Happy Holidays!

Transcription

Happy Holidays!

Official Newsletter of the
Cascade Moto Classics, Inc R.A.T. Pack
December 2009
Happy Holidays!
RAT PAC
K
Calendar
T.R.A.P. Report
Rides, Ev
ents, Fun
!
By Lee Holzhey, Pack Leader
Lee Holzhey, Pack Leader
Dec 5
Dec
11-13
Triumph RAT Pack Breakfast Meeting
9:00am Peppermill Restaurant,
17455 SW Farmington Rd., Beaverton, OR.
At the back of the shopping center on the Northeast side. Come and enjoy a good breakfast and
some great people!
International Motorcycle Show
Qwest Field Event Center
Seattle, Washington.
Friday: 4:00pm - 9:00pm
Saturday: 9:30am - 8:00pm
Sunday: 9:30am - 5:00pm
Ask about discount tickets and get more info
at Cascade Moto Classics, Inc
Dec 12
Cascade Moto Classics, Inc
In the Garage Tech Session
9:00–11:00am - Cascade Moto Classics Inc Shop area
The basics of “Do It Yourself” maintenance.
Chains, tires, battery, cables and much more.
Limited to 12 persons. See details on page 6.
Dec 19
Holiday Open House
1:00–5:00pm - Cascade Moto Showroom
Fun, Food, Friends, Door Prizes, A Huge Sale,
Live Music, Santa. See Details on page 4.
Jan 2
some great people!
Feb 6
some great people!
Feb. 13
Triumph RAT Pack Annual RAT Dinner
At the newly-remodeled Monarch Hotel in
Clackamas, just off I-205. See preliminary info
in ad on page 3.
March 6
some great people!
NEW R.A.T. PACK MEMBERS
These members have recently purchased a new
Triumph from Cascade Moto Classics, Inc
Les McConnell . . . . . . . . Bonneville
Contact Information
Cascade Moto Classics, Inc.
Janice & Kelly McCarthy
13705 SW Farmington Road
Beaverton, Oregon 97005
(503) 574–3353
[email protected]
Pack Leader
Lee Holzhey
[email protected]
(360) 798–4678
Newsletter Production
[email protected]
2
RAT Tales Newsletter
S
aturday November 14th was my
last day working at Cascade Moto
Classics. For 31 years I had worked
in the banking industry until November of 2008. It was then that the last
of three banks I worked for went out
of business. Yes, three banks totaling
the last 29 years, all shut down. As
one CMC customer put it, “Wow, you
have had three horses shot out from
under you?” Not that I didn’t have
some fantastic times in those years, especially when I used to travel to Seattle for the week and enjoy some great
restaurants and motels. But frankly, I
was ready for a break. So, after a year
off from that line of work, and 9 fantastic months working with the crew
at Cascade Moto Classics, I am once
again going back to work in the finance world with Advantis Credit
Union. I know, that was a shameless
plug, but hey, what’s a guy to do? Anyway, I wanted to say what a great time
I had working at CMC, and I wanted
to publicly thank Janice and Kelly McCarthy, Liz, Bill and Brant for making
my stay there so enjoyable. I can tell
you that this is a dealership that truly
cares about their customers at all levels and will do everything to earn your
support and patronage. In these difficult financial times I know this is not
easy, because you are doing your level
best to shop for whatever bargains you
can to save money. But consider what
our motorcycling lives would be like if
we did not have CMC. Where would
you get the parts that you need, the
service, the accessories, and the advice? Even if you get your work done at
an independent shop in Portland, take
a guess where THEY buy their parts
to work on your bikes. Having a dealer
like Cascade Moto supports us all in so
many ways. So the next time you are
looking at purchasing a jacket, helmet
or any other item, ask yourself if the
few dollars you are saving by ordering
it from some wholesale house in Ohio
is worth the potential loss of your local
dealership. Let’s support the Triumph
dealer that supports us.
With my change of position, I am
planning on being even more involved
with our club than ever. I will again
have Saturdays off to go on, and organize rides. For 2010 we already have
the dates for our three multiple night
events. The Season Opener in Yreka will be at the Best Western Miners Inn, on June 4th, 5th and 6th. The
Summer Scorcher will be located in
Glenwood Washington at the Flying
L Ranch on July 30th, 31st and Aug
1st. The Baker City Rally will be at the
Best Western Sunridge Inn in Baker
City Oregon September 9th-12th. We
are hoping that by having these dates
early, those of you that need to plan
your time off early will be able to do
so. Also, we will be publishing these
events and dates on a national level with other packs and dealerships,
in the hopes of getting a lot more attendees. If any of you wish to hold an
event, ride or activity, now is a great
time to do a preliminary plan and let
me know. This year we are getting a
jump on 2010 to try and make it the
best club year ever.
