As the final part of reconstruction following that little screw-up on Angels Crest Highway , I ordered from Aerolite Composites , a carbon fiber set of parts to replace my radiator surround. But rather than leave them as raw carbon, I elected to do a little paintwork. When I say “paintwork,” note here that I am no painter, automotive or otherwise, but decided that I’d experiment a bit to see what I can do. The results are by no means professional, but I like it.

The parts were shipped to me quickly and I used some high-temp paint obtained at the local Ace Hardware, to spray each piece and finished that off with several coats of spray-on clear-coat. And then simply let the finished pieces sit until I got my thumbs out of my back-side and decided to actually install them.

I have to say that I’m still trying to decide if I like the black surround vs. the original chrome. I suppose it’ll take some getting used to. But if it helps, those who have seen it have all suggested the new surround is better. What do you think?

More later…

General

It’s no secret I’m blind in one eye. I have been since birth. And while being monocular is perfectly normal to me, I also recognize that it brings limitations with my peripheral vision. Simply stated, I can’t see past my nose. So it should come as no surprise that I rely quite heavily on ambient sound to assist me in perceiving my surroundings. It helps tremendously for me to hear the cars, trucks, and other bikes, next to me.

Societally we are trending toward the idea of being “green.” This brings with it a new challenge for me. That is, hybrid cars are simply too quiet and I just don’t hear them when they are right next to me. And this of course, limits my ability to accurately understand the things by which I’m surrounded.  Not good…

In spite of the fact that I’m monocular, I simply cannot believe that I am so unique that I’d be the only rider who finds this just a tad disturbing. I wonder how many of the engineers at Ford, GM, Toyota, Nissan, and any other manufacturer, actually thought about ambient noise and the integral part it plays in the safety paradigm for those on the road. Consider that there are reasons for sirens on emergency vehicles and that every motor vesicle made has an audible horn.

My hope in writing this post is that it finds its way to the product management or customer advocacy teams at the auto manufacturers and they use it to correct what I consider to be a terrible problem with the design of hybrid vehicles. Note here, this is not a rant against being green. I happen to support such a movement. But when it brings with it new challenges my hope is they will be addressed swiftly. Simple.

More later…

General, Rants

In each of the last ten years, the club with whom I ride holds a multi-chapter event (Mostly the Nevada and California chapters) at Peggy Sue’s Diner. This year was no different. On Sunday the 16th of October I hit the road with some of the good folks from the Orange County Chapter of the Southern Cruisers Riding Club, and we rode from Corona into the Calico Ghost Town in Yermo. Then on to Peggy Sue’s 50’s diner.

We could not have asked for better riding weather, and I couldn’t have asked to ride with a nicer bunch of folks. Big thanks to Rhino for leading us to the Ghost Town and to Peggy Sue’s. Those who group-ride understand what that means. And thanks also to Cruizer who rode as tail gunner. Together they got us there, on the slab, at an awesome pace, safely. Nothing more needs to be said.

While the attendance this year seems to have been a bit down, the spirit was as high as it ever was. As always, announcements were made, appointments were made official, and we even had a laugh or two. And I HAVE to mention the buffet that Peggy Sue’s set up just for us. Well organized, easy flow, and tasty food. Yum.

I must say, I’m proud to be a part of the SCRC and hope to continue riding with them for a good long time. It’s a wonderful bunch of folks, with every bike imaginable, coming from all walks of life, with the common mindset of enjoying the ride. If you want to learn more about the SCRC just follow this link. We have chapters all over the country so if you’re interested, feel free to find the one closest to you and consider riding with us.

Photos from this year’s run are here.

More later…

General, Rides