I just ended a near week-long vacation from work. Did the Chronic Rider hit the twisty roads of the Hill Country? Did he go visit the Texas coast? Did he make his way to Big Bend and the scenic Chihuahua Desert?
Nope. I maybe traveled 10 miles on the bike, instead spending my time working on my computers, performing a little maintenance on the bike itself and generally resting from a sore foot with a nasty bone bruise.
The bruise came from dropping the bike in my driveway. I left my disc lock on the front wheel's rotor and tried to ride off. I can assure you that it will not let you get far, even under power! With that, I tested the goodwill of my insurance company and used my medpay coverage to get my foot examined after the bike put a significant amount of weight on it when it fell.
This led to the opportunity that comes only from a "broken in" bike. I got to literally demonstrate how to pick up a motorcycle from its side to a young rider from work. (I'm also ordering a "reminder" strap that stretches from the lock to the handlebar to remember to remove the lock! The old one had disintegrated so I threw it away...)
I just found out upon returning from my vacation that this rider had dropped her bike in the parking lot just a few yards from my original demonstration. I remember the story she told of her trying to lift the bike with two people and nearly breaking their backs doing it. She told me that this time she remembered what I taught her and righted the bike quickly, by herself and without any fuss. Boy, was I proud!
So even though I didn't do a whole lot of riding last week, it feels good to have been there in spirit.
Showing posts with label Personal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Personal. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Monday, July 7, 2008
Moving Forward
Caitlin is taking a nap on Papa after a good meal.
Moving Forward can seem so slow at times.
But sometimes it's just better to take it easy than to crash.
It's little moments like the ones above that help me appreciate all the junk I deal with. She's a blessing - not a curse. She's a light, not darkness. She brings me hope, not despair. New life makes life easier to understand.
I love my family. I'd give up motorcycles for them. Thankfully, that doesn't seem to be the case. So, let's keep the rubber side down!
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Solitude and other thoughts
It's been a while since I've posted. I usually try to keep this blog about riding even if I'll occasionally throw something in about education, too. On the other hand, my life is going to change dramatically soon: I have a baby daughter on the way! So that combined with the summer heat, I'm less prone to riding - and I've had less to talk about.
When my beautiful wife posted about the Spurs ending their run for the national championship, she placed a picture of a Spurs onesie instead of a picture of the team members. So in that spirit, (with apologies to motorsport.com) I present to you my regret for the heat of summer making it too hot to ride during the day:
When my beautiful wife posted about the Spurs ending their run for the national championship, she placed a picture of a Spurs onesie instead of a picture of the team members. So in that spirit, (with apologies to motorsport.com) I present to you my regret for the heat of summer making it too hot to ride during the day:
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Quick thoughts on riding
It's been a while since I've posted. Considering that I'm selling my bike and my riding career has an uncertain future, you may understand why I've been a bit quiet lately.
That said, I've had a few quick thoughts I wanted to share:
I just had lunch for less than one gallon of gas. The dollar menu at Wendy's is awesome, but I don't ever remember having to pay less than $1 for a whole meal back in the day!
I'm precariously close that that $20 fillup. I used to get mad when I had to pay more than $10 at the pump to fill up - on premium. A $20 weekend went a long, long way just a few years ago. Now, motor sports has become much more expensive and I'm less likely to "blow away" so much money to go for a ride.
Road rage lives on. I rarely get so upset at another driver for driving recklessly that I feel something needs to be done. When I saw a Jeep Wrangler consistently endanger another rider, I knew I had to take action. I got a good look at the driver and memorized the license plate. I reported the @#$% to the local police department and filed a complaint. One of the people (read: the driver) in the vehicle was using a cell phone and didn't seem to notice that he was driving 20+ mph over the speed limit and tailgating everyone.
Having to sell the FJR got me riding this week. I've enjoyed every moment of it (even though I got very upset at the aforementioned incident). Riding for the sake of commuting really is fun, even if the temperature isn't regulated. It's nice to just be "out there." And getting more miles for the money is a good feeling, too.
Not that'd I'd be opposed to a smaller bike with even better mileage!
That said, I've had a few quick thoughts I wanted to share:
I just had lunch for less than one gallon of gas. The dollar menu at Wendy's is awesome, but I don't ever remember having to pay less than $1 for a whole meal back in the day!