Speaking of club activities, remember that our Christmas open house is
December 19th as shown in this newsletter. This is always a fun event at
CMC with food, live music, Christmas candy, and Janice’s famous “Wheel
O’ Discounts” so you can shop for that
motorcycling person on your list. Santa Claus is rumored to be showing up,
so be sure and bring the kids or grandkids for some fun for them too.
Well group, I guess that’s about all
for this month. So I will just say, a very
Merry Christmas to you all, and…
Ride safe everyone! Lee.
www.rat-pack.com
R.A.T.
Breakfast
Saturday, December 5, 2009
9:00am
Motorcycle
Ice
Racing
International
Motorcycle
Show
December 11–13
Seattle, Washington
Qwest Field Event Center
$3 Discount Coupons
available at
Peppermill Restaurant
17455 SW Farmington Rd.
Beaverton, Oregon
(Breakfast Meetings are held the first Saturday of each month)
SUMMER
SCORCHER
RAT Raid to
Glenwood,WA
Triumph Riders Association of Portland
July 30–Aug. 1, 2010
n Mt. Adams Lodge @ Flying L Ranch25 Flying
L Lane, Glenwood, WA
n Reservations: Julee Wasserman
(509) 364-3488
n e-mail: [email protected]
n Web: www.mt-adams.com
Tickets & Event Info:
Saturday, Dec. 19th
7:30pm
Memorial Coliseum
The world’s top professional ice racers will travel to
the Memorial Coliseum to do battle in the Portland
round of the 34th Annual World Championship
Ice Racing Series on December 19th, 2009. This
is unleashed, lightning fast motorcycle ice racing
at its best! Motorcycle Ice Racing is a no holds
barred motor sports competition featuring oval
track racing’s thoroughbreds – the Manufacturer’s
World Cup Motorcycles and the Wild Unlimited
Outlaw Quads.
Save over $5 per Ticket with
Cascade Moto Ticket Discounts
WHEN YOU ORDER ONLINE:
https://groupsales.rosequarter.com
User Name: CASCADEMOTO
Password: DISCOUNTS
VIP Front Row - $40 (Reg. $47)
VIP Reserved - $20 (Reg $25)
General Admission (Adult) -$12 (Reg $20)
General Admission (Kids 2-12)
$10 (Reg. $14)
*There is a $5 per order ticket fee
n 10% rate discount for T.R.A.P. members and
guests. See web, pick your room, call Julee.
www.motorcycleshows.com/Seattle
n Reserved: 12 rooms in the Lodge and Guesthouse. Several rooms have 2-3 beds.
or, Take A Deluxe Bus Package
n Cabins also available ranging from small &
cozy (2-3 folks) to large and spacious
(10-12).
Leaves 8am-sharp, Sat. Dec. 12th.
You get: Show Ticket, deluxe bus ride, munchies: Coffee, OJ, Bagels, plus a Sandwich and
Bridgeport Brewing Treats for the ride home.
$60
Contact: Tom Young, 503-320-2475
[email protected]
n Breakfast included in rates.
n The rides: Twisty roads to Mt. Adams,
Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Rainer, Mt. Hood,
and beyond.
n Dual sport routes also available.
13th Annual
R.A.T. DINNER
Saturday, February 13th
at the newly renovated
Monarch
Hotel
Clackamas, Oregon –
w w w.monarchhotel.cc
Anyone who owns and originally purchased their Triumph motorcycle new from Cascade
Moto Classics, Inc., at any time, is our guest at no charge for the dinner (one person per
motorcycle). Cost to others is $30 for dinner. All other bike riders, customers, friends,
family and interested persons are welcome and encouraged to attend: this will be a
celebration of another super year of Triumph Motorcycles.
Menu, Times and additional details in January RAT Tales
You can reserve your room now: Mention “Cascade Moto” for the special $109 rate.
www.rat-pack.com
December 2009 3
CASCADE MOTO CLASSICS, INC
12:00 Noon – 5:00pm
Music, Santa, Holiday Food, Fun!
