Simon and Deb's Excellent Adventure ........

[Guest]

Steve picked us up at about 3.00pm for a drive around before the game . We drove around Belle Isle and could see Canada .

If all goes to plan , we'll be taking a closer look next year . Lock the doors (just in case ......)and into Detroit proper .
Amazing . Suburbs of beautiful old mansions bordering scenes akin to a war zone . Beautiful old buildings crumbling , boarded up , and no people . I've never seen areas so close to a city centre , and there are no people around . They must all come out at night ............

The city centre is as they all are , albiet with it's own character .

Past the Tiger Arena , the Hockey Town Cafe and The Inn on Ferry Street (which I'm told is very good) , the original Motown studios and on to Nemo's .

Burgers and Guiness with Dale (Rustybronco) and Nancy and off to the game . I got metal detected becuase of my steel capped boots . Steve had two "items" that should have showed but didn't . Cousin thing I suppose . In we go . We don't have anyting like this in Aus . Venders vending . Food , merchandise , stuff , beer . Even at BIG games at BIG stadiums we don't have anything on this scale . Amazing .
The rink(?) is colloseum like with seats rising steeply from a walled in battlefield . Being a pre- season game , it was about half full . No idea how many people , but lots none the less . A "big" game must be massive . the atmosphere , the noise , the giant t.v's , the camera's playing to the crowd playing to the camera's . Great stuff . Very exciting . And the game ..............

We like our "contact" sports down here , but this game takes some beating . We didn't try to understand the rules , but rather , enjoyed the spectacle . Understanding why one player could "drive" another into a wall and not be penalised didn't matter . That they happily kept doing it did .
Skillfull , fast , exciting , brutal game . Good stuff . I'll have to keep an eye out on the t.v for more of it .

Back by bus to Nemo's for another Guiness (I could get a taste for that) or two then on to Lafayette Coney Island for chilli dogs . If anyone was gonna "pop a cap in our ass" (one of our biggest fears) it was going to happen here . It didn't though . I guess you must have to ask for it . The "Aussie" thing was still working well and everyone was real friendly .

Somehow , we lost Dale and Nancy (sorry about that) , but were to catch up with them tomorrow . On the way back to the motel , we could see that all the people were starting to come out ..................

Cheers , Simon and Deb .

 

[Planecrazy]

Simon,

Thanks for the update to the story. I look for more everyday.

Oh, I understand that the cover over the bridge was to keep weather off the bridge deck so it lasted longer, and the side walls were to block the view of horses (so horses did not see the water).

.

Very interesting, Dave ... never knew that, but saw the advantages firsthand when we were at the Fennimore ("Dave Davis Memorial") rally last month. A group of us was about to cross a medium sized modern bridge over a small river when we had to stop at the end of the bridge and wait for two horseback riders to come back off because one of the horses was spooked by the sight of the water and wouldn't cross... Fascinating!

Still loving the "play by play," Simon! By the way, what do they call freckles (the American kind) down under?

Regards,

 

[cowboyup3371]

A group of us was about to cross a medium sized modern bridge over a small river when we had to stop at the end of the bridge and wait for two horseback riders to come back off because one of the horses was spooked by the sight of the water and wouldn't cross... Fascinating!
Regards,

I'm not sure how much riding you guys do around horses but from an owner and fellow rider, please know that it is imperative for a motorcyclist to SLOW DOWN when passing a horse and rider. Some horses have never heard motorcycles and can get extremely scared by their exhaust (especially the louder harleys) noise. If the rider is experienced enough they will know to stop their horse and turn them to face the bike (I do this with mine) but I also motion at the driver to slow down. Once you are sufficiently far enough past the rider, than get back on the throttle but NOT quickly. Give it at least 50-100 feet before doing so.

I had to do this on a ride earlier this year when some neighbors came by me on their bikes (I think one had a yamaha the other a harley). My horse was fine with the first rider but the second hadn't slowed down enough and I almost had a rodeo. Fortunately I got her back under control fast enough that it wasn't as much of an issue but it was a little fun. Now, I just watch my horses run away from the bike as fast as possible when I pull up the drive.

