Finally!! Back in a 4 wheel drive!!

As most probably don't know, a big part of my past was 4 wheel drive vehicles. My vehicle of choice back then was Jeep, but hell it didn't matter I liked them all! For the better part of 10 years I lived for rock-crawling and trail riding, I built my Jeep to take on extreme obstacles and it got to the point that I had to trailer it most places. That was all fun and games till gas hit $4.80 a gallon in '08. That's when I sold everything 4x4 related. It wasn't bad for the first couple years, then not having something that could get around in the winter, haul things, and not getting off pavement started to bug me. The itch was back. I took it as long as I could and yesterday I couldn't take anymore. I pulled the trigger on a truck.

It's a 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 Sport 4x4. About as stock as stock gets, light truck tires with decent tread, auto trans, 5.9L v-8, 140,000 miles and all around very clean. It'll take some time but a plan is forming(insert evil laugh), she won't be getting the extreme off-road treatment, but she'll be getting some attention to make sure she's able to go through some messy stuff, but still maintain street-ability. For now I'm just enjoying having a truck again!

November 10th and in the 70's!

Hard to believe it's still this nice in November! Of course it's not going to last, this is Kansas after all. Tonight's forecast calls for rain and possibly snow with low of 33 and a high tomorrow of 41, glad I got out for some miles today!

She's dirty and she's given alot of great miles this year. Will it be the last ride of the year for her? That depends on the weather and if I decide to do another round of mods. After having put alot of miles on her this year, I definitely have some in mind. Number 1 is the seat, while it looks great and has great lines, it's probably one of the most uncomfortable seats I've ever owned. It sits at too much of an angle and you end up sliding off the back under hard acceleration. I haven't decided which route to go, got to do more research. I have more in mind, but we'll have to see how the winter unfolds.

Acclimatizing...

There's no denying it. It's here. Nice 80* days are history till next year, just like the leaves on the trees, fall is here with winter fast on it's heels. With a predicted high of 56* and sunny, I broke out my fall gear and headed out, time to get used to the cooler weather and take advantage of a clear sunny day. It was a brisk 45* when I left the house, but it doesn't seem so bad when your protected by a windshield, lowers, and chaps on the crash bar.

1st stop- the Veterans Memorial in Clifton Kansas-

After about 70 miles of back-roads I stopped at the Fancy Creek area of Tuttle Creek Lake.

In the 3 pics above you see a channel of water and a huge open area of brush and saplings behind the channel. Not pictured is a bridge that spans that area that we refer to as the Mile Long Bridge. 22 years ago, when I was stationed on Ft. Riley I drove across that bridge and there were people water skiing in that area pictured above. 

Another Miracle

I've been neglecting this blog, but since last time we have been blessed with a little miracle. On Sept. 6th Charlotte Adair Fickbohm joined us in this world!

Me and my Princess

Such long little legs!

My wife and the Princess

Labor Day Cruise

There's not a whole lot going on around here over Labor Day so what better excuse to get out ride, lol! Today was one of those relaxed, no plan, just ride rides, to me those are the best rides. Rural Kansas can get pretty desolate, but it has cool sights none the less, if you get off the beaten path. Bill and I did just that. Bill is between bikes right now so he gets to ride my '06 XL1200C and I rode my old iron head. All went well to the 1st stop and the "bitch", my iron head, decided it's battery was dead. WTF!?! I just got that battery back in March! Oh well, at least we were at a truck stop so I bought some cheap cables and we jumped it every time the rest of the day, lol!

Kansas has some pretty cool places to ride, if ya take the time to find them.

JFR Run 2012, part 2

One of the only creeks with water in it, the drought is everywhere this year.

Me and Dan's Sportsters

Taking a pic of me while I took one of him, lol!

Someone had a bad day!

Bill and Big Bill chillin at our "bar".

Bill enjoyin a beer

Big Bill and Dan

You can tour on a Sportster

JFR Run 2012!

After things not working out well for a JFR(Just Fucking Ride)run last year, we had a hell of a good one this year!! Just to fill in the blanks, JFR, is a group of family, brothers, and friends that try to get together once a year for a long weekend run. Last year life happened and the run didn't, this year we more than made up for it. This year was special for me because 2 of my closest friends, guys that I truly consider my brothers, were both able to go. Dan and Bill have been a part of my life for the last 15 years, through the best of times and the worst of times they have always been there for me and me for them, the truest of friends, brothers. The icing on the cake was Bill's dad, Big Bill, was able to go as well. It was the 1st time I've had the privilege of hanging out with him. He's one of the grey beards that has "been there, done that", hangin' with him was an education and an honor. This year we headed south and based in Eureka Springs, Arkansas and stayed at the Riders Rest Motel, a biker only motel. If you've never ridden in the Ozarks you are truly missing out. The roads are very well maintained, the scenery incredible, and the twisties awesome! While there are so many awesome roads to ride we chose the main ones this time. The Arkansas Toothpick(highway 16), The Arkansas Dragon(highway 123), Scenic 7 Biway(highway 7), The Ozark Highlands(highway 21), and the Pig Trail(highway 23). The pictures aren't in any specific order, so just enjoy them for what they are!

Rollin out at sunrise

The "bar" at the motel, they provide the bar, we provide the beer, lol!

  

more to come......