The Christopher Blog

7R Ranch

2011-11-27T18:55:00.000-08:00

Well we have moved to a new ranch in the country! It's called 7R. Short for Old #7 Ranch!

I love it so far. Got a nice 3 bedroom 2 bath place on 2.5 acres. Have a barn, and about to get a carport installed. Been building fence around the yard for the dog. Will have a electric gate opener.

The chickens are here, and still in shock I think. Hef has never heard another rooster, and our neighbors to the South raise fighting cocks, so he has been pretty laid back and keeping a low profile! Plus its been cold and windy since we moved them.

Getting back into ham radio a little this winter. Putting up a couple antennas and a weather station again. Will have a Yaesu VX-7R for 6/2/440 with a tri-band vertical. Built a 20 meter dipole this evening I'll be putting on soon, as well as a 20 meter vertical for DX. Will be running a MFJ-9420 QRP SSB 20 meter rig with matching tuner and power supply. Looking forward to getting back on the air on HF. May get the MFJ-9440 or 9480 soon if I like this little rig.

Still have several hundred feet of chain link fence to stretch, and a double drive way gate to install. Then it's off to the perimeter, 1320' of fencing. I'll be field fencing it, 4' of field fence, with 1 strand barb wire on top. Will be putting a electric gate at the road also.

Stilling moving from the old house, will be damn glad when that's all done and over with. Gotta drop off the Harley to get the 30K service done and a brake recall taken care of. Haven't rode it much at all lately due to moving. Will be glad to sell the other house ASAP!

Well here is a shot of my home brew 20 meter dipole about ready to put up.....

GoPro Hero HD Video Camera

2011-07-04T08:46:00.000-07:00

Here are some shots of my new GoPro Hero HD Video camera set-up. Works GREAT! Looking forward to riding the Million $ Highway and Pike's Peak in a couple weeks!

That's a Tri-pod base mount with a 1/4" stud treaded into the base and thread locked. I use another nut to lock it against the fairing tight.

Waterproof, shockproof, crashproof. Uses a SD card for storage. Has built-in image stabilization. Very happy so far! Hope it works for the ride.

Trailer Test Ride

2011-04-29T18:44:00.001-07:00

Test rode the new trailer, Tara, and all went well! Pulled easy, tracks great.

Put about 25 miles on total, in town and highway. Pulled it up to 90 miles an hour without any trouble.

Downtown Ponca City OK

2011-04-27T08:28:00.001-07:00

Here are a couple of the cool places I saw today in Ponca City....

Shotgun Bed Mount

2011-04-25T17:39:00.001-07:00

I built a PVC rack for my side of the bed, keeps my 12 ga. handy all the time....

MC Trailer Update....

2011-04-23T16:57:00.000-07:00

About finished! Still have a few finishing touches, but its about ready to roll!

MC Trailer Update

2011-04-21T21:12:00.001-07:00

It's 146lbs and almost finished. I am adding a couple LED interior lights, and maybe carpet.

Bartlesville Train Depot

2011-04-20T09:30:00.001-07:00

MC Trailer

2011-04-19T18:57:00.001-07:00

Started painting the frame tonight....

Motorcycle Trailer Build

2011-04-10T19:00:00.000-07:00

It all started with a Harbor Freight light duty trailer frame and a Pepboys Aluminum truck toolbox. I also purchased a spare tire. The following pictures will pretty much cover everything.

I cut the Harbor Freight trailer down to fit the size of the box. I also moved the tongue 1 notch forward from the instructions to make the tongue a little longer out front for the cooler mount.

I removed the helper spring per several posts on the internet. Everyone says they ride better that way, since it won't ever be loaded as heavy as designed for....

Bicycle kick stand from Wal-Mart for a tongue jack.....

I will cut and weld the axle to fit the new width soon.....

Should match the bike good.....

Cooler mount, which cost about 6 times what the cooler did!!!

About ready for final assembly and painting/powder coating....

Everything has worked great so far. I'm looking for a hitch for the bike and wiring kit now. Everything except for the Diamond plate box will be painted or powder coated Black. I'm using the light kit that came with the trailer kit.

5 State Run

2011-04-02T01:15:00.001-07:00

300 miles, 5 states, 1 day!

http://www.5staterun.com/

Added States!!!

2011-04-02T00:58:00.000-07:00

We added Illinois and Wisconsin to the list! Great trip, 1619.8 miles!
We also added our 10,000 mile rocker!

2011-04-02T00:55:00.000-07:00

DYNO RESULTS:

74.98hp 84ft. lbs. of Torque!

Vance and Hines Power Duals

2011-03-30T17:37:00.000-07:00

I removed the stock headers and installed the Vance and Hines Power Duals. This opened up the exhaust and lets it flow better. What a difference it made. My bike came alive tonight! I'm VERY happy with this mod.

