Bill Hagan

Oh ... meant to add this, but had another dotage attack. While I appreciate the hints on getting around the C&P issue, it is nonetheless interesting to me that this is the only forum of the (way too many) that I frequently post in, that poses this issue. No biggie, of course, but odd to me. Back to cleaning house here; Kathi returns from a "shower" in Philadelphia tomorrow; I have converted what she left as pristine into a set for a remake of Animal House. Bill

"If you really want/need to standardize the font on a C&P post ..." On the merits, thanks. When a teen grandkid isn't handy, it's nice to draw on the skills of members here. Seriously, thanks. I'll try that next time ... if I remember. Bill

[First, an apology about the largish typeface font size. I write such posts in an email first, then cut & paste to forums. I have never quite figured out the protocol here to make my "email" posts appear the same as "standard posts." Yes, I see the "Size" options, and select "Default," but still fail. As a geezer who frequently almost always misplaces my reading glasses, I don't mind the larger print, but regret if that bothers you. ] Three Muttoneers — a smaller group than usual — rode for mutton at this fall’s church picnic at St. Mary of the Woods in Whitesville, Kentucky, last weekend. These are semiannual events, usually held on the Memorial Day Sunday in late May and the last Sunday in September. This time, Bob W., rode down from Rochester, N.Y., to the Moto Grappa on his Moto Guzzi V7 Classic. Then, he and I rode to Maysville, Ky., where Scott M. rode from LIma, Ohio, on his Piaggio P3 to join us for the rest of the trip to “Mutton Land,” Daviess County. While in Whitesville for the picnic, another Guzzisti, Rick C., of Celina, Tenn. -- @Goofman here -- did a day trip to join us before heading home again on the same day. The pix of this trip always seem to show that all we did was to eat, drink, and be merry. We certainly did that. 😊 Yet, we regret not having more “on the road” photos. Having once nearly committed accidental suicide by fiddling with a handlebar-mounted camera, I have since stopped taking such pix from the terror that followed the disaster I was lucky enough to escape that day. OK, if it must be disclosed, I also gave up on-the-move photos after trashing a Nikon DLSR when I did not stop soon enough to get it covered before the rain got to its $600 innards. 😱. [Yes, thank you, I know that one may “harvest: stills from Go-Pros and clones, but I’m not going there, either.] That said, I do miss the nice shots, e.g., this, taken in the Wisconsin Driftless area c.2012 … … but not enough to go back to doing it, so these will have to do for my photo memories and your travelogue … unless, of course, and quite understandably, you leave now! 😄 Here are two samples … Bob at launch - Across the Ohio River from Maysville, Ky. … the rest at the link, below. ============== As usual with my smugmug sets, the link opens in “landscape collage,” so you don’t have to go to the larger pix of the slideshow. Hovering your cursor over individual photos reveals the underlying captions. If you use the slideshow version, the pix are obviously bigger and all captions appear. But, inexplicably (to me), unless you manually move the slideshow along instead of letting it roll automatically, the captions might disappear unless you leave cursor in place in lower left corner. I’m a Luddite. 😉 ============== https://bill-and-kathi.smugmug.com/Mutton-Run-Fall-2025/n-CQqNwp Bill

. But, wait ... there's more! As I was culling those countless pix, I ran across a few of our cameo appearance at the Kentucky Guzzi rally near Frankfort. Saw this fine fellow, @Chuck! Bill

I got back Tuesday from the 2025 Fall “Mutton Run.” As usual, I’ll post a “too many pix” ride report when I finish culling and captioning the “even more than those” photos. In the meantime, I’ll note that we did have Spine Raider Goofman join us at the picnic. Regrettably, my phone cam decided to give up on focusing for a few days, so you’ll have to trust me that it was, indeed, the Rickster -- @Goofman -- from Celina, Tenn. After the picnic, we visited some of my relatives at the cemetery, did a local ride in and around Daviess and Ohio Counties, then thanked Rick for visiting before watching him head home. Bill

I recall -- note that my recollection is hardly evidence -- that Randy made those. Bill

. Over the years,I’ve ridden to the SSR on a Ballabio, Griso, EV, Stornello, V7 III, and Norge! Bill

