Kawasaki Concours Forum

Riding => Events Calendar => Topic started by: Rick Hall on March 28, 2012, 11:45:37 PM

Title: CO, Wrench and Wretch. aka "Road Kill Cafe" open house
Post by: Rick Hall on March 28, 2012, 11:45:37 PM
Due to forecast inclement weather (read: crappy riding), Wrench and Wrench cancelled for this weekend. Makeup date is the 28th, same time, same location :)

That time of year again, I'll be hosting the semi-regular "Wrench and Wretch" at my palatial mountain estate just outside Lyons, CO.

Start time: 9:30 AM (maybe earlier)
End time: 3:00 PM (maybe later)
Rain/snow cancellation (I do live in the mountains!) will be April 28, same times.

Previous attendees will vouch that I have a well stocked selection of crow-bars and sledge hammers for any motorcycle maintenance item you'd like to do. This years arsenal includes two 8 lb. splitting mauls, which are quite helpful in breaking the bead on that problematic tire.

Seriously, if scooter maintenance is on your to-do list, I've got most all the tools you'll need. And I can guarantee a bevy of gear heads will be there to offer advice. Some may even help ;)

Tire mount/balance can be done, modest tire recycle fee expected ($2 each). Ship the new tire(s) here if you want. Empty waste oil can for oil/filter changes, no fee expected. Carb sync gauges (the old kind), metric tools, and lots of heavy striking instruments.

Food will be whatever I can scrape off the road out front. Barring adequate road kill, Red Beans and Rice with corn bread and fixin's will be on the lunch menu. Previous W&W attendee's have said it's killer... figuratively ;)

Coffee and spring water provided. If you'd like to bring a "beverage of your choice", by all means do so. Bring an extra one, you never know who might be thirsty.

Gravel driveway/parking, plenty of kickstand plates available. Asphalt side road off CO-7, it'll have some loose rocks.

Click my profile for a Google Map to the "Road Kill Cafe". About 12 miles W of Lyons on CO-7, look for the bikes.

RSVP please. PM me, post a reply here, or drop me an email at rickh at zggtr dot org
And watch here for weather/road updates.

Rick
Title: Re: CO, Wrench and Wretch. aka "Road Kill Cafe" open house
Post by: CRocker on March 29, 2012, 08:30:06 AM
Sign me up!  Looking forward to getting another riding season started! :)
Title: Re: CO, Wrench and Wretch. aka "Road Kill Cafe" open house
Post by: DonB on March 29, 2012, 08:57:26 AM
I see the Rain/snow cancellation date 4/28
main date ???????????
will try to be there
Title: Re: CO, Wrench and Wretch. aka "Road Kill Cafe" open house
Post by: DenverC-14 on March 29, 2012, 09:50:16 AM
I think I can make it. If the weather stays as nice as it has, shouldn't be a problem. Could I do(with some watchful eyes) a brake/clutch fluid flush while I'm there?
Title: Re: CO, Wrench and Wretch. aka "Road Kill Cafe" open house
Post by: DenverC-14 on March 29, 2012, 09:58:58 AM
I see the Rain/snow cancellation date 4/28
main date ???????????
will try to be there
14th, it's at the top of the page... I think
Title: Re: CO, Wrench and Wretch. aka "Road Kill Cafe" open house
Post by: sherob on March 29, 2012, 10:28:23 AM
I'll watch... helpful, debatable... but I'll at least watch.  ;D
Title: Re: CO, Wrench and Wretch. aka "Road Kill Cafe" open house
Post by: Rick Hall on March 30, 2012, 08:48:49 PM
@ DonB. Yes, the 14th

@ DenverC-14. I do have several quarts of brake fluid, last I checked. But they came over on the Mayflower. Best if you buy/bring a fresh pint of whatever Kawasaki recommends. DOT-4 I suspect.

Rick
Title: Re: CO, Wrench and Wretch. aka "Road Kill Cafe" open house
Post by: Locol on March 30, 2012, 09:58:15 PM
I look forward to seeing yall. Might be able to bring some fresh prairie dog filets for the red beans and rice. Den
Title: Re: CO, Wrench and Wretch. aka "Road Kill Cafe" open house
Post by: CRocker on April 06, 2012, 08:31:37 AM
Rick,

You think somebody who will be there can show me how to upgrade a J-box?  I'll bring an extra one...and the relays...and whatever else is needed...

Thanks,

Brad
Title: Re: CO, Wrench and Wretch. aka "Road Kill Cafe" open house
Post by: Rick Hall on April 06, 2012, 08:45:58 AM
I know I can solder and resolder. I've a few relays too. And a spare J-box rattling around someplace.

