Luggage Racks or Dude Where’s My Shim?

Now that I have the bike, the first order of business is to figure out how to carry things – a lot of things. I decided to get factory luggage and I  found a great resource for obsolete Honda parts called David Silver Spares. I bought the O.E.M panniers (or saddlebags as some say) along with the top case. The top case is a slightly different color of red (Winning Red versus Italian Red), but I can barely tell the difference and for the price, I’ll just squint a little.

I got to Ryders Alley where my bike is parked and I began the install process for the luggage racks. I had printed instructions along with PDFs stored on my iPad. I knew I was more than prepared. As it turns out, my VFR800 has a rear fender eliminator kit rendering the direction useless. I eventually got the racks for the panniers in place and secure. I used a torque wrench to be sure every bolt was tightened to factory specifications.

I slapped on my new vanity plate that reads “POPOVER.” My idea was to get a frame printed with “AMERICA” and block the “Empire State” below the letters with a license plate frame. I discovered nobody in the world sells a frame that covers this bottom section. The registration sticker also glares a big “16.” I read up on the legality of covering areas of a license plate, and realized my hiding idea would mean breaking the law. The last thing I need is another brush with Johnny Law.  So I guess I’ll settle for the plate to read “Popp Over 16 Empire State America” when I get the frame.

I moved on to the top case rack. The rack shipped with two sets of shims and the translated instructions were not very clear on which set to use. When I thought I had the puzzle solved, something wouldn’t line up. As I tested the shims, I dropped one through the rear fairing and it landed in a very tricky place. I used a small allen wrench and my prowess of Skill Crane to fish out the cursed part. I finally arrived at a solution after a lot of trial and error. Small shims all around. I seated the rack for final mounting and another shim slipped from my grasp wedging itself down next to the battery. I again masterfully extracted the annoying part.

All of the racks were in place. Now believing I’m an unstoppable mechanic, I proceeded to  install two RAM ball mounts that bolt over the clamps for the clutch and brake reservoirs. These are used to mount cameras for on-bike filming and a GPS (I can get lost going to the bathroom). The bolts were extremely tight, but I removed the two from the clutch side. The lever flopped forward and I saw the fluid window indicator go to empty. I just let a bunch of air into my clutch line! AGGGHHHH. I realized the fate of my carelessness. I tightened the reservoir clamp back up, put the bike in gear, pulled in the clutch lever, and tried to spin the rear tire. Sure enough, the clutch needed to be bled and I had nothing to complete the process. I borrowed a short length of clear hose from another Ryders Alley member. My brain flashed back to a month ago when I tried this same fix. No Luck again. I needed some DOT 4 brake fluid and there was none to be found.

The borough of Manhattan does not have any auto parts stores. I thought of the irony of the millions of cars that drive the city streets and not a single bottle of common brake fluid to be found. Wings clipped and ego deflated, I surrendered for the day. I pushed my wounded steed back into her stable. I couldn’t ride anyway as I didn’t have my helmet and it was pouring rain. The curse of the clutch follows me like an eerie ghost, but this time he will be vanquished.

Video – Really Picking Up The Bike Really

I finally got the bike after over a month! Such a great feeling to be a motorcycle owner again. A big thanks to Roger Mercer over at r.A.t. Cycles in Lindenhurst, NY who got the new clutch installed and new Michelin Pilot Road 4 tires mounted. The video includes a little jam I wrote and recorded last night.

Notes to self:
– Reduce the use of these words: awesome, amazing, pretty, and awesome.
– Double check focus of selfie or third party shots.
– Get a portable tripod and a camera rig for the Canon 70D.
– More RAM ball mounts on bike to vary GoPro shots.
– Be more conversational.

Video – Not Picking Up The Bike

Here’s my first attempt at a speed-edited 5 minute video blog. I have a lot of things to work out, but my goal is to be able to shoot a self-interview and edit footage from the day in under an hour. This took two hours because of my clunkiness with Final Cut Pro X but I’ll get some workflow tricks set up to make the process quicker. I’m still learning my Canon 70D but slowing getting used to all it can do. Music is from my old band dogs on ice. Please send any production comments!

*Warning* The ending of this video contains a gross reference to a ’70s’ porn star.

