46 Degrees at 4600 miles

Adding miles to the V-Strom is easy: go to work. Come home safely. 4,600 miles already passed and it seems like the bike is still breaking in.

By my standards, it won't be broken in until 10,000 miles. At that point, I'll feel comfortable adding semi- or fully synthetic oil to the bike and consider running the oil a little longer. I know I'll need new tires sometime next spring. But after tonight, I think I might need something else.

I didn't check the weather coming to work. It was cool enough to ride to work with my liner in my mesh jacket, but I didn't think to pack my cold weather riding suit. So, returning to my bike at 1:15 in the morning to 46° F temperatures was a bit of a shock. I had only packed a sweater - which I was already wearing. Fortunately, I keep my arrangement of gloves (warm, rain, and cold) in my saddlebags, so I was able to at least have that.

Then I sat on the bike. Condensation seeped through my pants. "How many times have I sworn I'm going to pack a towel to dry my seat?" I swore. This was going to be a great ride home.

I started down the highway below the speed limit, thinking that would keep me from the cool wicking away too much of my body heat. I ducked below the turbulence of my windscreen to keep the wind off my neck. However, I couldn't help thinking about the protection of the half fairing on my old FJR as my lap turned into a frozen slab of numb meat and my forearms grew sore. I also marveled that the V-Strom never stressed its cooling system the way the FJR did. Even now, drifting in and out of pockets of even colder air, the bike offered no ambient warmth as I squeezed it with my knees and thighs.

But even though I wasn't warm, my core wasn't cold. I could safely operate the bike's controls, and gave thanks for the stoplight at the end of the deceleration lane so I could rub some feeling back into my thighs.

I wondered why I didn't go for a bike with a small fairing after having sprung for one of the most expensive dual sport 650's on the market. On top of that, it was a much better street bike than dual-sport, unless my observations prove incorrect. Why didn't I get a cheaper KLR? After all, I hankered for one of those for years, thinking I would purchase one once I got back in the saddle again. (I entered the dealership looking for a KLR and rode out with a V-Strom...)

But I figured I pay around $70 each month in gas and I would double that in a car. With that and the savings in insurance, the bike almost pays for itself. And it's a bike! Considering 99.8% of my riding thus far has been on paved roads, it justified itself.

But Midnight lacks one thing I can fix: a decent windscreen. And who knows? Maybe I can find a decent fairing for it, too? In the meantime, I have got to pack myself a towel!

A Week of Riding

The 2 AM ride home has been interesting this past week.

A BARREL OF FUN

I had the pleasure of watching a full-size pickup truck drive at full highway speeds through an on ramp with several construction barrels under the vehicle. I backed off - way off - and watched as one of the barrels dislodged and unpleasantly bounced across my path. Naturally, I was well prepared for this possibility - and quite safe. Moments later, a police car who was monitoring the intersection and construction zone pulled the truck over. That the truck pulled over onto the left side of the road with the driver's door against the highway barrier leads me to think - among other obvious reasons - that this individual suffered from chemically induced impaired judgement.

RIDING IN THE RAIN

I also enjoyed riding in the rain. This was a first for me and midnight, but she handled superbly. On the way to work, traffic was very slow since enough San Antonians don't know what that wet stuff on the road is or how to drive on it, which in this case suited me fine. On the way back, I got to experience 68° weather with cool rain beating down on my leather/mesh gloves. My rain gear worked wonders, but some weather-resistant gloves were definitely in order. I also remembered how wonderful hand guards work to prevent things like trees, rocks, flying squirrels and cold rain from hitting your hands. (Mental note: shop for hand guards.)

In the rain of course, a young man rolled down his passenger side window at a stop light and said, "I bet you didn't see this coming!" I guess I'm a little socially awkward. I replied, "actually I did, and I love it." (Before I left work, I checked the weather map which showed a very active storm system over 100 miles across centered over San Antonio.) The man was kind and well-intentioned. But I really enjoyed the pattering of rain, the coolness rising under the chin bar of my helmet and the sloshing of rain under my tiers.

