Christine's Corner

Ride to...Eat

2012-05-27T14:39:00.001-06:00

Yesterday's adventure was supposed to be a ride out to the Bucksnort Saloon in Sphnix Park, Colorado. It's a wonderful ride through some beautiful twisties. Not to mention their signature Buck Burgers.

Alas, it was not meant to be! The winds were quite blustery. With 35 mile-per-hour winds and gusts up over 50 miles per hour the consensus was....nahhhhh.....

Instead, my little group decided to take a short spin up to Green Mountain Falls and have lunch at the Mucky Duck. It's the first time I've ever been in this little gem in Green Mountain Falls. Known for their French Dip sandwich, this was a nice little stop to fill our bellies and kibbitz with one another. It's not a very big establishment, but was able to accomodate our group of 12 easily with a reservation. I had a lovely spinach salad and french onion soup...and my son had most of my soup!!

In addition, our host was quite gracious and frankly, had a great sense of humor to put up with the likes of our kibbitzing!!

Two hours later, we decided to head back to the Springs. It was a great ride down the pass on Hwy 24 and we arrived safe and sound and not too terribly wind blown.

Hopefully the wind will not hang around here too long. It's been a very windy spring and, darn it, I'm ready for it to blow away....far away.... I had a few of my other riding friends tell me that the winds of this day were terrible and the day's ride was not very fun.

I hope everyone has a safe Memorial Day Weekend. If you see a Vet, please thank them for their service--I know that I am very grateful for all those that stand guard for our freedom.

Keep The Shiny Side Up!

~The Rainbow Wahine

Now, The End of May--But a Girl's Ride!

2012-05-23T16:22:00.000-06:00

Wow, now May is almost over!

I haven't done much riding lately, although I think the price of gas prompts me to ride more as a cost savings. But I've been busy with other things--like school, home and other things.

I did get out for a quick scoot with the girls for lunch--up to the lovely Wines of Colorado. It was a beautiful day for riding! For those of you who have never been to The Wines, you should do so! It's a marvelous treat and the food is always delicious!

My lunch was a lovely smoked salmon over a spinach salad. Dressed with a raspberry vinaigrette. The salmon is smoked on site and wow....yummy!! Lunch is not the only treat. If you go, please ask to sit creek side--and enjoy your lunch outside in the sunshine and listen to the gurgling of the creek. Lovely!

Of course, a ride out with my gals--is the best! It's always great to get out in the sunshine and have the breeze between the knees! I hope to have many more adventures with the gals (and guys) over the remainder of the riding season!

It's in full swing now--there are many motorcycles out there! Vehicles--watch for motorcyclists! Riders--pay attention for the driver not paying attention. It can be a difference between a great ride and a bad one.

As always, keep the shiny side up!

~The Rainbow Wahine

How Did it Get to Be May?

2012-04-30T12:36:00.003-06:00

One day left for April. Time passes much too quickly!

I have had a couple of days on the bike--nothing spectacular, but did have a girl's run for lunch. I think it's been the longest ride I've done all year. It was a nice run up the pass to the Wines of Colorado. It's a great place that sits creekside. The food is good and the conversation was better--you know how girls talk!

Other than that, not much else to report. I've been busy with my schoolwork and studying for my certification exam. Just a couple of weeks to go before I sit for the exam, so I've been trying to focus on the study material.

Spring is here and while I want to get out and ride--I've been busy planting my mini garden. Once that's done, I hope to get out for a scoot or two. My son leaves to visit his dad in six weeks or so and hopefully I can get out and ride more!!!

Until then, enjoy the breeze in your face and keep the shiny side up!!

~The Rainbow Wahine

February and SNOW SNOW SNOW

2012-02-04T14:06:00.000-07:00

Not to complain, especially with the unusually and unseasonably warm weather we've been having. So the blizzard of '12 happened.

Not really, but it was enough that my kiddo had a snow day yesterday. Lucky him.

The Mountain Shadow Riders did have their first chapter meeting of '12 in their "new"home--in the meeting area of Pike's Peak Harley Davidson. It was nice to see everyone and it was great to not have to worry about the riff-raff of finding a new place to meet. The folks at the dealership were very generous in offering their space and I know that the chapter is grateful.

