Mini-Bike Joyriding

Above, taking a break in the front yard. 

While we still have some comfortable weather and temperatures, I thought I would take the mini-bike for a spin around the neighborhood. Because once it starts snowing, the mini-bike would have to sit in the cozy garage until springtime. The temperature during my ride was around 57°.

So, I did some riding on Barking Spider Acre and around East and West Blue Cedar Loops.

This joyride was also aimed at keeping the motor from varnishing up. 

Mini Bike Ride Today

With 85° or thereabouts temperatures, I decided to take out the mini bike and ride around our Whispering Cedars subdivision.

While riding, I stopped at friend Victor's home to see his vintage Dodge (1961, if memory serves). He's doing a nice job in restoring it in his garage. 

We visited for a little bit before I headed off for more riding.

A couple of pictures:

Above, looking west from East Blue Cedar Loop and Whispering Cedars Road. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Whispering Cedars Road from East Blue Cedar Loop. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today's Ride

This afternoon, I took a ride around the neighborhood and around Barking Spider Acre. While there, I stopped to "visit" with my neighbor's horses.

It was a pleasant day with some breeze. 

Some pictures:

Above, the ladies in their pen. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

 

Above, a view of Barking Spider Acre and the house from the horse pen. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Bearings and Paint

Above, the mini bike. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This morning, I painted the black portion of the Mustang's front bumper. It was looking a bit grungy, so I went ahead to spruce it up.

I'll do the rear bumper at a later date.

While I was sitting in the garage listening to the radio, Nandoh came over on his Harley. At first, I thought it was a helicopter flying low over the area, but as I walked towards the front of the garage, I then recognized the distinctive Harley engine noise.

Above, letting the sun dry the bumper. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

He came over to help me with the Coleman 196cc Extreme Mini Bike. A week or so ago, the chain came off as I was riding it. I thought that all I needed to do was to loosen the sprocket, put chain back on and tighten it again.

But as we disassembled it, we found the cause of the chain coming off: the bearings on the left side went out. Only one ball bearing remained. Looks like I lost the majority of the ball bearings on East Blue Cedar Loop, where the problem arose.

Fortunately, as the mini bike is still under warranty since I bought it in June, Coleman should provide replacement bearings. I will call them tomorrow while I am at the cardiologist's office.

Oh, well. Such is life.

Oh, Drat!

Above, the mini bike with the scabbard. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yesterday was pretty relaxing and sunny out once the fog in the area dissipated. The ground fog on the fields between the house and Interstate 40 reminded me of the forest in the 1941 The Wolf Man.

The house propane heater needed two new filters, so I went into Gallup's Home Depot and got them and they were installed when I got back home.

I decided to take a ride on the mini bike. That didn't go too well as the chain came off abruptly while I was on East Blue Cedar Loop. I tried to get it back on over there (there's a wrench kit in the storage compartment) but unable to do so. Luckily, a neighbor on his small electric utility truck came along and brought the mini bike and me back home.

I did manage to get the chain back on the sprocket, but it came off again. I am surprised at how heavy the bike is while trying lift it and turn the wheel to get the chain on. This is one of those things that mini bike and motorcyclists dread.

Another attempt was made to get the chain back on, but I have to loosen the tension some more to get it on. I was drenched with perspiration at this point and it was almost dinner time, so I stopped and went to take a shower before starting dinner.

I'll deal with it next week after the clamp-out this weekend in Arizona. For today, I'll probably just drive the Jeep after I get The Beast out of the GOCO Beast Barn and do some packing.

Makin' Progress

Above, this is usually the distance the gelding keeps from me. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It's been a "homebody" day today. I've been sticking around home as some guys may be coming over to spray my pinyon pines for bark beetles. I have four. One of them looks to be on its last legs.

First, I did some tinkering in the garage. I tossed some boxes and unneeded stuff and did some rearranging.

After that, I watered the trees. We haven't had that much rain since late July here. It has been a mild monsoon season. But it won't be long before we start getting snow.

Once I was done watering, I took a break with a cigar and ice tea.

