Dave & Teddy's Most Excellent Adventures 2012

[SteveMac]

Very cool pic of Teddy in the early years!

The look of adoration for you was already in his eyes! :clap:

 

[SpyderLady]

Very cool pic of Teddy in the early years!

The look of adoration for you was already in his eyes! :clap:

Agree totally

 

[GloryRyders]

Enjoying the saga of Teddy.............opcorn:opcorn:opcorn:

 

[Tiny1]

Thanks for the update Dave. Now I can sit and rest a spell. Sorry to hear about your setback. One must take it a little bit easier as one ages:lecturef_smilie:. Awesome pic of you 2 in the early years:thumbup:

 

[Jeriatric]

Buddies for life. Doesn't get any better than that.

Go easy on the back Dave. If you think about it and can take the time. A few extra stretch breaks may be in order during your ride to Durango.

You two be safe and look forward to meeting you both.

 

[Netminder]

Glad to hear it was not serious enough to set you back again. You Defenitely need to give it more time , before pushing it like that . Speaking from experience with back issues. Love the story of how teddy an you got together, can't wait to hear more!:yes:

 

[dick574]

Dave, I've been really enjoying your story. Can't wait for each new installment. I guess I'll be traveling with you from Cuba to Durango. Looking forward to meeting you in person, oh, & the babe magnet too.

 

[CyncySpyder]

I'm not sure I've ever been more conflicted than at present

OK, sorry y'all, but we're taking a little break from the saga of "Teddy's Tail" for a day or two, as I'm a little frazzled, frustrated and confused at the current time.

I've been working on a sun/canopy for the Tedster and thought I had made good progress til a new realization hit me yesterday. I originally planned on a tri-pod style mounting system using 3 Ram-Mounts attached to the rear area over Teddy of the Spyder and also the plastic wind-shield (from a mo-ped I think) that Teddy was given by Kathy and Joe a few weeks ago. I was originally going to put one Ram-Ball on the back of the Utopia BackRest and then mount another Ram-Ball to the Top-Left & another to the Top-Right of the rear trunk-lid. Upon talking this over with Coz & a couple of other local Spyder Ryders, we realized this would work, but then I wouldn't be able to open or have access to anything in the rear-trunk, anytime the canopy was in position. I don't know about any other ryders, but when we're on long road-trips, we usually use all of the trunk space on Teds Red Sled, so this wasn't a viable option.

So I kept thinking, and instead of mounting the two back legs of the tri-pod mount to the rear trunk lid, I thought about installing them on the rear passenger elbow pads that are never used and are right next to the rear trunk lid, so almost the same position. It was agreed that doing it this way, it would be a viable option. Since the elbow pads are made of foam, I figured from the amount of vibration and wind turbulence, that they would probably be torn up in a matter of weeks, and that wouldn't be good. So, I started taking Teds Red Sled apart, peice by peice, bolt by bolt, to see what I could see and how things were put together back there in the passenger area. I actually took off the "Elbow-pads" and decided to mount the Ram-Balls on the hard, flat plastic peice that the "Elbow-Pads" were previously mounted to and this not only worked, but it didn't look all that bad either. My remaining concern is that without the "Elbow-Pads" being installed, there's about a 3 inch triangle shaped area that is now left open to the elements, and I'm not liking that thought, but haven't quite figured out how to remedy that issue just yet, but I'm thinking it IS managable.

So I went with this direction, and at first, all was progressing well. Got all three Ram-Balls mounted, got the 12 inch PVC Ram extensions cut down to the size where I thought it looked best and provided the most amount of noon-day shade for the little guy. Rock On!!! We're doing good! Since the shield was only lightly tinted and we're using it to provide shade, I went ahead and added a non-transparent "Diamond-Plate" auto film, that I had been saving for over a year now, to the top-side of the shield. I knew going in that this was my first time applying an auto-wrap of any type, and with the shape and design of the shield, I knew it wasn't going to be perfect, and I was ok with this fact, as I knew this entire thing was a learning experience for me.

So, we got the wrap installed and it didn't look too bad, tho I did have some very noticable creases at the front of the shield, but oh well, lets hook it all up and see if it works. Sure enough, hook-up all three legs and make sure their mounts are tight, and off we went for a test ryde. We did about 30 miles of all kinds of roads and highways and all speeds from slow to fast, and with Teddy needing a little time to get accustomed to his new digs, I was thinking all was well.................. That is til we stopped to get gas.


TBC....................... work, work, work.............................

 

[ThreeFeet]

:gaah:opcorn:opcorn:opcorn:COTTEN PICKIN WORK, AND CLIFF HANGERS!!!!!

 

[zrc]

I got something I am working on if this doesnt work out Dave! I will bust out some pics or drawings soon, but I think it will make what you need happen.