My current set-up:

Stock 2010 Harley Davidson 96" Engine

Screamin Eagle Stage 1 Intake

Screamin Eagle Fatshotz Slip-ons

Vance and Hines Power Duals

Xied's for 2010 Touring

Going to the Dyno tomorrow for results, but the ride tonight told the tale. Much faster, better throttle responce, and pulls harder in all gears!!

I'm a HAPPY BIKER!

2010 Ultra Classic "GEMMA" Tulsa OK

2011-01-28T18:37:00.000-08:00

2010 Ultra Classic FLHTCU

2011-01-17T16:25:00.000-08:00

We got a new bike! Her name is Gemma. She is a 2010 Harley Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Classic with 96" motor and 6 speed transmission. Currently we have 10,500 miles on her. I have added tons of Chrome and accessories since we purchased her in October. We are planning several touring rides out West this year, so I have been getting her ready for the road.

She is always a work in progress, like most women! The upgrade and add-on list is long and NEVER ending!

Saddle Bag Bras
Tour Pak Bra
Airwing Tour Pak Rack W/Brake Light
Boom Audio Speakers
15.5" ClearView windshield W/Vent
Chrome and Rubber Collection for Grips and Floorboards
Navigation Interface Kit
Garage Door Opener
Fairing Mounted Turn Signal Mirrors
Passenger Chrome Floorboard Covers
2 Rear Tool Bags
All Rear Lights Run/Turn/Brake
StreetGlide Style Wheels
Polished Front Rotors
Adjustable Seat Back
Locking Lowers W/Drink Holder
Passenger Drink Holder
Dual Wattage Headlight
StreetGlide Style Rear Turn Signals
Chrome Trim Rings
Fairing Bra
Bar and Shield Windshield Trim
In Fairing Oil Temperature Gauge
Zumo 660 Fairing Mounted GPS
XiEDS
Stage 1 K&N Intake(JUNK-REMOVED)
Chrome Front Fender Trim
Chrome Oil Filter Cooler
Removed Front and Rear Bumpers
Smoked Front Turn Signals and Fender Tip Light
All Rear Lights Red

Recently Added 4/1/2011:
Stage 1 Screamin Eagle Download
Sreamin Eagle Fatshotz Slip-ons
Rear Passenger Adjustable Cruise Pegs
Vance and Hines Power Duals Header(no more cat, BEST performance mod to date!!!!)

Soon To Be Added:
Maybe A Trailer Hitch?
That's about the size of it for now. Might look into Stage 2-103" Big Bore kit and cams later down the road...

2010 Ultra w/ABS

2010-11-24T16:08:00.000-08:00

2010-11-03T16:05:00.000-07:00

2010 FLHTCU

2010-10-30T05:14:00.000-07:00

Our 2010 Harley Davidson FLHTCU Electra Glide Ultra Classic:

Update

2010-10-24T07:15:00.000-07:00

Wow, I haven't posted anything to here for like 2 months now! Well we are looking for another bike again. We love our Electra Glide, so we are looking for a Ultra Classic now. I want a '09 or newer with ABS. Found a '09 FLHTCU in Texas with ABS, 110 cu in Screamin Eagle motor, true 2 into 1 exhaust, Vivid Black, heated seats, back rest, its nice. Going to go see it next weekend maybe if everything works out, which is also my 1st anniversary of actually being married! We'll out been together for 7 years, but marred for real 1 now, so a Ultra would be a perfect present for her right......This will prolly end up in DIVORCE, but, THAT'S WHAT MAKES THE WORLD GO ROUND! Nah, she wants a new bike almost as much as I do, so it'll all work out.

Have to do a oil change this weekend. Have a little over 5,000 miles on this one, oops.....I had it in my head that the Screamin Eagle full Synthetic was good for 10,000 miles for some reason, not 5,000. We'll be that today.

Almost 10,000 miles on this bike now. Man, it has went fast this summer. We spent most of our time on that bike, what a difference it has made for both of us. I always loved to ride, even it I was crippled at the end of the day from the seat. Allie, not so much.....But, now, with the E-Glide we both enjoy it, look forward to it, and have made lots of good friends riding! Harley says its a lifestyle, I always was like....RIGHT, BS! Nope, its true. We are living the life, not as 1%er's, but Harley riding, good food eating, country side seeing people who love to go! Thank you Harley Davidson! You have truly improved our quality of life!!

Better go get to doing something worth a damn, instead of wasting my time on this silly 'puter looking at bikes!

CB Install

2010-08-31T21:12:00.001-07:00

Harbor Freight Wheel Chock Sale

2010-08-23T17:17:00.000-07:00

5,000 Mile Rocker!

2010-08-20T19:52:00.000-07:00

We rolled 5,000 miles on our 2006 FLHT-i Electra Glide Standard. Lots of fun riding the last 2.5 months!

States we've rode in!

2010-08-15T12:56:00.000-07:00

We added TEXAS this weekend!!!

July 25th MC Ride to Grove, OK

2010-07-25T06:47:00.000-07:00

Rode with the MC over to Grove, OK for lunch. Nice ride, about 50 in the group. Good times!

