ROYAL ENFIELD SIDECAR RIG (photo)
Earlier today ... it was nearing the magic hour of 10:15AM as I rolled out of the throttle on my red Royal Enfield Continental GT535 Thumper.
"School Zone Ahead - 20 mph when flashing" blazed across a curbside warning sign ... I glanced down to check my speed even though the light wasn't flashing, one can't be too careful in a school zone.
35 kilometers per hour read the old school speedometer. Ummm? Let's see, 35 x 6 = 210 (mentally I did the math and inserted the imagined decimal making it 21mph - bingo!)
I might add here that I truly enjoy the mechanical music that this motorcycle makes. The sound, also old school as it is powered by a long-stroke Four-Stroke Single, is a constant joy that adds to the delight of riding this machine.
I back the R.E. into the curb and bounce it upon the centerstand. I'm not the last to arrive, but close ... our group would number an even dozen by the time we were all seated around one big common table, smiling faces and bright eyes abound, and the conversation begins...
A couple hours later, tummies full and friends, old and new, individually make their way out of town, each using the route required for the continuation of their ride. It wasn't long, we were down to two at the curb...
"Are you going to go for a ride?" ... this asked of me as I stepped toward the Enfield, helmet in hand.
"Oh, yeah..."
Short story made even shorter, in a matter of minutes Ron, FSSNOC #4643 and I, #000 ... rode out of town, going south, enjoying the mild push of a brisk, kinda nippy, October wind out of the north.
No route, No plans ... and our pace the slow roll that has become my two-wheeled modus operandi for the last several years.
I have given it a little thought of late, as I definitely used to do my best to ride with a flair for speed, getting from here to there in the shortest possible time and with the highest level of adrenaline.
Over the years and the miles, I grew noticeably weary of furiously "nailing" the brakes upon catching a glimpse of a police car, which often turned out to be a family sedan with a suitcase or two roped onto the car's top.
Back in the day, I prided myself in being able to spot a Ford Crown-Vic with a "bubblegum machine" red light a half mile away ... and when I'd get home from a long ride, when asked how the ride went or where did I go, I would instinctively reply with how many miles I had ridden and in what number of days.
These days, not so much. I've learned that by riding the slow roll, life comes to me ... and that happened again today:
(photo above) Meet Gene and his 2012 Royal Enfield 500 Single with a sidecar attached ... the combo was lovely to look at, wonderful to the ear, and so rare to see ... it represented days gone by, a simpler time or at least it is now described that way.
We had stopped at a familiar eatery/coffee shop in Sedgwick, Ks, maybe 35 miles or so from our breakfast/coffee meet. We stopped to pickup a piece of coffeecake for a fellow FSSNOC member who is currently rehabbing from extensive back injuries. As we started to pull out into the street, the above combo turned the corner at the next block, proceeding south. I could hear that Royal Enfield sound, I exclaimed to Ron, "That's a Royal Enfield, let's go check it out!" ... and we did, stopping Gene at the very next stop sign.
Come to find out, the combo had sold new from a shop in Fort Worth that was ran by Perry and Merry Bushong, longtime FSSNOC members from Texas. Perry has since passed and I do not know if the shop continues or not ... but I do know this, if Perry set it up, it was right, he was a sidecar guru!
After a fun filled few minutes, with Gene eye-balling the Continental, of which he was readily knowledgable, and Ron and I checking out Gene's rig ... I handed him a FSSNOC 100 (our most recent membership application) and told him about our club. Gene ... if you are reading this, we'd love to have you as a fellow member, we hope you will join in on the Thumper fun! Call or text me (Jack) at 620-663-1869 if you have questions...
Rolling again, Ron and I did 148 miles of scenic and sunny rural landscape in about four hours, my Enfield making 70 miles per gallon, this amount somewhat reduced by the afternoon winds. I texted Ron later in the day, "The wind may have reduced my gas mileage but it didn't reduce the fun of the ride...". - #000.
**************************************************************
Thank you, Mike, #5244 ... for the address update and just in time for the upcoming mailout of Thumper News #145, perfect! - #000
**************************************************************
Hi Jack,
Received my 35 and Counting t-shirt just in time to wear it to Barber Motorsports Park for the vintage event Oct.8-10. Thanks!
