It's been a while since I posted and I thought it was time to say a few words about what's going on. Briefly, it's a change of direction. I've spent so much time on my computer over the last 14 years with The Kneeslider and so little time in the garage that the need to make a change became overpowering. The last post I wrote, about fixing things, was a tiny hint of where I'm heading, but it's really a lot bigger than that. There's an enormous wave of makers out there, young and old, at every skill level, building incredible projects of almost every kind, some simple, some complex and a few are unbelievable. I can no longer watch what they're doing without taking a far more active part. I've got so much to learn.
More than that, we're living in a golden age of affordable tools with incredible capabilities making it possible for you and I in our home workshops to do amazing things, as long as we're willing to put in the time to learn new skills and master those tools. I plan to add a few, work hard, practice a lot and build projects of my own. I look forward to sharing my progress along the way and maybe inspiring you to jump in and try some new things yourself. My list of potential projects continues to grow and goes off in all directions, so I need to get started.
Long story short, I'll be in my workshop for the foreseeable future. I'll still check my email or any contact form inquiries you might have, though it may be a while before I get rolling to the point where I have something to show you. I'm not exactly sure where this new direction will take me, but I expect it's going to be both interesting and challenging and I hope you follow along. Now, enough about all of that, I've got work to do!
Wave says
Good to hear Paul!
Go forth and create.
Paul Crowe says
Yep, that’s the plan, though there will be a lot of learning before the creating.
Henry Lauenstein says
That’s cool and sad, have enjoyed your amazing output and look forward to your next foray into this media.
Good luck man,
Best regards,
Henry Lauenstein
Pushrod says
Paul – Good onya! Should be an interesting trip!
Paul Crowe says
Doing something new is always interesting so, yes it should be.
Jim Vines says
Paul ~ I’ve been an avid reader/follower of your articles and just want to wish you well & “Godspeed”
in your “new directions”. Sounds like some exciting times lie ahead for you, Good Luck!
Paul Crowe says
Thanks!
David Ryskamp says
I’ll miss your always interesting postings, but I can appreciate your decision. Best of luck with whatever projects you decide to pursue.
Paul Crowe says
There will be new posts in the future, but it may be a little while. I’m also going to use new software for sending out notices of my posts, projects and what I’m up to instead of the old way which I was not happy with. So keep an eye on your email, and thanks.
DWolvin says
I think we’d all rather have one interesting story a year than shoveled stuff. Go do interesting things, and maybe talk about it once in a while.
Greasy luck mate!
Paul Crowe says
Writing about too much stuff from too many sources leads to a pointless race and burnout so I thought it was time to refocus and do my own work. There’s a chance you might find it interesting, too. And Thanks.
Mark Lewellen says
Hi Paul,
Like you, I’m migrating to the garage a lot more often lately.
After my tenure with Walter working on the Roehr motorcycles, and seeing the amazing projects posted here, I’ve finally returned to my shop to a long neglected OEM level cafe racer with the goal of making it a cover bike for Motorcyclist magazine.
Thanks for all of the inspiration from everyone in this community!
And when you need to empty the space where the Centauro is parked, seriously call me.
Good luck and enjoy the coming challenges!
Mark L
Ozark, MO USA
Paul Crowe says
I hope your cafe project comes together really well. I’ll keep your offer in mind. And thanks.
Paul Crowe says
The garage is coming around. It’s funny how things accumulate and gradually take over the place. It does look like a big storage shed is a priority now because some things like lawn tractors and snow blowers can’t hang on the wall or sit on a shelf, and they are taking up valuable space. Making progress.
ttroncs says
Work with your hands and live a quiet life.
Enjoy !
Paul Crowe says
I enjoy quiet and contemplative, especially when looking over work well done, but there may, occasionally, be a little noise along the way. Thanks.
Mark Laverick says
Thank you Paul for a fascinating website ‘I’ve appreciated over the years but never thought of who created it and the effort required.
You have produced a wonderful addition to the joy of motorcycles and it is quite unique.
Given how short our lives are I think it is very smart to revisit what we actually want to do with our time.
