Too Much, or just enough

         

I met Sue at 9am on a cloudy Tuesday, in New Castle, Delaware off of I 95 at Mike's Famous Harley Davidson. The question wasn't was it going to rain but when would we run into rain. Sue and I were heading to Townsend, Tennessee with the rest of the ladies from the AMAZONS WMC. I was the North East High Prietess or Northeast Director for other clubs, so it was kind of like I ought to be there. I was recovering so this ride will either kill me or convince me I was BACK!! We or I had 710 miles to travel right now I think we were looking at 670 or something from Mike's. I knew I didn't want to stay on 95 besides that runs down the coast and from 95 to Tennessee that's almost a days ride there so I was thinking we would take someting different. We had several days to get there didn't have to be there til Friday, but I thought Sue might enjoy a slower pace since she's been only riding 6 months. The rest of the North East Sisters ducked out so it would just be she and I. We had some busy, scary roads we had to take and I for one was quite worried about this journey. I knew I'd be fine but I have never traveled with someone that has ridden for such short a peroid in of time. There she was on that little 650 Shadow she called "Gracie", me I was on my lowrider I called my dyna.

         Sue had become active in our club just about the same time she started riding which was about 8 months ago. To drag her over 700 miles in the rain to a mountain side gathering was kind of scary. I didn't give it much thought at first because several other Sisters ducked out of this gathering because of the expected rain not only Up here in the Northeast but there in Tennessee too. The whole trip would rain, threat of rain and possible torandos, you name the perfect time to ride, yay! If there were other sisters with me I could just put her in the middle and she'd be surrounded by experenced to semi experenced riders, but now just she and I where I put her is of little concern either way I'd be the one she look for when the shit hit the fan for sure. I asked if she was comfortable with highways traffic, and then asked what "Gracie" could do when loaded down she said it could maintain 80 but sometimes at that speed with going up hills. OK, I'll keep it about 70 - 75 then is that comfortable, how many miles to the tank? For I plan on going about 100 miles then stopping, we eat, drink, personal comfort, phone calls, gas, ya get 15 minutes then this train is leaving. I've decided to set some ground rules right out front it will stop any complaints later. I told her the route plan and she wrote it down I gave her a freezer baggie and highlight route I had for her. We put it in the big Freezer Baggie and tapped it on the tank. Now I've done this before it works out ok and a little elbow greese get that sticky residue off, continuous heavy rain yeah I don't know it it will stay, but I think its important for every one to know the route. I also added phone numbers of the nearest sisters along the route just incase.
        We pulled out of Mike's Famous and headed 95 south. The sky was grey as grey could be but they were not low to the ground, I knew this would change after all "everything is better when wet" right. I took it real easy for the first 50 miles I wanted to see how Sue handled the highway traffic and speed before I kicked up a notch to cruising speed. Like it or not she won't be able to sit back and take it easy we've got Baltimore and Washington DC to cruise through, which isn't really cruising at all its more or less a game of Doge Biker or atleast it sure feels that way. Man the last time I was in DC I had the 77, the fucker concked out under this tunnel type thing traffic was doing 80 and the fucker just stopped and I couldn't bump start the thing for the life of me while in the tunnel, getting to the side of the road was almost impossible as it ran out of steam, oh mam there was underwear changing happening on that one for sure. We neared Baltimore and the traffic picked up some and this is where I thought we might want to fill up that way there would be rest before the chaos. It would also give me a chance to find out how she was doing, before we entered chaos.
       The rest stop went to plan I pulled up to the pump got gas, went to the bathroom, got something to drink and went out to sit at one of the benches and waited for Sue. She came out lite a but and I asked her how she was doing if she was ready go go forward with the journey. She asked if we had to do DC at this point the only thing I could see was taking 70 off of 695 to like Hagerstown hitting 81 and heading south, to me this would put more miles on then I guess and a little more time. However she didn't want to do DC on second thought, and well she's been riding only 8 months I can't blame her cause I didn't want to do it either. So we headed out 95south and the next exit we were on 695, I hate City riding with a passion!!! We excaped 695 with our lives as we hit 70, just about the same time those grey clouds heavy with rain and hanging lower then they had been open up and dumped on us. Off the highway and put on rain gear, why we were already freaking wet but it was kind of chilly no reason to get soaked to the bone though...........we got our gear on. It was a steady rain but vision wasn't compromised so on the road we went. Ah the spray them trucks kick off is amazing when your riding, it might be a Pain in the ass in your care but its unnerving on a bike. It didn't take long before the rains were so heavy we couldn't see, I hit my hazards and cruised the white line for the exit. I just couldn't see so I had to find one some how. Once on the off ramp the rain wasn't as bad that maybe due to speed and the cars and trucks spray. We pulled into a McDonalds I think and got coffee and sandwiches. I dissappeared into the bathroom.
           Sue, wanting to follow the 15 minute rule came to find me, there I stood in my bra and panties as I had all the driers on and was blow drying my jeans and shirt dry.......LOL! The look on her face, I think she had to grab her jaw and manually close it. Then she said, " they told me about you and its true, from the rain to the unbelieveable, and that ya a good thinking rider." She shook her head and walked out. Whatever I might as well use my minutes to dry out right and be warm. When everthing was down to a managable damp I got dressed and went back out and it was just pouring. We aren't going any were in this mess. "good" is all she could say. Then she went off into the bathroom and well I could hear all the driers running LOL! When the rain slowed down we got our rain gear on and took off on 70 west. We got just a few miles out side of where 81 meets 70 it started to pour as it did before, I thought to myself as I made the decision to stop in Hagerstown. I wanted to be in Front Royale this night but man Mother Nature said no way. I could see no reason to continue on and be a hazard in the road. We got a room right where 81 and 70 meet, so in the morning we could just head south on 81. We went and got something to eat and came back to the room it smelled like wet leather and sheep.
             The next morning didn't appear much better. The skies blackish grey looking like they could dump any minute. I knew this was going to be this way I just had a feeling, besides when didn't I travel and it didn't rain? In the club I've got the reputation of bringing the rain no matter what and I usually make a joke out of it by saying something stupid like " I ain't riding if it ain't raining, If it ain't raining I ain't riding." All the gals know pack a rain suit if "Tumbles" is going to be there. Today though I'd like some sunshine we've got a lot of miles to cover and really didn't burn up the world yesterday, but how could we even that rain was to dam much to ride in. I turned from the windlow and thought geeze that sheep thing must have dried over night or, I got used to the smell. There was a Bob Evans across the highway so Sue and I doged the crazies to go and grab something to eat. As we ate it rained and rained, though it did seem to be lighting up. The clouds less grey and mabye the skies brighter. Nope the room still smelled like wet leather, sheep, and add pleasure dirty dog? Sue What the fuck man, It turns out "sweetpea" her lab goes and takes the sheep skin off the bike and sleeps on it when she's in the shed. We geared up and headed out. I had some decisions to make on which way to go. Either way we would be on 70 west, and got on the 83 interchange. Interstate 83 is two lanes going in both directions. Its not a bad road at all, however, in the rain with the trucks turbulence with the threat of heavy rain again it could spell more problems or I could hit a side road and take the Blue Ridge Parkway. It would be slower but less frustrating for Sue. Geeze I love and hate new riders at the same time.
                 I really didn't know what the best way to proceed was so I asked Sue how she was feeling. She couldn't really give me an aswer the idea of being on 83 with trucks and such didn't make her smile nor did the Blue Ridge Parkway, ok the decision was mine alone. My concerns were on the Parkway though not challenging to most riders with some experience riding mountain passes it would be a no brainer but here I'll looking at a gal with no rain experience, which after this trip she'll have it coverd and mastered, in the twists and turns with out mountain experience too that will be remedied as well after this trip. Well, "Almost Heaven.......West Virgina............Blue Ridge Mountains................Shenandoan River...........Life is old there older than the trees...........Younger than the Mountains, growing like the weeds.................Country roads, take me home, to the place I was belong West Virginia Mountain Mama  Take me home country roads........." Sorry When ever I cross that state line that song comes to mind. Well, I had time to think about what I was going to do cause we've got to cross back into Virginia before we can take the Blue Ridge Parkway. Cause there is no way I'm going to take Sue across the WVA state line on some of them back roads. Geeze I remember my first experience riding WVA. At this point it was raining lightly so it wasn't a big deal and I was most thankful for that. Our first gas stop we stoped and chatter for a few. Sue was in a much better state of mind then yesterday she seemed more relaxed and not so tense. I don't blame her riding in the rain sucks.
               Ok, here we are blasting down 83 about 70, there's a light mist, I can see the signs for Shenandoan National Park, but I blow right passed them as the light rain and fog was nothing to hide from. I think we got down to somewhere around Luray when the rains came down much heavier than they had been. after about 70 miles I got off Sue could get gas and I could check out her mental state. Man this sucks I've got to pay attention to everything around me for my own saftey and I've got to pay attention to Sue and her little hints that say wow I'm feeling overwhelmed now. She still didn't seem rattled so I firgured if the rains holds in this pattern and Sue keeps up we will be down in Tennessee by tonight. No matter how ya slice it I've got to be there the day after tomorrow man. I'm the NE High Priestess, and if I say I'm going to be there its my job to be there. The club plans on making a couple of prospects Full and True members and we will also be voting for a HP in the Southwest as we have 10 ladies there now. All current offiecers will be present except  those from Canada and Poland.  The truck traffic seems to be p;icking up and the rain seemed to be coming down harder. I knew Sue was starting to feel overwhelmed as she began to slow down and we had a huge gap between us. I didn't want to slow way  down here on 83 because that leaves us open to being run over. I saw signs for route 11. Now I know 11 runs along the Blue Ridge Parkway, but it zig zags so, it will take much longer, so I jumped onto 11. From 11 we took an up hill climb to the Blue Ridge Parkway below Shenandoan Valley so the roadway is a free ride.
                Now, this is the second thing that drives this club crazy and that is I love myself some mountain passes! I didn't love them at first I think I was terriffied the frist time I road northren New Jersey that my fingers had cramps in them and I don't remeber seeing one thing around the Delaware Water Gap. The climbs and drops that wind their way around the mountains the first few times is frigting but after that they become fun as you learn to have faith in yourself and your machine. I knew the parkway would be slow going because of Sue, but well she's gaing experience right. Together we hit the parkway and I pulled into the first overlook we came to. I asked her if this was ok or would she rather be back on 83. Her comment was I'd rather be back at the hotel, "no shit" I thought to myself but that's not an option at the moment is it. We picked the blue ridge parkway. What I'm going to do is cut the lines for ya  give ya some kind of idea where to go. This was fucking killing me man! The road was posted 45, but Sue was doing maybe 35, so I had to drop it down to her speed, so she could keep up and hopefully get the feel then we could gradually increase our speed. The conditions here on the Parkway were better than 83, we were avoiding traffic hydroplaning trucks and cars, and the spray that was clouding our view. We continued our rythmic dance around the mountians for the major part of the day. Around 3pm the sun began to peek its little head out from behind the clouds. I knew I was going to started heading towards 83 to make up some time. Once back on 83 we spent the night in Bristol. We were not far from the NASCAR track.