I decided to take a little ride on the mini bike and bring over some carrots to the gelding next door.

Above, today he came much closer to me. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today was the first time he started to walk over to me. But he was still hesitant. He almost was going to take the carrot from my hand, but backed off a little. But it was a good start for a formerly wild horse. So we're making progress.

Maybe next time he will take the carrot from my hand. 

Horse Feedin'

Above, Christmas is ready for her close-up, and carrots. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today, I decided to combine some mini bike riding and giving carrot treats to a couple of the neighborhood's horses.

Above, Christmas enjoying her treat. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

First, I headed down the hill to where Christmas lives. I've been giving her carrots for about a year now. She is quite tame and heads right over to me.

Above, the gelding is getting a little more brave. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Afterwards, I headed to the next-door neighbor's to the gelding's corral. He is still leery of people, but I noticed some progress as he is walking a little bit closer. He was a formerly wild horse. He hasn't a name as yet.

Above, his body language indicates he's still leery of people. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After giving the two horses their treats, I headed back home. I will have to go to the Flying J in a little while to pick up some things at the store.

Jamestown Views

This afternoon, I took a ride around the Blue Cedar Loops (east and west) in Jamestown on the the mini bike.

Below are some views taken during the ride:

Mini Bike Ride

Above, Meeko the llama in his yard. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This afternoon, I decided to take a ride around our Whispering Cedars subdivision on the mini bike.

It had sprinkled about an hour before when a rain cell came over the area. Unfortunately, it didn't last long and it evaporated almost as soon as it hit.

But, it is a comfortable day in the mid-80s. One good thing about riding motor-driven bikes, the rush of cool air feels great as you're riding.

Along the ride, I spotted the Meeko the llama in his yard. He's been back for almost a month after being down at Nandoh's. I took a couple of photos.

A bit further up Whispering Cedars Road, I spotted a Trump campaign flag attached to a fence. I snapped a photo of it.

Above, a Trump supporter in our community. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

During my ride on Birch Road, I noticed friend Victor (from whom I bought the Willys Jeep) working on his new-to-him Toyota 4-Runner in his yard. He was scraping window tinting from the front passenger window. I stopped in and helped him to get it off. I got lucky and managed to peel quite a bit of it off. He bought the 4-Runner to replace the Jeep.

After that was done, I headed back out and eventually got back home.

The Scabbard

My orders of paper targets and frame are currently en route from the vendors, so I have to wait a bit before trying out my new (to me) Winchester 94 rifle at our community's shooting area.

In the meantime, I tried out the new scabbard that my next-door neighbor, James, made for me. It is a nice fit and looks great. He did a great job on it.

The scabbard was designed to be strapped to my mini bike. The roads to the shooting area are a bit rough and I wasn't about to drive the Mustang there and mess up my alignment. So, I ordered the scabbard for the mini bike. This was before the great deal on the 1952 Willys Jeep fell into my lap. The scabbard can be strapped in the Jeep as well (most likely on the rollbar) since the Jeep can handle the shooting area roads with ease.

Here's some photos of the scabbard with the Winchester 94.

Above, one side of the scabbard. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the scabbard and the Winchester 94. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the Winchester 94 inside the scabbard with a view of the reverse side. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the scabbard strapped on the mini bike. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Cibola National Forest Behind Jamestown

Above, the locked gate at the end of the road. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yesterday, I took a ride on the mini bike into the new subdivision that's next to ours in Jamestown. The main road through Mesa Ridge Ranch ended at the top of a hill with a locked gate.

On the other side of the gate is part of Cibola National Forest. It was a beautiful view with hills and grassy meadows. I decided to go back today in the Mustang and my Canon Rebel camera with my Tamron 18-270 mm lens. I only had my cell phone camera with me yesterday.

I got there and snapped the photos below:

Above, beyond the gate, the road continues into the national forest. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, meadows in Cibola National Forest. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above and below, more meadows and tree-lined hills. Photos by Armand Vaquer.