So you got another backup on the way brotha!

I will need some RT infos though, I will hit up the CjackG and see what research he can provide me with.

 

[PAPA G]

DAVE????????????????

OK, sorry y'all, but we're taking a little break from the saga of "Teddy's Tail" for a day or two, as I'm a little frazzled, frustrated and confused at the current time.

I've been working on a sun/canopy for the Tedster and thought I had made good progress til a new realization hit me yesterday. I originally planned on a tri-pod style mounting system using 3 Ram-Mounts attached to the rear area over Teddy of the Spyder and also the plastic wind-shield (from a mo-ped I think) that Teddy was given by Kathy and Joe a few weeks ago. I was originally going to put one Ram-Ball on the back of the Utopia BackRest and then mount another Ram-Ball to the Top-Left & another to the Top-Right of the rear trunk-lid. Upon talking this over with Coz & a couple of other local Spyder Ryders, we realized this would work, but then I wouldn't be able to open or have access to anything in the rear-trunk, anytime the canopy was in position. I don't know about any other ryders, but when we're on long road-trips, we usually use all of the trunk space on Teds Red Sled, so this wasn't a viable option.

So I kept thinking, and instead of mounting the two back legs of the tri-pod mount to the rear trunk lid, I thought about installing them on the rear passenger elbow pads that are never used and are right next to the rear trunk lid, so almost the same position. It was agreed that doing it this way, it would be a viable option. Since the elbow pads are made of foam, I figured from the amount of vibration and wind turbulence, that they would probably be torn up in a matter of weeks, and that wouldn't be good. So, I started taking Teds Red Sled apart, peice by peice, bolt by bolt, to see what I could see and how things were put together back there in the passenger area. I actually took off the "Elbow-pads" and decided to mount the Ram-Balls on the hard, flat plastic peice that the "Elbow-Pads" were previously mounted to and this not only worked, but it didn't look all that bad either. My remaining concern is that without the "Elbow-Pads" being installed, there's about a 3 inch triangle shaped area that is now left open to the elements, and I'm not liking that thought, but haven't quite figured out how to remedy that issue just yet, but I'm thinking it IS managable.

So I went with this direction, and at first, all was progressing well. Got all three Ram-Balls mounted, got the 12 inch PVC Ram extensions cut down to the size where I thought it looked best and provided the most amount of noon-day shade for the little guy. Rock On!!! We're doing good! Since the shield was only lightly tinted and we're using it to provide shade, I went ahead and added a non-transparent "Diamond-Plate" auto film, that I had been saving for over a year now, to the top-side of the shield. I knew going in that this was my first time applying an auto-wrap of any type, and with the shape and design of the shield, I knew it wasn't going to be perfect, and I was ok with this fact, as I knew this entire thing was a learning experience for me.

So, we got the wrap installed and it didn't look too bad, tho I did have some very noticable creases at the front of the shield, but oh well, lets hook it all up and see if it works. Sure enough, hook-up all three legs and make sure their mounts are tight, and off we went for a test ryde. We did about 30 miles of all kinds of roads and highways and all speeds from slow to fast, and with Teddy needing a little time to get accustomed to his new digs, I was thinking all was well.................. That is til we stopped to get gas.


TBC....................... work, work, work.............................

now you need a fuel door .right?????????????????? it will work out have faith in teddy ..

 

[murphybrown]

You're killing' me here...hurry up

Forget work...I do not handle cliff hanging...hurry hurry finish. Now you are really tormenting me. Now you have two stories going that I want to know about. Hurry up dave !!!:banghead::banghead:

 

[CyncySpyder]

This is where we are now - Sad & Frustrated

This is Teddy's "usual" Spyder Ryde'n Set-Up without any type of Sun Protection
This is where I decided to mount the Ram-Mount Base on the removed passenger arm rest
This is our maiden try-out with the Canopy in place in diamond plate
Here's another shot, albeit at night. I have since installed LEDs underside to help light Teddy up at night

Since the diamond plate didn't match anything else on Teds Red Sled, he had me paint it Red to match his Spyder. This is him inspecting my painting progress with the canopy. Again, not perfect, but not bad for a first go either.

So after talking with Dax (KingGeek here on SL) he suggested that I replace the elbow pads and drill out a relief on the underside so I can still keep the Ram-Mount bases close to where they are now, as they do work well for this application in their present position. Then take and drill a hole large enough for the Ram-Ball to come up thru the foam passenger arm rest and that way, when the canopy is installed, it will all still look complete, OEM and finished looking, instead of having to worry about the 3inch triangle that is left open when the foam passenger arm rests are removed. Sounds good, just haven't done it yet. Still have to work out the fuel door issue, as when we go to gas up now, I have to loosen & remove the Ram-Mount that's on the back of the Utopia Backrest to open the seat. Still better to only have to remove one than all three, but still not ideal. Coz is working with a local seat builder and if he has good results with him, I'll look into how much he'd charge to add a fuel door to the stock seat on Teds Red Sled, then we'd be pretty much set for Teds Canopy to work as planned.

