Chairmen of the Politically Incorrect

[gamekeeper]

I have started to slowly refinish my 16 gauge although it was in excellent shape and nearly unused when I bought it, I didn't like the blued action/lock plates etc plus the Beechwood stock looks cheap, well it only cost me peanuts ($92) so I can't complain. Compering it to my recent purchase of the 20 gauge Winchester 37a the 16 gauge handles much better the balance is fine and weight for weight not as much difference as I thought. I'll post photos before and after when completed. I'm a little disappointed with the 20 gauge although it was in unfired brand spanking new condition it seems heavier than the first one I had back in the 70s probably my old age and memory have something to do with it...

[OldWin]

Hey you won a page buddy!
My little 20ga 870 youth model has ugly wood too. I redid it but it looks blotchy and not much better. When it was time to do the birch wood on my post-64 94 carbine I did a little research. Fieblings leather dye isn't oil based, and will soak into the cheaper hardwoods much better than traditional stick finish. After the coats you desire, simply go over it with Tru-oil or a similar top coat. I was really impressed with the result.

[gamekeeper]

Yes I followed your advice when I gave the Stevens .410 a makeover and was very pleased with the results. I would love to do the Winchester 37a as the wood is quite light in color but feel it would be sacrilege as it still looks brand new after 50 years as a safe queen. I did however throw away the white line spacer, can't stand the sight of them, my spares box has a few I have removed....

[OldWin]

Haha yeah I get it. The 94 I did looked unused, but the micro thin wood finish was coming off, so.....
I hate those spacers too!

Just stopped for a break at camp. Left the house with the DRZ this morning and have logged about a 100 miles of backwoods riding on old dirt roads and trails. Beautiful day to ride. Have barely seen a soul all day.

[OldWin]

Got the new diggers on the old TW. Should make a big difference in the woods. Wanted them on before hunting season as we usually get some snow.

[Walt]

Early on Wednesday morning, my shooting buddy, my motorcycling buddy and I went on an ATV ride in the Jemez mountains of north central New Mexico. My goal was to find an Indian pueblo ruin that I had visited a couple of times about 15 years ago but haven't been able to locate again. We didn't find it on this trip either. Nevertheless, we had a great day traveling old logging roads that are slowly reverting back to nature. We did stop at a ruin dating back to around 1200AD with relatively high standing walls to take a picture. The tree in the photo is called an alligator juniper and it probably was around at the time these pueblos were inhabited. Zoom in if you can't see the "scales".

[Walt]

Jay, thanks for the pictures. I'm planning on taking my TW up to the same location to retrieve a lost water bottle on Tuesday. I know I'll be spending more on gas than the water bottle is worth but it sounds like a good excuse to get outta town again.

[OldWin]

Awesome pictures Walt, thank you! Looks like Awesome riding out there. Every time I make it out west, I just wish I had my Jeep and dirt bike with me.
That sounds like a perfectly good reason to ride up there to me!

[OldWin]

Here's a few from my 115 mile ride on the DRZ this past Tuesday.

[Walt]

Very nice, thanks! You are obviously getting along with your DR-Z very well. Great pictures

[OldWin]

Yes. I've been happy with the DRZ, and it does what I want for most applications. It's plenty of bike for me at this stage of my riding career.
Another 10hp, especially down low, and 25lbs less weight would be awesome if I had to nitpick.

[gamekeeper]

Great photos guys I guess I gave up motorcycling way too soon but if you knew the roads and traffic over here I'm sure you'd understand,
I went on another unsuccessful Squirrel hunt yesterday, my son suggested that we try a different wood where he used to catch a lot of Squirrels, well it was big wood with a lot of mixed timber but even using his thermal we saw zero Squirrels. My son used to trap and shoot Squirrels on this estate for 10 years and has never known it to be so unpopulated by Squirrels. Rabbits are only occasionally seen and are struggling to maintain their limited numbers so we let them be

[OldWin]

I dread the day I will have to stop riding. The TW should keep me riding for a long time though. I will definitely age out of the DRZ.

