FJowners.com

2018 marks the 2nd annual RPM Fall Rally. It will be hosted based out of the RPM facilities on Oct 5-7th.

Friday will be the ride-in day/night and the ride day will be Saturday.

Based on previous years, we are going to host a small manshed day on Sunday for those who would like to make minor repairs & adjustments.

This weekend is again followed by a legal holiday on Monday the 8th. That will allow some an extra day off for some to travel home.

There are several lodging choices in the same basic distance from the shop. There are couple of others that are significantly farther away and would be an extended walk if you are leaving your FJ at the shop.
https://tinyurl.com/y7whjblk

I will have more details as the time gets closer.

I look forward to seeing everyone.

Randy - RPM

Count me in!

Starting the list of attendees. I've been told by the following they will be attending.

Please add your name below if you are planning on attending.

ZOA NOM- Rick
Mike Ramos
Capn' Ron
The General - Doug
Flynt - Frank & Diane

Just bumping this up to the forefront.

We are now two months away and are beginning the planning for the event.

Please add your name if you are planning on coming.

Randy - RPM

Count me in!

Updating the list.

Randy - RPM

ATTENDING:
Randy/Chandra
Robert/Jamie
Ryan/Cambry
ZOA NOM- Rick
Mike Ramos
Capn' Ron
The General - Doug
Ryan Schoebel

POSSIBLE:
Flynt - Frank & Diane

ATTENDING:
Randy/Chandra
Robert/Jamie
Ryan/Cambry
ZOA NOM- Rick
Mike Ramos
Capn' Ron
The General - Doug
Ryan Schoebel
FJMonkey - Mark

POSSIBLE:
Flynt - Frank & Diane

ATTENDING:
Randy/Chandra
Robert/Jamie
Ryan/Cambry
ZOA NOM- Rick
Mike Ramos
Capn' Ron
The General - Doug
Ryan Schoebel
FJMonkey - Mark
Andyoutandabout


POSSIBLE:
Flynt - Frank & Diane

Come on the Sacramento posse, get those names down

ATTENDING:
Randy/Chandra
Robert/Jamie
Ryan/Cambry
ZOA NOM- Rick
Mike Ramos
Capn' Ron
The General - Doug
Ryan Schoebel
FJMonkey - Mark
Andyoutandabout
FJORD - Kjell "Shell"

POSSIBLE:
Flynt - Frank & Diane

Quote from: FJORD on August 31, 2018, 12:00:12 AM
ATTENDING:
Randy/Chandra
Robert/Jamie
Ryan/Cambry
ZOA NOM- Rick
Mike Ramos
Capn' Ron
The General - Doug
Ryan Schoebel
FJMonkey - Mark
Andyoutandabout
FJORD - Kjell "Shell"

POSSIBLE:
Flynt - Frank & Diane

Look at that...

This year we finally got Kjell to a couple of rallies with his FJ and now we have actually got him to post.

He is finally coming out of his "kjell"... :good2:  :rofl2:

We are now one month away from the RPM fall rally. I am going to start getting the details nailed down.

Once again, the biggest issue is the planning for how many are attending so I can get the food and other details all in place.

I look forward to seeing everyone in a few weeks.

Randy - RPM

And the other important question... How much Thermite do we need to light the campfire(s)? I am out of glass skulls so just the standard flower pot this time.

ATTENDING:
Randy/Chandra
Robert/Jamie
Ryan/Cambry
ZOA NOM- Rick
Mike Ramos
Capn' Ron
The General - Doug
Ryan Schoebel
FJMonkey - Mark
Andyoutandabout
FJORD - Kjell "Shell"

POSSIBLE:
Flynt - Frank & Dian
Joe Selva

If the FJ is reassembled and running solid and IF I can buy a set of luggage for it.

Luggage for It.... you mean a set of octopus straps and some inginuity.

Quote from: Urban_Legend on September 04, 2018, 01:18:16 AM
Luggage for It.... you mean a set of octopus straps and some inginuity.

Mark,

That luggage packing is impressive. I think he has something in mind like this...


Fred

Thanks Fred, but where is the fun in that. I have seen more packed on a bike, but that was enough for 3 months working away from home.
Mark

Mark, looks like you are competing for the Yamabago award, SimiEd also had an impressive amount of stuff loaded for his Colorado run. Did you measure or calculate the total added weight?

Quote from: FJmonkey on September 04, 2018, 02:59:48 PM
Mark, looks like you are competing for the Yamabago award, SimiEd also had an impressive amount of stuff loaded for his Colorado run. Did you measure or calculate the total added weight?

No. Just piled on all the stuff I would need for 3 months away from home. Most of it was clothing and personal items, as I didnt need to take food or cooking appliances or accomodation (Tent) . I was working on a 15000 acre wheat farm with accomodation provided.

Mark

Now back to the rally talk. Tunedforks. Don't let a little thing like a lack of luggage capacity stop you from attending a rally. It seriuosly is the best time you can have with your clothes on.

Mark

Quote15000 acre wheat farm with accomodation provided.

Surely you aren't staying here: :mocking:

 :lol:
No. It was a little more up market than that. It was what is known in Australia as a "Donger". Relocatable living quarters, usually used on mining sites. A room with ensuite and a desk for a microwave oven. and TV.
They have asked me to go back again, but I don't have enough leave from my usual job to go out and do the grain season.

Mark

Gee I dunno Fred, maybe Mark has stumbled onto something there. Now, how to market that idea?

Quote from: Urban_Legend on September 04, 2018, 05:50:03 PM
Now back to the rally talk. Tunedforks. Don't let a little thing like a lack of luggage capacity stop you from attending a rally. It seriuosly is the best time you can have with your clothes on.

Mark

Get you one of these (https://www.discountramps.com/hitch-mounted-steel-motorcycle-carrier/p/MCC-600/):

(https://i.imgur.com/dJNaWu3.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/UqCFVf7.jpg)

Looks to be a good turnout this year. Was thinking about buzzing down for dinner Saturday evening but realized I have to fly out to the east coast on business Sunday the 7th.  :dash1:

Hope everyone has a great time. Randy and crew put on a great rally.

Quote from: racerrad8 on August 04, 2018, 02:38:12 PM
Just bumping this up to the forefront.

We are now two months away and are beginning the planning for the event.

Please add your name if you are planning on coming.

Randy - RPM

The rally sounds like a lot of fun me and my son will come down from Reno to attend.My son rides a 2004 zzr1200 but i think he can keep up.Travis and Ian Legg

Add Ron Oort to the list of attendees.

ATTENDING:
Randy
Robert
Ryan
ZOA NOM- Rick
Mike Ramos
Capn' Ron
The General - Doug
Ryan Schoebel
FJMonkey - Mark
Andyoutandabout
FJORD - Kjell "Shell"
Ron Oort
Travis Legg & Son

POSSIBLE:
Flynt - Frank
Joe Selva

I heard from the General last night, he is not going to be able to make it.

I am not sure, but Frank is probably out due to his recent relocation efforts.

We are just three weeks away and I am getting all of the details sorted so we can have a good time.

Randy - RPM

ATTENDING:
Randy
Robert
Ryan
ZOA NOM- Rick
Mike Ramos
Capn' Ron
Ryan Schoebel
FJMonkey - Mark
Andyoutandabout
FJORD - Kjell "Shell"
Ron Oort
Travis Legg & Son

POSSIBLE:
Joe Selva

Quote from: ZOA NOM on September 05, 2018, 07:20:33 AM
Get you one of these (https://www.discountramps.com/hitch-mounted-steel-motorcycle-carrier/p/MCC-600/):

(https://i.imgur.com/dJNaWu3.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/UqCFVf7.jpg)

I don't know. I like the idea but I saw that this is rated for 600 pounds. I don't think I would be comfortable using it.

Quote from: Mike 86 in San Dimas on September 22, 2018, 11:30:59 AM

Quote from: ZOA NOM on September 05, 2018, 07:20:33 AM
Get you one of these (https://www.discountramps.com/hitch-mounted-steel-motorcycle-carrier/p/MCC-600/):

(https://i.imgur.com/dJNaWu3.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/UqCFVf7.jpg)

I don't know. I like the idea but I saw that this is rated for 600 pounds. I don't think I would be comfortable using it.

I'm yet to be "comfortable" using it, but it has worked perfectly the several times I've used it.

Only 10 more sleeps before the RPM Fall Rally commences.

Here is the list I have at this point:
ATTENDING:
Randy
Robert
Ryan
ZOA NOM- Rick
Mike Ramos
Capn' Ron
Ryan Schoebel
FJMonkey - Mark
Andyoutandabout
FJORD - Kjell "Shell"
Ron Oort
Travis Legg & Son

POSSIBLE:
Joe Selva

Has anyone heard anything from Capn Ron?

I have not heard a word since he left the WCR.

The weather looks pretty good if you can trust the online weather sources. But all three days look like lows in mid 50s and highs at 80.

Monkey, you bring the thermite?

Pat, you sure your not going to make it? You can grab Ed, Mike & Steve and link with Monkey and have a mini rally on the way up...

Randy - RPM

I think Tuned Forks is planning to attend.

