Tuesday, October 6, 2009

A Tribute To The Brotherhood of Riders...

One of the biggest fallacies to be perpetrated in the face of a barely enduring mankind is the notion of a “brotherhood of riders.” While we make a big deal of slapping each other on the back and sticking together like “bros,” the sad truth is that many of us go through life regarding other bikers with a look of askance. If the other bikers are bigger and tougher, the look of askance is generally offered from a machine doing 90 miles per hour in the opposite direction. Full face helmets disguise the fact that we are not always smiling good naturedly. In most cases, when the typical Harley rider says he admires the perfection definitive BMW, what he really means is that he would consider shoving it up your ass if you need the factory-installed dash thermometer to tell your temperature. On the other hand, when a Beemer pilot says his next bike will be a Harley, he means if the other option is incurable clap.

In truth, the average bystander on the street would seldom suspect this competitive level exists because these are the opinions we share among our “own kind.” Only once did anyone ever say anything remotely challenging or insulting to me. It was over the gear I had on. A gorgeous woman astride a custom Sportster, enameled in form-fitting black leather from head to toe, said to me, “Despite all that armored gear you’ve got on, you’re gonna be in a world of hurt if you don’t take your hand off my ass.”

Apré riding leather ATGATT for any woman rider (Photo from the internet -- Click to enlarge)

The “brotherhood of riders” is clearly divided by a dozen issues, including the wearing of helmets, the use of mufflers, a preference for a type of oil, the necessity of protective gear, whether women bikers should be topless at least part of the time, and by the very marques we ride. The largest contingent by far -- the Harley crowd -- is further divided into real bikers and posers, just as the other lifestyle riders -- the BMW chosen -- are either demigods of distance, speed, and charm or douches. BMW douches are revealed by their manner of speech. If they ride a BMW and start a sentence with, “At our club’s bylaws meeting, last Saturday night...,” they are douches. (Bylaws? On a Saturday night?)

Further subsets within the “brotherhood” include the overwhelmingly numerous cruiser crowd, sport riders, sport tourers, Gold Wing-Abagos, racers and the “calamari” crew -- the S.Q.U.I.D. (So Quick Until I Die) school of thought. This last bunch are universally despised for the way they make the rest of us piss ourselves as they appear out of nowhere, enshrouded in the deafening scream of an engine in anguish, ripping through the gears and disappearing over the horizon in a split second. While their riding styles are genuinely annoying and bad for the overall image of biking (usually seen with the front wheel high in the air as the rider checks his email), they are really hated for the way they effortlessly attract tanned pillion candy and get laid at the drop of a bike.

And I haven’t even touched the fastest growing subset of the two-wheeled food chain yet. These are scooter riders, either buzzing through the country-side like locusts, or droning along in solitary contemplation of the fog, the odd tree, or the cloud that looks like Angelina Jolie in the shower. These tend to fall into two categories: Vespa riders, and Vespa Wannabes. The Vespa Wannabes ride one of 66 models of scooter made at the Hong Fat Scooter Works in Poontang, China. The average Vespa rider tries hard to live up to the machine’s equivalent of the Marlboro Man. This is a tobacco-chewing, singing Dominican nun with a guitar strapped on her back.

What is truly amazing that each of the categories represented in this story can be found in the “destinations” list of blog-sites to the right of this article. I can tell you without a doubt their authors represent some of the finest riders, and the most expressive two-wheeled writers, that I have come across. There is never a hint of marque-related animosity, or even a biased comparison of factory-installed equipment -- with one bizarre exception. I have even become friendly with a couple of these guys (or as friendly as my social standing as a BMW rider will allow). Reading their columns is a lot like reading a fresh motorcycle magazine every day. In fact, some of these folks are published in various motorcycle venues on a regular basis.

For those who like a more Teutonic bent on life, four of my favorite blogs are written by BMW riders.

