Random photo thread - anything goes - post what you've got

Grum

Nice to put a face to the name. Keep safe in these COVID times, from locked down Maroubra!!!!

My first track day in about 10 years (won't wait that long again!) - 8/2/21, Palmer Motorsports Park outside of Boston, 02 VFR

Tire is a Dunlop Q3+, highly recommended

Bike I had back in 90s...

11 hours ago, DannoXYZ

Bike I had back in 90s...

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Love the 12 gauge exhausts on those . . . pure sex. 

Here's another local "off the beaten path" attraction.  There are roughly 50+ covered bridges within a 90 minute radius mostly dating to the late 19th or early 20th century.  Apparently there are a number of basic designs for the trusses but the common thread to them all is that the shed built over the truss protects the wood from moisture prolonging its life.  In one photo the bridge is being renovated - eventually the support beams do degrade covered or not and must be replaced.  Some I believe are designated historic landmarks.  A few years back a local group I ride with organized a "covered bridge ride" and we took in about 15 on a Saturday.  Note in the last photo someone decided to see if they could lay rubber with both rear tires . . . they succeeded. 

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Wow, they actually let you walk on bridges under construction like that?@!#

No way in CA, they'd have it block off for miles on either side! So many regulations "for our own good"!

What's life without a little risk?  That is one of the rider's then girlfriend / now wife.  She didn't think too much of it - just walked right out there and back. 

Not to make this a discussion about covered bridges, but there are quite a few left in Ohio, including 3-4 along Ohio Route 26 between Marietta and Woodsfield in SE Ohio.  I did a group ride years ago where visiting those bridges was the point of the ride.  These days I'm sometimes tempted to stop and take a few photos of those bridges, but the road is so good I hate to interrupt the ride!

I took this photo a couple weekends ago.  This is the Harpersfield Covered Bridge, near Geneva (in NE Ohio), just off Route 534.  At 228' in length, it's the third longest covered bridge in the state.

These pictures are from last Sunday’s cruise around Los Angeles.   

I use this one for when I absolutely positively need to get somewhere quickly.

 I was always curious about the NT/ Deauville after seeing them on the roads when visiting the UK.   Found this one three years ago and had to have it because I’m a sucker for euro Honda’s.   
 

1989 VTR 250

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My other bike . 

Both of our cats "died" in the last Seattle heat wave we had...

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Talk about random - I went on a ride over the weekend (more photos to follow) and saw this aircraft parked.  Even before I came closer I suspected I knew what it was and what NASA used it for for almost a half century.  When I returned home I ran the tail number (blotted out here - I'll supply that later) to find out my suspicions were confirmed.  You have to be a NASA geek like me to know what its mission was.   A small hint might be on the engine shown - it's clearly missing a part of it that was integral to it executing its mission.  Another hint might be that it's mission was other than shuttling NASA VIP's around.   Anyone know what this is? 

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OMG! Is that the X9712 all-electric jet that beat Tesla to market ???

Looks like Gulfstream III ?

Maybe has something to do with quieter gentler plane… Although landing gear doesn’t look like it…

2 hours ago, Cogswell

Anyone know what this is? 

I'm guessing it's a "vomit comet," used to introduce future astronauts to weightlessness.

2 hours ago, Cogswell

Talk about random - I went on a ride over the weekend (more photos to follow) and saw this aircraft parked.  Even before I came closer I suspected I knew what it was and what NASA used it for for almost a half century.  When I returned home I ran the tail number (blotted out here - I'll supply that later) to find out my suspicions were confirmed.  You have to be a NASA geek like me to know what its mission was.   A small hint might be on the engine shown - it's clearly missing a part of it that was integral to it executing its mission.  Another hint might be that it's mission was other than shuttling NASA VIP's around.   Anyone know what this is? 

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Thrust reversers are removed. Is it a Space Shuttle landing simulator/training aircraft?

That is Evergreen Museum's Gulfstream II Shuttle Training Aircraft.  They keep it outside and use it constantly in fundraiser aircraft "pulls" for Special Olympics and other organizations.  

Let me know when you're headed out there again and I can get you in the museum and on the deck of the Spruce Goose for a VIP tour thing for free.  (I bought a membership awhile ago that includes that option).  

2 hours ago, Grum

Thrust reversers are removed. Is it a Space Shuttle landing simulator/training aircraft?

Yes, sir!  NASA's term for it is "Shuttle Training Aircraft" (STA).  It's a modified G II (honorable mention to Danno for correctly identifying the make).  It has several mods to make it able to fly the speed and glide slope of the orbiters.  That was part of the hint about the missing thrust reverser (the other side was still in place) - the lockouts were disabled so that they could be deployed in flight.  Also, the main landing gear could be extended without the nose gear (photo, below) to increase drag to simulate the orbiter's life to drag ratio.  The commander's left side cockpit was changed to CRT displays, a joystick control and a heads up display similar to the Shuttle while the right seat retained the stock Gulfstream configuration.  They apparently had 4 of these with a 5th that was very similar but not exactly the same.  They often / always? flew simulated approaches prior to launch to assess winds, visibility etc should an RTLS abort be needed (which fortunately never was!).   Almost certainly every commander / pilot that flew the orbiters practiced in these planes.  I wish this thing could talk - I'm sure it has many stories to tell.  It's now housed at the Evergreen Museum in McMinnville, Oregon - about 30 minutes from home.  More on that (and photos), later.  Well done, Grum! 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shuttle_Training_Aircraft

Photo showing tail number

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Photo of it in flight

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47 minutes ago, Cogswell

Well done, Grum! 

Shucks thanks Coggs. And my prize as promised. I'm happy to cover the delivery costs to Auz!  :beer: .

Cogswell, 8/18/2021 at 5:46 PM

There are roughly 50+ covered bridges within a 90 minute radius...

I hadn't noticed this thread and think its a great idea. When I saw this post about Oregon's covered bridges I dug up these shots from my first bike trip to the USA back in 1993. I'd only bought this low miles '91 VFR750 a few months earlier. Little did I know it's be the first of a nearly three decade string of trips to the US west, usually including a visit to Laguna Seca. 

