We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, it is habit.

-Aristotle

Marines A. Duncan and Al Perry after fighting for 10 days on the meat grinder on Iwo Jima, 1945

From a Couple Weeks Ago...

The bikes hadn't shown up yet, and Richy from Sweden was still here. Everyone was fiening for some riding, so with a couple phone calls, and a little maintenance, the guys were able to find three bikes, and ride up highway 49 to meet Gus and Zack, who were on their way to Sonora.

Wolf on his '67

Jonathan; selfie on Jeremy's '67

Gus

Sonora bound

First Run

The weather was agreeing with us last Friday when we finally got everything back together. T-shirts and sunscreen for our first ride out in mid October. Not bad.

Jason met us at the shop as we got the final things wrapped up, and like us, he needed some more shakedown miles on his stroker shovel.

That's why we call them shakedown miles! Only a loose ground cable, and we were back on the road.

Finished the ride off with some good Mexican food.

Holy Shit, Finally!

As many of you probably already know, our bikes have been in a customs hold in Los Angeles since September 26th. Last week we finally got the call that they were ready for pickup in Oakland. We all arranged a day off from work (not hard for some of us!), and headed down for the final bits of paperwork and payment.

Heading to the customs office in Alameda

Wolf forgot his ID at the warehouse, so Baby Clint and I waited for 40 minutes while he drove back and got it.

Finally in our hands!

Back at the shop: Like christmas morning!

Hey Mick, you want all 1000 screws back?

They're ugly, but they're ours!

Shovel Progress

It's finally back to normal here in Sonora, and Pat got me my parts back so I can finally start on assembling the rest of the motor. Unfortunately I keep thinking that molding everything is a good idea. So instead of putting the cylinders and new pistons on, I'm still sanding! Getting close to the end now, but still a little longer. 

Yeah, I should do the axle plates too!

Oh, and the neck cups!

A little bit of primer to see the high/low spots. 

Almost there. Heading to Oakland tomorrow to finally get our bikes back from Europe. They've been in a customs hold in Los Angeles since the 26th of September. 

Part 3

Although the majority of this visit was catching up, hanging out, and drinking beer, we did actually do some motorcycle related things! On our way to the airport to drop Beer and Els off, we stopped through Oakland and met up with Max at his shop. It had been awhile since any of us had seen each other and a visit was due, and this was the perfect excuse. We hung out as long as possible before the airline was calling. Thanks for the hospitality Max, always a pleasure!

Beer telling Wolf that he just punctured the rear tube on the 69 bike.

There were a limited amount of step stools at the shop, so Max being the host, didn't stand on one.

Rich being the embarrassing tourist as we crossed the Bay Bridge. In the background, Alcatraz, where most of us should be locked up!

I'm pretty sure most of you know what we said at this moment! See you guys soon!

Part 2

Emmanuel escaped to North Carolina before the crew headed out to Columbia for some old time photos. As some of you might remember, while in Holland, Baby Clint, Wolf and Jonathan took some incriminating photos of themselves in traditional Dutch clothing. Not sure if dressing up like cowboys is truly payback, but it was a great time.

Beer, Richy, Jonathan, and Wolf

The final product. During the photo session, no one kept it serious, holding the fake guns to each others heads, wearing the most ridiculous hats, and in general being total jackasses. A lot of fun!

The original photo taken in May, in Volendam. Pronounced Fallingdown.

European Invasion

A couple of weeks ago, we were lucky to get 4 people from Europe here in California all at the same time. Emmanuel from Brittany, Richy from Sweden and the Jokers, and Beer and Els from Holland and the Rogues of course. Everyone had different departure times, but were able to spend some good times all together.

First night in town after Wolf picked everyone up from the airport

Locals only. Richy blending in

Jason, our new prospect, joining the crew in Ventura

Dutch pirates forgot to tie up their ship!

Santa Paula with Jonathan

Euro crew with Sonora Jake and Cara

Back in Sonora, Manu explaining... something...(?) to Beer and Jonathan

Beer, and Els! in Columbia State Park

More photos to come...

From Russia with Love

Cool shot, Red Square Moscow. We're on the list now! Thanks for the photo

NorCal Cycle Swap

Heading out sunday morning (sic) for this one. Parts hunting and swapping

INFO HERE