...are you talking about cleaning me, or Betty...(?)

My wife accuses me of spending more time and money on the Harleys and the mutts than I do on her. Of course, I deny it. But I'll bet you a copper mousetrap that I spend way more than even she imagines.

However, I like the atmosphere of a dark garage and the coolness of the evening. The F-150's radio on an oldies station, the squeak of a micro-fiber cloth, and a beverage to wash down the dust.

Frankly, I can't wait for those times. It's a lot better than sitting here on the computer looking at all of this new snow...

I use to have the only garage and tools for cleaning and wrenching amongst us so my place was the gathering place for the tribe. Place to catch a quick clean up,oil,filter or plug change. Whatever. Always had a fridge with beer. In fact I had a old 1952 all metal 52x12 foot trailer hunkered down in the back yard to the far right of the garage for company. Had TV, stereo,chairs,couchs and a bed. Had electricity but no running water. Had an intercom system to the house. This way I could entertain but not expose my wife and children to the at times less then acceptable behavior.And if I was needed for what ever reason I was in the back yard.

Little bit of heaven.

I think a guy should keep himself centered in the company of men. You don't get too full of yourself that way. I think that's another reason I go to the gym. You need your friends.

Having raised 3 children and coming out of that about 2007-2008 I've not been even remotely succesful in redeveloping my 2 wheeled social circle. Lets face it...most people my age either have just started riding and cautiously do so going no where or most people my age who started riding when I did don't anymore. Add the whole pseudo I fought the law mentality and that narrows down my possible meeting any cool mofo's to slim to none. Too bad you didn't live closer Tourist.

Perhaps not for long. Due to my MIL's health and my wife's part-time job, I'm close to home and will be for 2 to 3 years. Both of us got really cold this year, and it's the first time that I have sounded like lots of older people. Of course, the dramatic weight loss had a great deal to do with it, but yikes, it's uncomfortable.

I'm toying with letting Betty go and try to kill someone else, and then replacing her with either the Fat Boy or my secret favorite, the Fat Bob. The 'Bob' has the slower 103-inch engine and bigger fuel tank, but also a front end similar to Spinner's. With the forward peg model, I could ride comfortably like on the Sportster, and really cover the miles.

Glass is not an issue. You don't miss what you never had. And personally, all of these newer bikes ride like cushy GoldWings to me. If I can swap out the shocks for Progressives, I'm pretty much a happy man.

The floor-boards concern me. I have never owned a bike with them. Then, I'll be free to wander.