That's weird there are no squirrels. Ive never seen that here. Do you have any theories as to what is causing it?

[gamekeeper]

No one seems to know why they have disappeared, this area is one of the few areas that's Red Squirrels exist so for several years the Grey Squirrels have been trapped to help save our native Reds, the funding for all this pest control pays for full time trappers to trap nearly every wood in the area you can't walk very far without seeing cage traps for live catching and bait stations nailed to trees. The native Reds are protected and quite rare and I'm not seeing any of them either.

[OldWin]

That's really strange. We have a lot of both grey and red. Greys seem more prevalent in town, reds seem more plentiful in the woods.

[41Redhawk]

Got the new diggers on the old TW. Should make a big difference in the woods. Wanted them on before hunting season as we usually get some snow.

I used to work at a Yamaha dealer when the TW was first released. I'd guess it was mid to late 80s. The first time I jumped one of our dirt hills it was interesting! Great biles for doing what you do with it! It will not be confused with a YZ though!

[OldWin]

Got the new diggers on the old TW. Should make a big difference in the woods. Wanted them on before hunting season as we usually get some snow.

I used to work at a Yamaha dealer when the TW was first released. I'd guess it was mid to late 80s. The first time I jumped one of our dirt hills it was interesting! Great biles for doing what you do with it! It will not be confused with a YZ though!

Welcome to the PI thread 41Redhawk!
Haha you got that right! They came out in 87, I believe. I started out looking for an old, simple, 4 wheeler. I got frustrated because they were either junk or people wanted ridiculous prices. I ended up buying my 2008 TW and I like it better. The TW has a cult following and a crazy amount of aftermarket support. I've a lifelong rider, so I know what you mean. In spite of that, it's really fun to Pitt around the woods on. I also have a Suzuki DRZ400 when I need to pick up the pace.
I even talked our fellow Levergunner Walt into buying a TW this year!

[41Redhawk]

Got the new diggers on the old TW. Should make a big difference in the woods. Wanted them on before hunting season as we usually get some snow.

I used to work at a Yamaha dealer when the TW was first released. I'd guess it was mid to late 80s. The first time I jumped one of our dirt hills it was interesting! Great biles for doing what you do with it! It will not be confused with a YZ though!

Welcome to the PI thread 41Redhawk!
Haha you got that right! They came out in 87, I believe. I started out looking for an old, simple, 4 wheeler. I got frustrated because they were either junk or people wanted ridiculous prices. I ended up buying my 2008 TW and I like it better. The TW has a cult following and a crazy amount of aftermarket support. I've a lifelong rider, so I know what you mean. In spite of that, it's really fun to Pitt around the woods on. I also have a Suzuki DRZ400 when I need to pick up the pace.
I even talked our fellow Levergunner Walt into buying a TW this year!

Perhaps you remember the BW 200. There was also a 80 and a 350. They were released in the same time frame as the TW was. They had ATV tires on them. They were even more interesting to ride!

[OldWin]

Got the new diggers on the old TW. Should make a big difference in the woods. Wanted them on before hunting season as we usually get some snow.

I used to work at a Yamaha dealer when the TW was first released. I'd guess it was mid to late 80s. The first time I jumped one of our dirt hills it was interesting! Great biles for doing what you do with it! It will not be confused with a YZ though!

Welcome to the PI thread 41Redhawk!
Haha you got that right! They came out in 87, I believe. I started out looking for an old, simple, 4 wheeler. I got frustrated because they were either junk or people wanted ridiculous prices. I ended up buying my 2008 TW and I like it better. The TW has a cult following and a crazy amount of aftermarket support. I've a lifelong rider, so I know what you mean. In spite of that, it's really fun to Pitt around the woods on. I also have a Suzuki DRZ400 when I need to pick up the pace.
I even talked our fellow Levergunner Walt into buying a TW this year!

Perhaps you remember the BW 200. There was also a 80 and a 350. They were released in the same time frame as the TW was. They had ATV tires on them. They were even more interesting to ride!

ain't.