              The Morning greeted uswith the surprise of the sun.  Love sunrise the birds were singing and moving about, the ground was drying out and though there were clouds in the sky they were white puffy ones. Ah we shall make it to Townsend Tennessee this afternoon. I let Sue take her time the last few days had been rough on her, however I didn't know how rough they were going to get. We gathered our crap up and strapped it down and preparid for take off. The route 83 to 40 to 341. The 2 interchanges were pretty easy no problems however 341 was a mess! It made many turns in busy congested little towns and the signs weren't easy to see and more than once I passed one, the congested areas of the little towns was just stupid. Once ya get through that intersection go a block and there be nothing. I was getting tired watching for road signs and quick changes ah but that is the beauty of travel eh? At one point I think 341 had 6 different directions and it was blenned in with like a dozen other signs. I can remember stopping right there in the middle of the road looking up going what the fuck is going on? how can ya make heads or tales out of this shit? Which fucking way man? I just picked a direction and went with it once I picked my bottom jaw off the road. LOL! 341 went from one lane to 4 lanes back to 1 lane back to 3 lanes then back to one lane.I stared to wonder if this was the right way. Soon enough 341 went up a hill made a sharp turn and was a winding country road once more up and over, down and around we went. Wow, I thought we'd be Townsend just about noon but we didn't arrive until about 4 pm.

         Once in Townsend we had to find the Best Western which should be pretty easy since we were on 341 and its address is 341. When we came up the Best Western I pulled up to what I thought was the office as the sign said Best Western then after it one with an arrow saying office. I went into the office and was greeted warmly, and then told its right next door but if you up and around behind the building and backdown the driveway you can take the connecting driveway right over. OK, and we walked out the door. I went behind and round the building and backdown the drive way, and there it was so I made my right and was riding looking at the asphalt thinking this is deffinatley a one way road, but it appeared to keep going in front of me past the Western hum that's odd. The closer to the Best Western I go I came to realize that I was riding on a bicycle path........oh well this is a bicycle of sorts at least that's what motorcycles came from right?

