Current Project Condition

Current Project Condition

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

The Unspoken Spoke Scam

While compiling a list for the next big purchase next week I was pricing wheels with Jireh Cycles. So far they have always been the cheapest and usually by a fair amount. However, I called to get a price on the 80 spoke 18x10.5 wheel and it is $330.00 but it is out of stock with no date for its return to stock. So I figured I could live with the 60 spoke wheel. The good news is that it is in stock. The bad news is it is $360.00.
Now someone explain to me how in the hell the same wheel from the same manufacturer that is the same size with 20 less spokes, which means less materials and labor, can be $30.00 more money? The only thing I can figure is that it is in stock so might as well jack up the price.

The good new is I found the same wheel with AmericanClassicMotors.net on Ebay for a by it now price of $319.00 with free shipping so it looks like they will get my business for the rear wheel.

New Found Magazine

There was a article in the local paper this week about a motorcycle mag called Go For A Ride. It's not your typical biker magazine. It is currently available free on line or you can get a subscription. It seems to be local to the Florida area but expanding. It's a small little start up, but worth a look if you have a minute. Click the pic below to go to the home page!


Monday, December 29, 2008

The Big Purchase!

That's right everyone we are a short 1o days from the 2nd largest purchase of bike parts in the project. I was originally going to get the front end in an attempt to make is look more like a motorcycle for moral support reasons, also because I am a little leery about setting up the rear end. But I have decided to go ahead and charge into the rear end. NO NOT THAT WAY! So instead of the front end its going to be belt drive, rear wheel, rear axle, transmission sprocket and clutch actuator rod for the transmission. If there happens to be any cash left over I will find a small doo dad that I will need at some point. Then the purchase after that will be the tire or the rear brake.

I Had A Dream!

I had a dream! That one day my four little children will one day.....disregard wrong dream. This afternoon while taking my before work nap I had a dream the bike was done. Those of you who don't know me won't know that almost a year ago now I quit smoking. Previous to that as an adult I never remembered ever having dreams. About 2 weeks after I quit I started having, or remembering more likely, these incredibly vivid dreams.
I mean vivid, waking up and still being able to smell the smells and hear the sounds in my head. Waking up in tears, ecstatically happy, or in a complete terror. That was worth quitting all by itself. Any way the bike was beautiful. It had that new leather, clean oil, fresh rubber smell only a new bike has. The pipes rumbled with that low demanding growl a well tuned scooter makes. It was odd but I recognized the road to be the main road going through Irish Hills, MI. Marie was on the back, I could feel her knees on my sides and smell her perfume when we stopped. It was that wonderful time of year in up in the Ohio, Michigan area, the late spring when its warm enough to ride w/just a jean jacket but you shiver when you drop into a valley or under the shade of road side trees. The air itself smells new and clean. The kind of day where you can warm you whole body just by turning your face up to the sun. I can't wait to actually be there. I have to go now before I tear up. KEEP THE FAITH!

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Charging System

System ordered payed for and en route. WooHoo! Of course I never told you guys that me and anything electric don't get along. I get electrocuted changing a light bulb, and I wish I was kidding. Buy a shirt now or make a donation to cover the inevitable hospital bills when I get to the wiring part of this project!

Achmed and Jingle Bombs

Friday, December 26, 2008

It's Over!

Only 364 more shopping days until Christmas!



Thursday, December 25, 2008

Christmas Cash Purchase!

My charging system will be ordered tomorrow morning. Jireh Cycles part number 53-605.



Thanks Dad!!

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

A Dispatchers 12 Days Of Christmas

Once again, breaking from tradition, more work related nonsense,
  • Twelve domestics raging
  • Eleven firemen whining
  • Ten dealers dealing
  • Nine strippers tripping
  • Eight crackheads smoking
  • Seven bums a begging
  • Six batterers beating
  • Five reassigned ambulances
  • Four calling morons
  • Three baby daddies
  • Two monkey bars
  • And a tequila shooter for me!

Merry Christmas Eve everyone! Keep the Faith! And don't forget the cookies!

