December 2012 Newsletter

Transcription

COVER
VINTAGE MOTORCYCLE ENTHUSIASTS ©
P.O. Box 1342 Vashon, WA. 98070
http://vmemc.org
CLUB OFFICIALS
PRESIDENT Jeff Earle
(253) 377-3170 [email protected]
VICE PRESIDENT
Doug Earle
SECRETARY
Greg Field
TREASURER
Terry Ray
EDITOR Jody Heintzman
PUBLIC RELATIONS
Jonathan McGeary (253) 797-4325 [email protected]
CLUB LIBRARIAN
Lee “Frosty” Frost (206) 463-5875 [email protected]
MEMBERSHIP SEC..
Pat Barrere
RIDE COORDINATOR
Dick Casey
SO. SOUND
COORDINATOR
Dan Casey
NO. SOUND
COORDINATOROpen
PORTLAND, OR
COORDINATOR
Eric Longbine
(503) 209-4563
M.O.M. LIAISON
Jeff Earle
VME ACM REP.
Mark Zenor (253) 840-1536 [email protected]
VME LeMay REP.
Harvey Widman
[email protected]
Vintage Motorcycle Enthusiasts (VME) is an AMA chartered (#05759) Non-Profit Corporation
founded in 1982 to encourage the restoration, preservation and enjoyment of vintage, classic and
antique motorcycles. Dues are $30 per year in the USA, $35 others, January 1st to December 31st.
Membership benefits include: bi-monthly newsletter, club rides, club swap meet, shows, Annual
Holiday Awards Banquet, MOM membership and Camaraderie. The VME is one club with three
meeting locations. Seattle meetings are held the first Wednesday of every month at Slim’s Last
Chance, 5606 1st Ave S, Seattle, 7pm, South Sound VME meetings are held in Tacoma on the
third Thursday at Anahuac Mexican Restaurantt, 9002 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, 7pm. Portland VME
meetings are held on the second Tuesday at the Rambler, 4205 N Mississippi Ave, Portland OR, at 7pm
The contents of this newsletter are copyrighted by the VME and cannot be eproduced, in whole or in part, for any
purpose without the prior permission of the VME Editor.
Volume 34, No. 1, January/February 2016 (Issue #198)
VME PRESIDENT’S REPORT
As we head into the new year, we start
off by standing upon the success of 2015.
It’s been a good year for us, and we can
certainly be proud about the direction the
club is going. I sure am. As mentioned in
previous newsletters, we have been growing substantially, with previous members
coming back after long absence. A new generation is getting involved and the overall
energy level seems to be high.
I was impressed how many showed
to the November and December meetings
in Seattle. This is historically unusual for
winter months. I was busy socializing inside
at the time but was told there were almost
twenty bikes ridden in November. For the
middle of winter that’s almost unheard of.
We must be doing something right!
We had a good showing for the International Motorcycle Show; this round being
held in Portland. My brother and I brought
down a few machines of our own, but other
than that it was all our Portland chapter that
pulled this feat off. And pull it off they did
in a big way. A few machines of mention
were a 1939 Harley EL, 1964 Triumph TR6,
and 1951 BSA B33. Notable for many was
the 1969 Kawasaki Mach III restoration
that appeared to be in showroom condition.
You’d never know that the beginning of that
project looked like it once sat at the bottom
of the ocean. Every machine had modifications noteworthy of their model year and
worthy of conversation. That’s always fun,
and each year I learn more small details
related to each the models shown.
Many good conversations were had! It
was a long weekend, and many VME folks
came out to secure the booth and talk shop
with those who asked questions. Not being
regularly known in this area, we created a
huge presence and it was very well received.
Of the bits of swag we brought down, we
sold out of everything but a few T-shirts.
People really dug the display and were
enthused about the club gaining ground
in Portland. Almost without saying, Eric
Longbine is hugely responsible for bringing
both the bikes and people together in order
to make this event actually happen. Give
that man a cheers when you see him again.
It was unfortunate that both the Oregon
Vintage Motorcycle club and Oregon Norton Enthusiasts club were dropped from
the bill due to administrative issues. They
both had a great deal of beautiful machines
ready to display as well. That was a true
shame, as they worked hard for months on
their own displays. The event organizers,
I can say without remorse, are incredibly
disorganized. We made another year happen though and the big show was a success.
There are events happening right out
of the gate this January. The first being organized by the South Sound VME chapter,
Jan.1st in Gig Harbor. Check out the events
section within this newsletter to learn more
about where to meet.
Also upcoming will be the Siege vintage
show, held on Jan.16th at Lawless HD in
Tukwila. We’re going to have our own small
display section on that day, with a handful
of members’ motorcycles and some historical pieces on the wall from the Pacific NW
Museum of Motorcycling archive.
The annual VME banquet is coming!
It’ll be held on Jan.23rd at the Salmon Bay
Eagles in Ballard. This will be another enjoyable evening with a big dinner, awards
and auction. There are still tickets available
and look forward to seeing you all there.
Have a great new year everyone, enjoy
the newsletter and look forward to seeing
you in 2016! Cheers.
- Jeff Earle
EDITOR’S NEWS
Greetings fellow VME'rs Congratulations VME’rs this newsletter
marks the beginning of the 34th year of the
largest old bike club in the NW!
The VME had a very active season for
2015 and 2016 is shaping up to be another
great year for VME and other old bike activities.Make sure you check the Calendar of
Events for rides and events that are not to be
missed.If you have information on motorcycling events that the VME members would
enjoy, please forward the information to me.
The VME’s first gathering for 2016 is the
New Years day breakfast at the Sunset Grill
in Gig Harbor. Doors open at 0730. This is
always a good way to start the new year.
There will be a tour of Art Redfords private
museum after breakfast.
Speaking of events the VME’s annual
Holiday and Awards banquet will be held
on Saturday January 23rd at the Salmon
Bay Eagles in Ballard (5216 20th Ave NW).
Greg Field and his crew will be preparing
the excellent meal plus we’ll have an auction, awards and many prizes to give away.
A good time will be had by all. Tickets will
be available at the Seattle VME meetings or
by sending an email to [email protected].
I would like to thank all of you who
contributed to the content of this issue of the
newsletter.The deadline for the March/April
issue of the VME News is February 3rd.
Hi Jody - My family made the move
to Vashon in the spring of 2014. I was not
even aware of the TT at that point. All the
bikes passing by our house took us surprise,
which made it super exciting! We brought
chairs down to the road to watch all the
sweet rides cruise by. It was an unexpected
delight. I joined the VME to be sure I would
always know the date of the next TT! My
whole family gets into it. I’m an artist, and
I get a great thrill out of photographing the
bikes in town and on the road. I don’t ride,
but I am a huge TT fan and admirer of cool
vehicle s. Three cheers for the VME and
the TT! Best wishes to all. John Schuh
Happy Motor-Cycling!
Jody
A Letter to the Editor
More MSI Stuff
By Carl Rader
I really enjoyed Richard Earle’s article
about my old friend, Phil Weigel. MSI was
an institution for old bike enthusiasts in
Greater Seattle for many years and I personally spent many an evening there bench
racing and absorbing Phil’s wise counsel.
I’ve decided to further reflect on MSI with
some of my own memories of his partner,
Joe Coveny. Please understand some of
these memories are over thirty years old
and may not be entirely accurate.
Page 2
VME News
In 1979, my automotive and truck repair
facility was located in Georgetown at 126 S.
Findlay St., about a mile from MSI. Well,
for nostalgic reasons, I decided I wanted
to buy an Ariel Sq. 4 and stopped by MSI
to inquire about finding one. Joe normally
manned the counter and when I asked if
he’d ever heard of Ariel motorcycles, he
just smiled at my ignorance--he and Phil
had both worked for Dewey, Seattle’s Ariel
dealer. Joe sold me a Walneck’s Classifieds
and I bought a bike listed therein, an Ariel
Sq. 4 from White Plains, NY. It was the
beginning affair among many as a vintage
motorcycle enthusiast and an opportunity
to mingle with some of the finest people
I’ve been priveleged to know. Among the
very finest was Joe Coveny--no disrespect
to Phil intended.
Joe was a man whom many would call
eccentric, and perhaps he was, but he was
also one of the most honest and dependable men I’ve ever known. There wasn’t a
fortune to be found in motorsickle service
in those days and I suspect Joe and Phil ate