Anyway we got our room and found that the other Officers have all arrived and so now it was time for me to go and introduce our selves or atleast introduce Sue to them. She will have to go entertain herself for an hour or two as we heavies had business to contduct. We decided instead of doing it up at the cabin we'd do it here at the motel for the only extra would be Sue and hell well make her run for drinks, ice and wait out there for pizza. Hey, its what prospects do, they are expected to whatever they are asked to do. Some of the gals flew in and rented a car, as the weather said it was going to be rain they decided why bother riding through rain. It appeared that the west coast ladies would be riding the rains from coast to coast and well that didn't sound fun at all plus it gave them more time to hang with us anyway. We condcted our meeting and decided that Sue would be a Full and True at the end of this trip she hadn't been with us a year but hell riding in that rain show true heart and determination to get to a destination when asked to be there. Oh yeah Sue was told she had to be there no excusses. Therefore she arrived with me but really if I felt it was way over the top stupid riding there we would have gone back and she'd driven us there in her car............................have a great one it continues in II

Triva Nights.................

            A couple of years ago "Special K" started going to triva at the American Legion. This is the start of her weekend. When ya work in the service industry one gets used to odd days off and not even two in a row. She's been a memeber of the daughters of the American Legion for years beings that Mo, her father was a Vet. So, every Tuesday she goes and asks me to go too. I do go everyonce in a while but not regularly. I like testing my brain power sometimes. LOL! It really is amazing how much totally useless information we store up in our little brains over the years. "K" and her small group are kind they off anyone to be apart of their triva team. So, with that being said of course I'm a member of that team, its a odd collection and at times we can reason things down and get the answers based on the questions, usuing brain power. Triva doesn't start until 7pm, and usually I ride to "Special's" house, then drive to triva. See "Special" sold her bike a few months back you might remember that or is ya continue reading my blogs because she developed greys disease. It's a condition brought on my hperthyroidism. She said it made her feel like she was looking through to fish bowls, and her perseption is way off as well as really surper bad night vision. For these reasons she sold her bike and I drive her home from triva. I didn't have to do that tonight as her sister was visiting her from Oklahoma.
              I left here I guess about 5:45pm the sun was still shining and would do so for several hours. I rode in to town cause man the price of gass here on the island is just plain stupid so I like to ride or walk whenever I can. I arrived just before it started and took my seat. No one really could see me as I entered the door looking scarey I guess? I sat down introduced to K's sister and the games began. Ugh the questions asked were just plain silly. Such as: "if a titter is the dot above the letter i, then what is the dot above the letter j called?"  really, who would know this information or who would care? The next questions was about NASCAR, and that answer was easy "who was the current points leader?"  Greg Biffle. Then we went back to the questions of who cares and why would anyone worry about that, like "How many different animals in a box of Animal Crackers.?" we tried to count them out but were wrong. Needless, to say we were in like last, we usually are in the top 4. Now beings this is a mixed group, not everyone knows every one really well, but most were discusted because of doing very poorly. Me I looked at it as a night out, enjoying the company of a friend and trying to make more friends. Not everyone views it the same.
            Since I go every now and then I will be the runner the one to take the answer up. I usually stand there and get a yes or no. I got more nos so I decided to have fun with it. I'd went back to the table and yelled, "yeah, woohoo, we got it wrong! YEAH" "K" laughed the rest just staired. I did it with the next answer, for the thrid time I came back and yelled, "Yeah, WooHoo, we got it worng! We'er jamming in last! yeah" "K" says," good job!" the rest of the group stared then Ken comes up with, "High five are we the brains or what!" LOL! I figured what the heck so what ya might as well have fun ya can't win every night and loosing gracefully is a true test of character. Something that I was trying to come a cross this mostly group of seniors and that is man something's in life just aren't important. I would have figured they would have gotten that one by now if not long ago.
             The finial question was here no one was paying attention. They really didn't care kind of like take my ball and go home tudes, however the finial question was on the Hawiian Alphabet and to list 12 of the 13 letters. No one was into it heads in the sand each answer for the 12 is 5 points there's still a chance that we might pull through and finish mid pack instead of dead last if we answer this queston. Now, this group always treats "K" and myself like doodoo birds, ya know I'm real trashy, wild woman that rides. Really, I read medical journals and understand them, go to triva at the American Legion, volunteer for the American Red Cross Animal divison and I'm an out of control wild woman with no sense. Most the time they burry my answers, and usually I'm right but to night these were questions about things that were less than worth thingking about except for this alphabet thing. Not one interested in it so I grab the sheet and "K", her sister and my self fill out the paper. They were all babbling like I'd know anything about the Hawiian Alphabet and how would you gals know. I went and turned in the answer sheet. OK, hold your hats folks we went from last place to first. It's all about the travel for me and "K" and her sister. We like to meet people travel and we babble with them as well and have a great time. So "K" was military and lived in Hawiian for 1 year, ya think she learned something.................they were all happy yeah!

