Motorcycling Only

Ok, I've decided to keep this blog all about motorcycles, touring, experiences on the road and gadgets. No more politics. Some of you are not interested in my political rhetoric, I get it. I won't call you any liberal names, or accuse you of being idiots, rather, I submit that difference of opinions is what keeps this nation strong.
And I can surely separate political debate from the fun of the open road. Therefore, I started another page at RussLindsay.net where I focus primarily on politics and current events. That way I can keep my rants and anti-Obama blogs away from my fun blog (this one) about motorcycling in Alaska. Plus, this is where I'll be reporting details of our pending trip down the Alcan to Portland, Oregon this summer.
So this blog will be a political free zone (as long as I can resist) and be hobby/fun oriented only!
Later

Strange Weather

I just got back from a road trip to Fairbanks. I left Thursday morn and arrived back home Friday night. Of course I drove my Silverado, not a bike, it's only February! I should have ran into below zero temperatures and lot's of snow but didn't. In fact, I actually had a reading of 52 degrees just outside of North Pole. There was very little snow fall and the highways were sometimes clear and dry (except where snow and ice had melted). It mad for a pleasant drive (over 800 miles roundtrip), but that is some pretty strange weather. I literally could have rode a motorcycle from Gakona to Anchorage, I was very surprised.
Now the question is whether this is early spring break up, or is it a tease? Are we in for more severe weather in the weeks to come.
I have a feeling the severe weather is behind us. Although we may still get some big dumps of snow, the super cold temps are done.
Not long ago there was measurable snow fall on the same day in 49 States (excluding Hawaii), which may have been a first. At the least it's extremely rare.
Strange weather, but I hope that doesn't mean a rainy summer!
Later

Ready to Rumble

The sisters.

You Heard of Homesick? I'm Summer Sick

Just dreaming about when the winter is finally over. Looking at a few pics from last summer. I can't complain much though, this winter has been pretty mild so far.
Next summer's Alcan Highway ride is coming together. I'm riding all the way to Portland and back. That is if my bod can hold up.
Meanwhile, here's a couple more pics from last summer's Canada ride. They get my juices flowing for more.
Later.

My Daughter Defends My Right to Rant

That's her with Senator Ted Stevens (Alaska). I usually keep it light and talk motorcycles, but once in awhile I have more to say.
I will continue to slam this President and the liberal leaders in Congress for destroying the American way of life and trying to turn us into Europe.
If his political agenda succeeds, Obama will raise the taxes on EVERY American family in the nation, a direct contradiction to his campaign promises.I hope you Obama voters are happy.
If you disagree, feel free to comment. If you are tired of my rants, unfriend me or block me, I will not be offended. If you don't have an opinion, you too are part of the problem.
This week my baby daughter will be deploying to the Middle East to protect my right to rant and your right to disagree. This is still America (for now).
If anything happens to her I will hold this President personally responsible. This man promised to end the war and bring troops home. And you all voted for him. Now my daughter and 30,000 more soldiers are heading over there. Another freakin' lie. HOW' THAT FOR CHANGE???
She'd still be going if the other guy was President, I don't deny it. But the other guy didn't promise to bring them all home. In fact he said it would take years to.
She is my second daughter to serve and I'm very proud of them both.
So, if you are unemployed, uninsured, and plan on staying that way...he is a great President.
But if you are a working stiff just trying to get ahead and provide a better life for your loved ones...he is a fucking nightmare.
Continuing the war he campaigned against; raising taxes higher than any President before him; highest unemployment numbers in 30 years with no clue of how to fix it; financial payoff to the guys that helped elect him, but call it "stimulus"; apologize to the other nations for what a bad country we are; more world travel in the first year than the previous 4 Presidents combined; and allowing us to go soft on National security. I could keep going, but you get the jist.
I have to throw in one more...appointing Hillary 'effing' Clinton to Secretary of State!! Stupidity!

