WELCOME TO THE
FSSNOC THUMPER GARAGE
Photo above:
"Moonlight over Miami"?
"Nope..."
"Moonlight over my Enfield"
Our thanks to Joe Kelley, #5130 - Colorado, for this beautiful shot of his equally beautiful Royal Enfield Continental GT535.
Today's update is for: August 9, 2018
The next scheduled update is for: August 16, 2018
Joe and I go way back ... as he is a native son of Kansas, being raised right here in ThumperVille, USA. In fact, Joe and I worked together at Al's Honda-Yamaha for a number of years. He is now at Power World Sports at 61000 US40 in Granby, Colorado, not sure of his current title, but in my books, he is an energetic guy, a life-long motorcyclist, and a natural born leader, so he may be the main man by now. He commented earlier this year that they, the shop, had added bicycles to their inventory, as well as ... Royal Enfield. Other lines include Husqvarna and Kawasaki motorcycles as well as a line of snowmobiles, etc. My records indicate the shop phone is 970-887-9337. If you are in the area, stop by and say "Howdy" to Joe Kelley, FSSNOC #5130 ... now, as we say, "On with the show!" (below)...
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A note to STEVE OAKMAN, #5266 (Nebraska) ... Steve, we received your article for Thumper News, titled "OFF THE GRID IN MONTANA" ... Thank You! Thumper News #132 (Autumn - 2018) is at the printer as we speak. The next issue is our calendar issue, coming out prior to the first of the year. Will "bank" your article for use in TN134. Thanks again, it's good stuff! To add a little fuel to the fire, Steve's mount is one of those new Royal Enfield Himalayan 411s, so it's going to be fun hearing just how capable it is when "off the grid". Best Wishes! - #000
P.S. ... Steve: this is Larry's email is you want to see some "Goootsee" pictures, let him know. kcaf47@gmail.com
P.P.S. You may not be able to click on it here on this site so copy and paste or write it on a pizza box with a crayon or whatever... :) - #000
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Hey Jack,
Just letting you know that we will NOT be able to attend the 2 ThumperCafe's later this month.
I tore my right meniscus and will be having surgery on 8/17---there goes our ride out West!
I hope everyone has a good & safe ride!
Joe Gilmore #661 - Maryland
Hey Joe ... Wow, so sorry to read this, was looking forward to a visit with you two! Oh well, that is how it goes, sometimes you are the bug, sometimes you are the windshield (don't ask me to interpret that). - #000.
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Looking forward to seeing everyone in Colorado the end of the month. Kerry and I are staying Thursday night in South Fork, at the Rainbow Lodge. https://rainbowlodgesouthfork.com/
If you all get together Thursday evening for a meal, let us know, and we'll be there.
Thanks, Mike H.
Yo Mike ... Nothing planned for Thursday evening due to the area's widely varied motel and camping locations. See note below:
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NOTE BELOW:
As a general reminder to ALL who plan to attend the IOWA ThumperCafe #46 on August 20, 2018 ... of note here, this is a static event, in other words, no individual or group motorcycle riding is featured at a FSSNOC ThumperCafe. Your personal transportation to and from this event is by whatever means you desire.
Our group lunch is scheduled for 1:05PM at McOTTO'S RESTAURANT, a self-described Family Pizza/Italian Restaurant, located across from the NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM in Anamosa, Iowa. We are slated to dine as a group in a group dining area within the restaurant. Current understanding is that our food orders will be as per their provided menu. As always, this is "dutch treat" so bring your own funds, okay? For those who wish to take part, Carrie and I will offer a group prayer blessing at the sign-in area at 1:00PM...
Should you wish to visit the Motorcycle Museum, you'll find it just steps away from McOtto's Restaurant. It is an amazing facility with an even more amazing collection of motorcycles and motorcycle memorabilia. As I recall, if we identify ourselves at the gate as a FSSNOC member, our individual ticket to this attraction is reduced to $10, thus saving us five bucks each over the normal $15 fee. And, there's more ... if you want, ASK them for a second day pass WHEN you buy your ticket, do this and you can go BACK for FREE the next day! Cool beans, huh!! Schedule your Museum visit as you wish, as everyone goes through a museum at their own speed and pace, we all know that...
