Merry Christmas

We would like to take a moment to thank all of our customers...wish them a happy and prosperous New Year.
                                                                             

                         
      If you have shopped here already; you know we are a small family owned shop, but we are passionate and honest about what we do. We look forward to seeing you in the upcoming year.
     If you have never been here? Stop by and visit, we love to talk 2 wheels.

Shrinky Dink V

    The next event begins Dec. 21 and will end March 20th. 2018.

                                                                           

The rules.

The rules are pretty simple and loosely followed at best. 

1) BE SAFE! You all know your limits, but don't risk life and limb, too much, for a good result. This is supposed to be FUN.

2.) The challenge will start on December 21st and run through March 20th.

3.) The ride will have two classes. Motorcycles and Scooters; if you have one of those wierd in between bikes we will make it up as we go. DON'T WORRY! We have this covered; just ride SOMETHING!

4.) This is pretty simple, the coldest temperature wins, sort of. TRY to take a pic in front of a temperature sign somewhere. We realize this isn't always possible, so you CAN use your phone in a pinch. NO CHEATING! We are putting you on your honour to be fair.

5.) The ride has to be 5 miles or longer to count (total length). The longer the ride the more points it gets. We have a formula worked out for this. It's math stuff, don't worry we have that under control. So, if you do 11 miles in -2 and some nut does 80 miles in 3 degrees. He/she MIGHT just beat you. There are extra points for stupidity (just remember rule #1)

6.) This contest is open to residents of the U.S. only.

7.)If you think it is too warm where you live? Do it anyway, remember points are awarded for originality, stupidity, and bravery. This is supposed to be FUN. The first year the Shrinky Dink was won by a southern rider who got lucky on a cold snap in the south.

     That's it for the rules we think. Ride. Post your pics on our  Facebook page. We will post a few for fun, but will save the results till the end. There will be a chat about the ride during the event. Also feel free to post comments here.

Yes, there will be prizes. They may or may not be amazing. Ride now. ride often.

   There will be an open house at Carlisle Cycle and Scooter on Saturday February 24th.  It is part of our winter riding contest There will be some snacks and lots of warm beverages to keep you toasty. IF the weather is decent some folks will ride in. If you want to arrive on 4 wheels that is just fine,too. Stop by and enjoy the people riding in. There will be lots of shenanigans, and some short rides around the block as well. The sidecar rig will be out and running no matter what the weather (we have snow tires). The shop will be staying open late; stop by, laugh, ask questions, talk bikes and scooters. There will be movies later in the evening on the projector if you would like to stay.

    The weather is already turning cold. Remember, BE SAFE out there, and have fun. Remember, you don't have to win for this to be fun. It is all about the ride!

    A little tip: If its over 32 degrees it doesn't count. But you can ride anyway. Be sure to post ALL of your rides below 32. They all add up.

                                                                                 

We have been asked many times just how we score this. There are secret modifiers, BUT the basic scoring system is as follows.

   Any ride under 32 degrees F counts. For every degree under, that factor gets multiplied times the mileage of the ride. In other words. 10 miles in 30 degrees = 10 x 2 = 20 points. The same ride in 15 degrees would be 10 x 17 = 170 points. The cold rides REALLY add up fast. Remember, we had a winner two years ago with a large number of short hops to work, but he rode almost EVERY DAY.


New for this year, BONUS POINTS:

+500 A naked ride, +500 for the coldest ride,  but  +200 for any ride done in the buff. A helmet, gloves and footwear are allowable. ( This is the only ride where points are awarded for a ride under 5 miles; around the block will do.). Yes, you can do more than one, but you won't want to.

+1,000 points (YES, 1,000) Absolute coldest ride, MUST be 5 miles or more. The absolute coldest temp wins this one. There will only be one. In case of a tie the longer ride wins.