When I returned home yesterday, I decided to take the power line utility road. The photo below is the start of it. It was rough and rocky in some parts and in others, washed out. But the mini bike handled it well

Above, the utility road back to Jamestown. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Almost Ready

Above, the scabbard on the mini bike. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Everything is almost ready for me to do some target shooting at our shooting area.

The scabbard is done, so I can transport my Winchester 94 in it. I can strap it onto the mini bike or onto the roll bar in the Willys Jeep. I can drive either to the shooting area, thereby saving the alignment of the Mustang.

A couple of things are missing, however. I have no targets or a frame to hold them. So, I did some looking around online this morning and found both at reasonable prices and ordered them.

Both should be arriving within a week.

My little ride back from the Mesa Ridge Ranch subdivision yesterday on the utility road gave me a good idea on how the mini bike would handle the rough road to the shooting area. The utility road was probably equal to or rougher in spots than the shooting area road. The mini bike handled it just fine.

A Nice Ride In Mesa Ridge Ranch!

Above, entering Mesa Ridge Ranch subdivision. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

During my conversation with Nandoh Munoz earlier today, he mentioned that he rode his Harley over in the new subdivision next to ours to the east. I had driven the Mustang through it a few months ago, but I hadn't yet with the mini bike.

So, I decided to take a little ride over into Mesa Ridge Ranch. It's a nice, warm day at about 88°.

Above, end of the road. On the other side of the locked gate, Cibola National Forest. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I found that there are a few lots that have been sold, but no homes have been built as yet. I rode into the subdivision on its main road (Maverick Road).

I rode the length of the road until it dead-ended at the top of a hill. There's a locked gate there and on the other side of it is Cibola National Forest. Very nice view!

Above, another view at the gate. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It is said that somewhere in this area of the national forest is an old western movie set. I've seen nothing online about any abandoned movie sets in the area.

I took a couple of pictures and turned around and headed down the hill.

Above, the view of the mesas across the valley from Mesa Ridge Ranch. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

On the way, I spotted a utility service road that runs under the power lines. Since my house isn't too far from the utility road (or, a utility road), I decided to see if it will take me back home.

The road is a dirt road with rocks and sections of it either washed out or very rough with some deep ruts. But, with ruts and all, the mini bike took to the road just fine and it did lead me to Whispering Cedars Road, our main road, and I was less than a block away from home.

It was a nice ride!

Relaxful Day

Above, the view at dusk tonight. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today was one of those days where the weather was good at around 85°, clear and sunny.

Above, riding in Barking Spider Acre. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I spent part of the day just tinkering with the Mustang and Jeep, adding fluids to the Mustang and checking the Jeep's fluids and installing a wiper arm and blade.

Above, just after starting the fire in the firepit. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After that, I cruised around the neighborhood on the mini bike for a while.

In the evening, it was still clear out, so I decided to have a fire in the firepit. It was the first time in weeks I've done so. I was either on the road in Idaho and Wyoming or it was too rainy out.

Above, the yard. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

All in all, it was a pretty relaxing day.

Above, the firepit after dark. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If it is clear out tomorrow night, I'll get the new telescope out and do some stargazing.

Titled, Registered and Plated The Jeep

Above, all the "toys" are safely in the garage. The spots on the floor are oil that I spilled a week
before and the spot under the Jeep is brake fluid I spilled. I had to devise a way to fill the brake
 system using a funnel, straw and duct tape. It got the job done. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since the Motor Vehicle Department office in Gallup opens at 8:00, I got an early start to the day to get the Willys Jeep titled, registered and plated.

I had all my necessary forms all organized and was ready to go at about 7:20. Even though the drive was only about 19 miles, the Jeep top speed is somewhere around 50 m.p.h. I don't know exactly as it doesn't have a speedometer.

I had to take Interstate 40 west to the next exit, which is the Iyanbito exit, in order to get on Historic Route 66. Admittedly, I was a bit apprehensive about driving it to Gallup. The steering has more play than the Mustang and the braking system is, well, different. So I took my sweet time in getting there.