Come on Pat, you got no job to go to.
Get your life sorted out and meet us at the rally.
It's the right thing to do.

Quote from: racerrad8 on September 24, 2018, 09:32:46 AM

Monkey, you bring the thermite?

The Thermite is good to go. I don't remember if I arranged a room yet.

Tuned Forks is trying to attend.  I'm still working on the bike to get it ready and safe plus buying some new personal protective gear.

Joe

Anyone want to split a room for the rally?

Quote from: FJmonkey on September 24, 2018, 10:57:39 PM
Anyone want to split a room for the rally?

Mark - I'll pay for half of your room as an insurance policy...  do you have both Fri and Sat nights?  I'm working on a plan to get me there for Saturday riding and still in our new place in OR for an appointment on Monday.  Probably less than 25% chance, but Diane authorized me to make it happen if possible.  Wizard is already in OR, so I'll be attending solo and riding Stormy if I do make it.

Frank

PS - general update for forum friends...  I retired Sept 1 and we bought a place near Bend Oregon (actually at Cove Palisades Park for those that know the area) that we're moving into now.  

Quote from: Flynt on September 25, 2018, 09:43:54 AM

Quote from: FJmonkey on September 24, 2018, 10:57:39 PM
Anyone want to split a room for the rally?

Mark - I'll pay for half of your room as an insurance policy...  do you have both Fri and Sat nights?  I'm working on a plan to get me there for Saturday riding and still in our new place in OR for an appointment on Monday.  Probably less than 25% chance, but Diane authorized me to make it happen if possible.  Wizard is already in OR, so I'll be attending solo and riding Stormy if I do make it.

Frank

PS - general update for forum friends...  I retired Sept 1 and we bought a place near Bend Oregon (actually at Cove Palisades Park for those that know the area) that we're moving into now. 

Congratulations, Frank! I'm not too far behind, looking forward to the rides!

Frank, PM sent.

Here is the most updated list I have at this point:

ATTENDING:
Randy
Robert
Ryan
ZOA NOM- Rick
Mike Ramos
Capn' Ron
Ryan Schoebel
FJMonkey - Mark
Andyoutandabout
FJORD - Kjell "Shell"
Ron Oort
Travis Legg & Son

POSSIBLE:
Joe Selva
Frank- Flynt

I took a partial recon ride today out to the little dragon. It was closed earlier this year due to mud slides, but it is again open and there is once again a bunch of new pavement. :good2: :good2: :good2: :good2:

We are definitely making that part of our ride next weekend. :dance2: :yahoo: :dance2: :yahoo:

Randy - RPM

I booked a room today, and I think I have me and my bike ready to go. I've never driven, much less ridden this kind of distance, so this should be interesting!

That's the spirit

Quote from: ryanschoebel on September 27, 2018, 04:31:30 PM
I booked a room today, and I think I have me and my bike ready to go. I've never driven, much less ridden this kind of distance, so this should be interesting!

Post updates on your trip. Lots of us available if you have any issues along the way. Ride safe!

Quote from: ryanschoebel on September 27, 2018, 04:31:30 PM
I booked a room today, and I think I have me and my bike ready to go. I've never driven, much less ridden this kind of distance, so this should be interesting!

Excellent, what's your route up?

Randy - RPM

Quote from: racerrad8 on September 27, 2018, 06:56:15 PM

Excellent, what's your route up?

Randy - RPM

All interstate, to try and cut down time. I-10, to I-210,to I-5, to CA-99. GPS says about 11 hrs, before gas, food and bathroom breaks. About 690 miles. I'm planning on leaving Phoenix at about 5 AM, and checking into hotel before going to the shop. So I probably wont be in until 6 pm ish, or later. Not sure what time everyone else is planning on riding in, but i have a feeling most are a little closer than me haha.

Any tips about things to double check on the bike before I go, aside from normals, like tire pressure, oil level, etc?

Do you have a way to keep your cell phone charged onboard?

Hey Rick, I dont. I figured i would swing by a store before I go and pick up one of those battery bricks. The portable ones?

Ryan, what day are you riding up? Perhaps we can meet before the 99. I was planning to ride up some time on Friday. I have a room that can be split for Friday night. Sat is taken by Flynt (Frank)

I am riding up Friday. Id love to meet up somewhere along the line! for rooming, I booked and paid for a single Friday, and Saturday night, sorry!

Ryan, taking this to PM for scheduling.

So a loose schedule for the weekend.

Friday is ride in day. We are here working all day, so if someone wants to come early we will be here.

We usually go get dinner in the evening 6-7ish.

If someone wants to go out a ride Friday, I can offer some routes.

Saturday the plan is stands up at 10am. We will have lunch around noon and should be back to the shop around 3. I will have dinner for everyone on Saturday night.

If my car is needed to go to the store to get your favorite beverage(s) we can make that happen too.

The last couple of years, we have had several stay until the wee hours of the morning.

The most hearty breakfast for Saturday & Sunday morning is at "Ryder's restaurant". They are less than one block away from the motels.

Monkey will have the makings for a fire Saturday night and it will be great to see everyone again.

If you have any questions, please let me know.

Randy - RPM

Does everyone typically leave their machines at your shop on Friday night and walk to the motels?  I assume you're not opening up on Sunday so everyone must have to park their bikes at the motel on Sat night.

Joe

Quote from: racerrad8 on September 28, 2018, 07:10:33 PM
So a loose schedule for the weekend.

Sounds good to me! Any ideas about what kind of mileage we are looking at on Saturday?

   if some have been known to stay until the wee hours on Saturday night ,I think that might be the most important night to leave the bikes. 

Quote from: ryanschoebel on September 28, 2018, 10:34:33 AM
Hey Rick, I dont. I figured i would swing by a store before I go and pick up one of those battery bricks. The portable ones?

That should work, but a permanent install of a double usb port tie-wrapped (NEVER MOUNTED IN A HOLE IN THE SIDE PANELS!) to the top triple tree has seen plenty of use for my phone and my Sena. I made it unswitched so I can leave the Sena in my tank bag to charge while stopped for lunch, etc. I leave my phone plugged into it with the charging cord threaded into the tank bag.

You can see the port just to the right of the key.

(https://i.imgur.com/EWoEevG.jpg)

Man, the top end of your controls looks clean.  My paint is worn and weathered away.

Anyone use one of those cell phone holders that mount to your center triple tree nut?  I have to change highways about four times to get from the Bay Area to Oakdale.  For this trip I'll probably just make some brief written notes for myself.

Joe

Quote from: Tuned forks on September 29, 2018, 08:48:47 AM
Man, the top end of your controls looks clean.  My paint is worn and weathered away.

Anyone use one of those cell phone holders that mount to your center triple tree nut?  I have to change highways about four times to get from the Bay Area to Oakdale.  For this trip I'll probably just make some brief written notes for myself.

Joe

I quit trying to mount my phone outside. I had problems with overheating the phones. I leave it tucked in the tank bag, on the charging cable, and connected to my Sena via Bluetooth. Tunes, calls, nav, all accessible through voice command. LOVE it.


As for the route to Oakdale, it's very straightforward if you go 580:

580 East
5 North (briefly, stay in the right lanes of the onramp, 120 will come up quickly)
120 East will drop you into downtown Oakdale.

Good to know about the holders.  What is a Sena?

I also have to take 280 to 92 to 880 to 238 before hitting 580.

Quote from: Tuned forks on September 29, 2018, 09:11:36 AM
Good to know about the holders.  What is a Sena?

I also have to take 280 to 92 to 880 to 238 before hitting 580.

Sena headset for my helmet. It's a communication device that connects to the Phone via bluetooth. I can make calls, use navigation apps, or just listen to anything the phone will stream.

(https://proxy.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.advpulse.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F05%2FSena-10s-bluetooth-motorcycle-intercom-1-1.jpg&f=1)

That's pretty cool!

Joe

Quote from: Tuned forks on September 29, 2018, 09:41:54 AM
That's pretty cool!

Joe

It'll change your life.

Quote from: Tuned forks on September 29, 2018, 09:11:36 AM
What is a Sena?

Joe, FYI we are a Sena dealer as well. Just type in Sena in the search field and everything will come up.

We will get the 30K loaded next week.

Randy - RPM

Quote from: Tuned forks on September 28, 2018, 09:26:21 PM
Does everyone typically leave their machines at your shop on Friday night and walk to the motels?  I assume you're not opening up on Sunday so everyone must have to park their bikes at the motel on Sat night.

Joe

Everyone is more than welcome to leave their bikes at the shop. We have had people walk, I have given some rides and even a taxi was used last year I believe.

Plus we get to take a cool shot similar to this.
(http://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc517/racerrad8/021_zpsvwjfhptz.jpg~original) (http://s1215.photobucket.com/user/racerrad8/media/021_zpsvwjfhptz.jpg.html)

We will be there Sunday, not sure it will be "early". But we are there every Sunday in the event someone wants to do a little manshed job before they head off. If you are planning on heading out early, then one should probably take their bikes back to the hotel with them.

LOL, every FJ in the front row is wearing a RPM fork brace.

The Holiday Motel and the Holiday Inn Express are both sold out for the dates.  I see there's a Best Western one mile away.  Any other accommodations that you would recommend?

