An outrage

I don't know the full details, if someone out there in cyberland does please let us all know, but apparently those in power of the IoM TT parade thing have decided in their infinite wisdom that Alex George, a racing legend, need not be invited to take part in this years festivities.

I read about this on Face Ache....sorry....Face Book....where there's been a load of comments in support of Alex and against this idiotic decision.

From what I gleen from the comments, seems that it's more of trying to rake in money and "appearances" by having riders with little or no interest in the TT taking part in the parade and ignoring name riders from the past and ignoring the fans...deplorable.

The attitude of the organizers of this reminds me of the demise of the British motorcycle industry...those in charge were from outside the industry with little to no knowledge of motorcycles and instead of listening to the experts and source of sales, the riders, they chose to listen to and take advice from so called experts who knew even less the a lump of wood.

This seems, from what I gather, to be the attitude of the organizers or powers that be, namely a Paul Phillips. He apparently thinks or feels that Alex doesn't fit in with the "plans" as such.

Sooooooo....if you think this is just totally wrong, and it is, let the TT organizers know it!

Oh...and if you're from said organizers, please don't be offended or feel you're being singled out....it's nothing personal...I'm an equal opportunity abuser, anyones fair game...so don't get your knickers in a twist and sic the barristers after me.

New Ulm Rally 2011

This weekend was the annual New Ulm Rally put on by the British Motorcycle Owners Asscoiation (BMOA) from Houston. This is a three day  Rally held in Firemans Park rain or shine, more or less, held the weekend after Mothers Day.

Anyways, went to the Rally in bustiful weather...the sun was out, it was warm with a nice breeze to keep everything comfortable. Got there, signed in and then went walkabout to see the sights and what was on offer from vendors.

In the past there has been a variety of motorcycles there to see from the Old Country, this year there seemd to be a good reperesentation of Norton Commandos. There weren't too many actual vendors this time around.

Met up with some guys that I had met last year and had a blether with them for a bit before maing the rounds again.

Here's a few pics from there Rally:

BSA M20, 7 Armor, North Africa

In need of a good home

Add caption

Wee Indian, Sold for $300

DKW

Norton 750 S being raffled

Rare find, Horex with sidecar



Seemed to me, could be wrong, that there wasn't a big turn out like seen in the past. But then again people could've been taking the time to enjoy themselves in other ways this weekend.

Even so, it was a good day out in beautiful weather....who could ask for more?

Who turned out the lights?

Yesterday while at the Doctors to get my blood pressure checked something happened.

When I got to the clinic just before 9AM it was gray and overcast but OK.

However, when I was finished and walking out the doors, it was jsut about pitch black and it was only 9:40AM...yes AM as in morning.

Here, see for yourself, don't pay any attention to the time stamp, the camera can't tell time to well:

The first three were taken in the clinic parking lot, the last was on the Interstate driving back to Chateau Bodger.

I know what your thinking, silly boy using a camera during nasty weather, but it was the only way to show the driving conditions.

time period

The storm came from the west where in some places it dumped, from what the news said, 8 inches of rain in a very short.

Which I guess in a way is good as the neck of the woods has been with rain in 3 months and there's been numerous large grasss fires of late. So I guess some good came from it. 

A frog strangler

What's that mean yer wondering....it means that it's pouring down so hard here that it's strangling frogs.

Had to go to see the Docs again as they're concerned Bodger may have high blood pressure...this came from a physical check up about a month back. During the check up my blood pressure was taken three, yes three, times.

So I had to go and have it taken on three days running to see if alls well. So this while out on vacation, went to the Docs and had it done the three times like asked. Today was the last day.

Got there just before 9am and checked in. The skies were overcast and grey but not to bad. A short while later, was being checked out and the results were that I have to go back in a couple of weeks to discuss it with the quack, sorry Doctor, about possible meds to take. Oh joy!

Went to leave the place and it looked like it was as dark as my exes heart....9:40am and it looked pitch black just about.

Here, see for yourself:

The first three were in the parking lot of the medical clinic, the last shot was on the Interstate while driving. I know, daft thing to do, take pictures while it's chucking it down, but only way to get the picture taken.

This is NOT a good time to be on two wheels. Just thought you'd like to see this as this place is as dry as a bone and there have been some grass fires about the place due to the dryness and lack of rain.

Some exploratory surgery

As Bodger is on two weeks vacation from the salt mines, it was decided to do some work on Vicky. Where better to start than the "new" seat that has arrived to determine what state it's in other than the obvious from the pics in the last posting.

Taking it nice and slow, the seat covering was unhooked and peeled back from underneath. Then after getting up off the floor from initial shock, some visual checks came up with basically surface rust and a couple of places where rust had eaten through the base, but nothing serious.

Have a butchers and see what I saw:

To be honest, I expected the foam cushion to be in a lot worse condition than it actually is. But as the damage is at the front and at the back of the seat, it has to be replaced due it looking outta sorts when the new seat cover is put on. And no, no matter how much duct/gaffer tape is applied, it won't be any good, it WILL be noticeable.

The once tidy shed is now looking a bit disheveled due to the applied use of the wee Dremel tool with it's wire brush thingy causing rust dust and particles to fly about the shed. The amount that came off the seat base I think could've repaired the holes in the Titanics hull at the time she struck the iceberg.

So it looks like another clean up of the shed is needed as well as getting a new seat cover, new seat foam and getting all put together AFTER mending up the holes and repainting the seat base.

But.....the New Ulm Rally is coming up this weekend, sooooooo....all that goes on the backburner while Bodger goes to that and goes walkabout taking in the bikes, the sights, the babes...sorry...meant the vendors....yeah....that's what I meant to say. Hopefully the batteries for the camera are charged so I get some good pictures for a forthcoming report.

So stay tuned for that 'un

Taking a seat

The latest item acquired is definitely looking a little ropey, but a new seat cover, some nice foam and it'll be looking as good as new.

As in all projects, the hunt continues for more parts; a good tank, engine parts, etc.

Love it!