Friday, July 29, 2016

Excuse Week has officially begun!



We're offically a week out now, which means it's Excuse week! Every year we hear people talking about being 'all in' for the run, until this week. Don't be a casualty of excuses, everybody has 'em, and they all suck. Get your death trap sorted, camping gear packed, lace up those drinkin' shoes, and get your ass to Ohio next week! We're expecting a good crowd this year, and we've got a really nice route lined up, with some killer stops and great camping spots. Don't be that guy sitting at your computer friday night saying 'man, looks like those guys are having fun...' Get out and do it! It's the only way you'll ever get anywhere in life.



Never too far!




Thursday, July 28, 2016

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Around the shop

Been doing some cleanup work around here in anticipation of the run next week! Starting to look like a shop again. Also been doing some final tune-up work on the Flatbilly Fleet to make sure everyone makes it to NY and back! We've been sorting the bugs out of Redbone's '49 pan/shovel the last couple weeks. Got it fired up, and making miles. Got most of the oil leaks sorted out, clutch adjusted, etc etc. Ol' Greenie is looking good, and seems to be ready for the trip! Also did a complete tune-up on Tim's shovel. Carb clean, valve adjust, grease advance weights, reset points, replace clutch push rod, oil change, new clutch lever, and rear tube. Tina should be R4YL ready now!

Sponsor Thank You! Tattooed White Trash

Without the help of others, this whole R4YL thing wouldn't be possible (well, it would, it just wouldn't be nearly as cool!) Most of our sponsors have been with us since the beginning, graciously offering up their time, services and/or goods every year so that you can go home with some cool shit! This year is no different, and we would like to take a moment to recognize some of the guys that help us out! Mike from TWT has been with us since the very beginning of this whole shindig! I met Mike on the Gypsy Run 2, when I was having some carb troubles. He offered up use of his shop, fed me beers, and told me lies! Ever since we have remained good friends. He has been an avid R4YL supporter, hell he gave his leg for the run on #5! Every year Mike brings us a fresh batch of his etched metal goodness, in the form of plaques, key chains, bottle openers, dog tags, and much more! He sells custom belt buckles, points covers, derby covers, tank badges and a whole lot more. He can do just about anything you can think of. R4YL wouldn't be the same without Mike's help, and we truly thank him for it! If you are not familiar with TWT motorcycle parts, check out their website, and go buy some cool shit, you will not be disappointed. He's a lot of fun, but please keep him away from your toilet!

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

2 Bands are better than 1!

little change up for the Pre-Party... The drummer for the D-Rays broke his leg, but fear not, they are still coming to play! They have found a drummer to fill in, but he only knows about an hour worth of the material. So, we have worked out a deal with White Trash Blues Revival (from Ft. Wayne, IN) to fill in the rest of the time! It's gonna be a wild night of music at the barn!!!!!!!!

Friday, July 22, 2016

(f)RIDE-day

FAQ

What do i need to bring??? A running motorcycle, and the tools needed to wrench on said motorcycle, and a good attitude. Beyond that, you really won't need a whole lot, a couple bucks in your pocket for camping fees ($15 friday, $12 saturday) and gas. We usually 'pass the hat' in the evenings to collect beer/food fund, and send a couple people out to gather the goods, bring it back and start cookin on the fire. Anything else is just luxury (socks, tent, coffee maker, etc...)


What if i break down??? See first question... BRING TOOLS & SPARE PARTS! There will be plenty of helping hands willing to get you back on the road, but please be as self sufficient as possible. There is likely to be a couple cars/trucks making the trip, but they often get separated, so do NOT depend on them. We won't leave anyone stranded, unless you're an asshole.


Do I HAVE to ride a chopper??? Nope! It'd be a lot cooler if you did, but we don't care what you ride. As long as its got 2 wheels (or even 3, but NO can-am spiders!) bring it out! Nobody is gonna bust your balls (too hard) about riding a modern bagger, or a shitty old jap bike.


Can I meet up along the way??? Absolutely! There is no set schedule or route though. I will have a 'general route' and directions/maps of that route available at camp every morning, but we almost always deviate from the route. Ride at your own pace, stop where you want, go as fast (or slow) as you want. Make it fun for YOU! We don't get too serious about the route, because it helps keep the sense of adventure.


How do i get an award/some of the cool shit??? Well, first off you have to show up. Secondly, you have to be @ The Hogarosa Saturday night when it all goes down. Awards will be given out Saturday night at camp. Swag giveaway will also be Saturday night. You can get swag by beating me in Rock Paper Scissors. That simple. Beat me, take your pick of goodies from the giveaway table! We will have goods from all of our fine sponsors, and a few event shirts thrown in there as well.