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Mags or Spokes Results

The results of the mags or spokes poll are in and the results are obvious. It's obvious you all need to donate more! The mags won by a 3 to 1 margin but at $80 dollars more a wheel and they don't include wheel bearings and internal spacers like spokes do. So if you all want mags you need to ante up a lot more than you historically have:)
Thanks as always for participating. A new poll will be along shortly.

Monday, December 22, 2008

Have You Ever...

By now I bet some of you have or, like me, do regularly. This one is a little disturbing and I don't really know what to say. But you now what to do. Click Here! That'll do pig, that'll do. Buy a shirt now the Christmas Shirts will be going away soon. Or a nice Holiday donation would be a treat.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Christmas Nuts

Christmas around my house when I was a child was a time of special things. One of those things was the bowl of nuts. It was the only time of the year when the nut crackers and that little metal pick thingy ever saw the light of day. It was also the only time walnuts, pecans and all the other nuts made their appearance in Mom's big glass dish. Since we only saw them at Christmas time we called them Christmas Nuts.


Now for the 2008 version of Christmas Nuts!




And the psychotic nut...


Tuesday, December 16, 2008

A Real Live Blog!

I can't believe the progress we have made in the last month. I have 3 whole followers, polls, now embedded video, and paid ads. This is looking like a real live blog. I just wanted to throw that out there and let you all know how much I enjoy doing this.
The next few weeks are going to be exciting as well. Lots of progress is going to be made on the bike the first week in January. I am very anxious to bring you the new pictures of the project as it progresses.
Thanks again for reading and participating! Keep it up!

Joke of the Whenever...

Now let me start out by saying I don't involve my job in my blog, however, with the holidays upon us the stress level rachets up a notch. So, I thought I would search around for jokes pertaining to 911 operators. Unfortunately I couldn't find any, but I did run across this. It's labelled as the worst 911 operator ever; and I seriously doubt this is real. But if it is this lady is my new hero.

New Poll!

Ok here is the question...This Mag wheel


Or the 80 spoke wheel...


The mags are about $60 more but easier to clean. The 80 spoke has a classic look that appeals to me and are cheaper, but would be a pain to polish every Sunday. Vote in the poll to the right. Or better yet vote to the right and donate above! Or alternatively vote and buy a shirt here!

Color Poll Results

Well the poll is closed and by a 2 to 1 margin the metallic green was the big winner. Which I pretty much the way I thought it would go. It was also my unofficial choice. So that is looking like the final color, maybe a little tweaking here or there.

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Da Wrecking Crue

The crew, minus Tommy. But we don't see him nearly as much as we would like; but that will be another issue for the prison psychologist. Sorry for the blurriness but it is a picture of the picture and it didn't come out to well.


Friday, December 12, 2008

Now That's Disturbing...

Since donations are down, actually they were never up, and tshirt sales are flagging, actually nonexistent is closer, I decided to put a ad sense account on the page. It is a add program that scans the content of the page and picks an add that fits the page content. What is my first add?
Body Armor. And I thought I came off rather friendly. Go figure.

The NonHappy Dance

Due to financial set backs beyond my control. This paycheck, the biggest of the year so far, will not be used to purchase any bike parts. I am confident this will be THE LAST such set back until the completion of the motorcycle. Until then...THE NONHAPPY DANCE.

Monday, December 8, 2008

Color Survey

Take a second to pick one of the color choices on the survey to the right. If your choice is other please leave a comment in this posts comment section with what your choice would be. Thanks! While you are being so cooperative throw a buck in the tip jar. Just click the donate button!


Example of Metallic Green...



Deep Blue/Light blue Combo...


Wood grain W/Purple Kandy only the wood grain would be light green....







Happy Dance!

Look! Look over there on the right! I have a follower. It has only taken 2 months but I have a follower! WooHoo! I have people! Someone else do it quick before that person dies of loneliness! Don't leave 'em hanging out there alone! Do it! Do it now!

Rules of a Gunfight

With the economy heading the way it is and the holidays quickly approaching it may be time to revisit this. For many of you this will be a first time read. By next year you should be able to give this back to me from memory. In my opinion number 23 should be number 1 but I don't write it; I just try to live it.