Be alert and safe Baby, I love and miss you! This summer when you get back, we'll have a heck of a party (but no rap). I hear it's really hot over there, but it's a dry heat. Hahaha

New Year, New Ride Plans

Have bike will travel! Haha, but not until spring. My New Year's resolution is to put more miles on the two bikes than any other year. Well, tha's gonna be easy this summer. I'm taking both bikes down the Alcan Highway to the northwest and back to Anchorage. I'm riding one and my daughter is riding the other. That will be a minimum 5k miles on each bike.
Plus, I'm riding with a group of Harley riders for a week in between the north and south runs. That will be another 1500 or so on the FJR. My ass will be rubber by the time I'm finished.
I've never taken a 3 week vacation before in my working life, so I'm really looking forward to it.
The ride with the fellers in between the north/south trip will go east from Portland up to Glacier National Park and back. We may even drive through the corner of Yellowstone Park. We are still planning the actual route. these guys have ridden together before, I'm the new guy to the group.
If I manage to not piss them off, it may become an annual thing.
At any rate, planning the ride is fun, but looking out the window at snow is depressing. Currently we are gaining a couple minutes a day of daylight, so we are definitely heading in the right direction. That's a pic of my FJR loaded for my Whitehorse trip last summer.
Whoo hoo, come on summer!
Later.

My Christmas gift to myself

Two Scottish Thistles wrapped around a dagger.

Merry Christmas Fellow Bikers

I never made it to the House of Harley last weekend. I went to the airport to pick up my daughter and her Ak Air flight was 40 mins late. Then we waited 'til the bitter end for her bag but it never came down the shoot. As a matter of fact, it didn't make the flight.
So, by the time she waited in line at luggage and we finally left, there wasn't much Harley promotion time left, so we went straight home.
The next day in the morning newspaper, I saw who they crowned as Miss Harley Alaska, and I gotta tell ya, I don't think I missed much.
Probably just as well, I need a new Harley like a hole in my head.
Besides, in the winter I'drather spend it on a new tatt.
My daughter and I just returned from the parlor with new ink.
Merry Christmas everybody, and Happy New Year!!

Christmas Sale

Big Christmas Sale at the House of Harley this Saturday. What a winter tease. I mean we have about 9 inches of snow on the ground outside, so anyone who buys a bike can't even ride it home. Hahaha, like the song says "should I stay or should I go now?"
I think I might mosey on down there just to look around.
Now I know they got some nice Road Glides for sale, but I'm really more fond of the Road King. And sometimes I think it might be worth it to go all out and get the Electra Glide. Any other time, if they had a nice one on hand I might go for it, but with this fool President we have I'm just trying to save my money. The local Alaska economy has yet to see the worst of times.
I think I'll just stick with the two sisters I already have.
Some guys have boats, 4-wheelers, snow machines, etc... Not me, I just have two bikes, and one of these days I'll have a third. With any luck it will be a Harley. I don't plan or think that it will be this Saturday, but you just never know. Hahaha.
Ultimately, I'd kinda like a seriously fast crotch rocket for rodding around on. Something like a Hayabusa, or an R1. You know, one of the fastest styles of bikes. At that point I'd probably sell the V-Star. How much fun would that be? The Crotch rocket for Saturday night rodding, the FJR for day in and day out use, and a Harley bagger for longer trips and camping.
Hey, tis the season for dreamin', but I don't think Santa could pull it off.
Well, short of a Harley just give me peace on earth and goodwill towards MEN, and I'll be happy.
Later.

Under the Guise

Under the guise of change, Obama fooled all liberals into electing him.

Under the guise of stimulus, Obama paid off his campaign supporters.

Under the guise of insuring the uninsured, Obama is ruining everyone else s health care.

Under the guise of ending the war, Obama is sending 30,000 more troops.

Under the guise of saving the earth, Obama will impose the highest tax on Americans in the history of our nation.

Under the guise of a vacation, I may keep riding and not come back.

