Bill Hagan

Yikes. Only experience I've had like that was in an amateur bicycle race in Bassano del Grappa, Italy, c.1980, i.e., when I was actually fit. Anyway, this race had many hundreds of cyclists, all crowded wheel to wheel, and shoulder to shoulder at the start. We were all overlapping each other front to back and side to side so that we could not move at all. I was about 3/4 of the way back. At precisely the scheduled start time, you could literally feel this blob of metal and flesh tense and start to roll, beginning, obviously, at the front, but transmitting the sensation of the movement all the way to the back of the pack. BTW, the smell in the middle of that mass was not charming. Some of these guys--and it was all guys--of all sizes, shapes, and bathing habits stank of last night's everything. Blech. Still, we all felt the joy that comes with being part of something big and fun. And, while I am on this little tangent, I had learned some time before that many fat old (or what I thought was old at the time!) men with bandy legs could outstroke me up mountain switchbacks. As I was then a pretty serious "pedal bike" rider, I never let these locals drop me, but it was a near thing now and then. Sneaky bastards. So, we started to roll. The first few hundred feet of molassas-speed travel were filled with all of us leaning against each other as we started off, getting shoes into clips, and making other adjustments. We were just making the transition from a barely balanced walking pace to what could be called riding speed when, about 500 feet from push-off, something went very wrong about a 1/3 way from the lead riders. Someone or several riders went down. Then, in what I can still vividly hear and feel, the many-domino-line crash began. I now know what a collision of armies sounded like before firearms. Curses, screams, groans, clashing and clattering of metal, and the thud of bodies all made for an unforgettable ride. Through some skill but mostly blind luck, I threaded my way around, through, and even over some of the writhing bodies and machines. I can still see mental snapshots of contorted faces. This may all sound overly dramatic as you read it; after all, big deal: a bicycle crash. But it was darn sure exciting at the time. I suspect that over 100 riders were involved. Many were, along with their mounts, only slightly injured and hopped up and rejoined the disappearing riders who had been ahead of or, as had I, escaped the cycling carnage. But some did get seriously hurt and I saw some beautiful machines completely trashed when we completed the race. Perhaps this all very different than that Moscow collision of motorcycles, but on a bicycle that day in Bassano, there was little to no room for maneuver, and we all obeyed the laws of physics. I have been in or seen many other bicycle crashes, including some far more serious. But that one was the biggest by far and this post reminded me of it. Thanks for indulging my memory. Bill

Last year, I rode my EV out to Stone Mountain HD. A friend had bought a Road King, and wanted company for his ride home. Expected the usual disdain (at best) from the HD crowd. Well, when I rode up, the owner and chief wrench both came running (not an exaggeration, btw) to talk Guzzis. Both had owned Guzzis and still loved 'em. Almost felt sorry for my friend. He had just spent $20K+ for this new HD toy, and the dealer was BS'ing with the Guzzi guy. Anyway, because of their cordiality, a few weeks ago I couldn't bring myself to go there to buy the HD decals for my GarageMahalo urinal.

Very punny.

Adam, What the others said (about searches). While not the Beemer you mentioned, you might get some insight from the Ballabio-Rockster compo of sometime back, too. It's also in the archives. I commute on one of my Guzzis almost every day, but this really isn't about transportation; it's about joy. So, my advice in all of these lovelorn columns is that one of those motorcycles calls to you more than the other. Buy it. Best wishes in your aviation career. Fly well; I may be behind you in coach. Bill

One of the most fun rides in my memory was staying mated with a well-ridden Buell this past spring on a road you likely know well, SR 348 (Richard B. Russell Scenic Byway). I came up on him just after turning off of SR 180, and he took off to play or escape. I rode better than normal and stayed with him, a few times so close it would have taken a thrown bucket of water to separate us. Anyway, I, too, like Buells, and that one was certainly a quick and nimble machine, ridden by someone who liked to ride with verve. Sounded mighty fine, too, booming out of tight turns and up the mountain. We pulled up at the tee at SR 75A and waved as he headed left to Helen, and I right, and over to Suches via US 129/SR180. I don't have the time, money, or room for another m/c just now, and can't give up my EV or Ballabio for anything, much less a non-Italian. But, I'd be pleased to have a XB12R in the GarageMahalo. Drop by if you get one. Bill Inman Park