• Those looking for thrice-weekly BMW adventure -- generally accompanied by breathtaking photographs are well advised to read “REDLEGS RIDES.” The author, Charlie6, has been published in the BMW MOA’s “Owners News,” does most of his own work, and rides a Ural along trails in the Rocky Mountains that would scare a goat. His pictures are routinely exceptional.

• Others of the traditional Beemer persuasion are directed to Sojourner’s Moto Tales. These are the reports of a Beemer pilot who rides incredible distances to support a unique historical perspective -- or for any other reason. She is a writer of piercing logic who occasionally leaves me bleeding or gasping for facts.

• Rogers George is a member of the Mac Pac, and is one of the truly guile-free individuals I have ever met. A dedicated BMW rider, his blog -- Mushrooms To Motorcycles -- is like a return to Mayberry, RFD. He is a technical writer by trade, and his work is technically perfect. Just imagine Romeo and Juliet as written by the Verizon technical department... But it is so soothing and free of poison. And Rogers is one of these guys who will jump on his bike and knock off a 1,000 miles like it was nothing.

• Keep the Rubber Side Down is written by Rick Slark, a BMW rider and a true biker aficionado. Slark produces a no-nonsense blog that often follows the racing circuit, news items that impact all riders, and related issues.

I am proud to list a number of great Harley sites on my “destinations” list too. They espouse the essence of riding as it has been forged in Milwaukee, since the ‘twenties. They are:

• Electra Glide In Blue is an interesting resource on a number of levels, ranging from technical, anecdotal, news, and the occasional heart-warming story, complete with “from-the-heart” commentary that typifies the depth of colloquial American expressions. The author is a total pisser.

• Fast Hair is a Harley site that encompasses a broad range of interest from bikes to cars, to computers, to ride reports, to good advice, and the occasional passing fancy. It’s written in a highly personable tone that makes the reader feel they’ve known the author for a long time.

• Allen Madding’s Musings are the personal perspectives of a biker ironist. These highly literate, highly-condensed observations focus on the irony of life, and occasionally wander over to include some unique photography, or issues taken from the headlines, and other sites.

• Ms. M’s Place is billed as the rants of a Harley Chick. She describes herself as, “a weird 40-year-old chick in the East Bay who wears stilettos and skirts by day, leathers by night.” Nothing weird about that in my opinion. In fact, it sounds like somebody finally read what I put in the suggestion box. She writes highly mystical interpretations of her thoughts, feelings and impressions.

The “cruiser” crowd is represented by:

• Midlife Motorcycle Madness, written by Torch, is as collection of rider reports, gear recommendations, philosophical summaries, good advice, and personal observations. One of his gear assessments led me to purchase a pair of riding boots from Bates shoes.

• The View From Over The Handlebars, by Lance, is an eclectic bunch of stories about 90 percent of which entail some direct aspect of motorcycles. The other 10 percent is about travel, personal observations, and mid-live developments. Lance is well-traveled, well-read, and well-mounted on Bonneville America.

The cruiser, sport bike and Japanese Touring Sector is represented on this list by two entrants:

• Musings of an Intrepid Commuter are not only the personal observations of a professional riding instructor (to the masses and the police), they often contain tips and guides to high-level riding techniques. Written by IronDad (Dan), his work is a careful balance of ride reports, his thoughts on a variety of subjects, or answers to readers’ questions. Dan occasionally goes beyond reader expectation and details fundamentals that repeatedly turn up in his classes. He is a strong proponent of increased proficiency for all riders.

• Motorcycle Views is the brainchild of moto-chronicler and journalist Walter Kern. It is actually a portal to another site that offers a newsletter, photos, research and advice, as well as a running forum with hundreds of members. The site covers all kinds of bikes and riders. It was Walter Kern who published my first motorcycle story.

The scooter crowd, many of whom ride all kinds of bikes, are strongly represented here. Their perspective is certainly worth noting and the “experts” I have posted offer a good deal of food for thought.