After the Perkins restaurant closed last year, it's been a challenge to meet. It was fine when the membership was small, but since the chapter has grown, it's getting difficult to find seating for upwards to 100 people. We thought that we found the ideal place--the iHop restaurant on Powers and Stetson Hills, and we were able to meet for a few months. However, the regional manager felt that our group meeting on a Saturday was not as profitable as it could be, so they quit reserving the space. One one hand, I understand, but on the other hand I really don't.

What I do know is that I won't be taking my business to iHop any longer. It's my choice.

We looked at other places, but it just wasn't working, so when the folks at the dealership extended the offer...hooray!!! My thanks to the dealership and the wonderful folks of the HOG chapter that allows us to use their space.

Which made the January meeting a success.

Lots of new stuff going on. Planning on the 2012 BCA run is already in place. The chapter was gifted a motorcycle and I am currently working on the title paperwork. Evidently, a participant and breast cancer survivor had a motorcycle that they found in the trash. Can you imagine? Someone putting motorcycle in the trash??

So they pulled it out and rode it as a neighborhood bike for a number of years. After attending the ride, they decided that they would donate the bike to the chapter and perhaps we could fix it up and auction it off for the 2012 run??

Sounds good to me!!

So the story will be told of the little 250 Rebel. I think it will be fun!

It's December and No, I'm NOT Riding!

2011-12-09T11:57:00.001-07:00

I'm sure it's been a bazillion years since I've posted...but rest assured, I'm still out here!

This year has been interesting--I've done more riding than in past years--but not as much as I first did. Let's face it, I've become a fair-weather rider. Once in my life (like it's a different century or something), I would have not thought twice about hopping on the bike for a quick scoot as long as the roads were clear. Now, not so much!

The Iron Butt some years ago was what took my enthusiasm out of the "joy" of the ride--in cold temps. Something about having to thaw out by taking a shower or bath just doesn't appeal to me. My 'ol bones don't like it either! Having to navigate automobiles that really are not aware that there may be a motorcyclist on the road does not appeal to me either.

The last ride of the season was with an old friend for a Sunday afternoon scoot. The temps were about the mid 50's..not terribly cold but not terribly warm. Being Colorado, if the sun was shining, it was perfect. Unfortunately, the clouds rolled in..and yes, it was nippy. I had my cold weather gear, but it's just not the same. We got about 75 miles in and my friend, who was leading, asked me where the next stop would be. My response was "home"!

He laughed and admitted that he was thinking the same thing!

It was nice 75 miles and I'm sure that the bug will bite when the weather warms up. Until then, the bike is on the tender.

Of course, I've been looking at the new BMW 1600 and yes, with heated handgrips and seat, I may have to rethink the whole cold weather riding! That's another story for another day and I have to finish grad school first!

Ya'll keep the shiny side up!

~The Rainbow Wahine

As The Leaves Turn

2011-09-29T16:30:00.000-06:00

Well, it's now or never for the ride out to see the Colorado fall colors.

So it's now.

This morning, it was a cooooolllll ride up to Cripple Creek. At 9 am, it was a warm and balmy 50-something degrees.

Did I mention that I haven't done any really cold weather riding since...uhhhh...March??

Today was just a small front, it will be back to "normal" Colorado 80's tomorrow.

However, today's ride was spectacular. The aspens are changing and the yellows are just brilliant! It's quite different from the yellows/reds/oranges of the midwest/east, since the contrast are greens and yellow here and moving to gold and then...

Falling off!!!

It was nice to get out and ride, but still too nippy for me!! However, it was fun to ride the twistys up to Cripple Creek. However, the weather wasn't nice enough to stop for lunch. Rather, it was a quick scoot home!

"High On The Hog" by the MeanStreet Riders

2011-05-25T10:58:00.000-06:00

The MeanStreet Riders, a group of motorcycling friends that also happens to be a band (or is it a band that also happens to motorcycle?) are releasing their debut CD and I'm one of the lucky ones that get the opportunity to preview their debut album High On The Hog.

