Author Topic: It just doesn't get any better than this. (Read 4132 times)

csendker · « **on:** April 20, 2006, 10:54:53 PM »

68 degrees and sunny today, and leaving for a long weekend tomorrow. So I cut out of work early and took off on a 3-hour run!! I'm tired, I'm sore and it feels great! I ran through the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains, alternating between the fresh scent of evergreens and the pungent oder of freshly manured fields. Damn, what a rush. You're part of the landscape, not sightseeing. Keep track of the road, watch for gravel, smell the surroundings.

Random thoughts: I need to improve my posture if I don't want to end up a cripple and I really, really need to work on that 'Death Grip' thing.

There is nothing like the feeling of pulling up and down through winding mountain (OK, hill) roads, and then blasting out of the last turn down a straight-away through the farm fields. I didn't realize it at the time, but this is why I got into bikes.

Three hours and she performed flawlessly. No overheating, no lugging, just git-up-and-go whenever I asked. I plowed up & down 10% grades, wound through switchbacks, and blasted down straight-aways. I was so wired that I came home, changed the oil, put in a new filter, dropped the pan - cleaned everything and put it all back together again. Did I mention the wife & kids left this morning and I get to play catch-up tomorrow? Bachelor-day, used to the fullest extent.

More random thoughts: Anyone in need of a pan gasket that is too big for a 550 (Honda #11398-426-000)? And don't get stuck behind a sight-seeing bus puking heavy diesel fumes.

Confession: I am a bug magnet. OK, so I started riding in the latter half of last summer, so this is my first spring. Is the bug population out of control or is this just normal for spring? I can't imaging running without a full face helmet and/or shield. The number of liquidated bugs on my face-shield and jacket is downright scary. I had a yellow-jacket hit square-on in my face and not liquefy - just a big hunk of yellow bug guts directly in my line of sight. Now that was fun at 65 mph.

It's been fabulous weather this week in Western New York (IE Buffalo). I've been running all week long, but today tops it all. I stopped at a red light and a FedEx truck pulls up next to me. The driver yells out: "'73 or '74?" I smiled and held up 5-fingers. He knew. I ran into him at one or two other lights. Every time, he looked longingly and waved. I have a new respect for FedEx.

Last random thought: Crotchrocket dudes almost always wave, Harley dudes usually wave. And there are no other SOHC4's in WNY.

Carpe Diem! ...and I did.

Bonus random thought: If you feel a monster sneezing fit coming on, just pull over; it's safer that way.

Bob Wessner · « **Reply #1 on:** April 21, 2006, 01:49:04 AM »

I'm guessing you enjoyed the ride.

Funny about the bugs. We had a couple of mild days back in March. I was surprised how many sizable bugs were out given there were only one or two days. Had to chuckle at the sneeze advice.

mbrock307 · « **Reply #2 on:** April 21, 2006, 03:00:14 AM »

Sounds like a hell of a time...still working on getting mine roadworthy for the year....

clarkjh · « **Reply #3 on:** April 21, 2006, 03:21:04 AM »

Man, that story is giving me the itches to get mine back together. Be thankful the yellow jacket hit your helmet and not up your sleeve, (whole new meaning to "panic stop"

). I agree with Bob about your sneeze advice.

James

Bob Wessner · « **Reply #4 on:** April 21, 2006, 03:32:00 AM »

I actually rode into a swarm of bees years ago. Thankfully, I was wearing a face shield, could hear them going pop-pop-pop off the thing. Unfortunately, one must have been flying below the radar, got wedged between my right thigh and the gas tank. Stung like the dickens, guess he didn't like the location.

It was something of a quick stop.

clarkjh · « **Reply #5 on:** April 21, 2006, 03:42:32 AM »

The hardest bug strike was a junebug at about 70mph with an open face helmet, cought it right between the eyes.

Just about took me right off the bike.

James

6pkrunner · « **Reply #6 on:** April 21, 2006, 04:09:52 AM »

Enjoy your weather guys. Last week almost looked promising here, but this week its almost like winter. Biting cold wind today that would knock a biker over. Bikes and fun cars remain cacooned.

bwaller · « **Reply #7 on:** April 21, 2006, 04:49:35 AM »

Bike riders tell better stories!

Regarding bugs though late last fall on a gorgeous Sunday afternoon in upstate NY I ran through a colony? of ladybugs. They were everywhere. I had to pull into the next place I could find to clean my visor, I was orange!

