Chopper Challenges

I took a gallon milk jug and filled it with water.  I poured it into this stainless water container, and it left about 1 1/2" in the jug.  It holds a bit less than a gallon of fuel. I've had to use it a couple times.  Tiny Tank Club.

What to bring ?

1. Tools (most important) 

2. Spares (2nd most important)

3. Leather Jacket

4. Sleeping Bag & Tent

5. Rain Suit

6. Creature Comforts (last)

Chopper Travel is an adventure.  It's one of the more challenging methods of travel next to hiking, or long range bicycling.  Very little suspension.  No wind-breaks.  No rain protection.

Foot clutch.  Hand shift.  Minimal fuel range. 

65+ year old engine and transmission design.  

Steel footpegs.  Solid mount handlebars.

50+ year old rider getting physically (and mentally) prepared for a 1600+ mile trip.
Wish you were going with me . . .

It's really a lot of fun !

High above city park . . .

Photo by: Lil' Joe

It can happen . . .

If they look like these ?

I'll take 'em  . . .

Nelson-Rigg

This Nelson-Rigg bag works great for short trips.  They hold their shape (round) and include a rain cover to keep off rain, bugs, etc.  This bag has hooks and loops that adapt it to the taller sissy bar travel bag.

Steel, Magnesium, Aluminum, Protons & Neutrons

One reason they call them "The Meltdown Drags" is because there's a giant plume directly at the end of the drag strip from the nuclear power plant.  This place is epic.

To Hell and back . . .

Tryin' to make these flywheels work that have been apart and back together a thousand times.  Sometimes you wonder if it's better to get some T&O wheels, Jim's or Eastern Shafts . . . rebuild the rods again and again . . . but, then you're dealing with aftermarket parts that don't fit either.  You still end up spending all your time fartin' around with these, when you could be on Snap Chat with Taylor Swift . . . or doin' some really fun video game walking around town - hypnotized by your phones like lost zombies.

The Brandon, Josh & Bill Show

Worked on (3) ironheads last night.  Brandon's '76 top end is on . . . with std. bore cylinders, P Cams, rebuilt oil pump, advanced weights have been fitted.  There were issues and tweaks along the way, but it's good now.
Josh's early gear cover has never been on this set of cases before.  It's kinda "binding" and fits really tight.  It's one of those things you mess with for hours, and finally get everything to turn smoothly and work correctly.
Bill's motor needs the front cylinder base stud holes modified to fit the cases (with no binding).  The cylinders should fit nicely on the studs, with just a little wiggle room.  If you have to force things, it's not a good idea since it may warp your bore or have a base gasket leak.  Take your time, do it right is always your best chance at success.
I rode my '61 CH last night - then, after work I terrorized the town and went home as the sun was down with a beautiful full moon lighting my way !

Drew's Life

Gasser

Hartman's Heavy Foot !

Byron Meltdown Drags Road Trippin'

After riding through a little wind and misty rain . . . I made a stop in Galena, Illinois.  My bike is running great, except my brake light quit . .

At the track I found Hartman's bike pretty quick . . . then here he comes in his Henry J . . . !

The drags run "heads-up" all day and into the night.  Over 600 entries.  Lee ran his knucklehead . . . Andrezzi was there too . . . Flathead running over 100mph . . . Vintage gassers going 7.50 in 1320.  Vintage, period survivor original race cars.  A decent swap meet and car show too !  This event was really well organized, they kept it moving.  The announcer was excellent !

Kurpius, Warren, Lil' Chris & Dan(cool cat, nice to meet ya). . . . came to join the party.  Me and Ryan were racin' through the Illinois countryside after the races Friday Nite.  Lighting mechanicals.  Dark river roads.  We all flew through the gritty backstreets of Rockford, Illinois . . . The Rue ! . . . Drew's garage . . . cops, fireworks . . . and a couple choppers in the grass.  These guys roll hard.  Kinda nuts. Thanks for the fun fellas !
Respectfully & Yours Truly, -Noot

It wouldn't be a party without some pyro . . . and the cops showin' up.  Thanks Drew !

Sunny skies, the wind at my back . . . and a stop in Savanna, IL at the Iron Horse just in time for the afternoon band and a cold one.  A bar full of vintage race bikes - doesn't get much better than that . . .

Vintage Drag Racing This Weekend

The Meltdown Drags

Byron Dragway 
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Vintage Dragsters, Motorcycles, Rails, Nitro, Alcohol, Gassers, Altered,
Swap Meet, Car Show, Vendors . . .
Beer, Camping, Food, Party, Sunny Skies . . . America ! 
Friday - Saturday - Sunday 

Summer Evening Rides

I gassed up the WLA and hit the backroads . . . threw a drink in the backpack and made a big loop around the city - watching the Iowa sunset.  The days are still long enough to take in a long evening.