+250 points The longest ride under 32 degrees. Total mileage for the day wins here.( We may name this the Tony award)

+200 points for attending the shop Shrinky Dink 5 event on a bike.  The ride in has to be at least 5 miles. So, you far away riders can truck it in part of the way if you like.

+100 points for ridiculous terrain ( there will need to be a pic)...if it makes the judges wonder how the heck you got there...it counts. This can be awarded multiple times.

The longest ride IN snow. Obviously this could be dangerous. Remember rule #1. Be safe.  +300 if the machine has 3 wheels. +500 if it has 2 wheels. There will be 2nd and third place awards here. Each one dropping 100 points from the 1st place award. ( We need a pic of the bike IN the snow)

Rides on 50cc machines or mopeds get a bonus of a 1.5x multiplier on all points.

Vintage bikes. Anything built before 1992 will receive the same multiplier as 50cc machines. All points multiplied by 1.5x. 
^^^ The bonus for vintage and 50cc are NOT stack able.

+600 points if you manage to end up on television in one of their "bad weather" segments.

+100 for the FIRST post in the contest

+100 for the LAST post in the contest





Go to the FB page Shrinky Dink Entries to post your results. Social media IS a thing, ONLY rides posted this year will count. If you don't post it, it doesn't count.

We work on an honour system here. We will trust you. If you say you did it, you did. Keep track of your mileage and temp on the days you ride. The only things we require a photo for is the coldest absolute ride. We need a picture of a bank sign, or if one isn't nearby, a screen shot of your phone with the temp will do in a pinch. We also need a pic for the snow ride. Last, but not least we need a naked ride pic ( NO we do not need to see your junk) of you on the bike. Last year we were supplied with video proof of a lunatic riding by his house on New Years.

Get out and ride. We have cold weather gear if you need it, stop by. BE SAFE, and have fun. Make sure to check back often as new bonus rides will be added periodically.

Scooter Jousting III: The Hammer awakens.

                                                         We held our third annual scooter jousting event.                 

                            Kerrin and Rachael were warming them up. Testing the rides and the equipment.   

Oh, That fits well.

     There was no need to be hungry. There were all kinds of yummy dishes made by friends and we supplied drinks and Chicken Chili. Sadly, no one remembered to take pics of the food spread. We even had a few awesome cakes. Some of our customers are turning pro (Heather).

                                                                             There were family crests.

And valiant steeds.

As well as some serious contestants. These young guys are getting better every year.

E. trying to get the girls to check him out. 

                                                                We even had squires to retrieve weapons.

                                                                               

                                                                          Yes, that is a helmet.

    This year, more people made their own weapons. 

Tell me this wouldn't worry you?

Team Monster Helm even had its own squire (pretty good with a sword already)

                                    This year? We even had an impromptu scooter limbo contest.                             

                                                                         

                                                                         The bar got quite a bit lower than that.

                                                                             

                                                                      There were plenty of smiles

The bikes ran all day with some TLC, but they didn't look too pretty in the end. Don't worry; both of these bikes were low quality Chinese scooters destined for the scrap heap when we got our hands on them.

If you didn't make it; you missed a good time. We'll see you at the next one!

                                             
      Thanks to Heather for some extra pics! Check out the event HERE on Facebook  and another blog A scooter in the wild will have another perspective for you.   

                                                                   

Freak snow storms

Sometimes the weather can catch you off guard, but with the right gear and a good mindset you can persevere. There was an early snowstorm here yesterday and several folks had ridden their two-wheeled machines to work.               

                                                                     

      I can honestly say we were happy to see the posts on Facebook and various other social media. Pictures of people cleaning some snow off of their seats; putting on the right gear and riding home.

    It's a bit of a shock coming out from work and seeing your bike waiting for you like this. Believe us, the bike will still start and take you home. All you need is the right gear to get you there in comfort. That is where we can help. We have been riding in this stuff for decades and have the gear to keep you warm and dry. The right attitude is up to you ( but is so much easier when you are warm).

Don't be afraid of some bad weather.