Good on you.
Best wishes
Mark Laverick
Sydney AUS
Paul Crowe says
I’m redirecting the effort and, perhaps, the outcome will lead to similar and positive results. Thanks.
Vin Vegas says
Thank you for endless articles full of discovering new ideas and appreciating the engineers and tinkerers. Cheers Sir!
Paul Crowe says
Facio ergo sum.
And thanks.
Jim Cancil says
Paul. As someone who has worked on the economy in a cottage industry for 40yrs, I understand ‘tired’. I was born to work some part of 7 days and vacations are ‘other projects’. I have only been the occasional lurker here, but appreciate your consolidating information on things I still have a fondness for. Long gone are the Goldie and R90S, and like my fondness for horses, a MC is also not something I can afford to fall off of. …but, you kept the embers warm. Best wishes.
Jim C.
Maryland
Paul Crowe says
Thanks.
George L says
Countless times I have forwarded your articles to friends, family and fellow motorheads. I appreciate all the effort you have made bringing us these great stories throughout the years. I am glad to hear that you are carrying so much optimism and enthusiam into this change in direction.
Best of luck, can’t wait to see what comes next!
Paul Crowe says
Thanks, and it’s not just you, I’m also kinda eager to see what I’ll do next. 🙂
Steve says
Wow- I just thought I would check in after a while away!
I know just how you feel Paul and wish you well on your new direction.
I have been plotting something similar for a long time but can never seem to make it happen.
Will look forward to seeing what you get up to.
Cheers
Steve
Paul Crowe says
A new direction brings back the excitement of a new challenge and a whole new world of possibilities. I’m looking forward to it, too.
Thanks.
Franco says
Paul you always been and still are my inspiration since you started The Knee Slider.Enjoy your workshop and please do not forget us all.
Thanks
Franco
Paul Crowe says
Once I get the shop set up I’ll be back to let you know how things are going.
Thanks for the kind words, Franco.
Koen Dirkson says
Your teasing us there Paul! It makes a ton of sense to share your progress on the kneeslider. For me, posting on our local motor forum was very much motivating me to.keep going when building. Even the less successful actions turned out to be bringers of happyness and reward when shared and overcome with an audience. Thanks for years of happy reading and good luck with the tactile part!
Paul Crowe says
The progress so far is working to get the storage shed built, which will clear a lot of space in the garage. I’ve been taking photos as it goes up, and then planning how I’ll outfit the shed, when finished, to hold the maximum amount of garage overflow and then to begin making the newly freed garage space useful. I’ll be sending out an email update before too long and I’ll post with some more details. Things are moving a little slower than I would like, but they are moving.
And I agree with you Koen, posting about the work as it progresses can be very motivating and it’s interesting for others to read and see photos and possibly videos, especially if they are considering doing something similar, so they can see how someone else is doing it to help them avoid some of the pitfalls when mistakes are made. I think I’ll get back to posting sooner than I thought.
Thank you very much for your continuing interest. I really appreciate it.
dylan thomas says
good to hear from the human! hope all goes well for you no matter what.
Eric Arnold says
I hadn’t been here for a long time. I had to give up riding about six years ago due to balance problems. great to hear that you are still having a good time.
Eric (GE)
Paul Crowe says
Great to hear from you, too, Eric! Thanks for stopping by.
Brad von Grote says
What a great time to be tinkering with motorcycles, and things that roll. Love your post but don’t let it get in the way of the your projects.
I turned my 2007 Husqvarna TE450 in to a street tracker a few years ago after breaking my leg on it: lowered it 5″ down from 39″ seat height done by Race Tech with gold valves all the way around, 19″ wheels with Dunlop DT3 tires. Turned out to be my favorite bike of all time, like riding a bicycle with 47 hp. It weighs about 276 pounds and is a blast on the street, fire roads (of course) but a little harsh on rocky trails if you’re going too slow.
Enjoy your work shop.
Steve says
Hi Paul,
Any news for us? 🙂
Thanks
Paul Crowe says
Well, yes, there have been some developments and for me, a few reality checks, too, so I think it’s time for a post.