tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68822782231458489622024-02-19T08:47:49.988-08:00Another fine messHere it is, my little corner of the blogging universe. I have no idea what I will write here but if I had to guess I'm sure it would be about motorcycles, music or me. I hope that maybe you'll find something here that interests you. If not, read a different blog. Enjoy!Electragliderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06881365138369806679noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6882278223145848962.post-17823517242498275002013-05-31T07:33:00.000-07:002013-05-31T07:33:11.258-07:00It's May...isn't it?I thought that April Showers were supposed to come in April. It's been one wet bitch around here lately. I'm not going to complain too much though. Here in Minnesota someone could shut the faucet off and it won't rain for the rest of the summer so we better take what we can get now. For purely selfish reasons I hope it slows down a bit though. It's making my grass grow too fast and putting a serious damper on the wear and tear that my motorcycle should be receiving. Today seems to be pretty damn nice out though. I'm thinking that a ride down to the Okoboji area for some tacos may be on the agenda for the day. Just to get some saddle time if for no other reason.
Coming up the weekend of June 14th and 15th my motorcycle club is having it's annual party in Mt.Lake Minnesota. The Freedom Riders Pow Wow Daze Blowout will be kicking off on June 14th for it's 34th year. My band "Blue Water" will be playing on Saturday night along with other bands. There is beer, burgers, camping, live music and vendors. It's not the biggest party around but it's still a pretty good time. Especially in an area where your only options are the same old bar scene or the occasional evening around a fire in your back yard with some friends. If you're looking for something to do that weekend you may want to at least consider it.
Anyway, that's about all for now. Have a good time and enjoy the day.
LaterElectragliderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06881365138369806679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6882278223145848962.post-64376623281754439382013-04-17T06:51:00.000-07:002013-04-17T06:51:56.424-07:00It's Bullshit!So evidently in my neck of the woods we're supposed to get another winter storm over the next day or two. Now I'm a Minnesota boy born and raised. I grew up on a farm, I bale hay, I hunt, I ice fish and I'm not afraid of being out in the elements but what the fuck?! Maybe the past few winters have softened me up but Christ on a cracker this winter will not go away! It's like a bad case of some strange STD. Once you think it's gone it flares up and makes you piss fire for a week or so. I guess that I am being selfish because I want to ride my motorcycle and do some yard work. I know, we need the moisture for the farming, we need the moisture for the lakes and rivers for the fish and the fishing. However, I need the sunshine, warmth and motorcycle riding for my sanity! As I look out the window right now it is snowing, it's fucking April, knock it off!
There, I've said my piece and I feel better.
So the other day was the tragedy at the Boston Marathon. My wife is a marathon runner and what happened there scares the hell out of me. What is wrong with people? I can't begin to comprehend what would make someone want to do that to innocent people. Was it some extremist group? Was it some religious nut job? Maybe it was just some jackass who didn't get hugged enough as a child. Whoever it was or whatever the reasoning behind it something needs to be done about it. Something other than what has become the norm perhaps. I'm not saying dragging them through the streets or public executions or anything like that specifically. Just something other than putting them in a cell to rot for years while I pay taxes to keep the coward or cowards alive.
What is to discourage similar behavior?
Who knows the answers? It sure as hell isn't me I know that. Anyway, hug your loved ones today because who knows what will happen tomorrow.
And if you're the one praying for snow STOP!
Enjoy the day!
LaterElectragliderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06881365138369806679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6882278223145848962.post-39593045956997691222013-04-08T09:41:00.001-07:002013-04-08T09:41:25.664-07:00Holy Hell!!I guess that I have let this thing go a bit. If anyone has been wondering why I haven't written anything for a long fucking time it's not because I'm dead or anything. I was just lazy.
Then that lethargy turned into pure forgetfulness. Anyway, I'm still here in beautiful southwest Minnesota and surprisingly not much has changed in a year. It's pretty sad to say that you haven't missed anything except my nonsense ramblings.
My band Blue Water is still playing out locally. We're all doing fine and sound better than ever.
My buddy and I are planning another trip to Sturgis and I couldn't be more excited. Maybe this year I will try to remember to write about it when I get back.
Beyond that I promise I will try be better about remembering that I have a blog.