I'm precariously close that that $20 fillup. I used to get mad when I had to pay more than $10 at the pump to fill up - on premium. A $20 weekend went a long, long way just a few years ago. Now, motor sports has become much more expensive and I'm less likely to "blow away" so much money to go for a ride.
Road rage lives on. I rarely get so upset at another driver for driving recklessly that I feel something needs to be done. When I saw a Jeep Wrangler consistently endanger another rider, I knew I had to take action. I got a good look at the driver and memorized the license plate. I reported the @#$% to the local police department and filed a complaint. One of the people (read: the driver) in the vehicle was using a cell phone and didn't seem to notice that he was driving 20+ mph over the speed limit and tailgating everyone.
Having to sell the FJR got me riding this week. I've enjoyed every moment of it (even though I got very upset at the aforementioned incident). Riding for the sake of commuting really is fun, even if the temperature isn't regulated. It's nice to just be "out there." And getting more miles for the money is a good feeling, too.
Not that'd I'd be opposed to a smaller bike with even better mileage!
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Sentiments
As I've been preparing the FJR for selling, my neighbor has dropped by occasionally to check on my progress.
He told me recently that if he won the lottery, he'd buy my FJR. He'd even keep it in my garage. He just didn't want to loose his riding partner.
That was very nice of him to say.
But I replied with, "If you were a true friend, you'd buy me a new KTM Adventure."
Good thing we're friends since I was just kidding! What a great guy!
He told me recently that if he won the lottery, he'd buy my FJR. He'd even keep it in my garage. He just didn't want to loose his riding partner.
That was very nice of him to say.
But I replied with, "If you were a true friend, you'd buy me a new KTM Adventure."
Good thing we're friends since I was just kidding! What a great guy!
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Getting Ready: The first step
So I've decided to sell the FJR. Yes, it's come to this, but I know that it's the right thing to do and for once I feel good about it. In the best case scenario, I get to keep the bike, but it doesn't look like that's going to happen.
But before I sell, I need to accomplish a number of tasks that all boil down to one simple concept: bring the bike back to as close to stock as possible.
So all the blue fairings have to go. The glove box has to go. I get to keep the PIAA 4000's! (Yay!) The handguards and bar ends have to go. The heated grips will probably have to stay. The custom wiring with the battery monitor, cigarette lighter and controls for accessory lighting will probably have to stay (because it will be very difficult and time consuming to remove). The car horns have to go. (Now, that was a blast!)
The FJR has no clothes!
It wasn't easy, but I managed to leave the radiator
on and still have access to the headers.
I had recently acquired a replacement exhaust, so I'm adding that to the bike. The old set is dented, scratched and worn. This new set will make this six year old bike with 60,000 miles look much newer. (I brought the old gal home in October of 2002!)
Aren't those new pipes pretty?
I removed most of the plastic last weekend. I couldn't stay in bed this morning, so I decided to "get productive." I removed the old exhaust and replaced the headers. I had to drain the coolant (I'll have to replace it; It was old anyway. Besides, recommended replacement is every two years!) My father taught me that if something is worth doing, it's worth doing right. So I replaced the exhaust gaskets, too. But I did manage to save myself some work by leaving the radiator on the bike.
With the new exhaust on the bike (okay, it's actually "low mileage") and a solid cleaning, the FJR will look her best since a long, long time. Only one more thing to make her perfect: the right saddlebag needs to be "touched up." A bit of road rash has taken its toll cosmetically. Next paycheck may get this painted.
I wrapped the headers a few years ago, which really
cut down on the heat cooking my legs.
Yeah, there's some discoloration there.
Riding in the rain has worn some of that wrap, too.
Soon she can stroll onto Craigslist and I'll finally get my asking price.
But before I sell, I need to accomplish a number of tasks that all boil down to one simple concept: bring the bike back to as close to stock as possible.
So all the blue fairings have to go. The glove box has to go. I get to keep the PIAA 4000's! (Yay!) The handguards and bar ends have to go. The heated grips will probably have to stay. The custom wiring with the battery monitor, cigarette lighter and controls for accessory lighting will probably have to stay (because it will be very difficult and time consuming to remove). The car horns have to go. (Now, that was a blast!)
The FJR has no clothes!
It wasn't easy, but I managed to leave the radiatoron and still have access to the headers.
