Aug 14, 71-Aug 14 2016 45 years with Guzzi

[Texas Turnip]

WOW! What a ride.

I was in Atlanta,GA talking to some fellow truckers when the subject switched to motorcycle and Moto Guzzi. HUH? A week later I'm at the Suzuki dealer when George Miller pulled in on his '71 Ambo. I'm smitten. Ride over to Storms in Grand Prairie, Tex and he has 14 black Ambo's on the showroom floor. I only had the Titan for two weeks, but knew it had to go. Put some Wixom bags on, a Wixom fairing and a Triple A luggage rack and I'm off. What a ride compared to the Titan.

Very few riders were putting on 1ooK on a bike in the 70's. I was getting close to it and decided to buy a keg of beer for party. George Miller got drinking the free beer and said if I put on 200K he'd buy a keg. I like a challenge. So I'm getting close to the 200K mark and I keep reminding George I want good beer, NO Texas Pride or other recycled beer. What a party and George was afraid to drink because his lips might get lose and it would cost him money.

I could not begin to tell you what a trip this has been. Way to many fine riders to list and all the rallies. A rider asked me a number of years ago if I get tired of going to rallies. No, two nights camping, food and most always a map for a ride and just seeing old friends.

I don't have an answer to this question that a number of wives have asked me, " why can you remember when you purchased your first Guzzi, but you can't remember my birthday? Err, damn, I'm speechless.

I'll see if I can .find a picture of my first bike when I was 16, a 195l Harley.

I ran into an ole class mate a number of years ago and she commented that I still hadn't out grown motorcycles. I thought I'd stop riding when I got "old" about 30. Then it turned into old at 40, 50, 70. What is old? I hope I don't find out.

Thanks friends,
Tex

[Chuck in Indiana]

Err, damn, I'm speechless.

 Now, that's unusual.  Keep it up, Tex.. you ain't old 'till you think you are.

[Jim Rich]

Great story T.T.  I especially admire the part about high mileage riding in the 70's, I remember rebuilding the top end on my 78 Bonneville after 25K. Here's to many more years of good riding for you.    

P.S. - Write the birthday down and put it under the tool kit on your bike or someplace you might not forget...

[Aaron D.]

That is very cool! Congratulations.

[guzzisteve]

 What a ride indeed !! Congrats!!! Next month it will be 40yrs for me in Guzzi ownership. Been a purist mostly, no other brand cept a Duc 350 Desmo added in for 5yrs. Only bike mag I get is the Guzzi News, been like that since mid 80's.
It all started w/I saw an Eldo engine.
Here's to many more rides Ken

[oldbike54]

                                                   Attaboy Ken !

 Dusty

[John A]

I met you in '82 I think and was always impressed by your riding skills. you got a new Cal 2 after I got mine and you had a hundred thousand on it before I put fifty thousand on mine. Keep it up, you are an inspiration!                                                                                                               

[Guzzistajohn]

Good story Ken!

[twowings]

Bravo rapa del Texas! 

[John Ulrich]

Congrats on the continuing ride.  You're catching up to George Dalin who's only 91 or 92!

[ohiorider]

Tex, a very good read that expresses quite well some of the thoughts many of us have, especially those who have been around motorcycles off and on (mostly on) for the past 50 years.  Thanks for taking time to put your memories to paper.

Bob

[Arizona Wayne]

Never ridden a T500 Suzuki, Ken.   Always wondered what it's like.

Rode Yamaha 2 smokes for 20 years, then got a used 650 Std. Yamaha twin. Future wife(Judy) bought me a used `81 CX100. Decided she wasn't riding on the back of that 650 again!   I was going thru a divorce so she paid the down payment and I made the monthly payments.  That was  `84?  Still have the CX, but unlike you, Ken, it's not the only brand I've ever ridden.  And then there's my Italian maxi-scooters Piaggio/Aprilia) I'm fond of. Had them over 8 years now.   

[SmithSwede]

Texas Turnip--that is fantastic.   Please do find that picture of 16 year old you and the Harley. 

[LaMojo]

I bought my new 1998 EV in the fall of that year but didn't have the pleasure of meeting you until the 2001 MGNA open house.  When I asked around if you were there, they said look for a big guy with a flower print shirt. I thought I had a photo of you but couldn't find one.  Found one of Gene that I bought my bike from though.  I have always enjoyed seeing and visiting with you at the rallies.  Hope to see you this fall.
Jack

Remember this bike from the Open House?   

[Arizona Wayne]

I bought my new 1998 EV in the fall of that year but didn't have the pleasure of meeting you until the 2001 MGNA open house.  When I asked around if you were there, they said look for a big guy with a flower print shirt. I thought I had a photo of you but couldn't find one.  Found one of Gene that I bought my bike from though.  I have always enjoyed seeing and visiting with you at the rallies.  Hope to see you this fall.
Jack

Remember this bike from the Open House?   







