWZxsi3QKOFrwWg1HYlMsjPuW0gYfl-Jfddyo2209d-r_CNXs5fqluXHvYaD6jYKBOi1FWeWKJ3Bd4/s1600/WF+Parking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn1lTTlwOrzGT0bGsMzoVRQPBkp0YbRXxhF1GLX23Gri0_HUy5wFSdNC6jQngnTfWZxsi3QKOFrwWg1HYlMsjPuW0gYfl-Jfddyo2209d-r_CNXs5fqluXHvYaD6jYKBOi1FWeWKJ3Bd4/s400/WF+Parking.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>We all know that riding is dangerous and we all hear these stories and deal with them in our own way, but I find that sometimes a conversation like this can hit something deep inside. And there are times when the soul-searching thoughts can last a couple of days. Am I crazy to be riding? Is something going to happen to me soon and this is a warning? Do I need more training? Should I give up riding and take up downhill skiing? Nah, I'm not in the free bracket yet.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNlACIyBn878pscZOh4YQtdlAIuoEPDgDX2JZrRt0Qv7NJiH4QGXFS-MyzIV8yeOJ7WdXXDwc-EmOYJkbronSQ2LiCSajUTGIFbsYWfS7N1uErH16jwvaC1ZX1GJAkJAHrwg3BDs16whw/s1600/Parking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNlACIyBn878pscZOh4YQtdlAIuoEPDgDX2JZrRt0Qv7NJiH4QGXFS-MyzIV8yeOJ7WdXXDwc-EmOYJkbronSQ2LiCSajUTGIFbsYWfS7N1uErH16jwvaC1ZX1GJAkJAHrwg3BDs16whw/s400/Parking.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I do some volunteer work at the county jail. I've ridden to and from the jail a lot but I don't take any of it for granted. The ride home late this afternoon was one of the best. It was an aha experience.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8or-ETpk9LAIuoCqh1BvQk2NRlaQn8ypLbF7errHMt5LS732-PbYp_DWLBB4w4tPt_USRUJ0YAaNSRpNSaxnPyJeSV5isnZa57pqUtqD6HUxvxKLWzWdx2-DdxMQKt75UFTCsHLlz5oQ/s1600/Big+field.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8or-ETpk9LAIuoCqh1BvQk2NRlaQn8ypLbF7errHMt5LS732-PbYp_DWLBB4w4tPt_USRUJ0YAaNSRpNSaxnPyJeSV5isnZa57pqUtqD6HUxvxKLWzWdx2-DdxMQKt75UFTCsHLlz5oQ/s400/Big+field.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Within weeks of getting the Beemer I bought bar risers and a peg lowering kit. I'm over 6' and needed more room in the cockpit. I've never really leaned hard, thinking either the pegs or my boots will scrape but today I hit the corners harder and faster than usual. I put the bike into a more aggressive lean. I figured I'd try to find the limit. I got the bike far over but didn't scrape. I was surprised when the suspension dug in and held the bike firm and with more stability through the curves. Is riding like downhill skiing? Can a person schuss on a motorcycle?<br />
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I'm not boasting by any means. My chicken strips are big <em>(big chicken strips = big chicken).</em> And I'm not suggesting for anyone to take corners faster than their level of experience. Let's face it, most motorcycle accidents happen on the curves so we should be good at cornering.<br />
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Then I had the thought that an advanced riding class might be in order. Maybe that's what the gentleman at the Bible study was saying. Riding is dangerous and a healthy reminder of that fact every so often is good. It helps keep things in perspective instead of slipping into a false sense of security.<br />
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Do you have any training classes in your plans this riding season?<br />
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God's speed.Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11946652999166458805noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457055405703365212.post-66555863518399427622011-03-12T18:05:00.000-08:002011-03-14T22:18:04.665-07:00Random Shots and Random Thoughts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT9hIE6zb_XWQg3sojPA0w7TzmDPVVQ5_fd5U6263kxUkc6AUDFMXcNwVcPmfWR7yKduG-uikMc2ji6V4qhsryD9OFQlZsIMyZ7LxK_lipJLlBF007W_EJCrSMWRTMhYznaEtc7TTKNws/s1600/F.+Sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT9hIE6zb_XWQg3sojPA0w7TzmDPVVQ5_fd5U6263kxUkc6AUDFMXcNwVcPmfWR7yKduG-uikMc2ji6V4qhsryD9OFQlZsIMyZ7LxK_lipJLlBF007W_EJCrSMWRTMhYznaEtc7TTKNws/s400/F.+Sunset.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>While riding to my first account yesterday morning I had thoughts about some current events. Watching the events unfold after the tragic earthquake in Japan is a reminder of just how fragile our world is. In the days after hurricane Katrina some of the New Orleans police force walked away from their jobs due to the enormity of the challenge to maintain law and order. It's sobering to be reminded that a major disaster can change life quickly.<br />
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Another thought to consider with disasters is how small our planet is. People and nations pull together to help and support those who are suffering. It brings humanity closer. It puts our focus on others.<br />
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The earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand was only a few weeks ago. Earthquakes are happening more often than any other time in history and this was foretold in the Bible over 2000 years ago. Add this together with the events going on in the Middle East and one has to admit that these are amazing days in which we live. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOq3rhb69PX5XJaMH_20nptqw2g0OYESDqTxXJxl9Y6JgmckrkzxC8ahYdzdHU-Cx4uYQhgbxxgUmi_kLLRLVlDjgcpwQdblBuFIOPxuTgQphoTrJFjpv6QNmR9zrcKXUd9RY92pD4MBU/s1600/S.+High.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOq3rhb69PX5XJaMH_20nptqw2g0OYESDqTxXJxl9Y6JgmckrkzxC8ahYdzdHU-Cx4uYQhgbxxgUmi_kLLRLVlDjgcpwQdblBuFIOPxuTgQphoTrJFjpv6QNmR9zrcKXUd9RY92pD4MBU/s400/S.+High.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>My first stop yesterday morning was one of the high schools in Silverton. I was going there to look at some plumbing parts. Silverton is about 40 miles southeast of Portland. Checking out plumbing parts sounds like fun, right? I know, plumbing parts and fixtures are not real stimulating but they put bread on the table and I enjoy selling all the product lines that we have. The fun part is helping others with the parts they need to do their jobs.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlNMxVfb7v-K-Arra3pEtZ1YeEtk3L2ICfKmoZ1xEJsmov-omm9LBB4YW0J3FS6A1ZRTSvVfj0z1XkiE11AdsKSDk7GBDmtqkd1BaMwX2aN7PfVP7M5K16y22sXHApuBGjEfCG6OyarE/s1600/Nursery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlNMxVfb7v-K-Arra3pEtZ1YeEtk3L2ICfKmoZ1xEJsmov-omm9LBB4YW0J3FS6A1ZRTSvVfj0z1XkiE11AdsKSDk7GBDmtqkd1BaMwX2aN7PfVP7M5K16y22sXHApuBGjEfCG6OyarE/s400/Nursery.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The ride took about an hour with roughly half the trip on I-5 and the second half in the farmland of the Willamette Valley. The above image is in Mount Angel, a town originally settled by German pioneers. It's about 5 miles north of Silverton. It's also the home of a famous and well attended <a href="http://www.oktoberfest.org/">Oktoberfest</a> held each September. Just thinking about it makes me hungry for bratwurst with sauerkraut along with an Um-papa band playing in the background. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2iNrqIgbz-eqsmQX-EPWhkomHgaFpndU87brsqbT9gwAuNHz07YWAnmheBkZFAsVVGuHrv9WCGS3LFBIPBC1A-NFCVbc7RGXFnq26irBdqmP1Quu4FhTf3SW51Hr56gKa7L4q7Tj4oQ4/s1600/McD%2527s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2iNrqIgbz-eqsmQX-EPWhkomHgaFpndU87brsqbT9gwAuNHz07YWAnmheBkZFAsVVGuHrv9WCGS3LFBIPBC1A-NFCVbc7RGXFnq26irBdqmP1Quu4FhTf3SW51Hr56gKa7L4q7Tj4oQ4/s400/McD%2527s.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Wow, this is the second post in a row with a McDonald's in it. I don't eat at McDonald's very often - only breakfast about once a month. I'm finding, though, that many of them have free WiFi and since I like their coffee they make a great place to stop and setup a temporary office. The other benefit is the ability to keep most of the riding gear on and not worry about what people think. Chances are I was just seen rolling up on the bike so I must not be a real storm trooper. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjf5oNvAY3gnAxfoySb5OGKy4haTBTrVrhDfAIjDoA996ewOzQmp0UGzr9Llw5W5vGZ6ozBO1LcHaOskdGu7bhHsnUUVlieSweQp9iPkQnMHzf3iUr-JYHGx_C2psspIf-BB73jWVAXh8/s1600/Orchard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjf5oNvAY3gnAxfoySb5OGKy4haTBTrVrhDfAIjDoA996ewOzQmp0UGzr9Llw5W5vGZ6ozBO1LcHaOskdGu7bhHsnUUVlieSweQp9iPkQnMHzf3iUr-JYHGx_C2psspIf-BB73jWVAXh8/s400/Orchard.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>So you're cruising along enjoying the ride and being aware of impending dangers, all the while looking for photo opportunities. You see what could be an interesting shot down a side road along an orchard but you're going 60 mph. By the time you ponder whether it's a viable photo opportunity you're almost 1/4 mile down the road. Do you turn around or shrug it off and keep going? Lately I've been turning around. It's part of my, "Enjoy the little things" program.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_-kFDxGRoXdY9lBBAXxWPsRaRfku2ZnVcSEOvdLUNSx4V2v-336_9_f7KIqe8Jbq83SOtNOXwspdGZLAdEk0EVDCvD3VS7og-cm0RjysV5WHZAi2zfp7ZxqbOlVHB_AjJi1ggw5_o2OU/s1600/Mall+Pking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_-kFDxGRoXdY9lBBAXxWPsRaRfku2ZnVcSEOvdLUNSx4V2v-336_9_f7KIqe8Jbq83SOtNOXwspdGZLAdEk0EVDCvD3VS7og-cm0RjysV5WHZAi2zfp7ZxqbOlVHB_AjJi1ggw5_o2OU/s400/Mall+Pking.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I eventually wound up at the mall for lunch. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVGhVe6bFiMZOWMmUvhBv-E9rPAbikTo2FDFI67VWDfphHhLSonmUjYtMS2v0q5QhT75wzGEolxeSg-2MGjX8KeUblPNecaAt3Yq0IxvFwbhIIdw-LPJwb6ph3KgksvMPjkdytYf2-dO0/s1600/iPad+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVGhVe6bFiMZOWMmUvhBv-E9rPAbikTo2FDFI67VWDfphHhLSonmUjYtMS2v0q5QhT75wzGEolxeSg-2MGjX8KeUblPNecaAt3Yq0IxvFwbhIIdw-LPJwb6ph3KgksvMPjkdytYf2-dO0/s400/iPad+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">These people were waiting in line near the Apple store for the new iPad 2 that was released yesterday at 5:00 pm. The line seems like a good marketing tool by Apple. It advertises the popularity of the new device. I wonder how many people got in line so they wouldn't miss out on something. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwaBaKd6K2SdLJD_p8bGtijyqVLa2y0lAFOcxyOtN6aI1aNl6Du-XHPZgvgJE6cFeULGTaWkf8IeaonV3AteQdX7wi3q0i5b0yTZx02hNaNpH7bQpZD061brJpfn_DpuuyVsk6vU8Gm5g/s1600/Plane+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwaBaKd6K2SdLJD_p8bGtijyqVLa2y0lAFOcxyOtN6aI1aNl6Du-XHPZgvgJE6cFeULGTaWkf8IeaonV3AteQdX7wi3q0i5b0yTZx02hNaNpH7bQpZD061brJpfn_DpuuyVsk6vU8Gm5g/s400/Plane+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Later in the afternoon when I was riding home from the jail I noticed an unusual plane flying slowly overhead. When I got close to home I saw the pilot sitting in the plane and idling right next to the road. I did a U-turn and watched him take off from his personal airstrip. This place has had small planes fly in and out for a long time but I've never actually seen it happen. I parked the bike near his takeoff spot to take some photos of the setting sun. I was about to leave when he taxied nearby again. Through sign language I asked if I could take his photo and he agreed.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuGlRz-5tFZTFHtFsd-CpYErya1mL_zGx4VcyOUbYtuv_bBenvatWvTev1h8rWqbWGADujGmDujQIHXio5AZbq5x2uO_suACTMYBD6_TFtbCGPJAGyfEOIWuim2SYiHfqiilX497_VOM8/s1600/Plane+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuGlRz-5tFZTFHtFsd-CpYErya1mL_zGx4VcyOUbYtuv_bBenvatWvTev1h8rWqbWGADujGmDujQIHXio5AZbq5x2uO_suACTMYBD6_TFtbCGPJAGyfEOIWuim2SYiHfqiilX497_VOM8/s400/Plane+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Again through sign language I asked if he was going to take off again and he gave the thumbs up. So I got some shots of his short takeoff.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyjTqUG4EsQS8U9ev35Ft2NUj8IqYkS7jbbDBTOp9dj7F7piCoeX0kw1AIrv5ue0zRLgDRnBJ6_chw3Kb0MvYtUq5rt_TfuDmZ1GdjZodyIylSFpMcbxnYShEd5OnKs8W21Vxo0Iiloz4/s1600/Plane+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyjTqUG4EsQS8U9ev35Ft2NUj8IqYkS7jbbDBTOp9dj7F7piCoeX0kw1AIrv5ue0zRLgDRnBJ6_chw3Kb0MvYtUq5rt_TfuDmZ1GdjZodyIylSFpMcbxnYShEd5OnKs8W21Vxo0Iiloz4/s400/Plane+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>He doesn't have much runway. You can see it turns to gravel pretty quickly. His road has a little bump just before the gravel and he hits it just right to hop him into the air.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIBgGo_UQt78FhG-vatlHzhgJnuqlb3v2W07x3h_oHvtH7iqPX2_NmInJUnGrzxVc1BiijBPL_MiNsKUJGTyk7HkJNo1sDYhGAnLMBYjDcSYkc71X9x0PtJSuPivWrePfvdvpZuJuzXnU/s1600/Plane+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIBgGo_UQt78FhG-vatlHzhgJnuqlb3v2W07x3h_oHvtH7iqPX2_NmInJUnGrzxVc1BiijBPL_MiNsKUJGTyk7HkJNo1sDYhGAnLMBYjDcSYkc71X9x0PtJSuPivWrePfvdvpZuJuzXnU/s400/Plane+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>He was airborne in less than about 15 seconds. Pretty cool to have your own plane and airstrip. And some think riding a motorcycle is dangerous.<br />
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At the end of the day the bike had 115 more miles on it. I hope you're putting miles on this weekend.<br />
