cowpuc

I heated with wood for many years and on occasion I would buy "slab wood" from a small sawmill not far from our home in west Michigan. One time I went to pick up a load and the guy that owned the mill told me to make sure I wore leather gloves when handling this particular load of slab. For the life of me I cant remember what type of wood it was but he told me that it slivered real easily and that, because of its wood type, all the slivers from it would get infected.. Anyone ever heard of such a thing?

MR. HAWK!!!!

It was pretty much the end of the rally when folks started gathering around to help us try and fulfill what is rapidly becoming an impossible dream. What started out as some what of a deep sense of sentimental awareness for me by having my grandsons sign Tweeks old Blonde side cover before we left their home in Sacramento years ago, has become a very passionate connection between the three of us and the people who make up the wonderful CTFWing world around us. It has been and continues to be an honor and a privilege to have these wonderful people, like the new friends we had made at Raggy's Rally in Detroit Mi, share in accomplishing this task that means the world to the three of us. A giant thank you to anyone and everyone who has added your story to Tweeks aging body so she can gently tell of the wonderfulness of life on the road to all who will listen and maybe even they will be willing to assist in this loving gesture! We treasure all of your signatures and think of each of you often as we continue in our CTFWing journeys (because of placement, some of you are easier to remember!!)!

A few miles back in our journey this year, while attending another Rally that was being held in a place called The Dalles, a dear friend and Texas Hero of mine by the name of @bikerjohn, had noticed the American Flag that hung on Tweeks back. John and I were chatting one morning during one of our camp site chats when he walked over to Tweeks side and noticed that her flag was in pretty rough shape. John asked me if I would mind changing it the first chance I had to do so. I told John that I had rescued that precious flag from a roadway a few years ago while attending the Sturgis Rally. Shortly after rescuing it and placing it on Tweeks side, I had bumped into a young soldier by the name of Major Smith who had just returned home from his second tour of duty in Iraq. Major Smith was an Army Ranger who lived in Butler Pennsylvania. He was riding his brand new Harley out to the big Rally when he happened into a restaurant in Murdo South Dakota where I was waiting for the waitress to bring my supper. Having noticed that Major Smith had a Harley shirt on that said "Harley Davidson - I got mine in Iraq" and then noticing that the waitress had just told him that he was to late to order supper (it was 10 p.m.) I caught the attention of the Major on his way out of the door. I asked him to sit down for second and share how a person would purchase a new Harley in Iraq. As he explained his story, the waitress brought out my food and I slid it over in front of the Major and told him I wasn't hungry and that his meal was on me. At first he refused but when I told him I would throw it out before I would eat it knowing that a young man who had just arrived home from fighting to preserve the freedoms we have in our country was gonna go hungry,, he got my point and cut a deal with me that we would share it, we became instant buddies! Major Smith rode his entire stay at the Rally that year with me and my cousin. We camped on the open prairie and in ghost towns, rode dirt two tracks and single track across the Black Hills to a place called Devils Tower in Wyoming and I had a blast watching him get funny looks from some pretty tough ombre's for riding his new Harley on Main Street Sturgis right next to a tired old 1st Gen Yam with a Tent hanging on her backside. Major Smith earned my respect during those wonderful days we shared together. Before we parted company after that great week, I had told him about the gorgeous American Flag I had rescued. I also told him that, out of respect for his, and others, service in that God awful mess, that I would was not going to replaced Tweeks flag until our boys fighting in Iraq/Afganistan came home.. Interestingly enough, President Obama had just recently announced the coming home of those hero's. Knowing that, I told John that at my first chance to dispose of Tweeks worn out American Flag properly and to replace it I would do so. Due to the recent discussion with John about the Old Glory that was hanging on Tweeks right side, it shouldn't have surprised me as much as it did to have the "Changing of the Flag" happen so quickly after we had gotten home from out west. It was getting later in the day at Raggy's Rally when @ragtop69gs walked up to me, pulled me off to the side of all the festivities and asked if I would like him to put a new Flag on Tweeks side!! Raggy had to have noticed my jaw drop in wonderment when he produced that question. I told Raggy about the Flag that Tweeks bore, its back ground and the discussion that had taken place between @bikerjohn and myself. Like John, Jay (Raggy) is also a Veteran (thanks again for your service guys) and he explained to me that he would personally take the American Flag that had so proudly hung on Tweeks backside for all those miles after having been rescued from a lonely Sturgis Rally Highway and make sure that it was disposed of properly at a ritual at the local VFW!! It may be hard for some folks to understand but for Tippy, Tweeks and myself - all of this was very touching. Raggy completed the task of replacing the battered and worn American Flag with a brand new one of which we are all very thankful for! THANK YOU JAY!!

