Bill Hagan

I was always fond of the Army 1911, but wasn't so sentimental that I minded the Beretta replacement, as I really couldn't hit much with either, which is always why I liked to cultivate infantrymen as friends and have them nearby when unpleasantness seemed imminent. I may have bored you feceless with this story before, but back when we jumped out of biplanes in the 82d Airborne Division , I reported in and was told I had to qualify on the 45 (yet again). A senior NCO (where are you now, SFC Rodriguez? I miss you.) drove me out to the range and said he'd plink off a few rounds in the next lane while I did the mandatory firing. I was disappointed when, after the first dozen required rounds, I had only hit the (embarrassingly large) target a few times, much less achieved a decent shot group. I muttered and tried harder. Wow! I improved lots, and rather quickly had the right number of hits and qualified. As we left, I mentioned to SFC Rodriguez that I seemed to have broken the code and done well. He paused, and said, "Well, not really, Sir, but I wanted to get back before sunset." I was thoroughly chastened, but if he ever told anyone else, it was over beer long after. Oh yes, our final protective fires at the house are a Marlin lever-action 30-30 and a Beretta 9000. Kathi is disturbingly good with the Beretta; enough to make me worry that I may be over-insured.

Here are some pics: http://snipurl.com/tscg As usual, just light up first pic; no need to register. And just "settings" to see captions, which usally means "small" pic. Think I need to get a video cam, as all my "ride" pics, are "stopping" pics. A great time, and special thanks to docc for arranging it all. I started that way a day early, leaving here Thursday, and meeting up with Cam & Jan Lay in Clemson. Cam has just bought new-to-him 2000 VFR and he (trustingly) let me ride it. Yee ha! Then did US 178 up and over mountain to US 64, and N.C. SR 215 to Blue Ridge Parkway. Got drenched and COLD (in July!), and spent night in over-priced Asheville. Next a.m., rode over to Sweetwater via SR 28 from Sylva to Deal's Gap, the US 129 into Tennessee. Docc tells the ride, above. My pics mostly illustrate beer, belching, & BS. My ride home on Sunday was uneventful, but a joy as the weather was spectacular and roads clear of traffic ... and LEO. Saw a coyote on Ga. 75 at the crest of the mountain north of Helen, and a wild turkey strutting at an overlook. I'm hoping to have a trout pic next trip. Bill P.S. I see that killboy.com doesn't have Friday or Saturday's Deal's Gap pics up yet, but some of us will be there when they do.

Got an an email from an Italian, who will be in Chicago next week, 25-28 July on business. He wants to rent a motorcycle and asked for any info I might have. Of course, I didn't know squat! So ... if you have suggestions, etc., post here, email, or PM and I'll pass on to him. If you live in greater (or lesser!) Chicago, also let me know if you object to passing on your name & contact info. I already told him that while I had no direct info and hoped I could get him more, it was my understanding--without checking more--that he might only be able to rent Harley-Davidsons and that at steep prices, i.e., perhaps as much (after all costs of rental, insurance, etc., are considered) in the $300 per day range. On the other hand, the favorable Euro-UDS rate may make that less painful for him. Thanks. Bill

I plan to arrive in Sweetwater on Friday evening. Hope to try to be an Izaak Walton and land a trout along the way, too. And, thanks for the invitation, but I'm too old for partying in Knoxville that night, at least if I want to ride the next morning, but will probably have a decent bourbon (and a grappa or two) with whomever is hanging around the Sweetwater Best Western that night (which is a sad commentary on their social lives). Looking forward to the ride and riders. Glad to see the 95F/35C temps we've been having look to be breaking on Friday. Will still be hot, but better. Bill P.S. Before I leave, need to run another printout of the "How to Replace Your Pawl Spring at the Side of the Road" instructions to take with me.

I'm fine with any route as I plan to be caboose (and would be in this train whatever my intentions! ). Will say that aside from downright dangerous m/c riders and LEO presence, Deals Gap can be a painful experience on a weekend. Ditto for different reasons (e.g., RV traffic) on Foothills Parkway and any roads vic. Great Smoky Mountains Nat'l Park. That said, all are gorgeous, and I'll be happy to go along whetever the group thinking. Rather than kicking northeast on FHP, however, you might consider Wayah Road from i/s US 129 & US 19 north of Andrews. Runs over to Franklin, and the options for attacking n. Georgia are many from there. See, e.g., http://www.wayahroad.com/ I'll arrive at the Best Western in Sweetwater sometime Friday afternoon. We can confer over beer and, of course, grappa , a process that will no doubt lead to great decisions ... but may limit our ability to remember same in the a.m. Bill P.S. Just noticed that the cast iron grate at the drain for my beloved GarageMahalo was made in Sweetwater. It's an omen.

