My 2 hour ride...

Ok... I'm 0 for 2 now...

Tuesday, I rode my bike to work and home again without incident and even went through heavy traffic. It was great. I'm getting used to the clutch, but it still bit me again today.

Before I begin, let me first explain that the clutch on my bike is a bit worn and although it is certainly ridable, it takes some getting used to for me.

The Route:

The plan was to meet my friends at their house and then take off from there. It would be my first offiicial ride and we were planning for 2 hours. It actually took almost 3 and we went for about 70 to 75 miles. I rode to the Gas station and filled up my tank. Like I've said before, I'm always a bit nervous about anything new, no matter how big or small, so even this simple task was a sort of a hurdle for me... I know... weird! Anyway, afterwards, took off for my friends house and met up with the others. We took off for Aumsville and everything was going great. I took second (there were 3 of us) place. The ride was awesome. It's hard to explain to someone the freedom you feel while riding, the pockets of temperature changes, the smells (dill, mint, berries, dairy, skunk - hehe good thing the bike goes fast eh?). We went for about a good 20 miles before my next embarrasing moment occurred. We came to the end of a road and had to make a sharp left (I mean very sharp...). Things had gone so smoothly up to that point, I took off ever so slowly, but again the clutch got me and I killed it just as I was in the turn. As you can guess, due to the lean and the loss of momentum, I couldn't hold her up and I ended up laying her down again. Unfortunately I wasn't standing still on this one and the clutch lever got bent upwards. Of course, I'm right in the middle of the road and over the hill here comes a car who stopped to ensure I was ok. I was more embarrassed than anything. I lifted up the bike and backed her off the highway. Again, some minor scratches in the same places - no big deal, but the clutch lever gave me reason to be angry at myself. I'll have to replace that right away. Ok... you're thinking no big deal right... well... had we left enough alone, perhaps... but No... We tried to bend it back a bit, but it wouldn't budge.. no... infact it broke off... Now I'm out in the middle of nowhere on a ride with a stub of a clutch lever...

Stub or not, it didn't stop me. It was enough for my two fingers to grab it and the clutch was worn enough that I didn't have to pull her too far in to switch gears, so off we went. I got used to shifting with my two fingers, but it wasn't very graceful and a bit difficult stopping and starting. We continued our ride and had a blast on some twisties and continued on through Scio and Lyons and I have no clue wherelse. The sunset was amazing and we made it to Silver Creek Falls to see the last of the sunset and the lights of the valley below. From there, we went to Silverton, and then broke off and I rode back home to Salem.

All in all, I'm still pretty embarrased about laying it down again, but I feel my riding skills are pretty good. I'll work on my starting out - but I'm hoping that a new clutch will help that along. I've ordered the parts and my friend will install it next week when the parts arrive. I'm hoping to replace the clutch lever tonight (that is if I picked up the right one...).

Riding is fun! It's relaxing and invigorating! I wish I would have started this 20 years ago!!!

First day on the bike...

I took my bike to work this morning. I was a bit nervous about being out on the streets of Salem, so I decided to take the back roads. Everything started out well, and I soon realized that there was nothing to fear, but my own insecurities about being on the bike. (which were probably more than most...) I didn't have any problems, except that the speed limit was 25 everywhere... ugh... and then I got caught at a train crossing (another 5 minutes). By this time, I was about 5 minutes late for work, so I decided to ditch the back roads, and just go my normal route to work. It was smooth. I finally made it to work and found a place to park and was only 15 minutes late. No one noticed! LOL

As the day went on, I felt like getting back on the bike, and my mind just wasn't on work. I decided to work a bit late to make up for coming in late and I thought it would be good to let the rush hour traffic be finished before I head back out on the streets. I had already decided to take my normal route home...

Well I got to the parking garage and saw my bike sitting there, geared up and prepared to leave. I was honestly a bit nervous. I've never really been one to go out and do daring things - so anything new is sometimes a big thing for me. This was still new and I was still nervous... I started her up and left for the exit. Ok... this is where things got tricky. The garage sensors were not picking me up and the door was not opening... hmmm.... I pulled a little closer. I realized it wasn't working, but I was too close, turned the bike tightly and let out the clutch only to kill it. I turned it a bit to tight and she started to go down on me (granted I was pretty much standing still...), but I wasn't ready for it and I tried with all my might to keep her upright, but her 500+lbs got the best of me and she slowly laid down on her side...

Like an idiot I tried to pick it back up while still straddling the bike, but it was too much for me (reminder... need to work out more on the upper body). I paniced a bit (normal right, my bike is laying in front of the exit and if anyone comes, they can't leave until I move it...) I strip my gear off as my mind starts to panic about whether or not it's too heavy (I mean I already tried while I was straddling it and couldn't...). I reach down and lift and to my surprise... It wasn't soo bad and I lifted it up with a little grunt here and a little grrr there. Stood her back upright, put my gear back on and backed her up and decided to wait for another car to leave so I could let it trigger the door (slim pickins... most people had already left...).

I didn't have to wait long before a car came down the ramp and I watched as it pulled up to the door and it triggered it to open. Finally, I am ready to make my escape. The car heads through and I shift her into 1st and....

She dies... (Again, I panic as I try not twice but thrice or more...) The doors close...

I continue a few more times thinking I've done something so bad to the bike, it won't go into gear without dying... At this point, I should let you know I am NOT mechanically inclined in the least... I turn things on and push buttons... I don't ask how or why. I decide to call my buddy (who also owns one - and get some advice) I go to put the kickstand down and ...

WHAT???? It's already down - Oh Yeah... that silly kickstand down - kill the engine - safety feature the guy who sold me the bike told me about... It goet me on day 1!!!! Hmmm.... I put the kickstand up and put her into first and she purred like a kitten. Luckily, I only had to wait a few more minutes before another car came and I dashed out behind it.

So I started my trip home with a huge notch cut out of my self confidence, but I decided to stick to my original plan and take the main roads home. It worked out great! I even went down Lancaster (a very busy street). By the time I got home, my confidence was back up to it's rather timid start.

So much for a 1st day... Tomorrow, there is a 2 hour ride planned with some friends out around the Silver Creek Falls and Jefferson, Scio, etc. I'm looking forward to it... So... off to get some rest... Big day tomorrow!

Reminder to self... If I park in the parking structure... leave work at 5 cuz I know the garage doors are open... ;-)

As for damage on the bike... perhaps some minor scratches to the already existing ones... Lucky for me a brand new fairing came with the bike, I just hadn't put it on yet (might hold off a while... lol)

New Bike... Life is good!

Totally psyched about today. I finally got myself a motorcycle. (1998 Honda VFR 800 Interceptor) I have been wanting one for 3 years now and finally the day has come!

First time on a bike in a while...

Today I got to ride a bike twice! It was awesome to finally sit on one and go for a spin. I can't wait to get one of my own! Thanks Derek...