Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Jerry Smith, writer, motorcyclist, Sophie's dad. @jerrysmith6559.bsky.social · 3h

I was reminded covid is still out there by a friend who caught it recently. Got my shot today. Given the current govt's attitude toward medicine and science in general, it's best to be proactive. No one in charge is going to do anything to help us if it all goes upside down. We're on our own.

Reposted by Jerry Smith, writer, motorcyclist, Sophie's dad.

Jerry Smith, writer, motorcyclist, Sophie's dad. @jerrysmith6559.bsky.social · Jul 10

"Missed Shifts is a peek inside the life of someone who has, as Joseph Campbell urged us to do, followed his bliss. Actually, it seems like he has followed two blisses – motorcycles and writing – and has combined them here for a truly satisfying read." #motosky #booksky www.amazon.com/dp/1719235317

Missed Shifts: True stories, tall tales, and outright lies from a 30-year career in motojournalism

Missed Shifts: True stories, tall tales, and outright lies from a 30-year career in motojournalism [Smith, Jerry] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Missed Shifts: True stories, tall tales, and outright lies from a 30-year career in motojournalism

www.amazon.com

1 5

Jerry Smith, writer, motorcyclist, Sophie's dad. @jerrysmith6559.bsky.social · 21h

Checked the valves today. All within spec. (Who's relieved? [points thumbs at self] This guy!) Will check the doohickey next, then it's back to the chassis--chain and sprockets, rear tire--and after that it's on the road. Might actually get a ride in before 2026 rolls around. #motosky #motorcycle

8

Jerry Smith, writer, motorcyclist, Sophie's dad. @jerrysmith6559.bsky.social · 2d

Cracked open the KLR's engine today. The cam lobes are smooth and shiny; with luck the bearings and caps will be, too. Will check clearances later. Right now I need a break and a couple of Tylenol. Feels like I was never as young as I used to be. #motosky #motorcycle

10

Jerry Smith, writer, motorcyclist, Sophie's dad. @jerrysmith6559.bsky.social · 2d

Keeps debris thrown by the tire off the air filters

2

Jerry Smith, writer, motorcyclist, Sophie's dad. @jerrysmith6559.bsky.social · 5d

New brake pads join the new fork seals and tire at the front of the KLR. Looks good until you remember the KLR's front brake is deemed by many to be an awful POS. Upgrades (fresh fluid, braided brake steel hose) will come later. Next up: deep engine stuff (valves, doohickey). #motosky #motorcycle

21

Jerry Smith, writer, motorcyclist, Sophie's dad. @jerrysmith6559.bsky.social · 5d

If I had to guess (and I do) I'd say disconnect all of the new stuff, then hook it up again one step at a time, stopping between steps to check for the malfunction. At some point you'll have gone one step too far and you'll know where the problem lies.

1 2

Jerry Smith, writer, motorcyclist, Sophie's dad. @jerrysmith6559.bsky.social · 5d

Dogs give us their best years and our worst day. It's a good trade, though it might not seem like it now. RIP Tanner.

1

Jerry Smith, writer, motorcyclist, Sophie's dad. @jerrysmith6559.bsky.social · 6d

Exercised today, played with Sophie, worked on the bike and the novel. Earned a movie night. Time for a rematch with Kenneth Branagh's "Hamlet". Fought it to a draw last time. This time might try it with the subtitles off, see if I can make it to the soliloquy before throwing in the towel.

3

Jerry Smith, writer, motorcyclist, Sophie's dad. @jerrysmith6559.bsky.social · 6d

The sound of silence. Well, not exactly silence, but a lot quieter than the D-Day racket from the old SuperTrapp. I'll still wear earplugs when I ride--always have, always will--but no one will wince as I putt past them. There are noisier lawnmowers on my block. #motosky #motorcycle

1 16

Jerry Smith, writer, motorcyclist, Sophie's dad. @jerrysmith6559.bsky.social · 7d

Yes and no. The destinations were fun but the travel--especially by air--wasn't. I haven't flown since 1998 and have no desire to fly anywhere again in the future. Last time I traveled for any length of time I jumped in the car and wandered around the PNW for a week.