Bring it up, replacement relays are all that's really needed.

Rick
Title: Re: CO, Wrench and Wretch. aka "Road Kill Cafe" open house
Post by: DenverC-14 on April 09, 2012, 08:30:16 PM
Hopefully they amend the forecast a little bit, but as of now, the weekend is looking pretty lousy.
(http://www.9news.com/weather/graphics/Planning_Forecast_popup.jpg)
Title: Re: CO, Wrench and Wretch. aka "Road Kill Cafe" open house
Post by: Rick Hall on April 09, 2012, 09:08:33 PM
Hopefully they amend the forecast a little bit, but as of now, the weekend is looking pretty lousy.

I only trust 3-4 days out, living in the weather shadow that I do.  My long range forecasting tool (my trick elbow) says something is gonna happen. When, or how severe, I can't tell. May be a month ;)

Stay tuned (to my trick elbow). Any postponement notice will be posted here. No complaints if it rains, we need it!

Rick
Title: Re: CO, Wrench and Wretch. aka "Road Kill Cafe" open house
Post by: DenverC-14 on April 09, 2012, 09:42:17 PM
I only trust 3-4 days out, living in the weather shadow that I do.  My long range forecasting tool (my trick elbow) says something is gonna happen. When, or how severe, I can't tell. May be a month ;)

Stay tuned (to my trick elbow). Any postponement notice will be posted here. No complaints if it rains, we need it!

Rick
Yep, 3 days out is usually all I go with around here. We certainly need the rain, if nothing else but to quell some of the fire risk.
Title: Re: CO, Wrench and Wretch. aka "Road Kill Cafe" open house
Post by: Kazairl on April 09, 2012, 09:55:29 PM
Have you thought about adding "Wench" to the title? Attendance would skyrocket. Productivity would plummet. Muchos Cervasas would be had by all.



(Surely I'm not the first one to come up with that....)
Title: Re: CO, Wrench and Wretch. aka "Road Kill Cafe" open house
Post by: Rick Hall on April 09, 2012, 10:13:58 PM
.... Muchos Cervasas would be had by all.

Only if the wenches brought them ;) In the mountains, where I live, most everyone is a Lumberjack or Lumberjill. Not too bad, I guess, if you don't mind being strapped to a tree.

If the weather holds, think about riding over. I've access to a four bed cabin for a couple of overnights. No real charge, but you have to buy dinner one night. Google "Millsite Inn" or "Mary's Lake Lodge", or "Oscar Blues" (yum!)

Rick
Title: Re: CO, Wrench and Wretch. aka "Road Kill Cafe" open house
Post by: Rhino on April 09, 2012, 10:43:23 PM
Wish I could be there.
Title: Re: CO, Wrench and Wretch. aka "Road Kill Cafe" open house
Post by: DenverC-14 on April 10, 2012, 06:56:58 AM
Only if the wenches brought them ;) In the mountains, where I live, most everyone is a Lumberjack or Lumberjill. Not too bad, I guess, if you don't mind being strapped to a tree.

If the weather holds, think about riding over. I've access to a four bed cabin for a couple of overnights. No real charge, but you have to buy dinner one night. Google "Millsite Inn" or "Mary's Lake Lodge", or "Oscar Blues" (yum!)

Rick
Oskar Blues has some outstanding beer, and the food isn't bad either. Mary's Lake Lodge is tasty foods, and they can accommodate a large group. On more than a few occasions they've handled 20+ sporty bike hooligans.
Title: Re: CO, Wrench and Wretch. aka "Road Kill Cafe" open house
Post by: DenverC-14 on April 11, 2012, 10:10:29 PM
Rick,
 You moving this back to the "backup" weekend?
Title: Re: CO, Wrench and Wretch. aka "Road Kill Cafe" open house
Post by: Rick Hall on April 11, 2012, 10:46:53 PM
Rick,
 You moving this back to the "backup" weekend?

Alas, I think so  :'(

Though it looks like 45F and a 'slight' possibility for rain on Saturday at the palace in the mountains next to the big tree, I don't have to ride in the potential crap to get to said palace. Not to mention an over abundance of caution may prove that sand/salt ends up on the road. Doesn't bother me much, but may put a damper on the proposed festivities.