When a person is passionate about something in life, be it their family life, sporting events, clothing they wear or even motorcycles, they usually spend a fair amount of time pursuing what ever it is they are passionate about. For some reason, my life has been endowed with a love for people and a love for motorcycles. I have ridden cross country on everything from dirtbikes, choppers, Harley's and Metrics. It was back in 1987 when I acquired my first Yamaha Venture and, including our current 1983 Venture ("Tweeks"), I have worn out 5 of them thru the years. My passion combined with those many years of owning/riding these same bikes has caused me to have grown to highly respect the machine and engineers who designed them. I recently sold a 1942 Harley Davidson that I rode when every I got the chance to and, it went without saying that when I stopped for gas on that old Harley - at least one person would comment about how "cool" of an antique motorcycle it was. The 1st Generation Yamaha Venture's like Tweeks are not in that category of motorcycling antiquity to most people, but to me - they are pretty close. Modern day motorcycling has taken us far beyond the days of the 1st Genners and, again, because of my attachment to them, I always do a double take when I see another bike like Tweeks still being ridden - especially if that 1st Generation Venture happens to be one that has had extremely good care (if you want to see examples of what I am talking about go to Venturerider.org, sign up on that site and than attend one of the many adventures posted on their yearly calendar!!). While attending Raggy and Jeannies Rally, @Carbon One told me about a fellow member who was attending the Rally who owned a Venture that was a classic example of what I am referring to. CarbonOne pointed to a beautiful 1st Gen Venture that had found its way to the party. I walked over and started chatting with the owner, @BuckShot, about his bike and got to hear the story of his motorcycles history. I almost could not believe what I was hearing. Buckshot and his wife had purchased this 1986 younger sister of Tweeks BRAND NEW right out of a Yamaha shop back in the year of 86. The two of them then used this beautiful motorcycle in their Marriage ceremony as their chosen method of transportation during their Honeymoon!! Mr. Buckshot explained to me that they had also acquired a Side Car for their bike (not shown). What a wonderful, special, treat to hear the story of the Buckshot's and to get to see their beautiful machine!!

Having just been treated to a genuine Hollywood level YouTube recording session, my little taped over, bruised up 50 dollar CTFWing camera started copping an attitude and began filming innocent biker people who just happened to be found wondering around at Raggies Rally. What had trickled in as a mild mannered, quite type of subdued event was quickly getting out of hand with even the sounds of Big Twin Harley's pulling into the parking area of the grand opening here at Raggie and Jeannies Rally World! I felt my little camera reach out and grab a friendly looking bike riding champ and open up its inquisitive zoom lense in the familiar gesture of inquiry as to the person's name and home origin. Thankfully, the fellow by the name of "Fat White Boy" (aka - Tom) was very cooperative with my camera and, even though he had been warned that the little video my camera was recording would eventually end up on youtube, my camera and he departed as good friends.

You are more than welcome Motiv!! It was pleasure having you ride along!

I hope so, I hope so, I hope so and I hope so:big-grin-emoticon: AHAAA,, a sign of weakness!!

HAPPY "FINDING THAT ONE GOOD APPLE" ANNIVERSARY TO YOU AND NINA SILVRT! THERE IS NOTHING BETTER THAN SHARING LIFE WITH THAT ONE SPECIAL PERSON!!

Good for you Daitan!!! 900 bucks seems a little high but I haven't had a bike worked on in a shop for a very long time,, probably going rate these days... Talking about air horns,, I have always LOVED that old school Harley "Jubilee" horn that they had back in the Duo Glide Days (the long bell one that stuck out from under the carb).. Wonder if thats the style of horn that your talking about? Telling ya, that is one thing that I have ALWAYS like about HD and their aftermarket suppliers,, seems like a guy can pretty much build his bike any way he wants it..

,, Mine too Raggie,, mine too....

,, sorry about that Dan!

Oddly enough, I LOVED Country Western back than too (still do) and Willie has always done me good.. Seconded only by him and Waylon..

,,,,, his bark is far worse than his Dan!! Seems like just a couple weeks ago that Mr. himself was down there by you in the and he made sure that all his friends back here in the knew all about it I will say this though,, we do have some rule here that, simply stated reads :worthless:but is more harshly interpreted "no pics = it did not happen".. I am not sure if "trial" members can post pics but if you can and you dont do it and start asking about your bike than, yea,, a few of these lop eared 's might really start scratching fleas or something..