a lot of beans. And so, after my business
partner retired in 1984, I talked Joe into
coming to work for me during the days
and handling his MSI obligations after
hours and on weekends. Wow! No flaws in
the memory here, folks, Joe was the finest
employee I ever had, bar none. He worked
for me from 1984 ‘til I sold my business in
1991 and was NEVER once late or absent
from work.
Joe Coveny was Mr. Motorcycle personified--only owned two 4 wheeled
vehicles in his entire lifetime. Joe was
orphaned very young and raised by various
relatives, some in KY and some in FL, that
I know of. He delivered newspapers as a
youth and saved enough money to buy his
first bike, either a Suzuki or Yamaha 125cc
two stroke. Picked it up one day after school
and at 8AM the next day, was waiting at the
dealership for his 300 mile checkup.
After completing HS, Joe landed a
scholarship way out west at Seattle U. Tied
everything he owned onto his 125cc bike
and struck out for life on his own in Seattle.
Went to college, worked for Dewey as a
partsman, and ultimately got a B.A. degree,
in poli sci as I recall. Just lemme tell you,
Joe was a pretty smart guy!
After Joe went to work for me, he married a wonderful woman and they bought
some property down by Morton, hoping
to relocate there and live out their modest
dreams. Joe couldn’t beg, borrow or steal
a job in Morton--if you weren’t a local,
the employment doors were closed. So Joe
stayed on at my old shop and everyone
there loved him. But finally, I believe in
1994, a new lumber mill out of CA opened
in Morton and hired Joe. I was thrilled for
him to finally realize his dream, but alas,
it didn’t happen. About a month into the
new job, Joe was killed in an industrial accident at the new mill. What a sad end for
a magnificent human being. I still get wet
eyes when I remember Joe Coveny. Just
among the very best!
Perhaps Mr. Loners will add to or edit
my humble effort herein. He and Joe used
to ride bikes to Bella Coola, BC during the
wonderful NW summers. But not the usual
UJMs. BSAs and Triumphs! Study a map.
About 400 miles of dirt road as I recall. I
once owned a Beezer Joe built for that trip
and it didn’t leak even ONE drop of oil.
I’ll always miss you, Joe. Godspeed.
VME News
Page 3
Seeley Lust: Project Notes
By Dick Casey
1971. I was in my early 20’s and Colin
Seeley, and English motorcycle racer and
frame builder released a bike called a Condor. A Mk-III Seeley trellis frame and a
Matchless G50 engine. The bike cost about
$2,640. Ex-works and freight extra from the
UK. At the time, this was an astonishingly
high cost. I have wanted a Seeley framed
bike for a long time.
2005. I commissioned Mr. Jan DeLong,
ABSAF, in the Netherlands to build a Mk-III
Seeley frame and airfreight to me. Cost was
almost exactly $3,000.
2007: While on the Isle of Man during
the 100th anniversary, Jody Heintzmantracked down Colin Seeley, and I was able
to meet with him for an appreciable period
of time, and get an autographed copy of
his book.
2015. Completed. In the intervening
years, I built up a short stroke, AJS competition engine, and assembled the bike. In the
decade since I bought the frame, I made a
few parts for the bike. Here a short list.
Front Fork: Bought a set of used fork
tubes & sliders w/ axle, from a Suzuki 80’s
vintage GS500. The tubes were shortened
and rethreaded in Imperial threads and new
top caps machined, Sliders were shortened
87mm in the middle and the seal holders
Page 4
VME News
bonded with industrial epoxy in a docketed
joint. The brake brackets and lower fender
brackets milled off, I turned cups for Timken
bearings, and hand formed the dust caps.
Fork Yokes: Milled from plate, ground,
filed, and polished to match pattern of
Manx yokes. Steering stem turned from
stainless bar stock, threaded, and coupled
with dust shields and top nuts for adjusting
the bearings.
Dash panel: Cut from alloy plate,
machined to accept home made vibration
isolators to hold alloy cups machined to
hold VDO electronic gauges. Gauges fitted with polished alloy trim rings. Support
brackets milled from alloy plate, and all
dash items coated in wrinkle finish black.
For fun, 19m Lucas King of The Road
Badge fitted above Lucas 3 position toggle
switch, with the classic switch positions
noted. This switch required disassembly
and modification of the contacts to meet my
special switching pattern combining ignition and lighting requirements. Next a 12
Volt electronic voltmeter was fitted, which
powers on only when the oil shut-off is in
the correct position.
Front Wheel: Buchannan supplied the
polished rim and spokes. A Suzuki ‘water
buffalo’ D-TLS (double twin leading shoe)
drum purchased. Drum narrowed to fit front
yokes, both brake backing plates thinned
to fit drum, all shoes narrowed to suit, and
new clevises, and adjusting rods machined
from 304 stainless steel. Note: these are true
turnbuckles, using both L+R hand metric
threads. Brake stays, and fender mounts
cut from alloy plate. Clubman fender is
NOS alloy unit from John Johnson’s stable.
Rear Wheel: Early 70s Triumph hub
and backing plate purchased from Chris
O’Neal, and heavily modified. Hub slightly
narrowed, new seal holder turned with Left
hand thread, alloy spacers, and hub lightened with 5 big holes Ala Norton Manx
style. Brake plate modified with TLS (twin
leading shoe) levers and linkages in polished 304 stainless. Backing plate drilled
for airflow and fitted with stainless steel
polished hardware cloth. Rims and spokes
from Buchanan.
Foot Rests: The hangers are milled
from alloy; the fittings and footrests are
polished 304 stainless. The hangers are
fitted with 1 inch thick stainless rotating
drums, approximately 2 inches OD, which
are drilled and lightened, and graduated
every 5 degrees for adjustments.
Engine Plates: 3/8 inch 7074 alloy,
drilled and reamed for stainless steel mount-
ing studs. All studs, nuts, washers, and
spacers for the engine plate to frame, and
VME News
Page 5
frame to engine were machined in house.
Plates have been ‘jeweled’ using Cratex
abrasive sticks and coated with POR-15
Glisten PC for longevity of finish.
Oil Tank and Battery Box. Made in
house, 3003 alloy, 0.080”. Outer covers
hand-formed, using ideas from Bob Strode.
Aluminum welding was largely completed
R series oil filter. The oil return from the
engine is circuited past a clear acrylic window allowing quick check of oil return. A
‘boiler type’ sight gauge is used to view oil
level; brass banjo style fittings are fitted with
o-rings, instead of the damn fibre washers,
and all were made in house. The tank and
battery box are fitted with internal vibration
isolation at all mounting points within the
frame. A sealed 12V AGM battery supplies
the electrical system. A 3/8 ball valve shuts
off the oil feed to the engine and the valve
is fitted with a SPST snap action switch to
kill the ignition system.
Electrical System: A 70s vintage Lucas
70 AMP 12 V 3 phase alternator feeds a
Podtronics R/R (regulator/rectifier). Ignition is a Pazon crankshaft fired electronic
in house with some assistance from John
Farrel on welding on the filler neck. Tank
features a filter compartment using a BMW
Page 6
VME News
unit. The wiring harness was made in house,
and employs two fused circuits, ignition
and lighting. The VDO tachometer gets its
trigger from the Pazon ignition system. The
VDO speedometer gets its impulses from a
transducer mounted on the brake backing
plate and senses the 5 bolts securing the rear
wheel sprocket.
Engine: The obvious items on the engine are the ‘big head’ and the external alloy
‘chain cases’ on the timing side. Alloy plate
1/8” thick was welded to cylinder head to
improve cooling and appearance. The alloy covers on the timing side are to support
future engine development plans in several
stages. Among these are enhanced oiling
with a gear driven oil pump, and moving
from push rod, to overhead cam design. The
cylinder barrel was shortened 3/8” and is
fitted with a Weisco piston. A competition
big end bearing is used at the bottom and
a new small end bearing was machined in
house for the Weisco wrist pin. The rod was
lightened and polished, as is the valve gear,
running competition cams. Carburetion is
supplied with an AMAL Mk-II 30mm carb
with an in house tuned velocity stack fitted with polished stainless hardware cloth
screen, and stainless steel manifold
Primary Drive: Bob Newby Racing
supplied the 30mm wide cog belt drive. Bob
makes the engine pulley and a superb alloy
clutch, which is very smooth in its action,
and a joy to adjust. A standard Norton, circa
1960 gearbox is used employing all of the
modern updates to bearings etc.
Secondary Drive: on top of the swing
arm, a HDPE plastic rubbing block and
below, a HDPE plastic roller mounted on a
