New Addition to the Family

2002 Yamaha V Start 1100 Classic

My father in law, Daryl, traded in his Harley Sporter for the bike you see above. We did end back up at Lake Shore Harley, where is bought his last bike, but came home with a Yamaha.

Daryl's major complaint of the Sportser was that he was too cramped for him and he needs to stretch his legs out. I think he made a good choice. If he were to buy this same style bike in a Harley, he would have to spend another $10k. Congrats Dad!

Ride Like The Wind

Cubby Hole in Richmond, IL (thumbs up on the breakfast)

It was a tough call to make this morning. Ride into Wisconsin with some other riders or sleep in.
The alarm went off at 6:30 followed by the snooze button. The alarm went off again. I am still tired due to getting four and half hours of sleep since I worked a wedding the night before in Racine. I decided that I can always sleep in the afternoon while watching the Bears blow another game. (Hey, the Bears won)

I am to meet with riders from the Sport Touring site at 7:30 for breakfast. I roll in at 7:40 to find five of the riders almost completing their breakfast? Service couldn't be that fast at the Cubby Hole could it? Sure enough, I had my ham and cheese omelet in less than five minutes and it was good.

Gearing Up After a Full Tummy (notice how sunny it is)

The plan was to meet up for coffee in Delafield Wisconsin at 10:00. Since the food service was fast, we are able to get out on the road earlier than planned. We took Route 12 north to where highway 67 /20 , and 12 meets. We continue North on 67 into Eagle. From there, we ventured onto the Kettle Moraines marked roads.

I have been wanting to ride this area for some time now. This is where my first group ride was with STN earlier this year. Although I am still learning new skills while riding, I truely was a freshman out on that trip. I had mixed felling about some mistakes I made while riding. Part of the problem then was taking the corners to fast and trying to keep up with experienced riders. That is where the old saying kicks in, "Ride Your Own Ride".

The Kettle Moraines is very scenic with twisty tight roads and constant rolling terrain. You really need to pay attention to the warning signs as you ride. The pace today was quick spirited but by no means were we speed demons.

Overall, I felt a little more confident with that section of the ride. I still have some work to do. I think part of me is not confident in relying on the bike to get me low in the corners. It is not so much the bike but it is more of the bike slipping out due to leaves, tar snakes, loose gravel..... the unknown but yet, I still have the urge to take the corners with speed. When I make a smooth corner, it feels like a coaster with smooth turning.

My only close call today came when I was not aware of how sharp a corner was. There was an incline in the wooded area with the road moving out to a 90 degree right.... a curve if you will. As I am approaching, the sun hit me in the eyes and did not see the warning sign. I started to turn and the next thing I know, a car was coming from the other way, in his lane and I was not expecting it. It shouldn't have bothered me but the direction of the car was telling me that I need to start turning NOW as it was perpendicular to me. As I cleared the car, I immediately looked through the rest of the turn and accelerated to keep the momentum of the bike turning. I think this was the first time I actually got off my seat and really leaned the bike into the corner so I could make it. I think the words in my head was "Holy Shit!!!" I made it but had to catch my breath. When we stopped, I talked to another rider who had the same issue on that same corner with the sun.

Welcome to Delafield...Nice Town

We made it to Delafield but I could only stay for a few minutes. I did the usual. Shook hands. Kissed babies on the forehead and signed autographs. Then I snapped a few pictures and headed back home.

While returning home, I came across high winds. I was unaware there was an advisory in place. I was taking a beating at higher speeds on the highways. I am getting use to driving in these conditions but it is not fun.

Imagine you are walking outside and someone comes by and unexpectedly knocks into the side of you. As a result, you stumble to the side but not enough to make you fall over. That is what it is like on the bike with the wind gust. You just get pushed around, not knowing when it is going to happen next.