I had recently acquired a replacement exhaust, so I'm adding that to the bike. The old set is dented, scratched and worn. This new set will make this six year old bike with 60,000 miles look much newer. (I brought the old gal home in October of 2002!)
Aren't those new pipes pretty?I removed most of the plastic last weekend. I couldn't stay in bed this morning, so I decided to "get productive." I removed the old exhaust and replaced the headers. I had to drain the coolant (I'll have to replace it; It was old anyway. Besides, recommended replacement is every two years!) My father taught me that if something is worth doing, it's worth doing right. So I replaced the exhaust gaskets, too. But I did manage to save myself some work by leaving the radiator on the bike.
With the new exhaust on the bike (okay, it's actually "low mileage") and a solid cleaning, the FJR will look her best since a long, long time. Only one more thing to make her perfect: the right saddlebag needs to be "touched up." A bit of road rash has taken its toll cosmetically. Next paycheck may get this painted.
I wrapped the headers a few years ago, which reallycut down on the heat cooking my legs.
Yeah, there's some discoloration there.Riding in the rain has worn some of that wrap, too.
Soon she can stroll onto Craigslist and I'll finally get my asking price.
Friday, February 1, 2008
A Balanced Approach
Should I keep riding or sell the bike? This choice bothered me for months. I found my answer where I least expected it.
I could use these excuses to quit:
People tend to tell me one of two things:
I said, "I struggle with the thought that riding may have become an idol in my life."
He replied, "It is good that you struggle."
Finally, someone demonstrated genuine insight without passing judgment! He reaffirmed my passion for motorcycles and my commitment to family. For the first time, someone provided a response - not a reaction - to my riding.
When the time comes, I will make the decision - one way or the other - to keep or sell the bike.
In the meantime, I will ride conservatively, enjoy my commute and take smaller rides. After all, a balanced approach will avoid the trappings of judgmental reactions.
I could use these excuses to quit:
- Deer. They want to get me.
- Money. I spend a lot just to ride.
- Time. Riding keeps me from other responsibilities.
- Pain. I don't want to die or get injured.
- Family. My family should come before riding.
People tend to tell me one of two things:
- I should sell the bike and quit riding. I hear this all the time. This knee-jerk reaction really gets old. These people don't care what I do - they just hate motorcycles!
- I should keep the bike. They say I deserve to indulge myself occasionally. This approach ignores the fact that I must meet my family's needs before my personal entertainment.
I said, "I struggle with the thought that riding may have become an idol in my life."
He replied, "It is good that you struggle."
Finally, someone demonstrated genuine insight without passing judgment! He reaffirmed my passion for motorcycles and my commitment to family. For the first time, someone provided a response - not a reaction - to my riding.
When the time comes, I will make the decision - one way or the other - to keep or sell the bike.
In the meantime, I will ride conservatively, enjoy my commute and take smaller rides. After all, a balanced approach will avoid the trappings of judgmental reactions.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Two Weeks: Happy New Year
I find it hard to believe that two weeks have gone by. So much has happened, yet so much has stayed the same.
Riding in the cool.
My neighbor Doug and I took off about a week ago to do this ride north of San Antonio, stopping at Kendalia to chat and chill. Doug discovered that a good pair of winter gloves goes a long way. I carried a spare pair of Olympias which he used after his hands began to numb (after about 15 minutes). They are now on permanent loan. :)
The kindness of strangers.
I witnessed a single-vehicle accident on Evans Road where a truck nearly flipped after losing control. The lady driving it was okay but shaken up. Selma's first response team is probably three or four times faster than San Antonio's. Never underestimate the kindness of strangers or family. I remember the time my car spun out (thanks to an aggressive driver approaching me on an on-ramp). I ran up on the barrier, destroying both wheels on the right side. The driver did not stop to check on me. Nor did anyone else for that matter. It would have been nice since the temperature was dropping rapidly and I couldn't get the car started!
Misery can be the lack of company.
Christmas and New Year's was spent alone with my wife. It was good to be around her, but we really missed our family. Probably our least favorite holiday season together.
Holiday traffic.
The lows have consistently been in the low 30's, making for some "interesting" rides to work in the morning. It's nice that school is out for another week in our neighborhood; the lack of traffic makes the commute a lot less stressful.
Now I'm back to getting ready for yet another day. It's 30° and I'm ready to ride!
Riding in the cool.
