tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27857097242634489722024-03-19T17:16:21.452-04:00ShutterPilotExposure/RPM=Lifeshutterpilothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565292263395462114noreply@blogger.comBlogger113125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2785709724263448972.post-71367863632835632452018-01-19T17:38:00.004-05:002018-01-22T13:37:17.173-05:00Olympus Lens comparisons<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKN9LaHugrhZRtFOQnWjqZLQIzejEJE9KXTJqQSr2v_LatV9c2qXr6hTi0GUBwjbi-BcTOkcS1Bc9oTI0u3ImxZftwP-P80xKk3l_YcBNpbo-v-H3x0nUaJ7l25IV0USoVjiFL4iFJ9Ss/s1600/011518b_olympus_booth_models031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKN9LaHugrhZRtFOQnWjqZLQIzejEJE9KXTJqQSr2v_LatV9c2qXr6hTi0GUBwjbi-BcTOkcS1Bc9oTI0u3ImxZftwP-P80xKk3l_YcBNpbo-v-H3x0nUaJ7l25IV0USoVjiFL4iFJ9Ss/s640/011518b_olympus_booth_models031.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">@mollymastin, photographed with my Olympus E-M10MkII and 45mm f/1.8@1.8</td></tr>
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I got a chance at Nashville's ImagingUSA to play with some new-to-me lenses at the Olympus booth (#getolympus).<br />
I was able to shoot with the M.ZUIKO ED 45MM F1.2 PRO and M.ZUIKO 75MM F1.8 in direct comparison to my own M.ZUIKO 45MM F1.8. I was also able to briefly shoot with the M.ZUIKO ED 300MM F4.0 IS PRO in a direct comparison to my own M.ZUIKO ED 40-150MM F2.8 PRO with 1.4x extender. Example photos after the break:<br />
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<a name='more'></a>@getolympus had setup a great little concept photo booth for shooting some of their newer lenses against. Since I arrived with my own kit, I shot some of their lenses I'm considering against what I already had in the bag. Here are the photos:<br />
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First, model Molly Mastin with my very own copy of the little 45mm f/1.8 @ 1.8:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYg_UE_ATDBm24XpvhGN4e-tpvoPwGfjE4cvwALAW909ganIGRjmjFXtk8bwlq6wCGpAnFDSSaRz61NE1zd4f3e7OTiE4PsOYmFCq4vW7yXxLMh9UD7ijgOmwEdgjOkL1l-pyAd9M_R9o/s1600/011518b_olympus_booth_models064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYg_UE_ATDBm24XpvhGN4e-tpvoPwGfjE4cvwALAW909ganIGRjmjFXtk8bwlq6wCGpAnFDSSaRz61NE1zd4f3e7OTiE4PsOYmFCq4vW7yXxLMh9UD7ijgOmwEdgjOkL1l-pyAd9M_R9o/s640/011518b_olympus_booth_models064.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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Now, the new 45MM F1.2 PRO @ f/1.2, shot from a similar camera-to-subject distance, although the framing is a little different:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr6te13GZLUNt9MU65b4EZ52fw3NnHxTw2Cr5Ks8ia8XYCzFtRWcQEeYFQIXZvcby-sE4eaBIybauIeY001Su_PfObMaI1TKLWVYuWhqkFv0SSTMNtHuQfmqso8BBjK9qyHIPyGQ0Uwz0/s1600/011518b_olympus_booth_models116.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr6te13GZLUNt9MU65b4EZ52fw3NnHxTw2Cr5Ks8ia8XYCzFtRWcQEeYFQIXZvcby-sE4eaBIybauIeY001Su_PfObMaI1TKLWVYuWhqkFv0SSTMNtHuQfmqso8BBjK9qyHIPyGQ0Uwz0/s640/011518b_olympus_booth_models116.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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You can see that the lights behind the model do exhibit a bit more bokeh than the f/1.8 version lens, but I was pleasantly surprised that the smaller, lighter and much more affordable 45mm 1.8 seems to hold its own. Plenty of detail and sharpness, and the difference in focus drop-off is what I'd expect in comparing f/1.8 vs f/1.2 maximum aperture lenses. The color rendition is rather nice in both lenses, with the f/1.8 version exhibiting a bit warmer.</div>
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Just for fun, I strapped on the M.ZUIKO 75MM F1.8:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk-LDZ7UmQpEB-pXg5Ly0rg_RorlosZL5Idqzplnd1TuXHesiGfp6g9HgVH8Ckc5lJJ0bbaAKyvhRoJlWDyYpS9QQgp7B-eqrcP3BKMiNcAd6Q07PzO_W5q6AC3D9Aht9ONI911dl66u8/s1600/011518b_olympus_booth_models136.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk-LDZ7UmQpEB-pXg5Ly0rg_RorlosZL5Idqzplnd1TuXHesiGfp6g9HgVH8Ckc5lJJ0bbaAKyvhRoJlWDyYpS9QQgp7B-eqrcP3BKMiNcAd6Q07PzO_W5q6AC3D9Aht9ONI911dl66u8/s640/011518b_olympus_booth_models136.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This was a very nice lens to use. Fast to focus and appearing very contrasty in the EVF. You should be able to see how the lights and gears on the backdrop appear larger in relation to the subject, even though the framing is about the same. Shooting distance was about 2 big steps back compared to the 45mm's though, giving deeper depth of field compared to the same aperture as on the 45mm f/1.8 above. Deeper DoF across the subjects face as well, as is to be expected. As nice as this lens was to shoot with, however, I enjoyed the shallower DoF from the 45's - though it was harder to keep the subject's eyes in focus during shooting with either 45mm compared to the 75mm, so that's definitely a consideration.</div>
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Here's a rescue bird of prey, brought to the booth by Olympus Visionary <a href="http://www.getolympus.com/us/en/visionaries/scott_bourne" target="_blank">Scott Bourne</a>, and a good way to compare the 300MM F4.0 IS PRO to the longest glass I already have, the 40-150MM F2.8 PRO with 1.4x extender:</div>
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M.ZUIKO ED 300MM F4.0 IS PRO @ F/4 (600mm equiv):</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbD3VAl2Z06wbm2NwxXV0CzQxYtd6Nar26ef_Zq0Jd78Mp_VYxayIEYCQOz_HSQRWxjvWaqIzyTYup13rPqGdAguF5BNWG_sW1RBsRVbBI5PYmSVZFrgtrdkgipuyRYCaUbmQvAWIJdHs/s1600/011518b_olympus_booth_models015.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbD3VAl2Z06wbm2NwxXV0CzQxYtd6Nar26ef_Zq0Jd78Mp_VYxayIEYCQOz_HSQRWxjvWaqIzyTYup13rPqGdAguF5BNWG_sW1RBsRVbBI5PYmSVZFrgtrdkgipuyRYCaUbmQvAWIJdHs/s640/011518b_olympus_booth_models015.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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M.ZUIKO ED 40-150MM F2.8 PRO with 1.4x extender (420mm equiv):</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEK2ZVa_q7Nc1llD6dCK6BphVNOxGRIZxcYr7dODshaCnY2wZCXuz_vgbIJUvc9S6QZtkOSzItQrE2iY-FqknLf-O9qC99iViN8pyDJWAkFx6LVY8ceq2Xr8tPXweB7795IIjAztfRfKI/s1600/011518b_olympus_booth_models007.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEK2ZVa_q7Nc1llD6dCK6BphVNOxGRIZxcYr7dODshaCnY2wZCXuz_vgbIJUvc9S6QZtkOSzItQrE2iY-FqknLf-O9qC99iViN8pyDJWAkFx6LVY8ceq2Xr8tPXweB7795IIjAztfRfKI/s640/011518b_olympus_booth_models007.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The 300mm f/4 is noticeably sharper when looking at the original photos, but just. I was surprised how well the center of the frame held up using the 40-150MM F2.8 PRO with 1.4x extender combo. Using the 1.4x renders the max aperture of the 40-150MM F2.8 PRO to f/4, so apertures between the two are comparable. Without the extra optics of the extender, the 300 is able to be that much sharper, but at $2499 retail, I'm happy that the 40-150 PRO with 1.4x performs as well as it does. Still, for something really critical, or if I need the extra reach of a 600mm equivalent image stabilized lens, I can definitely see it worth <i>renting</i> the 300mm f/4, especially as I already have to 40-150mm PRO and extender.</div>
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Surprises? I'm pleasantly surprised that my current compliment of lenses holds up very well, even for critical work. Sure, the weather sealing, manual-focus clutches and shallower DoF of Olympus' new PRO f/1.2 lenses will make the extra coin toward new purchases an easy decision. Despite being larger and heavier than what's currently in my bag, both the 45mm f/1.2 PRO and 75mm f/1.8 are easy to use, fit in the hand well, and actually balanced quite well on the E-M10MkII that I was using.</div>
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But at roughly $1100 and $800 respectively, the 45mm f/1.8 I snagged new for $199 held up great, and I'll be trying to incorporate it into more shoots moving forward, now that its proven itself against its bigger siblings.</div>
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In the same vein, the 300MM F4.0 IS PRO was a joy to use: light, balanced, and a big boon to Lumix users who now get a 600mm equiv. f/4 with IS. Not as clunky, and definitely sharper than my 40-150 with extender combo. But at $2499, I'll be looking to rent this puppy rather than purchase. But that's just me. If you want maximum reach on a fast focusing and image stabilized lens, this one offers up a lot of bang for the (big) money.</div>
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Thanks to the great folks at #getolympus for letting me play with the great gear, and to model <a href="http://www.saltmat.com/project/molly-mastin/" target="_blank">@mollymastin</a> for being such a great sport and patiently letting me work through the different lenses.</div>
shutterpilothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565292263395462114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2785709724263448972.post-10536266307334240822017-10-25T14:48:00.004-04:002017-10-25T14:48:54.129-04:00New Shoes for Baby update...So, its been about 2 years since I last put a rear tire on the FJR. Sadly, I've only put 5,604 miles on the feejer since last tire change. Sadder still, that's all the mileage I got out of the Bridgestone Battlax T30 EVO's, as I just replaced them preemptively today. I <i>maybe</i> could have stretched another 1,000 out of them? But I got circa 8,000 miles each out of the old Bridgestone Battlax 023's and those were less money. I'm religious about checking tire pressure, so maybe this is due to a bit more spirited riding (well, I've noticeably been wringing the throttle more aggressively), but I'll be watching this new set of Bridgestone Battlax T30 EVO closely for how they wear.shutterpilothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565292263395462114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2785709724263448972.post-79424037759303024232015-05-20T13:00:00.000-04:002015-05-20T13:03:55.488-04:00New shoes for baby...Had a new rear tire shoe'd onto the FJR today: "Bridgestone T30 GT" in a 155/80-17, in prep for a Blue Ridge Parkway ride in a couple weeks. The T30 supercedes the usual BT-023's that I usually run and are supposed to offer better grip AND better mileage. I've been getting about 8,000mi each BT-023 rear, so I'm curious to see how these do. I'll do my best to check in with reports on wear and handling as I rack up the miles on these:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEadzJlzQ_OY9y8qrF_vDwRVq1b6H_Rq2arOM7-VB-eU8o3LssxGw7QeRAX247AFqMNL8gzkzpDftplU4IlTxnAxglex-IoBQOWnmFVUCz0Mf_JwBAv_V_kGErN5pvTMiMR1c-s-oVRRk/s1600/_mg_9382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEadzJlzQ_OY9y8qrF_vDwRVq1b6H_Rq2arOM7-VB-eU8o3LssxGw7QeRAX247AFqMNL8gzkzpDftplU4IlTxnAxglex-IoBQOWnmFVUCz0Mf_JwBAv_V_kGErN5pvTMiMR1c-s-oVRRk/s640/_mg_9382.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New rear Bridgestone T30 GT 155/80-17 tire<br />
The old BT-023 had 8k+- on it, and was quite squared off. Its nice to have a round tire again!</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>shutterpilothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565292263395462114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2785709724263448972.post-29088905627503064782015-04-29T16:21:00.005-04:002015-04-29T16:21:50.882-04:00DIY Carport...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Built a lean-to carport to protect Pillions newish Subaru after a couple of hailstorm scares. Here are the steps simplified, for inquiring minds:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1q3BsCwFwBrMFs6WiFbv-Ejj28m3Xpnkf5nxs-tEd5XNL3FQsG_WQW73FG-E0340I41GF4M3ys4KWaNIitawplh0Ot9QM6MvqCy7UUOtlEQo82zIMrICaqntsi1vOCsQ9cRbpeCuzAGY/s1600/042915_carport076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1q3BsCwFwBrMFs6WiFbv-Ejj28m3Xpnkf5nxs-tEd5XNL3FQsG_WQW73FG-E0340I41GF4M3ys4KWaNIitawplh0Ot9QM6MvqCy7UUOtlEQo82zIMrICaqntsi1vOCsQ9cRbpeCuzAGY/s1600/042915_carport076.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1st step was to bolt the 2x8x10 ledger boards to the existing shed, using galvanized hardware.<br />The ledger board is where the top of the joists will attach to the shed.<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPIFIHKEcPSQNYFkNAcyatfVwHbdg8pDozhUDVG-PHkOJNMZfGUyWjeClyg1o9fSqwqK0gmu8eAMNpGxDY45XB_Ry7jvnJjr_wkxKeX1vSq3X9UNWyq-2SiUU49xPt1dPMxZrOEB-LZLA/s1600/042915_carport043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPIFIHKEcPSQNYFkNAcyatfVwHbdg8pDozhUDVG-PHkOJNMZfGUyWjeClyg1o9fSqwqK0gmu8eAMNpGxDY45XB_Ry7jvnJjr_wkxKeX1vSq3X9UNWyq-2SiUU49xPt1dPMxZrOEB-LZLA/s1600/042915_carport043.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Posts for the header were set 2 feet deep in gravel, square to the existing shed and 10.5 ft out. <br />The pencil line marks the point of level across all three posts as the grade falls from post 1 to post 3. <br />You can see the ref line a bit higher on the 2nd post in the bkgd</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnLfyTYUUMgomSmq87UAvmJzAdTCY1rQbUctPnxpA6ttSknhLe1FMiiynuAqC7qpl95dxgnwXZG_3WVdF2oBVRZdzRD6GR6dLLLsQUqndEJW5N3_ufD3g_oXcuHIb6oarR5-MiEcrUUzk/s1600/042915_carport045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnLfyTYUUMgomSmq87UAvmJzAdTCY1rQbUctPnxpA6ttSknhLe1FMiiynuAqC7qpl95dxgnwXZG_3WVdF2oBVRZdzRD6GR6dLLLsQUqndEJW5N3_ufD3g_oXcuHIb6oarR5-MiEcrUUzk/s1600/042915_carport045.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With 4x4 posts already set and notched, the 2x8 header that the joists will rest on is attached with galv. bolts.<br />The notch allows the weight of the header to rest completely on the post, rather than the attaching hardware</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWts2bZcKUcgFtfNEZtCdWP4Ge9FMn9UaUaTJU0emx-DOxhy7mgAbnTTXAdinfjL6MGBpQDm7Pa8RJRw-dG1Mjf17sS8yVJ9moBWVKtgB6HHPraQVMuD7TbmOswJBIfdKsMbePWxX7mOw/s1600/042915_carport075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWts2bZcKUcgFtfNEZtCdWP4Ge9FMn9UaUaTJU0emx-DOxhy7mgAbnTTXAdinfjL6MGBpQDm7Pa8RJRw-dG1Mjf17sS8yVJ9moBWVKtgB6HHPraQVMuD7TbmOswJBIfdKsMbePWxX7mOw/s1600/042915_carport075.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With the header and posts complete, the 2x6x12 joists can be run from the ledger board to the header.<br />I allowed for a 2 foot drop over 12 feet to shed snow/rain</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW4TP9c18BOt9mQ9jMzwRVI_FHpulQNcGh4rBjs4S1BNIJQKjcT_Yg-UoAQtXlG5ZQJEqtZGP0LyB8tZvxkPb7bLkxDk12-YnIM_pYsWxUennML0jcWJqtUgKq1hJMucXLjKnHVtut6eQ/s1600/042915_carport077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW4TP9c18BOt9mQ9jMzwRVI_FHpulQNcGh4rBjs4S1BNIJQKjcT_Yg-UoAQtXlG5ZQJEqtZGP0LyB8tZvxkPb7bLkxDk12-YnIM_pYsWxUennML0jcWJqtUgKq1hJMucXLjKnHVtut6eQ/s1600/042915_carport077.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Detail of the joist hangar used to attach this end of the joists to the ledger<br />Different hardware is used to attach the other end to the header</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKlp01pTpeALbRZhFE1LoumyiVZXMPsuv9j1wuk2CDaqQANRbfNJLdSwCkvQ1y5fxDrgZIjie3uShc54zCKvhWbdfaRdwCb5mPpQ1iMppRbNia5xiAzT76lTw8KUjyYcco3AbWlUdJk_Y/s1600/042915_carport047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKlp01pTpeALbRZhFE1LoumyiVZXMPsuv9j1wuk2CDaqQANRbfNJLdSwCkvQ1y5fxDrgZIjie3uShc54zCKvhWbdfaRdwCb5mPpQ1iMppRbNia5xiAzT76lTw8KUjyYcco3AbWlUdJk_Y/s1600/042915_carport047.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's the other end of the joist attached at the header.<br />These photos were mostly made after most of the build was completed, so here you also see<br />the purlins and the tin have been attached.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5QIZqUCc_sUHg6Ga9QTZPfPFFG5VPIW9ZP0SJv6JiQQVmk6dpDyg-NTK2Wd7VNCAg_RTqgkpwUqDbDJWyKqcxo2QMowCJ4nAQ_pUsrMdFI56Er-hWKFZNw_x2jRSe33ozXl04-R0_Qow/s1600/042915_carport054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5QIZqUCc_sUHg6Ga9QTZPfPFFG5VPIW9ZP0SJv6JiQQVmk6dpDyg-NTK2Wd7VNCAg_RTqgkpwUqDbDJWyKqcxo2QMowCJ4nAQ_pUsrMdFI56Er-hWKFZNw_x2jRSe33ozXl04-R0_Qow/s1600/042915_carport054.