Thursday, July 19, 2007





So this is kind of a three part update.

We've been eating and drinking with great regularity. Dawn shows us in one pic. "How big it really was." Oh maybe she meant the bottle on display. Actually it was about a frog. Or was that Prince Charming?

The sign shows how clever some kids can be in the dark of night.

Now for the trip. The V-Strom is packed and ready to ride. Following the Star Wars theme that makes me a Strom Trooper. I get two week of riding with the Jedi master Tom. Who like Yoda in stature needs his KISS army boots to touch the ground on his bike. We won't be swapping rides as he'd never touch on the Strom. My long legs barely make it with the seat chamois.

Tom will come packed like Walmart and Home Depot. I'll be a dirtbag. I've been paring the load. Have some "throwaway ou fits". Scored some poly pro shirts and underwear. Easy care.

Going to try the smartwool under the armor. God knows a T'shirt or two will be purchased may be a hat.

I wonder if Nashville has a good Salvation Army? Could probably score some sweet cowboy shirts there.

This trip will take us to Maggie Valley NC. Where we'll be going to the Wheels Through Time museum. A number of day trips. Then head to Deals gap to ride the Dragons Tail, 11 miles 317 turns. Then off to Nashville just because, (and meeting fellow netizens) From there we head to Evansville IN. To meet a fellow netizen/bike racer/chef. More Food!!!From there we're headed to Columbus OH. From there we're not sure of the ride home. We may even stop at my sisters.

This trip will be something I never could have done with my Dad. Since he was convinced I'd grow up to be a Hell's Angel. But I'll be stopping at his grave tomorrow, to bid my respects.

Part three is the Willie Nelson song. I had a friend Chris in college that sang in bars. He was good As the night wore on and the bar became drunker/rowdier he'd sing On the Road again. But with his lyrics.

On the road again,

just can't wait to shoot my load again,

down her throat again,

like a band of gypsies we go up the Hershey highway.

It was funny to watch the crowd going. "Did he just say that?"

Then Chris would wind it all up with a sing along of American Pie.

The sad part of the story is Chris killed himself over a his girlfriend at the age of 24. Put the hose on the exhaust of the car ran it in the window. Case of beer on the seat. Good night.

What a waste of talent and a future. I'm not judging him. I just don't understand getting to that point. So to avoid ending on a low note to the beginning of a new journey for me.

I'll be thinking about he and Dad when I get on the road again. How things could have been.

It's a big ol' dirty world get out and play in it.

Ride safe, Enjoy life, pet your dog, say hello to strangers, eat new foods, remind someone why they are your friend, Watch the sunset,
Marvel at the world we live in.

Enjoy life. OGQ

Thursday, July 12, 2007





Now Laurie (in pink) is a perceptive reader. She pointed out that more went on than I wrote about. True. But what happens in Vegas,stays in Vegas.

Today we headed to Shindagin for some tasty single track. Bob took day off for it. A nice cool morning found us on pristine singletrack. We poached the on trail since it was mid week. Tire tracks told us others had been there too. Right or wrong we did it. The Chair trail was blast my skills are still a bit tenative. But I did most of the logs. Not the ramps. Our return ride had us descending on "Jerrys" trail. we tried this in the fall and it was bushwhacking and mayhem. Now it's a whooped out technical ride. FUN.

Apres ride, I made fresh cinammon rolls with frosting. BOOM food coma for me. But yummy.

I leave on my motorcycle trip in one week. That will be a blast. Loaded up the bike and did a test run with the gear and baggage. It's a go.

Thats a little update for all. Summer is going great. Trust yours is too. OGQ

Sunday, July 01, 2007





Satuday dawned bight and clear. Heading into a perfect day. We tried the Floral Ave Diner for breakfast. Breakfast can be hard ro screw up,but I do love an omelette,homefries and toast.

They're first mistake was serving people who came in after us. Then we waited and waited.

The waitress was pleasant and attentive with the weak coffee. Breakfast came orders slighty mixed up,easily remedied. Not bad. But we won't be headed back soon. Other favorites do a better job for less.

So Bobber and I headed to Pa on the bikes. We met at Spikes Bar.(No cold ones this early) Rolled down Rt 7 on new pavement with a tailwind. The good karma is building. Then in Great Bend Bob shows me a way around Rt 11. I hate Rt11. More good Karma. We get to 848. Time for me to climb and Bob headeds home. I'm right on schedule. Climbed well and made it to camp right on time. Grab a shower and off to the NNS party. Lots of food, drink and men. Some this is the only time we see each other. Lots of laughs. No,No no more beer thanks. Nibble on some snacks mingle. Lots of feedback on the ink. It is a conversation starter. Oh and so was the scar. "Did you have your hip replaced" Almost as good as a dog. To really understand this party you have to go it. FUN.

4:30 it breaks up. The Debutante Ball is at 5. Silverscreen Edition. Me I just wear shorts. This is when drag is funny. Some of these guys are hilarious. Now these guys put on the booze. Pineapple martinis,jello shots and Yuengling on tap. Snacks. The party continues. Me I stick to beer. So I can take pics here. I think this is the party of the summer. Again FUN!.

It's tight you have to "run the gauntlet" to get a beer. Shoulder to shoulder everywhere. FUN!

Details are left out to protect the innocent. FUN! In all today made up for frustrating week.

Life is good.

Rode hills today with the RUUD Mikes. We beat up on each other. FUN.

The foodie in me continues tonight with grilled tuna,tapenade and a salad. Not to menton wine.

Oh the title just ties in the pics.


Allan from Brockport if you remember this leave a comment with your email to me. Thanks.

More good news on the cancer front. All are doing well.


Enjoy life. OGQ