Over the years, my blog has evolved into a handful of regular features. Mainly recommendations, significant new experiences, and lots and lots of the Ride Log. This season has been what sports fans would call a rebuilding year. I’ve spent far more time procuring and working on bikes than actually riding them. It’s been fun. It’s been unexpected. It’s been frustrating. I’ve written about some of these mechanical adventures, but I think it makes sense to spin these stories off into their own series. Thus is born the Wrench Log.
But first, some critical background. For those who aren’t aware, this isn’t the only place I write online. I write MINI news and commentary over at Motoringfile.com, and I write the blog for a local motorcycle repair shop, BlueCat Motors. In return for the writing and photography I do for them, the fine chaps at BCM reward me with the gift of their time and facilities. More specifically, they’re affording me opportunity and mentorship in fixing old motorcycles and scooters. They’ve also opened up their shop as a place to work from time to time. So since January, I’ve been helping to rehab my own machines with their intrepid help. I’ve learned a lot from Jeff, Ryan, Mutt, Rob and Rumpal and every time I go over there, I get that much more capable. I saw this blogging opportunity as three fold. First, it’d be a lot of good writing practice and a lot of fun to chronicle their exploits. Second, it would save me a lot of money keeping my own machines operational. And thirdly, it opened up a world of opportunity where I could find older, neglected motorcycles on places like eBay or Craigslist and, on my own, do most of the work it would take to rehab them. This would first help me expand my own riding fleet, but in the long run, I’d like to make a little money at it.
It’s the latter two opportunities — the fixing of old machines, both for my own enjoyment and for side industry — that this series will focus on. I’m learning the art, craft and zen of motorcycle maintenance. Riding bikes has already changed my life in a really profound way, Working on them has taught me even more. The two practices — riding and wrenching — inform each other intensely. That’s what this series is going to be about. And for my non-moto readers, do please bear with me. I’m also expanding my recommendations posts, and as always, I’ll keep writing about things that really matter to me, regardless of subject. Stay tuned.
