tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36134957302956866292024-03-13T18:36:05.253-07:00Scootin' FoolAnything and everything, from politics to goofball antics may be found here. Serious monologues may turn into satire or sarcasm at any time. You have been warned.Scootin' Foolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02107651394806435655noreply@blogger.comBlogger488125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3613495730295686629.post-42909660309708593152023-12-09T13:16:00.000-08:002023-12-10T12:09:08.751-08:00The covered bridges of Lancaster County Pennsylvania, and where to find them. <p> There are few things that annoy me more than not being able to find what I am looking for when I am looking for it. </p><p>That said, I love covered bridges, and there are twenty-two of them in, or partially in, Lancaster County Pennsylvania, on public through roads. There are seven additional bridges that I have been able to find that are on private property or in parks. So, here is the list, in no particular order (some with pictures, some without), with the closest coordinates I could find on Google Maps. I will not be providing any historical data on the bridges, just the names, locations, and a few pictures at the end of the article. I can't find a simple list of the bridges anywhere else, so here we are:</p><p>1.) Kauffman's Distillery: Just outside Manheim on Sun Hill road. 40.148486622835065, -76.40992728789523</p><p>2.) Shenck's Mill: Near Spooky Nook, on South Erisman Road. 40.116188967856516, -76.42515232706906</p><p>3.) Seigrist Mill: on Siegrist road near Farmdale 40.07623496648622, -76.47087420313933</p><p>4.) Forry's Mill: on Bridge Valley Road, near Farmdale 40.066425350348005, -76.47796649358104</p><p>5.) Landis Mill: on Shreiner Station Road near Park City Mall. 40.06863534793739, -76.34513607179377</p><p>6.) Colemanville: on Fox Hollow Road, near Pequea, PA 39.89892235819824, -76.34227889602934</p><p>7.) Baumgardner's: on Byerland Church Road near Marticville, PA. 39.931124252466475, -76.29526270256083</p><p>8.) Lime Valley: on Brenneman Road, near Refton, PA. 39.96121840221428, -76.23501863546409</p><p>9.) Neff's Mill: on Penn Grant Road, outside Strasburg, PA. 39.97867765144583, -76.225727303048</p><p>10.) Jackson's Sawmill: on Mount Pleasant Road, near Bartville, PA. 39.89680862862074, -76.0801245289481</p><p>11.) White Rock Forge: On White Rock Road, near White Rock (seems redundant). 39.8248097109614, -76.09001056042693</p><p>12.) Pine Grove: on Ashville Rd, near the Chester Water Authority. 39.793739587403564, -76.04467641756708</p><p>13.) Mercer's Mill: on Bailey Crossroads Rd, near Atglen, PA. 39.93177911358679, -75.98153897325994</p><p>14.) Eshleman's Mill: on Belmont Rd, near Paradise PA. 40.01252900332824, -76.10794307258779</p><p>15.) Weaver's Mill: On Weaverland Rd, near Churchtown, PA. 40.14134050842864, -75.99792033401862</p><p>16.) Bucher's Mill: on Cocalico Creek Rd, near Reamstown, PA. 40.20813203430814, -76.13467636464983</p><p>17.) Bitzer's Mill: on Cider Mill Road, outside Farmersville, PA. (currently closed due to a stupid tractor trailer driver). 40.14049832239818, -76.15196720854252</p><p>18.) Hunsecker's Mill: on Hunsecker Road outside Eden. 40.08908412458392, -76.24759088199505</p><p>19.) Pinetown Amish: on Bridge road, near the village of Oregon. 40.1059535310879, -76.24822891266702</p><p>20.) Zook's Mill: on Log Cabin Rd, outside Brownstown, PA. 40.13038706999047, -76.23138057690495</p><p>21.) Keller's Mill: on Middle Creek Rd, near Akron PA. 40.164514542127385, -76.23247047414013</p><p>22.) Erb's Mill: On Erb's Bridge Road, near Rothsville, PA. 40.16781065584965, -76.24388873786839</p><p><b>The Following are bridges that are closed to public travel, on private property, or in public parks with limited access.</b></p><p>23.) Kurtz's mill: In Lancaster County Central Park. It crosses Mill Creek. 40.0153604211916, -76.28224826016931</p><p>24.) Oberholtzer's Mill: In the Red Run Camp Ground. It is currently used as a storage shed. 40.17546875947673, -76.08122503961566</p><p>25.) Shearer's Mill: In Manheim, by the Manheim Central High School. Not open to motor vehicles. 40.17196019266537, -76.3897766817146</p><p>26.) Herr's Mill: Used to be in Ronks, PA. Was moved to a wedding venue in Elizabethtown and is now two bridges. 40.154513678537356, -76.6239419083393 - on a road, the other half is over a stretch of private railway. This is not open to the public</p><p>27.) The Willows: Next to the American Music Theatre on the Lincoln Highway. Not open to motor vehicles. 40.02448443081064, -76.2015733699664</p><p>28.) Poole Forge: Located near Churchtown PA off of PA-23. This bridge is on private property, but is still accessible to motor vehicles; however, through traffic is discouraged. 40.13009477638738, -75.97650855517998</p><p>29.) Buck Hill: on private property across from the Shoppes at Kissel Hill on rt. 501. Not visible from the road. Please ask the landowner's permission prior to visiting. 40.132390927075086, -76.30066413634819</p><p>BONUS: There is a decorative bridge on private property at 40.197208221757634, -76.39066293449274, beside White Oak Rd in Penn Township, north of Manheim. </p><p>So there's the list, I hope it is helpful to my fellow motorcyclists and covered bridge lovers. If there are any other bridges, in the county, I haven't been able to find them. As promised, here are a few Pictures: </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUhuTayyumS4TujIX_uaq7ZArNQHluh572bML2760KjjJ2GZqSxirlL4DT7Gm5j6iWwxK9nDa-Nh0MPeXBRZqAkZ9vli-RiBkE-A2LBtKoIGjuvnrKOvQkm6oec8fKyjkG6gjnod_TLHM14G6HHMmXnru5XlrEFqkbxv9GkJutvEajKp_E5qkW5ScoCQMR/s1124/393140172_24640248508893830_5284273003603537144_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1124" data-original-width="843" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUhuTayyumS4TujIX_uaq7ZArNQHluh572bML2760KjjJ2GZqSxirlL4DT7Gm5j6iWwxK9nDa-Nh0MPeXBRZqAkZ9vli-RiBkE-A2LBtKoIGjuvnrKOvQkm6oec8fKyjkG6gjnod_TLHM14G6HHMmXnru5XlrEFqkbxv9GkJutvEajKp_E5qkW5ScoCQMR/s320/393140172_24640248508893830_5284273003603537144_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bitzer's Mill</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUNKuupKdjX_udFzsZ6T9rEgzENUaJv65UdcePHxhyphenhyphen_1HA3JYECYb4G0KwvRUF5Zp7Tu2HW6HviypWCGVjOX074gYKOuQIGuAUPNIzl6CileaZ6E0viZPSHVebypMK8bmsfWWfMOuKceAexw__XBUVXdUm0pcT5DRpH1PH83rMNnvDRHIEW_TvjHU2cIqV/s1124/406503771_24650314394553908_8949481189624361051_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1124" data-original-width="843" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUNKuupKdjX_udFzsZ6T9rEgzENUaJv65UdcePHxhyphenhyphen_1HA3JYECYb4G0KwvRUF5Zp7Tu2HW6HviypWCGVjOX074gYKOuQIGuAUPNIzl6CileaZ6E0viZPSHVebypMK8bmsfWWfMOuKceAexw__XBUVXdUm0pcT5DRpH1PH83rMNnvDRHIEW_TvjHU2cIqV/s320/406503771_24650314394553908_8949481189624361051_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Shearer's Mill</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBOQl1zItD_QjL4TGQdF_mDKXBx0N6W5TeY2zlMcyp0hBpHiadlWdrfzkAOg1PuIqOGO5Y9b9RY5IzuDaqg1RAuqo3aS66RVoNxk_oI1F1PPIH5AVp7OykhUyokMonlb2VWiuVIX7z4yWgTJWHLJtyNDKuDGXFsHmPDK4EvJNicGPXg8WfoA1vIPhY-UFj/s960/407911451_24652959384289409_4806363362765288295_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBOQl1zItD_QjL4TGQdF_mDKXBx0N6W5TeY2zlMcyp0hBpHiadlWdrfzkAOg1PuIqOGO5Y9b9RY5IzuDaqg1RAuqo3aS66RVoNxk_oI1F1PPIH5AVp7OykhUyokMonlb2VWiuVIX7z4yWgTJWHLJtyNDKuDGXFsHmPDK4EvJNicGPXg8WfoA1vIPhY-UFj/s320/407911451_24652959384289409_4806363362765288295_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Kauffman's Distillery</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4HjXQaHIqzcflJlu79oS_mpaa3Cj8dshK6uEVfX6hqMiHzDb-wGwhQtKO3xGcO4_oepKorBQXaRU4XUU-7rBes6G83hL-l5jZHfIf8SoB50BZUCRDmZN3Zp7RDp6epmV-OZZt7w7aN0DkJreytSzbpywBFz2qjGLDkMgFiipwqoEwXOfFve9YOkiPaCh4/s2048/407914059_24646356981616316_4026929703394953468_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4HjXQaHIqzcflJlu79oS_mpaa3Cj8dshK6uEVfX6hqMiHzDb-wGwhQtKO3xGcO4_oepKorBQXaRU4XUU-7rBes6G83hL-l5jZHfIf8SoB50BZUCRDmZN3Zp7RDp6epmV-OZZt7w7aN0DkJreytSzbpywBFz2qjGLDkMgFiipwqoEwXOfFve9YOkiPaCh4/s320/407914059_24646356981616316_4026929703394953468_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hunsecker's Mill</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYH4kZFzYh7nnvZvaWxqObOrzg1xrt2Zo0sqvH7RdxAAh57lR8eVlBBpn5gGUxr0X1kMxjKILfpU8I4-qQBdZ8WwWpndg3i3dbxI49MLWy8k6p73B_v6NH7EboxCDZvqSvDSPy-PsYOwKPZevnrnCmCIoCg2k8n1cUgSSNUoGVVE-HlHe1_ovWC1vMMJ-2/s2048/408296613_24660189376899743_7371309519547388868_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYH4kZFzYh7nnvZvaWxqObOrzg1xrt2Zo0sqvH7RdxAAh57lR8eVlBBpn5gGUxr0X1kMxjKILfpU8I4-qQBdZ8WwWpndg3i3dbxI49MLWy8k6p73B_v6NH7EboxCDZvqSvDSPy-PsYOwKPZevnrnCmCIoCg2k8n1cUgSSNUoGVVE-HlHe1_ovWC1vMMJ-2/s320/408296613_24660189376899743_7371309519547388868_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Landis Mill</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4DL0iYymDLXJ25yEchRMXbcohKJL60LH4ss7fWsTnWc1RgpmuV4x6y05zIzEqa3pgiSwxiDnxgzQf2RCMPMqtBzC0SATw6fDI0KdPloeuTjt7B9L5gNrmjTWI0phHBN8lR1a0Tt6CWnRorW2UBVCQZlKztw6oUXAXDEfcvvX5KomhefPKlRbUy8KXBzRE/s2048/408297000_24646356881616326_3526857379763466723_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4DL0iYymDLXJ25yEchRMXbcohKJL60LH4ss7fWsTnWc1RgpmuV4x6y05zIzEqa3pgiSwxiDnxgzQf2RCMPMqtBzC0SATw6fDI0KdPloeuTjt7B9L5gNrmjTWI0phHBN8lR1a0Tt6CWnRorW2UBVCQZlKztw6oUXAXDEfcvvX5KomhefPKlRbUy8KXBzRE/s320/408297000_24646356881616326_3526857379763466723_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pinetown Amish</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0r-RkImhJALZeaQyLSxCKbUYhRZvi40_lEmXH09UYrJRyecXJ7pTpPNnflG5h2IsM4BqvPGBy23XteFVl9MQjEWDypfOXuY_db-tOnfGis88IG4cMbj9UsWUsWXduCtS86fZuOePcCf3r5ztQZbOp2DPWEGPfSuTGeTdmn_CvwP1hfpxhqnbAiCpA9N5j/s2048/409018880_24681279428124071_9086235629301648185_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0r-RkImhJALZeaQyLSxCKbUYhRZvi40_lEmXH09UYrJRyecXJ7pTpPNnflG5h2IsM4BqvPGBy23XteFVl9MQjEWDypfOXuY_db-tOnfGis88IG4cMbj9UsWUsWXduCtS86fZuOePcCf3r5ztQZbOp2DPWEGPfSuTGeTdmn_CvwP1hfpxhqnbAiCpA9N5j/s320/409018880_24681279428124071_9086235629301648185_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Siegrist Mill</div><br /><p><br /></p>Scootin' Foolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02107651394806435655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3613495730295686629.post-2099792044520415822023-03-17T03:16:00.005-07:002023-03-17T03:16:44.262-07:00Accomplishments, half-way to a perfect year.