Joe

Quote from: Tuned forks on September 29, 2018, 12:22:48 PM
LOL, every FJ in the front row is wearing a RPM fork brace.

The Holiday Motel and the Holiday Inn Express are both sold out for the dates.  I see there's a Best Western one mile away.  Any other accommodations that you would recommend?

Joe

The options are pretty limited.

The Motel 6 is right across the street from the Holiday Inn and the BW is down the street as you mentioned.

Randy - RPM

 :cray: so disappointing I cant be there.

Quote from: Mike 86 in San Dimas on September 29, 2018, 07:57:55 PM
:cray: so disappointing I cant be there.

Buddy, you still have a week. If you don't make it, that means you'll be rally-less for 2018 :Facepalm:

That is a travesty :shok:  :shok:

Randy - RPM

I made commitment for the date before the the rally date was known to me. Won't happen 2019. The picture you posted was a dagger to me :shout:

Quote from: Mike 86 in San Dimas on September 30, 2018, 02:35:11 PM
I made commitment for the date before the the rally date was known to me. Won't happen 2019. The picture you posted was a dagger to me :shout:

Mikey, Mikey, Mikey...

I think you might be coming down the a fever...FJ fever. :bomb: :bomb: :bomb: :bomb:

Randy - RPM

Went out for the recon ride today, what a great day.

Perfect weather, fabulous roads, great lunch and really looking forward to next weekend.

Next weekends forecast is exactly as it was listed today, 80*.

I had some pilot 3's that I ordered for a guy earlier in the year, he never came and got them. So I put them on for this break in ride. I must say, they are a great tire, but the RS provides much more confidence when cranking the throttle mid corner lean.

I pulled over for a quick break and hydration about 100' from where I stopped, a mom and her two kids came walking by. I did not see anymore while riding.

You guys make sure you bring your cameras so you can get some pictures, the view has not been this clear in several years due to fires and it was nice to see the beauty again.

Next weekend is all set for 169 miles of great roads, great views and great times.

Only five more sleeps until it gets underway. I am excited to hear about Andy's European adventure (including Isle of Man) and I don't think I have heard back from Ron since he left the WCR with the General in tow. Those two summer trips were epic undertakings and I can't wait to hear the details.

Randy - RPM

While driving east on I80 and 50 yesterday, I too noticed how clear the air is.  Typically I can't see the mountains on the other side of the valley while I am crossing it.  Cooler temps too.  I consider you guys to be very fortunate to live so close to the Sierras.  Gorgeous country.

Joe

BTW, I got a room at Motel 6 so you can take my name off the possibles and put me in the confirmed list.

Joe

ATTENDING:
Randy
Robert
Ryan
ZOA NOM- Rick
Mike Ramos
Capn' Ron
Ryan Schoebel
FJMonkey - Mark
Andyoutandabout
FJORD - Kjell "Shell"
Ron Oort
Travis Legg & Son
Joe Selva

POSSIBLE:

Frank- Flynt

Looking forward to meeting you Joe.

Thank you Mark.

Joe

Quote from: FJmonkey on September 30, 2018, 08:01:55 PM
ATTENDING:
Randy
Robert
Ryan
ZOA NOM- Rick
Mike Ramos
Capn' Ron
Ryan Schoebel
FJMonkey - Mark
Andyoutandabout
FJORD - Kjell "Shell"
Ron Oort
Travis Legg & Son
Joe Selva
Frank- Flynt

Looking forward to meeting you Joe.

See you all Saturday morning...

Frank

PS - I'm bringing the sound deadening earbuds Monkey, so let 'er rip!

ATTENDING:
Randy
Robert
Ryan
ZOA NOM- Rick
Mike Ramos
Capn' Ron
Ryan Schoebel
FJMonkey - Mark
Andyoutandabout
FJORD - Kjell "Shell"
Ron Oort
Travis Legg & Son
Joe Selva
Frank- Flynt

Quote from: Flynt on October 01, 2018, 08:40:30 PM
PS - I'm bringing the sound deadening earbuds Monkey, so let 'er rip!

My snoring has gotten quieter, but don't worry, my flatulence is making up for it.

[quote ]

My snoring has gotten quieter, but don't worry, my flatulence is making up for it.
[/quote]

Does that provide rocket acceleration on the bike?

Quote from: Tuned forks on October 01, 2018, 10:37:43 PM
Does that provide rocket acceleration on the bike?

Not in full leathers.... :bad:

Quote from: FJmonkey on October 01, 2018, 10:02:28 PM

Quote from: Flynt on October 01, 2018, 08:40:30 PM
PS - I'm bringing the sound deadening earbuds Monkey, so let 'er rip!

My snoring has gotten quieter, but don't worry, my flatulence is making up for it.

I wake myself up farting sometimes...  but of course the aroma comforts me back to sleep almost immediately.  Game On!

Frank

 Its going to rain in Reno through Wednesday .My son and i are planning on riding down hwy four all the way.looks like we might have to bring our chains for Ebbets pass.It will be nice to get down south.Hows the weather looking down there?

Quote from: T Legg on October 02, 2018, 11:30:11 AM
Its going to rain in Reno through Wednesday .My son and i are planning on riding down hwy four all the way.looks like we might have to bring our chains for Ebbets pass.It will be nice to get down south.Hows the weather looking down there?

40% chance of rain on Thursday but 0% after that and upper 70's/low 80's.

https://weather.com/weather/monthly/l/USCA0789:1:US

Randy - RPM

 sounds like perfect riding weather .We can always come down hwy 50  to 49 if the high passes get too much snow.
we are looking forward to meeting everyone.

Quote from: T Legg on October 02, 2018, 11:30:11 AM
Its going to rain in Reno through Wednesday .My son and i are planning on riding down hwy four all the way.looks like we might have to bring our chains for Ebbets pass.It will be nice to get down south.Hows the weather looking down there?

Can't wait to see the chains you put on the FJ ...  :nea:

I got this message below from Ron yesterday that he will not be attending. That is all of the details I have, I was not aware of him having a incident, but it never sounds good when you hear/read "FJ totaled". Please keep him in your thoughts.

ATTENDING:
Randy
Robert
Ryan
ZOA NOM- Rick
Mike Ramos
Capn' Ron
Ryan Schoebel
FJMonkey - Mark
Andyoutandabout
FJORD - Kjell "Shell"
Ron Oort
Travis Legg & Son
Joe Selva
Frank- Flynt


Hey Randy!

Thanks for the heads-up on the RPM Rally!  My primary FJ was totaled in Montana and my backup FJ needs a going-over to be street ready.  That won't happen before this weekend, so I wish you all safe riding and much laughter!  Say hi to the crew!

Cap'n Ron

Sent from my iPhone

Randy - RPM

He seems ok based on his statement, I sure hope he is. He also has a non-FJ option that he picked up for his Alaska journey. You don't even need a bike to attend.

Quote from: FJmonkey on October 02, 2018, 12:50:16 PM
He seems ok based on his statement, I sure hope he is. He also has a non-FJ option that he picked up for his Alaska journey. You don't even need a bike to attend.

Then get after him Monkey... :diablo: :diablo: :diablo:

Randy - RPM

Ok, at the very last minute, I'm in!

Taking a special trip back to Palm Desert to pick up my mistress, I'll see you galoots on Friday.

Ryan, if you want to leave Phoenix Thursday afternoon, you can stay at my house in Palm Desert Thursday night, we can leave for Oakdale 0 dark thirty on Friday. This will make your long trip easier.
Most often the buddy system is best.

Regardless, DO NOT take the 210 thru Pasadena. Even in the HOV lane, you will be in the stop and go morning crush from Ontario thru Pasadena. BTDT, trust me not the way you want to start your tour.
From I-10 take the 210 to the I-15 north then take Hwy 138 west all the way to Gorman where you will pick up I-5 then north to Oakdale, or 99 north if you wish.
This will bypass the LA crush cluster flok

Randy, sorry for the last minute notice. Just one of those things.    Cheers Pat

Quote from: Pat Conlon on October 02, 2018, 01:37:00 PM
Ok, at the very last minute, I'm in!

Randy, sorry for the last minute notice. Just one of those things.    Cheers Pat

All good, glad you are able to make it after all.  :good2:

Heck, if anyone wants to riding in unannounced, I think we can sort it all out...

ATTENDING:
Randy
Robert
Ryan
ZOA NOM- Rick
Mike Ramos
Capn' Ron
Ryan Schoebel
FJMonkey - Mark
Andyoutandabout
FJORD - Kjell "Shell"
Ron Oort
Travis Legg & Son
Joe Selva
Frank- Flynt
Father Pat- Pat Conlon

Quote from: racerrad8 on October 02, 2018, 01:57:12 PM

Quote from: Pat Conlon on October 02, 2018, 01:37:00 PM
Ok, at the very last minute, I'm in!

Randy, sorry for the last minute notice. Just one of those things.    Cheers Pat

All good, glad you are able to make it after all.  :good2:

Heck, if anyone wants to riding in unannounced, I think we can sort it all out...

Showing up unannounced - that was what I always did.

To all you lurkers out there, just show up and I guarantee you will feel right at home and have great time.

