Bill Hagan

Ik wou dat ik was!

How true all of that is. Plus, the strides in tire technology for m/c and cages (and likely everything else including forklifts!) over past decade or so are amazing. Suppose that by now the OP has the new tires. I, too, am a MIchelin fan, but also recognize the silliness of the "I'd only own a [Ford][Chevy][Dodge][Whatever]." Have tried various others on my Norge, Griso, and EV, but find myself coming back to Michelins. Have MPR3's on my Norge, and just put MPR4's on the Griso. Considered the GT versions for the Griso, but -- despite my "fighting weight" making such concerns possibly irrelevant -- wanted more sidewall flex than those seem to deliver. Might go that route on Norge as it is my C-130 2-up, LD machine; we shall see. FWIW, my brother just put (regular) 4's on his '14 Norge. He got amazing (and somewhat annoying) mileage out the Pirelli ST's he's had on it. Being a GMC (oops) man, I ascribed that to his lighter saddle weight and less-eager throttle hand. Bottom line is, as said above, virtually all modern tires are mighty fine. And, unlike the blondes, brunettes, and redheads we may have married, we will have a chance to choose again ... and way less expensively. Bill

Ja!

I will have my MacBP there, and understand from Mark/beetle('s) posts that G/D works with orchard machines. That said, I have yet to read all of that discussion, and keep forgetting to order my own cables. As for Guzzi International Day, we'll have a least two German citizens and an ST rider from BFE, Alabama (yes, I know that's redundant ), thus I think we'll be observing the occasion with appropriate international diversity. Into serious route planning here. Essential that we overnight on way down in a class of lodging that the Princess will approve, along with my requirement that said hotel be in walking distance of a suitably disreputable Mexican dive that knows how to prepare a proper chile relleno, and not, God forbid, be in a dry county. Bill

So typically Austrian: indecisive. Kathi - a very decisive Pole -- and I will be on the Norge, as she says that the only way she'll ever get on the back of the Griso again is in a small box after cremation! I suppose I should have told her I was going to do a brief wheelie. Bill

Uncertain of the espresso, but grappa is a certainty. BTW, when are you and accomplices riding down and by what route? Kathi and I will launch on Thursday morning, 10 September, RON somewhere along the way, and (plan to) arrive at Tellico late afternoon on Friday. Not sure of route yet, as so many fine choices. We like SR 42, and will likely default to that from vic. Broadway to at least vic. Marion. Bill

Posted a version of this on w/g earlier today, but will paste in some of same here, too. I picked Kathi up in Erie on the Norge on Friday and we rode to Uniontown. Spent the night, and rode the last 30 to Mount Morris. We had a fine time ... and the bakery is a great venue for a gathering. Four or so twisty hours to home; a grand ride. Kathi says she'd like to go back. Here are some pix; John F may have to help with any ID errors because my stiff G&T on return -- imbibed within seconds of that last pic -- seems to have erased my "buffer" of names. We are clearly in the right place! Jody and his '07 red Norge next to mine ... Benchracing starts ... One Brit manages to slip past Security ... But for the most part, Nortonites are understandably asked to stay apart from the Continentals. "Staff" brings me an effete French refreshment (apologies; that last is redundant ... Cookiemech and his (very) nice Duc ... Bob S rendering homage to Sam F's loop ... A full shot of the altar ... Home at last ... a G&T in my immediate future ... Bill

As you already know, Kathi and I will be there. Hoping to outrun rain in the a.m. on run up to Erie, then see you all on Friday. Bill

I have been informed that the Chancellor just reserved a room at the Lodge, and I suspect that means that the inimitable George, his Personal Security Aide, will be rooming with him. As a result, perhaps we could work up a session on the order of, e.g., "Using ST1300 Parts on Moto Guzzis: The Basics," with follow-on classes or break-out sessions focusing on specifics, e.g, "Commonality of Suspension Components: Close Really Is Good Enough." As the Chancellor rides a Beemer or Kaw14 on whim, we need to be prepared with syllabi addressing both. Bill

Yup. But, even dog-loving hoteliers can be soured by how some guests seem oblivious to the damage pets can do. Yeah, some guests don't need pets or kids to that, either. I would last about 24 hours in the "hospitality industry" before I was arraigned for assault! Seriously, Jerry, do give Walt or Anna a call about this, but they've seen it all and may be unable to grant an exception without causing hard feelings with others. Bill

Would be a shame to have Walt lose bu$ine$$ if we or others didn't fill it on that weekend. Hoping I can figure the remaining gremlin or two on the Norge before then, as Kathi gives me "The Look" when I mention us two-up on the Griso. Bill

