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Rolling out after everyone meticulously selected their preferred routes, destinations, and derived riding partners . . . . . . our small team was fortunate to encounter a "need." I heard Josh say, "Let's try to fix it ." Having benefited from the "ideas" about the area and the lunch spot (and the lake overlook), we navigated back to The Lodge with little precip. Josh noted that our small team represented four decades of Moto Guzzi and suggested a photo op with SIX decades of Moto Guzzi at the SSR: '70s; 80s; 90s; 20s; 'teens; and 2020's . . .

By the dawn's early light ... on Sunday at the Lodge at Tellico. A great Raid .... thanks to docc and all. Bill & Kathi P.S. Yes, more pix later.

My friend V-7 Paul sent me a text Friday evening asking about info I had mentioned about a Guzzi gathering in Tellico Plains. I explained that I could not spend the weekend but would like to ride over early Saturday, meet the group, maybe have lunch and ride back home the same day. Wife is worried about the bears who like to stroll thru our back yard occasionally. Paul is up for it I get my hall pass from my WONDERFUL WIFE and we decided to meet near his house at 07:30 which means I need to interrupt my rem sleep and drag my raggedy butt out of bed before sunrise. We met at the designated location and other than the thick fog had a relatively uneventful ride to Tellico Plains. Arrived at the Lodge around 09:00 in time to see everyone. Was great seeing acquaintances from previous Raids and meeting new folks to. Paul and I started a ride after the first group left. Thinking we were behind the group we didn't waste much time on SR315. Just as were came to a rise my bike sputtered to a stops I watch Paul ride off over the horizon. At a slim and trim 215 lbs of retired lazy butt, luckily I only had to push the bike uphill about 10 yards to the driveway of the Duckett Memorial Cemetary. How appropriate, a final resting place for me or the bike if I can't figure out why it stopped running. As I was gasping for air I noticed a strong odor of gas and started looking for leaks. Look down at my right pants leg and it was wet from just above the ankle down to my boot. Since I don't suffer from incontinence I looked at the lower right side of the fuel tank and noticed the return line to the fuel pressure regulator was disconnected. Got that fixed turned the key on and hit the start button.....nothin!! It was about this time the group which had left before us go riding past, waving as they go. Checked all the fuses and relays. The plastic top of the fuel injection fuse was melted but still functioning. Replaced a couple relays with the spares I had brought- Docc. Still no neutral light! Ok I'm running out of ideas. Time for AAA which would be fine if there was cell service. Paul graciously offered his bike for me to search for cell service. Ride down the the local fire hall about five miles back, still no service. Figure that one out. Furthur down the road I stop at an intersection with a lawn sale. When I ask if they have cell service I was met with "who is your provider?". "Nope, gotta go further towards town". Wait, what's that sound rumbling thru the hills? It sounds like another group of Guzzis. And this group even stops to ask what happened to the owner of the bike I'm on. Doc, Josh, and the South Florida boys to the resue !! Head back up the road to my bike for a little roadside diagnostics. A circuit tester miraculously appears and each circuit on the bike is checked. Then someone asks if the bike is in neutral. Well it must be, I pushed it uphill onto the shoulder. Let's check again. Duh! It was caught between 3rd and 4th gear. Falls into neutral on the little green light on the dash lights. Pull the clutch lever, push the little black go button a varoom, starts right up. My bike still has the idiot proof switches for neutral safety, clutch and side stand. With the sidestand down and in gear, or between gears it won't start. Gear up and off we go. Rode to the top of a mountain and a rest stop with an awesome overlook South towards the North Georgia mountains. After a few minutes we hear thunder off in the distance. Time for V-7 Paul and I to roll. We head back South thru North Carolina and into Georgia without incident. Paul breaks off to head home near Blairesville as I continued on to Hiawassee. The closer I got to home the darker the skys got. About two miles from home the roads were wet but at least it's not raining. Just as I pulled onto my road I caught up to the rain, but with only a quarter mile to go not a concern. What an awesome day. Great riding. Close to two hundred miles round trip. Met some old friends and made new ones. The bike for the most part ran great. V-7 Paul was impressed how well 20 year old bikes ran so strong and wanted me to pass along his thanks for the great hospitality everyone extended. We are so looking forward to the 20th Southern Spine Raid. Tools, relays, and spares included.

Done many years ago WITHOUT a computer!

