tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post3414456956315492491..comments2023-12-11T03:32:58.722-05:00Comments on Twisted Roads By Jack Riepe: Hibernating In The "Man-Cave"Jack Riepehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531160098262862027noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-27626632094426854682011-02-17T07:42:44.230-05:002011-02-17T07:42:44.230-05:00I think it's time to move your K75 & toolb...I think it's time to move your K75 & toolbox into the living room....and start hanging your posters on the walls. Who's in charge here? I got a G450X for Xmas this year and it was delivered to me in the driveway. How was I to get to know her out in the cold....I brought her in and parked her in my new kitchen where it is toasty warm! Then the fondling began.<br /><br />Gary Christmangary5410noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-9943344567030253032011-02-16T14:34:48.254-05:002011-02-16T14:34:48.254-05:00Dear Beemer Girl (Steel Cupcake):
When Leslie and...Dear Beemer Girl (Steel Cupcake):<br /><br />When Leslie and I first met, it was like two asteroids hitting each other in space. She was so fucking beautiful that I used to stutter. She thought I was the unicorn she had always wanted to capture. In those days, she bount me cigars, lighters, and cutters that were utterly exquisite. <br /><br />Over a decade later, she nows says things like, "Wash your clothes in the creek if you are going to smoke cigars. They make the washing machine stink." She recently claimed that my cigars, which I am forced to smoke in the garage, once made the paint on her Subaru stink. <br /><br />One day, I will have the prefect garage with everything exactly as I want it — including a bike lift, a variable strength power washer, a bar, a tool bench, a lounge, and a mechanic. <br /><br />Thanks for reading Twisted Roads, and for writing in.<br /><br />Fondest regards,<br />Jack • reep • ToadJack Riepehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07531160098262862027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-51624638875862994422011-02-16T14:25:53.398-05:002011-02-16T14:25:53.398-05:00Dear Ken:
That was a very nice thing to say. And ...Dear Ken:<br /><br />That was a very nice thing to say. And there are days when reading a brief note like yours is like finding $50 in an old pants pocket. <br /><br />You may find this hard to believe. But I am not the brightest bulb on the computer string of lights. I recently realized that by cicking on a "blue" name I could find out some stuff about the sender. I read your blog for the first time today, and plan to go back to look at a few of your past pieces. Would you mind if I added your link to my "Destination's List?<br /><br />Fondest regards,<br />Jack • reep • ToadJack Riepehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07531160098262862027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-3750504334929015672011-02-16T14:16:29.756-05:002011-02-16T14:16:29.756-05:00Dear Bluekat:
I was especially thrilled to get a ...Dear Bluekat:<br /><br />I was especially thrilled to get a response from you this morning. My gut reaction is to write the word "fuck" on this blog when I think it serves a purpose. I don't think a good writer should survey readers, and custom-write to appeal to the majority. <br /><br />I believe a writer is charged by God to tell a great story, to delight, intrigue, or otherwise compell the reader to go through it from start to finish — and to feel something. In my case, I usually like the reader to walk away laughing. And sometimes, especially when writing in a Jersey City dialect, accuracy in tone and content is part of the transaction.<br /><br />Now I am told by 'She Who Is Never Wrong" that my stories are too long. Yet the longest ones have drawn some of the highest response numbers. So I am experimenting with length as well as content too.<br /><br />Thank you for reading, and for writing in. <br /><br />Fondest regards,<br />Jack • reep • ToadJack Riepehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07531160098262862027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-74606907311150563072011-02-16T14:07:29.051-05:002011-02-16T14:07:29.051-05:00Dear Allen Madding:
Initially, I read your commen...Dear Allen Madding:<br /><br />Initially, I read your comment with some skepticism. And then I started to think about it. I lived in Lake Placid, New York for 18 years, where winter is a serious consideration. I heated the house with wood to great effect. I burned 9 cords of wood, costing about $1100 (USD). The electric heat for one month was $700. <br /><br />Now I am not in the garage very often in the winter, and I must confess I do not even have a workbench out there... But a woodburning stove could change that. And unlike a propane heater, the furnace/stove would reheat the garage damn faster after the big door had been opened and closed.<br /><br />I have a dream garage in my mind. Someday, I'll write about it. <br /><br />Thanks for readmg Twisted Roads, and for writing in.<br /><br />Fondrest regards,<br />Jack • reep • Toad<br />Twisted RoadsJack Riepehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07531160098262862027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-76778998373197748352011-02-16T13:59:10.009-05:002011-02-16T13:59:10.009-05:00Dear Wayne (Classic Veocity Blog):
