It's amazing what we can do with cell phones these days...
Pothole - Albany, NY(after editing)
Pothole - Albany, NY
(original cell phone image)
Thursday, August 31, 2006
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Pothole - Albany, NY(after editing)
Monday, August 28, 2006
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Picnic time on the Hudson! (co-worker Alicia's retirement party)
Barb Boardman on Curt's K1200RS
Alicia and kin
Watching river traffic
Tom Robert tending the grill
I still can't believe this bridge was built in the 1860s...
and is still active carrying all manner of train traffic daily!
Lots of fun for all!
Saturday, August 26, 2006
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Lubed, waxed and ready to roll!
Whenever I buy a used vehicle (which is infrequently, since I don't want someone else's problem), I always change all the fluids, filters and clean and inspect the machine. Today was Pegasus' turn. I did all the research on-line for doing the work, purchased all the lubes, special tools and filter and tore into the bike this morning. It's a great way to really get into the machine to learn it, clean it and to inspect it for any sign of trouble. Pegasus is in beautiful condition, top to bottom. And, oh, that magnificent German engineering is such a pleasure on which to work!
It's also very satisfying to wrench a new machine with the very same tools - SK socket set and torque wrench - I've owned for 35 years, and with which I worked on the very first car I ever owned, my precious 1970 Fiat Spider. A good torque wrench lasts a lifetime.
Next comes coolant, air filter, brake pads and brake fluid.
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Pegasus and the balloon - Hyabusa burner meets tortoiseLebanon Valley, NY
I guess I'm getting old. I've really come to like some of the the finest things in life: music, photography, cities, German cameras, Swiss watches, and now, powerful motorcycles.
I didn't set out to buy a fast bike when I bought Pegasus. On the contrary, I just wanted a stable, long-distance, long-legged miles-burner for highway use. Well, I did get that, but I also got an extremely fast, gorgeously built bike as part of the package. If Leica or Rollei (my favorite cameras) made motorcycles, this would be it. Kids on their 600cc Ninja-type sport bikes pay homage to Pegasus when they see him, knowing full well the sedate-looking, teutonic torpedo can dust their noisy little rice burners.
Respect. Hard to come by.
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Saturday, August 19, 2006
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Sunday, August 13, 2006
At the general Store - Stockbridge, MassachusettsNearing the end of a spectacular day, I stopped in Stockbridge for a break. Two doors up from THE Alice's Restaurant is the tourist dollar-driven general store. I strolled about the store and on my way out, spied this adorable little girl patiently sitting on the counter while her mother decided which trinket to buy.
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Friday, August 11, 2006
Pegasus IIThe problem with BMW motorcycles is that once you've ridden one you don't want to ride anything else. They are so smooth, so refined and well finished that competiton fades by comparison.
Meet Pegasus II ("winged Horse" from Greek mythology), a 1998 BMW K1200RS. His name suits him well. His longitudinally mounted in-line four cylinder engine produces 130 horsepower and 86 foot-pounds of torque at 6750RPM (and 65 foot-pounds at 4500!). With a top speed of over 150 mph, 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds, Pegasus MOVES! I picked him up this afternoon, trading in my Vulcan for him. No regrets, either. Vulcan was my first ride. As everyone knows, you accept that you will move on from your starter bike, there's just no getting around it. The cruiser, with it's upright "Harley" seating position just doesn't suit my long-distance riding (or my spine and butt).
Riding this motorcycle is an awsome experience.
Sunday, August 06, 2006
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In Jamaica, VT
I stopped in this little coffee house along Route 100 in southern Vermont this afternoon, on my way home after a wonderful weekend with son Chris and girlfriend Robia at her family's annual reunion.
Last night about 30 of us either camped in tents or slept in a camp the family rented on the Great Sacandaga Lake. We arrived at the camp at about 9pm and everyone pitched in to set up tents, get a bar-b-que going and cook diiner.
I left Edinberg at about 10:20 this morning, pointing Orion northest to Rutland, Vermont. I took my time, enjoying lots of stops along the way. For the first time of my half-dozen or so through Weston, I stopped at the historical society's grist mill/tinsmith and stayed -mesmerized- for nearly and hours as the hosts explained life, business and the trades in the rural Vermont of the early 1800s. From there, I travelled all of 100 yards to The Vermont Country Store. I actually needed directions to find the place - a mere 20,000 to 30,000 square foot facility in the middle of the village - because it is so well hidden,probobly owing to Vermont's strict zoning and no-billboard laws. The place was an easy hour of the afternoon's jaunt. I picked up a few little items, including a Hohner "Weekender" harmonica.
From Weston, I travelled south along beautiful Route 100 until I stopped in Jamaica to make the last pictures - and memories - of a great weekend.
Saturday, August 05, 2006
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
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