• A Scooter In Turkey is a near daily account of John McClane’s experiences on the road (paved or otherwise) in Turkey. His pictures are a remarkable depiction of life in a small Turkish seacoast village, with forays elsewhere.

• Scooter In The Sticks was the reason I started a blog. Written by a guy named “Steve,” SITS offers thought-provoking photography (generally involving a Vespa), accompanied by soothing text of a strong philosophical nature. I started out to copy his style. It appears I was not successful as no readers ever claim I am mystical or inspiring. In fact, several have threatened suit.

• Premeditated Scootin is the evolution of a rider, “CPA3485,” who recently decided that life on an an environmental scooter was the way to go for him. “Jim” also decided to find others of his ilk and organized them into a cadre, that takes rides throughout a certain corner of the midwest. I find his writing refreshingly “clean” and loaded with nuance.

Then there are the “switch hitters,” guys who alternate between scooters and bikes at the drop of a hat.

• Bobskoot jumps between a scooter and V-Strom in his online column “bobskoot: wetcoast skooting.” His range is throughout British Columbia and parts of the US northwest. He is a photographer with a semi-professional bent, who carefully documents his rides with accurate photographs. He is also capable of humor that requires strategy and vengeance.

And that leaves one.

• Key West Diary is the “Seinfeld” of all biker blogs. The author, a guy named Conchscooter (Michael), either rides his wife’s Vespa or his own Triumph Bonneville around the environs of Key West, reporting on the architecture, the weather, the plants, the little deer, the residentially challenged, politics, and an occasional ride to the mainland. Nothing and everything in Key West is fodder for his blog. Of all the blogs listed on the right, this one has the broadest scope as the author has no editorial objective for each piece, which in turn gives him the greatest editorial leverage. And he exercises this leverage with a minimum of verbiage, though his posts are loaded with literary spice. You cannot print one out without replacing the toner in your printer with vitriol. His photography, however, focuses on lizards, birds, litter, elderly cruise ship escapees, homeless people, Cuban sandwiches, dark streets, homeless people, and small beaches with fully-clothed investment bankers sitting on on them.

Recently, Conchscooter was kind enough to do a brief pictorial essay titled, “What Jack Sees,” or something like that. He implied that I go through life attempting to find the perfect naked woman, scantily-clad woman, or suggestively-clad woman of the day, or hour, depending on the circumstances. While that may be true, I have my standards. I have promised the readers of this blog that it will always have pure, unadulterated motorcycle content, without resorting to cheap gimmicks or tricks.

To prove it, I respectfully submit the following pictorial exercise. These photographs were taken for me by Mac Pac rider/member Jim Ellenberg, at a track event over in New Jersey. Each picture offers strong subliminal biking messages.

Photo #1
This shot illustrates the adventures of young Drew Johnson, and his efforts to avoid skin cancer by staying out of the sun. At first, it appears that bike content is secondary to the plight of Mr. Johnson.

(Phot0 by Jim Ellenberg -- Click to really enlarge)

Photo #2
A detail taken from the shot above, we can clearly see the woman is wearing jewelry fashioned from an Indian Head nickel. The “Indian” was one of the finest motorcycles of its day.
(Phot0 by Jim Ellenberg -- Click to really enlarge)

Photo #3
Determined to stay out of the sun, the inventive Mr. Johnson has introduced himself to a second source of shade.
(Phot0 by Jim Ellenberg -- Click to enlarge)

Photo #4
A close up of photo #3 reveals that Mr. Johnson is supporting a motorcycle facility in California through the logo on his shirt, thereby providing great solidarity to the industry at a time when things are just hanging in the air.
(Phot0 by Jim Ellenberg -- Click to enlarge)

Photo #5
Here we see the intrepid Mr. Johnson, still dodging the sun, but wondering if his right hand is getting all the protection it needs. Too bad the nice Honda lady doesn’t have a back pocket. But bikes to the right and left of this enthusiastic couple are the most obvious support for this two-wheel passion.
(Phot0 by Jim Ellenberg -- Click to enlarge)