The truth is f...Dear Wayne (Classic Veocity Blog):<br /><br />The truth is far more depressing. Last year, my Valentine's Day gift from her was a flatulence/filter cushion for my office chair. This year, she gave me a glucose meter so I could see what happens ewhen I cheat on my diet. <br /><br />This is romance is my mid-fifties.<br /><br />Fondest regards,<br />Jack • reep • ToadJack Riepehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07531160098262862027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-50944941768182996262011-02-16T13:56:29.823-05:002011-02-16T13:56:29.823-05:00Dear Circle Blue (Keith):
I remember Barbie Bento...Dear Circle Blue (Keith):<br /><br />I remember Barbie Benton as being one of the dream girls from my youth. And I am still amazed at the memories that occur to me when I stumble across her in an old Playboy Magazine. She would easily rate a place on the wall in any serious man cave.<br /><br />Thank you for reading Twisted Roads, and for leaving a comment. <br /><br />Fondest regards,<br />Jack • reep • ToadJack Riepehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07531160098262862027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-17634334573145899672011-02-16T13:53:09.158-05:002011-02-16T13:53:09.158-05:00Dear Tony (Luna/Jay):
I don't think I will be...Dear Tony (Luna/Jay):<br /><br />I don't think I will be doing the White Castle run this year. For one thing, my knees did not come through the winter unscathed. I'm working them out to try and get a better range of motion, but I doubt I'll be that much more improved by March. <br /><br />But I will be doing a run up your way in April. I'd be thrilled if you would accompany me up to Beat Mountain State Park for a weekend run. <br /><br />Fondest regards,<br />Jack Riepe<br />Twisted RoadsJack Riepehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07531160098262862027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-67862751900644768942011-02-16T13:49:25.321-05:002011-02-16T13:49:25.321-05:00Dear Chris:
The garage here is a sore spot in con...Dear Chris:<br /><br />The garage here is a sore spot in conversation. Technically, it is "finished." The walls inside are sheetrocked, and allegedly primed and taped. The upper crawl space (two dormers) houses the central air conditioning condensers. They were put there because it is the least accessible space to service them.<br /><br />The house was built by "Three Scumbags Who Fled As Soon As The Check Cleared." The windows in the garage were not properly installed, nor was the drainage from the roof properly routed. A lot of this was covered up by stucco and oversized window trim, as well as tyhe landscaping. As a result, the sill has rotted out on one whole wall. The estimates point to $12,000 of corrective reconstruction. They are conservative estimates. The full extend of the damage will be determined when we rip out the sheetrock. At that point, we will consider properly insulating the garage. <br /><br />Nothing in life is ever easy. <br /><br />Fondest regards,<br />Jack • reep • Toad<br />Twisted RoadsJack Riepehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07531160098262862027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-48782518874581883082011-02-16T07:14:27.658-05:002011-02-16T07:14:27.658-05:00Dear Jack,
I rather suspect you actually being ex...Dear Jack,<br /><br />I rather suspect you actually being exiled to the garage by Leslie, instead of you pretending it is self-imposed enjoyment to admire a green-eyed glowing K75 and cigars. There is just too much mooning over antiqued imagery. You must have done something terribly bad and the guilt was eating you up. Or Leslie had locked you in the garage (with provisions this time) while she entertained some dignitaries and left you to ruminate over your wrong doings.<br /><br />At least she left the garage breaker on!<br /><br />Yours fondly,<br />Steel Cupcake :)BeemerGirlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15239761274177026636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-67719296615473269222011-02-16T02:27:59.336-05:002011-02-16T02:27:59.336-05:00Another wonderful read! I can live without the F-b...Another wonderful read! I can live without the F-bomb, but your stories are too good to skip whatever the decision is.Kenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10224016448511521446noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-3505232685423667782011-02-15T23:09:33.532-05:002011-02-15T23:09:33.532-05:00Having a warm, cozy man-cave for a rider and his b...Having a warm, cozy man-cave for a rider and his beloved bike, with Barbi to lovingly watch over you, doesn't seem too unreasonable a request. A good and practical use for the Gerbings, I'd say.