Here we are in the middle

Nice ride on some different roads. Was a little slow with such a big group, but still fun. 225 miles.

2010-07-23T22:43:00.000-07:00

HOG ride to Coffeyville, KS. July 17, 2010.

All the girls together after lunch!

We all went to the Dalton Defenders Museum.

Some of us found some shade from the heat!

Mike and Gay rode with us to see Big Brutus in West Mineral, KS.

They had to head back home, we set off for Cafe on the Route in Baxter Springs, KS.

We had dinner with Allie's mom and sister. Then we rode to Rainbow Bridge on Rt. 66.

We then called it a day and headed back home! 287 miles in 100*+ HEAT!!!!
26,147 miles on bike now.

July 4th 2010-25,650 miles!

2010-07-07T22:22:00.000-07:00

We rode to Missouri for the holiday. It was a great trip, all thou kinda short and fast!

We are enjoying the Electra Glide! Sure makes traveling fun, instead of a endurance test!!!

Rollin 2006 FLHT-I 5/22/10 Fayetteville AR

2010-05-22T13:16:00.000-07:00

1,000 mile Rocker

2010-05-18T10:04:00.000-07:00

Well we are members of HOG now, with the purchase of our Electra Glide. I just rolled thru 1,000 miles, so I'll be getting my 1,000 badge soon from them. Currently 23,545 miles on it, just over 1,000 miles in 2 weeks. Went FAST! This bike makes the miles fly by, unlike the poor Sporty, you felt everyone of them on it!

Mother's Day Ride 535 miles!

2010-05-10T12:44:00.000-07:00

Took a Mother's Day ride to Missouri this weekend. 535 miles. The Electraglide rode great! Runs perfect, and rides very smooth. After a year and 7,000+ miles on a Sportster, its GREAT! Got in a few rain drops once, for about 1 minute! Otherwise it was a nice weekend. Ordered a parts catalog and service manual for it today. I think I will need to replace the clutch soon, and also need to check the timing chain tensioners. They are a know weak spot, and tend to wear out around 25K miles. I have about 23,500 now, so will be looking into that soon. Neither are hard fixes, should be fun to do in the garage over a weekend. I haven't had this bike up on the lift yet. Its not much heavier, and not any heavier than the Sporty and I together, and I had been on it, up on the table several times working on things. Now if the weather will clear up maybe I can go get some nice pics to post soon......

Chouteau Pups in the Park 2!

2010-05-04T06:29:00.001-07:00

http://www.chouteaupoundpals.com/pups.htm

2006 Electraglide FLHT-I

2010-05-01T18:48:00.000-07:00

Well we got it! Friday, April 30th. Traded our Sportster in for a 2006 Harley Davidson Electraglide FLHT-I. It has 22515 miles on it.

Added some new grips, shifter peg, brake pad this PM. Time to plan for the open road now...

-- Posted from my iPhone

2006 Harley Davidson FLHT-I ElectraGlide Standard

2010-04-22T09:00:00.000-07:00

Tradin' for this bike next weekend:

True HARLEY Man!

2010-04-22T08:34:00.000-07:00

IN HER DIARY:

Tonight, I thought my husband was acting weird. We had made plans to meet at a bar to have a drink. I was shopping with my friends all day long, so I thought he was upset at the fact that I was a bit late, but he made no comment on it.
Conversation wasn't flowing, so I suggested that we go somewhere quiet so we could talk. He agreed, but he didn't say much. I asked him what was wrong. He said, 'Nothing.' I asked him if it was my fault that he was upset. He said he wasn't upset, that it had nothing to do with me, and not to worry about it.
On the way home, I told him that I loved him. He smiled slightly, and kept driving. I can't explain his behavior I don't know why he didn't say, 'I love you, too.' When we got home, I felt as if I had lost him completely, as if he wanted nothing to do with me anymore. He just sat there quietly, and watched TV. He continued to seem distant and absent. Finally, with silence all around us, I decided to go to bed. About 15 minutes later, he came to bed. To my surprise, he responded to my caress, and we made love. But I still felt that he was distracted, and his thoughts were somewhere else. He fell asleep - I cried. I don't know what to do.

I'm almost sure that his thoughts are with someone else. My life is a disaster.

IN HIS DIARY:

My Harley wouldn't start today, can't figure it out, but at least I got laid.

-- Posted from my iPhone

Wind Generator Gearbox FAILURE!

2010-03-22T08:26:00.000-07:00

Well I had my wind generator fail this weekend! As you can see below the gearbox came apart! Looks like 2 of the 3 bolts mounting it backed out and it hung from the third for awhile before coming loose and falling to the ground. Cracked a bolt hole in the mounting disc when it fell. Blades all look ok. I think I will cut a new mounting disc from Aluminum to replace the plastic one it came with. Ordered a new motor/gearbox for it. I'll have a spare motor now at least I guess! I'll lock-tight the bolts on this one!