Notes to self:
– Shoot more conservatively – 2 hours of train tracks is too much.
– I need to get a color correction preset created. I look pinkish-red!
– I ducked the music while speaking but should kick it up at the end.
– Uploads directly from Final Cut Pro X are low resolution.
– I will need to build a library of instrumental music.

Pilot Dates and Destinations Set

As winter finally lets go of her iron grip on Gotham, the time for planning my pilot episode is now. I have been attending weekly production meetings with Maegan, the production supervisor and X the assistant producer. These two women pound on me hammer and tongs to get commitments on things like times and places. They both want this production to be as good as it can be so the devil must be dealt with in the details. My original idea for Popp Over America was to just drive around and wing it, but these two pros understand a whole hell of a lot more about production schedules than I do. I am honored that they are giving their time to the project.

The dates for shooting the pilot have been set: July 8th – July 11th. I have a list of places and events to visit and the four days will be loaded with adventure. The pilot will be based in New Jersey where I was born. Here is a list of destinations:

My apartment – NYC
The George Washington Bridge
The Palisades Parkway
Hiemer and Company Stained Glass Studio, Clifton
East Hanover, New Jersey
High Point State Park, Montague
Milford, PA
Paterson Great Falls, Paterson
Hinchliffe Stadium, Paterson
Libby’s Lunch, Paterson
Scarlett Pub, New BrunswickPerformance at 9PM Sharp!
Slater’s Deli – Leonardo
Silverball Pinball Museum, Asbury Park
Asbury Park Boardwalk
Atlantic City
The AHRMA Vintage Motorcycle Festival, NJMP, Millville
Wildwood
Cape May

I realize I’m leaving out a bunch of great locations, but all of these map points have a personal connection to me. Feel free send any ideas or destinations. Tune in early September to see how I connect the dots with a used motorcycle, a guitar, and strips of pavement. In the meantime, I’ll be posting a lot of fun preparation videos and pictures, along with micro-trip travel logs to keep things interesting. Another big thanks to everyone who helped fund the show and getting us past out Kickstarter goal.

BMW082
Paterson Great Falls

 

The Bike for Popp Over America.

I haven’t been able to sleep right since starting work on the pilot episode. Something has been very wrong. Whenever I talked to a motorcyclist about producing the show their first question is unfailingly, “What kind of bike are you riding?” I would then inform the inquisitor that I would be renting a bike for the pilot. After this response, I would watch the blood of joy run out of their face leaving nothing but a pallid stare. This  glare spoke volumes without words – “Oh, so you’re not really a motorcyclist, you’re just a poseur. ”

Now those who know me, understand I could give two flips about what anybody thinks or says, but in my heart I was certain something was wrong. Reflecting on the blogs of my past bikes, I realized that ownership is half of the equation of being a motorcyclist. I have compared the the bond formed between man and machine to that of a cowpoke and his horse. Can you imagine Roy Rogers on a rented palomino instead of his trusty Trigger? No, this will not stand, man.

My good sense grabbed me and reminded me I was in debt. Generous friends donated money to my Kickstarter campaign to make this show a reality, and that money is already in an account earmarked for production expenses and equipment. No way I’m touching that blessed bread. I thought deeply well into the night.

I kept coming back to a conversation that I had with Jenny. She is very understanding about my battle with depression and when I was feeling down one day, she asked me if I considered seeking therapy as I have done in the past. I arrived at a revelation. I told her that out of the many therapists I have seen over many years, none of them made me feel much better. I thought about the rare moments when my anxious mind was calm, and the answer became very clear. Playing music and riding motorcycles. When I am doing those two things, I need nothing else.

I logged into my retirement account and took out a loan. For $100 a month over 5 years, I could get $5K. This would be enough for a used bike and the much needed luggage. I have been lurking on Craig’s List ever since I sold my BMW K75, and one bike jumped out at me. A Italian red 2002 Honda VFR800 Interceptor. When the words “sport touring” are spoken, this bike is always mentioned. I got in touch with the owner who is way out in Hampton Bays, Long Island and worked out the deal.

In 1984 I had a deposit on a VFR500 Interceptor when I lived in Jacksonville, Florida. My girlfriend at the time talked me out of the purchase declaring that there was no way she would get on the beastly machine. I got my deposit back and bought a ’79 Fiat Spyder 2000 convertible which broke down often. My purchase of this VFR800 is the correction of that unrequited Interceptor love.