torsion spring arm, keep the chain in tension
andaligned.
Seat and Fuel Tank: made in house,
patterns were carved from Styrofoam blocks,
and hand laid carbon and glassfibre bonded
with West System Epoxy. Rob Wheeler was
most helpful with the vacuum bagging when
forming the gas tank. Sik Werks in Seattle
painted the tank in 1960’s Jaguar E-Type
BRG (British racing green), Bob Davidson,
hand lettered the tank and completed the pin
striping.
The seat
incorporates
a 3-pole
spring-loaded connector, which
mates to
a contact
block on the
frame. This allows me to remove the seat,
which carries the tail light assembly, without
VME News
Page 7
having to unplug wires individually.
A spring-loaded latch (seen between
contacts and rear of the fuel tank) secures
the seat from moving rearward.
Postscript: Much to my annoyance,
when being fitted with the upholstery, one
Rich’s Seat Factory’s employee drilled thru
my neat fabrication and used 2 1/4x20 Phillips head screws. A better placement surely
could have found. Arrrgggghhhh!
Bright work. Alloy items like the oil
tank cover, and the gas tank cover were
Exhaust: The pipe was made in house
using 16ga steel mandrel bends purchased
from Cone engineering and Hooker Headers. Quality Metal Finishing, Seattle,
completed the chrome plating.
So, while I did not ‘buy much’ and saved
a bunch of money, I did have lots of parts to
make which took a great deal of time. And
it was well worth every hour.
One of my favorite ideas, I borrowed
made in house. The design comes from
a circa 195 MG roadster I saw crossing
Kootney Lake, near Nelson BC. The tank
strap and latch were made in house, using
ideas seen on the IoM during a visit in 2007.
I drew every part I made using AutoCAD. So when I got around to needing a
fuel tank cap, I simply scaled the oil tank
cap larger and AutoCAD provide the new
dimensions. EZ No?
Page 8
VME News
from BMW, who for many years struggled
with a robust design for securing the centre
stand to the frame on 70’s R bikes. An M10
bolt is NOT a good load carrier.
I countered bored my engine plates,
used two discs of oil hardening drill rod,
7/8 inch OD, and with the discs ‘socketed
3/16” into the engine plates, the load of the
bike is borne by the engine plates, not the
3/8” grade 8 bolts. Adjusting the stand is
simplified; the ‘stops’ are eccentric.
Above: The pivots, and the bump stops.
To the right is the rubber cushion for the
stand when in the ‘up’ position.
So How Does it Run?: Short answer is
quite well. In so far as I only have 2 hours
on a fresh engine, I have not pushed this
bike at all.
When I drew the front fork yokes, I
assumed some values for trail. I had a few
reference books at hand; Tony Foale, John
Bradley, and Gaetano Cocco were the most
helpful. From the short rides I have taken,
and on new tyres, I have been pleased with
the handling.
The Mk-II AMAL, purchased from Surrey Cycles in the UK, appears to be spot on
in terms of jetting. The bike starts easily,
hot or cold, the Norton g/box is a bit tight,
and the Suzuki Double Twin Leading Shoe
brakes are very reassuring.
I’m going to like this bike.
Ciao, Dick Casey
A decade in the making: MK-III Seeley AJS
VME News
Page 9
Dad and Daughter touring in
Beautiful British Columbia
By Dan Casey
Any half decent father worth his salt will
not pass up the opportunity to go on a motorcycle road trip with his son or daughter.
And since I consider myself half decent, I
was very happy when my daughter, Olivia,
agreed early this year to take a road trip
with her old man.
Day 1
On August 9th at 9:10 AM we pulled out
of Tacoma heading for Port Angeles to take
the Black Ball Ferry to Victoria. Olivia rides
a 2005 Triumph Bonneville T100 outfitted
with leather saddle bags.
I was on my 2008 Kawasaki Versys with
my Givi luggage. A few years back I did a
similar ride to this one with my buddy John
Bundy so I was familiar with much of the
route we would be taking. We arrived at
the Ferry Dock at 12 noon straight up and
chatted with a motorcycle couple from Vancouver, Washington while we waited for our
boat to depart at 12:45 Ferry workers split
us up onto opposite sides of the boat which
perplexed us. I gathered that there was logic
to it as we each tied up our bikes to the sides
of the boat. The boat was packed and Olivia
and I were fortunate to find a couple of seats
together to enjoy our bagels. After debarking in Victoria we wandered around among
the throngs of tourists.
Olivia has fond memories of time with
her grandma in Victoria so asked that I take
a picture of her in front of the Empress
Hotel. No High tea for the two of us today,
thank you. Eager to head north to Nanaimo
it didn’t take long for me to figure out that
my new Garmin GPS did not have Canadian
maps loaded. As well, I was not able to figure out how to load them. After wandering
around the edges of Nanaimo Olivia pulled
out her fancy I-phone and Siri was helpful
in getting us to our motel. A nice dinner
Page 10
VME News
at a nearby Italian restaurant and we were
ready to settle in for the evening.
Day 2
Although our motel in Nanaimo was
not part of a chain, they offered a nice
buffet breakfast. As we were getting up
to leave the dining room with full bellies,
Olivia noticed that I had left my plate, etc.,
at the table.
Next thing I hear is a loud voice . . “Dad,
go get your shit!”. I did an about face with
tail between my legs and went back to clear
my dishes while other diners smiled. As
we were waiting in line to board the BC
ferry for Horseshoe Bay we chatted with
a nice couple riding a Honda 1300 with a
Trailer from Quebec. We also had a pleasant talk with an avid Harley rider. The BC
ferry system has it on our Washington State
ferry system . . . hands down. After disembarking at Horseshoe Bay we meandered
along Marine Drive outside of Vancouver.
Eventually we stopped for lunch in a quaint
little retail area.
When we got back to our bikes, Olivia’s
bike wouldn’t start. It turns out she had
left her key in her ignition and, as well,
in the “on” position. I tried to push start
her but I couldn’t get enough speed going. Fortunately, a young man came along
and helped push. She got it started but it
ran rough for awhile so we rode up and
down Marine drive until it smoothed out.
Traffic was heavy getting into Vancouver
but we eventually found our motel where
we learned that we would be charged $20
each to park our motorcycles. Ouch! I can
crossthis place off for any future lodging
options. We walked down to Gas Town and
took in the sites. While dining outside we
were panhandled twice by what appeared
to be drugged up women. Our wait person
ran one off but she came back to a table
near us, grabbed a handful of salad off of
one startled woman’s plate, and scurried
off. We did have a nice experience while
walking back to our room.
Olivia encountered a native American
who was carving a hummingbird out of
wood.
He sold it to Olivia for $20 and she was
delighted. O’s totem is the hummingbird
from what she tells me. Nice way to end
our day.
Day 3
Olivia and I left about 10 AM. We
were both ready to leave the City. We got
on Highway 1 toward Horseshoe Bay and
then on to 99 toward Whistler where we
stopped for Ice Cream and a walk about.
The Tourists were in abundance and both
O and I were soon ready to get back on the
road. As we headed toward Pemberton the
traffic thinned out a bit. Both bikes are running smoothly and we are keeping a
nice pace together. At one point riding
on some nice twisties I noticed that Olivia
was no longer behind me. I pulled over
and waited and then when she still didn’t
show I went back to find her alongside the
road. A wasp had managed to fly up her
jacket sleeve and stung her on the forearm.
My daughter had wisely brought along a
first aid kit and was tending to her wound
calmly. By the time we arrived at the 4 Pines
Motel in Lillooet she was fine. Dinner at
a Greek Restaurant was good. Both Olivia
and I agreed that although Vancouver is a
great city, visiting on a motorcycle is really
not the best idea, particularly when neither
of us are familiar with Vancouver.
Give us the small BC towns, the twisties and the beauty and grandeur of this
magnificent Canadian province.
Day 4
After a nice breakfast Olivia and I headed east toward Kamloops. A cool morning
breeze and fantastic twisties on 99 reminded
us why we love motorcycling. Olivia’s
T-100 Bonnie only allows about 120 miles
before needing a fuel stop and she starts to
get nervous when she hits around 90-100
miles so we are always looking for gas
stations. Actually, given that her father’s
bladder is the size of a thimble, it works
out well for both of us. We stopped in Kamloops at a grocery store and bought fruit,
cheese, crackers and nuts for lunch. Sitting
out in front of the store we both noticed how
