Full Dress Honda Super-Super Cub!
HELLO FROM THUMPERVILLE ... Spring has sprung, Fall has fell, and the weather of late isn't too swell ... for riding, that is!
(10-22-'20)
Welcome to the ThumperGarage! Thanks for stopping by ... we begin with a 2020 riding report from FSSNOC member #5266.
I, for one, was interested in this break-down based on which machine, how many days that month, and the total for the month. Steve calls Omaha, Nebraska his home so I would expect the late Fall, Winter, and perhaps even early Spring months to be affected by a relatively harsh weather environment typical of the area, perhaps we will see...
-your Editor-in-charge and at-large, Jack, FSSNOC #000
Hi, I'm Steve and this is my report:
I'm not through yet for the year, but this is where I am right now. Four bikes are moth-balled and the weather is turning more wintry, so I probably won't get in too many more rides this year. I will say that I have had a blast riding this year. I've discover and ridden some challenging roads near Omaha. That said, I really missed going to the mountains this year, but what can you do given the circumstances of 2020?
Steve’s 2020 Ride Log (As of October 21, 2020)
Temperature range 36 to 98 Degrees
Total number of days ridden 189 (52%)
Number of rides taken 225
Riding Month - Days ridden - Mileage per Month
Jan 0 00.0
Feb 7 76.7
Mar 16 168.8
Apr 20 708.0
May 22 1167.5
Jun 23 1172.6
Jul 29 1290.2
Aug 29 1476.7
Sep 27 1696.3
Oct 16 914.0
Nov ?? ????
Dec ?? ????
Total 8669.2 miles (Annual ride average of 38.5 miles per ride)
Bikes: Rides: Mileage per Bike:
KZ440 Kawasaki 02 76.9 38.45 avg. dist.
Honda Shadow 05 320.5 64.10 "
Moto Guzzi 25 432.7 17.31 "
W650 Kawasaki 14 656.6 46.9 "
Royal Enfield C5 500cc 34 918.0 27.0 "
Royal Enfield International 25 1680.9 67.24 "
JANUS Halcyon 250cc 88 2090.9 23.76 "
Royal Enfield Himalayan 410cc ADV. 30 2492.7 83.09 "
Relevant Notes:
The Shadow and KZ440 I bought for my brother to ride but I took them out a few times to see what they were like.
The W650 was not purchased until August 16th when the Janus broke down.
The Moto Guzzi was basically used to take my wife on and she can’t ride far because of a bad hip.
The RE Int beat out the RE C5 because it’s twice as fast.
The RE Him took me on great adventures, some of which I filmed and put on You Tube.
The JANUS is slow so it takes a while to put miles on, but each one is still a thrill.
Yo Steve ... This is pretty cool! But, how in the world do you discipline and equip yourself to log this information? Do you have individual logs per bike, if so, does that log contain service intervals and details? Where are the logs located? Details?
I so admire your tenacity to do all this ... it is far too easy upon arrival at the house to roll the bike in, park it, swing off, and immediately go in for a warm cup of coffee and a hot greeting from an awaiting attentive spouse, eh?
Also, 8669.2 miles is way, way over the national average, I'm told that number is about 2000 miles per year. Think of a ten year old bike, usually will show less than 20,000 miles, sometimes a lot less! This figure is no doubt somewhat skewed by owners of multiple bikes like yourself...
Thank You for sharing this with us, Steve! Very good... #000
..................................................................................................................................................................
Do you, FSSNOC member, out there in ThumperLand keep a record like this (above)? If so, care to share some details with us? Inspire us. perhaps? These things are always easier to start with and at the New Year, which is approaching in a few short weeks ... maybe we can all improve our data per bike this way?
Whatta ya' think, GrassHopper?
..................................................................................................................................................................