Thanks for posting that, Kevin, as I had not realized I might have captured you not "looking your best." In my own case, my best has been pretty low rent since the '90's! Seriously, I have been chronicling SSR's since the first. I take (quite literally) hundreds of amateurish pix and then cull those down to (still too many) ones and post them here and, occasionally, another Guzzi forum. That culling process is often hurried. In this case, commitments and chores on our return meant I didn't even get to add captions to the pix. I like those as if the pix don't insult the victims enough, the captions add a coup de grâce. But, "sneaky," no, at least ever intentionally. Now, as do all "historians," I may take liberties with the truth, but that is almost always in the sense of not posting unflattering pix of me, e.g., a sullen look, picking my nose, or one that highlights my avoirdupois. Heck, maybe that's why I take the pix anyway, i.e., to have few of me and delete any that I get that others take -- at least with my camera. For example, Kathi -- who ALWAYS looks better than I do -- asked someone to get a pic of the two of us. This: As always, Kathi looks great; I failed to "suck it in," so ... yup, I didn't post it in the slideshow, thus proving that I, too, am not immune from vanity. Finally -- OK, almost -- I often take pix (especially of the posed kind such as the one you complained about) in "bursts," and then choose the one in which the fewest people are blinking or whatever. In the case of the one of the three of you, Josh, and Adam, I only took two, did not study those intently, thus posted the one you did not like. Here's the other: As I peck out this TLDR response to your concern, both the original and this are in the slideshow. Unless I hear differently from you, I'll sub the second for the original, as I think it does show you in a better light without making Josh and Adam less handsome than their actual selves. [Edited to say "done." ] Now, happily for all reading this, I have to go tend to one of those back-home tasks. The plumber crew will be here in about 15 minutes for their second day of work on our septic system. They are “renewing” our Alternative Septic System’s peat mo$$, and will leave with $12K of our moto-money! I now know why scotch whisky is so expensive. I wish I had known that peat moss was so dear when I chose my legal career. But “Greta” wasn't around then, so I had no idea that to save the Chesapeake Bay I need to pump the contents of our fluids’ tank to an ASS — a fitting acronym — with its pricy peat moss before it was declared clean enough. Grrrrr. Bill P.S. Nothing above, Kevin, is meant to make light of your knee pain. After a career in the Army, involving as it did, routinely running in boots on pavement, jumping out of airplanes in the 82d Airborne Division, and other "fun," my own knees are shot, so I quite literally "feel your pain." Best wishes with yours, with the hope that both of us can ride for a long time to come.

. . Back home, so a few -- OK, a bunch -- more pix. Captionless, but you can probably figure out who is who. Bill H's SR 2025 Pix Bill

