December 24-25, 2005

Again I am alone on the holidays, nothing new for me and actually a welcome relief from the usual family nonsense people endure. I am free to do what ever I please, ride, walk, workout, bake, whatever, no one to please, no one to upset, just little ‘ole me.

So I bake up a batch of my wonderful triple chocolate brownies while I clean. It is pouring down outside right now but no worries I only have one appointment first thing this morning then I can ride! I am finally on the road at about 10:10 am and the sun is trying hard to break free, but no worries it is warm almost 60 degrees which is a good thing as my Gerbing for some unknown reason has decided not to function today.

I meander down to Tacoma on the freeway though the back roads beckon on this balmy December day I know too well the gusty winds and rains we have experienced the last few days have wrecked havoc on the back roads so I stay on the main drags.

I see only one other biker out and about when I reach Route 167. He pulls along side me and I am pleasantly surprised to see it is a Harley dude with a good helmet and proper gear. He gives me a thumbs up and I nod, before we move off in different directions. I wander home, making a quick stop at Eastsidemotosports to see if my thermostat is getting power. It seems to be. While there I am offered some alcohol drink and politely decline, nope sorry I don’t drink; as always this is met with disbelief. Funny how something so seemingly normal to me is so absolutely abnormal to others. Even if I was a drinker to do so and ride is beyond foolish!

I arrive home in plenty of time to get in a nice long walk before a quiet Christmas eve at home.

Christmas dawns and it is pouring again. I am not worried though I have no where to go so that means no rush to get on the road. I unwrap the gifts my parents and sister have sent me from back east, and am thrilled at their generosity and the extensive thought put into every gift. I manage to get in a bit more cooking and to seeming fix my Gerbing; at least it is heating now, we shall see if it is a permanent fix or temporary.

I am off a little after 8 am heading no where in particular at first then deciding I want to be near salt water so I head down toward Tacoma again thinking I might head all the way to Olympia then up Route 1. The winds and the prior days rain cause me much concern and I decide Route 1 would be a foolish choice as there are most likely many branches and debris on the roadways. Instead I head straight up Route 3 to Port Townsend. I figure if the wait for the ferry isn’t too bad I would hook up with it and over to Whidbey then down to Clinton and again ferry to Edmonds.

I arrive in Port Townsend with about 45 minutes to spare, but I can see the dark clouds moving in once again from the south and know if I turn back south now I am most likely in for a very wet ride. So I enjoy the brief reprieve from the rain as the sun shines through and the temperatures once again rise toward the mid-50’s. I am only too well aware of the stares I get, this is the first time I have been the only biker on the ferry in years. Of course I also have avoided ferries recently as the cost has been very prohibitive, today however I splurge.

As we wait to for instructions to load I watch as people walk off the ferry into the arms of waiting loved ones, funny that in Seattle the ferry is like a train or plane in other parts of the country. People leave the mainland to join family and friends for the holidays simply walking onto the ferry on one dock and disembarking on the other, what a wonderful Christmas tradition.

I am told that the ride to Keystone is very rough and am instructed not to leave my bike. I scoot to the bathroom before we leave dock then standby the bike just in case. It is almost 15 minutes into the sailing before I notice the ferry is lurching quite a bit. I have not been on a ferry in weather like this and am not really ready for it. I notice that the boat is pitching sharply so I mount the bike, not sure if I could keep her up right if she started to go but hoping that with her on the side stand and me ready to push from the other we should be ok. Mid-way across the sound and the boat is just rocking away and the bike is moving but between my weight and her on the side stand we manage. I must say I did not realize a ferry could rock that much! I am glad I had not eaten anything since breakfast as I am not sure I would have been able to keep it down.

As we neared the dock in Keystone an elderly gentleman was walking around the bike, the ferry started to lurch and he grabbed her. I was terribly scared as I have enough trouble keeping the bike upright on flat solid ground I did not know what I would do if the old man shook her and the boat lurched. I kindly mentioned the bike was not that stable in these conditions and perhaps he did not wish to hold onto her for balance. He smiled and proceeded to tell me all about his riding days, and how he could not believe I was just out for a ride in this terrible weather, he himself would never go out unless it was sunny – must have been a Harley dude. He worked his way around the bike to his car. As he got in his wife walked up to me and explained that he could hardly walk because of old war injuries and how she always had to watch out for him, how wonderful.

In Keystone I debate heading north on Whidbey and then over to LaConner and home on I-5. But once again I notice the thickening clouds south and know I still have quite a ride home, so I head south down Whidbey to the Clinton/Edmonds Ferry. I realize this was a good choice when I am in line waiting to pay and it starts to pour again.

I pay the ferry fee and scoot to the front of the line, one of the benefits of motorcycling you always get on the ferry and you are always first. This pisses off a lot of motorists but hey they could ride too! I arrive at the front of the waiting line to be instructed my two state patrol officers to move the bike just ever so slightly forward. They are wandering through the cars with a big German Shepard. I am not brave enough to question the purpose of the dog so I figure he is either sniffing for drugs or bombs, either way I am not in possession of either so I am not worried. I scoot into the waiting area so as to avoid getting too wet before getting on the next ferry expected in about 20 minutes. The waiting for ferries and on the ferries coupled with the excessive cost to ride them will prevent me from doing this again anytime soon but for now I am content to waste some time as I have nothing to do on this holiday.

I am first to get on the ferry, with the officers behind me. I am also the first to disembark but I am not too keen on having to officers directly behind me so when the opportunity presented itself to let them get in front of me I was more then happy to oblige.