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God's speed.Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11946652999166458805noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457055405703365212.post-76108207533572954852011-03-05T20:07:00.000-08:002011-03-05T20:16:16.747-08:00Doing the Laundry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjim0TA31FtMuYKePLnaaNmgvjlM0h6skLWPoRqapltfiEo7Opd5TOY0kLhmkaS4GSw2kvQ6llb7S6WA3VOU1xKfHHhk_nVWZrVH7HOz7YbT_nOkWQNLMwSyZyfax6gG_djAqaFtwgPfyU/s1600/McDonalds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjim0TA31FtMuYKePLnaaNmgvjlM0h6skLWPoRqapltfiEo7Opd5TOY0kLhmkaS4GSw2kvQ6llb7S6WA3VOU1xKfHHhk_nVWZrVH7HOz7YbT_nOkWQNLMwSyZyfax6gG_djAqaFtwgPfyU/s400/McDonalds.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I had an appointment with an oncologist at 4:00 yesterday. My dermatologist thought it would be a good idea to see if I would be a candidate for a CAT scan. This would be to make sure there are no cancer cells lurking somewhere. After looking at all of my lab work and the results of the surgery the oncologist said there was no need for a scan and that as far as melanoma is concerned I'm cancer-free.<br />
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By the time I left his office it was about 5:15. It was beginning to get dark and it was raining. It was a nice ride home in the rain after receiving good news. At one particular stop light I caught a lady in an SUV staring at me. She might have been wondering why someone would be so foolish to be out in the cold rain. Or maybe she was noticing how dirty my jacket was. It's been a while since I've washed it. In fact, I looked like I rolled under a diesel truck.<br />
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This morning I met a couple of friends for breakfast at McDonald's. When I got parked a guy drove up in his pickup and started asking the usual questions about the bike. Thinking back on it, my jacket looked pretty bad so washing it went on my to-do list.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ-lmbvnG_Bc-6GAwZdAplLdKrovhxgAr_9jJxWASuu8vy_V3kF3OAplKoVPH3nEaD9eBRTgge1JG_kVGfjly7Gj8Lt5GE-rRcDIjIUmCBpkGivMd6TYERiONisFYqnnsHbUY1HdF65GM/s1600/Laundry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ-lmbvnG_Bc-6GAwZdAplLdKrovhxgAr_9jJxWASuu8vy_V3kF3OAplKoVPH3nEaD9eBRTgge1JG_kVGfjly7Gj8Lt5GE-rRcDIjIUmCBpkGivMd6TYERiONisFYqnnsHbUY1HdF65GM/s400/Laundry.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>My technique is to first take out all of the removable armor, soak the jacket in the bathtub, and use Woolite and a brush and scrub hard. After that I give it a thorough rinsing then spray Shout stain remover on all the dirt stains on the front and scrub hard again. Then I give it the final rinse. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKCX9LpknLkBtSDA5tLOj0Gh-Zz-gVdYcjpO3R-h551OxxQUhEk2rfiq2rHIQzxNb01ExiHxuNCoRn7ITqvlVbDc0lwmIj3EgeCQlSogqyLhU_YFxegguQX9_8XF0uAnqX3uhVhim4WF0/s1600/Laundry+Done.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKCX9LpknLkBtSDA5tLOj0Gh-Zz-gVdYcjpO3R-h551OxxQUhEk2rfiq2rHIQzxNb01ExiHxuNCoRn7ITqvlVbDc0lwmIj3EgeCQlSogqyLhU_YFxegguQX9_8XF0uAnqX3uhVhim4WF0/s400/Laundry+Done.jpg" width="281" /></a></div>There... much better. Now it looks like I rolled under a hybrid. Whenever I do this I usually ask myself why I don't do it more often. Maybe it's because in a week it'll be looking dingy again. <br />
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I'd like to know your method for doing the laundry.<br />
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God's speed.Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11946652999166458805noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457055405703365212.post-68682748118043064682011-02-19T20:41:00.000-08:002011-02-19T21:11:57.450-08:00Struggling with the Weather and the Whether<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXQx4XzhPfjIyUoqbo-fh4n45cPOZYDC0FH0bCRrSrbgLGM1sIv6YP4Io4-ZqWhot5FmtJabQleHiyDjgOcHwXBGAj8QAChEO3yYxdaYEThxjy931OHWu92lsP3tNIDwPyIqZ7n2YpmAo/s1600/Morning+Ice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXQx4XzhPfjIyUoqbo-fh4n45cPOZYDC0FH0bCRrSrbgLGM1sIv6YP4Io4-ZqWhot5FmtJabQleHiyDjgOcHwXBGAj8QAChEO3yYxdaYEThxjy931OHWu92lsP3tNIDwPyIqZ7n2YpmAo/s400/Morning+Ice.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The last few mornings the weather has been unstable. At our house we've had a mix of snow and rain. Last night we had some snow flurries along with some rain which gave this morning a thin coating of ice and light crunchy snow on most everything.<br />
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I had a breakfast scheduled this morning with a couple of friends at 9:00. Knowing that today's forecast was to be sunny and 45 (F), I did the usual checking the outside temp on the house thermostat and looking at the current conditions online. Then I looked outside and saw the ice but it didn't look too bad.<br />
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Then the little voice from the area around my left shoulder whispered in my ear, "You can ride anyway. Don't worry, it'll be okay. After all, by the time breakfast is over it'll be sunny and warm and everyone will be riding." Then the voice from the other shoulder whispered, "No, it's too icy and there's too much risk of going down and scrapping up the bike." Then the other voice said, "But you can go slowly where you need to. Go ahead it'll be fun."<br />
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Do you ever have this "discussion" in the morning? Struggling with the whether... that is the whether to ride? <br />
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In the end the voice from the right shoulder won out. I'm glad I didn't ride because the roads were worse than what I was hearing from my left ear. Of course hearing voices should be reason enough not to ride. <br />
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I didn't really hear voices but the struggle really happened.<br />
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Safety should always rule the day.<br />
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God's speed.Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11946652999166458805noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457055405703365212.post-74583193115627399622011-02-11T20:09:00.000-08:002011-02-11T21:11:26.886-08:00Evernote<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXJJuKMIJmZtse1rKOM_qxmaazfHQv52hvPK8rqX6HZryUVXl_VKkeTK5FbaMxoo67ksNdz9YE9bJNuLZasdhqSPNQP4G_0oGy_f7xbUieGkMHyreZ8nKiM1J0ZNDj0zGvBHeVvFZn4c4/s1600/Evernote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXJJuKMIJmZtse1rKOM_qxmaazfHQv52hvPK8rqX6HZryUVXl_VKkeTK5FbaMxoo67ksNdz9YE9bJNuLZasdhqSPNQP4G_0oGy_f7xbUieGkMHyreZ8nKiM1J0ZNDj0zGvBHeVvFZn4c4/s400/Evernote.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I've always been a nut about trying to be organized but the last ten years or so it's been a little more challenging to maintain that discipline. Through the years I've used yellow pads, day timers, scraps of paper, Post It's, a PDA, and a mini tape recorder just to name a few. Each of them fell by the wayside when it was replaced by the next system that I thought would really keep me organized. <br />