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heres a good detail showing the header, posts, notches, bracing, purlins and facia board and tin all tied together<br />Overhang will help protect all this from weather.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRCqrb_127CSPGPuQug-KhLbQj-GENtAn5mUxqxcLkSGPcrSb6RIQ1VHdsFLs69oYWMUf9TcZZsdIN8spQh9oKI8DfBSccJHAwHz9l7ZgeD4pkqMFcIJD98go4ukd1nSB5aBJ-wHkpnWg/s1600/042915_carport050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRCqrb_127CSPGPuQug-KhLbQj-GENtAn5mUxqxcLkSGPcrSb6RIQ1VHdsFLs69oYWMUf9TcZZsdIN8spQh9oKI8DfBSccJHAwHz9l7ZgeD4pkqMFcIJD98go4ukd1nSB5aBJ-wHkpnWg/s1600/042915_carport050.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After the ledger, posts, header and joists are all attached, the purlins can be run perpendicular to the joists<br />The joists were spaced 24" on center, and so are the purlins in the opposite direction<br />The 1x4 purlins are what the tin roofing sheets will attach to.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieIMNu5-hkESXVzLqupDjQLR6o2h-6LeifwgIwIGQOhfyZ49i6MOHbRrwT-bRbXDOy02f3DcFviptw2FesL-Eztf2NwTSPnzGjjpswkClgi9iN-jrtC7W_VdDGZ8KlJZIvE6GAO9RtujM/s1600/042915_carport065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieIMNu5-hkESXVzLqupDjQLR6o2h-6LeifwgIwIGQOhfyZ49i6MOHbRrwT-bRbXDOy02f3DcFviptw2FesL-Eztf2NwTSPnzGjjpswkClgi9iN-jrtC7W_VdDGZ8KlJZIvE6GAO9RtujM/s1600/042915_carport065.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Galvanized, shielded and gasketed screws are used to attach the roof<br />to the purlins. Screws are applied thru the "v" of the 5-v sheets to<br />reduce leakage in heavy rains. I almost got the lines straight.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBX9RXn4bsGnM8w61W1OWNIphQkoR4iSUYTmArJbUAKFZcBUDz9R3tj8bQ9symUwh8IHoJZ7FKUrXiC99hCv-e4usqeBEG0p8vGdkI4BL3Tvo8j5I0fC7_9KECRaLspVwUGzGumfsuz64/s1600/042915_carport081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBX9RXn4bsGnM8w61W1OWNIphQkoR4iSUYTmArJbUAKFZcBUDz9R3tj8bQ9symUwh8IHoJZ7FKUrXiC99hCv-e4usqeBEG0p8vGdkI4BL3Tvo8j5I0fC7_9KECRaLspVwUGzGumfsuz64/s1600/042915_carport081.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I overlapped the tin sheets so that the laps all face east, as most storms come from the southwest.<br />The helps not give strong winds a leading edge to pry up the tin in a bad storm.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFgX_khcwc31OgDhTwmDYxpTQH2JkiVeHyTCR6McmdiGDapezW_988I0mZYMa7PN0vw9kMwl26s_A_xTK2bbs2F8dkGo1FPPsjPU6q-6oVajmF03qZfcACmAQyKiU73-BLFTh0CQQZ0XE/s1600/042915_carport074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFgX_khcwc31OgDhTwmDYxpTQH2JkiVeHyTCR6McmdiGDapezW_988I0mZYMa7PN0vw9kMwl26s_A_xTK2bbs2F8dkGo1FPPsjPU6q-6oVajmF03qZfcACmAQyKiU73-BLFTh0CQQZ0XE/s1600/042915_carport074.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I installed a drip edge all around to help keep water from creeping back in over the woodwork</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhudWRnhVM0f00tmj_ElObXymNJZIFidmONMuBq4cRc9QJYSPl3eKzURek4Ulg0vx6L_TtwH7PxO_mSnQk1b7cwzEIc83ZugrynRe50uWnfAedNbm2nrkRmcJohnP1P2mHWDSO7hIyTzu4/s1600/042915_carport055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhudWRnhVM0f00tmj_ElObXymNJZIFidmONMuBq4cRc9QJYSPl3eKzURek4Ulg0vx6L_TtwH7PxO_mSnQk1b7cwzEIc83ZugrynRe50uWnfAedNbm2nrkRmcJohnP1P2mHWDSO7hIyTzu4/s1600/042915_carport055.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bracing keeps the structure from racking back and forth during storms.<br />I mounted these flush in case I come back with an enclosed wall later.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Xb4svt4_074QU0XSuwy3NYnhAg2_W5ucbFJjeDU75bga0iaIpAImZMsw-cLeqk_Tjs6ui9ptQV_GzrMbuhXDXZA5pv4KMG0RcN2nsih_pRkpjA0f_ze9Ft7RcwfNQw2Ttf2IY68FCYQ/s1600/042915_carport090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Xb4svt4_074QU0XSuwy3NYnhAg2_W5ucbFJjeDU75bga0iaIpAImZMsw-cLeqk_Tjs6ui9ptQV_GzrMbuhXDXZA5pv4KMG0RcN2nsih_pRkpjA0f_ze9Ft7RcwfNQw2Ttf2IY68FCYQ/s1600/042915_carport090.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still need to add gravel for the floor, but testing the fit with my truck before rolling Pillions Subaru in here</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2F0W85I7irUFKxXglF7pb1wjCfdlxMMVkm3gwY9PhenRsLPtUOcLNL3iQn2ZEclNtCaBCKgmL5NRqIImrH1UhMOKHq0ILbKFvRKPtaZuCgwS1aPKazvu8Iysr-5bN6hGEsV3J9nEiAjs/s1600/042915_carport088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2F0W85I7irUFKxXglF7pb1wjCfdlxMMVkm3gwY9PhenRsLPtUOcLNL3iQn2ZEclNtCaBCKgmL5NRqIImrH1UhMOKHq0ILbKFvRKPtaZuCgwS1aPKazvu8Iysr-5bN6hGEsV3J9nEiAjs/s1600/042915_carport088.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's another view of the completed structure.</td></tr>
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<br />shutterpilothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565292263395462114noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2785709724263448972.post-65053348848373412682015-02-16T12:02:00.004-05:002015-02-16T12:02:39.987-05:00Night Sky...It was a nice, cold, clear night in the woods Sunday night, so I ventured out and tried to capture the star field for the first time with my little olympus. I centered the view on Orion, as it was bright enough to manually focus on in the viewfinder.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGqZOkCG0aruSv_DRbkv3t31FOV1xtKbs0BPelQ0LguoxaXbUZET_pD7pYdx2Sz9ecJmfXPd_nZoV_Tk9Y54LjS5BENttGBbKm0ngiA6cJBV7DOdc3UgrwSq5jSi-39SvFqY9poEopC74/s1600/021515_orion003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGqZOkCG0aruSv_DRbkv3t31FOV1xtKbs0BPelQ0LguoxaXbUZET_pD7pYdx2Sz9ecJmfXPd_nZoV_Tk9Y54LjS5BENttGBbKm0ngiA6cJBV7DOdc3UgrwSq5jSi-39SvFqY9poEopC74/s1600/021515_orion003.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">10 sec exposure of the southern sky at 8pm, 20mm f/1.7, iso1600</span></td></tr>
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<br />shutterpilothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565292263395462114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2785709724263448972.post-37222601019935498382015-02-02T15:27:00.002-05:002015-02-02T15:27:46.658-05:00Macro Flora...Putting the vintage 1974 Micro-Nikkor through its paces at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens Greenhouses:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYdEkQ2WVsrog7MknbZ2KvtozyVTWhGlWCB0YWE5DG-JlGJuGPx0UncdWDZC3XUMDLsq_QTHUJYE4nStV_ez0VAGfpyNa-5jKNHVLi4AA5hF6ixutDkH97pQyfKg8a3-d82xulRGQiShw/s1600/013015_macrogreenhouse009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYdEkQ2WVsrog7MknbZ2KvtozyVTWhGlWCB0YWE5DG-JlGJuGPx0UncdWDZC3XUMDLsq_QTHUJYE4nStV_ez0VAGfpyNa-5jKNHVLi4AA5hF6ixutDkH97pQyfKg8a3-d82xulRGQiShw/s1600/013015_macrogreenhouse009.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Most if not all of these were made at maximum magnification (1:2 before crop), so the subjects in each photo are about 36mm (1.4 inches) across...</td></tr>
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<br />shutterpilothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565292263395462114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2785709724263448972.post-20531586219952058092015-01-27T12:56:00.000-05:002015-01-27T12:56:27.252-05:00Ice Ice Baby...There were a few interesting patterns formed by ice on my back deck, so I pulled out my 1974 55mm Micro Nikkor P•C macro lens this morning and made a few closeup snaps:<br />
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<br />shutterpilothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565292263395462114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2785709724263448972.post-12543952653880281442015-01-22T13:29:00.000-05:002015-01-22T13:29:13.054-05:00Back to the future...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Inspired by the recent work of <a href="http://www.matthewcicanese.com/gallery-1/#gallery-welcome" target="_blank">Matthew Cicanese</a>, I dug out my old circa 1974 55mm Micro Nikkor P•C macro lens, and slapped it onto the front of my Olympus EPL-2 mirrorless.<br />
1974 meets 2011<br />
Initial tests seem to indicate the 40 year old lens is very sharp and contrasty and plays well digitally. Here are two initial test shots, made just outside the backdoor of the studio where I work:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lichen on a piece of oak bark, frame covers about 2" across</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clover and leaf detail shot at 1:1</td></tr>
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<br />shutterpilothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565292263395462114noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2785709724263448972.post-33336674390209963332015-01-09T14:19:00.000-05:002015-01-09T14:22:29.457-05:00My 2015 Motorcycling Resolutions1. Finish my darn bike!<br />
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The salt bike I raced in August 2014 suffered a setback when the salt corrosion from Bonneville attacked critical parts more aggressively than I would have imagined. While I *think* I’ve managed to remove all the salt and halt any new corrosion back in September, everything from the carbs to the steering stem to the pushrod tubes needs to be disassembled, polished and refurbished or replaced in order for it to even run again, let alone be race ready.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BMW salt corrosion post-bonneville</td></tr>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span>2. Finish my other darned bike!<br />
My prized Honda GB500 has been languishing in the stable for years (and years) in semi-running state. Last year I resolved to refit her properly and ordered $1200 worth of parts and paint to do so. Sadly, all those parts are still in their boxes and the GB still sits waiting her turn at some TLC. I vow that before Labor Day weekend (The weekend of the Bull City Rumble in Durham NC) I’ll have her fitted and road ready.<span class="text_exposed_show" style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="display: inline; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1989 GB500</td></tr>
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3. Squeeze in another “father-son-son” ride this year.<br />
Our last was in 2012, and too far in the rearview mirror. I, my Dad and my brother all ride and live within 50 miles of each other, so its a shame we don’t find/make time to ride together more. I’ll take it upon myself to plan another ride, epic in personality if not in achievement, knowing that no one can promise us tomorrow.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjfV7cowzsDV5uaTanALWwFGuqX6l6cpyR301l2ylNsmrR_JLTysPH8BGOAA7NNgJnSDtdZEFSyInZoaYrCSS2_59SyoxpAJtczA6mXvnnZjzjrjAGbsVZU7zoOuv6bLvsdSfMSuGHbgE/s1600/Day5_081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjfV7cowzsDV5uaTanALWwFGuqX6l6cpyR301l2ylNsmrR_JLTysPH8BGOAA7NNgJnSDtdZEFSyInZoaYrCSS2_59SyoxpAJtczA6mXvnnZjzjrjAGbsVZU7zoOuv6bLvsdSfMSuGHbgE/s1600/Day5_081.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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4. Push myself into the unknown or unfamiliar.<br />
I started riding on the street, and have only ever done so. I consider myself an above average pilot on the road, so maybe this year is the year I attempt some dirt or dual-sport riding. Or maybe Trials riding. Or track school at Virginia International Raceway. Attempting something I’ve not done before is why I have medical insurance.<span class="text_exposed_show" style="color: #141823; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7HsIoW7h14Ayp1lC3bUYkop0DLun74AbB9VC1luFN6oX6m-h7N_JoaPG-J9ee5X2DzSk8vR8zDvw-Nq6DDgI4b3pytNIcxZZaSxc_T4-B4bHdWUOGMChI4qV6scjIjXw-uKa-JP7aePQ/s1600/4.png.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7HsIoW7h14Ayp1lC3bUYkop0DLun74AbB9VC1luFN6oX6m-h7N_JoaPG-J9ee5X2DzSk8vR8zDvw-Nq6DDgI4b3pytNIcxZZaSxc_T4-B4bHdWUOGMChI4qV6scjIjXw-uKa-JP7aePQ/s1600/4.png.jpeg" height="400" width="640" /></a></div>
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5. Get heated gear for my spouse.<br />
My wife loves to ride, and while I need solo rides from time-to-time, I also love riding two up . But while anything over 45º and under 80º is perfect for me, that range runs much cooler than my southern raised gal likes it. She could easily continue to wear a heated jacket up to the high 70’s, so its about time (20yrs??) I get her one. Having her along for even more rides is a win-win, and keeping her as comfortable as possible is my primary goal anyways.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7DBaSs1SH8vBLzFaGPrp8DfTLozvtp17OL7MvBshu_QAEUo5j8HU42AKHm3zSGC8bM9pEVYqAU-GNHhPGJnvWax-WadgVfy0dhw2EOzO4XqJi2cbk8XcR9aiM0rbU8iI8tY62ms7op1Y/s1600/2015-Yamaha-FJR1300ESa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7DBaSs1SH8vBLzFaGPrp8DfTLozvtp17OL7MvBshu_QAEUo5j8HU42AKHm3zSGC8bM9pEVYqAU-GNHhPGJnvWax-WadgVfy0dhw2EOzO4XqJi2cbk8XcR9aiM0rbU8iI8tY62ms7op1Y/s1600/2015-Yamaha-FJR1300ESa.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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What about you - do you have any Motorcycle-related resolutions you’d like to share?shutterpilothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565292263395462114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2785709724263448972.post-2390793913100002742014-08-23T21:11:00.000-04:002014-08-23T21:11:16.068-04:00Updates elsewhere...Seems its being easier this trip to post prates at my ShutterPilot Racing Facebook page, so please check there for updates to our efforts out at Bonneville:<br />
https://www.facebook.com/shutterpilotracingshutterpilothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565292263395462114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2785709724263448972.post-34717454518820672372014-08-06T09:43:00.000-04:002014-08-06T09:43:03.302-04:00Bits and pieces...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX6_rNil6oPDMjbkSdeEWyTcX_7_9Bjf1REWqbd28IP6S1Sk4p1Oih15RuzmTCPqz6MHiY3cWXVhJp0z8X5bm8FJ7nBadzd1AhIJH4fjWLPUKKgFdOC2RdEiCwFkeldw6SvkTdxkWRRCQ/s1600/number_plates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX6_rNil6oPDMjbkSdeEWyTcX_7_9Bjf1REWqbd28IP6S1Sk4p1Oih15RuzmTCPqz6MHiY3cWXVhJp0z8X5bm8FJ7nBadzd1AhIJH4fjWLPUKKgFdOC2RdEiCwFkeldw6SvkTdxkWRRCQ/s1600/number_plates.jpg" height="308" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My number plate for the Salt Bike...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Got a few odds and ends sorted last night, and a mystery solved...<br />
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Rules spec that I need a steering damper on the bike. A steering damper "damps" any quick back and forth oscillations of the steering head/handlebars, just like a shock absorber does for up/down motions in a car.<br />
Problem was, few folks I spoke with on the forums knew where the damper was to install on the R65, and I certainly didn't know. Photos I came up with showed dampers installed alongside the tank, like this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSGLv3EdplwRfTRbKDc97xD0Lo7xo4JWfJPYzzjZopJyY5d9o987Imtw70e8x3xhqWqU30Ymij1zSRGsCfQV_29A9KhJURkgrmrQvknaLOPO-C400STf8vy_3in5vi4pVVHNE5APOLdc0/s1600/Thruxtonupgrades007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSGLv3EdplwRfTRbKDc97xD0Lo7xo4JWfJPYzzjZopJyY5d9o987Imtw70e8x3xhqWqU30Ymij1zSRGsCfQV_29A9KhJURkgrmrQvknaLOPO-C400STf8vy_3in5vi4pVVHNE5APOLdc0/s1600/Thruxtonupgrades007.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Now, there was an obvious "boss" under the steering head for an attachment point, but I couldn't make that line up with the outside frame at all.<br />
Then, one cool cat with an R65 LS sport model sent in pics of his stock damper, and it appeared it was connected <i>underneath</i> the tank somehow. Hmmm...<br />
So, I poked around and discovered this mounting point - so obvious now I can't believe I didn't know what this was for:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIKkL8OOYdlp5rK73pcMU0NDp0jDXgS-lcH1p-W6nRplBDTT6J5n6_YnnkcYkJp1_7mYL6RHP2y0E6FAXPjwuoEd1vn6kIGHtyRBq6pNjsDz9DHk7UIeDjNVbWEEfDzd1hs7AwlhCQaCQ/s1600/_bil3404arrow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIKkL8OOYdlp5rK73pcMU0NDp0jDXgS-lcH1p-W6nRplBDTT6J5n6_YnnkcYkJp1_7mYL6RHP2y0E6FAXPjwuoEd1vn6kIGHtyRBq6pNjsDz9DHk7UIeDjNVbWEEfDzd1hs7AwlhCQaCQ/s1600/_bil3404arrow.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arrow shows mounting plate, that the horn also attaches to</td></tr>