Complimentary Holiday Food • Door Prizes!
Featuring the Harp Music of Elizabeth Nicholson
from 1:00 – 4:00PM
Spin the New
Wheel of Discounts
20–50% Off!
Get 20–50% off all in-stock merchandise.
The wheel now offers even better chances to save because all
of the old 15% Off spaces have been increased to 20% Off,
and a new 30% Off space has been added!
13705 SW Farmington Road, Beaverton, Oregon
www.Cas cadeMoto.com
4
503-574-3353
www.rat-pack.com
d
I
e
t
a
f
i
s
G
y
a
Holid
Carbon Ballpoint Pen No.2
A great ballpoint in carbon fiber-look,
with chrome accents and Triumph logo. A
perfect gift, but wouldn’t one be great in
your pocket too? $9.99
Battery Tender
Safely keeps your battery
charged through the winter
months. Included cables allow
for easy access to battery. $59.95
NEW!
Triumph Clock
NEW!
2010 Vintage Triumph
Calendar
Here is the newest
Triumph clock:
white and chrome
with carbon-look
styling. 38mm
diameter, glass
face. Battery
powered. $49.99
NEW!
Triumph Ladies Parka
A great street jacket, with heavy weight
padding makes this jacket perfect for
winter. Water repellent Bristex outer
material. Antique zips and snaps. Side adj.
zippers. $169.99
12 months of vintage Triumphs
in this larger-sized calendar.
Perfect for home, garage,
office. $19.95
NEW! Triumph Daytona 675
Kids Scooter Bike
Ideal for children aged 2-6
years. Helps to learn balance.
The bike meets all safety
standards. Red. $149.95
FirstGear
Warm & Safe
Heated Riding Gear
The long-sleeve liner
cocoons its wearer in
warmth by incorporating
heating elements
across the upper and
lower back, down the
sleeves, around the
neck and, to combat
the
effects of windchill, the liner
concentrates heat in the front
of the jacket.
Jacket $199.95
Gloves $129.95
NEW! Coloring Book
Lots of coloring fun for kids as well as
some of us adults.$9.99
NEW! Playing
Card Set
2 packs of cards.
Features photos of
current range of Triumphs. $15.99
NEW!
Triumph Key Fobs
Triumph Riding Buff
Multi-colored rubber,
double-sided. Speed
Triple, Bonneville, or
Thunderbird. $9.99
Amazingly versatile and great for any
season, but especially on these colder
days when worn around the neck or
under the helmet. $19.99
Gift Cards
Any Triumph owner would love to
have Santa bring him or her one
of these this year. Any dollar amount
and sure to result in lots of smiles.
www.rat-pack.com
CLASSICS
INCORPORATED
13705 SW Farmington Road
Beaver ton, Oregon 970 05
(503) 574 –3353
[email protected]
December 2009 5
TECH SESSION
Saturday, December 12th
9:00AM–11:00AM
A mechanic-led session using a
bike on the lift in the shop
Triumph
News
Triumph made its public debut of several
new models at the annual EICMA show
in Milan, Italy:
Bonneville Sixty – Inspired by the classic color scheme of the 1960 model, the
Bonneville Sixty is a limited run of 650
T100s featuring a unique two-tone Meriden Blue/Caspian Blue combination with
hand painted pinstripes.
Limit: 12 Persons
(Registration Required)
Basic “Do It Yourself” Maintenance
• Adjust and lube the chain
• Check the sprocket for wear
• Change the oil & filter
• Air & check your tires for wear
• Check cables & wear points
And More!
Speed Triple SE - This model gets updated suspension and two-tone paint for the
first time in its 15 year history. The vivid Tornado Red colour scheme features a
sporting Crystal White center stripe and
black pinstripe, with a color matched fly
screen and seat cowl. The Speed Triple SE
debuts upgraded suspension, which will be
introduced to all Speed Triple models.
Phone Cascade Moto Classics, Inc
to register for this free Tech Session
Limited to first 12 Persons to Register
Phone:
5 0 3 - 574 - 3 3 5 3
or stop by to register
6
Triumph partners with Ohlins
Triumph has announced a partnership with
the world’s foremost race suspension supplier, Ohlins, to deliver a range of supreme
quality accessory rear suspension units for
Triumph’s entire Urban Sports range.