Hmmmmmm. Not as easy as it sounds. By-laws require docc to call an executive session of the board (which consists entirely of him, btw) and vote. OTOH, he always votes yes in such cases as it's a longstanding tradition for the new guy to buy beer on day 1. Look forward to seeing you there. Bill

Just googling this for the fun of it, and found this: http://www.lawguru.com/cgi/bbs/mesg.cgi?i=757925268

Hmmmmmmm. Thought I'd posted that here, but, if not, here's what I put on wildguzzi (with the short answer being a predictable: "Grand!"): -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OK, here they are: http://snipurl.com/s3ua As always, no need to register; just light up first pic and drive on. [Make sure you have the "settings" right so you can read the captions.] Yes, I know, too many, but, hey, I could have posted all 700+; you just get a paltry 200 or so. I did add some captions, and, sorry, did not separate the Guzzi pics, which are scattered throughout. In all, spent almost three weeks in Italy, with brief sallies into Austria and Switzerland. Put 3.2K on rental car and almost 500 on rented Moto Guzzi Breva 1100. Riding there was, shall we say, "different!" OBTW, of the literally thousands of motorcycles I saw there, my unscientific analysis of the numbers is something like this: Easily 65+% BMW; 15% sportbikes of all stripes, mostly Japanese; 15% HD (!) or clones, and mostly the former; 5% "other" (yes, including Moto Guzzis ... sigh). Did see 28 Guzzis, not counting the many more in and around Mandello, of course. The cruisers had a devil of time on switchbacks, e.g., the Splugen Pass, http://www.fransencarmen.nl/images/splugen.jpg, thus most of those were on the main routes. Will also say that I was most surprised at the almost universal low-speed foot dragging, even by folks on sportsbikes. Do these riders lack low-speed control skills and confidence or is this something else? Do not mean to offend any Europeans here, and I may be, as I am so often, flat-out wrong. Bear in mind, I am not mistaking "unskilled" for the quite assertive riding in different traffic conditions between Italy and the USA. I saw lots two-way lane splitting and did that myself. In fact, if you did not ride that way there, you were less predictable to the Italian drivers, and that is unsafe in itself. Riding to the left of your lane and in the on-coming lane with traffic headed your way is quite a rush--especially when you fancy yourself doing a high-speed assault and some 15 YO sweetie in a bikini and helmet half-on passes you on the outside on a scooter! Yee ha! And, of course, some sportbike riders were VERY competent and rode with verve. Watching classy riders on challenging terrain is quite beautiful. I tried, but riding two-up on a rented motorcycle tended to stifle my exuberance, tho Mike Craven was pretty darn impressive on the EV. :-) All of the foregoing said, did not see a single traffic accident involving a motorcycle and only one with cars; the latter was on the autostrada near Trent when traffic was moving at about 5KPH, i.e., a parking lot and bumpers entangled. The Breva was a great mount. It was set up a bit on the "plush" side, but I did not want to fiddle with the suspension. Made the bumps almost silken, but paid a price when the going got "stimulating." I actually ground down significant parts of the centerstand, leaving metal "curls" along it. Biggest disappointments of trip were my inability to contact a few Guzzisti who left me contact info that I was too phone challenged to make work. I'll apologize to them by email or note, but if you (who know you are) read this, please forgive me. Alis Agostini and SO Peter were great friends and business people. I cannot recommend them highly enough. Again, sorry about the large number of pics, but Kodak has made it easier for you to screen these without subjecting you to them all. Bill

To show you how pathetic Steve is at things mechanical, he actually called me for advice. Seriously, I sent him a pic of my Ballabio's butt: http://snipurl.com/sskl ... but also had the brains to refer him here: http://www.v11lemans.com/forums/index.php?...indpost&p=87411 So, he's read this and still is stumped. Please help him or he'll call me for advice again.

