100th Post

I started this blog on Sept 26,2010 and today marks my 100th post. I thought about doing something special like a contest or something. So I have decided that whoever might be reading this and can answer the following questions will receive some of the vintage junk I have in my desk. (See photo below)

Be sure to look for an even more spectacular gift on the one year anniversary of this blog.


The questions are:
1. What are the names of  2 of our 5 children that I have mentioned on this blog.

2. Where did I live before moving back to Indiana?

3. Why was I told I could not have a mid life crisis?

All of the answers are in posts from my blog,Motorcycles and Other Stuff.

If you can't answer the questions but are the only person to leave a comment you will still receive the fabulous prize as a consolation gift.

 Priceless Vintage Patch from the 70's

Indy Red Bull Moto GP Qualifying

I took Noah and Rebecca to Indy today, to watch the Moto GP qualifying and other track activities. They recently resurfaced the track and it paid off. A new track record for Casey Stoner, and the turn at the far end that was trouble for several riders last year, is now better.
It is unbelievable how much power the bikes make. I thought that the Ducatis would be better this year, but I was wrong. I was hoping Hayden would make the podium, but after today, I would have to say that will be an amazing ride if he does pull it off. I pick Stoner to win. He is probably the best rider out there. I'm sure many people will disagree, but think about it. Nobody else has been able to do what he did on a Ducati, and after Nicky Haydens first ride on a Ducati, he said Stoners accomplishments on the Ducati were amazing.
We usually head over to watch the flat track races, but that was cancelled. Next year.

P.S Jake you should try to make it next year.

Shot by Bob

More Scrap Aluminum

After bead blasting, sanding ,welding some holes that someone drilled to put screws into the rim, and trying to polish the original rear rim of my Montesa, I decided it was too far gone to save. It just didn't look good enough to relace. I seldom give up on a part that I am trying to restore, but this rim just wasn't worth the effort.

2011 Indy Mile Cancelled

Just read the Indy Mile has been cancelled. Well at least the Moto GP will still be in town.

Parts Arriving Daily

The parts I needed to finish the Montesa have been arriving the last few day. I received the spokes, bead blasted the wheels and gave them a good polishing. I polished the front hub and brake assembly and re laced the front wheel. It looks great. I will post some photos of a rolling chassis next week and then start the engine reassembly.
I am still looking for a stock pipe but I think I will order the one from Circle F this week. Restoring this old Montesa has been one of the more challenging builds, just because finding the correct parts is nearly impossible. I have been searching for nearly a year and now it is close to being completed.

Smoky Mountains National Park

We went to the Smoky Mountain National Park for a few days. It was the first time the kids had been there. I think I was about 3 or 4 when my parents took me the first time. I have been there several times but not since I moved backed to Indiana.We should have went sooner, but plan to return in the near future with some serious back country hiking. We had a great time seeing the mountains and sights.
I went to several of the places that Mom and Dad took me and my sister. One of my favorites is a gravel unimproved road that cuts across the mountains to Fontana Dam. I didn't realize that the highway it came out on was Highway 129 at Deals Gap. Since I moved back to Indiana a few of my friends have tried to get me to go to Deals Gap and ride the Dragon. I said I might some day. It turns out I have been there several times, before it was famous.
Tamis doesn't think it was all that great, she got car sick from all of the turns. I don't think she will want to experience it on a motorcycle either. Overall it was a great trip, Clingmans Dome, Cades Cove and many other places haven't changed much.
 A place we used to swim, The Sinks has been changed, the road was reconfigured and a parking area added which was the only progress at the park that I was sad to see. After a few days on vacation I am usually ready to go home, but not this time, I don't know why but I can never get enough of the Smoky Mountains.

New Seat

The seat for the Montesa turned out great. The letters on the rear of the seat were silk screened on and are an exact match to the originals. I am expecting the new spokes this week as well as the air filter assembly. I missed being ready for Mid Ohio Vintage Days, maybe I will be ready for Barber Vintage Days