-- Posted from my iPhone

$$$$

2010-03-15T12:08:00.000-07:00

WELCOME TO AMERICA, HOME TO AS MUCH FREEDOM AS YOU CAN AFFORD!

-- Posted from my iPhone

HAPPY 1 WEEK BIRTHDAY!

2010-03-13T20:07:00.001-08:00

1 week today! Little Black one is flying onto the top of his food and water jars now!

Nap time again, hard being a little guy!

-- Posted from my iPhone

Saturday March 6th Rust Farm

2010-03-06T14:25:00.000-08:00

Well we've been rebuilding fence:

Thanks to this mess:

In a wind storm that's tearing the rest of the fence down! So it's now wire to a wheelbarrow to anchor it maybe!!!!!

You can see we got the conduct burried finally today from the solar array to the house behind the wheelbarrow.

Planted 4 rows of Sweet Peas, and a small mess of onions:

Maybe get some potatoes in tomorrow, maybe.

Have to replace at least 2 more fence posts tomorrow.

Chicks doing good. Got the temps running stable about 95* now. Everone seems happy go lucky. Will have to watch temps tonight to make sure they don't get to cool. Keeping the little guys in the livingroom with us now.

-- Posted from my iPhone

New chicks....

2010-03-06T09:25:00.001-08:00

5 Bantam chicks! Around a week old I'd guess! Yeah we got box chickens. Let the fun begin.

-- Posted from my iPhone

Inspecting the Chicken Tractor!

2010-03-05T16:38:00.001-08:00

Allie did a inspection this evening for me! I think it passed....

-- Posted from my iPhone

New Garden Spot

2010-03-04T17:04:00.001-08:00

Here is some shots of my new garden spot I broke up for the first time this evening after work with dad's Troy Bilt Bronco tiller! Works good, didn't take long.

-- Posted from my iPhone

Crosman Quest C1K77

2010-02-27T18:40:00.001-08:00

Crosman Quest C1K77 .177 cal break open air rifle.

1000 feet per second stock, using Gamo Raptor GOLD supersonic pellets. Suppose to be 1250 feet per second with them. Glow in dark fiber optic sights, and came with 4x32 scope. Not using the scope, just the fiber sights for day and night shooting!
-- Posted from my iPhone

CHICKEN TRACTOR!!!!

2010-02-27T14:15:00.001-08:00

Our Chicken Tractor! Its 10' long x 6' wide x 4' tall.

12V DC CFL BULBS

2010-02-26T18:20:00.001-08:00

www.usaled.com

These work GREAT! I got these from them on eBay. Nice bright white light. 9 watt 4200K bulb equal to a 80watt normal bulb output.
-- Posted from my iPhone

Garden update!

2010-02-21T14:53:00.001-08:00

Well here are the Tomatoes after being replanted. These will go directly into the garden later.

9 Beafsteak and 9 Sweetie. I think my green peppers are about to emerge finally, so they get another day or two....But they better hurry up!

Rainy Sunday thinking!

2010-02-21T07:14:00.000-08:00

Been a while since posting anything, so maybe a few updates are in line. The twitter feed keeps crashing on my page. I am doing almost all my current projects on twitter with photos. Its so much faster and easier! I wish the twitter gadget won't go crazy on here all the time.

My garden plantings for 2010 are doing good for the most part. All the tomatoes are up and growing good. The onions also. Not so much for the California Bell pepper plants. Not a single one of them came up. NOTHING. So I got a different brand of seed for them and going to re-plant and see what happens this time.

Think I'll re-pot some stuff today since its getting bigger! I want to build a little greenhouse/tunnel for my garden so I can get stuff out earlier, but so far the weather is still in winter mode. HELLO? Time for Spring already!

My solar array and wind generator are finally on-line and operational. They are working great. Its cloudy and rainy here today, but I'm still getting a slight charge despite the weathers best efforts to rob me of watt hours!

Reading and learning as much as possible about off-grid living. We are planning on a move in the near future, just not so sure how near at this point? I really want to be in the woods, main thing I miss from Missouri. I really hate living in town! I'm not a city person! As the song goes, "Send me to Hell or New York City, it'd be about the same to me."

Power system finished 2/14/10

2010-02-14T07:23:00.000-08:00

Finished off my installation this AM in the SNOW!!!! Shows it is charging and all systems GREEN!

Close up of wiring:

Inspector Lucy stopped by and gave it her sniff of approval:

Field Supervisor Stinky was happy with the progress:

BBQ anyone?

-- Posted from my iPhone

Powerpack

2010-02-07T16:18:00.001-08:00

The 750 watt inverter on the top of the battery box is wired directly into the battery. It will run anything I want to in my radio room. I have 6 lighter plug sockets for 12v dc items. 3 on the front mounted to the battery box, 3 on the back loose. I also have a DVM wired in to monitor battery voltage all the time.
This 200 watt inverter runs all my room lighting. 2-26 watt CFL bulbs very easy load for it. Also used it to run our laptop in the car today. It has a 12v dc lighter plug cord on it.