-----Forwarded Message----- From: Luap McKeever Sent: Sep 19, 2005 7:40 PM To: Undisclosed Subject: discussion board FYI, the board took a hit while I was trying to do my weekly backup. So, I have to restore it, but the only problem is, my latest copy is the 13th. It should be done tomorrow or Wednesday. Thanks, Luap McKeever www.wildguzzi.com www.mgnoc.com

One thing I haven't seen in this discussion (tho I may have missed it) is rider weight as a factor. I am a ... erm ... well-fed fellow. Seriously, at 205, 5'11", I likely need better suspension than the lighter rider I wish I was! Bill ... off to office on Ballabio in a few ... by the "long cut."

What Guzzirider said. I have a Ballabio with added Ohlins on rear. Have ridden Ballabio 16K with standard suspension. Diff, even w/o front, is extraordinary, and I have tweaked standard stuff to distraction. That said, depends on pavement. Many places, doesn't matter. NYC? Ohlins, Sir, Ohlins.

Jaap, Try again. While it does "offer" that option to encourage, I think, registration, I specifically nonselected "require your friends to register" option. So, just try lighting up the album first pic (guys putting up pavilion) which should display on left. Let me know if still a no go, but I tried that just now and it worked from here. Bill

It was fine; very fine. LeMans.com regular Bshpilot (Don Rumsey) was a star. Rode in from Houston (c.800 miles) in a day, then--seeing we were not going to pull it off without help--rolled up his sleeves and turned defeat into victory. All the pics with beer in his hand are hard to explain, because everytime I saw him, he was working! I am serious, tho; Don and a few other LD Guzzisti guests were great help and made the event a success ... and fun. Oh, yes. On the morning after the long night before, Don was wheels up at 0530 ... headed to northern Virginia. http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=9wgryy...0b&x=0&y=m1dxwb

Just a last bump and reminder. Hope to see some of this forum's readers there, tho I haven't heard from any directly. Is looking to be a great time. Quite a few local and out-of-town Guzzis, Ducatis, at least one Futura, and other Euros, plus a stray HD or two will be parked out front. Lots of Italian food, wine, beer, etc. I'll post some photos next week.

Here's how I did it. Ride an EV for 3 years and buy a Ballabio. Listen politely to the dealer as he explains the controls, etc. "Yeah, yeah. Got it. Gotta get this thing on the street." Start. Turn trottle. Release clutch. My, my, isn't the sky blue! After I calmed down, and realized the geometry, engine, weight, body position, etc., etc., weren't same as EV ... duh ... and the dealer stopped laughing, I made it two miles to a traffic signal without incident. Idle. Idle. Idle. Bubba pulls along side in the turn lane and, when light turns green, goes straight. My testosteronic and juvenile (and lotsa fun) response was to repeat--unintentionally--my dealer wheelie. Have only done one since, and that just to see if I could do one on purpose. Bill

As likely do all of us who have visited the McAdam family, I know exactly what you mean about the "funk." Glad to see you have a great attitude, especially under these painful to the body, mind, soul, and checkbook circumstances. Best wishes on a full recovery, a process that, I suspect, is helped by visits and posts here. Regards from Atlanta, Bill P.S. OBTW, one could do worse than Sig. Kalal as a b-i-l, tho that may smack of damning with faint praise. Seriously, really appreciate his detailed trip reports on wildguzzi.