This is the first rally I am officially on the list. :good2:

FJORD

Quote from: ZOA NOM on October 02, 2018, 12:32:13 PM

Quote from: T Legg on October 02, 2018, 11:30:11 AM
Its going to rain in Reno through Wednesday .My son and i are planning on riding down hwy four all the way.looks like we might have to bring our chains for Ebbets pass.It will be nice to get down south.Hows the weather looking down there?

Can't wait to see the chains you put on the FJ ...  :nea:

My lawn tractor has the same size tire as the fj and i have two shortened old K-2 skis mounted together with a bracket I strap to the front wheel.

Quote from: T Legg on October 02, 2018, 04:00:04 PM
My lawn tractor has the same size tire as the fj and i have two shortened old K-2 skis mounted together with a bracket I strap to the front wheel.

This needs pictures...

Quote from: Pat Conlon on October 02, 2018, 01:37:00 PM
Ryan, if you want to leave Phoenix Thursday afternoon, you can stay at my house in Palm Desert Thursday night, we can leave for Oakdale 0 dark thirty on Friday. This will make your long trip easier.
Most often the buddy system is best.

Regardless, DO NOT take the 210 thru Pasadena. Even in the HOV lane, you will be in the stop and go morning crush from Ontario thru Pasadena. BTDT, trust me not the way you want to start your tour.
From I-10 take the 210 to the I-15 north then take Hwy 138 west all the way to Gorman where you will pick up I-5 then north to Oakdale, or 99 north if you wish.
This will bypass the LA crush cluster flok

Hey Pat, I appreciate the offer, and as much easier as that would make it, I have to work Thursday night  :dash2: I was planning to meet Mark about halfway up, so will still have the buddy system going. However, taking into account those traffic tips (thank you, last thing i would want is to be stuck in traffic), Im seeing if he can meet in Gorman instead.  Looking forward to meeting you, and hopefully buying you the several cups of coffee I owe you!

Ryan, ok, there is a restaurant in Gorman that serves good grub, called the Ranch House on the north side of the freeway.

Let me slightly clarify the route:
I-10 to the 210 north to the 215 north, that turns into the I-15 north, exit on the Hwy 138, go west.
As you follow the 138 (also called the Pear Blossom Hwy) towards Palmdale, there is a street, 87th St East, you can turn north on, this will take you around the center of Palmdale. Go north on 87th till it T bones into Redman, turn left on Redman. That will get you over to pick up the 138 west of the 14 freeway.

Let me know what time you guys will meet in Gorman.

Pat, the plan is 11/11:30 meet time in Gorman.

Nice one Conlon. Always keep us guessing.
There is no last minute rule.
Arrive and ride.
It is the way of the FJ rally.
Sound the trumpets

Same goes for Frank

Ron, make it the hat rick and just show and go.

Ron is okay, he was wearing his gear. His incident was before meeting Alan and his other Alaska trip, So he is okay enough that he continued his riding. He will not be making the rally, the deer will also not be making any deer rallies soon. Knowing Ron, he will include this in his epic ride report.

Quote from: FJORD on October 02, 2018, 03:51:48 PM

Quote from: racerrad8 on October 02, 2018, 01:57:12 PM

Quote from: Pat Conlon on October 02, 2018, 01:37:00 PM
Ok, at the very last minute, I'm in!

Randy, sorry for the last minute notice. Just one of those things.    Cheers Pat

All good, glad you are able to make it after all.  :good2:

Heck, if anyone wants to riding in unannounced, I think we can sort it all out...

Showing up unannounced - that was what I always did.

To all you lurkers out there, just show up and I guarantee you will feel right at home and have great time.

This is the first rally I am officially on the list. :good2:

FJORD

Post #2, really? You've got to be kjidding me...

Quote from: FJmonkey on October 02, 2018, 04:20:19 PM

Quote from: T Legg on October 02, 2018, 04:00:04 PM
My lawn tractor has the same size tire as the fj and i have two shortened old K-2 skis mounted together with a bracket I strap to the front wheel.

This needs pictures...

Quote from: ZOA NOM on October 03, 2018, 08:55:39 AM

Quote from: FJORD on October 02, 2018, 03:51:48 PM

Quote from: racerrad8 on October 02, 2018, 01:57:12 PM

Quote from: Pat Conlon on October 02, 2018, 01:37:00 PM
Ok, at the very last minute, I'm in!

Randy, sorry for the last minute notice. Just one of those things.    Cheers Pat

All good, glad you are able to make it after all.  :good2:

Heck, if anyone wants to riding in unannounced, I think we can sort it all out...

Showing up unannounced - that was what I always did.

To all you lurkers out there, just show up and I guarantee you will feel right at home and have great time.

This is the first rally I am officially on the list. :good2:

FJORD

Post #2, really? You've got to be kjidding me...

Good catch Rick!
You are obviously very detail oriented and I see what you did there :sarcastic:

WOW, I just increased my post count by 50%!!! :good:

Quote from: FJmonkey on October 02, 2018, 08:28:09 PM
Ron is okay, he was wearing his gear. His incident was before meeting Alan and his other Alaska trip, So he is okay enough that he continued his riding. He will not be making the rally, the deer will also not be making any deer rallies soon. Knowing Ron, he will include this in his epic ride report.

Nope.  I was with him..........
We left my house on the morning of August 1st.
Deer incident happened just outside of Redlodge Montana, middle of the afternoon on August 4th.
I got him to Billings that night, and continued with the trip the next morning.  He rented a truck, got his FJ back to California, swapped bikes and met me in Oregon to finish the trip with me.
It was a very selfless thing for him to do! But anyone who knows Ron, that's just the way he is............

Quote from: Firehawk068 on October 03, 2018, 03:30:35 PM

Quote from: FJmonkey on October 02, 2018, 08:28:09 PM
Ron is okay, he was wearing his gear. His incident was before meeting Alan and his other Alaska trip, So he is okay enough that he continued his riding. He will not be making the rally, the deer will also not be making any deer rallies soon. Knowing Ron, he will include this in his epic ride report.

Nope.  I was with him..........
We left my house on the morning of August 1st.
Deer incident happened just outside of Redlodge Montana, middle of the afternoon on August 4th.
I got him to Billings that night, and continued with the trip the next morning.  He rented a truck, got his FJ back to California, swapped bikes and met me in Oregon to finish the trip with me.
It was a very selfless thing for him to do! But anyone who knows Ron, that's just the way he is............

Wow, that was quite a while ago. Glad to hear he was okay and able to get home allowing him to ride on with you. I might have to split this topic so you guys can post up your ride report.

I also presume you got your FJ all back together after your misfortune (http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=17298.0 (http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=17298.0)) last year as well, or are you riding something new?

Look forward to the ride report(s), sounds like there was some excitement.

Randy - RPM

Yes I did end up getting my FJ all put back together, almost as good as it was.
I'm in the process of going through all the pictures, and will probably put together a picture-video with some music sometime in the near future. 

I will say that the trip adventure was a truly epic one!
I will post up details and stuff in a separate thread when I put it together. 
Life has sort-of been a whirlwind of busy for me ever since August.

Here's a teaser from "Day-3" of our trip.

Quote from: racerrad8 on October 03, 2018, 04:44:36 PM

Wow, that was quite a while ago. Glad to hear he was okay and able to get home allowing him to ride on with you. I might have to split this topic so you guys can post up your ride report.

Look forward to the ride report(s), sounds like there was some excitement.

Randy - RPM

Doesn't seem like that long ago as I just got home earlier this week.  Definitely don't want to hijack this thread...just sorry I'll be missing the laughs at the RPM rally...  I'll get a ride report going...it'll get me through the winter!

Ride safe and watch out for them damn deer! 

Quote from: T Legg on October 03, 2018, 01:58:06 PM

Quote from: FJmonkey on October 02, 2018, 04:20:19 PM

Quote from: T Legg on October 02, 2018, 04:00:04 PM
My lawn tractor has the same size tire as the fj and i have two shortened old K-2 skis mounted together with a bracket I strap to the front wheel.

This needs pictures...

No fucking WAY!!! I call BS... I have seen everything.

Quote from: Capn Ron on October 03, 2018, 11:46:04 PM

Quote from: racerrad8 on October 03, 2018, 04:44:36 PM

Wow, that was quite a while ago. Glad to hear he was okay and able to get home allowing him to ride on with you. I might have to split this topic so you guys can post up your ride report.

Look forward to the ride report(s), sounds like there was some excitement.

Randy - RPM

Doesn't seem like that long ago as I just got home earlier this week.  Definitely don't want to hijack this thread...just sorry I'll be missing the laughs at the RPM rally...  I'll get a ride report going...it'll get me through the winter!

Ride safe and watch out for them damn deer! 

Ron,

You know a FJ is not required to attend, the invitation still stands if you want to join even if you drive.

Randy - RPM

Quote from: Capn Ron on October 03, 2018, 11:46:04 PM
Ride safe and watch out for them damn deer! 

:sarcastic: :rofl2:

See ya guys tomorrow. :greeting:

Joe

Meeting Ryan soon, ETA at the shop is 5pm ish.