On an unrelated note, what about the Owners Event in Durango CO? Originally Teddy and I had planned on ryding out with Dax & his daughter and meeting up with the MO Gang in Cuba & then meeting up with everyone in ABQ to ryde up to Durango. But, the more and more I went over my finances, even tho I'd like nothing more, I can't responsibly make this trip happen. I mean I have the vacation time off approved, but with just going back to work, I just don't have the money to make it happen. Sure, I could put everything on credit cards, but then I'm just digging my hole deeper and deeper and then I might put next years events into jeopardy. Sadly, I don't think we can make this years Owners Event. Missing SpyderFest was hard, but I at least had the hope of still being able to see all of Teddy's fans at the Owners Event, and now that looks like its out of our grasp as well.

I swear, Teddy needs to come up with a Sponser so he can make all these events and we don't have to struggle so hard to make them happen. In a perfect world, right?

 

[Bootie]

Work Work Work

In the song "Big Rock Candy Mountain" it says "where they hung the jerk that invented work." Not a bad idea:thumbup:

 

[Jeriatric]

Dave, Tried to send this as a PM - BUT YOUR BOX IS STUFFED. You and Teddy are more than welcome to share my quarters if that would help enough with expenses. They allow pets and I'd be happy to share the space with you guys.

Jer

 

[CyncySpyder]

In the song "Big Rock Candy Mountain" it says "where they hung the jerk that invented work." Not a bad idea:thumbup:

:bowdown:
ray::bowdown:

Dave, Tried to send this as a PM - BUT YOUR BOX IS STUFFED. You and Teddy are more than welcome to share my quarters if that would help enough with expenses. They allow pets and I'd be happy to share the space with you guys.

Jer

I just sent you a PM, I'm thinking that we may try making this trip, I'm just really concerned about my back. I've been very careful, but tonight, I hooked up the camper to go for a pre-road-trip trial and I forgot how heavy the tongue weight, holding it still on an incline, can be on a persons back.

Leaves me concerned about camping the entire week, just not sure my back is ready for it, but maybe when I wake up in the morning, we'll gear-up and head out, taking our time, making our way on all back-roads as much as possible, slowing down and enjoying the scenery and sleeping in the camper for a few hours when we start getting tired. Seems unorthodox I'm sure to most, but with all the attention that Teddy garners whenever we stop, its usually best for us to stay off the beaten path as much as possible, or we won't be able to make any type of time.

We'll see how we feel in the morning and roll the dice and see what we shoot. All I know, right or wrong, nothing beats a road-trip on a Spyder as its Good for the Soul.

 

[CyncySpyder]

Hope to see y'all in Durango

Working on finishing up a few items before we head out for Durango. Jerbear has offered Teddy & I the spare bed that he has there in Durango, so that relieves most of my fear with my back and I really do appreciate the offer Jer, thanks so much.

I'll update Teddy's trip as time allows.

 

[CyncySpyder]

CHANGE OF PLANS- Sadly, NO Durango Trip for Teddy

This has been a monumental struggle for us but the decision was eventually taken from our hands. As most of you know, I was worried about making this trip, as financially we couldn't really afford it. Well, as we were making our last minute preperations, my bank called me to let me know that my debit card attached to my checking account had been "Compromised" as the lady put it, and that they were putting a temporary freeze on my account for the next 7 days til they can get me out a new card. This was just the final issue to nudge me in the direction of reality & that our Durango trip is not to be for 2012. There's always next year, even tho we'll miss out on all that CO has to offer & sadly, the Great Fellowship with all of you.

But I just couldn't think of going on a long distance road-trip without having access to funds and there is no way that I would carry that much cash on me, just not smart in my opinion. So, I cancelled my vacation and here I sit back at work, but hey, at least now I should be able to get enough time to finish telling "Teddy's Tail."


For ALL those that we missed at this years SpyderFest and now the Owners Event, I am truly sorry we didn't get to meet. However, we DO still plan on attending SITA in UpState NY, so if you REALLY want to meet Teddy in person, that will be your next opportunity. dav~

 

[boomerkc]

Look at the bright side.........................

Dave, you're making money instead of spending it:clap::clap: There will be a whole lot of road adventures for Teddy and his Chauffeur in the future.

 

[rcdurango]

Dont forget..

You and Teddy are due to be at the KY ride. Plenty of time to prepare. And more riders needed from the Cincy area.:yesass the word.