Dec 7th

Flying High in Florida

I was back in Florida for a quick visit last week. Work had started to really get to me and I needed a fucking break. Mark heard I was in town with Pepper and offered to take us up in his 1978 Cessna Turbo 210.

The 210 in the hanger pre-flight.

Mark explained what a pilot looks for in a pre-flight check and went over all the instruments. Mark is a great teacher and a more detailed and precise mechanic than I am, no worries on my part if this thing will make it back.

After we loaded up, we called the tower for permission to taxi and take off. At the end of the runway we did a run up of the engine, checked for traffic and prepared for take off.

Take off speed is 80 mph. I wasn't sure we were going to make it.

Lift off achieved.

Dirty Ed letting the passengers know what to do as he prepares to take over the plane.

Cruising at 3,000 ft, engine at 2,450 rpm, consuming 17 gallons of fuel an hour, ceiling at 4,000 ft, visibility 5 miles, perfect weather for crusing around Lake Okeechobee. This is the north rim of the lake. We had planned on flying over the beach but were rerouted back to Boca Airport by the West Palm BeachTower. They had a plane with a medical emergency.

A big "THANKS" goes out to our Pilot and friend Mark for a great flight and fun experience.

Next time can we use the machine guns?

FXR, FXRT, FXRP, FXRD, FXRECT..... Parts.

I'm always on the look out for FXR parts. I'm looking for FXRT bags and Fairing to put on my 92.

If anybody happens to know of someone or be that someone who has HD Factory FXR parts they want to sell for a REASONABLE price let me know. Stock stuff is better for me, but I will consider anything. The worst I can say is NO.

Thanks

The lucky number 13.

A BIG "THANKS" to Edge for sending me a few tickets to the gathering this weekend.

I am truly blessed when it comes to the friends I have.

This year is the 13th Smoke Out and almost feels like it may be the last for a few of us.

It's not what it used to be and it's not surprising. When the word gets out about a great event, soon the jackasses and chuckle heads start showing up and fuck it up for those of us who have been there from the start. Choppers and riding are replaced by golf carts and beads. Conversations about bike building and fabrication are drowned out by shitty southern rock pouring out of crappy speakers on baggers with butt faced drunk red neck women on the back going "WOOOOOOO!" Don't get me wrong, I am happy for Edge and the success of the event he started. Without this event I would not have some of the brothers I have today. I wish him much success in the future.

Life is changing for many of us. A few have moved or are getting ready to. Some have started businesses and families or are getting ready to expand existing families or businesses. A few are starting new careers, including me. Monday starts a new era for me, but that is a story for another time.

If this turns out to be the last Smoke Out for me, so be it. It's been a hell of a ride and I wouldn't change any of it. If it's not, that's cool too. Maybe I will have my Shovelhead ready for the next one, but don't hold your breath.

The Dragon Lady saga continues.

Little sister sent me a few update pics on her "Dragon Lady" project.

Cleaning the rims and getting them ready for new shoes.

New (to her) bank of carbs, cleaned and ready for assembly.

Covers removed for cleaning.

Blasting the crud off.

Clean and ready for installation.

New hardware too.

Good on ya girl. Keep it up.

VW Van for sale.

Trip needs to sell this thing. It's been sitting at his Aunts place in Dallas, NC since he moved to Denver, CO a few years ago.

I think it's a 1974 VW Westie. The original motor was replace with a 1800cc unit that has 800 miles on it.   It does need some rust repair and will need to be towed to its new home. It ran when parked, but that was about 4-5 years ago.

He's asking $3,600 obo. Clean NC title in hand.

I checked it out about 2 years ago. It was dry on the inside and was not leaking. I was told it still is dry and mold free.

The luggage rack that sits over the front cab is missing. Someone removed it, so they could install a sun roof. The sunroof was never installed, but the hole for it is.

The body is real straight and I don't think it's been in a wreck. All doors and windows opened smoothly when I checked it out.

Front seats are not original.

It has the Fridge, sink, cabinets, table, stove and manuals.

There is a Greatful Dead tape that fell behind the cabinet. Trip wants it back and is not part of the sale.

Interior is original and the seat folds down to a bed.

It does not have a battery and currently does not run.

Not a bad project. I really think it won't take much to get her going again.

Drop me a line or post a comment here if you or someone you know is interested in the van. I will send you the contact info.

Click the VW Van label for more pics on an older post. The price on that post is way off, so don't think that's what he is asking for it.