Hi Dan, Wanted to take a second and welcome you to VR! I have never ridden an RSTD so I probably wont be much help to you. I do know that when I ride my 83 Venture out west and my feet get hot I usually find comfort by putting my socks and my riding boots back on.. Wait a minute,,,, I also had an old Sportster that burned a leg or two in its life, I found that pipe wrap helped it a lot. I also know that if your bike is not stock, if it has an open air box and different pipes, it could be running leaner than it should be and whenever you lean out an engine they tend to run hotter,, just a thought.. At any rate, hope you find relief for the hot feet, enjoy your time here and have a GREAT riding season!! Puc

Went by a real deal Ma and Pa Texas BBQ joints last summer down in Texas that I swear I gained 15 pounds just riding by and smelling the place!!

Right there with ya Bren!! I feel like a John Deerr

Thats a tough one Gary,, to choose one,, just one... Those were unforgettable days, tumultuous to say the least but also extremely exciting.. I guess that's why Don McKlean's hit was it for me and a lot of my friends back than...

FREEBIRD!!!!!!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOSSMAN!!!!!!! :Crazy_139::Happy Birthday::Crazy_139:

I have heard rumors of these things called "Maintenance Days" that are held around the world by folks who belong to VentureRider.org. Apparently they are very similar to what was about to unfold here at Raggies Rally with the exception of more than one bike at a time is probably being worked on at official MD's. It was amazing how the following example unfolded right before my very eyes. I was so glad that I happen to have my old beater camera along to record the spectacle as it gained speed. @Drews stood innocently by as the spectator seats filled up with anxious Rally attenders wanting to find out what all the mirth was about. Our very dear friend Carbon One was amazingly able to continue in his work and complete the arduous task of installing an air horn on Billmacs gorgeous scoot while a major YouTube production was in process with new internet video stars the likes that had never been seen in YouTube history.

@Carbon One , @habfan, @billmac and @Canuck1 got started in some kind of a mechanical discussion that ended up with Carbon One presenting our first official show and tell time. Besides having a lot of fun, a person can learn a lot from discussions like these and can walk away from them with not only more motorcycle knowledge than he had when he entered the discussion but also with some really wonderful new friends.

As the day moved on more and more folks arrived at the Rally that these two fine people had hosted at their home. @BuckShot and @buzzman came in from somewhere in Ohio. It was so much fun having these two Buckeye's share some time and friendship with us!

Raggie seemed to really take a liking to Tweeks, it looked a little rainy that evening so @ragtop69gs made her a camping area in his garage so Tweeks could sleep inside. Thankfully it didn't rain so the rest of us who had to sleep outside did not have to test our leaky tents and pieces of plastic. Speaking about tent walls, even after all those nights of sleeping in our little blue tent while traveling out west, I was shocked to find out how not soundproof our moderately expensive little motel was - who ever was sleeping in the Pop-Up Tent Camper that was camping next door to us was an accomplished snorest and our tent walls actually danced with every vibration that occurred as the result of our neighbors music. The rhythm of the professionally put together snoring tunes made for some of the greatest ease of sleep as my own music joined in to make a symphony of nothing but the highest quality!! I stuck my head out of our tent on the morning of the official Raggie Rally and was pleased to find out that any sign of rain that had dared shown its spooky little face had long since departed during the night. I slumbered out and instantly detected the sweet smell of breakfast cooking on an open grill. I was reminded of an old saying I had heard once that says something about early birds and worms and the meaning of that old saying was becoming clearer to me. A small, but yet powerful, feeding frenzy had already started at a picnic table on the far side of Raggie and Jeannies back yard and our host informed me that we probably should grab a quick bite to eat unless a glass of milk and a cookie was all we wanted. All joking aside, we all had a GREAT breakfast and everyone there was very impressed with our host(s) and the wonderful meal they provided for all of their guest - of which Tip, Tweeks and I had the honor and pleasure to be three of - THANK YOU JEANNIE AND JAY!!