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A few years ago when I was contemplating getting a Vespa I discovered Steve Williams' wonderful blog <a href="http://vespalx150.blogspot.com/">Scooter in the Sticks</a>. One of his posts featured a manual organizing system called <a href="http://www.43folders.com/2004/09/03/introducing-the-hipster-pda">The Hypster PDA</a>. Using a series of 3X5 cards clipped together a person could easily and logically keep track of all their important information in one easy and inexpensive setup. I was intrigued by this and began using it. Unfortunately, like all of the other methods of arranging personal information, it too fell by the wayside. For the last few years I've tried to be diligent about keeping all my information on my company issued Blackberry. For the most part it has done well but there are things I'd like to tweak. Then I discovered Evernote.<br />
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My wife Amber got me an iPod Touch for Christmas. For about the next five days I had a hard time putting it down. While making a note in one of the apps that I had downloaded I was asked if I wanted to upload it to Evernote. I might be the last guy on the planet that knows about these note keeping Websites but my eyes were opened to a whole new realm.<br />
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For those of you who don't know about Evernote or any other notetaking suite, it's an online server designed for notetaking and archiving webpages, photos, voice memos, and even handwritten notes. Just about anything that can be copied, pasted, or uploaded can be stored and kept securely in one convenient location. All of it can be updated or edited via a computer or mobile device.<br />
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I've been using Evernote for about six weeks and I think it is a great way to keep notes and information organized in one convenient location. I'm using the free version and finding it handy that everything is accessible at anytime from my Blackberry or iPod. For a small annual fee more storage is available with even more security than the free version. By the way, I have no stock or stake in Evernote. This mini review is purely from the perspective of a new user.<br />
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I still use a spiral steno pad for daily quick notes as the day progresses. I can get a call at any moment from a customer who is ready to give me information I need to write down. From this pad I can easily sort things out on Evernote if I need to. At times there's no substitute for a good old fashion note pad.<br />
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Since this blog is about thinking and riding and maybe I've covered somewhat of a thinking segment, I thought I would throw in a few images from this week.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioUFT5XUlyiEPSvimY9x0xIlKpU2aqn2JqWsRB7t0tft8hIkHUS_gJfwLQ8lLEgTMrA044dIxFkD5WtQpYIhxF_Gw4ZZX1CmnHDi-hTHTwkcuY-7dbntaK3H6bEJfEs4b8JImI6zzX-ls/s1600/Off+Scholls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioUFT5XUlyiEPSvimY9x0xIlKpU2aqn2JqWsRB7t0tft8hIkHUS_gJfwLQ8lLEgTMrA044dIxFkD5WtQpYIhxF_Gw4ZZX1CmnHDi-hTHTwkcuY-7dbntaK3H6bEJfEs4b8JImI6zzX-ls/s400/Off+Scholls.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This afternoon on the way to the jail.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZpxai3gYG1qgUFnN_NgyxyEpj9nFp5FYFrAmTz5OTxm9D0aVNWL2ysISB2B8U6dVkYsyzbgbx1VaPpTAjIcDDMpA65vUUr04Qjt8xj4ZMbZgUJ3kpqm7OeqXule98kbqG94l5-0NkwM0/s1600/Alien+Bike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZpxai3gYG1qgUFnN_NgyxyEpj9nFp5FYFrAmTz5OTxm9D0aVNWL2ysISB2B8U6dVkYsyzbgbx1VaPpTAjIcDDMpA65vUUr04Qjt8xj4ZMbZgUJ3kpqm7OeqXule98kbqG94l5-0NkwM0/s400/Alien+Bike.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Monday - Vancouver, WA)</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">Looks like an alien spaceship just dropped off a motorcycle.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBG4y3TsFI5mhNV639VXafftABz1y0qetk55-TyQww2ffQ89SWfn7Fv6VmnUElkwWwnkOzPlJy8IGGMATUNTeIu3UJNJX06UM2I30SQsxqjyTcDuYHGN0OxIIapit7J8hRSPSsXRHdR2Y/s1600/Dirty+Beemer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBG4y3TsFI5mhNV639VXafftABz1y0qetk55-TyQww2ffQ89SWfn7Fv6VmnUElkwWwnkOzPlJy8IGGMATUNTeIu3UJNJX06UM2I30SQsxqjyTcDuYHGN0OxIIapit7J8hRSPSsXRHdR2Y/s400/Dirty+Beemer.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(This morning - Oregon City, OR)</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">No matter how hard I try, this time of year it's hard to keep it clean. I'm not complaining because some can't ride due to snow and ice. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4L79Orl9bbHV9T-o0nX89PZbbAJ9FsweaJA6SosMWJ9Njhyphenhypheng_4rK0hjOW8BcK1NLy1A4DCQCbQQkzBybpWRqbk5a5Ycm3oNhLG2WjUFKSyPjwT8DxpDcYVACQI8creBXRjjRphYfEgto/s1600/Kick+Stand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4L79Orl9bbHV9T-o0nX89PZbbAJ9FsweaJA6SosMWJ9Njhyphenhypheng_4rK0hjOW8BcK1NLy1A4DCQCbQQkzBybpWRqbk5a5Ycm3oNhLG2WjUFKSyPjwT8DxpDcYVACQI8creBXRjjRphYfEgto/s400/Kick+Stand.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Monday - Vancouver, WA during the alien thing)</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">May your kickstand be in the up position this weekend!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">God's speed.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11946652999166458805noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457055405703365212.post-67296495936464552011-01-30T19:02:00.000-08:002011-01-30T22:05:47.266-08:00One of Life's Firsts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgScJnvTsVguPeQfCIUT1pZNcNYzBWMaZwkeLMTX0ltzO0Mcn2poT6BheEJExvL2P9Np65Dv7gKvRkzeSLm58bC-K3Ppbud2y15LmaZaffahVNZRhljBRzDzo90uaoVJkZBH65Zu3Z1Qxg/s1600/Z+Reflection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgScJnvTsVguPeQfCIUT1pZNcNYzBWMaZwkeLMTX0ltzO0Mcn2poT6BheEJExvL2P9Np65Dv7gKvRkzeSLm58bC-K3Ppbud2y15LmaZaffahVNZRhljBRzDzo90uaoVJkZBH65Zu3Z1Qxg/s400/Z+Reflection.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Warning! What you're about to read might alter the image that you have of me, but allow me to explain. For a little over 60 years on the planet I've never owned a firearm. And thank God we've never needed one for home defense although there was one time early in our marriage when we might have come close. Our oldest daughter was just an infant. There was a knock on our door one night. When I opened the door the strange looking guy seemed surprised. After a couple of seconds of a blank stare he asked, "Is Mike here?" To which I replied, "Yes I'm right here." Another long blank stare and saying nothing he did an about face and walked into the darkness. I followed him outside asking what he wanted, which in hindsight wasn't a good move, but he kept walking and never turned around. I guess he picked the wrong name out of the blue. That experience would go on to alter the way I answer the door at night.<br />
