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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Crusty on January 22, 2015, 09:06:07 AM

Title: Progress Report On My Journey Into Homelessness
Post by: Crusty on January 22, 2015, 09:06:07 AM
I went over to REI this past weekend to look at an Exped Synmat 9 sleeping pad, and they didn't have one. They had a bigger and thicker Synmat 10, but the freakin' thing was way too big when it was rolled up. However, there was an REI branded Thermarest pad that was 3 1/2 inches thick. I put it on the floor and laid on it; even though it was underinflated, my hips and shoulder weren't touching the floor, so I figured, "What the devil; it's fifty bucks less" and I bought it.
I looked at the stoves, but the stove area was pretty disarrayed, and I couldn't make heads or tails of it; so I put off stove purchases for now. They also didn't have the sleeping bag I'm interested in (a Marmot Rockaway 35 degree bag). With sleeping bags, I don't want to get one that's too warm, but I also don't like shivering through the night, so I think a 35 degree bag is a reasonable compromise. It's funny; I went to REI with the purpose of buying a fast drying towel and just looking at the other stuff; but instead, I didn't even look for a towel and bought a pad. Oh, well. I think I'm going to buy a Space Blanket or two, as well; they pack small and can be used for a number of things.
I've had my eye on an '06 Sportster that my friend Guido has in his shop, and yesterday, I went over to start the haggling process. It's only beginning, so we'll see how it goes, but I think I'll be looking at other Sportsters as well and that Buell S3-T is still calling me even though I decided to go with a Sportster. A Buell is a just a Sportster that doesn't vibrate, makes twice the power, corners like it's on rails and has really good brakes. It just looks different.
I've fired the first shot in selling my Norge by putting it in the Classifieds here; hopefully, it'll sell fairly quickly. It should, I'm asking 3 grand less than book value. Then I'll take the money and buy whichever bike I decide on. We'll see how it goes.
One of the things I really would like to do this summer is see a few Flat Track races. I called the IMDA (Promoters of the Springfield Mile) and requested the seat I prefer (front row on the Finish Line) for both the Memorial Day and Labor Day weekend races. I also called the promoter of the Indy Mile and DuQuoin Mile races, but they don't have tickets available yet.
So, things are moving along. Not as quickly or smoothly as I would like, but it's progress. All I have to do is just keep doing the next right thing, and eventually, it will all come together.
Title: Re: Progress Report On My Journey Into Homelessness
Post by: charlie b on January 22, 2015, 10:11:05 AM
Look through the camping gear threads.  Your sleeping bag is you most important purchase for comfort.  Air mattress next.  Then tent.

One thing I learned the hard way...sleeping bag ratings are not what they seem.  That 35 bag will keep you comfortable down to around 45 or 50 deg.  I bought a 40 deg bag thinking I'd never sleep in colder.  When it got below 50 I was freezing, even with a full base layer, two layers of socks, hat and gloves.  I now have a 20deg bag.  When it got down below 30 I had to wear the base layer and hat (hats are REALLY good for sleeping in the cold), but, I was comfortable, down right cozy.

And when you say, 'I won't be camping when it is below freezing', that's when you find youself camping with a unexpected cold front going through.  :)

This is also when it is nice to buy from REI.  You can try out their stuff and if it isn't right then take it back and get what you need.  My bag is a Northern Face, but, I got it at REI because of their return policy.
Title: Re: Progress Report On My Journey Into Homelessness
Post by: pyoungbl on January 22, 2015, 10:34:47 AM
REI also sells sleeping bag liners, basically a really light weight zippered bag to go inside your sleeping bag.  This gives you several options.  On a warm night you just use the liner, when it gets cold the liner becomes another layer of insulation.  Best of all, the liner is really small.  Waking up at 0200, shivering, is no fun.  That extra bit of warmth has saved the day for me a couple times.  Oh, and +1 on the hat idea.  I carry a fleece cap for sleeping.

Peter Y.
Title: Re: Progress Report On My Journey Into Homelessness
Post by: Kev m on January 22, 2015, 10:44:12 AM
HAVE FUN!

There is a LOT to like about an 06 Sportster. It's actually going to be pretty darn smooth... maybe smoother than a Buell. It's carbureted and easy to repair. Dealers and parts are ubiquitous. Hard to argue with that choice if you go that way!

