Fuzzygalore.com - Girlie Motorcycle Blog

Motorcycle Luggage: Oxford Handysack Helmet Backpack

Fuzzygalore — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:05:49 +0000

Five or six years ago, my dear friend from Wales brought Kenny and I each a nifty little motorcycle luggage bag. It’s called the Oxford Handysack. It looks like a pretty standard foldaway nylon bag, but the front pocket offers a really useful option. It opens out into a pocket that accommodates a full face helmet.

So how is it?

Me likey! It isn’t the fanciest bag in the world but it’s cheap, small and does a great job of giving you one less thing to carry and keeping your hands free. When you get to where you’re going, zip it up into itself and you’re done. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy.

Details:

Zips into itself, folding up into an approximately 6in. x 6in. square.
Made of 600D polyester
Zip out helmet pocket!
Big enough to accommodate a sleeping bag in the main compartment
Fits easily into airplane overhead bin when full
Has backpack straps

Rhinebeck National Meet: Vintage 1930 Henderson Art Deco Motorcycle

Fuzzygalore — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 11:40:05 +0000

In June, we visited the Rhinebeck Grand National Meet in Dutchess County, NY. Within the motorcycle timeline there were many beautiful and interesting bikes on display. But, one in particular seemed to draw everyone to it like a moths to a flame.

At the time that I saw it, there were no informational placards and no apparent owner present to tell you what the make or model was. I was left to go home wondering. Apparently I wasn’t the only one.

Fast forward many weeks later. On Twitter, BikeEXIF posted a photo of this bike asking in anyone had any information about it. Through the power of social media, the story of this fascinating motorcycle unfolded… continue reading about this 1930 Henderson Custom on BikeEXIF.

Then and Now: Brick’s Gulf Gas and Service Station

Fuzzygalore — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:33:30 +0000

There is just something that I love about old gas stations and gas pumps. There was often a stylish craftsmanship that we generally don’t see in the new all business, efficient stations of today. Beautiful looking gasoline pumps, decorative building elements, a person manning the station who does more than grunt at you when he gives you change at the register – perfect examples of they don’t make ‘em like that anymore.

In many ways I suppose the gas station symbolizes being on the go and traveling. Perhaps that is part of what fuels my interest. If we’re filling up we’re going somewhere!

Brick’s Gulf Gas & Service Station – Then and Now

Then: Brick’s Gulf Gas Station – 1948
582 Sixth Avenue – West 17th Street – New York

So many beautiful vintage elements in this photo. From the construction of the station itself, to the vintage Gulf sign, to the fading ghost ads on the surrounding buildings. It’s hard to believe that this is the same 6th avenue of today.

Image courtesy: NY Public Library

Now: Sixth Avenue & West 17th Street – August 2010

Heading to Italy: A Crash Course in Traffic Signs

Fuzzygalore — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 18:45:19 +0000

Now that I have my International Driving Permit, I thought I should probably get acquainted with the traffic signs that are used in Italy. I have been searching the web for a comprehensive listing of basic traffic signs. Overall, they seem to be fairly intuitive. Thanks to the all-knowing Wikipedia, I’ve found a good article featuring photos of many signs.

Speed Limit/Advisory Signs

Speed Limits are in KPH.

Speed Advisory: 50kph	Speed Advisory: End 50kph	Maximum Speed: 50kph
Point of Note: When pulled over in Italy, fines are paid on the spot. You should request a receipt for any fines paid. [edit] Some sites I’ve read about traveling in Italy noted that fines are paid on the spot. Thanks to Guidone at Riderpedia for clarifying this is not really the case!

Red Circle Signs are Prohibition Signs – the “No” Signs.

For example: No parking, no entry, no motorcycles.

Red Triangle Signs are Caution or Warning Signs.

For example: Caution – road bends to right, caution – road narrows, caution – road has a double bend. Hopefully we’ll see lots of those!

Mandatory Action Signs – Blue Circles

For example: Keep Right, Keep Straight or Right Turn Ahead, Right Turn Ahead

Direction Signs

Blue for secondary roads, green for major motorways.
Sign may contain the road name/number, the town being referenced and the number of kms in distance. The arrow points in the direction to take.

Questionable Signs

I was on a little bit of a sugar-high following a slice of chocolate chip poundcake for lunch when a few of the roadsigns struck me funny. Yes, I know. I’m an idiot.

Hot Chick Ahead!

Not-so-hot Chick Ahead.

