Sunday August 31st

What a great weather day in northern Illinois! I haven't taken a ride in several days. The riding season is getting shorter by the day-what to do? Well I rode to Lake Geneva Wisconsin. I started out by taking route 62 to Huntley and headed north on route 47. I must have passed a 150 motorcycles. They were, I guessed, coming from Milwaukee. Harley was hosting their 105Th celebration.

I continued my ride through picturesque Woodstock, Illinois, most famous for Bill Murray's Groundhog Day(movie). Wish I could have taken you with me! When you ride a motorcycle in the country, you can't help but notice nature. While passing farms, I saw hawks sitting on power lines, horses and cows grazing in fields and miles of endless corn. When I reached Wisconsin 120, I followed other riders into Lake Geneva. Needless to say, it was crowded.

I rode to the former location of the caboose motel. Years ago you could rent a caboose for a night or two including continental breakfast. Now it houses permanent residents.

After having a cup of coffee, I started my ride back. I took U.S. 12 through Richmond, Illinois. I suggest not speeding there. On route 12, I passed Fox Lake, Volo (home of the antique auto museum), Wauconda, Island Lake, Barrington and then home. It turned out to be a hundred mile trip.

With the increase in fuel prices, I ride my motorcycle whenever I need to make a trip that doesn't necessitate using a car. My motorcycle gets close to fifty miles to the gallon. My 2005 Camry http://www.toyota.com/gets about 28 mpg.
It only makes sense to use my Suzuki Boulevard http://www.suzukicycles.com/ whenever I can. For example, I received a Barnes and Noble Gift Card http://www.barnesandnoble.com/for Father's Day. Remember that Father's Day came two days after Tim Russert died. I decided to purchase his book Big Russ and Me, the story of his relationship with his father. The book store had to order it. It took two weeks and when I received an email that the book was in, I chose to use the Suzuki to travel to the book store. The store is in West Dundee Illinois, approximately ten miles one way from my house. The trip was easy and it was a delightful day with a high temperature of 70 degrees. After I picked the book up, I traveled north on route 31 into Algonquin Illinois. I proceeded east and refueled at a Phillips 66 gas station. After refueling I rode through Barrington, IL. and headed home.
Actually I have been using the motorcycle once a week to travel to Weight Watchers http://www.weightwatchers.com/plan/apr/index.aspx. Last week I tried something that I hadn't done before, I rode with shorts on. I don't recommend this, I was OK, but the possibility of catching a stone on your legs or burning a leg on an exhaust pipe always exists. You also look like a dork when you enter the meeting with shorts on and high top steel toed boots. The picture isn't pretty. I enjoy the shock value though. People see a bald headed sixty-one year old man enter with an armored jacket carrying gloves wearing shorts and high top steel toed boots, you can read their thoughts, who's this geek! Funny, they never forget to take my money. Well anyway motorcycling sure is fun!

On Monday Night throughout the summer in Hoffman Estates Illinois a car show takes place in the Barrington Square Shopping Center in the parking lot east of Buona Beef. Jim who is one of the merchants of Barrington Square started this show several years ago. His son Brian is usually in attendance with his Camaro. The crowd is orderly and many families attend. McDonalds, Buona Beef and Garibaldi's are located adjacent to the show. I've included a few pictures. Camaros. Corvettes, 32 Fords, Motorcycles, 55.56 and 57 Chevy's are always in attendance.

Pictures from the Hoffman Estates weekly car show-held on Monday's from June 1st to the end of September.

Will summer ever arrive in Northern Illinois? Car guys didn't seem to mind on Friday in Rolling Meadows. Many classic cars were in attendance. A beautiful 1961 Black Corvette stole the show. It was immaculate and flawless. See for yourself.

Motorcycle Pictures

Pictures from local motorcycle and car shows.

Smooth as Silk

Three days of rain have finally come to a halt! Looks like its time for a ride to the Illinois Railway Museum. My son agreed to ride along with his Suzuki Hayabusa. http://www.suzukicycles.com/Products/GSX1300RK8 I rode over to his house on a bright but chilly Sunday morning. Temperature was a breezy 50 degrees. I wore my fleece neck wrap as well as all safety gear. I traveled on Palatine Road to Quentin Rd, and took Lake Cook to Ela and rode north to Lake Zurich Illinois. All this because Route 68 to westbound 14 was closed.

