Houston Area Maintenance Day 21Aug2010

[Jus Monkeyin Around]

WWWHHHHHHOOOOOOOOOOOOO HHHHHOOOOOOOOOOOOO See y'all there!!!!!!!!

[frogmaster]

Well Uncle Sam gave me half a day off so I made the 25mi Map-quested Trip to Owen's MD Houston in a Rental Cage. Helped several folks with several bikes even though my Bike was back in N.W. Michigan. Seen two old Michiganders (Squidly & Just Monkeying Around) and some ole faces from Past Freebird MD's like Ponch and Zipcode Dave). I had to leave right before the official lunch time but Owen & Margret was able to sneak me in for a early sample plate of Lunch and it was FANTASTIC!!! Owen's neighbor (Jeff) was up all hours of the night to get the brisket cooked and smoked just right... as I was leaving around 12:30 some of the guys were helping Jeff change his oil on his 1100 V-Star.

 

Soon you should see a Tech Tip about 2nd Gen Fan not working.... A VERY COOL FINDING for our Members.

 

Owen was in a full T-Shirt soaking sweat at 8:30am working hard to set up everything and had iced down lots of water for us. Many folks brought many tools, fans, coolers, chairs, Ect it was a true Team Effort.

 

TY Owen & Margret for a nicely hosted MD.

 

Ride Safe

 

Charlie

aka Frogmaster

US Army

[pktexas]

Had a Hot blast at Maint Day at Owen & Margrets home in N. Houston. Alot of work went on thru out the day for everyone, from radiator/fan work, tire changes, cutting down of a 1st & 2nd Gen windshield, electrical wiring, oil change, fuel filter replacements, spark plug changeout and Ponch installing his new guage setup with a tach on my 05 Midnight. Ponch sure does great work, thanks again David. And mucho thanks to Owen & Margret for putting on a great day for everyone. Mollie & I enjoyed the day very much visiting with everyone. And BOOMER the cheesecake was fantastic as usual, Dale enjoyed your piece very much.

[Squidley]

Whoooo Wheeee!

 

What a day, very 1st order of business is a HUGE thanks to Owen and Margaret for opening up their home to this motley crew. You would never have guessed it was their 1st MD hosting, they pulled it off like old pros and did a fantastic job, Thank you both ever so much!

 

As always we had a blast, started out with about 10 of us at Luby's in Tomball for breakfast at 8am. The laughing stared there and didn't stop until late in the afternoon when folks had to start getting home.

 

LOTS of work was done, and the nice thing is that many of the folks that just 6 months ago that didn't know squat about the Venture and how to repair them, were acting like old pro's and getting the work done. Kudo's to all of you that jumped right in and took care of business. It make me real proud to see members grow from being involved with this crew.

 

I would love to post pics here in this post....but we forgot the camera at Owens house DOH! Ponch had his hands full with Perry's bike and gauge install. I decided to help Sky King (Mike) with a cooling fan issue on his '00 MM. Some of you may remember that we tried to get it fixed in Febuary in Rockport at Thom 440's MD when a bunch of the Houston crew went down there. Mike had purchased another cooling fan from Pinwall as he thought that the motor was burned up. Turns out it was a noise suppressor in the line that got hot and arced itself out and welded 2 solder joints together. I'm glad we checked as we would have put it together and it still wouldn't have worked. I'll get the pics up once we get the camera back.

 

It was a great time as usual and for those who were on the fence, you truly dont know what your missing by not coming. I also believe it was a 1st as Owen mentioned to me before we left that there wasn't a single carbtune performed....thats gotta be some sort of record.

 

Owen and Margaret, Thank you again for your hospitality and putting on an awesome MD. Lonna and I really enjoyed ourselves and are looking forward to the next one. Thank also to everyone that was able to make it, we love getting together with you folks

[kbran]

Wish I could have been there, but work got in the way:95:

[Kregerdoodle]

What a Great Day!! Owen and Margret, Thanks for putting this on. got my windsheild cut down, will see how that turns out, at least I can see over it when I sit up straight. Got to meet a few new freinds, and see some friends that I havn`t seen in awhile. I ended up getting over heated, but made it home and an going to chill inside today. Thanks again!!