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Ok then! So, I measured the longest and shortest distances between that mounting plate, and the steering head mounting boss and ordered a damper that fit within those dimensions - an "NHK ODM500" model for $80 from Jim Hinshaw at http://www.fastfromthepast.com.<br />
Along with some sundry M8 1.25 nuts and washers from the big box store, it bolted right up in minutes and works great:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqHitpCQiYZiT-QrGXLdPhxK2tEayhJh6L5xnit6HWrka3ShWUgev87Y58M4NFoG-IqKAZ3L98_BNaGfbJhxgkyYzZbqMVAKSGzAuLkNW2mXaMklfKTERVwTO8v7pu_fRTwwBRjxxbzMw/s1600/_bil3409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqHitpCQiYZiT-QrGXLdPhxK2tEayhJh6L5xnit6HWrka3ShWUgev87Y58M4NFoG-IqKAZ3L98_BNaGfbJhxgkyYzZbqMVAKSGzAuLkNW2mXaMklfKTERVwTO8v7pu_fRTwwBRjxxbzMw/s1600/_bil3409.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ODM500 damper mounted in the OEM stock position</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6qcwPe8JddyV9kmDYt6vaDMjqK962mm-rwUR3XUkxmkvoB7cmoFcy3erGSnEsdVDDQa54t725-6xyQVB_Pfz0A6YLZt__tT4Md3qXZe4vHv98HKute5AV1VG8S_vdZ6UVAHC5yTSGJsc/s1600/_bil3407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6qcwPe8JddyV9kmDYt6vaDMjqK962mm-rwUR3XUkxmkvoB7cmoFcy3erGSnEsdVDDQa54t725-6xyQVB_Pfz0A6YLZt__tT4Md3qXZe4vHv98HKute5AV1VG8S_vdZ6UVAHC5yTSGJsc/s1600/_bil3407.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's the OEM BMW part "Pin Steering Damper control bolt screw" before being seated in place<br />The red stuff on the threads is thread lock I applied, just in case...</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOYvon1nw9cjwg7PPY6dYw38-sSCDXplGjRDv-Z1eC2JncTihp63D5McyR3cjqRoqHoev3Jz84UP2g9H8z-Vg1MyY1z1QlZY_peCchqbrfPtCh8UvL0uF-55GkCCjuJa0w8jZrXtlfyDE/s1600/_bil3411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOYvon1nw9cjwg7PPY6dYw38-sSCDXplGjRDv-Z1eC2JncTihp63D5McyR3cjqRoqHoev3Jz84UP2g9H8z-Vg1MyY1z1QlZY_peCchqbrfPtCh8UvL0uF-55GkCCjuJa0w8jZrXtlfyDE/s1600/_bil3411.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking from the front of the bike towards the rear, you can see both mounting points for the damper</td></tr>
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Someone asked me recently what the heck "sprue nubs" were. Well, here they are:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuAz4yX4zHjhs_-sMWmzVVbvIVb9Z9ELyw7bZLTjxjZzB-qCccC3lY9poyJFUUjZslixn7Jg3TxBPybIkO6GPCK0GRtrYtwXXectpbKRQNajGZqytPb2xzEjIixlgcN_Z191rdxtzunDM/s1600/_bil3415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuAz4yX4zHjhs_-sMWmzVVbvIVb9Z9ELyw7bZLTjxjZzB-qCccC3lY9poyJFUUjZslixn7Jg3TxBPybIkO6GPCK0GRtrYtwXXectpbKRQNajGZqytPb2xzEjIixlgcN_Z191rdxtzunDM/s1600/_bil3415.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mold release nubs on front tire, aka "sprue nubs"</td></tr>
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<br />Rulebook also requires metal valve stems and metal valve caps. Not one to settle for mere compliance, I picked up this nice bit of kit from http://www.aerostich.com: "No Loss Valve Caps". They're bronze, gasketed valve caps with flexible retainers, making them harder to lose.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb2XzRAlMS3K_UNNnkdByTvM7IWeJpITOgAmaxJqIQYhxfUhto4O59uJLYXw9JcVUhM7FLd_Wj1HP7Gh7u0iRqruqjk8Z5HAPxwv8dghdoI8B6P-edYWoGDSBBF9V6oanGRRPHkQC68iI/s1600/_bil3418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb2XzRAlMS3K_UNNnkdByTvM7IWeJpITOgAmaxJqIQYhxfUhto4O59uJLYXw9JcVUhM7FLd_Wj1HP7Gh7u0iRqruqjk8Z5HAPxwv8dghdoI8B6P-edYWoGDSBBF9V6oanGRRPHkQC68iI/s1600/_bil3418.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No Loss bronze valve cap from Aerostitch. If you're running TPS sensors, however, <br />those valves are aluminum, so you'll need to use the Nylon versions to prevent galling</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRfTKbItad-g4Dv7-yPDKgqqV8Eq3D2kefW_wPBXw5T8pBogxgAthKHimfezZMwFid2xPumi3AZTcxkAaNzZcdgGEb7oR-Mco1egpJ3bxCKWzujnuZPmaus5XPpFNC8e6_ZQ3Q1hkINg4/s1600/_bil3420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRfTKbItad-g4Dv7-yPDKgqqV8Eq3D2kefW_wPBXw5T8pBogxgAthKHimfezZMwFid2xPumi3AZTcxkAaNzZcdgGEb7oR-Mco1egpJ3bxCKWzujnuZPmaus5XPpFNC8e6_ZQ3Q1hkINg4/s1600/_bil3420.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bronze No Loss valve cap in final installed position.<br />I put "silver" anti-seize on the threads, just in case.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><br />Final bit of fun stuff I got to play with, are a pair of wheel chocks from China Freight. I scored each of these with subsequent 20% off coupons, so they were a good buy at about $46 ea.<div>
These will allow us to "lock" the bikes securely in an upright position for travel in the cargo van with a minimum of tie down straps:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKUEMJ37EVvY2yhYiSi1rpyOvygyBTSk4qoB89xBK69sGoCagKGqmMOzvnp9_F9Rcoo8SSZ2m2ptmcQs8AZGDx6jo-UMGaNH7WFZuiWBHuzbBEXhGwFMT06acUpd3ARWKYl14pHI2hric/s1600/_bil3425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKUEMJ37EVvY2yhYiSi1rpyOvygyBTSk4qoB89xBK69sGoCagKGqmMOzvnp9_F9Rcoo8SSZ2m2ptmcQs8AZGDx6jo-UMGaNH7WFZuiWBHuzbBEXhGwFMT06acUpd3ARWKYl14pHI2hric/s1600/_bil3425.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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There was quite a bit of play in the setup once assembled, so following some forum advice, I shimmed up the excess play with some PVC pipe and washers:</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzBv0uanXiQRRiq3NbD_6DTXjqVp0bmTMcqfSY5GTVvlrp14CAY0ORUhbtE6Ok8a4dVRhMvTePpxkfnpMDNbOeqMmjAhvoo9CxsFWv_vpUwOrOfO7mVyg2QRAol-FysvQJhic2VoShAOw/s1600/_bil3424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzBv0uanXiQRRiq3NbD_6DTXjqVp0bmTMcqfSY5GTVvlrp14CAY0ORUhbtE6Ok8a4dVRhMvTePpxkfnpMDNbOeqMmjAhvoo9CxsFWv_vpUwOrOfO7mVyg2QRAol-FysvQJhic2VoShAOw/s1600/_bil3424.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can see the originals come with a lot of play. Now that the play is all but removed, these work great.</td></tr>
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Next time, I'll have some updates on mounting the number plates and drilling bolts for safety wire...</div>
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shutterpilothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565292263395462114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2785709724263448972.post-42356101370527916482014-07-07T10:08:00.002-04:002014-07-07T10:08:53.471-04:00Ready to race! Well, almost...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF3jYorliS0wjMg2GLVLS_2KwQumn7Os15u2fdsfmLzVmesMvvTM1ejJ8tj9nztmeIc8fvtoHjjWhwGW4xZeZjHgly2xJAe-IjuZJxFDTJQnvpKq_E-jwzP7dKnsXyKscVDviSoxHwrOg/s1600/_bil3383.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF3jYorliS0wjMg2GLVLS_2KwQumn7Os15u2fdsfmLzVmesMvvTM1ejJ8tj9nztmeIc8fvtoHjjWhwGW4xZeZjHgly2xJAe-IjuZJxFDTJQnvpKq_E-jwzP7dKnsXyKscVDviSoxHwrOg/s1600/_bil3383.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BMW R65, rolled out and started for the first time since January.</td></tr>
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Over the long fourth of July weekend, I managed to complete the reassembly of the beemer. She's now as complete as she was when manufactured in October of 1980. <div>
Good news: she started right up and ran pretty strong.</div>
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Bad news: she seems to slip in 5th gear just a bit, so we'll need to investigate and sort that out real soon.</div>
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Other than that, I have some safety wiring left to do (the first two bolts drilled real nice and easy, and I even managed to finish the holes off with nice beveled edges so nothing catches.</div>
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Another photo:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqzGt67SW4G3n3gv_v_Y1w2soeFserXaWyDdm-zsBNC27_7LdcsDAfB1_2xpVVvssay1nxS1CxiuQPVhdsmSnJC3ry6Fg7xMdNpR-VNHqK6mAejFCvwEYvtzQLzKmDOLUIJ5u0rSRztXc/s1600/_bil3355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqzGt67SW4G3n3gv_v_Y1w2soeFserXaWyDdm-zsBNC27_7LdcsDAfB1_2xpVVvssay1nxS1CxiuQPVhdsmSnJC3ry6Fg7xMdNpR-VNHqK6mAejFCvwEYvtzQLzKmDOLUIJ5u0rSRztXc/s1600/_bil3355.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not showroom, but not too bad for going on 34 years old.<br />She's not looking much like a race bike, 'cause for her race class she has to be 100% bone stock,<br />and let me tell you, 34 year old stock bikes are hard to come by. <br />I'm really happy with all I've learned on this project so far - and soon we'll get to run her at Bonneville.<br />Pretty cool anyway you look at it.</td></tr>
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shutterpilothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565292263395462114noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2785709724263448972.post-26360922540490564712014-06-25T11:23:00.000-04:002014-06-25T11:23:44.687-04:00Making Progress...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGHZYuEr124LJcJgyq2O9fN-lmKvzSloOwbpqDoYvHgkA-kSXJeja13ZLOnqVsCtvmEGimlYz3zDUX3A9rhhCxGw1hA4JCgWdrA3oSI4wxEA8giQi-ePVgQ0TltPTPr0FYPlh2axlVwlg/s1600/062114_cylinder001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGHZYuEr124LJcJgyq2O9fN-lmKvzSloOwbpqDoYvHgkA-kSXJeja13ZLOnqVsCtvmEGimlYz3zDUX3A9rhhCxGw1hA4JCgWdrA3oSI4wxEA8giQi-ePVgQ0TltPTPr0FYPlh2axlVwlg/s1600/062114_cylinder001.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What am I looking at?! L-R: Cylinder, Piston, Wrist pin, Connecting Rod</td></tr>
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I finally got a large enough block of time to install the newly worked piston, cylinders and heads onto the salt bike…<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2zJqwKMriRMnbzSo34vErBtGUtO3DalpQHJwSwgGCOMDuCCUstQXyFpo1tvSXwcD82dEnwCN1QZ5TyL7ryHndQfF-bzivynScIDigwpMVBQKryVQX_RgglZgXcKTJn628luqwV2jOlik/s1600/062114_cylinder002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2zJqwKMriRMnbzSo34vErBtGUtO3DalpQHJwSwgGCOMDuCCUstQXyFpo1tvSXwcD82dEnwCN1QZ5TyL7ryHndQfF-bzivynScIDigwpMVBQKryVQX_RgglZgXcKTJn628luqwV2jOlik/s1600/062114_cylinder002.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here, I've got the piston and its rings installed INTO the cylinder (finned part) with its "skirt" hanging out.<br />
This is so I can connect the piston to the connecting rod, the dark arm coming out of the hole.<br />
The thing that looks like a long socket sticking out of the piston is the wrist pin, that will line<br />
up with the hole in the end of the connector rod and seal the piston tho the rod for final placement.<br />
Tricky stuff, with a bit of fiddling, but it all went together without issues.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXVv6xjZydRpCwhH0VXLoBbU1KrOlA3YuZWnAEqN_psuRzNaBSH0M7MQc9y6tBTufY2dHqSOL8NoG2e1ctyM8cwsjVU-YMWo0jxwNcHuUCTR4fDHG6-zaXgpvgDdqW-MfBiKmpCkr5NO8/s1600/062114_cylinder003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXVv6xjZydRpCwhH0VXLoBbU1KrOlA3YuZWnAEqN_psuRzNaBSH0M7MQc9y6tBTufY2dHqSOL8NoG2e1ctyM8cwsjVU-YMWo0jxwNcHuUCTR4fDHG6-zaXgpvgDdqW-MfBiKmpCkr5NO8/s1600/062114_cylinder003.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is the cylinder, after the piston was attached to the connector rod with the wrist pin, and the<br />
cylinder pushed "home" up against the engine block.<br />
You can see the piston in its proper position within the cylinder, ready to make power.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsxltkM3nuJXWr0fBmHPE4fCP0ux2whdScJjua9dnFYXnApkfZ3Tkf8h97TUfCjHWY-tfwvlsZia1VjgCR1sQkm1lhgtOUYjNWtwjUXzDDnW5-OzBkbaG46_k1vkRQSq2pyLMqWmh_WtQ/s1600/062114_cylinder004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsxltkM3nuJXWr0fBmHPE4fCP0ux2whdScJjua9dnFYXnApkfZ3Tkf8h97TUfCjHWY-tfwvlsZia1VjgCR1sQkm1lhgtOUYjNWtwjUXzDDnW5-OzBkbaG46_k1vkRQSq2pyLMqWmh_WtQ/s1600/062114_cylinder004.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We're looking at the underside of the cylinder here, in its final position.<br />
You can see the piston just off to the upper left.<br />
The two rods we're looking at are the pushrod tubes, with new rubber seals</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0RIkhL420ykDgpaxWXSl76o8xUJDswJAkhyiFYzbAqD3DtaxGjShyvU4tKJ1iZ6F0r84dqAxh5TeQ819RUASM5LMzNRL0CqbCsCb-oNRY0dq7rZrIY69e86_YjCpR5PGKr8sS7-JFwIU/s1600/062114_cylinder005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0RIkhL420ykDgpaxWXSl76o8xUJDswJAkhyiFYzbAqD3DtaxGjShyvU4tKJ1iZ6F0r84dqAxh5TeQ819RUASM5LMzNRL0CqbCsCb-oNRY0dq7rZrIY69e86_YjCpR5PGKr8sS7-JFwIU/s1600/062114_cylinder005.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The right piston in its bore, with my orientation markings for the rings<br />
You can see the detents in the piston where the valves that go above it will recess into.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVPJW88wfyhDS_vkVazz6dVpgKx5rAfe_cOBloe0Ug1fU-RUD9O3hU_YSN1l97pRm2T5kNDjMu3cVrEOnCIfgPtv6oVlPDMgExtmIuXO00MOydfQWc1dsA28qAgPXNbNS5y2dG5xXr5nQ/s1600/062114_cylinder006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVPJW88wfyhDS_vkVazz6dVpgKx5rAfe_cOBloe0Ug1fU-RUD9O3hU_YSN1l97pRm2T5kNDjMu3cVrEOnCIfgPtv6oVlPDMgExtmIuXO00MOydfQWc1dsA28qAgPXNbNS5y2dG5xXr5nQ/s1600/062114_cylinder006.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pistin in its cylinder, with head gasket installed, ready for attaching the "head"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfZ782b5EIcKYmnxxyqVvm0lnd5y7vInl1eO9iDd2gmp5r8x8VrgbcsM7s5PzAXbjfRqPpMiVGjZ3cql-JOqSpVFdsvVCpsNvtGADGPRugVbsE_mV2sC_JthVtTXHF9l_rb-3MI8Zq0Pc/s1600/062114_cylinder007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfZ782b5EIcKYmnxxyqVvm0lnd5y7vInl1eO9iDd2gmp5r8x8VrgbcsM7s5PzAXbjfRqPpMiVGjZ3cql-JOqSpVFdsvVCpsNvtGADGPRugVbsE_mV2sC_JthVtTXHF9l_rb-3MI8Zq0Pc/s1600/062114_cylinder007.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here, the head has been installed atop the cylinder, and the pushrods and rocker arms have been installed too.<br />
(sorry, I was busy assembling all of this and forgot to make an interim photo)<br />
The only think left would be the valve cover which will complete this side.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHaxl46-xRo62dEQbJwFFuz9ayxFuZOTQwth3Lqq8-KASxc3sD9LEES5A_cQAh28ps7iMU977CsWD4ydq-yU0Sq5I_d_FI99GiqAeXeJvVSqyKZNPW363sqh-Tt_xaxJYMbviQfKTI5Hc/s1600/062114_cylinder008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHaxl46-xRo62dEQbJwFFuz9ayxFuZOTQwth3Lqq8-KASxc3sD9LEES5A_cQAh28ps7iMU977CsWD4ydq-yU0Sq5I_d_FI99GiqAeXeJvVSqyKZNPW363sqh-Tt_xaxJYMbviQfKTI5Hc/s1600/062114_cylinder008.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Piston and cylinder now installed on the left side</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinsntrec5YyWipPw5hyLcTNc4lRkWkoyh3Pdg2UyXr9Rptuy5q34BLHtNcdl8NpxXUDimX8wZAQ60Pfz0AfzBw6kcUONaXTNKRCK8GqcbNEFioKC8GIWQC-QFEcj63WRqE0Fw3xNlgRsY/s1600/062114_cylinder009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinsntrec5YyWipPw5hyLcTNc4lRkWkoyh3Pdg2UyXr9Rptuy5q34BLHtNcdl8NpxXUDimX8wZAQ60Pfz0AfzBw6kcUONaXTNKRCK8GqcbNEFioKC8GIWQC-QFEcj63WRqE0Fw3xNlgRsY/s1600/062114_cylinder009.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left piston in its bore, with orientation markings.</td></tr>
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<br />
I was able to finish up the left side as well, all the way up to the point of gapping the valves and installing the valve covers.<br />
Next to the newly cleaned cylinders and heads, the old valve covers were looking especially dingy, so I'm taking those off to get blasted clean before installing those.<br />
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On to the rest of the To-Do list now:<br />
Deep clean the rest of the engine externals<br />
install the carburetors<br />
Safety drill oil pan bolts, install oil pan with new gasket<br />
install the air pump system into the heads<br />
fix out of round section in right exhaust header<br />
weld up crack in left muffler<br />
install headers and mufflers and crossover tubes<br />
replace top brake hose<br />
replace rear tire with proper sized version<br />
obtain and install safety kill switches<br />
obtain and install steering damper<br />
Obtain and install new fuel lines<br />
Obtain and install fuel line fire protection hoses<br />
