Category Archives: The Bike

Unknown's avatar

Planning the 4th Solo Trip

by

My last post glorified the joy of being home, and I truly am excited to have the next four weeks at home without travel (other than day trips on the bike of course).   It’s time however to get serious about planning the 4th Solo Bike Trip.

So many places to ride; so few vacation days!

You may remember that I rode the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Tail of the Dragon (in Tennessee) in 2010 as a way to celebrate my 5oth Birthday (photos taken with my old Canon Powershot SD1000)

110

2011 found me riding to the Outer Banks of North Carolina (again, with the old Canon)

151

Tennessee was the destination in 2012

038

So it seems that I have, not with purpose, alternated between the  mountains and the beach.

This year then, I’m going back to the beach!  I’ll ride to the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Annapolis, and possibly Delaware.

The near constant rain has had me less than motivated to pull out the maps, but this weekend I WILL get to it!  After all, the day of departure is just 7 weeks away!

Let the planning begin!

Unknown's avatar

What’s in a Year?

by

Or at least … what’s in a blogging year?

I’m contemplating that very question as I sit out on my finally clean screened in porch.  The rain and too many weekends of travel have kept me from enjoying it and I have missed spring and summer mornings out here.   Breakfast is done and I sit here now in comfortably cool temps, hot coffee at hand and a multitude of birds singing in the background.

005

 How lucky I am to live where I do!  The house is far too big for one, what with the child moved on years ago, and 2 dogs and 1 cat also passed on.  It’s now just me and Abby, and every so often I consider moving to a smaller place.  Then I sit here on my porch, surrounded by nature (in the middle of my little city), basil growing in posts,  rabbits (and deer) eating all my hostas (damnit), and I drop all thoughts of moving … for now.

016

002

007

014

But I digress.

One year ago, almost to the day, I started this blog as a way to communicate with family and friends while riding.  Each year, I take a solo bike trip and I’m loved enough to have people worry about my safety.  The first two years I typed a travel update via email from my Blackberry.  I’d find a fun little pub or restaurant, order the house special and a good imported beer and write the days news.  In searching for a better venue, I came to WordPress.

One thing led to another and I’ve now been posting for a year.  I started Life on the Bike and Other Fab Things as a travel journal and method of communication and it has morphed into something much, much more.

Story Telling.  Travel Journal.  Photography Portfolio.

048 042 053

But after 12 months and 158 posts (now 159), it has become a passion, almost an addiction and has taken valuable time away from reading!

The two things that I did not anticipate?

1.  Growth as a photographer – because of many of you!  I have learned so much about the technique and artistry of photography and I have grown better (and more critical) of my efforts.  I can not wait to find a weekend photography retreat to attend so I can continue to improve.  Thanks to all of you out there for inspiring and teaching me.

2.  Connections – I had no idea that I would find such an amazing community of bloggers.  When I first signed on with WordPress and started trying to find my way around, I would read about the blogging community and was mystified.  How would I ever connect with people? How would they ever find me?  Then suddenly that first Like came … and then the first Follow (I still remember the thrill) and all of a sudden I was hooked!  I love telling my local friends about the connections I have made in Australia, London, Norway, Canada, and in many other countries and various parts of the US.  You all inspire me, uplift me, make me cry, and laugh out loud.

I have sighed, exclaimed and been envious over your photos.

I have been moved by your words and laughed at your jokes.

I’ve followed along on your adventures, been proud of your accomplishments, and wondered about you when you haven’t posted lately.

I’ve also lost hours of sleep and time spent with a books … ah well, it’s not all perfection.

To my family and friends: thanks for your patience with my requests to look at just a few more photos.   My annual solo bike trip is planned for August (details pending) and I look forward to having you all along for the ride as always.

To my fellow bloggers:  Thanks for coming sharing this amazing thing called blogging with me.  You have made my life richer for embracing me into your community.

005

Unknown's avatar

My Other Bike

by

It’s no use denying it … since I fell in love with motorcycles, my other two wheeled bike sits unused and collecting dust.  In 5 years, I have ridden less than 100 miles on the bicycle that I chose carefully and used to ride almost daily, 12 miles before work and more on the weekend.  Charleston is the perfect place to explore by bicycle and I loved riding it over The Arthur Ravenel Jr Bridge.

240

081

IMG-20130525-00476

039

Unknown's avatar

Myrtle Beach on the Bike: The Bars, Restaurants, and Music (and Pay to Pee!)

by

This is the third in a series of posts about Myrtle Beach Bike Week and my experience as a first timer.

