Friday, February 25, 2011

New Addition to the Stable

I picked up a 1996 Sportster the other day that I found on Craigslist.  The old bike has less than 5500 miles on it (if everything's as it seems). I picked it up for a mere $3k.  Not a bad investment for a project.  He also threw in a box of parts that were either removed or replaced on the bike - handlebars, seat, windshield, turn signals, and a few other odds and ends.

I'd eventually like to hardtail it, add a springer front end, and provide a few other details to make it one cool little bobber.  I figure it's going to take a little while to get everything sorted out, but expect to have less than $5k invested in a very cool little bike.

As it sits, it's really in great shape.  All it needs is a good bath and it'll look like new.

I'll post pics as soon as I can get some taken.

Monday, February 14, 2011

Weekend's Rides

Well, like a dumbass, I forgot my camera on Saturday.  There were some amazing views as we rode through the Palms to Pines Highway.  Unfortunately, I can't share any of them with you.

There were quite a few people who turned out for the Valentine's Day Ride.  Over 100 riders made their way.

The ride there was great, a little cold through some of the canyon areas, but a little hot once we entered the Palm Desert.  There was a little construction being done that held us up a bit.

For the most part the trip was uneventful.  There was one female rider on a nice softail that ran out of gas about a mile away from the scheduled gas station stop.  Another couple dropped their full dresser at a stop - I don't believe anyone was hurt other than a stain on the ego.

The destination was a diner in Palm Springs that served a buffet of breakfast dishes.  It was cheap and decent.

My wife was unable to join me due to scheduling conflicts with the kids.  So, I spent the Valentine's Day ride running solo.  It could have been humiliating, I suppose, had there not been others without dates attached to their sides.

Sunday, I thought I had to go to the Roadhouse Biker Church for a meeting for those that serve or are interested in serving in the church.  I fastened my newly acquired windshield to the Road King and beat the pavement.

I purchased the windshield for the purpose of adding some flamed tint to it in order to provide additional aesthetics to the bike.  It was not really intended to provide refuge from the wind and insects.  I must add that I was pleased with the experience of riding with the windshield.  I fear I may become spoiled.

I made the trip to the church and waited around for a while.  No one else showed.  I must have gotten the date or time wrong.  It wasn't a total loss as I was pleased with the ride and it was a beautiful day to get out on the scoot.

I enjoyed the past couple of days of riding.  I reckon it's kind of rehabilitating.  I need to regain my confidence in riding and these past couple of days have helped tremendously.  I also need to continue riding as I need to strengthen my weakened legs since the accident left me a bit gimpy.

Anyway, ride safe.

Friday, February 11, 2011

Valentine's Ride

Tomorrow (February 11th), Inland Empire H.O.G. is going on a ride out to Palm Springs for an early Valentine's Day celebration.  They are heading out to some restaurant for some all-you-can-eat goodness.  Unfortunately, my wife is unable to join me and I'll be heading out solo.

If I remember to take the camera, I'll take some snapshots of the scenery, etc.