I certainly do haha! I haven't seen one in the wild in a while though. They bring good money now.

[Walt]

I headed up to the Jemez Mountains again yesterday with my TW with the intention of finding a water bottle one of my buddies had left behind on our trip up there last week. My more pressing intention was to relocate an ancient Indian ruin that I had found about 15 years ago and had visited twice a few months apart but have been unable to locate since then. I had marked the ruin on Google Earth but had neglected to bring along a GPS. I finally brought it yesterday and quickly found my objective. It was a huge place, the fallen walls are almost a third of a mile long on top of a mesa. There are very few visitors that come here. An interesting find was a mutated cactus in the midst of the ruin.

Jay, the bike worked well; me, not so much. The ride kicked my butt although it was only a 30 mile ride. The worst parts were the downhill trails full of loose rocks. Altogether I did have a good day.

[OldWin]

That's awesome Walt! I'd love to ride out there sometime. I find that stuff very interesting.
I had mine out yesterday on the trail too. The biggest suspension shortcoming of the TW is WAY too soft fork springs. It's an easy fix, though. Bradley Performance has two different rates of springs. Another thing many do is switch to Seat Concepts seat. You can get a couple different heights. While not the most comfortable thing going, they will go anywhere. I find if I keep my speed around 35 or less off road, and stand up once in a while, I can ride most of the day.

[Walt]

My biggest problem was in picking my way through the pointed 6 - 8" rocks, my back tire would bounce sideways off a rock, completely messing up my direction of travel, pointing me to places I didn't want to go. You had mentioned front wheel washout but It didn't appear to be a problem for me; I had the tires aired down to 12 psi.

[OldWin]

Yeah I ran between 8 and 10 in my stock tire. My traction is much better with the new tires. They can still deflect a little, but its better. Im still experimenting with pressures. Im running about 15 right now. It's a big tire on a light bike. It definitely takes getting used to, but the little bikes are quite capable.

[Walt]

On our way in last week the road was washed out, a three foot deep gully with steep sides blocking the way. My motorcycle riding buddy who is inexperienced with ATVs couldn't make it through. Every time he clinbed the far side, he lifted the front wheels of my 300EX and he'd let off the gas and the quad would die short of the top. I tried to explain that he needed to stand up and swing his body weight to the front to slam the front wheels back down onto the ground but he couldn't manage it and had to be pushed out the other side. There's a reason the TW has been called the ATV with 2 wheels; I rode right through it on my solo ride a few days ago.

[OldWin]

Yeah it can be intimidating if you aren't used to riding a 4 wheeler. Especially one with a manual clutch. Those little T-dubs will really crawl. The tires I put on really helped. It doesn't spin in the mud and soft stuff. Still have to get it in deep mud, but it's been dry. The new front tire really Olds the turns better too.

[gamekeeper]

Great photos of the South West Walt, I really fell in love with the desert country when I was over there.
You guys are having way too much fun but I enjoy reading all your adventures it reminds me of some of the things I did years ago, happy times

[OldWin]

Haha, well I can't speak for Walt, but sometimes I'm a little sore after that fun!
I figure I have to do it while I can. I'm only making this trip once. The other day, I took a ride out through the Burrill woods with my TW. I came around a slight turn and surprised a smallish coyote. Like the movies, he ran straight down the road away from me instead of hopping into the woods immediately. Naturally, I rolled right on the throttle (with a TW, that means slightly accellerating ) to catch him. When I was about 2 feet away, he finally jumped into the woods. Then it dawned on me that if I had indeed caught him, I may have had a problem.

[Walt]

Good story, Jay.....thanks!

I have a friend who is an oustanding woods rider and trials rider who told me he was riding his Honda XR400 in the mountains on a logging road when he noticed a bear running parallel to him a few yards to his right. The bear poured on the coals and attempted to cross the road in front of him but a collision ensued which rolled the bear. My friend managed to keep his bike rubber side down. He was a bit shaken. The bear jumped to his feet and made tracks in a different direction.