My neighbor Doug and I took off about a week ago to do this ride north of San Antonio, stopping at Kendalia to chat and chill. Doug discovered that a good pair of winter gloves goes a long way. I carried a spare pair of Olympias which he used after his hands began to numb (after about 15 minutes). They are now on permanent loan. :)
The kindness of strangers.
I witnessed a single-vehicle accident on Evans Road where a truck nearly flipped after losing control. The lady driving it was okay but shaken up. Selma's first response team is probably three or four times faster than San Antonio's. Never underestimate the kindness of strangers or family. I remember the time my car spun out (thanks to an aggressive driver approaching me on an on-ramp). I ran up on the barrier, destroying both wheels on the right side. The driver did not stop to check on me. Nor did anyone else for that matter. It would have been nice since the temperature was dropping rapidly and I couldn't get the car started!
Misery can be the lack of company.
Christmas and New Year's was spent alone with my wife. It was good to be around her, but we really missed our family. Probably our least favorite holiday season together.
Holiday traffic.
The lows have consistently been in the low 30's, making for some "interesting" rides to work in the morning. It's nice that school is out for another week in our neighborhood; the lack of traffic makes the commute a lot less stressful.
Now I'm back to getting ready for yet another day. It's 30° and I'm ready to ride!
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
A Reckoning?
As I sent a text message to my wife after fueling up the FJR after work last night, it dawned to me that I had assumed she would be alright if I took a quick after-work ride before coming home. In the following months, she will depend on me more and more to look after her needs as she advances in pregnancy. After that, we will have to carefully plan and coordinate time away - both together and alone time - so that our child will be cared for in the meantime.
So, yeah this ride was a little last taste of freedom. However, it also reminded me that with the joy of a family comes not with a burden of responsibility, but rather a joyful commitment that must take precedence over my spontaneous adventures. My future rides will be planned breaks from the daily life, incorporated into a deeper sense of commitment and accountability to my family. I must return safe to care for and enjoy them.
So, yeah. Maybe I'll ride a little more conservatively. I'll plan more rides. But I can't see myself stopping - at least anytime soon!
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Pleasant Returns
I'm back from my little voyage. It was wonderful in many ways, and I intend to share pictures, experiences, rides, my thoughts about motorcycle travel and personal insight over this week and the next.
In general, I went to West Texas and toured the area around and north of Big Bend. I stayed in Davis Mountains State Park (which I heartily recommend to anyone) for two nights, using it as a base camp for visiting the surrounding areas.
I traveled down the infamous (and remarkable) River Road, the scenic loop around the Davis Mountains, did a "star party" at McDonald Observatory and hiked in Guadalupe National Park. I did swing through New Mexico, but for the most part I found it dissatisfying and probably will not take the same path again.
View Larger Map
My accessory lights paid for themselves on the way back home. A deer and been hit and then hit again as it was split in two on the highway. (I saw an immense amount of roadkill throughout the trip.) Thanks to the lights, I was able to see the obstacle and make evasive maneuvers to avoid a disastrous impact.
I squeezed in a little reading - something I rarely accomplish at home nowadays. But the major idea I brought home from the reading and camping (and even the riding) occurred to me on the way home: when you take care of life first, you will enjoy it more. It seems bizzare that it needs mention, but I needed to vocalize it. I've been in the process of rearranging my priorities (especially since I'm going to be a new father) and this simple idea helped clarify and focus that process.
This is also the first trip where I greatly missed my wife. Usually I enjoy getting away so I can recharge and "refresh my batteries" but this time I really wanted her to be with me to share my experiences. So I'm working up in the back of my mind a plan for such a voyage...
I'd like to thank the many friendly and largely anonymous people that I met along the way for making this trip so enjoyable: The guys who rode in from SA, Rex on his R80, the biker from Houston, the friendly staff at the Davis Mountains State Park and the older couple hiking in the Guadalupe National Park. I'd also like to thank my wife for letting me go (see I came back - no leash necessary!) who I love very, very much. I thank God for a safe trip.
Later!
In general, I went to West Texas and toured the area around and north of Big Bend. I stayed in Davis Mountains State Park (which I heartily recommend to anyone) for two nights, using it as a base camp for visiting the surrounding areas.
I traveled down the infamous (and remarkable) River Road, the scenic loop around the Davis Mountains, did a "star party" at McDonald Observatory and hiked in Guadalupe National Park. I did swing through New Mexico, but for the most part I found it dissatisfying and probably will not take the same path again.