For a rainy day From Three Fenders:
https://www.cycleworld.com/story/motorcycle-reviews/3500-mile-royal-enfield-himalayan-summer/?utm_source=internal&utm_medium=email&tp=i-1NGB-Et-RQW-196MpK-1c-6u6e-1c-196boP-l5Edtrnp6z-1kCcn
I could not make it all of the way through...
https://www.investing.com/magazine/inside-jay-lenos-treasure-trove-of-collector-cars/
Thank You, FSSNOC #162 - Oklahoma ... could have used this today here in ThumperVille, haze, wet, and chili all day (with saltines and Oreos!), actually a misty rain, kinda like in the Halloween movies ... this is the (choke!) fourth day I haven't started/ridden a motorcycle!!! I'm too embarrassed to shave... #000
.................................................................................................................................................................
Curley-san,
You messin with me again, or was it merely a typo? Reference Club History, second paragraph..... I wasn't really 16 years older than I was when when I was 14, and $8 sure was a smokin deal on that Trail 55.
Larry-san
Just sent you an email. Think it went to the non-FSSNOC email address.
Thought I'd resend the C90 engine cutaway video again. May have confused you with all the message forwarding and photos.
Good video of the workings of one of Soichiro's finest designs.
https://youtu.be/z0uuT-SN-Ao
I forgot the question ... yes, the answer is no ... I think. - #000
.................................................................................................................................................................
QUERY OF THE DAY: (and an interesting one it is ... thank you, Maynard!)
How many of your members, old-timey riders though they may be, will know what a 40-inch Triumph was or is?
The above question is in reference to "Memories of the Pony Express 1860-1861" article from last week's update. Refresh your own memory if you wish (below)... then send your answer to us via an email: (FSSNOCthumpers@yahoo.com is the address)
Yes ... what does the phrase, "40 inch Triumph" mean to you? - #000.
My friend Corey from San Antonio is an old-bike aficionado, has several really fine old motorcycles including a sweet Commando. He recently rode to Wimberley, TX, to a gathering of Commandos. While the bikes were gathered in a circle and the owners were chatting, three guys rode up, all in their 50s, two on restored four-cylinder Gold Wings, one on a late model Triumph triple. The guy on the Triumph approached Corey and asked him about the Nortons. "Where are they made," was his question.
There's a lot of stuff we assume people know because we figure all motorcyclists know that stuff, but the fact is that most do not. I'm just figuring this out myself. We use jargon we've been using all our lives...and they nod as if they understand...but they don't. The guy at the Norton gathering had never heard of a motorcycle called a Norton...
Maynard, #1196 - Colorado
Good question, Maynard! You mean stuff like, "Suck-Squeeze-Bang-Blow"? Or maybe like "Doing the ton"? Or "Cafe-Racer"? Or "Bum-stop"? Or "Limey Bike"? Or "Eat - Starve"?
Quite honestly, Maynard ... I consider myself so fortunate to have been around when those were common terms, used in everyday conversations between riders. I should hesitate to commit the Old Guy crime of saying that "those were the days" ... but those were the days! Rolled-up greasy jeans, greasy once-white t-shirts ...
I could go on, and really, I almost missed those days, time-wise ... but I, and you, Maynard, unless I miss my guess, are somewhat like a club member I visited with a number of years ago (he was an over-the-road truck driver who rode a rather rough XR650L Honda).
As we talked, he repeatedly impressed me with his depth of knowledge on a variety of subjects, so much so that later in our conversation, I actually asked him, "How do you know so much about so many different things?"
He paused, then said, "Well, I'm 60 years old and I've kind of tried to pay attention." I've never forgotten his words...
One last comment, Maynard, if I may ... I read your writings for decades. I dare say I missed very few of those articles as each month I'd work my way through and/or past the unnecessarily controversial language (my opinion, of course) used in much of each City Bike issue to navigate my way to your page.
City Bike to me was like a diamond in the rough, not very shiny but valued nonetheless, but hey, I'm from Kansas (grin).
Your articles (again in my opinion) were typically well written, always contained a healthy and wealthy measure of authenticity, and often utilized phrases that brought alive the spirit of motorcycling, phrases like "40 inch Triumph" ... Thank you! #000.
................................................................................................................................................................
Check out all the pages on this website ... tell your friends to come visit each week, no password, no club membership needed, it is our gift to the sport/lifestyle we love! Thank You for your visit! - Jack, Director of FSSNOC and FSSNOC #000.