Title: Re: Progress Report On My Journey Into Homelessness
Post by: Bill Havins on January 22, 2015, 11:11:54 AM
REI also sells sleeping bag liners, basically a really light weight zippered bag to go inside your sleeping bag.  This gives you several options.  On a warm night you just use the liner, when it gets cold the liner becomes another layer of insulation.  Best of all, the liner is really small.  Waking up at 0200, shivering, is no fun.  That extra bit of warmth has saved the day for me a couple times.  Oh, and +1 on the hat idea.  I carry a fleece cap for sleeping.

Peter Y.

Absolutely!  There is no such thing as a bag that is "too warm" if you have a liner with you.  If you get too warm at night unzip, throw back the top layer and, presto!

If you get too cold because your bag is only rated to 30°...  I remember snowshoeing in May in the Pecos Wilderness up near Truchas Peak...  All of my water froze solid and I had it inside my tent.  What a miserable experience that was!

Title: Re: Progress Report On My Journey Into Homelessness
Post by: Lannis on January 22, 2015, 11:59:09 AM
REI also sells sleeping bag liners, basically a really light weight zippered bag to go inside your sleeping bag.  This gives you several options.  On a warm night you just use the liner, when it gets cold the liner becomes another layer of insulation.  Best of all, the liner is really small.  Waking up at 0200, shivering, is no fun.  That extra bit of warmth has saved the day for me a couple times.  Oh, and +1 on the hat idea.  I carry a fleece cap for sleeping.

Peter Y.

I made a bedroll.   Outer layer is light, waterproofed canvas that can go on damp ground if need be.   Sewn to that (to form a pocket for the Exped air mattress) is a piece of heavy flannel, which is the surface I sleep on.   And when I roll it up, I roll up a heavy wool blanket and a USMC poncho liner inside it.

So the canvas is on the outside, the flannel is sewn to it, open at one end to form a pocket, the air mattress slides in there (and stays there when I roll it up).    The blanket and poncho liner go over top of me (I hate having my feet and legs bound up in a sleeping bag).   Packs easy across the bike when rolled and strapped up.

For me, perfect.   I don't camp in the winter anyhow, so it's a 2-1/2 season outfit for me ...

Lannis
Title: Re: Progress Report On My Journey Into Homelessness
Post by: Testarossa on January 22, 2015, 12:31:18 PM
Based on many decades of mountain travel, including a lot of snow-cave camping, I advise buying the best sleeping bag you can afford. On a warm night you can unzip completely and it becomes a blanket, and when it's cold -- well, no worries. For many years I used a North Face Ibex (purchased in 1971!) and now use a Montbell Spiral Hugger 0-degree bag. It stuffs down into a ridiculously small sack, about 8x14 inches. Kind of pricey but worth it.
Title: Re: Progress Report On My Journey Into Homelessness
Post by: dlapierre on January 22, 2015, 01:39:42 PM
'nuther little tip from someone who used to hunt bighorn sheep in November in the Rockies. Make a bag liner out of a flannel cotton sheet...put a zipper on it. I does a great job of keeping you warm and you don't feel the cold of the nylon bag. It also does a better job of wicking your body moisture.
Title: Re: Progress Report On My Journey Into Homelessness
Post by: omaho5 on January 22, 2015, 02:30:32 PM
I had a Buell Cyclone in 2001 or so. Very nice bike but a little crude. I put a Vance and Hines exhaust on it to waken it up.
The ST 3 could be one hell of a sport tour bike.
I would choose the ST3 over the Sporty.
Title: Re: Progress Report On My Journey Into Homelessness
Post by: Ronkom on January 22, 2015, 03:06:35 PM
Found out the hard way.....space blankets do NOT breath. If you sweat like I do at night & you put a space blanket on top of your sleeping bag, it will hold in the moisture & you'll wake up damp & freezing.
ronkom
Title: Re: Progress Report On My Journey Into Homelessness
Post by: mjptexas on January 22, 2015, 03:36:29 PM
HAVE FUN!

There is a LOT to like about an 06 Sportster. It's actually going to be pretty darn smooth... maybe smoother than a Buell. It's carbureted and easy to repair. Dealers and parts are ubiquitous. Hard to argue with that choice if you go that way!