        I left them all with drinks on the table, talking and babbling, went out to the parking lot and rode off. The night air was cool so I was glad I brought my leather jacket, gloves. I have to say it was rather refreshing as I turned from FT. Caroline and headed towards 9A north. I was stoped at the light righ before the on ramp and had a chance to look around. This was a pretty area as far as a city goes, its one of the older parts of the city though revitialized now. When I look to the right the St. John's river is seen however ist just dark and black hole in the landscape everyonce in awhile there would be a glimmer off a ripple in the warters surface breaking up the blackness. I could see the dim lights of the Dam's Point Bridge, and the bright ones of JEA. The light turned green and I headed up the on ramp to 9A, as soon as I hit 9A it was there the sliveryblue glow of the Moon and planet just below her. She was just a Thumbnail moon and it appeared low enough to touch. Best not be distracted right here as I was approaching another on ramp. I began the climb of the hump of the bridge and just as I crested it the Moon was righ there, it was breath taking if it were not for the things of man. I was a little freer to look around abit  as this isn't a high traffic time the folks here roll up the side walks by 9pm, something I still hadn't gotten used to after all these years here.  I hit the off ramp on to Heckshure Drive and navigated my way into the left lane.
             I passed the bright of JEA and its tower stackes and was moving towards Jaxport, over the railroad tracks and past the small shripming company. Only one boat in dock so I"m guess the other 3 were out at sea. here is were the marsh and creeks collide, both sides off the road were black but I could feel the dampness and warmth so I knew it was the waters around me. It must have been High tide because that marshie smell wasn't prestent.  The stars were shining brightly as there were no thngs of man for a few miles here. The thumbnail moon was turning from sliveryblue to orange gold but she still seemed close enought to touch. I wished I had brought my camera and tripod on this trip what a great shot that thumpnail would have been. I snaked my way north towards home. I was stopped by one of the draw bridges nere the old Atlantic Marina, I looked into what they had in dry dock. Since the Navey pulled their contract with them they've suffered and inturn the area suffered. The place used to have 3 shifts working 24 hours 7 days a week, the jobs have yet to be replaced yet. I watched a tug boat pass slowly out of view and under the bridge giving the traditional two toot "thank you".
              As I continued on my way the tempeture felt like it dropped and I could feel that tingling icey sensation on my cheeks. I was glad that I picked my heavy leather coat for thing nights journey, as at this moment is when I really needed. I wouldn't be too much longer I just had to cross over two of the larger bridges then was back on my own island. Its easy at these times to get lost in ones thoughts but not so lost that ya don't see that raccoon or bobcat crossing the road, or ya just didn't pay attention as a car came at ya and you left your high beams on. These is the time to think maybe of problems, solutions or a time to empty the brain. Real relaxed yet alert. I reached the Amelia River or Nassau Sound, that thumbnail moon was just hanging there watching and was a surreal scene from the waters of the river. I pulled off the side of to the shoulder no one was coming now.........I just looked at the blackness that was the river, the dark shadows that was the point and above the poin the orangish glowing thumb nail moon with the planet shining ever so brightly below it. I could hear the water sloshing around the pilings of the bridges footings, will the salt on the breezes, hear the night bugs in the distance and the ones that buzzed me. There was silence nothing put the occational ping of coolng pipes.  I don't know how long I stood there, just taking in the sight, with out a thought passing through my mind but I knew it was a time of great peace and stillness. We all should take more time to enjoy the wonders of this world. Just hust, look, listen and feel, its all here for us to enjoy, so why bypass it in a rush to get to somewhere that has little importatace in the end.
                I left the bridge and continued north along the area of the island where the wealthy live. Here they put a bunch of round abouts in so the residents don't have to stop, as well as slow traffic down. I hit the finial round about and headed north on Fletcher. I will have to slow to 35 miles an hour here as I went passed the third golf course along this journey. I passed the tall towers and soon will see the ocean. She was just a blackhole as well the moon very small offered no bright dazzling display of reflect nightlight, but I could see all the shrimp boats out trolling. I came to my street trun down it hit the garage door button and pulled right in. As I was take stuff off I thought I ought to have stayed home this night, cause I don't like to go to triva too much. However if I didn't go I would have missed a real nice peaceful night's ride. Maybe I'll skip next week we shall see.           Have a great  one  "T"

Street Riding with "Special K" experiencing road surfaces and Mother Nature II

    OK, we are still heading north on 17 and made it thru the construction zone, however there is still some high traffic areas before the road heads into the marshes and small rivers that dump into the the St John's River. Here the trees canopy lean over the the road creating tricky light and shadow areas, as well as little fuzzy creatures that run out, small bridges that cross rivers that bring the winds from the St. John's with them, tidal changes means dealing with shore birds and human's fishing. Now we all know no one get in the way of redneck fishing right? Once past the bridges there a couple of little towns then sr 200. I know we were going to take Alton road, but started thing that this 17 offerend a biggier varity of conditions for this too snaked along the river and a gain would end up at her home. So we made it past the construction site and I kept cruising along, I felt no need to tell her about any more up coming things, for stopping and such is a skill that she has already paractices and does so regularly, I also felt the shadows and such she's dealt with driving and there is no difference be it a car or bike. We hit 200 made that right and continued right on down to the intercoastal bridge up and over and down 8th street, we were now on my island. We continued straight on 8th street until Center Ave then made a left on Center Ave. Right here is the begining of the "Down Town" area, the streets a re small, there is brick on the people crossings, shops, folks pulling in and out, crowned streets, and lots to look at. After all this little village area dates back I think to the late 1700's early 1800's. We make a right on to Second st and park along side of the Palace Saloon. We go in to relax, she can babble to me about what she thought, felt and from there I can make a decision as to what we will work on next or just take smoother roads home.