Ohlins shock absorbers have been developed to provide the ultimate control and
performance to the sporting rider.
www.rat-pack.com
A Christmas Story
By Ralphie Parker
I
t’s almost Christmas and I don’t know how I’m
going to do it but I have to convince my parents
to get me the one thing I want for Christmas: A
Triumph Daytona 675. I know that I will have
to carefully place hints around the house to get
them thinking about it. Just last week I put a copy
of Cycle World on the kitchen table so that my
old man would see it before he left for work. He didn’t
even glance at it! All he was interested in was his waffle
and the morning paper. This would take a little heavier
hand.
The next day, as I headed off to our downtown university, I struggled for a winning solution to my problem. My first class was Creative Writing 101 with Miss
Hinckley. Geez, I really didn’t like the class very much
but Hinckley was a feast for my eyes. She had lovely lines
with swoops and curves in all the right places. I was almost done with my undergrad requirements and this was
one of the remaining “have-to” classes that I had been
putting off for three years. As the class
started there was a collective groan from
all of us as the beautiful Miss Hinckley
told us that today we would have one of
her dreaded “improvisational paragraph”
assignments. The gist of these agonizing
tasks was that we’d write something short
and then, horror of horrors, stand up and
read it to the rest of the class.
Determined to make something out of
nothing, I set out to craft a concise and
accurate description of my desired Christmas gift. After listening to a number of
boring recitations about climate change,
social justice and political correctness, I
gave a stirring description of owning
a Daytona 675; the freedom, the exhilaration, the triumph…the Triumph! When I was done the classroom
was hushed. Not a word was spoken. I thought it a magnificent performance until Miss Hinckley said, “But
Ralph, aren’t motorcycles dangerous?”
Fortunately I was saved by the bell. I might have said
something that I would later regret. I hopped on the
MAX train for my ride back home. Closing my eyes I
imagined myself leading the pack, flicking the powerful
bike through the esses, rolling on the throttle gently to
keep the front end from coming up. I was awakened by
the announcement of the end of the Red Line. Beaverton. On the bus and then a two mile walk to home. If I
had that Daytona I would have been there hours ago.
Back at home, around the dinner table, my little
brother Randy played with his Mac and cheese, my father was reading the sports page and I made an effort to
be thrilled about my mother’s dried out meatloaf leftovers. She asked me about school and, unable to control
myself, I blurted out “Ireadmycompositioninclasstodayaboutthewonderfultriumph675daytona (deep breath) almostfourteenthousandrpmkayabasuspensionhunnerttwentysixhorsepower.” Dad lowered the paper and looked
over the top of it silently. Randy blew milk out of his
nose. Mom’s jaw dropped and then she said, “But Ralphie, motorcycles are dangerous.” Damn! I’ll never get
what I want for Christmas. The old man’s eyes narrowed
as he looked at me. I must have said that out loud. “Get
yourself upstairs and finish your homework or I’ll wash
your mouth out with soap” he threatened (and then went
back to the sports page).
A few days later I went (reluctantly) with my family
to the mall. Mom asked me to take Randy to see the
mall Santa Claus while she and my Dad did some shopping. Santa my butt, more likely some sorry drunk from
the unemployment line. I only hoped that none of my
friends saw me there. I would have been mortified. What
if Miss Hinckley was shopping? I tried to make myself
blend in with the other families as the line
to Santa’s chair grew shorter. When Randy was on Santa’s lap he rattled through
his list of stupid toys. Santa didn’t appear
to be listening. I barely heard him when,
as Randy dropped off his knee, he asked
what I wanted for Christmas. I couldn’t
help myself. “A Triumph 675 Daytona” I
said in a voice louder than I would have
liked. Looking at me he said, “Forget it
kid, don’t you know that motorcycles are
dangerous?” Arrrrghhh.
Christmas morning dawned not white,
but wet. Oregon, need I say more? Randy
blazed through his gifts in about two minutes flat and asked “Is that all?” I didn’t do
too badly, other than some stupid sweaters and Jockey
Briefs. You’d think they’d know by now that I’m a Boxers kind of guy. I did get a couple of good video games.
Mom got a terrific box of See’s candy from me (well, I
am on a student budget), a purse from my Aunt Stephanie and a knockout gold ring from my dad. Dad got a
new putter and a car cover for his old Volvo. Oh well,
there’s always next year.