Sorry to hear of that. Call me at convenience. Bill 404.808.8486 (M) P.S. Disclaimer for the cynical [or, God forbid, legalists who would complain to my bar association ] out there, I am not licensed to practice in California and will not dispense legal advice, just observations and, if desired, a referral.]

Erik, ATD closed at 2 yesterday; don't know if they have one anyway. Call me if interested, tho; I have an extra that you can have for your trip ... as long as you get me one soonest to replace! Bill 404.808.8486 (M)

Depends on the grappa intake, I suppose! Sunday. I've "budgeted" the weekend for this and have higher HQ's permission (besides, she's out of town. ) See you (and I trust others here) there.

Howdy. Just skimming through to make sure this was still a go, which, happily, it seems to be. Looking forward to seeing all old and new faces. Suspect I'll be tail-end charlie when it comes to riding, but there is charm in that, too. Anyway, I brought back two bottles of grappa from my recent (too-good-to-be-true) trip to Italy for my always-dwindling collection. I'll bring something tasty to Sweetwater; doubt if the Best Western there has poured much grappa to its clientele heretofore. BTW, posted pics of that trip (including some of riding in Mandello and environs) on wildguzzi, but not here. If interested, see: http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?HPSES...09&topic=4918.0 If you don't have the time or inclination, be prepared to listen to my lies 'til your eyes glaze over (assuming grappa hasn't already done that! ) Bill

I don't care about marketing videos, tho I didn't find that too bad--except for the noise ... uhm ... "music," but can excuse that as I doubt (indeed, pray) I am not the intended market. At (almost) 59, not sure how many new m/c's are in my future, but suspect that a Norge or a gussied-up Breva 1100 is. Don't care for the style items others here have already objected to (e.g., lights), but, hey, they didn't ask me. I only hope they DID ask some 20-40-somethings. Regards from Atlanta, Bill

Leave Thursday a.m., 1 June ... assuming I can finish my bajillion "do's" before the flight leaves. And, don't worry, as usual, I'll have too many pics. Bought another G for my digital cam, so, lessee, that's 750 or so on fine res. Very excited about the Mandello riding 15-17 June. Yee ha!

Ditto your experience. This is also discussed a bit in Greg Field's thread, http://www.v11lemans.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=8044 While the technology just keeps getting better and better, I can't imagine shodding my Ballabio with anything else for awhile. Super experience. I even worry about getting overconfident, as I routinely take it to the edge of the tire, all the while hearing that seductive whisper, "A wee bit more, Bill, a wee bit more." 'Course, at my age, having paid the price of seductive whispers from machines and the other sex, I am too cowardly to go any further. Bill

Yup. Kathi and I are going to be there 1-19 June. As Sherman said, "La guerra è inferno." Just posted this on w/g, but thought I'd put it here, too, as this board's readership might have even more ideas. Anyway, other than the joy of mentioning this to everyone I meet [who does not, as I noticed at the virtual water cooler this morning, always share my joy :], did want to ask advice of those who may have ridden in the Mandello area at that time of year. Before that, suffer through our itinerary. After a few days in Fano (south of Rimini; see http://www.deliciousitaly.com/Marchetour3.htm), we go to an agriturismo near Vicenza. We've stayed there before; wonderful place: See http://www.levescovane.com/. We'll use that for a base for local travel in Veneto or, my preference, to nothing and just relax. Around 10 June, we'll find a place in the Dolomites to stay while we walk (Kathi keeps saying "hike," and I avoid that word, as it connotes more effort than I wish to exert! :-[ ). Feel free to suggest a B&B or the like. We have no druthers, and will probably run up to the area one day while staying Vicenza just to recon and find something generally between Bolzano and Cortina. On the 15th, we head to Mandello, where we will meet Atlanta Guzzisti friends, Mike & Sue Craven (Cal II people). We have reserved Guzzis at Agostini's for Friday & Saturday (16-17 June). The Cravens are going to "do" Northern Italy, Switzerland, and Austria on the Guzzi. Kathi and I have a more modest route, i.e., just to ride in the area a bit (including, of course, visiting nearby Ballabio!) and go with Mike & Sue part of the way on their longer trip, but return Saturday afternoon to Mandello before, sigh, heading back to USA on Monday. OK ... the reason I post this--besides the gloating, of course ;D--is to ask if anyone here might have suggestions as to routes (hard to go wrong, I suppose) or other matters, e.g., attire? Checked Weather Channel for the area (at least the lake, which is likely warmer than passes, etc. duh), see: http://snipurl.com/qwdi We are taking leathers, etc., but the historical rain numbers looked higher than I like. But, as I said, above, "La guerra è inferno," tho possibly a wet one. Should we take rainsuits, too? Our luggage is already into the "Y'all going on a safari?" range. Oh, yes, one last thing. Expect a pic or two when we get back. Bill

Whoa, don't you think you should disclose that there is a vetting process for applicants? That, and surely even the approved candidates have to endure the initiation rites you made me undergo?