I arrived at MVD office at about 8:06 and waited only a few minutes before being called to a counter window. Unfortunately, after the clerk took down and entered all the necessary information, the computer wouldn't "accept" it. So I was told that they would have straighten it out and call me to return.

When I titled and registered the Mustang and The Beast last year, the clerk had to inspect each vehicles's vehicle identification numbers. Fortunately, they don't need to inspect vehicles being titled and registered if they were already titled and registered in New Mexico. They only have to inspect vehicles if they are from out-of-state. This meant can jump into "hyper-drive" in the Mustang when I returned.

After I left, I returned home on Route 66 and then three miles from Iyanbito to my exit.

I later headed down to the Flying J for our usual breakfast/coffee gathering. When I was just about to enter the Flying J, the MVD called and left a message. I tried answering the call, but somehow my phone was set to Airplane Mode. I corrected that and listened to the message. They said they are now able to register, title and plate the Jeep.

So, after a quick cup of coffee, I headed back into Gallup in the Mustang. They called me up to the counter window in about 20 minutes and we got everything done.

So I managed to get everything done (and the plate is now mounted), even though it took two round-trips into Gallup to do so.

The rest of the day was devoted to relaxing and taking a ride on the mini bike.

The Scabbard For The Winchester Is Done!

Above, the scabbard on the Coleman mini bike. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The scabbard for the Winchester 94 rifle is done!

I picked it up from my next door neighbor, James Allen, this morning. Along with scabbards for rifles, James makes custom holsters for any pistol a customer may have.

It fits nicely on the mini bike. I hardly notice it's there!

Great work, James!

Scabbard Progress

My next-door neighbor James, who makes leather holsters and other items, is nearing completion of my scabbard for the Winchester 94 for use on the mini bike.

I bought over the mini bike to James's workshop for fitting. He feels needs a third (center) strap to keep the scabbard from moving while the bike is being driven.

Thus far, here's the scabbard:

A Hitch In Plans

Above, the mini bike's tires are too wide and won't fit in
 the motorcycle carrier I have. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For my upcoming trip to Wells, Nevada and Jackson, Wyoming, I was thinking about bringing along the mini bike.

I used to have a Honda Express motor scooter and the racks I have for it worked great. They fit perfectly on the square rear RV bumper.

Above, during today's ride. Photo by Larry Lucier.

Unfortunately, the racks are too narrow and won't accommodate the 7" wide tires of the mini bike.

I did find a MaxxTow MaxxHaul Aluminum Motorcycle Carrier for 2" Hitches - 400 lbs that would work for $152.07. I will order one after getting back from the trip. The carrier mounts on receiver hitches, which The Beast has.

Riding and Horsing Around

Above, Christmas enjoying her carrots. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since it was a cloudy day with cool temperatures, I decided to take a little ride on the mini bike.

One of the stops was to give Christmas the last couple of carrots. Then I rode around East and West Blue Cedar Loop before ending up in the Barking Spider Acre.

Above, my new neighbor watching me ride on Barking Spider Acre. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

During the time I was riding around Barking Spider Acre, the new four-legged neighbor was keep a watchful eye on me.

I did come more riding around the community until it started to rain. We're supposed to get some thunderstorms today. If we're lucky, we'll have a nice light show.

Dry Day

Above, the rear-view mirror's view of the mesas from the garage. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today has been on the dry side.

According to the National Weather Service, it is 88° outside, even though the forecast was/is 84°. I guess Mother Nature had other plans.

After our morning gathering for coffee at Denny's in the Flying J, I bought the mini bike next door so my neighbor can check the fit of a rifle scabbard he's making for me on the bike. He does excellent leather work (more on that in the future).

As was warming up the car this morning, I looked at the rear-view mirror and noticed it was nice and clear out and was able to see the walls of the mesas across the valley. I took a photo and it is at top.

Today's National Weather Service forecast:

This Afternoon

Sunny, with a high near 84. West wind around 15 mph.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 54. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph.

Wednesday

Sunny, with a high near 83. West wind 10 to 15 mph