Anyhow, the first photo is of Crawfordsville bridge near Sweet Home, Oregon, and the second shows some really large kites on the beach at Lincoln City, Oregon.

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Beautiful photos! 

Many moons ago.

Have not been back since then....

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2 hours ago, slo1

Many moons ago.

Have not been back since then....

I was hoping to get there this year, either during the VFRD Spring Memorial event or on a solo tour, but I only made it as far south as Kentucky and Virginia this year.  Hopefully next year!

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Many moons ago.

Have not been back since then....
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Yeah I want to make it out as well. Next year around this time.

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So, here's the rest of the airplane story.  As Oregonian pointed out, the Evergreen Aviation Museum is not far outside Portland, OR - 30 to 45 minutes West in McMinnville.  My ride to "da plane" was about a 2 hour loop through rural country.  Made a ferry crossing at a wide spot in the road, "Wheatland" - nothing more than a few homes clustered together.  I wondered how bored the pilot gets - back and forth - hundreds of times a day.  Personally I'd go out of my skull . . .  Kind of fun to break up the ride with something different tho.

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Then on to the Evergreen museum.   It is a good museum, now at its 30th birthday. 

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The name is also noted on the 2 747's on the grounds.  That came from the company name of the founder Del Smith, Evergreen International Aviation.  Started in the 1960's as a helicopter service, it later branched out in to fixed wing operations.  Evergreen was nicknamed "CIA Airlines" as in 1979 the flew the Shah of Iran out of the country after the fundamentalist takeover and also had many missions for the CIA in Central and South America.  Later, in the 1980's Evergreen got its first 747 as it had landed a contract with the US Postal Service to fly airmail (now seems like such a quaint concept).  Smith also converted a 747 in to a water tanker to fight fires using a compressed air system to atomize the water so it would cover a wide area.  Later on, contracts with the gov't and Postal Service waned and financial stress began to set in.  Meanwhile, around 30 years ago, Smith had the idea for the Museum.  Somehow he swung a deal to bring the Spruce Goose from Long Beach, CA to McMinnville ("Mac"). It came up the Pacific Coast on a barge, the up the Columbia then finally up the Willamette River.  It had been disassembled with all 8 engines removed as well as the wings and tail.  Even at that, once near Portland, with the then river levels, the components were too tall to get underneath some fixed bridges so the barge laid at anchor for weeks waiting for the levels to fall.  Finally it made it to a landing near Mac where the pieces were offloaded to trucks and moved to the current site.  There they sat for a good number of years in a fenced off area outside awaiting its building to be constructed.  That really is the museum's claim to fame.  - There are better ones - The Smithsonian, Museum of the US Air Force in Ohio, Pima air and Space Museum to name a few.  But there is only one Spruce Goose (more properly named the "Hughes H4 Hercules") and to see it you must come here.  While there are tons of photos on line of it, you have to be there to grasp its immensity and the audacity of Howard Hughes thinking it would actually work as he envisioned it.  You can read the history of its one and only flight - you couldn't write fiction like it. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hughes_H-4_Hercules

Ultimately though, Evergreen's demise was in the winds.  With the financial stress of the company, airmail volumes plummeting and the fleet of 747's past their useful lives, it finally ceased operations in 2013 and the next year Smith died.  There had been tax investigations of Evergreen and rumors of "something going on" for some time.  It was found through audits that Museum funds had been co-mingled with those of the company, and a dark cloud hung over the museum.  The state attorney general got involved. It ultimately filed for bankruptcy and sold off some of its assets.  There was much concern as Mac is a small town and the museum a huge asset and tourist attraction.  Ultimately in 2020 a local family came to the rescue and bailed out the museum purchasing it out of bankruptcy so its continuation seems assured. 

When the Space Shuttles were retired and "up for grabs" to museums, Evergreen threw their hat in that ring.  While hopeful, it didn't seem probable.  The museum size too small, location too remote, and should the worst have happened financially, it wouldn't be possible to disassemble an orbiter to move it without destroying it (no way of removing a wing and then later replacing the thousands of tiles in the correct place), so they needed well funded and stable homes.  Also, the Shuttle Carrier 747 aircraft could probably not have been able to land safely on 5,400 feet of runway, so transport to Mac was not practical.  In the end I think it was the right decision to pass Evergreen over for that, but it is nice that they got an STA which was so integral to the entire program.

In the pic above, the 747 was brought in to Mac airport across the highway (video below).  While a municipal airport with no control tower (the flight service station is there) it has 5,400 feet of runway, enough for a lightly loaded 747 to land safely.  There it was stripped of remaining valuable gear, the engines removed from the nacelles and drained of all fluids.  It was also modded to accept the tubes that can be seen emanating from the side of the fuselage aft of the wings.  Those are water slides kids take from the plane down in to the swimming pool, below.  The plane was placed on its support structure (video below) and then finally the pool and building were constructed beneath it.  It is quite a sight, for sure. 

A C-47 in "Invasion Stripes" watches over the main entrance

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The Spruce Goose is directly behind the glass - unfortunately the glare makes it impossible for the camera to capture it.  Its wingspan is more than a 747, though there are larger aircraft.  Still, particularly for something with a structure of wood, it is immense.  It's worth a go if you make it to this part of the world.  Other links, below 

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evergreen_International_Aviation

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evergreen_Aviation_%26_Space_Museum

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijioFRUeHfE

Waterslide 747 final landing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0l5O9XiSBQ

Hoisting 747 in to place (this looks sketchy to me - like it could be in one of those epic fail videos where the cranes fall over . . . but they got it). 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3i-3rv_6ss

Great story and photos, @Cogswell !!  Thanks for sharing them here.  Would love to see the Spruce Goose in person someday.

If you didn't know the story and just saw that photo of the 747, you might think, "Wow!!  That 747 is flying way too low and close to that building for its landing!  :laugh:

I can vouch that the museum in Dayton is amazing.  Just unbelievable, really.  If you ever go to visit it, plan on spending pretty much the whole day there.

There's a small air museum near Canton called MAPS.  I've been meaning to go there for a few years.  Maybe I'll get around to it this fall.