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A few years ago a man and woman posing as husband and wife and pretending to be stranded knocked on the door of a nice older couple across the street and down a few houses. They pulled a gun and tied up the man while the lady took the wife to the ATM to make a withdrawal. Fortunately no one was hurt and a few days later the news came out that it was an inside job. A few weeks earlier these folks had hired a contractor who told someone about the potential for a heist at their house. This event shook people up in our neighborhood and was a reality check that this can "really happen here". I felt the strongest urge ever to protect my family and came real close to buying a handgun. What stopped me was Amber's strong desire to not have a gun in the house.<br />
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Through the years while we lived in California every once-and-awhile I would have the urge to get a .22 rifle to go plinking with other guys. But I've always respected Amber's desire to not own a gun and just put that urge out of mind.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSgGE0Zjlvn_HZLZj1xWpX2L9I_KB8SZvwWJjva6c6Hpv5ZNx7QCc_QwQ7kAjaVQCgW86oiJWBQ-B9WL1KD_JNJqVEgTQkByPRCAjqe3llDXU6MSRhwtvtu2Ok9UHMIrgXfA5afFCG7J0/s1600/P1040047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSgGE0Zjlvn_HZLZj1xWpX2L9I_KB8SZvwWJjva6c6Hpv5ZNx7QCc_QwQ7kAjaVQCgW86oiJWBQ-B9WL1KD_JNJqVEgTQkByPRCAjqe3llDXU6MSRhwtvtu2Ok9UHMIrgXfA5afFCG7J0/s400/P1040047.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>As I've mentioned before our son is a policeman. For the past four years I've watched his transformation in many areas including his growing interest in firearms. Recently I expressed my desire to go shooting sometime with him and our oldest grandson. I was pleasantly surprised that Amber finally relented to me getting a handgun if it meant that the three of us could develop this interest together. I don't mean to make this sound like Amber rules the roost but a person's stance on this subject, like a few others, is rooted deep within so I haven't wanted to go to the mat and argue my position. <br />
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Friday I made the plunge and bought a handgun. (Wow, that was new statement!) I've been researching it for a few weeks and in fact struggling a bit with how it'll all pan out. As many of you know who read this blog I'm a volunteer chaplain at the county jail. Let me pose just a couple of questions that I've been pondering. Does owning a gun for protection mean that I'm not trusting God? Is it okay to tell someone about the love of Christ while carrying a concealed weapon? The answers that I've found to these two points deserve at least a full post on their own but I won't go into it now. Maybe you have some thoughts on these questions and I'd really like to hear them.<br />
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It's an unpredictable world with some people who mean harm to others. I don't think that statement means that I'm paranoid because I do fully trust in God. But because I work at the jail I'm more aware than most about the reality of what goes on around us. Everyday all of the news sources bear witness to the fallen world around us.<br />
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Years ago I was in the National Guard. We were trained on all sorts of firearms because back in the day the National Guard was just that - a national guard. I enjoyed it when we would camp out at Camp Pendelton Marine Base and have our annual weapons training. So firearms aren't new to me but like motorcycling there are do's and don'ts and I plan to restart the learning curve. I'm looking forward to our son teaching our grandson and me.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_AUFfvn511p3WdkYHCl29JoOcyvw7bxPUXLboj9p8g8qlGoqTJcXoEq-s1zj44prkIDoZbMEr36vWXHWzlRSnMjXUVCjTCcz9ojgtO1F45AA6WenBJxjmSAynzq-HWRg5Wu7dhRehUqo/s1600/Bi+Mart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_AUFfvn511p3WdkYHCl29JoOcyvw7bxPUXLboj9p8g8qlGoqTJcXoEq-s1zj44prkIDoZbMEr36vWXHWzlRSnMjXUVCjTCcz9ojgtO1F45AA6WenBJxjmSAynzq-HWRg5Wu7dhRehUqo/s400/Bi+Mart.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Yesterday I made my first purchase of ammunition. (Wow, that's another first.) Bi-mart has it on sale. I'm such a newbie I just turn myself over to the people who know what they're doing. Isn't that the way it was when we first began riding? You have to trust and learn from the experienced people.<br />
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I know some of you might find this subject scary and upsetting. Recently we had the tragic event in Tucson, Arizona where six people lost their lives and nineteen were injured including U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords when a gunman opened fire at a shopping center gathering. Amber and I were watching NBC's Dateline the following evening. They interviewed a guy who was nearby and carrying a pistol. He got to the scene after the gunman was wrestled to the ground and felt bad that he didn't arrived earlier and maybe prevented some of the devastation. Amber said it's scary to think there are people walking around us with guns. I said no that's comforting to know that there are people familiar with guns who are available to help protect us. Even police agencies will tell you they can't be everywhere.<br />
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A couple of years ago an Iran veteran attending an Oregon University was expelled when it was discovered that he had a handgun on campus. He was a Marine veteran with a concealed permit trained in the use of weapons and he got verbally scourged and expelled. My feeling is this is the guy you want on campus and in fact he should have gotten a break on his tuition to help compensate him for his experience and availability. <br />
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Well, I thought I would "let the cat out of the bag" and write on this subject since most likely there will be a sprinkling of future posts on this point. Our oldest grandson is 14 and has plans to go into the Army after high school. He really looks up to our son so who knows, he might want to go into police work.<br />
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Stay safe.<br />