Quote from: FJmonkey on October 05, 2018, 01:51:30 PM
Meeting Ryan soon, ETA at the shop is 5pm ish.

Excellent, we have one that was so excited he beat me to work this morning...

Randy - RPM

More like 6ish now. All good, ready for the fun.

Robert putting the fine tune on my bike and the shop last night.

Fixed the photos....


Fred

Thanks Fred, I had no idea why they came out sideways.

More pics.  Nice shot of Rick's south end while taking a pic of the bikes in front of the shop.  A few showing the bikes and the stunning scenery atop the Little Dragon and lunch in Coulterville.

I would like to take a moment to express that it was enjoyable meeting many of the owners that I have been e-comming with for over a year.  A great group of enthusiasts and like minded people.  A particular shout out to Randy and Robert for being such outstanding hosts.  Thank you!  That was amazing pizza too.  Robert, thanks for the Yosemite travel information.  The work you fellas did to my FJ was superb.  The machine ran flawlessly on the way home and even with the needle change it got better mileage to home.  39mpg. I'm really looking forward to the RPM exhaust, suspension changes, some brake improvements, and new tires.  As I expressed to Randy and Doug, the rear tire nearly went away completely from me in a tight right hander.

Mr Thermite, (you know who you are), you put on an impressive nighttime display.  I think you were the one that showed me the QD Givi tank bag.  Could you send me a link to that bag?  Thanks.  I enjoyed talking engineering with you.  Perhaps we can team up on our lens idea.

Patrick, thank you for your advice and guidance and for always being at the back watching over us newbies.

One of you was following me along 205 and 580 and passed me on 580.  Who was that masked man?

Rick, I saw a potential closure for Del Puerto Canyon rd so I skipped Mine Rd and stuck to the big slabs of asphalt.  I'll keep Mine Rd in....mind. :biggrin:

Andy, please find the time to post your Isle of Man video.

Great event, hope to see you fellas again.

Joe

Hot pursuit of Andy up the Little Dragon's Tail...

https://youtu.be/fTETb9xARrs (https://youtu.be/fTETb9xARrs)


What a magical day. Weather couldn't have been better. Super cool to have the new guys onboard, and props to Ryan for hanging tough. I'm super impressed that a young guy like you would just hop on your new bike, ride halfway across the West to go for some crazy canyon-carving with a bunch of geezers like us. Keep riding, kid, your confidence will continue to build.

Great to see Frank again, and glad to hear about your retirement move. Can't wait to stop by and check it out. Don't let the crazy Oregon MAGAs get to you.

Can't wait for the next ride...

Nice Video Zoa
Looks like you nearly over cooked one or two of the corners  :mocking: , but looks like a lovely piece of road.
Meeting new people and catching up with old friends seems to be what the FJ is all about.  Sounds like a great weekend was had.

Mark

Well, the 2018 RPM Fall Rally has finally concluded.

We finished our manshed work on Frank's Stormy and Andy's USAFJ as Andy just rode off for home to cap off the great weekend.

Beautiful weather, great roads, great food, 15 riders, 16 attendees and one booger picker...

More fun than can be expressed...It was a great weekend. Thank you for all that attended, you guys make it all worth it.

Doug & Joe, sorry you guys got away before the photo... I am not sure about Pat's hair... it looks little off. :bomb:

Much more to come this week.

Randy - RPM

The final attendance list as we had an surprise visitor and the only moving camera shot I was able to get yesterday.

Randy -RPM

ATTENDED:
Randy
Robert
Ryan
ZOA NOM- Rick
Mike Ramos
Ryan Schoebel
FJMonkey - Mark
Andyoutandabout
FJORD - Kjell "Shell"
Ron Oort
Travis Legg
Ian Legg
Joe Selva
Frank- Flynt
Doug Cole

Geez... I gotta start paying more attention to the rally section. Could have made this one, that is... if you guys don't mind me riding my Super Tenere. I still don't have the Fj that I low/high-sided in Colorado fixed. Well, next year for sure.
Bill

Quote from: Urban_Legend on October 07, 2018, 06:11:24 PM
Nice Video Zoa
Looks like you nearly over cooked one or two of the corners  :mocking: , but looks like a lovely piece of road.
Meeting new people and catching up with old friends seems to be what the FJ is all about.  Sounds like a great weekend was had.

Mark

YOU try keepin up with Andy...

Yeah, a couple of "moments" for sure, but what a great run.

Rick, I had no idea you were recording the ride.  I never saw a Go Pro so that must have been a Sena.  Just watching that video got my mind back in the mode.

Mark, Rick wasn't the only one that overcooked the turns.  I had three oh sh!t moments.  It was tough just staying with the middle  of the pack.  Most times I was in the back.  Some seriously fast riders in this forum.

I want to say excellent job to all the riders. No crashes and no injuries. Lost plenty of oil but no tow trucks or trailers, the FJs are a resilient lot.

Joe, here is the GIVI link http://www.giviusa.com/givi-products/soft-luggage/tanklock-system (http://www.giviusa.com/givi-products/soft-luggage/tanklock-system) Randy is a GIVI dealer so he can get you sorted. And yes, the 89/90 turn signal lens will quickly become as rare as Rocking-horse shit if I keep losing them.

I had a good ride back with Pat and Ryan. Got home about 6 hours after leaving RPM. Pat has a little further and Ryan still has the longest ride back to Phoenix. Iron butt in the making if he keeps attending rallies on the west coast. I hope all make it back quickly and safely.

Really good to see the new faces and getting to know you guys.

Sorry you missed it Bill, it would have been good to see you again. And for future reference, you don't even need to show up with a bike as Shell demonstrated.

Now I am looking forward to the next ride/rally.

Quote from: Tuned forks on October 07, 2018, 08:14:32 PM
Rick, I had no idea you were recording the ride.  I never saw a Go Pro so that must have been a Sena.  Just watching that video got my mind back in the mode.

Mark, Rick wasn't the only one that overcooked the turns.  I had three oh sh!t moments.  It was tough just staying with the middle  of the pack.  Most times I was in the back.  Some seriously fast riders in this forum.

No GoPro, Joe... I have a bullet-style dashcam affixed behind the windshield, hardwired to continuously record. A 32G microsd yields over 8 hours of video. It's a little jumpy due to the mounting, but it's a good view.

Here's another taste...

https://youtu.be/WgJRcTJByOY (https://youtu.be/WgJRcTJByOY)

Quote from: ZOA NOM on October 07, 2018, 07:42:55 PM

Quote from: Urban_Legend on October 07, 2018, 06:11:24 PM
Nice Video Zoa
Looks like you nearly over cooked one or two of the corners  :mocking: , but looks like a lovely piece of road.
Meeting new people and catching up with old friends seems to be what the FJ is all about.  Sounds like a great weekend was had.

Mark

YOU try keepin up with Andy...

Yeah, a couple of "moments" for sure, but what a great run.

Hey Rick/Zoa - I hope you don't mind a couple of observations from watching the video (what a great road and ride !!) which might help you keep with Andy, and give a little more margin for error - and I'll apologise now if any of this is "teaching granny to suck eggs", but it's based on what I observed and what I've been taught (and have been teaching).

Andy seems to be following the accepted/taught way of faster street riding - i.e., approaching left corners close to edge/line and turning into the corner late (thereby apparently "apexing" late), which means he can see further around the corner, and when he exits the corner, he comes out nearer the centre line, leaving himself room to drift a little off-line to the outside of the corner safely. If you don't know already it's known as the "wide in, tight out" method. Conversely on right corners, the approach that Andy favours is to be close to the centre line, again turning in late and coming out closer to the inside of the corner - again leaving room to drift a little off-line without heading across the road into oncoming traffic.

Your "moments" seem to come from taking the opposite approach - approaching lefts close to the centre line and hugging the centre line around the corner (looking like an "early" apex), but then running wide on the exit, closer to running off the road - and on rights, approaching too close to the inside and holding the inside line but then running out towards the centre line on exit (putting you at risk of running head-on into oncoming traffic).

I certainly think that if you practiced the wide in, tight out approach to corners, you'd have less "moments" and find it easier to stay with Andy whilst being even safer.

When I was "guiding" bikes at the Nordschleife, the most common cause of new-to-the-circuit riders falling off was exactly as I have described above - entering turns too tight and turning in too early, meaning they ran out of road/track (and sometimes visibility) on the exit. The training I was given helped me immensely on track, but even more so on the road - and I eventually found a great explanation of the process in the book "A Twist of the Wrist" by Keith Code - it's also as taught by the California Superbike School and all of the others.

For me, these days, it's all about safer speed, rather than outright speed - And I think from your comments that this is your viewpoint as well.

All the best.  :good2:

Quote from: Millietant on October 07, 2018, 08:39:22 PM

Quote from: ZOA NOM on October 07, 2018, 07:42:55 PM

Quote from: Urban_Legend on October 07, 2018, 06:11:24 PM
Nice Video Zoa
Looks like you nearly over cooked one or two of the corners  :mocking: , but looks like a lovely piece of road.
Meeting new people and catching up with old friends seems to be what the FJ is all about.  Sounds like a great weekend was had.

Mark

YOU try keepin up with Andy...