The old man grabbed me by the arm and said that he
needed help to put the new cover on the Volvo. As much
as I would have rather gone and played with my new
PlayStation stuff, I went along. Imagine my shock when
I walked into the garage and saw a brand spanking new
Daytona! Whoopee! My eyes got some dust in them. I
know this because they started to water. I turned around
and there was Dad, Mom and Randy back there smiling. I almost didn’t hear Dad say, “You’re signed up for
the next Team Oregon class because motorcycles can be
dangerous!” n
Short Story
Gravitron Bikes
W
By Lee Holzhey
hat an incredible day for a ride, Justin
thought to himself. He pulled on his new
Maratex laminate riding suit, pushed on
his helmet, and almost sprang to his bike
in a single bound from the back of the garage. He had
been waiting for this day for quite a while, the first day
of the Baker City Rally!
“Man I can’t wait to get this baby up,” he yelled to
his friend.
“Oh stop gloating,” Bryan screamed back.
The latest and best Triumph Sprint AirTour was
idling in Justin’s driveway waiting to lift off. He couldn’t
help but remember the immortal words of his Great
Grandpa Dick, “SPRINT, SPRINT, SPRINT…” The
new generation Gravitron engine for 2066 was much
quieter than the previous year’s model, and would
keep the AT aloft for a minimum of 8 hours before it
needed fuel for the fusion converter. The thrust motors
were not so thrifty however, and would require jet fuel
after just 2 hours of flight.
“Which way do you want to go to get to Baker City?”
Bryan yelled.
“How about up around Mt. Hood?” Justin replied.
With a twist of his left wrist Justin’s new Sprint lifted
off moving straight up and away from the house. Once
clear of the trees and power lines a little right wrist action had the bike screaming away like its tail was on
8
fire. Which of course it was, because the new Sprint
AT not only comes with the latest generation Gravitron, but also an afterburner! Bryan had lifted off at
the same time, but his older Yamasaki just couldn’t
keep up. Without an afterburner he had no choice but
to simply watch as Justin streaked away, up above the
cloud deck. Rolling off the throttle he let the Sprint
settle down. Justin was tall and lean, so the air flowed
around him cleanly. His Maratex suit stuck to him
like a second skin not making so much as a ripple in
the wind. Now it was just the sound of rushing air over
his helmet, and the blue skies above that awaited his
morning ride.
Soon Bryan had caught up and they were both
streaking towards Mt. Hood at a cruising speed
of 150mph. Man, this thing is really smooth Justin
thought. Just the slightest pressure on the bars and
foot pedals had the Sprint sweeping back and forth
through the puffy little clouds in the morning sky.
Looking below he could see the old Mt. Hood Ski
Area now covered with summer homes. The invention
of the Gravitron in 2033 had done wonders for travel,
but it had also allowed people to move much farther
away from where they worked. The developer who created the new Mt. Hood Ski Area, and then sold the old
one for home sites was still under indictment, but the
damage had already been done and there were houses
www.rat-pack.com
everywhere. What an ugly mess Justin thought as he rolled the
throttle on and pushed the Sprint up to 200 for a quick lap or
two around the mountain. Just then his earbud crackled to life
as Bryan called to him.
“Hey, let’s make a run or two up the gorge.”
“OK,” snapped back Justin and he pushed the bars down to
make the bike dive for the Columbia River. Hanging off the
right side he carved the bike down hard against the water and
began his pass. Holding at a steady 250mph the afterburner
was at stage one and a rooster tail was lifting off the river as he
skimmed just above the water.
“Man! You should see yourself from up here,” called Bryan.
The Sprint was really moving now but, at this speed, fuel was
leaving the tank as fast as Justin was traveling. Pulling up hard
before the old Highway 97 Bridge the reserve light popped on
and the Sprint automatically dropped to a speed of 125 to conserve fuel. The nearest fuel stop was in Grass Valley, where they
still held the national championships every year. The little town
really boomed once the Oregon Raceway Park got going. Because of their remote location they were the first track in the
nation to expand to a 45-mile air course for Gravitron use. This
had really put them on the AMA
and NASCAR map. Grass Valley
was now bulging with resort type
motels, restaurants, and fuel stops.
