Hey, You Can't Do That...Danielle Harkins vs The Catholic Church...

June 15, 2012

Danielle Harkins, a literacy teacher, is now in jail. Her offense, she merely wanted to rid several teenagers of demons. At a gathering she held, she had the teenagers cut themselves so that the demons would come out. She then cauterized the cuts so that the demons couldn’t return.
Well, I would guess that the Catholic Church thinks that they have a lock on the old getting the demons out through exorcisms. Damn, I bet they were teed off when they found someone was trying to do exorcisms without being dressed in a tacky costume. And, yes, it's 2012.

http://www.tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/crime/woman-arrested-on-child-abuse-charges-after-bizarre-cutting-and-burning/1234986

One Man's Island....We Should All Follow Our Dreams.....

June 14, 2012.
At forty-six, Mark Gardiner, a Canadian, decided he would pursue his dream to race at the Isle of Man.He sold off his stuff and went to the Island. This a documentary about how he fared.
This should appeal to all folks whether they are motorcycles riders or not. I think his basic message is pursue your dreams.
You can buy this at Aerostich or at Mr. Gardiner's Website. He also has a book.

A Neat Little Book From Aerostich....

June 14, 2012. This is a neat little book sold by Aerostich for $5.00. Basically, the book advocates getting out there and touring. Also, has an overview of simple and basic equipment that's needed. If you buy more than $100 worth of merchandise, they'll send you one at no charge. Note: When I recently placed an order the person  who took my order said they didn't know anything about  the free book. However, I guess they asked a coworker and I got my book without cost.

Only in America? Zombie Bullets!

 June 13, 2012 Ahh, just when I thought I'd heard of everything...yep, here they are, bullets that can be used on zombies. As I understand it, one of the best-selling genres out there is, yes, zombies. Also, I understand zombie movies are extremely popular. Though I surely do not consider myself a gun guy, I do own a bunch of pistols. The last time I was at the range...yes, zombie targets. So folks, are you going to be stocking up on zombie bullets? You never can tell. Yes, I'm using this photo without permission from Hornady, though I don't think they'll mind.

Ortlieb Saddlebags and Duffel.....

Please note: The bags are just placed on the bike.  They aren't "secured" with the straps.
I went back and forth about which saddlebags to buy. My main concern with these were whether they could actually hit the wheel. I cut a cardboard template to try to gauge the clearance. I decided that if that was a problem, a piece of aluminum running from the taillight to the foot peg bracket would solve that.

These bags will hold a ton of stuff. They are 8" wide. And, yes, they are 100% waterproof. You close them by rolling the opening...hmmm. Not a good explanation. You just roll them closed and there's a strap on either end that draws them tight. There's

also a strap running across the top that helps compress the contents of the bag.
The U-shaped piece in the photo to the left fits in the bottom of the bags. 
There is a strap at the bottom of the bags that can be secured to the passenger's foot-peg bracket. And, at the rear is a strap at the top 

of each bag that click together. The photo at the left shows the left side strap dangling.
I am satisfied that when I am ready to use these, they will be able to be strapped on securely.
The bag sitting on top is a large (24") Ortlieb duffel. Not sure if I'm going to use the duffel or not for my first trip as I'm only planning on a few days.

Anyway, I hope this will at least give you some idea of what these bags are like.
No buyer's remorse. I'm glad I bought these.

http://www.aerostich.com/ortlieb-dry-bag-saddlebags.html

Another, How am I doing in learning how to ride again, and other stuff....

Well, rode about 45 miles today. Yep, out there in the heavy traffic. I’m getting a little more comfortable getting closer to the cars in front of me. Well, maybe three/four car lengths. I am no longer saying, Dang…when I actually have to stop. You know, the light changes and I have to use the brakes.
Went out for a late ride. Thought I had found a Duncan Donut that was open 24 hours. Well, got there at 10:30PM and found out they close at 11:00PM, though the drive through is open 24 hours. Hmmm. As I ride fairly regularly late at night a 24 hour place would be good to find, though I have a McDonalds just down the street that is open 24 hours. Oh, well.
My Ortlieb bags got here today. I think they will work well. Dang, they have a million straps and I have to screw the plastic stiffeners to the bags. A job for tomorrow.
Well, I picked-up my plates today. Then went to Barnes & Noble for a coffee (hey, it was hot outside). Anyway, I’m fumbling around in my tank bag…and, guess what? Yep, found my “lost” wallet. It was in one of the compartments in the top that has several compartments. Dang, got my hundred dollar bill back. And, my driver’s license. And, my long distance telephone card.
I just wrote the DMV today and asked them to send me a license. Told then I’d send them a check. Hmmm…. Not sure if they do things like that.
Well, I fell off the wagon, if you will. Yep, I swore off CNN, MSNBC, and several other websites. Haven’t looked at them in, well…maybe three months. Anyway, today took a peek. May write more later.
Also, yes, ordered a vanity or personal plate today. Yep, will wait until it arrives and I’ll post a snap. Yes, I’m sure you folks, if anyone is reading this, well…you guys are on the edges of your seats.
And, so it goes.

Alaska Leather, Great Product, and Great Service

June 6, 2012

What a great buying experience. I spoke with Ms. Barb at Alaska Leather Thursday afternoon. And, yes, my Buttpad was in my mailbox Monday. Yes, the next Monday. Absolutely great service from the state that gave us you-know-who. Yes, the lady who can see Russia from where she lives. Barb sent the Pillion Type 1 which fits perfectly.

 It only took just a couple of minutes to install. Take out the two Allen-head screws, pick up the seat, run the strap underneath the seat, and that's it. You can see that some of the sheepskin goes up on the tank. I will most likely leave it like that as it would seem to offer a little protection from the tank getting scratched by zippers. If you're anal or OCD I'm sure you could do a little trimming and maybe tuck it under the seat or something. For me, this is fine.

So, how does it work? Well, went for a 60 mile (actually, two 30 miles rides) test ride today. Obviously, my comments are subjective. Did I notice a difference? Yes. I guess a better test would be for 100 or so folks to ride several hundred miles without the Buttpad and then several hundred miles with the Buttpad. Anyway, I feel, based on my total of 60 miles, that this is going to make riding more comfortable, at least for me. The pad is nicely made and fits perfectly as far as I'm concerned. No buyer's remorse here. BTW, with shipping $67.95. Here's a link...... http://www.alaskaleatheronline.com/servlet/StoreFront
I've had a heck of a time getting these photos on this post. But, am tired of messing with it. I hope this gives you an idea of what the Buttpad looks like.