“Keep The Rubber Side Down”

Every Thursday I leave the Dealership at 7 p.m. and head  straight to Legends Sport Bar,for their “Bike Night”.   This Bike Night is just like the ones you have attended; good music, good food, good beer, motorcycles (mostly Harley’s), and a lot of old men dressed in their black and orange harloween costumes, complete with; bandanas, do rags, leather vests, cell phone covers, and shades. Needless to say I don’t quite fit in!  Reasons?

1.  I ride a BMW.

2. I had on a pink oxford shirt and sweater vest. (No I am Not Gay! Just trendy!)

So last night I am sitting at the bar discussing a 1967 Corvette with a 427, with a couple guys next to me, when Jerry, the bars owner, wants me to meet a buddy of his.  We exchange a warm greeting, as Jerry proceeds to tell him of Keep The Rubber Side Down, and the fact that I was a “BIKER”.  I wish you could have seen the look on this guy’s face! It said; “HIM A BIKER!  HE’S WEARING A PINK SHIRT AND SWEATER VEST FOR GOD SAKE”!  I could tell that the word “biker” and the image sitting before him, were not computing in his brain.  My new friend struggling with this concept, was one of the funniest things I have seen in a great while. We continued to speak for a few minutes then he moved on, still scratching his head about this encounter.  I would love to hear the re-telling of this story to his club brothers. I am uncertain exactly how he would say it, but I am certain the word alien life form, might appear in there somewhere!

Oh well, that is one of the great things about motorcycling, and Bike Night!  Next time I should probably lose the pink shirt.

Tags: , BMW, Legends

I live in Ohio!  Imagine my suprise when I took an unfamiliar road and saw this…

That’s right!  Buffalo!

What’s the strangest thing you have seen while taking a local ride?

Tags: , local rides

I am off!  It’s Family Weekend at the University of Findlay so I am riding North to see Ethan.  I am curious to see what my $$$$ are paying for.  So far it sounds like a lot of alcohol and hot girls.

Tags: , University of Findlay

Sipping my first cup of coffee as I sit down to write this post.  I can feel the cool air gently blowing through the partial raised window.  Looks like another gorgeous day!  I spent most of Wednesday cleaning up my yard in the aftermath of Sunday’s windstorm.  With nothing pressing, and in no hurry to complete the task, I enjoyed a couple cigars as I leisurely went about the clean up effort.  When my wife came home from work we jumped on the RT and rode for an hour and half.  It was a cool and quiet ride as we enjoyed one another’s company and the beautiful scenery, enhanced by a brilliant, setting sun.  One of those really good days!

WOW!  High winds pounded the Springfield area Sunday afternoon, leaving many area residents without power.  Hundred year old Oaks fell under the overpowering gusts, and hundreds of smaller trees, and branches, littered the roadways around our city.  All area schools, and many business, are closed and will be spending the day cleaning up the mess and waiting for power to return.  I hope all is well at your place.  Back to normal tomorrow!

Tags: Springfield Ohio

The throaty rumble of approximately two thousand Harley Davidson’s, echoed throughout downtown Springfield today.  Mid-Ohio Harley Davidson, and several other sponsors, threw quite a biker party for the residents of Clark County and beyond, complete with bands, beer, food. and a classic car show.

A couple thousand bikers attended today’s event, on what was an absolutely perfect summer day.  My son, Jonathan and I, had a great time drooling over some of the classic cars, listening to the bands, and chatting with many old acquaintances.  Now this is what summer is all about!

Tags: , harley davidson, Springfield

KTRSD is always on the lookout for new routes, events, and places, we think you may be interested in.  Well here’s a Sports Pub, for you to check out, It’s called, Legends Sports Pub and Grille!

If you are looking for a destination to ride your bike, eat great food, and listen to some good music, then you need to give Legends a try.  I have been visiting the Pub for the past few weeks, and find it an enjoyable place to hang out.  A buddy of mine told me about it, so I stopped in, and now I am hooked.   Here’s why I like Legends…

• Bike Night!  Every Thursday night is Bike Night!  Grab a buddy and join us! Show off that bike.
• Great atmosphere.  Over 30 T.V screens to catch the game.  And a patio for that occasional cigar!
• Staff  is friendly and professional.  Great servers, and Co-owners Jerry and Maryann, are almost always on-sight.
• Food is amazing.  I haven’t tasted all 100 menu items, but I am working on it.
• Good music.  Thursday night a D.J. keeps the place hopping, and on Friday’s  live entertainment is usually playing.