Safety wire front and rear axle bolts, pinch bolts, transmission bolts, final drive bolts, shaft bolts.<br />
Obtain new Snell spec helmet, race suit, boots, gloves and Rx safety glasses (required to race if you're a glasses wearer)<br />
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And I'm sure I'm forgetting quite a few other things - is it time to panic yet??shutterpilothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565292263395462114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2785709724263448972.post-71604421844700900242014-06-09T08:44:00.000-04:002014-06-09T08:44:39.986-04:00My very own "Altar to the gods of Speed"...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYagw38hjM6owVgQYWa70PoTxXRgrgJYIr_mPhkvGNluaqGTUE7dvRhwZzurtOp1Chj7Gjr3Frbz8XGzYW_BSm8YNVLaewW0bxGvC6WXlGUarrXUDpiGb_E2-ySq6tiZjbWeHNVCw7lF8/s1600/060914_altar001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYagw38hjM6owVgQYWa70PoTxXRgrgJYIr_mPhkvGNluaqGTUE7dvRhwZzurtOp1Chj7Gjr3Frbz8XGzYW_BSm8YNVLaewW0bxGvC6WXlGUarrXUDpiGb_E2-ySq6tiZjbWeHNVCw7lF8/s1600/060914_altar001.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Over $1000 worth of machine work and parts, ready to re-install!</td></tr>
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Got the pistons back after de-carboning, with new rings and scrubbers. And the cylinders have been cleaned up and re-honed, and of course the heads have been rebuilt.<br />
You can see in the photo above the parts are divided between the right and left sides of the engine, so I can keep track of what goes where on install, and to make sure I'm not missing anything.<br />
Now? I've just got to get it all back together and see if she'll run!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbd6-_C2H4MjprOM1DtGzKcZwfLBPED_L5abPKafuZTdsKUY0C_kN1J7txxpQSxKkrsd2QVa9kNOaJzk5J2BVGrsusTdTmJ_LnK_zN6f7mAuvSS8PdcFDCur-kUN81RVl6j6fEEZHOyUk/s1600/-5+engine+&+gearbox+cutaway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbd6-_C2H4MjprOM1DtGzKcZwfLBPED_L5abPKafuZTdsKUY0C_kN1J7txxpQSxKkrsd2QVa9kNOaJzk5J2BVGrsusTdTmJ_LnK_zN6f7mAuvSS8PdcFDCur-kUN81RVl6j6fEEZHOyUk/s1600/-5+engine+&+gearbox+cutaway.jpg" height="476" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's a cut-away of a BMW "airhead" engine, showing where a lot of the stuff currently on my bench goes...</td></tr>
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<br />shutterpilothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565292263395462114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2785709724263448972.post-21208437137499329452014-05-27T13:12:00.000-04:002014-05-27T13:12:17.556-04:00R65 Heads update...The heads just came back from Peter Bombar, all clean and spiffy, and holding perfect vacuum:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLr6inJDCtKpQnpTpi1Lah5pYI-L10XO42z2x_MY6Ic9ba8OvTRYb510iMpsm0MaKhvYP5XB4V5fvnGmAfpdc7zS5zSdyah0TxYkrJOhjenNY_oot10u56Qckpfk4vvPbl2uoAiUWHRww/s1600/_BIL3200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLr6inJDCtKpQnpTpi1Lah5pYI-L10XO42z2x_MY6Ic9ba8OvTRYb510iMpsm0MaKhvYP5XB4V5fvnGmAfpdc7zS5zSdyah0TxYkrJOhjenNY_oot10u56Qckpfk4vvPbl2uoAiUWHRww/s1600/_BIL3200.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Refurbed head from the R65 - ready to install</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF_AHLl3B57WomSUCnvWwVuedaeNNH3iI1QH76TQJJy5oSY0UULD8XC8UEC81FL27-rgI7I_JG5Iv0CEiAbyT3D455vfR_Sbxga-w0cjWhv1Q1zFoy9VBxtRSz-dVgjFTdA3vp_iMfoVM/s1600/_BIL3202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF_AHLl3B57WomSUCnvWwVuedaeNNH3iI1QH76TQJJy5oSY0UULD8XC8UEC81FL27-rgI7I_JG5Iv0CEiAbyT3D455vfR_Sbxga-w0cjWhv1Q1zFoy9VBxtRSz-dVgjFTdA3vp_iMfoVM/s1600/_BIL3202.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These absolutely look great, and hold perfect vacuum. Ready to rock n' roll!</td></tr>
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<br />shutterpilothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565292263395462114noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2785709724263448972.post-39200378343815214222014-05-23T12:54:00.002-04:002014-05-23T13:11:45.442-04:00Distillery Tour...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPKoAYNJ2MzOMK8OcYHnA17uhn53jIB6pl0lL53eII3n_zUdy3aZE-Fs1MCWhgBAVh46iADIOlknbecPGlBeorb_DbWggyjEBB9vx1bSrbSusM7KmAWY5Sdmr9R292Owqtp3Szzn-J0To/s1600/_BIL3160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPKoAYNJ2MzOMK8OcYHnA17uhn53jIB6pl0lL53eII3n_zUdy3aZE-Fs1MCWhgBAVh46iADIOlknbecPGlBeorb_DbWggyjEBB9vx1bSrbSusM7KmAWY5Sdmr9R292Owqtp3Szzn-J0To/s1600/_BIL3160.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
So yesterday, Pillion and I enjoyed a tour and tasting at the Top of the Hill Distillery in Chapel Hill, NC. The tour was given to us by my eldest daughter as a birthday gift to me.<br />
Top of the Hill, which also operates a brewery at its restaurant site, now manages a distillery offsite, creating award winning Vodka, Gin, Whiskey and Moonshine using only Organic wheat for their mash. Here are a few pics from the tour and tasting:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnEX3AFMYQM8eXcyv8bO3hXB_h9j7G0Gzv-P09q7NZBZKScqicFYC4NILQRylFtaqMhhx838CJ3VZ4_HFm-CzZwgXD9AQ6dOIP-1A-lfc8SVoDDyJ50Oybd9Hjlv1BedFWo2SlQLhgWoU/s1600/_BIL3161.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnEX3AFMYQM8eXcyv8bO3hXB_h9j7G0Gzv-P09q7NZBZKScqicFYC4NILQRylFtaqMhhx838CJ3VZ4_HFm-CzZwgXD9AQ6dOIP-1A-lfc8SVoDDyJ50Oybd9Hjlv1BedFWo2SlQLhgWoU/s1600/_BIL3161.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An explanation of the why's and wherefores of deciding to distill wheat, as opposed to expanding their beer distribution.<br />
Its all about the cost of canning and distributing beer, which was more complex and expensive than distilled products.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the tanks and machinery in creating and processing the mash from Organic wheat.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vodka sets up in these White Oak barrels, whereas Whiskey gets aged in charred barrels</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You have to taste a lot of product, just to make sure its coming out right....</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the first distilling steps, as alcohol is released from the mash here...</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2r1xOTRWLwiuwdM16SaM7mELvAFDau5pqttiThRg1khzU3SRbun1RKmTg4X1eUP-ayDvaw59zNTE3p1KfK-LfBcyzp4zGpBE6jrX8vnWAXPsKQ9-613NVqRpHLe4hrZaz9fLHcIIH_qE/s1600/_BIL3169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2r1xOTRWLwiuwdM16SaM7mELvAFDau5pqttiThRg1khzU3SRbun1RKmTg4X1eUP-ayDvaw59zNTE3p1KfK-LfBcyzp4zGpBE6jrX8vnWAXPsKQ9-613NVqRpHLe4hrZaz9fLHcIIH_qE/s1600/_BIL3169.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kettle for distilling the Whiskey...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very tall condenser for 3rd distilling of the Vodka - about 20ft tall</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part of the Whiskey, Gin production</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH-K9QsO5mYKcKBZvirQjq6iT6IIpF5z0ZsDtSxpetxuzLZvGon8PVWMbs6MmbPdNndaZzRtpz7fFakD1H7fYqr1DEsllTpL3NmFRBi5fULnDGZRn0UtucAjpsnXTrWsMKWpLm1HYqFTk/s1600/_BIL3174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH-K9QsO5mYKcKBZvirQjq6iT6IIpF5z0ZsDtSxpetxuzLZvGon8PVWMbs6MmbPdNndaZzRtpz7fFakD1H7fYqr1DEsllTpL3NmFRBi5fULnDGZRn0UtucAjpsnXTrWsMKWpLm1HYqFTk/s1600/_BIL3174.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Vodka, Gin, Whiskey and 'Shine all come from this same organic wheat</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmFF7p0uhXJowb7JHRe8tobbGuoxOWL1wmikLbSvVFJtu59v_3HCnmc19Hv7mi4QlLIMuaU_iC_s9EmvVPDgx-JeYI8W08OgRTZqa5qY3lphdGe2UXcRLIXOfGgu752wmwwpoHXC4cCuw/s1600/_BIL3178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmFF7p0uhXJowb7JHRe8tobbGuoxOWL1wmikLbSvVFJtu59v_3HCnmc19Hv7mi4QlLIMuaU_iC_s9EmvVPDgx-JeYI8W08OgRTZqa5qY3lphdGe2UXcRLIXOfGgu752wmwwpoHXC4cCuw/s1600/_BIL3178.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charred barrel for Whiskey aging.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkELUQNOo8DE4OUhmwt8iZALokUU8AAlkS0iEGawfj-HjwZ7XO0x_ZQvnnVfhbxBeN52KEJ94mvuhGfpD4HSDBGA7S5eWt7XSIw46aa6VIr0mLqdA1isoJYZq2vWtLQ6DEXcEM7y5iLGA/s1600/_BIL3179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkELUQNOo8DE4OUhmwt8iZALokUU8AAlkS0iEGawfj-HjwZ7XO0x_ZQvnnVfhbxBeN52KEJ94mvuhGfpD4HSDBGA7S5eWt7XSIw46aa6VIr0mLqdA1isoJYZq2vWtLQ6DEXcEM7y5iLGA/s1600/_BIL3179.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smaller barrels allow for more surface area contact, and faster aging of the Vodka.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beginning of the taste testing. The jar at center contains the mix used to create the Gin, primarily juniper berries.<br />
We both found the Gin and Vodka surprisingly drinkable straight up, very different from the major brands.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In addition to tasting their Vodka, Gin, Whiskey and Shine, we all got complimentary shot glasses too.</td></tr>
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We really enjoyed the tour, which was very educational as we knew nothing of distilled production, and I highly recommend making time to take the tour if you're in the area (I believe its by appointment only, but you can make one at <a href="http://www.topodistillery.com/">http://www.topodistillery.com</a>)<br />
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Lastly, out tour guide made a group photo of our little tour group and put it up on their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TOPO.Distillery" target="_blank">Facebook page</a> - nice touch!<br />
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<br />shutterpilothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565292263395462114noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2785709724263448972.post-80886717776333678522014-05-21T09:26:00.002-04:002014-05-21T09:26:46.399-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We're now officially registered to go racing!shutterpilothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565292263395462114noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2785709724263448972.post-59620462016391815482014-05-13T15:37:00.000-04:002014-05-13T15:39:18.089-04:00Like clockwork?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Two early memories involving any mechanical aptitude I have involve my perpetual job of being the flashlight holder for my Dad, (once while he destroyed a Holley carburetor with a ball-peen hammer because it assumedly wasn't installing itself correctly)...and a mantle clock...<br />
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Holding flashlight for my Dad tested all of my ADD tendencies, as usually within seconds of fixing the light on Dad's work area, I'd become bored and start shining the flashlight onto all sorts of other things competing for my attention. Is that a spider under there? Hmmm, that's an interesting pattern on the driveway way over there. If I strobe the light really fast back and forth, things look like they're moving funny, and it looks way cool when I put the flashlight in my mouth and puff my cheeks.<br />
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Never could figure out what Dad was getting so angry about.<br />
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And working on the BMW these past few weeks continually brings up flashbacks to that first Mantle Clock "incident". An incident that comes to mind, I think, everytime I get deep into a major project:<br />
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At some point, the prized clock on our mantle had stopped chiming, but it still kept good time. One afternoon as I was home alone, and not understanding why someone didn't just fix this, I secreted the clock off the mantle and down to the basement to apply my young genius to it.<br />
Opening the back, I could easily see all of the works - gears, cogs, springs and all - contained in a frame held together with 4 small screws. Seeing those screws, it just seemed perfectly sensible that I remove them, whereby the fix must surely reveal itself.<br />
The first three screws came out under my shiny screwdriver easily. Heck, I'll have this thing fixed in minutes, I'm thinking.<br />
I remember the fourth screw being a bit harder to turn, not realizing it and only it was holding the entire force of the springs still ensconced in their metal frame. This last screw was only about halfway out when it let go completely under the increasing strain, and in super-slow-motion, every spring, cog and gear spewed out into the air, seemingly multiplying into a million shiny bits of tiny metal before disappearing into several dark corners of the basement.<br />
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I think this was the second time I seriously thought of running away from home.<br />
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Strangely, I don't remember there ever being a discussion about the gutted mantle clock. Perhaps my parents were feeling too murderous to confront me with it. But years later, long after I had moved out and my parents sold the house, I'm sure that poor clock was still sitting alone, dusty and disemboweled, where I had left it in the basement.<br />
So, almost 40 years on, my garage is now growing ever full of dismembered pieces of the R65, only 3 months away from its Bonneville race date, and I can't help thinking of that old clock. Or of my Dad and his ball-peen hammer everytime some part refuses to come apart or go back together how I expect it too.<br />
Over the years working on sundry truck, cars, and motorcycles, I've become very adept at pulling things apart - much less so at putting them together again. But to quote Monty Python: "I'm Gettin' Better"!<br />
Yep - I still feel like I'm a 10 year old genius sometimes. And here's some recent photos to prove it:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGubQxFcw0v9O7OSo_b7i4nEDygOicDvsveHOjlipD55kZZEysDGDER9V8OyJ9RtJxROwaErjo2Gyd7M4ww7gl3SOtgSMJ3Dtokyk1s3MI9PQ6l-riVUql0hgvgjpbwIjVLuIB2H0J7Z0/s1600/_bil3153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGubQxFcw0v9O7OSo_b7i4nEDygOicDvsveHOjlipD55kZZEysDGDER9V8OyJ9RtJxROwaErjo2Gyd7M4ww7gl3SOtgSMJ3Dtokyk1s3MI9PQ6l-riVUql0hgvgjpbwIjVLuIB2H0J7Z0/s1600/_bil3153.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nothing like taking apart a perfectly good motorcycle.<br />
The valve cover has been removed, revealing the rocker arms and valve springs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBfwfoOyiM59SfK1OiIkmXg_8aTdQdYdI7R74kQw8Wknep1_C2eqr0F9IfPWwwdvkiigGsLbTHqb1WgnwcyEH4cfjD59OGGG8-2Uql4sjXUiKQK2g8ry0kbeqtwXIznmd9ITKsKUdsCHA/s1600/_bil3154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBfwfoOyiM59SfK1OiIkmXg_8aTdQdYdI7R74kQw8Wknep1_C2eqr0F9IfPWwwdvkiigGsLbTHqb1WgnwcyEH4cfjD59OGGG8-2Uql4sjXUiKQK2g8ry0kbeqtwXIznmd9ITKsKUdsCHA/s1600/_bil3154.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A closeup of the left cylinder, showing exhaust (L) and intake (R) rockers, pushrods, springs.<br />
All of this is contained in the "head" which we'll be removing to reveal...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKno0IrolgmDn1ngkvu_uUOYcwPRCYc62wtznBImHQr4WW24ZEZ82sBI6jx5ftBugCQDearKWCTa9dI8agR_tiX9-uF_rwfjMvj3NWbChy_D9J15glB3q3bCD00-4smZVjVu5HeIr44EQ/s1600/_bil3155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKno0IrolgmDn1ngkvu_uUOYcwPRCYc62wtznBImHQr4WW24ZEZ82sBI6jx5ftBugCQDearKWCTa9dI8agR_tiX9-uF_rwfjMvj3NWbChy_D9J15glB3q3bCD00-4smZVjVu5HeIr44EQ/s1600/_bil3155.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...the piston in its cylinder below. You can see the cutouts in the piston crown where the <br />