I was passing an 18 wheeler. Ironically, it was an orange Haley Davidson trailer. At the time, I kept getting knocked with wind on my front left side. I wanted to pass the truck since it was a four lane road. We are going down a hill and he is picking up speed, over 70 MPH. I can't go much faster because the winds are just brutal. Just as I sneak out in front, I get hit from behind on my right side with a wind gust. It scared the crap out of me because that was the first time I felt it from the north.

For some reason, I can look past the danger and chalk it up to experience. Let's hope I can get one more decent ride in this year.

Thanks Matt!

Bandit Brother Matt

Matt hooked me up with my newly revised Title Picture (me by Lake Michigan). Thanks Matt!

PS
Thanks for letting me use your tools from time to time as well.

Dream Bike

Suzuki m109r = S W E E T

It's no secret that my dream bike would be an Italian bike like a Ducati or Moto Guzzi. Next on my list would be this sweet baby you see in the picture. To me, this is the cruisers of all cruisers. A road bike with the heart of a crotch rocket. I have sat on many of these but my check book says no. (so does the wife)

I better start working more over time.

One last note, silver looks good on a motorcycle plus it makes the bike faster than other paint, so I have heard.

The Winter Project

1982 Honda Nighthawk 750

With Winter coming, and my quest to learn to work on motorcycles, I bought a bike to to repair. I bought this bike over Labor Day weekend. It does not run but I think with a little work, she will be road ready by Spring if not sooner.

The image above is the way I found it. I have washed it since then but the bike was sitting under a tree for the last three months by the previous owner. I am currently doing a Title Search for the bike. For the repair, it will need new tires and a chain. I have already removed the tank and carbs. The carburetors were in better shape than I thought. I will be removing parts off it this week for a thorough cleaning. The tank on the other hand is going to be a challenge.

First, the tank was repainted and I have a feeling there is bondo another neath the paint. Worse, the inside of the tank is completely rusted. When gas sits in a tank, without running for a month's, it goes bad and makes gunk for a lack of better words. I started cleaning it but I will need to reevaluate if I will need a replacement or not. They have not been that easy to find.

The bike was bought for $100.00 with just under 16,000 miles. The bike running, according to Kelly Blue Book, goes between $1300 to $1400. My intentions are not to keep the bike, but to flip like investors do with houses. I already have an idea how much I can spend and still make some money on it. Time will tell.

A Blog Is Born

On the Move

If you are reading this, you may be a bit confused. On this day, 10/11/07, is the launch day of this new motorcycle blog. I bet you are asking yourself, why all the previous posts? (77 to be exact) All the previous posts came from the other blog, SeansDiner. Blogspot.com . It is today and going forward, that all posts related to motorcycles will have a new home here at Razor's Ride.


Check back often as I will have trip reports, project updates, stories from the garage, random pictures of the week and much more.

This blog is not for everyone but if you enjoy motorcycles or just want to see pictures from my adventures, check back often. Thanks for stopping in.

BMW Night

Earlier in the year, I saw a posting a weekly meet-up for BMW owners. Every Monday night, the motorcyclists drive out to a different hot dog place. Tonight, it was Fratellos in Volo.

The meeting is open to everyone. Matt and I went to the one in Libertyville earlier this year. For the most part, it is all men with the average age of 50. There were maybe two other guys close to my age.

I learned some history night tonight. Before the Sunday morning meet ups at Full Moon restaurant in Lake Bluff, the bikers would meet at the Highland House on 41 on the border of Highland Park. I recall those mornings as I use to work at Highland Park Hospital. What I did not know was that the BMW club started the tradition which goes back to the 1950's. For some reason, that just amazed me.

I also met another gentleman. Of course I can't recall his name but I see him a lot at Full Moon. He usually has a camera in his hand. We got to talking and he gave him his web site address. He has something in the neighborhood of over 7000 images. He has other pictures besides motorcycles but the main focus is his love for bikes. Here is the link.....

All in all, not a bad night. About a dozen people showed up. I came home watching a lightning storm off in the distance. It was a good night.

Here are a few other pics ...