In this photo you can also see my Scout Regen radio I built, the little green box. The larger black rig is my Yaesu FT-2800 65watt VHF transceiver. In the other corner is my DVD, TV. The DVD player runs on 12 volts. The HD TV converter runs on 120v ac, such a small load it doesn't even start the cooling fan on my 200 watt inverter.

Garden plantings

2010-02-07T15:01:00.001-08:00

2/6/10-I started the garden for this year!

First two closest rows from left to right are:
Sweeties Tomatos
Next 2 rows are:
Beefsteak Tomatos
Next 3 rows are:
California Wonder Peppers
Last 2 rows are:
Evergreen Bunching Onions

2/8/10-No changes yet, should see growth by this weekend.

2/10/10-LIFE, I SEE SIGNS OF LIFE!!!!

In only 4 days time!

2/11/10-What a difference a day makes!!!!

2/12/10-Growing good!

-- Posted from my iPhone

Off-grid power set-up

2010-02-07T14:53:00.001-08:00

Here is my current project:

30watt solar array:

50watt wind generator:

Solar panels fold into vertical position in case of hail storm.

Wind generator is hinged at base of pole and you pull 1 bolt and it folds down in case of storms.

Still not on-line yet, waiting on the charge controller and have to get half a dozen diodes still. Also need to bury about 40' of conduct to the house still.
-- Posted from my iPhone

Wind Generator

2010-02-03T15:30:00.000-08:00

I purchased a small wind generator from USAWindGen to add to my small ham shack that is in the spare bedroom. I am entirely off-grid in that room now. All my radios, lights, TV, everything is running from battery right now. I have 30watts of solar panels to mount outside when the ground finally thaws out enough to pour concrete, and will be tying in the wind generator also.

I purchased the small 50watt model for several reason. #1 economy, its CHEAP! #2 I don't need much for my current set-up. #3 I wanted to see what I am getting before buying a larger unit costing more. #4 I think the smaller one will start up easier in slower winds(hopefully)

I plan on installing this on at least a 20' pole off the solar panel mount, but think maybe 30'. I have power lines over head to the East of my install, so I can't go as high with it as I would like to. I decided not to put it on the peak of the roof due to maintenance concerns. I have a 12/12 roof, so yeah....I have 1 tri-pod across the peak with a 20' push mask and a Comet GP-9 on top of that. I don't want to have to mess with that set-up!

Stay tuned for updates and a product review of the little wind generator that could!(I hope)

Scout Regen update

2010-01-23T18:42:00.000-08:00

I reworked my long wire today, was 100' which I think was resonate on the broadcast band. Kept the front end over-loaded with a local station here in town. Recuting for 80m seems to helped 100 fold. Little rig works Fine Business now! I have listened to guys on 40m and 80m today. BEST $40 I HAVE SPENT IN A LOOOONG TIME! Ran down my first 9volt battery, now running it on 12v via rear jack. Has enough audio output to work with small outboard speaker also. If you want a fun, cheap little rig I suggest this one! It was easy to add the full case and dress it up a little. 73's W0ACE

-- Posted from my iPhone

Pedal Watt Generator

2010-01-23T14:36:00.000-08:00

Turned the shaft down on my pedal watt generator today.

Will be working toward finishing it up next weekend. Have to order the last few parts to complete my system.
-- Posted from my iPhone

Scout Regen Receiver Kit

2010-01-13T15:34:00.001-08:00

I got my SCOUT REGENERATIVE RECEIVER KIT today 1/13/2010!!
Its from Hendricks QRP Kits.

It is the SCOUT.
Following along with my progress and see if I can make this thing work!

Here is all the kit parts. I have a missing part, C4 marked 101 a 100pf cap, but will get that locally. Also, I have 1 part I don't need, a 100uf cap. Not bad!

Audio Amp Section Complete 1/14/2010!

It WORKS!!

Went to Radio Shack and got a IC socket and added that. I don't ever want to have to unsolder that LM386 amp chip! Also picked up a Red LED too add for a power "ON" light. I got a couple small toggle switches for the band selector and load switch. They mount in a round hole, so instead of mounting to the board, I am planning on a full case and will mount them to the outside of the case. Going to build a little full case for it from aircraft plywood to enclose it all. So far, that's it for the mods right now. We'll see what else we change as we go along.

Here are the finished pics....

Little radio WORKS GREAT! It was a fun little project. Looking forward to another build soon. Planning on a Hendricks BitX20a with BLT tuner soon.

FINALLY RIDIN' WEATHER AGAIN!!!

2010-01-13T12:13:00.001-08:00

I got to ride into work today for the first time in weeks. I have a new National windshield now, and tested it out today. I lOVE IT! What a difference! I can ride 80mph now with a little tickle of air, just right!