exhaust (L) and intake (R) valves recess into the piston at top dead center</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb03xQYhspKAComZQrK5Ru_ldh2bdJ9YLOO_GbYvo5yMO537Jk_MZSlW-O0wfJZHGhnOlBrCUCb6mrHhQfCvAi5Lc5MCJs-Q7i5wZISmkEIsFqK4UWlg27GTwLOpZW-S7fWT2Vn_gdFVM/s1600/_bil3156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb03xQYhspKAComZQrK5Ru_ldh2bdJ9YLOO_GbYvo5yMO537Jk_MZSlW-O0wfJZHGhnOlBrCUCb6mrHhQfCvAi5Lc5MCJs-Q7i5wZISmkEIsFqK4UWlg27GTwLOpZW-S7fWT2Vn_gdFVM/s1600/_bil3156.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An angled view of the cylinder with head removed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDGv6ZaQW0FHhx7oF_FjRjw996Md7e_zr36ZLvn9Ba53641DUEMpk22wAuRClkr_hEePWuWTfFgDjYcOFMN1C7VHDBodtG8wVHW0SJkf4nVV1uCa7jtD6AI7JB-YUMBx_N2QESCk18igU/s1600/_bil3158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDGv6ZaQW0FHhx7oF_FjRjw996Md7e_zr36ZLvn9Ba53641DUEMpk22wAuRClkr_hEePWuWTfFgDjYcOFMN1C7VHDBodtG8wVHW0SJkf4nVV1uCa7jtD6AI7JB-YUMBx_N2QESCk18igU/s1600/_bil3158.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The removed head deck, bagged and ready to go to the machinist for new seats, valves, springs and guides.<br />
In the upper left and right you can see the valve covers, and pushrod just to the right</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkfdm9WbJwG9SMcOMnA1brHDGnZ-fnkpcnR9FsnhGkFae8nH17HqwKpSBn2uBKpUvzqqFh13gqhHVnX-d2erO5685E-kNMqlT1iO5lRriruubdwARfOEwmrsKTweEXZUsSrsoMSZUCF0A/s1600/_bil3159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkfdm9WbJwG9SMcOMnA1brHDGnZ-fnkpcnR9FsnhGkFae8nH17HqwKpSBn2uBKpUvzqqFh13gqhHVnX-d2erO5685E-kNMqlT1iO5lRriruubdwARfOEwmrsKTweEXZUsSrsoMSZUCF0A/s1600/_bil3159.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's the right piston a bit down its bore, showing how the piston moves within this space to make the bike go.<br />
Bores look good, no gouges or scratches.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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It'll take a few weeks to get all the parts in and finish the head work at the machinist. In the meantime, the pistons will need to be cleaned up and fitted with new rings and scrubbers, and new gaskets ordered for the pushrod tubes, cylinder base, heads and valve covers.<br />
Then, it'll all need to go back together...and run of course.<br />
Yeah...I keep thinking about that clock....shutterpilothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565292263395462114noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2785709724263448972.post-83772613153416236202014-04-29T17:15:00.000-04:002014-04-29T17:15:03.825-04:00Rocks and water...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Y9bnADZPxNYT8nDns5hwdHXTLw34eAK44S_6uSY-a0WSRMCNoZMB4kw8CiBqAvqaQjkCBLgDJb7Vc7rhJZcxtN9VdtGRTesvbC2-UPmbHQqyLmfYKNU8ynDXZhVFWh2Q_lMXs0s7q3Y/s1600/102012_hrsp032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Y9bnADZPxNYT8nDns5hwdHXTLw34eAK44S_6uSY-a0WSRMCNoZMB4kw8CiBqAvqaQjkCBLgDJb7Vc7rhJZcxtN9VdtGRTesvbC2-UPmbHQqyLmfYKNU8ynDXZhVFWh2Q_lMXs0s7q3Y/s1600/102012_hrsp032.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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I was in the mood to review some photos from one of my favorite "local" places to photograph: <a href="http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/haro/main.php" target="_blank">Hanging Rock State Park</a>, in Danbury NC. What else but rocks and water, like usual.<br />
Here are a few of my favorites from past trips - I hope it inspires the photog in you:<br />
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<br />shutterpilothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565292263395462114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2785709724263448972.post-27118760429886494042014-04-25T14:33:00.003-04:002014-04-25T14:33:58.092-04:00Carb Rebuild Time-lapse Video<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/-RS9zxGtWwc?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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I felt proficient enough after rebuilding the right side carburetor, I filmed the cleaning and rebuild of the left side, and set it to some clockwork-type music...shutterpilothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565292263395462114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2785709724263448972.post-70902358455592827992014-04-23T17:29:00.000-04:002014-04-23T17:35:05.074-04:00Bing Carbs, Part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEick9kW-r93u8W8QgJUMvYdiCa3x6271dkjWJKTJw-pGmzpGr-5LUkm0a4qPppsWpiMpTtM6CCkLgoVHLZAjm81oz8WtsnwVYS3RRm8dFNx45lE3gsCSV1G8APhOyQBBIGNYcWFi0Z7Va8/s1600/042114_bing013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEick9kW-r93u8W8QgJUMvYdiCa3x6271dkjWJKTJw-pGmzpGr-5LUkm0a4qPppsWpiMpTtM6CCkLgoVHLZAjm81oz8WtsnwVYS3RRm8dFNx45lE3gsCSV1G8APhOyQBBIGNYcWFi0Z7Va8/s1600/042114_bing013.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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We put it all back together - after disassembling and cleaning the enrichener circuit, that is...photos after the break:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigB5srR0ZpEQbm9hEumcxh5ixhEHon3OiG_GVHn5rDxBRBwHY8w2N_R66N2L573Gh5DE5HkiSqHag1wvv-IlFToZPREIXZfN9d6VextUBeJ2YK0qdNyo2RzR8UAUZJFIs-B8ZsiWN7PtI/s1600/042114_bing017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigB5srR0ZpEQbm9hEumcxh5ixhEHon3OiG_GVHn5rDxBRBwHY8w2N_R66N2L573Gh5DE5HkiSqHag1wvv-IlFToZPREIXZfN9d6VextUBeJ2YK0qdNyo2RzR8UAUZJFIs-B8ZsiWN7PtI/s1600/042114_bing017.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The enrichener (choke) after removal from the carb body</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7sLwcHLVP6-c7mCqfqESqjyD-_lGlLcsS6TqYhRQi9FLFBpqfXHIXpf94xG6JjUqx90s1cirZszxWCOhbVs3wYa75DX124fLANKmV4i3dcUM0UtGi8oc7SE5zAhxvnb4Nwrpe1lNESo4/s1600/042114_bing016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7sLwcHLVP6-c7mCqfqESqjyD-_lGlLcsS6TqYhRQi9FLFBpqfXHIXpf94xG6JjUqx90s1cirZszxWCOhbVs3wYa75DX124fLANKmV4i3dcUM0UtGi8oc7SE5zAhxvnb4Nwrpe1lNESo4/s1600/042114_bing016.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside of the enrichener, after cleaning the orifices. "choking" the carb spins the disk, allowing successively<br />
larger openings to come into play, each allowing more fuel to enter the carb body on cold startup</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkaNJkWUJ8YGwmIfPzJ9EZJ1YRkqXuI-lkpj_-4N4s6ReVNghs71Y-AmFK0e0MgxTH-d6g6FED-mZ_fMLouRDHBvf33yrbR0Y7cDViwt6JuecF5mYMpzf3sZn_N2rYIL9TiNqeUl8_x_Q/s1600/042114_bing018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkaNJkWUJ8YGwmIfPzJ9EZJ1YRkqXuI-lkpj_-4N4s6ReVNghs71Y-AmFK0e0MgxTH-d6g6FED-mZ_fMLouRDHBvf33yrbR0Y7cDViwt6JuecF5mYMpzf3sZn_N2rYIL9TiNqeUl8_x_Q/s1600/042114_bing018.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New vacuum diaphragm is fitted to the top of the main needle slide</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUv1KvqBTgDsR6EhgrgU73XPzVVWeyWaHa9kYXqqOjrAZEl08hDBeNYSRNcQNVCqZEs-MrYXb1VrU3kG93oWTlhLx1uqbQpaHpoz5__mV3wb5s44M3jn4dPblWO2JIsfcfSRU2RfmISag/s1600/042114_bing019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUv1KvqBTgDsR6EhgrgU73XPzVVWeyWaHa9kYXqqOjrAZEl08hDBeNYSRNcQNVCqZEs-MrYXb1VrU3kG93oWTlhLx1uqbQpaHpoz5__mV3wb5s44M3jn4dPblWO2JIsfcfSRU2RfmISag/s1600/042114_bing019.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...and new needle clipped in place beneath the slide</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir1fePUdAvutxFuK44zwc6TFgMeTyofdYvbqWI7Qkz4fNhRRfMQI3go3Ifkfti24KLL-VVj4rj7R5XSzZczQtJwmINyg4AyMoYksjWqAE6UZP0y_Eh8Fk1yWp8rPeueekH4m0V56HWv9I/s1600/042114_bing020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir1fePUdAvutxFuK44zwc6TFgMeTyofdYvbqWI7Qkz4fNhRRfMQI3go3Ifkfti24KLL-VVj4rj7R5XSzZczQtJwmINyg4AyMoYksjWqAE6UZP0y_Eh8Fk1yWp8rPeueekH4m0V56HWv9I/s1600/042114_bing020.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New atomizer and needle jet showing in the base of the slide bore. The needle slides into these, thereby<br />
regulating the flow of fuel into the air stream flowing thru the carb body.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW__a2GMuDgq8pKZlG5LT5btStKxZCBL-DBvt2JBbow6YL8ng3FHYDhANs7cwKckcxbomrLPAtHT-mln5Pjr8VvHQsWCmSGV1uPI-HY2PNEWo1j7KcztA2mNyJnFQmV0cyKYYvLl0GO8U/s1600/042114_bing023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW__a2GMuDgq8pKZlG5LT5btStKxZCBL-DBvt2JBbow6YL8ng3FHYDhANs7cwKckcxbomrLPAtHT-mln5Pjr8VvHQsWCmSGV1uPI-HY2PNEWo1j7KcztA2mNyJnFQmV0cyKYYvLl0GO8U/s1600/042114_bing023.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slide and needle installed. You can see how the needle slides into the jet below. As the slide raises, the tapered needle<br />
allows and increasing amount of fuel to flow up from below into the venturi airstream flowing horizontally<br />
across it, having the effect of making you go ever faster.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPW8PcED4A0p-Y3HfxOzsH6eTACbeSHEJNFcbEiQWEzST2uYEXKkC-wSqIPXrq4kBzO69ShMqfWvaIdON0T8gHJ5dIJ6SS9lrQuUu0YgbQ6_dRE_EgJyrocD6qVsSGVcHoVNii027jcDg/s1600/042114_bing021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPW8PcED4A0p-Y3HfxOzsH6eTACbeSHEJNFcbEiQWEzST2uYEXKkC-wSqIPXrq4kBzO69ShMqfWvaIdON0T8gHJ5dIJ6SS9lrQuUu0YgbQ6_dRE_EgJyrocD6qVsSGVcHoVNii027jcDg/s1600/042114_bing021.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cleaned and fully assembled carb, with enrichener attached.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHp0fEmcmW57KJ1ZFnRiDMfs9pFniVsQx6wCUvlnKQt5ult4ar3Zo06XR_8d839BTA0KDi4KyJ4HH2W3F76k2MrTpQilAvS-KTTp5iLLyTKyd6QTVmZAYOHLAbqTogBQzboExHqGgO_aU/s1600/042114_bing024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHp0fEmcmW57KJ1ZFnRiDMfs9pFniVsQx6wCUvlnKQt5ult4ar3Zo06XR_8d839BTA0KDi4KyJ4HH2W3F76k2MrTpQilAvS-KTTp5iLLyTKyd6QTVmZAYOHLAbqTogBQzboExHqGgO_aU/s1600/042114_bing024.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before and after pics. This isn't just a matter of looking clean, however. Opening up clogged orifices, and<br />
replacing worn out parts will hopefully go a long way towards restoring optimum efficiency and response.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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For the left-side carb rebuild, I hope to create a timelapse movie of the process - just for fun!<br />
Stay tuned...shutterpilothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565292263395462114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2785709724263448972.post-46565847556274695312014-04-22T10:34:00.000-04:002014-04-22T10:34:19.255-04:00Bing Carbs, Part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYUGArk1T3yFXSz8Fmufy7mKG6YB4mNATxkYCS1Or-oBFV0EPyntNNh4lvF_STgBuPiguy_23eYlCYGDL0eIjU8onv6ltc5VFogckYseapUy8aaHWqHMcgXTRQ8ZeFpmbkCrnWkGGyo14/s1600/BingAgency_MOTORCYCLE-CV-EXPLODED-VIEW-621x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYUGArk1T3yFXSz8Fmufy7mKG6YB4mNATxkYCS1Or-oBFV0EPyntNNh4lvF_STgBuPiguy_23eYlCYGDL0eIjU8onv6ltc5VFogckYseapUy8aaHWqHMcgXTRQ8ZeFpmbkCrnWkGGyo14/s1600/BingAgency_MOTORCYCLE-CV-EXPLODED-VIEW-621x1024.jpg" height="640" width="387" /></a></div>
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I started the carb rebuild on the Type 64-3 Bing carburetors on the R65. No hiccups so far, here's a few pics after the break:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsrk2KwmN-nLOT7FxDgpWFVS9OnUvVeOLOuCRTGrOGyapV7IxFkr6Nz-bStpiUuzJ-2i06qCZs9mmZwO8eFXHaf4DmWMfjQv5CYpWpbiD_38GnHrhx5adF9IZAwUxhtu4J-M6xj3KharI/s1600/042114_bing002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsrk2KwmN-nLOT7FxDgpWFVS9OnUvVeOLOuCRTGrOGyapV7IxFkr6Nz-bStpiUuzJ-2i06qCZs9mmZwO8eFXHaf4DmWMfjQv5CYpWpbiD_38GnHrhx5adF9IZAwUxhtu4J-M6xj3KharI/s1600/042114_bing002.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right side carb as removed from the bike</td></tr>
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The photo above shows the right carb soon after removal. Its obvious that the enrichener has been leaking, hence all the dried gas gunk on the inboard (left) side, but altogether not too bad. I've seen much worse.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbvjFigoyol1lz2q2IRQE4ZTi3c45ggxwNUsbstTw42BXmygQ9huqi726g84zfpY_1C0Mh1HSHqC0CBjIIxGfQhpzoLP_4t22gtxa67JYV8EJQF8wxCG6reV5W_kK2uTBO5CxSpj60Cp0/s1600/042114_bing001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbvjFigoyol1lz2q2IRQE4ZTi3c45ggxwNUsbstTw42BXmygQ9huqi726g84zfpY_1C0Mh1HSHqC0CBjIIxGfQhpzoLP_4t22gtxa67JYV8EJQF8wxCG6reV5W_kK2uTBO5CxSpj60Cp0/s1600/042114_bing001.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">side-on view of the inboard side of the carb (the side closest to the bike). <br />I'll use this photo to make sure all the linkage goes back the way its<br />supposed to (see opening exploded diagram!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuCSduQL1QpfCM_gNW8z3E5N-guOJCq3yB9RUGFbw0nIrTeJxbkXL_35_WJsINWWFhdnM56ww0ShBcLcsGqM09xg34WQMspTJSrx-GiUPaWFh9OV-IhfH6JjhsZdGMhyphenhyphentrjS4IERXsqyc/s1600/042114_bing004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuCSduQL1QpfCM_gNW8z3E5N-guOJCq3yB9RUGFbw0nIrTeJxbkXL_35_WJsINWWFhdnM56ww0ShBcLcsGqM09xg34WQMspTJSrx-GiUPaWFh9OV-IhfH6JjhsZdGMhyphenhyphentrjS4IERXsqyc/s1600/042114_bing004.jpg" height="582" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top removed, looking down the slide bore.</td></tr>
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Someone previously had accessed this sometime over the last 33 years, as the area around the needle jet (two circles at the bottom of the bore in above photo) is heavily scratched. No need to force these out causing scratches however - just need the proper cleaning chemicals and patience. This still looks like it'll clean up nicely though.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmA2LUdrB8ZBaG_RjBKH8-fzSjkNjxZ3_vMTDUx2FheRz8AwIFgQTDyxWw-HsZLuSGbqis_SP70n1jXUIODOnsFthYNX3UFH-P2EsUTlL7NPYjAS7pVKFafhtJV24PE4uajCXISjq3cvA/s1600/042114_bing005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmA2LUdrB8ZBaG_RjBKH8-fzSjkNjxZ3_vMTDUx2FheRz8AwIFgQTDyxWw-HsZLuSGbqis_SP70n1jXUIODOnsFthYNX3UFH-P2EsUTlL7NPYjAS7pVKFafhtJV24PE4uajCXISjq3cvA/s1600/042114_bing005.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the jet needle, attached to its slide that goes into the bore seen in the last photo.<br />You can see the needle is worn where it slides into its needle jet, near the tip.</td></tr>
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The Jet Needle looked visibly worn, with a buildup of varnish near its tip where it rests in the Needle Jet. Some of the "wear" parts that we'll simply replace will be this needle, its jet, the atomizer, and float needle and floats, as well as any o-rings and gaskets.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI5ybDRNWmWrELW6Ey0hlrYu990-qgXRRgvOQAMfjrnCr8bwbdgeii-3mcwZpc5471czPvAOxM3ajC-b4DSiNY9FeIPdL-mMltkatxOCZGdQIrognMKzYT_qjW0n2Eu-cpCwEvTI_Ol10/s1600/042114_bing007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI5ybDRNWmWrELW6Ey0hlrYu990-qgXRRgvOQAMfjrnCr8bwbdgeii-3mcwZpc5471czPvAOxM3ajC-b4DSiNY9FeIPdL-mMltkatxOCZGdQIrognMKzYT_qjW0n2Eu-cpCwEvTI_Ol10/s1600/042114_bing007.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Most bits needing cleaning or replacement removed, except for the enrichener circuit, still attached.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxCMUPDDc5YloFu_E4x1xgvKhOkn1gNwBLN9ikEfyi0EI6hsEGa9Q8OK5WCeIhAzYESUG1_TsbIY_py-W-_2kIpuFNG7ZT6GlBtYEXE1-kkdV6UVYItwuRV0mTBIkKW7XGgVqQrn1TnOs/s1600/042114_bing010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxCMUPDDc5YloFu_E4x1xgvKhOkn1gNwBLN9ikEfyi0EI6hsEGa9Q8OK5WCeIhAzYESUG1_TsbIY_py-W-_2kIpuFNG7ZT6GlBtYEXE1-kkdV6UVYItwuRV0mTBIkKW7XGgVqQrn1TnOs/s1600/042114_bing010.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After hitting everything with carb cleaner and toothbrush.<br />Shown with new floats, float needle, needle, needle jet, atomizer, o-rings</td></tr>
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To clean the carb bits, I used <a href="http://www.berrymanproducts.com/products/gasoline/b-12-chemtool-carburetor-fuel-system-and-injector-cleaner/" target="_blank">Berryman's B-12 spray carb cleaner</a>, rather than a parts soaking bath. While a dunking bath would have been ideal, the new formulas I could find no longer contain <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methyl_ethyl_ketone" target="_blank">MEK</a> (Methyl Ethyl Ketone), while the B-12 spray did. MEK is simply magic for removing everything and anything non-metallic quickly, but like all "good" chemicals that work well, its pretty dangerous stuff. When it says wear eye protection, it means it. Since I wear glasses, I didn't think about auxiliary eye wear, but I should have. The overspray melted bits of my plastic lenses, and melted my nitrile gloves (yikes!).<div>