The most difficult part of riding a dual sport in the rain is relaxing enough to allow the bike to do its job properly without pushing it beyond it's traction threshold. In a turn, a motorcycle tire has more road contact than a car tire. However, once traction is broken, then without care, other things will break in turn... But riding in the dark on a rain covered road with invisible "road snakes" will cause the handlebar to twitch as if hydroplaning, but the bike will keep itself righted so long as the rider relaxes enough to let the sensation pass and is responsible enough to not react by breaking or swerving. Which is why riding on the near desolate, well-lighted streets of San Antonio at night is actually safer than during the day whenever it is raining.

Cool

When I think of winter or when the temperatures drop, I remember of some of the best rides and adventures I've ever had took place in that kind of weather.

But here, right now a cold front drifted in and has decided to make itself comfortable for about a week. The daytime received a much welcome respite from the 100° + days that brought asphalt on the way to work at 4:00 in the afternoon a blistering 107°, with temperatures "down" to 80 or 85° at 1:30 AM when I leave work. A mesh jacket worked quite well; I used the "3 season" rain liner for keeping warm in the zealous air conditioning that descends upon my cubicle.

Tonight presented a dilemma I've not considered in some time - certainly not since I returned to two wheels. When I stepped out of work, air in the 60's shocked me as slightly cooler than my cubicle! With a mild shiver, I pulled the liner out of my tail bag and fit it under my mesh jacket. I put my vented gloves on after my helmet. I regarded the other rider leaving at the same time: she wore a sweater and a 3/4 helmet. We both knew she would get very cold on the way home. I rode much farther - so I'd get a chance to test my gear and see how much protection Midnight gave me.

The ride did chill me a little. I noticed how little protection my hands have from the cold. Wind blew all around my legs and arms. The bike protected only my belly and chest. I forced myself to relax and get used to the cool; gripping the handlebar tightly and tensing up fatigues the body and lessens the ability to concentrate and maneuver gracefully.

The 25 mile ride home took me through spots as cold as 64° and as warm as 75°! But I enjoyed the mildly crisp air and the stars shone brightly when I could see them. Has fall arrived? I hope so! I look forward to making more memories as the weather begins to cool.

Well, I Did It... Again

On the way to work yesterday, I decided to push the limits of the little XT. I discovered it alright, and it could have been very, very disastrous.

I took a very sharp corner - I was on the inside of the turn - and the bike slid out from under me. The bike and I then hit a truck heading the other way. I discovered later that I pretty much hit is square from the side. The bike and I tumbled a bit and came to rest pretty quickly.

Naturally, I freaked out the other driver, who stopped to see if I was alright. Actually, I was more concerned for her than anything. (After all, I hit her vehicle.)

We both determined that other than the psychological shock, we were both okay. She went on her way and I had the bike towed to the shop.

We discussed our professions; it turns out that she teaches at the high school right around the corner from where I live and I'll be teaching at the high school right around the corner from where she lives! I might even teach her daughter next year! That's ironic.

I'll post pictures of the XT before too long; but the bike started right up, though the rear wheel apprears to be messed up along with the normal scrapes from a low-side.

My only physical injuries was some road rash on my left calf (probably abrasion from my jeans) and a small spot on my right knee. I'll have a nice bruise on my lower back near my right hip which made it painful to walk yesterday. My armor absorbed the rest. I definitely have to replace the helmet and jacket (which worked amazingly well). I've never appreciated what a helmet can do until yesterday... I had been meaning to get some lower-body protection since my last set of riding pants developed a zipper problem in the crotch... This would have definitely alleviated the hip/back injury.

To say I was lucky is an understatement. Stupid? Probably. I'll have some time off from riding - again - to consider my next move. There goes my 70 mpg commuter...

As for road rash, this is pretty mild.

A Monday Ride

One of the nice things about working at a motorcycle shop is having Mondays off. You get a weekend day and a week day to do... well, those things that need to be done.

For me, Sundays are still Sundays. But Monday is my Saturday. This Monday, I took my first real ride in over a month. So much for the chronic rider, eh?

I started off taking Loop 1604 to Bandera Road. (After seeing the terrible traffic there, I'm a bit surprised that I took that same path to school for 3 1/2 years...) Bandera West dead ends into Scenic Loop Road. A left onto Toutant Beauregard drops you off at Tx 46 and I-10, next to Starbucks.

Taking 46 west to 16 north, I took a quick break Bandera. A little farther north, I caught 470 west, which I don't take very often. It's a pretty ride with a semi-technical turn or two, but it has a few straightaways that are good for... stretching my legs.

