Something New

After a few months of searching we found a toy hauler! We wanted something to haul our dirt bikes and four-wheeler in and our street bikes on long trips. Not an easy thing to find. It’s a 38 ft long fifth wheel, has a separate garage, sleeps 10 and has a ton of extras. It is definitely my way to camp. I love the outdoor shower feature and the outdoor stereo. I can’t wait for it to really warm up for us to take it out. Don’t get me wrong I really like riding but the drawback is if the weather turns nasty once you get to your destination you’re pretty much stuck unless you want to rent a car to salvage the trip. With this we can haul our bikes, camp and use the truck if we need it. I think it’s the best of both worlds!

Birthdays and Milestones!!!!

Yeah go me! Today we are going to met up with the B’s to go eat at Satterfields. The weather is sketchy but I am determined not to sit at home. We head out and of course have to pull over within minutes at a car wash to wait out a quick shower but I’m still optimistic. I have not even given thought to the route for this ride, I’m a little proud of myself. We meet the B’s at our preplanned spot and wham it hits me…I have to go over the freaking BRIDGE!!! Seriously, WTH was I thinking? No, this is not good and I am looking for a quick way out of this. I’m wondering if I can talk everybody into gas station cuisine because I’m good with pork rinds and a diet coke for my birthday dinner right now. We discuss the fact that I am scared *()&*^&^ but I agree that it’s time to do it. As I approach the bridge my palms are sweating and all I’m thinking is please don’t let there be an accident and we have to stop because this is one hell of an incline. Before I knew it I was up and over….piece of cake….ha….not….my knees shook for at least another mile. The ride was great we stayed out of the weather and I enjoyed the scenery. We arrived at the restaurant and had to go down a very steep embankment to park well I pulled over parked my bike looked over at Adam and said it can stay here or you can take her down. I wasn’t even going to try it. We had a great lunch it rained while we ate but cleared up by the time we were through. When we left the restaurant we headed out the opposite direction we came in and I thought o.k. we’re going to make the circle to go home. So here I go riding along minding my business then CRAP it hits me we have to get on the freaking FERRY!!!! What are these people trying to do to me???? Here’s how I see the ferry – steep embankment + gravel + grated entrance + zero turning area+ everyone watching = I rather take the bridge! We are lined up and it’s our turn I’ve gotten all the advice I can handle- 1st gear, back brake, use your clutch, yada, yada, yada,….don’t they get it? I can’t hear them because of the blood rushing around in my head and the sound of my heart in my ears. It’s my turn, down shift, clutch, brake, pray, pray, pray, I’m on……THANK YOU JESUS. I’ve hit 2 milestones a bridge and ferry in one day! I’m worn out and done for the day. CRAAAAPPPP I have to get off this thing!!!!!

It’s Hot, My Pants are Wet and I’m Thirsty

O.K. I know I don’t like cold but riding when it’s this hot is ridiculous! Yes, I realize I am fickle. I know I can’t have it perfect every time I ride but crap 100 degrees is a bit much. I’ve don’t know how other women do it especially the ones who wear all the “proper” gear. There is no way on God’s green earth I am putting on a jacket to ride in this heat. I would pass out and then where would I be? Can you say 6 foot under? I bought the beads for my seat to help stop the “wet” pants syndrome…well guess what? They don’t work. I still get off my bike and I still look like I haven’t been potty trained. WTH! To make matters worse I have this nice cup holder installed it looks nice but I can’t keep a bottle of water in it because Lola vibrates so much that the bottle falls out. So I just watch with envy as Adam takes his cold water out of his cup holder and takes long sips. I no longer say anything negative out loud about Lola because Adams response is you want a Harley instead? No, I don’t. I love Lola just sometimes she gets on my last nerve.

Slacker

Wow I haven’t written in awhile but really we haven’t ridden a whole lot. Adam has had headaches quite frequently lately so we’ve only been able to sneak in a few quick rides here and there. I’m a little disappointed I’ve only put a little over 3000 miles on my bike in a year. I say that because when I talk to other riders they do like 500 miles in a weekend. I can’t imagine I’m lucky if we do 200 a month. I know that has a lot to do with my riding ability…..I have to get out and practice!

You Don’t Always Get What You Want

I’m just in the mood to ride. I know if I rode more I would be more confident and a lot more comfortable but my rides have been very few and far between. We are splitting our weekends with baseball games and catching up with things around the house. Wouldn’t it be nice just to walk away from all the responsibility jump on your bike and hit the road? I mean really, no watch, no cell phone, no plan, no nothing, just the open road and a full tank of gas. I can picture myself riding with the wind in my face, music in my ears, to destinations unknown not worrying about what bills need to be paid, if the grass gets cut, unloading the dishwasher, or going to work. Sometimes I just don’t want to think I just want to do but then the dryer’s buzzer goes off and rudely yanks me back to reality to remind me that I have more laundry to do.