The MSR (the band, not the Mountain Shadow Riders), formed back 2008. This group of songwriters that have a passion for riding realized they had an opportunity to share their stories and experiences through song. High On The Hog does just that! All the band members contributed to the lyrics and were able to give their own perspective to the riding experience.

The track 129 is about their experience riding Deal's Gap. Located on Highway 129, Deal's Gap, or The Dragon, is an 11-mile stretch of highway in Tennessee that has 318 turns. I've never done Deal's Gap by motorcycle, but I do remember doing the ride in my car many years ago. I could easily relate to the track!!

The other tracks relate to motorcycling--destinations of "over there", Strugis and other places motorcycle. The dream of just hopping on and letting the wind blow, enjoying the ride, and momentarily escaping the realities of life. The reminder that friends, family, and country are important and not to take life too seriously.

High On The Hog is what American Rock is all about. Harmonic and full of guitar riffs, this is an album that I can hear in my mind's eye while rolling down the highway.

Like any ride, the album came to an end quickly. My thanks to the members of MeanStreet Riders for sharing their memories in song. Ahhhh.....I want to go for a ride!!

You can find the MeanStreet Riders on Facebook or at their website. You can preview their album at their website. Look for it for general release sometime in June!

Keep The Shiny Side Up!

~The Rainbow Wahine

Mountain Shadow Rider's Open House #1 and Racing at PPIR

2011-05-25T10:32:00.000-06:00

Every spring/summer, the MSR puts on at least one open house to meet and greet with the motorcycle community and raise money for our Breast Cancer Awareness Run. Our run is held the first Saturday in October and this year it's on October 1st.

This year, we have two open houses scheduled--one was this past Saturday at Rocky Mountain Cycle Plaza. The folks at RMCP are wonderful for hosting us and we always have fun talking to the customers coming in and out. Of course, the smell of brats, burgers and dogs cooking are helpful!!!

Our food is all donated by the membership and proceeds are put towards our BCA Run in October. I'm not sure how much the open house brought it, but it is always fun to get together and just do what we do!!

I didn't do the whole day--instead I headed down to Pike's Peak International Raceway for the MRA Races. It's always fun to watch the sport bikes race!! And a beautiful day to boot!! PPIR is a small track; I'm not sure if the racers like it, but for a spectator, it's great since I can see the entire track!!

Next race day is June 11. Next MSR open house is still uncertain, but might be in June.

Keep the Shiny Side Up!!

~The Rainbow Wahine

Colorado Springs Touring Club--El Paso County Search and Rescue

2011-05-16T11:33:00.000-06:00

I awoke to a cold and dreary day! Brrrr.....

The high was supposed to get up to the mid 50's, but I do not think it made it to the day's high. I was not planning on doing the ride since my son was in tow--we were just going to go down to the end stop and meet everyone.

Instead, we went down and registered and then headed out to run errands. In the car.

Yeah, I got flak about it, but hey, my days of riding in the rain are about over. I know I can do it, but if I don't have to.....

Unfortunately, with the weather being so cold (and this is the second time in 20+ years that the weather was uncooperative), attendance was down. It's unfortunate, because the El Paso County Search and Rescue group is not funded by tax payer dollars. Probably doesn't mean too much except if you get lost in the mountains, EPCS&R are the folks that get out and bring you in. Which gets to be mighty important if it's you or a loved one that has gotten lost or fallen off a cliff.

Nonetheless, it was a fun day and the CSTC did raise some funds for the EPCS&R. We won door prizes too!! Not to mention having a good time laughing and carrying on with my friends.

Next weekend is a race weekend. Boyfriend Joe is racing at Pikes Peak International Raceway. The weather is iffy for rain, but hey that's what he has raingear for!!!

The Mountain Shadow Riders are also having their Family Dinner Night on Thursday and and open house. The MSR usually has two open houses--one in early spring and the other one in late spring. If you guys are in the Colorado Springs, come out and check out the ladies of the Mountain Shadow Riders. We'll be at Rocky Mountain Sports Plaza starting around 10 AM.

That's all the motorcycle news for the day. Didn't ride....well, not on two wheels anyway!

Keep the Shiny Side Up!

~The Rainbow Wahine

Dang It's Cold Out There!!