"Always carry a flagon of whiskey in case of snakebite, and furthermore, always carry a small snake." ― W.C. Fields

WARNING! if you detest “TLDR,” skim & scan … or just run away now. Paid by the word for 50+ years, I won’t change those spots any time soon. Oh, and I am also a Luddite WRT getting the fonts here right when I cut & paste as I have here from ADVRider where I first posted this earlier today in a V-85 thread. Apologoies. Feel free, Docc, to make it all "prettier." =============== Twice a year, I and others ride to Daviess County in western Kentucky. Why? Mutton. Yes, that’s an acquired taste that not everyone even wants to acquire … but it’s acquired me. But, of course, there’s more to it than that. The paternal “Hagan” contributors of my DNA started off in 1662 in St. Mary’s City, Maryland. In the late 1700’s, when Catholics were no longer welcome in Maryland, Hagans were part of the migration of 200 Catholic families to Kentucky, traveling first by foot and then flatboat to what is now Maysville, Kentucky — then Limestone, Virginia. Led, BTW, by Basil Hayden, they went on from there to settle for a time in central Kentucky south of Bardstown. If you enjoy bourbon whiskey, thank “My People.” If Protestants had settled there instead, Maker’s Mark might be a brand of iced tea. Be that as it may, they moved again in the 1820’s to the better dirt in Daviess County, where their descendants — i.e., many of my Hagan family — still live today. Their church, St. Mary of the Woods, in Whitesville, Ky., was established 177 years ago. Parish picnics started soon thereafter, and mutton has been the common, delicious denominator. I clearly remember the first such picnic I attended in the mid-1950’s. But this post is about the latest such gathering, from where I, Kathi, and two friends just returned earlier this week. Scott (Lima, Ohio) and AJ, (Baltimore, Md.) both longtime Guzzisti, and I rode from the Moto Grappa in Cross Junction, Va., to Whitesville. We took three days, riding exclusively on interstitial backroads. [I only learned that word, “interstitial,” yesterday — thanks, @Pillionviewpoint — and am excited to use it!] Seriously, it was a grand trip. The roads between here and there are made for motorcycles. We even travelled on many — e.g., U.S. 62, a twisty challenge, especially between Maysville and Bardstown — that my hardscrabble tobacco-farming (and distilling! ) ancestors would have used, albeit much more slowly. A six-mile blacktop hypotenuse off of 62 — SR 1504 — between Mount Olivet and Oddville (seriously) is one of the most entertaining pieces of pavement on this grand planet. And, in Ohio, we serendipitously stumbled upon — code for “lost” — SR 348 between Lucasville and Blue Creek, a 25-mile collection of scenic sweepers and a surprise whiskbroom or two to keep you on your toes. My ever-indulgent wife, Kathi, has been to many of these picnics as a pillion and, in this instance, driver of our “support vehicle.” She took only a day to join us in Maysville, and, on the return, be with me at Mount Sterling, Ky., before heading home solo. For some context to the slideshow, below, on Day 1 of the outbound leg, we spent some time with Guzzista @Chethro in Ripley, W.V. [Thanks, Chet] And, on Day 3, we stopped in to visit the Ky. Guzzi Rally near Frankfort. On the return, Kathi and I went to Mount Sterling, where I had arranged to have www.gatewaycycles.com/ do the 6.2K service to my V85. I bought my V85 there on my return last June. I cannot say enough good things about this dealership. Carl, the owner, is an avid Guzzista who went out of his way to ensure that the service would be done without delaying my ride home. For example, though closed on Mondays, he and "Super Tech" Coty, made the service happen that evening so I could leave early the next morning! Enough background. Here are the culled pix (bit still lots) in a slideshow with captions. The link opens in “landscape collage” format, so you can see all at a glance without slogging through one by one unless you want to do that. Hover your curser over any pic to see the caption. [For maddening reasons I do not completely understand, the captions “disappear” if one enlarges the pix and goes through them. On “pure” slideshow, i.e., automatic switching to next slide, the captions continue to appear, but the pace is quick. Keeping the cursor in the “caption area” seems to help if going through manually. As I said, maddening. If anyone knows the code to make it more seamless, please tell me.] The pix? Go here: https://bill-and-kathi.smugmug.com/Moto-Muttoneers-Sept-2023/n-LxVRBJ/ Bill P.S. in the (exceedingly unlikely!) case, you yearn for more tales of Mutton Runs, try these: https://bill-and-kathi.smugmug.com/Motos-Mutton-More-Less/n-HnchJc/ https://bill-and-kathi.smugmug.com/Muttoneering-Sept-2021/n-VzxTGK/ https://bill-and-kathi.smugmug.com/Mutton-Running-May-2018/n-dHftGV/

Thanks, this forum has brought me a lot and after over 20 years I still enjoy moderating the crap out of you!