Saturday as I was walking through the VJMA area looking at all the Japanese bikes on display, I heard a shout out from Joe Gilmore - a fellow FSSNOC'er who also has his 35 shirt. We stopped and talked a bit and then continued on looking at bikes.
Great to see a friend who shares a passion for thumpers.
Gene Burgess #262 - Georgia
Wow, Gene - wish I could have been there, too! Thank you for wearing our club tee, it is how the world finds out about us these days! - #000
***********************************************************************************
Jack:
Far be it from me to argue with the Editor-in-Chief of the much vaunted FSSNOC Thumper News. My nose is not disjointed in the least over the fact that my recent submission is being saved for future use. And yes, I will be happy to embellish the article and submit.
I had plans on starting on a Gate writing so this will work well. I should be thanking you for accepting my meager writing work.
To paraphrase Groucho Marx: "I don't know if I want to submit an article to a paper that will accept my work." Ha.
Thanks for the opportunity.
Lloyd ... #5224 - South Dakota
Hey, Lloyd! Was a delight to see you and that beautiful Meteror at the Gate, Oklahoma gathering on October 8th, especially after seeing you previously at the Fort Ransom event ... such fun, such a great group of folks, both places!! I look forward to your updated article as I know our readership will enjoy it even more! Thank you for all you do for FSSNOC! - #000.
***********************************************************************************
(the following was posted at an earlier date...)
BARN FIND, ran across it the other day ... I don't have a clue but maybe YOU do? If so, shot us an email at:
FSSNOCthumpers@yahoo.com (likely have to type in this address ... sorry, and Thank You!)
And, of course, disregard the metal plate, it was added to support some sort of utility motor in a post-life, note the cut-away engine mount, etc.
Not sure about seat supports...
I'm writing this update mid-week following the FSSNOC event in Gate, Oklahoma. This post is in reference to that event...
Jack:
Made it home Saturday afternoon in good shape and without issues. I had a good ride of about 1200 miles on my R.E. Meteor 350cc.
I met some new friends and reacquainted with some Ft. Ransom friends.
A beautiful day for a ride in some very beautiful country. I ended up staying in Great Bend, KS on the way there and again on the way home.
After lunch at Gate, I made Great Bend about five that afternoon. I had hoped to make Salina, but given the lateness of the season and the eighty miles at 55-60 MPH, I knew it would be after dark before arriving in Salina.
After leaving Great Bend, I missed my turn in Ellsworth, KS and ended up doing 25 miles on I-70. I didn't want to be the slow guy in the fast lane but at 7:30AM on a Saturday morning, the I-70 traffic was very light. The traffic on I-135/US81 is always light so the path north was also pleasant.
Thanks again Jack for putting this lunch together. It was great!
Lloyd
#5224 - South Dakota
(REPLY TO LLOYD) ... Hi Lloyd! Great to hear from you! I didn't get to visit with you about the Meteror, etc, as event time goes by really fast, and, of course, there was that plate full of food to eat as well.
I'm sure you recall the very excellent article you sent us prior to the Fort Ransom event in North Dakota, the "bad news" (grin), I had saved it for TN#145, but alas, TN#145 filled-up before I worked my way to your piece. The "good news", would you like to re-write that piece, adding some stuff about the Gate trip and some impressions and evaluations that you now know about the Meteor? We can ear-tag it for TN#146.
Current plans now are that TN#146 will have additional coverage of Fort Ransom and Gate so your article would mesh very well with those... okay, let me know, and I'm sure you've heard this before, but that Meteror is a charmer to the eye!
Best Wishes, Lloyd! - Thump when ya' can ... #000
******************************** ******************************* *******************
Hello JR,
Liked the shot of the RE in todays Garage. Happened to see that Mr. Miller is from NC. I know it is a long shot but has that bike ever been near Hendersonville, NC?
Reason for asking, a few weeks ago I'm almost certain I saw one in my subdivision. If true, that is the only one I've ever seen. If it happens that Mr. Miller lives in my area I sure would like to get a closer look at that bike.