2011-04-26T10:18:00.000-06:00

Saturday morning was the local HOG Easter Egg Fun Run. It was certainly Easter and it was fun. But it was COLD!

We set out for breakfast at 8:30. Skies were overcast. Not too windy. Temps...colder than I liked. Looking up at Pikes Peak...snowing. Oh boy. As I ride down I-25, I am wondering if any of the stops are up in Woodland Park. I roll into the restaurant and head in. I find my group of friends and as the spot me, they burst out laughing. Something about the expression on my face. I talk to one of the HOG members and ask if the route was going up the mountain.

Of course! We talk about the snow and my friend declares that we may just have to skip the stop.

After breakfast we head out to the dealership. I commented to dear BF that those wonderful crashbar covers I received for Christmas would be most excellent to have today. Except I don't have them because they didn't fit and he took them back. The dealership didn't have the correct ones, so I have just done without. Not a big deal since I don't do much riding. However, today would have been a good day!

However, BF is wonderful and checked the dealership inventory. They had some that work so now have engine guard wind deflectors!

There were two stops up the mountain and we made the executive decision not to go up the hill. Note: snow is not fun and dangerous to ride in unless you are on a Ural or trike. I have neither!

The other stops were parks around the surrounding area. I know that the idea is that it's an Easter Egg run and that involves Eggs and Parks. Unfortunately, the weather wasn't being cooperative so there wasn't an opportunity to warm up.

The end stop was at Frankie's Too in Fountain. I was soooo happy to be there!! Finally, something warm to drink and food.

A note about cold weather riding. If you are going to do it, make sure you have sufficient fuel in the tank. Yes, the motorcycle, but also the stomach. It's important because the body will need the fuel to stay warm. It's also important to make sure your bladder is empty because it take additional energy to keep urine warm--I know I want the heat to keep me warm, not my pee!

One of the prizes was a "golden easter egg" Since the stop up the mountain had the egg and there was no brave soul ventured that way (except the HOG members that were running the stop), the egg hunt ended up at the restaurant. I spotted the egg and won! Yay me!! Got a few Harley bucks to spend at the dealership.

It was cold riding home and my solution to warm up was a nice bath. As I was running the water, the sun came out. Gee, talk about Murphy's Law, eh??

Well, it was good to get out and see friends...so a good ride overall. And a reminder of how much I do not like to ride in the cold. Of course, why am I living in Colorado then??

Keep the Shiny Side Up!

~The Rainbow Wahine

Ride Like the Wind?

2011-04-12T15:39:00.001-06:00

I can definitely tell that it's springtime in the Rockies! My son Alex and I rode down to the April Mountain Shadow Riders meeting. Wow, a lot of new people! Which is great! And it's always wonderful to catch up with my friends.

The ride after the meeting was to Pueblo. I wasn't feeling it since the wind has been bothersome so some of us decided to break off and head north to Franktown. My son had another activity scheduled, so I got to ride without him. Truthfully, I would not have gone riding if I had him--anything out of town has him complaining that his legs hurt.

While it was only 45 or so miles, wow. The wind was beating up on everyone. I had the fabulous task of leading--although I don't understand why since I'm the one that is directionally challenged. Fortunately, I knew where the Stagecoach was, so all I had to do was lead five other motorcyclists.

Unbeknownst to me, one of the riders was new. Well, I knew that he had a new motorcycle--a new to him Harley Davidson V-Rod. He hadn't ridden in a number of years, but that doesn't mean anything--I had taken a riding hiatus for twenty-something years. I started riding again on a Yamaha V-Star 1100, which is still a large motorcycle then moved to my Harley. So, in my book, anyone riding a V-Rod should know what they are doing.

I was wrong.

The wind was beating us up pretty badly. I have a windshield, but Mr. V-Rod did not and while he had a full-faced helmet on, I know how exhausting it can be trying to ride in 40+ MPH wind gusts. I did lecture him before we headed out that I expect all riders to ride their own ride and be comfortable. However, I did not anticipate that he would do 5 miles under the speed limit.