courteous people were to one another. Off
to Salmon Arm and then an ice cream stop
in charming Sicamous. Afterward we shoot
on to Revelstoke. O and I enjoyed dinner
outside while we drank an excellent lager
and listened to a soothing jazz quartet in the
downtown gazebo. A large group of Asian
tourists arrived, sat down to listen to the jazz
group, and five minutes later en masse got
up and left. Life is good.
Day 5
After wandering around in downtown
Revelstoke we asked a local where a good
place to have breakfast might be. He didn’t
steer us wrong. Olivia had granola and fruit
covered with whipped cream and I had their
Old Timers Omelete. I won’t be losing any
weight on this trip. We then went back to
our room and packed up to head off to the
ferry at Shelter Bay. We talked to a couple
on BMW’s heading off to the BMW Rally.
Olivia made a joke about the kind of people
who attend the BMW rally being wild party
animals just like those crazies who go to
Sturgis. It took them a minute but they
eventually realized she was joking. After
exiting the ferry we headed to Nakusp
where we had a “grocery store lunch” of
apples, and nuts. Then . . ice cream stop in
Slocan before arriving in Nelson.
We walked from the North Shore Inn
the 2 1/2 miles into town where we downed
delicious burgers and drank an ice cold ale.
Then we walked around town and back to
VME News
Page 11
the motel . . . I mean, Inn.
I’m discovering on this trip that any
place can use the label “lodge” or “Inn” but
still be no different than your basic motel.
Day 6
After a sweet roll and coffee we pulled
out of Nelson heading for Christina Lake
where we stopped for more coffee. I trust
there are more fire hydrants ahead cause I
will be using them. As we approached
the border heading back into Washington we noted that major highway work
was being done on 395. When the Customs
agent inquired about what Olivia might be
bringing back into the states she responded
with “Wood”. There was a silence from
the Officer and then he asked her to take
everything out of her bags.
He discovered quickly that her “wood”
was the carved native American hummingbird. Sheesh! As we waited to pass through,
a Border Patrol Officer looked over at us,
smirked and commented “You sure picked a
bad day to go on a motorcycle ride with that
road ahead”. After we got past the border
Olivia told me she came close to responding
“Well, I’d rather be riding a motorcycle today than working at your job” I told her that
I’m sure our esteemed retired Customs
Inspector John Bundy would tell you that
you made the right decision by keeping your
mouth shut. My Versys and I don’t like
gravel roads but we muscled through miles
of gravel before finally hitting pavement and
then heading west toward Republic. Here
we sat outside a grocery store and munched
on snacks. Old Timers wandered in and out
and invariably I’d strike up a conversation
with them about our motorcycles. “Is that
a Triumph? (Olivia’s eyes roll). I used to
have one of those. What is that red motorcycle? Olivia was ready for her dad to stop
the socializing so we could ride on toward
Tonasket. The skies were smokey and the
weather was hot. The Okanogan fires were
just starting and fire vehicles were scurrying
Page 12
VME News
here and there. When we reached Omak,
Olivia was experiencing a migraine as
well as an allergy attack and nausea so was
eager to get to Winthrop where we would
be lodging. As we rode through the area
before Twisp we encountered heavy winds
and tumbleweed which created a surrealistic
riding experience. Finally arriving at our
place in Winthrop Olivia curled up in our
dark room and slept while I went for a swim
in the pool. When she was feeling better
we walked into town and had margaritas
and Mexican food at the Mexican restaurant. We also watched the first pre-season
Seahawks football game against the Denver
Broncos. Olivia wanted me to explain football to her and I tried my best but I suspect
some of the rules and concepts were a bit
much for her to fully grasp. We had a lot
of laughs . . . as we always do . . while we
walked back to the motel.
Day 7
We pulled out of the Winthrop Inn and
headed to Mazama where we stopped for
good coffee and breakfast. Next, it was on
up the North Cascade Highway. I don’t need
to tell VME’ers what a spectacular highway
that is. We stopped at a rest area and chatted
with a couple of guys from Spokane riding
their motos. One fellow was riding an FJR
and the other a Kawi Concours. Then later
we turned off onto Hwy 530 toward Darrington and then over to Arlington.
I was getting sleepy so went to a park
where I could rest while Olivia went for
cocoa. After we ate sandwiches purchased
back in Mazama we headed south on Hwy
9 and then caught 405 where the traffic was
moving nicely through Bellevue.
Before long we were arriving in Tacoma
where two tired motorcyclists, one old and
one young, gave each other a big hug and
headed to our respective homes. Both of
us had a great time and plan to do another
trip sometime in the future.
Florence of Arabia
By L.C, Smith
I’m writing this from Abu Dhabi in the
United Arab Emirates (UAE), where I occasionally travel
these days for
work. Back in
the summer of
2009, I started
a job that took
me here to live
for a few years.
I moved without my beloved
1969 BMW
R60/2, which
I left stored at
home. But I knew I needed to have a bike
once I was on the ground there so, even
before I got on the plane, I set about to find
a Beemer and some moto enthusiasts to
ride with. I was lucky in both departments.
First, I discovered the Exiles, a motley
crew of locals and ex-pats (including more
than a few women)
who ride together
weekly throughout
the Emirates (although not in summer!) and drink a
lot of beer. My kind
of people. Then I
found my bike: a
water-cooled, threecylinder 1994 BMW
K75 – aka the “Flying Brick” because it is
such a dependable ride – which I bought
from the original owner, a French guy who
worked for Societe Generale in Dubai and
was moving to Saudi. I found a pretty good
mechanic in Dubai and had the bike lowered
50mm (shorter shocks and adjustment of the
front suspension) so I’d able to get my feet
flat on the ground at a stop. Much more
secure and easy to handle like that, rather
than stopping on tiptoes…
That year,
right before
Christmas, I
drove the Flying Brick on
a t h r e e - d a y,
two-night
solo outing
into the Rub’
al Khali – the
Empty Quarter
– which is the
largest contiguous sand desert in the world, encompassing
most of the southern third of the Arabian
Peninsula. The Big Empty, as I call it, covers
some 250,000 square miles, including parts
of Saudi Arabia, Oman, the UAE and Yemen, and is part of the larger Arabian Desert.
It was an incredible journey. (I stayed at a
wonderful place located along the Liwa
Crescent, an area of
oases, in the Big
Empty. And, yes, I
passed lots of camels
along the way.)
I moved back to
the US in 2011 and
before I left I sold
the bike to a guy who
swore he was a vintage aficionado who had
yearned for an old BMW for years. The day
after I sold it, I saw it advertised online at
twice the price. Oh well. I hope that trusty
bike ended up in good hands. It was a
wonderful ride and I sure miss it, especially
when I am back in the UAE.
VME News
Page 13
Events Ahead
JANUARY
South Sound VME New Years Day Breakfast in Gig Harbor. 8am at the
Sunset Grill. 4926 Pt Fosdick Dr. 253-851-8282 T Doors open at 07:30. After
breakfast, we will adjourn to Art Redford’s Private Museum for some quality
viewing.
6
VME meeting. Slim’s Last Chance, 5606 1st Avenue South, Seattle.7pm
9
Vintage Motocross at Woodland, WA
12 Portland VME meeting - The Rambler, 4205 N Mississippi Ave, Portland, 7pm.
15 - 18 Snow Camp Ride to Mt Rainier.
16 Siege’s 7th Annual Vintage Motorcycle Show. Lawless HD, Renton.
21 VME South Sound meeting 7pm,Anahauc Mexican Restaurant, 9002 Pacific Ave.,Tacoma
23 The VME’s Annual Holiday and Awards Banquet at Salmon Bay Eagles.
5216 20th Ave NW, Seattle. Tickets ($20/person) will be available at the January
and February Seattle VME meetings or call (206) 547-4920 or [email protected]
23 X-treme International Ice Racing, Xfinity Arena, Everett. 7:30pm.
22-24 Vancouver MC Show. Canada Trade X Center, Abbotsford, B.C.
1
FEBRUARY
3
9
11
Portland VME meeting - The Rambler, 4205 N Mississippi Ave, Portland, 7pm.
PNW Museum of Motorcycling Meeting.Coliman Mexican Restaurant 6932
Carleton Ave South, Seattle Wa (206) 427-3440. 6:30pm.
14 Vintage Motocross at Woodland, WA
MARCH
2
8
14
Vintage Motocross at Woodland, WA
Page 14
VME News
**
Idaho Vintage Motorcycle Club 40th Annual Vintage Motorcycle Rally and Show. Caldwell, Idaho. (208) 377-4981
17
VME South Sound meeting 7pm,Anahauc Mexican Restaurant, 9002 Pacific Ave.,Tacoma