Photo #6
Once again, a detail taken from the shot above simply reinforces the message that Honda is here to stay.
(Phot0 by Jim Ellenberg -- Click to enlarge)

Photo #7
It is always important to carry the right insurance on your bike. A lesson Mr. Johnson will have to learn.
(Phot0 by Jim Ellenberg -- Click to enlarge)

Photo #8
Gratuitous shot of a guy's ass at a moto event... Yup. That's what it is.
(Phot0 by Jim Ellenberg -- Click to enlarge)


This introduction to the Brotherhood of Biking and a guide to great blogs was presented as a public service by Twisted Roads. I can't do enough for you.

©Copyright Jack Riepe 2009
AKA The Lindbergh Baby (Mac Pac)
AKA The Vindak8r (Motorcycle Views)
AKA The Chamberlain -- PS (With A Shrug)







60 comments:

Numismatically, Ihor said...

The web is grateful for your liner notes about the blogs featured on your right margin.
The jewelry seen in the post liner notes section, refering to Photo #1 and Photo #2, is not an Indian Head anything, it is a silver Liberty Dime, worn to a fine smoothnes by abrading against the pale, soft,and luxuriant flesh of the wearer. ...A moment, please, to take in the implications of such a well worn and warmed historic coin. There, that summs up my correction of your numismatic error.

Oops, Ihor said...

Hey you're right, it is an Indian Head penny. Imagin that!

Jack Riepe said...

Dear Ihor:

I don't care if the coin around the woman's neck is an "Uncas -- Last of the Mohicans" subway token from Chicago. Look carefully at the picture... Stare at it hard... Pretend it's one of those stupid 3-D things.

Now, don't you feel better. Doesn't it make you think of "Indian" motorcycles? Doesn't it want to make you ride something.

Fondest regards,
Jack • reep • Toad
Twisted Roads.

Unknown said...

Jack "r":

I'm still staring at that picture of the Indian and I still can't see it. My eyes are gettin deflected

bob
bobskoot: wet coast scootin

ps: I notice more pictures "popping" up

Conchscooter said...

Everything you wrote about me applies to you as well. It's lonely out here but more so for me because you always show cleavage you devil and that keeps the masses passive. I just ride the lonely road of being myself. With you and bobskoot taking potshots. Sigh. I ain't gonna change sweetheart.

MackBeemer said...

Tx for the T&A, Jack

Nikos said...

Jack
This is a masterful piece and I'm shortly going in to surgery to have my sides sewn back together. Wish me luck (you know how MRSA ridden British hospitals are).

Something is troubling me tho' and that is that BMW produced a cruiser, a marvel of horizontally opposed chrome plated cylinders but where are they all? Who rides them? I have only ever seen one being ridden on the street by a geriatric old fart like myself in Northern Germany.

BMW-Dick said...

Dear Jack:
You were correct. This brought tears to my eyes. I must have been glaring at the graphics too long. Do you have the address of the young lady with pendant? I'd like to verify through close inspection whether it's a Indian head penny or a Liberty dime. That might be a nice ride for us ;)

Michael, dreaming of second base said...

I teared up when I saw the first picture of Drew. I was thinking "... if my Uncle had introduced me to her instead of the bottle of Jim Beam, I'd be a different man." Damn you Uncle George! Damn you! I drown my youth in whiskey when I could have smothered it between those.....

Jack Riepe said...

Dear Bobskoot:

Welcome to the brotherhood. As someone once said, "Everybody doesn't like something... But nobody doesn't like Indian head necklaces that make us think of motorcycles.

Fondest regards,
Jack • reep • Toad
Twisted Roads

Jack Riepe said...

Dear Conch:

I have never denied that you and I are very much alike... And I wouldn't have you change for anything. Not until I get down there and stay at the New El Rancho, or whatever the hell it will be.

Fondest regars,
Jack • reep • Toad

Jack Riepe said...

