The California 1000 lay dormant for a few years. 

That's my set up with the Pony Express style bags.
My buddy Rick's new XLS is to the left. Behind me,
you can see the headlight of my buddy Boyd's new Low Rider.

Then it was back! Sometimes in the early 1980's. 

Just a reminisce. Please indulge me in my rambling memories.

Rick and I went down to LA and found that the 1000 was cancelled at the last minute. So Rick and I decided to do our own 1,000 mile ride. 

Then the California 1000 was back. I signed up for it immediately.

 Two Swap Meets visited in one day.

They were held on September 21st. 2025.

An antique motorcycle swap meet was held at the Old Fisherman's club in Modesto, right on the banks of the San Joaquin river.

 "Amor de la Maquina"*.

It looks good now, but I will make it look even better!

Spanish for; "Love of the machine."

What does this mean?   

I had a custom license plate frame made that sports this sentiment.

Rebuilding the windshield wiper motor on my '46 Plymouth. Part One.

That was either a very old felt sound deadening pad
or a thick layer of dust. I'm still not sure which.

Even though my Plymouth doesn't have a heater or defroster, a working wiper would be of some benefit.

What is all this blather about the Sportster being a beginner's bike?

The junk that you read online about the Sportster
paints this picture of the rider.

What follows is a bit of a rant and a dissertation about Sportster performance. 

What to do when the moneys tight.

It's only a DuraFlame log
but it does the job.

Which it will certainly be after the Holidays.

Thoughts while relaxing next to a New Year's Day fire. There's no guilt today in taking it easy. 

My favorite Holiday will be here in just a few days!

image source: designWiz.com
It's almost here!

When I was young, I was like all kids, very excited about Christmas, and the presents that I hoped that I would receive. Even though my parents were pretty frugal and would never have spoiled us by giving us extravagant gifts, even if they were affluent. Which they were not. But we had everything we needed; a secure family life in our own little house, and they would always buy a live Christmas tree, which we would decorate with ornaments that they had purchased over the years. I always received a few gifts, sometimes even something that was a bit special. My memories of Christmas Past, are quite pleasant.