Captain's Log: 6TH (Official Kart Post: 1)

I just wanna go fast daddy.

Where we had to play catch up with the work, we will also have to with the personal.

The thing that's been taking up most of my time recently is GOKARTS

No... not those kind (yet). I'm wanting to get my kids into something, and I think Karting might be it. The oldest does not seem to want to do any ball sports, and the youngest absolutely loves any thing car. So, I figured we would ease into the world of competitive racing with the simplest of forms. 

YARD KARTS

Introducing: The "Jegs" Kart

Glorious.

I've been wrenching on this kart off and on for about two weeks now. I keep getting deeper and deeper as I keep finding it's secrets. Biggest hurdle now is converting it back to a live axle. It's getting a torque converter but matching up sprockets for the jackshaft is where I am at now. I've broken in the engine and hooked up the throttle cable, and once I can get the jackshaft issue ironed out, wheels are next.

It's actually more quite at idle with the header pipe than the stock muffler.

I started working on building the engine, but realized that maybe I should just leave it alone for now, let the boys get used to it, then slowly step it up from there. As follows:

• Stage 0 - Stock Predator 212 (with header pipe) stock governor
• Stage 0.5 - remove governor, install cast aluminum flywheel and performance air cleaner.
• Stage 1 - Install Mikuni carb, wider gear.

Because I can't leave well enough alone, and I knew I would start messing with the engine, I bought another one. This one is getting the works. "Stage 3" kit, and who knows what from there. Currently looking for an old racing kart frame to put it on.

I don't know where this will take us in life, but out of the house is good. As I wrench, i'll be documenting what I can.

Something Else

I've started collecting watches. I know. That sounds awesome.
Mind you, I am a strange individual, so my watch collection should follow suit. I am only collecting watches that I can buy for under $100.

To be honest, $100 is pushing it.

After having two smart watches (a Pebble and a Fit Bit, both great smart watches, in my opinion), I have found I've missed the analog look and feel of a good plain old wrist watch. I want the time, maybe the date, and nothing more. While I originally just wanted one watch, I figured two wouldn't hurt. I had a dark watch, so getting a light one would only make sense. It has spiraled from there, and I now sit at a comfortable 6 watches.

My collection is mostly comprised of Timex watches, but I do have two Seikos. I dont think I've spent over $40 each on the Timex, and I think the Seiko's were $80 each.

Of course I had to get a box. Also, they all tick at the same time.

I find it an interesting thing to collect, and can see (yet am still confused by) how people collect watches that cost more than $1000 dollars. I fortunately like plain watches. The less shiny the better, and I prefer only three hands, none of that chronograph/extra mini watches on the face.

A few of my watches...

Seiko 5. The fanciest watch. It's automatic and has no battery. I also have a white one.

Timex Easy Reader. Old man watch. I dont like the metal stretch band. Pulls my arm hair.

Timex Expedition. The first watch I bought. Also my favorite. I have one in white.

We will see where the watch thing goes. just something to keep the mind at ease. I've already thought about hitting up the resale and 2nd hand stores to see what they have.

WELL. Thats about it. Another week is upon us. I hope that all goes well for you and yours. May the week go by smoothly, and any troubles that arise be dealt with appropriately, and with great thought and care.

LATER.