Dear Mack:

Some days, it doesn't suck to be me. If you read the Mac Pac list carefully, you'd have seen that there is a breakfast event on the 25th not far from where Rt. 202 runs into Rt. 413. This is about 8 miles or less from New Hope. You might want to consider this.

Fondest Regards,
Jack • reep • Toad
Twisted Roads

Jack Riepe said...

Dear Nikos:

I am deeply troubled that you read this piece and laughed. Everyone else seems to be rather caught up in the emotion of the moment.

The BMW cruiser you are referring to is a "Chrome Head," and I believe they were made from 1998 to 2004. I found 12 of them for you, some with pictures.

Simply go to:
http://www.ibmwr.org/market/adlist.php?cat=cbs

Thank you for reading my blog, and for taking the time to comment.

Fondest regards,
Jack • reep • Toad

Jack Riepe said...

Dear Dick:

Coin collecting could be a good hobby for us...

Thank you for resding my blog tonight, and for commenting. Let's ride this week. I;m getting the itch.

Fondest regards,
Jack • reep • Toad

Jack Riepe said...

Dear Michael:

I know how you must feel. But I had two uncles. One who drank and the other introduced me to a lot of Aunts. It was like dying and going to heaven. Lots of times.

It is always a pleasure to hear from you.

Fondest regards,
Jack • reep • Toad

Woody said...

Thank you for the wonderful collection of blogs. Note to self - seriously consider Geico insurance next time.

I wanted to highlight my favorite line in this entry. "Hong Fat Scooter Works in Poontang, China". Now that's just fucking funny. I think I just pissed my pants! After yet another dismal day at work and you have brightened it with a small ray of sunshine (pretty amazing, considering it's 9:30PM).

Wayne Woodruff
CEO
Helen Keller School of Photography

Cantwell said...

...My Aunt's liked to drink too. They were scary. Maybe that's why Uncle George drank.

Isn't it amazing how a little piece about the brotherhood of riders is like sitting down at the doctors office and having a chat right after having your prostate examined. Amazing!!

Conchscooter said...

The last time I had my prostate examined I walked with a squidgy feeling in my pants until I got home and dealt with it. I had no time, or inclination to chat.
Are these people normal? Is this what I should aspire to?

Allen Madding said...

reep

thank you for your kind words. I take back every bad thing I have ever said or typed about you, well most of them anyhow.

remind me when ever we cross paths to purchase you a refreshing glass of well aged scotch.

-Peace

Jack Riepe said...

Dear Conch:

Mike Cantwell is not like other men. Quite frankly, I have no idea what he meant either. But I'm glad he didn't say something like, "Reading this made me feel like that last night on the cell block, when my ass did all the entertaining."

But quite frankly, aspiring to the manly standards of biker Mike Cantwell wouldn't be bad. In addition to riding like a Cossack, Mike's bike has a tach.

Two whacks from you in one day. I'm amazed. Thank you for reading my blog, and for your kind notes of encouragement. They are highly inspirational.

Fondest regards,
Jack • reep • Toad

Jack Riepe said...

Dear Mike (Cantwell):

Did you just tell me this piece felt like having something shoved up your ass? If so, in what way?

I am still dealing with the depression following that great Labor Day ride... The one that came with the realization that the trip was really over, and I no longer had this run to look forweard to.

Thanks for a great ride Mike. We're going to do a few of these again.

Fondest regards,
Jack

Jack Riepe said...

Dear Mr. Madding:

It is always a pleasure to hear from you. And the day our paths cross, the Scotch will flow like water, and the cigar smoke will hang i the air like a politician's promise, with as much substance.

Thank you for reading my blog, and for commenting in such a kind way.

Fondest regards,
Jack • reep • Toad

Jack Riepe said...

Dear Woody:

Thank you for your note tonight. I love it when readers take the trouble to tell me they like a particilar line in the stuff I wrote. Hong Fat's used to be a restaurant in China Town (New York), in the 70's. I was a frequent visitor to Poontang on many business trips.