Ultimate Touring Sportster!

2010-01-02T20:44:00.000-08:00

What do you do when its 8* and snowing and you got a new Ram Mount drink holder and iPhone mount for Christmas? Also, a new National Windshield?

Ride into the house when the wife goes shopping and install it all of course!

New National Windshield. eBay special, so far I am very happy! Should make cold weather and touring much nicer.

Here is a shot of the front office now.

Installed 2 more 12v light plugs on the clutch cable for everything. Loosen the Ram mount and it all slides right off, back to a cleaner look for riding to work and short trips.

Ready for Spring touring!

Now for nice weather again! Maybe we'll get brave and take a little "Test Ride" tomorrow, only 50% chance of snow and 29* for a high, SOUNDS PERFECT!

Hummm......Seems I MAY NOT make it thru the back door now. Guess we'll see in the AM!

Velleman MK118 FM Radio kit

2009-12-29T17:43:00.001-08:00

This evening my son and I put together a Velleman MK118 FM Radio kit. It was a fun easy project.

Alec learned how to install circuit parts.

And then how to solder!

It works!!!!

We did have to replace the final audio output chip, a LM386N. This created about a hour of trouble shooting till I decided it had to have been bad new from the package, and it was. Quick trip to Radio Shack and $1.87 later we had our radio working GREAT!!!
--Posted from my iPhone

My first TAT!!!

2009-12-24T18:08:00.001-08:00

I just got my first tat from Josh at Requa Ink in Nixa MO. J.frost@requaink.com 417-724-2557 Requa Ink He did a great job fast! Merry Christmas to me!!!!! Thank you to my BEAUTIFUL wife Allie!

Thanks dude!!!

-- Posted from my iPhone

2009 Tulsa Toy Run

2009-12-15T09:51:00.001-08:00

Sunday December 13, 2009 my wife and I went to the Tulsa Toy Run. Over 20,000 riders this year! -- Posted from my iPhone

Chrome

2009-12-10T12:30:00.000-08:00

Chrome, zippin' by on an Electra Glide
With dual tail pipes doin' 105 in the broad daylight
On a two-lane headin' outta town

-- Posted from my iPhone

2009-11-13T12:04:00.000-08:00

JUST A BIKER

I saw you hug your purse closer to you in the grocery store line. But you didn't see me put an extra $10.00 in the collection plate last Sunday.

I saw you pull your child closer when we passed each other on the sidewalk. But you didn't see me playing Santa at the local Mall.

I saw you change your mind about going into the restaurant when you saw my bike parked out front. But you didn't see me attending a meeting to raise more money for the hurricane relief.

I saw you roll up your window and shake your head when I rode by. But you didn't see me riding behind you when you flicked your cigarette butt out the car window.

I saw you frown at me when I smiled at your children. But you didn't see me, when I took time off from work to run toys to the homeless.

I saw you stare at my long hair. But you didn't see me and my friends cut ten inches off for Locks of Love.

I saw you roll your eyes at our leather jackets and gloves. But you didn't see me and my brothers donate our old ones to those that had none.

I saw you look in fright at my tattoos. But you didn't see me cry as my children where born or have their name written over and in my heart.

I saw you change lanes while rushing off to go somewhere. But you didn't see me going home to be with my family.

I saw you, complain about how loud and noisy our bikes can be. But you didn't see me when you were changing the CD and drifted into my lane.

I saw you yelling at your kids in the car. But you didn't see me pat my child's hands knowing she was safe behind me.

I saw you reading the newspaper or map as you drove down the road. But you didn't see me squeeze my wife's leg when she told me to take the next turn.

I saw you race down the road in the rain. But you didn't see me get soaked to the skin so my son could have the car to go on his date.

I saw you run the yellow light just to save a few minutes of time. But you didn't see me trying to turn right.

I saw you cut me off because you needed to be in the lane I was in. But you didn't see me leave the road.

I saw you, waiting impatiently for my friends to pass. But you didn't see me. I wasn't there.

I saw you go home to your family. But you didn't see me. Because I died that day you cut me off.

I was just a biker. A person with friends and a family. But you didn't see me.

Mr. and Mrs. Rust

2009-11-10T08:45:00.000-08:00

We got married Oct. 30th!!!!
Ridin together for life!

2009-11-10T07:15:00.000-08:00

TULSA TOY RUN 2009

2009-11-10T06:30:00.001-08:00

Sons of Anarchy
SAMCRO

This is the BEST DAMN TV SHOW ON THE AIR!

If you haven't seen it, watch it!