When I arrived, Dan came out and we discussed our route. He then fired up the 'Busa. We began our ride by passing through picturesque lake Zurich along the scenic lake shore to route 12. We headed north to Wauconda (home of beautiful Bangs Lake). Bangs Lake was featured in the Blues Brothers Movie. Anyway, at the Wauconda exit, we headed west on route 176.
Route 176 is a great ride for motorcyclists. Nice smooth two lane semi-rural asphalt road. You pass through beautiful Burtons Bridge, historic Crystal Lake, and touch the outskirts of Woodstock Illinois (featured in Bill Murray's Ground Hog Day Movie).
Before long we arrived in Union Illinois, population 249 (home of the Illinois Railway Museum). http://www.irm.org/ After traversing a few rather rustic streets, we arrived at the museum. We took advantage of the free parking. We secured our helmets to our bikes using the built-in Suzuki locks.

We then approached the ticket booth-I paid Dan's admission, mine is included in my annual associate member's fee ($40 annual that includes unlimited admission and newsletter). With admission you receive unlimited rides on that day's operating equipment. We then started to roam through the museum barn by barn. Three pieces of equipment were running. One electric trolley, one electric interurban and an F7 diesel pulling three antique passenger cars. (See the above link for a description of all equipment) There are always more people on the grounds then you think. One to two trains are always out on the main line with guests aboard. The trolley travels in a loop on the immediate property. We took the trolley and received a very informative short history of the museum and available attractions. It is important to note that the museum is an all volunteer facility. Individuals are dedicated to the preservation of the historical railway pieces on site.
After an hour visit, we mounted up and took U.S. 20 east through Hampshire Illinois. We stopped at McDonalds for lunch. When finished we continued on 20 and picked up 72. We passed through Sleepy Hollow and entered West Dundee.
We noticed two gentlemen on Harley Electra Glides. One had a strobe tail light that appeared to have a three to four second flash as he initially pressed the brake, it then operated like any other stop light. Drivers behind him really knew he was there.
As the early afternoon warmed, we noticed many more motorcyclists on the road. Everyone was operating in a safe manner. It was a beautiful day for a ride! In northern Illinois one has to seize the day whenever the weather decides to cooperate. Our Suzuki's operated Smooth As Silk!

A Visit to a Harley Store

Yesterday it was 80 degrees, I wore shorts-it was sunny and beautiful. Well, weather in Chicagoland is ever changing. Guess what? Today it's 50. The Weather channel calls for high winds. No motorcycling today! I've got an idea, I'll take a car trip to City Limits Harley Davidson in Palatine. http://www.citylimitshd.com/
When I arrived I was surprised by the number of cars in the lot. As I neared the entrance, I spotted five used bikes for sale. Upon entering, I instantly had the impression that this facility, though badly in need of more space was in good order. I wandered through the clothing and accessory section and marveled at the varied items on display. Naturally you can find Harley shirts, jackets, gloves, boots, chaps, leather vests and hats, but did you ever think you would be able to buy a Harley ceiling fan? Harley insulated lunch containers, watches, jewelry, and garage floor mats were also available. In other words, everything imaginable with a Harley Logo could be found.
While walking around, I found the parts department. Several customers were being assisted with their orders by friendly, seemingly efficient countermen. All employees were neatly dressed and greeted customers in a friendly manner without being pushy. I asked if I could take pictures, they said "sure, and feel free to sit on the bikes if you want." Many 2008 models were on display. They were truly works of art. If I decide to buy a Harley, I would have no hesitation about making a purchase at City Limits Harley Davidson. I look forward to visiting the new larger building that they are erecting only a short distance down Rand Road.