That ferry crossing reminds me of one closer to home, which crosses the Ohio River from Fly, OH, to Sistersville, WV.  I've been on it once.  I think it's a little smaller than the one in your photos.  It feels quite odd standing next to your motorcycle on a small platform crossing the river.  You can get to a good bridge in either direction in both states, but crossing on that small ferry is something everything should do at least once.

There are a couple of pieces of info I need to add, just for the record.  

Evergreen's bankruptcy is due solely to Del Smith's financial management.  He had great successes, but never used the opportunity to pay off debt.  His risk management of the company and the fact that he was a gunslinger of the first degree is what bankrupted the company.  He never saw an opportunity he could say no to.  

There were some financial irregularities between Smith and the museum, but it wasn't nearly what people thought.  Smith personally financed the museums since the beginning.  At the end of Evergreen Airlines, Smith decided to pull back some of the funds he had recently donated.  While that is certainly not acceptable, it isn't the criminal conspiracy it was originally portrayed to be. 

Bill Stoller, a local business man (see Express Personnel) and wine guy bought both the air and space museums (in separate transactions) and has stated his intent to leave an endowment with enough money so the museums can last for hundreds of years.  He needs to - they lose money, as many flight museums do.  

Del Smith had a great thing going with the museums.  There were always 30-40 retired guys who would work on them for free.  Smith would contact the military and ask for a plane.  He would get the response "fly one of your 747's down to Davis Monthan, pick one out and fly it back.  We'll call it a loan".  The volunteers would then restore it and put it in one of the museums.  

In my opinion, the coolest plane out there isn't the Spruce Goose, it is the SR-71.  You can actually touch it.  

7 hours ago, Oregonian

There are a couple of pieces of info I need to add, just for the record.  

Evergreen's bankruptcy is due solely to Del Smith's financial management.  He had great successes, but never used the opportunity to pay off debt.  His risk management of the company and the fact that he was a gunslinger of the first degree is what bankrupted the company.  He never saw an opportunity he could say no to.  

There were some financial irregularities between Smith and the museum, but it wasn't nearly what people thought.  Smith personally financed the museums since the beginning.  At the end of Evergreen Airlines, Smith decided to pull back some of the funds he had recently donated.  While that is certainly not acceptable, it isn't the criminal conspiracy it was originally portrayed to be. 

Bill Stoller, a local business man (see Express Personnel) and wine guy bought both the air and space museums (in separate transactions) and has stated his intent to leave an endowment with enough money so the museums can last for hundreds of years.  He needs to - they lose money, as many flight museums do.  

Del Smith had a great thing going with the museums.  There were always 30-40 retired guys who would work on them for free.  Smith would contact the military and ask for a plane.  He would get the response "fly one of your 747's down to Davis Monthan, pick one out and fly it back.  We'll call it a loan".  The volunteers would then restore it and put it in one of the museums.  

In my opinion, the coolest plane out there isn't the Spruce Goose, it is the SR-71.  You can actually touch it.  

Before his death Smith did a lot for the community - it's too bad it ended the way it did.  Entrepreneurs usually have that streak of risk taking in them,  otherwise they'd never get things going. It's a delicate balance.  

No doubt about museums losing money. I  was involved with the Wilsonville car museum before it folded.  It was a great place too, but like Evergreen, a bottomless pit for cash. Too bad it didn't make it.  

My little helper to cut some plumbing pipe!

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there were hints that evergreen had cia connections and did alot of work for them, possibly a front company for the agency.

It was a known fact that Evergreen did CIA work.  Cogswell is right - Evergreen got the Shah out of Iran during the revolution.  The company would not talk about the CIA work ever, but retirees did.  One of my favorite coincidences was the B-17 bomber Evergreen owned was once operated by the CIA.  It was painted black and the volunteer restorers had a good time finding all kinds of CIA add on pieces.  Evergreen's ownership of the B-17 is what led to the ownership of the Spruce Goose.  Evergreen leased the B-17 out to Disney for movie production.  That led to a relationship between the two companies that put Evergreen as the favorite by the Disney executive for buyer of the Spruce Goose.  There wasn't much competition to buy it frankly - no one else had a plan for moving it safely.  Evergreen caught big heat from Disney after the move for letting it sit under temporary structures while waiting for the museum to be built.  I got to go on the flight deck one summer when it was still in disassembled status.  It was great to see and experience, except for the 135 degree heat in on the deck.  

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Cogswell, 9/14/2021 at 9:39 PM

Yes, sir!  NASA's term for it is "Shuttle Training Aircraft" (STA).  It's a modified G II (honorable mention to Danno for correctly identifying the make).  It has several mods to make it able to fly the speed and glide slope of the orbiters.  That was part of the hint about the missing thrust reverser (the other side was still in place) - the lockouts were disabled so that they could be deployed in flight.  Also, the main landing gear could be extended without the nose gear (photo, below) to increase drag to simulate the orbiter's life to drag ratio.  The commander's left side cockpit was changed to CRT displays, a joystick control and a heads up display similar to the Shuttle while the right seat retained the stock Gulfstream configuration.  They apparently had 4 of these with a 5th that was very similar but not exactly the same.  They often / always? flew simulated approaches prior to launch to assess winds, visibility etc should an RTLS abort be needed (which fortunately never was!).   Almost certainly every commander / pilot that flew the orbiters practiced in these planes.  I wish this thing could talk - I'm sure it has many stories to tell.  It's now housed at the Evergreen Museum in McMinnville, Oregon - about 30 minutes from home.  More on that (and photos), later.  Well done, Grum! 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shuttle_Training_Aircraft

Photo showing tail number

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Photo of it in flight

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This in-flight photo was taken over White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico.  NASA has the White Sands Space Harbor there where the pilots would do touch and go's on its really long runway.  As an Air Force Firefighter I worked there in '92, '96, and 2007.  We would be on standby there while they practiced approaches for 3 or 4 hours at a time.  This runway was also the tertiary (third) official landing strip for the actual shuttle.  We had to stand by for that as well whenever it went up.  I went through a training course on how to gain entry and power down the Shuttle and extract the aircrew if it landed there under emergency conditions.  Good memories.