Not to fret though! ;D I think I scarfed up a raccoon for the grub. SCORE! Thought it was a skunk, but it didn't stink.
Daily Double: I get more time to get the outhouse in proper working order :)

Command from the mount: Wrench and Wretch postponed until April 28th due to inclement weather.
Title: Re: CO, Wrench and Wretch. aka "Road Kill Cafe" open house
Post by: Kazairl on April 12, 2012, 08:51:08 AM
I would like to swing by, it sounds like fun. However, I'm going to be in Denver the weekend of the 21st and I'm not sure I can swing being gone two weekends in a row. We'll see though.
Title: Re: CO, Wrench and Wretch. aka "Road Kill Cafe" open house
Post by: CRocker on April 12, 2012, 10:15:02 AM
Might be able to do a ride-by that day...anniversary week-end...so...other things are planned...
Title: Re: CO, Wrench and Wretch. aka "Road Kill Cafe" open house
Post by: Wyowind on April 12, 2012, 11:39:54 AM
Rick,    I just noticed your message today.  I'm not real consistant about getting on the site to keep up with everthing thats going on.   Turns out that it's small world sometimes.  I rode through Lyons on the 10th;  in route to Nederlands for grub and suds.  Wish I would have seen your message to arrange a howdy-doo session.   I work on the 28th or would try to make it down for the day.  Maybe we can catch a ride later this spring.  I usually ride just me and the bike.  Would be fun to have some company for a change.  Thanks for the invite.  Sounds like it will be a great time.
Title: Re: CO, Wrench and Wretch. aka "Road Kill Cafe" open house
Post by: Rick Hall on April 12, 2012, 08:42:34 PM
@Kazairl. Holler if you have time when here, I can buzz down for lunch or sumpin.

@CRocker: Tell her you're heading out for "Cajun Take Out". I'll make ya a 'go' box :)

@Wyowind: I'm here most of the time. Drop me a note if you'll be in the area, I'll do the same. Chugwater Chilli Cookoff is coming up isn't it?
Title: Re: CO, Wrench and Wretch. aka "Road Kill Cafe" open house
Post by: CRocker on April 13, 2012, 12:17:05 AM

@CRocker: Tell her you're heading out for "Cajun Take Out". I'll make ya a 'go' box :)


Uhh...I don't think she's gonna fall for that...AGAIN!!! :chugbeer:
Title: Re: CO, Wrench and Wretch. aka "Road Kill Cafe" open house
Post by: Wyowind on April 13, 2012, 12:56:38 AM
Can't say that I've ever been to the Chugwater cook-off day.  Started that direction once or twice and found out the road doesn't lead directly there from here.  I usually get wound around some county road and takes all day to find my way back.  Funny how this bike gets lost out there a lot.  Gonna have to make sure not to fix that.  Maybe this year I could find the town of "bison-leaps" - Chugwater that is.
Title: Re: CO, Wrench and Wretch. aka "Road Kill Cafe" open house
Post by: sherob on April 13, 2012, 11:54:18 AM
Made many of stops in Chugwater...  8)
Title: Re: CO, Wrench and Wretch. aka "Road Kill Cafe" open house
Post by: Rhino on April 14, 2012, 02:09:17 AM
Ok, you guys are making me homesick and jealous that I can't be there. I really want to try Rick's BBQ raccoon or possum or skunk or whatever. So to make me feel better I'm planning to spend that weekend on a beach in Marseille and a drive over to Carcassonne for a look see.

(http://dolphyns.free.fr/images/Cathares/Carcassonne.jpg)
Title: Re: CO, Wrench and Wretch. aka "Road Kill Cafe" open house
Post by: CRocker on April 23, 2012, 07:42:47 PM
So...Rick...you think one rain-date was enough?  Or, am I just a whiner...? :-\
Title: Re: CO, Wrench and Wretch. aka "Road Kill Cafe" open house
Post by: DenverC-14 on April 25, 2012, 09:53:53 PM
Ugh, like a carbon copy of the last forecast I posted the other week.  >:(
(http://www.9news.com/weather/graphics/Planning_Forecast_popup.jpg)
Title: Re: CO, Wrench and Wretch. aka "Road Kill Cafe" open house
Post by: Rick Hall on April 25, 2012, 10:38:56 PM
It's on regardless, I got a bucket of road kill goop I gotta get rid of ;D I only have so much room in the freezer! ;)

Allenspark is:
Tomorrow night: Scattered thunderstorms in the evening, then variable clouds overnight with more showers at times. Low 41F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
Friday: Partly cloudy skies with gusty winds. High 54F. Winds WNW at 20 to 30 mph.
Saturday: Windy with a mix of sun and clouds. Highs in the mid 50s and lows in the upper 20s.
Sunday: Partly cloudy with a stray thunderstorm. Highs in the low 50s and lows in the low 30s.