...................................................................................................................................................................
(10-15-20) photo above...
"MEMORIES of the PONY EXPRESS - 1860 - 1861"
... young men on fast horses carried the mail from St. Joseph, Missouri across the Wild West to Sacramento, California!
Relay Stations were about 10 miles apart all along the "route" with food, fresh horses, and sometimes medical attention for the brave riders. Each rider would ride three stints in this relay before handing the mail pouch over to a fresh rider on yet another fresh horse, and the race was on again...
With most business transactions depending on the written word of the day, the Pony Express provided a popular service for about a year and a half, besting the mail delivered by stage coach by 2/3rds less time.
In mid-year of 1861, the year that Kansas became a state, the telegraph system was completed and the Pony Express was discontinued ... but not forgotten.
September and October are generally the very best months for weather and scenery, 'specially here in the Midwest, maybe the same for you, maybe not ... and this year, being 2020, the year of Covid-19 and its related directives and constraints, etc, ... despite all this, I continue to be motivated to "Keep On Thumpin", hence the moto-tenting trip to Fort Robinson in nearby Nebraska in August ... and the usually solo day-rides, often two or three full-day (300-400 miles per day) per week. It's a dirty job, but...
In September, and this is in addition to my regular rides here-and-there, it was eight full-day rides and one two-day over-nighter for some 3500 extra miles of going "nowhere" compared to other years where I, and we, you and I, could and would go sea to sea, if we chose. Why not now?
For me, it is the lack of interest in staying in Motels where the sanitary conditions are at best simply unknown. Hence, my effort to ride day rides, out and back the same day ... much cheaper, too, by the way, and I can sleep in my own bed.
Today's ride started at 6:30AM, I found myself rolling out of the rack before the sun was up. I hurriedly and excitedly down a partial cup of coffee, a tall glass containing a vegetable/fruit/yogurt blended "smoothie" that Carrie fixes every morning, and a couple of boiled eggs to top off my tank.
It was a cool 53 degrees with a 10 mile per hour breeze out of the south, so pretty cool compared to the afternoon temps, so out came the electric vest.
As the sun began its day's journey, I did as well ... it is beautiful that time of day and so quiet. I motored sedately out of town, short shifting and easy on the throttle, heading east then north. I meet some early morning traffic; they, workers headed into town for their jobs, often offer a first-finger off the wheel salute, or sometimes an enthusiastic thumbs-up, the gestures vary but they all are in resolute support of my mode of transportation and the obvious fact that I'm headed out-of-town.
South wind, I'm riding north = tail wind, yeehaw! Makes that 250 feel like a 40" Triumph ... sort of (grin).
Make a note here ... the two best ways to go west-east or east-west in Kansas, in my opinion, is using Highway 160/166 on the south and/or using Highway 36 on the north.
It was a tick before 11AM when I rode into Washington, Ks, located at the intersection of K-15 and Hwy36. I turned east, stopping near Hanover to take this shot.
The Hollenberg Ranch was about 5 miles from where I parked for the photo above. And, not only did the Pony Express pass through here, but the Oregon-California Trail did as well. This was a popular stopping point for Settlers, Freight-haulers, Soldiers, Stagecoach companies and their passengers ... for food, lodging, supplies, fresh stock ... a busy place way back in 1858. The Donner Party went this way as well.
Marysville was my next destination, lots of history there as well. It was the site of an early day for-a-price "Blue River" crossing via a ferry owned by Frank Marshall beginning in 1849. The ferry could haul only three wagons at a time and during high-water times, there were literally thousands of covered wagons awaiting their respective turn.
Down to Blue Rapids, west to Watertown, south to Randolph, east to Olsburg, south on Hwy99 (perhaps my favorite highway north-south/south-north ... bumps and humps, twists and turns, stone posts, distant rocky bluffs, lots of foliage, and a light traffic count ... all this and now a very light west wind ... awesome! The Honda was loving this - me, too!