More coolcats on cool Guzzis:

I had a great time at the spine Raid last weekend It was a great pleasure to meet all the Forum members in person and put a face to them. Everyone I met was friendly ..I'm glad I went..It will always be a memorable occasion for me and my " bucket". ( lots of good riding and roads in that neck of the woods too, (Tenn and KY) ) The Guzzi ran awesome..It was almost 7000 miles by the time I got home and it never missed a lick, not even one small problem and there are plenty of big wide open spaces between here and there that a fella wouldn't want to break down in... It didn't use enough oil to be able to see on the stick.. A larger fuel tank would have been a PLUS..but hey...no complaints!!

That was up early. This was up late:

So . . . It will be telling whether any (South'n) SpineRaider will ever break this record: Pretty crazy: @KINDOY2 bombs in from the Pacific Coast on his very-custom-Griso . . . Frikkin' amazing . . . The quintessential, modern, V7 Sport, some fifty years on . . .

The stuff of SpineRaids . . .

Nice! Needed a loop and a V100 to round it out. Amazing looking at that, fifty years! The Tonti seems like only yesterday! Fu*k I'm old!

Success!

But the sound, shaking, rattling, smell and watch your neck engaging 1[emoji1][emoji1][emoji1] BIG FUN. Cheers Tom. Sent fra min SM-S906B via Tapatalk

Yeah, it’s like Christmas! I think I have every little nut bolt and screw ever used by Guzzi. Many head gaskets but no base gaskets. No u joints, carbs or body work. Did get a brand new saddle for a Convert or G5 type and a crash bar for same..A new tubeless rear rim for a 98 era EV and a bare Borrani rim.. New Veglia speedos and tach..Loads of cables..coils, TPS’s and so on. Got a lot of electrical parts to use on my 75 Eldorado restore. I’m putting together a data base of all the part numbers but it will take several more days, there are thousands of small items. When the list is finished I’ll publish it for interested folks. I’m not wanting to get rich, just recover my investment with small profit so some good deals might be had. AND, this dealership was also a BMW store. The guy wants me to buy all that inventory too. I’d need a box truck to haul all that and a rental space to store it, still thinking that over. These signs are so cool but fragile so not sure I want them. there are probably over 30 bikes covered in dust or dirt.. most are pretty worn but there are two brand new Cal Vintage or Black Eagles.. I think it would take about $6000 to buy one of them. A 2016 Stelvio. And new version Eldorado that already sOld. the business has been closed for probably 10 or more years.. Judson Cycle in Lake Crystal Minnesota.

I think a forum is a bit old fashioned. You need old farts to keep one running. In the context of the V7, the old farts that have them are already in established Guzzi forums and just continue there with the V7. The one I'm on in Germany has it's own subsection for the V7 models, and there is regular activity there. The young folk that get a V7 go to facebook and what have you, or just stick with Moto Guzzi's Clan. Forums are too "old school" for hipsters, although they take great pains to affect an old-school style. I think I'm getting nasty and cynical in my old age....

FYJIMO Racing, at its best!

@Agonza5, another very coolcat that has been so determined to sort his awesome Rosso Mandello. Welldone, man!

Me and my long time friend Docc. Not a finer person anywhere.

I feel I would be Remiss if I did not give credit to Pete Roper and all the knowledge and advise he has given me on the maintenance and preparation of my Griso ...Very appreciative . The proof is in the results...

Roughly, 20,000 miles – will go up slightly. Great condition overall. Just Serviced within the last 500 miles at The Spare Parts Company – Philadelphia. Original clip-ons replaced with High-end Woodcraft clip-ons and bar end weights. Minor scuff on seat cowl and small Chip in tank – about ¼ inch. Many accessories are available – individual cost to be determined. Guzzi Luggage Rac, Foot peg Lowering kit (3 in forward, 1 in down), Ghezzi-Brian carbon fiber hugger, Tommaselli adjustable clip-ons. $7900 Located in West Orange NJ

That’s true.. I guess no one knows what they are . I don’t think they are Guzzi at all. Another thought was bar risers for a BMW? I just scored a load of NOS Guzzi parts and some BMW stuff is mixed in. it will take some time to inventory all the stuff and it’s mostly older than V11 but when I get organized I’ll post a spread sheet of parts and sell for very reasonable price..more as a service to Guzzi folk than a profit maker. lots of rubber bushings, seals and a gazillion small parts, nuts and bolts etc. I did see a red pork chop but don’t remember what side and a front fender from the red 2002 Lemans and/or a Rosso Mandello. also got myself a 1975 Eldorado

Cute, if weird in that Pininfarina way

Almost certainly, but there is a V7 thread on ADV that is active and useful. While I'm hoping to be riding my Grisos and Mana for a few more years my body is telling me those days are numbered and for that reason I'm looking at a V7 for down the track. Only a V7-II. Last of the Herron head motors, six speed gearbox and the Stone model has cast wheels. Sure the suspension is crap and the brakes only *Adequate* but by the time I'm riding it that will be all I need. When it gets too much I'll get a Vespa! Love me some Vespa!

