Subject: RE: How did you come by your Loop and why?
Author: Ray Hale
Date: Nov 30, 2003, 12:48 PM
Post ID: 1715364621
Ian,
First, my apologies for not making the extra 3 hour ride to hook up with
you and Ed this weekend. Hopefully you received my phone messages ok.
Lea and I left Gainesville, Fl Thanksgiving morning and rode the back
roads for 7 hours, the last two in freezing rain. We arrived FDR
campground in the rain, wind (20-40 mph)and of course in the dark. It
rained for 12 hours straight. We were soaked by the time the tent was
up. Friday it turned to upper 20's/lower 30's. Lea was already getting
sick that night. Saturday we woke up, had breakfast and packed up for
home. Another 6.5 hour cold, cold ride home but at least no rain this
time.
So, I'm agreeing with Ian...it's too damned cold for an 800 mile weekend
ride.
Now, on to loops. I had friends who had the Guzzi dealership in
Cleveland in the 70's. Loops intrigued me endlessly. I bought a G5 years
ago and fell in love. Put almost 80k on it before selling at 170k total.
Have always looked at loops at rallies with lust in my heart. I remember
in particular the bikes owned by Gerald Weeks, Bozo, Gonzo. Looked and
sounded just right. I knew someday an Eldo would come my way.
Last year I inherited some money and dedicated a portion to looking for
a loop. I found one in N. Carolina. It was NOT love at first sight but I
saw potential. I paid too much for it but was not as prepared or
educated as I should have been.
Three days later it was nothing more than many baggies and boxes full of
parts. Lists were made, parts have been ordered, work is progressing. No
bolt, seal, washer, gasket, bearing, etc has gone unturned or ignored.
Every piece of hardware has been replaced with newer, stronger, shinier
or cleaner parts.
Powder coating is done. Paint and chrome wait their turn. So far, I've
done all the wrenching, including relearning to lace and true wheels.
Big thanks to all the listers for their assistance and info. The last
big items to build are tranny and rear end. Saving for
last...procrastination as I'm a bit scared of those. I'll bring my son,
Quinn, down from Cleveland to help me rewire.
This bike will be a keeper, worthy of passing on to one of my sons. I am
so happy with my Harley but will enjoy having the choice of which to
ride on any given day, but the loop is a labor of love. I can't wait.
Ian, your idea of putting these together in a digest of some sort is a
great one. Would make a good read around the tent on a cold morning.
Ray
Ian Adkins wrote:
Hey All, OK...too cold to ride here in North GA...so I decided to spend a little time reflecting on my passion...Loops. I was wondering if some of you would like to offer a short anecdote as to how and when you became aware of Loops and your first aquisition. |