Winter Blues

During a quick trip to Portland this week, I was envious of all the motorcyclists I saw still riding around in mid-November. I seemed to have forgotten that you can almost ride year around in the northwest. Meanwhile, back home in Anchorage the daytime high was about 8 degrees. Burrrr.  Then I started wondering if I would be such an avid rider if I could ride year around, or is the short Alaska riding season the thing that fuels my enthusiasm?  It's true that when you have just a few short months to ride, you almost go crazy waiting for that first spring ride each year. But I also think that if I could ride year around, I'd be just as excited about it as I am now.  Who knows?  Every few weeks I fire up the bikes and let them run well into normal operating temperature while staring out the door at the snow. This next summer I am riding down the Alcan all the way to Portland. It's in stone. But it's not enough to cure my itch right now, I don't know what could (besides and unusually warm weekend in Dec where the temps hit 40).  And it looks like I'll be riding with a new bunch of guys who refer to themselves as the 'Piss Hogs'. It should be fun, and I'm really looking forward to it, especially if my daughter rides along as well.  Enough babble for now, until next time. Later.

Give Me a Break!

No cycle talk this time...I'm pissed.
From the Senate, Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada issued a statement saying, "We realize the strong will for reform that exists, and we are energized that we stand closer than ever to reforming our broken health insurance system."
What rock is he living under?
After promising the moon to some and strong-arming others (in their own party), the House Dems barely eeked out enough votes for passage of the single worst bill in the history of our nation. The vote was 220-215, does that sound like a "strong will for reform"?
I am disgusted by their actions, specifically Nancy Pelosi. I mean you freakin' idiots in California, how can you keep voting her in? Oh yeah, San Francisco, say no more.
The so called 1.2 trillion dollar price tag will explode 4 times that I promise you.
Forcing all Americans to get health care or pay fines?? I thought this was a free country?
Cutting billions from Medicare, the very program that most seniors rely on?
These are just a few of the bad parts of this bill. This administration will forever ruin this great country, if it succeeds in its social agenda.
All the young people who voted for Obama for "change", or because they thought it was "time" for a president of color, you are the very people who will pay out your arse for the rest of your lives. You should really vote on issues, not emotions.
Next up....cap and trade. Oh yeah, they might as well double the utility bills for EVERY American family!
Give me a break.

Where's the Snow?

I've been quiet lately, a little under the weather. Feeling much better now and ready to chat.
Where is the snow? Halloween came and went, and usually we have some white stuff. Last year it snowed on Oct. 6, but the annual average first snow is Oct. 23. Not that I'm complaining, I don't care if it waits until December to snow. It's just weird how Denver got 3 feet the other day and we are still bare.
Glancing through the local craigslist the other day, I saw this little gem. An '08 Electraglide for sale here locally. Damn I'd love to own one like this, except for the color. I mean, white kinda sucks.

Besides, I'm still paying off my FJR. Look at that thing though, it's like the Cadillac of touring machines. The only advantages my FJR has over the
Harley is it's faster, lighter, gets better mileage, and
costs far less. Otherwise, the Harley is the touring
King.
Just got me a book on motorcycle elecrical systems,
so I can learn how to properly add some electronics
to my bike. A fuzz buster for sure, and maybe some
additional lighting.
I fired up both bikes yesterday and ran them to
operating temp. Didn't ride though, haven't got
my Doc's medical ok yet.
I have more, but it can wait.
Later

Junk For Sale

As many of you do, I habitually view the motorcycles list on Craigslist. Always hoping to come across that gem that has my name written all over it. I bought my FJR from a Craigslist posting. It is an excellent bike that I am really happy with.
But lately, I can't believe all the junk people are trying to unload on the Alaska Craigslist. I realize that the snow will be falling any day, but geesh!
In mid September I actually posted my V-Star on there to see if I'd stir any interest, but I don't consider it as junk. Some folks might, but I don't
It's really not even the bikes themselves, rather the inflated prices people are posting. I mean come on! I've seen the same guy repeatedly post a '82 Yamaha Maxim for 1500 bucks for over a month. Doesn't say how many miles it has or if it's even licensed. There are many other examples I won't bore you with.
I guess the message is buyer beware! Me, I'll wait 'til spring before I get too serious about any prospects.
Later

