#Gearhead Junction

[two-wheeled-therapy]

Waking up the next morning with no Bike at the cabin was a bit strange for me.  But here we were.  I had to laugh when I looked outside the cabin rented for this guys “Bike Week” and saw one motorcycle and a car, but that’s the way the story goes this time.  I followed the routine and had some coffee, sausage, and eggs ready to go for everyone.  Then it was the waiting.  I did my pre-pack of my stuff since it was the last day before we all hit the road to head home.  Actually Will was heading home that day because of dog care issues. Shortly after he left I called a rental place and secured a car to get me up to Pearisburg. 

Now I will will never publicly admit to riding bitch with Brian even for the 6 miles to the car rental place, but I did somehow get to the rental place and picked up a little Jeep.  Along the way I realized, if the time ever came that I couldn’t ride, it may not be so bad; so long as Bones got a bike and I could ride bitch with him.  I figure with the thousands of miles he has riding behind me, he may kinda owe his old man one day.

After calling Terry at Gearhead Junction, we shot up I-81 to be there around 2:00 PM.  As we were pulling up, I saw my bike rolling out as Terry was taking it for a test ride.  When he got back, he said he thinks it was good to go, but asked that I take it for a quick spin to make sure I was satisfied with the way she was riding while he finished the paper work.  WHAT?!  Did he just tell me to ride the bike to make sure I was happy with his repair work?  That has NEVER happened in all the years I have been riding. I took her for a little 5 mile loop.  She was smooth as silk.  I had my baby back!

Those of you that have followed my blog, or scrolled through it may remember a post from September 10, 2015 about a dealership in Utah that took care of Kevin while we were on the Road.  I told Terry about that shop and a little of the story.  While Gearhead Junction is now where’s near as big as Jorgensen’s in Richfield, Utah, the understanding, spirit, and brotherhood that Terry and his crew have for the rider  on the road is as big if not bigger.  When I told Terry the story of Jorgensen’s, I could see the wheels turning as I mentioned the bowling alley and cafe that were part of their oasis . ..  so who knows there may be some expansion there in the future!

After gladly settling the bill, we said our good byes and our thank yous, though I can never really thank Terry and his crew enough, and headed back towards the cabin.  Brian took I-81 in the rental, but I went down 100 to 42 and wiggled through some beautiful country until I hit 16 and rode a little of the southern part of the Back of the Dragon again.  Once we got some groceries and took care of the rental, Brian cooked up some amazing pork steaks with Bakers and we sat by the fire enjoying our last night there with some hot apple cider infused with shots of whiskey, a little drink I heard was called Dickens Cider.

As the coals glowed up at us and the wood was gone, we settled in for the final night.  Normally I don’t look forward to the last day of a ride, but we had a route with about 200 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway, the weather was supposed to be fantastic, and I had a little milestone I was going to hit along the way  . . .

[rpgsandbox]

IDENTECO is a game about the struggle to define humanity and retain identity in the highly digital era known as “The Static Age.” Corporations hold more power over the people in the world. They have created ways to monetize and commoditize a person’s identity using massive data farms and social engineering hacks to influence everyday life. Through carefully crafted marketing and slick branding, the Corps don’t force their will onto people, as much as they enforce their worth in people’s minds.

You play a character trying to survive in the Static Age, starting at the bottom and working your way up the social or corporate ladder by any means necessary.

IDENTECO is built on an new, modern D20-based system that emphasizes fast gameplay and rewards social interaction and role playing. Every interaction builds onto the story and the legacy of the characters. The more you play the game, the more you construct your character’s identity, or possibly identities. As the game progresses the thin line between famous and infamous depends solely on who’s watching.

​The year is 2099. The world is a much different place.

After a series of devastating terrorist attacks on America's heartland by an unseen enemy the government was in disarray. The corporations were the only thing left to protect the populace and rebuild society. So they did. Like technocratic gods they rebuilt America™ in their image, and then used new economies of scale and political financial systems to reshape the globe. As a reaction to the attacks, the U.N. created the Centralized Human Identity Program (C.H.I.P.), a sort of universal I.D. program for the world. The C.H.I.P. is implanted in your arm when you are born and is encrypted using your unique DNA sequence. It standardized passports, medical records, employment histories, education records, and much more. It’s a sort of living history, if you will. And Corps have figured out ways to use this information for dubious means.

Now neon-speckled city-states called megaplexes have sprung up around the world. These enormous urban areas have reshaped the landscape, blending tech and corporate culture into shiny playgrounds for consumers and industries alike. There is a steep divide between the haves and the have-nots; those in the city, and those on the fringe.

Outside the cities, non-CHIPed folk live off what is left in the wasteland areas in between cities. Small settlements and simple cities act as rest stops for weary travelers and nomadic tribes. Out in the wastes, you battle beast and man to live a “free” life away from corporate influence. It’s a simpler, but no less deadly, place.