That creates another type of hazard. I typically ride 5 miles over the speed limit and will ratchet it down some if necessary but I like to stay over the speed limit. I do this because most cars aren't doing the speed limit and I don't want to create a dangerous situation where cars are trying to pass motorcycles on twisty Colorado roads because they get impatient. There were several occasions that I looked back and the group is a quarter mile away!

Yikes!

I know he's struggling, but since we are out, we don't have much of a choice but to press on. I cut my speed but am conscious of the traffic behind our group and when a few cars build up and the road is passable, I move to the right to let the cars by.

Over all, it's an exhausting ride. Not just from the wind, but the process of ensuring that riders stay safe and ride within their means.

Mr. V-Rod ended up dumping his bike later in the day and breaking the shift linkage, but overall, he did very well. Hey, there were a couple of uh-oh moments when the wind is gusting me around, so my hat's off to him.

Keep the Shiny Side Up!

~The Rainbow Wahine

It's Was 84 Yesterday....and Today......

2011-04-03T22:28:00.000-06:00

It snowed :(.

Fortunately, the weather forecast was correct so my friends and I thought it was a good idea to ride on Saturday.

It was! I guess those that were invited thought it was a good idea too, since almost 20 people showed up!

Yahoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

It was a little chilly riding out to Starbucks...but after that, it warmed up nicely. One of those beautiful Colorado days where the sun is shining, the sky is a brilliant blue and I can still see snow up on Pike's Peak.

The day was made better because my son rode along.

Because of that, the route was planned to stay in the Colorado Springs vicinity. Even an 8 year old's booty gets sore from sitting on a Fatboy passenger pillion!

First stop was lunch out in Falcon. I had the chance to visit and catch up with my friends and fill my tummy. What more can a girl ask for?

Well, more riding!!

After lunch, we rode out to the local putt-putt golf course and had an "activity". Thank goodness there was a six-stroke limit because there were some holes that were just not pretty!!! Paul and I were excited that we won--errrr--or had the highest number of strokes. Yeah, in putt-putt, those are the rules! In my imagination, at least!

Afterwards, we headed out to Manitou via Old Colorado City. Waved at the tourists who were out in full force. It's good to see because it's a sign the economy is picking up. It wasn't so very long ago when riding through Old Colorado City and looking at the many empty shop windows.

It's always fun to wander around Manitou. Stop at Patsy's Candy. They've been in business for over 100 years! Legend has it that Patsy sold his popcorn/peanut recipe to---you got it---Cracker Jack. We laughed at the sign taped in the window that said "we close when the temperature is below __ (I can't remember the number)". How do they know....with wild variable Colorado temps, do they open/close/open/close??? It was funny.

A stop at the Townhouse for a refreshing drink. Sit out on the patio and people watch. If you are ever in Manitou, you absolutely should watch the people. I won't even attempt to describe the variety of people. It is, however, quite entertaining to watch the throngs of tourists rarin' to ride up the Cog Railroad to the summit of Pike's Peak. The Cog is known as the world's highest cog railroad and most tourists don't realize that the summit temps of Pike's Peak can be in the below freezing even when the temperature at Manitou is a balmy 80 degrees.

Adventures done and amusement factor refilled, it was time to go home.

My day wasn't done by any means. I short stop home and then off to meet my wonderful girlfriends to catch the last show of The Vagina Monologues. It was a wonderful production and my friends and I shared laughter and tears throughout the show. While the message is important--the money raised through sales benefits the local battered women's shelter and provides funding for programs aimed in protecting women.

Today, the snow blew in. It was a reminder that the weather is fickle--just like life. We all should take those available minutes and get out and ride when we can.

Until next time,

Keep the Shiny Side Up!!

~The Rainbow Wahine

Mountain Shadow Riders March Meeting

2011-03-13T12:19:00.001-06:00

What a great March meeting! It was great to see my many friends! There were lots of new faces as well, so new riding adventures are on the way!!

I did get to ride down--and it was cold!! Lots of cold weather gear! It was nice to cruise down the highway, though and let the wind blow over my stocking cap!

The meeting was informative and fun. One of the things that the chapter is doing is collecting food items for the Silver Key Senior Services. Silver Key's mission is to "find and implement ways to ensure that the elderly are aging safely with dignity and independence". Our chapter has been challenged by the Ladies of Harley--the first group to bring in 10,000 food item will be the winner of a brunch that the other group has to provide. Of course, we want bragging rights, but at the end of the day, the real winner is the senior citizens that get food items from Silver Key.