The ride from Everett to Bellevue was very wet, but I had suspected this might be the case today so had geared up properly with my new gortex pants from Cabella’s under my Aerostitch and plastic bags on my feet I was all dry and toasty.

Well 120 miles on Christmas even and a good 150 or so on Christmas day has eased my mind and made for one of the best holidays yet!

December 17, 2005

On Friday I could stand the idea of driving to work in a cage no longer. I debated the whole time I was running whether or not to drive the truck or chance the bike. Feeling the cold settle into my bones even though my usual running outfit this time of year (shorts, t-shirt and jacket) had been begrudgingly replaced with tights, turtle neck, wool hat and ski mittens the unseasonably cold 26 degrees was enveloping me in a funk. The only way I knew to get out of the funk was to chance the ride to work.

I knew the Ninja still was having trouble with the power drain of full heated gear so my only option was the Duc. I geared up took a deep breath, decided my route and rode fourth. I was lucky the fog that had been forecast had not settled here on the eastside, and instead my way was clearly lit by an almost full moon. Even with the glorious light of the full moon I still decided to stay on the back roads with speed limits of 25 to 30 mph, figuring if I had to maneuver around any ice at least I would have fair warning, that and if I went down perhaps the lesser speed would be on my side in regards to injury or damage to the bike.

I had to make a quick stop at the grocery store for a few supplies that I had not had time to pick up during my busy work day week. I was greeted with stares and nods from clerks and shoppers even at this early hour of 4:30 am. As I waited behind a woman at the check out stand I was presented with the typical isn’t it a little cold to be riding. Yes but I could not stand the idea of driving the truck one more day. Stunned silence then you are much braver then me. The clerk as he was ringing me up, continued to ask over and over as if he didn’t understand me the first half dozen times, yes I have a truck, no I could not drive again today the idea was worse then facing the cold.

At work I was admonished by some for taking the chance and awed by others. Me I just figured it was my addiction getting the better of me. But through it all the contentment I had received from just 10 miles of pure bliss, no matter how cold, was worth it. Every time I looked out and saw the Duc in the parking lot my heart just sang, knowing that by the time I would ride home it would be mid-40’s and sunny. Though I would only have time to get home in the evening and traffic would most likely be horrible just the idea of being on the bike in December and not in the truck brought me such glee.

I mounted up and headed off right after work. I am still trying to figure out the best way to get to my new home from work, but have managed to at least remember to look at the on-line traffic grid before leaving the office. As I waited at one stop light a woman in a Volvo seemed to be watching me, so I nodded she waved, so I waved. She was not someone I recognized so I just figured either she was a fellow biker or she just appreciated a woman on a bike. It wasn’t either she rolled down the passenger window and yelled out “I love your tiger.” For those of you unaware I ride with Tigger attached to my Ventura pack mostly as one of those many superstitious things riders, sports figures and many others do; between you and me I think he works. I just laughed and said thanks as the light changed to green. What a wonderful way to end the day.

Saturday and the temperatures were well below freezing again this morning. But no worries I had to get in a workout, clean the house a 2-3 hour task even in my new little place, and get my walk in before 9:30 am too! At 9:15 am I finally was out the door on the bike, it was still below freezing but I only had to get to the place several of us were meeting to do some charity/volunteer work. I managed to get in about 15 miles of riding up and down several city main drags before getting to the meeting place in time to meet everyone.

I put in a good two plus hours of hard work sorting clothes and toys for very needy families, before I couldn’t do any more as the next task required lifting 50+lb boxes and crates which my still healing broken rib would not allow. So with temps bordering on 40+ I was off into the sunshine. I knew I needed to stay of the back roads as even with the warming temps ice could still be hidden by the shadows of our large evergreen trees we are so well known for. So freeway miles it would be, all the way down to Tacoma and all the way back up to Seattle then over to the eastside, by the time I was done futzing around I had managed to put in a decent 100+ miles, not bad for mid-December.

Cold and tired and hungry by the time I got home I was more then feeling the calm and bliss of a few hours on the bike. I can only hope to manage to get in a few minutes of riding today to make up for what is not looking like a great week for riding.

November 24-26, 2005 (not really a ride story though I did ride to my new place, and I did manage to get in about 60 miles on Saturday)

Thanksgiving Day and I am doing what some might think ridiculous, moving. Me, I think it is perfect timing; when you don’t have family close by and you have broken up with your long term partner what better way to kill a family holiday then to move out.

I start with my usual double workout, and continue on with my first load to the new place and to commence a thorough cleaning. It is during the cleaning that I do the one thing that actually causes me minor anxiety whenever I find myself once again far from family and without a loved one, I have an accident. Now don’t get me wrong not a major accident in a vehicle but one only true cleaning fanatics would understand.

I started cleaning from the upstairs down, as I must clean the bathroom first (I just can’t abide using a bathroom others have used and not cleaned properly), by the time I get to the main level I have been cleaning for 2 or more hours but am not too worried I have a four day weekend to re-clean, after the initial base cleaning (just enough that I am willing to move my stuff in). It is on the main level that I get to the cabinets in the kitchen and above the washer and dryer. Not having moved anything in yet I have nothing to stand on to reach the top of the cabinets but the cabinets below and the washer and dryer. I have done this millions of times (I have the head bumps to prove it, having tried to stand up while standing on the cabinets once to often), but for some reason this time just wasn’t meant to be smooth sailing.