Bob Wessner · « **Reply #8 on:** April 21, 2006, 04:54:51 AM »

I wonder if they were those asian imitations (no joke here). They have become quite a pest here in Michigan. Unlike true "ladybugs" these little suckers have a nipping little bite. In the fall they start looking for any and all small openings in homes to get away from the cold/freezing weather. Real pains (pun intended) they are.

mbrock307 · « **Reply #9 on:** April 21, 2006, 04:57:48 AM »

Ahhh, yes, Bob... the Japanese Beetle, slightly more oragnge than a ladybug, and a whole hell of a lot more painful, Michigan is starting to suck because of the damn things....

motorcycleclaude75 · « **Reply #10 on:** April 21, 2006, 04:59:31 AM »

Hey 6pkrunner,

Thursday morning was truly nasty here in Hailfax, it was about 1 degree Celsius, raining/snowing with strong winds.

But to my amazement, I saw a motorbike, I took a doubletake, I couldn't believe my eyes.

Was this guy stupid or just a true biker?

Claude

ProTeal55 · « **Reply #11 on:** April 21, 2006, 07:58:47 AM »

I got a junebug once right under my left eye (no helmet-just glasses and a backwards hat).
I was going about 50 or so, and it felt like I got punched in the face.

Those things hurt

byidesign · « **Reply #12 on:** April 21, 2006, 08:24:04 AM »

A few years ago we had those "tent" caterpillars everywhere hanging
on threads from the trees, a half hour ride would turn you and your bike all
green with gooey sploches.{like bird sh#&.only green}
I got a good windshield, and even though it doesn't make the
bike look very cool... I've cleaned a lot of bugs/bees,etc. off that thing
I'm glad didn't get on me.
Enjoy
Bruce

Stevearino · « **Reply #13 on:** April 21, 2006, 09:46:33 AM »

I must have gotten the last SOHC from Western NY. I bought my 77 550F from a guy that brought it to Indy last year from Orchard Park. Still has a NY inspection sticker on it. The NY bugs are gone though.

I lived in Williamsville from 69-75. Lots of nice riding, too bad the economy tanked though. Have fun.

750K4 · « **Reply #14 on:** April 21, 2006, 12:17:05 PM »

I had to laugh when you brought up the bug collisions. Where I live in Iowa, by the end of summer, the bugs have had a good long season to grow, and some get pretty big. I remember one trip on my old Yamaha Enduro about 25 years ago, when I rode a bike because I couldn't afford anything else! Anyway, I was toolin' along about 60 mph and SMACK - right in the forehead I was whacked with a grasshopper that had to be four inches long. He hit me so hard my eyes watered, and I had to pull off to regain my composure. That was the day I decided to ALWAYS wear a helmet. And I have never ridden without one since.

loonymoon · « **Reply #15 on:** April 21, 2006, 12:58:49 PM »

I took a bumblebee for a ride once. It hit me in the neck at 60mph - ouch but what I didn't realise was that it had dropped inside the neck of my jacket and it stayed there until 30 mins later when i lent forwards to get off the bike to open our garage door. Then I noticed it as it stung me on the collar bone - it just felt like someone had grabbed some skin and pinched it hard. I didn't realise what it was until I pulled this yellow and black stripey thing out of my collar with my motorcycle glove - ouch.....

Dad once had bird hit him on the side of the helmet when he was riding his lambretta in the 60's ouch that's gotta hurt - and the helmets weren't like they are now back then.

GraveRobber · « **Reply #16 on:** April 21, 2006, 02:50:27 PM »

I took a dragon fly square in the chest at about 45-50 Mph. What a mess!

Bob Wessner · « **Reply #17 on:** April 21, 2006, 03:17:10 PM »

Just think how big and far north they will get with global warming.

bowhunter · « **Reply #18 on:** April 21, 2006, 06:12:21 PM »

You haven't lived 'til you've driven through a cloud of gnats at dusk! They almost completely fogged my face shield,and three showers later I was still finding remains in my hair! $:-\$ $:-\$ $:-\$
Bowhunter

Bob Wessner · « **Reply #19 on:** April 21, 2006, 06:14:55 PM »

Just thought of a new forum attraction. In addition to Bike of the Month, maybe we need Bug of the Month.

Terry in Australia · « **Reply #20 on:** April 21, 2006, 06:36:28 PM »

This is the best time of the year to ride in Oz (well, any time is good, as we don't have any real extremes in temp like on the other side of the pond) but all the bugs here are dying/hibernating, so you can ride in relative comfort in cool (70 deg avg) temps, but bug free! (of course, there are still plenty of errant 'Roo's to contend with, he he........) Cheers, Terry.

mick750F · « **Reply #21 on:** April 21, 2006, 06:59:30 PM »

Quote from: Terry in Australia on April 21, 2006, 06:36:28 PM

This is the best time of the year to ride in Oz (well, any time is good, as we don't have any real extremes in temp like on the other side of the pond) but all the bugs here are dying/hibernating, so you can ride in relative comfort in cool (70 deg avg) temps, but bug free! (of course, there are still plenty of errant 'Roo's to contend with, he he........) Cheers, Terry.