We also presented ideas on the 2011 MSR ride contest. This year, the theme is "Ride Like an Animal". My motorcycle with animals, animal signs, etc. Pretty simple and interesting. I submitted the Scavenger Hunt, but I was soundly beaten out by Trouble....who went to the trouble of making a really cool presentation with pictures and all. Kudos to her!!

The ride back was still cold! Trust me, I did ride all the way home with a huge grin on my face!! I'm soooo looking forward to the riding season!!

Keep the Shiny Side Up!!

Finally! It's Warm Enough!

2011-03-11T15:48:00.000-07:00

I did not get out to ride today--too many things going on! I will, however, get the chance to ride down to the Mountain Shadow Riders' March chapter meeting. It's all things motorcycle and a great opportunity to just chit-chat and catch up with my friends.

The Mountain Shadow Riders is the largest Women on Wheels(R) chapter in Colorado. At present count, there are close to 100 members, support and child members. Our rides are as varied as our personalities--big cruisers, little cruisers, sport bikes and even a couple of scooters!! What we do have in common is fellowship and the want to share our experiences and have fun in the process!!

In the meantime, I should head out to the garage and do some spring checking--oil, battery, tire pressure, etc. I know the motorcycle will start because I rode it last week (yay!) and tires and fuel are okay.

When riding, please be on the lookout for sand or "winter" debris on the roads. Considering the contact area on a motorcycle tire to the ground is about the size of a playing card--one would want as much rubber on the road. It's still pretty sandy and gravelly out there.

Most of us have not had the opportunity to do much riding (kudos to those who can) during the winter season, so beware of your skills. Like anything else, it might get a little rusty for lack of use. Thank goodness it doesn't take long to come up to speed!!!

Those are my pointers for the day (since I didn't really have a story).

Keep the shiny side up!!

~The Rainbow Wahine

If It's Too Cold To Ride...

2011-02-28T10:31:00.001-07:00

What to do, what to do, what to do??

Gather everyone together and have brunch!

Of course, it's always good to get together and kibbitz. And a good way to sample everyone else's cooking too!!

Sausage, potato casserole, green chili casserole, croissants, and a lovely egg, mushroom and cheese concoction that was yummylishous! Add bloody marys, mimosas, coffee....Yummo!!

The best part are the people. It was a good time to get together and visit, share stories, and laugh.

Although I can't wait for riding season....it's close!

Keep The Shiny Side Up!

~The Rainbow Wahine

It's Still A Frozen Tundra Out There

2011-02-25T14:14:00.000-07:00

I had time for a quick scoot last weekend. Actually, I was putzing around the house doing chores and the bike was a callin'....Christine....Christine....Christine.

Although it was a little cool in the shade, the sun was shining and most definitely ridable. So the decision for a quick ride around town was made!! Yes!

Throw on gear, back the bike out of the garage and down the street I go. As I pull out of the neighborhood, I look up at Pike's Peak....lo and behold it's pouring down rain!!

Are you kidding me?!?!?!?

Colorado is known for its micro-weather. Pouring down rain on one side of town and a mile or two down the road--it's dry as a bone. Unfortunately for me, Murphy's Law is in play here--as I am out on the motorcycle, that rain cloud is headed directly at me.

Ride was very short; about five miles. Got a few rain splashes.

Oh well, I guess I should not complain. I did get some wind therapy.

Today, it's very cold and there is a crazy ice fog.

Not to good for ridin'!

Keep the shiny side up!

~The Rainbow Wahine

Happy New Year's & Some Brass Nuts....

2011-01-11T00:14:00.001-07:00

Happy New Year, everyone! I know I'm a few days late--my brain is frozen!!!

I was supposed to ride at the beginning of the month in the annual Brass Nut Run. Something similar to the Polar Bear Swimming Club except for swimming in a frozen lake, we ride our motorcycles in the freezing cold.

Except it was cancelled since it was icy and snowy....and cold!

Ha!