[OldWin]

Holy smokes! That must have been something to witness! If nothing else, that proves your friend is a heck of a rider.
A good buddy of mine hit a German shepherd on a Honda VFR while riding double. He managed to keep the bike up too. He is a lifelong friend, and has always been an outstanding rider.

[gamekeeper]

The only critter I ever collided with was a kitten that run into the front wheel, I didn't even feel the bump wasps and bumble bees seemed to have a death wish too that's when I learned to always ride with my mouth shut ...
NOT ME but the style back then

Bikes.jpg

[OldWin]

Hey buddy! Looks like a gang of Cafe racers back in the day. Cool!
Some impressive turnouts over there with those marches. I sincerely hope there is some positive change for England. It's been hard watching the spiral down (along with our own here in the US).
My friend I mentioned above that hit the Shepherd is now out riding with hus wife in Idaho. I must say, while the Lord is assuredly disappointed in me, I'm quite jealous.

[gamekeeper]

I think the UK is waking up to the Muslim threat and our own traitor of a prime minister. I would have loved to have been on that march in London as I've been on a few before for gun rights and hunting.

My 20 gauge to .410 adapter arrived today, ordered it from the "Shooters Box" on the 26th August it left NY on the 8th September and then arrived in London and by mistake sent to the Middle East on the 11th but it did finely make it here on the 16th I'll try it out later with 2", 21/2" and 3" shells but I have a feeling the little 2 inch shell will work best which is okay as I only really want it for Rats. I'm surprised it got through customs as gun parts from the USA can be tricky nowadays, I can't even log on to Numrich Arms anymore...

[OldWin]

I certainly hope so my friend. Hopefully here too. Time to dust off the crusades IMO.

Sorry about the delay with your chamber adapter. I'm having the same issue with some motorcycle wheel weight now. I have to balance those tires I mounted on the TW recently.
I got a couple coats of wax on the old Jeep Monday. I can't remember the last time I waxed the poor old crate. I got in a quick 50 mile trail ride with the DRZ yesterday afternoon. Rode up the track bed to Solon, then through a fun trail section to South Solon, and through some dirt roads home. Nice ride.
I'm headed to camp today to dig some water trenches across the road that goes down the hill. Not sure why, as it appears it's never going to rain again. It's crazy how dry it is here. I e never seen the river so low, and can't remember the last time it was so dry.

[gamekeeper]

Over here in Northumberland there are some great places to visit but in a car you just can't pull up where you want, that's what I miss about two wheels and you can also see a lot more on a motorcycle.
I see quite a few riders from Europe touring the roads around here and the roads here are quieter than anywhere else I have lived, the exception to that is the city of Newcastle which I avoid like the plague.

[Walt]

A friend's neighbor in Pagosa Springs, CO took these pictures a couple of days ago. Amazing that the cat was out in broad daylight!

[gamekeeper]

WOW Walt he is one mean looking bugger

[OldWin]

Cool pics Walt! Mean lookin kitty.

Went up to camp yesterday and got my water bars dug in the road going down the hill. Hasn't rained all summer but it's bound to start sooner or later. I should have done it 2 years ago but have been putting it off cause I figured it was going to suck. It wasn't bad at all. Checked a couple cameras we put out up on the hill and had a couple deer on them.
Couple pics down on the road. Dad and me taking a beer break.

[gamekeeper]

A beer break is often the most important part of the job... .

[Walt]

I'm very happy to see you and your pop still doing things together. I think it's wonderful. Best wishes....keep it up!

[OldWin]

Thanks Walt! I'm really glad I've only been working 3 days a week for the last several years. It's allowed me to do a lot with dad and see both my folks on a mostly daily basis. I've always done a lot with my dad, but being home most if the week has helped. So has having the camp. It's something we can both do, and we both really enjoy our time up there.

[gamekeeper]

Jay I can guess how happy it makes your Dad to have you so close, my son and I did everything together but after he graduated from college we lived at different ends of the country, then he was planning on moving to NZ but now we are nextdoor neighbours and hunting together again and at 77 years old that means everything to me.