[Dave77459]

It was another super Maintenance Day! Thanks Owen and Margaret for your excellent hospitality!

 

I had done a crapload of maintenance the previous weeks so that I could sit back and watch, socialize, and generally be a nuisance. But that was before a pin broke off in my trailer connection on the way to breakfast and my wife smelled gas as she followed me in the cage. Hal did a splendid job splicing in a new connection. Thanks! Dave (Jus Monkeyin Around) changed my plugs for me (bike runs great Dave!) since I'd never done that.

 

I was pushing my bike out to make room when someone told me my new Canadian Cruiser Customizing HID was out. It wasn't a fuse issue. Because I didn't hear the ballast energize like I normally do, I believe that is the culprit. I carried my old SilverStar Ultra around with me since I didn't trust the HID, and it is now back in. I think I'll run with that from now on.

 

Anyways, it was a blast to catch up with y'all. I hope we can do this again when it gets a little warmer. (Holy cow!)

 

Dave

 

PS, here's a video of Kregerdoodle cutting his windscreen.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOTG2YKMMbQ]YouTube- Cutting the windscreen[/ame]

[Thom]

Owen And Margret a great Big THANK YOU For a great MD ! Skyking and I Made it home and are looking forward to the next one . lots of fun meeting old and new friends .

[Owen]

It was HOT! Boy what a great time we had! About 24 people and 15 bikes showed up to brave the Texas heat. Everyone piled in on the work and we got a LOT accomplished. There were bike parts and tools flying everywhere! At one point I counted 8 bikes torn apart and all sorts of repairs and mods in work. It was HOT! It was great to meet new friends and see the old ones. The last of the day left about 9pm. It was HOT! Sunday morning, after the hardware store opened, Thom and Mike got the last two bolts needed to get the MM back together and loaded up the trailer and headed south to Rockport.

 

Thank you all for bringing so many things that are needed to make a MD get together a success. Margaret and I are looking forward to the next one! Did I mention, it was HOT!

 

Lonna took some great photos with my camera and here they are...

 

Also notice that Thom showed up with that First Gen on a trailer again!!!

http://s521.photobucket.com/albums/w337/Owen064/SE%20TX%20MD%20July%202010/

[Kregerdoodle]

It was a Great Day.....It Was HOT!! Oh and Thom showed up with that First Gen on a trailer again!!!

[Ponch]

Thanks Oweeeeen & Margareeeet! Great MT Day. Can we plan the next one when it gets hot?? Love your place & animals, especially the big one. Oy, what a horse!

[BoomerCPO]

DID ANYBODY SAVE ANY CHEESECAKE FOR ME?????

Boomer....who knows damn well there is nothing left........

[Squidley]

 

Boomer....who knows damn well there is nothing left........

 

 

Nailed it!.....you gotta get over here Chief, you dont need a MD to come over and visit

 

You know if you show up here at the house.....you'll get a cheesecake

[Owen]

DID ANYBODY SAVE ANY CHEESECAKE FOR ME?????

Boomer....who knows damn well there is nothing left........

 

No but... the first bite was dedicated to you!!

[jburrell]

Sorry I missed it. Had planned to come and it just didnt work out. Family emergency came up and I found myself tied up until last night around 8:30. Still have a few things to work out for my Son. We are also now dealing with a remodel that was supposed to be starting in about 2 weeks and were informed Saturday they were going to start Tuesday demolishing my kitchen and master bath, so we had to spend any time we had free from son trying to unload the bath/closet and kitchen. House is a wreck now, with boxes everywhere and the crew hasn't even demolished anything yet. Now I also have to deal with no master bath, no master closet and no Kitchen for 3-4 weeks. I guess I'll be eating a lot of burgers and chicken.

Glad everyone has a great time at Owens and again I sure whish I had been there. I certainly would have rather been there......

 

[LilBeaver]

Son of a B! How in the world did I miss this :think:

 

Looks like a good MD though. I guess I need to pay closer attention to the dates and stuff going on here...

[SkyKing]

Maintenance Day in Houston was a blast.........as well as a blast of HOT air. Typical Texas summer weather.

