Tiddler's Madness May 5, 2013

[Woodsrat]

Several of us on the Indiana Ride Thread on the Central forum have expressed interest/fascination/devotion to small motorcycles. The majority have some sort of Honda step-through they've brought back to life or are in the process of doing so.

Anyway with this in mind and in the interest of spreading the sickness we've been discussing the idea of doing a ride on the little buggers around the hills and hollers of south-central Indiana.

I propose that we start at I-65 and Indiana 46 just west of Columbus, IN and do a loop west into scenic Bartholomew/Jackson/Monroe and Brown counties, taking in the Pleasant Run Unit of the Hoosier National Forest before looping back north around the east end of Lake Monroe before turning east and returning to the start, stopping somewhere along the way for lunch.

Here's a chance for you to drag that tiddler out of the corner, bring it back to life and enjoy a day of riding with other small bike mavens who enjoy life in the slow lane.

Obviously there would be serious bragging rights on the line for anyone who finished the ride on the smallest or oldest bike.

The route will likely include paved and gravel backroads and some hills that might leave your little bike gasping for breath trying to get up and over them. A GPS track log will probably be available despite my inner urge to just issue a crude route sheet and let everyone have at it.

What will show up besides our old step throughs? Mopeds? Scooters? Ancient smallbore two-smokers? Drag 'em out and plan for a day of fun.

More to come as we figure this thing out.

[lufin]

I65 and 46 would be on the West side of Columbus Woodsrat. Just sayin.

[CharlieT]

SOunds like a tempting time to get out my 1965 Honda S65. Too bad its a bit far away.

[Woodsrat]

Originally Posted by lufin

I65 and 46 would be on the West side of Columbus Woodsrat. Just sayin.

My dyslexia strikes again. Thanks for pointing that out.

[riderIN]

offroad mopedrally from europe 205 km long 50cc max

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GPRGI2RkTY

[Woodsrat]

After scanning maps and consulting my memory of the area figure this ride will be around a hundred miles, give or take.

I'm not sure I'll have my CRF-70 powered '64 CT200 "Trail 90" Frankenbike ready to go by then so I may have to ride my rat Passport with a Lifan 125 in it. That thing runs so good it's almost like cheating, though.

So if you're coming what do you plan to ride?

[Woodsrat]

...to a forum that had more likelihood to attract riders to this event. Anyone here who can join us is more than welcome to do so.

More information and a downloadable route will be coming. Stay tuned!!!

[JerryH]

Originally Posted by riderIN

offroad mopedrally from europe 205 km long 50cc max

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GPRGI2RkTY

Europeans sure know how to have fun on small bikes. But I did not see any actual mopeds. Some were obviously scooters, but the rest seem to be mostly small motorcycles. A moped by definition must have functional pedals along with the engine. Mopeds in the U.S. are commonly defined as 50cc bikes with functional pedals, a centrifugal clutch, and either a single speed or a multi speed automatic transmission, and are limited to 30 mph in stock form. I have owned several, and still have one, a 1980 Puch Newport ZA50 2 speed.

This is what I have, but mine is missing the side panels. Unfortunately they are no longer available new, though most of the other parts are. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIDHghbMx8M

[slowlane]

Man this sounds like a great time. I would ride my '82 Honda C70 with you guys in a second, but I'm way down here in Texas. Have fun on the ride.

[vtwin]

Originally Posted by riderIN

offroad mopedrally from europe 205 km long 50cc max

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GPRGI2RkTY

Looks like they were having a lot of fun. My club has a much tamer ride. We ride 200ccs and less over the highest peak in our area. You could ride scooters, motorcycles, mopeds, as long as it's under 200cc. In the beginning, the founders used 50cc mopeds, good fun.

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=811495

[Woodsrat]

We're not sure what might turn out for this ride. A lot of guys/gals around here ride 200-250cc equipment although there's been an interest in CT-90's among the loonies who hang out on the "Indiana Ride Thread" over on the Central forum.

Everybody is welcome to ride along and I expect a number of big bikes to tag along with the tiddlers.

[windburn]

I would be interested inn attending if it is before the Moab ride or the later half of may.

[Woodsrat]

I just received an email from a riding buddy who was given an old Batavus moped and he's going to ride with us. Another guy at a shop I hang out at is finishing up a Mini Trail 50 rebuild and thinks it sounds like fun.

Dredge up something and come join the fun.

[zamboni9]

If certain scheduling things work out I may bring the 2 stroke 4 speed manual Genuine Stella scoot.

[Btown Jason]

Originally Posted by Woodsrat

We're not sure what might turn out for this ride. A lot of guys/gals around here ride 200-250cc equipment although there's been an interest in CT-90's among the loonies who hang out on the "Indiana Ride Thread" over on the Central forum.

Everybody is welcome to ride along and I expect a number of big bikes to tag along with the tiddlers.

Hi Woodsrat! I think I'd like to bring my "big bike" and cruise around with all of you fine folks. Maybe some of us people on bigger mounts can function as chase bikes and keep the car traffic at bay, collect any stranded folks, etc. I'm looking forward to seeing all of the smaller bikes. I'd like to build/restore one myself soon!