Bill & Kathi Hagan invite you to join them in an Italian festival of gratitude and celebration, from noon ‘til 4 p.m., on Saturday, 17 September 2005, at the GarageMahalo, 785 Edgewood Avenue, NE, (Inman Park), Atlanta, Georgia 30307 USA. Please reply before 10 September. [Note: Special parking provided for Italian two- and four-wheeled vehicles] *************************** The BLUF is I need to know who is/might be coming so we can prepare properly, i.e., it’s dangerous to run out of beer and it’s expensive to have more food leftover than one can freeze (and, anyway, I don’t fancy eating leftover sausage and polenta until 2007! ). Seriously, I would be grateful if those of you who are interested would let me know here or by email if you will be coming. This isn't binding, but the closest I can get to a count, the better this will be. This should be a fun event with only Italian food and beverages. Planning to grill sausage and polenta and possibly, have some mini-panini, with Peroni beer, Italian wine TBD, soda (some issues here), and San Pelligrino H2O. Guzzis will, of course, get preferential parking! Hope to see many of you there. If not, count on many pics here. For those who remain mystified about the fuss, see, e.g., http://wildguzzi.com/discussion/viewtopic....ght=motorimessa Bill 404.808.8486 (mobile) P.S. Yes, I've changed the name (yet) again. "Garage Mahal" was used all over the place. "Motorimessa" was unpronounceable and unspellable. "GarageMahalo" sounds Italian (but isn't), and blends the idea of "garage" with the Hawaiian "Mahalo," i.e. "Thank you." We lived in Hawaii for 3 years and grateful is exactly how I feel about this garage and my Guzzis and life in general. _________________

Antonio, Please send me email off-line with this person's location. I am a lawyer (I'm a fed, so I'm NOT looking for business!), so I may be able to give you some tips on making this a bit easier. If he's in Georgia, could be especially useful. As a practical matter, however, what the others suggested may ultimately be best course(s), but let me know. Bill

Am working at the National Scout Jamboree for a few weeks near Richmond, Virginia, and got together for a brief ride last Sunday, 24 July, with locals Tom Farley, Joe Sokohl, and Bob Morrison. Posted a quick summary of that ride on wildguzzi, but managed to give out bad info on the roads we took. http://wildguzzi.com/discussion/viewtopic.php?t=3818 Anyway, as I said there, "this was a very nice ride, made even nicer by seeing a green V 11 Sport heading south. I gave chase, but had no chance, of course.” Joe later posted that we actually took this route: “From Mechanicsville, 360 East to I-295 South to 64East to SR294 East at Bottom's Bridge to US 33 East through West Point to the wonderful SR 14 North through Stephens Church to SR 721 to Bowling Green.” I THINK we saw the green Sport on SR 14 (which was as Joe billed it, i.e., “wonderful"). So, any of you aboard that machine? Bill 404.808.8486 (M)

Did you see my response to this question on w/g? http://wildguzzi.com/discussion/viewtopic....highlight=cruso Bill 404.808.8486 (M)

I thought I read here or elsewhere--and this possible recollection is not to be confused with understanding what I am talking about! --that this is the result of parking the bike in neutral rather than in gear. That causes, as I recall, a pin to stay or in (or not), thus sticking and preventing the light from coming on. It is entirely possible that I am making this up, as mine seems to come on when it feels like it, and how I park seems to have little or no effect. OK, after that helpful comment, I'm going back to packing for a trip that I am unready for and the hours grow short. Yikes! Bill

It would be nifty to meet Al (and others) there, as I am not sure I believe there really is a California, anyway. I'll be passing thru there and will stop (probably on Sat) on my way back from my month-long stay in Virginia. Will be on EV, as Ballabio is having a new rear shock installed and needs tires anyway. May have two friends (one on an ST1300 & the other on a Shadow 600!) along, too; they need a Guzzi indoctrination besides what they'll get from me on the ride up and back! Not a rally guy, but have enjoyed this one when I dropped in in for a few minutes. Tho not among the "lot of energetic sport riders, [or] even some young riders," have done that now several times now and usually arrive after most are on the road in little ride groups. Guzzis ruling the Blue Ridge makes for some great sights and sounds. Bill