<p> The scooter life is in the past for me, at least for the purists. As has been mentioned in a previous post, the 2013 Honda PCX 150 that previously was part of my stable, is now gone to a salvage yard and has likely been parted out or crushed. </p><p>One year prior to the unfortunate demise of the PCX, a 2010 Honda NT700V became my secondary riding companion. It is a good and sturdy machine, and I enjoy it immensely. In September, a 2020 Honda Grom was added to my stable to replace the ill fated PCX. <br /><br />Upon purchasing the Grom, despite being in poor physical condition following the crash in August, I rode that day, and the next day, and the next, just piling up miles day after day without realizing until I was over two months in that I had not missed a day of riding a motorcycle since September 14th. At that point, I was around day 80 or so and I decided to start keeping better track of what I was doing. <br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ID5WR4tiqq4" width="320" youtube-src-id="ID5WR4tiqq4"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At the time of this writing, I have ridden a motorcycle for 183 days in a row with at least ten consecutive miles of riding each day. On day 182, I took the Grom out for a celebratory ride, then on day 183, the NT700V did an additional 30 miles. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/q2ZNwdQFOkA" width="320" youtube-src-id="q2ZNwdQFOkA"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While this is nowhere near the accomplishments of the legendary Blaine Paulus (who has just completed a perfect year of over 300 miles per day, and broken another riding record as well), I am satisfied that I am doing something for myself that will give me something to remember and something I can point to as an uncommon accomplishment. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today is another day, and it is waiting for me. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Until next time, be safe, be well, and be blessed. May the wind always be at your back, and may your wheels never be parallel to the ground. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p><br /><br />Scootin' Foolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02107651394806435655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3613495730295686629.post-6056922773039064112023-03-11T04:45:00.000-08:002023-03-11T04:45:36.364-08:00A rocky pathThere are roads we travel that are well paved, smooth, with no imperfections; roads that allow us to appreciate both the straights and the corners with only a small amount of risk to ourselves. <div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjn6-em9LArgMdP8bYLeCnUaSRzGojZlmaaV7O2HbjbLRwOWsuXMjdNAM0liIEr936Yc9j2l8K9VILEWStbZLTu5_GHtWI2Iybl-MOYfHfUMKLTMlFbfGfr42jj4h0_2CfDpetNhp0Sl2uA4uacJz2vRVs1c9zce8r3RUOHOU-cF-lnqZYYIwNGxKKrlQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjn6-em9LArgMdP8bYLeCnUaSRzGojZlmaaV7O2HbjbLRwOWsuXMjdNAM0liIEr936Yc9j2l8K9VILEWStbZLTu5_GHtWI2Iybl-MOYfHfUMKLTMlFbfGfr42jj4h0_2CfDpetNhp0Sl2uA4uacJz2vRVs1c9zce8r3RUOHOU-cF-lnqZYYIwNGxKKrlQ" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div>These are the roads street bike riders long for, and enjoy. Roads with a broken surface, gravel, or even dirt are not what most street bikes were designed to travel. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_xvmOhA-PiII2BI3yODV6s7eghhT1N0qVcLSRDv87QOi3wOH0h1SPX6bT_MgRsCkJ_8F0y2lLeVyxauSbHJO9j-HNwIlzaVCzAnVL07Jg8pQzDCq2tpXuqlzGqd8XlBuyf_AdNHwRuKeE7srJJofbsvgqggS1q655NBdaKRYWzuxBGv0-NuwizdUDUQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="461" data-original-width="828" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_xvmOhA-PiII2BI3yODV6s7eghhT1N0qVcLSRDv87QOi3wOH0h1SPX6bT_MgRsCkJ_8F0y2lLeVyxauSbHJO9j-HNwIlzaVCzAnVL07Jg8pQzDCq2tpXuqlzGqd8XlBuyf_AdNHwRuKeE7srJJofbsvgqggS1q655NBdaKRYWzuxBGv0-NuwizdUDUQ" width="320" /></a></div><br />When we get off the beaten path, the road is more difficult and requires more focus and concentration. Tires that were designed for smooth surfaces are now trying to navigate uneven terrain. Suspension that is able to compensate for the minor variations on a paved surface now finds the end of its limits in holes and ruts and over rocks. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhgz5S_4aWw3ERNim5RnnI_613hnx46Bu5OncEMXvw7PTgp9_XRmmCFUFQlthqPt8YtYb7A0N1Gtam1Hpx7MKdSLhAJYhTQ95dYtpKRIg0-miEAkP0T-esst4MY6kWrJxiTIbUaPvj3zTzxjDxUeO31fDlCGQaF0OajoJvtsaTBRJBRmGmoxQSlELhmMQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="828" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhgz5S_4aWw3ERNim5RnnI_613hnx46Bu5OncEMXvw7PTgp9_XRmmCFUFQlthqPt8YtYb7A0N1Gtam1Hpx7MKdSLhAJYhTQ95dYtpKRIg0-miEAkP0T-esst4MY6kWrJxiTIbUaPvj3zTzxjDxUeO31fDlCGQaF0OajoJvtsaTBRJBRmGmoxQSlELhmMQ" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div>Taken even further into the wilderness, the situation becomes more grim. The rubber that was never designed to deal with dirt and hidden rocks, some with sharp edges, is now vulnerable to damage and failure, nevermind that the suspension has now completely bottomed out several times.</div><div><br /></div><div>Our lives are not so dissimilar from the troubles of taking a street bike off-road. We want our comfort, our security, and while riding a motorcycle carries with it an element of risk, most of the time, we simply ride for the joy of the moment with no desire to compound that risk with any further complications. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgokx1G19tK-8G4Bigy7VhphEWP_cPCD-CMpInRjs24MYYEVRQSM21IlliiNK0vEEzNSrdqpBuflI8mdSkDKYocI48L_ZzSrxRAPtuQeQeHZc4Ea4qGZ5coDykZHBTNORsp8aemon6Y0r0QN4vNA6UCreNKFWsG0aLC3frlD-JMYrzCbhjhnqZVFRWk-g" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img alt="" data-original-height="457" data-original-width="828" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgokx1G19tK-8G4Bigy7VhphEWP_cPCD-CMpInRjs24MYYEVRQSM21IlliiNK0vEEzNSrdqpBuflI8mdSkDKYocI48L_ZzSrxRAPtuQeQeHZc4Ea4qGZ5coDykZHBTNORsp8aemon6Y0r0QN4vNA6UCreNKFWsG0aLC3frlD-JMYrzCbhjhnqZVFRWk-g" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then our life takes an unexpected turn and we end up on a metaphorical gravel or dirt road, the mud and leaves, the detritus of life suddenly throwing us out of our comfort zone. Illness, injury, a family member causing drama, the sudden death of a loved one, and a long list of other catastrophic events enter our lives and can cause our pleasant ride to turn into a nightmare.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Last year, my wife's family suffered through great loss, due to cancer and wasting disease, and then there was an unexpected motorcycle crash to further complicate matters, and to make it even worse, our son came back into our lives for a few months and in December threatened us because we would not give him money and within a week was back in jail (for an unrelated incident). These are life events that make us wonder and question. We become angry: at life, at ourselves, at God. We even get to the point where we question if God is even there while we are suffering. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhauajuUZqVsPYIOPUtRNWgKYKLDc6uysUjSoGI07l82tkSGgmMUJLkp1onHuaiawX6cIGoKyRiF06-CxwCNNjNURnrOXIgsMOuMJEJ_1eHhvBKI0hd9XwXZUQfK_Ab9tlQRK_F3KXGayVBFHxqx5QPy_BABHCR9nnc_UewXoEfN6WaZZdk8O2HgPYw9g" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="465" data-original-width="828" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhauajuUZqVsPYIOPUtRNWgKYKLDc6uysUjSoGI07l82tkSGgmMUJLkp1onHuaiawX6cIGoKyRiF06-CxwCNNjNURnrOXIgsMOuMJEJ_1eHhvBKI0hd9XwXZUQfK_Ab9tlQRK_F3KXGayVBFHxqx5QPy_BABHCR9nnc_UewXoEfN6WaZZdk8O2HgPYw9g" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">These are the times when hope is so very necessary, when we need to know there is a purpose, when we need to see the end of the rocky path and know that there is some sort of meaning to it all. <br /><br />The psalmist David wrote: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> he delivers them from all their troubles.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The Lord is close to the brokenhearted</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> and saves those who are crushed in spirit.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The righteous person may have many troubles,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> but the Lord delivers him from them all;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">He protects all his bones,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> not one of them will be broken." (Psalm 34:17-20 NIV)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is a promise to which I have held and from which I have gathered peace. Through great grief and loss, there has been hope and I know that while this life is filled with pain, there is One who stands at the throne of the Most High and pleads for me. This is the hope I have and it keeps me going until I finally will see the end of the path. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFzuBPpmtbb4XhdtrUeRPWa_1DvZcNbGCNtd-9h31ytNVvL8N7M-cRuRwxVGjk8UB5cGI3Z9D--0yXYaI8TbAuKcTgZa_81E7wvyi1kJMEf3jjb06k4q3o5cVwoXeSzmp483eEmCBndgyzXeQ6MXauNubpy5lAGOcGs6H4GQjxVJcKmy3F-F78S96HEA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="467" data-original-width="828" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFzuBPpmtbb4XhdtrUeRPWa_1DvZcNbGCNtd-9h31ytNVvL8N7M-cRuRwxVGjk8UB5cGI3Z9D--0yXYaI8TbAuKcTgZa_81E7wvyi1kJMEf3jjb06k4q3o5cVwoXeSzmp483eEmCBndgyzXeQ6MXauNubpy5lAGOcGs6H4GQjxVJcKmy3F-F78S96HEA" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">May you be safe, well, and blessed. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">May the wind always be at your back, and may your wheels never be parallel to the ground.</div>Scootin' Foolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02107651394806435655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3613495730295686629.post-31250079557079332972023-03-10T12:44:00.004-08:002023-03-10T12:54:46.891-08:00Early spring and the rider at dawn<p> Winter is on its way out. Yes, it's technically not over until later in March, but here in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the maple trees are in flower, such as it is, and their red blossoms can be seen adorning the ground beneath their spreading limbs. </p><p>The robins have been here for more than a month, plucking annelids from the earth with vigor and choosing nesting materials for the pending amorous season where new young will eventually emerge from vibrant blue shells.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgvu52VdwbP7Ph58HlhOsYsXJgKkxuJezZtS-_JIXXlCuXgoaaTidHyoBGz5VgK1rWlPxxii4PZgm7-mBitzOrEq1B0SinsPW4YaHSll15pSkuNosL8afwHwdchZt9ptjj_bPZZ-LVp1z_KoZs_AiCRFj-YeZN0GxHwvWX-BdwT5iuvrlELL2xY82MQ9g" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgvu52VdwbP7Ph58HlhOsYsXJgKkxuJezZtS-_JIXXlCuXgoaaTidHyoBGz5VgK1rWlPxxii4PZgm7-mBitzOrEq1B0SinsPW4YaHSll15pSkuNosL8afwHwdchZt9ptjj_bPZZ-LVp1z_KoZs_AiCRFj-YeZN0GxHwvWX-BdwT5iuvrlELL2xY82MQ9g" width="320" /></a></div><p>Crocuses have sprung up out of the ground along with a few daffodils and the leaves of Tulips heralding the blooms to come. It is a time of new life.<br /><br />And I ride through it on a fuel powered steed. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9madYbSbbxDx7bDWC18RoGsVNmKrifRw7onCQk80iT01hSOmFp44giaYnooXFoWLoLyB51bfrsQ20Dl_7OVlIFMgi4U0Vg3lJ9XqKwfAaVIfnxJxkW3wLzGP7y-GSGt6ZBCfkI27tfWsEfkimqWcbzvz9ycgUcSrZlMgCz6HM1Du4QUo6WOFbB1ISrA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9madYbSbbxDx7bDWC18RoGsVNmKrifRw7onCQk80iT01hSOmFp44giaYnooXFoWLoLyB51bfrsQ20Dl_7OVlIFMgi4U0Vg3lJ9XqKwfAaVIfnxJxkW3wLzGP7y-GSGt6ZBCfkI27tfWsEfkimqWcbzvz9ycgUcSrZlMgCz6HM1Du4QUo6WOFbB1ISrA" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>The early light of dawn is my companion on roads with few travelers. It crosses the horizon with fiery hues chasing back the waning night, the moon and a few stars in the western sky fading from view.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjrF0oHklou_r3RbUnwV3akSuHJLWyUDbs2XRAwMeqg0dw7Ejy0oc_2x94mIbPJMBuKIO13pdjcF3KkXa8jlk8FbeS0Ys1wd17mv0VyNXQBgpYtXBxtvA0X5Lw3JyfiEx-tcJ0ElArvpzEjkOZfI6wgonQjTBTrUY8ZRN6w-H7Kh82rBNdyph-WZl2MrA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjrF0oHklou_r3RbUnwV3akSuHJLWyUDbs2XRAwMeqg0dw7Ejy0oc_2x94mIbPJMBuKIO13pdjcF3KkXa8jlk8FbeS0Ys1wd17mv0VyNXQBgpYtXBxtvA0X5Lw3JyfiEx-tcJ0ElArvpzEjkOZfI6wgonQjTBTrUY8ZRN6w-H7Kh82rBNdyph-WZl2MrA" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>It is a time of peace and serenity, broken only by a staccato exhaust note and the whirring of cams and lifters working in harmony. It brings a unique type of focus and well-being that can only be found in the solitude of dawn on a deserted roadway with a motorcycle as a sole companion. </p><p>These are the times I am most at peace, </p><p>Soon, the spring will come in full force and those who have allowed their metal steeds to rest for the winter will pull them from their coverings and hiding places, ready them for travel, add new fuel, and join myself and those like me who do not believe in a riding season, but until they do, I will relish the moments of serenity at the beginning and end of the day when there is a special peace to be found.<br /></p><p>May all who read this be safe, well, and blessed. May the wind ever be at your back and may your wheels never be parallel to the ground.</p><p>#motorcycle #bikelife </p><p></p>Scootin' Foolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02107651394806435655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3613495730295686629.post-71024498854545149512023-03-09T02:00:00.001-08:002023-03-09T02:00:00.223-08:00Crashing and the aftermath<p> On August 19th, 2022, there was a chance meeting of my 2013 Honda PCX150 and the right side of a 1999 Ford Taurus. It has been almost seven months since that event, but it still plagues me with residual pain from a contusion on my right side that has yet to heal completely. The broken ribs, broken collarbone, and even the concussion have faded, though I still have some mild aphasia. </p><p>Running into the side of a car rendered a few lessons. </p><p>1) do not make a move to merge or assume a lane until the intentions of other motorists in the area are completely clear. In this situation, I saw what I perceived was the driver's move to assume the left lane. He turned on his blinker at the last moment to turn right, but I did not see it due to the angle of the sun and the red color of the blinker, which blended into his tail lamp. I assumed the right side of the lane in anticipation of him following those on the left, and then he turned right directly in front of me. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgg0FVopIdZfY3s5uozEHxD1nneCTV6WFQCTL4UW2dJJdwtOGMIFsWQIwakYmwjZn_OGP7qmix_Ma6rrf9Uts5wlQWv-tPcRUVtTr6fDgvYnNzI_QqpWvlYFm053UQNKoPP-WjKxFXWjbSmgaO_Bh2MbQg3LcclwGIqgmqa27ZaT4NszLN-SA8moCVmTQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgg0FVopIdZfY3s5uozEHxD1nneCTV6WFQCTL4UW2dJJdwtOGMIFsWQIwakYmwjZn_OGP7qmix_Ma6rrf9Uts5wlQWv-tPcRUVtTr6fDgvYnNzI_QqpWvlYFm053UQNKoPP-WjKxFXWjbSmgaO_Bh2MbQg3LcclwGIqgmqa27ZaT4NszLN-SA8moCVmTQ" width="320" /></a></div><p>2) always wear proper gear. My armored jacket saved me some serious road rash and my helmet prevented a direct injury to my skull. My boots, though scuffed through to the toe protectors, held up and kept my feet from injury. As the above picture shows, my helmet collided with the side of the car and that would have been my temple. </p><p>3) Don't be in a rush. I wanted to get somewhere, so I wasn't focused on the job at hand...and I ended up on the ground and then in an ambulance. </p><p>I still don't remember the ambulance ride. I remember crashing, and I remember laying on the ground, but after that, nothing until I was being wheeled in to the ER. </p><p></p><p>The good news is, I survived to ride another day and I've been able to pursue a goal. As this is being written, day 175 is accomplished, of the perfect year goal I set for myself. </p><p>Tomorrow is another day. I will make it count toward something. </p><p><br /><br /></p>Scootin' Foolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02107651394806435655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3613495730295686629.post-91427042762826141042023-03-08T03:21:00.002-08:002023-03-08T03:21:23.772-08:00in the pursuit of "the perfect year"<p> It is 6:00 in the morning here in south central Pennsylvania. I've been up since 2 am dealing with the early onset of spring allergies due to our weird winter. Having just come through the third warmest February on record, I look back on the progress of a journey I started 175 days ago: the perfect year. </p><p>On August 19th of this past year, I was in a devastating accident with my Honda PCX scooter. The scoot was deemed a total loss, and I was given a sum which exceeded the amount paid for the machine when it was purchased in 2015. Through this, I continued to work (only missing two days), and on September 14th, I took the insurance payout and handed it over in exchange for a 2020 Honda Grom. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0OKNCX0KG7DdoHBSTtaLqNuPSwtudyuWW9l-tA3mvPHn8DuEnBn42kuJ5TRH5ZHKii9Se3ibeNgmo7kqTjmgHY2WuHswGAmWgReq1sNCDHg-7Ql9ZvRf2p5fySQZo_JYIGr5Vt_qn12YeCpVCV8aXpPw0Lvy-xo0kjR6ZAwdty24IZwEGYVWJLgW64Q/s4032/day130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0OKNCX0KG7DdoHBSTtaLqNuPSwtudyuWW9l-tA3mvPHn8DuEnBn42kuJ5TRH5ZHKii9Se3ibeNgmo7kqTjmgHY2WuHswGAmWgReq1sNCDHg-7Ql9ZvRf2p5fySQZo_JYIGr5Vt_qn12YeCpVCV8aXpPw0Lvy-xo0kjR6ZAwdty24IZwEGYVWJLgW64Q/s320/day130.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>The realization came to me in early December that I had not gone a day without riding a motorcycle, so the decision was made to keep going. I started reporting my journeys on a few Facebook groups and now have a small following of folks who keep track of my progress. <br /><br />The perfect year challenge is as follows: Ride a motorcycle for at least 10 consecutive miles (without getting off the bike), over a period of 365 days. I am not the first to attempt this and instead follow in the tracks of others who have gone before. <br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBGWsZf8yx2YyaUzYxA_2I9FCPgQ2QsX1s4v13sONf91wFjS6DA_bPtklpwRdJSIXVyHvvnXkpzNVa_DXNeaXVw_O1FVK47OG1k5ica-092Ytt0al_8DHGWxssk9_vO0hCf4_DMQuOWIoRrJHy612wFEnHacnD-00SdYRPwQQkDKrfpFyf8N72mWJ1Dg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBGWsZf8yx2YyaUzYxA_2I9FCPgQ2QsX1s4v13sONf91wFjS6DA_bPtklpwRdJSIXVyHvvnXkpzNVa_DXNeaXVw_O1FVK47OG1k5ica-092Ytt0al_8DHGWxssk9_vO0hCf4_DMQuOWIoRrJHy612wFEnHacnD-00SdYRPwQQkDKrfpFyf8N72mWJ1Dg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>The worst day was December 24th, when it reached a low here of 5 degrees Fahrenheit. The morning was crisp and I only put in twelve miles, but it was accomplished by staying out of the wind and sticking to roads in town. <br /><br />Since that day I continue to ride, and started the practice of taking a picture of the bike I am riding with a barn found after then ten mile mark. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjycKb1qJBDxyDlYdT_S6RRFfPGASqAFIN3EB0tUlTCe26qyr31fnDyyb7QOL2p1CC7lmSNyjk-GINQPBzkqLfbLr6rebqYCoMLVcBrAixuVJwVumS_WPPmiW7GFGWXBp4fHhpTdBkwHZEt77r8X1aWnTHLnQPyPg0bVNDn5dv5wrQWHvd2goB9044aHw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjycKb1qJBDxyDlYdT_S6RRFfPGASqAFIN3EB0tUlTCe26qyr31fnDyyb7QOL2p1CC7lmSNyjk-GINQPBzkqLfbLr6rebqYCoMLVcBrAixuVJwVumS_WPPmiW7GFGWXBp4fHhpTdBkwHZEt77r8X1aWnTHLnQPyPg0bVNDn5dv5wrQWHvd2goB9044aHw" width="320" /></a></div><br />I know I have not written in years, but I will try to update this page periodically with tales of the journey toward the perfect year. <p></p><p>Until then, may the wind always be at your back, and may your wheels never be parallel to the ground.</p><p><br /></p><p>(bikes shown are 2020 Honda Grom MSX125 and 2010 Honda NT700V)</p>Scootin' Foolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02107651394806435655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3613495730295686629.post-63793999505668636782019-06-09T19:49:00.000-07:002019-06-09T19:49:19.317-07:00A long hiatus, and a trip to MassachusettsIt has been quite some time since I've written anything to which I did not also add chords, but I wanted to get back to one of the things I most enjoy.<br />
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My mother is going through a change of life. She recently found herself needing the services of a long term care facility, which means that her children (my sister primarily), had the daunting task of cleaning out her apartment and finding homes for her things that could not be stored.<br />
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I was assigned several pieces of furniture several blankets, some kitchen-ware and some knickknacks, These were too large to transport via car, so a box truck was reserved.<br />
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My lovely wife and I planned to rent a car, drive to Massachusetts, drop off the car, then get a box truck, load up the stuff, and return to Pennsylvania. When we found out how much that would cost, we decided that I would ride up to Massachusetts on my Honda PCX150, load the stuff onto the box truck, then load the scooter in as well and then I alone would drive the box truck back to Pennsylvania. Even with one night stopover in New York, it was a far less expensive option.<br />
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So, after getting off work Friday night of Memorial Day weekend, I kissed my wife goodbye, loaded the crate, slung my ukulele on my back, and started out at 6:30 p.m.,<br />
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The route started out simple enough: follow US 222 north out of Lancaster and past Reading...but then I told Siri to find me a route that avoided highways and boy howdy, she did. I soon found myself on the most rural of country roads. It was, on the whole, an utterly pleasurable experience. Eventually I did have to find a less rural route, but it was a blast while it lasted. Only one caveat. At one point, Siri did try to send me down a gravel road. I told her no and went around.<br />
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I stayed overnight in the village of Monticello, NY, which was all well and good. The motel was seedy, but clean, and it wasn't until the next morning that I realized it was right next door to a drug rehab facility. The scooter was fine, so I wasn't too concerned, even after discovering that I was only a block away from the county jail. Fantastic!<br />
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Breakfast at the Monticello Diner was excellent though, and I was soon off again, following Siri through the mountains. The lady at the toll booth over the Hudson wouldn't give me a break on the toll since I only had two wheels, which didn't seem fair, but I made it over the Rip Van Winkle bridge without falling asleep.<br />
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It wasn't long before I was traveling down familiar roads into the Berkshire mountains. Route 23 took me all the way to Russell Mass, where I went off the beaten path to come down out of the mountains in the center of town.<br />
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The visit with my family was nice, and I even had the opportunity on Sunday to spend some quality time with the PCX, running around the hill towns, taking video and pictures.<br />
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Unfortunately, Monday came far too soon. Once the box truck was loaded, the joy of scooter riding was traded for the most unsavory alternative of driving a GMC Savanna modded with a 10 foot box at highway speeds through Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey. It was a horrible experience which I would prefer to never relive.<br />
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A plus of this whole story is the completion of yet another ride from Pennsylvania to Massachusetts on a 150cc scooter. The ride can be done if one paces one's self. It is one of the most enjoyable things I can think of.Scootin' Foolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02107651394806435655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3613495730295686629.post-35428906649591046952016-12-31T14:25:00.002-08:002016-12-31T14:25:53.175-08:00An orange tennis shoeIt's winter here in Pennsylvania, and the scooter is not getting as much use as it had been since the heater in the Jag was fixed a few weeks back. Scooters are great for driving on dry or wet pavement, but ice and snow tend to make the ride far too interesting for my taste.<br />
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Owning an older Jaguar is one of those things that has its pros and cons. On the one hand, it is just such a beautiful place to sit. The leather and wood work together to soothe the senses and when one sits in the driver's seat, the cares of the world just drain away. This is so, even if it's not running, which is often. And that is the other hand. Over the time I owned the Jag, I had to put almost $5,000 of work into her. This past year alone, it's been $2,000+.<br />
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So, about a month ago, I started looking at replacement options. Unfortunately, there was a problem. I didn't really want to get rid of the Jag. In my mind, I had planned to keep her as my "classic," and while that was a good idea on paper, the practicalities didn't really work out. Add to that the feeling I get when I sit in that space filled with leather and wood and it made the decision that much more difficult. The Jag spoiled me.<br />
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So, I went looking for something that would give me a similar feeling. The first thing I looked at was a Fiat 500 Abarth. Sitting in the driver's seat, looking at all that stitched leather and enjoying the feel of the leather seats was very nice, but the price was not really where I needed to be. And then there was the salesman at the Dodge dealer who was very rude to one of his co-workers. The Fiat was out of the running.<br />
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I went looking some more and ended up at the BMW dealer. Of course, that was just me being fanciful and none of the vehicles there had the honor of being a seat for my derriere. I even looked at the Mercedes dealer since, well why not, I was only looking.<br />
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Then there was the Mazda Miata (or MX5), which has always held a special place in my heart. It's the middle aged man's simple pleasure, which I discovered this middle aged man can't get out of once he has sat in it. I gave the Miata a chance, I really did. I tried three different examples, but the seats didn't feel right and they were too low to reasonably get in and out of. This turns out to be a good thing, since the Miata is far too impractical.<br />
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A couple days ago, I had an appointment to test drive a Scion FR-S. The FR-S is an exciting little sports car, but I had my doubts since it really is no more practical than the MX5. It all worked out, because when I arrived at the dealer, they informed me it had just been driven off the lot by its new owner.<br />
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(Interesting point of order here: my wife and I prayed together the night before for guidance and wisdom, and it seems the Almighty had a plan in this the whole time as He always seems to.)<br />
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This turn of events led me to the Ford dealer across the way. What really pulled me in was the blinding glare from an orange chunk of metal sitting in their lot, though I tried very hard not to be interested in that one. I looked at the Focus STs, which were out of my price range, and the Fusions, which were too large (I didn't want another big car), and kept going back to look at the Orange tennis shoe.<br />
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It is a 2013 Dodge Dart RallyE in blaze orange, and while I know it is not perfect, I test drove it and found it to be very near as comfortable as the Jag, and it even corners as well if not a touch better, despite being front wheel drive. The fuel economy is double that of the Jag on regular gas. Granted, it's still more thirsty than either scooter, but let's be fair; it's a car. Since I purchased it used with 57,000 miles on the clock, I get to enjoy all the bells and whistles and it has almost every option equipped.<br />