As an example, Carrie and I plan to visit the Museum on Sunday afternoon, thus leaving us free on Monday morning, August 20th, to visit with all you guys and gals ... and to operate the FSSNOC sign-in, too, of course. So, with that said, upon your arrival on Monday morning, be sure to visit our sign-in booth to register your valued presence, receive your FSSNOC THUMPERCAFE DECAL, etc, and say "Hi!" ... we love seeing you all!!
Sign-In hours will likely begin about 10AM ... look for us around the front of the Museum or around the front of the Restaurant, not sure where we set-up, somewhere in the shade, I hope! (grin).
Museum hours are: daily 9AM to 5PM Restaurant hours are: daily 7AM to 10PM
Motel accommodation options include a Super 8 across the street as I recall ... and the AmericInn at 101 Harley Ave, Anamosa, Iowa (just up the hill north from the museum, north to me anyway) ... they offered us a club deal but the time window has ran out now but it wouldn't hurt to ask... $79.90 + tax, tell them you are "FSSNOC" ... it may still save your some bucks!
Carrie and I were doing some route planning just last night. We are getting REALLY excited ... we hope that we get to see YOU in Anamosa for THUMPERCAFE #46!
And I almost forgot! ThumperCafes are a fun(d)raiser for our club, so if you can, float some bucks our way for the club? It'd be appreciated and it makes a real difference when it comes bill-paying time for FSSNOC! Thank You in advance and Keep On Thumpin' ... - #000.
For more information, we invite you to go to the Event Page and scroll down to "ThumperCafes", etc...
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NOTE BELOW:
As a general reminder to ALL who plan to attend the COLORADO ThumperCafe #47 event, August 24, 2018 ... of note here, this is a static event, no individual or group motorcycle riding is featured at a FSSNOC ThumperCafe event. Your personal transportation to and from this event is by whatever means you desire.
Also I would like to remind everyone who is planning on attending, these events are a fun(d)raiser for FSSNOC, so if you are able to do so, donate as you are motivated, okay? Your donation makes a major difference in the day-to-day life of our club. Thank you in advance and Keep On Thumpin' ... -#000
We are set to dine as a club group at 1:05PM at Freemon's General Store, located between Creede, Colorado and Lake City, Colorado. My mental travel notes (Ha! Ha!) from last week say that Freemon's is about 17 miles "north" of Creede so maybe 30 some miles "south" from Lake City ... 39354 Highway 149 ... look for their sign, and remember ... this ain't Applebees!
Anyway, I'm suggesting that everyone arrive earlier to sign-in and pickup your FSSNOC ThumperCafe 2018 decals, plus ... it'll give us more time to visit. Weather permitting, Carrie and I hope to be at Freemon's about 10:30AM. They open at 8AM so I'm sure the coffee pot will be on...
Oh yeah, bring cash or gold (this is the old west, right?) as the sign reads "no debit or credit cards"... and a phone signal may not be available as well. I did see that gasoline is available in Creede and Lake City, a good thing for those of us with small tanks (grin). Also, if you have certain diet requirements, be advised that I noticed very little available that wasn't fried one way or another and/or made with ice cream...
The "General" way it works in Freemon's "General" Store, if you want to eat, and who doesn't? Upon arrival, at 1:05PM, walk in and go over by the grill area, check out the short menu on the wall sign, select your desires ... tell the attending counter order person what you want, then they will ask you your first name and your last name initial. Be ready with that one, it's sometimes hard to think "under fire"!
The next thing you do is to go find a place to sit/eat. Set down and wait. Grandpa Freemon will shortly shout your first name and your last initial ... to which you respond with a hearty "over here!", and a supplemental equally hearty wave doesn't hurt either.
Of warning, should you wander about while waiting on your food, you will return to find someone else sitting in your chair ... so repeating here, walk-in, go to grill area, order your food from the brief menu, pay with cash, give your name, go set down and wait to hear your name called ... and respond as above. This is a fun place ... and the chocolate malt that I had was world-class. The onion rings, uhhhh ... not so much.