View Larger Map

I passed Tarpley and turned south on 187 and dropped into Lost Maples Cafe for lunch. The place was full of locals. They all stopped talking to turn and stare. Though it was somewhat awkward, I went and found a table and relaxed a bit for lunch.

Once I was ready for the ride home, I headed back up 187 to catch 337 east. My brother and I caught this road once and spent some time taking pictures. Even with the greyness of winter upon the hill country, this road was scenic as ever.

I caught 16 south, passing through Medina and the apple orchard. Pretty soon an apple festival will be under way. It seems in Texas, all kinds of festivals are held for all kinds of food. (We just had the rodeo in San Antonio. The strawberry festival is coming up, too.)

I detoured and took 2828 east and 173 back into Bandera. 173 really is highway, even though it goes to two lanes near Bandera. Taking 16 back to loop 1604, it alternated between two and three lanes until it finally settled upon four. Naturally, I caught 1604 to return home.



I had the odd feeling that there was a certain lack of "special" in the ride itself. It was nice to get out and get some sunshine (which is a rarity in and of itself). But, the roads we so very familiar. It struck me how I used to be filled with awe every time I rode highway 16 into the Hill Country and see the hills unfold before me. I used to marvel at the sweepers and tight turns of those back roads. I appreciated how lightly traveled those roads are during the week.

I did appreciate the light traffic this time. But the ride itself fell a little flat. I didn't really enjoy the scenery so much this time. There was a spot or two that felt really good to concentrate on the technical parts. But for the whole, it was lacking something.

Perhaps the wonder of the ride is gone. The mystery of unexplored places left. My favorite stops no longer had familiar faces. The $15 in gas seemed a little less worth it. The best part of the ride was feeling my lower back straighten itself out; it felt better after the ride than before it.

I've determined to sell the FJR. It will cover expenses when my beautiful wife is unable to work when she has our baby girl. I will miss the sportiness of this ride, but not the expense.

I'll probably pick up another bike - a small dual-sport - when time and money permits. The economy and fun factor of those bikes still amazes me. I am NOT giving up riding... just putting a little time aside for more important things.


The past month or two has shown me that I can live without riding all the time. In some ways it's even better. (Air conditioning is a good start!) The motorcycle has been a way of life for me for... at least seven years. I will still support organizations like the AMA, even when I'm not riding. I think perhaps it's time for me to grow up a little and reorganize my priorities.

Has the bike become an idol for me? Perhaps. Has it allowed an emotional escape for me? Surely. Are there other, healthier pastimes I can take up? Yes.

I'm thinking I should get into better shape so I can do more hiking. And on a side note, it's a lot easier to transport backpacks, hiking boots and walking sticks in a car than a motorcycle!

Riding Pants

Riders start out with two or three basic articles of protective gear: the helmet, jacket and gloves. The additional "coverage" comes from shoes or boots and blue jeans, which are considered par for the course.

However, riding pants and boots tend to arrive much farther down the line. They require a much more specific fit, cost a lot more than their non-riding counterparts and may not be used much by a casual rider. These items just aren't justified to many people.

Most non-riders will notice the "spaceman" - a biker with a helmet and a textile jacket. But only another rider will really pay attention to riding pants and boots.

I called up my neighbor today. "Have you looked outside? Isn't it gorgeous!" He agreed to a short ride after work. We just tooled around town, visiting a couple stores he works with. Afterwards, we parted and I headed to a non-remarkable fast food joint, hoping to grab a taste of their "Big Deal."

I pulled in to discover a BMW 1200 GS parked out front. Among my circles, BMW riders are an odd lot, and supposedly the GS riders are the quirkiest.

I came in and ordered my sandwich. The other rider was sitting in a corner, talking on a cell phone. I let him ignore me; It was the polite thing to do. After he hung up, he called across the room, "Hey! What are you riding?" This spurred a friendly conversation that lasted much longer than either of us anticipated. He told me of how his desire to leave cruisers behind led him to the big dual sport, of some of his off-road adventures, and how he lusted after the new KTM's - but was disappointed in the short supply of quality dealers. I shared the story of the older gentleman who traveled all over on his old BMW R-bike, logging hundreds of thousands of miles, yet never had the desire to draw attention to himself by writing a book, posting on the internet or even bragging about it.