New Hog

A friend of mine just purchased an '04 Electricglide Classic a couple days ago, so yesterday I stopped by to have a look. Beautiful is the word that comes to mind. The previous owner not only took very good care of this bike, he also spent a butt load of $'s on accessories.
It's painted a two tone blue and has tons of after market chrome from head to toe. The most impressive additions are the lights. This bike has so many add-on lights that it almost seems like a freightliner cruising down the road. Both fenders, both passenger floor boards, and the entire saddlebag wrap around all light up. And don't forget the Screaming Eagle pipes that sound tougher than hell when you goose the throttle. Someone has truly invested well over 23k or 24k on this bike, but it was done very tastefully. It doesn't come across as gawdy or over done. My buddy got a primo price on it to boot.
Checking this thing out really got my juices flowing. Damn, I'd love to own a similar bike, but not this year. The soonest I'd even consider one is next spring. Being as conservative as I am, I have to wait and see what Alaska's economic climate is in 2010 before I'd ever pull the trigger. Typically, we run several months or more behind the national trends. So our worst may still be in front of us. That being said, I'm content for now just having the Yamaha sisters. But I know one day I'll actually own and ride a Harley, meanwhile I'll just remain patient.
Congrats to my buddy on his new addition. His big challenge now is to convince his wife to let him keep his Sportster as well! Hahaha, good luck with that. This time I certainly can't use my usual saying "it sucks to be you"!
Later.

Leaves are Falling

The sun was out yesterday so I decided to take a casual ride after work. Just a run down the inlet, my normal route for a mid-week ride.
The trees and shrubs are all turning fall colors, and my yard is starting to fill up with leaves. And as the leaves fall and clutter the streets, it serves as fair warning, at least in my neighborhood, to be on alert at even the most casual corners. Those harmless looking leaves on the pavement can wash you and your bike right through a corner and dump you on your arse. The main streets stay pretty clear, but the slower side streets can surprise you.
Anyway, as I rode south down the inlet, the temp fell from 63 degrees at my house to 57 degrees as I approached Indian. The further south I rode, the more the wind kicked up and the temp fell. Soon after I passed Beluga Point, the rain started falling. This was not what I intended for a casual after work ride.
So, I spun around and headed back before I got very wet. Heading back into Anchorage the temp rose back up and the winds died down. So I road the long way home, running up the east side of town before cutting back over to my house in midtown.
Only about forty miles, but better than nothing.
Then I watched a show on the tube about the new models Harley is putting out for 2010. I sure would like a Road King or a Road Glide, but damn...both my bikes together didn't cost me what a new HD would. How can they get those prices?
And don't suggest a used one, up here in Alaska everyone thinks their bike never depreciates. Hahaha
Oh well, the leaves keep falling, no reason to get a new bike and park it in the garage for 7 months.
Later

Rainy and dreary out last weekend, so the only seat time I got was in the tattoo chair.

Biker Joke

I don't usually post jokes, but this one has a Harley in it......enjoy.


HER DIARY ENTRY:

Tonight, I thought my husband was acting weird. We had made plans

to meet at a bar to have a drink. I was shopping with my friends all day

long, so I thought he was upset at the fact that I was a bit late, but he

made no comment on it. Conversation wasn't flowing, so I suggested

that we go somewhere quiet so we could talk.. He agreed, but he didn't

say much. I asked him what was wrong; He said, 'Nothing.' I asked him

if it was my fault that he was upset.. He said he wasn't upset, that it had

nothing to do with me, and not to worry about it.

On the way home, I told him that I loved him. He smiled slightly, and

kept driving. I can't explain his behavior I don't know why he didn't say,

'I love you, too.' When we got home, I felt as if I had lost him completely,

as if he wanted nothing to do with me anymore. He just sat there quietly,

and watched TV.

He continued to seem distant and absent. Finally, with silence all

around us, I decided to go to bed. About 15 minutes later, he came

to bed. To my surprise, he responded to my caress, and we made

love. But I still felt that he was distracted, and his thoughts were

somewhere else. He fell asleep - I cried. I don't know what to do.

I'm almost sure that his thoughts are with someone else. My life is a disaster!




