My apologies in advance to you "techno-only-readers".
I was perusing the news group page the other day and discovered the
"database" page and found the "Songs for Long Distance Riding" table.
Rather than add my favorite tune to the list, thought I'd mention
three, double-set CDs I recently bought. They're compilations
distributed by a company called "The Right Stuff" and carry the, the,
the.... Harley Davidson (there, I said it) logo.
The CDs are entitled Road Songs, volume 1; Road Songs, volume 2; and,
Country Road Songs. Lots of good stuff here. The rock CDs (vols. 1
& 2) have the predictable but good tunes such as Steppenwolf's "Born
to be Wild" and "Magic Carpet Ride" and Lynard Skynard's "Freebird".
The sets include tunes by Bob Seger, Pat Benatar, George Thorogood,
Charlie Daniels Band and many others. The country CD is, IMHO, even
better. I got mine at Best Buy and Frye's. The first volume has
been out since '94; so, y'all may already know about these.
I haven't seen a Classical Music Road Song CD. There's a rumor Honda
or BMW might come out with one for Gold Wing and BMW riders.
Now, for you technophiles who have stayed with me this long, I guess
you might like some techy stuff to think about. But I've gotta say
that I'd rather ride than wrench. And I'd rather listen to music
then bust knuckles. But, if I gotta wrench, its nice to have some
good music. These CDs are the ticket. Right now I am a little
ticked-off because it looks like this weekend I'll have to listen to
tunes while I work on the KLR.
Here's the story: Seems the bike started blowing the main 20 amp fuse
awhile back and I couldn't find the short; so, I replaced the glass
fuse with a circuit breaker type fuse. (Got the tip off the list.
Thanks.) Then, on a recent ride, I kept hearing a funny noise when I
was hauling-a$$ down some dirt roads and hit some rough spots; it
sounded sorta like it might be tools rattling around in that plastic
box. Turns out it was my license tag holder hitting and rubbing on
the rear tire. I had already raised the plate holder. (Got the tip
off the list. Thanks.) However, the plate holder has a plastic tab
that hangs down where the dealer pasted my safety inspection decal.
(I'll refrain from slamming the dealer.) Well, that little plastic
tab now has a curved notch in it that is shaped just like the profile
of my rear tire. The safety inspection sticker is now blowing
around somewhere out in East Texas. If you find it, let me know.
I'll send you a SASE so you can return it to me.
Great, now I need a new inspection sticker. But, guess what? The
brake light doesn't come on when you press the rear brake pedal or
pull on that spring coming out that gizmo above the back of the
peddle. The brake light does light-up when you use the front brake.
Sooo, it ain't gonna be as simple as a new sticker. (On the bright
side, maybe I'm about to find that mystery short.)
Now, I'm wondering why the problem on the dirt road all of a sudden.
Its a new bike (A-15 purchased Jan '01 with 4000 miles.) In the
past there was no problem handling the occasional washboard road.
So, I took a look at the shock and notice there seems to be a fine
coating of dust clinging to a thin film of oil around the bottom of
the shock and swing arm in a few places. I'm thinking I'm gonna need
a new shock. Ahh, I can't wait to spend the weekend in the garage in
100F heat working on the beast; or worse, haggling with the dealer
over a warranty replacement. Hmm, guess I'll go listen to some tunes
and figure out what to do about this quandary.
Thanks for listening, listers. Its all good fun.
Fred "Call Me the Breeze" Ogden
A15
Mesquite, Texas