 :+1
I believe this was the last year for carbs on the Sportster.  Rubber mounted engine really tames the vibration.
Title: Re: Progress Report On My Journey Into Homelessness
Post by: greer on January 22, 2015, 05:29:55 PM
Yes, '06 is the last year for carbs, and like Kevin said that's a nice smooth bike once off idle.  I rode my '06 out to Colorado this past summer and had nary a hiccup.  There's a world of info and nice, helpful folks over on xlforum.net, too.  On the subject of camping gear, I agree with the everybody else, you'll want a sleeping bag liner.  Makes the bag much more versatile and lets you wash the liner rather than the bag.

Sarah
Title: Re: Progress Report On My Journey Into Homelessness
Post by: Demar on January 22, 2015, 05:55:46 PM
Crusty, I wish you well on your travels. I have this bag.... http://www.cabelas.com/product/Camping/Sleeping-Bags%7C/pc/104795280/c/104770080/Cabelas-XPG-Escapist-20F-Sleeping-Bags/1577457.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Fsleeping-bags%2F_%2FN-1100675%2B4294388682%2B4294733647%2FNe-4294388682%3FWTz_l%3DSBC%253BMMcat104795280%26WTz_st%3DGuidedNav%26WTz_stype%3DGNU&WTz_l=SBC%3BMMcat104795280%3Bcat104770080#BVRRWidgetID

It's very good and packs down pretty small. It's pricey but I want to keep things as small as possible when packing so for me that means a down sleeping bag. The above advice to get a 20-degree bag is sage advice. I also don't like mummy bags as I turn a lot when sleeping and I feel trapped in a mummy bag.
Title: Re: Progress Report On My Journey Into Homelessness
Post by: charlie b on January 22, 2015, 05:55:52 PM
Ditto on the space blanket.  Someone told me one time that you can put the bottom of a sleeping bag inside a plastic garbage bag for some extra warmth.  Wrong.  Instead of cold and dry I was cold and clammy from all the moisture.

I also carry a sleeping bag liner.  They help....a little...when it is cold.  Maybe gives you an extra 5 deg.  A layer of fleece over your base layer is much better.  But, I like it for warmer conditions.  Like when the sleeping bag zipped up is too warm, but, unzipped causes a draft.  Throw the liner over.

I used to use a sewn up bed sheet as a liner.  Works well.  Later I got a commercial one (on sale for $15) cause it packs in about 1/4 the space of the sheet.

And when it comes time to consider a stove, think about whether you really want one or not.  I find that packing up and getting breakfast down the road or eating before setting up camp is better than cooking all the time.  Also don't have to worry about carrying all kinds of food and stuff with you.  
Title: Re: Progress Report On My Journey Into Homelessness
Post by: Demar on January 22, 2015, 06:00:35 PM

And when it comes time to consider a stove, think about whether you really want one or not.  I find that packing up and getting breakfast down the road or eating before setting up camp is better than cooking all the time.  Also don't have to worry about carrying all kinds of food and stuff with you.  


This is true, however, I like having the ability to have hot coffee or hot chocolate in the morning. That for me is worth carrying a stove. You can also heat water for tea or for oatmeal in the morning and that's very easy to make and clean up. Also, hot water for a package of soup at night is quick and easy.
Title: Re: Progress Report On My Journey Into Homelessness
Post by: Testarossa on January 22, 2015, 06:36:44 PM
Regarding the stove:  I have a Coleman backpacking stove (single burner) that will burn almost any liquid -- gasoline, kerosene, diesel. Has worked well for many years.
Title: Re: Progress Report On My Journey Into Homelessness
Post by: Lannis on January 22, 2015, 06:47:16 PM
This is true, however, I like having the ability to have hot coffee or hot chocolate in the morning. That for me is worth carrying a stove. You can also heat water for tea or for oatmeal in the morning and that's very easy to make and clean up. Also, hot water for a package of soup at night is quick and easy.

Me too.  And I fought with having to pre-heat Primus and similar stoves for YEARS and having to pack the sooty thing up .... Now I just use a simple folding "stove" that holds a trioxane tablet and will make coffee or tea and oatmeal in no time with very little trouble .....

