Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Mena (better late than never)

It occurred to me, that I have yet to post the Mena trip report. So with no further ado.....

Took a trip to Queen Wilhelmina State Park http://www.queenwilhelmina.com/ in Arkansas, in September 2007. John Vegas met me at the Conroe McD's. We both agreed on finding a more palatable breakfast spot for the next road trip meet.


Riding off into the sunrise......

JV had plotted a fantastic route away from major highways. Essentially, 'twas a zigzag pattern through National Forests. Here we are at a break....

And the best part about local roads.....zero traffic conglomerations.


Crossing into Oklahoma....

....through the back door of Arkansas....

We arrived in the late afternoon at Queen Wilhelmina State Park. This is where the Chain Gang has held their annual rally for the last 9 years now. Setting up accommodations....

"Headquarters"

Nice UT inspired bike

The views are breathtaking.....

....and the riding was superb.....

.....but cut short. A fellow rally attendee passed away the next day, after going off the road and falling down a cliff. We speculate that he may have had a massive heart attack while riding.

Needless to say, the mood back at camp was subdued in reverence to this event. But we feel at peace that he passed away while doing what he loved to do.

I took the trip back solo. No pics, camera bit the dust (literally). Saw an abandoned overturned ambulance, got soaked in Longview, then took a leisurely route back home.

Friday, February 01, 2008

New Years' Maintenance



Bike was due for some major maintenance, and Christmas blessed me with an influx of motorbike-related gift cards.







The Supervisor :-)





Rear sprocket. Guess which one is the new one....




The rear wheel hub had 6 years' worth of grime on it. Not anymore.



New bling

I also upgraded the brake system. Rear disc was at end of useful life, so sprung for a whole Galfer setup.








Yum, more bling :-). And stops apear to be quicker now. Ready for more rides now!

Edit: Big Addition completed a few days ago.....

Moto-Sport Pannier Racks

Seahorse Cases. They are similar to Pelican Cases, but they have an optional lock integrated with the latch. Surface is also smoother. Me likey....


More road trips to prove their mettle :-)