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God's speed.Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11946652999166458805noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457055405703365212.post-81492532483069887922011-01-28T21:21:00.000-08:002011-01-28T21:21:14.680-08:00Foggy Traveling<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLx-iqDtGqLZHrTifWqRTh0L3koVXsNWCmeNdrcmO8nlp4qwtrAcmApbaE3aT8XFqUXTLWO7PDZap7VawZv1OmE-JDFhW9Jo9qHuzFcxVDn3-lfDCxeD4VZ23viOau703vJjhXj1su0IU/s1600/Foggy+Travels+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLx-iqDtGqLZHrTifWqRTh0L3koVXsNWCmeNdrcmO8nlp4qwtrAcmApbaE3aT8XFqUXTLWO7PDZap7VawZv1OmE-JDFhW9Jo9qHuzFcxVDn3-lfDCxeD4VZ23viOau703vJjhXj1su0IU/s400/Foggy+Travels+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Earlier tonight I goofed and did a post to this blog when I meant to post to my other one. Shoot... I thought I could make it through the year without making a mistake. So I'm doing a little post to keep from having the mistaken post show up on blog lists.<br />
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I love to capture things engulfed in fog. Fog is like an extra filter and it does some nice things with the available light. Early Wednesday morning I drove to Eugene to work. The temperature was in the mid 30's (F) which kept me off the bike. Of course it warmed up to the low 50's during the day but I wimped out on the 90 minute morning ride in the cold.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUkfvCgHhXg3zDQ9gvU68cwzSoVJFeUn6JbPu7W8mvSi4jIb4K4z4U45nPmqfQEYtREmBbdLb9j_qLplNf3Hm08fmWZ2mkOmCx2A664BkHUVZKBCfkXkz82AmSs47qL_xtcbbgzFKlln0/s1600/Foggy+Travel+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUkfvCgHhXg3zDQ9gvU68cwzSoVJFeUn6JbPu7W8mvSi4jIb4K4z4U45nPmqfQEYtREmBbdLb9j_qLplNf3Hm08fmWZ2mkOmCx2A664BkHUVZKBCfkXkz82AmSs47qL_xtcbbgzFKlln0/s400/Foggy+Travel+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Of course driving allowed me to click some photos of what I normally see on the ride but without the risk. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTFaBIA16vpS44vzbT-REJ21KKwk1C1wdp2AYF9oEDzZ_hFcNCJrx10gWp-fXI3vuy5X6t9pRQNPD_xUWrKOpo6NeX4QPAcnOrZHaaodmN-4IztosTD3r41FXtMRP5sNRC20_zK56zotc/s1600/Foggy+Travel+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTFaBIA16vpS44vzbT-REJ21KKwk1C1wdp2AYF9oEDzZ_hFcNCJrx10gWp-fXI3vuy5X6t9pRQNPD_xUWrKOpo6NeX4QPAcnOrZHaaodmN-4IztosTD3r41FXtMRP5sNRC20_zK56zotc/s400/Foggy+Travel+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I like the two prominent colors of early morning highway travel, red and white, accentuated here by the fog. They remind me of the positive and neutral wires in electricity. A hot wire and a neutral wire. An open wire and a return wire. Okay before you think I was hallucinating or in some groggy early morning state, I was just enjoying what the fog was doing with the light. <br />
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It also reminded me of traveling on vacations with my parents when I was a child. I would peak over the front seat and see the red and white flow. The fog causes some tunnel vision and brings emphasis to the colorful movements.<br />
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I hope your highways are fog-free and remember... stay on the red side.<br />
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God's speed.Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11946652999166458805noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457055405703365212.post-72297790445935193282011-01-22T19:33:00.000-08:002011-01-23T06:44:34.206-08:00Rusty Rotors<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8VSai2BJzrh6dv6TXNFDxgrap7Mwj3qRnknnuTwMUrb5h7OvtgD2m2jIT1GM5iPGhwfS-Gn6ambH4T5_hcoJrPpViWE2CZTt4P2pE_XOBi1DYGsldqvmtVnqFVxPd1lXqBKaeT24Y88M/s1600/Rusty+Rotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8VSai2BJzrh6dv6TXNFDxgrap7Mwj3qRnknnuTwMUrb5h7OvtgD2m2jIT1GM5iPGhwfS-Gn6ambH4T5_hcoJrPpViWE2CZTt4P2pE_XOBi1DYGsldqvmtVnqFVxPd1lXqBKaeT24Y88M/s400/Rusty+Rotor.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>This morning was a beautiful sunny morning in an almost constant overcast Northwest. The big yellow ball in the sky was a welcomed old friend. Not riding since last Saturday gave me a strong hankering to ride today.<br />
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Our oldest grandson had a basketball game this morning. Everyone piled into our 4Runner with Amber at the helm which allowed me to take the Beemer. As I was putting my gear on I noticed rust on the rotors - a telltale sign of stagnate steel. A bothersome discovery that put my lack of riding lately in perspective.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Q0Wu9_KyIPLqUslou34aUcO_gD_QGh8EEjIHKVHB4duXynsDFvk18P54KuUCc6PEjZZqemrNldykIKm85JhyCiT8qSlkCDA8gMrEebcOgTRNgMrmBPkEwN-Oi1wzFe7G-z_GxkxbjoY/s1600/Basketball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Q0Wu9_KyIPLqUslou34aUcO_gD_QGh8EEjIHKVHB4duXynsDFvk18P54KuUCc6PEjZZqemrNldykIKm85JhyCiT8qSlkCDA8gMrEebcOgTRNgMrmBPkEwN-Oi1wzFe7G-z_GxkxbjoY/s400/Basketball.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Our grandson's team hasn't won a game yet this season. It's not because of a lack of trying or not practicing hard, they've just been playing teams that are better. Nope, there's no rust on his team.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-58FFODaITrDVI5bhu1vdWlIKOvepVz64PY-hlXnxbraKYAYdN1n0uThCf043SYNeNRvJJcBLx6A6WYZSCvTCwVCtqJtnM7a80kgEeLGqYdiKXN6GWxVkaSfP1dYBb5VktYgXmD7nKTQ/s1600/Basketball2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-58FFODaITrDVI5bhu1vdWlIKOvepVz64PY-hlXnxbraKYAYdN1n0uThCf043SYNeNRvJJcBLx6A6WYZSCvTCwVCtqJtnM7a80kgEeLGqYdiKXN6GWxVkaSfP1dYBb5VktYgXmD7nKTQ/s400/Basketball2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>When I decided on the title of this quick post it made me wonder if there's actually someone with the name Rusty Rotors. I know, that's kind of a strange thought but believe it or not there was a guy at my junior high school named Russell Sprouts.<br />
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May your rotors not gather any rust. Go forth rust free.<br />
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God's speed.Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11946652999166458805noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457055405703365212.post-19388824222709839782011-01-15T20:55:00.000-08:002011-01-18T08:16:06.236-08:00The Three Hurdles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd1NYNF5HQm67UgvnbpnOLfPTfXlp9kIg8qzqiyFukovqzpzQpyYYPPqeqnQ1ww2iaRRa5jXN-WDbg29LT70VQp1Q-2nmkG5BEBZm9WnKy7XhBV64leqXtYrvInpBFMXtLOfLvOFiCMjg/s1600/Sunday+Morning+2-14-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd1NYNF5HQm67UgvnbpnOLfPTfXlp9kIg8qzqiyFukovqzpzQpyYYPPqeqnQ1ww2iaRRa5jXN-WDbg29LT70VQp1Q-2nmkG5BEBZm9WnKy7XhBV64leqXtYrvInpBFMXtLOfLvOFiCMjg/s400/Sunday+Morning+2-14-10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>On Thursday January 6th I sat alone in a basement room of the Nuclear Radiology Department at Oregon Health Sciences University Hospital. I was waiting to have the radio active solution injected into my head and the thought came to me what others have thought as they were about to go through the same process. I noticed the manufacturer's name on the nuclear camera next to me. It's an unusual name - Picker. The last name of one of my best friends.<br />