. A few pix from "the Front" at Tellico Plains. Bill

. Howdy. Kathi and I are looking forward to SSR XXI despite our arriving in a car! Aside from still (begrudgingly) following doctor's orders -- effectively enforced by my better 2/3 -- after my hernia surgery, we are traveling before the 'raid. We leave this Friday for my 60th (gasp) high-school reunion, then visiting friends in Ellijay and my brother in Hiawassee before joining you all at the Lodge. Ah, but this is a notice of a nearby “opportunity” for SSR XXI attendees. [Note for mods. If this is “inappropriate” for here, no hurt feelings on my end … but that’s because I am an insensitive lout. Seriously, it’s not something I would likely put in the “classified” section. Inasmuch as it’s a way for interested “known folks" who happen to be nearby to see a motorcycle, the notice is intended for the usual suspects at SSR’s. ================= My brother, Michael, who is “retiring” from riding, is selling his 2016 Multistrada 1200, garaged — it’s never slept outdoors except on multi-day trips — in Hiawassee, Ga. Details, below, but wondering if any SSR folks might be interested in seeing this gem “in the flesh” while we are in Tellico Plains? Michael wants to avoid the hassle and time-wasters of an advertised sale, thus this is an opportunity to ride over to Hiawassee and see a moto-gem. Photos attached. Includes OEM side cases and top case, all with interior bags; tank bag; and Garmin GPS. More general info here: https://ducati-specs.com/models/ducati-multistrada-1200.html Mileage is 19,914. So basically 20,000 miles ... or c.2000 miles since the “big service" four years ago. That service included Multistrada Desmo Service $1,556.46; Hydraulic Flush $109.52; Chain and Sprockets $566.45; Tires $494.00; Labor: $1,202.50; Tax: $275.33; Total: $3,274.76. Michael has not thought too much yet about an asking price, but see FMV info here ... https://www.cycletrader.com/2016-Ducati-Multistrada/motorcycles-for-sale?make=Ducati%7C2316082&model=MULTISTRADA%7C764855672&year=2016 and here: https://www.perplexity.ai/search/what-is-the-fmv-of-a-base-mode-cAhK677XSsO0N1zGIjrJaQ. The roads over to Hiawassee are mighty fine — . But, if you’d prefer (and given the fickle weather forecast, you might!) Kathi and I are in a cage, so I can run you over to Michael’s place in our car. BTW, I have ridden this motorcycle. It’s a beauty and, for this Guzzista, intoxicatingly quick! Need/want more info? Ask me. See you next week! Bill My brother taking delivery … My own test ride. Yee ha! Always garaged; on BT routinely. As I said, "intoxicatingly quick!. OK ... not a traffic stop! The cop’s a Guzzista friend of mine. 😄 Edited to add that if you have any interest in my brother's Duc, that you not reply here, but send me a PM, email, text, or call Bill 4ZERO4-eightZEROeight-8FOUR86 wrhagan AT earthlinkDOTnet

. Sigh, but I do understand that a Honda C-RV is chopped liver among the spinies, lesser Guzzi=es, and the occasional unmentionable "other brands," so my fragile ego will get over this. Bill

. Good afternoon from the Moto Grappa at the top of Virginia. I finally decided I would survive my (sixth! ) hernia surgery of a few days ago, so I gathered up my 500 (!) or so pix of last week's trip south for Moto Grappa Tech Days (South) and the Guzzis in the Blue Ridge 2025 rally.. Culled those down to a bunch — of course, still too many — and added captions. I had held the last (at least by me for awhile) MGTD last year — MGTD 2024 — so fellow Guzzista Steve decided to host a similar successor at his second home near Lexington, Virginia. That serendipitously coincided with an “official” U.S. Moto Guzzi event, the “Guzzis in the Blue Ridge 2025,” held near Wilkesboro, N.C. So, Steve suggested that we meet at his place for a few days, eat and drink inappropriately without spousal supervision , and then ride down to the rally. Perfect. In theory, anyway. The usual Guzzi suspects attended, plus two newbies — Steve’s b-i-l and a beemer riding buddy, both “Miataists.” After MGTD-S, several of us rode on to the N.C. rally. This is the photo version of the story. ============== As usual with my smugmug sets, the link opens in “landscape collage,” so you don’t have to go to the larger pix of the slideshow. Hovering your cursor over individual photos will reveal the underlying captions. If you use the slideshow version, the pix are obviously bigger and all captions appear. But, inexplicably (to me), unless you manually move the slideshow along instead of letting it roll automatically, the captions disappear unless you leave cursor in place in lower left corner. I’m a Luddite. ============== Yes, at last, here are the pix: MGTD-S and Guzzis in the Blue Ridge 2025 Bill

Have been away and just seeing this thread. Great stuff. Posting a ride report, but will be back. Bill

. Still looking as if we'll be caging it ... ... but at least it's still looking as if we'll be there. B&K