Unique Social Backgrounds: Players choose to start with one of three backgrounds — Corp, Fringer, or Grounder. These backgrounds represent the three broadest factions in the game and roughly describe the role playing areas they inhabit. Each group is wary of others from different backgrounds, but sometimes jobs require a unique set of circumstances that lead to additional player interactions.

Corps: These people live inside the city and live life according to the corporate code. Corps are characters who are typically aligned with one of the major corporations in the world at start, and can either choose to climb the corporate ladder, or burn it down from the inside.

Fringers: These people live in neon shadows of the corporations, out on the fringe of “civilized” society. The romanticized orphans of the corporate dream, they run the streets working jobs and relishing in the vices afforded to them in the “Static Age.”

Grounders: These people live outside the cities and outside of corporate influence. Some are the doomsday preppers and psychological freaks who held up “I told you so!” signs when the bombs dropped. Some seek religious refuge from a world they feel has been lost to machines, seeking to live off the land in a purer way. While others just want to be left the hell alone.

Style and Substance: It’s not just what you say, it’s how you say it. Or do it. Reputation on the streets, in the wastes, and in the boardroom is earned not just by doing the job, but by doing it in grand fashion. Favor fortunes the bold — the bigger the score, the bigger the reward. But, remember, to keep your reputation you’ve got to top what you did last time lest you want some hipster saying “He was better back when…”

Punk Subculture: In all aspects of the game players are encouraged to make their voices heard. The hallmarks of the punk culture (individual freedom, anti-establishment views, fashion, sexuality, art, and more) are all represented in the game. For Fringers and Grounders, that’s just another day of the week. They live it. But even Corps make rock stars out of their best and brightest. Radical innovators and tech giants are just as popular as celebrities in 2099.

Moral Choice & Ethical Ambiguity: You’ve heard the phrase, “One man’s terrorist is another man’s freedom fighter.” That is no more true than in IDENTECO. There are no pre-determined “Lawful Good” or “Chaotic Neutral” characters in the game. You determine your character’s morality and ethics through each scenario, combat encounter, and social interaction. The game is built to challenge perceptions of “right” and “wrong”— forcing players to sometimes make difficult choices — but still allowing them to create the character they want to play.

Near-Future Science: IDENTECO’s near-future technology is built on actual science and mathematics derived today. It introduces Element 121, a near infinite energy resource in battery form. It’s become the ubiquitous power source in cars, planes, motorcycles, even entire cities. Remotely Operated Vehicles (R.O.V.s) are controlled by pilots using a form of quantum communications. Advanced cybernetics and robotics allow for superhuman strength and agility. No longer do people travel by jetliner, but by low-orbital spacecraft that can circumvent the Earth in a matter of a couple of hours rather than days. Player are encouraged to explore the future tech in the game, and create their own. If there is a working prototype in the real world, odds are it will be perfected by 2099. So have fun.

The IDENTECO system rules system is built modularly, meaning it can be as complex or simplistic as the gaming group desires. All the rules content is there for gearheads and tinkerers to sink into, but isn’t sacrificed for those groups who are trying to game on short notice.

Combat is fast, fluid, and deadly. It forces players to find cover, play smart, and be tactical before running into a barrage of gunfire. Hacking is also fast and intuitive, with players have direct access to the grid in real-time through a mechanic call “combat hacking.”

Outside of combat the game works on a sliding scale. Most rolls for social interaction, skills, crafting, repair, and other aspects of the game are not simple pass/fail checks. They “succeed” or “fail” at a gradual rate. This means to play the game outside of combat, a GM need only to set a success rating for action and roleplay the result.

Active Combat System: Every attack is opposed by the defender in some manner. The system allows for some of the randomization that occurs during a firefight while still allowing players to utilize equipment and skills on both sides of the coin. Each attack rolls for both hit success, location, and damage and forces players to adjust their fighting style during a combat session based on the outcome.

Combat Hacking: Hackers are more than keyboard jockeys hanging out back at HQ away from danger while the team puts their necks on the line for a score. Hackers are active participants in combat. Not only can they unlock doors, deal with security cameras, and reroute police backup; they can overload junction boxes to cause explosions, kill lights, and control machinery in real time to aid their team and kill the opposition.

Interpersonal Relationships: There might be no “I” in team, but there is “me.” Side hustle is not only a great way to earn extra money, it advances a character’s goals in one way or another. Players can engage in a number of activities in the game that not only advance their storyline, but can help build their reputation apart from the group. How the group responds to that player’s reputation is up to them.