No doubt, the people and the bikes are a big draw to Bike Week, but it is also the bars, restaurants and music that make for happening times.  Our first stop was SuckBangBlow, the bar whose website boasts the fact that “you can ride through the front doors, right up to the bar, and order a cold one!”.

027

017

037

031

039

The food at The Dead Dog Saloon was so yummy!

173

And there is an entire wall devoted to photos of beloved dogs that have passed on.

170

At The Beaver Bar, Brooks Paul, The Prince of Rock, the  12 year old lead singer of a rock band (the rest of the members are adults) played Journey, Foreigner, Queen, The Who and Led Zeppelin.

191

177

Almost as soon as I got to Myrtle Beach, my friend Billy told me that he had a few things he needed to teach me about Bike Week.  One of those lessons? The folks who keep the Porta Johns clean expect to be tipped.

 Need to pee?  Bring a dollar!  I’d never heard of such a thing!

On the other hand, I’ve used a lot of Porta Johns at football games and outdoor concerts and it can be a scary experience.  These potties?  Sparkling clean!  And you get to choose from a variety of hand cleanser, lotion and sunscreen once done!  Great Deal!

055

203

At the Causeway Grill and Bar, we heard the Josh Brannon Band.

064

062

And finally, on a beautiful Monday evening, we heard Sunny Ledfurd at The Boathouse.

288

245

240

239

244

This little one enjoyed the music as much as we did!

264

Warm summer days and nights. Inexpensive beer. Music, outdoors, with no cover charge.

No complaints!

Coming up: The Fourth and Final post – The Beach of Myrtle Beach

Unknown's avatar

Myrtle Beach on the Bike: The People and The Bikes

by

This is the second in a series of posts about Myrtle Beach Bike Week and my experience as a first timer.

Myrtle Beach Bike Week – motorcycles, music, people, bars (some only in business during bike week / 2-3 weeks per year) and restaurants – so many sites to see and things to do.  I was there for less than 48 hours and still managed to walk on the beach, log some miles on the bike, listen to fun music, enjoy good food and drink, and spend time with great friends.

People watching is a favorite activity.  Find a rocking chair, a beer, and watch the bikes and people go by.

034

034 - Copy

038

033

The problem I had with the rows of rocking chairs is that they were lined up right in front of where I had to back the bike into a long line of bikes.  Do you know how unnerving that is? Angle the bike wrong and the whole row goes down … or at least that was my fear.  Knowing everyone was watching made me even more nervous.  Deciding to make a positive out of a potential negative, I jokingly asked the crowd for a little love.  Everyone began to cheer and clap and I backed in without problem.  Phew!

 032

035

036

Once the bike was parked, I was able to grab a cold one, hang with my friends and get down to some serious people watching.

022 026 041

Juli and I with our multi-tatted friend

042 057 029

199

Then there are the bikes!  The models, colors, styles, and sheer individuality of them would keep you busy for hours.

193 192 066

023

025

Of course for me, the best part was having an unplanned, extra day off from work and using it to spend time on the bike and with friends. It was a fabulous mini-vacation!

018 019 209

Next Post:  The Music, Bars, and Restaurants

Unknown's avatar

Myrtle Beach on the Bike: Getting There and Back

by

This is the first of a few posts about the experience that is Myrtle Beach Bike Week.

I was anxious to put some significant miles on the bike.  Because of the constant rain, I’d only been able to ride a total of 450 miles since purchasing my Softail Slim on March 29th.  I’m not opposed to riding in the rain, but I’m still learning this new bike and wanted to get to know it better before riding on wet roads.

When friends told me that they would be heading to Myrtle Beach, it seemed like a good opportunity to get those much needed miles.  I’d ride down Saturday and come back Sunday, accumulating a minimum of 700 miles.  Most folks go for the week; I would go for 2 days.

Saturday morning dawned and it was still raining off and on … but I am nothing if not game, and decided to go for it anyway.

002

I followed my friends Lake and Juli, who had decided to trailer their bikes and gear down in preparation for a week long stay.

012

We’d not gone 2 miles when I noticed that the mirrors and cables were loose.  Thankfully, Lake had tools with him and fixed me right up. I do have a couple tools on my bike but not an Allen Wrench … lesson learned!

004

Despite the weather, I was so happy to be riding and I was loving the new bike!!

