Monday 16 December 2013

Winter wheels

We’d had quite a bit of snow over the past week so today it was time to get out the winter wheels (aka ‘Big Joe’ of Shake, Rattle and Roll fame) and have some fun.

Big Joe is about 25 years old - I picked him up used in the early 90’s - so he’s no spring chicken. But he’s very reliable. I tend to abuse him somewhat, leaving him outside year round and generally ignoring basic maintenance, but fill him with fresh gas, hit the starter, and he’s up and running! I only wish all my mechanical equipment was so reliable.

But that does remind me: it’s been about 5 years since I changed the oil so I must make a point of doing that soon. And a tune-up wouldn’t hurt either – at least a fresh plug. Later.

I bundled up against the cold (about –25C this morning) and headed out. Parked beside the garage and covered with snow he was hunkered down against the elements, but after a quick brush-off Big Joe started right up and we were good to go and play in the snow for a while.

Watch here: http://youtu.be/38uUk51Ue6c

14 comments:

  1. RichardM16 December 2013 at 12:57

    I used to have a very similar model as Big Joe. Though I was told to get rid of it last year, but that's another story...

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    Replies
    1. Canajun16 December 2013 at 17:34

      Care to share?

      Delete
    2. RichardM16 December 2013 at 19:50

      My wife thought it was too heavy and since it didn't have an electric starter was too much trouble to use. She bought one that had an electric starter, much lighter, single stage and no driven wheels or tracks. I think it's much more work but it starts easy.

      Delete
    3. Canajun16 December 2013 at 22:13

      Unfortunately when we get those heavy, wet snows anything less just won't cut it. But I agree, they can be a bugger to start with no electric start and it's -20.

      Delete
  2. Unknown16 December 2013 at 15:14

    Canajun:

    I wouldn't mind having a machine like that . . . only what would I do with it here on the coast. It might get used once every 10 years

    bob
    Riding the Wet Coast

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    Replies
    1. Canajun16 December 2013 at 17:35

      I bought it, in fact, from friends and neighbours who moved to Vancouver Island all those years ago. The first winter they got hit with a huge snowfall and wanted it back.

      Delete
  3. Erik R16 December 2013 at 17:16

    I like the Frank Zappa music in your video. Nice choice.

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  4. Kathleen Jennette16 December 2013 at 21:25

    Hey, I like Big Joe and the way he works his moves. What a beautiful place!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Keith - Circle Blue16 December 2013 at 22:25

    I miss the sound of snow blowers and snowmobiles . . . but, not a whole lot. Watching you took care of any longing I had to experience it first hand.

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    Replies
    1. Canajun17 December 2013 at 07:34

      Keith - Always willing to help out. You're welcome. :)

      Delete
  6. Trobairitz17 December 2013 at 08:54

    I think we could have used Big Joe a week or so ago. First snow is always pretty, but gets old fast.

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    Replies
    1. Canajun17 December 2013 at 12:11

      Yep. Still have about 4 months to go though.

      Delete

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