[OldWin]

I'm really happy for you, my friend. My son has been away since 2009, and I don't care for it. Hopefully, when he retires in a few years, he and his family will be back here.

[Walt]

I hope that happens, Jay. Our kids live about 8 hours away by car. We spend some time together several times per year. We visit them more frequently than they come here but I'm grateful that we are able to catch up by phone almost every day. I'm very happy that they've both achieved stability and financial success and that they have families of their own. The cycle of life....

[OldWin]

Same here Walt. It's hard to feel too bad knowing they live in Alaska, have 3 beautiful children, and will both be retired in just a few years. Just miss them and the grandkids. They grow so fast.

[Walt]

I'm happy to hear that your son is living nearby and you're doing things together again, GK. Makes it all seem more worthwhile, doesn't it?

[OldWin]

Went up to camp yesterday to move some stands. My old hang on was in a cedar that had split down to the straps and it was sketchy. I chanced it last year but didn't want to push my luck any further. I liked the spot in the old cedar, and had shot a nice buck and a big coyote out of it, but it seemed to have gone cold. Between that and the cedars condition, it was time to move it.Of course, after months of no rain, it started yesterday when we got down there. I got it down and moved it to a new spot. I put up the climbing sticks so I could check the view. I called it good because I wanted to remove a ladder stand we don't use anymore. I wanted to haul the seat section home to make some modifications, then relocate the stand.
That's when the drama started.
The stand was back up the trail towards camp. When I got there, I climbed up to look over the situation. It was in a sizeable beech, and it had grown around the toothed tree interface bar pretty good. I had dad get the axe off the 4 wheeler and toss it up. The ratchet strap that went around the tree was pretty crusty too, but I managed to break it free and loosen it just a bit.
Then I took the axe and used it as a hammer to get the stand loose. It moved back and forth a bit, but I had to chip the bark to get it to be able to back away from the tree. Then came the part I hate, even under the best conditions. I had to remove that strap, then try and carefully back down the ladder while hoping the stand stayed on the tree.
I hugged as close to the ladder as I could to keep the stand from going over backwards while I was 17 feet in the air. At the next step I got the sensation of it going back over. Not wanting to go down with it, I jumped and spun in the air while hoping I didn't land on a stump or rock. As I felt the wind whip past my ears I briefly hoped my Python would survive the drop unscathed.....I also remembered that I'm almost 60 years old.
Then I hit the ground. Luckily, I missed a cut off birch stump by about a foot and a half and hit no rocks. Now, I'm not scared of heights at all, and initially seemed ok, but I was a little shaky for a few minutes after this turn of events. Luckily, while soaked and miserable, I seemed ok. I got the stand loaded on the trailer and hauled it back to camp with the 4 wheeler.
Upon reflection, I suppose I should modify my method of treestand removal.

[gamekeeper]

Thanks Walt yes it has cheered me up and made life worthwhile again.
Jay. I'm relieved to hear that you survived. Things going to plan are in the lap of the gods especially when you are soaking wet and hanging on to a ladder. I don't get into too many scrapes with awkward chores anymore I leave it to my much younger and fitter son


I took the 20 gauge down to the lake and tried out the chamber adapter, not brilliant but it did work with 21/2 " and 2" shells but I only tried one 3" shell and I struggled to get it out of the adapter, I also I found you have to find the best way to put the adapter in for consistently hitting dead centre. It should work on rats if they show up in garden without blowing a hole in the fence.

[OldWin]

Glad your adapter worked ok GK. With a little use and tuning, in sure you'll get it just how you want it.

I went up today and got the hang on stand squared away. I just have to put the seat on and camo it out now.
I checked the cameras on the hill and has a couple does and a small buck on them. I put out one more camera today down in a spot I saw a couple last year.

[Walt]

Hey, you be careful up there, Jay! A fall from up there can give you a fair amount of air time. However, air time isn't everything; the sudden stop is.

[Old Savage]

Bikes? Old guys … good luck!