Just as planned there was a Union
76 right on the edge of town. Justin
rolled off the throttle and began his
descent towards the station. Touching down next to the pump, an attendant came running. With the advent
of jet fuel for most flying vehicles, fueling up became a much trickier job and most states had gone
back to having attendants at fuel stops, just like Oregon always
had. As the attendant began to fuel his bike Justin was suddenly
distracted by a strange popping and thrumming sound. His head
snapped around to see an old Triumph Bonneville just starting
at the gasoline pump. Wow, I can’t believe someone would still
ride an old antique like that, he thought to himself. “Hey Brian,
look at that,” he yelled.
Bryan turned to look at the black and red Bonneville just in
time to see it ride off down the street. “I can’t believe anyone
would actually want to ride one of those things anymore,” he
said.
Fuel all topped up and it was time to go. A quick twist on
the left wrist and the Sprint AT lifted off and shrieked into the
distance.
I
t was still a bit cold outside as I pulled on my riding gear in
the driveway. No problem though, with the new Tempergel lining, my riding suit always maintained the inside at
a constant 76 degrees. I remember bundling up in the old
days to ride on cool mornings. Layers to stay warm that you removed as the day warmed up stowing them away someplace on
the bike. What a hassle. With Tempergel, you just put on the
suit no matter what the temperature outside, and let science do
the rest. This particular suit also had the latest in soft-touch armor, made of a flexible outer skin that hardens in a millisecond
to resist abrasion or impact. Man, how did we ride without this
stuff in the old days. A quick stab at the starter button had my
Bonneville rolling over and warming up. The ol’ girl still fired on
the first try, even if she was half as old as me now.
After the invention of the Gravitron so many things had
changed. These days almost everybody flew in their vehicles and
the majority of the paved roads were either in a poor state of repair, grown over or simply closed altogether. Most freeways that were no
longer needed had even been plowed
up to make more room for houses
and development. Luckily, Washington had kept Highway 14 open as a
state park, and you could still ride it
if you wanted to. Once you were out
past The Dalles, the state didn’t bother to do anything with the old roads.
Mainly because of a lack of traffic,
most eastside roads were in an OK state of repair, especially in
far eastern Oregon where there never really was much traffic
anyway. Today I would be heading out to Baker City. Although
it had been almost 60 years since I worked at Cascade Moto
Classics and was their Pack Leader, the Triumph Riders Association of Portland was still going strong and this was going to
be their 65th Baker City Rally. My doctor was concerned that I
was going to ride all the way by myself, but I had my med-alert
badge so I figured, why not, what have I got to lose at my age!
Passing through the end of the Highway 14 State Park the road
really did begin to deteriorate a bit. But since all the traffic was
1,500 feet or more above me I could ride on either side of the road
and it didn’t much matter. Fortunately the old Hwy 97 Bridge
“Holding at a
steady 250mph the
afterburner was at
stage one…”
www.rat-pack.com
December 2009 9
was still open. A social group from Grass Valley had adopted it
as a community project and was keeping its maintenance up so it
was still usable. Mostly covered with fisherman, I made my way
across the bridge and over into Oregon. Traveling down old hwy
97 towards Grass Valley, I was stretching the Bonnie’s range a
bit to make it there for fuel, but
there was a Union 76 station right
on the edge of town that still had
gasoline, and I didn’t want to
have to back track to The Dalles
to fill up.
I swung into the station about
10 miles after switching to reserve. The ol’ girl made it with
a few miles to spare for a fill up.
“That’ll be $4.50,” the attendant
said. Hmmm, $4.50 I thought. I
could remember when it was almost $50.00 to fill my Bonneville.
I guess I shouldn’t complain about that change, I thought to
myself. Nobody used gasoline much anymore so it was as cheap
as water.
“Hey, is the road from Heppner to Ukiah still open?” I asked
the attendant.
“Oh yeah, it’s a bit beat up, but they haven’t closed it,” he
replied.
Just then a shrieking sound from above told me a couple of
Gravitron bikes were coming in for a fuel-up. I wouldn’t want
to pay for those, I thought to myself. Once their noise subsided
and I could hear myself think again, I fired the Bonneville and
took to the streets. The two young men on their air bikes were
looking at me in disbelief as I rode off, but I figured that they
just didn’t know what they were missing. Leaving town my Bonnie was really purring as I wound her up leveling off around 80.