I hop up on the washer, clean above the cabinets (my custom kitchen will have no space between the ceiling and the cabinets it is too much of a pain to keep clean) and inside them, and then hop down. Well at least that was the plan. Some where between bending and reaching down with one leg I slipped and proceeded to fall like a dead weight onto the edge of the dryer. I know I blacked out for a second, though at the time I wasn’t sure if it was because I hit my head or the pain (turned out later to be the pain). I was so stunned all I could for almost 15 minutes was just lie on the floor and try to catch my breath and get my racing heart under control.

As I lay on the floor I realized I was experiencing one my issues, what would happen if I hurt myself and no one was around; well lucky me I got to find out. I managed to pull myself together enough to call my sister and my folks probing for what broken rib would feel like after determining the pain was much too high to be a kidney or spleen. Based on their descriptions I self-diagnosed myself just badly bruised and continued to clean and move the rest of the day.

By the time I was on my last load, the kitty, I was in some pretty serious pain and even with two Advil in my system was having a hard time doing much of anything including drive. As usual I walked back and forth to the front door, putting my shoes on then taking them off, debating should I or shouldn’t I go to the emergency room. Finally I decided to grab a book and go, figuring if it was really busy I would just go home finish unpacking as best I could then go to my regular doctor in the morning.

Lucky me they weren’t busy and after explaining what I did to the admitting nurse, I was stunned to hear her say, “So how’s your home life?” At first I didn’t understand what she was saying and then I realized, lone woman drove herself to the hospital hours after the incident on Thanksgiving, she thought I was getting beaten. I assured her that was not the case and it was then that several other nurses admitted to having done just what I had done stood on top of the washer to either clean or to get something from the upper cabinets; I joked I bet they wouldn’t be doing that again any time soon.

It didn’t take them any time to get me into a room and for the doctor to come in. I didn’t realize how much pain I was in until I had to lie down for the first time since the accident and as the pain wrenched through me I realized something definitely wasn’t right; the doctor pushing on the side that was injured certainly didn’t help either.

Every one was really friendly and I was just joking away feeling bad they all had to be working on Thanksgiving. I found out that all x-rays are digital now so there is no lag time, the files go from one computer to the next, they can be manipulated and altered too so that they do not have to retake if they are quite perfect!

I read my book while waiting for the radiologist and doctor to determine my fate. The doctor returned to ask me if I wanted to see my broken rib, stunned I just looked at him and said “you’re joking.” “No, do you want to see it?” I asked him if he understood I had just moved all my stuff from one place to another with a broken rib and he was dumbstruck. After viewing the digital x-ray I was amazed at how beautiful the break was, a perfect little break, no splinters or dislocation just clean through.

I asked the doctor about working out and he immediately told me to cut my runs in half and no weights for a minimum of two days then to see what I could manage. He prescribed Motrin and wanted to give me something stronger, which I refused as I do not like to take any drugs and even the Motrin would be hard for me to justify.

I proceeded to call all my family members and Ric (as he knew I had fallen) to let them know that my rib was indeed broken. It was then that I determined I was either a glutton for pain or a fool, honestly even as I sit here and type this four days later I am not sure which.

I have managed to finish cleaning and unpacking though I must say it took three times longer then it should have as some movements are fine and others send pain shooting up my side. I never know when I will do something that will cause the pain which makes it even harder to compensate or alter a movement, things like pushing a walk button on a street light hurt, but carrying my backpack doesn’t. It was easier to ride yesterday then it is to drive as I don’t have to turn a steering wheel or reach for a seatbelt.

Yes I did ride yesterday but not until the ice went away, which is what I am waiting for right now. We are experiencing especially unusual temperatures right now and even some snow this morning below 1000 feet. I am foolhardy and a die hard but with a broken rib the last thing I need to do is drop my bike because it is icy. So I will finish up some online stuff, then head out for a morning walk and finish up the day with a ride if I can, though I must say even I am finding broken bones definitely can cramp your style.

November 12-13

As I head out for my run this morning, longingly dreaming of warmer temperatures, I am thrilled to see the full moon so bright in the sky the stars are having a hard time out shinning it. We are finally coming into winter temps; I actually had to don my running tights, something I dread, when I noticed the temperature was just ever so slightly above freezing this morning, and warnings of ice on the overpasses meant a cage for the ride to work. But the riding this weekend though wet was fun!

The riding started after hours and hours of chores on Saturday and a short appointment, then I was off and just cruising around the local area, taking my time just thinking to myself. I only got in about 80 miles but it was a pleasure just the same.

Sunday morning was a completely different story, it was alternately pouring and drizzling, but Ric was determined to join me. So we decided to start later in the morning to at least give us daylight. Off I headed out toward any where, ending up in Redmond, scooting over to Fall City then back around through Duvall and into Snohomish. The riding was really wet but much needed and fun!

Ric and I put in just under 100 miles on Sunday both of us were soaked. The wet underwear is what made my mind up to head home after just under 100 miles, I couldn’t stand it any more – add to list of things I need a new pair of Gortex pants…smile

Not sure how much riding will get done this weekend, as I have tons of chores and appointments to take care of, but with gas prices down that 20,000 mark is tempting.

October 29-30, 2005

Don’t ask! You all know by now I keep a very very clean house. Well low and behold after hours of cleaning all week a fool with a power tool, the guy who came to clean our heating ducts, destroyed my efforts! Ric hired a great company to come and install a new furnace and air conditioning; part of the deal was the ducts all needed to be cleaned. I let the guy in the house on Wednesday and when I got home that afternoon what I found made my eyes well up with tears, and complete exhaustion and disgust set in. The mess was horrendous! I vacuumed for an hour and then gave up. Ric vacuumed the next day for an hour. Our work was destroyed when I turned on the heat that night and more dirt blew up from the ducts into the house!