Anyway, Enjoy the day!Electragliderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06881365138369806679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6882278223145848962.post-61755221820858715782011-12-05T05:48:00.000-08:002011-12-05T06:02:30.031-08:00Well, it's here.Winter seems to have remembered where I live.<br />We finally got some snow over the weekend. I'm not opposed to snow. It's actually a nice change of pace from the drab dirty brown of the post fall beauty. It makes me appreciate the fact that I live in a state where we have so many different types of scenery and seasons. Well, we have the same amount of seasons as most of the world but it makes me appreciate them anyway.<br />Often times about 3 months into it I'll find myself wishing that I lived in Florida or Arizona or some other part of the world that doesn't experience the bittersweet chill of a Minnesota Winter. I think that's mainly because I miss riding my motorcycle or opening the windows on my house.<br />The snow I can deal with. It's the cold that really gets to me. I've lived in or around Minnesota all of my life so you'd think that I would be used to it by now. I can tell you with 100% certainty that I am not and never will be used to the cold. I will tolerate it because this is where I am from and I love it here. That does not mean that I have to like it though.<br />I guess that I will go and take the batteries out of the bikes this coming weekend and start planning out the winter modifications. That should give me something to do I suppose.<br />I hope that you all have a safe and warm Winter. Also here's to hoping that this winter isn't as long and as cold as the last few that we've had.<br />Enjoy the day!Electragliderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06881365138369806679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6882278223145848962.post-4700697670169559472011-11-16T04:24:00.000-08:002011-11-16T09:11:42.818-08:00What's new?So, how has everyone been? <br />I haven't written here since before Sturgis, so I'll start with that. Sturgis was a good time. The ride out and back was very uneventful which was not a bad thing at all. The weather was great and the traffic was tolerable. <br />I hadn't been to Sturgis since 2000 and now I remember why. I love to ride in the hills but damn do I hate the crowds. That just reaffirms my love for the smaller rallies. Don't get me wrong, I'll go again someday but it will probably a week or two before or after the rally. I think that's more my speed. Oh yeah, I bought a new GoPro camera to mount on my bike to take some cool video. I had a 4Gb SD card and like a 20Gb card. I filled the 20 with pictures and video and then proceeded to lose the damn thing somewhere between here and Sturgis. Oh well, fuck pictures I have a good memory.<br />Lets see, what else is going on. Oh, my band is coming along nicely. We've been playing out a bit which is nice. Here is a link to our YouTube site if anyone is interested. The name of the band is "Blue Water", I'm the singer. <br /><br />http://www.youtube.com/user/bluewaterfromboji<br /><br />Let me know what you think.<br /><br />I've been trying to catch up on things at my house to get ready for winter. I finally got my new garage door in and all of my winter preparation chores done. My wife and I have been helping out my mom a lot the past few months since she is alone now. She seems to be doing fine though. I've been keeping a watchful eye on her to make sure she doesn't get too down. She's a tough broad though, I'm sure she'll be fine. Let's wish her luck!<br />I had to finally put the bikes away for the winter...kind of. They are in the shed but the batteries are still in just in case. As soon as we get snow I'll take them out and start with my winter mods, money providing that is.<br />My homebrewing is going great. It's a hobby that I absolutely love. I just bought a kegging system, because bottling blows ass!<br />I got a used refrigerator that is now my designated beer fridge. Due to limited space at my house it is out at my dads. That's fine though, he needs a beer once in a while too. I have 2 kegs so I can have 2 on tap at any time. It's fucking great!<br />For Thanksgiving this year I have a batch of hard apple cider, 2 gallons of wine and about 5 gallons of beer, all of which is homemade. I hope that's enough!<br /><br />Anyway, that's a bit of an update for you all if you give a shit.<br />Enjoy the day!!Electragliderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06881365138369806679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6882278223145848962.post-2727529371730635942011-08-03T12:02:00.000-07:002011-08-03T12:11:18.753-07:00STURGIS!!!!!It just about here. On Friday after I get off of work I'll be heading to my buddies place in Lennox South Dakota for the night. On Saturday we will be getting up early to boogie out to them there hills. I want to pull into our campground no later than 2 in the afternoon. That way we can get a little shut eye and then head out somewhere for some supper and a few beers.<br />I think that most of our time will be spent riding and seeing things. I doubt we'll spend much time actually in Sturgis, maybe an afternoon. I'm sure I'll buy some shirts and trinkets for the wife and offspring, see some friends and look at bikes. I don't know what we'll do for sure but I do know that I am going to go and see Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band at the Full Throttle. Oh, I will also drink whiskey.<br />If any of you are going to the rally have a good time, be safe and don't forget to where a condom.