I’m sure at close to 50 I’m never going to be the next Freddie Spencer as I thought I might be back in 1984, but blasting up the Palisades and into the mountains in a few short weeks on the Interceptor will surely beat the hell out of sitting in front of a disconnected therapist asking me repeatedly “So how does that make you feel?”

VFR800.01

 

Popp Over America at The Stone Pony

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The Stone Pony – Mecca of Music

I emailed the booking agent at the world-renowned Stone Pony and asked him about landing a gig there and perhaps filming the show for the pilot episode of Popp Over America. We didn’t nail down a date, but he assures me he can get me a slot in mid-July. I was stunned. This place is the haven of Rock and Roll royalty.

This storied club has hosted not only the likes of New Jersey’s favorite sons such as  Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi  and Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, but also Stevie Ray Vaughn, Elvis Costello, The Ramones, Cheap Trick, Blondie, and The Stray Cats.

The club was shuttered for a few years in 1998, but reopened two years later. Christie Todd Whitman, a former federal cabinet member and governor of New Jersey, rededicated the Pony when it reopened in May 2000. “A visit to The Stone Pony has been considered a pilgrimage to rock ‘n’ roll fans around the world,” Whitman said as she officially reopened the club. “It is a place that is important — not just to us, but to the world.”

I was born in New Jersey, and even though I moved when I was very young, the state is my homeland. I feel a sense of belonging the minute I am anywhere within her borders. My words fall short when I say playing this venue will be a privilege, because after my show I will join the list of my heroes that have graced the stage at the famous Stone Pony.

 

Legs of Cement – New Song!

Click here for the new Popp Over America song: “Legs of Cement”

I’m a punk rocker that’s it. The title “singer-songwriter” doesn’t fit me but I find it the best way to describe what I am doing with Popp Over America – a guy playing an acoustic guitar and singing. This song represents the direction of the album I am recording that will be released in conjunction with the completion of the trailer in August. Fast, gravelly, and unpolished. No, I don’t Auto-Tune.

This song was inspired after Jenny told me about an incident where she fell going up the stairs in a subway station and people just walked around her as she was on the ground.

You may recognize the riff as it is the tune used in the Kickstarter video.

Legs of Cement
Did I stammer
Get me a jackhammer
I’ll try to explain
As you try to not understand

Needless pins
Stab into my shins
Please don’t ask
No, I don’t want your reprimand

Cruel slippery eels
Poisoning my sea
Distilled one by one
Into potent cruelty
I’m dying in this wool
Every watt of energy spent
Won’t somebody take
These legs of cement

Stairs to the sky
Makes me question why
Did M.C. Escher
Help out with the design?

A tumble then a fall
A whimper then a call
Ignored by masses
Cattle trotting by

Jenny Subway rectangle

Zen and the Art of not leaning on clichés

During an interview with The Pace Podcast conducted by the hosts James and Chris, I had an emotional moment when trying to communicate how I wanted to share my love of riding with my girlfriend Jenny. My voice shook as I tried to find the words to express the joy I experience when on a bike and I leaned on the old surfer’s cliché, “If I have to explain it, you’ll never understand.” Chris responded that he hated when motorcyclists use that saying, but softened his criticism by admitting the adage pretty much holds true.

I overthink everything. As days went by after the interview, I thought about the position Chris first stated about the old saying. I now agree – I hate it too. It’s a cop out. When I use it, I am basically insulting the person that is asking a valid question.

I’ll never forget the time my band played a well attended show at The State Theater in Saint Petersburg Florida. A young fan approached me and said, “That was the most awesome show I’ve ever seen!” In an attempt to appear humble I responded, “Nah, that was crap, we sucked.” The kid hung his head and uncomfortably shuffled off back into the crowd. My bass player Martin came up to me right after the exchange and scolded me. “Why did you say that? You just insulted that kid’s musical taste! He’s a fan! Next time can you just say ‘Thank you!?!'”

Martin was right. I had a beautiful chance to share this fan’s excitement and I deflated the moment by telling him he was wrong – that he didn’t understand.

Thinking about Chris saying how he hated the cliché, I came up with a new tactic when asked about why I ride. No longer will I go for the default “If I have to explain it…” bit. Now my response will be more in this vein:

Q: “Why do you ride that silly motorcycle? You are going to kill yourself?”