Yeah, a couple of "moments" for sure, but what a great run.

Hey Rick/Zoa - I hope you don't mind a couple of observations from watching the video (what a great road and ride !!) which might help you keep with Andy, and give a little more margin for error - and I'll apologise now if any of this is "teaching granny to suck eggs", but it's based on what I observed and what I've been taught (and have been teaching).

Andy seems to be following the accepted/taught way of faster street riding - i.e., approaching left corners close to edge/line and turning into the corner late (thereby apparently "apexing" late), which means he can see further around the corner, and when he exits the corner, he comes out nearer the centre line, leaving himself room to drift a little off-line to the outside of the corner safely. If you don't know already it's known as the "wide in, tight out" method. Conversely on right corners, the approach that Andy favours is to be close to the centre line, again turning in late and coming out closer to the inside of the corner - again leaving room to drift a little off-line without heading across the road into oncoming traffic.

Your "moments" seem to come from taking the opposite approach - approaching lefts close to the centre line and hugging the centre line around the corner (looking like an "early" apex), but then running wide on the exit, closer to running off the road - and on rights, approaching too close to the inside and holding the inside line but then running out towards the centre line on exit (putting you at risk of running head-on into oncoming traffic).

I certainly think that if you practiced the wide in, tight out approach to corners, you'd have less "moments" and find it easier to stay with Andy whilst being even safer.

When I was "guiding" bikes at the Nordschleife, the most common cause of new-to-the-circuit riders falling off was exactly as I have described above - entering turns too tight and turning in too early, meaning they ran out of road/track (and sometimes visibility) on the exit. The training I was given helped me immensely on track, but even more so on the road - and I eventually found a great explanation of the process in the book "A Twist of the Wrist" by Keith Code - it's also as taught by the California Superbike School and all of the others.

For me, these days, it's all about safer speed, rather than outright speed - And I think from your comments that this is your viewpoint as well.

All the best.  :good2:

Great advice Dean, thanks.

My moments were the result of two things primarily; fixation on scenery and too high a gear. Randy had admonished us all to stay in a lower gear for the braking effect on decel, which I don't typically do. Once the day unfolded, I spent much more time in lower gears, which helped a lot. I am a late braker by nature in my race car, and it takes some concentration to do it differently on the bike. The later afternoon videos reveal a much better line, and no more "moments".

Quote from: ZOA NOM on October 07, 2018, 08:19:30 PM

Quote from: Tuned forks on October 07, 2018, 08:14:32 PM
Rick, I had no idea you were recording the ride.  I never saw a Go Pro so that must have been a Sena.  Just watching that video got my mind back in the mode.

Mark, Rick wasn't the only one that overcooked the turns.  I had three oh sh!t moments.  It was tough just staying with the middle  of the pack.  Most times I was in the back.  Some seriously fast riders in this forum.

No GoPro, Joe... I have a bullet-style dashcam affixed behind the windshield, hardwired to continuously record. A 32G microsd yields over 8 hours of video. It's a little jumpy due to the mounting, but it's a good view.

Here's another taste...

https://youtu.be/WgJRcTJByOY (https://youtu.be/WgJRcTJByOY)

What a fabulous piece of road - with so little traffic !!!  I'll be eternally jealous of you guys  !!!

Lovely video, who cares about it being a jumpy, it all adds to the enjoyment in my opinion  :smile:

Quote from: ZOA NOM on October 07, 2018, 08:19:30 PM

Quote from: Tuned forks on October 07, 2018, 08:14:32 PM
Rick, I had no idea you were recording the ride.  I never saw a Go Pro so that must have been a Sena.  Just watching that video got my mind back in the mode.

Mark, Rick wasn't the only one that overcooked the turns.  I had three oh sh!t moments.  It was tough just staying with the middle  of the pack.  Most times I was in the back.  Some seriously fast riders in this forum.

No GoPro, Joe... I have a bullet-style dashcam affixed behind the windshield, hardwired to continuously record. A 32G microsd yields over 8 hours of video. It's a little jumpy due to the mounting, but it's a good view.

Here's another taste...

https://youtu.be/WgJRcTJByOY (https://youtu.be/WgJRcTJByOY)

I can't watch another one Rick.  It'll make me blow off work, get back on the bike and ride to Oakdale again.  :biggrin:

Randy also admonished us about  not looking at the scenery and look where you want to steer.  It was HARD to do.  So much stuff to look at. 

Millietant, I too know about the late turn, late apex, theory but it's easy to know, tougher to do when "stuff" happens so fast out there.

Joe

Quote from: Tuned forks on October 07, 2018, 08:49:29 PM

Quote from: ZOA NOM on October 07, 2018, 08:19:30 PM

Quote from: Tuned forks on October 07, 2018, 08:14:32 PM
Rick, I had no idea you were recording the ride.  I never saw a Go Pro so that must have been a Sena.  Just watching that video got my mind back in the mode.

Mark, Rick wasn't the only one that overcooked the turns.  I had three oh sh!t moments.  It was tough just staying with the middle  of the pack.  Most times I was in the back.  Some seriously fast riders in this forum.

No GoPro, Joe... I have a bullet-style dashcam affixed behind the windshield, hardwired to continuously record. A 32G microsd yields over 8 hours of video. It's a little jumpy due to the mounting, but it's a good view.

Here's another taste...

https://youtu.be/WgJRcTJByOY (https://youtu.be/WgJRcTJByOY)

I can't watch another one Rick.  It'll make me blow off work, get back on the bike and ride to Oakdale again.  :biggrin:

I'm off tomorrow...  :)

Quote from: ZOA NOM on October 07, 2018, 08:50:29 PM

Quote from: Tuned forks on October 07, 2018, 08:49:29 PM

Quote from: ZOA NOM on October 07, 2018, 08:19:30 PM

Quote from: Tuned forks on October 07, 2018, 08:14:32 PM
Rick, I had no idea you were recording the ride.  I never saw a Go Pro so that must have been a Sena.  Just watching that video got my mind back in the mode.

Mark, Rick wasn't the only one that overcooked the turns.  I had three oh sh!t moments.  It was tough just staying with the middle  of the pack.  Most times I was in the back.  Some seriously fast riders in this forum.

No GoPro, Joe... I have a bullet-style dashcam affixed behind the windshield, hardwired to continuously record. A 32G microsd yields over 8 hours of video. It's a little jumpy due to the mounting, but it's a good view.

Here's another taste...

https://youtu.be/WgJRcTJByOY (https://youtu.be/WgJRcTJByOY)

I can't watch another one Rick.  It'll make me blow off work, get back on the bike and ride to Oakdale again.  :biggrin:

I'm off tomorrow...  :)

Uh oh, I'm staying off planes tomorrow then.  :biggrin:

Randy also admonished us about  not looking at the scenery and look where you want to steer.  It was HARD to do.  So much stuff to look at.


Good old Target fixation...."Oh look at that lovely tree.....Geeze its getting close" Takes practice, but looking where you want the bike to go is the only way.

Mark

Quote from: Tuned forks on October 07, 2018, 08:49:29 PM

Quote from: ZOA NOM on October 07, 2018, 08:19:30 PM

Quote from: Tuned forks on October 07, 2018, 08:14:32 PM
Rick, I had no idea you were recording the ride.  I never saw a Go Pro so that must have been a Sena.  Just watching that video got my mind back in the mode.

Mark, Rick wasn't the only one that overcooked the turns.  I had three oh sh!t moments.  It was tough just staying with the middle  of the pack.  Most times I was in the back.  Some seriously fast riders in this forum.

No GoPro, Joe... I have a bullet-style dashcam affixed behind the windshield, hardwired to continuously record. A 32G microsd yields over 8 hours of video. It's a little jumpy due to the mounting, but it's a good view.

Here's another taste...

https://youtu.be/WgJRcTJByOY (https://youtu.be/WgJRcTJByOY)

I can't watch another one Rick.  It'll make me blow off work, get back on the bike and ride to Oakdale again.  :biggrin:

Randy also admonished us about  not looking at the scenery and look where you want to steer.  It was HARD to do.  So much stuff to look at. 

Millietant, I too know about the late turn, late apex, theory but it's easy to know, tougher to do when "stuff" happens so fast out there.

Joe

Yeah Joe - it takes a lot of practice and discipline for it to become second-nature. But then it's easily lost if you have riding break and fall back into bad habits (speaking from experience here).

My wife, who was a motorcycle instructor a few years back is also my personal "riding skills policewoman" - she always rides behind me when we go out and never fails to point out my "errors".  :praising:

Quote from: ZOA NOM on October 07, 2018, 08:19:30 PM

Quote from: Tuned forks on October 07, 2018, 08:14:32 PM
Rick, I had no idea you were recording the ride.  I never saw a Go Pro so that must have been a Sena.  Just watching that video got my mind back in the mode.

Mark, Rick wasn't the only one that overcooked the turns.  I had three oh sh!t moments.  It was tough just staying with the middle  of the pack.  Most times I was in the back.  Some seriously fast riders in this forum.

No GoPro, Joe... I have a bullet-style dashcam affixed behind the windshield, hardwired to continuously record. A 32G microsd yields over 8 hours of video. It's a little jumpy due to the mounting, but it's a good view.

