Rambling thru life

Setting off on a two day shake down run through South West Wisconsin, North East Iowa and South East Minnesota. Our objective on Day 1 was to run the alphabets in Wisconsin down to La Crosse. From my brother, I obtained a map that the BMW riders club used many years ago for their day rides.  It maps out a route down many numerous roads that are a join to ride.  Each road is a letter of the alphabet. We hit a stretch of dirt road over by Cream WI.  Other than that stretch, the road surface was fantastic, and we cruised with little mishap. It was pass lunch time when we reach Arcadia WI.  Looking for some small town cafe, we happened upon a tent run by a local church that was selling some bbq grilled chicken.  Chicken, chips, soda was a simple afair, but LoriAnn commented on how good it was for days. Interesting park in Sparta WI.  Bicycle capital of the world This was the first ride with our new Sena Bluetooth Communicators,  Besides intercom, there is FM radio, as well a

I dropped the bike off at Tousley Motorsports  on Monday for the Honda Brake Recall and a major tune up. I was sure that the service manager said the bike would be done mid week.  My mistake was telling him that's good because I want the bike for the weekend.   The Brake Recall was because the rear brakes of the affected motorcycles may drag after the brakes are released. Additionally, extended riding with the rear brake dragging could generate enough heat to result in a fire. I know that I have gone thru rear breaks a lot. There are times when I have smelled the brakes and wondered.  But dang, taking the bike to the shop and leaving it for an extended period of time (even with and appointment) made me put this maintenance off for a year.  With the big ride west coming up, where we will be pulling a trailer, it was time for it to be done. I went in with a maintenance list of items to do.  I wanted a complete fluid change: cooling, brakes, rear trans axle, and clutch. I knew t

After riding on my tires for the last season and 1/2, I know I need new tires before the West Coast trip. I checked on tires at  Dr. Mudspringers , my favorite Goldwing accessories store, and learned that Dunlap has a great rebate on their new Elite 4 tires. Researching the tires on several blogs, I found nothing menacing mentioned about them.  So I went ahead and purchased the tires.  The store is holding the tires for me until I can get them installed.

Well, its time to get serious about the helmet replacement. I went to Bob's cycle the other day and checked out a few of the top brands.  I was really interested in the HJC RPHA Max until I learned about how hard it was to install a audio headset.  I tried on the Shoei Endotec at $662.  It was a great fit but I was sticker shocked. Today I stopped into Dr. Mudspringer's to order my tires.   I looked hard and long at the Nolan N104.  After my last helmet that rattled all the time, I couldn't buy another.   Even with a good price in the $300 range.  When I walked out I was carrying a Shoei, with a great price.  Much better than Bob's! I was really concerned about the size.   I took home a XLG.  That night I sat in my easy chair watching TV for 2 hours; Couch Tested as they say at Mudspringers.  By the time I took the helmet off, I new I had bought the wrong size.  I called Mudspringers up the next morning and they will gladly exchange it for the next size up. I wi

Great day out riding... 230 miles today... Crossed over the river at Taylor Falls.  Headed north towards Grantsburg; South thru Avery then into River Falls. Crossed over the Mississippi at Prescott. Dinner in Afton on the patio listening to live music at The Lumberyard Pub. And then through Stillwater to home. Food was great pub food... I abstained from beer due to riding, but they had an interesting craft beer selection.