. [Wasn’t sure if this should go in to “travel, “events,” “banter,” or what subthread, but put it here. Mods can move if I chose incorrectly.] =============== Over the years of SSR's, we have invited attendees to come visit us sometime here at the top of Virginia. Eric <pressureangle> emailed us and wondered if the offer was still open. Hmmmmm. Unable to come up with any credible excuses for “no,” we said, “of course.” Eric did mention that he had two traveling companions. I heard — apparently what I wanted to hear — that one was a woman. The three arrived day before yesterday ... Two beemerists and a Harley. [Really, Eric. Puhleeze.] Wonder which the lady is on? I’m going with one of the GS’s. But, I ruled out this GS as, while I agree with the sticker's sentiment, I saw Eric pull in on it. Hmmmmm. What about this one? What tag is that? Ah, Quebec Très intéressant. Perhaps she looks like Marianne Fortier in leathers; yes, undoubtedly. Kathi, I can explain ... uhm; better not. But what if the lady rides the Harley from Maine? Never been much into knives, tassels, and tats, but one should be openminded about such things. As, however, you may see from supper, no Marianne Fortier stand-in or biker-ette. Sigh. But Denys and Eric (#2) were great bubbas. After the meal — and more than a wee bit of wine, beer, grappa, bourbon, and Fernet-Branca, Eric 2 got into the swing of things! As always, of course, morning brings the reckoning … Still, I thought Kathi was a bit too sad at E2's departure … But, off they went … Eric rode caboose to ensure no stragglers … They spent last night at the Fancy Gap/BRP KOA; E2 seems to have transferred his hangover to Denys! Not sure where the trio is today … will let Eric pick it up from here. We had a great time and hope to see all three again. Bill

. Apologies, Paul, for somehow missing your post and question. That "firestorm" was planned. They pack the pits -- which extend several feet deeper than the visible wall -- with kindling of all sorts and sizes, then pile an initial load of split hickory logs. They then douse the whole thing with an accelerant, thus the firestorm. The water hose playing on the flames and "ceiling" is to keep that initial flareup from warping or otherwise damaging the new pit roof. The "chefs" told me that all of that "shock & awe" settles down pretty quickly, and that no accelerant "taste" lingers. They then pile on the "real" hickory for it to catch, burn, and settle into a thick bed of glowing coals. That will be around 8 p.m. or so, at which point the various meat -- mutton, pork, and chicken -- is added at the right times during the night. By dawn, the pit crew -- this is tight bunch of great guys who "inherited" the job and take it very seriously -- remove the (delicious) meat and ready it for the drive-thru sales point and dining-hall meal. BTW, as you might imagine, they also have a great time around those pits overnight. This is the first time that this new set of pits was used. The first set in my memory -- c. 1958 -- was, I think, a relic of the late 19th century. That one was closer to main road than later ones, and was relocated a few years ago as a result of deterioration and need for more as the parish grew and the picnics more popular. The present one is at least the fourth of such pits as the prior one that was featured in my earlier Mutton Run pix was in the way of the needed new Trinity High School. Lannis? Yes, the w/g experience still disappoints me. Come visit and we'll delve more into that over some very fine Kentucky bourbon. But, Lannis has been to quite a number of the Mutton Runs. He missed this one because of a significant family calendar conflict. Lannis has his priorities right, and will no doubt return to future romps to Daviess County when more important duty doesn't trump mutton. Best, Bill

It is so. My late, lamented, and lost-to-me Ballabio I bought while Kathi was getting her master’s in Boston. I did not tell her. It seemed the safest thing to do. That was error. I promised not to do that again. So, as she is in George just now, I thought it prudent to mention all of this to her on the telephone this morning. She used her well-honed wife, and middle school teacher skills to say that I “should do it if I feel it right.” Men married more than a day or two see the trap there. But I am musing about it. The reality is that I am so smitten by my V 85 and pleased with my Stornello and EV, all three of the present occupants of the Moto Grappa, that it is difficult rationally to justify such a purchase now. At 78 next month, I’m not sure that I want Kathi and my executor to go through anytime soon what the OP is just now. Yes, I can see what I’m doing up above, and it’s not working. Lord, that’s a sweet machine. Bill