View Larger Map
My accessory lights paid for themselves on the way back home. A deer and been hit and then hit again as it was split in two on the highway. (I saw an immense amount of roadkill throughout the trip.) Thanks to the lights, I was able to see the obstacle and make evasive maneuvers to avoid a disastrous impact.
I squeezed in a little reading - something I rarely accomplish at home nowadays. But the major idea I brought home from the reading and camping (and even the riding) occurred to me on the way home: when you take care of life first, you will enjoy it more. It seems bizzare that it needs mention, but I needed to vocalize it. I've been in the process of rearranging my priorities (especially since I'm going to be a new father) and this simple idea helped clarify and focus that process.
This is also the first trip where I greatly missed my wife. Usually I enjoy getting away so I can recharge and "refresh my batteries" but this time I really wanted her to be with me to share my experiences. So I'm working up in the back of my mind a plan for such a voyage...
I'd like to thank the many friendly and largely anonymous people that I met along the way for making this trip so enjoyable: The guys who rode in from SA, Rex on his R80, the biker from Houston, the friendly staff at the Davis Mountains State Park and the older couple hiking in the Guadalupe National Park. I'd also like to thank my wife for letting me go (see I came back - no leash necessary!) who I love very, very much. I thank God for a safe trip.
Later!
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Great News: Postponed, Cut Short or Cancelled!
So I've hyped myself up for this grand motorcycle adventure, but it's not going to happen quite like I expected. I may take a 3 or 4 day weekend, but that's it. No week-long adventures, thank you. You see, I have great news!
My wife is going to have a baby!
I'd just as soon stay home and prepare for our new family member. I just hope that he/she really likes motorcycles!
My wife is going to have a baby!
I'd just as soon stay home and prepare for our new family member. I just hope that he/she really likes motorcycles!
Friday, August 24, 2007
Time to address the skirts
Okay, I'm not talking about the guy in a kilt at the Brittish pub we went to Monday to celebrate my birthday - nor the plaid skirts the waitresses wore. The used plastic I bought with the integrated turn signals did not come with the inner plastic that helps hide wiring and direct air to the radiator. It finally came in and I'm going to install it by the weekend.
We were served by the delightful
staff at the 410 location.
And no stupid "happy birthday" song!
Our mechanic Brad and I mocked it up yesterday and determined that it did not clear the monstrous car horns I acquired from Pep Boys, so they'll need to be cut down first. It appears that they won't interfere with the installation of the glove box when the time comes.
We were served by the delightfulstaff at the 410 location.
And no stupid "happy birthday" song!
Our mechanic Brad and I mocked it up yesterday and determined that it did not clear the monstrous car horns I acquired from Pep Boys, so they'll need to be cut down first. It appears that they won't interfere with the installation of the glove box when the time comes.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
A Funny Wednesday
Wednesdays aren't always fun. But during the week, things can slow down at the shop, and a few moments of idle time can turn into a ball of laughter.
Motorcycles come in large cardboard boxes reinforced by a metal cage to which the bike and its not-yet-assembled components come attached. These boxes, if one is careful, can be removed largely intact. One of the PDI (pre-delivery and inspection) guys took one of these boxes, cut out a couple windows, made a swinging door and drew a doorknob on it. Passing by, I added a sign hanging from the doorknob that said, "Home sweet home." We were planning on using a large piece of styrofoam to make a chimney, but I got called away before the "house" was completed. They disposed of it before I could snap an incriminating picture!
One of the mechanics got a haircut last night - if you could call it a haircut. The sides of his head were shaved and the middle patch was pushed up into a pointy mohawk. You can't really tell anything is unusual since this usually very conservative fellow almost always wears his hat. But, he is young. Naturally, this spurred some competition with one of the "older" mechanics who decided to shave his long wavy hair off the sides of his head, too. Naturally, it was a big mess. When he told his wife about it, I'm sure she thought he was kidding. I'm wagering the rest of the mop will be gone tomorrow at her urging.