Your Reputation Proceeds You: Profit and loss means different things when you’re running the streets. Your reputation is a form of currency in the game that can be spent to influence die rolls, social interaction, back-alley favors, and corporate dealings. It can open many doors and get you above the law, but also make you a target for more unsavory characters who might prefer to see you out the game. Your reputation can be enhanced or hurt by the way you play.

Player-Generated Content: The GM isn’t the only writer of episodes or scenarios in the game. Players are encouraged to create their own storylines to follow. These can be a short-term score, or a long-term desire to create their own corporation with dreams of hostile takeover.

Quick and Easy Scenario Design: Because IDENTECO is grounded in the modern-day cartography, GMs and players can reference free online maps or blueprints as a starting place for a location. Each episode can be randomly generated or perfectly planned in a matter of minutes vs. hours of preparation. Though, for those GMs who want to, they can spend days writing story arcs and complex character backgrounds. The choice is really up to you.

Kickstarter campaign ends: Thu, September 28 2017 6:00 PM BST

Website: Humanoid Games

[blessedbygoddesses-blog]

Some times your house might feel like a zoo nevertheless it shouldn't look like ink. Whip your home into shape by following these expert tips and tricks for tidying spaces - your closet, playroom, bathroom, and more - that are notorious for collecting clutter and even your garden or house roof. Your hard work is going to pay above in the long-run. You will notice. No matter if you've a rental home that demands a new tenant or even are transferring house, it's recommended to provide the house of yours a deep pristine. However, this could be a challenging cleaning, plus sometimes it is hard to find out exactly where to begin. We involved with Rebecca Mead, a residential scrubbing clean authority, for the top ideas of her on deep cleansing your home.

one. Faulty electrical - receptive junction bins, amperage mismatches, with no line nuts on wires. The cure: Fix junction boxes; upgrade to at least 100 amps. 2. Poor grading and also drainage - spongy garden soil across the foundation, warning signs of dripping within the basement. The cure: Regrade hence grounds inclines from house for ten feet; eliminate porous information around the foundation. three. Incorrect gutters - bent or clogged gutters, water not directed from home. The cure: Preventive maintenance; gutters of appropriate size, splash pans to divert run off. 4. Cellar dampness - drinking water staining, powdery residue on walls, mildew or mildew. The cure: Repair gutters to channel drinking water away from house; generate waterproof coatings on the basement. five. Roof covering ailments - brittle or even curled shingles; ruined or even losing out on flashings. The cure: Apply brand new shingle, or perhaps tear off if called for (usually after 3 re roofs); replacing flashings, especially near chimneys along with other protrusions. For facts, we advocate you read for getting a home inspection.

If you have cup bath doors in your powder room and don't always watch out for the cleaning, you are able to end up with soap scum really hard that it's just about impossible to clear out. Here is how to thoroughly clean the bathroom of yours more efficiently - bring out the large tools Pick up some sprucing up combo with a home area or perhaps an auto parts retail outlet and make use of an automobile buffer to polish off the offending scum. In case you do not use a buffer, you are able to purchase one for as little as $20 and also borrow one from a gearhead buddy. In case likely, remove the doors and also bring them out to the garage to stay away from messing upwards the powder room. No matter whether it's built up detergent scum along the shower room wall space, ground in dirt and grime on the floors tile for the floor or dried out toothpaste over the vanity top, a miracle Eraser sponge (or additional brands) will help make quick work of it. Just dampen it and therefore run it around the offending wreck. Inside most instances, the jumble will come properly off. These sponges are especially helpful for removing ground in dirt and grime from porous floor tile for the floor and getting some of those irritating nonslip strips in the bottom of your respective bathtub clean.

Ensure you get the spots coming from the rear of the sink and simply in back of the cooker. Do not overlook to add in the overhead air fan. Though luckily, the majority of have gratings that may be cleansed, these can get extremely slimy. Unclip them, and cleanse in accordance with the car maker's directions. Many will be washed in the dishwasher, but you will find it helps to try soaking them in h20 by way of a heavy-duty degreaser in advance. On the other hand, you might make an effort Muc Off degreaser, which is aimed at the motorcycle sector. This particular water-based solution is very good during getting rid of grease. In the end, a rich pristine can make a home search ready and better for its following occupant, although it is likewise great to grab the house ready for the future summer and spring even in case you're not considering proceeding shortly. Deep maintenance your home takes a bit of effort, but with the correct programs and equipment and good groundwork, a great strong pristine just requires one day or so.

[two-wheeled-therapy]

Day two at the cabin started much like day 1, I guess that’s why they call it a routine.  I got up and got the coffee on and started making breakfast.  This morning it was scrambled eggs with a ham steak. We had talked about two things for the day, 1) Riding through West Virginia and down into Kentucky or 2) Riding up to Will’s hometown and having lunch with his dad.  We opted for option 2.  It’s funny how things work out sometimes . . .