HIS DIARY ENTRY:

Harley wouldn't start today, can't figure it out, but at least I got laid..

End of Summer

What a nice ending to a pretty great summer! Labor Day weekend was in the low 60's and basked in the sun. But, now that Labor Day is past, the fair is over, and school is in session, I guess summer is officially over.
Sunday I took a ride on my V-Star up to Talkeetna, Ak., back down through Big Lake, Ak., then back home to Anchorage. It was about 220 miles and four hours of riding. When I started around 10:45 am, traffic was still pretty light. As the day progressed I could literally watch the highways fatten up with vehicles. By the time I mad it home around 3 pm, I was happy to be off the streets and out of the holiday traffic.
I only took a couple of pics that maybe I'll post later, after I see if they came out right. The bike ran well and I had no issues. Just a nice long ride on what may be one of our last warm weekends for the year.
I'm sure I'll be riding some all the way into October, but I'll have to start wearing my heated vest prett soon. I just hope we get as good a summer next year as we have had this year! I'm still planning on running the Alcan all the way to Oregon and back next summer, starting around my B-Day in late June and finishing around the 10nth of July. That seems to be the sweet spot for weather at this end at least.
My Air Force daughter visits me tomorrow for a few days! Yeah!
Later

Dems Are Lost

12th straight month of declining sales for retailers. Hurray for Obama's stimulus plan! (or should I say election reimbursement plan?)

Her First Ride

My daughter finished her AMA mortorcycle class and got her motorcycle endorsement. So, while she is here visiting we took advantage of the sunshine last Saturday and went on a ride to Girdwood and back.  I let her ride my V-Star, while I rode the FJR1300. We started by riding around the neighborhood a few times so she could get the feel of the weight, the brakes, and the clutch.  We then took a short 10 mile ride around town and got the bikes up to highway speed.  Upon returning home she told ne that her windbreaker was a poor choice of attire 'cause it flaps too much at speed. So after she changed into a better jacket I asked her if she was ready for the longer ride to Girdwood. She said she was, so we headed out.  She did really well and kept up with me at highway speeds. I had warned her about the heavy traffic on that highway, but it wasn't as bad as I had expected. We were only gone about an hour and a half, but it was the perfect length and conditions for her first ride.  She leaves his week, so I don't know if we'll get out again on this visit, but I got a feeling we'll ride again probably next summer.. Later

Mopping Up

Just a few more pics from my Canada trip. I'm already planning to run the Alcan all the way to Portland next summer.

Wildfire smoke up ahead. Tok Cutoff between Tok and Glennallen.

Lot's of smoke.

Glenn Highway heading home.

Stop and stretch just this side of Caribou Creek.


About 2000 miles in 5 days. It was interesting and fun. I learned that next year I need to be in better physical shape to run the whole thing both south and north.
Later

A Few More

A few more from my Canada trip.
Leaving Canada I rode through about 150 miles of pouring rain.
How'd I snap this one?


Waiting for road construction near Haines Junction.

A cry for a safer highway

The following adn.com article was sent by:

RL (rlindsay@omnialaska.com)

And RL had this to say:

Check out this story from the Anchorage daily Newspaper.

---------------------------------------------------------------

A cry for a safer highway

By JAMES HALPIN<br />jhalpin@adn.com

Published: 08/08/09 13:01:10

The stretch of Seward Highway from Potter Marsh to just south of Girdwood has killed 98 people since 1977.

Passing lanes have been added, troopers' presence has increased and the stretch was named a safety corridor in 2006. But still the death toll rises, including a rash of deaths this summer.

That fact was a central topic at the Girdwood Community Center on Friday night, where fire chief William Chadwick called a meeting to discuss the mounting body count on the scenic byway this summer and how to stop it. There was no shortage of ideas.

You can read the full story online at:

http://www.adn.com/kenai/story/890055.html?story_link=email_msg

---------------------------------------------------------------
This article is protected by copyright and should not be
printed or distributed for anything except personal use.
For information on reprinting this article or placing it
on your Web site, please contact the Daily News marketing
department at (907) 257-4429 or marketing@adn.com.