So, boys and girls, do what I say and not what I didn't - don the dorky gloves and goggles before getting into stuff like this, and use plenty of ventilation unless you enjoy nervous conditions.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSCcoxikO9wZY2WlFO0pcfkeWIkmKDowOaIAabBEyJ-IUPDHUE9EaD0DU9lhEwY3244kK6h46si3nldHDkfzfoR8-0exkMGi7wv3jl1bWF64TkZMUJna-v6PuvqS2bpks_Zj5OoyGZvBs/s1600/042114_bing013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSCcoxikO9wZY2WlFO0pcfkeWIkmKDowOaIAabBEyJ-IUPDHUE9EaD0DU9lhEwY3244kK6h46si3nldHDkfzfoR8-0exkMGi7wv3jl1bWF64TkZMUJna-v6PuvqS2bpks_Zj5OoyGZvBs/s1600/042114_bing013.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close-up of the cleaned slide bore sans jets, and other bits</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit83wSWW_32OTtNjFcWSn94FhTeLEPUmDdNchnt-A5V0HTdve4va93gfsCpqEaSJHMUKmWS8WdrgRVJErimFevfN3YBPhES6jrlEUnq8wWhn3SQKtVE7qTUrwke5tCmHVhen9XtnX_Zww/s1600/042114_bing015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit83wSWW_32OTtNjFcWSn94FhTeLEPUmDdNchnt-A5V0HTdve4va93gfsCpqEaSJHMUKmWS8WdrgRVJErimFevfN3YBPhES6jrlEUnq8wWhn3SQKtVE7qTUrwke5tCmHVhen9XtnX_Zww/s1600/042114_bing015.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cleaned bottom of the carb, where everything fuel-related happens.<br />All those little brass jets go back into all the little orifices<br />(matching them up correctly, of course)</td></tr>
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The next step will be to remove, disassemble, clean and replace gasket and o-rings in the enrichener circuit - with even smaller parts!<br />
Then of course, do it all over again for the left hand side carb.<br />
So, much more to come...</div>
shutterpilothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565292263395462114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2785709724263448972.post-77340969090307810822014-03-10T09:33:00.002-04:002014-03-10T10:04:45.568-04:00Ice, Ice Baby...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNIcYiy4r5HHinONL1dKsmLOhAWpJagX1hPeLjLU597THDw8pAnhLP3uCOWioYbxUZ8TkxZA85wl3b2plfARyAyrGBF2n5d0HbDXUx0gkhhfYJfQiJgxZDrYPso1ZYwsZ4TO2g2o8AVus/s1600/_BIL2946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNIcYiy4r5HHinONL1dKsmLOhAWpJagX1hPeLjLU597THDw8pAnhLP3uCOWioYbxUZ8TkxZA85wl3b2plfARyAyrGBF2n5d0HbDXUx0gkhhfYJfQiJgxZDrYPso1ZYwsZ4TO2g2o8AVus/s1600/_BIL2946.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset on the 2nd day of ice storm</td></tr>
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Some select pockets of NC got severe ice Thursday night through Friday afternoon, with major damage and the accompanying power outages. Some of the restoration work has been truly heroic and epic in proportions in Alamance, Guilford and Orange counties, while the rest of the state was relatively unaffected. We had more trees and tops come down on our property than we did in the statewide ice storm of February 2003, but not as much as back after Hurricane Fran in '96. Here are some snaps of the damage around our house. So while we've entered day four without power (so, no heat OR water as we're on a well), thankfully, everything big fell AWAY from any structure so we're blessed its only cleanup at this point (lots of cleanup):<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw88v8nxYtDDteoz5jA27oB5oyq-L2isHEAroZ4FbbdMibVTwtm72HgEdqjsSACaZAw0pEWI4nJAi_P5CJXaJP6YZIxhMwDY1Wa68byLNnTQ4Kamjx12ONJ1oWJak-go9P0_umoR41Ggo/s1600/_BIL2858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw88v8nxYtDDteoz5jA27oB5oyq-L2isHEAroZ4FbbdMibVTwtm72HgEdqjsSACaZAw0pEWI4nJAi_P5CJXaJP6YZIxhMwDY1Wa68byLNnTQ4Kamjx12ONJ1oWJak-go9P0_umoR41Ggo/s1600/_BIL2858.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our redbuds, dogwoods and cedars around our fish pond are all down or split</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfoaVNRMQ_9Z7F976vKDeiT6BLLIDXqIpns1xOQCUfFsY25JxQJMod9c7S5r0dFY55GAIqVMC7aTJPlq9_xDtEAMB_HHAnCQmjpK2zB3NSgP2qbAXLYJai7Gtr4MhkczPoNyTxybFup0o/s1600/_BIL2861.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfoaVNRMQ_9Z7F976vKDeiT6BLLIDXqIpns1xOQCUfFsY25JxQJMod9c7S5r0dFY55GAIqVMC7aTJPlq9_xDtEAMB_HHAnCQmjpK2zB3NSgP2qbAXLYJai7Gtr4MhkczPoNyTxybFup0o/s1600/_BIL2861.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hmmm, driveway's not looking TOO bad…maybe we can still get out?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPt31vA5-aPRg4zL2XGHjvatXu6HHhKyQmoeVulOx0GPw7BwsWNFQKMFCLn3Ng9ifbknpmy8S9QPOH7liPFtesYFJg8OzQRpUPlwvmU3losbgYnoXea9f8FSj-EVqw_gXX0WQV085RE6I/s1600/_BIL2876.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPt31vA5-aPRg4zL2XGHjvatXu6HHhKyQmoeVulOx0GPw7BwsWNFQKMFCLn3Ng9ifbknpmy8S9QPOH7liPFtesYFJg8OzQRpUPlwvmU3losbgYnoXea9f8FSj-EVqw_gXX0WQV085RE6I/s1600/_BIL2876.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ok, icing gets heavier and now the trees around the pond have all come down, blocking this section of the drive</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic90bQO_RwF6YplxfVEOo80QPjdcG2nG8tLENS1G4H5vex0MLxJ4f3-RpyizgIGiKa2SppLUUmwvBTCCyuyCLiHuESwnsYA1AKkc7wKaYWgXAE8tNe2A4GpRgN0zQVHqWKzrP2QcX-j1E/s1600/_BIL2882.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic90bQO_RwF6YplxfVEOo80QPjdcG2nG8tLENS1G4H5vex0MLxJ4f3-RpyizgIGiKa2SppLUUmwvBTCCyuyCLiHuESwnsYA1AKkc7wKaYWgXAE8tNe2A4GpRgN0zQVHqWKzrP2QcX-j1E/s1600/_BIL2882.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Around the next corner, this section of the drive is completely covered, but mostly small stuff</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu6NAdXbF3pSrHqdzjooSNbFya-GHgAhvRuUWeW518j_VHcNLBFHJ4d-f96xIhbbFXt3N52rEF_B-Wqf4vStNSzMunePRr8ABKO1HHfyptuLjZUu3V0tWZQN29kt4PDwr9qt7yO0Ju790/s1600/_BIL2883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu6NAdXbF3pSrHqdzjooSNbFya-GHgAhvRuUWeW518j_VHcNLBFHJ4d-f96xIhbbFXt3N52rEF_B-Wqf4vStNSzMunePRr8ABKO1HHfyptuLjZUu3V0tWZQN29kt4PDwr9qt7yO0Ju790/s1600/_BIL2883.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little further, and at least I can see wheel tracks</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNL9JqOANQSP3xI_AsgRGmpRwWISdel3DaRP0aTW1TnJ2-sd5nKtdskPhhVKNHOtz3wQwM1-X6y4fg85Uo9N8vBLw60GHdVsmkujOx1RBbxSA8QUua-zv4bK_16kvcKD6EBhw_xWDAjG0/s1600/_BIL2885.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNL9JqOANQSP3xI_AsgRGmpRwWISdel3DaRP0aTW1TnJ2-sd5nKtdskPhhVKNHOtz3wQwM1-X6y4fg85Uo9N8vBLw60GHdVsmkujOx1RBbxSA8QUua-zv4bK_16kvcKD6EBhw_xWDAjG0/s1600/_BIL2885.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some pine tops as we near the exit</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj7N4tMbOZCi-UQmBTlRJS1tektitQTyRFRyL-qC6z1V0KVRDtBHFMDf4_O5Rdthvwb48PikLvoEeryAR2wLme-v_R5xUuLAVuE-_LOYHnNrbY22Sul0gHSgorl2txPrR0nmAJNQ5o9MY/s1600/_BIL2893.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj7N4tMbOZCi-UQmBTlRJS1tektitQTyRFRyL-qC6z1V0KVRDtBHFMDf4_O5Rdthvwb48PikLvoEeryAR2wLme-v_R5xUuLAVuE-_LOYHnNrbY22Sul0gHSgorl2txPrR0nmAJNQ5o9MY/s1600/_BIL2893.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drive entrance out at the hard surface road. The cars were diverted down out little rd from the major highway, which was closed due to so many trees down. The dozer is making a path for the cars to follow.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYgsW0xqCpAj7IF2W_h8ExQu9U0fDCHvWueX2Dwasn7KVmrFrjmNkD4c2hnrXlhORihoBnCETH019rxH3jH8RZO96-loEuOPCBuCB4eR5RPYZCuaDOVp0jJM6lQrYMLUYLyNlOXSROLF4/s1600/_BIL2891.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYgsW0xqCpAj7IF2W_h8ExQu9U0fDCHvWueX2Dwasn7KVmrFrjmNkD4c2hnrXlhORihoBnCETH019rxH3jH8RZO96-loEuOPCBuCB4eR5RPYZCuaDOVp0jJM6lQrYMLUYLyNlOXSROLF4/s1600/_BIL2891.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dozer clearing a path thru the debris on our road</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4JY6VWGE4Xfo9yD1D7zs5urzbAzDOv54gQGFbqiB2EMp8JejGM4Vwlds3XWcorztsoOwPtbeSoDUZKQzptC9Dgolkv9FO4Gh8ePP8iU6NCdqh9xLzqnMKp7zEWqfYt4jQDIgGucjgNWM/s1600/_BIL2895.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4JY6VWGE4Xfo9yD1D7zs5urzbAzDOv54gQGFbqiB2EMp8JejGM4Vwlds3XWcorztsoOwPtbeSoDUZKQzptC9Dgolkv9FO4Gh8ePP8iU6NCdqh9xLzqnMKp7zEWqfYt4jQDIgGucjgNWM/s1600/_BIL2895.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We have a lot of these "sword of Damocles" hanging over our heads now...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdxOhElmjjQcugdA1HHsGGw8P8IW0SHdhAmppD9RnJscr1syxIC0cvrxZaE8i3zoWCp_JO1gFiQppCN9ZwNgsg96oRAQMI1JnD0bMkqqTyREcyJHG8KvL2q1MkfyiInbxVXfirRegWmx8/s1600/_BIL2907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdxOhElmjjQcugdA1HHsGGw8P8IW0SHdhAmppD9RnJscr1syxIC0cvrxZaE8i3zoWCp_JO1gFiQppCN9ZwNgsg96oRAQMI1JnD0bMkqqTyREcyJHG8KvL2q1MkfyiInbxVXfirRegWmx8/s1600/_BIL2907.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It continued to drop freezing rain thru Friday afternoon...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj_mV2ADCK5XMaDmm8cYCp7whPNiLw8Dgu3MmVl-9yG-MaiXjSrn06qhyS3gK3M0aHdBz-nqFs3g9HpIRAv2VdQtf4SLczkVENT7FxWzu7VakvoKCockAGxrsIv4Gv36R_DzEqwmnVF1M/s1600/_BIL2963.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj_mV2ADCK5XMaDmm8cYCp7whPNiLw8Dgu3MmVl-9yG-MaiXjSrn06qhyS3gK3M0aHdBz-nqFs3g9HpIRAv2VdQtf4SLczkVENT7FxWzu7VakvoKCockAGxrsIv4Gv36R_DzEqwmnVF1M/s1600/_BIL2963.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty, but dangerous…</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhos7E7kl3O2hv2rqqYUjtr63TUAEr_RsBqPkdRLicnNsAI-0kDZo0SJxcvykt31jm2Gm93wBmeYznrRtKEi4W-wsl7t5m4ZGGI-4MFKyXSaNg68hPL3FpaMc7T-k5UdtNkU0_f8Kx1Scc/s1600/_BIL2966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhos7E7kl3O2hv2rqqYUjtr63TUAEr_RsBqPkdRLicnNsAI-0kDZo0SJxcvykt31jm2Gm93wBmeYznrRtKEi4W-wsl7t5m4ZGGI-4MFKyXSaNg68hPL3FpaMc7T-k5UdtNkU0_f8Kx1Scc/s1600/_BIL2966.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you look carefully, you'll see that this is about a 24" dia. tree, perhaps 75 feet tall, that could have fallen the other way onto the house. We're nothing but lucky.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3b0oSZ7BJTR4dXHAi71r3w849pl5BtV3QQQ-SMqV3scge9EGcW3Qrs_tnIPKvzQTGYmNplHFbhdkKYbNyJ-ceFA2UbVwrcEgZ0H6MhymZ_PSyrD9kq-aPz5EBGu7gRGdicF7l_7NcXtY/s1600/_BIL2984.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3b0oSZ7BJTR4dXHAi71r3w849pl5BtV3QQQ-SMqV3scge9EGcW3Qrs_tnIPKvzQTGYmNplHFbhdkKYbNyJ-ceFA2UbVwrcEgZ0H6MhymZ_PSyrD9kq-aPz5EBGu7gRGdicF7l_7NcXtY/s1600/_BIL2984.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A perhaps 12" Dia., 40 foot tree that fell AWAY from the garage...</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg14Er5WldMVcApxizeAX27rmsvImKnQJQaoF-D7wxRiX7gXZ2dQgspazDk_cYCbtw7UAsB0nh7Gtd4-b9CELYloq0gmDi6qzWm9VKi2LAu58acubd4whPIGdIh6YXTlL9J10rgS_VXuU8/s1600/_BIL2973.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg14Er5WldMVcApxizeAX27rmsvImKnQJQaoF-D7wxRiX7gXZ2dQgspazDk_cYCbtw7UAsB0nh7Gtd4-b9CELYloq0gmDi6qzWm9VKi2LAu58acubd4whPIGdIh6YXTlL9J10rgS_VXuU8/s1600/_BIL2973.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Root ball and and flattened fence line from upended tree</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFlcRtYSL-ChQj3FY4QmxeIcS8FcwBMWQMeMx8whAYV7ZhXlLCWM8zLos7u-oaJZJ1dPXYZT-JMkMEt4zGboVWqWuQ2X4Xy6wE5pdEyYyhZoK6WlMbLphj4Tse-Bvl0v54LbH3HwvELf8/s1600/_BIL2989.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFlcRtYSL-ChQj3FY4QmxeIcS8FcwBMWQMeMx8whAYV7ZhXlLCWM8zLos7u-oaJZJ1dPXYZT-JMkMEt4zGboVWqWuQ2X4Xy6wE5pdEyYyhZoK6WlMbLphj4Tse-Bvl0v54LbH3HwvELf8/s1600/_BIL2989.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lot of cedars and pines got topped out like this one - the angled portion used to sit atop the upright trunk on the right.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs-64VsJxsoBEmCHAWzJx-ggIW6ubLuAgtPp4PwLhwUsE2sAuEgBvHRlvrTj6DqO3UaDNULVTPmkpfOR7R3_nyhlzZZHMn8EV5G1-OZAQpaqE7Ki8U8Mopoj39GtofBKIETvA4_o4rVK4/s1600/_BIL2981.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs-64VsJxsoBEmCHAWzJx-ggIW6ubLuAgtPp4PwLhwUsE2sAuEgBvHRlvrTj6DqO3UaDNULVTPmkpfOR7R3_nyhlzZZHMn8EV5G1-OZAQpaqE7Ki8U8Mopoj39GtofBKIETvA4_o4rVK4/s1600/_BIL2981.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Branches like this - about as big around as my leg - litter the woods everywhere. I worry for all the damage the mature hardwoods have suffered, and what the property will look like even after cleanup</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoZbyYZapeAeh49ckCu4rha6giKWRBuFd_qQZP8IRLSqucsLxTGg-EyxC6mYz5z56pVLVvq1u_ujBn3wHdy3U2Nf7u5NTQOGmXwMMSc1l8YtehrNh36vLOpkUzuuQqjznzBkiUDI35rRw/s1600/_BIL2998.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoZbyYZapeAeh49ckCu4rha6giKWRBuFd_qQZP8IRLSqucsLxTGg-EyxC6mYz5z56pVLVvq1u_ujBn3wHdy3U2Nf7u5NTQOGmXwMMSc1l8YtehrNh36vLOpkUzuuQqjznzBkiUDI35rRw/s1600/_BIL2998.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This limb, about as big as my leg and maybe 15 feet long just missed the back deck. This is after we've moved it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This is just a few of the pics we made, most of the stuff that came down are of manageable size - we only had 4 or 5 big trees come down whole, and again - everything missed the house and garage. At this point its just the sheer volume of downed limbs, and hanging ones, that have us feeling a bit daunted by the prospect of all the cleanup. But we've been able to clear the driveway, and will leave the rest till we have power and are able to safely and cleanly begin cleanup in earnest.<br />
<br />
Thanks to all the power crews working so hard thru the nights to restore power, and our thoughts with everyone who suffered real damage or injuries.shutterpilothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565292263395462114noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2785709724263448972.post-91344446237222584642014-03-04T17:23:00.002-05:002014-03-04T17:26:12.214-05:00Gosh Darn It!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ok, not the words I've really been using...<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwMWbFHtbaD7areL-cbMZbRBkEzTujPT4NimhjncrVJpoJaZoafjFDcHED5906yFa0sjSA0v1CNn_RcYsWjsLQ09lGiBywU2782d49TTuJRKNhYdvq2_scLn-6dx3OGm1ZrohhIxeWZh4/s1600/030314_ate001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwMWbFHtbaD7areL-cbMZbRBkEzTujPT4NimhjncrVJpoJaZoafjFDcHED5906yFa0sjSA0v1CNn_RcYsWjsLQ09lGiBywU2782d49TTuJRKNhYdvq2_scLn-6dx3OGm1ZrohhIxeWZh4/s1600/030314_ate001.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rare, "unobtanium" right ATE caliper on the BMW R65</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I performed, or I should say, started, the rebuild of the 2 ATE calipers on my '81 R65. The right side, which was the side that was frozen up, came off and came apart with little resistance. After hours (literally) of scrubbing and cleaning, I had a very clean and serviceable caliper that took the rebuild bits – along with the little o-rings from Mike V– just fine. There was some pitting on the pucks, but these were above the seal line so I dressed 'em up and reinstalled. All's well says I.<br />
Then came the LEFT side. I was stymied in minutes. The 2 bolts mounting the caliper to the fork leg loosened just fine by hand, and the top 8mm hexbolt holding the caliper halves together broke loose too.<br />
But the lower bolt was another story. I was initially being careful, as it looked a little rounded by a previous owner, but no amount of pressure using a breaker bar would pry it loose. Hours of liquid wrench, PB blaster, and heat from a propane torch only yielded a severely buggered head. As this head is the one that stands proud, I even tried locking it in a vise and rotating the caliper around it. No joy.<br />
I'm ashamed I let it degrade this far, but it ticked me off that bolt wouldn't give up.<br />
I really think some previous owner musta JB Welded that bolt in there.<br />
Sigh.<br />
In defeat, I'm off to Bombar's Beemers tomorrow to see if it can be tapped out. I need the leprechauns on my side for this one.<br />