 

Despite the heat, MD was fun and educational. You have read the posts of what was done by so many in attendance. OWEN and MARGARET were terrific. They opened up their home and were perfects hosts. The ladies had a great time visiting and their covered dishes were enjoy by all. (you probably saw some of the pics)

 

I want to say THANKS to Thom, Jerry W., Brad, Ponch, Kreg and many others who helped me get the following done on my 2000 MM. An oil change, air filter change, new Polk speakers, radiator fan assembly, passing lights fixed, installation of a fuse block under the the front seat for passing lights and Steble horn as well as installation of a spacer between the front fairing and passing lights.

 

Folks who did not make it to Houston nor have been to a MD event really should do so. The information, educational instruction, hands-on work under the supervision of a seasoned Venture owner/mechanic and the fellowship is hard to beat. I made new friends who share a love for a great bike. You will too.

 

Note, if you are coming to a MD event during a Texas summer, bring plenty of water and shade.

 

Thanks again to Owen and Margaret!

[Jus Monkeyin Around]

I would like to thank Owen and Margret for opening up there house to us all. I had a blast meeting new friends and seeing old ones. Man it was hot!!!

:scorched:

[Thom]

Owen And Doodle Bug THAT IS NOT A TRAILER ! it is a rolling tire machine if I rode up to Houston on my 1st gen i Know not 1 camera would show up but as soon as it is on the trailer wham 50 cameras ! if it was not for the tire machine and 2nd gens needing a ride , I'd sell that trailer , but O'well , i guess i'll keep it .

I have just one thing to say about the Houston Gang :clap2: and i consenter my self one of them .

[Kregerdoodle]

I didn`t get one pic of the white beast on a trailer....I got there to late... Well I s`pose we can cut ya some slack, this time....and I s`pose next time we get another 4 feet of that white fluffy stuff, but thats it Mr.Man.....no more!!!!

 

 

It was great to see ya Thom, even if ya do spell your name wrong and trailer your bike...

 

 

 

 

Owen And Doodle Bug THAT IS NOT A TRAILER ! it is a rolling tire machine if I rode up to Houston on my 1st gen i Know not 1 camera would show up but as soon as it is on the trailer wham 50 cameras ! if it was not for the tire machine and 2nd gens needing a ride , I'd sell that trailer , but O'well , i guess i'll keep it .

I have just one thing to say about the Houston Gang :clap2: and i consenter my self one of them .

[Owen]

It is surprising how even a small piece of cut off windshield can amuse these guys. I counted at least 6 suggestions of how to use it to improve the looks of a 1st Gen.

http://i521.photobucket.com/albums/w337/Owen064/SE%20TX%20MD%20July%202010/P8214328.jpg

 

http://i521.photobucket.com/albums/w337/Owen064/SE%20TX%20MD%20July%202010/P8214331.jpg

 

Changing the oil and filter on an 1100 classic is at least a 3 man job!

http://i521.photobucket.com/albums/w337/Owen064/SE%20TX%20MD%20July%202010/P8214343.jpg

 

http://i521.photobucket.com/albums/w337/Owen064/SE%20TX%20MD%20July%202010/P8214323.jpg

 

http://i521.photobucket.com/albums/w337/Owen064/SE%20TX%20MD%20July%202010/P8214342.jpg

 

http://i521.photobucket.com/albums/w337/Owen064/SE%20TX%20MD%20July%202010/IMG_0864.jpg

 

Ponch's 2nd Gen gauges are a work of art.

http://i521.photobucket.com/albums/w337/Owen064/SE%20TX%20MD%20July%202010/P8214341.jpg

 

http://i521.photobucket.com/albums/w337/Owen064/SE%20TX%20MD%20July%202010/P8214339.jpg

 

http://i521.photobucket.com/albums/w337/Owen064/SE%20TX%20MD%20July%202010/P8214338.jpg

 

Ponch also has aspirations of being a dentist!

http://i521.photobucket.com/albums/w337/Owen064/SE%20TX%20MD%20July%202010/P8214318.jpg

 

http://i521.photobucket.com/albums/w337/Owen064/SE%20TX%20MD%20July%202010/P8214319.jpg

 

Pretty often you could see that look of "I can't believe they just did that!!"