So when I come home, my wife and I decide to watch a little television. Starting a few months ago, a comercial she absolutely hates (and I think is funny) comes on. She uses the DVR remote to mute the tv. I use the tv remote to un-mute it. Well, we discovered that the television will mute/unmute about three times a second. Today, the mute wars escalated to using the volume button on a commercial I didn't want to listen to and she thought would be funny to make me hear it! I would mute the television only to have her simply turn the volume up. So not only would the tv get unmuted, it would be louder than before I muted it! Since two can play at that game, I hit the volume down button. Aha! Turning the volume down overrides turning the volume up! But I'd let off for a few seconds and she'd turn the volume up again! Mind you, we were laughing hysterically the whole time - I was in danger of a hernia by the time the show came back on. (Whoever says commercials aren't as entertaining as programming has never watched tv with my wife!)
I'm glad that I'm surrounded by people with a good sense of humor. I take myself seriously too often, so I look forward to and enjoy the many laughs provided by the fun people around me.
Good night!
Motorcycles come in large cardboard boxes reinforced by a metal cage to which the bike and its not-yet-assembled components come attached. These boxes, if one is careful, can be removed largely intact. One of the PDI (pre-delivery and inspection) guys took one of these boxes, cut out a couple windows, made a swinging door and drew a doorknob on it. Passing by, I added a sign hanging from the doorknob that said, "Home sweet home." We were planning on using a large piece of styrofoam to make a chimney, but I got called away before the "house" was completed. They disposed of it before I could snap an incriminating picture!
One of the mechanics got a haircut last night - if you could call it a haircut. The sides of his head were shaved and the middle patch was pushed up into a pointy mohawk. You can't really tell anything is unusual since this usually very conservative fellow almost always wears his hat. But, he is young. Naturally, this spurred some competition with one of the "older" mechanics who decided to shave his long wavy hair off the sides of his head, too. Naturally, it was a big mess. When he told his wife about it, I'm sure she thought he was kidding. I'm wagering the rest of the mop will be gone tomorrow at her urging.
So when I come home, my wife and I decide to watch a little television. Starting a few months ago, a comercial she absolutely hates (and I think is funny) comes on. She uses the DVR remote to mute the tv. I use the tv remote to un-mute it. Well, we discovered that the television will mute/unmute about three times a second. Today, the mute wars escalated to using the volume button on a commercial I didn't want to listen to and she thought would be funny to make me hear it! I would mute the television only to have her simply turn the volume up. So not only would the tv get unmuted, it would be louder than before I muted it! Since two can play at that game, I hit the volume down button. Aha! Turning the volume down overrides turning the volume up! But I'd let off for a few seconds and she'd turn the volume up again! Mind you, we were laughing hysterically the whole time - I was in danger of a hernia by the time the show came back on. (Whoever says commercials aren't as entertaining as programming has never watched tv with my wife!)
I'm glad that I'm surrounded by people with a good sense of humor. I take myself seriously too often, so I look forward to and enjoy the many laughs provided by the fun people around me.
Good night!
Feasting on Asphalt
I took my computer down for a LAN party this weekend; it's finally up and running again today. So, yes I actually do have interests outside of riding! But I've been meaning to post, despite busyness getting in the way.
So I managed to catch Feasting on Asphalt this past weekend. The wife was good enough to record it for me. Alton Brown passed through Natchez, Mississippi and followed the Natchez Trace Parkway into Tennessee. Along the way, every cook he met refused to divulge their secret ingredients, though he did manage to have the best spaghetti. donuts and fried chicken he's ever tasted along the way.
The parkway has special meaning to me, as it was the route I chose to take home after attending my grandfather's funeral. The road was long, strait, slow and cold. I thought about camping, but I was not really prepared for near freezing temperatures, so I spent the night in a hotel in Natchez. The next day I rode for at least six hours in rain. It cleared up just outside San Antonio, where it suddenly became very warm!
But as for feasting, a birthday miracle happened. My wife joined me for a (very) brief ride to the donut shop where we had breakfast. She enjoyed herself, though I think she thinks she was more terrified than anything. The likelihood of this recurrence is supposed to be good, but we'll just have to wait and see. I've been waiting nearly eight years for her to join me on even a semi-regular basis. She did very well for an inexperienced rider, though she was afraid she'd fall of the back. It makes sense, even if I know very well that I'd have to pull a massive wheelie and catch her by surprise for that to happen!
I'd like to point out that one can never force another person to ride with you. It's stupid and dangerous, too. However, being open to new experiences helps a lot.
