08/27/10

Welcome to my website!

My name is George Barker and I am honored that you decided to stop by.  With so many choices, you landed here. 

Thank you.  I created this website to offer a little info about me and my interests, and what I have been up to recently.  My prime hobby is motorcycle touring.  Look around.  If you like what you see, please leave me a comment.  Stop by once in awhile as I usually get two significant trips, and one or two smaller trips, each year.

Website Updating Going On

I decided to move away from FrontPagebecause of the issues of my web pages displaying all messed up in FireFox and Netscape.  Although it is taking much work, I am converting over to Nvu as my web authoring tool.  Please be patient as I'm a civil engineer, not a computer programmer.

Bonzai Run 2010

Susan and I did a seven hour tune-up run on Saturday in preparation for the Bonzai Run this coming Memorial Day weekend.  We had three goals last year; (1) have fun, (2) finish safely, and (3) finish respectably.  We accomplished all of that and met some wonderful people along the way.  So much so that we decided to try it again this year.  If you are in the Winona, Minnesota area on Sunday, stop by the Perkins/Quality Inn early to check out the rally and the bikes, or come by late in the day for the tail draggers show.

Iron Butt 5000 (IB5k)

The Iron Butt Association (IBA) has decided to host a "warm-up" rally for rookies and veterans to the the Iron Butt Rally (IBR).  The IB5k is a five day, five thousand mile version of the iconic eleven day IBR.  There is a lottery for selecting the participants.  I had submitted my name and info a couple times for the IBR, but was not selected.  For the IB5k, the IBA specifically included several TeamStrange members for a special drawing.  How I was selected, I do not know.  But I was selected, and in August this year I will be participating in the IB5k.

The passing of Eddie James

One of the long distance legends was killed in a tragic motorcycle accident in early December 2009.  Eddie James was a founder and instrumental in the growth of TeamStrange.  He relentlessly promoted all forms of motorcycling all over North America, with a particular interest in simply getting out and riding the backroads of America.  We all have at least one Eddie story to tell.  Ask me sometime and I'll share a couple of mine.

A brief recount of the accident

Another link to his story

In memory of Eddie James, a foundation has been started.  Eddie's Road

What's up next?

Other than listed above, the third weekend in June will see me participating in this year's Minnesota 1000, which is actually the Minnesota 2010.  This year the rally has been expanded by a day and a 1,000 miles.  It will be my fourth MN1k and hopefully I will get enough mileage to be worthy of receiving the Ray Bentdahl Award.  I only need 1053 miles to achieve this milestone.

  -- George

SOME ENDURING HIGHLIGHTS

It's official!  First PR1000 is in the record books!

I got the paperwork in hand and it's official.  Yours truly has had his Puerto Rico SaddleSore 1000 ride certified as the first ever in Puerto Rico!

Not very often does one get the chance to make a first in this group of long distance riders.  I am proud of the accomplishment as it took a lot of planning along with a very challenging ride.  I'm working on a ride report, but for now you will have to settle for the certificate.

Coat number 19,315 goes on the World's Largest Ball of Paint!

Not too long ago, I had the privilege of putting the 19,315 coat of paint on the World's Largest Ball of Paint.  Mike Carmichael, family and friends have been adding paint to this ball for nearly 30 years.  It all started with a baseball and a dream.  Now its, well, large.  By the way, Mike keeps a journal and a photo of everyone who has put a coat of paint on the ball.  So, the next time you're in a bar and someone claims to have put a coat of paint on the World's Largest, we have ways to verify it.  The WLBOP can be found in Alexandria, Indiana, just a short distance north of Indianapolis.  This exhibit is behind closed doors, so call/email ahead to make sure Mike will be around to let you in (http://ballofpaint.freehosting.net).  See my World's Largest Too page for more information.

Favorite Links	Weather
Where I Work (RVT) Search with MSN Travel with Expedia Read the latest news with MSNBC	Appleton, Wisconsin is located about 30 miles south of Green Bay and about 100 miles north of Milwaukee.  Here is a sample of one trip to one of the world's largest things.
Photo Album	Bookkeeping
Look at my new online photo albums filled with pictures from my vacations, sporting events, and my family.	All pictures on this website were taken by George Barker and friends.  My pictures may be used on another website under three conditions: 1) E-mail me with your name and URL (website address; ie. http://www.thebarkers1.com) BEFORE putting the picture on your site; 2) You give credit where credit is due (in other words, give credit to the photographer); and 3) You provide a link to www.thebarkers1.com on at least one page on your website. If you like a photo, but would prefer one without me in it, just ask.  On 90% of the photo stops, I have taken a photo of the person/place/thing without me, or friends, in the picture.