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This day was our son's 30th birthday. He's our youngest and the father of two. He's beginning his career as a policeman and he and our daughter-in-law are saving for a house. Amber and I are thankful for our family. <br />
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I've had surgery on both knees as a result of running injuries but all three of those times I didn't have the peace that I felt on this morning. It wasn't a peace that was conjured up either, but a conviction that whatever was going to happen that day everything would eventually work out for good. This comes from my faith that God has every detail of our lives in His loving hands.<br />
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This morning was to be the first of three hurdles that I felt I had to cross. Within an hour the radio active liquid would make its way to a lymph node which would be determined as the sentinel node. Later in surgery the node would be removed for biopsy to test if cancer cells are present. If the cancer had spread then this one would have the evidence first in the chain of the nodes that follow. There was a strong chance that the solution would make its way to the left perotid gland located where the upper and lower jaws meet. This would be more risky as facial nerves run through the middle of this gland. These nerves would have to be disrupted to extract the lymph node so partial facial paralysis would be a possibility.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD5HWkg44FLtWESMni1WiyC4G_-s0Ac5BhiTyDmTl0gi2y-c4y2Rauc84Bxw7lrqWSO5cvK4wUR5LwQaRT1UZMwcPqqzPIqs4S96BR2v9cM7Ag2E5O9nwcxizCZIbJduQQYNC0XQ0_7AQ/s1600/Faith+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD5HWkg44FLtWESMni1WiyC4G_-s0Ac5BhiTyDmTl0gi2y-c4y2Rauc84Bxw7lrqWSO5cvK4wUR5LwQaRT1UZMwcPqqzPIqs4S96BR2v9cM7Ag2E5O9nwcxizCZIbJduQQYNC0XQ0_7AQ/s400/Faith+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I grew up in Southern California's LA suburb San Fernando Valley. The 60's was a turbulent decade but one of the best for fun, sun, and rock n roll. I was the drummer in a band that played a lot of Rolling Stones, Beatles, and other songs from bands of the day. I was both a surfer wannabe and a hippie wannabe. The hippie part came from being in the band and having a handlebar mustache. The surfer part came from body surfing at Malibu and Zuma beaches and having a 1963 VW Bus. I guess I've always had a German vehicle. It's the engineering. I sure wish I still had that bus!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj-vHWD3bgAB11R7Lnwpey5CRw7P_acHs1BS1hxL1bgrd5SXyS0g9i4VXsbfNS849_m2HGkisA7rT9jds9QNZV8kpUHvN2lSpl7un-Sbyr0oGwSUd5CnhxJ0X78zNDnBHVvot0rdsoNOY/s1600/Me+%2526+Aunt+May.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj-vHWD3bgAB11R7Lnwpey5CRw7P_acHs1BS1hxL1bgrd5SXyS0g9i4VXsbfNS849_m2HGkisA7rT9jds9QNZV8kpUHvN2lSpl7un-Sbyr0oGwSUd5CnhxJ0X78zNDnBHVvot0rdsoNOY/s400/Me+%2526+Aunt+May.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>This was my Great Aunt May and me circa 1969. I had been washing the bus and she came out to chat as she usually did. In this photo she was in her early 90's. She was about 5 feet tall, a talkative bundle of energy and always had a positive outlook. Maybe that's why she lived well into her 90's.<br />
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Growing up in SoCal I had my share of sun exposure and even got scorched a handful of times. Five years ago I had a spot of skin cancer appear on my left temple. It wasn't the type that spreads so I had it removed with <a href="http://www.skincancer.org/mohs-micrographic-surgery.html?gclid=CLn3q9nLuqYCFRRqgwodPRriIQ">mohs surgery</a> and that was that. The doctor highly suggested that I wear sun blocker which I did for a month or two then stopped. I shouldn't have stopped.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie21kj6ql1eEXXURm8tpyRDmUt06Ip405bpDfnC9kMA53SNtWjmie-JWx8FamYP6tkkaOpS-AnxC0IdUwg37YIAC9nnFmQALSDtAxtdQnd0SrJS2FxGyW_TYCl5BzvcZrfzosV_lE4WFA/s1600/Faith+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie21kj6ql1eEXXURm8tpyRDmUt06Ip405bpDfnC9kMA53SNtWjmie-JWx8FamYP6tkkaOpS-AnxC0IdUwg37YIAC9nnFmQALSDtAxtdQnd0SrJS2FxGyW_TYCl5BzvcZrfzosV_lE4WFA/s400/Faith+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Sometime last spring a mole appeared almost overnight. It was just above my forehead and a little left of center. I remember thinking, "Oh well, I guess this is another side effect of growing older." Every so often I would Google melanoma but the mole didn't fall into any of the descriptions I found.<br />
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The early part of November at the urging of Amber and one of our daughters I made an appointment with a dermatologist. He took a biopsy. In the late afternoon on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving the doctor called to say it was melanoma. And it was deep enough to be concerned about it spreading. What stood out from that conversation was when he said, "Melanoma is not the death sentence it use to be." Everything else sounded ominous. Those of you who have had a cancer diagnosis know what the thought process is like.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfREhlQgPDOnpI2WTRBIArVN7ecgplQfIQBf9HK0zvW3PLHOL8tJ6fMB_cuxGtN2U8oeBi5K3Wjp80uTyboO5E2rXIgElKAM4dsN4MVrQwffJpI5ynaJWtENzi3uOvuQlvsrxJPolsqPc/s1600/Faith+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfREhlQgPDOnpI2WTRBIArVN7ecgplQfIQBf9HK0zvW3PLHOL8tJ6fMB_cuxGtN2U8oeBi5K3Wjp80uTyboO5E2rXIgElKAM4dsN4MVrQwffJpI5ynaJWtENzi3uOvuQlvsrxJPolsqPc/s400/Faith+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I went in the next morning to have a full body screening. One more suspicious mole was on the side of my right calf. The doctor sliced it off and we waited another 5 days to find it wasn't melanoma. That was a relief.<br />
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The first hurdle was crossed successfully the morning of the surgery when the radio active material made its way to a lymph node behind my left ear. I was grateful it didn't go to the perotid gland and ready to get on with the surgery. Amber and I would wait another three hours before I was taken into surgery. The surgery lasted about two hours. The second hurdle was crossed. <br />