APRIL
6
11 Vintage Motocross at Woodland, WA
** AHRMA Vintage MX and Trials. Burrows Ranch; Chrome, CA
23 WVM Mt Vernon Swapmeet
24 VME Spring Opener Ride. Ride departs I90 Motorsports in Issaquah at 10,
signup at 9am
** AHRMA Vintage MX and Trials, Hollister Hills SVRA; Hollister, CA
** Annual Classic and Vintage Swap Meet Show and Shine. Tswassen B.C.
4/30-5/1 AHRMA Vintage MX and Trials. Crooked River Ranch; Terrebonne, OR
MAY
*
4
Motorcycle Awareness Month
(VME Officer Noninations)
12 PNW Museum of Motorcycling Meeting. Coliman Mexican Restaurant 6932
15 Bonehead Enduro (206) 325-7019
21-22 AHRMA Vintage MX and Trials, Bodnar Ranch; Dairy, OR
21 VME Small Bore Excursion. Details in next newsletter.
JUNE
1
VME meeting. (Officer elections) Slim’s Last Chance, 5606 1st Avenue South,
Seattle.7pm
4 - 10 Isle of Man TT (Practice May 28 - June 3)
VME News
Page 15
4 - 5 32nd Annual Dino Daze. Straddeline ORV Park
13-19 Marymount Motorcycle Week
14
16
18
AHRMA Vintage Trials at Marymount.
23
All British Field Meet. St Edwards Park, Kenmore.
26
VME’S Tiddler Tour on Vashon. A ride for bikes under 250cc. Leave from downtown Vashon at 10:15.
** AHRMA Vintage MX and Trials. Oakland Vintage Weekend; Oakland, OR
23 -26 Hodaka Days, Athena, Oregon.
JULY
6
10
VME meeting. lim’s Last Chance, 5606 1st Avenue South, Seattle.7pm
VME’s Pre-75 ride. A ride for bikes built before 1975. Ride leaves from
Southworth ferry parking lot at 10am.
12
21
**
AHRMA Vintage MX and Trials. Hannegan Speedway; Bellingham, WA
**
North American Velocette Rally. Diamond Lake, OR
AUGUST
3
9
11
VME meeting. Slim’s Last Chance, 5606 1st Avenue South, Seattle.7pm.
PNW Museum of Motorcycling Meeting. Coliman Mexican Restaurant 6932
13 VME Rx Pt. Hadlock Ride and over-niter to Port Hadlock via Hood Canal
12-14 AMCA Evergreen Chapter Tenino Swap Meet.
SEPTEMBER
7 VME meeting. Slim’s Last Chance, 5606 1st Avenue South, Seattle.7pm
17 - 18 AHRMA National VMX and Trials. Rattlers Run, Spokane, WA.
Page 16
VME News
15
OCTOBER
**
AHRMA Vintage MX and Trials. Bushey Ranch; Canby, CA
5
**
AHRMA Vintage MX and Trials. Hollister Hills SVRA; Hollister, CA
NOVEMBER
2
8
Portland VME meeting - The Rambler, 4205 N Mississippi Ave,
Portland OR, 7pm.
9 PNW Museum of Motorcycling Meeting. Coliman Mexican Restaurant 6932
13 VME Fall Bike Swap Meet. Salty Dog Studio in Ballard (6602 14th NW)
17 VME South Sound meeting 7pm,Anahauc Mexican Restaurant, 9002
Pacific Ave.,Tacoma
17 - 18 AHRMA Vintage MX and trials, Hollister Hills SVRA; Hollister, CA
DECEMBER
7
13
15
Portland VME meeting - 5pm - 7pm, White Owl, 1305 SE 8th Ave, Portland, OR.
VME South Sound meeting 7pm,Anahauc Mexican Restaurant, 9002
Pacific Ave.,Tacoma
The VME Editor can make mistakes and event dates and information
have been known to change, so, call ahead to make sure.
VME News
Page 17
Marymount Motorcycle Show
& other thoughts
by Harvey Widman
I have mentioned this in prior membership meetings, but I will emphasize it again.
The VME, and TMC, and MOM, have
established a 2 year history of putting out
a fabulous motorcycle show, and the 2015
show was no exception. More importantly,
we now have the beginning of a potential
tradition, in a venue that embraces motorsports, and welcomes us as motorcycle
enthusiasts.
In the tradition of “if you build it, they
will come”, the VME, TMC members and
independants, once again , without any
specific model requests, stepped up and presented outstanding examples of the various
brands. The all original ISDT 60’s Jawa
comes to mind as just one example, The
feature marque was BSA this year, with a 12
bike display in the center of the Marymount
gym gallery. We had wonderful displays of
scooters, small bore bikes we all grew up
with, the midsizes that were then our “big
bikes”, the dirt sleds of the sixties and the
MX rockets that followed, flat trackers,
and on to the larger road machines, not to
mention sidecars and café racers. From old
to new, from small to large, there was something for everyone to enjoy, BS about, or
find a great memory that could be revisited.
As I think about the progress of the show,
this year being successful in attendance in
Page 18
VME News
spite of horrible traffic conjestion caused by
the US Open golf event, what truly stands
out is the quality of our people that bring
the bikes to show, and our people that invest
the time and effort to set it up. Special
thanks to the efforts of our members that
spent many, many, many hours setting up
the show area and placing the bikes in a
truly great arrangement. AND, especially,
a special thanks to Tom Samuelson and Jack
Mackey of the Museum of Motorcycling),
who again, presented a pictorial display that
was a first class museum motorcycle show
unto itself within another show. I want to
specifically
Where do you go to see both a great
bike show, and on the weekend, have a
stellar display by the Cossacks, a ½ hour
long show highlighted by “flaming wall of
death board crash” stunt that had not been
attempted for 60 (??) years????
Where do you go to see a great bike
show, the Cossacks, and a full 10 stage
vintage trials event, and have country road
routes available for great riding less than
10 minutes away from the venue?
We hopefully will all support this event
as it is put on again this coming year, and
in time, recognize it as having the same
traditional historical significance as our
other trademark events.
HERB Rides Again
By Dave Legg
It has been a few to many years since
Herb’s Ride as taken place. At a South
Sound VME meeting Dr. Dick Casey asked
the club what rides we would like to see
come about. Several suggestions bounced
around the room but one perked many ears.
So after some pre-planning and appointing a
few volunteers, Herb’s Ride was reinstated.
October 10 & 11 was selected as the date.
Saturday morning, Oct. 10th was a
beauty. Clear dark starry sky and about 62
degrees. Those weather men don’t know a
thing! My buddy Bill threw his gear in the
truck and off we went to pick up another
the rest of the breakfast club showed up
and they came in all wet. What was IHOP
thinking getting their patrons all wet? Well,
breakfast was eaten, bills paid, and time
to go. Boy, those window washers got
everything wet, the entire parking lot and
surrounding buildings. On the way to the
staging area we ran into a few more of those
“little sprinkles.” Then heavier sprinkles.
Wait a minute, this is RAIN! NO, NO, NO!
It was a clear and starry 62 degrees morning!
At the Skokomish Grange (staging
area) riders were crammed under the small
covered porch dawning wet gear with little
buddy Tom. We were to meet a few more
participants at the IHOP in Black Lake for
breakfast. On the way down to Black Lake
something happened. I had to turn on the
windshield wipers a time or two. “No worries” I said, “just a little sprinkle.” We got
to the IHOP as the manager was unlocking
the door, “open for business.” Waiting for
our other riding buddies to show, we saw
something on the storefront windows that
gave us pause. What are those little drops
of water doing on the windows? Then there
were more. IHOP must wash their windows
on Saturday morning. Yah, that’s it. By now
elbow room. Large puddles formed in the
gravel parking lot and still more RAIN coming down, things didn’t look so great. In all,
24 riders showed. One rider unloaded his
bike, stood under cover, watched the RAIN
get harder, contemplated, then reloaded his
bike and said, “Later boys.” He had a very
pretty 305 Scrambler and didn’t want to
mess it up, can’t blame him. At the riders
meeting someone had mentioned that there
was a hurricane out in the ocean that was
downgraded to one hell of a storm blowing
inland. Perfect! Nice Day for a Ride! It was
decided to make a strafe run right out to the
VME News
Page 19
motel at the beach instead of taking in all the
wonderful flora the Olympic Mountains had
to offer. So does moving faster in rain mean
you get less wet? That theory was busted by
the time everyone got to the motel.
Side Note: Several years back on Herb’s
Ride, my buddy Jeff and I rode in this
same kind of weather. When we got to the
motel, he kept riding on. A few hours later
he showed up back at the motel. I asked,
“Where did you go?” He said he went to
find a laundry mat to dry his gear. He hadn’t
brought a change of clothes. He said that he
had stripped down to his underwear, swiped
a towel from a nearby dryer to wrap around
himself as to not get arrested, and threw his
gear in a dryer. Now the difficult part was
getting the soggy $5 dollar bill in the change
machine for quarters.
Once at the motel everyone found their
rooms and turned up the heat in an attempt
to start drying out. The storm had blown
through and things were looking pretty nice.