 

[Planecrazy]

I'm not sure how much riding you guys do around horses but from an owner and fellow rider, please know that it is imperative for a motorcyclist to SLOW DOWN when passing a horse and rider. Some horses have never heard motorcycles and can get extremely scared by their exhaust (especially the louder harleys) noise. If the rider is experienced enough they will know to stop their horse and turn them to face the bike (I do this with mine) but I also motion at the driver to slow down. Once you are sufficiently far enough past the rider, than get back on the throttle but NOT quickly. Give it at least 50-100 feet before doing so.

I had to do this on a ride earlier this year when some neighbors came by me on their bikes (I think one had a yamaha the other a harley). My horse was fine with the first rider but the second hadn't slowed down enough and I almost had a rodeo. Fortunately I got her back under control fast enough that it wasn't as much of an issue but it was a little fun. Now, I just watch my horses run away from the bike as fast as possible when I pull up the drive.

An excellent reminder for those of you who don't spend time around horses!

In our case, when we pulled up to the bridge (at slow speed) the spooked horse was already demonstrating his/her concern with crossing (looked like they were "working with it" on this issue) and when they came off of it we (group of six bikes) were simply idling as both horses walked calmly past us. I think they were both used to being around bikes and other vehicles, but the bridge proved too much that day...

Regards,

 

[Guest]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SIMON!

now more please.

 

[Guest]

Sorry about the break , but this damned life of ours keeps getting in the way .

We met up with Jarad (seuadr) and Chuck Hahn at Steve's the next morning . Also got to meet Steve's lovely wife Jennifer (she thinks we're all gay) . Jarad had MADE a dream catcher as a gift for Deb . Unreal . It works as well because the dream continues with our travel already booked for next year . 6 weeks next time (3 was NOT enough) .

It was pretty cool (10C or 52F) for the ride up to Dale (Rustybronco) and Nancy's at Maryville , near Port Huron (more mythical places) . I don't think I'd ever buy chaps to compensate though . Your goolies would still get cold . I wonder what they (Steve and Chuck) wear under them during summer . Doesn't bear thinking about .

How did it go Chuck ???

He's got a way with the girls ......

Weapons of mass seduction .

Good 'ol boys one and all .............

Dale and Nancy (and their dogs) were unreal hosts and made us all feel very welcome . Dale has a masters degree in B.B.Q'ing , making a delicious pork fillet (?) . Nancy's cobbler was the best . Yum Yum . We never ceased to be amazed by the friendliness and hospitallity of our new found American friends .

All to soon it was time to say our farewells and head back to Detroit . We'll be back next for longer next year . Promise .

Cheers , Simon and Deb .

 

[chuck hahn]

Glad you found us Americans much nicer than our world perception makes us out to be. hey i think that looking at the pics of me at Dales that my fat rump needs a bit of a diet. Good thing the 1000 can haul my butt around

 

[Guest]

I have to be honest with you Chuck old mate ,before we headed over your way and got to know you all , we had that perception . Sort of . Just proves that you can't take to much notice of what others say . You've got to get out and find out for yourself . Some of the best people we've ever met and we both are looking forward to coming back to see you blokes next year .

It's just those chaps that make everything look bigger . What DO you wear under them during summer ?

Cheers , Simon . :-k

 

[Guest]

What DO you wear under them during summer ?

Cheers , Simon . :-k[/QUOTE]

Leather thong......what did you think?

Had to ask - didnt ya.

No seriously, in summer sometimes I wear shorts. That way, when I get to where ever I am going I can remove the chaps.

The caps were the wifes idea. It was that or leather pants (way too rock and roll for me). The chaps ARE kinda Village People tho. But I agreed with the wife to always wear them - in return she agreed to not worry and bitch (so much).

You know Simon, if you two had turned out to be a couple of tossers - we would have (at least I ) been jerks right back. It is and was easy to be natural with you two. We also didnt know what to exspect. We only know of Mick Dundee and Mad Max.

I am REALLY looking forward to see you guys again in 2011. There is still alot I didnt show you the first time.