What follows are photos of the successful rebuild of the RIGHT caliper:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheLRQCadX2UdyloeMB0fJuijZJCPe4buAXR4QSLQfC-xNhIL6XhByqjFnylwBB9zO91IgEGVpWkJUmIrV7NjxedupnPLPWT9VH3WNTNo3nmEgJ79HUVNkHAiJpnN3PmtpOYGuZ62OUd4c/s1600/030314_ate003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheLRQCadX2UdyloeMB0fJuijZJCPe4buAXR4QSLQfC-xNhIL6XhByqjFnylwBB9zO91IgEGVpWkJUmIrV7NjxedupnPLPWT9VH3WNTNo3nmEgJ79HUVNkHAiJpnN3PmtpOYGuZ62OUd4c/s1600/030314_ate003.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The right caliper after removal. We need to separate the halves to get in there and get it all cleaned up and working properly, as currently its frozen and none of the moving parts actually move.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRDm3F9RjBR9RqC7L3QmAt5pL2bAc17nPIAOM6hGJDnKh6f93nNCCBEI6e7B3dZHmx-hnYtoOEbDRH5kKTnP_ru4RdPR-IQlrI3DnDUQXzM-OJ10wCKokzKZFj0P9CGSdl6gO34Mk3yxA/s1600/030314_ate002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRDm3F9RjBR9RqC7L3QmAt5pL2bAc17nPIAOM6hGJDnKh6f93nNCCBEI6e7B3dZHmx-hnYtoOEbDRH5kKTnP_ru4RdPR-IQlrI3DnDUQXzM-OJ10wCKokzKZFj0P9CGSdl6gO34Mk3yxA/s1600/030314_ate002.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interior view of the same stick caliper</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic79oz7K6c3j4r8DPxEcOURj0uJLPZtsx3m4-7R7VOejIQjd8Unb8VhoZkLwckns4g0JGiQVxyvWJSW3-WYPrWykvUFZQGL4kJ_6wEKeGDMT12-DkJgsCahyphenhyphenSLLK2_RrAqyz82BMmDEys/s1600/030314_ate004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic79oz7K6c3j4r8DPxEcOURj0uJLPZtsx3m4-7R7VOejIQjd8Unb8VhoZkLwckns4g0JGiQVxyvWJSW3-WYPrWykvUFZQGL4kJ_6wEKeGDMT12-DkJgsCahyphenhyphenSLLK2_RrAqyz82BMmDEys/s1600/030314_ate004.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here are the 2 halves separated. Years of rust, gunk and neglect. <br />
Water buildup in the brake fluid allowed the pistons inside to corrode and stick</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinrauHvoOusqDXrmnb0fLsttI4v_0ZuSQPzsOt4QzBlAa75z5zAfUDJNUR51IEGYDEfVJu_5Ra2-VNxlGVs9ZRFF7xtMFU7WPzSh6CT5vIkwVOnVYTO15lOCRNL7o68vCcboB5xWZxXw8/s1600/030314_ate005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinrauHvoOusqDXrmnb0fLsttI4v_0ZuSQPzsOt4QzBlAa75z5zAfUDJNUR51IEGYDEfVJu_5Ra2-VNxlGVs9ZRFF7xtMFU7WPzSh6CT5vIkwVOnVYTO15lOCRNL7o68vCcboB5xWZxXw8/s1600/030314_ate005.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miraculously, was able to remove the pistons from their bores. That thick brown viscous mud is supposed to be clear brake fluid.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTBzf_Dxax9jGaPplKWPMjIesjaDq9E_C-sbVh9DJPbfc4YzxXeoyZGu7GbW4LYjvHnTRgbNrFjmJj7nc3vOww37p5bZyoYws3rl1J8b72w6dBWkEVsWewJDu5jXdY_EJaxGEbZWzrei0/s1600/030314_ate006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTBzf_Dxax9jGaPplKWPMjIesjaDq9E_C-sbVh9DJPbfc4YzxXeoyZGu7GbW4LYjvHnTRgbNrFjmJj7nc3vOww37p5bZyoYws3rl1J8b72w6dBWkEVsWewJDu5jXdY_EJaxGEbZWzrei0/s1600/030314_ate006.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Closeup of the inside bore. Not what you want to see.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbYIIwXhMNH59wY5N2HLnZCRpSVA5Bnx8fAvbTqlkbFjwG_JylTqmhVAUeRV5sbKE_3LRlUF-OIhCxCMBj_cdl3PttK4SqvWhpRv_X3ZT2AKdGy1rFcP86TmvJIcsDkrwnlSljNcLouO4/s1600/030314_ate007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbYIIwXhMNH59wY5N2HLnZCRpSVA5Bnx8fAvbTqlkbFjwG_JylTqmhVAUeRV5sbKE_3LRlUF-OIhCxCMBj_cdl3PttK4SqvWhpRv_X3ZT2AKdGy1rFcP86TmvJIcsDkrwnlSljNcLouO4/s1600/030314_ate007.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's the piston that came out of it. The outer face is supposed to be smooth and free of rust and nicks.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDNdgFI8FDZs1Ivnt2Ys4IzHG5xRbCzK06z4yJ5RKpd2c9zTcXZATmihi2I6fey2rIphyJr1Flzg5lnYIKeeh7MkWUFSxwB4nEcSDUuL_xeDyl8deVZoRHc23mRABLqrVSqgQJ0S93HkM/s1600/030314_ate010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDNdgFI8FDZs1Ivnt2Ys4IzHG5xRbCzK06z4yJ5RKpd2c9zTcXZATmihi2I6fey2rIphyJr1Flzg5lnYIKeeh7MkWUFSxwB4nEcSDUuL_xeDyl8deVZoRHc23mRABLqrVSqgQJ0S93HkM/s1600/030314_ate010.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's the same bore after about four hours of cleaning and polishing...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJrca3uQ07cnYvYSlVUUZ_vlx3phDGKfI9G8JXBzp6jUreD-k4Xy7k8qzWxzIo52N77XPd0E6kSk2-w4qqkpZekLWkEd1Yu33BCTrawbOLthH73PI8WvIgotMQQQkcKmB-cmxaQllWdpg/s1600/030314_ate008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJrca3uQ07cnYvYSlVUUZ_vlx3phDGKfI9G8JXBzp6jUreD-k4Xy7k8qzWxzIo52N77XPd0E6kSk2-w4qqkpZekLWkEd1Yu33BCTrawbOLthH73PI8WvIgotMQQQkcKmB-cmxaQllWdpg/s1600/030314_ate008.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's all the bits after a lot of cleaning. You can see the surfaces of the pistons at the top are quite pitted,<br />
but the pistons are no longer obtainable, and the pits are above the seal line, so they'll go in as-is after some<br />
dressing up with a file.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Here's a bit of before and after:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLP6H-t4S5jvBey949XV5WQpsT9RbLZLwQejjCO2KgMtrvAjCGf3EQDS3zFqZqiiE7uBT6hBNjxfN7mjeDWbTu5KZcoWgWDnuDr8FXrvZV1gyRuP2YvyV-r8j711pA3HNrydH3mB5Bq0E/s1600/030314_ate004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLP6H-t4S5jvBey949XV5WQpsT9RbLZLwQejjCO2KgMtrvAjCGf3EQDS3zFqZqiiE7uBT6hBNjxfN7mjeDWbTu5KZcoWgWDnuDr8FXrvZV1gyRuP2YvyV-r8j711pA3HNrydH3mB5Bq0E/s1600/030314_ate004.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkJV-3AW6cWynWCzWFNNjhFDkRhP_52idYuWyJ0nTxUbgzDAT7lBvUacUvoiFXAOQGYuhpwEqYAg1MLDAofRzyolRpedu1UBHMGmUeXMqFlbb32Rd8bcEr6Suj8UdfX6wJIP5gUBeRkqg/s1600/030314_ate008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkJV-3AW6cWynWCzWFNNjhFDkRhP_52idYuWyJ0nTxUbgzDAT7lBvUacUvoiFXAOQGYuhpwEqYAg1MLDAofRzyolRpedu1UBHMGmUeXMqFlbb32Rd8bcEr6Suj8UdfX6wJIP5gUBeRkqg/s1600/030314_ate008.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJDx8rijwezEXzGw58a9lr7_qAcQYZMV61IoDXiURVNBzsQpfV8HG_CcQpxuYk7Xbwu18C-fwEzZHx9Q393vlD94wXURLH3f28CsNKIj0HDBNsyGujd3I-RjJ9fVIdPFs9hQBbEIOclH0/s1600/030314_ate012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJDx8rijwezEXzGw58a9lr7_qAcQYZMV61IoDXiURVNBzsQpfV8HG_CcQpxuYk7Xbwu18C-fwEzZHx9Q393vlD94wXURLH3f28CsNKIj0HDBNsyGujd3I-RjJ9fVIdPFs9hQBbEIOclH0/s1600/030314_ate012.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The reassembled caliper, with all new seals, ready to reinstall on the bike</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Now, lets hope I can salvage the left caliper...shutterpilothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565292263395462114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2785709724263448972.post-29086547177516655652014-01-24T15:53:00.002-05:002014-01-24T16:17:01.296-05:00Reflections...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9t_5qriWuV6yCDnh4wEDLF_qj8CXPdORzPnz1DHumOIj4m6oLk21DTIGzoOyVin3PfH5LBZCVi9Kh42kd_B3EAQDIz-fGImfM45hPZrXl8Ipqd6wEKKHIQS4vJO1kfB8yXni8eK8aEAM/s1600/011514_foggy001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9t_5qriWuV6yCDnh4wEDLF_qj8CXPdORzPnz1DHumOIj4m6oLk21DTIGzoOyVin3PfH5LBZCVi9Kh42kd_B3EAQDIz-fGImfM45hPZrXl8Ipqd6wEKKHIQS4vJO1kfB8yXni8eK8aEAM/s1600/011514_foggy001.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<br />
<i>“Reflect upon your present blessings -- of which every man has many -- not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.”</i> - Charles Dickens<br />
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Its in my cynical nature, I suppose, to seldom remember that our lives can be wondrous. A bit of a hindrance to a photographer, I admit. There are those who see the glass as either half full or half empty.<br />
Then there's me: I see that the glass has a crack in it.<br />
While this attitude serves me well when dealing with various mechanical or procedural challenges I may face, either on the bike, in the garage, or behind the camera, I'm aware it can poison my outlook to the point where I forget that the challenges of everyday life are in themselves a gift and blessing (beats the alternative, eh?). So what follows is a brief recap (via my photos of course) of the many blessings I've been fortunate to experience just in the last few years:<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>Way back in 2007, my wife and I were fortunate enough to make our first ever sojourn overseas to Italy. Just a few years ago, in 2011, we were able to also travel to Ireland with good friends and a bunch of other great people:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFdh8xxL63vhMEuZwvKQjdKuEFVy_l9qLwgkCdzfOVu3farNznKaKTGANlTmOrHdO6o_MimT1eIMC-VJwmkzMS6rKEYPE5cxq04uXWfa6UN75m2iBwAa2dIPEAslFoOuO6-Wmd0GY0dQw/s1600/110611_ireland434b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFdh8xxL63vhMEuZwvKQjdKuEFVy_l9qLwgkCdzfOVu3farNznKaKTGANlTmOrHdO6o_MimT1eIMC-VJwmkzMS6rKEYPE5cxq04uXWfa6UN75m2iBwAa2dIPEAslFoOuO6-Wmd0GY0dQw/s1600/110611_ireland434b.jpg" height="220" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">Blasket Islands, Ireland</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ32btLj3izabxaKXvf-UOLBX3XwBTtFhztDjpnrJ6QswHneMov3cKmWiEdPxDXwODUPZavFZWzyZL18lyHHQKGEwXqYxEKXi8VDJzA4wsCNg9mwUhh4qSn5H1UXMoQPO1XZgaqMz_SgQ/s1600/110611_ireland483.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ32btLj3izabxaKXvf-UOLBX3XwBTtFhztDjpnrJ6QswHneMov3cKmWiEdPxDXwODUPZavFZWzyZL18lyHHQKGEwXqYxEKXi8VDJzA4wsCNg9mwUhh4qSn5H1UXMoQPO1XZgaqMz_SgQ/s1600/110611_ireland483.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gallarus Oratory, Ireland</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwXLajFR6ucA_Q0G_yQRvdCCn5yxhWFyeYUq74s2Bupgn9CNdTGAD6ho31zw1geOByU9QOMiM9lkwwXByWpwLH2VxTxj6GZ6DgefnP6o-yGo1yM1BITlLe9iBEmDY4W_LLua2_h3wS5Gs/s1600/110611_ireland858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwXLajFR6ucA_Q0G_yQRvdCCn5yxhWFyeYUq74s2Bupgn9CNdTGAD6ho31zw1geOByU9QOMiM9lkwwXByWpwLH2VxTxj6GZ6DgefnP6o-yGo1yM1BITlLe9iBEmDY4W_LLua2_h3wS5Gs/s1600/110611_ireland858.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ha'Penny Bridge over the Liffy, Dublin, Ireland</td></tr>
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<br />
<br />
2012 was a blessed year for me indeed. I acquired a new steed to the stable - the FJR1300:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhZV9m_QuBKtO3PxoZNTmNGekWGt0r9U51qc_c5gTrnHlNFin8eWfkTYMgCgDMZwl0zYgH2YFzqlGVgJgQRNbeFu0n5C4MfqJPIg_o6I2L_OU2IyjOwO4dJKnxQdjhyEbyg2UeRypf4ns/s1600/052212_fjrtopcase014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhZV9m_QuBKtO3PxoZNTmNGekWGt0r9U51qc_c5gTrnHlNFin8eWfkTYMgCgDMZwl0zYgH2YFzqlGVgJgQRNbeFu0n5C4MfqJPIg_o6I2L_OU2IyjOwO4dJKnxQdjhyEbyg2UeRypf4ns/s1600/052212_fjrtopcase014.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2007 FJR1300 right after I installed the topcase rack</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZJeq9v5QeY7ePXoGw68Ngxqfc3ShXXt_4hcav56unv1J81kD4Z_R2yXuYtLSqxH15ROow_bTW-nfACBXzX45OxANV9WmW2SApCif0Dtwbc93GqemHA-MhX10D9aafoMtEmNHv0rEUdZo/s1600/120412_floyd001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZJeq9v5QeY7ePXoGw68Ngxqfc3ShXXt_4hcav56unv1J81kD4Z_R2yXuYtLSqxH15ROow_bTW-nfACBXzX45OxANV9WmW2SApCif0Dtwbc93GqemHA-MhX10D9aafoMtEmNHv0rEUdZo/s1600/120412_floyd001.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My then new-to-me FJR next to Dad's Harley (with standard Red Solo cup) on a trip<br />
up to Floyd Virginia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<br />
<br />
The summer of 2012, my brother, Dad and I made an epic ride up to Caribou, Maine. We tagged on Quebec for good measure, clocking off more than 3000 miles in 10 days:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0zR9gVT9qZoD41NwjRDQVJt1n4yPYGBFNM4vDGchUy5p9Xax5SzEHxtzAsL90Fivhss7VhOC6kmTzr4YY2Urt-QZ50GEGQuzBF3LN8NipN5PFwRecFSCe97iPHx3mJKSLUfkB40r68g/s1600/061512_day03_bigride187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0zR9gVT9qZoD41NwjRDQVJt1n4yPYGBFNM4vDGchUy5p9Xax5SzEHxtzAsL90Fivhss7VhOC6kmTzr4YY2Urt-QZ50GEGQuzBF3LN8NipN5PFwRecFSCe97iPHx3mJKSLUfkB40r68g/s1600/061512_day03_bigride187.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Portland Head lighthouse, Maine</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLTwYSrrN5JskzweVB7cu5y9tOL4KMGtojYFdw5gabBFyOjFUHL0GSEJf2CUOPqQSPfERMCnJ5g2O9QC8Q9xo9v1kI0t5MTntKR_K6yEfEgJxRTWqrCneIpqBkOA_IZ8k4iM-OUPGAotA/s1600/061512_day05_bigride416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLTwYSrrN5JskzweVB7cu5y9tOL4KMGtojYFdw5gabBFyOjFUHL0GSEJf2CUOPqQSPfERMCnJ5g2O9QC8Q9xo9v1kI0t5MTntKR_K6yEfEgJxRTWqrCneIpqBkOA_IZ8k4iM-OUPGAotA/s1600/061512_day05_bigride416.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the way up to where America's first mile, of US1, begins.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVAX34zWG8mDeS0l1ch1tnxLfBGcfNnK52o-ksNHZSrRRrGNCpZbQgSfOWg4-1POip7B8-lkRcgiF0d7flgKWY1eW9GWfA3DewHeOLuJxgcAu1oyIc5xIiwCKWEsh5k4GFwplunqAtpQ/s1600/061512_day06_bigride529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVAX34zWG8mDeS0l1ch1tnxLfBGcfNnK52o-ksNHZSrRRrGNCpZbQgSfOWg4-1POip7B8-lkRcgiF0d7flgKWY1eW9GWfA3DewHeOLuJxgcAu1oyIc5xIiwCKWEsh5k4GFwplunqAtpQ/s1600/061512_day06_bigride529.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boardwalk, and the Chateau, in Quebec</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Wxgm8iygeL8wlYpNX8TI1TSymPMgvhEaIhdAtS3DAj3PubspLyVgX2MAeB89FpZMhzmfUlt8ilaNAnZjmF-pZVQAVT-oAcCJT5A-qSaI6KSpGpZnklhHF8OYY8f-7Mc-xbE1OR0IODQ/s1600/061512_day07_bigride586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Wxgm8iygeL8wlYpNX8TI1TSymPMgvhEaIhdAtS3DAj3PubspLyVgX2MAeB89FpZMhzmfUlt8ilaNAnZjmF-pZVQAVT-oAcCJT5A-qSaI6KSpGpZnklhHF8OYY8f-7Mc-xbE1OR0IODQ/s1600/061512_day07_bigride586.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Participating in a bit of history at La Citadel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhilKgkyyYX6wX6szm5EH9W_awBDF0G3rbJpGJa_xhHe_Ai71NBZbRgg-BsYq4iJ8V_13fclCel3-48nyibPohBptRuxPIgtUQh68TrO-t1fmZJGinOE9y8csuVjtJEuVzOMTt3zAgl6sY/s1600/061512_day07_bigride617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhilKgkyyYX6wX6szm5EH9W_awBDF0G3rbJpGJa_xhHe_Ai71NBZbRgg-BsYq4iJ8V_13fclCel3-48nyibPohBptRuxPIgtUQh68TrO-t1fmZJGinOE9y8csuVjtJEuVzOMTt3zAgl6sY/s1600/061512_day07_bigride617.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quebec old city from the Citadel</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKd-Lz3AgoPE7-izkYz-D9KYsB7WIro1omCyVKLO01cnxyhuAzybKbWDf6VLqRZ_vAx8LD-DRhaokQBt28mYRDX9fQrYAt61m3eQ0nyeNLnwVDdjpKq646a8E2D-sg_9tSBXHBXXL1mdk/s1600/061512_day09_bigride817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKd-Lz3AgoPE7-izkYz-D9KYsB7WIro1omCyVKLO01cnxyhuAzybKbWDf6VLqRZ_vAx8LD-DRhaokQBt28mYRDX9fQrYAt61m3eQ0nyeNLnwVDdjpKq646a8E2D-sg_9tSBXHBXXL1mdk/s1600/061512_day09_bigride817.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riding some covered bridges in Vermont</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeTtkBTi4CqWz1m3ryWUC-V6vMPXlDZjmbJcqQp70OXfDwquNkg1tYIFYK82zz9lrsEXBrDj2QrFiSLgL568gIoFwYIEEVY9FrSk5DsQjmnFxsVZRKMiSH-5jipFLEDzlIfPpqQr504AQ/s1600/061512_day10_bigride841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeTtkBTi4CqWz1m3ryWUC-V6vMPXlDZjmbJcqQp70OXfDwquNkg1tYIFYK82zz9lrsEXBrDj2QrFiSLgL568gIoFwYIEEVY9FrSk5DsQjmnFxsVZRKMiSH-5jipFLEDzlIfPpqQr504AQ/s1600/061512_day10_bigride841.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Safe end of our first epic ride</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div>