A Sunday Ride

I can't believe how my head hurts today. I took two Tylenol, had several cups of coffee. My sinuses are killing me! Well anyway, it's a beautiful day. Forecast 70 with sunshine, I need to ride. Before I do, I have to clear my head, complete some household chores and then I'll be good to go.
Well after raking up last years leftover leaves, hauling several bags of used clothing to the car for the American Veterans and finally changing the wiper blades on my Camry, I was ready to ride. Clean my glasses and face shield on my helmet-check, put on my steel-toed boots-check, zip up my armored jacket-check, riding gloves-check. Let's get going!
"Good bye dear, I'm going for a short ride," "see you in a little while!" With that, I mounted up. The digital clock on the gauge pod read 12:00 noon. I started the engine, let it idle for a short while, kicked it into first gear and away I went.
I went around the block and through the subdivision for a short warm up. I then found Palatine road, took it to Quentin, went north to route 14 and headed west toward Barrington. I rode past my mothers old house and the Makray Golf Course. I thought I would stop at the Barrington Library and correct a problem with my library card, but it didn't open till 1:00. I kept going on 14 to Fox River Grove. I made a pit stop at the McDonald's. It's great fun to pull up and watch the people in the booths look out at the motorcycle guy (me) and see their reaction when I take off my helmet and reveal a bald sixty-one year old man!
After downing a small diet coke, I resumed my trek west. I passed Cary and arrived in Crystal Lake, passing the former location of one of the Midwest premier golf facilities-Twin Ponds Golf Course-now the god awful location of a Home Depot. At this site, I turned north on route 31 and traveled several miles to route 176. I passed many motorcycles, most of which gave me the wave. Many groups of assorted makes and models were on the road. I turned east and rode for what seemed seven miles. I'm happy to report that I didn't see any starving horses in Burton's Bridge. It seems like the Chicago News Channels annually find starving horses in Burton's Bridge, but none were evident today. Riding on, I soon found myself behind an an annoying man on a Harley Custom with those extended foot pegs. After each light he would go to the pegs. Those are for long distance rides. Thankfully, I was able to detour onto Roberts Road and after a leisurely tour of Island Lake, I arrived at route 59 and Lake Barrington. Heading south, I re-entered Barrington, went east on 14 and refueled at a Marathon. Almost home I had to swerve around a turtle crossing 14 at Ela Road. I then ascended the ramp to route 68, picked up Ela Road and traveled home. I was gone for an hour and a half. It was a terrific day to ride, I only wish you were there!

Rolling Meadows Car Show Pictures

Rolling Meadows Car Show

April 18th, 2008-The first car show of the season! Winter must officially be over if the Rolling Meadows Cruisers are hosting their first car show. Check out the photo section on their website. http://www.rmcarclub.com/

Threatening weather limited attendance, but the highlight was a 1939 Indian Motorcycle. I'm not mechanically inclined, but it looked like a parallel four cylinder. I can only imagine that it was one of the fastest machines of its time. It was beautiful in detail and the owner must have spent countless hours on restoration.

Also in attendance were many Mustangs and Corvettes. Do yourself a favor and check out this show. Held each Friday evening in the Meijer's parking lot in Rolling Meadows Illinois. Usually you'll find many motorcycles on hand for your viewing pleasure. Many restaurants are within walking distance, so its a good time for the family.

Routine Maintenance

Spring! time to get mechanically ready for the riding season. I called Schaumburg Honda Suzuki http://www.schaumburghondasuzuki.com/to get an appointment for an oil change on my C50. The gentleman who answered replied "When do you want to bring it in?" I replied, "Monday night for Tuesday service." He said "no problem," so I rode over early Monday evening and pulled up outside the service entrance. I entered the service department and was greeted courteously. I told the service writer that I had an appointment for Tuesday, gave him my identifying information, and dropped off my key. Because the weather forecast looked bad on Tuesday, I asked if I could pick it up on Wednesday. They said "we can't fight mother nature, we'll call you when it's done." Sure enough, Tuesday it poured all day. The weather gal on Fox said it would be sunny on Wednesday.
Well on Wednesday, while I was at work, Schaumburg Suzuki called and said the bike was done. I went over at 5:00 P.M. to pick it up. I reported to the service department and got the paperwork, I was told to go to the parts department to pay. The parts department was busy. I was greeted promptly and told I would soon be next. One of the computers crashed, so I had to wait until they re-booted it. In case you don't know, motorcycles traditionally cost more for oil service. This has to do with the fact that they usually inspect the bike and make minor adjustments.
When all was ready, I paid my bill and returned to the service department. I showed the guy behind the counter the receipt and asked for my key. He pointed to the driveway in front of the door and said they were warming it up for me. I said "thanks"and went out to find my bike ready to go. After zipping up my Joe Rocket Jacket and putting on my HJC Helmet and River Road Gloves, I was ready for the ride home. My experience with Schaumburg Honda Suzuki has been favorable so far. Just like a car, when you find a good service facility, you tend to go back again.