Eventually, he pointed out that I was wearing riding pants. I told him, "Might as well be comfortable." I noticed his riding pants and boots as I passed him in the restaurant; we were both decked-out in full riding gear. It gave a certain measure of validity to each of our stories and added to our respect for one-another. We both admitted to our hooligan sides, but we weren't squids. After a while, we both headed our own way, edified by the company of a civilized rider.

We notice the little things that separate or unite us. This time, the riding pants were more important than the ride.

The Sunrise Ride

There are times I intentionally ride without a camera. I can focus on the ride and enjoy the moment without forcing myself to be distracted by possible photographic "opportunities." As I let my mind focus on riding, I push aside photography and all my other thoughts. In recanting the story, you must use your mind's eye to experience what I felt.

Last Sunday I headed to the far west of the Hill Country, starting in Junction and heading south and east to return to San Antonio. I left early in the morning to beat the traffic and maximize my quality riding time. By the time dawn began to break, temperatures had dropped below 50°. I began to wish I had brought warmer gloves...

But as the sun approached the eastern horizon, stealthily pursuing the night-time stars, a crescent moon lay buoyed above layers of gray, purple and blue. Above the open crescent of the moon shone a bright star - probably Venus - suspended in the cloudless interim of night and day. A gentle breeze could have pushed it off its shelf, landing in the moon's cusp. So delicate this morning procession! Yet, after just a few minutes, the purple and blue turned to orange and the moon and the stars faded away in the procession of the sun's glory.

Revelling in this fading display, I pressed onward through Rock Springs down highway 674, which I've not visited in several years. Familiar scenery brought back memories of carving through corners, dipping through little valleys crossing easily flooded bridges, and resting along the side of the road, mesmerized by the grand valley to the east. A river cut through this semi-arid valley. A mist shrouded the hills in the distance. This area soothed my soul.


View Larger Map

I approached my next series of challenges. I narrated my plan. Go up and down a hill. Go up and sweep right. Sweep left around a blind turn. Got it. The elevation changes were uneventful. Nice. Right sweeper - felt a little off. Let's go through the left a little slower, ensure a nice, steady line. Ah, this is good...

As I'm beginning to straighten the bike and look through the turn to the straightaway, a sudden horror siezed my attention: a large deer in mid-air right in my path. I backed off the throttle and reached for my brake, but it was too late. As soon as my hand touched the brake, the rear hoof had already cleared my front tire - and barely! I let out a loud, embarassing expletive. Damn those suicidal deer! I was extremely fortunate this time! Thoughts of an accident on this very empty road (I didn't see a vehicle traveling in the opposite direction the entire time I was on 674!) left me thinking about how my unborn child would have had to live without his father, or how I would have to care for myself until help arrived if anyone managed to find me! I eased away from my previous enthusiasm to settle down and enjoy the rest of the ride for the getaway I meant it to be.

Those deer - the bane of safe riding - nearly spoiled my otherwise normal ride. I could have done without the scare, though it did make me think about my priorities. I returned to San Antonio via 337 and 16. If I was fortunate, I could make church on time (I did). Given the relevance of the message, I suspect that God intended for me to make that service.

Though I'd like to travel a little farther west, I'll probably put that off for a couple more months - and not ride quite so early in the morning. And maybe next time I'll stop for a few fresh pictures.

Here's a few pictures of the area I took back in November of 2003:

Route 674 looking northeast.

Route 674 looking east.

Route 674 looking south.

Route 674 looking south.

Route 674 looking north.

Route 674 looking east.

Soaking in the scenery.

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!

A Reckoning?

Image courtesy of babyblues.com

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!

Pictures from the River Road

Here's a sampling of photographs taken during my recent West Texas ride:

Above: A dramatic view just south of Alpine, Tx
Below: Scenes from the River Road

Map with Points of Interest from this trip.
View the slide show of the entire trip.

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!

Beginnings...

The journey of a thousand miles... begins by rolling the bike out of the garage.

I'm heading out today. Back in a few. I'll bring pictures!

Trial Run

Sunday got the benefit of a trial run with most of my gear on the bike, fully loaded as if I were to take her out for a longer ride. (Yes, I called the bike a "her." Get over it Lani, don't want to hurt her feelings!)

The Vstream windshield was fantastic. I could really feel the added resistance from both the additional weight in the saddlebags and the windshield, but the handling remained true. It also did just fine in crosswinds.