Greg, As for tires, I have Michelin Pilot Powers, which stick like velcro but seem to wear "reasonably." I need to update my avatar with a better shot of sidewall wear. The one there now makes me look like a slab guy. As for shock, dealer installed an Ohlins on my B'io's rear when the stock unit failed. [so, Greg, what do we call these now? CafeBio's? BioSports? BallSports? ] Anyway, dealer's folks told me they had a heck of time mounting the ... uhm ... brain cramp here ... gas unit [?!] without rubbing against "porkchop." As it is, couldn't get a kleenex in there, but it does clear. You are, no doubt, more skilled than they, but a forewarning lest you see this as a one-beer job. Bill

I posted your questions on wildguzzi. http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?PHPSE...11&topic=3844.0 You might check there now and then for comments. Best wishes on what I suspect will be a great adventure. Stunning country out there. Stunning. OTOH, my Volvo broke down between Monument Valley and Mexican Hat in July some years ago on way back to East Coast from Army assignment in Hawaii. Wife, 16 YO daughter, & worthless rabbit we brought with us. None cared a whit about scenery, and just slept while I emoted about the sights they were missing. Well, they slept until I lost a fan belt and the AC died. Anyway, it was still agreat experience. You will see what so many Americans never have and never will. Bill

As a lawyer, whose pawl spring broke at c.6K and 500 miles from home and nearest dealer, and which episode cost more than $500 in U-Haul costs, yes. I thought about that and many other nasty things as I drove the truck from Missouri to Atlanta. Then I got it home, read the many helpful posts here, got it fixed, and have been riding and grinning the 13K miles since. Carry an extra one and instructions, tho. I literally feel your pain, but it won't last long.

Well, I finally figured out what has been casing that maddening buzz at 3.9K - 4.1K. As you may recall, the front and rear crossovers seemed the most likely suspects, tho the rear pegs were also considered culprits. Well, thanks to Mike Stewart, I fixed the rear-crossover; see http://www.v11lemans.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=7494&hl= Then, thanks to Aaron and Anthony, new shims are in the front. In putting those on, I also discovered that the two screws at the top of the alternator had dismounted along the road somewhere, and I thought, hmmmmmm, mebbe. http://snipurl.com/p6r3 Put new fasteners in ... but, unfortunately, the @#$%^& thing still buzzed. But, aha! Last evening I ran it up to the "bad zone" on the tach and realized what it was. The flyscreen. Double Anyone else had this ... and fixed it? I tightened the various fasteners, but no joy. I'm thinking about putting a black rubber ball or something of the like between the instruments and the screen, but would be glad to hear from someone of another cheap and easy fix ... that works. On the bright side, knowing what has been doing this is a great (albeit somewhat embarrassing) relief. Thanks. Bill

Howdy, Ren. With that job, can't imagine how you find time to ride. I bought my EV from Zen, but, as you all had shut down when I got the Ballabio, got it at ATD. BTW, whatever happened to Mike? Bill

Mine came in. My wife thought I was a bit loony to be as excited as I was. Then -- we had unexpected company, so now I'll have to hold off the installation for another day or so. OBTW, Aaron, I liked the lawyer tag line on the instructions.

I like that one. We'll be in Italy 1-19 June, and when I read about this Agostini replica here, I thought, "Great, as I'll be riding there, I'll just pick one up instead of taking my own helmet." Uhm ... not so fast: "l'X-801R replica Agostini è disponibile a un prezzo suggerito al pubblico di 439,00 Euro." http://www.motocorse.com/news/accessori/10...ca_Agostini.php 439 Euro?! Don't think that is in my future anytime soon, when Krylon will turn my RF800 into a replica for about $10.