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Understad that there's a bit of a family connection. My dad, rest his soul, had two Darts back in the 60's. It is not the same car, by any means since it's a Fiat underneath, but there is still that nostalgic feeling when I sit in it, which is nice.<br />
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And it drives, boy does it drive. The handling is surprising. It's actually just a touch better than the Jag. Steering, in my most humble opinion, should always be responsive to just a touch and this is precise and then some. Cornering in a front wheel drive car can produce understeer and despite my best efforts on a deserted rotary near my house, the little Dodge just went around and around and around at speeds at which it should have deposited me in the nearby cornfields.<br />
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The engine is a naturally aspirated 2.0 which needs a little urging to put me back in my seat like the Jag's used to, but it does get up and go. On paper the 0-60 time is around 9 seconds, but that's ok with me since it does all that I need.<br />
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Then there are the benefits of buying a used car (especially at the end of the year when the dealers are working against the clock to meet their sales goals). The price was reduced well below blue book, and it has more bells and whistles than a steam locomotive. Automatic windows, remote starting, bluetooth, back-up camera (which I don't use because that's cheating and I know how to park a car), auto-dimming mirrors, tinted windows, premium wheels, the list goes on. When one buys a used car, the gizmos that the original owner paid so much for come along with it and you don't really pay that much more than you would for the base model since the depreciation has eaten most of that overhead away.<br />
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So now Penelope awaits an uncertain fate, and the Dodge sits in front of my house, waiting for me to drive it to work. It's going to take me a while to get used to the color, but I don't find myself worrying about whether I'm going to get to work, or wherever, and I've still got a fun and interesting car to drive from place to place when it's too cold or sloppy to ride the scoot.<br />
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Thank you to all my friends for reading, and a happy new year to you!Scootin' Foolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02107651394806435655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3613495730295686629.post-77564761964030065042016-10-01T12:44:00.003-07:002016-10-01T12:44:56.466-07:00Choosing the right Scooter brand - Video and summary by a guest writer<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 16px;">I posted one of my recent motovlogs to the board at itistheride.boards.net and recieved a great response that sums up the video very well. First, the video:</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 16px;">Leo the Old Chopper Guy writes: </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 16px;">"I agree with your advice. And now that this old Harley guy is a die-hard Kymco rider, AND former Chinese 150 rider, I can tell you all it is good advice to only go with Chinese rides IF you are willing to be ready for some extra work in return for the low initial cost. Obviously, some Chinese scoots are trouble-free, but VERY often, they are not. I wrenched on my Xingyue 150 for THREE FULL SEASONS getting it right, BUT... Then it was absolutely trouble-free for four seasons. It was still running perfectly when I traded it in on my Kymco.</span><br style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 16px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 16px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><i style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">"Yes, potholes ARE a PIA on 12" wheels... </i></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 16px;">My Grandvista 250 has 12-inchers. </span><i style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">It depends on how FAST you are going when meeting the pothole... LOL! </i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 16px;">Fast enough carries you OVER the hole. Too slow will plant the wheel IN the hole. Not good... Seriously though, any wheels smaller than the "big-wheel" rides with 17" or larger are a little hard on rough surfaces. </span><i style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">With good, speed-rated tires, well-balanced however, they cruise the highway at 70+ smooth as a Harley. </i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 16px;">And I must admit, I'm hopelessly addicted to the look of small wheel scooters.</span><br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><br style="max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 16px;">"If you REALLY have a "Jones" for something irresistible, quick, but pricey on 10" wheels, ya jus' gotta check out a Genuine Buddy 170... But ya gotta remember, this old geezer used to run 80-mph, </span><i style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">(often sneaking up to 100-mph)</i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 16px;"> on Chicago freeways on a McCulloch-powered 40-pound mini-bike </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><i style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">on 5" wheels</i></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 16px;"> as a kid... Even though I had an "animal" Harley chopper in the garage... </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><i style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">Woo-HOO! FUN!</i></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 16px;"> </span><i style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">But NOT recommended now that I'm 70 and still alive and riding.....</i><br style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 16px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj30aESyWEYARRmkYf75XY06iJ-0Ar56uisKzpQZKejjjYQAUDJoIWYYfRWIAdx5Ez8j7JpNHhdgIDKUBtHIlF0mSH6Xbv0-LL6YkTW1wvOaXsq2Z3SEDKpB3YIhU3Jh0Uv0tWxbW_5Tk8r/s1600/Rite_Side_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj30aESyWEYARRmkYf75XY06iJ-0Ar56uisKzpQZKejjjYQAUDJoIWYYfRWIAdx5Ez8j7JpNHhdgIDKUBtHIlF0mSH6Xbv0-LL6YkTW1wvOaXsq2Z3SEDKpB3YIhU3Jh0Uv0tWxbW_5Tk8r/s320/Rite_Side_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><br style="max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><i style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">"Here's a pic of "Minnie Mouse" when I first got her for wheel-size reference.</i></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 16px;"> You can see the wheels ARE a tad small on a 250. The Grandvista was a flat-floor version of the original "Bet n' Win" 250. </span><i style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">Kymco has come a LONG way from these early scoots, but they are still great rides, and nearly bullet-proof... I've yet to meet a Taiwan-made Kymco or SYM rider who didn't love his/her scooter.</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSUeuosb2Uaz0ro31eQH5XwXuUeiJRqJzt19ry6JEyhdoCTiCmRa3pQAS8xTokkfAkRR7hQMrmf-M1Xdi7MYferQgZ7Op8nWPksawK3iWA3kdApaT6xAAYLZDWJRXGOKoG26SMg8NwOUNS/s1600/Kymco_200_left_front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSUeuosb2Uaz0ro31eQH5XwXuUeiJRqJzt19ry6JEyhdoCTiCmRa3pQAS8xTokkfAkRR7hQMrmf-M1Xdi7MYferQgZ7Op8nWPksawK3iWA3kdApaT6xAAYLZDWJRXGOKoG26SMg8NwOUNS/s320/Kymco_200_left_front.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><i style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">"Above is a Kymco "People 200" I rode as a loaner while my dealer changed my tires.</i></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 16px;"> It looks decidedly "Italian" with its 17" wheels. It truly amazed me, partly because of the large wheels smoothness. Big difference from 12" to 17" wheels. This little blue scoot felt as light as a Schwinn bicycle, and was EASY to ride, and to put onto the center-stand. Being an air-cooled GY6 type engine </span><i style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">(163cc, NOT a true 200)</i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 16px;"> surprisingly, it had plenty of acceleration and would haul my 230-pound butt to 65-mph with ease.</span><br style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 16px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 16px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 16px;">"It ran like we WISH our Chinese 150's would... </span><i style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">Yup, I like Kymcos!</i><br style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 16px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 16px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 16px;">"Whatever size, brand, style, etc. you like, DO test ride everything possible before deciding. You'll be happier in the long run by not getting something you don't enjoy...</span><br style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 16px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><i style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><br style="max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" />"Ride safe, whatever you ride!</i></span><br style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 16px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 16px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 16px;">"Leo in Texas"</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><br style="max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br />Thanks Leo, it's great to have such thorough feedback that really sums up the video and compliments it well.<br /><br style="max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" />Read more: <a href="http://itistheride.boards.net/thread/9749/scoot-commute-7-scooter-brands#ixzz4Lrd1Xfbd" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #003399; cursor: pointer; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;">http://itistheride.boards.net/thread/9749/scoot-commute-7-scooter-brands#ixzz4Lrd1Xfbd</a></span>Scootin' Foolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02107651394806435655noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3613495730295686629.post-92082281442933758802016-09-10T22:05:00.000-07:002016-09-10T22:05:50.424-07:00Repair, replace, upgrade (Honda PCX CVT clutch repair and variator upgrade)The Honda PCX (both 125 and 150), seem to have an annoying habit of wearing out clutch bearings. From what I've been able to deduce from the things I've read, it's not so much a fault in the bearing but in the folks who install them without applying enough grease.<br />