1. Bring a gun. Preferably, bring at least two guns. Bring all of your friends who have guns.
2. Anything worth shooting is worth shooting twice. Ammo is cheap - life is expensive.
3. Only hits count. The only thing worse than a miss is a slow miss.
4. If your shooting stance is good, you're probably not moving fast enough or using cover correctly.
5. Proximity negates skill. Move away from your attacker. Distance is your friend. (Lateral and diagonal movement are preferred.)
6. If you can choose what to bring to a gunfight, bring a long gun and a friend with a long gun.
7. In ten years nobody will remember the details of caliber, stance, or tactics. They will only remember who lived.
8. If you are not shooting, you should be communicating, reloading, and running.
9. Accuracy is relative: most combat shooting standards will be more dependent on "pucker factor" than the inherent accuracy of the gun. Use a gun that works EVERY TIME. "All skill is in vain when an Angel blows the powder from the flintlock of your musket."
10. Someday someone may kill you with your own gun, but they should have to beat you to death with it because it is empty.
11. Always cheat, always win. The only unfair fight is the one you lose.
12. Have a plan.
13. Have a back-up plan, because the first one won't work.
14. Use cover or concealment as much as possible.
15. Flank your adversary when possible. Protect yours.
16. Don't drop your guard.
17. Always tactical load and then threat scan 360 degrees.
18. Watch their hands. Hands kill. (In God we trust. Everyone else, keep your hands where I can see them.)
19. Decide to be aggressive ENOUGH, quickly ENOUGH.
20. The faster you finish the fight, the less shot you will get.
21. Be polite. Be professional. But, have a plan to kill everyone you meet.
22. Be courteous to everyone, friendly to no one.
23. Your number one option for personal security is a lifelong commitment to avoidance, deterrence, and de-escalation.
24. Do not attend a gun fight with a handgun, the caliber of which does not start with anything smaller than "4".
25. Always carry the same gun in the same place.

Timer Removed Due to Lack of G.A.S.

That's correct, all the way back on November 24 th I changed the completion date to July 4 th. On that day I also changed the little timer widget on my sidebar. The other day I was contemplating how much time I had left and if it was actually possible; when I realized the timer said 5 months and however many days. Now I don't know about your calendar but on mine July is at least 7 months from December. Now I just write this crap, someone needs to make sure things are correct around here. Some of you are obviously not paying attention! I tried reinstalling it from the same place I originally got it and it was still wrong.
So if any has a working Java applet for a count down timer please feel free to let me know! Also for those of you actually paying attention G.A.S. stands for give a shit. Thanks for reading. Maybe will will try again after the new year.

Have You Ever...

Yes it's that time again....you know what to do! I don't know where this one came from or what it had to do with the search term but pretty cool none the less!
Make a donation or I will send this guy to your house!

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Pearl Harbor Day

What can be said? This is the second largest act of treachery ever put upon the USA. The first being that today, only 67 years later, this same little country that we nearly bombed back into the stone age; practically owns us. I am guilty of it as much as everyone else. I would buy American but you can't find a "American" tv or blender or automobile anymore; and if you could you couldn't afford it. Who was it that said "those that don't remember history are doomed to repeat it"? Because we are there brother. It may not be torpedo bombers and Pearl but it is every bit as life ending and freedom killing. At 4 mins and 15 seconds into the speech delivered by FDR to the joint session of Congress stated that Americans would forever remember the character of the attack; apparently he was sadly incorrect. The speech can be found on Wikipedia just search attack on pearl harbor.

You May Be a Biker If....

Going 4-wheeling means your old lady has her own bike.

Your gloves don't have any fingers.

You prefer to pee outside.

Rock-and-roll is the only kind of music.


You treat your leather better than your woman.

You ride instead of walk down the aisle.

You wash your bike more than you wash yourself.

You pass out with a beer in your hand without spilling a drop, and finish drinking it when you wake up in the morning.

Your beer preference is BEER.

You think Jack Daniels is your best friend.

The Tranny Is Here!

No I don't mean a man in woman clothes! Fedex dropped her off yesterday.