At Alma (on 99), I turn off main street onto a little noticed narrow "out of town" road, I've learned it is "Old 10 Highway", how old, who knows ... it was before engineers, I can assure you ... it is paved, though the Kansas map doesn't know that, and no straight lines here, anywhere!
I stop at the ghost town of Volland to see what is not happening, takes about 10 minutes to inch my way down the dusty white limestone gravel road that leads into the tiny town, maybe 1/10th mile. I see no one, and no one sees me ... I don't think.
I come into Alta Vista, signaling the end of my time on "Old 10". I'm now on highway 4, then I head the wrong way, northwest, on highway 57, one of the Tri-valley roads, and on purpose.
A nice updated surface, winding, rising and falling along the shoulder of the valley overlooking the grassland and farmland below, old stone houses, some intact, others not so much, reminding me that - yes, there was a time before "now"...
6PM ... a red sun. I gas-up, using 6.781 gallons to ride 457 miles, sometimes at a gleeful pace, sometimes at a pensive pace ... 67.39 mpg for the day. From 7:45AM - 6:05PM. My moto-cup runneth over ... what a privilege, this day. - #000
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Jack, We're headed back. Please change my mailing address.
Mike, #5244
Done deal, Thank You, Mike! I appreciate your reminders ... #000
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This was in today's mail:
FSSNOC P.O. Box 1809, Hutchinson, Ks. 67504-1809
Hello, Sir...
Another year has passed by and, in spite of all the circumstances, it has been a joy to look forward to your weekly updates. Thanks for your inspiration to keep us riding on. Have a great year ahead. The extra is for the club. Thanks, Dale - #5369 - WA.
THANK YOU, Dale ... for your mention of the website!!
It almost feels like I'm talking to an empty building... (grin)
And, Thank You for your renewal and the extra money for the club ... much appreciated as well! - Jack, #000
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Don't forget the other pages on this site ... make sure you've checked them all out before you take off ... and we'll see you next week. Thursday evening is our deadline for getting things ready for you to enjoy...
Keep On Thumpin! - Jack, FSSNOC #000
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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 submitted 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
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
HELLO FROM THUMPERVILLE ... Spring has sprung, Fall has fell, and the weather of late isn't too swell ... for riding, that is!
(10-22-'20)
Welcome to the ThumperGarage! Thanks for stopping by ... we begin with a 2020 riding report from FSSNOC member #5266.
I, for one, was interested in this break-down based on which machine, how many days that month, and the total for the month. Steve calls Omaha, Nebraska his home so I would expect the late Fall, Winter, and perhaps even early Spring months to be affected by a relatively harsh weather environment typical of the area, perhaps we will see...
-your Editor-in-charge and at-large, Jack, FSSNOC #000
Hi, I'm Steve and this is my report:
I'm not through yet for the year, but this is where I am right now. Four bikes are moth-balled and the weather is turning more wintry, so I probably won't get in too many more rides this year. I will say that I have had a blast riding this year. I've discover and ridden some challenging roads near Omaha. That said, I really missed going to the mountains this year, but what can you do given the circumstances of 2020?
Steve’s 2020 Ride Log (As of October 21, 2020)
Temperature range 36 to 98 Degrees
Total number of days ridden 189 (52%)
Number of rides taken 225
Riding Month - Days ridden - Mileage per Month
Jan 0 00.0
Feb 7 76.7
Mar 16 168.8
Apr 20 708.0
May 22 1167.5
Jun 23 1172.6
Jul 29 1290.2
Aug 29 1476.7
Sep 27 1696.3
Oct 16 914.0
Nov ?? ????
Dec ?? ????
Total 8669.2 miles (Annual ride average of 38.5 miles per ride)
Bikes: Rides: Mileage per Bike:
KZ440 Kawasaki 02 76.9 38.45 avg. dist.
Honda Shadow 05 320.5 64.10 "
Moto Guzzi 25 432.7 17.31 "
W650 Kawasaki 14 656.6 46.9 "
Royal Enfield C5 500cc 34 918.0 27.0 "
Royal Enfield International 25 1680.9 67.24 "
JANUS Halcyon 250cc 88 2090.9 23.76 "
Royal Enfield Himalayan 410cc ADV. 30 2492.7 83.09 "
Relevant Notes:
The Shadow and KZ440 I bought for my brother to ride but I took them out a few times to see what they were like.