Needless to say that ruined any semblance of a descent ride on Saturday morning, as I would spend over 4 hours cleaning the house from top to bottom again, only to turn the heat on that night and find my diligence was useless. I know Ric had never had the ducts cleaned but this was getting ridiculous, and even Ric agreed it was horrible! So I managed only to get in a very round about ride to the BMW dealer in Seattle to return the new mc jacket I had purchased; a 10 mile ride became a 70 mile ride. It was definitely not a pleasure as it was well after 10 am and the traffic was horrendous but it would have to do.

On my way home I decided to stop by the market and grab some stuff for dinner on Sunday. A man in line said are you riding a motorcycle? Yep? That’s cool. Be careful. It was all I could do to keep my mouth shut as I stared at his groceries, two of those extra big cans of beers! I definitely would be careful at least until I figured out where this guy was going.

Sunday dawned with a much better perspective on life. I knew I would have to vacuum again today, and most likely almost every day this week, but at least I would get in a short ride this morning, come home put together what Ric would need for dinner then have time to ride with him and still get in a fun walk.

So off I went, deciding to stay close to home but have some fun (yes there is snow in the passes now). I had not ridden around Mercer Island in over a year so though I don’t like that ride it is good practice for me, with harsh blind corners, on slick moss and leaf covered roads, with steep cliffs dropping off in parts.

I took it really easy, as it was wet from the night before on top of all the other hazards of the road. As I wound my way around the island I was shocked even in the dark to see how much it had been built up! I didn’t think there was an ounce of space last year, but low and behold people don’t seem to mind living on the steepest hills (you won’t catch me doing it!).

As I neared the west side of the island I came across one example of why I was taking it very easy, a Miata was sufficiently toast down one of the ditches around one of the tighter turns. I debated stopping but there is nowhere safe to do so, and figure the accident most likely happened hours ago and with the tight knit houses the person was long taken care of.

I made my way home in plenty of time to cook up fresh rosemary (mine from the garden) chicken and potatoes to re-heat tonight for Ric, and vacuum before he got home. Next it was just a matter of a ride with both of us. I didn’t really know how far he would be able to go, as he had not ridden probably in a month, so I took it easy heading east on I-90 to North Bend, before cutting out along back roads up to Monroe.

As we cruised down one of my favorite roads we were forced to turn back by a police vehicle parked across the road, not allowing any through traffic. I was bummed but Ric was in need of a break any way so it worked out great for us to pull into a Monroe gas station briefly before heading out again. I took the long way home, eventually stopping, much to Ric’s chagrin, at our local Whole Foods. Ric loves the pizza bagels and I figured he had put up with me for about 100 miles and deserved a nice treat! He was so happy I could here him humming something about pizza bagels when he realized where I was headed.

October 22-23

Gosh it is Saturday already! I can’t believe it, this week was so jam packed not a moment to breathe and hardly any sleep the night terrors have been so bad! I am glad it is Saturday though and the gas prices have dropped meaning I will ride both days, weather and time permitting.

I have slowly started to change out my workouts, adding lighter weight days and more aerobics to hope to get the tone I seem to be loosing to old age! Yes I was warned just like I was warned when you hit 30 everything goes down hill, of course I didn’t believe it but sure enough it is getting harder and harder to keep the tone up. I read somewhere that after 35 you actually loose muscle as part of the aging process, so not only do you loose your ability to metabolize as quickly you loose muscle so now you have to workout even harder just to eat and to keep in shape, and goodness knows when I finally hit menopause (let’s not even go there!).

Any way, riding is what is truly on my mind as the sky is so clear I can see all the stars and the moon, a rare occasion so close to November here in the Northwest, and there is not one drop of moisture on any of the radars! I am off early about 4:40 am with no particular destination in mind, but not too much time so I figure about 2 hours should get me an easy 100 miles in the saddle of true quality time.

I scoot out back roads the whole ride (well almost), enjoying the feel of the Ducati, so different from my Ninja. It is a glorious ride I get to see over 5 shooting stars, the moon, the mountains slowly coming into view as the sun tries valiantly to come up. Only a few things make this not a perfect ride, the first is all the folks out today not even going the speed limit or close to it! And the second is a fool who got impatient with the first set of fools and decides to pass three cars at once, not realizing I was in the on-coming traffic lane, thank goodness for huge breakdown lanes! It was amazing one of those times where it takes you a second to truly come to terms with the “someone is heading straight for me” thought. But it was just a second so I had plenty of time to move over, I wish it had been light enough to see the driver’s face I am sure it was pure horror as they came to the same realization I did.

I get home in plenty of time to run all my errands, do my chores and still go out for a lovely dinner with Ric. Of course I checked the dinner menu first and when I realized nothing good was on the dessert menu and I was craving chocolate cake, a quick stop at the market for an awesome cake to share – and yes I can still out eat Ric when it comes to cake.

Sunday and it is not looking good. I have been hearing about the rain coming in, but it isn’t too cold and I want to try one more run over the passes before I can’t. Off I head up I-90 figuring I will do the run backwards so as to have some light when I get to the fun roads.

I pass the first temp gage and it reads 51 ok that I can handle but it is not more than mile or two before the next one and I have already felt the drastic drop in the temp, so I really didn’t need to know it had gone to 37! Uh oh not a good sign for me, I had dressed for temps in the 40’s and 50’s not this low. But I go on, thinking it may get warmer as I head further east.

No such luck, I figure I need gas about Cle Elum before heading up Alt 97, and it is just outside town the fog rolls in, and it starts to drizzle. Ok it is now I realize I will not be heading over the pass, I do not have any plastic bags with me so it would be foolish for me to try to continue. I gas up and head back home. I am not overly disappointed, I am enjoying the riding too much. Low and behold my calm contented ride turns hairy pretty quick.