Right side drive pulley. Although it will probably have to be swapped out for a sprocket because the distance to the rear pulley will not be stock and I don't know where or if anyone makes custom belts. I would rather have a belt because it is quieter and cleaner but I may not have a choice.
Back view, never to be seen again once the rear wheel is on.

The big picture so far. Yes that's tinsel.Don't ask.

Next up is the belt drive. After that a front end. Then this projects pace will pick up dramatically. I need to have a complete rolling chassis by April 1st so it can be torn down painted, reassembled and be ride able by July 4. You can help make this possible! Click the donation button on the top of the page or buy a shirt today!

Thursday, December 4, 2008

New Tshirt Designs Are Here!

The new tshrit designs are in a ready to go. Since the sale of tshirts has been going on at such a hectic pace(not), these designs will remain up until the new year. Makes a great gift for me and someone you love! Check out both new designs they will rotate between the value tshirt and regular tshirts


Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Standing Orders For Christmas!

Military Christmas Orders



Subject Official Command Visit

This office has been informed of an official visit by Gen. Santa Claus to this base on 25 December. The following directives will govern activities of personnel during this visit.



1. No creatures will stir without official permission. This will include all native mice. Special stirring permits will be obtained through the orderly room.

2. Personnel will settle their brains for a long winter nap prior to 220 hours. Uniform for nap pajamas, cotton, light drowsing, with kerchief, general purpose.

3. Personnel will utilize standard ration sugarplums to dance through their heads. This item may be picked up in the orderly room.

4. Stockings, wool, cushion sole, will be hung by chimneys with care. Necessary safety precautions will be taken to avoid fires. Individual sections will submit stocking-hanging plans to Capt. Kringle by 0800 hours, 22 December.

5. At first sign of clatter from lawn, all personnel will spring from their beds to investigate and evaluate cause. Immediate action will be taken to tear open shutters and throw open window sashes.

6. Volunteers are needed to drive one sleigh, miniature, and eight (8) deer, rein, tiny, for use of Gen. Claus. Driver must have current rooftop license.

7. Gen. Claus will enter all sections through chimneys. Sections without chimneys will draw a Chimney Simulator from Link Services for use during ceremonies. Requests must be submitted in triplicate prior to 20 December.

8. All personnel will be rehearsed in shouting "Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night." This shout will be given upon termination of Gen. Claus' visit. Uniformity of shouting is the responsibility of all section chiefs.



-- (signed) Ebenezer Scrooge, Colonel, USAF, Commander

Joke of the Whenever...

The Biker's Night Before Christmas

'Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the pad,
There was nada happenin', now that's pretty bad.
The wood stove was hung up in that stocking routine,
In hopes that the Fat Boy would soon make the scene.

With our stomachs packed with tacos and beer,
My girl and I crashed on the couch for some cheer.
When out in the yard there arose such a racket,
I ran for the door and pulled on my jacket.

I saw a large bro' on a '56 Pan
Wearin' black leathers, a cap, and boots (cool biker, man).
He hauled up the bars on that bikeful of sacks,
And that Pan hit the roof like it was running on tracks.

I couldn't help gawking, the old guy had class.
But I had to go in -- I was freezing my ass.
Down through the stovepipe he fell with a crash,
And out of the stove he came dragging his stash.

With a smile and some glee he passed out the loot,
A new jacket for her and some parts for my scoot.
He patted her fanny and shook my right hand,
Spun on his heel and up the stovepipe he ran.

From up on the roof came a great deal of thunder,
As that massive V-twin ripped the silence asunder.
With beard in the wind, he roared off in the night,
Shouting, "Have a cool Yule, and to all a good ride!"

Tranadrivebeltmission

Well I have changed my mind about this a dozen times. This morning I called Jireh Cycles to order my belt drive under the assumption that the transmissions weren't going to be in anytime soon. Just for giggles before ordering the belt drive I had the salesman check and low and behold the transmissions came in today. So I ordered it while I could get it so I didn't have to go through this again. Anyway it should be in my hot little hands in 5 to 7 business days. I can't wait!

And buy a shirt or make a donation today! This is getting expensive! Also, the new t shirt design will be up sometime tomorrow if ya want to wait. I have a Xmas special that will run until after Dec 25.