Forever Planning

I am making myself crazy! I really think I’m thinking too much. Let me give you an idea, say we are ready to leave the house and we need gas, I’m already planning. The conversation goes like this;
Me “Don’t turn down road X if there’s a car there”
Adam “Why?”
Me “ Cause I hate to turn when a car is at that stop sign”
Me again “ Don’t go to Exxon”
Adam “Why?”
Me “I don’t want to maneuver around all the cars in the parking lot”
Adam “O.k. Chevron?”
Me “Uh No, then we have to cross the highway”
Adam….just shakes his head. In my head I am making perfect sense. Out loud not so much.

Inclines…ugh

Weather is finally cooperating! Went on a long ride with the B’s and headed out toward Mississippi, ended up at Clarks Creek which is absolutely beautiful. It’s something like 2000 acres and has 40 waterfalls and hiking trails. When we got there we had to park on an incline, I was so overjoyed (insert sarcasm here). After backing into my parking spot without any mishap I felt pretty good. We walked around a little bit and stretched our legs, just taking in the sight. It was very peaceful and it gave me a chance to gather myself. While everyone else was joking around I was trying to figure out how in the heck I was going to get off the incline….ugh! It is so frustrating to not be able to just go with it. Now it’s time to leave it’s me against the incline. Damn the incline wins! Why can’t I just get up it without my engine dying? Is it too much to ask? Round 2, round 3, o.k. now it’s incline 4 me 0. I am so over it I just want to leave Lola jump on the back of Adam’s bike and go. But I will not give up! One more time and success! Thank you thank you thank you…… One hurdle down but success is short lived. We were headed home and of course the GPS is never accurate we turn down a road that is no longer a road and we are forced to come to an abrupt stop. Oh I stopped but when I put my foot down, loose gravel and here we go again. I do have to give myself credit though. I am getting very good at tuck and roll and I barely notice the bruises anymore on my left arm.

Breath Just Breath

I’m starting to get a little antsy. I haven’t ridden in quite awhile due to weather and other stuff going on and I’m worried. My confidence level is kaput! Should I go sit on it and pretend I’m riding? Or should I watch a video on how to ride? OMG! I’m panicking I don’t remember how to shift, which side is the clutch? What’s the sequence fuel, engine, choke…..dang it!

Exercising????

Cold and rainy so we aren’t able to ride. Looking at the weather it may be a few weeks before we see any change. Adam took the bikes out last night to “exercise” them. Yea, o.k. I think he was in a little bit of withdrawal and just wanted to ride. He rode his around the neighborhood for awhile then came back for Lola. He looks so funny on her. His knees are darn near up to his chest and his elbows meet his stomach it almost looks like he’s’ on a scooter. Needless to say he only made it around the block and declared that was good enough… so much for Lola exercising.

Be Prepared

So I'm thinking, because it's to cold to ride, about what I need to pack in my saddlebags on a regular basis. I was reading where some people pack more on their bikes than I pack for vacation. Adam carries tools so I don't need those...I'm thinking more on the lines of Advil- Lola will beat me to death on some days, chapstick- the sun and wind play hell on my lips, and extra pony-tail holders, had to use the one in my hair to fix my helmet strap. Oh and rain gear!!!!We got caught in a down pour no make that a monsoon and the only dry spot I had on me was my butt until we stopped and the water ran down my gas tank straight onto my seat.....grrrrrr!!!! I guess I'll spend the rest of these cold months just thinking.......

Love Hate Relationship

I realized this morning that I have a love-hate relationship with Lola. I love to ride but I hate the way I feel when I see a curve. I really want to enjoy the ride but I know the only way I can is if I'm on a straight away. How boring! I love the way she handles but I hate the way she beats me up. The day after a ride I can barely walk my legs are so sore and my neck is stiff. Over 75 mph is not happening because I think I would vibrate right on off. I love that she is an 1100 but hate that Adam leaves me in the dust with his 1500! I love that she has a low center of gravity but hate that I can't pick her up by myself. I love that I can touch the ground flat footed but I hate that I can only go 120 miles on a full tank. I love her saddlebags but hate the second seat it has to go....I mean really I can barely ride myself who am I going to put back there?? I love her cruising pegs but I hate that I can't position them just right. I love her new seat but I hate that the motor is right under it. I think we need couples therapy......

No More Numb Butt

I got a new seat! A "butt saving" friend had one along with a two-way radio (yes, he was there the day of my communication meltdown) that I bought and I love it. It's a Mustang seat with the backrest. What comfort and it puts me closer to my tank. I didn't realize how stretched out I was until Adam put it on. This is the first purchase I've made for Lola (yes, I named her) so I'm super excited.