In the dark, fog with some drizzle at highway speeds it is hard to see obstacles in the road, even with my PIA’s; it is one of the things I fear, not seeing something in the road in time. Sure enough dead deer in the center of my lane, good practice at quick swerve and I don’t hit it dead on but just graze one side, preventing me from loosing complete control or catching air. But I am quite stunned and it takes me a bit to get my heart rate down to a normal level. Interestingly enough I have just read an article about how much faster women relax after an adrenaline rush of any kind over men, very good news in this case!

I make it home as it really starts to rain and am glad I got in a good 150 or more miles today as I am wondering if we truly will have the nice winter we had last year, the skiers hope not, but the riders all hope so.

October 16, 2005

The darkness envelops me, as I ride. The fall/winter season has arrived and I will ride in the dark until summer, and the few occasions when Ric joins me. Though it is dark it is not raining or too cold, which means I am fairly comfortable though once again one my electric gloves has blown out and I must order another, it seems I can go just about 20,000 miles on a pair before they give up.

Last week I did get to ride over one tank of gas, but it wasn’t particularly fun riding as I had to ride from the track, home and back and forth to do errands. Several things did happen last weekend that I am now contemplating as I ride along in the dark.

The first was Toy-For-Tots days meant we have several Marines visiting the track. I noticed Ric speaking with them and wandered over to see what was up. Ric had been talking to them about the kind of riding I do and they proceeded to ask me a bunch of questions, including how do ride for so long and hold the bike up. I couldn’t believe it they were in awe of my riding but they are active 24/7 at war with guns in their hands. All of us laughed at that when I mentioned it.

The second thing that happened last weekend was a pretty bad crash. Actually I don’t believe it was even that bad or wouldn’t have been if our race day officials did not allow people to get on the track for “Taste of Racing” without the proper gear. You see at lunch time we all regular folks to get on the track supervised, unfortunately no one enforces proper gear which means someone can get on the track with jeans, this is exactly what happened. Two riders collided one was wearing regular jeans and as such when he hit the track at a pretty good speed his jeans shredded forcing him to be medivaced away. I do not believe, though I am not a doctor, he would have been in such a serious way if he had been wearing leathers or even synthetic pants. I do not and will never understand why people do not wear gear and the is just one more example of the hazards of riding. This crash occurred in a very controlled environment with corner workers and ambulances around, but this man arrived at the track dressed such having ridden on streets, with gravel and animals and other vehicles dressed such, with out immediate medical care available if he had gone down. I only wish everyone would learn from this.

As I ride along my mind is occupied by the next IBA ride I am thinking of doing. The newest ride caught my attention, as I could not find any record of a woman having ever completed it, which would make it even more mind-boggling for me to do it. I have all winter to think and plan and try to figure out whether or not I want to take the chance and go for it.

I am not out for long today, gas is still outrageously expensive and the knowledge that my bike is well overdo for an oil change weigh heavily on my desire to keep riding. I am home early enough to allow the bike to cool off before I must change her oil, giving me time to order my new Gerbing gloves and post this short but contented ride story.

October 2, 2005

Sunday, again my one-day to ride and one tank of gas rule are in place. I spent way too much money riding the last few weekends, foregoing my one tank rule to ride a lone and then again later in the day with Ric. Add to this the expense of new gloves; I noticed a small hole in my left glove, to be expected after almost 7 years of wear. At first I was really worried I wouldn’t be able to find the same pair, but I got really lucky Eastside Motosports now carries Held and they not only had the right glove but they had it in my size! When I was trying on the gloves, a new kid at the counter said “Wow, your gloves are really worn.” Then the sales person tried to show me what he called “winter gloves,” I said no thanks in the cold I wear electrics. The new kid said “What are electrics” I said you know you plug in and heat up, he said he wasn’t aware and why would I need that, I said because I ride 24/7, and he said where, I responded here, he looked completely dumbfounded as if riding year round in Seattle was not humanly possible, too funny.

Winter is definitely moving in fast, and I am wondering if our no-snow last winter will cause record-breaking snow this year, as we have already had snow down to 4,000 feet! Ah well, I was really lucky last year so if I am not so lucky this year so be it.

Yesterday’s weather was iffy at best, starting off with occasional drizzle and even warming enough to wear shorts, but low and behold by 3 pm the rain started coming down heavily and the thunder was rocking the house as Ric and I enjoyed a special treat on the food channel “The Secret Life of Brownies.” I couldn’t believe it, I thought I died and went to heaven an entire show about Brownies and where they came from, or where they think they came from! I was completely taken by the woman who all she does is sell brownies and they even made a special brownie for the host with popcorn on it, I couldn’t believe my eyes two of my favorite foods in one place!

Back to riding; I have been really tired but unable to get a really good nights sleep so on Saturday at 4:30 pm I fell asleep on the couch, waking to Ric telling me to go to bed. I actually slept until 3 am something I haven’t done in months, but I must have needed it. I completed a nice workout and was on the bike a little later than I normally start but no worries the sun will not be up for hours, which means this time of year it will be a rare occasion my ride is in daylight.

It is drizzling and with my gear no longer waterproof I do my best to line my boots with plastic bags and hope the rain doesn’t get any heavier as I head out. It is cold low 40’s but not yet to freezing. I have been running my gear at full heat which means yesterday while doing my errands on the duc I burnt one toe so today I swapped socks which will burn the other toe; just one of the many prices one pays to ride in the winter. My arm will burn, as will my fingers at some point too, but small burns on my skin will heal.