<br />Enjoy the day!Electragliderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06881365138369806679noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6882278223145848962.post-49303407775344127952011-06-07T11:11:00.000-07:002011-06-07T11:22:30.979-07:00It's Official!Yesterday I made my reservations for Sturgis.I went to Sturgis for the first time in 2000 and I said that I would never go back. There are too many people, everything is way too expensive and I hate crowds. I've spent every year since then at the smaller rallies. I love those but I'd been starting to think that it was time for something different.<br />Well my buddy asked me a while back if I wanted to go with him. we'd been talking about taking a road trip together for quite some time. After much thought I decided that I would give Sturgis another chance and now I find myself very excited about it.<br />I'm not sure if I am more excited about the ride out there or the rally itself. I doubt that I will spend much time in town at all, maybe go check out a few vendors or look for people that I know. Most of our time I'm sure will be spent riding and checking out the sites. I love the Black Hills, I have since I was a kid and I'm very excited to get back out there.<br />We're going to be camping at Rushmore Shadows just south of Rapid City. It's nice and quiet. Don't get me wrong I love to party and have a good time, but dammit I love my sleep too. Like I said I hate crowds and I don't think that I could handle The Chip or Glencoe. I'd probably get into a fight and my wife would not be happy with me if I got arrested. I don't need the hassle. So if anyone wants to look me up, that's where I will be.<br />You all have a good day and keep the shiny side up!<br />LaterElectragliderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06881365138369806679noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6882278223145848962.post-74914463484529538512011-05-20T04:40:00.000-07:002011-05-20T04:56:38.173-07:00What a year...so far.So, my Stepfather committed suicide in front of my mother on the 29th of April. <br />How's that for an opening line?<br />I don't know what was going on in his head. I feel bad for him for whatever personal hell he was going through to make him do that and for him to think that was his only option. He and my mother had been married for 23 years. So needless to say I had known him for most of my life and I loved the guy. I guess that it's true that we never really know a person as well as we think that we do. No matter how long you have been involved with them.<br />Suicide really is a very selfish act. I never really put much thought into that until now. Now that I have been directly affected by suicide that statement has really come home to roost.<br />To actually do the act is one thing, but to do it in front of someone is really taking that selfishness to a whole new level. I feel so very bad for my mom. She is 61 years old and for the rest of her life she is going to have to live with that vision. I wish that I could do something to take that away so she never has to think about it again but I can't. All that I can do is be there for her when she needs me.<br />Oh well, onward and upward right?<br />I'm not going to go on and on about it but for some reason writing it all out is kind of therapeutic. I also wish that I could see him one more time so I could knock his ass out for what he did to my mom.<br />Anyway, goodbye Dan. I loved you and I will miss you forever.<br />Enjoy the day everyone...and don't forget to hug your family.<br />LaterElectragliderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06881365138369806679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6882278223145848962.post-40040823364546194212011-04-14T05:56:00.000-07:002011-04-14T06:22:22.491-07:00Holy Shit!Hello, once again it's been a while since I've written anything here. I usually wait until something inspires me to spend time typing. Mainly because I suck at typing so whatever it is had better be important or at least interesting to me. So what is it this time you may ask. It's this whole thing with Christianity and we need to get our country back to God and so on and so forth. Let me start by saying that I have no problems with what people believe or how they decide to spend their Sunday morning or anything like that. I believe in live and let live. <br />If going to church and believing in God helps you get through the day I think it's awesome. Everyone needs something to believe in. I just ask that you don't try to shove it down anyone else's throat and don't ring my doorbell and try to get me to believe in it or ask me to give you money to build another abomination that is as far away from the teachings of Christ as you can get.<br />From my understanding the United States was not founded as a Christian nation. It was founded as a place for religious freedom, thats why the people came here in the first place wasn't it?<br />The FOUNDING FATHERS were smart enough to know that religion and government do not mix. Thats why there is supposed to be a separation of church and state! Also "Under God" wasn't added to the Pledge of Allegiance until 1954. <br />I'm not saying that religion is a bad thing. I'm just saying that it's not my thing. I think that I've lived my life as a good person and I try to treat people as good or better than they treat me. I also think that any belief system that causes wars or that is responsible for ruining the lives of children by causing them physical harm and mental anguish is probably not such a healthy thing to believe in.