       So, we sat at the tables had ice tea and babbled about what she thought about the things she road thru already, how did she feel about them and if she felt the need to rexperience them to understand what they feel like. I'm doing this now because I want to know what kind of impressions the condtions left ther with, how they felt to her and if she took the too lightly or was still stress over running across them again. See if she took them to lightly that mean I took the edge of caution away which is very bad, however is she was too terrified to really "feel" for them to make and impression that's bad too, either way I 'd have to look to find this conditions for her so she could experience them correctly. I want her to form her own opinions on things not suck up others fears, be cautious and respectful without paralizing terror too, its all a fine line. Plus I don't want her picking up my attitude its no big deal cause they are a big deal and I do have respect and caution of these situations but for her any fear of conditions and such I do not want to share, I do not want to create any unneccessary fears, "K" will have plenty of chances of her own to become "fearful" of conditions and surfaces she doen't need anyone else pressing their fears on her. I found that she was just fine, infact when we hit the construction zone she understood what I was trying to do, as she practiced her basic skills learned by the MSF, I was taking her out to experience the caution zones of riding in the best situations that a rider could come up on them, and allowing here the freedom to experience them for herself not just taking her out to practice her basic skills. I told her where we were going next, dealing with down town traffic, riding along the ocean there and people and the things they are carring are the dangers here. the back half or north part of the island with little circle or roundabouts, the waters and cross winds , bridges, and grated bridges. I think I will also take her on old asphalt road on that has been patched,  has some chuck holes, which leads to a gravel road, then fininal into a sand road them back to asphalt, to loading up on the ferry for the ride home, I not heartless enough to make her to the Dam's Point again.
          We had out from the Palace head east, make a right on to Flectcher and track right on along the ocean. People are walking to the beach at this time, folks are coming home  from chruch, going to Sliders or the Surf, just road way chaos however its sunny ocean breezes that give ya a litle blow when ya out from behind the beach house that line the street, alot is going on so much to watch. At Saddler we go around the roaund about, as the grey little clouds pass over head, we end up on the corner of A1A and Hecshure drive, and head left going south. This is where the wealthy of the wealthist live, and with that comes some of the oldest drivers on the planet.  Q Tip drivers unit! Rolls eyes at the moment but it is a road condition We pass over the bridge of Amelia Sound, and the game warden is there at the boat ramp messing things up if you like and them we enter wooded areas of the island, and with a bat of any eye cross over to Little Talbot Island. As we round the bend and cross a nother large bridge we are now on Big Talbot island there's the drive on beach park. This place is jamming in the summer wall to wall trucks, cruising back and forth it is redneck beach man. We round the bend on the north end if Big Talbot, come to a bridge. I love this here the water at high tide can appear to be aqua, and the sands white and ususally there is a number of windsuffers and para gliders? Ya can see the large ships lining up to come into Jacksonville port, and the tops of the Naval Ships and Coast Guard at Mayport. We cross this bridge and slow down as the signs direct us too, this part of the road was ahs some nice sweeper on it, and now we are ready to hit some grated bridges.
            Right before the first grateded bridge I pull over into a parking area and stop to speak to "k" about grated bridges. She said wow that's so awesome I've done that road hundrend of times but never on a bike and it is completely different, in a car is borring. but on a bike its exciting. Now she is getting it. We talk about the serious of grated bridges comeing up and the fact that they are all draw bridges. I asked her what and how do you feel about grated bridges? Well she started telling me they were dangerous, and ya can't stop, that the suface isn't compatable to motorcycles and we should all try to avoid them. I said ok, so where did you get this information she told me when she took the MSF people told her that stuff. "People, what People? The MSF instuctors? or classmates?" she said class mates. I said flat out, "darling this is Florida, if you try to avoid grated bridges you will be going hours and hours out of your way or not going any where if you won't cross a grated bridge. For that matter you won't go anywhere at all for grated bridges are all over this country so ya might as well sell that bike and stick to the car,?" " Wow," was all she could say, then I added, "its like this ya want to keep a consistant speed across the grateded bridges, if ya have to stop well then you'll have to stop. However keep a consistant speed give yourself room maybe extra room from the car truck or bike in front of you. Head up there will be a little thumb as your bike comes in contact with the bridge decking, the front tire will feel like its "dancing" across the surrface of the bridge. But you are in contorl that dancing sensations happen do to the holes and groves of the bridge, and its a normal sensation for a grated bridges. It will be ok, Look here comes a bike across now. It will be ok."
              So, we set off for the bridge we've got three more to go, she slowed but took them and didn't tie up traffic badly at all. Whenever I looked back n the mirrow all I could see is a big smile, so though I was being a PIA to her in her mind, she was digging it. The St. John's Ferry was in sight. However I took a surprise turn on "K" this we will talk about as well in a few minutes, I made a right on to St. Georges, Kingsley Plantation areas. and went down a narrow road that hadden't been repaved in years. We passed the main houses and headed into the swamps and marches, the deeper into the island we went the more chewed up the road was, this was about target fixation. At the sail club I stoppend to babble with her again. We were about to hit gravel road, and gravel roads in my mind suck! But, I said this here is a lttle more tricky but it will be ok, we will run into on coming cars but just continue your course, the bike might bounce around a little or even slide. the ideal is to go slow enough that is ya need to stops sudden ya can without too much sliding, but fast enough ya don't cause a traffic jam and piss folks off, keep to speed which should be easy its posted 20 here. After the gravel comes a hard packed dirt road reall just dusty unless its raining them sometimes these things can be come slick or gooey.  Around Stl John's Island we did go, gravel, hard pack dirt and back out to the ferry. We crossed usuing the ferry and I went home with her. Her job fo rnext week was to practice skills. For the next time we meet it will be a longie long road trip, were going to Leesburg for an overnight camping trip........................have a great one "T"