http://i521.photobucket.com/albums/w337/Owen064/SE%20TX%20MD%20July%202010/P8214304.jpg

 

http://i521.photobucket.com/albums/w337/Owen064/SE%20TX%20MD%20July%202010/P8214317.jpg

 

There are sure a lot of trailers in this group.

http://i521.photobucket.com/albums/w337/Owen064/SE%20TX%20MD%20July%202010/IMG_0846.jpg

 

http://i521.photobucket.com/albums/w337/Owen064/SE%20TX%20MD%20July%202010/IMG_0844.jpg

 

http://i521.photobucket.com/albums/w337/Owen064/SE%20TX%20MD%20July%202010/IMG_0851.jpg

 

http://i521.photobucket.com/albums/w337/Owen064/SE%20TX%20MD%20July%202010/P8214243.jpg

 

Most of the trailers are pulled by motorcycles... however there is this one that seems to always be carrying a 1st Gen and doubles as a tire changer mount.

 

http://i521.photobucket.com/albums/w337/Owen064/SE%20TX%20MD%20July%202010/P8214234.jpg

 

http://i521.photobucket.com/albums/w337/Owen064/SE%20TX%20MD%20July%202010/IMG_0845.jpg

 

With enough epoxy, bondo, and fiberglass, you can fix just about anything!

 

http://i521.photobucket.com/albums/w337/Owen064/SE%20TX%20MD%20July%202010/IMG_0853.jpg

 

http://i521.photobucket.com/albums/w337/Owen064/SE%20TX%20MD%20July%202010/P8214266.jpg

 

http://i521.photobucket.com/albums/w337/Owen064/SE%20TX%20MD%20July%202010/P8214265.jpg

 

Sometimes you just gotta' suck it up and go for it!

 

http://i521.photobucket.com/albums/w337/Owen064/SE%20TX%20MD%20July%202010/P8214253.jpg

 

http://i521.photobucket.com/albums/w337/Owen064/SE%20TX%20MD%20July%202010/P8214251.jpg

 

http://i521.photobucket.com/albums/w337/Owen064/SE%20TX%20MD%20July%202010/P8214252.jpg

 

My puppies were not too sure about this crowd!

 

http://i521.photobucket.com/albums/w337/Owen064/SE%20TX%20MD%20July%202010/P8214300.jpg

 

http://i521.photobucket.com/albums/w337/Owen064/SE%20TX%20MD%20July%202010/P8214302.jpg

 

The ladies enjoyed themselves also!

 

http://i521.photobucket.com/albums/w337/Owen064/SE%20TX%20MD%20July%202010/IMG_0840.jpg

 

http://i521.photobucket.com/albums/w337/Owen064/SE%20TX%20MD%20July%202010/P8214315.jpg

 

http://i521.photobucket.com/albums/w337/Owen064/SE%20TX%20MD%20July%202010/P8214250.jpg

 

I'm sure others have different observations to share...

[BradT]

Nice pictures.

 

Those are some big fans I see lying around.

 

Brad

[Santa Hal]

First of all I would like to thank Owen and Margaret for a great Maintenance Day. Got done what I needed to do with Brads help. Put in a fuse box and relay for running lights. Now for some reason I blow a fuse I won't have to take off the fearing to replace it. YEEHAH! The food was good and the cheese cake was good too. Boomer missed out. All the yankees did good in the heat. Cause it was a hot day.

 

Val says that she is sorry that she had to leave early and looks forward to the next visit with everyone.

 

Maybe we will get to go to Big Ben in November with everyone thats going.

 

Thanks again,

 

Hal n Val

[Sgt. Maj.]

Owen,

Sounds like a plan. I have an available room if someone needs it. Just have them PM me. Let us know what to bring and we'll get'r done. Sounds like your trip will be a good ride. I don't ahve any work to do on my bike at this time but will help others if they need it or I can come help BBQ if you need assistance.

 

Anyone need clutch upgrade or brakes etc done let us know and we can assist. Order your parts.

James

I need a clutch upgrade where can I get the parts? Where will there be a maint. day to do it.

Dana

csmbrak@aol.com

[Thom]

check Skydoc in the classified , he sells one .