What a lucky guy!!
He rides around in this padded cart and his motorcycle drivers told us that they go nowhere without him.
I’m telling you … it was so cozy in there, I almost wanted to get in there with him and ride along!
Isn’t he a sweet old guy?
And since my camera is in the shop (no photography) and my bike is totaled (no rides- are you feeling sorry me yet 🙂 ) I’m finally posting these photos which have been in draft since September.
Waking up to thunder and lightning at 3am had me wondering if I’d be pulling out in a downpour. Â By the time I got up at 6am, the rain had stopped, and now that I’m ready to go, it looks like I’ll stay dry … for at least awhile.
I’ll be posting along the way. Â Thanks for your enthusiasm about the ride – I’d love to hear from you!!
(this is me on the old bike from the 2010 50th Birthday Ride)
WOOOOO HOOOOOO!!!!
The everpresent rain
has challenged me in my trip preparation
to focus on the positives
of this constant moisture
3 More Days … Hoping for sun but will ride no matter what!
You ride in the heat and the cold; the sun and the rain.
But sometimes you pull over and wait out the storm.
All for the love of the ride.
My friend Dave likes to tell me that it’s important to train for big summer rides. Â He’s joking of course (well, he’s sort of joking). Â Dave & Martha are heading out west this year, so they have a long and wonderful ride ahead of them. Â While they’ll be covering thousands of miles, I’ll be heading to Maryland and Delaware, for a total of only 1200 or so.
I’m so excited about my upcoming trip and I’ve been riding as often as time and clear skies permit. Â So many things about riding my motorcycle make me happy. Â The joy of the wind in my face, the thrill of the sweeps and curves of the road, the towns, historical sites, and people along the way, and absolutely, it’s the adventure. Â You just never know what gift the road will give you.
Two weeks ago, I took a short 80 mile ride through the back roads of Floyd and Montgomery Counties, and for a good 45 minutes I was worried that I’d run out of gas. Â By the time I came across a gas station that actually had gas to sell, I was down to my last 10th of a gallon. Â Phew! Â I have never been that close to running out of gas!
Then while outrunning the rain, I managed to end up on a road that had recently been flooded and provided some challenging riding. And all of this, my friend Michael always tells me, is part of the ride. Â I agree!
This past Sunday, a glorious day sans rain, found me riding through Pulaski and Montgomery Counties. I just could not keep myself from stopping to photograph the beautiful scenery.
And the reward at the end of  the day (like the ride isn’t enough of a reward?) … a lovely single malt scotch on the deck over looking the river.
 
My new luggage rack came in the mail today and this year’s adventure begins in just 2 weeks!!
I know … you thought that Montana was Big Sky Country. Â Well, we’ve got a little bit of that going on right here in Southwest Virginia, too!
You pull the bike over to take a few shots and you fall in love with the close up …
and then you marvel at the colors of the various grasses in the field.
You look up and notice how beautiful the grasses look against the clouds …
And then it hits you … you are indeed in big sky country!
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.
I followed my friends Lake and Juli, who had decided to trailer their bikes and gear down in preparation for a week long stay.
We’d not gone 2 miles when I noticed that the mirrors and cables were loose. Â 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!
Despite the weather, I was so happy to be riding and I was loving the new bike!!
Thankfully, by the time we got to Rockingham NC the rain had stopped and the sun was shining most of the time.
I was shedding clothing with each stop.
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.
The ride back 48 hours later found me layered up and leathered up, too. Â 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.
And a couple more of Pilot Mountain, NC
The views were beautiful, but it was 50 degrees and that makes for cold riding at 70 miles per hour. Â By the time I got home, 850 miles and 60 hours later, I was chilled to the bone. Â 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!
It is something that escapes, almost without me being aware that it has happened. Â 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, Â I am happy to be feeling the wind in my face and I look forward to the ride ahead. Â 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. Â Those things are a given, and I welcome them.
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.
Two weeks ago I picked up the bike, rode home from the dealer, around town just a bit, and then the snow came. Â So this past weekend was the first time I was really able to get out and learn the bike. Â 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. Â Most importantly, I have to stretch just a bit too much to reach the left handlebar. Â Other things such as the weight and being able to back it up, will come along with time. Â 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! Â It rides so smoothly and runs so well … I am thrilled!
On Sunday, I rode with friends for the first 80 miles. Â We rode to Smith Mountain Lake and then I headed out on my own. Â My goal was to focus on how the bike handled (and how I handled the bike) without worrying about keeping up with friends. Â 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)Â 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 …
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! Â I headed over Catawba Mountain, through Ellett Valley and home through Tom’s Creek. Â A total of 170 miles and a wonderful, wonderful day!
It was a beautiful evening … one of those times when the light captures the colors of nature perfectly! Â 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
Green and Silver
Blue and Rust
Amber and Grey
Olive Green and Dark Brown
Blue, Grey and Buff
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!
Life on the Bike and other Fab Things 