Lannis
Title: Re: Progress Report On My Journey Into Homelessness
Post by: rodekyll on January 22, 2015, 06:52:50 PM
I have a coleman 'flower petal' burner that screws directly to a 1# fuel bottle.  It works and takes about the space of a quart of oil.
Title: Re: Progress Report On My Journey Into Homelessness
Post by: charlie b on January 22, 2015, 06:55:47 PM
I've used the Coleman stove (we used to call them 'tanker' stoves), the ones that use std propane bottles, the smaller propane stoves (current one is an MSR Pocket Rocket), sterno, and the tabs.  If you only want to use it for water every now and then the tablets make the most sense.
Title: Re: Progress Report On My Journey Into Homelessness
Post by: expat42451 on January 22, 2015, 07:47:54 PM
Crusty

The Marmot bags are good. I have one of the 45 F bags I have been using for the last 2 1/2 years in South America and it has been excellent. Had I to buy again I probably would buy the 35 F bag but the brand for me has been great-

Good luck with the buying.

expat
Huanchaco Peru
Title: Re: Progress Report On My Journey Into Homelessness
Post by: davedel44 on January 22, 2015, 08:14:40 PM
Double  :+1 on the hat.  I use turtle fur fleece hat.  Keeps my head and ears toasty.

I use Murcurial bag liner three ways to arrange it do search too hard to illustrate.  Will add at least 10 degrees to any bag and works well by itself on mild nights.  Also check out jet boil stoves great for guick coffee and oatmeal in AM.  Quickly heats soup or tea for a lunch break.  Nothing like hot soup when you've been riding in cold or rain.  Bigger meals with addition of a pot and frypan.  Good base layers are great especially a top with a hood.  Hood up hat on sleeping bag draped over your head and your good for the night.  Space blanket will reflect body heat if between you and your pad. 

Good luck.
Dave
Galveston



Dave
Galveston
Title: Re: Progress Report On My Journey Into Homelessness
Post by: Orange Guzzi on January 22, 2015, 08:42:41 PM
Not much of a camper, but the infield at the Indy Miles is as good a seat as you can get.  Good bike show also. 
Title: Re: Progress Report On My Journey Into Homelessness
Post by: fotoguzzi on January 22, 2015, 08:58:49 PM
consider some electric heat onboard too.. I have Airvantage liner that has electric heat and an air bladder you blow up to conform to your bod.. very cozy.. can make a long rainy day almost pleasant..
Aerostich also has those space towels that dry instantly plus all kind of packable stoves.. they are more motorcycle based than REI..
Title: Re: Progress Report On My Journey Into Homelessness
Post by: Aaron D. on January 23, 2015, 06:45:37 AM
Go light. Minimal stove if any. Decent 20 degree synthetic bag ( it will rain, down doesn't work if it's wet), wear dry clothes to bed if you're cold.

I say minimal stove because as noted above it really complicates things-unless you are REALLY trying to go cheap. Shopping for food at the supermarket, loading it on to a Sportster, heading to a wilderness camp sight-you'll look like you're an extra from Grapes of Wrath.

I was alot younger when I went all homeless for a while, more fun though eating at diners and meeting people, getting opportunities to work for my meals.
Title: Re: Progress Report On My Journey Into Homelessness
Post by: johnr on January 23, 2015, 07:06:27 AM
Crusty, I must have missed the bit where you decided the Norge was no good for the job.  I'm interested to know why. Was it in another post?
Title: Re: Progress Report On My Journey Into Homelessness
Post by: John Ulrich on January 23, 2015, 07:44:12 AM
I use a single sized air mattress I purchased for around $29.00.  It's probably 6" thick when inflated. Rolls up to the same size as a matress pad I have which is not comfortable at all.  Sure I need to bring the battery powered inflater that came with it but it's a small price to pay for true sleeping comfort.
Title: Re: Progress Report On My Journey Into Homelessness
Post by: yogidozer on January 23, 2015, 07:49:53 AM
This link might be helpful  http://www.backpacker.com/gear/
Title: Re: Progress Report On My Journey Into Homelessness
Post by: Aaron D. on January 23, 2015, 08:10:54 AM
Crusty, I must have missed the bit where you decided the Norge was no good for the job.  I'm interested to know why. Was it in another post?

Yes, it is a somewhat sad state of affairs when a 65,000 mile Norge is considered not up to the job but a Sportster is.