<br />That's just me and my opinion. You can take it or leave it, I don't care. I hope that you all have a great day and continue doing what makes you happy.Electragliderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06881365138369806679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6882278223145848962.post-51841871491541535382011-02-15T09:47:00.000-08:002011-02-15T10:05:48.379-08:00It's timeSo yesterday was a sad day for me. I sold one of my favorite things in the world. My 1984 Chevy C10 Short Box pickup. It wasn't anything fancy. It had some rust and some cracks in the dash, among other things but it had character and that goes a long way with me.<br />You may ask yourself "Why would he part with something that he loved so much?" Well, the answer would be a 2003 Harley Davidson. There are some upgrades that I want to do to my bike but didn't have the scratch to get it done. I hate being in debt and didn't really like the idea of asking the bank for money. So as of 6:30 yesterday evening I now have the money to do said upgrades. The upgrades that I will be doing probably won't make my bike win any trophies for the fastest quarter mile time or a best in show award because the mural on my gas tank depicts a big titted stripper blowing John Wayne or some such shit. No, I am going for more of a reliability thing. I will be getting new exhaust, new intake, new gear driven 510 cams from S&S, a Screaming Eagle Race Tuner and whatever else I either forgot to mention or might be able to afford. I'm excited for the upgrades, and all of this warm weather around here is making me think more and more about riding but lets face it sometimes Mother Nature can be a real bitch and I'm sure she'll dash my dreams of riding any time soon. So in the meantime I will just have to settle for Sturgis videos on YouTube, my J&P catalog and a vivid imagination. Oh I can also remember the times that I had with my old truck.<br />Have a good one and enjoy the day.Electragliderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06881365138369806679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6882278223145848962.post-77002725474883672192011-01-20T09:16:00.000-08:002011-01-20T09:43:39.033-08:00VentingSo yesterday I got my new issue of American Bagger in the mail. I love this magazine and I look forward to receiving it each month, but something is starting to piss me off. <br />I've always been a fan of a certain amount of customization when it comes to motorcycles. I think it is a fine way to showcase a persons individuality through their motorcycle. I'm more of a fan of the old school bobber look, that's just what I'm into. However, I choose to ride a bagger now. I rode Shovelheads for years and to be honest I got tired of not being able to walk properly after long rides due to hip and lower back problems.<br />When the wide rear tire style customs started hitting the scene I liked them immediately. I had never seen anything like it before and it was pretty damn cool. Then all of a sudden you started seeing them on every show that was on the Discovery channel. Now to be honest I can't stand the sight of them. They just got done to death. <br />Now I am starting to see a trend in baggers that is pissing me off. It's the 19 and 21 in front tires. Those looked cool for a minute but now every fucking bagger in a magazine has one. I mean c'mon, I thought a bagger was supposed to be this big chunky comfort machine. Don't get me wrong though I still love all of the other custom features that people are doing, but that wheel pisses me off for some reason.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.americanbagger.com/ktmlpro/images/uploads/Features/dps.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 507px; height: 230px;" src="http://www.americanbagger.com/ktmlpro/images/uploads/Features/dps.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />If anyone reading this has one or is planning on doing it to their bike I apologize, it's just my opinion. You'll never see it done to my bike though. I love my fat front tire and refuse to make my bagger look like what everyone else is doing. Even if that means it will stay stock.<br />I just had to get that off of my chest.<br />Enjoy the day!Electragliderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06881365138369806679noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6882278223145848962.post-75913144359167608102011-01-07T10:38:00.001-08:002011-01-07T10:44:30.870-08:00A WhileIt's been quite a while since I've written anything here. I guess nothing has really happened, except winter. My Standard and my wifes Sporty are tucked away quietly in the corner of the garage waiting for spring modifications. The Donnie Smith Show is coming up in a few months and hopefully there will be some good deals there.<br />My wife has decided to run another marathon. This one will be in Deadwood on the Mickleson Trail. I don't know if I spelled that right but oh well. That should be a fun weekend.<br />My friend Zim and I have decided that we will be making the trek to Sturgis this year. I am looking forward to that very much.<br />On New Years my band played our first show at PJ's in Bingham Lake. It went very well, thanks for asking! We surprised ourselves at how well we played. Hopefully it continues.<br />Well that's it for now. Maybe I will remember that this thing exists and I can write more here!<br />Later!Electragliderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06881365138369806679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6882278223145848962.post-13259598058036088342010-08-18T06:22:00.000-07:002010-08-18T06:31:31.178-07:00New thingsI guess it's been a while since I've put anything on here. I keep forgetting to be perfectly honest. So here's what's new as of late.<br />My wife and I have been fixing up a house for her grandparents to move into. It's definitely been an experience but in a good way. <br />I've finally joined a band again. They're out of the Spirit Lake area. We have no name as of yet but the guys have all been playing for 20 plus years (in some cases much more)and are very talented. We're going to be leaning towards bluesy classic rock stuff like The Allman Brothers and Gov't Mule. I hope it works out. I'll try to keep you posted.