So, I'd like to publicly thank my wife for joining me in "feasting on asphalt." My, that was a good bear claw. And the company was excellent, too!
So I managed to catch Feasting on Asphalt this past weekend. The wife was good enough to record it for me. Alton Brown passed through Natchez, Mississippi and followed the Natchez Trace Parkway into Tennessee. Along the way, every cook he met refused to divulge their secret ingredients, though he did manage to have the best spaghetti. donuts and fried chicken he's ever tasted along the way.
The parkway has special meaning to me, as it was the route I chose to take home after attending my grandfather's funeral. The road was long, strait, slow and cold. I thought about camping, but I was not really prepared for near freezing temperatures, so I spent the night in a hotel in Natchez. The next day I rode for at least six hours in rain. It cleared up just outside San Antonio, where it suddenly became very warm!
But as for feasting, a birthday miracle happened. My wife joined me for a (very) brief ride to the donut shop where we had breakfast. She enjoyed herself, though I think she thinks she was more terrified than anything. The likelihood of this recurrence is supposed to be good, but we'll just have to wait and see. I've been waiting nearly eight years for her to join me on even a semi-regular basis. She did very well for an inexperienced rider, though she was afraid she'd fall of the back. It makes sense, even if I know very well that I'd have to pull a massive wheelie and catch her by surprise for that to happen!
I'd like to point out that one can never force another person to ride with you. It's stupid and dangerous, too. However, being open to new experiences helps a lot.
So, I'd like to publicly thank my wife for joining me in "feasting on asphalt." My, that was a good bear claw. And the company was excellent, too!
This is not how I ride!
You're not going to fall off the back!
My apologies for the previous picture
going bad. It was linked from an external site.
You're not going to fall off the back!
My apologies for the previous picture
going bad. It was linked from an external site.
Saturday, July 28, 2007
A Rough Week
I haven't felt well all week. I disassembled the major parts of the front of the FJR last weekend to inspect the damage from the deer and haven't been able to ride - which turns out to be a good thing. I've had a nasty sore throat, earache and headache all week that is only exacerbated by a cold draft from the service window at work.
This is the first day all week I've managed to get up around a normal time in the morning, so I must be feeling better.
As for the FJR: most of the mounting tabs were either broken off or cracked on the headlight; the replacement arrived yesterday. I have other little hardware arriving next week, so I'm looking forward to putting the bike back together then.
In the meantime, I've managed to scavenge a few things off the FJR forum: some clean but used mufflers and a fuel tank insulation kit. So, this has been sort of an opportunity to collect my thoughts on the future of this bike - and get my lists going.
This is the first day all week I've managed to get up around a normal time in the morning, so I must be feeling better.
As for the FJR: most of the mounting tabs were either broken off or cracked on the headlight; the replacement arrived yesterday. I have other little hardware arriving next week, so I'm looking forward to putting the bike back together then.
In the meantime, I've managed to scavenge a few things off the FJR forum: some clean but used mufflers and a fuel tank insulation kit. So, this has been sort of an opportunity to collect my thoughts on the future of this bike - and get my lists going.
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Crazy Neighbors Shooting Stuff?
I don't know if I'm going crazy and hearing things, but it sounded like I just heard someone unload a clip from a firearm systematically right in my backyard. I didn't see any movement from my window, but I did hear around half a dozen loud bangs that didn't sound like the typical "explosion" you'd get from a firework. I went outside to look, but I didn't see anything (like a murdered ex-girlfriend in the middle of the street) but what could I expect really? I didn't hear any other noises like screaming people or animals. The "firing" was rythmic with the exception of two or three "shots" in the middle. It wasn't the sound of a clanging dumpster. I didn't hear anything shatter, either. I honestly don't know what it was or if I should call the police.
It all happened at about ten till 2 AM.
And the wife woke just long enough to not hear anything and wonder why I was looking out the window. She was back asleep before I could ask her if she heard anything. Sheesh! (She's the light sleeper!)
I've gotta ask the neighbors if they heard anything. I'm telling you, this neighborhood is starting to really creep me out.
It all happened at about ten till 2 AM.
And the wife woke just long enough to not hear anything and wonder why I was looking out the window. She was back asleep before I could ask her if she heard anything. Sheesh! (She's the light sleeper!)
I've gotta ask the neighbors if they heard anything. I'm telling you, this neighborhood is starting to really creep me out.
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