Ahhh Terry...Once again you sing the siren song of Oz...Fall is my favorite time to ride too. Unfortunately, rather than Roo's we have deer to contend with...those pointy antlers hurt.

However, it's spring here...my second favorite riding season...and so far not a deer to be seen. Hope I haven't cursed myself.

Mike

JHansen · « **Reply #22 on:** April 21, 2006, 07:02:39 PM »

Quote from: csendker on April 20, 2006, 10:54:53 PM

Last random thought: Crotchrocket dudes almost always wave, Harley dudes usually wave. And there are no other SOHC4's in WNY.

I get waves from all bikes, but I swear I have the only running SOHC in the Kalamazoo area... anyone out there that can prove me wrong? If so, get over here to my house and help me get these carbs dialed in!

Dusthawk · « **Reply #23 on:** April 21, 2006, 08:53:07 PM »

All this talk about bugs and Michigan is getting me misty eyed

I grew up in New Buffalo down near Indiana, Exit #1 on 94. It's also where I learned to ride in all seasons. Ever try riding in a blizzard cuz you didn't want to walk home?

Next time someone is down that way, have a Redamacks for me!!!

Peace and Long Rides,

Jeff

mrbreeze · « **Reply #24 on:** April 21, 2006, 09:44:07 PM »

Just reread this post......Starts off the first spring ride......ends up about who hit the biggest bug!! Man...I think Spring has sprung!!I might just go bug hunting tomorrow.

glendaler · « **Reply #25 on:** April 22, 2006, 02:18:59 PM »

i'm the only SOHC owner in my area too, the only one i know with one is my friends dad has a 73 i believe CB750 sitting in his garage, when i get enough i'm gonna make an offer. i've only not gotten a wave from one harley owner, the crotch rocket guys seem to be the most eager to wave, maybe they see the ancestor of their bike in mine and get excited.the only time i got hit with a bug was on my XR100 dirtbike and it was a bee, obviously i wasn't going that fast but it still hurt like a #$%* at the time, full face ever since. happy bug hunting!!

Raul CB750K1 · « **Reply #26 on:** April 23, 2006, 04:28:49 AM »

Last year a bug came straight my sleeve into my forearm. It was spring so I didn't feel the need to adjust the gauntlet over the jacket sleeve. I could feel it wandering inside the sleeve, crawling on my arm. I was terrified it could be a bee or wasp, so I stopped as soon as I could. That was a leather jacket, so without even removing my helmet I unzipped the jacket and sloooooowwwwwwwlllllly removed the jacket, trying not to upset the insect. I didn't see it falling, and that was worst because I couldn't know wether it was out of the jacket or not. After 5 minutes searching all the seams, couldn't find any bug so I just went off again, but from that day I ALWAYS make sure that the sleeves are closed.

Raul

P.S. Guess I was lucky and it was neither a bee nor a wasp.

Bob Wessner · « **Reply #27 on:** April 23, 2006, 07:35:04 AM »

Starting to think we should all mount one of these to give the little buggers

something to shoot for besides us.

bill440cars · « **Reply #28 on:** April 23, 2006, 08:17:06 AM »

This brings 2 experiences to mind that happened to me:

While riding to high school one morning (I had my Dad's helmet on, which was kinda like
a 1/2 helmet with leather lower and a small bill on it) and a bumble bee got wedged in
between my head and the leather part of the helmet. Fortunately for me, he couldn't sting
me but, he was buzzing like hell right next to my ear. I stopped, very quickly I might add, got
that helmet off and he flew away. I don't need to tell you that I was truly grateful. I got my
own helmet and with a shield!

A few years later, while riding my CB72 Hawk in Japan, a very large bug hit my face
shield so hard that it cracked it. Talk about rattling my cage! Later on, Bill

ProTeal55 · « **Reply #29 on:** April 24, 2006, 10:51:00 AM »

The windshield of my 55 acts like a big bug killer.
They called em "Shoeboxes" for a reason I guess...

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Author Topic: It just doesn't get any better than this. (Read 4132 times)

mbrock307

mbrock307

motorcycleclaude75

Stevearino

750K4

GraveRobber

bowhunter

glendaler