Still having to deal with pneumonia and/or possible after effects of Covid so no handlebar time for me yet. The rest of you, ride when you can and stay safe.
Vic Force, #3701 NC
(REPLY) Interesting, Vic ... verry interessting! Let's see if Mr. Miller responds here on this site. Should he not, I'd be more than happy to send him your phone number or whatever info you want him to have so that he could respond to you. Corbin makes good stuff, in my opinion, and boy (!), it looks good! The stock seat is made up of two pieces, a front saddle and a back pillion (as the Brit's would say), Corbin uses a one-piece full length seat pan that uses the same attachments and lock, I've never seen this particular saddle/bike combo in the flesh, but I bet it works... #000
P.S. Get well sooon, Vic!! ... so sorry that you are having those issues, my friend!
****************************************************************************************
****************************************************************************************
VISIT THE OTHER PAGES ON THIS SITE --->
*******************************************
(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 THUMPERGARAGE. 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 THUMPERGARAGE 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/text 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 THUMPERGARAGE update so be sure to tune back in then... (Address-phone number-email address is below... **)
We also encourage you to join our club:
Complete the application found elsewhere on this site (click on "more" above) and mail it to us with $100.00 dues for a 12 month USA membership, WE MAIL ONLY TO USA ADDRESSES. Include your shirt size so we may gift you a FREE club t-shirt if this is your initial membership.
A subscription to THUMPER NEWS magazine, mailed to your mailbox (NOW BY FIRST CLASS), is included in your membership as well.
U.S. POSTAL address is: FSSNOC P.O. Box 1809, Hutchinson, Ks 67504-1809.
To call OR text our club, phone 620-663-1869. If no answer, leave a message as these are spam times.
You may send an E-mail: FSSNOCTHUMPERS@yahoo.com
NOTICE: Please understand that your E-mail may 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 (FSSNOC,INC.). All included content in Thumper News or Thumper Garage is solely for entertainment, not advise....
THE CLUB STORE ... GO VISIT 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 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!
*************************************************************************************************************************
YOU'VE JUST VISITED THE THUMPERGARAGE. 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
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Earlier today ... it was nearing the magic hour of 10:15AM as I rolled out of the throttle on my red Royal Enfield Continental GT535 Thumper.
"School Zone Ahead - 20 mph when flashing" blazed across a curbside warning sign ... I glanced down to check my speed even though the light wasn't flashing, one can't be too careful in a school zone.
35 kilometers per hour read the old school speedometer. Ummm? Let's see, 35 x 6 = 210 (mentally I did the math and inserted the imagined decimal making it 21mph - bingo!)
I might add here that I truly enjoy the mechanical music that this motorcycle makes. The sound, also old school as it is powered by a long-stroke Four-Stroke Single, is a constant joy that adds to the delight of riding this machine.
I back the R.E. into the curb and bounce it upon the centerstand. I'm not the last to arrive, but close ... our group would number an even dozen by the time we were all seated around one big common table, smiling faces and bright eyes abound, and the conversation begins...
A couple hours later, tummies full and friends, old and new, individually make their way out of town, each using the route required for the continuation of their ride. It wasn't long, we were down to two at the curb...
"Are you going to go for a ride?" ... this asked of me as I stepped toward the Enfield, helmet in hand.
"Oh, yeah..."
Short story made even shorter, in a matter of minutes Ron, FSSNOC #4643 and I, #000 ... rode out of town, going south, enjoying the mild push of a brisk, kinda nippy, October wind out of the north.
No route, No plans ... and our pace the slow roll that has become my two-wheeled modus operandi for the last several years.
I have given it a little thought of late, as I definitely used to do my best to ride with a flair for speed, getting from here to there in the shortest possible time and with the highest level of adrenaline.
Over the years and the miles, I grew noticeably weary of furiously "nailing" the brakes upon catching a glimpse of a police car, which often turned out to be a family sedan with a suitcase or two roped onto the car's top.
Back in the day, I prided myself in being able to spot a Ford Crown-Vic with a "bubblegum machine" red light a half mile away ... and when I'd get home from a long ride, when asked how the ride went or where did I go, I would instinctively reply with how many miles I had ridden and in what number of days.