I finally mounted the vista cruise only to discover that it blocks access to the starter button. However, it was a nice convenience and worked reasonably well when I needed to move my right hand about.

The Garmin iQue 3600 mount worked very well, though I did manage to shake loose the power cord on one occasion. I believe this was due to the proximity of the holder to the master cylinder. After a quick adjustment of the RAM mount, all was well for the duration of the ride.

The video camera did it's job. However, at speeds over 15 mph the video upon replay shook drastically from wind blast that got around the vstream and hit the handlebar. I'm not sure what I can do about this other than try to get it more centralized in respect to the windshield and away from the wind blast.

The glove box was handy, though it requires glove removal to take items out. It was nice not having to carry essentials in my pockets, though isn't that what a tankbag is for?

I had a little extra room in the tail bag and right saddlebag. This is where my clothes and spare food will go. If I leave the bike, the electronics will find its way into the right saddlebag. I won't carry much in the way of food, so that will help. I did pack a collapsible cooler which can be bungeed onto the FJR's small luggage rack so I can pick up food at the end of the day as I head to my final resting spot for the day.

I'm going to remove the Rifle tuning block from the windshield and see if that improves what little buffeting remains when it's all the way up. I'm most impressed with this shield - moreso than the Rifle or tall Yamaha.

The headlights have finally been adjusted properly. The heated grips work fine, too.

I think a trial run next weekend is now in order!

Getting Ready Lists

In order to prepare for a ride that should take five to eight days, I must draw upon the experiences of all my previous rides and take into consideration the time of year I’ll head out.

Most notably, my learning experiences with other multi-day rides include:

• Packing too much food and clothing,
• Bringing along unused camping supplies,
• Not having adequate protection from the elements,
• Following GPS through horrible traffic (depending on the GPS for routing),
• Leaving with untested equipment,
• Not wanting to leave the bike with unsecured luggage,
• Riding without breaks or adequate hydration for too long, and
• Not taking advantage of technologies I brought along (including cell phone, music players, cameras, binoculars, camping equipment etc…)

With that in mind, the rules of the game:

• Travel light,
• Buy most food along the way,
• Be sure all of my equipment will survive the “torture test,”
• Use the most versatile (and secure) riding gear and luggage, and
• Do lots of riding with plenty of down time for my other hobbies: hiking and photography.

Riding has a few interesting caveats that I can relate to hiking (which makes the two hobbies complementary!). Size and weight matter a lot. More so with hiking, but size and weight can really be a burden that takes away from the enjoyment of getting away. Motorcycles have very limited packing space, so when bringing along something that goes unused (essentially, not needed) then the entire experience would have been more enjoyable if it had been left at home.

So, things I’ve hauled before but will leave at home:

• Camping cot (I have better ways to keep from getting a good night’s sleep),
• Camp chair (I can lie down or sit on a picnic table),
• Thermarest (I have a better alternative – these just didn’t provide enough padding from rocks and other irregularities),
• Canned and bottled food,
• The silverware “Swiss army knife,”
• The giant square sleeping bag,
• Lots of clothes,
• Soft saddlebags,
• CD player, in-helmet headphones,
• The “neck pillow,”
• Contact lenses,
• Every tool I own (well, almost).
• Alcoholic beverages,
• Herbal tea (just doesn’t taste the same out there…),
• Steel cup (finally gave up and started to rust),

Things I’ll continue to bring:

• Water pouches / hydration systems,
• Seasonally appropriate sleeping bag (that folds small!),
• Teton 2 tent (upgraded from hiking),
• DSLR camera, GPS,
• Plenty of cash,
• Change of riding gloves,
• Latex gloves in the first aid kit (helps cold resistance),
• Stove and fuel (upgraded the Coleman multi-fuel to a Pocket Rocket – awesome upgrade!)
• MSR Hiking mess kit,
• Basic hand tools,
• Travel cover for motorcycle,
• Rain cover for any soft luggage,
• Paper maps,
• Small notebook,
• Basic hand tools, tire pressure gage, knife, Swiss Army-style knife, flashlight,
• Cigarette lighter power splitter,
• Cell phone,
• Upgraded tent stakes,
• Full riding gear,
• Ear plugs,
• Glasses,
• Insurance papers and ID

New things I’ll bring with me this time:

• Sleeping bag liner,
• Inflatable camping mattress (which I acquired for hiking),
• A few instant meals,
• A smaller whisk broom (for keeping the tent clean),
• Tire pump and repair kit,
• A genuine inflatable pillow,
• A camcorder (for recording while riding),
• A book (for down-times and when I can’t sleep),
• Spare light bulbs,
• Certain hiking apparel (depending on the expected temperature range),
• Aluminum or stainless cup,

Things I’m not so sure about:

• Music player, stereo, headphones,
• Collapsible sink, cutting board,
• Binoculars (rarely used and bulky),
• Touring trunk vs. tailbag vs. backpack,
• Hiking boots or shoes,
• Swim trunks (rarely used),
• Sandals (rarely used),
• Shaving kit,
• Passport (who knows if I’ll hit Mexico or Canada? Ha ha!),
• Rain Gear (depends on the riding gear I take),
• Thermometer (to say, “It was THIS cold!”

And of course, the farkles:

• Accessory lights,
• Driving lights and bracket,
  
• Glove box modification,
• Integrated turn signal modification,
• Heated grips,
• V-Strom hand guards,
• Gel grips,
• Vista cruise (if I can get it to work properly),
• Manic Salamander bar end weights,
• SAE outlet,
• Cigarette lighter,
  
• RAM mounts for camera, GPS,
• Tank bag pass through wiring kit,
• Upgraded headlight bulbs,
• LED taillight bulbs,
• Voltmeter,
• Sliders, Clutch basket cover, Handlebar Risers (all once part of the fabled Avanti Kit),
• Radiator guard,
  
• Custom wiring for powered accessories,
• Aftermarket windshield (still waiting to test),

That’s about it for the lists… for today. As the ride draws closer, I’ll add even more thoughts about the upcoming motorcycle trip.

So you want me to do what?

I've been preparing to do some touring, photography and just "getting away" in a month or so... A number of people have been telling me not to go or worse, to take the truck.

I really don't have any place I want to go that requires 4 wheel drive. Nor do I want to double the cost of fuel for this trip. Plus, the truck, though a great vehicle, isn't the same kind of fun any bike is. I want to be in the wind. Get up with the sun. Make my own food. Do some roadside camping. Listen to myself and see what I've been trying to say.

So, this will probably be the last I speak of it to most anyone for a while. I'll post about it upon my return, along with the details of my preparations and travel philosophies.

Who knows? I could be leaving tomorrow?

9-11-2007 Ride

I can't believe it's been six years. Doing the receiving, I wrote 9/11/07 all day long, reminding me of all that's happened over the past six years. Intersecting paths of good intentions, colliding in a whirlwind of disaster and the many miles that I've put beneath me.

I'm still trying to remember if I rode to work that day; I think I did. I would have been staring out the window at my Nighthawk as I heard the news report of one - then two - planes crash in New York. It was already a slow day. It had been getting slow. It was as if our whole country made one big depressing sigh - and then this.

A year later, I found myself attending a memorial service here in San Antonio. Afterwards, I wanted to be by myself for a while, so I took the Nighthawk out south of town, into the evening.

Two years ago, I observed a moment of silence with nearly 2,000 students at a high school named after a local graduate who died at the Pentagon during the 9/11 attacks. A year after that, the respect was gone.

The best I can recall, I've ridden every anniversary of 9/11. It seems everybody knows someone - or knows of someone - who was killed that day. It brought out the best and the worst of our nation. It polarized us when most of us cared very little about that part of the world. And tragically, the people who attacked us cost the lives of many of their own people many times over what they took from us that day. So many innocent people lost over a violent ideology that only fuels its own self-destruction. Some would say that is the definition of evil. All I can think of right now is that it makes me sad. It's tragic all the way around. These antagonists have always been their worst enemy. Their actions brought down death and destruction to everything they ever cared about.

Naturally, I could never understand why they keep fighting. People naturally want peace, though they long for freedom. But something in our own nature - some call it the human condition - disturbs that balance and causes some people to lust after power. Then those that seek peace are killed. Those that preach love are persecuted. Those that extend understanding are beaten.