The W650 was not purchased until August 16th when the Janus broke down.
The Moto Guzzi was basically used to take my wife on and she can’t ride far because of a bad hip.
The RE Int beat out the RE C5 because it’s twice as fast.
The RE Him took me on great adventures, some of which I filmed and put on You Tube.
The JANUS is slow so it takes a while to put miles on, but each one is still a thrill.
Yo Steve ... This is pretty cool! But, how in the world do you discipline and equip yourself to log this information? Do you have individual logs per bike, if so, does that log contain service intervals and details? Where are the logs located? Details?
I so admire your tenacity to do all this ... it is far too easy upon arrival at the house to roll the bike in, park it, swing off, and immediately go in for a warm cup of coffee and a hot greeting from an awaiting attentive spouse, eh?
Also, 8669.2 miles is way, way over the national average, I'm told that number is about 2000 miles per year. Think of a ten year old bike, usually will show less than 20,000 miles, sometimes a lot less! This figure is no doubt somewhat skewed by owners of multiple bikes like yourself...
Thank You for sharing this with us, Steve! Very good... #000
..................................................................................................................................................................
Do you, FSSNOC member, out there in ThumperLand keep a record like this (above)? If so, care to share some details with us? Inspire us. perhaps? These things are always easier to start with and at the New Year, which is approaching in a few short weeks ... maybe we can all improve our data per bike this way?
Whatta ya' think, GrassHopper?
..................................................................................................................................................................
For a rainy day From Three Fenders:
https://www.cycleworld.com/story/motorcycle-reviews/3500-mile-royal-enfield-himalayan-summer/?utm_source=internal&utm_medium=email&tp=i-1NGB-Et-RQW-196MpK-1c-6u6e-1c-196boP-l5Edtrnp6z-1kCcn
I could not make it all of the way through...
https://www.investing.com/magazine/inside-jay-lenos-treasure-trove-of-collector-cars/
Thank You, FSSNOC #162 - Oklahoma ... could have used this today here in ThumperVille, haze, wet, and chili all day (with saltines and Oreos!), actually a misty rain, kinda like in the Halloween movies ... this is the (choke!) fourth day I haven't started/ridden a motorcycle!!! I'm too embarrassed to shave... #000
.................................................................................................................................................................
Curley-san,
You messin with me again, or was it merely a typo? Reference Club History, second paragraph..... I wasn't really 16 years older than I was when when I was 14, and $8 sure was a smokin deal on that Trail 55.
Larry-san
Just sent you an email. Think it went to the non-FSSNOC email address.
Thought I'd resend the C90 engine cutaway video again. May have confused you with all the message forwarding and photos.
Good video of the workings of one of Soichiro's finest designs.
https://youtu.be/z0uuT-SN-Ao
I forgot the question ... yes, the answer is no ... I think. - #000
.................................................................................................................................................................
QUERY OF THE DAY: (and an interesting one it is ... thank you, Maynard!)
How many of your members, old-timey riders though they may be, will know what a 40-inch Triumph was or is?
The above question is in reference to "Memories of the Pony Express 1860-1861" article from last week's update. Refresh your own memory if you wish (below)... then send your answer to us via an email: (FSSNOCthumpers@yahoo.com is the address)
Yes ... what does the phrase, "40 inch Triumph" mean to you? - #000.
My friend Corey from San Antonio is an old-bike aficionado, has several really fine old motorcycles including a sweet Commando. He recently rode to Wimberley, TX, to a gathering of Commandos. While the bikes were gathered in a circle and the owners were chatting, three guys rode up, all in their 50s, two on restored four-cylinder Gold Wings, one on a late model Triumph triple. The guy on the Triumph approached Corey and asked him about the Nortons. "Where are they made," was his question.