Come by and let us get you ready for anything nature can throw your way.

Having the right gear really does allow you to enjoy the ride!

*Thanks Tim and Das for the pics!

K100 and the winter blues.

 It is fall. Time to remember to come in and buy some K100. We use it, we recommend it, and we keep it in stock.
                                                                         

We recommend a small amount of K100 in every few tanks of fuel, but more importantly it is a MUST for winter storage of a motorcycle. If you use K100 you won't be seeing us to clean your  fuel system in the spring. K100 is just $8.95 a bottle, and a carburetor  cleaning STARTS at $78. So it is a smart way to prevent that bill in the future. Remember, it also works great in your snowblower, weed eater, mower, etc. etc.

We even use it to clean carbs on the bench these days. This is an unsolicited video from a regular customer of ours. He was pretty happy with the results.

York Bike Night

York Bike Night is an annual event that coincides with an open-house at the Harley Davidson Factory in York.  York celebrates with three days of events focused on the world renowned brand that put them on the map. Friday night  was a great night. The streets are closed to cars but left open to just us two-wheeled folk. There are bands, food, and LOTS of bikes to look at.

                                                A few of us headed down to check out the scene.  Of course, as usual, we had to be a little different, so we rode our antique 'foreign' machines.                                   

                                                           
       If you ever wanted to stand out like a rock star, try riding a handful of vintage two-stroke scooters in a sea of 1,000+ Harleys.  The parade was fun and we were cheered all along the route.                           

                                           We took some time to park and review the bikes in the lot.
 Parking? there is ALWAYS scooter parking.

         
York Bike night was a good time. TMISC was representing and we were glad to be a part of it!


*Thanks to Rob and Das for the extra pics!

Battleships, Cruisers, and subs...and Cheese steaks part TWO

    It was last minute, but frequently those are often the best adventures.  Early Sunday morning, Tim and I set out on a bomber style trip to Philly to view some maritime treasures that we missed getting to see earlier this summer.
                                                                           

Of course, headed to Philly, there had to be cheese steaks. So we stopped at The Pepper Mill for lunch on the way in.

It was great to have Tim as a local guide knowing the way in and out. It made the day much less stressful and infinitely more enjoyable.

Upon arriving at out destination we paid an exorbitant sum to park, and then paid more to board and tour the ships (at least that was worth it).

The Submarine Becuna was our first stop. It has been preserved quite well and is set up in a way that allows you to imagine what life was like on board.

After touring the deck, we climbed down the ladder into the forward torpedo room, the business end of the ship.

The ship is designed for an 'average' height sailor, but don't worry if you are tall you can still fit. Some of us just have to work harder at it than others.

All four big diesels are still there. The placard explained how the forward two diesels were snorkeled to allow them to run submerged.

The engine technology was impressive for the time.

Conditions on board were cramped, but an ingenious person can always find ways to improve things.

After spending a bit of time on a small sub, walking next door to the Cruiser Olympia was quite a contrast in the name of space for things. It has to be seen to admire the differences.

                                                     The dining placement changes a bit.

If you are interested in vintage naval guns; many of those on display are in pristine shape.

How often can you stand in the exact spot a famous phrase was uttered? Commodore George Dewey, " You may fire when you are ready, Gridley" uttered those very words where these footprints are bound to the deck. You are able to stand on them. While you may not be at battle in the bay; it is still pretty awesome to us history nerds.

Peering out through one of the 5" main gun ports, it is quite interesting what she is sighted in on.

( I think the Big J would win that one)

          On the ride home we took the opportunity to stop and visit some spooky sights from Weird U.S. a website that compiles interesting destinations to explore.

Our adventures kept us out until after dark and dusk brought plummeting temperatures typical of an autumn evening. We made the ride home swiftly and both riders appreciated having good riding gear which can make all the difference.

As always a day on two wheels, shared with friends is enjoyable.  Throw in good weather and some interesting sights and there is nothing I would rather be doing.