These days, not so much. I've learned that by riding the slow roll, life comes to me ... and that happened again today:
(photo above) Meet Gene and his 2012 Royal Enfield 500 Single with a sidecar attached ... the combo was lovely to look at, wonderful to the ear, and so rare to see ... it represented days gone by, a simpler time or at least it is now described that way.
We had stopped at a familiar eatery/coffee shop in Sedgwick, Ks, maybe 35 miles or so from our breakfast/coffee meet. We stopped to pickup a piece of coffeecake for a fellow FSSNOC member who is currently rehabbing from extensive back injuries. As we started to pull out into the street, the above combo turned the corner at the next block, proceeding south. I could hear that Royal Enfield sound, I exclaimed to Ron, "That's a Royal Enfield, let's go check it out!" ... and we did, stopping Gene at the very next stop sign.
Come to find out, the combo had sold new from a shop in Fort Worth that was ran by Perry and Merry Bushong, longtime FSSNOC members from Texas. Perry has since passed and I do not know if the shop continues or not ... but I do know this, if Perry set it up, it was right, he was a sidecar guru!
After a fun filled few minutes, with Gene eye-balling the Continental, of which he was readily knowledgable, and Ron and I checking out Gene's rig ... I handed him a FSSNOC 100 (our most recent membership application) and told him about our club. Gene ... if you are reading this, we'd love to have you as a fellow member, we hope you will join in on the Thumper fun! Call or text me (Jack) at 620-663-1869 if you have questions...
Rolling again, Ron and I did 148 miles of scenic and sunny rural landscape in about four hours, my Enfield making 70 miles per gallon, this amount somewhat reduced by the afternoon winds. I texted Ron later in the day, "The wind may have reduced my gas mileage but it didn't reduce the fun of the ride...". - #000.
**************************************************************
Thank you, Mike, #5244 ... for the address update and just in time for the upcoming mailout of Thumper News #145, perfect! - #000
**************************************************************
Hi Jack,
Received my 35 and Counting t-shirt just in time to wear it to Barber Motorsports Park for the vintage event Oct.8-10. Thanks!
Saturday as I was walking through the VJMA area looking at all the Japanese bikes on display, I heard a shout out from Joe Gilmore - a fellow FSSNOC'er who also has his 35 shirt. We stopped and talked a bit and then continued on looking at bikes.
Great to see a friend who shares a passion for thumpers.
Gene Burgess #262 - Georgia
Wow, Gene - wish I could have been there, too! Thank you for wearing our club tee, it is how the world finds out about us these days! - #000
***********************************************************************************
Jack:
Far be it from me to argue with the Editor-in-Chief of the much vaunted FSSNOC Thumper News. My nose is not disjointed in the least over the fact that my recent submission is being saved for future use. And yes, I will be happy to embellish the article and submit.
I had plans on starting on a Gate writing so this will work well. I should be thanking you for accepting my meager writing work.
To paraphrase Groucho Marx: "I don't know if I want to submit an article to a paper that will accept my work." Ha.
Thanks for the opportunity.
Lloyd ... #5224 - South Dakota
Hey, Lloyd! Was a delight to see you and that beautiful Meteror at the Gate, Oklahoma gathering on October 8th, especially after seeing you previously at the Fort Ransom event ... such fun, such a great group of folks, both places!! I look forward to your updated article as I know our readership will enjoy it even more! Thank you for all you do for FSSNOC! - #000.
***********************************************************************************
(the following was posted at an earlier date...)
BARN FIND, ran across it the other day ... I don't have a clue but maybe YOU do? If so, shot us an email at:
FSSNOCthumpers@yahoo.com (likely have to type in this address ... sorry, and Thank You!)
And, of course, disregard the metal plate, it was added to support some sort of utility motor in a post-life, note the cut-away engine mount, etc.
Not sure about seat supports...
I'm writing this update mid-week following the FSSNOC event in Gate, Oklahoma. This post is in reference to that event...
Jack:
Made it home Saturday afternoon in good shape and without issues. I had a good ride of about 1200 miles on my R.E. Meteor 350cc.
