Sunday, November 9, 2008

It's about friggin' time!

Yesterday was the first time in two weeks that I was able to get my baby out for a ride. It had been one thing or another and I was getting really sick of it!
We woke up in the morning and I was all anticipation and nerves. I was worried that I might have forgotten everything that I had learned about riding. I know two weeks isn't that long, but when you're still a newbie you worry you might have to start from scratch. Thankfully that wasn't the case. When I got going I felt great, I think I was actually feeling more comfortable than the last time I rode. It just felt so good to get out and go.
First stop was the Harley dealership. We met Willy D. and Carol there and got our free hot dogs. Free hot dogs are usually good, but when you eat one the morning after a night of J.D. they don't taste so good. That's all I'll say about that, I'll leave the potty posts for Dave!
While we were there Carol and I signed up for the garage party they are having this week. I am really looking forward to checking it out. I will definitely post about it.
We left the dealership and went to pick Riley up at his friend's house. He had spent the night and I had promised if the weather was nice that we would pick him up on the bikes. Well, the weather wasn't really nice, but it wasn't bad either. Just a little overcast and on the chilly side without being too cold. The friend's house he stayed at also happens to be one of the family's that I work for, and they have been wanting to check out my bike since I got it. After showing off my baby a little bit and gearing up the kid we took off for our little ride.
We took a nice little road that I've been on a lot so it was a nice relaxing ride. It was starting to get windy and cold and I was wondering if it would rain on us. As much as I didn't want it to rain, I thought if it did it would be a first for me and a new experience, but then the more I thought about it I realized there are some things that are probably better not experiencing.
We rode for a little bit and stopped at the coffee shop on the way home. Once we got home and the babies were safely in the garage the clouds let loose and it poured. Yeah, I can do without that experience for now.
All I can say to those of you who are getting ready to put your bikes away for the winter season....My deepest condolences. Two weeks almost killed me, I can't imagine two months without getting out on my girl. Hopefully you all have lots of stuff to keep you busy, and those of us who can ride all year will try to ride enough for you! :)

7 comments:

Ann said...

Hot dogs the morning after a night of JD? Ewwww! The only cure for a night of JD is dry toast and more sleep!

Glad you got out for a ride yesterday. We were out Friday and Saturday nights on the bike, and it was cold! I donned my chaps on Saturday night.

We'll try, but I don't think we'll ever ride enough this winter to satisfy our east coast friends! :)

Dean "D-Day" said...

Yeah, it's been a week since I've been able to ride and it's killing me. (Temps in the 20's in the morning.) Glad you got to get out and enjoy some saddle time.

And yes, if I never had to experience riding in the pouring rain ever again, it would be too soon.

Anonymous said...

If you think about WANTING to ride in the rain again anytime soon, slap yourself on the wrist, then go back and read Jay's post about our "Amphibious Mountain Assault" back in May. That'll change your mind right quick! LOL Save riding in the rain for when you a have several hundred miles under your belt at least.

Glad you got to ride (we on the east coast will be living vicariously thorugh you in the upcoming months). Our rides are becoming few and far between about now--cold, rain, wind, shorter days, and busy schedules are all cutting in dramatically. As far as putting on the chaps goes, that is only the tip of the iceberg at this point! It's been more like long johns, jeans, chaps, hunting socks, thermal top, sweatshirt, down vest, heavy leather jacket, knit mini gloves inside the insulated leather ones, neck warmer, and full helmet! I feel like the abominable snowman-LOL!

Hoping for a few more days of sunny 50-degree days before the New Year rolls in. All signs so far point to a pretty cold winter though :-(

Lady R (Di) said...

Free Hot Dogs! Yeah! I'll take a JD and coke with that! LOL! Sorry, I couldn't resist.

When I got caught out in the rain for the first time, we were on a Poker Run with some friends in Panama City. When the rain started coming down, I got nervous at first, realizing this is it. The FIRST time! After I realized I wasn't going to melt like a big ol' sugar cube, I started to relax. I didn't have any problems and I kept up with everybody too, also, with no problems. We rode for about 8 miles to the next stop in a pretty hard rain. When we got inside the place and were shaking off rain and drawing numbers, two of my riding buddies came up to me and held out their fist so I could fist bump them, and they cheered proudly, "Way to go, you got your water wings today!" Woo Hoo! That was an awesome day.

Enjoy your "firsts". They are part of the memories that will get you to the good stuff!

B.B. said...

Ann- Ewwww is right!

Dean- Sorry you haven't been able to get out. 20 degrees....I'm shivering just thinking about it. I think our mornings have been about in the 40's.

Mrs. RC- It's a good thing it doesn't get too cold here, I don't think I could ride with all those clothes on!

Lady R-
I am cherishing every "first" I encounter, even the really stupid ones, they're all a part of the experience right?

"Joker" said...

Yeah, I rode my new Springer down to the shop the other day and dropped her off so she can get her voice back. I remember thinking as I rode that, 1) Damn! It's $%!@ing cold!, and 2) It's just about over for another 5 months. When she's done and all tricked out, I bet I'll have to wait on weather to cooperate just to bring her back home. It sucks!

As far as JD the next morning goes, been there, done that, and I'll PASS on the hot dog. Give me a Bloody Mary and a fried egg sandwich insead.

Oh yeah, and the rain? Don't be in a big hurry for that. Trust me, it bites. If it's cool out and you aren't geared up it's downright miserable. I agree that it can wait until you've gottem a few more dry miles on your Fire Red Pearl Sporty. You have great taste in colors, by the way.

B.B. said...

Joker- I'm sorry your weather doesn't let you ride all year, but I'm sure when you get to get back on in the spring you have a deeper appreciation for riding. Does that make you feel better?...no it wouldn't make me feel better either. ;)
I'm not disappointed about missing out on the rain, I'm sure I'll hit some at some point.