Happy Retirement Kim!!

A blogger I read religiously over the last year Kim du Toit retired on November 30. I particularly enjoyed his weekly post on Friday called the pre weekend blah where he would point out his favorite vehicle, weapon and female from a particular place or time. The best description I can come up for Mr. du Toit is worldly. He could post on almost any topic and speak intelligently. I will sincerely miss his blogging, however I will take solace in knowing his blog will remain on line for some time just not updated anymore. I have a lot left to read to have read it all. So, in your honor sir, my one and only pre weekend blah


Favorite weapon....

I know I know, unreliable inaccurate on a good day and kicks like a constipated mule. But it was widely used in ww2 and used by the treasury dept. during prohibition and consequently used by gangsters of the same era. Plus w/100 rounds of .45 on full auto this piece for me carries enough romance to overlook the flaws.



Favorite Vehicle...


The Dodge Power Wagon and I don't mean that junk that came out in the late 70's or early 80's I am talking about the 50's version the one widely used in Korea and Viet Nam. Not fast but house pulling torque and 5th grade simplicity made this a reliable go anywhere do anything vehicle. From ambulances to school buses everything has been built on this platform.

Favorite Starlet...

In honor of Kim du Toit, Rita Hayworth. I don't know much about starlets of this era and can't say I ever sat through a movie in which she acted but she, like my sweetheart, is a red head and that's all I need to know(wink wink, nudge nudge).

So if you get the chance check out his blog www.theothersideofkim.com and buy one of his Nation of Riflemen tshirts if the link is still up.




Monday, December 1, 2008

You May Be a Firefighter If....

(Some of these only volunteers will get)

You have ever juggled hot coals with your gloves.

If your house is on fire and you still respond to the station

You have ever slept in a hosebed.

You take pride in the fact that you haven't washed your gear in years.

Ifyou can hear that the siren will go off even before your dog notices it.

If you have ever been awakened with a CO2 extinguisher

You have ever spent 10 min trying to force open a door only to have someone come along and open it by turning the handle.

You've ever clung to the air horn chord for dear life because the driver is insane.

You have ever played jingle bells at Xmas time on the air horns to clear traffic.

You have ever said, "she's hot tonight" and not been talking about a girl.

You have ever stomped out a fire with your boots because you couldn't wait for water.

You are caught on the back of a truck with your girlfriend or wife in the middle of something and the page goes out for a call.

If the smell of a fire excites you more than sex does.

You really think that rusty old hydrant looks good in the garden.

You can blame the 10 lbs that you've gained on the food cooked at the station.

If you play with the fire toys more than your child does.

You've ever felt like a ghost-buster while operating a water-vac

You get excited over the color red and the smell of diesel

You can tell what type of fire it is by the smell of smoke 10 miles away.

You have ever been airborne without an aircraft and water was your thrust.

You double your weight every time you go on a job

You have ever called a person found after a fire a "crispy critter"

You have ever walked 3 miles into the woods in 100 degree heat in full turnout gear and a 5 gal or more water can strapped on your back just to put out a fire.

You carry enough in your car to extinguish a minor blaze.

When you go to rent a movie, and they insist on getting Backdraft EVERY TIME!

If a great stop has nothing do with a moving vehicle.

The microwave goes off and you run out of the house thinking it was your pager.

You walk into the station with you belt on and someone yells here comes batman

If nine out of the ten toys your child receives for Christmas are fire trucks

If you wash your Fire Truck more than your personal vehicle.

You call your friend in Maryland, you live in Nevada, and get jealous and turned on at the same time when he gets toned out

Your idea of a good time involves soaking the new probies.

You lay out your clothes from that day so if there is a call at night you can find them quickly.

You ever cursed out someone for armor-alling the seats to make them look nice.

You roll around in anything that just burned to make your new gear look old.

If assembling a mile and a half of hose to catch fire running up hill is a good day.

All your friends give you t-shirts from their departments for your birthday, Christmas, anniversary, etc.

If your wife voluntarily chooses the lumpy side of the bed to avoid being trampled in route to a call!