Your note made me smile tonight.

Fondest regards,
Jack

Gary Christman said...

....still, no one in a Twisted Roads tee shirt....WTF.......I'm I the only one with this assignment??!!!???

I've noticed a few that would look good in one!!!!
Gary

Gary Christman said...

Wouldn't it be great to have a name like Woody?
Gary

Anonymous said...

Hi...I'm Woody....uummmm.....YES!
Gary

Unknown said...

Jack "r:

great blog today, nice pictures too. I am still drooling over them, you certainly have a way of capturing our attention.
Thank you again for mentioning my humble blog in your synopsis but nothing compares to the stuff that flows out of your KB.
Your title says it all.

bob
bobskoot: wet coast scootin

Jack Riepe said...

Dear Gary (Christman):

I am about to do one of my long-overdue "Dispatches" from the front, in which the Twisted Roads tee shirt issue will be addressed. In fact, you will be cited for a number of reasons in this piece.

I think Woody is a cool name, like Randy Johnson and "Big Jim and the Twins."

Thank you for reading my blog and for writing in. Oddly enough, not one person has questioned my conclusions about the "Brotherhood."

Fondest regards,
Jack • reep • Toad

Jack Riepe said...

Dear Bobskoot:

Once I thank you for your accolades and kind words. I had fun writing this piece and delighted in the interest it stirred up on Facebook too. Naturally, it's fun to poke you-know-who with a stick every now and again too.

In truth, Bob, I occasionally get lucky with a photograph, where you hit them out of the park on a regular basis. Naturally, I have to compensate someway.

Thank you for reading and for writing in.

Fondest regards,
Jack • reep • Toad

Ihor said...

No, I've no plans to do anything involving motorcycles. But as far as I have been able to discern, there should be no impediment for you to saddle up and go to the ADKs over Columbus Day or the week that follows. Work for you is no deterance, it's akin to a side story in The Matrix plotline. I've seen you work from anywhere on the globe. In fact distance has often enhanced the product you have been coerced to produce. You haunt your job, quite in keeping with it's disembodied nature. Nothing like dropping the leash to give free reign to a trapped mutt.

MackBeemer said...

Dear Jack:

The item on the 25th - would that be Jar's deal?

Yar invited to an Outdoor Sunday "Brunch" Oct 25th 11:30-3 PM @ Yar's place.

The invite posted on the Mac-Pac calendar doesn't have an exact addy.

Unknown said...

Jack "r" said:

"Naturally, it's fun to poke you-know-who with a stick every now and again too. "


won't he be surprised when we do . . . (can't wait)

bob
bobskoot: wet coast scootin

redlegsrides said...

wow Jack, I got first billing.....is it because my current troubles with the rpoc were fresh on your mind?

thanks for the overblown listing of my latest ride, made me sound like a competent offroad rider, which I am not. : )

dom

Jack Riepe said...

Dear Ihor:

October is a tight month for me, both with time and cash. I'm running the PR for an event in Prague this month, and I need a lot of computer bandwidth (like I have at home) and access to cheap global telephone communications (like my calling plan at home). So I guess I'm going to be home a lot.

But have a good time.

Fondest regards,
Jack • reep • Toad

Jack Riepe said...

Dear Mack:

Yup... I was referring to Yar's deal on October 25.

Zap me on my Gmail for directions.

Fondest regards,
Jack • reep • Toad

Jack Riepe said...

Dear Bobskoot:

Pulling that ride off will be the stuff of legends.

Fondest regards,
Jack • reep • Toad

Jack Riepe said...

Dear Charlie6 (Dom):

Levels of expertise are all relative.

I think you will easily overcome the current challenges with the Ural. The trick will be in assessing what future problems might be like. I think this machine is probably a lot of fun, but on a par with owning a stem engine (locomotive).

I look forward to reading your next ride report.

Fondest regards,
Jack • reep • Toad

cpa3485 said...