Though I think the Sportster choice is totally cool.
Title: Re: Progress Report On My Journey Into Homelessness
Post by: charlie b on January 23, 2015, 08:12:46 AM
I use a single sized air mattress I purchased for around $29.00.  It's probably 6" thick when inflated. Rolls up to the same size as a matress pad I have which is not comfortable at all.  Sure I need to bring the battery powered inflater that came with it but it's a small price to pay for true sleeping comfort.

I like air beds too, or very thick air mattresses.  My current mattress is an army surplus (4" thick).  Nicely insulated.  The nice thing about it is it allows me to sleep on my side which is important for me.  It (and the air beds) is also quiet.  I never thought about that aspect until I camped in a crowded campground with some backpackers.  Their mattresses were so noisy it was annoying (and no they were not in the same tent with each other :)  ).  
Title: Re: Progress Report On My Journey Into Homelessness
Post by: Kev m on January 23, 2015, 08:37:58 AM
Yes, it is a somewhat sad state of affairs when a 65,000 mile Norge is considered not up to the job but a Sportster is.

Though I think the Sportster choice is totally cool.

Not to hijack, but I THINK the only question with the Norge is potential dash issues that could strand him with a very small support network, while the Sportster is carbureted, rubbermounted, and ubiquitous lending extreme ease in both parts and general support.

Title: Re: Progress Report On My Journey Into Homelessness
Post by: Lannis on January 23, 2015, 08:48:23 AM
Not to hijack, but I THINK the only question with the Norge is potential dash issues that could strand him with a very small support network, while the Sportster is carbureted, rubbermounted, and ubiquitous lending extreme ease in both parts and general support.



On a trip like this, though, will "stranding" and "delays" be that much of an issue?    This isn't going to be an "If It's Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium" whirlwind tour trying to make it back home by the 15th or you lose your job.

This sounded more like a "Then Came Bronson" trip with a bedroll on the handlebars (hmmm, maybe THAT'S why a Sportster, eh?), where IFF something breaks, it might mean a day or two in a Super 8 or KOA while Curtis or Dave or someone on the list overnights a used, working dash to the stranded gypsy?

What difference does it make when you get home?    Me, I think I'd do this trip on my BSA A10 just for the fun of it ..... !

Lannis
Title: Re: Progress Report On My Journey Into Homelessness
Post by: Kev m on January 23, 2015, 09:26:53 AM
On a trip like this, though, will "stranding" and "delays" be that much of an issue?    This isn't going to be an "If It's Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium" whirlwind tour trying to make it back home by the 15th or you lose your job.

This sounded more like a "Then Came Bronson" trip with a bedroll on the handlebars (hmmm, maybe THAT'S why a Sportster, eh?), where IFF something breaks, it might mean a day or two in a Super 8 or KOA while Curtis or Dave or someone on the list overnights a used, working dash to the stranded gypsy?

What difference does it make when you get home?


Only Crusty can answer that, but would someone just happen to have that used working dash? If not the difference might be $900.00 dash, may or may not be in stock, might set him back for weeks.

Some might find that part of the potential adventure, some might not.

Title: Re: Progress Report On My Journey Into Homelessness
Post by: not-fishing on January 23, 2015, 09:56:47 AM
This sounded more like a "Then Came Bronson" trip with a bedroll on the handlebars (hmmm, maybe THAT'S why a Sportster, eh?), where IFF something breaks, it might mean a day or two in a Super 8 or KOA while Curtis or Dave or someone on the list overnights a used, working dash to the stranded gypsy?Lannis

He needs to get the knit cap and the Ray Ban Wayfarers.

(http://www.sitcomsonline.com/photopost/data/1960/20459tcbro3.jpg)

Knit caps come in handy keeping bald heads, like mine, warm and the Wayfarers stop eyestrain.
Title: Re: Progress Report On My Journey Into Homelessness
Post by: Lannis on January 23, 2015, 10:14:24 AM

Only Crusty can answer that, but would someone just happen to have that used working dash? If not the difference might be $900.00 dash, may or may not be in stock, might set him back for weeks.

Some might find that part of the potential adventure, some might not.