It is "generally" the case that we offer a blessing prior to our group meal. Due to the variation of seating locations and the individual timing of each person's food order ... for those who wish to take part, Carrie and I will offer a group prayer blessing at 1:00PM at the sign-up area. After that, it's "grab and growl"... - #000
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Hi Jack
I plan on attending the ThumperCafe in Anamosa. Just one problem, I'm still "thumperless". So I'll either be on a twin or a twin, one V or one opposed. I'll try not to contaminate the area. Seeing I'll be on a twin, I'll double my donation. Everyone have a safe and dry trip. Curt Worthen #3826 - Indiana.
Yo Curt ... you do crack me up! Arrive however you like, it'll be fun to see you and your twin! So, if your name is Curt, your twin's name might be... "Mert"? - #000.
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Note to Henry Wadkins, FSSNOC #5052 - Georgia:
Thank You, Henry ... for the Honda story! As per your question about the length of your article, yes ... you may include more details if you like. I read and enjoyed the version you sent and would have enjoyed reading more, so send a longer version if you like. And, as I understand it, you are going to re-submit the photos, right? Keep in mind that our Thumper News issues for the last several issues have been primarily text with a minimum of photos. Why? Photos cost an arm and a leg, to coin an old phrase, so due to our restrained budget now days, as Carrie says to the grand-kids, "use your words" (grin) to tell the story. That said, we plan to use a full shot of the bike itself in the upcoming Thumper calendar (TN#133) so I would like a couple different poses to choose from, and remember about the garage and driveway shots... Thanks again, Henry! - #000.
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DON'T MISS THE HISTORY PAGE, THE EVENT PAGE, THE CLUB STORE, AND THE MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION PAGE ... click above on the masthead. Thanks for stopping by our club's digital clubhouse! Come back next week, in fact visit us every week, it's all new stuff! Keep On Thumpin' - and join our club if you aren't currently a FSSNOC member... - Jack, FSSNOC #000/Director
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WANNA SEE MORE OF THIS BABY? READ ON...
... an earlier update for August 02, 2018
Henry Wadkins, - Georgia ... #5052 here.
I previously sent some preliminary photos of a HONDA GB500 joint project by myself & Bobby Overby of Florida (I don't have his FSSNOC member # available, but will use it on future messages).
Howdy, Henry ... Jack on this end. I looked it up, Bobby's FSSNOC number is #5145. - #000
I did the body work & Bobby did most of the mechanical work .......he has it tuned to perfection.
Here are a few photos. I have some better quality shots on my wife's I-pad & will send them when I find out how to send them.
Hey, I know your pain, Henry! Ha! Ha! Thanks for the photos! You'll understand why I picked the one I did for our big screen presentation above when you read about it on down a ways. As for those upcoming photos, send them as attachments and remember our "rule", we discourage garage door and/or driveway shots, but, with that said, you do what you like, we'll be happy! ... #000.
We'd like for one of the photos to be our submission for the 2019 calendar.
And that is why the above shot is SO perfect! It only HINTS at what is to come ... consider a photo page in our upcoming 2019 FSSNOC Thumper calendar as ear-tagged for your beautiful Honda GB500! - #000
If you're interested in a narrative on the build for TN, let me know.
Of course, you bet we are interested! We want to hear/read all about it in Thumper News! The Honda GB500 is one of our most exciting modern times classic Thumpers, everyone loves this bike! - #000
Henry
Thank You, Henry and Bobby! Your GB500 is awesome and your timing is impeccable! - #000
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REMEMBERING FRED HAYES of KAWASAKI KLR650-BASED HAYES DIESEL MOTORCYCLES FAME...
Hi Jack (0000),
Hi Alan... good to hear from you! - #000
Some of you that attended the C2CTT cross-country ride way back in 2014 might remember a stop to visit Fred Hayes's home. Fred was the guy that designed and built those Hayes diesel motorcycles. Fred was very generous giving us a private tour of his facilities.