Razor Rides Again

Gearing Up For A Morning Ride

It has been too long since I have been out on the bike for a lengthy trip. The last trip was Labor Day weekend for an overnighter in Madison. Originally, I had planned a three day get away with the group that I wrote with in Indiana but my schedule would not permit it this time around.

Typical Harley owner. Too cool to show any enthusiasm.

Meet Josh. He is a new rider and bought a new Harley. It was his idea to get the guys together and get out for a little ride. Welcome to the club Josh.

I led most of the trip taking us on mostly back roads. Our first stop was in Rochester Wisconsin, just north of Burlington. A ride is not a ride unless there is a coffee stop involved. The coffee house is called Stir Crazy. Good coffee, nice people. I first went there in the beginning of April with another group of riders. It was 40 degrees colder then.

Decaf or Regular?

After the caffeine rush, we went west young man. Rode past Alpine Valley and onto the Kettle Moraines. Weather was perfect. Trees were turning color and for the moment, no worries.
After a gas stop, Matt returned home for an obligation and the rest of us took to ride the unknown, eventually getting the group to Lake Geneva.

On the way there, our new rider, Josh, decided that anyone could ride pavement. Why not test out the ditch. All I know was that I was in front with Pat as my wing man. As I came around a corner, I didn't see anyone else behind me. Pat and I immediately slowed down and was about to turn around when I saw the remaining three driving towards us. Josh went into the ditch but kept the bike up right. He decided that since he could ride in gravel and grass, he had nothing else to prove. He stayed on the road for the rest of the trip.

After lunch at Hogs and Kisses, Pat took the lead out to Snake Road. It is a short little road with full of twists and turns. It reminded me of driving in Southern Indiana with the tall trees and blind corners. For some reason, the roads were wet so I slowed down through the turns. When we got to the end, I wanted to turn around and do it again. It was that much fun.

We ended the trip with a lap around Lake Geneva. All in all, it was good day with friends and fresh air, a new biker and more mileage. (somewhere in the ballpark of 165 miles)

The rotisserie at Popeye's in Lake Geneva (they were easily amused)

Scottie Approves

Killer paint job of the day (click to enlarge)

This bike had so many images interlaced, I could have a spent a good hour looking at all the detail.

Winter Project

This bike says ME!

With the blessing of my wife, I am able to look for a used motorcycle. No, I am not getting rid of the Bandit. I love that bike. It is not going anywhere. I am back to the old grind of still wanting to work on a bike. Not clear if I am doing this to flip bikes like people flip houses or do I really want to be a bike mechanic? I am sure it is a little of both. Since I am hating my full time job lately, I might be looking for a way out.

Earth to Sean.... "You need a full time job to pay the bills and feed your kids." OK, it is nice to dream anyway.

If you know of anyone who has a bike in their garage collecting dust and they want to get rid of it, please pass along the word. I will even come and tow it away.

Our Anniversary in the Dells

Nothing says 13 happy years together like going to Wisconsin Dells. Aunt Carrie and Uncle Shane were brave enough to watch the kids this weekend so Jenn and I could spend some time alone. I will apologize now that there are not more pictures like my bike trips but once you have been to the Dells many times, I don't find it necessary to take pictures.

Friday night starting in downtown Dells at a German restaurant. Jenn is not a big fan of German food so I appreciate the fact that she gave me the green light. Luckily for me, Jenn is cheap date. One 20 oz beer and she was good for the night.

After dinner, we wonder around the downtown area. It amazes that you can buy the same crap at every other store. There are many nicknack's junk stores. I often wonder if it is under mob control. I mean you can see the same junk all around town.

Night fell and we drove out to Ho-Chunk Casino. No trip to the Dells is complete unless I can gamble. Jenn is just happy if she can play the penny slots. If she wins, she is happy. If she does not, she is content. She just like all the bells and whistles. I told her is she wants excitement, I could get naked and have sparklers coming out of my butt and dance around and whale like a fire engine. I don't think she will be seeing that show any time soon.

