Hey all. Figured I'd get the first post out of the way. Some of you know me as Big John from Ames - Justin2hondas, Slickschoppers. Tommy knows me as Fritz. Either way, I made it up to Slick's for the Midwest bash. A couple of observations:
1. When you have friends, you can do anything. I had a bike that hadn't run in a year and didn't have an ass end. Because of my friends - in the span of five days - I had a bike that ran like a top with a brand new seat hoop welded in. It was a perfect place to strap down the keg...
2. I can't get over the general atmosphere of this group. Guys that have been spinning wrenches their entire lives partying with noobs like me, ready to share knowledge, or diagnose a problem, or just make sure that there's a mason jar within arms reach. What's more, everyone seems genuinely happy to see everyone else. Novel concept, right?
3. Electricity! Justin2hondas and Paul from Ames know this part of the story, but I didn't share it with anyone else at the party. Part of getting the bike up and running meant chasing electrical gremlins. New plugs, plug wires and caps, points plate and condensers, and coils. Not a huge deal - I had it all on the shelf for another build (another long, long story.) However, on the way to Slick's place I discovered (initially to my dismay, but maybe I was into it?) that upon deceleration, I would receive a not insignificant electrical shock to my inner thighs where they touched the tank. Additionally, at one point during idle, I could feel a tingle through the bars (and my gloves) - the gentle kiss of electrons as they decided that the preapproved route to ground was not the most efficient way. I'm relatively sure that I've got it all taken care of now. I'll have to get my jollies elsewhere it would seem.
1. When you have friends, you can do anything. I had a bike that hadn't run in a year and didn't have an ass end. Because of my friends - in the span of five days - I had a bike that ran like a top with a brand new seat hoop welded in. It was a perfect place to strap down the keg...
2. I can't get over the general atmosphere of this group. Guys that have been spinning wrenches their entire lives partying with noobs like me, ready to share knowledge, or diagnose a problem, or just make sure that there's a mason jar within arms reach. What's more, everyone seems genuinely happy to see everyone else. Novel concept, right?
3. Electricity! Justin2hondas and Paul from Ames know this part of the story, but I didn't share it with anyone else at the party. Part of getting the bike up and running meant chasing electrical gremlins. New plugs, plug wires and caps, points plate and condensers, and coils. Not a huge deal - I had it all on the shelf for another build (another long, long story.) However, on the way to Slick's place I discovered (initially to my dismay, but maybe I was into it?) that upon deceleration, I would receive a not insignificant electrical shock to my inner thighs where they touched the tank. Additionally, at one point during idle, I could feel a tingle through the bars (and my gloves) - the gentle kiss of electrons as they decided that the preapproved route to ground was not the most efficient way. I'm relatively sure that I've got it all taken care of now. I'll have to get my jollies elsewhere it would seem.