Your wife/girlfriend has learned to duck and cover when she hears the pager go off for fear of being run down

If you had to extricate someone by cutting the car doors off on one side and realized there was nothing wrong with the doors on the other side

If you have more toy fire trucks than your kids do.

You take your other half out on a date to the fire house/hall.

If you want to keep the fire truck at your house just so that you can be the one to drive it!

When you wish some Fragrance manufacturer would bottle the burnt smell after a fire and used as a men's spray cologne.

Your idea of ventilation is done with a chainsaw and not a bag-valve-mask.

You have a wreck with the fire chief on the way to the fire trying to beat him there

You've been called a nozzle hog.

You respond to the fire station during a thunder storm - in case there's a fire started by lightening.

You stay in town during the 4th of July - in case there's a fire started by fireworks.

You refer to a room at 1300 F as "Toasty".

You respond to sound better than Pavlov's Dog.

The term "Hard Suction" doesn't make you chuckle

If your idea of a water fight includes a 100ft. tower with dual monitors, and several shots of 2.5 inch lines

If "humping hose" doesn't excite you.

You've ever stood on a street corner holding a bunker boot asking for donations

You monitor other city's fire dispatch and miss a call for your own.

If someone starts reciting movie lines from "Backdraft" at a fire.

You have ever had a heated debate over the color of firetrucks.

You take great joy in smashing the windows of a car parked in a fire zone or in front of a hydrant.
You always wear red suspenders.

You carry enough in your pockets to give the Swiss army knives competition.

Your Own vehicle has more lights than a Christmas tree

You find yourself living at the fire department 365 days a year!

If you have more pagers than than money in your wallet.

If you have ever woken up thinking your pager went off and as you look at it, it goes off

If you have ever dried your gloves on the trucks exhaust

When you take all of your important stuff (like wallets and pagers) out of your pockets before going to a training involving a portable tank.

You eat till you're asleep, then sleep till you eat.

You spend more time on a holiday with you're fellow firefighter than you do with you're family.

You refer to yourself as Satan and the fire as your house

You run towards a dangerous situation instead of away

If you ever said that real fire trucks/engines are RED DAMMIT!!!!

If you are running in the opposite direction of everyone else

When you are the mother of the bride and you tell everyone in the wedding party, nobody moves when the pagers go off during the ceremony.

You have ever taken 10 or more showers in 1 day.

"Climbing the corporate ladder" has nothing to do with career advancement.

Your work gear makes you sound like Darth Vader

All the shirts you own say you are a firefighter

You talk about alcohol foams and you are not referring to the head of your beer.

You have ever dressed from head to foot in rubber and it was not a sexual experience.

All of your calenders have every third day circled.

If you collect fire helmets and hang them on your bedroom wall and so far have one of each color.

You always wear red suspenders

You ever tried to patent a 911 blocker with the phone company

If you have ever tested your gloves by putting a fuzzie out on your hand.

As usual if there are any I missed feel free to leave a comment. Or if there is one you don't understand I will get an explanation!

Transmission Becomes Belt Drive

Well I have come to the conclusion that Jireh Cycles will not get the transmissions back in stock before the new year. With this in mind, I will be ordering a Ultima street style belt drive tomorrow at first light. It would have been my next purchase anyway so it makes no real difference . It's is something I have to have to complete my drive line and the price is the same.

mmm....chrome.

And I Thought It Was Just Me!

Man says God ordered him to ram vehicle at 100 mph

SAN ANTONIO -A man who rammed his truck into a woman's vehicle on a highway early Friday told authorities he crashed into her while going more than 100 mph because God told him "she needed to be taken off the road."
The truck rear-ended the car on U.S. Highway 281, both vehicles spun across a median then came to a stop along a barrier in the opposite lanes. Both drivers suffered only minor injuries.
"He just said God said she wasn't driving right, and she needed to be taken off the road," Bexar County Sheriff's Office spokesman Kyle Coleman said in the online edition of the San Antonio Express-News. "God must have been with them, 'cause any other time, the severity of this crash, it would have been a fatal."
The pickup driver did not tell police how the woman was driving. Police could not find alcohol or drugs in either driver.
A psychiatric evaluation has been ordered for a man.