If we were really worried about that issue, none of us would ride Guzzis.   Typically, the people who send "Help, I'm stuck in Lodi with a bad afterburner igniter, can anyone help?" get back on the road pretty quick.   This trip is no different ....

Lannis
Title: Re: Progress Report On My Journey Into Homelessness
Post by: Kev m on January 23, 2015, 10:19:42 AM
If we were really worried about that issue, none of us would ride Guzzis.   

I think that's too much of a generalization.


Typically, the people who send "Help, I'm stuck in Lodi with a bad afterburner igniter, can anyone help?" get back on the road pretty quick.   This trip is no different ....

I think on Crusty can tell us what is or is not different about this trip, as it's all about what HE WANTS.

An acceptable risk (of delay or trouble) to one person isn't the same to the next.

Personally I don't like how the dash immobilizer is integrated into certain (all?) CARC Guzzis... and if that's a big part of his reasoning on the Norge, I totally get it.




Title: Re: Progress Report On My Journey Into Homelessness
Post by: Lannis on January 23, 2015, 10:41:22 AM

I think on Crusty can tell us what is or is not different about this trip, as it's all about what HE WANTS.


Crusty already knows what HE WANTS ... he doesn't need our help with knowing what HE WANTS.

I suspect he posted his thoughts here on WG because he wants to know what WE THINK about what he wants.   I don't need your help in knowing what I THINK about this trip.

I THINK he's going to have a great time on whatever he rides, that his Norge will probably sell pretty quick at the price he's asking, and that just about ANY running motorcycle would be a good mount for this effort ....  ;-T

Lannis   
Title: Re: Progress Report On My Journey Into Homelessness
Post by: Kev m on January 23, 2015, 11:06:48 AM
Crusty already knows what HE WANTS ... he doesn't need our help with knowing what HE WANTS.

Oy vey...

... Crusty already explained in another thread why he didn't want to take the Norge.

Your post specifically said:

"If we were really worried about that issue, none of us would ride Guzzis."

Obviously that's too general, and that's what I said, that basically I thought you assumed the Crusty or myself or any of us couldn't feel the way that (I believe he and I do) or "we" wouldn't ride Guzzis, and well, that's not accurate.

Maybe that's how YOU feel.

Maybe that's how SOME others here feel.

But not ALL of us.

I suspect he posted his thoughts here on WG because he wants to know what WE THINK about what he wants.   I don't need your help in knowing what I THINK about this trip.

 ::)  ::)  ::)

Perhaps that's what he is looking for. Although I'd suggest that this thread wasn't about us questioning his choice of bike. I get the impression he's just updating us on where his thought process has gone since the original thread on bike choice.

More importantly I'm not offering you any help, nor suggesting what you should or shouldn't think.

You seemed to suggest CRUSTY SHOULD THINK THAT "this trip is no different" from your example and, that therefore he should not feel the way HE does regarding the choice of bike.

I was pointing out reasonable possibilities why he (and I) might disagree with you.


Title: Re: Progress Report On My Journey Into Homelessness
Post by: Aaron D. on January 23, 2015, 12:13:52 PM
Everybody loves an argument, eh?
Title: Re: Progress Report On My Journey Into Homelessness
Post by: Lannis on January 23, 2015, 12:25:29 PM
Everybody loves an argument, eh?

Well, this was more like a "discussion".

In a "discussion", we're trying to learn something by taking opposing positions and defending or explaining them.

In an "argument", you're just trying to prove that the other guy is wrong.   That's not this!   :D

Lannis

 

Title: Re: Progress Report On My Journey Into Homelessness
Post by: Demar on January 23, 2015, 02:39:33 PM
He needs to get the knit cap and the Ray Ban Wayfarers.

And Bonnie Bedelia
Title: Re: Progress Report On My Journey Into Homelessness
Post by: Crusty on January 23, 2015, 02:43:19 PM
Good grief; go away for a few hours and look at the all the turmoil! Yes, I have a number of reasons for choosing a Harley over my Norge; and no, your opinion on my choice is not what I was looking for.  :P
I thought I explained why I chose a Sportster, but here's a little more detail.