I head south on the freeway just to ride, then back north up through Seattle wasting time seeing if some semblance of sunlight will break through the Seattle damp rain. I cut off the freeway north of Everett onto Route 2 figuring by the time I make Monroe I will need gas and a bathroom break.

As luck would have it not only do I have to deal with rain soaked roads in Monroe but they are doing major construction so the roads are grated heavily, I have never experience such harsh grating and I have a hard time keeping the bike in a straight line. There is a warning of a steep curb which I encounter as I turn off to get gas. I am usually not too bothered by construction but for some reason the bike is not really behaving, so I take it really  slow.

I scoot in for gas and am thrilled to find I am paying only $2.99 for premium, I can’t believe I am thinking/saying this but it has been over a month since I paid less than $3.00. I fill up and head out for more scenic roads, once again hitting my old haunts, luckily I have a strong imagination and picture myself riding along some back road in New England that I have never been on.

As I make my way toward Fall City I realize I need to head home in order to keep to my one tank rule. As I hit I-90 the sun has started to desperately fight for time in the sky and it is creating a beautiful rosy colored glow which bounces off local deciduous trees glorious fall colors, and I can truly dream of New England in the fall. There is only one time that may be more beautiful the first snow, when you can smell it coming and you wake to it’s pristine whiteness and the silence that envelopes you as if the whole world has stopped just to enjoy the beauty of it all. Of course snow makes for a no riding day, which is currently not in my plan so rain I will take, even cold as long as it is not freezing.

Back at home in time to finish up a few chores before Ric and I brave the rain to walk. Neither of us minds the rain, he is a local and I am simply just a “can’t sit still” kind of girl. Next weekend is a race weekend so riding will be relegated to back and forth to the track as that will be little more then one tank.

September 25, 2005

Well Saturday is long gone, chores and the Puyallup Fair to keep my mind off the “no riding” Saturday’s. But Sunday is here and so is a ride! I am a little tight from yesterday’s workout; it has taken me this long to get back to the number of reps at the heavier weights I was using before my 48/10 (this should give you all a better idea of what a ride like this can do to your body); so I reduced the reps on the heavier weights and increased the reps for the lighter weights this morning. A quick bite to eat and I am out the door for my ride.

I know I should head south, as Ric and I will be heading north later this morning for the Oyster Run, but I really don’t want to get on the freeway and south would mean a freeway must so that I could get gas when I needed it, whereas north meant a few more miles of no freeways and still plenty of options for gas.

So I hit the back roads, old and familiar, up through Kirkland into Bothell, winding my way up to the outskirts of Everett and then into Snohomish. I head out on the roads that I will soon dread riding on as I can feel fall coming on fast this morning with temps barely reaching 40, which means winter is not far behind; winter means short one or two hour rides before I am too cold to function.

I am lucky this morning as though the fog has rolled in so thick it is hard to see, a big truck pulls out in front of me and I can use his back lights as my guide. Normally I would pass a slow poke like this, but in the dark and thick fog I consider any slow moving cage a savior. He pulls off in Carnation, but by then the fog has started to break away and the dawn is slowly fighting with the dark of night, so I scoot up over Tolt Hill Road (a favorite for many bikers around here), into Redmond, the around Lake Sammamish to Issaquah and back roads home.

I scoot into the market quickly to pick up ingredients for some brownies, there is a recipe I have been working on for a bit and wanted to try a slight twist to it. I have been trying to make a fudgy brownie that reminds me of ones I used to get in Boston, I think my baking pan is just too old as I can’t seem to get them to the consistency I desire.

Ric comes home and does some chores as I am finishing up my brownies, just in time to head out to the Oyster Run. Ric has never attended the Oyster Run and I didn’t realize how little he understood when I tried to explain how many bikes would be there until he said “this is the closest I’ve come to Sturgis.” It was funny to see his reaction, I am used to the number of bikes though every year it gets bigger and bigger, Ric however was just in awe (thank goodness for camera phones).

On the way up the freeway to Anacortes, we saw tons of riders in small packs of 3 or 4 and large groups of over 20. At one point a group of about 30 was holding up the traffic, and I incorrectly assumed they were slow Harley riders. As we neared the slow down I realized they were sport bikers doing really stupid stuff; weaving traffic popping wheelies, etc. Sure enough they went from the passing lane to the exit ramp so quickly some almost missed the exit. I smiled to myself as I noticed which exit they had chosen, the one that would take them down a recently oiled and graveled road with 20 mph speeds, serves them right for giving all sport riders a bad name.

By the time we got to Anacortes riders on all types of bikes, but mostly Harley-eque, surrounded us. I scooted around a back way to avoid some of the downtown traffic and to park far enough away to allow for a quick exit. We geared down and locked the bikes before walking about three blocks to the main show down the main street.

There were bikes lining both sides of the street, with a row two deep down the middle, and more bikers showing up in a steady stream though it was only 11:30 am and the event didn’t officially start until 1 pm. Ric and I walked up and down the street looking at bikes and people, I would later read there were 13,000 bikes that day.

Ric had a grin from ear to ear, me I just couldn’t help thinking about all the idiots with no gear, drinking and then getting on their bikes to ride home. After several hours it was time for us to start back, we geared up and hopped on our bikes but it was not 2 miles from downtown when the traffic came to stand still, Ric looked over at me and said accident, which is exactly what I was thinking. I was also thinking it couldn’t be good it never is when an ungeared rider goes down. Sure enough I was in the passing lane and the accident had happened in the passing lanes of the other side of the route, with just a jersey barrier between us I could clearly see the blood and white latex gloves. Luckily the injured was gone and all that was left were the police, paramedics and fire personnel, but it must have been very bad as they were diverting traffic about a mile down the road meaning an investigation would be taking place that day.