<br />My stepson broke his arm pretty bad on Friday so we've been dealing with that. Doctors visits and surgeries...YAY!! He's doing really well though, he's a tough little guy. He had four pins put in yesterday and it sounds like things are going to heal just fine. We're just going to have to have to let his body do it's thing.<br />It's short and it's sweet but it'll do the trick (that's what she said)<br />Enjoy the day!Electragliderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06881365138369806679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6882278223145848962.post-50350833563726754492010-06-24T08:08:00.000-07:002010-06-24T08:22:24.943-07:00AnticipationSo as I mentioned at the end of my previous post Algona is fast approaching. If none of you have ever been to the ABATE of Iowa Freedom Rally in Algona I highly recommend it. When I was younger and before I met my wife I used to frequent as many rallies as I could fit in. Over the years with age and responsibility the number has fallen considerably. Algona is one that I will never let go of though. The rally grounds are nice and well cared for. The people (for the most part) are respectful. The nudity and lewd behavior is the perfect amount. It's there if you want it but if your not into that sort of thing you can find places to get away from it.<br />There tends to be enough people to make the rally interesting and have the big rally feel while keeping everyone spread out enough to not make you feel like your camping on top of one another. There was however a group camping near us last year that was doing some interesting things after a few cocktails and none of us cared that they were camping close. We didn't even have to go to the main stage area for entertainment!<br />That's about all I have for an endorsement at this time. So in closing if you're looking for something to do over the fourth of July weekend and you want to have some adult biker fun head to the Freedom Rally in Algona. I've never had a bad time there!<br />If you go drop me line and let me know if you're going and what you think of it. LATER!<br /><a href="http://www.abateiowafreedomrally.com/"></a>Electragliderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06881365138369806679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6882278223145848962.post-58817092198368068892010-06-22T09:37:00.000-07:002010-06-22T10:06:42.418-07:00RUN!!!!!!Last November my wife decided that she wanted to run a marathon. It was an item on her bucket list. Some friends of ours that happen to own the gym that we go to go to Duluth every year for the Grandmas Marathon. Janele runs it and Troy is there for support and whatever else she needs. Leesa asked me if I thought that it was something that she could/should do. I told her that it was so she started to train. She did amazing. She trained hard, dropped 20 pounds and got into great shape. It all came together last weekend when it was finally time for the run. The hotel that we stayed at was a stopping point for the shuttle that takes the runners up to Two Harbors for the beginning of the race which was nice because we could sleep in that much longer. We still had to be up at 4:45 a.m. so she could be on the bus at 5:30 a.m.<br />Troy and I brought our bicycles along and rode the course from Duluth up to mile 20 so we could meet our wives and give them their needed supplements and whatever else they desired. After Leesa stopped and I gave her her necessities I had to take off back to the hotel to drop off my bike in order to get to the finish line to see here cross. Which she did at approximately the 5hr and 30min mark. In the grand scheme of things some people may not think that that is a great time but I for one think it is fantastic. She did a phenomenal job. In my opinion anyone that can run for 26 miles gets my utmost respect and admiration.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUzWnLrJpw-9xRlEdxWKgBu96MCnPNpSYdQqk8Jd9qBRhNV9qT7knygfhCsLZTgg51NqwHoie_dlN8lbKRDToGMo1yZe7cZMVw-6SYfTXEK-wpsQh7SbC88ryIPIDMvBJWGb-ZSBOjD-Q/s1600/pic9.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 122px; height: 184px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUzWnLrJpw-9xRlEdxWKgBu96MCnPNpSYdQqk8Jd9qBRhNV9qT7knygfhCsLZTgg51NqwHoie_dlN8lbKRDToGMo1yZe7cZMVw-6SYfTXEK-wpsQh7SbC88ryIPIDMvBJWGb-ZSBOjD-Q/s200/pic9.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485645464054485650" /></a><br />Also, I generally tend to stay away from people and I despise crowds but I was very impressed with how organised things were there and how entertained I was by just watching people run. There are alot of things to and alot of things to see. I would be tempted to go even if my wife wasn't running in it. So next year if you're trying to think of something to do for Fathers Day weekend check out the Grandmas Marathon in Duluth. It's a pretty good time.<br />Oh, I almost forgot. Check out "The Duluth Grill" too. They have some amazing food that is actually good for you. I can't remember the address but it is right off of 35 and I think that it is by a Motel 6.<br />The Iowa ABATE Freedom Rally in Algona Iowa is coming up in a few weeks for all of you Midwestern bikers out there. If you've never been to it check that out too. I'll be there just like every year.