What time will you be at the campsites??? There is no set times/schedules. Generally speaking we roll out of camp about 10am, some earlier, some later. When we get to the next camp depends on a)number of bar stops b)number of breakdowns c)shenanigans. Usually someone is at camp by late afternoon (4-5pm), but it's not uncommon for us to roll in just before dark (and occasionally waaaaaaaaaay after dark). There is no 'kickstands up at X time' kind of deal. Get up on your pace, and ride at your pace. There will be several groups of people, not necessarily one large pack, so find some like minded folks and go your own way.


What is the food situation??? Food will be provided Thursday night @ my shop. We will have Walking Tacos, as well as some Meat on the smoker (and of course tubed meats on the fire/grille). ALL FREE OF CHARGE. Friday night we will 'pass the hat' and cook on the fire. There are also several food vendors on site at Nelson Ledges. Saturday night will be the same deal, cooking on the fire. You are welcome to bring/cook your own food if you're a picky eater, or generally unsocial. Food during the day: you're on your own. Find a greazy spoon, McDonalds, or a 5star, whatever tickles your fancy.


Do i need to bring my own beer??? Yes and no. I will have a large stock of beer at my place on Thursday, but once it's gone we will 'pass the hat' for more. That will be the way it goes the rest of the weekend. We usually buy a variety of beers (but don't expect craft beers...). If you have a sensitive palette, please bring your own beer. If you can drink anything, just pitch in to the fund (a couple bucks is all we ask for...)

Thursday, July 21, 2016

Throwback Thursday

back to R4YL #7 Dustin's '65 Pan/Shovel Front St. Sporty Parking Lot wrenching Moon over the Laid Back

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Wauseon 2016 Vintage Swap

The Wauseon swap is always a good time, and always a gathering spot for the GoFast Crew! This year was no exception, with one of the largest turnouts ever. All of the vendor spots sold out. There were some good deals to be had, as well as good times! Winner of the Hand-Shift Class races Ricks' '63 Sporty & Olddaze '52 K-Model The Jart Trike city Fiddle & Spoons More Bluegrass Kids will be kids Pedal trike Servi-Car edition Takes a village to change oil Go Fast Crew

Sponsor Thank You! Chop Machine Cycles

Without the help of others, this whole R4YL thing wouldn't be possible (well, it would, it just wouldn't be nearly as cool!) Most of our sponsors have been with us since the beginning, graciously offering up their time, services and/or goods every year so that you can go home with some cool shit! This year is no different, and we would like to take a moment to recognize some of the guys that help us out! Chop Machine is a new sponsor for this year, but certainly not new to the chopper game! Owner Mike Schrickel has been pumping out really cool custom bikes for a number of years now. He also sells a lot of clean late model stuff, and also does service and fabrication. He has been an invited builder for the Fuel Cleveland show the last 2 years. Mike is a really solid dude, and if you have the chance, i highly recommend stopping by his shop in Toledo, OH to check out his digs. He always has a bunch of really cool bikes in stock, as well as projects!

Tuesday, July 19, 2016

Pan Crush Monday

yeah, i'm a day late again... still Recovering from Wauseon. Speaking of, here's a really cool pan from the weekend.

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

50 years, and still kickin'

2016 marks the 50th anniversary of Harley's infamous Shovelhead, so it seems appropriate that R4YL 8 is shaping up to be the "year of the shovel" The flatbilly crew has been busy getting bikes tuned up and road ready for the trip to New York. We got Redbone's '49 Pan/Shovel fired up Monday night for the first time. We also got a new belt primary and charging system installed on Tim's '74. Here's a couple shots before some test rides last night.

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

Tuesday Bluesday!

'I'm so broke i can't pay attention'- Sturgill Simpson



Sponsor Thank You! Greasy Shirts

Without the help of others, this whole R4YL thing wouldn't be possible (well, it would, it just wouldn't be nearly as cool!) Most of our sponsors have been with us since the beginning, graciously offering up their time, services and/or goods every year so that you can go home with some cool shit! This year is no different, and we would like to take a moment to recognize some of the guys that help us out! Greasy Shirts is a new sponsor for this year, but Sam the man behind the madness is no stranger to R4YL! Sam has attended the last 3 years, since moving from Iowa. Greasy Brand t-shirts is his latest endeavor, and he will be doing all of the screen printing work for R4YL shirts this year. Greasy will also be launching a new line of chopper t-shirts very soon, and he's got some great designs in the works! Check you their website and have a look for yourself!

Friday, July 8, 2016

Hardware

A few lucky Chopper Jockey's will be heading home with these awards from R4YL. The only way to get one is to get your ass out here though! I still have a few more to finish up, but the awards will be as follows: Nice Rice- best metric bike Cup 'O' Tea- best british bike Best Shovelhead Dinosaur- Oldest bike Dirt Bag- self explanatory Long Hauls- furthest distance traveled Hard Luck- breakdown award Exhaust Jarts-bike game Barrel Race- bike game Cone Zone-bike game Slow Race-bike game