Brian and I mapped out a run that would take us the long way to Will’s Dad’s house.  We wiggled back up the Back of the Dragon and headed through the Narrows.  It was once again an amazing fall day, crisp clear air and vibrant colors on the trees.  At one point, we got behind another rider as we wiggled along a river.  The leaves had completely covered our side of the road, and more were falling from the trees.  As the rider ahead cut his way through them, he kicked them up towards me and then my air stream hit them sending a circling wall of leaves back towards Brian.

We took a break along the river in the Narrows before continuing on and once we got to the house and ordered our lunch.  It was good seeing Will’s dad.  Honestly I don’t think I’ve seen him since Will and graduated from the State Police Academy nearly 27 years ago. I don’t think he remembered me, but that’s OK.  Will and I ran out to pick up the lunches in downtown Pearisburg, VA.  Again it turned out to be a good thing that I went with him.  After picking up our lunches we turned back to the house.  I noticed a little bike shop tucked behind the Napa.  It looked small, but there were a couple of bikes pulling in and going out.  Will made a comment about the Dual Sports out front and we continued on our way.

We had a great lunch.  I think we tired Will’s dad out a bit, but we all enjoyed the visit.  Will told us we should head up to Mountain Lake, the ride would be good and the views would be amazing.  Plugging the route into my GPS, I led the way as we headed out.

Just before we got to the house, I had noticed the bike lurching a little and slipping.  It actually felt like I had something caught in the belt or somewhere on the bike.  With the road we had been over the day before, I wouldn’t be surprised if there was rocks or gravel still tumbling around.  I did a quick check before we headed back out, but didn’t see anything.

As we made our turn to head up the mountain to get to Mountain Lake the noise and slipping became worse.  It sounded like I had rocks in the transmission and the bike would fade to the right then kick back to the left.  Realizing something was definitely wrong with the bike, and knowing that a kick like these could spell disaster on a mountain curve, I pulled off.  Brian and I inspected the bike on the side of the road, but didn’t see anything.  We turned around and headed back to the main road and a gas station.  Brian followed behind me observing what the bike was doing.  Once at the station, we took off the left saddle bag and side cover and inspected the belt.  Not seeing anything, I realized that something that had never happened in the 9 years and 89,000 miles that I had ridden my Voyager.  She had breakdown on a trip.  It was then that I remembered that little bike shop back in Pearisburg.  What was the name?  Gear something . . . Gearhead .  . . Gearhead Junction.  Googling them I called to see if they may be able to help me out.

A girl named Lori answered and when I told her what was happening she told me not to worry, she was sure they could take a look at it.  I decided to limp the bike over since it was only about 10 miles away.  But I tell you what, the way the bike was acting, it felt like she was trying to buck me off and it was one of the most white knuckled rides I have ever done.  I would have rather ridden back across Burke’s Garden Road again than repeat the ride to Gearhead Junction.  It was about 4:45 PM when I set out to get to Gearhead, I got there a little after 5:00.  Their hours said they were open till 6:00. 

Anyone who has ridden a motorcycle long distances and has experienced issues on the road knows that you are at the mercy of the shop you limp to or are brought to.  The fate of your trip rests on the mercy and understanding of the shop.  Do they put you in line, or try to take care of you?  Fortunately the folks of Gearhead Junction understand this and are merciful and kind folks.  Upon arrival, I was met by the whole crew.  Lori was there and was just as sweet in person as she was on the phone, Terry, the owner of the place was there, and their two mechanics, one named Curtis and the other’s name I didn’t catch in it all.  Curtis quickly threw on a helmet to take it for a spin to see what the bike was doing.  He didn’t need to go too far and was back in no time knowing something was wrong.  The bike was on the lift in no time and it was rapidly determined that the rear bearings may be the culprit.  Terry explained that he would do what he could, but even if he found a set of bearings and had them over-nighted there, I was likely looking at being down for a couple of days.  Then it looked like he had an idea and disappeared for about 15 minutes.

As I was checking out the Royal Enfield Himalyans in front of the shop (which will be added to my stable soon and the thought came to me that I may just add one sooner than planned and ride one back while they work on my Voyager) Terry came back from the direction of the Napa.  He said he found some bearings with the same specs as the Voyagers, and could put them on the bike tomorrow.  It was about 6:15 when I jumped in the car with Will to ride back to the cabin about a hundred miles away.  I was bummed because of the issue, but I knew that my bike was in the right hands.  The Gods were smiling down on me as who knows what would have happened if we had decided to make the West Virginia/Kentucky run that day instead.

Once back at the cabin, we cleaned up then headed into Marion for some dinner and drinks.  While it wasn’t certain if I would need to extend my stay down here a couple of days while my bike was worked on, I knew it was being well taken care of.  And that, along with a couple of black and tans, helped me sleep well that night . . .