In 1979, I was living on the road and putting on quite a few miles with my friends who were based out of Louisville, KY. They all rode Harleys, and I noticed that their bikes didn't break any more than my Guzzi did; which is to say not very often. On one trip, my friend David's Superglide burned up a valve, so we parked the bike in George's back yard and pulled the head and took it over to a retired Harley mechanic's house, one evening. The next afternoon, we picked up the head, It had new valves and guides and the mechanic also gave us a new head gasket. We went back to George's house and put the head back on the bike and it was up and running in less than 24 hours from when we started the job.
Three weeks later, David and I were in Minnesota when my U-joint broke up. We were passing through Minneapolis at the time, and were fortunate to have the 850 start messing up just before a Rest Area. I knew what the problem was, and while I started the process of pulling the Swingarm, David went into the building to call a dealer. I had the Swingarm off pretty quickly, and had the broken chunks of U-joint in my hand when David came out and said, "Don't take it apart! Nobody's got one." To make a long story short, the one and only Guzzi dealer in Minnesota came out with a trailer and picked up my bike and took it to his shop for a month while I rode a Greyhound bus back to Louisville so I could get back to work on time. When I picked the bike up, I had to re-do the job out in the parking lot because the kid who worked on my bike didn't know Guzzis and I had to straighten a few things out.

My oldest friend, Bill unexpectedly died last May. Bill was a bit of a Luddite. He felt that all motorcycle evolution reached it's nadir with the Iron Motor Sportster. (Bill also felt that all Jeep evolution peaked with the 1944 Willys MB; he was kind of eccentric) Bill was living in LA, and we had been talking about doing a cross country ride together on Iron Sportsters. He had two; his 1985 Desert Rat and a 1978 XLH that was in a shop in Malden, MA being gone through. He4 would ride out here on the Rat, then he and I would ride out to LA on the two bikes. This summer, I plan to ride to some of the places Bill and I had talked about seeing on our trip.

Quite frankly, I have lost faith in my Norge. Mechanically, it's as solid as an anvil, but I don't trust the electrics. I have a real fear that I'll be someplace like Pahrump, Nevada and have the dash decide that my key is no longer acceptable, and that the local Guzzi dealer will have some part time kid as a mechanic who has little or no experience with Norges.  I'll get stuck with a repair tab that will exceed my monthly income. It's hard to shake off the ghosts of the past.

I've owned four Sportsters over the years and four Buells (seven if you count my ex's two and her daughter's Blast), and am familiar with them.   I've pretty much decided on a Sportster, and if Guido and I can reach an agreement, I'll be on an '06 1200 R (That's the one with dual front discs). Then again, Someone has offered me a smokin' deal on a Buell S3-T and that's pulling at me pretty strongly, too. I'll make my decision when the Norge sells.

I hope this explains why I've made my choice. I'm going to be living on a fixed and pretty meager income. I want cheap and easy repairs and a plentiful parts supply.

Oh; I'd gladly take Bonnie Bedelia for a ride.  ;)
Title: Re: Progress Report On My Journey Into Homelessness
Post by: Chuck in Indiana on January 23, 2015, 05:40:12 PM
For cold sleeping, I have a fleece Guzzi neckwarmer/cap depending on what you want to do with it with a drawstring. Works great. KevaandLannis.. I agree with both of you.  ;D
That said, I have a good 40 degree bag that I've used to barely below freezing. I would call that the minimum temp bag, as long as you include another "liner" bag. Both of those will pack quite small. As mentioned above, "I" avoid down. If it gets wet, you're screwed. YMMV, of course.
Title: Re: Progress Report On My Journey Into Homelessness
Post by: cwiseman on January 23, 2015, 05:55:08 PM
I'm centrally located between Indy, Springfield, and DuQuoin so if your in the area and need a place to crash or workshop let me know!
And I plan on attending a few flat track races too, my favorite is Lima OH! Those short tracks are a blast to watch!
Title: Re: Progress Report On My Journey Into Homelessness
Post by: charlie b on January 24, 2015, 09:49:37 AM
For some of this stuff, like stoves, chairs, shade tarps, etc, don't purchase one right away.  Wait and see how you travel and what you need.  If you do need coffee first thing, then get some heat tabs first.  If they work then stay with them.  If you find you want more then get a stove that fits your needs.  Same with the other stuff.  I rarely set up my chair for an overnight stop.  There are usually tables at the camp grounds.  Just all depends on where you pitch the tent.