I will never forget 9/11. I will continue to ride on that day in memory of those that died free, so their sacrifice will not be considered vain. While the wound on our country is no longer a bleeding gash, it's still tender; we cope with it by ignoring the pain it caused. But the pain is a reminder that though we long for peace and prosperity, there are those that would take it from us. It is also a reminder of the terrible power we wield when we come together, united as a nation. It is a wondrous thing to watch our nation heal, and truly breathtaking the power we wield.

As I rode tonight, I could see the stars out in force, no clouds in the sky. I turned the bike off and sat there a bit. The milky way stretched across the sky. All of our struggles pale in comparison to the vastness of what is out there. Humans are tiny specs of dust that reside on the crust of a small planet that orbits a mediocre sun that fades into the background of a galaxy filled with thousands upon thousands of other stars, in a universe filled with thousands upon thousands of galaxies. Are struggles are truly insignificant, cosmically speaking. Yet we are "star stuff." We have a lot more in common than not. If only we could embrace that.

Just before I make my final exit, a large black "something" appears next to the bike in the middle of the road. I ride past it, but my foot kicks it. As I type this I'm icing it down to reduce any potentials swelling. I'm hoping this won't keep me from taking a long ride this fall.

But even if it does, it's a small thing in a big picture.

May a loving peace finally come to this world.

Another night ride

No pics, sorry.

My friend and neighbor Doug and I rode out last night after work. He followed me for this short ride (and finally turned 10,000 miles on his F4, "Angelina").

We wound our way around Evan's Road, up Bulverde/Smithson Valley, across 1863 to Schoenthal Rd, and back into town via 3009 and 2252 aka Nacadoches Rd. This is formally known as "The loop" though Shoenthal Rd is a long-cut.

I still need to edit this map further, but here's the loop!

Doug asked me why we went this way since there's so much deer. I noticed a lot of traffic on the way home (in fact even loop 1604 was extremely busy when we got back on it around 9:15 PM) and just didn't want to deal with all that. We were safe and better off for it, anyway.

Lunar Eclipse Ride

Finally, I got to use my 500mm lens for what I originally intended long ago: astrophotography. I rode out into the hill country to catch some snapshots of the lunar eclipse this morning. Sadly, just as it was starting to get really dark, low hanging clouds rolled in and made everything pitch black. So when I moved on, those clouds became fog and made the passing more strenuous.

It cleared up for a few minutes on a busy road just outside of town, though not long enough for me to get the tripod back out and install the long lens. I was also having some trouble with the exposure, so I took some shots by hand, bracketing them in the hopes that maybe one would come out.

The larger pictures are formatted for a standard wallpaper size. If you see one you'd like for a wide screened monitor, just let me know :)

The moon turned a sandy-red color, then a pale Mars red as the eclipse was ending. Here's some snapshots taken between 3:30 and 4:30 this morning:








And last but not least - the "red moon" in the full resolution of my smaller lens, taken around 6AM this morning:


Now I'm off to catch a few blinks before getting ready for work. Oh, the humanity!

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!

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.

After-work ride

The weather over the past few days has included plenty of rain, but I've ridden to work anyways. (It hasn't really rained on me to or from work, so I count myself fortunate). However, the rain really brought the temperatures down, making the ride home from work last night feel soooo good. I knew I would only spend a few minutes at home to eat and to get into some warmer (and waterproof - just in case) riding gear and I would head out to the hill country.

I was gone for hours and did about 200 miles. The going was slower since I rode in twilight and deer were out in force. However, the clouds broke right after sunset and I stopped a couple times to just stare at the thousands of stars in a nearly-black sky. A little glow from the East (was it San Antonio or Bandera?) and a crescent moon in the west lit up two corners of the sky, but right above me the stars shimmered like glitter. I've probably not seen that many stars since I rode the XT home - or longer. (A full moon during the Grand Canyon trip didn't help in my case). On the way back, clouds filled the sky and only a slight haze where the moon was setting remained.

I can tell I'm out of riding shape. My arms are a little sore this morning and I had to stop a couple times yesterday to rest/regather my wits. (I was also tired from a long day). I'm also panning about the airflow over my helmet and thinking how the VStrom 1000 was much more protected and the seating was more neutral with less pressure on my back and wrists. And yes, that's with handlebar risers. I guess I'm just getting old, too.

Now I gotta get cleaned up and ride to work. I'm not taking the truck since I have to park it in the muddy parking lot. (I don't want to track mud into my "office.") How's that for motivation to ride?