Progress takes time... and overtime!

I've heard about 80 hour work weeks. I never thought I'd work one.

I worked about 75 hours last week, typically 14 hours per day, with less time on Sunday and Monday. I managed to get off a short ride, a trip to church with my wife and a nice dinner (with the same wonderful person) Sunday. That's probably the most we've done together since I got back from Wisconsin. (To clarify, I rode alone and met her for the other activities later).

In fact, it was the only riding I've done since I've been back. The FJR was a little tickled when I sold the XT (she had been jealous for a long time) but the long absence from riding has changed her mind. I think she suspects that she will be sold next, replaced by a younger model.

But I can't do that yet. I still need to fix the damage from "Bambi" and hit the forums and see if I can pick up some clean saddlebags and used exhaust. If I do manage to do that, I wonder if I'll still want to sell her?

It's nice to have the space in the garage. I wonder what will happen next? Regardless, it won't happen for a while; I can't do anything 'till the store opens and I probably won't have time to do any work at home for another couple weeks.

The Wedding

Madison Wisconsin

Okay, so I'm not into protests. I'm not anti-war or a disaffected college student (well, maybe). I'm not a hippy, nor am I extremely environmentally "conscious." However, I am a fan of all things two-wheeled. Madison, Wisconsin enchanted me with its many, many bicycle paths, laid back atmosphere and places for people to relax and enjoy a weekend.

So Madison has high taxes and a heavy "liberal" presence. That's outside my norm, but it was pleasant nonetheless. If I could afford to live there, it'd be worth considering.

I got the okay at the last minute to leave for my uncle's wedding last Thursday, caught a flight early Friday morning and Friday afternoon I enjoyed seeing my uncle marry his beautiful bride.

So Saturday I hiked downtown Madison, camera in hand. I spent the night at a local campsite with other relatives, and hiked the nearby ski trails the next morning (so I have to assume that people still camp up there in heavy snow?) Again, trails, bike paths and places to see were spread out all over the place. Most enjoyable!

Sunday, I got to have lunch with my uncle and new aunt back in downtown Madison, and left for Northern Illinois to visit friends there. We watched the Spurs defeat the Cavaliers in game two. (Okay, I only stayed awake during the first half, but I heard it was a great game!)

Monday involved yard cleanup, which always seems to happen each time I visit. (Here comes the Chronic Rider - put him to work!). I drove back into Chicago for a late flight that evening and was back at work on time Tuesday.

I noticed all kinds of bikers on the roads between Chicago and Madison. Of the 50 or so maybe 5 wore helmets. Most wore little if any protective gear. I even saw one guy on a Goldwing (pic) wearing what appeared to be boxer shorts, sunglasses and flip flops. The traffic was simply terrible; driving less than 30 mph - when you were actually moving - seemed to be the norm on the freeways. And then there's the not-so-free ways: toll roads. Chicago has convinced me that toll roads are pure and simply a bad idea - ever.

The proximity to Milwaukee suggests an explanation for all the Harley motorcycles I saw. I cannot explain the other rider's behavior. I guess I'm used to people in Texas toughing it out wearing their helmets and riding gear in 100°F+ heat (and a helmet law of sorts is in effect). Those riders up North can't handle something? Hm...

What a weekend!

Goodbye, Old Friend!

Just sold my 1995 XT600 with the assistance of Craig's List. I'll miss the old gal; she worried me a lot but never really let me down. This is just one more step in simplifying my life and reducing expenses as well.

The first two pictures are from when I rode the bike home from Alamagordo, NM and the last two are pictures I took in order to sell the bike. Fitting that I show the beginning and the end of this bike's history with me.

Now the FJR is an only child again (and the jealousy between the two bikes will no longer exist; the FJR would get snippy if I was riding the XT more).

Checking In?

Checking In!?
From the movie Spaceballs

We've finally obtained occupancy and are able to start "moving in." I'm checking in all kinds of new merchandise as it arrives, though we're still waiting for some of the displays to be finished. With the building nearly ready and one of the vendor rooms partly stocked (think of how WalMart will have shops inside the main store) I'm wholly impressed. It's incredible. This is motorcycle shopping on a whole new level.

I've been told to keep details mum until we open, so I'm not going into greater detail. You'll just have to see for yourself!

The old location will stay open - at least for a while - since the place is leased on a contract. It will sell used bikes and discount apparel and accessories.

It's very good to have started moving in. We're in the process of doing something new, big and amazing.

Fortune Cookie

"Be demonstrative, but do it with dignity."

Yeah, there's nothing like trying to get your point across with a temper tantrum. It doesn't work well, even if you're right. And if you are, others will resent it.

Now, if I could just demonstrate that my ideas at work are actually valuable, that would be worth something.

Sex sells... and so do bikes

Don't ask where this came from. However, someone thought it would be appropriate to post this on E-bay Motors. Trying to drum up a little hype with a nearly naked woman in front of a seeming monotonous bike, the seller wrote:

"Sorry, the other photos are censored by ebay."

That's probably a good thing. Wouldn't want any confusion over what's really being sold here.