1 1

Jerry Smith, writer, motorcyclist, Sophie's dad. @jerrysmith6559.bsky.social · 7d

I submitted the last chunk of a big job today. Now for some palate cleansers--a movie, baseball playoff highlights, and the latest episode of NOVA. Tomorrow it's back to ruthlessly and unapologetically messing with the lives of imaginary people. Dance, monkeys! #booksky #amwriting #author #WIP

4

Jerry Smith, writer, motorcyclist, Sophie's dad. @jerrysmith6559.bsky.social · 8d

Recently I realized I started my riding career on a Kawasaki dual-purpose bike (1970 175cc F3 Bushwacker) and may well end it on another Kawasaki DP. Back-up plan: When I get too old and creaky for two wheels I'll put a sidecar on the KLR and buy Sophie some Doggles. #motosky #motorcycle

1 23

Jerry Smith, writer, motorcyclist, Sophie's dad. @jerrysmith6559.bsky.social · 8d

I'm glad you're enjoying it. Here's a much younger me on that trip, enjoying being treated as if I were a much more important person than I actually was.

1 1

Jerry Smith, writer, motorcyclist, Sophie's dad. @jerrysmith6559.bsky.social · 8d

"Is that...a piece of food? A crumb?"
That's dog hair. Yours, if I'm not mistaken.
"Are you sure? It might be food."
Taste it, then. Go ahead.
"Can you just hand it to me?"
I'm not your butler.
"But I'd have to get off the warm, soft couch..."
I'll get the vacuum.

#dogsofbluesky #goldenretriever

1 11

Jerry Smith, writer, motorcyclist, Sophie's dad. @jerrysmith6559.bsky.social · 8d

I put my WIP aside a few weeks ago to do some paying work. That work wraps up soon and I'll be getting back to the novel. If I can remember what it's about. And who's in it. And what they're supposed to do. And why. #amwriting #booksky #author

3

Jerry Smith, writer, motorcyclist, Sophie's dad. @jerrysmith6559.bsky.social · 8d

It's a soul-destroying process. I'm only now getting responses to queries I sent out in January.

1

Jerry Smith, writer, motorcyclist, Sophie's dad. @jerrysmith6559.bsky.social · 9d

#9 is the reason I throw books across the room. ("How did this get into print without anyone knowing the difference between 'further' and 'farther'?!")

1

Reposted by Jerry Smith, writer, motorcyclist, Sophie's dad.

The Oatmeal @theoatmeal.bsky.social · 9d

Let’s talk about AI art.

theoatmeal.com/comics/ai_art

A cartoonist's review of AI art - The Oatmeal

This is a comic about AI art.

theoatmeal.com

57 540 1.1K

Jerry Smith, writer, motorcyclist, Sophie's dad. @jerrysmith6559.bsky.social · 9d

(Julliard graduate sees sign, wipes tear away, follows sign)

1

Jerry Smith, writer, motorcyclist, Sophie's dad. @jerrysmith6559.bsky.social · 10d

"I want you to throw the ball but I don't want to give you the ball."

This is what's known as a paradogs.

#dogsofbluesky #goldenretriever

3 32

Jerry Smith, writer, motorcyclist, Sophie's dad. @jerrysmith6559.bsky.social · 11d

Winzer could read but he moved his lips.

1

Jerry Smith, writer, motorcyclist, Sophie's dad. @jerrysmith6559.bsky.social · 11d

This is precisely the reason all but one of my bikes over the last 40 years or so have had tubeless tires. I can put in a plug in minutes and be on my way. I fear a tube will one day strand me in BFE with no cell signal and they'll eventually find my bleached bones in a Kilimanjaro jacket and pants.

1

Jerry Smith, writer, motorcyclist, Sophie's dad. @jerrysmith6559.bsky.social · 11d

As in "Honda have introduced a new model"?

1

Jerry Smith, writer, motorcyclist, Sophie's dad. @jerrysmith6559.bsky.social · 11d

While removing the old front tire from my rescue KLR650 my back and shoulders made the kinds of noises that have, over the years, helped put three chiropractors' kids through college. I'm sore tonight. Tomorrow I'll be immobile. #motosky #motorcycle #waytoooldforthisshit

2 7