A rusty old 55mph speed limit sign was hanging by one bolt and
swinging in the wind as if it was still trying to slow me down
on the old highway. Ha, 55 I thought to myself. Who’s going to
ticket me out here, a game warden? Truth is, the state and counties stopped patrolling the paved roads back in ‘53, and concentrated instead on air traffic. Good enough by me I thought to
myself. Let the young idiots fly around in the skies and crash
into each other, I’ll stay right here on terra firma where it’s safe!
Slowing my Bonneville to a stop in Ukiah my mind began to
fill with memories of rides from the years gone by. My friends
Mark and Deborah, Rick, Dave and Ed were all long gone now.
Even old man Moltman passed away last year at 123. I missed
my old riding buddies from my days as Pack Leader. What miracle of life had allowed me to live so long that I could be here
celebrating my birthday 110 years after it happened in 1956? Of
course science had a lot to do with it, as my new heart, lungs and
legs would attest. But why was I the one that was so lucky? Must
be clean livin’, I thought to myself, and then began to laugh
in my helmet. Pulling up to the store I could see they still had
gasoline in Ukiah. I could remember 50 or 60 years ago stopping here with the RAT Pack and worrying about finding gas,
period. I guess some things hadn’t changed much this far from
Portland.
As I pulled off my helmet a young
man approached me “You’re a long
way from anywhere, old timer,” he
said.
“Yeah, well, I’m out enjoying the
day with an old friend,” I replied.
The young man looked puzzled until I explained that I was referring
to my motorcycle.
“I don’t think I have ever seen
one like this,” the boy exclaimed as
he walked around my bike several
times.
“It’s a 2007 Triumph Bonneville
T-100,” I told him, “and we’ve been together a long time.” As the
young man filled my tank with gas, a shrieking sound split the
air. 1,500 feet above us I could see two air bikes streaking overhead. Some things never change I thought. I used to come out
here to avoid the cops on my motorcycle years ago, and people
are still doing it. I chuckled to myself as I paid the man and set
off on my way towards the Anthony Lakes ski area. I hoped the
road was still passable and was looking forward to the view of
New Baker City from the top of the ridge.
“Just then a
shrieking sound
from above told me
a couple of Gravitron
bikes were coming
in for a fuel-up.”
10
“G
EESE!” Justin’s headset screamed to life as Brian
yelled to him, “Look out Justin, GEESE.” Suddenly
there was a loud thump, and then two more, as three
fat Canada Geese impacted his new Sprint AT. The
dash lit up like a Christmas tree with warning lights flashing all
over the place. Afterburner out, engine out, heater out. Justin
was in real trouble. He reached down and slammed the emergency button, causing the Sprint to buck as it locked itself into
hover mode. The bike began to settle down as the Gravitron
took over, and it was stable at 1100 feet. Hovering there, Justin
could hear Bryan moving up beside him.
“You OK?” Brian yelled.
“Yeah, I’m alright,” he replied. “But I’m locked into hover
mode and all I have for engine power is the thrusters.”
Brian had to laugh as he pointed at the front of the Sprint and
said, “You should see how big the ass-end of the goose is that’s
sticking out of your engine intake.”
It was time for Justin to do a quick damage assessment. The
bike was safe in hover mode, and the thrusters would still move
it around, but move it around to where? Justin looked down and
could see a ribbon of asphalt where the dry grass changed to
trees just east of Ukiah. “I bet I could put her down there,” he
www.rat-pack.com
yelled to Bryan.
Easing off on the left throttle the Sprint began to sink. The
thrusters were keeping everything stable and the bike was dropping like a rock. A little pressure on the right side of the bars
pivoted the bike just in time to miss some trees and it settled
nicely on the road.
Boy, talk about the middle of nowhere, Justin thought to
himself. A brief inspection revealed that the goose had simply plugged the intake and choked out the motor with minimal
damage. A quick removal of the goose and the intake was clear.
“Wow, this new aluminum oxide-milate material is some stuff,”
Bryan yelled. “There’s hardly a mark on the paint.”
Justin stabbed the starter button but the Sprint only made a
muffled whining sound as a few feathers coughed out the back.
“Uh-oh, here’s the problem,” Bryan exclaimed. “The motor is
clogged with feathers, and they are behind the intake screen.”
CRAP! Damn birds, Justin thought.
“Hey don’t worry, New Baker City is just 75 miles that way,”
Bryan said. “I’ll zip over and see if there is a service ship at one
of the dealerships that can come out and get you.”