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After about 6,000 miles, my PCX started making a light whooshing noise inside the CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). By 10,000 miles it had become very loud, though it still did not seem to be affecting anything performance-wise. Just the same, prudence won out and I ordered a clutch bearing inner face assembly with the bearings pressed in (about $30, so not bad).<br />
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I had changed the belt around 9500 miles, and observed the drive plates were looking a bit worn, so I ordered a replacement for those too. These came in the form of NCY parts as it was only a mite more for performance parts than for the OEM equivalents. It seemed there was little wisdom in getting stock parts in this scenario, so I went for the NCY bits with 13 gram rollers.<br />
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Everything finally arrived this week, so I braved the heat and did the deed. It didn't take all that long, though I did have to run the clutch assembly to Lancaster Honda since I didn't have the tools to get it apart. Just the socket alone would have cost me more than the $9.00 I paid them to put it together.<br />
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With everything assembled, I went for a ride on rt. 283, and got it up to an indicated 74, which I guessed was probably 73. I'll admit, I chickened out at that point and let off the throttle. Riding a tiny little scooter that fast is just a bit nerve wracking.<br />
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I did go back after dark when the road was mostly deserted with a GPS running. It recorded a top speed of 71, which is still impressive from a 150. I'm sure if I had a perfectly flat stretch, or a bit of downhill, it could do better, but it's not something I really care to test. That was a bit fast for the little bitty PCX, and I'm fine with what I've learned so far thank you kindly.<br />
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So, my first impression of the NCY variator bits with 13 gram pulleys is complete happiness. The low end acceleration felt a bit weak at first, but once I'd ridden it around a bit, it seemed to loosen up.<br />
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The replacement clutch inner assembly was well worth it. I no longer hear the constant whoosh-whoosh-whoosh of the worn bearing, and my mind is eased.<br />
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Should you wish to watch the video of the process and my highway run, here it is:<br />
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<br />Scootin' Foolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02107651394806435655noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3613495730295686629.post-44645901676428588292016-09-06T19:39:00.002-07:002016-09-06T19:39:46.777-07:00Took a little breakFor those who follow my YouTube channel, you may have noticed I haven't posted any new videos in almost a week. There is a very good reason for this. I've been busy. My graduation from YTI's Motorcycle Technology Center took place on August 30th and my wife's parents visited from North-Western PA,<br />
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My dear mother, was unable to attend because of a recent surgery. So I went to visit her over the weekend. I purposefully left my filming equipment at home so it would not take away from the weekend and found myself wishing I'd had it along, especially after seeing a near miss between a bear and a Jeep Cherokee on the way home. Crazy stuff right there.<br />
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I took the Jag because the Honda needs a bit of CVT work and I didn't trust it for nearly 700 miles of travel, and of course, in typical Jaguar style, something went wrong. one of the seals on the power steering rack blew. After opening up the power steering reservoir I found it filled with this:<br />
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This liquid was also leaking all over the ground. Obviously, it's not right, and looks to have gotten contaminated somehow. I still have to repair it properly, but I was able to flush the liquid out mostly and added some sealer, which got me home.<br />
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It was nice to visit my mom, and Maggie certainly enjoyed it. She slept most of the way to Massachusetts, but also spent some time with her nose out the window.<br />
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Of course, she also did a lot of sleeping at Grandma's house. I'll admit, having a dog makes traveling a bit more enjoyable. Maybe next year we can take the scooter instead, but I don't think she'd enjoy that length of a ride on the scoot.<br />
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So, here's the graduation ride video, thanks for reading, and thanks for watching.<br />
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<br />Scootin' Foolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02107651394806435655noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3613495730295686629.post-66776552090532075272016-08-21T13:14:00.001-07:002016-08-21T13:14:22.545-07:00The right stuffStarting out as a moto-vlogger takes work, and it takes equipment. One needs the following:<br />
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<li>camera(s) with helmet or handlebar mount</li>
<li>sound recorder</li>
<li>microphone</li>
<li>computer with video editing software</li>
<li>Motorcycle or scooter</li>
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One doesn't really need the most expensive solution for any of these items and it is possible to use a makeshift solution until a better option makes itself available. </div>
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I've found that if I use a tool properly, I can make it work, even if it isn't the perfect choice. It's a learning process, but it's been fun. </div>
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The one issue I'd like to solve is with sound recording. I've been able to work with the earbud microphone that came with my cellphone, but it is imperfect and picks up a lot of extraneous noise. I'm not sure I want to just get another mic, or get a third camera with a microphone so I can add a third angle. </div>
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One thing is certain, I'm having fun, and that's what I was aiming for. </div>
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Scootin' Foolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02107651394806435655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3613495730295686629.post-58021809358840731542016-08-18T16:18:00.002-07:002016-08-18T16:18:58.585-07:00While I was vlogging...So this morning I'm filming for my second "Scoot Commute" segment, and as I was passing Coby's Family Services, I decided to talk about being a foster parent.<br />
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Whilst talking to my audience, I came to a discovery, I've finally come to terms with the struggles that come with adopting an older child through the foster care system.<br />
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Foster parenting is hard. Adopting an older child is hard. Your family won't understand and the birth family will probably hate you. I know that is how it was for us. We even got death threats from the birth mother.<br />
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I've come to the conclusion that no matter what has happened, it was worth it. It was difficult. It still is, but it was well worth it to have an opportunity to show a child that life can have meaning.<br />
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Please find the video attached.<br />
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<br />Scootin' Foolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02107651394806435655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3613495730295686629.post-88048540196293676732016-08-14T22:45:00.000-07:002016-08-14T22:45:44.635-07:00Revisiting the Honda Elite 110six years ago I <a href="http://scootinfool.blogspot.com/2010/05/honda-elite-110-pleasant-little-puddle.html" target="_blank">reviewed the Honda Elite 110</a>. It was, as I called it, a pleasant little puddle jumper. Today I had opportunity to ride my friend's 2010 Elite.<br />
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It's been six years, but the machine has lost none of its charm. I'm still amazed at the suspension on that tiny little scooter. It's so small, yet it eats up the bumps as if they weren't there.<br />