A: “I realize it is an activity with a high risk of injury, but let me try and explain the joy I get from riding. Motorcycling is the closest thing I imagine to flying in an open-cockpit biplane. I suffer from high anxiety and the feeling of the wind rushing past me provides a sense of calm I can find in no other activity. The g-force I feel when I take off from a stop is similar to being pinned back in the seat of a dragster. I really enjoy that sense of acceleration. Dipping into the curves is a direct parallel to riding the Cyclone at Coney Island where I have spent many a summer introducing friends to the adrenaline the wooden beast serves up by the plateful. Does this help shed a little light on why I ride?”

With this new mindset I smash another old cliché – “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” Sure you can, if the dog is willing to listen. So a big thanks to Chris for his honestly and making me rethink a stock answer that I’ve used infinitely too many times. I’ve got a new answer now, and hopefully the effect will attract more people to motorcycling instead of pushing them away.

When emotions get the best of me…

I had the privilege of doing a very long interview with James and Chris over at The Pace Podcast. The talk started upfront enough as we discussed details of Popp Over America, bikes, and my history in motorcycling, but when  one of them asked if I ever rode with Jenny my girlfriend, I had a bit of an on-air breakdown. I was never asked this question and I thought about my idea for the last P.O.A. episode which involves me picking up Jenny in Brooklyn and taking her to the last gig on the tour.

Thinking about the final ride of the tour made me immediately well up with tears and my voice started to shake. I’ve done a lot of interviews in my days as a musician, but this is the first time I was moved in such a way. I guess it’s because when I am on a bike, everything makes sense to me, and as I discussed with the guys on the show, even when I am diving into a turn, motorcycling gives me a sense of calm that nothing else can. I so much want Jenny to feel that sense of calm. Her life is hard because of her battle with MS yet she soldiers on everyday, commuting to work while fighting the masses that are New York City.

The coolest thing about the interview? James and Chris understood why I broke down. They get the beauty of these machines we ride and desire to share that feeling. Motorcycles make sense to us when other things in the world often do not. I felt liked I blabbed too much and I danced around topics like a kid with ADD, primarily because I was so excited to talk to these two motorcycle aficionados about the show. I think they understood that too.

Please embrace you inner motorcycle nerd and check out their podcast. You’ll be glad you did. Their conversational style is refreshing in this prepackaged 22-minute bullet-pointed newscast world.

Thanks James and Chris. You guys made my week.

Click the picture below to race over to The Pace Podcast!

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Asphalt & Dirt & Multiple Sclerosis

A&D_Logo_PROD_black copy

I posted a few times on Twitter and I was surprised to be contacted by Aaron Heinrich, the publisher of the motorcycle website Asphalt & Dirt. He somehow found Popp Over America in the vast sea (some might say cesspool) of social media. Aaron called me yesterday for a preliminary interview about my ride and TV show. After a few verbal exchanges, I felt like I was conversing with an old friend rather than an interviewer. We talked about the concept of the show at first, but then we quickly spun into other topics – music, relationships, food and life.

Aaron asked me if I ever considered riding for some type of cause. My girlfriend Jenny also made this suggestion which I dismissed. I told Aaron (as I told Jenny) I didn’t want to appear that I was using a cause to raise money for my trip. I stated the fact about how many charities give little of the money raised to the causes they are supposedly supporting. But Aaron quickly convinced me that the goal should to be raise awareness and not necessarily collect money for donations. This concept is great for all parties involved. Not only would I be doing good for my own soul, but I would be helping others while blasting over the roads of America.

But what cause?

Jenny was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2010. When she suggested that I ride for a cause, she never mentioned her own disease as being that cause. She is such a generous and giving person that the letters “MS” never crossed her lips when I argued with her about the subject. But a light bulb went off in my over-sized melon when Aaron hammered on about having a cause. “MS, my girlfriend has MS. I could ride to raise awareness for that!”

Aaron brainstormed with me for a few more minutes before hanging up the phone. What started as a brief interview turned into a 36 minute inspirational therapy session about a whole new way to view Popp Over America. Motorcyclists are an interesting breed. We are brothers in arms, welded together by the simple commonality of riding in the wind on two wheels. We help each other. Aaron helped me.

I am no longer riding for myself. I’m now riding for Jenny and her brothers and sisters in arms – those who have been affected by MS.

MAN★ BIKE★GUITAR