Southern BRP, 6th gens and bicyclist.

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Different strokes for different spokes.

I parked at the entrance of Welch Village Ski Area for a hydration break.

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Terry, 7/28/2021 at 11:30 PM

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Hope that is better. 

amazing pic, does look like a good painting.

Cogswell, 9/15/2021 at 3:39 AM

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Speaking of space shuttle.....i have an early Shuttle Operator's Manual should anyone get stuck up there and need some assistance.... Lol.   :)

Grum, 9/15/2021 at 4:30 AM

Shucks thanks Coggs. And my prize as promised. I'm happy to cover the delivery costs to Auz!  :beer: .

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Scrolling down slowly this made me jump... thought it was mine for a mo!!  haha 

 A prize if you know what it is immediately... ..no cheating![image: 1163826171_COPYOFP1010559.thumb.JPG.becdb6097dc5d25491ba60c512925dcd.JPG]

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3 hours ago, Bluehawk

Scrolling down slowly this made me jump... thought it was mine for a mo!!  haha 

 A prize if you know what it is immediately... ..no cheating![image: 1163826171_COPYOFP1010559.thumb.JPG.becdb6097dc5d25491ba60c512925dcd.JPG]

1100XX  Blackbird

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this photo from the exact location where part of " Raising Arizona" was filmed, the site of Hi's trailer, the guy in my avatar.

10 hours ago, squirrelman

this photo from the exact location where part of " Raising Arizona" was filmed,

Here's another movie shot...   :laugh:

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14 hours ago, flya750

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Well done. Very sharp picture at...9,300 rp's!  I thought it was a slow 20-30 initially, cos it was so sharp. Is it a GoPro at 1080p?

14 hours ago, Cogswell

1100XX  Blackbird

Trust you to know! 🙄 Haha. Give the newbies a chance. What d'ya fancy as a prize? Grum was doing shipping cost, i'm thinking more a key ring! This is Scotland ya know. 😜 🤣

Black pudding supper?  :laugh:

Stornaway ofcourse!

3 hours ago, Bluehawk

Well done. Very sharp picture at...9,300 rp's!  I thought it was a slow 20-30 initially, cos it was so sharp. Is it a GoPro at 1080p?

Gopro Hero 9 Black, 4k/30fps, VFRD headers make ripping triple easy peasy...

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Taken last week during our yearly motorcycle trip to the land of twisties.

Bluehawk, 10/2/2021 at 10:09 AM

Trust you to know! 🙄 Haha. Give the newbies a chance. What d'ya fancy as a prize? Grum was doing shipping cost, i'm thinking more a key ring! This is Scotland ya know. 😜 🤣

Reflex - if I didn't have a VFR I would have a 'Bird.  There is one for sale about 3 hours from me in Candy Red - it's taking all my willpower to tell myself "no" . . .

Given the distance and postage, what say we donate some or all the postage it would cost to the website? I'll match it (up to a reasonable amount . . .  :wink: ).   Everyone would benefit!  :biggrin:

After several months of nothing but unpacking, cleaning and home-improvements, I finally made it out for ride! Went up past Canyon Lake to Tortilla Flat this last Sunday!

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^^^  great road going there, lotsa curves, no guardrails over thousand foot dropoffs.

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Playin' in the mountains on my ZX9R Ninja.[image: ninjafall01-jpg.31072]

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Couple of my other motorcycles.

Taken a break earlier this spring 2020. 1989 XL600V Transalp. Below, last fall taken a break 2019. 2015 Kawasaki KLR650.

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Next mountain bike...about 40% complete.

2021 Specialized Enduro, stretched to 180mm travel at both ends.  Big wheel downhill trail smasher. 😎

Cheated on the VFR, Tracer GT fall tour...

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GREAT ass.... tailsection!!!

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9 hours ago, slo1

Cheated on the VFR, Tracer GT fall tour...

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Red Canyon?

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Cogswell, 10/14/2021 at 6:33 AM

Red Canyon?

Yep, plus much more. Ogden to Cedar City the back way, 1100 twisty miles in 3 days.

Hwy 36, Fairview-Huntington, Hwy 72, Hwy 12, Cedar Breaks, etc....

Utah! My absolute favorite place to ride.

I've ridden:

US 191 south from I-80 to west-bound 95 south of Blanding to Glen Canyon NRA back up (north-bound) to Blanding then west-bound on 12. Then south on 89 and west on on 9 at Mt Carmel Junction brings one into Zion NP. Jaw-dropping scenery!

I've explored the dirt trailes west of Ceder City passing by Brian's Head.

Makes the case for So Many Roads - So Little Time.

I haven't watched their videos in a while, but there is a car YouTuber channel called "Everyday Driver," with two guys based in Utah.  They often drive canyon roads in Utah in the cars they're reviewing, and the scenery is just amazing.  I hope to get out west someday.  Maybe a few times!

Southern Utah / Grand Canyon is truly epic.  The whole time I felt like I could have been the Road Runner being chased by the Coyote . . .

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First red surfboard I have ever owned, an 8'0" CJ Nelson Outlier.  I have the 9'9" Parallax which is the big version of this and wanted the mid length one.  Next to it are my 8'0" HI Moe and 7'10" Mid 6.

They also had a yellow one, but we all know VFRD tests have proven #redisthefastestcolor

ShipFixer, 10/13/2021 at 11:29 PM

Next mountain bike...about 40% complete.

2021 Specialized Enduro, stretched to 180mm travel at both ends.  Big wheel downhill trail smasher. 😎

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I could use this weapon here in the Northeast! 

While I was on the roof, I noticed my fleet looking good in front of the garage, so I had to take a picture! 

Cogswell, 10/15/2021 at 7:37 PM

Southern Utah / Grand Canyon is truly epic.  The whole time I felt like I could have been the Road Runner being chased by the Coyote . . .

A good friend of mine and I used to ride mountain bikes in Moab Utah a lot in the mid '90s. Back when Moab was just beginning to be noticed as a place to ride MTBs. Wish I had pictures of a trail called High Anxiety Overview.  1,200ft to the canyon floor from the rim. What a cool place to ride MTBs.