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If you wish to see the rest of my impressions, please watch my vlog below:<br />
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<br />Scootin' Foolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02107651394806435655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3613495730295686629.post-20957830385352195132016-08-12T07:03:00.000-07:002016-08-12T07:03:01.889-07:00A visit to the 'VilleMillersville Pennsylvania is a little college town. I happen to work there currently so I see it a lot, and since I seem to be on a small town kick, it seemed fitting to do a video of the place.<br />
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The university started out as a Normal School. These were teacher training schools which have their beginnings in the early 1800's here in the U.S., and as early as the 1700's in Europe.<br />
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Horace Mann is the name generally associated with the start of these schools in America with the first being founded initially in Lexington, Massachusetts. From what I understand, it was moved to Westfield Mass and eventually became Westfield State College. Millersville was founded soon after and some of the buildings on campus reflect the age of the institution.<br />
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In my travels I met a Honda SH-150 owner and we chatted about older motorcycles. Unfortunately, my audio recording cut out about halfway through, but I had fun even if I cannot share it with you.<br />
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So, here is a link to the video. I hope you enjoy it!<br />
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<br />Scootin' Foolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02107651394806435655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3613495730295686629.post-59395200260974683952016-08-10T18:53:00.001-07:002016-08-10T18:53:53.782-07:00Jaunting aroundLet me start with an update. In my last entry, I mentioned that two of the young men I had been riding with had been in an accident. From what I understand, they had switched bikes and one of the young men hit a bump on the other kid's bike. When he did so, the shocks on the Harley 883 he was riding bottomed out and he lost control of the bike and swerved into his own bike with the other kid on it. <div>
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As you can see, it got a bit warm.<br />
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Thankfully both boys were only doing 45 at the time and while one ended up with a broken wrist and elbow and the other has some hairline fractures along his spine. I am glad that they escaped with only those injuries, though spinal fractures can be serious enough. </div>
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I'm still buzzing around on my scooter. Yesterday I spent some time in Lititz. It's a neat little town and I took some video of the highlights. I hope you enjoy it!</div>
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Scootin' Foolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02107651394806435655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3613495730295686629.post-31373187498933425342016-08-07T19:24:00.000-07:002016-08-07T20:58:19.636-07:00Ride-in, Ride-on, Ride-awayI went to my favorite monthly event today: The Ephrata First Sunday Ride-In.<br />
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It was a glorious day for it. The temperature was balmy, the sun was shining, the clouds were...clouding. Maggie wanted to go along of course, but it just so happens that Communion Sunday at church is always on the first Sunday of the month as well. This would work out poorly since Maggie would see everyone else eating a "cookie" and want one for herself. Barking would ensue. Bad dog! Bad bad dog!<br />
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So, the dog stayed at home and I went along to the monthly rally. Last month I was halfway across the state and unable to attend, but this month there was no such prohibition. I mounted my trusty steed (with a fresh drive belt), and proceeded off into the sunrise.<br />
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There were many many bikes gathered at the American Legion, even as I arrived around 8:30. The lower parking lot had not yet filled up, but it was starting to collect a few examples. I was wandering around with my coffee and had passed close to where the PCX was parked when I heard a familiar voice exclaim, "Isn't that Paul's scooter? It is, I know it is!" I looked over to see a couple of the kids from the class after mine at YTI.<br />
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I greeted my two young friends and their companion and we proceeded to chat for a while. It was decided that they were going for a ride out toward Harrisburg. While this was opposite the direction I needed to go to get to Church, I figured there was enough time to go partway with them then turn around, so this is what I did.<br />
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Watching their antics I was reminded of what it is to be young and slightly immature, though I am older and extremely immature. after about ten miles, we parted ways and I retraced my steps back through Ephrata and then off toward church in Terre Hill.<br />
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After church, I revisited the site of the Ride-in and the parking lot which just a few hours prior had been teeming with chrome and noise, was nearly empty. After recording a final bit of video, the trip home commenced.<br />
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So it is that I give you today's vlog, please enjoy:<br />
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UPDATE: apparently two of the young men I was riding with crashed a short while after we parted ways and were rushed to Hershey Medical Center. One of them suffered some broken bones but is otherwise ok, the other is unknown at this time.<br />
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Photo Credit : Garret EvansScootin' Foolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02107651394806435655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3613495730295686629.post-79685168600412964012016-08-01T10:22:00.001-07:002016-08-01T10:22:03.339-07:00The aftermathToday dawned bright and sunny and I was able to see the scooter in the light of the sun. I'm still a bit sore and probably will be for a few days, but the scoot, well, I'll let you see for yourself. Just off the cuff, I'm going to guess at least $500 worth of damage, and that's a low estimate.<br />
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The front fender and right wind deflector are toast.<br />
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Then there are the forks themselves. They are at about a five degree angle from each other. This isn't good at all and is causing issues with the front brakes. I see no reason why I can't fix it, but I need access to a shop. I've been told I can do repairs at the shop at YTI, but that's 30 miles away and I have no truck and trailer to get it there.<br />
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I've been busy on the job hunting front, and hope to soon have some fruit from my resume carpet bombing efforts. As soon as I have a job, I'll have access to a shop and can do the needed repairs. Of course, this means the Beverly really isn't able to be sold as is, not without selling it at a loss.<br />
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There's also the option of parting it out and selling it on E-bay. I'd rather not because I hate to see the machine relegated to the junk-heap of history, but I would easily get the money back that I've put into it that way.<br />
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The time for some deep thinking is at hand.Scootin' Foolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02107651394806435655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3613495730295686629.post-7298803884772432412016-07-31T20:41:00.002-07:002016-08-01T15:09:57.793-07:00Rain rain go away! Not a good day today.<br />
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It started off good enough. I went to church, played guitar, went to a baptism after church, then decided to take a back route home...that was my first mistake.<br />
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The last few days have seen heavy thunderstorms with torrential rains. You've probably guessed where this is going. I had a choice between traveling a more familiar road or taking a twisty back road with which I was unfamiliar. I took the latter, which was my second mistake.<br />
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As I crested a hill, I noticed that the road curved suddenly and sharply to the left, and there was a washout across the road from the previous night's storms. I used my brakes as I was able before the bend, but there was nothing I could do that would avoid some kind of crash. It was either go down on the gravel and probably break another bone (or bones) or head for the softer earth beside the road.<br />
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The softer earth cushioned my fall and I ended up with only a few small abrasions and some sore muscles, oh, my jeans and shirt got rather muddy too, which matters you know. I like that shirt.<br />
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The scooter...well, at this point I think I may be better off just parting it out. The forks are bent so badly that the handlebar is turned off to the left, and who knows if the steering stem is bent. It's really too bad, it was a very nice machine despite the few dents.<br />