Just remember why the Carabinieri always hang around in threes. They need one who can read, one who can write and one to keep an eye on the two intellectuals!

Thanks to everyone who came out. It was truly a great time. Next year will be South’n Spine Raid XX, incredible! Hope to see you all again next year.

My new friend @KINDOY2 and I @Josh after a great ride through the backroads of Tennessee.

I did some touring and sight seeing on the way out but I had a couple 1000 mile plus days ( quite a bit different than KM..) on the way back .. I am always like an old Horse who smells the Barn once I get going home.. .

Josh's Tonti was my favorite bike there ..and might I say " He rides the PISS" out of it..Makes he want one now..Although I wouldn't look as cool as he does on it!!

My online legacy :-)

I don’t always have time to ride. But when I do, I prefer the South‘N Spine Raid.

Got back last night ... Now, I'm too busy ... Bill

If it were licensed, why would the eagle running light look like a Wuhan bat?

Oh, don't get me going about the whole "Porkchops and Stilettos" thing . . .

Or this classic

I think it is a question of mentality. When I got my first motorcycle, I was 16; then it was the legal age to get your motorcycle driver's license. Today, it is 18. My bike was my main mode of transportation. Not leisure. I was going to school with it during the week, and spending my week-ends away from home on it too. Rain or shine, winter or summer.... it did not make any difference to me. Now, compared to the tropical rains we seem to experience each time in Texas, the drizzly cold weathers of my hay days felt easy. My biggest concern when riding storms here, is the lack of visibility. Your visor becomes opaque and grey due to the high density and flow of the water hitting it. You are blind and everything you need to look for is blurry or invisible. As far as residual wetness, the people at the Pioneer barbecue helped me dry my gear. Obviously, I smelled like brisket the rest of the road back home, but it was good to open up my appetite....

Much better! The bike looks more together

But the *good* kind of tired. Monday, Nic and I went up 360 through the Dragon and took 28 all the way to the end in Georgia, cutting off at Walhalla. That's the best piece of road I've seen in the East and rivals anything I've seen out West either, one section of about 10 miles you could literally set your cruise control at 35mph and enjoy it.

And , that ain't a good thing ! It seems as though anytime the patriarch gets out of the business and the kids or a new cabal takes over , things go south quickly . They "know" how to fix things and make it more ________ and then closing in less than two years .

What might be a cause of that is founders of various businesses reaching retirement age. The business continues, but under new management, and things change. The old bloke who loved fiddling with machines and finding solutions is no longer active, and the new younger managemant is more focussed on the bottom line than on actually making things. For the business perhaps better in the sense of running the business, but not necessarily better for the customer.

This kind of effort to make a South'n SpineRaid is unprecedented. What an amazing cat, @KINDOY2, and an impressive ride/bike! (Home after some 7000 miles. Success!)

Our very own, personal, Carabinieri . . .

Alcune immagini dell’open house 2023, Mandello del Lario

TDC=Top Dead Centre. It occurs twice in the 720 degree cycle of the motor. Both times the piston is at the top of its stroke it is at TDC but on only one occasion are the tappets on the base circles of the cams and that is when you adjust the clearance.

Aloha! What’s your experience? I haven’t had the opportunity to ride the island… but years ago, I did ride with a couple of mates up to Big Bear outside Los Angeles and the dew at 6,800 feet is bad. Dew at any level is terribly treacherous. Here’s the opening lines from a magazine review by Robert Smith. “One the most memorable and exhilarating rides of my motorcycling life was on a Guzzi: a race-tuned 850 Le Mans Mk1. I rode it from Ha’iku, Maui (close to sea level) up to the Haleakala Park entrance at 6,800 feet on the volcano’s switchback access road, and back down again. With a race cam, lightened flywheels, flowed head, Bub exhaust and flat-slide Mikunis, that baby really flew, handled precisely and would stop on, if not a dime, certainly a nickel. But what was so seductive was the way the motor loved to rev. Below 3,000 rpm, it wouldn’t have pulled a fly off a cow patty; but when it came on the cam, it surged to the red line with a rush of booming power; but on closing the throttle, all was uncannily smooth and calm.” Uncannily smooth and calm… stay strong Lahaina 💪 https://cdnbkr.ca/3893-2-motorcycle-review/moto-guzzi-breva-1200-2008/

I protest. If we are going to have drums, these: Bill

For those that have never been or it’s been a long time since you attended a South’n Spine Raid. It’s not too late to make plans to attend! It will be an epic weekend of Moto Guzzi tech sessions, bourbon 🥃 and riding the beautiful motorcycle roads of Tennessee and North Georgia. There are many places to stay in Tellico Plains if the The Lodge at Tellico is full.