Street Riding with"Special K" experiencing road surfaces and Mother Nature

        It's Sunday Morning 6am and I'm standing there with my coffee in hand leaning on the kitchen counter over looking the apartment complex parking lot. Its still dark and really I can't believe I'm us, I really just want go back to bed. I open up the map and start looking for an area where Mother Nature and the things of Man meet and a constant change of conditions and road surfaces. Well, the good thing is rain showers are expected,  now that covers both Mother Nature and Road surfaces. As I look over the map the only place where there is a great blend of things is Hechsure Drive. It runs from 9A off the Dam's Point Bridge or North Jacksonville throuth Big Talbot and Little Talbot Island, on this stretch of road are grated bridges, dirt roads, gravel roads, trafific shifting sea breezes, traffic around the drive on beaches, aninmals, to A1A up to downtown Fernandina Beach with tourists. I think that will be a pretty good route. Kernan to Monument, to 9A, Alton Road, curvey slight hills, farm lands, new lush developments, to 17 north, to SR200 to the island, then around A1A to Hechsure Drive and back home..............Ok, that's the plan now to get ready.
      I turn in into "K's" development and I have a good idea of what the day will be like. Navigating through the developments streets I think that it will be about the same as the first riding experiences. There will be name calling, temper tantrums, deniles, questioning sanity, and threats of taking the ball and going home. I'm not trying to push "K" over the limit, I want her to develop at her own speed however I want her to be proficient rider. Semi ready for anything that Mother Nature and Man can through at her, I say semi because we can't be totally prepared for everything. Like when a bald eagle on the side of the road decides to take off and smacks ya in the head with its wings, or losing your thongs along the way, perhaps fuzzy dead things in the road on a rainy night..............yea, now those things don't happen to everyone everyday so do worry about it. Really I don't want her to get stuck in the "I can't do its" or "I heard about that", Once you head out on a road there's any number of things that can happen, things you'll encounter like a 2x4 coming off a lumber truck and sliding across I75 in Atlanta, as it hopped and bumped around as cars and trucks hit the side of it ran it over.............but it was sliding for me and I had to do something and its important to do someing, change lanes, hit it head on, or prepare to be hit by it.................this is what I'm trying to slowly do as she works to improve her skills.
        There she is waiting I can see her as I turn the corner on the street, "Suzie" the male orange cat is of course helpping wipe the bike down, as "Anna Banana" just screams welcoming barks...........I'm sure the neighbors love that at 8am Sunday Morning, the sound of a Harley, barking dogs and folks yelling, Where the hell ya been ya know?" Her one neigbor rides and I thought about asking him, however he kind of looks like he likes to ride from bar to bar to chill and right now "K" like it or not just ain't ready for that. I asked her if she been practicing her skills? and did ya do your pre ride saftey impection. "Yah, Yah, Yah is all I got form her. I said these things I ask of ya are important, I just want to see you a successful proficient rider that einjoys the ride and ends up to be better than me. I know I have practiced the tight truns, the eights bothways stopping and not looking at the controls cause your right that is important, besides I had to buy my neighbor a new bird house and mail box and I don't want to be replacing them anytime soon! LOL! I tell her the game plan, and there is huge protests right away. I knew there would be, we are going to take the Dam's Point ya can't avoid it forever and to get out of state for you that's the quickest route unless of course you like going hours out of your way. See the Dam's Point Bridge is a longer very tall bridge, so much so the carnival cruise like have a ship that comes and goes under the Dam's Point. There's also wind sheer there as well, but I wanted her to experience shifting winds so that she can learn to adjust very quickly to them for they do happen and in a turn  if strong winds shift it can effect your turning ability if you are not ready or prepard for it. I explained my reasoning behind the decisiion to do that bridge and right now little traffic but if ya keep pitching a 7, the church folks will be trying to get home and since they just conversed with God its less likely they'll be thinking of you on your little rebel.. "Good Point" is all she could say.
            We pulled out of the development and I could see as she was following me this time that she wasn't to sure of doing this part. Ya see she just wants to put the sleeping bag on the back of the bike and go like her ex's MC did years ago. LOL! different time and a different world but I do understand the romantic dreams and ideas we have from times of past. Once on the on ramp I hit the hazards and pulled over, I wanted to be sure she was ok with it and only repeating the fears she's learned from other riders...........she was just worried about the wind gusts, I can understand that after all ya can feel them in a car so ya know on a bike they're going to be there. I told her,"yes, your going to feel the wind gusts, put first as ya head up the hump ya gotta keep giving that little gal gas cause she's going to die out pretty fast with that one cyclinder of hers, then you'll feel the gusts they try to push or bobble you around, the idea keep it between the whites...........this is a lesson of small quick adjustments. Ride at your own speed, I will slow with you if I need to or speed up. Now, when ya get almost to the crest, just about to go over the hump that is when your really going to feel the wind shifts, also ya migh want to get off the gass here too, cause once ya go over the top your speed will pick right up." I could see her face she was less than believeing. "Remember believe in yourself and your machine, you can do this." I said as a reminder then added quickly " your asshole exhusband could do it so why can't you even give it a try." " fuck'em' is all I herd as I walked to go my bike and get off the on ramp of 9A before we become someone's personal hood ornament.
                Off I went and up to speed, she's right there in the mirror, hit 9A acturally this was a great time to go no one really here easy to merge on to the road. I watched as we crested the Dam's Point, LOL! I had to slow way down wasn't sure if it was "k" or the bike but the speed droped way off, I'm thinking its the bike or aleast hoping its the bike, 40 on 9A is not a good choice.................I could see the two of the struggling a little with some of the wind sheer and I could also see Fantasia unloading her passagners from her cruise to no where. "K" move kind of across her lane but never crossed lanes, as soon as she topped the bridge, she was right up to speed, so  it was the bike it was giving it all she had to give. We continued on to 17 north bound. This section of 17 is very busy area, its know as the Northside of Jacksonville or Oceanway. there was several stories so folks were getting up to get the shopping done, here that just dart about with out thinking. As we continued past the craziness, there was some road and building construction going on as a new shopping center was being built there, and a access road to Jacksonville International. I pulled into a gas station the interestection before all the construction. Why, well let her chill if she hadn't to ask questions before the I tell her about the next challengers. Yep, oh boy the Bridge didn't make her happy and no she didn't see no dam cruise ship, the thing was huge how can ya not? Never mind.
               She smoked a butt, got something to drink, kind of started to dick around so I asked her what's up? She said this shit isn't what I had in mind at all. I knew this would be coming, blah blah blah as she registered her complaints. I said I know but these things you will encounter, if you do the work now, when you come acrossed them on a fun journey it won't be nearly as scary, or shocking to ya. The worlds not full with perfect riding conditions, and we need to know how to handle them. Experiencing them now will keep you from having huge fears later............have faith in machine and self. Ok, now that was over with we could begin to work on constructon sites and road surfaces. First I asked her to look ahead and tell me what see saw. she said orange signs cones. Good cause from here that's all I could see too. However usually there would be trucks, men noise, sand, mud, gravel grated surfaces, traffic congestion impatient people iit all adding up to one big blood stain for the motorcyclist if they are not aware. fist slow, and watch careful for signals, drivers attitudes, and since ya don't have a windshield or face screen on, then you might want to ride back off of cares for a little bit, they can kick up some good sized stones and fly at your face........its and owie but ya can't be distracted by that. Now, I road thruough here yesterday, one its easier cause their not working, the noise is very distracting with dump trucks bang there buckets, the men yelling and other equipement, and there is way less traffic, but there is a coating of dirt and mud, along with gravel then a lane shift and road grating then where they were pumping the water it statred overflowing, if that haven't changed that we will have to deal with the posibility of hydoplaning. Ok, mud can be slppery try to look ahead and around, make a decision which line to take to carry past it with getting stuck in the thick slippery parts, this is where the two roads cross here, then there will be big chunks of gravel, most off to the side but in the cross roads you'll see a pile in the middle of the road that means there will randon large chunks scatter over the surfface here. The gravel if you hitt it will make you bobble a little however since this is a low speed exercise for you you don't need to worry too much except experiencing that bobble, we won't be turning in it so its good, now what will happen after we cross through the intersection there will some nice smooth pavement for about a car lenght, then there will be a drop, do not panic just continue at the 30 they have posted, it will be a bigger bump than you've experienced so far just look ahead and let the bump happen. Right on the other sid of the bump is grated road surface, its not comfortable to ride on but its ride able, just let the bumb happen, then proced without trying to make any major corrections if you can, feel the shimmy of the front end, if ya had to stop then do it just like ya would normally, you will feel there's no control like your slipping, just breath, don't strangle the grips, experience the sensation if you need to turn you will be able to do so with some caution, but its just a shimmy, once ya get through the grated road surface there will be a very hard hit, it will jar you, ya migh want to rise very slightly off your pegs or slow down more to reduce the bang. Next will be the water, this we want to go slow through.................it will be ok. Man the protests, the bitching I again I knew this would happen but  its things we encounter, since she trusts me I want to make sure she is able to experience a great deal of different things, before she takes off on her own or she rides with other folks that cause  unbased fears of and ruin the riding experence for her and make her go out of the way and develop a personal fear of whatever it is on the surfaces or conditions. So, once she said all she had to say, I asked if she listened to what I had said earlier, and to remember these are about experienceing all the road contintions that are out there, have faith in you and your machine, do not listen to others fears. Like it or not grated roads happen, water happens, its a fact of road constuction, and the open road either experience it now or later your choice, but wouldn't you rather experience it now with low noise and traffic and when someone is here to help you with any questions ya might have? You can do this and it will be ok, really it will be just remember what I said each different experience might feel like and know that's just what it feels like...........ok let's go, it will be slow.
       