<br /><br />Very resourceful finding new uses for the Gerbings, and for recycling some dusty old magazines giving them new purpose. The steaming hot pages should help keep the cave well insulated. That was the purpose right? ;-)<br /><br />I'd say skip the steam cleaning...I think your readers are quite happy with your writing in full color!Bluekathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13485258388887249275noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-85242315834956667692011-02-15T21:55:10.513-05:002011-02-15T21:55:10.513-05:00I'd say a wood burning stove with a blower wou...I'd say a wood burning stove with a blower would be more beneficial, like this unit from Tractor Supply http://www.tractorsupply.com/wood-coal-heaters-accessories/wood-heaters/united-states-stove-co-1557m-hotblast-furnace-5095270<br /><br />We have had great experience with them over the years as long as you have a good supply of wood. <br /><br />It also makes a handy way to heat a tea pot for teas and crumpets.<br /><br />-PeaceAllen Maddinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03975320122826127770noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-86422357416065365672011-02-15T21:13:48.984-05:002011-02-15T21:13:48.984-05:00Jack,
Confined to the man-cave on valentine's...Jack,<br /><br />Confined to the man-cave on valentine's day huh ? I told you the grout cleaner would not make a good gift.Classic Velocityhttp://classicvelocity.squarespace.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-16900555600284011802011-02-15T20:45:08.865-05:002011-02-15T20:45:08.865-05:00Barbie Benton, oh my.Barbie Benton, oh my.Keith - Circle Bluehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11992667666539622569noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-88863890997389510412011-02-15T18:52:31.296-05:002011-02-15T18:52:31.296-05:00March Beerday is coming. Haven't been to Whit...March Beerday is coming. Haven't been to White Castle since. I am dying to see it again. Maybe I'll ride my toofitty this time.<br /><br />Tonyjayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01260847297577754368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-12664481504847057532011-02-15T18:41:17.645-05:002011-02-15T18:41:17.645-05:00Dear Jack,
Adding some insulation to the walls,ce...Dear Jack,<br /><br />Adding some insulation to the walls,ceiling, and door will make that little heater work much better. Convincing Leslie to let you bring your K75 in the house would probably be easier.Chrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06606446271603142230noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-85124834415559771262011-02-15T14:19:59.176-05:002011-02-15T14:19:59.176-05:00Dear Canajun:
Barbie Benton was an absolute angel...Dear Canajun:<br /><br />Barbie Benton was an absolute angel. And she had a voice that was as seductive as her smile. That July 1976 issue of Playboy represents their publishing zenith. They had great writers, grea cartoonists, and great interviews. But everything passes sooner or later. <br /><br />Thanks for reading Twisted Roads, and for leaving a comment,<br /><br />Fondest regards,<br />Jack • reep • Toad<br />Twisted RoadsJack Riepehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07531160098262862027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-71041391170581110422011-02-15T12:56:52.776-05:002011-02-15T12:56:52.776-05:00Jack, you always know how to touch a chord with yo...Jack, you always know how to touch a chord with your posts. <br />Barbie Benton! My fave too. She always had the place of honour on my dorm room wall - and later in my own man cave, aka garage. <br />Be still my beating heart (and other bits).Canajunhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17529505799866207528noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-67400689807008134512011-02-15T10:53:20.611-05:002011-02-15T10:53:20.611-05:00Dear Nikos:
You are in part responsible for chang...Dear Nikos:<br /><br />You are in part responsible for changes I have made in this blog. Your episode of the "Mushy Peas" so delighted me, that I wondered what would happen if I attempted to be more concise. My riding buddy, Dick Bregstein, was of the opinion I would fart myself to death. <br /><br />Thank you for reading Twisted Roads, and for taking the time to comment.<br /><br />Fondest regards,<br />Jack • reep • Toad<br />Twisted RoadsJack Riepehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07531160098262862027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-998932258349788832011-02-15T10:50:16.831-05:002011-02-15T10:50:16.831-05:00Dear Winmosser:
You brought up a great point... T...Dear Winmosser:<br /><br />You brought up a great point... The damn tools are ice cold and I hate working on the bike wearing gloves. But in the unhrated garage, I'd have to run a smaller unit in or o the 10-drawer toolbox 24 hours the day before to get the chill out of the steel... And by that time, my feelings for working in ther garage have passed.<br /><br />Thank you for reading Twisted Roads and for leaving a comment. If you are a BMW rider, I have a story titled "The K75 As A Babe Magnet" in the middle of the magazine. Next month's issue is running my plans for an epic ride. <br /><br />Fondest regards,<br />Jack • reep • Toad<br />Twisted RoadsJack Riepehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07531160098262862027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-1851016106589975542011-02-15T10:46:14.405-05:002011-02-15T10:46:14.405-05:00Dear Steve (Williams/Scooter In THe Sticks):
As I...Dear Steve (Williams/Scooter In THe Sticks):<br /><br />As I have claimed in the past, it was my intent to model Twisted Roads after your blog, Scooter In The Sticks. But that would be like attempting to model a petroleum by-product after ice cream. <br /><br />As I stated to Woody (above), I have yet to settle on an editorial formula. There are times when I believe the word "fuck" is an accurate rendition of a dialect, a situation, or an emotion. Personally, I do say it a lot. <br /><br />This blog episode was an experiment in the literary mechanics that could determine future stories. I am trying to determine if my readers preferred the shorter length and a more pristine dialogue. Judging from the numbr of comments, the answer is "no." But of those readers who did comment, the difference was striking. <br /><br />Thank you for taking the time to read Twisted Roads. I attempt to provide you guys with smile-provoking stuff, from time to time. Steve, the next chance you get to hit the BMW dealer, see if he has a copy of the Owner's News around. If so, glance at one of my column pieces. You'll see a big difference. <br /><br />Fondest regards,<br />Jack • reep • Toad<br />Twisted RoadsJack Riepehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07531160098262862027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-35381282289665647392011-02-15T10:33:02.404-05:002011-02-15T10:33:02.404-05:00Dear Charlie6 (Dom):
The portable propane heater ...Dear Charlie6 (Dom):<br /><br />The portable propane heater was a flop. It looks like it should heat a hanger, but it would barely heat the space around it. What I would really need to do is put a peramanent heating system in the garage, with a huge blower, plus truly well-sealed and inulated garage doors. <br /><br />Tha ain't gonna happen anytime soon... Not for me to just sit in the garage, smoking a cigar, and snorting a shot of the Irish. <br /><br />Thank you for reading my blog and for making a perfectly reasonable suggestion. <br /><br />Fondest regards,<br />Jack • reep • Toad<br />Twisted RoadsJack Riepehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07531160098262862027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-8556110645682412032011-02-15T10:26:47.815-05:002011-02-15T10:26:47.815-05:00Dear Woody:
Monday's blog episode was an expe...Dear Woody:<br /><br />Monday's blog episode was an experiment on two levels. First, it was a shorter piece. I wanted to see if readers preffered a faster read. Second, I wanted to see if there was a difference in the respnse level if I steam cleaned it. <br /><br />The first response I've noticed to both changes is that I got fewer comments in the same amount of time. Although 350 people hit the site yesterday. My goal is 1,000 readers per day. <br /><br />What I am getting is a growing number of fan letters in response to my MOA articles. The current story, the K75 as a Babe Magnet has drawn 10. I am amazed that s many readers can relate to my bizarre lifestyle. <br /><br />Interesting, huh? I would say the test period for my abilities as a moto-writer/humorist is about over.I feel pretty confident that I can be the real deal at this point.<br /><br />This blog episode was also an experiment to see if I could successfully link two utterly non-related subjects in a concept that any guy, or woman attached to a guy, would easily grasp. That worked too.<br /><br />Fondest regards,<br />Jack • reep • Toad<br />Twisted RoadsJack Riepehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07531160098262862027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-80813301339496489282011-02-15T10:19:02.442-05:002011-02-15T10:19:02.442-05:00Jack
When I was married to Mrs Rochester many yea...Jack<br /><br />When I was married to Mrs Rochester many years ago I had the unhappiest ever vacation at a place called Merde De Chèvre - it's just 5 miles from Vieux Condom if my memory serves me.<br /><br />The place smelt of goats piss and teh food was virtually ineddible.<br /><br />C'est la vie mon ami!<br /><br />Kind regards from here, NNikoshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03119901226987582553noreply@blogger.com