Thanks to Tim for some extra pictures.

Sunday back roads

   A Sunday ride to the Old Sled Works in Duncannon, PA turned into a back road adventure. We enjoyed trolling around the shops for a bit, and of course, a few vintage cold sodas out front before we left.
    It was just Cody and I so the roads were getting smaller and tighter; until we found what we were looking for.

                        The equipment wasn't made for this, but that never stopped us before.

                                        Making some fellow riders jealous. This is our kind of road.   

We may be doing a little hiking/hunting up here this year; so some further looking about was in order.        

Eventually, the sun was getting low in the sky, and vintage headlights aren't the best after dark. So we headed back down the mountain and toward home. We hope that whatever you ride, or whatever the road surface is, that you found some time to get out today. If you didn't, make sure to stop by the shop when we are open and we will try to have you ready for the next time.

Buzz in the Valley #6

    Many people have heard of Thunder in the Valley. An annual gathering of Harley-Davidsons and other big twin style cruiser motorcycles. This weekend we attended our annual Johnstown scooter rally. The Buzz in the Valley.           

One of my favorite rallies that I look forward to every year. This year was going to be even better; as I got to ride out with my son, Cody.

As usual, we met up with some friends in The Shadow of Death ( folks think we are joking), but it's a good meeting spot not known by too many. A small group of like-minded riders all headed out for a relaxing weekend of friends, foods, and shenanigans.
                                                                         

                                                                         
There is a handy picnic table nearby where you can get fuel and food. Cody is always down with food.                                 

                      This is why we are able to navigate most of Pennsylvania via Sheetz stores.

   We take the back roads as much as possible. There is no hurry; finally some time off to enjoy some small roads and the ride. We even find a good view now and then.
                                                                           

Climbing to a top of the mountain on our way...why do they have to post signs like that? What are these TMISC members up to?             

Then it got worse...much worse. "You can't get a bike up there." Always a bad idea.

Once arriving at the rally, we were greeted by warm hellos, firm handshakes and a few hugs. It's always nice to feel welcome, and we were.

For Friday night's dinner we all rode out to the local Pappy's Family Pub;  anyone remember those?

After dinner our host took us down to view the lighted bridge and we took a riding tour of downtown before heading back to our tents for the evening.

                                               

Saturday morning came early. Rising to the smell of hot coffee, pancakes, and sausage sure helped.

Thanks to our wonderful hosts for putting out a great spread.

 Saturday took the group out to Levity Brewing Company for some good food and a beer. It was a wonderful sunny ride to get there; just long enough to work up a good appetite.

We even received a tour of the facility.

Who let that guy alone with the beer ?!

And even learned a bit about Squatchin' while we were there.

On the ride back to rally headquarters; we had a little stop to commemorate a missing friend who couldn't join us at the Buzz this year. 

Luckily for most of the group, the pterodactyls only attack the tall ones.

After a fantastic night at Rally Central with some fantastic food. We had fresh shells from Punkys along with homemade carnitas. Several folks brought out their own canned sauces and toppings for the finishing touch. The reason why we love this rally; we feel like family.

                                  You will never go hungry at the Buzz Rally, most of the food is handmade and many folks contribute.

After dinner, We snuck into town for a ride on the Johnstown Inclined Plane. 

The fog was thick and made for a mildly treacherous ride there. The ride down the mountain was beautiful.

Johnstown finally coming into view.

The view from the bottom was awesome as well.

A bit more riding around town to see the sights from our hosts and it was time to head back. There was a warm fire, plenty to drink, and good friends for conversation and shenanigans. 

The ride home had us missing one more common rider to our group. So, we decided to make a quick stop and leave a message.

Then it was some more twisty roads and slowly watching riders peel off for home. It's always just a little sad watching the group dwindle as we get closer to home. Cody and I did our best with some serious back roads, and a bridge outage on the way home.

** Thanks to Denny for some extra pictures!