Hitting the streets with"Special K" as she learns to rides

       I have to say this isn't one of the things I was looking forward too, I was a wee bit terrified about taking "K" on the streets. He own experience was to take out an inocent bird house in a quiet development. Here we've got to get on to Kernan RD, and goodness knows that will be a feat in its self. She has no idea how worried and responsible I feel. if some thing happens to her oh boy! I pulled up to "K's" house and man she was there bike out, and looking up the street waiting for me, your late its 5:00pm, come on now ya I'm coming from PonteVedra and I had to finish work first but naw she wan'ted no parts of that, cause today we were hitting the road freedom or as much freedom as a 250 rebel can get ya. We headed out to Kernan I dedided to do rights that way we don't have to cross any traffic. We will be in Traffic this is Jacksonville after all three lanes of city traffic going now where fast in a city no one works..........LOL!
       What I decided to do it let "K" lead out of the turns, that way she isn't sitting at the corner and well I'm down the road a few miles before she can pull out. So, I told her go turn when your ready, I will follow, if I am not directly behind you just keep going, I will catch up very shortly. I knew she was going to may very wide slow turns and take a little bit to get going and moreover do under the speed limit pissing them city slickers off. So from behind I was like the buffer, I was the one they came racing up behind and beeping at and yelling things better left unmentioned at me. We got to the corner of Kernan and Wonderwood and made a right, then Kernana and Girving, then Girving and Atlantic, then Atlantic to 3rd Ave. All of these road wasy had heavy traffic on them so this is where she lived and she'd be the one to have to ride it so she might as well get used to it from the get go. From 3rd ave we hit JTB. JTB is a great choice its like a mini highway throught the city filled with all the city fools and highway nut jobs. I kept riding up on her cause I wanted her to atleast keep up to speed for if nothing else my sake, it kind of sucks when semis ride right up your butt.....
       I do know and realize that this might have been a harder push then neccessary however she lives in the heart of a busy southside and needs to learn how to deal with it now or spend years riding in circles around the development which means she won't be going anywhere. WE were doing about 65 so it was good, from JTB we went on to St. John's Bluff, slowed it down a bit, from St. John's Bluff to Monument, from Monnument to I forget the mane of that pice of road, but from there back to Kernan. Here on Kernan we made a left into the development. Now my thoughts were this, we talk about what was good and what was bad on that ride, like what I saw she needed to work on. Beging correcting it and then she had all week to profect it. To me the whole of what I saw was head down when turning. Bad habit to get into, look down go down, look through turn make it through turn, look where ya want to be you will be where ya want to go. Yeah, sure that's easy in class but it's not that easy in the streets the first few times. Her turns are wide, but if she practices turnng both right and lefts and looking where she wants to go she will reduce the size of her turning arches. 
       She did practice both right and left turns and was ready for the following weeks experience. Today we were going to make lefts, yeap cross traffic, then I'll also mix a right here and there in it for her. Off we went down Kernan, I left her lead for the most part, put then took over when I wanted her to go a cerian road along the river, ya see Florida is full of straight flat roads and theya re easy to ride, however not every state has straight flat roads so she's going to have to learn to get into the leaning, several of the roads that run along the rivers and creeks here in Jacksonville have little twisty curves nothing for mountanin pass riders to dig on but good ones for those looking to increase their personal experiences in motorcycling. Of course riding along the river has other challenges, the view staying focused when ya really just want to look at the river or the big houses located against the rivers edge.  Combine the river focus, with twisties and lefts with a few rights we had ourselves a good day of road experiences.
          Once again we arrived in the driveway safe and sound. Now, I get to tell her what needs work and what doesn't, of course turning and staying focused while surrounded by some of the prettier sections of the city, decreasing the radius of the turns and leaning. "K" herself couln't believe how uncomfortable she was with the idea. I told it will come with fimiliarity of riding and learning to trust self and trust in machine. I took her to  then end of the street and had her do figure eights slowly first left then right. I told her to practice those along with stopping and turning. I expected that next week we will go out on Sunday, and we will go some where, I think we will cross the Dam's Point Bridge but we will do it before 8am if that was good for her. I also told her to start increasing her speeds in the figure eights both left and right starts, as well as increasing speeds for fast stops and for making rights and lefts. By she has no idea what is coming next, I going to work on road surfaces this up coming week. All the different road surfaces we can encounter, as we me make lefts, rights, and tighter but faster figure eights. Hey, if she doesn't do this with a experienced rider to tell her how it feels, that it will be ok, who will she learn to ride them surfaces with? /So, practice up for next week "K" your going to need it.............

"Special K" learns to ride.............................