If you have yet to try Legends Sports Pub and Grille, why not meet me there this Thursday night!  Maybe you can even buy me a beer!  Here’s the address, and be sure and tell Jerry, KTRSD sent you!

7617 Dayton-Springfield Rd. In the Enon Drug Mart Plaza. 

937. 863. 0238

Tags: , Legends Sports Bar and Grille

4:45 a.m.  My wake up call for this Sunday morning.  Some hot coffee, a quick shower, and I am heading out the door.  In 2 hours KTRSD will be track side at the largest celebration of vintage motorcycles on the continent; AMA’s Vintage Motorcycle Days!   A dark, and chilly morning, greets me as I walk to the garage and fire up the bike.  I will be heading North to Mid-Ohio Sports Car Race Track, one of the most challenging courses in the country with it’s 2.4 mile, 15 turn ribbon of asphalt.

By the time I arrive at the track, the paddock area is already buzzing with activity, as the teams are preparing their vintage contraptions to race, on what will be a very hot Sunday in July. 

I spent much of the morning trying to get my bearings, and familiarizing myself with the day’s schedule;  13 races, swap meet, demo rides, and a seminar lead by Clement Salvadori.  All of this plus a bike show, fill the agenda, some editing was certainly in order.

As the day progressed, the racing schedule backed up, due to the fact there was a significant oil spill on the course, and the track crew was having a difficult time cleaning it up.  (I didn’t even realize there was a Harley in that last race!)  Kidding! Here’s a few tid-bits from the day…

1.  Clement Salvadori is a better writer than a speaker.

2.  $6.00 for a soda and wienie.

3.  Fuel $10 per gallon in London.

4.  Triumph was king today.

5.  Vintage bikes are cool, but very unreliable.

6.  Over 60,000 in attendance on Sunday.

By mid-afternoon the sun was baking the track and the participants, sunscreen and water, were the priorities of the day.   Here’s a sample…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bP-nSAcabA

I am hot, sweaty, thirsty, and ready to tear up some road!  Thanks Mid-Ohio, it was a blast!

Tags: , AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Track, Triumph

It is finally here! Everything old will be new again, at least for the next three days at the  AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days!  The gates opened today at 7 a.m. at the beautiful Mid Ohio Race Track in Lexington, Ohio.  Sponsors of the vintage days are anticipating crowds of 40,000, or more during the events 3 day run.  This year the Marque of the year is Triumph.  Each day will be packed full of races, swap meets, demo rides, and seminars.  Well known motorcycle writer, Clement Salvadori, will be in attendance delivering a three part series entitled “Nostalgia”. 

KTRSD will be track side on Sunday from 7 a.m.- 6 p.m.  Hope to see you there!

Tags: , AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, Mid Ohio Race Track, Triumph motorcycles

Clark County Fairgrounds was last night’s destination of choice, as District 11, held round 12 of their motocross racing schedule.  Brilliant weather welcomed riders from the southern section of Ohio, as they competed in Monday’s motocross event. The dirt was flying, and the racing action was non-stop, as riders attempted to navigate a short, but well rutted track.  Michelle and I, had a great time watching these high spirited motorcycle races. Of course, what is the fair without a little fair food?  So a stroll through the midway seemed in order as we sought out our favorite… Elephant Ears, to be exact!

Tags: , District 11, fair food, motocross

“Moto Movie Night” was simply awesome!    Saturday evening KTRSD rode to Columbus, for a night of food, games, stunt riders, and 2 great flicks, “The World’s Fastest Indian“, and “Easy Rider“!  The weather was absolutely perfect, and the venue was well suited for such a party.  We arrived at A.D. Farrow  Co. Harley Davidson around 7:15 p.m. and immediately could see a great deal of forethought had gone into this event.   There were activities for the children as well as the adults; games, hot air balloon rides, great food, and an exciting group of stunt riders. 

A 25′ screen was set up near the lake and all the movie goers place their blankets, and chairs, out on the well manicured lawn.  While waiting for the movie to start, my wife even enticed me to play a game of corn hole!  It was actually fun.  There are plans in the works to do this again and I will certainly keep you informed!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxclzaa4Sco

Tags: , A.D. Farrow Harley Davidson, Easy Rider, The Wold's Fastest Indian