Justin sat down on the road, watching as Bryan took off.
Looking around he could see the mountains row after row as
they stretched into the distance with the afternoon sun gleaming
down on them. The wind was blowing steadily through the trees
and there was nothing but it’s sound once Bryan had left. There
was a strange peace in all of it Justin thought, with the grass
rustling and the trees moving in the wind. He looked up and
could see the clouds moving slowly across the summer sky. It all
seemed so odd to him. He had never really looked at the landscape from the ground before, because he was always so busy
scanning the horizon from the air. I could get used to this, he
thought, as he lay back on the asphalt and just stared up at the
sky.
I
was really enjoying the solitude as my Bonnie swung back
and forth over the winding road. This particular strip of asphalt hadn’t seemed to change much in 65 years. The cow
droppings were still there and the road was still fun. What
the!!!………. Slamming on the brakes my Bonneville came to a
quick stop as a young man in a skintight silver and red riding suit
sprang up from the asphalt.
“You trying to get yourself killed laying in the road like that!”
I yelled to the surprised rider.
“Hey, sorry about that. I really didn’t expect to see anyone or
anything on this road,” he replied.
I stepped off the Bonneville, pulled off my helmet and approached the man and his stone quiet air-bike. I could see his
T.R.A.P. emblem across the back of the rear cowling.
“You headed to the Baker City Rally?” I asked.
“Yeah, we are, and… hey, you’re the guy I saw in Grass Valley
earlier, huh?” Justin asked.
www.rat-pack.com
“Yeah, just thought I would give the old girl one last ride before all the roads were gone forever,” I replied. I just had to laugh
as I looked at the front of the Sprint AT, where there were feathers everywhere and the remains of a Canada Goose were along
side the road.
“Looks like you had a meeting with a foreigner,” I said.
“Yeah, a whole flock of them,” Justin replied. “They plugged
my intake with some feathers and my friend left to go get help”.
Knowing that the gas station in Ukiah has almost every repair
item known to God and man, I suggested that we head back the
few miles and see what they might have that would get those
feathers out of there.
“On THAT thing?” Justin exclaimed.
“Aw come on, it won’t bite you,” I replied.
Riding along with Justin on the back, the Bonnie still rode
good. Justin was really clinging tight to me and I think he was
more afraid of riding on the ground than he was of being up in
the air.
Arriving at Ukiah, we inquired about something for the
feather plugged Sprint.
“Oh yeah, you’re not the first person to have that problem,” the
old guy at the station said. “Here, take a can of this compressed
air back with you. That ought to blow the feathers out.”
Justin now had to hold the can under one arm, and hang on to
me with the other. Not any big deal really, but I think he would
have rather walked!
We arrived back at the Sprint and shot the compressed air
into the intake as Justin sat on the bike. A big burst of feathers
billowed out the back and into the air.
“There, try her now son,” I said.
The big Sprint whined and spun up coming to life with even
more feathers shooting out the back, albeit a slight bit roasted
this time!
“Hey, it’s green across the board,” Justin yelled.
“Good enough” I said, as I patted him on the shoulder. “You
better get going if you’re going to make it to the meet and greet
on time.”
“No problem” he replied. “They won’t start without me, I’m
the Pack Leader.”
With a twist of his left wrist Justin shot up into the air. A
quick wave at me below and away he went, a light trail of white
smoke and burnt feathers streaming behind him.
“Humph, Pack Leader, can’t even get a few feathers out of his
engine,” I muttered. Well, I guess that’s OK, I thought to myself.
We’ll see how much food he has for us tonight when I get there.
My Bonnie again roared to life as I pulled on my helmet and
sped off down the road. Purring along with the wind in my face,
memories of old friends again filled my head. I was completely
alone on the road now, and yet all my friends were with me as I
putted along. What an incredible day for a ride. n
December 2009 11
Happy Holidays
From All of Us at
Janice, Kelly & Tara
Liz, Bill, Brant
CLASSICS
INCORPORATED
CLASSICS
INCORPORATED
Winter Service Special !
Free Pickup and Delivery
of Your Triumph
For Maintenance Service*
*Must be within a 50 mile radius from Cascade Moto Classics, Inc.
Phone us for specifics.
Offer Good Until
February 26, 2010
Call for your reservation
503–574–3353

Happy Holidays!

Transcription

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