The End of an Era

Most of you have heard that I had decided to retire from endurance rallying after the ’15 IBR. A promise that I have maintained. I wanted to see if I could go back to normal motorcycling. I considered swapping off the rally bike for something smaller, perhaps a scooter, dual sport, or dirt bike. I just couldn't convince myself to part with my well equipped rally bike.

When the Cognoscenti rally Big Dog came up in July I tried to sign up as a slacker but no openings so I signed on as a rider. The 600 mile trip to Ely, NV sealed the deal on my motorcycling career. Yes, it was hot but I realized that the fun had gone away. Dale (Warchild) Wilson graciously understood my dropping out as a competitive rider. I knew I couldn't meet the criteria to be a finisher.

Therefor, after 50+ years of motorcycling I've decided to liquidate the bike. [I'm working up an advertisement. Please contact me for details if you can't wait.]

So what's Mike going to be riding now? I found a great alternative. The first of August I took delivery of a Rad Rover Electric bike. The smiles are back on my face. This is just what I was hoping for: the ability to make short trips, go off-road, go some distance, and get some sorely needed exercise. 

Of course, it's being farkled. Tail rack, saddlebags, phone holder, a good lock, and a bike carrier for my truck so I can explore things further away.

So far, I've put over 200 miles on it and each day wake up excited about what trails and sights I’ll find on this day's trip. It's amazing the things you find in our back yard, like this on the route to my daughter's house:

Fantastic News!

For those of you who might have been lamenting my retirement from making Aux Tanks I've found somebody to take over fabrication of my designs.

The gentleman is Mr. Walt Preston, owner of Preston Machine and Fabrication in Newark, Ohio. 

His background as a mechanic, machinist, fabricator, and race engineer will give him ample experience in picking up where I've left off. 

His machine shop is much newer and more capable than mine and the more centralized location will be a benefit to many potential clients.

I will continue to maintain my web site for inquiries and price quotations as he gets his feet on the ground. 

Please join me in welcoming Walt to our crazy community of Long Distance Riders.

Mike