Life - 2

Corporate treachery has become commonplace in current society, but it is especially sad to see when it hits close to home. Obvious in retrospect, Eldon Dieffenbach's purchase of Gibble's from Martin's was simply an acquisition to shut it down and secure private label contracts. It's not clear whether to blame him or Martin's for callously tossing away a local tradition.

I fail to understand the modern business theory of shutting down profitable product lines to 'focus on core products.' This rarely does anything but reduce overall profits, especially in cases like this where there was no avenue to re-purpose the product line or employees for more profitable ventures. Such tactics make sense when product lines are losing money, but in cases like this where the profit was simply 'less than our main product line' it is unclear what positive impact management was trying to achieve.

The only plus side here is the potential to improve my health, as these were one of the last potato chip brands I find worth reaching for. I'll certainly enjoy this last bag.

From Miscellaneous

A few weeks ago we installed Gas heating and a Gas stove. Propane Gas prices have fallen significantly due to fracking up north, Gas now represents a significant savings in our area over fuel oil per BTU. Our old oil burner furnace needed costly maintenance, and our old electric range had developed burner problems, so we replaced both.

A 96% efficient unit, the new furnace looks like a computer inside; a giant circuit board dominates the interior. Much smaller as well, sidewalls were fabricated larger than the actual unit so the old ductwork matches up. Concerned such a small furnace wouldn't have the gusto to push through our old 4" ductwork, it actually works better than the old furnace did, with more airflow and more consistent heating throughout the house.

Best part of the install is the Gas stove; it cooks quickly with even heat and much more control than the old electric.

From Motorcycle Adventures

I've been considering adding a 'sportier' bike to my stable all summer, but haven't been happy with the condition of similar used bikes. I wanted something still practical for commuting, but which would be an interesting counterpoint to the experience on my cruisers. I had settled on getting a new 2013 Yamaha FZ6R, when I saw this 2007 Suzuki GS500F on Craig's List.

This bike has quite a few miles on it, but as I've been told and have been experiencing first hand, mileage is a poor indicator of used motorcycle quality. I've had it a few weeks at this point and am enjoying the different riding experience.

When I purchased my Rebel last year I was already a frequent visitor to both the Honda Rebel Forum and the Rebel 250 forum. The latter has a yearly Rally within a day's ride at Lake Hope State Park in Ohio. I wasn't experienced enough to make the 400+ mile journey last year, but I made it this year.

Being a Rebel 250, although it can handle freeways just fine, I don't find too many hours on them pleasant for me as a rider, so I took the Google maps 'avoid freeways' route which was approximately 408 miles. This route including stops took 10 hours on the way out and 11 hours on the way back, due to more stops on the way back to enjoy attractions I had passed on the way out. Although not much greater in miles on paper, this was a much longer ride than visiting my sister in Cleveland involving twice as many hours in the saddle.

Motorcycle Adventures

While out there (fortunately the day after the Rally so I didn't miss any festivities), the crankcase seal around the left side of the drive shaft popped out. Apparently a common problem on this bike as it's held in merely by pressure, a local Rebel-Rouser helped me out and not only picked me up, but let me use their garage and tools to repair it. Now that I've done it once, if it happens again I can actually repair this problem road-side with the right tools on hand, which I intend to carry on long trips from now on. As a side effect of this problem however, I got a chance to tour Athens, OH and Ohio University.

Logged 1,030 miles by the time I returned home, already planning to head out again next year.

My photos of the trip to the Rebel Rally this year are organized at the front of my Motorcycle Adventures Album, although I didn't take many.

Better pictures of the actual Rally part by Tigerlily 2012 Ohio Rebel Rally Lake Hope

As advertised, the Rally was mainly eating and talking with a motorcycle ride thrown in, which considering the long ride there, was perfect.

From Honda Rebel Scottoiler Install

After thousands of miles on my chain-drive Honda Rebel I love riding it, even after buying a larger bike. It has one annoyance however; chain maintenance. I experienced a few chain oiling fiasco's including over-application at times making a mess of the rear wheel, an oil spray can failure which left me coated in oil, and rain washing the oil off accelerating chain wear on rides home. Reading about chain maintenance online, many (especially in Europe, where many more people ride) waxed poetic about their improved lives after installing a Scottoiler. They aren't generally available in motorcycle shops in this country however. Finally, a moto-vlogger I enjoy regularly, M13 started raving about them so I decided to try one out.