Just months later, I had an amazing opportunity to also travel the inner passage of Alaska:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSgOxbT-gxdr9eUqcH7yDASCpD5miWb85prigBwg_TiRSAwfKIMuDHLigis7UK-gbtpGFrVFvYfpTggIhy3tpFwTQQBRgKY22UqqFoSmb1DEQTUOVfJpH6IuhAiVE2rZZXvhR9C4qLy3E/s1600/080212_alaska0437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSgOxbT-gxdr9eUqcH7yDASCpD5miWb85prigBwg_TiRSAwfKIMuDHLigis7UK-gbtpGFrVFvYfpTggIhy3tpFwTQQBRgKY22UqqFoSmb1DEQTUOVfJpH6IuhAiVE2rZZXvhR9C4qLy3E/s1600/080212_alaska0437.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The deck of our cruise ship as it leaves Seattle - where's Gopher?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg5vuwGfmw_n28gKmxFzbl8cvFMoUE7F-bXJyPX2USh1BIPAOgkZmogiUB4J_54HMcUW2Igk0CE2uCT4uMsvG-7nroQ_EstQTPAq_qnJYY8_vSdHIX2lIgB2NjQDRXVA630DhlBONMIsU/s1600/080212_alaska0198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg5vuwGfmw_n28gKmxFzbl8cvFMoUE7F-bXJyPX2USh1BIPAOgkZmogiUB4J_54HMcUW2Igk0CE2uCT4uMsvG-7nroQ_EstQTPAq_qnJYY8_vSdHIX2lIgB2NjQDRXVA630DhlBONMIsU/s1600/080212_alaska0198.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I managed to get off a few shots of the Blue Angels practicing for an airshow over Seattle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFz3no4Gj9pS2F1pE_jihgcfU5fi4Ml6fRELhiS7jaGkAH0bNsP5G3pnWcWOSsU_NwWmCj_AcmT9S9qw8Z2kE2IcB-hFBtlasgX_AXyXAtcFrNy4l2phZM-w0lWd7udPyLiGkC4WriC2M/s1600/080212_alaska0453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFz3no4Gj9pS2F1pE_jihgcfU5fi4Ml6fRELhiS7jaGkAH0bNsP5G3pnWcWOSsU_NwWmCj_AcmT9S9qw8Z2kE2IcB-hFBtlasgX_AXyXAtcFrNy4l2phZM-w0lWd7udPyLiGkC4WriC2M/s1600/080212_alaska0453.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside Ketchikan, Alaska</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjVyPRsETRodlWsK_RDVqSoEMtFaQQFiWKTActprCIQ0HlnxXK7kfHZecExuF91xcw6DQbu5VpyKZKNylXeTWrtikJFm8DZDjfYmq-hNVrWUC2ZAgodF9ov7VcY5Eo6OTXpbv_cNhu7Io/s1600/080212_alaska0454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjVyPRsETRodlWsK_RDVqSoEMtFaQQFiWKTActprCIQ0HlnxXK7kfHZecExuF91xcw6DQbu5VpyKZKNylXeTWrtikJFm8DZDjfYmq-hNVrWUC2ZAgodF9ov7VcY5Eo6OTXpbv_cNhu7Io/s1600/080212_alaska0454.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One remote lighthouse</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvQ-H1QzTT0R7bZL_dvcXHj1Rolyl_SA8amST1PTKIhSuGJhNWg-GTpcpRO1viTTOBI_G1pBQmRXKCJ5U7qskzPkHK5b7ec-CCpkzQ5AhKNxvQMo1uELTdqnV76wxZ7KiWhAGpLR_oEbs/s1600/080212_alaska0455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvQ-H1QzTT0R7bZL_dvcXHj1Rolyl_SA8amST1PTKIhSuGJhNWg-GTpcpRO1viTTOBI_G1pBQmRXKCJ5U7qskzPkHK5b7ec-CCpkzQ5AhKNxvQMo1uELTdqnV76wxZ7KiWhAGpLR_oEbs/s1600/080212_alaska0455.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small 'bergs in Tracy Arm</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_XOCktz2UDjxgnUeWWIdiYMWdSvSG_3RuOXMDE-YMfoXQG3u0E8cV74keqWlRvby4xgE5po9PQ18MhZMFzxRaT-b7pFmCbaQ0OXJJG76QYXoWJmT5WOwV6YPzPnM0OP41o7GHM59QeNw/s1600/080212_alaska0459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_XOCktz2UDjxgnUeWWIdiYMWdSvSG_3RuOXMDE-YMfoXQG3u0E8cV74keqWlRvby4xgE5po9PQ18MhZMFzxRaT-b7pFmCbaQ0OXJJG76QYXoWJmT5WOwV6YPzPnM0OP41o7GHM59QeNw/s1600/080212_alaska0459.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morning mist in Tracy Arm Fjord</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAYdMBYWJnz54RTCt4_mPwOSEIyxQjzTvaTiOae9wRJWnT3sTmhUB1xl6GdJ072KGHz6b8PjhKD6_abJUthEfMe4xwZTjwB6Pp-bzJGJ2Q3DJSraolQqbkVdTLr87XcL2i_2uRbflDzn4/s1600/080212_alaska0473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAYdMBYWJnz54RTCt4_mPwOSEIyxQjzTvaTiOae9wRJWnT3sTmhUB1xl6GdJ072KGHz6b8PjhKD6_abJUthEfMe4xwZTjwB6Pp-bzJGJ2Q3DJSraolQqbkVdTLr87XcL2i_2uRbflDzn4/s1600/080212_alaska0473.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everything in Tracy Arm Fjord is big...</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2r_h8r2H1pgl1iHcfGqY7059EJ_6vHFUFa8PPSiTVYPhj-X6g5zMocZDTHduZ9J0fjfixnWvajCCrUjXSQbhjT27gtrxVDwMLBfGhzJeO3uKbg9UG-1Jox2wi7jlltOTqDy83kt1umDQ/s1600/080212_alaska0572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2r_h8r2H1pgl1iHcfGqY7059EJ_6vHFUFa8PPSiTVYPhj-X6g5zMocZDTHduZ9J0fjfixnWvajCCrUjXSQbhjT27gtrxVDwMLBfGhzJeO3uKbg9UG-1Jox2wi7jlltOTqDy83kt1umDQ/s1600/080212_alaska0572.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another 'berg as we approach Sawyer Glacier</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiz11E2O_dQAI-oBwHtnmsXE-oxzwY7ykoagI4fVtR3vOinbxHAtMadX2QyjX3xn2oY4dNdQLfmpLt9yyR8Zl6yhiN1rtycXpXHsMNLFWrUVQ7m0_5T6ACQD-loXmgOiSmbRRxe5DDUwI/s1600/080212_alaska0601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiz11E2O_dQAI-oBwHtnmsXE-oxzwY7ykoagI4fVtR3vOinbxHAtMadX2QyjX3xn2oY4dNdQLfmpLt9yyR8Zl6yhiN1rtycXpXHsMNLFWrUVQ7m0_5T6ACQD-loXmgOiSmbRRxe5DDUwI/s1600/080212_alaska0601.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I just couldn't make enough photos here</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq2zRtfpoELBT-U3R3GhHo2GU0qzrMRLNun0fmNaYGe6EoTZ0qrECUS8jmbSsbM7ZMZDgleRm2m4HGfpp9URfLE8h_6CAxobALBwtiFRTzN5cXePZVtiRkzLtjRW2XNEy6-2Ig3eTZVpY/s1600/080212_alaska0629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq2zRtfpoELBT-U3R3GhHo2GU0qzrMRLNun0fmNaYGe6EoTZ0qrECUS8jmbSsbM7ZMZDgleRm2m4HGfpp9URfLE8h_6CAxobALBwtiFRTzN5cXePZVtiRkzLtjRW2XNEy6-2Ig3eTZVpY/s1600/080212_alaska0629.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sawyer Glacier, still more than a mile away</td></tr>
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</div>
<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXfLoeLLBKtR_L-qxCQ-d9Jtx68xuJA2f_oKi6pZdi5nXknMfdWEYqqNEfG8f5LeIfOEl_8xv2gRnO_mYa4nzSWaE5L4JMLbSRaej9ftZIUQcW-9gLTOIgRA8ChesJWZK1_nF4zvtSIA/s1600/080212_alaska0639_0642_pano.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXfLoeLLBKtR_L-qxCQ-d9Jtx68xuJA2f_oKi6pZdi5nXknMfdWEYqqNEfG8f5LeIfOEl_8xv2gRnO_mYa4nzSWaE5L4JMLbSRaej9ftZIUQcW-9gLTOIgRA8ChesJWZK1_nF4zvtSIA/s1600/080212_alaska0639_0642_pano.JPG" height="148" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sawyer Glacier in Tracy Arm Fjord, from about a mile away</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsDweGVq7U-ZIVlz-MJdr8BjptI-k2J3g90Y4ZpvsTVky7gb4bJjjQ9b3K3dqhx7Yy5PIhhN9XkNqKy-mPh-ui-Sw7c9fEG8ngHk_PQ3If4zGHHjLYDYUQkinxRKbzJb_ngNbz8hVrS_U/s1600/080212_alaska0761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsDweGVq7U-ZIVlz-MJdr8BjptI-k2J3g90Y4ZpvsTVky7gb4bJjjQ9b3K3dqhx7Yy5PIhhN9XkNqKy-mPh-ui-Sw7c9fEG8ngHk_PQ3If4zGHHjLYDYUQkinxRKbzJb_ngNbz8hVrS_U/s1600/080212_alaska0761.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">storm shapes up on the way in to Juneau</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQLX-sR8RBGh2_AOXlkXTKBT0c5TY4sRuyyYK616__h2Z6PzBfwFoGjpgJd9BeRw8eqdBw6dzKGwJnVYWb8vuRWh_P2ZURywBF2r22WKpArdxA8XE7-TKtDjvOCumyutK6IM86Pt6nazM/s1600/080212_alaska0810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQLX-sR8RBGh2_AOXlkXTKBT0c5TY4sRuyyYK616__h2Z6PzBfwFoGjpgJd9BeRw8eqdBw6dzKGwJnVYWb8vuRWh_P2ZURywBF2r22WKpArdxA8XE7-TKtDjvOCumyutK6IM86Pt6nazM/s1600/080212_alaska0810.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our ship, as it lies in port at Juneau</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX1q6wF8poJUjc6RPGIgo6lp4HmuERyUd0ssU_t36U2xUVwYIEzm6DKFa3W11tj8nv5lWnly9lwZqfmCyYZkdkEqlJmusDSp-rd7Nl0gx3oe_BDVZbstpi9eFZ8nCci99C09DHF1s0dWw/s1600/080212_alaska0880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX1q6wF8poJUjc6RPGIgo6lp4HmuERyUd0ssU_t36U2xUVwYIEzm6DKFa3W11tj8nv5lWnly9lwZqfmCyYZkdkEqlJmusDSp-rd7Nl0gx3oe_BDVZbstpi9eFZ8nCci99C09DHF1s0dWw/s1600/080212_alaska0880.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White Pass railroad in Skagway</td></tr>
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</div>
<div>
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<div>
This year, I was able to return to Italy with my wife and good friends. We saw the new Pope, sang with the vatican choir as part of their 500th anniversary (!), and generally experienced more great sites, great food, and great wine than a person has a right to. Here's just a few outtakes:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1F-LzdzvVao_mfzexyl_nP6dfqqdV2AT5nUjVX9_uoI7A2pri4-80qoBL0ZVnHgQdZjl5cIHWdYj1flGBu6ox6iwuCTel837BpKiSVhDMGBwN-9JBKqckNrbxcxoZOzo2eJ5YEr0Amr8/s1600/110113_italy0060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1F-LzdzvVao_mfzexyl_nP6dfqqdV2AT5nUjVX9_uoI7A2pri4-80qoBL0ZVnHgQdZjl5cIHWdYj1flGBu6ox6iwuCTel837BpKiSVhDMGBwN-9JBKqckNrbxcxoZOzo2eJ5YEr0Amr8/s1600/110113_italy0060.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking towards Piazza Venezia from the Altar of the Fatherland monument, Rome</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4a7vg4HtkBV1Z22CJCczgAwOL4WZV0aUaMsZs4xcmdYQx2YsUpSrgy-74lhwExCWxwptOz2dMm0Kjytd7hFDDR6F4WYZNXidve2Ipt-z2-nis1XuDtmerHIfx-1IoFA5khyHbFyqZbwg/s1600/110113_italy0451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4a7vg4HtkBV1Z22CJCczgAwOL4WZV0aUaMsZs4xcmdYQx2YsUpSrgy-74lhwExCWxwptOz2dMm0Kjytd7hFDDR6F4WYZNXidve2Ipt-z2-nis1XuDtmerHIfx-1IoFA5khyHbFyqZbwg/s1600/110113_italy0451.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dome of St. Peter's from across the Tiber at night</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHG7HfvH7oOFsJL1mXGZ_xY-zCN5TmpnMBGClU4yOSnT08PxY7u0CHZQMthZ8aNz5h3hvyiJyNTAdEBYozaeC-VXS9VozAVl4_hCJVL4vjHUpw8KC7rwViPQG2lwhrhczVzgfhNqp3ecY/s1600/110113_italy0505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHG7HfvH7oOFsJL1mXGZ_xY-zCN5TmpnMBGClU4yOSnT08PxY7u0CHZQMthZ8aNz5h3hvyiJyNTAdEBYozaeC-VXS9VozAVl4_hCJVL4vjHUpw8KC7rwViPQG2lwhrhczVzgfhNqp3ecY/s1600/110113_italy0505.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foro Romano at night</td></tr>
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So, this being our third trip abroad, my friends, wife and I always come away with a lot of "night shots", many of which are actually made in the early morning before the sun comes up as well. Others on the same trip seem astonished at this. They always ask "when did you get that"? Or "how late/early were you out"? Hey, at these prices, who's sleeping on a trip like this? I want to see it all.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitYoyKoYBk0Yj3U9VWVop-CpuWFPw0_XSISsil7_8ra4DHnzj8xLx217T49wnwrC88cP_AgHGwZJUIrQWj1cHewyNTM0Bc6NQ2B0StYwK1_u9QmyTyeMyVHqHKI2Co50ZVqCvMJVbAw6Q/s1600/110113_italy0611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitYoyKoYBk0Yj3U9VWVop-CpuWFPw0_XSISsil7_8ra4DHnzj8xLx217T49wnwrC88cP_AgHGwZJUIrQWj1cHewyNTM0Bc6NQ2B0StYwK1_u9QmyTyeMyVHqHKI2Co50ZVqCvMJVbAw6Q/s1600/110113_italy0611.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rome is dense. Real dense. <br />
Looking towards Victor Emmanuelle monument from the Castel San't Angelo</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0U6oDl-izIqUPYS629nh7y75XaD-gvcqLGQLnfgGLGuQeCwA-dl_QXI0TDqS0jSpEOerEzl7Vge1FFHQaZjbHgzGVW7j7VAF-MMsue_HyEFu_3x17bU54700w5a94kD-HU7lvAIE-Z8s/s1600/110113_italy0636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0U6oDl-izIqUPYS629nh7y75XaD-gvcqLGQLnfgGLGuQeCwA-dl_QXI0TDqS0jSpEOerEzl7Vge1FFHQaZjbHgzGVW7j7VAF-MMsue_HyEFu_3x17bU54700w5a94kD-HU7lvAIE-Z8s/s1600/110113_italy0636.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The latest McDonalds to open in Rome</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbWg2xLyuEYvdbhhMmOdLXpFUk3h4Xp1oDxUgr03RM085qAOLYnl2MqGXoIcSIXnXTeXVWYi_0_AYWE3Mfsaj8H_Sx4bFrzy3-EHOc_3T89lGkvnxaSyAlmpIVhdvlh18X7sCSJBvGKTs/s1600/110113_italy0760.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbWg2xLyuEYvdbhhMmOdLXpFUk3h4Xp1oDxUgr03RM085qAOLYnl2MqGXoIcSIXnXTeXVWYi_0_AYWE3Mfsaj8H_Sx4bFrzy3-EHOc_3T89lGkvnxaSyAlmpIVhdvlh18X7sCSJBvGKTs/s1600/110113_italy0760.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, we actually did go to see Pope Francis.<br />
This was truly awesome.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo-FmsKS8_ZpMagW4nWZ2gCeAyGILvl4tLSTgWz6yDSL-o_Zcy7aJCKeOlenzBEIPQP0259HZpiLAUL8aSzBrWmfrUu1QxiloFUgTiq3hejZyGTjk7cTBCSpwt5-4w7zg2hKID_C7lzws/s1600/110113_italy0895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo-FmsKS8_ZpMagW4nWZ2gCeAyGILvl4tLSTgWz6yDSL-o_Zcy7aJCKeOlenzBEIPQP0259HZpiLAUL8aSzBrWmfrUu1QxiloFUgTiq3hejZyGTjk7cTBCSpwt5-4w7zg2hKID_C7lzws/s1600/110113_italy0895.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Duomo in Florence from the Bell tower<br />
I got a workout on those steps!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3n0ixgFBNecEJe-D7HGVfnsXUosdGWiKaJgKJdtHhH3si-6RnJ_f3K3tAtnsLYrmyPRL7NZDeLb69r-nhtijYaxo-HK02g4nK6C0cBPZR0P0HDrG2y3z-ayLCooX8JOOTo_BedQsOSco/s1600/110113_italy0923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3n0ixgFBNecEJe-D7HGVfnsXUosdGWiKaJgKJdtHhH3si-6RnJ_f3K3tAtnsLYrmyPRL7NZDeLb69r-nhtijYaxo-HK02g4nK6C0cBPZR0P0HDrG2y3z-ayLCooX8JOOTo_BedQsOSco/s1600/110113_italy0923.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The baptistry and the Florence skyline from the Bell tower<br />
It all looked a bit like a painting - the light was really nice that day.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm8ds6Ly-Ae5Utw03VXu_p1aLshStAKVRjjMBez5fF94vlxqtrK3XIpUAHYA_X21ORgQZmvV2RWaVyPhM6XHgGBsu4GYm1q2kDrb-QMYMgXXwnkKMl0sjtqE0b4l34bcHjjivMNzrWEjA/s1600/110113_italy1047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm8ds6Ly-Ae5Utw03VXu_p1aLshStAKVRjjMBez5fF94vlxqtrK3XIpUAHYA_X21ORgQZmvV2RWaVyPhM6XHgGBsu4GYm1q2kDrb-QMYMgXXwnkKMl0sjtqE0b4l34bcHjjivMNzrWEjA/s1600/110113_italy1047.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ahh - Assisi<br />
Perhaps still my favorite place in Italy</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipCyQ8TDhorxZ9uKWw_5BMntNo6vTIWV3I7VcaMZ7j_Oz_wPMYpRGjEvgaUd4JRyN3HS0aPfpuYKqOiY75Qp2Rld6oBW0If3KtK9ATkovbpjRIIly2Z8jZINLuZWo79-9Z6jgP4AQLAMc/s1600/110113_italy1092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipCyQ8TDhorxZ9uKWw_5BMntNo6vTIWV3I7VcaMZ7j_Oz_wPMYpRGjEvgaUd4JRyN3HS0aPfpuYKqOiY75Qp2Rld6oBW0If3KtK9ATkovbpjRIIly2Z8jZINLuZWo79-9Z6jgP4AQLAMc/s1600/110113_italy1092.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I made far too many photos of Vespas on this trip, but this is my favorite<br />
Assisi, Italy</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSbHfXzZenLCyW1d4i-3LfOX7QUpMRIGyHjFhwLarxq_wGvDXPWTLFr0Fe6jMAQAPQqDb1s_CqVignYUcYWf3CBIh5NqT_ywXPfycYieWvGxvsFxuF-MuK-Aody2eA7vpr2k8v14gC-Xo/s1600/110113_italy1185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSbHfXzZenLCyW1d4i-3LfOX7QUpMRIGyHjFhwLarxq_wGvDXPWTLFr0Fe6jMAQAPQqDb1s_CqVignYUcYWf3CBIh5NqT_ywXPfycYieWvGxvsFxuF-MuK-Aody2eA7vpr2k8v14gC-Xo/s1600/110113_italy1185.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rocca Minor and the "backside" of Assisi, Mount Subasio in the background</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirCasvNyl0Eg4r8_4LS7q6Z7BNacZs5MjRYt9c0ZgeVo6UHSrlK7_ipwoYTRolqzsJf4EBdCWVbw2HkX1pnWYSc1v7Foc2XMHdAJnsBKCf9BJMeCZH_PrsliKcSJHASdbVcTqPizHYHSw/s1600/110113_italy1280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirCasvNyl0Eg4r8_4LS7q6Z7BNacZs5MjRYt9c0ZgeVo6UHSrlK7_ipwoYTRolqzsJf4EBdCWVbw2HkX1pnWYSc1v7Foc2XMHdAJnsBKCf9BJMeCZH_PrsliKcSJHASdbVcTqPizHYHSw/s1600/110113_italy1280.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset over the Umbrian valley</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLTB6g9dbfArZ8on2DAcQmlyWZ-pTNfeivyIkjufmFkqdsqTEz2Sbxtue1O-KWPiWQyGVROLhvYc4pGBS7krhmZUnYL6PEK-AcDBgezyXD30vnlwOrc5uA1rRrGtqKMGjADOcQxwpcsTA/s1600/110113_italy1387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLTB6g9dbfArZ8on2DAcQmlyWZ-pTNfeivyIkjufmFkqdsqTEz2Sbxtue1O-KWPiWQyGVROLhvYc4pGBS7krhmZUnYL6PEK-AcDBgezyXD30vnlwOrc5uA1rRrGtqKMGjADOcQxwpcsTA/s1600/110113_italy1387.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking toward the church of San Domenico, Siena Italy</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh89zxZ5SOyeOfOHDLdmohPSpWicvG8MFPgfHNZyxTzRR4nacbcaGd6KukfFdUd037iFuVh91Gvj_tKviTG9MZeyysm5mzF9H3JxtR_-JozG9i7ZyQ7durqZJTgZM8X0arinVEybCDRGp8/s1600/110113_italy1498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh89zxZ5SOyeOfOHDLdmohPSpWicvG8MFPgfHNZyxTzRR4nacbcaGd6KukfFdUd037iFuVh91Gvj_tKviTG9MZeyysm5mzF9H3JxtR_-JozG9i7ZyQ7durqZJTgZM8X0arinVEybCDRGp8/s1600/110113_italy1498.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down on Piazza del Campo, Siena Italy<br />
from the unfinished 14c wall of the Duomo</td></tr>
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<div>
My next adventure awaits, and is already in the works. After years of thinking about it and daydreaming, I've actually taken the first steps towards racing a motorcycle out on the Salt Flats of Bonneville. This is as iconic as riding Route 66, only faster. Here's a pic of my newest bike, acquired specifically for the task:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-qLNNmmU_7n1zwdLyKFz-2Q-5meL6ix5e0jwnS7cI_WeI8nJcRlzCAWx7t_KqlYI10qKP_hERxm_n_SD8kOBY1Qr8n81KGfktGIG-NqBSBdO_vtKNmBH59nUI6RKJFBatHzICZ0FXPPg/s1600/_BIL2632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-qLNNmmU_7n1zwdLyKFz-2Q-5meL6ix5e0jwnS7cI_WeI8nJcRlzCAWx7t_KqlYI10qKP_hERxm_n_SD8kOBY1Qr8n81KGfktGIG-NqBSBdO_vtKNmBH59nUI6RKJFBatHzICZ0FXPPg/s1600/_BIL2632.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<br /><br />My memory is such (ie-bad) that I'm happy to be a photographer. Looking back over my photos is almost like reliving the experience, and a reminder to me how lucky I am. So no matter what has happened in the past, or what trials are yet to come, I'll still have these moments, so long as I remember to enjoy them and be thankful.<br /><br /> Thanks to my wife, family and close travel friends for traveling with me, enduring my personality, and making these adventures all the more colorful and treasured.<br /><br /> And thank you, gentle reader, for taking this pictorial trip back thru my recent history.</div>
shutterpilothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565292263395462114noreply@blogger.com0