Follow Kurt Sutter, the shows creator/writer on Twitter @sutterink

T-Town Leather GRAND OPENING NOV-13/14

2009-11-10T06:23:00.000-08:00

Grand Opening Sale-This Friday and Saturday!
November 13th and 14th at the new location-2874 N. Sheridan Tulsa, Ok.
Look for the orange building-918-764-9694
Come celebrate the opening of the new store and enjoy select jackets at $89,
select chaps at $59 and the FIRST 100 purchases will receive a free select
T-shirt! The Thunder Roads trailer will be on premises-look out Terri will
taking photos for the magazine!
Monday-Saturday from 10am to 6pm
Beginning this week, we will be open on Sundays from noon to 5pm until
Christmas! Lay-a-way now for Christmas

Jamey Johnson That Lonesome Song

2009-10-18T08:21:00.000-07:00

Just DL'ed Jamey Johnson That Lonesome Song from iTunes! I love it! I have heard a couple other popular songs from him in the past, but never listen to any of his other music. I really like his style. Modern day outlaw country singer. I love this album, and plan to buy his others as well. Check it out, you might like it!

Jamey Johnson

The Pit Power Club

2009-10-16T23:17:00.001-07:00

We joined a new gym only a few blocks from the house. Golds was a 30 minute drive! So, it'll now be like a 5 minute trip! This one is also 24/7 so that'll be nice. Going for the first time today.

The PIT Power Club

We have been working out every evening. I'm up to 7.5m total now, 6.5m on the bike, 1m on the tread mill.

-- Posted from my iPhone

Arkansas and Missouri Railroad

2009-10-08T15:30:00.000-07:00

I'm going to ride that train! Stay tuned for mobile updates!

Arkansas Missouri Railroad

War Eagle Mill

2009-10-05T12:17:00.001-07:00

War Eagle Mill

-- Posted from my iPhone

Rockbridge MO Pics

2009-09-27T08:16:00.001-07:00

Rainbow Ranch Trout Farm

Posted from my iPhone

Rockbridge MO

2009-09-27T07:56:00.001-07:00

Good eats in Branson, MO with mom and dad. Happy late birthday breakfast!!

Fuel stop#5 Branson Mo.

Fuel stop #6 Gainesville, MO. Lunch was Subway, cleanest nicest one around.

We made it!!!!! 307.4m.

Checking in at the main lodge Rainbow Trout Ranch Rockbridge MO.

Our room.

View back up stream towards the mill.

Were all settled in. It's nice to be back into the fresh Ozark Mtn. air, listening to the Blue Jays cry will the faint roar of water going over the damn at the mill pond. Gods country. It's good to be home!

Fuel stop #7 Nixa MO

Fuel stop #8 Neosho MO.

Fuel stop #9 Claremore OK.
-- Posted from my iPhone

Rockbridge Ride 2009

2009-09-25T16:29:00.001-07:00

We made it to our first overnight stop, Nixa MO. 183.6 miles from home! $12.50 for 5.192gals total so far. Took 3.735gals to get here for a average of 48.70 miles per gallon! 2-Up and Loaded!!

This was fuel stop #4 Nixa MO 181.9m.

Fuel stop #3 Neosho MO 115.7m.

Fuel stop #2 Vinita Ok 61.3m.

Fuel stop #1 Tulsa Ok.

-- Posted from my iPhone

Sissy bar rack

2009-09-20T13:26:00.000-07:00

We are ready to roll! Did a little 150 mile shake down run up into Kansas this AM, adding another state to our map! Now if the weather will just be hold for next weekend. We both have rain gear, but I don't want to use it!!!

-- Posted from my iPhone

Bike updates

2009-09-12T18:55:00.001-07:00

Here is my new cruise bar with matching iso-pegs. I like it, nice to be able to move a little.

You can also see the turn signal relocation. I moved these in case I add a windshield later for winter time. It was real cold this last winter without one!!!!

Allie has new Swingwing rear pegs now. She will be able to stretch out a little more now on longer trips!

Here they are open and ready to cruise.

We have also added a nice high back cruise pad.

Will be adding a rear rack tonight for our rear bag to sit on, and we'll be ready to roll!

Progressive 412HD Shocks

2009-09-12T18:51:00.001-07:00

Here are the new shocks!

Rode about 25 miles 2-up this evening and they made a world of difference! Restored our ride height and we have very little sag.

All The difference in the world!

-- Posted from my iPhone

2009-09-07T14:24:00.000-07:00

ROCKBRIDGE MO
ROAD TRIP 2009!

Stay tuned.....We are planning on attending the Mountain Grove class of 1999 10 year reunion dinner at Rockbridge MO. We will spend the night at the motel next to the old grist mill. Rockbridge in known world wide for its clear spring water stocked full of rainbow trout. In recent years they have added a hunting preserve and horseback riding.

Its been 5 years since we were in Rockbridge, so I am sure things have changed some. We love this area, its some of the most scenic country around. We both grew up in Southern Missouri, and do at times miss the Ozark Mountains and the slower, easier pace of life!

Watch for mobile updates as we ride our Sporty to the Mill! I have a iPhone now we are using on the bike as a GPS, and I plan on doing mobile updates along the ride! So, sit back, crack open a cold one, and ride along y'all....