Our ride thru Muskegon's Bike Time on our way to Raggie and Jeans Rally in Detroit was really fun. It was great to see old friends and to give Tweeks a chance to make sure her and the new Michelin tire were gonna get along. Having that accomplished, the three of us headed toward Detroit. My Father use to laugh at me when I would get lost while we were deer hunting the Northern Michigan woodlands. On more than one occasion I had to spend a night in the woods and wait till the next day to find my way because of my natural tendency to get lost. On one such occasion I got twisted around and didn't make it back to my dads truck before the agreed upon 11 p.m. departure and I ended up getting a ride home with a couple of fellow bow hunters who happen to also be hunting the same section of state land north of M-37 and M-55 in our great Northern woods. Dad was cooking lunch at home back in Muskegon when I finally wondered in. I asked him if he was worried at all about me out there lost and hungry. He laughed and said "heavens no - I knew the hungrier you got the better your nose would work and that as soon as you were real hungry you would find your way home".. Having taken examples like the previous paragraph into deep consideration, I chose to make the short ride over to Detroit the day before the Rally was suppose to take place and we headed directly to Raggies from Muskegon's Bike Time. This turned out to be the correct decision on my part because after we had made our third pass at the intersection where Mapquest said "West 5" was gonna be, I decided to stop at a local gas station as I took the same turnaround exit for the 3rd time. The young lady looked at our directions and told us that we were right where we wanted to be, we were just given bad directions. And people ask me why I don't trust computers. A few minutes had passed after chatting with the young lady at the gas station and we were pulling into Raggie and Jeannies. I was shocked to find out that apparently other VentureRider.org members were also directionally challenged, this being instantly obvious to me because two other couples besides our hosts were already there too! One of the great things about being a member of VentureRider.org is the endless supply of not just amazing folks but also down right great people that one gets to encounter and, in the end, call them your friend. The encounter that was about to take place was one that I had been waiting upon for a long time. All summer long I had been meeting folks who I had longed to have the privilege of shaking hands with and more folks on that list were now standing there in front of me with smiles on their faces! @bongobobny and his wife Becky had arrived from their home in New York and @Jrichard and his wife Patricia had also come up from Virginia on their gorgeous Kawasaki Voyager. Both of these teams must of under estimated their directional skills though because, even though they came from much farther distances, they were both still able to arrive before Tip, Tweeks and I.

2014 CTFWING EPILOG: My youngest daughter gave me a big hug and thanked me for being home to greet her upon her return from being gone all winter. Her and Tip had been catching up on the laundry and I had just finished mounting yet another new tire on Tweeks as the kid kissed me on the forehead in an attempt to keep from getting grease on her from the dirt that always seems to accumulate on my nose when I work on stuff. The new Full Bore rear tire I had installed on the Tweeks back in Sacramento had done an excellent job. It didn't wear as good as the new Metzler had on the way out to the west coast but it also has not disintegrated at the end of its life either so I gave the Full Bore a healthy "8" as far bang for the buck goes. I would avoid using Metzler again if possible but would definitely consider another 65 dollar Full Bore if the need arose. I picked up a new Michelin from a friend here in Muskegon for 80 dollars and that is what I had just finished installing on Tweeks. Having heard good things about the new Miche's while traveling and, having a chance to get one at a decent price, I thought what the heck - the three of us would give em a try. My youngest had been home for a couple days and I had just finished going over her little Honda Civic for her. All my kids have inherited the love for adventure from Tip and I so I wasn't surprised at all to hear her announce that she was gonna hit the road and go visit a friend in Kansas. Thankfully Tip and I had taken the effort to make it home from our western adventure in time to see her for a couple days. As my daughter pulled out of our driveway I smiled at Tip, pointed at the tent that was still in a bundle on the garage floor and at Tweeks new rear tire and told Tip that we were ready to go back at it now that the offspring's mainspring had sprung again. A really good friend of ours who we had never met, a guy by the name of @ragtop69gs (I call him Raggie) and his wife Jeannie were in the process of hosting a bike rally over in Detroit and the three of us had somehow gotten invited. It was also our local "Bike Time" Rally here in Muskegon and I thought we would give Tweeks a chance to show off her prowess on the way out of town. Tip was giggling her girlish "here we go again" giggle as she walked inside to pack some of our freshly cleaned riding clothes. A number of years ago some local business's and a personal friend of mine got together and decided to create a miniature Sturgis Rally here in Muskegon. They named the long weekend rally "Muskegon Bike Time". When my buddy, who owned our local Honda Shop back than, first told me what they were gonna do I was THRILLED!! I have always loved our country's big rally's like Daytona, Myrtle Beach and Sturgis and had always wished we had one here locally. At that time of my life I was restoring motorcycles and building old school choppers for a living and, besides being all kinds of fun, thought the draw of our own Rally Point may help with our local economy. I began participating in Muskegon's Bike Time right from the beginning and really loved those early days. Here is an internet link describing what you may have seen me doing back in those days, Bike Time gets off to roaring start despite weather, changes in features | MLive.com