See you soon my friend.
Steve

 

[chuck hahn]

Simon..In the summer i dont wear the chaps..just too darn hot for me. In the early spring and fall i just put on a pair of thermal under wear and my jeans and the chaps. Thats all i have found i need to keep the legs warm. And i had to laugh when you mentioned the family jewels..Yup they are mjust bgonna get chilled to thenpoint bof numbness...LOL

 

[seuadr]

you know they make mesh textile pants with armour.. don't look like a village person, AND you are still protected. flows air good too!

 

[Guest]

The wife kinda likes the chaps. And she bought them.
She likes me to wear them around the house.............and thats all I am going to say on THAT.

 

[seuadr]

The wife kinda likes the chaps. And she bought them.
She likes me to wear them around the house.............and thats all I am going to say on THAT.

:-&

 

[Guest]

You know, I was gonna say I'm lovin' this thread... so good to see your great trip there Simon and Deb, and all that stuff...

Then I saw the chaps...

Now there's the chaps talk...

I'm just really really scared now...

 

[Redman]

you know they make mesh textile pants with armour.. don't look like a village person,....
....

Ah, is THAT why some folks dont like chaps. ...?

Simon !
Simon !
More pictures!
Quick ! Hurry!
Rescue us from this turn of the conversation!

.

 

[Planecrazy]

Hope your travels next year will take you to the Chicagoland area ... lots of hospitality to be found from the GSR'rs in our area (and Chicago is a world class city to visit)! You have an open invitation to stay at "Che Bergman" while in the area...

For my part, I will endeavor to meet you two at the Brown County Rally, which I believe you mentioned you might try to attend this spring.

Regards,

 

[Guest]

Steve , the plan is for us to make Brown County next year . Mr Steve has us booked for a Wing Rally as well (not sure of the dates on that one) . We haven't made any other concrete plans yet . We'd like to hook up with Greg78gs750 as well (just missed him this year) . The north east of Canada is one trip we're looking at so we will be up your way . Thanks for the invite old mate and we'll probably take you up on that .

So far , all I know is that we'll be in Dayton on the 16th of May and leave again at the end of June , so we could end up anywhere .

Thanks again for the offer . You Americans are so damned generous to a couple of broken down old Aussies . Unbelievable . It's going to keep us coming back for a while yet .

Cheers , Simon .

 

[Guest]

On with the show................

We were up early the next morning and were escorted "out of Dodge" by Steve Conlan . Not sure if he was being helpful or just wanted to make sure we left , but we did appreciate it . A couple of country kids here remember .

Back on the slab for a fairly uneventful run back to Dayton . The bike chucked a bit of a hissy fit about half way and wouldn't go above 5,000 rpm . It'd pull well up to there but no further . Bugger . Forgot to bring any tools . Bugger . "Cruised" the rest of the way .

Deb was keen on something a bit quicker as she was getting a bit cold (wearing thermals , jeans , jumper , bike pants , jacket , rain gear , gloves , over gloves and scarf - she should man up a bit and get a set of chaps - she could wear them around the house , and that's all I'll say about that) . I told her the rego and insurance would kill us .

Bl@@dy women . This ones no cheaper , just a bit more room for the tool kit (if I'd remembered it).

Off to Josh's restaraunt , Rooster's (a nice casual joint - the T-shirt got a lot of comments at home) , for dinner . The chicky babe serving wench asked if we were Rose's mum and dad . I thought one daughter was enough but apparently not . Josh instantly went from being a mate , to , the mongrel that's jumping our girl . Bugger . He was a good bloke up until then .

Cheers , Simon and Deb .

 

[Guest]

The weather turned a bit $hitty for the rest of our stay so the riding was put on hold . We ordered a Dyna and a new petcock (that still cracks me up - it's a FUEL TAP damn it ) from Z1 , for the mighty 750 , to be installed before next years adventure .

Off to the shops to stock up before we head home . Got real live Levi's for $20 a pair . They're over a hundred bucks at home . 5 pairs thankyou very much . T-shirts etc , etc and another suitcase to carry them in . Learnt a lesson for next time . Bring minimal gear and load up when we get there .

The next day was no better weather wise so it was into the cage and off to the AMA hall of fame .

If you're in the area I'd recommend it . Some very interesting bikes etc there .

Cheers , Simon and Deb .

 

[Guest]

This one was good with a cut away of the engine (pity there were NO Suzuki's)

Cheers , Simon and Deb .