<br />Enjoy the day!Electragliderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06881365138369806679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6882278223145848962.post-47136303615846435082010-06-08T09:14:00.000-07:002010-06-08T12:06:13.808-07:00Vegas and a Round OakOk, so it's been a while since I've been here but I've been busy. I'll start with our trip to Vegas. My wife and I went out to Vegas for Memorial weekend for a friends wedding. I've been to Vegas before and I love it. Nevermind the fact that I hate crowds and am not a fan of people. Something about that town makes me happy. I think that it's the big ornate buildings and the fact that I can walk down the sidewalk with a beer and don't get hassled by the fuzz. My friend Scott got married to his lovely fiancé Ammber. I suppose now she would be his wife but at the time she was still his fiancé. I did learn a valuable lesson though. Never go on memorial weekend when there is a UFC pay per view fight as well as a UFC Fan Expo in town. It was like the perfect storm. Too many people and too many drunken college idiots trying to be tough for all of the little girls walking around trying to catch a glimpse of the juiced up meat-head with the Ed Hardy shirt. There I got that out of my system. A good time was had though, and I will go back. Just not on a holiday weekend.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDNXDV-jVyvf4DntpPsJi97SCGZK-SNu6wwEy1bacGrRe08vEuyS9T9q6ygn8J1U2adeyc6Y-fe0Aa9YVNSd8T0fxYnTXkOk6wtw9aYPsbL5T0Z-lF6X9dwnICB7nUW88BV-z-m7hmx5U/s1600/0606001012.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDNXDV-jVyvf4DntpPsJi97SCGZK-SNu6wwEy1bacGrRe08vEuyS9T9q6ygn8J1U2adeyc6Y-fe0Aa9YVNSd8T0fxYnTXkOk6wtw9aYPsbL5T0Z-lF6X9dwnICB7nUW88BV-z-m7hmx5U/s200/0606001012.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480442598788744914" /></a><br />Now lets move on to our next adventure. Every now and then my wife works for an auction service and this past weekend was one of those times. She told me that there was a Hoosier hutch there that she might want to buy and she wanted me to come and look at it with her to know how I felt about it. Now, I love antiques and this cabinet was no exception. It was in great shape and I gave her my stamp of approval. Needless to say we ended up buying it and we both couldn't be happier. Not to mention how excited we both are to restore it.<br />Before I left the auction to go work on the farm she asked me if there was anything else that I might be interested in. I noticed an old cast iron pot belly stove. I said that I liked the stove but knew that they usually go for quite a price so I joked and said "If it goes for 10 dollars or less I would take it". Well to my surprise about 3 hours later I got a call and was told that I just bought a stove...for 5 dollars! I was ecstatic! Apparently since it was raining there were very few people at the auction so no one was there to bid on it. Either that or no one wanted to move it. So now I get to restore this stove as well. It's looking like between the hutch and the stove my wife and I have our free time in the summer spoken for now. I'll just have to take some motorcycle trips to wherever they have parts that I can buy for our purchases. Here are a few pics of the doors on my stove.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDA5JxQGMJ-HCtC2fhfgi_O5HJPxyt_fUXYeidgUC1hMyFurW91a6JhNdDPxEEbebuiDSQbz8pyoldrJ62p9CRoixVZVuwz8kweYa2AXtd4aS_AegEryvTiuTY3hYdM1H-MFisEaH3fa8/s1600/0606001012a.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDA5JxQGMJ-HCtC2fhfgi_O5HJPxyt_fUXYeidgUC1hMyFurW91a6JhNdDPxEEbebuiDSQbz8pyoldrJ62p9CRoixVZVuwz8kweYa2AXtd4aS_AegEryvTiuTY3hYdM1H-MFisEaH3fa8/s200/0606001012a.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480442593538304546" /></a> <br />Enjoy the day!Electragliderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06881365138369806679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6882278223145848962.post-6388847586886437622010-05-23T16:14:00.000-07:002010-05-23T16:49:47.322-07:00It may have been me.On Wednesday I came down with a bit of a cold. Actually that's an understatement, it was a fucker of a cold. My head was plugged up, my throat was raw as hell and I couldn't sleep at night. Unfortunately another side affect of this cold was a dramatic lack of smell, which brings me to the purpose of this post. <br />About Wednesday night my wife started talking about an odor that she was noticing in the basement, not much else was said about it until today. Due to my lack of smell I hadn't noticed a thing but she hadn't forgotten about it. So before she went to work today she told me that the smell in the basement just had to be the batch of homemade wine that I was making. I told her that it was doubtful since it's only 1 gallon and that 1 gallon wouldn't smell up the whole basement. So while she was at work I figured lack of smell be damned I was going to find the culprit so I didn't have to get rid of my wine. I proceeded to move everything away from the walls, throw some shit away, sweep up the dust and dirt and still I couldn't figure out what the hell she was smelling. I almost started to think that it was my wine! Then I found it. On top of our freezer was a grocery sack that I had never noticed before. As soon as I opened it I knew what she was smelling. I don't think that there is a cold in the world that can keep the smell of rotting chicken breasts out of a persons nose. I wonder if they would have smelled better if the skin and the bones were still with them. It's hard to say which one of us put them up there but my guess is that it was me. I sometimes do things that I forget that I've done. Thank goodness I have a very understanding and forgiving wife.