       Ok, as the title suggests this is about "Special K" learning to ride, its also a little about the determination it takes to get out there and learn how to do something that deep within ya secretly always wanted to do. but did think you could ever do it or that anyone would ever believe in you enough to allow you to do it. How the older you are somethings don't come natural, but if its what ya want you will keep at it and give it a try. So at this point "Special K" had been watching me ride to work for about 2 years. We both worked in the same building but in our areas. "K" worked on the other side in the grooming area and me well I was in the surgery and lab and exam room areas. Now out paths did cross and trust me we did bable too and everyonece in awhile she'd say "Tumbles, when are you going to teach me how to ride?" My responce was always the same, "take the Motorcycle Saftey Foundation learn to ride program, and get your self and nice little 650 starter bike." This when on once a week for 2 years. One day a client came in and asked about the bike out front there. I told him it was mine and then we got into the discussion about learning to ride, the MSF, beginner , Intermediate and Expert courses.
       I took the beginner course I think 1997, as part of my Woman's Motorcycle Club a few ladies and I were getting together. We decided that all members ought to have atleast the beginners if not expert courses under their belt. I had already been riding by 97 but as we were writing out the Bylaws I figured that I had better take atleast the learn to ride class. It was a nice little class, I did learn a few things and it filled in the missing gaps I had at the time. I took the instructor into the grooming room and introduced him to "K". She and he talked about the course and he left a number to sign up with. I was thinking of taking the expert course again I've taken it 2 times in NJ, since the course was about 25 dollars for returnin students, and NJ residents. After the trooper left "K" asked me if I take this course will you help me? I told her sure I will, this is the best way to go "K", they teach ya from the ground up how to get going. They won't teach you any of my bad habits I might have developed over the years, and this is a really good way to figure out if you want to ride or not. You'll get an idea if you'd enjoy it, let's face it after ya spend 4,000 plus on a bike and gear that is not the time to find out you'll hate it. Then she said, "I get to practice on your harley", "No fucking way man, are you nuts?"
        I had been say this for years to her ot take the MSF, and when this guy walked in I figured he would be the perfect person for her to talk to about the classes. So right no she had no more excuses either take the course or don't. It shocked the crap out of me when she said to me on a Thursday I go to Beach Blvd tomorrow night for my first class, "Awesome" I said. She then told me what she needed and if I could help her out, why not I had a mess Joe Rocket jacket she could wear, its stinking hot here in April on the asphalt with the sun beating down on ya, I also loaned her my full fingers with holes in them, and then suggested Open Road Leathers for boots. Hell with boots if ya don't end up riding ya can still wear them anyway. I was so excited for "K". I kind of knew where she was coming from however she was a lot older. See her ex husband was a Patcholder and she was Property of, she said they had the best time in the desers of the southwest with the "brothers' of the club, but she wasn't sure if she could ride or not. The back is different than the front.
        Monday, came then Tuesday that's when I started my work week, I came in the door didn't see her in grooming so I knew she'd be outback walking one of her clients. I warmed up my machines, got my mesages, check the surgeries and go the stuff ready, started my medications and moted the patients charts as I did the medications, feed and gave the am updates to the owners. I was so excited I wanted to see if she passed!!, The moment she had a chance she came running over to me and Dr. Martina, "I did it I did it I did" dam it was harder than I thought, I had a little problem with the short stop but I passed, and look yesterday I went and got my M endourcement! OH YAY! "K"!  I bought her lunch at the Boogie Grill right there on A1A in Ponte Vedra. He next comment was "Now I know what I'm doing, you'll help me practice, and we have to use your harley" " did ya fall on your freaking heard, or do ya think a coaconut fell on mine?" She said "I'm guessing that's a no".
          On Saturday afternon we went down to Honda Of St. Augustine, they were advertising left over modles new in creates and Honda will honor the manufatcor warrenty. It was "K" myself and Her POP. Mo was so proud of her daughter because Insead of talking about it, she when out and put her money where her mouth was. I was looking for a Shadow 650 to 750 for her. After she sat on my bike she found it a wee bit big, so I thught the 6 or 750 would be a little big at frist but within weeks it be just right. Well she went for the Honda Rebel 250, and was more comfortable with the idea of it. He Pop watching asked "which one? the red with the flames, or the blue one with the stripe?" Neither she said, "I've decided on the Black one." He took on look and said, " isn't that a moped?" LOL! The following Wed I went down with "K"to pick up the little Rebel, she wasn't sure about it at the moment and wanted me to ride it home. So they went over this is your bike speach, this is how it works. I will admit something right now, I went to take off in the parking lot and almost dropped the dam little thing right there not 20 feet from the service bay. The thing was so small and crunched up feelling ti freaked me out...........LOL! I bobbled it and almost fumbled...what a shock I ddn't expect that.
            We made a date for our first get your experience day. That day came it was a warm April Saturday afternoon. I went to her house and put on shorts and sneakers then meet her in the driveway she took one look and said, "what's up with that?" I said, "it's freaking hot, I'm not going to be baking in the sun with protective gear on if I'm not riding." "Not riding, Not riding, then what in the hell are ya here for Tumbles, Man I want to hit the road!" "Now, " I said, "do ya know anything about ths here little bike?" she said she didn't I said ok, let's get too it then. "But, But, Ijust want to hit the roads, get ready to throw my sleeping bag and tent on it and go." I told her I knew that but first we got work to do and the number one thing is to know the bike's controls without looking and have control as we stop. She agreed that was the right way to do it. Really it must have been about 88 degrees out then add that nice Florida Humitdity and that makes it God aweful. I got the bike on level ground and with the jiffy stand still on had her sit on the bike as I yelled out right turn, low beans, rear brake, clutch, fron brake, left turn, reserve, high beams clutch 1st gear...............what are ya dong? "K" says, "looking for reserve" hum now aren't ya gland we did this first in stead of at the corner of Kernan and Beach?" "yeah yeah Yeah" is all she could say. It took a good 20 minutes with me shouting directions and controls out until she could look at me whicle findng them. I know but folks that 2 seconds can mean the difference of life and death.
              So know we could find the breaks and clutch, horn with out looking down to find them. Were ready to roll, here I had her to the saftey impection, brakes, lights, tire pressue, look over bike ro anything unusal. A habit I wanted her to start to do.........Then we both are sweating to death, but since we were rolling out on to the street and going to fire that rebel up I made her wear gloves, long sleeve jeanjacket and the helemet. She had a fit! " Tumbles, man ift freaking hot and look at your all comfortale and me dressed like its 30 degrees out.!" "Dude if ya hit your head it will feel better with the helmet on, plus your learning sometimes we fall down when we are learning? She yelled out, "Freaking Bitch, I feel like I'm driving with my mother this isn't going to be any fun Im too hot!" "ok, I can go home ain't no sweat off my butt. She settled down and got the bike stared and worked on the frichtion zone, First gear brake, first gear brake, then first gear second gear brake, the idea was to learn about breaking but to know the gears without looking down to shift, in a busy city ya could be a hood orinament if your not careful. We ran around the development doing the gears and braking for about 2 hours. She was complianing cause of what she was wearming and me I was running next to her. She said next time It time for the road, I had to tell no it won't be ya got a little bit more work to do I'll pactice this during the week and next we're going for a ride......Ok we'll see.
        On Thursday evening I just got home abot 730 or so and I got a phone call. "K" said Ya know I think I need some more help before we hit the road is that ok if this Saturday we day in the developent. "sure" I said then added, " dude what happened" She then told me she wasn't sure how it happend she was trying to do a stop but it was more or less slowing to turn when she poped the curb took out a bird house and hit the mailbox. She said she picked t righ up went home and slammed the garage door shut as she was humilited. I told her about the story about how my one motorcycle ran into the other motorcycle. Crap happens don't worry about it. Now we've got  figure out what went wrong so we can correct your actions. Her real responce was, " Tumbles, I thought that so called help you were giving me was bullshit! I thought maybe you might be a little jealous of another lady riding and really wasn't into helping me. I was thinking you didn't know what you were talking about because I passed my MSF, and I can legally ride the streets, so that crap you were working on with me was just plain bullshit!" "Oh yeah? what ya think now K?" I"m thinking you got a real good point, before ya can roll 55 ya got to be able to stop, and not be looking down ever cause I think that's what really happened. "well? WELL?" I say, she says" yeah I'm sorry I throw my helemet at you, you didn't diserve that at all, you were just telling me the truth that the M don't mean Shit uncless ya can put it to the test, other wise ist just paper.'  Special K's first lessons, stopping and looking were very important and driving a car and a bike are two different things. Me my lesson, I'd do it all the same way over again. I wouldn't change a dam thing about the experience I was trying to share with her.   Have a great one! "T"