There's a lot of stuff we assume people know because we figure all motorcyclists know that stuff, but the fact is that most do not. I'm just figuring this out myself. We use jargon we've been using all our lives...and they nod as if they understand...but they don't. The guy at the Norton gathering had never heard of a motorcycle called a Norton...
Maynard, #1196 - Colorado
Good question, Maynard! You mean stuff like, "Suck-Squeeze-Bang-Blow"? Or maybe like "Doing the ton"? Or "Cafe-Racer"? Or "Bum-stop"? Or "Limey Bike"? Or "Eat - Starve"?
Quite honestly, Maynard ... I consider myself so fortunate to have been around when those were common terms, used in everyday conversations between riders. I should hesitate to commit the Old Guy crime of saying that "those were the days" ... but those were the days! Rolled-up greasy jeans, greasy once-white t-shirts ...
I could go on, and really, I almost missed those days, time-wise ... but I, and you, Maynard, unless I miss my guess, are somewhat like a club member I visited with a number of years ago (he was an over-the-road truck driver who rode a rather rough XR650L Honda).
As we talked, he repeatedly impressed me with his depth of knowledge on a variety of subjects, so much so that later in our conversation, I actually asked him, "How do you know so much about so many different things?"
He paused, then said, "Well, I'm 60 years old and I've kind of tried to pay attention." I've never forgotten his words...
One last comment, Maynard, if I may ... I read your writings for decades. I dare say I missed very few of those articles as each month I'd work my way through and/or past the unnecessarily controversial language (my opinion, of course) used in much of each City Bike issue to navigate my way to your page.
City Bike to me was like a diamond in the rough, not very shiny but valued nonetheless, but hey, I'm from Kansas (grin).
Your articles (again in my opinion) were typically well written, always contained a healthy and wealthy measure of authenticity, and often utilized phrases that brought alive the spirit of motorcycling, phrases like "40 inch Triumph" ... Thank you! #000.
................................................................................................................................................................
Check out all the pages on this website ... tell your friends to come visit each week, no password, no club membership needed, it is our gift to the sport/lifestyle we love! Thank You for your visit! - Jack, Director of FSSNOC and FSSNOC #000.
...................................................................................................................................................................
(10-15-20) photo above...
"MEMORIES of the PONY EXPRESS - 1860 - 1861"
... young men on fast horses carried the mail from St. Joseph, Missouri across the Wild West to Sacramento, California!
Relay Stations were about 10 miles apart all along the "route" with food, fresh horses, and sometimes medical attention for the brave riders. Each rider would ride three stints in this relay before handing the mail pouch over to a fresh rider on yet another fresh horse, and the race was on again...
With most business transactions depending on the written word of the day, the Pony Express provided a popular service for about a year and a half, besting the mail delivered by stage coach by 2/3rds less time.
In mid-year of 1861, the year that Kansas became a state, the telegraph system was completed and the Pony Express was discontinued ... but not forgotten.
September and October are generally the very best months for weather and scenery, 'specially here in the Midwest, maybe the same for you, maybe not ... and this year, being 2020, the year of Covid-19 and its related directives and constraints, etc, ... despite all this, I continue to be motivated to "Keep On Thumpin", hence the moto-tenting trip to Fort Robinson in nearby Nebraska in August ... and the usually solo day-rides, often two or three full-day (300-400 miles per day) per week. It's a dirty job, but...
In September, and this is in addition to my regular rides here-and-there, it was eight full-day rides and one two-day over-nighter for some 3500 extra miles of going "nowhere" compared to other years where I, and we, you and I, could and would go sea to sea, if we chose. Why not now?
For me, it is the lack of interest in staying in Motels where the sanitary conditions are at best simply unknown. Hence, my effort to ride day rides, out and back the same day ... much cheaper, too, by the way, and I can sleep in my own bed.
Today's ride started at 6:30AM, I found myself rolling out of the rack before the sun was up. I hurriedly and excitedly down a partial cup of coffee, a tall glass containing a vegetable/fruit/yogurt blended "smoothie" that Carrie fixes every morning, and a couple of boiled eggs to top off my tank.