Long Island: Octagon House Stony Brook, New York

Fuzzygalore — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 10:48:57 +0000

Nestled into a shady Stony Brook lane is a former octagon barn. According to the Three Village Historical Society, the barn was built in the mid to late 1800′s by a member of the Davis family. In the 1930′s the barn was converted to a house and is still lived in today.

Octagon houses and barns are apparently rare structures, many of which are on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s kind of neat to have one just a hop, skip and a jump from one of my local riding loops.

Photo Credit: The Three Village Historical Society

Links and Information:

Suburban Exploring – Local Long Island:
As I continue to learn, Long Island has some lovely and interesting places that are rich in history, some of which are hiding in plain sight. What better way to explore these historical gems than by motorcycle? This post is part of a series of motorcycle rides that focus on local Long Island history.

Riding Overseas: Get Your International Driving Permit

Fuzzygalore — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 01:55:44 +0000

Because I wasn’t exactly clear on the function of the International Driving Permit, I was unsure of whether or not I needed to have one when we head to Italy.

What is an International Driving Permit/License?

It is a booklet that translates the type of American license you hold (ie. motorcycle, car, bus etc. ) into 10 different languages. It is to be carried along with your American license. Inside, it contains your name and birth date information, a passport-sized photo of you and your signature. Your IDP is valid for 1 year.

An IDP does not give you “permission” to drive abroad. Your own United States license does this. It simply helps whomever needs to see your US license understand just what it is they are looking at and the type of vehicle you are permitted to operate.

Many European car or motorcycle rental outfits will require that you have an IDP in order to use their services.

Where do you get an International Driving Permit?

There are 2 associations to get an IDP from: American Automobile Association and The National Automobile Club.

I was able to walk in to my local AAA office and get an IDP on the spot. It was $15 plus a nominal fee for them to take 2 passport photos. The whole process took less than 15 minutes. If you do not have a local AAA office, you can order your IDP via mail, as well.

The Verdict

Do you “need” an International Driving Permit? You might be able to get by without it, but for less than $20 why take the risk and open yourself up to unnecessary hassle? Get one.

More Information

Sights from the Road: Zoom in for Zombies

Fuzzygalore — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 19:39:34 +0000

At first glance nothing really seems out of place here in this photo. It’s nothing more than a road stretching out over a hill. Why would anyone take a photo of something so ordinary?

Well, if you happen to zoom in, my darlings – you’d see that strange things are afoot in this seemingly innocuous house.

In general I find dolls kind of creepy but this takes the cake! It’s like some kind of prison for zombie children. That second one on the right dressed like a pink fairy seems especially menacing. Braaaaaains…

Am I off base here? Does anyone actually find these dolls cute and charming or do you too think they’re hellbent on sucking out your grey matter when you turn your back?

Ride to Eat on Long Island: Flo’s Famous Luncheonette

Fuzzygalore — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 12:37:54 +0000

Flo’s has fast become a favorite hang for me and my friends. Ride. Eat. Yes, please!

Flo’s Famous Luncheonette has been slinging good eats on Middle Road in Blue Point since 1926. Every night during the summer you find happy people digging in to grilled peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, delicious burgers on white toast (like Mom used to make) and all manner of fried seafood. You can either belly-up to the counter or find a spot at one of their picnic tables to enjoy roadside dining under the stars. It’s a perfect Long Island ride to eat destination.

Flo’s Famous Luncheonette
302 Middle Rd.
Blue Point, NY 11715

Awesome Blog: Rare Sportbikes For Sale

Fuzzygalore — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 11:25:32 +0000

RareSportbikesForSale.com
If you have an interest in rare or unusual sportbikes then this blog is for you.

Some Rare Beauties at the Barber Motorsports Museum

These guys scour the web looking at classified and for sale ads all over the world for unusual bikes. Gray market, limited production, hard to find classics and exotics; there are some very interesting pieces that grace their blog pages. Honda RC30, CBR 400RR, Ducati 851 – yeah, they’ve got listings for those and then some.

I read their RSS feed each day wondering what will pop up next. Now if only I had space and money…

I Spy: Can You Identify This Truck?

Fuzzygalore — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 11:39:36 +0000

While out playing Tag-O-Rama last night, I saw this amazing truck. The advertising is one thing, but the bones of the truck itself are awesome!

click to enlarge

It had no badging anywhere on it so I have no idea what it is. Surely one of you sexy people must so, let’s hear it! What kind of truck is this?!