My brother in law just got back from an epic riding trip in Moab. He drove out to pick up a camping trailer, and ended up hiring a guide for a few days. The pictures speak for themselves...

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9 hours ago, Wald

While I was on the roof, I noticed my fleet looking good in front of the garage, so I had to take a picture! 

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Mmmm… I like the 919. A LOT!

Hi Calculon, it is close but this is a 599 hornet (a Honda made in Italy!) I would like the 919 engine better but the 599 looks better (imho)

Anti-theft device on my gen 6: [image: 1832884108_anittheft.thumb.jpg.4326112e65a732cc44e86911d18a3c31.jpg]

Honda have a display of current products in the lobby of their corporate headquarters in Aoyama that is open to the public. Fortunately we arrived 15 minutes before closing (glass half full point of view, 15 minutes after closing would have been worse...) . The exhaust was there to handle, it was virtually weightless. They also had a Toro Rosso F1 car in there. Late 2018.

ShipFixer, 10/23/2021 at 7:16 PM

They also had a yellow one, but we all know VFRD tests have proven #redisthefastestcolor

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Red is the fastest color Shipfixer! To add to your socal surf vibe, here's a red Interceptor I spotted in Carlsbad yesterday:

7 minutes ago, St. Stephen

Red is the fastest color Shipfixer! To add to your socal surf vibe, here's a red Interceptor I spotted in Carlsbad yesterday:

[image: 62AD3DB8-22E4-43E6-A426-0AF4BB6236D3.jpeg]

Looks like the engine went to lunch! (Lol)

Wald, 10/24/2021 at 8:29 AM

While I was on the roof, I noticed my fleet looking good in front of the garage, so I had to take a picture! 

When I was just getting into riding, I was really drawn to the 599 and 919, and I still like them.  But the exhaust placement looked like it would prevent being able to strap anything down to the rear seat, which is a deal-breaker for me.  I've always thought the 599 would be a terrific commuter bike, as long as you could get away with just using a backpack.

Kinda of a an older favorite photo.... riding with my sport bike guys, we followed the trail down to the New River, West Virginia.... 

I like this photo because of the huge scale of the bridge.... if you look at the upper left hand corner, you can make out a 18 wheel truck...... its still mind boggling... 

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These were screengrabs from my phone. Man it is impressive that you can just pull a high quality picture off of a phone recording.

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TimC, 10/25/2021 at 4:32 PM

When I was just getting into riding, I was really drawn to the 599 and 919, and I still like them.  But the exhaust placement looked like it would prevent being able to strap anything down to the rear seat, which is a deal-breaker for me.  I've always thought the 599 would be a terrific commuter bike, as long as you could get away with just using a backpack.

@TimC, actually, the 599 has movable hooks under the seat (in the seat) which you can move outwards and attach a cargo net or straps to it (to secure things in the seat). I found that out after I removed the seat and was wondering what these strange features in the bottom side of the seat were. I do not use these but good to know that I could if I needed to.

The weird thing is that I never liked the looks of side cases on bikes. When I was touring long distance in the 80ties, I mostly had a expandable 35 Liter (over 7 gallon) tank bag in front of me and a roll on the passenger seat. It was not the most convenient way to travel but being young and ..... back than, well.

Had the bikes all together on the drive, so I thought I would take a family portrait (iPhone 6 snapshot actually) .

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Trip to the Pawnee Buttes in the Pawnee National Grasslands in North Central Colorado a week ago.

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Heading north after fueling up. Longs Peak in the background with a dusting of snow.

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The mountains looked a little too cold that day so I guess it was a good time to stay on the plains. 

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After looking through the others posted so far I was reminded of a few more. 

The white car was abandoned on a curvy road. Not the first time we've run across something like this at speed. 

The skinny road caused us to stop and lean into the dirt wall to let a bus hauling tubing stuff past!

VFR sighting. My friend John while I rode his wife's F3 when visiting them in CA. Snow!

Threading through the redwoods. Amazing memory. 

A very special Ducati. 

this is my sweet little prairie dog, and he insists upon sleeping next to me in bed every night.

For those in the northern hemisphere who are thinking more about Stabil than trip routes, battery tenders rather than  new rubber, and seeing snow flakes, these were taken for you. This morning.  

😎

9 hours ago, Kbear

Trip to the Pawnee Buttes in the Pawnee National Grasslands Monument in North Central Colorado a week ago.

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Heading north after fueling up. Longs Peak in the background with a dusting of snow.

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The mountains looked a little too cold that day so I guess it was a good time to stay on the plains. 

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dija see any prairie dogs ??

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17 minutes ago, St. Stephen

For those in the northern hemisphere who are thinking more about Stabil than trip routes, battery tenders rather than  new rubber, and seeing snow flakes, these were taken for you. This morning.  

😎

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You had to rub the Snow thing in.

🙂

2 minutes ago, FromMaine

You had to rub the Snow thing in.

🙂

Haha, guilty as charged! But, believe me, I've paid my dues.

6 minutes ago, St. Stephen

Haha, guilty as charged! But, believe me, I've paid my dues.

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What can I say, you would fit right in here in Mid Coast Maine.

Me and the other Sport Bike rider in the State could use the company..🍺

Thanks, refreshing 28 deg this morning in CT. After the last two days of riding, I am thinking about heated gloves or maybe hand guards on the bars (it will probably be the weirdest thing seen on a VFR)

46 minutes ago, squirrelman

dija see any prairie dogs ??

Yes, I did. Along with a few skunks a deer, and a racoon all dead in or on the side of the road.

42 minutes ago, St. Stephen

For those in the northern hemisphere who are thinking more about Stabil than trip routes, battery tenders rather than  new rubber, and seeing snow flakes, these were taken for you. This morning.  

😎

My initial thought was Coleman looking towards Salmon Creek, but on closer inspection Jenner??

Nice day for a scoot on the Sonoma Coast. If you make it out Occidental, grab a hot dog for me at Altamont General Store.