It was a cool 53 degrees with a 10 mile per hour breeze out of the south, so pretty cool compared to the afternoon temps, so out came the electric vest.
As the sun began its day's journey, I did as well ... it is beautiful that time of day and so quiet. I motored sedately out of town, short shifting and easy on the throttle, heading east then north. I meet some early morning traffic; they, workers headed into town for their jobs, often offer a first-finger off the wheel salute, or sometimes an enthusiastic thumbs-up, the gestures vary but they all are in resolute support of my mode of transportation and the obvious fact that I'm headed out-of-town.
South wind, I'm riding north = tail wind, yeehaw! Makes that 250 feel like a 40" Triumph ... sort of (grin).
Make a note here ... the two best ways to go west-east or east-west in Kansas, in my opinion, is using Highway 160/166 on the south and/or using Highway 36 on the north.
It was a tick before 11AM when I rode into Washington, Ks, located at the intersection of K-15 and Hwy36. I turned east, stopping near Hanover to take this shot.
The Hollenberg Ranch was about 5 miles from where I parked for the photo above. And, not only did the Pony Express pass through here, but the Oregon-California Trail did as well. This was a popular stopping point for Settlers, Freight-haulers, Soldiers, Stagecoach companies and their passengers ... for food, lodging, supplies, fresh stock ... a busy place way back in 1858. The Donner Party went this way as well.
Marysville was my next destination, lots of history there as well. It was the site of an early day for-a-price "Blue River" crossing via a ferry owned by Frank Marshall beginning in 1849. The ferry could haul only three wagons at a time and during high-water times, there were literally thousands of covered wagons awaiting their respective turn.
Down to Blue Rapids, west to Watertown, south to Randolph, east to Olsburg, south on Hwy99 (perhaps my favorite highway north-south/south-north ... bumps and humps, twists and turns, stone posts, distant rocky bluffs, lots of foliage, and a light traffic count ... all this and now a very light west wind ... awesome! The Honda was loving this - me, too!
At Alma (on 99), I turn off main street onto a little noticed narrow "out of town" road, I've learned it is "Old 10 Highway", how old, who knows ... it was before engineers, I can assure you ... it is paved, though the Kansas map doesn't know that, and no straight lines here, anywhere!
I stop at the ghost town of Volland to see what is not happening, takes about 10 minutes to inch my way down the dusty white limestone gravel road that leads into the tiny town, maybe 1/10th mile. I see no one, and no one sees me ... I don't think.
I come into Alta Vista, signaling the end of my time on "Old 10". I'm now on highway 4, then I head the wrong way, northwest, on highway 57, one of the Tri-valley roads, and on purpose.
A nice updated surface, winding, rising and falling along the shoulder of the valley overlooking the grassland and farmland below, old stone houses, some intact, others not so much, reminding me that - yes, there was a time before "now"...
6PM ... a red sun. I gas-up, using 6.781 gallons to ride 457 miles, sometimes at a gleeful pace, sometimes at a pensive pace ... 67.39 mpg for the day. From 7:45AM - 6:05PM. My moto-cup runneth over ... what a privilege, this day. - #000
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Jack, We're headed back. Please change my mailing address.
Mike, #5244
Done deal, Thank You, Mike! I appreciate your reminders ... #000
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This was in today's mail:
FSSNOC P.O. Box 1809, Hutchinson, Ks. 67504-1809
Hello, Sir...
Another year has passed by and, in spite of all the circumstances, it has been a joy to look forward to your weekly updates. Thanks for your inspiration to keep us riding on. Have a great year ahead. The extra is for the club. Thanks, Dale - #5369 - WA.
THANK YOU, Dale ... for your mention of the website!!
It almost feels like I'm talking to an empty building... (grin)
And, Thank You for your renewal and the extra money for the club ... much appreciated as well! - Jack, #000
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Don't forget the other pages on this site ... make sure you've checked them all out before you take off ... and we'll see you next week. Thursday evening is our deadline for getting things ready for you to enjoy...
Keep On Thumpin! - Jack, FSSNOC #000
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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 submitted 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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