Thanks, I deserved that ... and have almost been waiting for some wise___ to say so here or on wildguzzi. Anyway, yes, btw, to all three questions and more, tho I fully expect to learn yet another thing about one of the Guzzis (not sure if I'll be on EV or Ballabio, tho probably the latter) before I get back. Would prefer the Ballabio, but the rear shock leaks, and dealer is trying to get MGNA to respond to claim. I am inclined to upgrade to Ohlins, but jury (and wife! ) is still out on that. The EV is, after Wayne Orwig's check-out after the ignition-switch fiasco, road-ready (I fervently believe and pray!). FWIW--and that would be little, and with apologies for hijacking thread, tho I blame you --here is what I sent to some folks locally and along route to see if they were interested in tagging along for all or part ... or, as sort of advance warning , to ready a spare room and get U-Haul phone numbers ready. ##################### Must report to Fort A.P. Hill (FAPH) any time on Sunday, 17 July. I am legal advisor to military joint task force there to support the National Scout Jamboree. That event actually starts on 24 July and runs thru 3 August, but if it's like last one, riding time from arrival 'til departure is likely quite limited. Three of us plan to take this trip on m/c. George is on a ST1300; have ridden with him before; he'll do fine, but like all of us "aged" types, is concerned about back pain (he has a genuine med condition, and is not merely whining). OBTW, when George got the ST two years ago, he talked a lot of trash about Guzzis. So ... invited him along for a ride to the hills with Wayne Orwig. He loved the slab on the way up, but Wayne and, heck, even I, left him in our wakes once we got to the mountains. Great fun; he remains appropriately respectful to this day! Mario (what a great name; too bad he's on a Honda!) is riding a 600+ cc Honda Shadow, which, tho smaller, is a nice-looking ride and should be fine among larger brethren, especially given no-hurry pace. Will be launching at about 9 a.m. on Friday, 15 July -- tho, to complete our casual approach to things, may depart on Thursday, 14 July. :-) More on that option, below. Will take our time on this general axis of advance: I-85 to vic. Clemson (hate the slab, but it does get us out of town in a hurry); meet with Cam and Jan, who may join us for a few hundred miles); US 178 to US 64, for a quick jog over to N.C. SR 215 up to BRP; BRP to just north of Asheville; I-40 for 15 miles over to Old Fort, then US 70 to Marion, N.C.; US 221 for many wonderful miles to at least Independence (with a wiggling deviation on SR 194) just north of Boone; with rest dependent on day we started. That flexibility is because we may ride to Davis, W.V., and spend night in my daughter's cabin. She, other daughters, and Kathi (who will already be in D.C. area) will arive on Sunday, and we wish to overlap only long enough for hugs and coffee. :-) We will then wander down to FAPH via Seneca Rocks, US 33, Charlottesville, SR 20, etc. If we do not do the "extra day" option, we will likely do a general Independence, Roanoke, Charlottesville route via BRP and local roads. So ... there, with far greater detail than you asked for ... is the plan. Hope we might be able to link up for some of this or meet at some rally-point restaurant. We have not--and will not--pick night stops yet, as we want to be driven by the ride, not nightly destinations. My guess, tho, is first night vic. Boone; after that ... heck, who knows? We, will, btw, likely begin return ride on Friday, 5 August. But today's plans are not for either to or from routes, but to play some in new garage, putting away things I ddn't remember I had and general putzing while sipping whatever and listening to the same. :-) Let me know if any of this works for (any of) you. Bill 404.808.8486 ################### Anyway, thanks for the reminder! I am sending ahead a tolbox (and even know now how to use some) and spare parts, as I will have time during jamboree to clean and tinker a bit. Stay tuned.

I note that all the posts in this thread are from the UK, a comment, I suppose, on your weather. OTOH, if the rain keeps up here in "the Sunny South" much longer, I may have to listen more closely to you ... or build an Ark. http://www.srh.noaa.gov/ifps/MapClick.php?...ate=GA&site=FFC Seriously, launching next week on 800-miler to n. Virginia via all the twisties I can find, and (rather sulkily) got out my rain gear last night. Have some new Hein-Gericke rain gloves that I haven't tried in the weather yet. Last rain gloves I had kept my hands dry from rain, but sweat from rubber inners was as wet (and stank more) than rain soaking thru. Oh well, 800 miles in the rain (and under overpasses ) is better than no ride at all ... I think.