Who doesn't love pickled pineapple on their hotdog?

1 hour ago, St. Stephen

For those in the northern hemisphere who are thinking more about Stabil than trip routes, battery tenders rather than  new rubber, and seeing snow flakes, these were taken for you. This morning.  

😎

[image: IMG_6741.JPG]

[image: IMG_6743.JPG]

That would be why a dump of a house is a million bucks around here.....

Great shots, St. S, weems like years since I've up the coast near Jenner - 'cause it has. No trip for me since '19.

Btw, I remember a good bakery/deli in Tomales, about 25 miles down the road from your photos, that I hope to stop by next summer.

58 minutes ago, St. Stephen

For those in the northern hemisphere who are thinking more about Stabil than trip routes, battery tenders rather than  new rubber, and seeing snow flakes, these were taken for you. This morning.  

😎

[image: IMG_6743.JPG]

46 minutes ago, Wald

Thanks, refreshing 28 deg this morning in CT. After the last two days of riding, I am thinking about heated gloves or maybe hand guards on the bars (it will probably be the weirdest thing seen on a VFR)

After settling in NC from MA, I sold all of my heated gear!

1 hour ago, Tirso

My initial thought was Coleman looking towards Salmon Creek, but on closer inspection Jenner??

Nice day for a scoot on the Sonoma Coast. If you make it out Occidental, grab a hot dog for me at Altamont General Store.

Who doesn't love pickled pineapple on their hotdog?

Pickled pineapple?? Never! Uggh

Top shot is looking north (obviously) about a half mile north of Salmon Creek, good call. But yes, 2nd shot is looking south to the Russian River mouth at Jenner.

1 hour ago, RC1237V

That would be why a dump of a house is a million bucks around here.....

But they are all falling into the Pacific!

1 hour ago, Lorne

Great shots, St. S, weems like years since I've up the coast near Jenner - 'cause it has. No trip for me since '19.

Btw, I remember a good bakery/deli in Tomales, about 25 miles down the road from your photos, that I hope to stop by next summer.

Rt. 1 Bakery in Tomales is still there, rode by it today. Open Th-Sun. Great pizzas!

Lorne, me too, so few miles the last 18 months, hope to make up for it soon. 

And because this is Cog's thread, here's a pic from Oregon, Suavie Island, 2014:

22 hours ago, St. Stephen

Store.

Who doesn't love pickled pineapple on their hotdog?

Never tried it (well, was never exposed to) but it sounds very interesting. Now, I need to find pickled pineapples! 

23 hours ago, bmart

After settling in NC from MA, I sold all of my heated gear!

LOL, I should have bought it from you!

To take my mind of the gloom of late fall, how about a show & tell about ferry travel?

Living on a (largish) island necessitates a ferry trip anytime I head off for a trip. Mostly I take the MV Coho from Victoria, BC to Port Angeles, Washington. That route is more convenient when I head to America, but the journey via BC Ferries to mainland BC at Tsawassen is more scenic.

The Coho is the smallest of the ferries I travel on; 340 feet long and carries 110 cars & 1,000 passengers & crew. BC Ferries' Spirit & Coastal class vessels are over 500 feet in length, and carry up to 350 cars and 1,600-2,000 passengers & crew.

MV Coho leaving Victoria harbour:

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Looking northwest to Vancouver from the retired Queen of Saanich:

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nearing Tsawassen ferry terminal aboard Spirit of BC, with the Coastal Celebration and Queen of New Westminster (sister to Queen of Saanich) docked in the background:

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looking back towards Vancouver as we enter Active Pass between Galiano Island on the left(north) and Mayne Island to the right:

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A somewhat shorter 8km ferry ride to Magnetic Island off Townsville. I had an argument with the loader because he was pissed off that I didn’t park where he told me too next to the railing (I was worried that the wind would whip up the salt water as the waves hit the side of the ferry, as it turned out I needn’t have worried no spray at all) He kept going on about balancing the ferry and he was the boss ect ect, he actually threatened to refuse me return passage.

The ferry isn’t that small, there was a passenger who I think weighed more than my bike who was walking around quite freely without capsizing the boat.[image: 0A2EF25E-806E-49C9-B32F-3391F2976A86.jpeg.9d664f6505591270845ee5e1f2b313a6.jpeg][image: 6669A877-5482-48C0-83DF-88764410336E.thumb.jpeg.8b78ca8fed7c0a0d6afb7dc93f6a27da.jpeg]

Although I too live on an island, it is a decent size at 113,000 square km (thanks Google). My ferry journeys have been limited to a harbour crossing to Waiheke Island with my scooter (and wife). Waiheke is in one of Auckland's harbours (the Waitemata) and full of vineyards, holiday homes and rich pricks (apologies to anyone here who lives there). You get there on what can only be described as a landing craft, with a lowering bow door that grinds up onto a ramp at each end. The Vespa was a blast two-up on dirt roads!

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Other short crossings have been in the Bay of Islands at Opua; a very short hop that avoids a tortuous coastal road, actually a fabulous ride on a bike if you have the time/energy. The ferry is as small as it looks but the journey is only 10 minutes.

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Not too far from there is the Hokianga Harbour, and there is another small ferry crossing from Rawene to Kohukohu. This one also cuts out a very windy coastal road. I crossed this one on a big day return trip to Cape Reinga; it was nice to take a short break. 

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The biggest ferry crossing here is between the two main islands of New Zealand, between the imaginatively-named North Island and (wait for it) the equally creative South Island. Not far as the crow flies, but 3-odd hours in a large ferry that also hauls freight trucks and railway wagons. Getting on this ferry is very exciting for a northerner like me, as the South Island is a bit larger, much emptier, and geographically wild, which means mountains and rivers unlike the North, and epic, epic riding. They insist that you tie the bike down well, the crossing over the Cook Strait can be very wild indeed. In 1969 a similar-sized ferry ran aground and capsized in a storm with significant loss of life...

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Love to hear about your trips on the ferry, but that looks too cold for me! I want 85F and humid every day. 

Speaking of ferries... I used to take one to S.F. for work... about 60-minutes. Much better than 2.5-hr commute by car.