When we got home Ric and I both briefly discussed the situation we passed, having seen how well I came out of my highway accident earlier this year only gave more credence to the only way I ride full gear all the time, and we both suspected that more likely then not based on the blood on the freeway that the person riding either was not in full gear or was not really wearing a helmet. I hate to bad mouth a hurt rider but I wish people would take into account those that are effected by their stupidity, the other riders with them or around them (I was shaking after seeing all the blood), the paramedics, their loved ones and even cage drivers who may witness the situation. I do wish the person a quick recovery and no lasting ill effects, but most of all I hope the situation will cause them to think twice before heading out on a ride without full gear.

September 18, 2005

Wow, my one day a week I can ride the Duc! I noticed the other day gas prices had dropped a few cents so I have my fingers crossed that they at least get below three dollars. Today I knew I had time to ride alone, while Ric was at the gym, then we were to meet up and he would be coming along to a motorcycle show I had read about north of us in Arlington. I didn’t know anything about the show, including whether or not it would be a good show but figured it was worth a shot.

The moon was definitely out this morning, and the skies were crystal clear, perfect for an early fall ride. The temps were ranging from mid-40’s to mid-50’s not too cold but cold enough I needed all my winter gear on.

I could feel the thrill and sense of peace even before I turned her on. This is my baby and with my bum in my really well worn saddle all was well with the world. I figured I would head south as we would be heading north later in the day, so straight down I-405 I went. I needed gas right away, and unfortunately the station at the bottom of our street was closed for repairs so I had to get gas down the freeway a bit. I had hoped to stop just two exits down, but I noticed three young men walking near the exit ramp, one of them was holding a large 2x4, so thought better of pulling off and continued on to a station off Route 167 that I am familiar with. It is times like these that I wish I could call the police from my bike as I have a feeling those men were up to no good.

The gas was just over three dollars and I didn’t need a full tank so it was a relief to only pay eight dollars to fill up; wow the cost of a movie, dinner out for two at our local teriyaki place, food for a day for me or a million other things, but riding is much too important to me to give it up completely. Today would be a two tank minimum day I was sure, and it would have been at least a three tanker if I could have justified but I couldn’t.

I continued down Route 167 not sure quite what I wanted to do yet but as 410 and then 512 passed by I decided to hit Route 7 south and then decide from there where to go. No one was out, as right now we are between seasons, summer is over and the colors of fall have not commenced. I headed down 7 for quite a while, passing the turn off for Roy though I truly wanted to head that way I knew that would push my gas budget up and over the limit I had for the day, I turned east and north toward Eatonville and north on 161. It was a glorious start to the day riding in the early morning while it was still dark save for the light of the full moon, until the day dawned beautifully with the bright sunshine. I was home in plenty of time to grab a bit and do some chores before Ric got home and was ready to head out to the motorcycle show in Arlington.

Ric and I were on the road and heading north to Route 9 right on time. It was slow going this late in the morning, now that people were up and about, but it was ok, as I knew we wouldn’t be going to far only about 50 miles each way. As we got closer to Arlington and the turn off another biker came up behind us, and there were others turning in where we needed to turn. As this was definitely a Harley fest, I pointed for Ric to pull over to parking not on the main drag where several other sport bikes were lined up.

The guys who had ridden in on the other bikes arrived about then and started talking with Ric before heading off. It was still cold out so I didn’t gear down just walked up and down the main drag looking at all the bikes. It was pretty impressive for a small show right before Anacortes (which is next weekend – yippee). There were quite a few custom Harleys that were truly impressive with the detail taken to trick them out.

I am always impressed how well Harley people organize events and how many turn out for them. There was a DJ at one end of the street and a live band at the other, in between there were a bunch of vendors and bikes all lined up to be judged! My only issue with these events is the drinking, already people were drinking and it wasn’t even 11 am.

We didn’t stay long, Ric needed to help his buddy look over his truck’s brakes and I needed to finish up some chores and head out for my walk.

September 2, 2005

It is Friday but I have the whole day to get to Spokane for the races. I have been over and over in my head which way I want to go, and have decided south and then east. I head out for my run, figuring I have most of the day to get to Spokane and I can’t check in before 2 or 3 pm. This morning is glorious the moon is just a sliver of crescent with this slight glow revealing its true shape. All is quiet right now it is early and most are still sleeping. I see the usual paper people out and about, giving me comfort that I am not the only one working at this hour. The dj on the radio keeps saying “Thanks for joining me this Thursday evening,” and I just want to jump down her throat is it MORNING! Not night and it is FRIDAY not Thursday. But I remind myself she is most probably a recording, and simply try to ignore her and listen to the music when it finally returns.

I am on the road by 5 am heading due south on Route 167 straight for Route 410 around Mt Rainier. I am hopping that I will get lucky and the traffic will not be too bad this Friday of Labor Day weekend. My hopes are bolstered by the fact that gas prices in this area have finally breached well over three dollars a gallon, so I figure most mobile home trips will be on hold this weekend.

As I come into Buckley it is time for gas as I did not start with a full tank so I pull into my usual station to fill up, take a quick bathroom break and head back out. It is still dark and I am on 410 now which is a little nerve racking as I do not know what the deer population is like around here, and with little or no traffic out they may be out and about near the road. I ride on with my eyes wide and ready, by the time I hit the true no-population part of 410 the skies are lightening ever so slightly and though I have to pass a few slow pokes (still can’t figure out the not going speed limit thing), I am content.