Phil, I only know two three Alabama riders (Grant Borden--MGNOC rep; Nelson Thatcher, and Sanford Hardy). All live in or near Birmingham. All three ride Calis, tho Grant also has a Daytona and Sanford races a vintage LeMans, and Nelson is handy with tools and, as he rode Brit bikes 'back in the day,' he also has painful experience in electrics, esp. Anyway, suspect any of these guys has forgotten more about wrenching than I'll ever know, and all are easy to get to know and, I'm sure, would be pleased to help. Hope to see you all at Vortex. Bill

Sorry to hear of this. Where are you in Alabama? While we don't need to go public on positive rants or negative raves, I am surprised if Atlanta Triumph Ducati failed you. Call me at 404.808.8486 (mobile) over weekend or email me about them and some other wrenching options in this area. If getting to Atlanta is doable next Wednesday evening, you might consider attending Georgia Guzzi meeting. At Vortex in Little Five Points at 7 p.m. (ET). If those folks are stumped by problem, may still find a buyer. Hope to see you there. Best wishes in any event. Bill

Condolences to you, the machine ... and your bruised feelings. All will be fine in short order. Many years ago in a universe far away, i.e., when I was young--a state I try to remember when I see young people doing stupid things!--I was happily riding my bright-yellow Yamaha Trail 80 on a dirt road in a remote area of Ohio County, in western Kentucky (tho "remote" and Ohio County is redundant!). I had been in a wooded area, then entered a large meadow that sloped gently down to my left, and a steep, large earthen bank started out on my right and extended for several hundred yards. The latter was covered in bright green grass. Hmmmm, I thought, as I came near midpoint. What a neat hill climb. So ..... I turned left into the grassy field, went down a few hundred feet, and turned around. The Yamaha had little power, but was geared to climb telephone poles. I took what was intended as an acceleration run, and was actually making pretty good speed. I could tell I would get to the top of the steep bank and even clear it with some exciting "air" time at the end. By now, you know what happened. I did clear the top. It was a dam!!!! There was a small path at the top and I sailed over it and .... It pains me even now to write more. Lordy, I do love motorcycles.

This may belong more in the "events" list, but I'll post it here first. I just posted this on wildguzzi, and wanted Guszzisti here who may not follow that list to know about it, too. My garage is finally ready for occupancy and, of course, that means a party! ************** For those who may be interested and able to attend, the tentative date for the “garage-warming” party for the Motorimessa will be Saturday, 17 September. Yes, that is some time away, but June is full; I am in Virginia (on one of the Guzzis) from just after Independence Day ‘til c. 8 August; in-laws here for week after that; should be a bit cooler by then; gives lots of planning time; and … anyway, think that date has no conflicts with any nearby rallies. Most important message is that anyone reading this is welcome. The party will be for all Guzzisti and my neighbors and neighborhood, so will likely be a large gathering. A longtime friend and priest will bless the Motorimessa, too. The Mandello motif will be self-evident, but count on only Italian beer, wine, and, of course, grappa being served, along with other Italian calories in more solid forms. Our spare bedroom is committed, but if you have any interest in attending and are coming from out of town, please let me know, as we may be able to find something cheap to reasonable. For those who, after celebrating, wish to stumble to something nearby while leaving their Guzzis safe in the Motorimessa, there are several B&B’s in the neighborhood, including one right across the street. http://www.sugarmagnoliabb.com/ Others within walking (and crawling!) distance at http://www.inmanpark.org/bnb.html Here, btw, is how the structure looks as of a few days ago. http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=9wgryy...77&x=0&y=wn5vu5 What you can’t see are the results of my shopping trip with Wayne Orwig and George Dunn, a Porsche restorer and friend. Of course, as Wayne dryly pointed out in his inimitable style, “So, you sure are buying lots of toys just to polish valve covers.” My thinking was that I am equipping his downtown shop. Hog Mountain is just too far for me drive for him to work on my Guzzis! Actually used several of the tools in earnest this past weekend, tho, as I matched parts BB to X, etc., while putting together some cabinets. Also (re)learned the wisdom of reading directions first! Looking forward to seeing many of you in September. "All brands welcome," of course, but only Italian motorcycles will get special parking. Sometime in late August, I'll post again as a reminder and request for "likelies." Bill