. I sent the email, below, to some enthusiasts who would might not delete it out of hand. Docc replied, and made me think I should post it here, too, tho no spines played. Given my cavalier -- unintentionally, most of the time -- practice of breaking rules here generally, here goes: ============== Good afternoon from the Moto Grappa. As I did not get a request from you to be “unsubscribed” from my previous pre-trip messages, you get the pictorial trip report, too. For those of the “too many pix” sort, know that I culled the K-plus down to just over 200. Still lots, but, hey, it’s my slideshow; you don’t have to look at it. 😉 As usual, the link opens in "landscape collage," thus allowing you to see pix at all at once rather than slogging through those individually via “slideshow." In that format, you can simply hover your cursor over each pic to see captions. The system truncates some of the longer ones in collage mode. You can also view the pix in slideshow form so the pix are larger, and let it roll every 10 seconds or move them along manually more or less frequently. You may have to have your cursor stay or “revisit” the lower-left corner of pix when captions stop appearing in slideshow mode. It can be maddening … well, only when you care. 😂 You may note that there are few pix of scenery and the like along the way. As most getting this know, it’s easy to stop and “smell the roses” when riding solo. But, group rides are like driving the family in a minivan … stomachs, bladders, interests, hunger, etc., after etc., vary, so we tended stop only for refueling, "bladder maintenance,” and azimuth checks. That tends to reduce the time we had to stop for the things we individuals mights have chosen when alone. But, as I trust the pix show, we nonetheless had a very fine time even we didn't stop — as I wished — for every historical marker along the way! 😄 OK, yes, the link at last … Muttoneers in Kentucky & the Ozarks Bill

Good call. They undoubtedly will. That's also a favorite of Kathi's -- my Perfect Pillion & Polish Princess. I have another version set on my streaming list, so that if I see her heading down to the Moto Grappa, I have it start as she comes in the door! I appreciate you reminding me about this, as it's her birthday today, and when she gets off the phone with her brother, I'll launch that. I am a bit of a party-pooper for her about the clapping thing. I detest it, but, as most good husbands, have learned to keep that to myself as she so obviously exults in that. Bill

I am (what a surprise ) behind in being ready to launch for the Mutton Run and MotOzarks next week. Needed to do the 18K service on my V85, but “Some People” — code for my sweet but focused spousal supervisor — had other priorities. As an example of her erroneous thinking, she believes it is more important to have the house look great for my German family visiting in mid-June. Lordy, wimmen. THIS is important … So, it seemed to me, given the small allowance of minutes I was granted, critical to find something motivational to keep me on mission. Did a quick search and thought this seemed right ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjkaWADdU9w Maybe young folks working on an overnighter these days find this helpful, but it almost put me to sleep. It sure did not keep me moving. Back to the digital drawing board. Now, THIS is more like it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njw-g09XPmM Went from this … (yes, a clean work area is key) ... … to this in record time (for me, at least) … If my Perfect Pillion & Polish Princess will grant me a few more minutes today, I can get that back on, and, after R&R'ing the fluids in the gearbox and final-drive, declare my Guardia ready for combat operations. The visiting Germans? I get back from mutton and catfish two weeks before they descend here. Lots of time. Besides, the night before, I’ll play this … https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zEy4GNMJq0 Bill =========== Edited to apologize as I wasn't smart enough to get the y/t links to appear. Have done that before, but, sigh, aging and forgot. [edit: docc inserted the linked displays. Easy: copy and paste the YouTube URL directly into your post without using the linking tool "[--]".

Worked for me. The key to access is to lead a sin-free life. Bill P.S. When I say that sort of thing to Kathi, she leaves the room because she says she does not want to be in striking distance of the lightning bolt headed my way. So far, so good, but that's probably only because God has a sense of humor.

. The OP, a long-timer here, apparently hasn't been back since he posted about his drop. I rode near Coats on the way to Augusta on Day 1 of return, but my pivoting peg was a bit late to save his lever. Bill

Condolences on the tip-over. I have some leftover parts from my Ballabio, but pretty sure those don;t include a rear brake lever. In North Carolina -- in fact, in Wendell, pretty close to you -- or I'd go down to the Moto Grappa and check. And, while of no help with that lever, will add that I have these on my V85 and they help avoid what you are now suffering. https://gtmotocycles.com/products/gt-folding-toe-peg Bill P.S. If at all interested in seeing what those folding pegs look like in real life, I can stop by in the a.m. on my way to Martinez, Georgia. Text me at 4ZERO4.8ZERO8.84EIGHT6

My math skills -- and high-school senior arrogance -- led to an empty tube when I marched to the strains of Pomp & Circumstance across the stage at graduation, followed by summer school. So, not sure which of us is the older, but here are the top hits of my vintage year: Bill