<br />So that's how I spent a perfectly good day that could've been spent riding. Hey but at least I get to keep my wine!Electragliderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06881365138369806679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6882278223145848962.post-64118961084305650142010-05-17T06:35:00.000-07:002010-05-17T10:31:04.036-07:00Good intentions and a decent base<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7uXXr_6vhFV4ZBmaOyiIlsWs1Z0VLCrew_H0sWl8FR2PE9aYoLDV9nUrQxdV6r_gKPFYggGeLpCsAuAXrHcJ6VVoAHNAEOMlhuCt32MM2oO_oBFMsGD4q_9KnVXupEibzmyfV0WvJgCY/s1600/nordeast_cap.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 115px; height: 87px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7uXXr_6vhFV4ZBmaOyiIlsWs1Z0VLCrew_H0sWl8FR2PE9aYoLDV9nUrQxdV6r_gKPFYggGeLpCsAuAXrHcJ6VVoAHNAEOMlhuCt32MM2oO_oBFMsGD4q_9KnVXupEibzmyfV0WvJgCY/s200/nordeast_cap.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472235491967759058" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUmis9IZg24tpD-ALDaBX0kcUQGO2LRdr8qEbsODbRxhSM6Vdib1jNhGQJU2vhiNwACgXC80Gh4DkH8IFC4eK4Dd7oUlpw1otk7778b4L-_wO4mmxstq4H8bQbn1f3eN6-8ZwuGcpnNsc/s1600/label_deerbrand.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 194px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUmis9IZg24tpD-ALDaBX0kcUQGO2LRdr8qEbsODbRxhSM6Vdib1jNhGQJU2vhiNwACgXC80Gh4DkH8IFC4eK4Dd7oUlpw1otk7778b4L-_wO4mmxstq4H8bQbn1f3eN6-8ZwuGcpnNsc/s200/label_deerbrand.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472235351966681746" /></a><br />So all last week was spent religiously watching the forecast hoping that Sunday would be nice enough to go for a ride, well it was. All of my hard work was rewarded by a ride on the Minnesota Valley Scenic Byway. My friend Doug, my brother Darin and I left town at 11:30 and boogied up to New Ulm to catch the byway and ride it back west. Then we went through Sleepy Eye, Cobden and Springfield on our way back home. All in all it was around 150 miles round trip. Not huge but a good time nonetheless (that's what she said). We stopped off at the bar in Searles for a burger and some beers which was a very good decision. The food was great and the beer was better. Of course anyplace that has Schells and Grain Belt on tap is aces with me. Up in that neck of the woods it's probably harder to find a place that doesn't have it though.<br />Before leaving that morning I made it a point to tell myself that I was going to take at least one picture along the way to put on here, I forgot. Maybe I was having too much fun to think about it or I've killed too many brain cells. Either way the thought was there and the intentions were good.<br />Even though I didn't get any pictures I did get a good base for my summertime coon eyes, and that's where it all begins.<br />Enjoy the day!Electragliderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06881365138369806679noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6882278223145848962.post-64245140883015503382010-05-11T10:39:00.000-07:002010-05-11T10:53:20.288-07:00I'm sorry<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijrikvcgq2Y0UGgbmyOxF91eaqpyTMFOClCLAR90H3zZa88TekEWW7Xu-tkYoUiZLrEVy-G2QtuZ5dP145EWDhyGUx6hlmxz08BPgcFpubUrjNfyEKOHV0Zk-ZhQLxHLgvtMsG4jYJoM0/s1600/anteater.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 149px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijrikvcgq2Y0UGgbmyOxF91eaqpyTMFOClCLAR90H3zZa88TekEWW7Xu-tkYoUiZLrEVy-G2QtuZ5dP145EWDhyGUx6hlmxz08BPgcFpubUrjNfyEKOHV0Zk-ZhQLxHLgvtMsG4jYJoM0/s200/anteater.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470072032612346546" /></a><br />I'm going to have to apologize to every biker in the tristate area. I'm pretty sure that this shitty weather is my fault. I just had to go and get a different bike last August that I desperately want to ride. If anyone from another part of the country is looking at this just take a gander at the weather in Minnesota and South Dakota lately. Wet and cold sums it up pretty good. I think I saw that Lead South Dakota got like 6 or 7 inches of snow over the weekend. I know there was snow in Duluth, and I had to scrape frost off of my windows on Sunday morning. We are rolling somewhere in the neighborhood of 20 degrees below normal. I understand that the snow doesn't really stick around for very long this time of year but c'mon, it's May for fucks sake. I just want to ride, is that so wrong?!<br />Anywho, I'm done now. Sunday is looking like 70 degrees, and I will take it.<br /> LATER!Electragliderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06881365138369806679noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6882278223145848962.post-52312848670774654462010-05-05T04:25:00.001-07:002010-05-05T04:36:00.909-07:00That smells wonderful!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_4AzX4C9sXdynC3QJssd-CGdW2-ZeQA7qdE1p66_2egUcLw7wmnLxxjccdzjHHOMFPS0kfQO4mBhpVdv_LZ2rST0I3sfBn0Ytk8SWatckbtfeU9PMbnBynblhmEGmdGXLWkLXVjfu9-U/s1600/60%2520Pigs%2520are%2520Creepy.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 194px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_4AzX4C9sXdynC3QJssd-CGdW2-ZeQA7qdE1p66_2egUcLw7wmnLxxjccdzjHHOMFPS0kfQO4mBhpVdv_LZ2rST0I3sfBn0Ytk8SWatckbtfeU9PMbnBynblhmEGmdGXLWkLXVjfu9-U/s200/60%2520Pigs%2520are%2520Creepy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467748265982146562" /></a><br />So last night I had to help my friend load some hogs. Not the motorcycles but the animals. Now I grew up on a farm and have been around livestock of some sort my entire life, let me say that I just can't get used to the smell of pigs. It gets into your skin and stuck in your nose and that's all I can smell for 3 days after working with them. They actually loaded pretty easy and things went very smooth but for the love of Christ I can't get the smell out of my nose. Don't worry about me though I'll be fine. I'm just venting. Maybe I'll go for a ride tonight, that might help. Later!Electragliderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06881365138369806679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6882278223145848962.post-35868496236540188062010-04-30T04:19:00.001-07:002010-07-02T12:16:59.676-07:00OopsWell I don't know if anyone is reading this or not but I feel bad anyway. I haven't written in here in quite some time. I'll start by saying that I have been riding quite a bit considering that it is April in Minnesota. I think that I've put on somewhere in the neighborhood of 500 miles. Like I said, it might not be much for somewhere like Florida but for me in Minnesota it's not too shabby.