Lunch that was supposed to be served at
the Wynoochee Dam stop was now being
prepared at the motel. A fire was set ablaze
in a portable fire pit in the gravel parking
lot of the motel and riders gathered round
for a nice evening of conversation and lies.
Sunday morning Oct 11th was a beauty!
(Wait a minute, so was Saturday.) We had
called ahead to advise the Green Lantern
Tavern that a semi large group of hungry
riders would be ascending upon it for breakfast. The tavern staffed up and served us
well and we all had some good grub. After
breakfast we all gathered at the motel to
embark on the return trip back to the staging
area. WOW! The weather was beautiful.
The ride captain, Ralph, said we should
now have the Herb’s Ride in reverse. So
the route was selected and off we went. The
first stop was at Roosevelt Beach access for
a little fun on the beach and a group photo.
This is typically done on Saturday before
we ascend on the motel. From the beach we
go back into the woods for some logging
road action out to Wynoochee Dam for
lunch. Our buddies, John H. and Ron B. had
lunch cooked and waiting for us by the time
we got there. They also had the Seahawks
game on the radio so we could hear them
loose in overtime. It was a nice thought
guys, thanks. From there we split into two
groups to go see different viewpoints. We
typically see most of these points on the
way over to the beach on Saturday but there
was RAIN. The two groups converge at the
High Steel Bridge for another group photo.
Now back to the staging area to load up and
head home.
I know I didn’t expound on all of the
beautiful wonder that the Olympic National
Forest has to offer on this ride. My views,
experience, and enjoyment are mine, and
you have to join us to create yours. Thanks
to all who helped make Herb’s Ride happen again!
A special thanks to Ralph and Herb for
creating this ride in the first place.
The Last Run to Castle Rock
By Alan Brittenham
It started out as a simple three day
campout for the guys, the destination being the Flat Track Races at Castle Rock,
Washington, on their half mile dirt track
outside of town on the Toutle River. We
didn’t know it then, of course, but it was
the last race ever to be held at that track.
Page 20
VME News
Mt. St. Helens blew up the next spring and
wiped out the track, the river, a bunch of
trees and quite a few people.
It was a mostly Harley crowd on this
run, Dude on his ’69 Sportster, me on my
purple ’71 FLH, Jerry on his knucklehead
chopper, Bill on his 45 trike and Butch on
his Toms’ Cycle Yamaha 650 chopper. In
those days, we always had a chase truck
along, in this case Bill’s old ‘52 Dodge
pickup, driven by Magoo, a good thing,
as it turned out. You could become a biker
pretty cheaply back then, but the price was
the lack of dependability that comes from
running used, worn-out parts because it was
all we could afford.
We jumped off from Jerry’s place on the
plateau above Graham, which is a short skip
to the Orting-Kapowsin Highway that leads
south past Lake Ohop to Eatonville. From
there, you have a choice of the Eatonville
cutoff or the long way through LaGrande,
both of which lead to Highway 7, the Mountain Highway. From there, all roads lead to
Morton, as it should be.
You can leave Morton in 4 directions.
Take a right on Main Street and you will
find yourself on State Highway 508, a
lovely winding country road (after you get
past the pig farm) that rolls into Chehalis on
the south side by way of Onalaska. Or you
can go back the way you came on Highway
7, which stops at Morton, as if to say, “I’ve
got you this far, you’re on your own now.”
But we try to never go back.
The other two ways out are east or west
on Highway 12. East takes you up the hill
through Randle and Packwood to White
Pass and the road to Yakama. West, the way
we went that day, heads toward the distant
ocean via another fine country road. Two
lane blacktop is where it’s at. We turned off
and headed south on what is now called the
Jackson Memorial Highway, named after
a Senator who was not dead yet then, but
now nobody remembers the original name
of the road. Still, that is where we turned,
because it leads to Toutle, and thence to
Castle Rock, our destination.
We had made reservations at the Weyerhaeuser primitive campground somewhere
out by Silver Lake. We had planned to be
there by early afternoon, but the Harley
Gods frowned down on us, specifically the
Knucklehead, which popped, sputtered and
died on the side of 12 outside Morton. The
curse of the Milwaukee Vibrator caused the
points to loosen up inside the distributor
until the gap widened all the way. It took
us a while to find the problem and fix it by
resetting the points with a matchbook cover
(.018” thick) and back on the road we went.
So we rolled into camp late, as usual, set
up in the dark, and then rode back to the
nearest country tavern for dinner and beer,
lots of beer.
There’s a task, a quest, if you will, to
which I set myself years ago, that continues to this day. That is the search for the
best biscuits and gravy in the country. So
far, I think it’s the Tastee Freeze in Laurel,
Montana, and Marty says there’s a place
in Missouri that fills the bill, but you can’t
rightly say until you’ve ate at them all, now,
can you? So the next morning we took the
quest into Castle Rock on our Harleys, with
disappointing results. For one thing, the
town was packed to the gills for the event,
an AMA sponsored national short track
event that drew the likes of Jay Springsteen
and all the good local boys who came out
to take him on that day. There were exactly
two bars in downtown Castle Rock in those
days. In one of them, one of the 1%er clubs
placed a large prospect at the door who
informed all comers that patch holders got
in free, but anyone else had to pay a joint
at the door cover charge. Needless to say,
the 50 or so patch holders for the various
clubs who were in town and not at war with
each other at the time had a pleasant, relaxing day in uncrowded surroundings, while
the landlord cried in his beer and the other
place in town was jammed, standing room
only and hope for a drink. That got old fast
and we headed for the track.
There’s something about the noise at
a flat track race. Most of the bikes in the
top classes were Harley XR 750s, with the
VME News
Page 21
occasional Norton and the Honda copy of
the XR that wasn’t ready for prime time yet,
so the sound was a hornet’s nest of short
stroke Sportsters at full song. As the pack
hits the turn, the volume goes up as they
pitch the bikes sideways and spin the rear
wheel while jamming the steel shoe into the
ground to form the tripod, and drops as they
straighten up and fling themselves onto the
seat to get the tire to bite and throw them at
the century mark again. Oh, yeah, and the
track sold beer by the large plastic cup. By
the time the Finals come around, the crowd
was roaring. The smell of testosterone
competes with the smell of the Castrol in
the fuel tanks.
Then, suddenly, it’s dark, the race is
over, and the grassy field that surrounds the
stands is full of motorcycles, thousands of
them, the owners of which are streaming
out the doors full of beer, with that noise
echoing in their heads.
I’m standing by my bike, looking
around at chaos. Over there, a man is using
a Bowie Knife blade tip to scoop large doses
of either cocaine or methamphetamine out
of a plastic bag and hold them under the
noses of all in their party, spilling visible
amounts on the ground in the process.
Over there a woman is screaming, a man
is trapped under a fallen bike while around
them swerve a steady stream of sportbikes
all jammed together as twelve lanes form
two on the only road to the freeway, visible
in the distance. All you see in any direction is headlights on chrome, all you hear is
engines and all you smell is exhaust.
The promoters of the event, knowing
full well what they have unleashed on the
highways, and experienced in the crowd
control needed for it, have arranged a little
scenario on the side of the onramp in a well
lit location that every single rider must pass
on the way out. A motorcycle, a four cylinder Japanese sportbike, lays on its side on
the shoulder. Parallel to it, but a few feet
Page 22
VME News
further on, is a figure in racing leathers and
helmet lying flat on his back, apparently
dead. A few people are standing around,
their faces betraying their helplessness to do
anything for the poor guy, but they approach
anyone who attempts to stop and render aid
and urgently send them on their way. The
figure on the ground is a mannequin, and the
intent is to penetrate the testosterone with a
splash of cold water before the racing fans
hit the freeway. It certainly worked on me.
Our group had run into several of the