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The only large car ferry I've been on was the one from South Baymouth to Tobermory, Ontario.  I was doing my tour around Lake Huron and decided to take the ferry instead of riding around Georgian Bay.  Between getting to the terminal early to assure I'd have a spot, waiting for the ferry, the 2-hour trip, and disembarking, I probably didn't save that much time.  But it was nice to relax on the boat, get some rest during a long day of riding, and get a hot meal onboard.  This boat had a full kitchen and even a gift shop.  The day was overcast and the trip across the water was cool and misty.  Really neat experience.  I included a few photos below.

This was the first time I ever had to tie my VFR down, and all they had was some twine rope.  I was a little worried but it was fine.  The water was fairly calm and the boat was very steady.  But after that episode I bought a set of decent tie-downs in case I ever need to take a ferry like that again on a tour.

Two other car ferries I've been on (sorry, no photos):

• There's a small ferry that crosses the Ohio River between Fly, OH, and Sistersville, WV.  It fits several cars.  I've been on it once or twice.  It's a very short ride, is pretty cheap, and does save some time traveling further to one of the bridges that cross the river.  But mostly it's just kind of cool to be sitting on or standing next to your motorcycle on a floating platform in the middle of a large river.  I almost took the ferry just for the fun of it during my last SE Ohio ride, but decided to skip it.  Maybe next spring.
• Kanadian Ken and I took a very small ferry from Ontario to NY state during a tour around Lake Ontario.   It was tiny.  I can't remember where it was exactly, but it was on the NE side of the lake and saved us a bunch of time vs. riding east to the next bridge to cross over.  It's a very short ride.  When you get to the other side, as soon as you roll off the boat you're basically at the border patrol shack.  What made this crossing more memorable for me was how much of a prick the US Border was, the first and last time that's happened to me.

What do these ferries cost? I've been on large boats only a few times. 

Lots of great replies & photos. The map below shows the routes I use, with Vancouver and Seattle also highlighted to get your bearings.

Terry: at 31,000 sq km, Vancouver Island is about one quarter the area

BC Ferries have wooden blocks to prop your bike - but no tie-downs, at least on the routes I use.

Black Ball Ferry's MV Coho offers rope to tie your bike up - weird, I know.

Both routes are around 25 mi/44 km and 90 minute voyages, though only the Coho is an international trip. They both cost about the same: US$38 / Cdn$49.

The Coho sails for 2 to 4 round trips per day, while BC Ferries run 2 vessels totalling 16 round trips per day.

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Lake Champlain, leaving Burlington VT. My riding buddy Markus is the hat and sunglasses in front of my 6th gen, and his FJR (I think, he changed bikes frequently). The blue bike in front is some v-twin, can't quite make out the brand...

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P.S. I have taken the Peel Ferry on my VFR a half dozen times. Double points to anyone on VFRD who can identify where the hell it is. (it is in the lower 48)

Some really great content ^^^.

I seem to be at one of the "we don't give a rip about the virus" employers, so it's been back to the office  . . . we do have a great view of the a.m. sunrises tho. Here are two taken recently,  15 to 20 mins apart. Mt Hood in view, looking East.[image: 20211117_065859.thumb.jpg.c9abec648c9042bdc1696a874049d7eb.jpg]

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Ferry to S.F. was U$18,50 one-way. I got monthly pass for U$335. Ends up about same as commuting

- $6 bridge toll across Bay Bridge or Golden Gate Bridge

- $5 bridge toll back to North Bay

- $10 petrol/car-maintenace

Ferry is more relaxing, has food, and has nice views along way. 

Richmond-San Rafael bridge

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Bay Bridge to Oakland

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Two Brothers islands

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I lived in Bremerton, WA, across Puget Sound from Seattle for a couple years.  Lived as close to the ferry terminal as I could so I could pretend like I lived in Seattle.  Hated the "not really being in the city" part but yeah, the amenities onboard aren't bad:

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Here was my other ride through Puget Sound:

1 hour ago, ShipFixer

Here was my other ride through Puget Sound:

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looks like you could unload lots of vehicles very quickly with that system...

19 hours ago, ShipFixer

I lived in Bremerton, WA, across Puget Sound from Seattle for a couple years.  Lived as close to the ferry terminal as I could so I could pretend like I lived in Seattle.  Hated the "not really being in the city" part but yeah, the amenities onboard aren't bad:

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Here was my other ride through Puget Sound:

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I lived in Seattle and later in Pouslbo for a while.  Loved Pouslbo, but don't miss Seattle for a second. It has unfortunately gone downhill badly in recent years.  The scenery around Puget Sound is beautiful.  The sight of a carrier transiting is indeed impressive . . . 

3 hours ago, ShipFixer

I lived in Bremerton, WA, across Puget Sound from Seattle for a couple years. 

Here was my other ride through Puget Sound:

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Bremerton, you say. In March '93 I took my new-to-me '91 VFR750 on its maiden voyage and stopped by the Navy yard in Bremerton. Seems like a million years ago...

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15 hours ago, Lorne

Bremerton, you say. In March '93 I took my new-to-me '91 VFR750 on its maiden voyage and stopped by the Navy yard in Bremerton. Seems like a million years ago...

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That was a great stop  to see the two battleships side by side - such an impressive sight.  Sad we'll never see that again.  Was the closer of the two the Missouri,  or was it gone then?   The bow doesn't look quite right to be BB63, but clearly the New Jersey is in the background. 

Another pic of my VFR taken definitely shows an aircraft carrier. This pic from the Library of Congress shows the Hornet, CVS-12 beside a battleship. Sure looks like it could be the one in my photo.

Definitely impressive vessels when you are that close to them.

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Floating cities. Awesome, and thanks to those who serve on them for us. 

My nephew over yesterday for Thanksgiving, he looks ready right. 🙂

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2 hours ago, VifferJ

My nephew over yesterday for Thanksgiving, he looks ready right. 🙂

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I seem to remember this little guy from other photos . . . reminds me of my avatar!   :wheel:

My arms are all stretched like that when I accelerate on the two-fitty. 😛

2 hours ago, Cogswell

I seem to remember this little guy from other photos . . . reminds me of my avatar!   :wheel:

Good memory, yep he's getting bigger each year, he couldn't keep his hands on the grips and feet touching the pegs just a couple years ago.  