80 Mile Run

Saturday April 5th-the weather looks great. About 9:30, I pushed the bike out into the driveway in order to wash it. As I began, I saw a neighbor walking by, on a power walk. She and her husband live in the court behind my house, she has a Harley Heritage Softail Springer and he has a Road Glide. Whenever they rode by, it looked like fun!

So anyway on her second trip around the block, she stopped and asked me if it was cold on my ride. I replied "I didn't go yet" (it was about 50 degrees), and we then had a short conversation about Harley's and how long she had been riding and where she and her husband got their bikes. She ended our conversation by saying "See you on the Road!". I continued to clean and detail my bike. I have spoke wheels and the front was badly in need of polishing. After an hour of hand cleaning the spokes, I went to Walmart and purchased Mothers PowerBall Mini-"The Versatile Polishing Tool". This device connects to a drill and you put the chrome polish directly on it and do your polishing. It worked great and made the job easier. I saw custom car designer Chip Foose use it on a commercial. They have larger ones for paint. http://www.mothers.com/

Shortly after noon, I started my ride. I decided to ride to Union Illinois and the Illinois Railway Museum. I took Algonquin Road to Penny Road and went through South Barrington to Bartlett Rd. I turned onto Route 72 and rode west through picturesque East Dundee. I crossed the Fox River and ascended the hill to West Dundee one of the sites used in the Tom Hanks Movie the "Road to Perdition". I passed Spring Hill Mall and soon found myself in Sleepy Hollow. After five miles, I passed Pingree Grove and turned north on Route 47. I passed Goebberts Farm and crossed the Jane Adams Tollway (Formerly the Northwest Tollway). I passed through Huntley and rode north on 47. Many motorcycles travel 47 as it is a direct route to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. I journeyed to route 176 and went west and intended to stop at the All Seasons Farm. http://www.allseasonfarm.com/ This facility has hundreds of apple trees and is owned by one of my wife's friends who works in the hospital with her. As I went by it looked deserted, so I continued on to Union Illinois (home of the Illinois Railway Museum. http://www.irm.org/ I rode through Union (population about 240) toward the museum. This is an interesting place to visit. You can ride turn of the century trains both steam and electric. These pieces of equipment have been restored by volunteers. The cost of restoration is paid for through donations. I'm an associate member. The cost is $40 per year and you receive a newsletter, and unlimited admission. If you remember a particular train from your youth, they probably have it. Take a look at the link above. You might be interested in Day Out With Thomas for your nieces and nephews or grandchildren.

When I left Union I stopped at a McDonald's. While waiting to order, I noticed two guys dressed in Harley Riding Gear. They told me that they drove down from north of Madison to buy a used Harley. I believe it was a Dyna-Glide. The younger of the two was going to ride it back to Wisconsin. He was thrilled. He had ridden a Yamaha for years and wanted to try a Harley. You never saw a happier individual.

After this short stop at McDonald's, I started traveling east on route 20, picked up 72 and worked my way back through Dundee and headed home. It was a great day for an 80 mile run.

A True Story

It all started with a bet in 2006. Dave said, "I bet you that the Brewers will finish higher in the standings than the Cubs!" "I'll take that action" said Paul. "And if I lose, I'll drive you and five other people to the Brewers Game in Milwaukee in my motorhome (including lunch and drinks)." Dave won the bet so in spring of 2007 we gathered for our trip to Milwaukee.