Here's another taste...

https://youtu.be/WgJRcTJByOY (https://youtu.be/WgJRcTJByOY)

Holy Toledo ZOA NOM,

At the beginning of the video it appears you are on the wrong side of the road (way over the double line) and then you cut inside and pass the dunb idiot in front of you ON THE RIGHT forcing him very wide - in fact forcing him clear into the opposing lane!!!

Good thing for the poor bastard you forced over the double line there was no oncoming traffic and good thing for you there were no police in the vicinity!

I hope for your own welfare Flynt doens't hear of this... I know for a fact he does not condone your point of view...?!

If this is the type of riding & passing that goes on, one wonders why Rallies are so well attended...!

I doubt if my folks wuold let me go.

Midget.  

Home safe and sound.
What an enjoyable weekend of bikes, banter and hauling balls round the twisties.
Success, as Monkey mentioned, by no accidents, tickets or day ending breakdowns ( note the order of these negatives parallels likely financial hits).
Peeps left egos in the paddock, got the idea of riding their own ride, so consequently it was a universal win.
Man and those roads, thank you Caltrans, thank you.
Not forgetting the weather and it's cooperation.
Great to meet the regulars again and the new additions of Travis, Ian and Ryan. I'm with Rick in the bestowing of extra kudos to Ryan for his distance work on an unfamiliar machine. It's an Fj, it'll get you there.
I find the best way to avoid target fixation is to close your eyes
Andy

Mr Ramos,
You are just tooooo much young man.

Quote from: Mike Ramos on October 07, 2018, 09:30:53 PM

Quote from: ZOA NOM on October 07, 2018, 08:19:30 PM

Quote from: Tuned forks on October 07, 2018, 08:14:32 PM
Rick, I had no idea you were recording the ride.  I never saw a Go Pro so that must have been a Sena.  Just watching that video got my mind back in the mode.

Mark, Rick wasn't the only one that overcooked the turns.  I had three oh sh!t moments.  It was tough just staying with the middle  of the pack.  Most times I was in the back.  Some seriously fast riders in this forum.

No GoPro, Joe... I have a bullet-style dashcam affixed behind the windshield, hardwired to continuously record. A 32G microsd yields over 8 hours of video. It's a little jumpy due to the mounting, but it's a good view.

Here's another taste...

https://youtu.be/WgJRcTJByOY (https://youtu.be/WgJRcTJByOY)

Holy Toledo ZOA NOM,

At the beginning of the video it appears you are on the wrong side of the road (way over the double line) and then you cut inside and pass the dunb idiot in front of you ON THE RIGHT forcing him very wide - in fact forcing him clear into the opposing lane!!!

Good thing for the poor bastard you forced over the double line there was no oncoming traffic and good thing for you there were no police in the vicinity!

I hope for your own welfare Flynt doens't hear of this... I know for a fact he does not condone your point of view...?!

If this is the type of riding & passing that goes on, one wonders why Rallies are so well attended...!

I doubt if my folks wuold let me go.

Midget. 

Hahaha! Classic over-under move, Midget, you should have seen it coming.

Quote from: Mike Ramos on October 07, 2018, 09:30:53 PM


Holy Toledo ZOA NOM,

Good thing for the poor bastard...

Midget.

...https://goo.gl/images/hCje23 (https://goo.gl/images/hCje23)

Randy - RPM

Home safe and sound, all's good, bike ran great, good times with good friends.

These are the good old days. More later...

Hey All, I made it home just before midnight last night. No issues with the bike. It was awesome to meet everyone, big thanks to Pat and Monkey for the ride home, and up. Being with someone made it a hell of a lot more enjoyable! I look forward to the next rally,and if any of you are ever in Phoenix, let me know! well go for a ride!

Liberal winds...

https://youtu.be/MCCBtijjqkw (https://youtu.be/MCCBtijjqkw)

Nice work Rick and great fire Mr Thermite.

Joe

Quote from: ryanschoebel on October 08, 2018, 10:35:36 AM
Hey All, I made it home just before midnight last night. No issues with the bike. It was awesome to meet everyone, big thanks to Pat and Monkey for the ride home, and up. Being with someone made it a hell of a lot more enjoyable! I look forward to the next rally,and if any of you are ever in Phoenix, let me know! well go for a ride!

That's amazing Ryan that you rode until midnight.  I can't remember being young enough to have that much energy.  Much kudos to you for making the marathon ride.

Joe

heading down Priest Grade


https://youtu.be/5FFcmKVvOlg (https://youtu.be/5FFcmKVvOlg)

More please... :good:

Passing all those cars on Priest was tough.  Narrow road, blind curves.  There were tighter sections than Rick showed.

Joe

Ian and I had a blast at the RPM Fall Rally. It was the kind of fun that money can't buy. Nothing bridges the gap between young and old like a good motorcycle ride. We would ride with any of you guys anytime your a great bunch.

Randy thanks for hosting us and helping plug the hole in my bike, that new filter set up looks great and doesn't stick out any farther than the stock setup.

Taking 120 home through Yosemite was a nice ride although it pisses me off that motorcycles are thirty bucks and bicycles are only twenty. We are through the park in one tenth the time, we don't block cars in the road,  we don't wear spandex. It isn't fair.  

We cant wait till next time. In the meantime I will practice not running off the road on those 180 degree corners on the little dragon.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

Travis, I hope I did not send you the wrong way. I was say to head up over Highway 108, the Sonora Pass. There is not any National Park fees on that route.

Randy - RPM

Just for Mike 86 in San Dimas...

:empathy3:

Randy - RPM

Quote from: Tuned forks on October 09, 2018, 07:36:48 PM
More please... :good:

Passing all those cars on Priest was tough.  Narrow road, blind curves.  There were tighter sections than Rick showed.

Joe

https://youtu.be/hvER57cv_h0

Funny, I'm seeing things along the side of the road that I never noticed when we were riding.

Joe

Quote from: racerrad8 on October 10, 2018, 04:31:57 PM
Travis, I hope I did not send you the wrong way. I was say to head up over Highway 108, the Sonora Pass. There is not any National Park fees on that route.

Randy - RPM

I probably didn't listen too well.We knew we had to pay a fee but we wanted to go through the park anyway.Our entire trip including Saturdays ride was only 640 miles.We came down all the way on hwy four and saw Ebbetts pass ,Mosquito Lake, Big trees , down to Angel's Camp for lunch and on to the biggest city on our trip Oakdale. Then we had a twisty ride through your eastern Sierras with a fun group of riders followed by a good dinner with a lot to talk about.The trip home through Yosemite, up and over the high country and Tioga Pass down to Mono Lake and on up 395 back to Nevada was in full fall colors a great trip.  

pictures of the trip down and back. 32 degrees at the top.

more pictures

last pictures

That's what it's all about right there. Great to meet you guys. Hurry back!

Quote from: T Legg on October 13, 2018, 11:26:05 PM
last pictures

Wow, wow and wow. What a fabulous part of the world to ride through. The memories of a motorbike trip through this sort of country will last a lifetime.

Noel

several thoughts come to mind. 

Ian has some really nice saddle bags for his sport bike and he was obviously well dressed for cold.

As ribbert stated, you guys rode thru some gorgeous country.  Is the lake in the pics Mosquito Lake?

That's the type of father/son adventure that stays with you forever.

Thanks for sharing.

Joe

The first lake is the reservoir at Ebbett's Pass .The second lake with the small houses is Mosquito lake on hwy four.The lake in Yosemite is Tioga lake and the last one at the top that is just outside the park is Saddlebag lakes. there used to be a small restaurant and boat dock but its all gone now.Saddle bag lake is at ten thousand feet .It was thirty two degrees (or zero for those in Australia )at four in the afternoon.

Quote from: T Legg on October 14, 2018, 12:17:37 PM
It was thirty two degrees (or zero for those in Australia )at four in the afternoon.

Thats crazy. I dont care how much gear i have, at 32 F, i would just curl up in a ball and cry. No way i could ride in those temps. Great photos!

^^^^ Spoken like a true desert dweller.

Thank goodness man discovered electricity. Heated gear is the bomb.

Thanks for the Picts Travis. I sure enjoyed your company. Good times.

What a difference a week makes...

Last Saturday = FJ greatness :yahoo:
This Saturday = At the in-laws doing house maintenance... :negative:

Oh well, while working in the refrigerator yesterday, I remember looking at my watch and thinking, last week about this time we we on the top of the little dragon fixing an oil leak... :wacko3:

Pictures to follow.

Randy - RPM

Here is the line up on Friday evening as the sun dips down for the night.

Travis and Ian have just arrived and Pat has to be the rebel parking on the sidewalk...

Randy - RPM

Getting ready to head out Saturday morning. Doug arriving was a nice surprise.

Prior to the suiting up, we had to replace Ryan's alternator as it had boiled the battery a it was charging at 16+ volts. Then as I was pulling all of the bike out of the shop, I threw my leg over Pat's 84. I noticed the kick stand seemed to be "lower" than normal and the bike was standing almost straight up. I fire her up, pop it in gear and start riding out of the shop...The asre end is already moving around at .3 MPH. I look down the tire rear tire is flat...