Installation was considerably more challenging than expected, which ended up requiring removal of the fuel tank, seats, side covers, and rear wheel axle. On my 25 mile test ride this morning the chain was perfectly lubricated. Now I need some rain for a really good test . . .

Another ride video from my weekend scenic drive, this one from South Williamsport to route 44.



I enjoy the lighting on this one. While riding I was concerned the sun was too bright for the camera, but it turned out well.

Having not posted any ride videos on my Yamaha Vstar 950 yet, I made some recordings on Saturday. This one shows construction on route 15 near Williamsport and concludes with a ride over the grate metal arch street bridge.



I used to be terrified to ride on these, but now I rather enjoy them. The sensation of the motorcycle wavering underneath is interesting. Unfortunately this bridge is about to be replaced, the almost finished replacement visible on the right.

My 2012 Inferno Orange Chevy Sonic 1.4 Turbo LTZ Manual From Miscellaneous

Back in January I ordered this 2012 Chevy Sonic with the 1.4 Turbo engine and a manual transmission. I liked the motorcycle inspired design, the color, the opportunity to try a manual transmission, and the fuel economy. I usually ride a motorcycle to work, but some days it is more practical to take an automobile due to weather and/or hauling requirements.

One of the interesting aspects of this car is the made in Europe turbocharged engine. They have a different market over there, being primarily manual transmission cars whereas most drivers here want to chat on their cell phone and shave while driving instead of actually enjoying the drive, so manuals here are stereotypically sold on the cheap. As such, Chevy decided to list this car as running 87 octane gasoline, using a control chip to detect the type of fuel added and retard the engine as appropriate. A fascinating side effect of this unusual measure is a car that actually does perform better with premium gasoline.

From Motorcycle Adventures

On Thanksgiving Day this year I rode over 300 miles to Cleveland on my VStar motorcycle to visit my sister. The picture at the left was taken upon my arrival at Crocker Park in the evening.

Heading out at 10:30 in the morning it was about 50 degrees Fahrenheit and sunny, a beautiful day for a ride. I decided not to put the windshield on the bike as it reduces my ability to control airflow with layers of clothing and is too hot with my winter gear on at those temperatures.

Today was my last day of full time employment at the PA Capitol Preservation Committee. Thanks to everyone who made me feel welcome over the years. To commemorate my many commutes, enjoy this motorcycle video including part of a favorite route to work on my 2008 Honda Rebel.

My Rebel Parked at Work on a Considerably Warmer Day, From Motorcycle Adventures

Headed to work today, it was 32.7 degrees F with fog. I was convinced, seeing the sun starting to poke out, all would be fine once I got to the top of the mountain and out of our valley of perpetual fog.

I started up the Rebel and after warming up a while, I lurched out the lane (still wasn't warm yet, had to increase choke and putter along; pretty common below 50F). Even though visibility was less than ideal, the roads were clean and dry. After puttering along across the valley, half opening my visor as needed to clear it and at times so I could see at all, I made it to the top of the mountain, but alas, the fog continued in the next valley.

From Cooking

Items we had on hand at the time and Karen's suggestion of using instant pudding as icing resulted in this delicious combination.

Loyalsock Valley Antique Machinery Association Show

Although rain from the previous day resulted in the cancellation of the tractor parade and poor attendance, there were still many tractors on display at the 2011 Loyalsock Valley Antique Machinery Association Show. One advantage to going on Sunday is hearing and seeing them pull out, which was a reasonable substitute for the parade.

An operating steam-powered sawmill was at the event, along with a selection of other operating pre-gasoline tractor motors.

Other features of the event include food vendors and a flea market with a wide variety of interesting items from wooden tool handles to fine china.

From Motorcycle Adventures

Attended Carlisle Bike Fest 2011 this year. Enjoyed looking at the rides people came in on; much of the show is the bikes people bring which they park in the middle of the show in wide enough aisles to easily wander up and down.

Other enjoyable attractions included the demo rides (which I didn't qualify for this year due to only having a permit, but watching and listening to new bikes was still cool), Biker Billy's cooking show (watch out if you're in the audience at one of these, he actively seeks victims to roast), and the Disc Connected K9's.

I drove in via a cage this year, scared off by the threat of rain which never materialized. By next year I hope to be more adventuresome.

Out on the shooting range with my sister and brother in law, I recorded this fun video of them alternating shots:



As my sister says it best in the video, "that's awesome!"