Rick
Title: Re: CO, Wrench and Wretch. aka "Road Kill Cafe" open house
Post by: CRocker on April 25, 2012, 10:49:11 PM
Weather doesn't seem too bad...however...I'm told our anniversary is still on...I'm such a lucky guy!
Title: Re: CO, Wrench and Wretch. aka "Road Kill Cafe" open house
Post by: overthehill on April 28, 2012, 04:50:17 PM
Thanks again.  Had a great time meeting everyone.  Good to finally make this event.  Been watching for a bunch of years.
Title: Re: CO, Wrench and Wretch. aka "Road Kill Cafe" open house
Post by: ZG on April 28, 2012, 05:01:34 PM
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/cdsioduyf8we.gif)
Title: Re: CO, Wrench and Wretch. aka "Road Kill Cafe" open house
Post by: Rick Hall on April 28, 2012, 05:35:07 PM
A light turn out this year, still a treat to see everyone though :) Not a wrench was lifted either :-/

All told, five C-14's, a GS, new model KLR and an NT. Steve rode up from Loveland with a busted toe, said "the C-14 shifts like butter..." Larry traversed a patch of road ice on his KLR on the Peak to Peak riding up from the south.

Freezing up here at daybreak, warmed up to low 50's by Wretch time. Red Beans and Rice, some corn bread, and a couple of brews. Four pots of coffee too... remember is was cold out ;)

Rick
Title: Re: CO, Wrench and Wretch. aka "Road Kill Cafe" open house
Post by: ZG on April 28, 2012, 08:09:51 PM
That's some beautiful country you got there Rick!  :thumbs:
 
Sounds like you guys had a good time!  :chugbeer:
Title: Re: CO, Wrench and Wretch. aka "Road Kill Cafe" open house
Post by: Rhino on April 29, 2012, 01:47:33 PM
I was there in spirit!
Title: Re: CO, Wrench and Wretch. aka "Road Kill Cafe" open house
Post by: CRocker on April 30, 2012, 04:25:49 PM
I was there in spirit!

Me too...
Title: Re: CO, Wrench and Wretch. aka "Road Kill Cafe" open house
Post by: Locol on May 01, 2012, 09:13:34 PM
Hey Rick, sorry I could not make it on the rain date. We should ride in the near future as I live just down canyon. Den
Title: Re: CO, Wrench and Wretch. aka "Road Kill Cafe" open house
Post by: Rick Hall on May 03, 2012, 09:22:09 PM
I just fired up Sam for the season after replacing a leaky fork seal, and an oil/filter change. 170k miles and she still purrs... kinda ;)

I'm thinking a lunch run / RTE of some sort, maybe mid June? Breckenridge Brewery is a favorite, so is that little cafe at the top of Coal Creek Canyon. Wonderview?

Rick
Title: Re: CO, Wrench and Wretch. aka "Road Kill Cafe" open house
Post by: Locol on May 03, 2012, 09:34:45 PM
Hey Rick,
All of these sound great. I do not know Wonderview, but would be all in for a ride to any of these places. Currently I am looking forward to Trail Ridge Road on opening day...always a good ride. Den
Title: Re: CO, Wrench and Wretch. aka "Road Kill Cafe" open house
Post by: CRocker on May 03, 2012, 09:50:43 PM
Hey Rick,
All of these sound great. I do not know Wonderview, but would be all in for a ride to any of these places. Currently I am looking forward to Trail Ridge Road on opening day...always a good ride. Den

We just drove up to Rainbow Curve on TRR...no snow at all on the road...even as far as we could see past the gate!  I would LOVE to see them open it early...do they ever do that?

I'm down on a RTE!

Edit:  I see they are going to open Independence Pass on May 11...that's almost three weeks early!  Woo Hoo!
Title: Re: CO, Wrench and Wretch. aka "Road Kill Cafe" open house
Post by: Locol on May 04, 2012, 03:46:44 PM
OK, being a young boy from the great plains, never in the big city...what is RTE?
Title: Re: CO, Wrench and Wretch. aka "Road Kill Cafe" open house
Post by: CRocker on May 04, 2012, 04:06:35 PM
Ride To Eat...
Title: Re: CO, Wrench and Wretch. aka "Road Kill Cafe" open house
Post by: DenverC-14 on May 09, 2012, 06:39:08 AM
The WonderVu cafe is pretty good. I've stopped there a couple of times when I'm out and about locally. I'm in for a ride with you's guys. Let's set up a date, maybe a Sat early June?