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Well, tomorrow I will look it over some more, if I don't just stay in bed. I think I'm going to wish I had some oxy.<br />
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For pictures, see: <a href="http://scootinfool.blogspot.com/2016/08/the-aftermath.html">http://scootinfool.blogspot.com/2016/08/the-aftermath.html</a>Scootin' Foolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02107651394806435655noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3613495730295686629.post-8539991390290214782016-07-24T17:40:00.000-07:002016-07-24T17:40:00.268-07:00Hot day in Amish-land (with video)As I may have mentioned in previous blogs, I took this past week off from work to relax and do some scootering. This also gave me the opportunity to do some job hunting, and take some video. <div>
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Yesterday it was hot, blisteringly hot. Despite this, I took the PCX for a ride around the various Lancaster County tourist hotspots, and boy were they hot...</div>
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Anywho, it's amazing how well suited scooters are to buzzing around looking at stuff. I found this to be true in Gettysburg, Lancaster City, and now in Amish country. Having a machine that can take its time helps quite a bit. </div>
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So yesterday, I went through Bird-in-Hand, Intercourse, Paradise, Strasburg (with a stop at the railroad), past Sight and Sound theater, and up through the outlets. </div>
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I hope you enjoy the ride. </div>
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Scootin' Foolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02107651394806435655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3613495730295686629.post-63776060793306555112016-07-21T13:17:00.002-07:002016-07-21T13:17:51.665-07:00Lancaster City, Pennsylvania's delightful Red RoseIt's small as cities go, but it's still a city and we're all either proud of it or terrified to go there, depending on how much country mouse we have in us. For myself, I'm more of a rural type, but I find Lancaster to be a non-threatening city. Certainly, there are some neighborhoods with a high crime rate, but overall, Lancaster is charming. Lancaster is the "Red Rose City," harkening back to the war of the roses in England centuries ago. Of course then there is York, the White Rose City, on the other side of the Susquehanna River.<br />
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I had to be in town anyway since I was taking the opportunity to visit my son while he's on ice...so to speak. Since I had to be in the city anyway, it gave me an excuse to vlog a bit. Added bonus, you get to see parts of the city most tourists never see. In point of fact, there are many tourists who visit Lancaster County who never set foot in the city and I really can't figure out why.<br />
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Lancaster has lots of shops, many restaurants, and quite a number of cafes, not to mention the farmers' markets. There are several museums including a small art museum. Lancaster is also home to a number of colleges.<br />
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So, if you come to Lancaster county to enjoy some sight-seeing, don't forget the city.<br />
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And don't litter...or some weirdo on a scooter might yell at you.<br />
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<br />Scootin' Foolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02107651394806435655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3613495730295686629.post-18146772291273914402016-07-20T19:36:00.000-07:002016-07-20T19:36:24.279-07:00A celebratory trip...Yesterday, I finally finished all my classes at the YTI - Motorcycle Technology Center. To top it off, I had a 4.0 for the last two terms. As my readers will know, I'd planned to go down the Skyline Drive, but that wasn't to be, so I settled for vlogging about local places. So as a celebratory trip, I went to Gettysburg.<br />
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It was a lovely day for a ride. The sun was shining and the heat was not terribly oppressive. I was reminded of trips through the area with my dad. He was a big history buff, particularly American histroy.<br />
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Some of my fondest childhood memories involve traveling with my dad. One year we visited all of Abraham Lincoln's childhood homes. That was something indeed. My dad may not have been perfect, but he did spend time with his children and made sure that we were given many good experiences that we would take with us to adulthood.<br />
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In any event, here is the video from the Gettysburg trip:<br />
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Tomorrow, we'll bop around Lancaster City, Pennsylvania.Scootin' Foolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02107651394806435655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3613495730295686629.post-20896331695611631022016-07-17T15:36:00.000-07:002016-07-17T15:42:14.306-07:00It's not nearly as easy as you'd think.The whole moto-scooto-vlogging thing is not as easy as it looks. Yeah, ok, you're yackin' away and shooting video and it's all good, then you have to pick and choose what you want to include in the final product, then your video editor takes a crap, then you've got enough video but not too much. It's just a bit crazy.<br />
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I'm shooting for ten to fifteen minutes on the final product, but that's not always possible. I did get about 40 minutes down to 22 on the last one. Today's video was even better. There is so much from which to pick and choose that it makes the process take quite a while, but so far I've been happy with the outcome.<br />
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Despite the complications, it's been fun. I get to meet people, chat with folks, and the reactions I get on camera can be priceless. I've also managed to fine tune the camera setup a bit.<br />
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Hopefully along the way I convince a few people that scooters are awesome.<br />
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<br />Scootin' Foolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02107651394806435655noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3613495730295686629.post-68183345083500344322016-07-16T18:08:00.000-07:002016-07-16T18:08:03.716-07:00Scooter Vlogging on the cheapMoto-vlogging is a big deal and there is some money in it. I'm not certain if you get out of it nearly what you put in, but hey, I've got something different to offer, so why not give it a shot. I am now a Scooto-Vlogger!<br />
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As my readers will know, I've done a few videos here and there, but hadn't determined the best way to do moto-vlogging since I don't have a ton of disposable income. Last week, I tucked the earbuds and mic that came with my phone up into my helmet and that has worked passably well, except with no way to easily swivel the camera.<br />
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I had a gift card from Sears sitting in my wallet, and I had seen a possible option at K-mart, but it was a bit more than I had left on the gift card. Then I saw this online through the Sears website:<br />
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It's a "Zűuma" 1080p action camera, and you know what? It's not that bad. for a sub-$100 camera, I expected less than what I got, and I got more than I expected. Who knows how long it will last, but it seems to take good video. The adhesive is good 3M stuff.<br />
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The big problem was finding a place on my helmet to stick it, so it kinda sticks up off the top a bit further than I'd like, but it works very well and the image quality is good. The video below was made using both cameras. I think it came out pretty decent. There's even a Honda PCX and a very pretty Moto Guzzi in the video, and a bit of history on the Amish and Mennonites. I nearly forgot about the 1971 BSA! How could I forget that!<br />
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All in all, a great day for a ride.<br />
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<br />Scootin' Foolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02107651394806435655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3613495730295686629.post-69281021692880686802016-07-15T08:54:00.001-07:002016-07-15T08:54:54.860-07:00On the flyI've produced my second scooto-vlog. Since there is much time to be killed during commutes, it seemed a good idea to do a commute vlog. Yesterday was a good day for roadkill. Aside from the numerous squirrels and occasional groundhog that normally litter the road, there was a young buck, maybe a six pointer still in full velvet, and a goose, then more geese.<br />
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It's uncertain how long I can keep using the camera on my phone for this. The image quality is good in full sun, but it gets blurry in dim lighting.<br />
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I've settled on the Skyline Drive for my trip next week. Here's to hoping the funds hold out. Worst case scenario, I'll go down and come back up in one day. The plans are still in the works.<br />
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<br />Scootin' Foolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02107651394806435655noreply@blogger.com0