Yes, our private tour was an amazing and unexpected treat for just the three of us and it was handed to us out of seemingly thin air that day! - #000
Sadly Fred died last week from an infection. Last Christmas Fred had a nasty stroke. Are there any nice strokes? So Fred was weakened when he got an infection. I had hoped that Fred would show up for one of our FSSNOC events with his diesel motorcycle.
So sorry to get this sad news, Alan. It is always tough to lose a friend and I know you guys were really close friends and, of course, you were both fellow fuel-economy competitors for several years. - #000
Alan Smith (FSSNOC #5286) California.
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BYE, BYE, YAMAHA SR400 ... HELLO, KAWASAKI KLR650
Hello Jack,
You were asking about the YAMAHA SR400. Actually, I'm back on a KAWASAKI KLR650 again now for my Thumper. The little Yamaha was lots of fun, but I finally had to concede that small bikes are a PITA (and other places) for me nowadays. Though I owned several in my younger days, I was never a real small guy who fit smaller bikes all that well. And I'm afraid the years haven't thinned down anything below the scalp :)
Can't figure that out, Swanee! My early day riding gear shrinks doing nothing in the closet but I get bigger doing nothing in the recliner ... what is that about, eh? - #000
But, owning the SR400 did renew my love of Thumpers. Ended up trading it on a leftover '16 KLR650 which I knew would fit me because I had another in the early 2000's. This one's the signature Kawasaki lime green rather than drab olive like the old KLR, my wife referred to it as the "swamp thing." Fairing is far better than the older ones, and with a used Rick Mayer seat off Fleabay, it's really pretty comfy.
Yeah, I had on of those "Chinese Army", as some commented, green models as well, a 2000. Perhaps its long suit wasn't good looks, but it carried me on some really great adventures in the seven years I owned it! - #000
Yes, I'm hoping to make it to Anamosa on AUGUST 20th after maybe dropping by Baxter Cycle in Marne, Iowa for their picnic the 19th. Haven't been to either in years. Would also like to make your FAST FRIDAY thing occasionally when the eatery picked is within lunch shot of me. I'm no stranger to riding a ways just to eat lunch, being an active member of the ROMEO Riders (Duane Buck is who told me about FSSNOC).
Good for Duane, glad he shared with you about FSSNOC! Duane is FSSNOC #1230 - Kansas. I go to a Romeo lunch a few times a year myself, always a good time - #000
Thanks again for the nice hand-written note--don't get very many of those these days.
Thanks to you, Swanee, for your post here on the THUMPER GARAGE! I appreciate your Thumper update and look forward to meeting you over some good food. Man, I love this job! "THUMP - THUMP" - #000
Swanee in Topeka, KS - FSSNOC #5390
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FOR SALE: '77 YAMAHA XT500
... Asking $1,200 or reasonable offer, rebuilt in 1997-98 approximately 800 miles on bike since rebuild, always garaged. Featured in Thumper News #47, page 12. Engine mods include: WB1 cam with after market valve springs and racing cam chain; head ported and polished; BSR exhaust pipe; new clutch plates & springs; modified oil line to both valve rocker spindles. Front fork from a Yamaha Heritage Special 650; front wheel XT rear rim lace to '82 Honda front hub. Rear suspension units are new Progressive Shocks.
This is a package deal with 2 boxes (computer paper size) of extra parts including “Genuine Yamaha TT/XT/SR500 1976-79 Models Service Manual, 4 oil filters, misc electrical parts, plus more...
Bike is located in Southern California.
Contact Fran McClain, FSSNOC #1440, at mac4bike@yahoo.com
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OUR 2018 THUMPERCAFES ARE APPROACHING FAST! MAKE PLANS TO ATTEND...
On August 20, 2018, Monday, FSSNOC members are invited to TOUR THE NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM at Anamosa, Iowa before or after attending our FSSNOC THUMPERCAFE #46 group lunch at 1:05PM at McOTTO's RESTAURANT located across the parking lot from the Museum.
Lodging may still be available at the AMERICINN as suggested by the Museum staff. Tell them you are "FSSNOC" ... they were offering a lower price for our members as availability allowed ($79.90 + tax). 319-462-4119 and/or www.Americinn.com
ON AUGUST 24, 2018 ... FRIDAY - JUST FOUR DAYS AFTER THUMPERCAFE #46, we have another event, THUMPERCAFE #47 at Freemon's General Store at 39354 Highway 149, near beautiful Creede, Colorado. We dine as a group at 1:05PM.