Zudmen, and were yacking and telling stories while we waited for the zoomie bikes
to get out of the lot first. It’s always better
to have the wheelie boys in front of you far
enough so you have time to avoid the chaff.
It was only after they fired up and left, while
we waited for stragglers, that Dude noticed
that Dragon Lady had dropped her purse
on the ground on the way out. That put us
in the position, of course, that we had to
catch up with them, and all we knew was
they were going to form up at the next rest
area to the south. So off we flew, into the
dark night with our dim headlights and no
real idea where this was gonna end and
how, with a belly full of beer for courage.
Magoo and Bill took the truck and the trike
back to camp, knowing better than to try to
keep up with us, which turned out to be bad,
because the Knucklehead finally died on the
side of the road somewhere near Woodland,
and refused to be revived this time.
JB and I wound up sitting in a raised
brick flower bed outside a closed restaurant
off some nameless off ramp for hours while
we waited for the rest of them to go back
to camp, wake Bill, and send him along in
the truck to pick up the Knuck.
The morning cook came along in the
wee hours and took pity on us and gave
us some coffee. We ran out of cigarettes
about half way through. Then we watched
Bill drive by on the freeway twice before he
figured out we had to be this way. By the
time we got back to camp, they had drunk
all the beer, so we hit the hay. We never
did find that rest area.
The next morning we headed back the
way we came, with the knucklehead, which
had a long wide glide front end with a 21”
wheel and no front brake, sandwiched into
the back of the 1952 Dodge stepside pickup
with the frame resting on the tailgate and
the front tire down by the bumper, tied in
with rope.
About 15 miles outside Toutle the frame
on the Yamaha broke at the front motor
mount. It turns out the boys at Toms Cycle
just butted the frame tubes together at the
bracket with no slugs or fillets to give it
the strength needed in that critical area, so
it broke. Mr. Murphy said it broke on the
side of the road. So into the back of the
Dodge went the Yamaha, stuffed in next to
the Harley with more rope. Good thing we
had lots of rope.
A few miles further up the road, the 45
trike burned a hole in a piston. That poor
little thing, which I later took over and
restored back to stock, had been struggling
all day to keep up with the big boys. A
flathead 45 trike puts out about 9.44 SAE
net horsepower at the rear wheel in stock
form, and this one had big meats on the back
because they looked cool. When I took that
rear end apart, the extra weight and inertia
of the big tires had been wearing away at
the end of the axle inside the differential
and when those little C-rings fail the axle,
wheel and brake drum squirt out the side
as you go around a corner and drop you on
your ass. Good thing it only holed a piston.
Fortunately, the trike also had a long
front end, which we simply lifted over the
tailgate and stuffed it in between the two
prior residents, held in with even more rope.
It turned out the trike did fine like that, just
a little squirrely in the corners and don’t
stop too fast.
So there we were, three bikes in the
back of a ’52 Dodge, and four guys to fit
into the cab of a truck made for two. We
rested in the long grass on the side of the
highway and debated how to choose who
got to ride passenger with me and who got
to ride in the back with the bikes. Then,
wonder of wonders, who should show up
but the girls! Three of them, in fact, mine,
JBs and Magoos, in Barbs car. They had
decided to trace our route and see if they
could catch up with us on the return trip, and
it worked. Not only that, but they brought
us a picnic lunch, and more beer!
And so it was that another memorable
adventure ended up on the side of the road,
this time with sweethearts, sandwiches
and beer to wash down another good one.
Somewhere, I’ve got pictures. :-{)}
I’ve owned many bikes over the years
By James Manson
My first one was in 1975, a Suzuki TM
125 of the same year. It was the last year of
the TM series and also the first year of the
RM series so they were selling the TM’s at
closeout prices (I know it was under $700).
It was an OK bike other than the fact that it
handled like a mechanical bull due to excessive flex in the frame. Along with that, the
powerband had a massive flat spot in the
upper RPM range. All in all I definitely got
my money’s worth out of it.
In 1983 I bought my first street bike, a
1980 Kawasaki KZ 650 LTD, one of the
best bikes I’ve ever owned. I still regret
selling it for $500 in 1992. After that I
made the mistake of buying a 1983 Suzuki
GS 1150 ES, my first & last “ Tupperware”
bike. I could never keep a charge in it, even
after 3 batteries, 1 new coil & 1 new stator,
I decided to sell it & cut my losses. I sold
VME News
Page 23
it for $1000 less than I bought it only 6
months after the initial purchase. Needless
to say that was my last Suzuki.
After the debacle of the Suzuki GS 1150
ES I decided to go back to the trusty old KZ
650. In 1995 I found a 1981 Kawasaki KZ
650 CSR (this was the “ budget model” of
the KZ 650s at the time). This was the only
street bike that I was ever able to wheelie
with any success. This was probably because of it’s low center of gravity & somewhat long front end rake. Although I never
“Looped” it, I decided that I never wanted
to and after a few close calls I decided to
sell it for something a bit tamer .
After the CSR I was bikeless for a few
years until 1998 when a friend of mine offered me a “ barn find.” It was a 1973 Honda
CB 350 twin that was in pretty good shape
cosmetically and for the price of $350 I
simply couldn’t pass up such a great deal. I
loved the standard frame geometry & light
weight as well as the fact that it was perfect
for short jaunts around town. When it ran
I could go through all 5 gears & still be
going less than 40 MPH (short shifting). I
could never get the carburation dialed in &
it would randomly leave me pushing it up
minor inclines or stalled at intersections. I
had the carbs rebuilt 3 times and it would
never cease to leave me stranded. Of all of
the mechanics that I knew at the time no
one was remotely interested in working on
those carbs!
After that I decided to get a bike that
was somewhat more dependable & roadworthy, so I did the unthinkable. I put a
down payment of $1500 for a 1997 Harley
FXDL. It was dependable & somewhat
roadworthy and great for freeway travel.
But it lacked the fun factor that I’d experienced with my smaller street bikes. By
the time I reached 3rd gear in midrange I
was moving at 50MPH +. Not much fun
for around town and me weighing in at a
mere 165 pounds. I decided that it was way
too much weight for my scrawny ass to be
attempting to pitch around at any speed!
Back to the present. I did a lot of research as to a lighter, more manueverable
and dependable standard geometry street
bike. After much deliberation, I set my
sights on the Yamaha SR 500. After a years
worth of searching I found one on Craigslist. It was a 1980 with under 12,000 miles
and still in stock condition for a somewhat
reasonable price of $2000. I took a road trip
out to Montana to check it out. As soon as
I started it and felt the compression I took
it for a short test ride. I gave the guy his
asking price, loaded it into the back of my
Toyota Tacoma and headed home .
After doing a bit of simple mechanical
work on it, (brakes , tires , chain & sprockets + a dual feed oil line) this is by far THE
funnest bike I’ve ever ridden !
Looking Back
By The RideNut
2015 is behind us, save for a bunch of
fine memories. We got in a lot of rides. Here
are a few to reflect back on.
April: Bill “Lucky SOB” Maxwell
conducted the Spring Opener ride out in the
lush Fall City – Carnation area.
May: The RideNut is born. “The Doctor” in the role of Attending Physician, de-
Page 24
VME News
livers the birth of RideNut, a bouncing baby
boy, who with the aid of a gun and a Mac
computer begins to extract email addresses
from 400 semi-reluctant VME members,
and Group Notification is expanded.
May: Ride to visit U.S.S. Turner Joy, a
retired Navy Destroyer in Bremerton. Dan
Casey, Tacoma recommended the ride and
almost 2 dozen riders enjoyed touring the
vessel.
Dan Casey arranged and led our members on a Garage Tour to see Rick McMaken’s collection of cars and Bikes. The
Rick-ster has some very nice toys!
June: John Smith and his lovely wife
Zeta, once again fed the VME crowd at their
home in Bonney Lake after a nice ride to
and from The South Prairie Fly-In.
The Murphy boys (Buck & Dirk) along
with Dave Legg conducted another great
Small Bore Excursion out on the Kitsap