2009-08-18T18:41:00.000-07:00

Rt 66 Pedestrian

Bridge
Tulsa OK

Sunset 8/18/09

2009-08-16T13:53:00.000-07:00

The Blue Wale
Catoosa OK

That's in the shade.....

2009-08-16T13:42:00.000-07:00

World's Largest
Totem
Pole
FOYIL OK

Another must see along the route!

2009-08-16T13:29:00.000-07:00

Route 66 Vintage

Iron Motorcycle

Museum

128 S. Main

Miami, OK 74354

918-542-6170

Nice shop with leather, T-shirts, helmets, bags, and the like. Well worth the stop.

On the Mother Road in down town Miami, OK.

A TRUE RT 66 MUST SEE!

Just some Pics....

2009-07-30T18:50:00.000-07:00

Saddlebags!

2009-07-30T18:24:00.001-07:00

Don's Cycle Ware Series III
Plain Jane Saddlebags
2008 XL-883

Don's is the BOMB! Ordered bags Monday evening, installed them Thursday evening after work! Can't beat that for FAST SHIPPING!

These are the Series III Plain Jane throwover zip off leather bags.
You can find all the info here:

http://donscycleware.com/xlseiiipljam.html

Thank You Sir!
These are just what we were looking for!

Rock Cafe Stroud OK

2009-07-18T15:53:00.000-07:00

We rode out to the Rock Cafe in Stroud, OK on Rt 66 today for lunch! It was PACKED!!!! The Moto Guzzi club had a run-in lunch meet today. When we rolled in we were 1 of 4 Harleys suddenly lost in a sea of Moto Guzzis! One of the members said he thought it was the largest number of Motos together in one place in the country! They were from Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas. I'm sure other places as well, but that is just what I saw right around where we parked. Will post up photos soon. It was a good ride! 155 miles in near perfect weather! The Sporty rolled 3,000 miles this afternoon!

Everyone signs the wall in the bathroom! Is YOUR name here???

2009-07-18T05:47:00.001-07:00

OKLAHOMA

We rode to Discoveryland USA to see the musical!

Had a Ranch Hand dinner! It was GOODA!

I about turned Allie and the table over!

We watched the Indians dance during the pre-show.

Then we enjoyed OKLAHOMA!

Our all inclusive GOLD PACKAGE included:
2 Ranch Hand Dinners
2 Show Tickets
2 Play Bills
2 Pops
2 Popcorns
AND
2 Strawberry ice cream deserts!

It was a fun evening and a perfect ride out and back. Removed the Rinehart exhaust and went back to the stock for now. The Sporty has been running to lean with the Rineharts! Its so quiet now sounds like a damn Honda! Will be getting a new fuel injection controler and bigger intake soon so we can go back to the Rinehart exhaust! The ALLIE hates the stock pipes!!!!! Which works out GREAT for THE CHRISTOPHER!!!

I liked the old feller, Andrew Carnes, The Judge played by Lee Studerus on the left.
Aunt Eller played by Carol Lavelle Snow. She happens to be the wife of Howard Snow. Howard was a instructor at Spartan College of Aeronautics when I attended.

He was also running the Tradin Post Store.

I picked up his new book about his life and times working for the DEA all over the world!

http://www.graywarriors.com

No Harley trip is complete without some GIRLS!!!!!

Cowboy Harley Davidson Austin, TX

2009-07-12T17:02:00.001-07:00

Cowboy Harley Davidson Austin, TX
April 2009 visit
Purchased our 2008 Sportster XL883 from them in December 2008 from a internet ad.

Somewhere under the RAINBOW......

2009-07-12T16:02:00.000-07:00

Our Sporty under the RAINBOW!
2008 Harley Davidson Sportster XL883
2489 miles.
Happened riding home 7/7/09 from dinner at Baja Jack's.

100TH BOY SCOUT ANNIVERSARY

2009-07-12T15:09:00.000-07:00

JULY 4th 2009 PAWHUSKA OK DEPOT

2009-07-12T14:53:00.000-07:00

Pawhuska, OK July4 2009

Allie with the bike at the Museum. Had lots of cool old stuff. They just opened a new Boy Scout history display for the 100th anniversary.

Its in the old depot building. Pretty cool little place. Nice lady stayed an hour late for us to look around! Didn't know till we went to leave and saw the hours on the door on the way out! THANK YOU!

July 4th 2009

2009-07-12T14:40:00.000-07:00

Pawhuska, OK July 4-2009

Rode up to Pawhuska July 4th for a Shooter Jennings concert and fireworks.

Allie chillin' before the show.

Stage in front of the Triangle building in Pawhuska, OK

The show rocked. Shooter did some new stuff, a little old stuff.

Fireworks were great! 30 minute show set to music at the end of the concert.

Just chillin by the Sporty waiting on traffic to clear out.

Allie took this one of our Sporty while chillin.

Stayed in a "No Tell Motel!" What a mess, just slept a couple hours till sunrise and rolled out. Shower looked dirtier than I, so I passed!