Back at the casino, Jenn finds a row of Star Wars slots. I watch. I play. I lose. Leave it to me to blow $20 on a penny slot machine in less than five minutes. Yes, it is true. The max bet is 30 lines which comes out to $3.00 bucks a pull. I was up about $10 bucks then lost it really quick. Jenn had fun but eventually lost her money. We then played a few other cheaper slots. No money return.

I then decided to play the Dollar machine with a max of three bucks bet. I put in $20 dollars. First pull. Nothing. Second pull, I win $6.00 bucks. Third pull, I hit it for $150.00. The credits are just rolling up. I thought I broke the machine. When it got to $100, I tell Jenn out of confusion that "I think each credit is one dollar". The credit kept going to $150.00. I was so excited. We both stood there dumb founded. Three pulls and I am up. An older lady leans over and says, " you did good. Cash out son!" I played a few more times and cashed out for the night. We did cash out for $151.00. Not a bad way to start the weekend.

This picture is a tribute to our friends Sean and Brenda out West.

Of course, another trip to the Dells would not be complete with pigging out at Paul Bunyans.

Hmmmm ,DoughhhhhNutttttssss

Bring Out the Food!

Sean Imitating Sean

We can't help but think of our Cali friends, Sean and Brenda when we go to the Dells and especially Paul Bunyan's. One year, the four of us went to the Dells for a weekend. I remember Sean's fondness for this all you can eat lumberjack buffet.

Paul Bunyan's was the first stop on the trip. As we exit off the highway, I hear Sean saying "I have been dreaming of Paul Bunyan's for the last 100 miles." As we drove down the hill to the entrance, Sean yells out like a kid seeing Santa at Christmas, " PAUL BUNYAN'S!" It was hard for Sean to hold back the tears of joy. Once inside we all ate like Kings but Sean had the last laugh. He asked for more potatoes. The waitress said you have to clean out the bowl to get more food. She grabs the bowl and shovels down the final pieces. Ahhh yeah, great times. We miss you guys.


As we took a few pictures outside of Bunyans, I caught these two guys out of the corner of my eye. I could not help it but I ran over to talk to them. One guy had a sticker of bike web site that I use to frequent. I went to see where they were going and to see how the trip has been. One guy is from Chicago and the other Colorado. I can't recall the names but the Colorado guy drove out to Chicago to meet his buddy and ride back to Colorado together. They were doing some camping along the way. We got to talking about there bikes but did not want to take up too much time as Jenn can find this rather dull. All was good with them so we set on our different ways. (Matt, how rare is it that both bikes that I like are next to each other? They were from ADV)




Going on a little after noon, we stopped at the Dells Mining Company. We have never been here before so we bought into it. The deal here is you buy a bucket of sand with hopes of pulling out precious jewels. You wash out the sand like old minors did in search of jewels. The catch is that that the more money you spend, the better chance of getting something good. They even guaranteed some buckets with packaged stones already attached.

We started with the lowest bucket for $13.00. The highest bucket was around $100. We pulled out some stones. Jenn is loving it. I could care less but Jenn is having fun so I go with it. Jenn orders another bucket.

"Are you serious? What are going to with these rocks?"
"I don't know Jenn says. We can use them in a vase or something."

I don't argue much, and Jenn does not ask for much so I give in.

Here is part of our finds. Yeah.

After you are done sifting through sand, mud and crap, you collect your rocks and go to a room where there is an appraiser to tell you what you have found and what you can do with them. To my surprise, I can get my stones cut to rings, ear rings, pendants and so on. Jenn really wanted a garnet ring. Happy Anniversary honey!

A later afternoon lunch at Monks led us to the new Torture Museum in the downtown Dells. This was basically a walk through of various exhibit. They tell the history of different devices that that government use to torture people for various reasons. The one above reminded me of something out of Saw.

Enough dancing already. It's raining or as I learned in Wisconsin, it is high humidity.

Every single one of us the devil inside.........