peninsula. Automobile drivers in this area
are the most polite and never seem to mind
the 50 or 60 tiddlers clogging up the road
networks. This is one of the RideNut’s
favorites.
Steve Thompson, Tenino, laid out a
great SNAP Ride to The Chehalis Vintage
Motorcycle Museum. After a great lunch
at McMenamin’s Olympic Club, Steve led
a spirited dash thru the local forests.
June: “The Doctor” escorted a dozen
riders on a 2 night ‘outta-towner’ down to
the WAAAM (Western Antique Aeroplane
and Automobile Museum) in Hood River.
Everybody was thrilled with the quick
transit of the road between BZ-Corner and
Glenwood, along with the out-door dining
along the Yakima River.
Richard Campbell and Jody were proud
to lead another successful Tiddler Tour on
Vashon Island, ending up at Rob Wheeler’s
estate for some of the best after-ride grub
of the season. Kudos to Julie Hempton for
making it perfect!
July: Mike Blaschke, Auburn, laid out
a superb route from Auburn out to Mud
Mountain Dam with a lunch stop in Buckley.
VME member Bob Wieking rode over from
Ellensburg to join Mike’s SNAP Ride.
Pre-75 Riders enjoyed spectacular
weather for a nice ride out on past Belfair
to Dewatto and Tahuya, with lunch at
Casper’s Pizza. 24 VME members made
this ride with BSA singles the most prevalent machine.
August: RX Stevenson. The Doctor,
your favorite Moto-Proctologist, prescribed
an ‘over-nighter’ in Stevenson, on the
Columbia River. The healing waters of
the Columbia are combined with yeast,
barley and hops, under close supervision
of brewers at the Walking Man Brewery. A
number of riders took massive doses of this
‘medicine’. Their gait back to the lodging
and subsequent balance the next day, may
have disclosed too massive a dose.
Steve Henderson, Olympia, laid out a
superb jaunt thru the Capitol Forest, thru
Oakville, to view the abandoned nuclear site
in Satsop. 19 riders enjoyed the adventure
and all survived the massive meal portions
at the Rusty Tractor Restaurant in Elma.
Hot August Nights. SSVME member
Sean Fromhold recommended a ride out
to Orting Soldiers Home, and Rolf-Immo
Gabbe jumped on the idea. Rolf created a
Meisterstück (masterpiece) of a ride thru
afternoon traffic on a bunch of lightly travelled roads. Approximately 40 VME riders
attended Hot August Nights.
October: Dave Legg, jumped into the
fray and helped rejuvenate Herb’s Peninsula
Ride. This is no mean feat. This popular
‘dual sport’ ride had falling off the calendar
due to Herb’s illness. Dave ably coordinated
the tight lodging and event planning and
with the assistance of Ralph Noble made
certain the ride went off as planned.
It has been a wonderful year for rides
and 2016 will be even better. If you have
an idea for a ride, contact [email protected].
VME News
Page 25
COLLECTOR’S CLASSIFIED
The deadline for articles, classifieds, etc. for the March/April 2016
VME News is February 3rd.
*Plenty of VME paraphernalia including 2016 Calendars, embroidered shirts, patches, pins, t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats and decals are always available at the
monthly VME meetings at Slim’s Last Chance on the first Wednesday of the month.
T-shirt specials are available at the meeting every month. If you can’t wait you can
send your request and check to the VME c/o P.O. Box 1342 Vashon, WA. 98070. Call
Richard Campbell at (206) 351-0460 if you have any questions.
* For Sale: Triumph front 8 inch, twin leading shoe brake. Plus set of wheel bearings,
Triumph center stand for 1967-1974, T-100 Part #82-7693, spring #823617 + bolts.
New, never installed, cost about $90.00 in 1990 from Waldridge Motors, (sold bike).
Best offer. Tom (253) 327-1415
* WANTED: Front barrel for Sport Scout and a magneto kicker for Chief.
Allan Lowson –[email protected] or (604) 946 2427.
* For Sale: 1963 Triumph T90 350 twin. Runs but looks rough, needs restored. $2200
obo. Wanted: Waxed cotton, Belstaff or Barbour type. Coat size 44, pants 34 - 36 waist.
Steve (360) 595-2673.
* For Sale: Classic old style Manco mini-bike with vintage Briggs and Stratton 2 1/2 hp
engine. Carb needs to be cleaned out. $200 pappy (360) 813-5430 [email protected]
* For Sale: 1953 BSA B31 350cc single. Very nice original condition. Brought over from
Brisbane Australia 15 years ago. Complete with tool kit. A good runner with only 12,431
miles on the clock. Asking $6500.00 For further information contact Carl @ 503-6366840 Home or (503) 705-5974 Cell. Located near Portland, Oregon.
* For Sale: 1971 BSA A65L. The particulars: Clean title, collectors plates, very few
miles on top end rebuild, stainless carb slides, later model triumph front end and tank,
new front tire. Original tank, and air box, included in sale. $3200 OBO. Located in W.
Seattle. Call Bob (425) 891-2329.
* For Sale: 1989 Honda TransAlp, 41K miles. $2500 obo. 1983 BMW R80RT, lowered
for short legs, 84K miles. $2500 obo. (206) 794-8004 or (206) 784-9769.
* WANTED: I am looking for parts for my latest project. I am rebuilding/restoring a
1965 Royal Enfield Interceptor Mk1 and looking for lots of parts. Damon
[email protected]
Page 26
VME News
The following businesses extend
price discounts to VME members
You must present a current VME membership card
to receive these discounts.
All Wheel Pro - 10% discount. Alloy rim repair. 8508 Guide Meridian, Lynden.
(360) 220-1308.
Anchorage View B&B - 10% discount. 314 E Front St., Port Angeles, WA.
(360) 457-9390.
Better Brits M/C - 15% labor discount, West Seattle (206) 923 2234
Claudes Custom Painting - 10% discount (206) 271-7745.
Custom Classic Paint Works - 10% discount. Lynnwood. (425) 433-0712. Ask for Russ.
Jet Chevrolet -New vehicles at invoice, 10% over cost on parts. Dan Johnson.
(253) 838-7600
Mark’s Motorcycle Werks - 10% discount. 60 NW Gilman Blvd, Issaquah.
(425) 391- 1303
Moslander’s Painting-10% discount. Complete body work, fabrication and paint (425)
481-6944
Motorcycle Classics - 10% discount on labor (509) 928-3261 or (206) 729-1611. Spokane
NW Custom Cycle-10% discount on parts. 8306 Meadowbrook Wy, Snoqualmie
(425) 888-9899
Old Britt’s - 10% discount.on Norton parts.P.O. Box 472 Enumclaw, 98022
(253) 735-2375.
Performance Welding Service - welding/fabrication for restoration, and performance
www.performanceweldingservice.com Bothell, Wa. 425-780-9000
Restoration Center -10% discount 12424-A4 Beverly Park Rd. Lynnwood
(425) 355-4667
Rich’s Custom Upholstery - 10% discount. 1003 Aurora Ave. N. Seattle. (206) 524-2274
Seattle Cycle Center - 10% discount on parts and accessories 10203 Aurora N.
(206) 524-0044.
Ducati Seattle - 10% discount on parts and accessories. 711 9th Ave N. (206) 298-9995
SIK Werks - 10% discount. Motorcycles, scooters, 2-wheel bodywork & paint
(206) 297-1363
Taskys Metric Cycle - 10% discount. 2828 Baker Ave. Everett. (425) 252-2295
TSS Motorcycle Parts - 10% discount - http://www.triumph650.com/servlet/StoreFront
Twinline Motorcycles - VME discount. 2106 South Holgate St. Seattle (206) 7688686
Vallantine Motor Works – 10% discount on BMW repairs. (206) 781-7945
The listing of these vendors is not to be construed as an
endorsement of the products or service offered.
VME News
Page 27
Page 28
VME News
Membership and Motorcycle Registration
Name_____________________________________________________
Address___________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________
Phone #__________________AMA #___________________________
E- mail____________________________________________________
Membership is $30/year - $35 outside of the USA, Jan. 1st to Dec. 31st
Associate membership an additional $10
Motorcycles Owned
Make
Model
Year
I hereby agree as a condition of my membership in the Vintage Motorcycle
Enthusiasts, VME, that I will be responsible for my own actions and those of all
minors in attendance with me at any VME event and release, indemnify and hold
harmless all VME members, officers, agents and other participants from any
and all claims, demands, losses, injuries, expenses, or other liability of any kind
arising out of my participation in VME activities or events.
Signed__________________________________Date_______________
Please send to: VME Membership, P.O. Box 1342, Vashon, WA. 98070

December 2012 Newsletter

Transcription

Similar documents

Roshana Gossoff [email protected] Vme TV Launches

BackRoads Magazine

The 7 th Annual Orchard Beach Car Show

Live Lakini`s Juice

the electric exoskeleton motorcycle

Poster - Burn Fund

Two Wheels, Five DAYS, One Thousand Miles, Millions of

Will County A.B.A.T.E. Newsletter

August 2016 - Peak Riders

Oct 2011 - BMW Motorcycle Owners of Alabama

In The Wind - BMWMCC.org

Short Form Catalog cwcembedded.com

VUC3150 VME64x/VME to USB2.0 Controller with optional

Nuclear - Neutron Detector Homepage