005

Thankfully, by the time we got to Rockingham NC the rain had stopped and the sun was shining most of the time.

007

I was shedding clothing with each stop.

009

By the time we got to the beach, I was down to t-shirt and vest and that first view of the ocean from the deck of the house brought even more smiles to my face.

013

The ride back 48 hours later found me layered up and leathered up, too.  I usually like to take my time and explore the route, but the further north I got, the more the temps dropped.

I took a few moments to shoot some pics in a cemetery in Blenheim, SC.

290

And a couple more of Pilot Mountain, NC

298

296

The views were beautiful, but it was 50 degrees and that makes for cold riding at 70 miles per hour.  By the time I got home, 850 miles and 60 hours later, I was chilled to the bone.  A hot shower was what the Nurse Practitioner ordered and it felt great!!

Even with the less than optimal traveling weather, it was a wonderful first road trip!

Unknown's avatar

The Sigh

by

It is something that escapes, almost without me being aware that it has happened.  It usually occurs within 20 minutes of starting up the bike and heading out on the road.

Of course, as soon as I get on the bike,  I am happy to be feeling the wind in my face and I look forward to the ride ahead.  I know I’ll see the beauty of the land, feel the adrenalin pounding in my blood, and hear the wind rushing by my ears.  Those things are a given, and I welcome them.

019

And then, as I am settling into the ride, it happens.

The Sigh.

It is big and it is physical … as if from the depths of my soul.  Lungs fill.  Chest rises.  Shoulders lift.  Breath escapes.  And with that, the fatigue and pressure that have built up during the day are released and I am, for a few moments, free.

And all is right in my world.

009

Unknown's avatar

First True Ride on the New Bike

by

Two weeks ago I picked up the bike, rode home from the dealer, around town just a bit, and then the snow came.  So this past weekend was the first time I was really able to get out and learn the bike.  And learn it I did!

Even though this bike sits lower than most (24.5 inches) and even though I had it modified for short arms and legs, I find that there are still adjustments to be made.  Most importantly, I have to stretch just a bit too much to reach the left handlebar.  Other things such as the weight and being able to back it up, will come along with time.  Despite the low seat height, I only stand at 5ft tall, so no matter what I ride, I will be always be challenged just a bit.

Having said all that, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this bike!  It rides so smoothly and runs so well … I am thrilled!

On Sunday, I rode with friends for the first 80 miles.  We rode to Smith Mountain Lake and then I headed out on my own.  My goal was to focus on how the bike handled (and how I handled the bike) without worrying about keeping up with friends.  I thought it fitting that I took the first half of my first long ride with the guys who have taught me the most (see this post to learn about them) https://lifeonthebikeandotherfabthings.wordpress.com/2012/10/12/my-guys/.

I left the lake area, where I of course had to stop and take a few photos …

013

010

011

016

I was really too focused on the bike to spend time on photography, but it was so beautiful that I had a hard time not stopping!  I headed over Catawba Mountain, through Ellett Valley and home through Tom’s Creek.  A total of 170 miles and a wonderful, wonderful day!

034

Unknown's avatar

The Colors of Nature (and the new bike!)

by

It was a beautiful evening … one of those times when the light captures the colors of nature perfectly!  I met with Pam to enjoy a glass or two of wine after work and the view was our reward for working hard (well, the view AND the wine AND the friendship).

Purple and Gold

009

Green and Silver

002

Blue and Rust

013

Amber and Grey

001

Olive Green and Dark Brown

008

Blue, Grey and Buff

004

I wish I could say that I took these pictures while on a bike ride …

BUT

At least I CAN say that I at least have the new bike!!!

Oh Happy Day!

The 2013 HD Softail Slim!

Just call this color AWESOME!

002

Unknown's avatar

Number Three!!

by

I did it!  I bought my third bike (and my first new one)!

002 (2)

Meet the 2013 Softail Slim!

004

IMG-20130315-00347

I took these last 2 pictures with my cell phone, and since I’m one of the few people left on the earth who doesn’t use an iPhone, the photography isn’t the greatest … but the bike totally is!!

IMG-20130315-00348

Can you tell I’m happy?

The dealer is having to add a riser to bring the handlebars closer to me (short arms), is moving the brake closer to me (short legs), and is changing out the grips (small hands).  Because I like to travel, I am also adding a windshield, saddle bags, and engine guard.  I hope to bring the bike home in a week.

I CAN’T WAIT!!

005

I sure am going to miss my sweet little Sportster though …