Donna, Dave, Dan, Chris, my friend Bob and I waited excitedly at my home on a warm spring Saturday. Soon Paul rounded the corner. The coach was enormous, had a huge kitchen, bath, shower and master bedroom. Upon entering, I couldn't help notice the large screen TV over the middle of the windshield. Paul had satellite TV with a sports package. The lounge chairs looked comfy too. I believe that it was a Holiday Rambler Neptune. http://www.holidayrambler.com/

http://milwaukee.brewers.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=mil
Well, we all boarded. Donna gave Dave some cash toward the tickets. That was our only investment. We then started out for Milwaukee. The only stop was at exit 333 for PowerBall Tickets at the Quick Trip. An hour and a half later, we arrived in the parking lot of Miller Park. We were directed to the back lot and the parkers asked Paul the driver "Which side do your slide outs face"? Paul positioned the coach in the right direction so that he could use the electric controlled slide outs, and awning (he had to engage the automatic levelers first). After pressing a button, the living room/kitchen area doubled in size as well as the bedroom area-amazing! We then exited and Paul got busy setting up the propane gas grill that he custom connected to the coach. He also opened a luggage portal underneath and pulled out another large screen TV. This happened to be Kentucky Derby Day, so both TVs were on-inside and out. A small crowd of Brewers fans gathered to watch the race with us. We passed a football in the parking lot and toured the concession stands to see what was available, all this while Paul barbecued a terrific lunch. About an hour later we helped clean up and we started toward the entrance. The Brewers were playing the Twins. I stopped at the box office and traded my ticket gift certificates that Dave gave me for fathers day for future tickets.

We entered the game and took the escalator to the loge level and found our seats. We always sit just under the press box in front of Hall of Fame Broadcaster Bob Uecker-620 Radio. Miller Park is magnificent. You need to go out of your way if necessary to go there. It's beautiful, clean, affordable in every way. It has the best brats in the Midwest. People are so friendly and accommodating. While I was born a Cub fan, I converted to a Brewers Fan after one trip to Miller Park. I love it so much that Donna and I attend at least four games a year.

Anyway the Brewers got shelled by the Twins something like nine to two. Win or loose, its a great time. The sausage races are epic. Polish, brat, Italian, and hot dog race each game. Events for the fans are conducted at half innings.

After the game we returned to the motorhome, it was raining. While we waited to leave the lot, Paul had cake and desserts for everyone that he cooked earlier in the kitchen area. What a great way to wait out a traffic jam.

If I ever win the lottery, I'm buying a motorhome and paying a driver to tour the country. Try it at least once if you can.

More Pictures from Route 66 Raceway

Double Click on a picture for a better view!

http://www.route66raceway.com/ June 5th to 8th 2008-get your tickets now!

Torco Racing Fuels Route 66 NHRA Nationals

Last year my son and I went to Joliet to see the NHRA Drags at route 66 Raceway. I wanted to see the pro stock motorcycles-Matt Guidera, Angelle Samphey, Andrew Hines, Karen Stoffer, Eddie Krawiec and Matt Smith. We arrived early, about 9:30 A.M. The track facility was clean, concessions were reasonably priced, parking was good. Be prepared to do alot of walking. Very hot that day 85-90 degrees. Shade was available below the stands with a big screen so I didn't miss anything when I went for snacks.

We were able to walk to the south side of the track to see the various teams who were preparing their race cars for the day's events. Every race team was represented. We saw the following teams: Ron Capps, Ashley and John Force, Robert Hight, Tony Schumacher, Melanie Troxel, Antron Brown, Brandon Bernstein, everyone was represented. I was thrilled to get John Force's autograph.

Early in the day you can see the Jegs Allstar Races

http://www.nhra.com/2008/sportsman/div1_08_as.html

About 1:00 P.M. the NHRA session begins with the final eliminations in preparation for Sunday's Finals. It was great to see Ashley Force in her career debut in Funny Car. Her car burned up in dramatic fashion. She was unhurt.

I can't wait to go this year, I recommend this if you're a real car guy/racing fan.