Blue Dog Diaries: For want of a thread
Terry Roorda
May 21, 2013
We were an unlikely trio gathered in my garage that afternoon. There was me and Robert Pirsig and Richard the Third slouching on shop stools trying not to think too much while I softly sang, “Turn! Turn! Turn!” the biblically inspired folkie chestnut by Pete Seeger; so I guess Pete was there in... Read more »
Southern Rail: Movin’ on up
Robert Filla
May 20, 2013
I was running late, way behind schedule and pulling out all the stops to make this ride. The bike needed new rubber on the rear for this 800-mile trip and I enlisted the only pit crew in sight, a couple of maintenance workers that were tending the apartment complex shrubbery. They helped me jack the... Read more »
One for the Road: Road Warrior
Shadow
May 20, 2013
Daytona Bike Week is just around the corner, and I’m thinking back to the time when THUNDER PRESS Editor-in-Chief Terry, South Editor Robert and I stayed in a house that was advertised as a quaint bungalow. We soon found out that the realtor’s version of quaint was just another way of saying that... Read more »
Blue Dog Diaries: Rider Education 101
Terry Roorda
May 3, 2013
For over 40 years people have been asking me to teach them how to ride a motorcycle, and as a result I have schooled dozens of such supplicants, some of whom are still with us today thanks in large measure to my careful instruction and the miracle of respirators. With a track record like that it comes... Read more »
Southern Rail: One bumpy ride
Robert Filla
April 17, 2013
The year was winding down, the Mayans were wrong and winter was setting in. It was the perfect time to put the final touches on my project bike sitting out in the shop. It was actually finished and already had several thousand miles on the rebuild but, as anyone who maintains a garden or tinkers with... Read more »
One for the Road: Mechanical maelstrom
Shadow
April 5, 2013
A woman sees she needs her oil changed in her car, makes an appointment with her local repair shop, has a cup of coffee and watches TV for a half-hour until her car is ready, pays the $29.99 bill and is on her way. Her husband sees it’s time to change the oil in his car, goes to his local auto parts... Read more »
Blue Dog Diaries: The year of the Indians
Terry Roorda
March 25, 2013
History ain’t what it used to be, and neither is what passes for hard news in these media hype-saturated days. A case in point is the promotional video released by Indian Motorcycle in December featuring American Pickers star and Indian celebrity pitchman, Mike Wolfe, enthusing to the viewer, “I’ve... Read more »
Southern Rail: As luck would have it…
Robert Filla
March 14, 2013
I was rolling through a wasteland—specifically, the vegetable department at my local market on a New Year’s Day morning shortly after all the vampires, zombies and drunks had sought refuge from the rising sun. It was an ungodly hour and the previous night of Eve frivolities continued to pierce my... Read more »
One for the Road: Surviving the apocalypse
Shadow
March 7, 2013
“If you are reading this story, the world didn’t end on December 21, 2012.” The pronouncement was seen on an FAQ page of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration website, and, of course, refers to the alleged Mayan prediction that the world would end on 12/21/12. NASA was so sure it wouldn’t... Read more »
Blue Dog Diaries: Wet work
Terry Roorda
February 20, 2013
There was a chunk of muddy sod staring me in the face, wedged into the top edge of my face shield, gouged out of the perfect lawn I had plowed with my head and upon which I now lay spread eagle and motionless. An arm’s length away lay my pride and joy, my new ’71 Kawasaki F7 Enduro—still running,... Read more »
