Where Shall we Meet for Coffee on Sunday?

[MotoLobo]

Hemingway? Sorry, no cigar. Very good guess though, they were contemporaries and lived almost the exact same span of years. Both passed in the 60's.

The British MC meet up sounds like fun. I love British bikes and find their owners a most interesting lot as well. The choice for my current resto project was down to either a British or Italian bike. I found the Gootzi first, though I still think there may be a Commando in my future. I do find myself drawn to older and older bike lately as well. A rigid frame/forked British single is just a joy to look at, lithe and lightweight. Not sure about what it's like to ride though.

Hey, there's an idea! Any of you in the British Club (or our own Classic club for that matter) up for a (I'm not sure what they call them) 'test day/meet'. I've read in British bike mags that some clubs across the pond host meetings where other members are offered short sample rides (within a parking lot even for smaller bikes) on different club bikes. It enables enthusiasts to build up a repertoire of experiences on different kinds of bike configurations (singles, twins, rigids, etc.), as well as appreciations for the different eras. I know it's alot to ask to have others ride cherished possesions but there must be some ...ahem...non-show bikes or running hacks out there that owners might feel comfortable to let sample.

Stupid idea? Just a though...

Cheers all, Rob

[fffCycles]

I know it's a lot to ask to have others ride cherished possessions but there must be some ...ahem...non-show bikes or running hacks out there that owners might feel comfortable to let sample.

Okay, I like the idea and boy have I got a variety of older bikes to sample (see below). Logistics might be a bit of a hurdle but I have ready to ride a few examples of singles/twins with shocks, plunger (coming soon) and rigid suspension. Problem is that Kamloops is certainly not a central location but then again not that many of us are "centred" anyways. The Brits have mainly Pioneer and Vintage days where they offer people a chance to ride these different machines to increase awareness, and desire, for older machines. Usually these are held as charity events and insurance costs a few bucks to cover the machines and liabilities. Yes, I might choke up on the old sphincter letting somebody ride my Paso or some of the older stuff but I am willing to share the experience (with most of you crazies anyways)

A rigid suspension is certainly a different ride and quite nice actually but after about 100 miles you are ready to get off and take a break. Back in the day the people who rode long distance on these types of machines were made of sterner stuff I am sure. Plunger suspension is better and worse in different riding conditions. Biggest challenge is for changing over in your mind the shift/brake sides with right hand shift and left hand brakes for most of these machines but you get used to it.

Frank

[Steve G.]

Hemingway? Sorry, no cigar. Very good guess though, they were contemporaries and lived almost the exact same span of years. Both passed in the 60's.

The British MC meet up sounds like fun. I love British bikes and find their owners a most interesting lot as well. The choice for my current resto project was down to either a British or Italian bike. I found the Gootzi first, though I still think there may be a Commando in my future. I do find myself drawn to older and older bike lately as well. A rigid frame/forked British single is just a joy to look at, lithe and lightweight. Not sure about what it's like to ride though.

Hey, there's an idea! Any of you in the British Club (or our own Classic club for that matter) up for a (I'm not sure what they call them) 'test day/meet'. I've read in British bike mags that some clubs across the pond host meetings where other members are offered short sample rides (within a parking lot even for smaller bikes) on different club bikes. It enables enthusiasts to build up a repertoire of experiences on different kinds of bike configurations (singles, twins, rigids, etc.), as well as appreciations for the different eras. I know it's alot to ask to have others ride cherished possesions but there must be some ...ahem...non-show bikes or running hacks out there that owners might feel comfortable to let sample.

Stupid idea? Just a though...

Cheers all, Rob

  Seems like a great idea, but then the more I think about it, maybe not. Hate to say it, but there are those in any club who really should not ride any kind of motorcycle, never mind someone elses strange one with shifting on the right side and upside-down, brakes on left, bad brakes, BIG effort kick start, etc. , as well as owners so cheap or un-knowledgable that they are riding around on 50 yr old tires!!!!!!!!!!!, then when one fails, and they break a leg,  they get all pissed off. There'd have to be alot of 'contracts' signed stating that crash damage would be fixed and no personal lawsuits conducted. I personally would not let anyone ride my bikes until I rode with that person to see if their skill level is up to task.

  Steve

[bccap]

Steve. You have a point. I think the idea of a rally sounds great. Perhaps we could just have an area, where those willing and wishing to try bikes could gather. I would really enjoy meeting riders of other machines, and don't really want to step foot on someone's pride and joy. But I sure want to see it, and here about his build!
Cheers Garth

[Kiwi_Roy]

In my younger days I rode a VB Ariel 600 SV with rigid rear, it was actually quite comfortable because the seat was well sprung.
The rigid bikes don't flex as much as one with rear springs.

[Galactica]

I won't be at coffee tomorrow guys.  I have to work.

Ross

[Kiwi_Roy]

Nico sent me this link

http://www.pne.ca/showsandevents/trade-shows.html

Perhaps we should meet there instead of the Wired Monk

We could do coffee somewhere in the vicinity then progress to the show

Ross could bring a few of his spare bikes to flog off for beer money 

Roy

[Galactica]

Roy,

Sounds good to me.  Weather forecast is good.  Any one want to meet and ride there together?

Ross

[bccap]

Where did you want to meet up ?

[MotoLobo]

Hey guys,

Tom and Jerry's restaurant is just one block west of Renfrew on Hastings St (south side, very close to the P.N.E.). I drive by it every day going to work and though I've never eaten there, my wife has and says it's good. There's also a Starbucks across the street, same block, and the Laughing Bean coffee shop (great coffee!) is one block further west. Say we meet there at T & J's the usual 9:00 a.m. for breakfast?

Hopefully John, Ted and Stan see this, as the Wired Monk will be a little lonely this Sunday.

I'll bring the truck if anyone is riding and finds anything interesting. The canopy is on the back so be good, eh.....no whole bikes! 

Cheers, Rob

[Galactica]

Sounds good to me.  I don't think Ted is on the web site yet.  I'll PM Stan and John.

r

[stanfromhell]

I can't make it this  Sunday but I did forward your message to Ted.
Happy Hunting

[Jodea]

Thanks for the PM Ross, will see you at Tom and Jerrys, around 9.am.  John

[bccap]

Think I'll just hook up with you guys at the show.
Garth

[Steve G.]

  Unless the weather sucks, I'll be there on my Norton.

  Steve