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Terry, 11/25/2021 at 3:28 PM

looks like you could unload lots of vehicles very quickly with that system...

Fact!

9 hours ago, Lorne

Another pic of my VFR taken definitely shows an aircraft carrier. This pic from the Library of Congress shows the Hornet, CVS-12 beside a battleship. Sure looks like it could be the one in my photo.

Definitely impressive vessels when you are that close to them.

Definitely ex-HORNET.  ex-KITTY HAWK was in that berth the last few years.  We pulled a few parts off of KHAWK before she was hauled to Brownsville.

I lived there during my motorcycle hiatus, but sure wish I'd had a VFR on the peninsula!

Cogswell, 11/25/2021 at 5:32 PM

I lived in Seattle and later in Pouslbo for a while.  Loved Pouslbo, but don't miss Seattle for a second. It has unfortunately gone downhill badly in recent years.  The scenery around Puget Sound is beautiful.  The sight of a carrier transiting is indeed impressive . . . 

Well...I wasn't there for the riots or looting...

10 hours ago, VifferJ

Good memory, yep he's getting bigger each year, he couldn't keep his hands on the grips and feet touching the pegs just a couple years ago.  

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Our son (21 now) never showed any interest in getting his mc drivers licence.

Or car licence for that matter. As a student he has free public tranporr (and 2 bicycles  :laugh: )

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2016, on my "Ace of Spade Baltic Tour"

Stockholm to Turku

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Helsinki to Tallinn

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I couple of days later I was ferried (in the back of an ambulance) to Panevėžys, Lithuania... 🙂

Looks lovely. 

We went and cut the Christmas tree this morning, it's drying in the garage, I'm tempted to put the lights on it where it is and bow's on the bikes lol 

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  4 peaks in the background

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location where part of "raising arizona" was filmed

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10 years ago, kenny (foreground), douglasthecook (background) and yours truly rode to Mugello to watch the MotoGP and the Dolomites. Good memories! Our first stop was in the smallest village possible with only three houses and a chapel.

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11 hours ago, squirrelman

  4 peaks in the background

Nice job on the Hawk. 

19 hours ago, VifferJ

We went and cut the Christmas tree this morning, it's drying in the garage, I'm tempted to put the lights on it where it is and bow's on the bikes lol 

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Now that's a Christmas tree . . . 5 bikes under it!!

15 hours ago, squirrelman

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  4 peaks in the background

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location where part of "raising arizona" was filmed

Love the 4 peaks pic - beautiful bike posed with a gnarly saguaro . . .

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6 hours ago, Cogswell

Love the 4 peaks pic - beautiful bike posed with a gnarly saguaro . . .

thanks, the original photo print is even better. and the lighting conditions were perfect for that shot. the copy cut off most of the peaks, which are fully shown on the original photo.

VifferJ, 11/27/2021 at 4:51 PM

We went and cut the Christmas tree this morning, it's drying in the garage, I'm tempted to put the lights on it where it is and bow's on the bikes lol 

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Speaking of Bows.

This is my wife's subtle reminder that............................

A. Christmas is coming up soon.

B. We live in Maine.

C. And I quote "So, how's riding in the snow going for ya?"

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'92 ZX-7 i usta own

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white hawk i usta own

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VTR250 that i ride alot

VifferJ, 11/27/2021 at 2:51 PM

We went and cut the Christmas tree this morning, it's drying in the garage, I'm tempted to put the lights on it where it is and bow's on the bikes lol 

Any way to get one of your motorcycles in the living room? There you could place all that cool Christmas deco on it! 😂

Drones are just a blessing for people who like to take photos of nature and landscapes. I love photography, and for me, it is a massive part of my life and interests. I recently decided to do this professionally because it is best to monetize what you like to do. In a couple of years, I will already get a stable reputation and gain enough experience in professional filming. So far, I'm just gaining knowledge and just enjoying what I'm doing. I recently started studying various articles on photo processing; I read how to make symmetry in photography, which is essential when you're taking pictures with professional equipment. Good luck to you; maybe one day our drones will meet in the air

16 hours ago, squirrelman

VTR250 that i ride alot

Those rock. I had three of them. I don't think that I've ridden a "real" motorcycle that was more nimble. 

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33 minutes ago, bmart

Those rock. I had three of them. I don't think that I've ridden a "real" motorcycle that was more nimbler. 

I raised the seat on mine for some legroom.[image: IMG_0698.thumb.JPG.de2dcf9ac272d7364442460eb69f225c.JPG]

 alot of riders wouldn't get what a 250 VFR is all about, but you do ! i've also had 3.

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42 minutes ago, squirrelman

 alot of riders wouldn't get what a 250 VFR is all about, but you do ! i've also had 3.

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Squirrel steepened the steering head angle to make it even more nimble.

^^^  quite observant, as usual.  i bought that bike knowing it had been pranged up front, and after i got it running right and rode it around for  awhile, sold it quickly.

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I've always wanted an RC51..  :cool:

Do it!

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Lorne, 11/26/2021 at 5:23 PM

Another pic of my VFR taken definitely shows an aircraft carrier. This pic from the Library of Congress shows the Hornet, CVS-12 beside a battleship. Sure looks like it could be the one in my photo.

Definitely impressive vessels when you are that close to them.

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Hornet was a key ship in the battle for the Pacific esp. at Midway Island.

VifferJ, 12/5/2021 at 6:52 PM

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I poked around and found an NR ornament on Amazon, its waiting for me in my mailbox.  I don't have a tree but figured I should grab it.

I still have a Tamiya kit of the NR waiting to be assembled......  bodywork part already painted red.....

MaxSwell, 12/9/2021 at 3:13 PM

Hornet was a key ship in the battle for the Pacific esp. at Midway Island.

Hornet was also the launching point for the 1942  B-25 doolittle raid on tokyo, the first us bombing of japan.

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