Yup, re oil pump, but mine, a very early 2007 (built Nov '06) was quite literally, on the first boat over. It was, it seems, a "Lunedi" bike, as I also had CARC issues and some other less serious woes, all fixed under warranty. Lordy, tho, I do love that beast. My Atlanta brother has had two Norges. Sold his 2012 because he (thought) he wanted a Cali 1400 Touring; kept that a bit, and recently bought a 2014 "Espresso & Grappa" (brown & silver ) Norge. Both of those were, of course, 8v. Mine is a 2v or 4v or whatever, i.e., mine's a firstgen; Michael's second. BTW, a friend bought Michael's first Norge and just rode it from Florida to N.H. via here at the top of Virginia, and back. He loves it. An early Norge would have to be very tempting on account of condition or price to choose that over a newer model. You are an experienced Guzzista, so that would be less of an issue for you. The newer ones (but don't forget that pesky "flat v. roller" tappet thing) are noticeably improved. Tupperware, power, and other factors come to mind. That said, as I said above, "Lordy, tho, I do love that beast." Best wishes on finding, buying, and riding what you want. Bill

Did a (OK, yes, LONG) album of the trip. Had a great time, including some "quality time" with Seacoast Sport Cycles, a superb dealer in New Hampshire. http://bill-and-kathi.smugmug.com/Sashaying-to-Swanzey-in-2015/n-NR8Rrf/ Docc and fellow Spine Raiders will recognize two of the riders in our group. Bill

Thanks, but prefer e/m: wrhagan earthlink.net. Bill

Mio caro colonnello, Thought you might like that. We do need to be careful about the MP's after taps. Interesting, too, re the search for H-B mounts. I tried to reply to that post but could not. Please tell the fellow -- well, if he passes your muster, anyway -- that I happen to have said brackets, tho will not aver that every single piece and fastener is there (tho I think 90+% are). $500? Are you shixing me? Shipping plus a "better" 750ml bourbon or near-exquiste cab delivered (with appropriate care) at Tellico will meet my price. If JRD's from Tennessee as are you, I can translate that for him. Bill

Well, under the circumstances, while it may perhaps be a wee bit too early to sound Stivale e selle ... http://www.secondcavalry.org/2US_9VA/Bugle%20Calls/bootsddl.wav... ... it is good and right, at least, to sound Prima Tromba, http://www.secondcavalry.org/2US_9VA/Bugle%20Calls/assmbugl.wav... ... and even Stabile Tromba, http://www.secondcavalry.org/2US_9VA/Bugle%20Calls/stblcall.wav-- for those whose mounts "need work." Then, Il mio buon comandante dello squadrone, we will look to you on that day appointed day in September to nod at the bugler to play ... ... http://www.secondcavalry.org/2US_9VA/Bugle%20Calls/charge.wav Bill

If your guy and his bubbas had been mounted on Guzzis, they might have gotten back from their gallivanting wanderings vic. Carlisle in time to give Mister Lee some useful info ... and changed history. Bill

OK, it seems that the oldest one I could (quickly) find was the 2006 edition, which was in Sweetwater at the Best Western. Shutterfly took over Kodak's on-line photo-storage and managed to muck up the order of things, but, for such amusement it may afford you, is that edition: https://billhaganspix.shutterfly.com/pictures/956 The pix of me remind me of those milk-carton "age-adjusted" photos of missing children from decades ago. In my case, the ones in this slideshow need to be ... erm ... "enhanced" by a few pounds so you know who I am. Bill

Looking. As the statute of limitations has run, I am less wary of getting those out there. Bill

Lordy, so the "South Central Pennsylvania" in your bio is more "south" than "central" or "Pennsylvania?" I am an unabashed fan of WTS. Even played that tune for him on a CD at his grave once. Figured that while he got sick of hearing it at GAR meetings after The War, he wouldn't mind it after all these years. Bill P.S. Down in the Moto Grappa unpacking the Norge from this last trip and getting her ready for a two-up romp to the national rally in N.H. She's a filthy beast after several days in the rain.

Nah. Be brave: Bill

The dog -- can't recall his name, darn it -- was a piece of work. Trotted behind Walt while the latter was on the tractor. Then, when he saw visitors, i.e., us, he ran around 'til he found the right stick, which he then deposited at our feet, and sat, waiting for us to throw it. Which, of course, we did. Then, as we went in to the lodge to reserve the SSR cabin, he dropped the stick, came in with us, and watched us to make sure we didn't get away out some back door, thereby missing out on more stick throwing. We didn't. When we did leave, he went right back to "work" behind Walt on the JD. Cool dog. Bill

http://www.lodgeattellico.com Great place; nice folks. Just don't mention you are with docc's bunch. Seriously, say you are; not sure we get "special treatment," but it always seems that way. Bill

Well, "some people" just talk about the SSRMMXV ... others have reserved a cabin. Walt and crew say "hi," btw. Bill

Have you noticed how the topo maps of that area look identical to the regular road maps? I figure contour lines don't show up 'til a few miles into Georgia ... and then only at 20-feet intervals every 40 miles or so. Seriously, appears to have been a fine time for all. And that is what it's all about. Best, Bill