Again, nothing says love like a tattoo. Yes Dad, I got another one. This is one that I have wanted for a long time. The original artist who drew this goes by the name of Coop. He is known for drawing rock and roll posters, full figured she devils and b-type monster characters. What do you think P-Dub? The tattoo of the razor was done a while back but at least you get an idea of where it is on my arm.



Sunday was more of a sleep in, eat breakfast, and head out to get the tickets. We could not leave town without stopping at the candy shop located across from the Casino. This place is known the Cow Pies. Hmmmm, Cowwww Pieesssss

That's about it. Thanks for reading.

The Heat Getting To Yah?

As I have been told by the Mayor before, my blog gets rather boring. Even my Dad told me that I missed writing on the Bears going back to camp. I knew about it but got lazy the last couple of days. Not much has been going on. Its been kind of slow.

I figured this next part was worth writing about. As I am coming home today, on the motorcycle, I come to a three way stop sign in a residential neighborhood. An elderly woman and I come to a complete stop, facing each other at the same time. We pull away in unison. As I look over at her, I see her shaking her head at me.

Has this ever happened to you? Someone gives you the finger or shakes their fist or shows something to show their disapproval? I did not rev the bike. I did come to a complete stop. I even had a helmet on even though no bike jacket. If I only knew what she was thinking.

The bike jacket? Somehow I managed to break the connector on the zipper. I don't recall forcing the darn thing. It is pretty much useless if I can't zipper it up. I did contact the company yesterday for repair assistance but I have not heard back. I tried to wear a sweatshirt to protect the arms but it is so fricken hot. I really wear the jacket for the protector plates in it. Hopefully, I will get it repaired soon. I really don't like riding without protecting. (insert jokes here)

Lastly, I encountered one more moron on the ride home. I ride up on a Trans Am with two young guys driving it. We were slightly going over the speed limit when I decide that I want to block traffic. As I pull away, the TA hits the gas and cuts in front of me moving from the right lane to the left of a four lane highway. I figured he was going to turn left at the upcoming intersection but he didn't. I think the jerk cut me off on purpose.

Of course I go into rage mode but realize that is not always the best thing to do on a sport bike. I eventually go past the guy and nothing happened. I gave him the mental finger and took off. I really wanted to tell him what I thought but figured that would not get me anywhere. I have learned to pick my battles. My luck is that I would get stuck at a long light with these ass clowns. It would not have been pretty.

OK, I feel better now.

Midnight Ride: Live and Learn

The pictures do no do the ride justice as to how many bikes were present

I am one of those guys that believe that you should try everything once. Then you can truly have an opinion on the subject at hand. Since owning the motorcycle, I have wanted to get involved with different areas of the motorcycle community. From my short time on two wheels, I have been on three day bike rides with a motorcycle group, participated in many bike meet ups and most recently have done a solo trip. Last night, I decided to do a midnight bike ride for charity.

Matt (left) with his buddy, Rich, staging for the ride

Bandit Brother Matt sent me an email regarding info on last nights ride. It was a charity run for Maryville Academy in Des Plaines. I admit that I was a bit hesitant to do this ride but after hearing some testimonials, I decided to ride with Matt and his friend Rich.

The event was well organized from the get go with some areas that were over looked. I would say about 1000 bikes were in attendance....maybe more. We pulled into the parking lot for the Academy and registered right there on our bikes. You pull up next to a table, do your paperwork, pay and you are on your way.

Once parked and staged for the main ride, the three of us wondered around the area to view the 30 some vendors in attendance. There was a judged bike show. They also had food and soda plus a DJ working the crowd with ticket raffles. There was even this guy in attendance......

Razor and the Man

Best in Show (a female owner)

Let me note that no one knows the route until right before the start, with the exception of the organizers. Matt said that in the past, the organization handed out cards with the details of the route but we did not get one this year.