<br />Not too much else going on that's blog worthy at this point. There will be plenty more as soon as the summer hits a bit harder. This is going to be a busy one so hopefully I can keep this updated in case anyone cares to read it. Have a great day, I'll talk to you soon.Electragliderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06881365138369806679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6882278223145848962.post-50657143659374241332010-03-31T18:11:00.000-07:002010-05-17T10:35:14.561-07:00And away we go!So today my beautiful wife and I got to go on our first decent ride of the year. We hopped on my scooter and took a ride over to Hadley to pick up her Sporty. I can't say enough good things about Mr. Kim Nelson of Circle N Cycle Works. He's a great guy and a fantastic wrench. I've been a customer of his for many years now and he's always willing to do whatever you need whenever you need it without bending you over like the HD dealers. Anywho, that's really all that I have for today. Have a great evening and an even better tomorrow.Electragliderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06881365138369806679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6882278223145848962.post-66356890175703138842010-03-30T10:17:00.000-07:002010-03-30T10:23:53.455-07:00Finally!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoQK18NfHvvNzi5bSFrzhSSBo4uvyWYRRb5_o_gR_BxfWV9_NfduaChibLtc95fmxfElvh7pxI4R2JS0LaBo27F5h6W9NQusCyN05fr-ZhlGO158THReP53idA8lTe8a-wnYakS6QZ8ic/s1600/downsized950328001109.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454478693255355154" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoQK18NfHvvNzi5bSFrzhSSBo4uvyWYRRb5_o_gR_BxfWV9_NfduaChibLtc95fmxfElvh7pxI4R2JS0LaBo27F5h6W9NQusCyN05fr-ZhlGO158THReP53idA8lTe8a-wnYakS6QZ8ic/s320/downsized950328001109.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Well it appears that winter is finally loosening its grip and allowing some warmth back into my little corner of the world.</div><br /><div>I made it to the Donnie Smith Swap Meet last weekend and aquired a new seat for my scoot. On Sunday I put the seat on, put new speakers in the fairing, put a new windshield on and changed my fluids. It was a good day. I even got to go for a little ride.</div><br /><div>Today they are talking about it hitting 70 something. I can assure you that I will be putting some miles on. Hopefully you will stop reading this and do the same. Have a good day. I'm going to try to attach a pitcure of my baby. If it doesn't work you'll have to use your imagination. Later!</div><br /><div></div>Electragliderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06881365138369806679noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6882278223145848962.post-35565805236502258902008-09-18T12:16:00.000-07:002008-09-18T12:33:05.578-07:00Bad dayMy friend Adam died today. I hadn't seen him in a few months but that makes no difference. There are few people in this world that made me laugh like that man did. He always had something witty to say. He was always able to point out when I was being stupid. He gave me the best advice I've ever gotten in regards to women. I'm not going to share it because he gave it to me, not you. There are friends that I have that are closer than Adam and I were, but not many. He was one of a kind. If I wouldn't see him in six months it was no big deal. We picked up right from where we left off. I loved him like a brother. He taught me of Robert Pollard and Guided By Voices, Bauhaus and everything else that was cooler than what anyone else was listening to. I wish that I would've stopped to see him, but I was too busy.<br />If anyone does take the time to read this please listen close. Make the time to see your friends and family. There are no second chances when they are gone.<br />My friend Adam died today, and I will miss him forever.<br />I love you Adam.Electragliderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06881365138369806679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6882278223145848962.post-82967544411995280742008-01-05T15:15:00.000-08:002008-01-05T15:26:26.994-08:00Well, what d'ya know.I just spent the majority of my Saturday removing the ice dams from my gutters. All of this because my neighbor has too many trees which in turn have too many leaves. From about mid September until the leaves have all fallen it is a constant battle between myself and my neighbors leaves. Not that I give much of a shit that they are on my lawn, because lets face it they really don't hurt much there. It's when they settle into my gutters that the problems start. What with all of the hole plugging and whatnot. Anywho, right before the snow hit this year I made it a point to check my gutters for any remnants of said leaves to avoid said hole plugging. Hence causing said ice dams. I had them all clean and ready for winter. Well, the fuckin' leaf fairy and her whore like cousins must've gotten together and decided they would play a cruel joke on me, because in removing these ice dams what did I find? FUCKING LEAVES! Oh well, I guess I didn't have anything better to do anyway.Electragliderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06881365138369806679noreply@blogger.com0