It was a good call--once temps get down too low, it's pretty likely that three motorcycles will show up...or zero. I know I wouldn't be there--I've become such a fair weather rider!

Not really, I'll ride in the cold, the rain, snow (if I must), if I'm out in the elements. To do so on purpose.....not so much. After the Iron Butt ride, I decided that it isn't much fun freezing!

Although I will admit, I'm excited in trying out my new crash-bar wind deflectors Santa brought me! Well, Santa got the wrong ones, but he's in the process of exchanging them so it will be soon and I can try them out!!!

Right now, there's much snow and ice on the ground! Icky riding weather! Heck, icky driving weather!

The ride has been rescheduled to March--it might still be cold enough to use my thingies!

I hope that everyone had a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year! Here's to many wonderful riding days for 2011....

Keep the shiny side up!

~The Rainbow Wahine

Crash, Bang, Screech!!

2010-12-15T12:10:00.000-07:00

Three words that no motorcyclist wants to hear!!

A few months ago, I was out for a mid-afternoon scoot. I was out riding with Joe and we were headed to Devine Wines in Manitou (they make fabulous wines). He was leading. We were waiting to make a right turn and he saw that it was clear so he went. I did not go, since I couldn't see and had a niggling feeling to "wait". So I did.

As I waited, I looked down the lane. White car, then go. The car went by and I pulled out. As I pulled out--out of nowhere a humongo Chevrolet pickup appeared. I caught the bed of the truck and heard a loud "bang". The first thing I thought was "darn (you can use a different and appropriate word), my gas tank is dented"!

I think I was pushed over about three feet or so and managed to not go over. Fortunately, the collision was on the left hand side. What I think happened was that the bed of the truck pushed my clutch lever in and disengaged the engine. Had it been the other side, it could have been a pretty nasty incident.

The driver of the truck pulled over and I pulled in behind her. She was pretty mad and yelling "why did you pull out". I calmly stated that I looked down the lane and it was clear so I went. The road was a five lane road--there are two lanes in each direction and a turn lane in the middle. I then asked if she changed lanes when I pulled out. She yelled at me for a few more minutes and then called the police.

Aside from a bruise on my lower leg, I did not sustain any injury. The loud bang was not a dent in my fuel tank, but rather, my floorboard cut the sidewall of her rear tire causing a blow out. She was ranting and raving that I scared her and she just replaced that tire just moments ago. I understand her reaction--I certainly hope I never hit a motorcyclist!

The police officer arrived and was amazed that there was no serious injury. She was arguing with the officer that I pulled out as she was going by and I stated that I looked down the lane and it was clear, so I thought she changed lanes as I was pulling out. The officer was amazed that I was unhurt--he asked me three times if I was okay and was I sure if my bike was okay. I'm fine and the bike is fine.

Fortunately, there was no citation--he just stated since there was no injury, we would just exchange insurance information and be done.

Once that was taken care of, I started my bike and went home. My excursion to the winery was not to be since I had to get home in time for Alex to get home from school. If that isn't a time to have a little wine!!

Of course, now when I'm riding, I simply will not go if both lanes are not clear. I've always known that I shouldn't pull out just in case, but now I just will not do it. I was lucky and I'm not interested in tempting fate!

Keep the shiny side up!

~The Rainbow Wahine

Boys and Motorcycles

2010-08-16T01:17:00.000-06:00

The second Saturday of the month is the Mountain Shadow Riders chapter meeting. We get together, talk about all things motorcycles and other life stuff girls talk about. This past year has been about change;the largest change is that my son is with me full time. It certainly has changed my riding--but I figured out how to get some riding in....I just put him on the back.

He's ridden with me on a number of occasions. I think it's finally dawned on him that it is something really fun and motorcycles are really cool! It's funny, the days that I've picked him up from daycare, he runs around the facility showing everyone his helmet and proclaiming "my mom is taking me home on her motorcycle"! Kinda like the nah-nah-nah-boo-boo I got one on you thing.

Arriving at the meeting was pretty quiet--we arrived late and I was sneaking in. Leaving, however, was an entirely different story. He was so funny making his production of getting his gear on. He hopped on and off we went. Our fearless chapter director sent me an e-mail later that day....."he had the biggest grin on his face and was soooo cute".