I met some new friends and reacquainted with some Ft. Ransom friends.
A beautiful day for a ride in some very beautiful country. I ended up staying in Great Bend, KS on the way there and again on the way home.
After lunch at Gate, I made Great Bend about five that afternoon. I had hoped to make Salina, but given the lateness of the season and the eighty miles at 55-60 MPH, I knew it would be after dark before arriving in Salina.
After leaving Great Bend, I missed my turn in Ellsworth, KS and ended up doing 25 miles on I-70. I didn't want to be the slow guy in the fast lane but at 7:30AM on a Saturday morning, the I-70 traffic was very light. The traffic on I-135/US81 is always light so the path north was also pleasant.
Thanks again Jack for putting this lunch together. It was great!
Lloyd
#5224 - South Dakota
(REPLY TO LLOYD) ... Hi Lloyd! Great to hear from you! I didn't get to visit with you about the Meteror, etc, as event time goes by really fast, and, of course, there was that plate full of food to eat as well.
I'm sure you recall the very excellent article you sent us prior to the Fort Ransom event in North Dakota, the "bad news" (grin), I had saved it for TN#145, but alas, TN#145 filled-up before I worked my way to your piece. The "good news", would you like to re-write that piece, adding some stuff about the Gate trip and some impressions and evaluations that you now know about the Meteor? We can ear-tag it for TN#146.
Current plans now are that TN#146 will have additional coverage of Fort Ransom and Gate so your article would mesh very well with those... okay, let me know, and I'm sure you've heard this before, but that Meteror is a charmer to the eye!
Best Wishes, Lloyd! - Thump when ya' can ... #000
******************************** ******************************* *******************
Hello JR,
Liked the shot of the RE in todays Garage. Happened to see that Mr. Miller is from NC. I know it is a long shot but has that bike ever been near Hendersonville, NC?
Reason for asking, a few weeks ago I'm almost certain I saw one in my subdivision. If true, that is the only one I've ever seen. If it happens that Mr. Miller lives in my area I sure would like to get a closer look at that bike.
Still having to deal with pneumonia and/or possible after effects of Covid so no handlebar time for me yet. The rest of you, ride when you can and stay safe.
Vic Force, #3701 NC
(REPLY) Interesting, Vic ... verry interessting! Let's see if Mr. Miller responds here on this site. Should he not, I'd be more than happy to send him your phone number or whatever info you want him to have so that he could respond to you. Corbin makes good stuff, in my opinion, and boy (!), it looks good! The stock seat is made up of two pieces, a front saddle and a back pillion (as the Brit's would say), Corbin uses a one-piece full length seat pan that uses the same attachments and lock, I've never seen this particular saddle/bike combo in the flesh, but I bet it works... #000
P.S. Get well sooon, Vic!! ... so sorry that you are having those issues, my friend!
****************************************************************************************
****************************************************************************************
VISIT THE OTHER PAGES ON THIS SITE --->
*******************************************
(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 THUMPERGARAGE. 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 THUMPERGARAGE 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/text 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 THUMPERGARAGE update so be sure to tune back in then... (Address-phone number-email address is below... **)
We also encourage you to join our club:
Complete the application found elsewhere on this site (click on "more" above) and mail it to us with $100.00 dues for a 12 month USA membership, WE MAIL ONLY TO USA ADDRESSES. Include your shirt size so we may gift you a FREE club t-shirt if this is your initial membership.
A subscription to THUMPER NEWS magazine, mailed to your mailbox (NOW BY FIRST CLASS), is included in your membership as well.
U.S. POSTAL address is: FSSNOC P.O. Box 1809, Hutchinson, Ks 67504-1809.
To call OR text our club, phone 620-663-1869. If no answer, leave a message as these are spam times.
You may send an E-mail: FSSNOCTHUMPERS@yahoo.com
NOTICE: Please understand that your E-mail may 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 (FSSNOC,INC.). All included content in Thumper News or Thumper Garage is solely for entertainment, not advise....
THE CLUB STORE ... GO VISIT 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 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!
*************************************************************************************************************************
YOU'VE JUST VISITED THE THUMPERGARAGE. 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
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<