Steel in Motion 2012

Last year we had a good time at the Steel in Motion show put on by the Geargoyles C.C. Well, word must of got out about out the rods, racing, and good times, because when I crested the hill to the track on Saturday afternoon all I could say was "HOLY SHIT!!!" It looked like there were more than double the amount of people and cars this year when compared to last year.

Show cars, drag cars, rust cars, vendors, pin striping, parts, music, and more!!! I love looking at and digging through dirty, greasy parts, and neat shit. Even when I have no idea what I'm looking at.

If you don't like racing or have an attitude. STAY THE FUCK HOME!

This is all about speed and good times!

Some of these guys are getting serious about racing. This Gasser wasn't the only ride with slicks and a full cage. I saw more dedicated race machines this year.

Granddad ran down the track with his 22 month old grandson on his lap. The kid was stoked!!

No lights or trees for this event. The flag girl sends them down the track.

Turbo Diesel that blew up Friday night.

Posted on the Turbo Diesel.

A father son grudge race. The boy whipped dads ass this go round.

It is run what you brung, but what the fuck is that lining up in the back ground?!?

This poor guy got lost heading to a 4 wheel drive rally in the mountains and spent all afternoon trying to beat the kid in a go cart. Just kidding. It's Ron from the Iron Lords C.C. running his International down the strip.

Hillborn mechanical fuel injection. Anyone have a set up for a Harley?

I really want one for my Shovelhead.

Cheap of course!

My pick of the show goes to one that wasn't even entered in the show. I really dig this International Scout.

(Yep, it's been on this blog before.)

A big "THANKS" goes out to the Geargoyles C.C. for a great event.

We plan camping next year. Maybe by then I will have a better camera with a battery that doesn't die after a few hours.

On a personal note:

Our condolences goes out to Matt and his crew.

They were unable to attend due to a death in the family. ( I found out Saturday while at the track.)

You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers Brother.

We are here if you need anything.

9th Annual Charlotte Transporter Show

Held at Hodges Farm in Charlotte, it was between Concord and another event we were heading to, so why not stop and check it out.

The farm was a perfect backdrop for the show and the weather was awesome. Vendors lined up to sell stickers, books, manuals, parts, vintage coolers, and vintage bikes.

The owner of this camper had used a chalk board paint on the lower half and invited everyone to write or draw on it. The bucket next to it is full of chalk.

Why drive a Smart car when you could have this? I have seen pictures of these shortened VW's for years. This is the first one I have seen in person. It was clean and cool. I think this would fit in the bed of my Ford with the tailgate closed.

VW owners have a sense of humor about themselves. It's a good thing too.

This VW double cab truck is more my speed.

Storage under the rear seat and easy to clean out with both doors open. All it needs is a V8, 4 wheel drive, brush guard, a top over the bed and BINGO!!! we have a Zombie Apocalypse survival vehicle. Maybe Not.

Another one that almost made me piss myself.

Clean and simple. This was my favorite of the show.

Projects waiting for new owners. I was amazed that the roof didn't blow off the one on the trailer while being towed. Rust had eaten all the way around the top, that you could see the sky from inside it. You need serious sheet metal and fab skills to get that one back on the road.

About a month back, I posted a pick of Kenny's new van. (See Iron Lords cc Party) Well here it is after being customized by a hit and run driver. They did catch the guy, but it still sucks.

The Piedmont Transporter Owners Club really put on a nice event and a big "THANKS" goes out to them for doing so. I will hit this one again.

AMCA Denton, NC

This is the third year I have dragged my ass out to the AMCA meet in Denton, NC. I always have a good time here, checking out old shit. Motorcycles, parts, memorabilia, and don't forget the home made ice cream!!!

If the record was still in it, this would have been hard to pass up.

OH!! BLUES!!!!!!!

The second motorcycle I owned was a '83 Kawi GPZ 550. Mine was nowhere near as nice as this one.

Now for sale at an antique meet. Fuck!!! I'm feeling old!

If you like vintage iron, then you should go here. Indians, Triumphs, BSAs, Harleys, Etc...

They are all here and more. There was a ton of BMW parts and bikes this year too.

Nicely done Knuckle.

Now when was the last time you saw one of these?!?!

Complete with number plate and decals. I didn't even bother to ask how much.

I have enough shit.

Clean Pan.

These guys just rode in from Maggie Valley. About 90% of them were vintage bikes.

We left just as the hipsters started showing up. Nice VWs though.

We got to catch up with a few friends that we had not seen in awhile and check out a bunch of cool old shit. I'm looking forward to going again next year.