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When I woke up in recovery two nurses were having a friendly argument over whether the Oregon Ducks or the Auburn Tigers would win the national championship. It's funny how during surgery time doesn't pass like it does when sleeping. There is no concept of time.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpicgi_QkTnEDmwhBqCSqhO1uPuRZKDKjKHCVsKuz5X7iF0MS4vyO7mc7j5SuEs3JgYLCNQvt5V6QmvNXa8i4EvzX9MGv4PVroB9vYsz0uFXnbSESJvunul4u4dEkxYoMcHf_Ivemedys/s1600/Fath+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpicgi_QkTnEDmwhBqCSqhO1uPuRZKDKjKHCVsKuz5X7iF0MS4vyO7mc7j5SuEs3JgYLCNQvt5V6QmvNXa8i4EvzX9MGv4PVroB9vYsz0uFXnbSESJvunul4u4dEkxYoMcHf_Ivemedys/s400/Fath+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The afternoon before surgery I had an appointment with the doctor. After that they directed me to my pre-surgery physical in the medical building at the bottom end of the <a href="http://ridingandthinking.blogspot.com/2010/12/portland-area-tram.html">Portland Area Tram</a>. It was a nice drizzly beautiful ride.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYtoMkgZ4zcxxoAdDBAoDZpu_CKweOkkIRQIocwcVPPh4PeY7DpgZ93dpl0KJ6rBJifSRvfNbVuNQNRF_jSRZUzySrkKa51_IhJc6F8PRNTj65c3fAzV5Scxp1mkFt-RkzfQzzVqyksL8/s1600/Faith+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYtoMkgZ4zcxxoAdDBAoDZpu_CKweOkkIRQIocwcVPPh4PeY7DpgZ93dpl0KJ6rBJifSRvfNbVuNQNRF_jSRZUzySrkKa51_IhJc6F8PRNTj65c3fAzV5Scxp1mkFt-RkzfQzzVqyksL8/s400/Faith+5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>It's interesting how in the midst of our troubles life still goes on around us. Sometimes it seems like it should stop. Once the diagnosis had settled in I found it to be humbling. All the areas of my life that were about me were diminished. The important things in life were separated from the non-important. I also lost the urge to ride. Part of that was due to the cold weather we were having and partly because I just didn't have the desire to ride. The other factor was I didn't want to risk getting sick and postponing the surgery. Eradicating the cancer was my overwhelming goal. <br />
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This last Monday afternoon the surgeon called with the biopsy results. The sentinel lymph node taken from behind my ear was negative for melanoma. The cancer had not spread. It took a little while for that to settle in. I'm grateful that God has spared me from this cancer. The third hurdle was crossed.<br />
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I'm not one for long posts. Some might wonder why all this talk about lymph nodes and glands over an episode of skin cancer. Melanoma is serious but like most cancer it's preventable. I wanted to go through the development of this because our sport/hobby of motorcycling takes us outside and although we're covered head to toe with riding equipment, at some point we're taking in sun exposure. This is meant to show the consequences of not being diligent about sun protection. I wasn't careful, but wearing a hat and using sun blocker are now part of my daily routine.<br />
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I rode yesterday for the first time in almost a month. I worked at the jail in the afternoon and came home a long route that was new to me. What a nice time of being back with machine, camera, and beautiful scenery. I rode today too and the old feeling is back. Lord willing I'll be putting the miles on again.<br />
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I hope the weather allows you to ride these January days.<br />
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God's speed.Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11946652999166458805noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457055405703365212.post-48938713313630752082011-01-11T20:56:00.000-08:002011-01-11T20:56:48.076-08:00Life's Unexpected Events<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijJ4t1rr3i0VpcrfTDdGzQcSej53V_WDdgr-qu00iObigVtqvWJePsbtUQrq2Tod2442R4_NFx-mZzCLP200f1cj6a_N1u3XHuAXFlpcOhpuog2P73MNgBX5VlkUOD7tyn6O7sZ-Qcx6M/s1600/Sea+Foam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijJ4t1rr3i0VpcrfTDdGzQcSej53V_WDdgr-qu00iObigVtqvWJePsbtUQrq2Tod2442R4_NFx-mZzCLP200f1cj6a_N1u3XHuAXFlpcOhpuog2P73MNgBX5VlkUOD7tyn6O7sZ-Qcx6M/s400/Sea+Foam.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Sea foam is always changing. It's always growing as well as receding. It's a result of agitation of the elements in the seawater. Interesting how that works. When life throws a curve I find that I can either learn from it and grow or give in to the fear and worry and turn inward and recede. You can probably identify with those choices.<br />
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I had surgery last Thursday for one of life's unexpected events. I'll have more details to follow. I haven't ridden in a few weeks and I can't ride for a few more days. Besides, I want to wait to post until after I can once again experience the exhilaration of riding.<br />
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God's speed.Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11946652999166458805noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457055405703365212.post-89232439613954799262010-12-30T18:43:00.000-08:002010-12-30T18:43:58.522-08:00Happy New Year!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhRlQFznNLGY55SOaYTRrNOtAjtEpkMD8-IKR3sRGhNdI-Ge_A3CaYk38r5fziGRjMNUNHwOWu3vr8R6EoQ11wrwjHKqNiMLN1AbZ888UtdPUEURzbVo8qvrMzAAevozonvzU3QQTKYQc/s1600/Foggy+Slope.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhRlQFznNLGY55SOaYTRrNOtAjtEpkMD8-IKR3sRGhNdI-Ge_A3CaYk38r5fziGRjMNUNHwOWu3vr8R6EoQ11wrwjHKqNiMLN1AbZ888UtdPUEURzbVo8qvrMzAAevozonvzU3QQTKYQc/s400/Foggy+Slope.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The weather has not been the best for riding lately, at least in my humble opinion. Tonight I don't have a ride report or motorcycle photos as the Beemer is tucked away safely in the garage. So with that in mind I thought I would wish all of you wonderful fellow bloggers and non-bloggers a very happy and safe New Year. Thank you very much for visiting this blog this year and for your much appreciated comments.<br />
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This holiday weekend is a great time to not only reflect and be thankful for life and all the blessings we have but also to look ahead to plans and goals for the coming year.<br />
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My darling wife, Amber, surprised me with an iPod Touch 4 for Christmas and I must confess it's been hard to put it down since then. Last night all of our family came over to celebrate Christmas. This afternoon I put together an entire video including photo images and music. It was an entire iPod production using iMovie. I just might turn into more of a video guy.<br />
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The image above was taken a couple of weeks ago from the hospital room where our new granddaughter was born. The house on the slope is facing the sun as a new day dawns. As we face the coming new year I wish you peace and joy along with many safe riding miles.<br />
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God's speed.Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11946652999166458805noreply@blogger.com15