I met T. Turnip @ our 1st Guzzi National Rally in the `90's @ Madras, Oregon.  There was a storm a brewing and I saw a Quonset dome where riders were putting their bikes in before the storm hit.  This hulk of a man w/a mustache was standing right in the middle of the entrance like he owned the place.  I thought, screw it, whether he likes it or not I'm putting my bike in there too.     So I went up to him and to my surprise he got out of my way.     We've been friends ever since.....most the time.   

[cloudbase]

Tex would have more miles if it hadn't been for all that time in Huntsville.

Next time you see him have him tell you the story.

[Bill Hagan]

WOW! What a ride.
****
 What is old? I hope I don't find out.

Thanks friends,
Tex

Your intro answers your question. You may age, but you'll never will be old.

Just woke up in Martinsville, Virginia, on way home from Atlanta.  Didn't see a historical marker to you in that last place, but there should be one!

Thanks, Ken, for that great reverie, and best wishes for many more miles of smiles ... and for more stories from you to entertain the rest of us.

Now, time to pack and launch to Cross Junction on my 415-mile EV. 

Bill

[Zoom Zoom]

A testament to both You and Moto Guzzi!

Thanks Ken.

John Henry

[davedel44]

Congrats!

Turnip you are a hoot.
Stopped by Storm's last time I was in Dallas, there selling Ural now.
Gene was away at an event.

Best to Beaver.

See you at GRIT.

Dave
Galveston

[oldbike54]

 


   "So just how long did it take you to get that 10,000 mile pin?" LOL

 Dusty

[Chuck in Indiana]

   "So just how long did it take you to get that 10,000 mile pin?" LOL

 Dusty

Not to mention that one you "have to earn" by riding in the rain..

[PJPR01]

Nice story...would be great to see pictures at 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70....a nice collage that would make!

Not only a great Guzzi rider, but I daresay the best baker of Breakfast breads in the Guzzi community!  :)

[rbond]

I hope to ride as much as you have. I have a 2012 V7C and a 1976 GT500A. Love two stroke twins!!

[Texas Turnip]

Thanks for all the nice comments.
Jim Rich. If I had your tip 40 years ago I'd be a millionaire.
LaMoJo I believe the rider of the rat bike was Guy
Yes, Dear, there have been others. Triump, Ducati, 305 Honda Dream, 350 6 Speed 350 Yamaha with sidecar. BMW and another Harley, but not of them hung around long.

I'll let Beaver explain the WBA and me meeting the big time biker with the 10,0000 mile patch. Beaver, take our picture because my friends ain't gonna believe this! Would he brag about his first date in prison? Try and attend some generic rallies. Even I can't make up some of this bull.

Tex

[Dofin]

I will get older but I will NEVER grow UP!!  Keep rollin!  Ken, I hope I will be doin  same later in life. 

2 Strokes!!  I've had my 1977 RD400 yamaha since new!  rode it from Turkey to Belgium in 1986 when I was reassigned (USAF).  I also have a 1976 Suzuki GT500A Which I used to get my Iron Butt 1000, 1500(36hr), 1500 (24hr) and 2000(36hr), Hope to do a 50CC with it some time in the future. 

Envy anyone that gets to put miles on a good machine, they just love to be run!! 

[azguzzirep]

Hi Ken!
I only met you a few times at rallies, some National some in AZ and perhaps Datil, too. Definitely remember the Grass Valley National 😀 and can remember you attending  my rallies in Prescott.

You always provided a smile a hand shake and a laugh to all! I got nothing but good things to say about ya.

Stay young, stay healthy and keep on riding! I've only been riding  Guzzis since 1980😊but I'm only 57😀

Tom

[rocker59]

Ken! 

[JJ]

Congrats Ken!   Good post...and like I always say:  "RIDING IS LIVNG!"

Here are two other inspirations for all of us. I am proud to have known both of these gentleman.

JN Smythe from Oklahoma who recently passed away at 92-93 (?) and rode often to the New Mexico State Rally 800+ miles one way from Oklahoma when this photo was taken.

"Griso-George" from Squim, WA (near Seattle), who in his mid-80's, rides 2200 miles one-way to attend the New Mexico State Rally.  We hope to see him again this weekend.

[Chuck in Indiana]

Thanks for all the nice comments.
Jim Rich. If I had your tip 40 years ago I'd be a millionaire.
LaMoJo I believe the rider of the rat bike was Guy
Yes, Dear, there have been others. Triump, Ducati, 305 Honda Dream, 350 6 Speed 350 Yamaha with sidecar. BMW and another Harley, but not of them hung around long.

I'll let Beaver explain the WBA and me meeting the big time biker with the 10,0000 mile patch. Beaver, take our picture because my friends ain't gonna believe this! Would he brag about his first date in prison? Try and attend some generic rallies. Even I can't make up some of this bull.

Tex

Hey! I think I qualify for the WBA patch. Where do I get one?