Your collections of pictures seldom cease to amaze me. Very cool post and thanks for the kind reference to my piece of shit blog (at least compared to yours).
To me the Breaux-hood is exemplified in "the wave".
I always was suspicious that, since I rode a scooter, that motorcycle riders would look down on me. Have not found that to be the case at all. There is a bond out there on the road and the friendly wave is proof of that.
Of course you cannot always tell exactly what type of vehicle a person is riding until you get real close, and the wave needs to occur before that.
I sometimes wonder if someone waves at me, then gets close enough to see I have a scooter, and then regrets the wave. But I seriously doubt it.
Great post Jack!
Very truly your friend,
JimBoBob

mq01 said...

muah!!! you are too kind jack :)

ps, the kitty helmet with leather ears, ya think thats dot? hmmm, i'd like one...purrr... ;) oh and every pair of heels shown, i'll take those too... damn, this being a girl stuff is expensive, LOL! heels? chrome? how does a girl decide...

thank you kindly jack!!

mq01 said...

oh ps, hey, jack, i still need/want/must have that get laid anywhere shirt :) i sent an email but not sure if you got it... should i resend?

Jack Riepe said...

Dear CPA3485 (Jimbo):

Thank you for your kind response to the recent blog episode. I wave at everybody, including scoters and Amish wagons (not that the two have much in common). If folks wave back -- swell. If not, so what?

I waved at a rider on a scooter somewhere on a back road in Pennsylvania last week, and didn't see the Vespa snap into a u-turn. I had pulled over to take a picture of apples in the field, having fallen from a tree, when the scooter stopped next to my K75. The rider was a gorgeous brunette. She was so thrilled that a guy on a big bike waved to her, that she pulled up her shirt and showed me the most incredible ta-tas.

Of course, it could just as easily been two riders from a vicious biker gang wanting to show me what they missed most about prison.

I enjoy reading your blog, which offers pretty solid rider content.

Fondest regards,
Jack • reep • Toad

Jack Riepe said...

Dear MQ01:

I look forward to the day when I can run a picture of you declining a cigar from me while we are sitting astride our respective bikes.

Please resend your original request, as I am mailing stuff out again soon. Also, in your case, there is free installation.

Fondest regards,
Jack • reep • Toad
Ja

Electra Glide In Blue said...

Hey Bro(aka Jack),
Sorry it took me a couple of days to read through your post and comment.

I spent several hours at the library with Websters checking the definitions of "anecdotal" and "colloquial".

Then several more hours checking the definition of the definitions.

I can now say thanks for the kind review of my "Harley" site.

Back to the brotherhood topic...
Shit,I gotta go find my alligator jerky.

Your brother in cyberspace and on the road,
Electra Glide In Blue

mq01 said...

im looking forward to it jack. and depending on the circumstances, maybe we can have a cigar while carving initials into fasthairs dead tree. depending on where out west you need to be... ah, the avenue of the giants. could become another mission?!? :)
...you have email...

Kelsey said...

What a great post and explanation of your collection of links! I found you through Scooter in the Sticks' blogroll, and will be adding you to mine.

I have a Ural motorcycle (the Russian bikes with the sidecar), and my motorcycling blog is: Travels with Smutka

Jack Riepe said...

Dear Electra Glide In Blue:

One of the most satisfying aspects of this blog, as far as I'm concerned, is that I have a substantial following among a varied cross-section of riders -- many of whom ride Harley Davidsons.

I am delighted thay folks like yourself can find an occasional laugh or truism in my stuff. There is no greater satisfaction for a writer like myself than to find your comments, and those of others, at the end of my stories.

Thank your for reading and for writing in.

Fondest regards,
Jack • reep • Toad

Jack Riepe said...

Dear MQ01:

If I can make it out to the west coast next year, we'll find a way to get over to Fast Hair's tree, and smoke a cigar on it.

Got the email.

Fondest regards,
Jack • reep • Toad

Jack Riepe said...

