That mystical old bike.

I am addicted to the idea of being a mechanic.  Most men are.  Being in a shop, surrounded by tools, just does something for me.  I don't mean that in a weird way at all.  I just get excited thinking about all the things I could fix if I had that tool or this tool. 

Recently I had a 12x12 shed built in my backyard.  Not something huge but big enough to hold what few tools I had, contain a workbench, and protect the very reason why I built the shop in the first place.  That reason is a 1960's Bridgestone MKII RS motorcycle. 

Some of you might have already broken off to google this particular bike.  Don't bother, if you are still here.  It's nothing too spectacular.  Bridgestone made motorcycles for a short period of time.  Most people know them today for their tires.  The motorcycle I have is a 200cc tyke.  Harley Davidson fans would scoff at the idea that this thing is considered a "motorcycle."  In fact, in the state of Arkansas it's considered a "motor driven cycle."  Makes it sound like a wimpy bicycle with an engine attached.

So if its nothing spectacular, why build an entire shed and purchase tools to restore it?  Because I CAN.  Well, because I hope to at least.  This motorcycle was purchased for $15 by an uncle who lives in Missouri.  His hope was that I would take to wrenching as much as he did.  It has sat in the rain, snow, hail, and much worse.  Finally, after two years, I am going to fix it, come what may.  Because I have always wanted to know how.

So I decided to document what I find along the way.  The blogs name comes from the idea that I am going into this blindly.  I have never owned a, "motor driven cycle," before.  I have never fixed a broken engine.  I have very little grasp on the theory of how engines function.  This will be a big learning process for me.  Hopefully, as you scan my blog, you might learn something as well that will help you put that mystical, broken down old machine back on the road.  Good luck!