Happy New Year RFAR Fans 2011

Still the project is in works... about 16mos out.

So, here is where we are at:

Note the banner is still in "Planning". It needs data update. My picture is sideways..sorry.

Both Ketchikan Rotary Clubs are in support of the project. District has asked me to get an story together to post on the District News letter. I have been invited by the Rotary District Foundation Committee to Chair the Paul Harris Society. This is all good stuff in getting Rotary notice and support for the Project.

This summer, I am planning to promote ride the RFAR 1 to Homer, Alaska for the Rotary 5010 District Conference and set up a display to raise awareness in the District for the 2012 Ride.

I will start to book programs with the local Central Alaskan Clubs. Soon, I will also start working on developing a DVD promotional video to share the idea with Rotarians at presentations. One of our club members is an expert in doing DVD's.

On the bike side of the project. I have ordered a new lower suspension, oil temp monitoring system and a digital voltmeter. These improvements will help in better operation of the machine. I have also added a set of BMW System Case Luggage and a real rear fender, called a hugger. The cases for personal stuff and hugger to keep the grit in its place.

As it is winter here, the riding opportunities are greatly limited. Just short rides to town and back or to Herring Cove and back, just enough to get the engine thoroughly hot and keep the battery up on charge. So when spring comes I will install the new stuff and check out the battery for time-dating to see if it needs to be replaced.

I have signed up for an 'Advanced Skills'Riding course, called "Total Control Advanced Clinic" to improve my skills. I believe that you can always learn new stuff. Plus it will be fun to go and get better... there is always room for improvement.

Holidays are here!

Happy Holiday everyone. This is the time of the year when one can look back at years past and count our good fortune. It is a good time to reflect and appreciate our family, special friends, good friends and our aquaintences. In America we are so fortunate in this times, sure we have difficulties, but when you compare them with less fortunate areas we do certainly come out way ahead.



It is a good time to reflect and offer a hand to those who have less and suffer from poor government and have massive health issues. Your support of the Rotary initiative to irradicate Polio is much appreciated.



As we move into the next year, my planning efforts will continue for the RFAR ride in 2012. I am in search of a RFAR buddy and RFAR Mobil support to go with me on this great adventure.

I'm thinking of a Rotary Blue Chevy Pickup that would be just right with a pal that I have know and loved for almost 30 years. We could even call it the RFAR Medical Support team.

I am working on it.



So, Gertie the RFAR back up bike is in Denver, resting and ready to go.. The RFAR-1 is in Ketchikan and being ridden on every sunny day. (been averaging once a week).



Attached is a photo of the RFAR-1

Here is the link to pictures!

Sometimes, I just keep trying..

Here is the slide show.

http://picasaweb.google.com/usa584/RotaryRFARPresentation#

I don't now why, I am not able to post to top page.

This will work.

Jim

Slide Show and Update November 3, 2010

Still on the trail to success. Here is an update.

1. I've added a slide show on the rebuild of the Gertie and her first road trip. Check it out at the link.

2. I took the Gertie (R75/7) to Bellingham on the Alaska Ferry and rode to Denver in 3 days. Uneventful, sunny, hot and beautiful new country for me.. went through eastern Washington, Tri-Cities, eastern Oregon and central Idaho and into Utah, then on to Wyoming and Colorado.
It was a jaunt. (1450mi) I dropped off the Gertie with my son and picked up the RFAR 1 beemer.

3. Rode the 2004 R1100S (RFAR 1) back over Independence Pass and to Vail and on to St. George, UT. I hit one hour of rain on my way, otherwise, just a little shower in Mohave, CA on my way to Porterville, CA. I continued to Santa Cruz and came up Highway 1 to Newport, OR, then cut over to I-5 and got back to Bellingham to catch my ferry on Friday. I did this ride over 15 days. Only a small amount of rain...it must be my mission.

It was a good time for reflection and a test of what the RFAR Project will be like.

4. So now the RFAR 1 is here in Ketchikan and ready for the ride to Homer, Alaska next spring. I am attending the Rotary District Conference to drum up some support for the ride by way of pledges for miles covered or Rotary Clubs visited. I am looking at 10,000 miles and visiting 100 clubs. My goal is 100 pledges for 10,0000 miles or one pledge per club.

I just want to do one big good thing for the Rotary Foundation in my life. We need to STOP Polio! The Foundation needs the support of Rotarians.

Your support is appreciated.
Jim

RFAR Bike is a success!

We took our first distance test ride by going to Prince Rupert by ferry then riding to Terrace BC then., Kitimat, back and then to Hyder, Alaska via Stewart BC. This is one of the most beautiful highways in North America. We proceeded to Smithers, BC and rode every piece of asphalt we could find. In the 10 days we clocked about 1500 miles and had perfect weather. Lots of wild life and the unit ran well. I am so pleased with the rebuild result.
Check out my pictures.

http://picasaweb.google.com/usa584/MCTrips#

So, now the RFAR Cycle is back in Ketchikan, resting for the winter. I made my presentation to the 1st City Rotary on my project plans and the presentation was well recieved.
I have developed a banner and logo for the cycles.

Here we go. RFAR!

RFAR's First Tour

I named the bike "Gertie" and it is one of the RFAR bikes. I do not anticipate that I will ever do this ride alone. Another Ketchikan Rotarian has pledged to join me on the "RFAR" adventure. He will get his ride together as we plan this adventure.

Also, "RFAR 1" is a 2004 BMW R1100S and is currently waiting in Denver.

The Gertie bike is ready. (BMW R75/7) We don't have the RFAR markings yet, but this is the test ride to make sure the original RFAR bike is ready. The fairing is repaired, painted and installed. Installation and fit was a bit of a struggle, but it all came together. I also installed a new switch and did some other electrical upgrades, so now all the electric functions work! Horn was the last to get fixed.

Our test ride will be from Ketchikan 6/30 on the ferry to Prince Rupert then on to Hyder Alaska and then back to Smithers BC on highway 17. We will spend a few days exploring around Hyder and Smithers then expect to return by ferry to Ketchikan by mid July.

One of my long time friends from Thorne Bay, Alaska will join me with his new Harley Sportser 883. This is his first experience with a long ride.

Let the adventure begin...

Gertie is RFAR Cycle

Here is the completed mechanical resto..