Dear Kelsey:

As I have stated, Scooter In The Sticks was the original model for my blog, though I'm afraid I may have wondered off the path of righteousness. If you are so inclined, I cordially invited you to read some of my previoous blog episodes. You will discover that my view of life through broken glass has many perspectives.

Thank you for adding me to your bloglist. I will return the favor. Might I call your attention to REDLEGS RIDES? That blog is written by moto-journalist Domingo Chang, who is presently finding loads of gremlins in his Ural Patrol.

Thnk you again for your kind note.

Fondest regards,
Jack • reep • Toad

Canajun said...

Great post. And as an added bonus I now know where the expression "squid" came from.

Oh yeah, nice pics too....

Jack Riepe said...

Dear Canajun:

I live for the edification of others. And pictorial perfection is blogging is my passion. Thank you for readoming my tripe, and for taking the time to comment on it.

Fondest regards,
Jack • reep • Toad

Kelsey said...

Jack - I actually already have Chang on my blogroll. He has a Ural that is only one year younger than mine (he has a 96, I have a 95), and it's rare to find folks with earlier Urals, so I was really glad to find his blog.

I will be continuing to read your blog, as it's now on my RSS reader.

Lance said...

Jack, thanks so much for your kind words. You have put the topic of the brotherhood in great perspective, as is your perspective on McGuffies, a term I can say I learned through your writings. Young Mr. Johnson should be commended not only for his efforts to protect himself from the sun's damaging rays, but for promoting this fine industry.

Jack Riepe said...

Dear Kelsey:

I saw that you were communicating with Dom Chang right after I sent you my last note. I think it's great that you guys can trade notes on your Russian bikes. With any degree of luck, you'll be able to save each other a lot of time and money.

Fondest regards,
Jack • reep • Toad

Jack Riepe said...

Dear Lance:

When I started this blog, I pledged myself to the selfless edification of others. I have made the study of McGuffies my life. Please let me know if I can conduct further research on your behalf.

Fondest regards,
Jack • reep • Toad

irondad said...

Leaving a comment now with 54 already logged in is kind of like having that 23rd drink.

I do appreciate the fact that you consider my site to have some value, knowing how eclectic your life is. What's really cool is being in the same post as all those luscious commercial symbols!

Steve Williams said...

Pour me the 24th drink please. I echo the comments by IronDad and others. Thank you.

And I have to admit publicly that on more than one occasion I have begun writing posts with the Twisted Roads style in mind. Alas I had neither the experience or courage to continue.

I remain a faithful reader.

Steve Williams
Scooter in the Sticks

Jack Riepe said...

Dear IronDad (Dan):

I deely regret that I so seldom have anything of technical substance to impsact to my readers. But in turth, competing against blogs like yours for details on technical riding would be an uphill climb.

I read your stuff all the time, and always come away with good, useful information. I flatter myself to think that you get anything out of my stuff. Yet from time to time, my pictures do fill something of a void.

Thank you for reading my stuff, for commenting, and for including me in your material from time to time.

Fomdes regards.
Jack • reep • Toad

Jack Riepe said...

Dear Scooter In The Sticks (Steve):

Twisted Roads isn't a style... It's a curse. Thank God you are spared.

As I have said on other occasions, yours was the first blog I ever read, and thought about shamelessly copying. But in truth, I could neither capture the photographs, nor master the spiritualism. So not hsaving the words, I opted to hum.

And just remember, Twisted Roads is the view from the gutter... And there's always plenty of room and more rum.

Thank you for your kind note.

Fondest regards,
Jack • reep • Toad

Anonymous said...

Dear Jack,

Thank you so much for mentioning Midlife Motorcycle Madness and all the kind words. Also, thank you for recognizing everyone on two wheels and the delightfully humorous descriptions. I really do dislike cliques. Maybe it's just because I'm a loner but, I don't see how anyone riding on two wheels can think they are any better than anyone else on two wheels. These childish boundaries got to go.

Ride on,
Torch

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