PS cook pots.  I don't have one.  I just keep the tin cans from soup/beans/stew/etc.  Not elegant but they work good.



Title: Re: Progress Report On My Journey Into Homelessness
Post by: Crusty on January 24, 2015, 09:54:52 AM
For some of this stuff, like stoves, chairs, shade tarps, etc, don't purchase one right away.  Wait and see how you travel and what you need.  If you do need coffee first thing, then get some heat tabs first.  If they work then stay with them.  If you find you want more then get a stove that fits your needs.  Same with the other stuff.  I rarely set up my chair for an overnight stop.  There are usually tables at the camp grounds.  Just all depends on where you pitch the tent.




That really makes sense. KISS applies here.
Title: Re: Progress Report On My Journey Into Homelessness
Post by: Lannis on January 24, 2015, 10:00:25 AM
That really makes sense. KISS applies here.

This little stove made from a beer can actually works, by the way, speaking of KISS.    Next step up from trioxane ....

http://vimeo.com/64726512

Lannis
Title: Re: Progress Report On My Journey Into Homelessness
Post by: Crusty on January 24, 2015, 10:21:49 AM
I like that stove. Here's a variation of the stove that somebody posted over at Badweb

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Okm_irIXFw
Title: Re: Progress Report On My Journey Into Homelessness
Post by: Testarossa on January 24, 2015, 01:43:44 PM
Quote
There are usually tables at the camp grounds.

This reminds me that I once did a camping trip without a tent -- just carried a couple of light tarps. One went under the campground picnic table and the other went over it. Sort of a pain to roll in and out of the shelter (under the bench) but I was 18 and spry then.
Title: Re: Progress Report On My Journey Into Homelessness
Post by: Crusty on January 24, 2015, 09:52:38 PM
I just made one of those penny stoves. They're as easy to make as the video makes it look. Tomorrow, I'll get some denatured alcohol, then I'll try it out on Monday after the silicone has had a chance to dry.
Maybe tomorrow, I'll make one of the other stoves and then I can do a comparison.
Title: Re: Progress Report On My Journey Into Homelessness
Post by: Sasquatch Jim on January 25, 2015, 04:22:11 AM
  Why buy a sleeping bag?  Just slice open your taun taun and crawl inside.
  Of course you may find it difficult to get near a girl later on until you have had a really good bath.
Title: Re: Progress Report On My Journey Into Homelessness
Post by: johnr on January 25, 2015, 03:28:05 PM
Plain old methylated spirit should work in those home made stoves.
Title: Re: Progress Report On My Journey Into Homelessness
Post by: charlie b on January 25, 2015, 04:27:01 PM
Those little ones are cute.

Or, just get a largish can, cut some holes in it and load with twigs  :)  Can be more involved if you want separated combustion chamber and such.  Or, just build a campfire :)  Bonus is it will keep you warm and you'll smell like smoke all night :)

But, out in these parts there are frequently bans on any wood burning and sometimes bans on any exposed flames.  A couple years ago they even banned all outdoor smoking in the area due to the extremely dry conditions.
Title: Re: Progress Report On My Journey Into Homelessness
Post by: Chuck in Indiana on January 25, 2015, 06:16:28 PM
These little alcohol stoves are cute all right, and you *can* build a fire, etc.... but when I get up in the morning, I want coffee, and I want it now.  ;D It's hard to beat a dedicated one burner deal that you just turn on, put your pot of water on, and the water's ready for your lexan French press before you get fresh shorts on.. <shrug>
Title: Re:
Post by: Semper-guzzi on January 25, 2015, 08:37:53 PM
A lexan french press? I've only ever seen glass or stainless. There are some nice double walled stainless ones out there.
Title: Re: Progress Report On My Journey Into Homelessness
Post by: charlie b on January 26, 2015, 07:45:38 AM
Yep, I had one for camping too.  Worked OK but I am not a coffee snob so it was overkill for me.
Title: Re:
Post by: Chuck in Indiana on January 26, 2015, 07:51:05 AM
A lexan french press? I've only ever seen glass or stainless. There are some nice double walled stainless ones out there.

Camping supply houses. I have a small one for solo trips.
Title: Re: Progress Report On My Journey Into Homelessness
Post by: charlie b on January 26, 2015, 09:07:02 AM
Sportsmans Warehouse is where I got mine