My contentment turns to tear watery eye joy as I come around one of the cliff hanger turns and there she is peachy pink in the dawn light the mountain! Oh my gosh still after 11 years I am caught off guard when I see her rising like this out of the ground awash in the colors of dawn, there are no words (or my vocabulary is not good enough) to do justice to her magnificence. I can just catch glimpses of her threw the trees as I try desperately to keep my eyes on the road in front of me as it is not a straight line here by any means.

Now I am riding on a high no drug could provide, the drug of the road beneath my bike tires augmented with the beauty of the Northwest. Low and behold I didn’t think it could get more glorious when I come up over a slight crest and there in all their majesty are two huge Elk! I have lived here for 11 years and had yet to see Elk in the wild, and here were two standing to the side of the road! I could not at first comprehend what I was seeing, but as soon as I did I regretted not having a camera phone (though I am not sure they would have stood there long enough for me to get it out and snap a picture). How marvelous this ride was becoming even better then I could have imagined.

Outside of Naches, I noticed two more figures up ahead this time I truly had to slow down as the baby of the two (nearly the size of a small horse) was standing in the road looking at me. Sure enough I got lucky twice over this trip, a mom and baby (if you could call it that) Elk were just crossing the road leisurely in front of me.

I pulled in for a stop at Naches at another usual haunt. Gas up, change out shields and eat a little dried fruit before continuing down Route 12 toward Yakima. I had planned to try and find Route 24 but without a tank bag and just memory to guide me I thought I needed to get on I-82 North not south so I missed it this time but I will be back. Up I-82 to I-90 into Vantage where I scooted down Route 26, I just couldn’t bare the thought of I-90 one more time, especially since with the forecast for rain on Sunday I knew I would be on it home. Route 26 was fun, I hadn’t done it from start to finish before, just bits and pieces here and there over time. I rode it all way from Vantage to Colfax.

Somewhere between Vantage and Colfax I noticed three Harley riders over on the side of the road gearing down (something I had done at my last gas stop). Within minutes they had caught up with and passed me. Well I figured ok they look like they know what they are doing and since they are moving along at a nice clip maybe I will join them. So it ended up that one Ducati dudette was riding with three Harley dudes for about 80 miles on Route 26.

What fun to ride with others; I didn’t know who they were and they did not know me, but we rode together. I stayed a ways back at first to watch how they rode together and to judge their comfort level with me tagging along. Slowly I moved up to put myself into position behind the last rider as if we had all been riding together the whole way. I did not like that they were not geared properly but just riding along with them and the karma that true bikers exude was a fantasy come true. I knew they were pretty hard core based on the sleeping bags, and well worn gear so I knew I was in good company.

The pulled over in Colfax, and I rode on to a gas station just a ways up. All of a sudden I heard, nice bike and looked over to find all three pulling in! What fun. They had great bikes but were all ohhing ahhing over my Ducati. This just made me smile at almost 16,000 miles in 5 months and now several hours of riding through major bugs made my worn down bike look sorrier then she usually does in her modified state, but they still gave her the credit she deserves.

I didn’t take my helmet off just shoved food in my mouth, water from my camelback and was on the road again before they even finished gassing up as they had geared down and were about to do that lounge around thing I can’t seem to do. But I waved at them and gave them my best helmet encrusted smile.

I had taken quick look at the map before heading out and with only 60 miles to go to Spokane figured I had plenty of time to goof off some more. So I picked a little gray line Route 231 that would intersect with another little gray line Route 23 (I think) and hooks up in Oaksdale with Route 271 (again not sure). I am thrilled these roads are completely free of traffic and take me through pretty wheat fields mowed in funny patterns, right into little tiny home towns where every one knows everyone.

Oh now I am thinking how I wished I could move to one of these small little towns, open my café and live happily ever after. The only thing I need is a good market and a library then I would be happy forever! Yeah dream on.

I wind my way into Eastern Spokane and am forced to get onto I-90 west to the hotel, but not for long. I arrive much to early to check in but ask any way. Lucky again the room is ready which means I have time to gear down, unload, get to my favorite market and still have time for my second workout! Wow!

Now I had been forewarned that I was to get a suite this trip, as I had had some trouble at the hotel for our last stay and the manager wanted to make it up to me. Oh my goodness I had no idea what that would mean until I opened the door, I almost fainted instead I was like a kid in a candy store practically skipping through the suite. It had a dining room, living room with TV, kitchen area, French doors into the bedroom which had its own TV, hot tub and even big terry robes to wear, then into the huge bathroom, and back into the living area where the gas fire place reigned supreme. I didn’t want to leave how incredible, I don’t think I have stayed this luxuriously since one of my bosses paid for me to have a suite at the Sheraton for helping during a conference! I text messaged Ric “Wait until you see the room.” I didn’t even want to describe it I wanted him to experience the same awe I did. I was just sad that all my stuff would be in it and the puffy pillows would be off the bed before he arrived. Ah lucky us two nights of bliss at least!

Racing tomorrow and Sunday in Spokane, with weather to be ok.

August 27-28, 2005

This is something of a ride story and a personal musing…sorry if I weave between the two.

It is Saturday morning and the end of a pretty hectic workweek. I keep telling people I don’t need kids right now I have 30+ at the office. Well I am in need of a nice uneventful ride this morning, alone just bike, the peace and quiet and me.

I have been thinking a lot this week about life and such. I have been reading “Purpose Driven Life,” this is not a plug for the book, just has gotten me thinking.