Steve Droste - AMA National No. 92


Iowa native, Steve Droste was once, one of the hottest motorcycle dirt track racers in the country.  His battles with Keener, Springsteen, Roberts, Beauchamp and Gary Scott sealed his place in the glory days of flat track racing.  Droste moved around to help keep him in the hub of the racing series . . . from Iowa, Utah and even Flint, Michigan to chase the title. 

Wally & his Triumph

. . . since high school.  Rain or Shine.

This is the: Coolest Motorcycle . . .

. . .  I've seen in awhile.  Old time choppers are kinda " it " right now . . . but, this is what's coming back.
The stripped down dresser - and classic full dressers. 
It's only natural. 

Me & Peter Egan . . .

. . . years ago on the Slimey Crud Run - Madison, WI.  I look kinda young ?  It's before I lost my Mack hat in Davenport.  Funny, the things you can remember.  I consider him "the" most knowledgeable and insightful motorcycle (and auto) journalist.  Plus, the guy has raced and probably rode over a million miles.

Old Fart Racing 2

Last two photos from my friends at Lucky Bastards M/C . . .
from Willow Springs Raceway paddock area.
Thanks LD !

National Motorcycle Museum Vintage Weekend

Pictured above: Mike Wilson with his K-Model racer
I hope to see Mike on June 8th at the NMM.  I heard he had some recent medical problems since we talked with him last year.  Mike is gettin' up there in years . . . but, you would never know it by talking to him.  Did you know he was the last racer to run a 74" Harley in the famed Peoria TT ?

Des Moines, Iowa - JUNE 22

Iowa State Fairgrounds 1/2 Mile Track
Mark your calendar . . . should be a good race.  
Tell your friends . . .

Scott Parker 40X

I had never seen this photo - cool !
SPRINGFIELD MILE THIS SUNDAY . . .

Ray & Jim

. . .  have met for the first time - again.
The Doors are really everywhere; on the radio, in books, 
in speech and rhetoric.
It's one of the only bands that seem eternal.
It's almost subconscious - The Door's phenom
There was no other. 

Dave Polgreen

I've featured David on this blog more than once . . . and as I get to know him a bit more . . . I'm increasingly impressed by his motivation towards building custom motorcycles.  This guy has a level of organization that is at a very high level.  Dave got me the correct jet for my S&S GBL (but, he's pretty tight with his parts - so, don't ask).  He's currently in California (lives in Minnesota) finishing up a big-twin flathead chopper for the Born Free Show.  He will be completing the build "on-the-road . . ."  without the aid of his well-organized shop(garage) space.  Keep looking for his latest creation as Born Free gets closer . . . I'm sure it will be a knock-out winner.  Also, good luck to Pete Mason (who is also out there with Dave) finishing up his latest Knuckle-Chopper build-up for BF too . . . (this photo stolen from the HEAVY CLOTHING blog was most likely snapped by Zac Doom)

Coming Soon . . . to The Charles ?

Our local theatre, which only shows PG-13 Movies.  
So, probably not . . .
$1 for kids, $2 Adults
Popcorn w/Drink $5.00
(but, only 1 refill allowed - pretty strict on that !)




















I had a limited amount of time do go somewhere.  I wanted to see the David Mann Show in person, so Hux and Gordy came along and we went for it.  As we got about 1/2 way up . . . the storm came and sidelined us for a brief "tavern break."  We then ran into a little more rain, and drenched roads.  We were wet.  Then my tranny started hissing and whining.  The panhead soldered on.  I probably would have turned back, but Hux and Gordy (a true Iraq veteran) forced me to push ahead.  The show did not disappoint - since many of my distant friends were there - and we got to catch-up on the scene . . .
FROM THE TOP:
I paid $5.14 / gallon on 7th street St. Paul 
(gas went up .50-.75/gal as soon as you got into MN)
Some guy we met . . .$175.00 Beemer he put 60K on since Nov.
Nice FLH all cut down
Kevin's "Til Death" redo - he's so modest 
(and had the coolest bike there)
A real-life BDR striped digger - in the flesh 
Tom Fugle - making money selling his art
The real Ghost Rider (with my own eyes)
El Forasteros (not possible without this club)
Kevin & Zac (and the family under the tree)
Neato Evo Sporty (paint by Ryzart)

It's Summer in Iowa NOW !

So start acting like it . . . Fly Your Colors - Get some FTW & COC Shirts.  Get Fit.  Get Ready.  Get on Two Wheels.  Get Out There.  Get It ?  You'll be glad you did it - Be Good !

" The reason I pulled you over - Is you don't have a brake light . . . Now I realize you are 47 years old, and have insurance, but . . .

Now that I look at this - the brake light and horn would only work when the lights were on . . . ?   
I'd wire it so when you turn on the(IG) ignition switch - it also feeds the brake light switch and horn button. ( I personally only utilized this to assist me with installing a Bosch Relay )

Mr. Fussy . . .


When it runs, it runs great . . . fun to ride.  Smooth. 
Rides good for a rigid - I'm smiling.
Starting it?
COLD: No Throttle - Enrichener Up - Full Advance - Full Kick
HOT: No Throttle, Full Advance -1/2 kicks only
If it don't pop, Retard timing, Pump it a couple -
If it still don't pop, Advance a little
If it still don't pop, Wide open throttle
If it still don't pop, Get pissed off . . .
If it still don't pop, CALL POPS !

Small Town . . .



I spend some time in this corner of the coffee shop.  Nobody ever sits here.  I get all 4 chairs to myself.  Very seldom does anyone ever sit with me . . . I periodically get new art on the walls.  I hear a lot of gossip about our town.  They forget I'm here . . . I also like the Main Street Dam . . . it's quiet too, except for the rushing water.  The side drive is nice . . . I drink my coffee and stare at the only motorcycle I own - which I can ride, and drink coffee at the same time . . .