As Pat is walking up to his FJ, he must be thinking... I sure am glad Randy found that flat tire this morning.

That is followed up with the thought... "How's my hair".

And just like that we were on the road headed off for the journey.

Randy - RPM

As we got onto the downward travel of the Little Dragon, I pulled over to get some action shots of the guys. As I clicked this picture of Doug, the camera shut off. I turned it back on and the battery was flashing red & dead... :ireful:

If the camera would not have shut off, the next photo would have been a great shot. :flag_of_truce:

Sorry, no more riding/road photos.

Randy - RPM

So, since my camera was dead, hopefully there were others who might have gotten some shots along the ride.

This is our final stop of the day at the look-out over the Don Pedro reservoir.

From left to right.

Bottom Row - Rick (ZOA NOM), my oldest son, Robert (RPM - Robert), Doug (dugsfj), Andy (andyoutandabout).
Top Row      - My youngest son Ryan, Frank (Flynt), Ron (roortcloud), Ian (Travis' son), Travis (T Legg), Mike Ramos, Ryan (ryanschoebel), Joe (Tuned forks), Mark (FJmonkey) & Father Pat

Randy - RPM

I did not get any photos of the dinner table as the camera battery was charging, but it was ready in time for the annual campfire lighting & gathering.

Andy is getting ready to film the lighting for one of his awesome videos, while Pat is asking Ron..."How's my hair?"

Ryan is thinking, "God Damn, hurry up...It is down to 60* and I am getting cold". If you look closely, I think Ron is saying to Pat, "Not quite as good as mine right now..."


Randy - RPM

Just as the fire is about to be lit, Frank breaks out into song about the Ring of Fire (https://www.youtube.com/embed/uLd7O684kYA?start=42).... :bomb:

As this happens, the youngster Ryan is cracking a smile while Ol' Ramos hasn't quite processed the song choice yet.

Joe is looking at Robert and thinking, "I am not sure what I am hearing but after watching Pat pick his nose, I'm not so sure about these guys" :rofl2:

Rick is just a little "quicker" than Mike as the smile has appeared...

Randy - RPM

Mike has finally gotten up to speed on Frank's lyric's and Rick is now clapping at the outstanding rendition.

Randy - RPM

As the fire roars to life, Ian yells over to Ryan, "This is how we stay warm up here".

He then tells Ryan, "Beer helps too".

Then the radiant glow and heat source have then fully entranced Ian & Pat.

Randy - RPM

As Ian is still fully at the mercy of the fire, Pat, Kjell and Ron's attention have been shifted over to Travis. Due to the roar of the fire, I couldn't hear what he was telling everyone, but by the hand gestures, I think he said..."Normally our fires are this big, but you crazy bastard build 'em big and use that thermite shit to get that shit started...WOW"

Kjell is thinking, "I think your right, these guy are crazy, but they can sure ride the FJ".

All Ryan his to say is, "I can feel the heat and check out my tan line".

Randy - RPM

As the night came to an end both figuratively and literally, all the bikes were brought in. Doug had already taken off as he had to get home for work on Sunday and Pat had already headed for the hotel.

Since Kjell drove over just for dinner and comradery, I let him sit on Pat's mistress for the group photo.

But one tradition I did not miss was the annual line up of the bikes and their owners.

This closed out Saturday night. :hang1:

Randy - RPM

Sunday morning was the beginning of the manshed day before guys headed off for home. We began with the installation of a RPM spin on oil filter on Travis's FJ. When we got to the top of the Little Dragon, Travis noticed oil on the left side of the bike & rear tire. While it makes great chain lube, it makes for a slippery tire...

A variety of things were attempted to stop the oil filter canister drain screw from  leaking. Plastic from a water bottle, a bigger screw and some other Rube Goldberg attempts. Finally We removed some strings from a rag Travis had in his tool kit. I paired up some of the thread and put it over the bolt & perpendicular to the threads. Travis then wrapped several rounds over string around that first thread. We pulled a washer from the front fender to trap the string under the washer to prevent it from just pushing out around the allen head. The string was able to bite into the stripped housing threads and allowed the screw to be tightened without any leakage.

After a few easy miles, Travis grabbed a handful of throttle and rode the rest of the ride at full tilt.

In about 15 minutes, we popped the RPM adapter on, screwed on the spin on filter and they were ready for their trip back home via Yosemite National Park.

Randy - RPM

The SoCal/Arizona contingent arrived and were soon headed off on their way home. As mentioned several times, props to Ryan for hoping on his FJ, riding around 1400 miles round trip just to attend. Then on the ride route, he was in shock at the roads & hills at the beginning, but by the end of the day he was much improved. I am not sure if he has fully gotten comfortable not being able to see the direction of the roadway as it curves around or goes over a mountain...

Here are Pat, Mark and Ryan heading out from the shop for home.

Randy - RPM

Once they were on the way, We had a little work to do on Andy's bike and Frank needed to hook up his oil temp sending unit for his new digital dash.

We got Frank's bike done pretty fast with some experienced hands helping out... :wacko3:

As I was working on Andy's bike, I looked in on the RPM pod air filters. I asked him when the last time they were cleaned...? :dash1: That was followed by the answer of uncertainty.  :bad:

So, when I had the work done on the rear of his FJ, the filters were pulled. Look how much dirt on on the outside, the but look how clean the carb throats are. These filters work great, without question.

Then I thought as I was looking at the stock alternator plug, I wonder if that is burned internally...yep, it was just like all the others...

The air filters were cleaned & oiled, the alternator plug was replaced and the remote cylinder for his shock was once again secured to the bike and they were on the way home.

Once these two guys headed out, the RPM Fall Rally had come to a conclusion.

I know I had a great time, I hope everyone else did as well.

Randy - RPM

**Some interpretations and comments made in these post are purely fictional, but others are the full truth

Nice line up and photos. Although with the bike line up you guys need to pick up your game (lol) bikes to be in order of year of manufacture (here in Oz its down to year and month) and all bikes to be in a uniform position. Now we are just sounding anal  :biggrin: . Attending some of the US rallies is definitley on my bucket list, especiallt after the stories told by Richard and The General.

Mark

Ours are in the order of who got there first

We have a few OCD people who organise these things.

Yet another great time had at the RPM fall rally.
It was just so glorious a celebration of all FJ ownership brings.
Thanks for organizing Randy and thanks to Yamaha for building (although we really have to thank Randy for that as well).
To further illustrate; Randy made contrast between last weeks FJ greatness and this weeks domestic chores. I'd like to be very smug and contrast last weeks rally marvelousness with this weeks trip round Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. It was awesome.
The Fj keeps on giving.
Ride strong peeps.

Quote from: andyoutandabout on October 15, 2018, 01:32:53 AM
Yet another great time had at the RPM fall rally.
It was just so glorious a celebration of all FJ ownership brings.
Thanks for organizing Randy and thanks to Yamaha for building (although we really have to thank Randy for that as well).
To further illustrate; Randy made contrast between last weeks FJ greatness and this weeks domestic chores. I'd like to be very smug and contrast last weeks rally marvelousness with this weeks trip round Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. It was awesome.
The Fj keeps on giving.
Ride strong peeps.

I can't believe you would post anything after those pods were exposed... Hide your head in shame, man.

Quote from: ZOA NOM on October 15, 2018, 02:46:48 PM

Quote from: andyoutandabout on October 15, 2018, 01:32:53 AM
Yet another great time had at the RPM fall rally.
It was just so glorious a celebration of all FJ ownership brings.
Thanks for organizing Randy and thanks to Yamaha for building (although we really have to thank Randy for that as well).
To further illustrate; Randy made contrast between last weeks FJ greatness and this weeks domestic chores. I'd like to be very smug and contrast last weeks rally marvelousness with this weeks trip round Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. It was awesome.
The Fj keeps on giving.
Ride strong peeps.

I can't believe you would post anything after those pods were exposed... Hide your head in shame, man.

:rofl: They were pretty bad  :rofl:  For sure though Andy, you should post some of the photos and videos that you took! I think they would be awesome to see!

Rick, here's the position in words you're gonna love:

RIDING TRUMPS MAINTENANCE

Hence the road test on Monkeys chain guard already has 800 miles plus on it from time of last weeks fitting.
Ryan, video projects are in the works. Patience young man, patience.

Here are some pictures Ian took at the rpm rally.

Great times.

Forwarded from Mr French.

To answer one of Andy's questions in the video...

The 3rd Annual RPM Fall Rally will be held October 11-13, 2019...mark your 2019 calendars now.

Happy Thanksgiving, Randy - RPM

Quote from: andyoutandabout on November 22, 2018, 12:54:42 PM
Happy Thanksgiving Rallyists. It sure was a great riding year....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYC10iz9G4k (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYC10iz9G4k)



Andy

Great video.It's amazing what you can do with a cell phone.I can't wait until next year.I hope in future videos I'm not fixing my bike 90% of the time. 

Awesome video Andy and impressive editing.  Brings back memories of the event. 

Joe

Thanks Andy, good times indeed!

Nice Job Andy, as usual.
Glad to see you guys had nice weather, and some new faces added.