I think we started the ride around 11:15 or later. We rode two by two. What was nice was that intersections were shut down as we drove through as well as riding through red lights to keep the bikes together. In my mind, things were going well until we got on to Interstate 90 heading west. Imagine over 1000 motorcycles getting on an interstate and still have to share the rules of the road with other cars. At times we were switching lanes to get around slower cars or cars that need to exit a ramp. Then there were the other riders that had to urge to get to the front so they raced up the far left express lane. It seemed a bit chaotic at times but I adjusted.

We took the interstate west to the Woodstock ramp which I think was route 47. The route took us on some back roads that were not to bad except the turning intersections that had large loose gravel. I survived but one guy didn't.

As we slowed down for a left hand turn, I saw a big heavy Harley laying in the ditch with the owner laying on his side. I am not sure how the accident occurred but it did. The man was being attended to by some other riders so I kept going. It bothered me that a rider was down and I did not stop but to be honest, there was no place to pull over on this tight road and I did feel that he was being taken care of. Looking back at it, I felt I made the wrong choice by not pulling over and assisting since I preach that on my blog.

The route took us on some roads there were under construction with uneven roads. The roads were grooved out with prepping to be resurfaced. This is the part that I think the ride organizers made a mistake. I am not sure if it was Rich or Matt who said this but it was a good point. "I am sure the route look good on paper but did not take into account the road hazards" or something like that.

We ended up safely at the Road House in Harmony, Illinois which is near Union. We rode for over 40 miles. Over all, I did not enjoy the ride taking into account the accident and road conditions. I was more cautious of other riders last night then when I drove through the center of Chicago... and we are all motorcycle riders. I don't think I will be going back next year but I do appreciate Matt asking me.

On a side note, Matt and I made it home safely at 2:30 in the morning. It was slightly cold and a bit damp. We did not put our feet down once we got into Woodstock plus there were no cars in front of us the whole way home. Something to be said about driving at night. Now if we can get the animals to be sleeping at night instead of wondering around, I would stick to driving at night.

Loopin' The Lake: Day 3 Change of Plans

Yup, I am going to get wet.

When I went to bed, I knew that there would be a chance of rain in the morning. What I did not know was that I would be under a severe thunderstorm with lightning, heavy winds and damaging hail. I woke up to thunder but very little rain. I turned on the weather channel (because I have cable!) and see the storm is less than ten miles north of me and it is coming my way.

I quickly got packed and headed out with my rain gear on. It was raining and I can see the dark clouds coming in. No lightning so I am going for it. On the road by 6:30. My chances paid off unlike my card playing the night before. Only little rain and nothing major. Ironically, the sky had turned blue after 45 minutes. All of a sudden, a long streak of light struck down about 15 miles south of me. It was the weirdest thing. Then the one grey cloud in the sky opened up for a few minutes. Blah!

After driving along the lake shore of Green Bye, my first stop would be Lambeu Field. Home of the Green Bay Packers.
Now I know what some of you are thinking. Although I hate the Packers, there is still a voice of reason that there is much football history. I respect that but I don't have to like it. This next picture is for you cousin Jimmy!


Noticing some tourist pulling into the parking lot and heading my way, I quickly head off... very quickly.

Next stop, Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin. Yup, I am done with Lake Michigan. I have been to the Lake from Sheboygan on down. Nothing more to see in my mind so I decided to meet up with some guys from one of the bike forums. Destination, A&W Root Beer.

I know I am breaking a rule of eating at a chain but I just had a shake. Technically, I drank and did not eat. Hey, its my rules and they were meant to be broken.

This is Dave, on the left :)
He gave me some great suggestions for my LOOP. Thanks David!

From this point, it is about two hours home. I needed to make one more stop. The mecca of all meccas for tourists.

Believe or it not, I have never stopped here before. I had another good sandwich and headed home.

That's about it. Home safe and sound. Would I do it again? You betcha. Solo? Possibly. Book rooms ahead of time? No way, unless I was riding with Matt. Next trip planned? The next trip will be in early October near the Mississippi river but might make one sooner than that.

Thanks for reading and now get out and see the country.