We go from "historic" to "scenic/mountain rustic" ... this is a cool place!
FSSNOC events are open to FSSNOC members. See ISSUE #131 of THUMPER NEWS for additional general information about our events on page 03 and page 04. We still have a few days for attendees to share their plans with FSSNOC World Headquarters, should they be planning to attend one or both ThumperCafe events, and thereby earn a FREE FSSNOC 2018 THUMPERCAFE DECAL ... a $5.00 value (actually priceless!).
Email FSSNOC at: FSSNOCthumpers@yahoo.com or call 620-663-1869, leave a message if you miss me, that will work. Currently we have attendees from 16 states on that list... AZ-CO-NE-CA-KS-IA-SD-MO-OK-MN-AR-ND-OH-MT-MD-KY
Of Note ... should anyone be traveling from Anamosa, Iowa to Creede, Colorado ... and that seems like the natural thing to do to me. There is an interesting side trip available as per a tip of the helmet from Lloyd Lunde, FSSNOC #5224 - Nebraska ... "Bob's Burgers and Bar" is in downtown Martinsburg, NE. They make an amazing hamburger and an even more amazing plate of onion rings/french fries ... this off-the-beaten-path venue is Americana overload! While there, pickup one of their t-shirts for a "Single" ten dollar bill ... I did!
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(Website Details and Instructions: )
Hello Thumper Enthusiasts...
I'm Jack Robinson (FSSNOC #000), your club Director. It is an honor to introduce you to THE THUMPER GARAGE. This mini-venue is in addition to our legendary hard copy THUMPER NEWS quarterly magazine. After enjoying this page, please visit our other pages on this site. Go to the masthead above to make it happen...
You are encouraged to thump by the THUMPER GARAGE weekly. This is a FREE site for you and your friends.
Members may contact us anytime 24/7 with comments, conversation, stories, or questions via a mailed letter, a phone call or an e-mail. When you E-mail, please give us your first name, your FSSNOC member number, and your state. You'll receive a courtesy confirmation E-mail back. Our actual response to your E-mail will generally be posted on the following Thursday's THUMPER GARAGE posting so be sure to tune back in then... (Address-phone number-email address is below... **)
We encourage you to join our club: Complete the application found elsewhere on this site (click on "more" above) and mail it to us with $40 dues for a 12 month membership or save a few bucks by sending $75 for a 24 month membership. Include your shirt size so we can gift you a FREE club t-shirt if this is your initial membership.
A subscription to THUMPER NEWS magazine, mailed to your mailbox, is included in your membership as well.
Our U.S. POSTAL address is: FSSNOC P.O. Box 1809, Hutchinson, Ks 67504-1809.
To call our club, phone 620-663-1869 or you may send an E-mail: FSSNOCTHUMPERS@yahoo.com
NOTICE: Please understand that your E-mail will likely be reproduced on this site. Any/all subject matter and information may be used in-part or edited and will become the property of the Four-Stroke Singles National Owners Club and FSSNOC,INC. All included content in Thumper News or The Thumper Garage is solely for entertainment, not advise....
THE CLUB STORE ... CLICK ON IT WHEN YOU ARE DONE HERE?
The Autumn season means awesome riding for many areas ... time to get some new club gear, eh? Order yourself a bright new yellow and black club cap, a couple cotton t-shirts, and at least one sweatshirt to wear under your riding gear. Remember, every day is FSSNOC gear day. Tell the world about our club ... Thanks!
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YOU'VE JUST VISITED THE THUMPER GARAGE. PLEASE CLICK ON THE "MORE" ON THE MASTHEAD ABOVE ... AND CHECK OUT ALL THE OTHER PAGES OF THIS SITE. PLEASE CONSIDER BECOMING A MEMBER OF THE FOUR-STROKE SINGLES NATIONAL OWNERS CLUB (FSSNOC) TODAY ...Thank You! - Jack, FSSNOC #000/Director
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