Yeah, I know! About the cute part. I'm glad he thinks it is fun--because we all know it is!

As we headed down Platte, I decided to take the Powers/Platte interchange. It's a cloverleaf interchange and it's nicely banked. Sitting at a red light before the interchange, I instructed Alex is sit still and hold on tight--mom was going to go fast. It was wishful thinking because there was a car in front of us, but I did a nice turn and zipped onto Powers.

At the next red light Alex said, "Wow, mom, that was FUN"! Heh...if he only knew.

I still have a little time yet before I want to take him on longer rides--I think he'll be ready to go next summer. He was disappointed that we weren't going to ride up in the mountains this year.

I just wonder when the day comes that he wants to learn to ride. It will probably be sooner rather than later. Still, at eight, he's does well as a passenger and I'm happy to have him along.

Sigh, they just grow up too fast.

Keep the Shiny Side Up

~The Rainbow Wahine

But...It's...STICKY

2010-07-18T23:29:00.002-06:00

This one out of the hysterical archives of not being too bright.

The time frame of this story is during the Rolling Axe Murders Tour.  It is one for the record books simply because it's absolutely stupid! And my ego is ready to admit that it's all me...me....me.......

And still dumb.

When I have the opportunity to ride long distances, I'll park many items in between the space of my windshield and handlebars.   Usually it's a bottle or two of water crammed in the space so I don't have to stop every 6.2 miles for a drink.

I had pulled out of the group to ride to Four Corners for a picture for the Mountain Shadow Rider's Scavenger Hunt. I was bound and determined to get this photo since it was one that I think was absolutely neat. I remember pulling out at oh-dark-thirty to head out and was enjoying the solitude of a sole jaunt down the highway. The temps weren't overly warm and there was little traffic on the highway, so it was The Phantom of the Opera, the background of putt-putt-putt of Harley exhaust and beautiful scenery.

Sometime late morning I got hungry and decided to stop for breakfast. As a former full-time road warrior, my favorite spot to eat is at the grocery store. It's relatively inexpensive (versus a restaurant) and I can have all the fruits and veggies without paying restaurant prices. As I wander around, I spot the fruit of the season all stacked up and calling my name.....

Of course they are cherries.

Cherries are my all-time favorite and I've paid a king's ransom for them out of season. Fortunately, they are in season and and reasonable, so I snag a bag and decide that is breakfast and a riding snack. I also figure out that I can tie the grocery bag to my handlebars and eat them while out on the road.

This continues throughout the trip.

Cherries.....good......

I get home from the trip...six days of absolute fun...and manage to get all my gear off the bike. I discover the bag and find way over ripened fruit. Out in the trash it goes.

Somehow said cherries seem to be forgotten.   I don't really think much about it, until three weeks later. One of my friends calls and wants to get out for a scoot and I happily oblige. As I run around like a mad woman getting dressed, my friend pulls in and decided to take a look at Mr. Chubbs.

She notices a puddle about six inches around beside my bike and wonders what I'm leaking. I walk into the garage and look and declare that I have no idea.

So a trip to the dealership is in order to fix this problem. I pull in and I explain that there is an unknown leak of unknown fluid and I need it fixed. The tech tells me he'll be out to look at it in a moment.

While I'm waiting, I'm going over what could possibly be wrong.....really, there aren't that many fluids on the front of the bike. The service writer comes out and asks me a few questions then does the thing that anyone should....he touches the fluid. He looks at me and says "but it's STICKY".

I immediately started laughing because I knew what it was. You know, when you leave any fruit in warm weather......so the culprit was the cherries I left on my handlebars for too long. And the owner/operator of one red Harley Davidson Fatboy gets the idiot award of the day. That would be me.

It still gets a pretty good chuckle and at on a good note, at least it wasn't an expensive repair. Hey, it was something a bike wash took care of.

I wish they were all like that!!!

Keep the Shiny Side Up

~The Rainbow Wahine

To Helmet or Not To Helmet

2010-07-14T10:13:00.000-06:00

Sigh, this is one of those things that seems to bring a humongo debate and raise a great deal of ire when someone comments. I am not going into the debate of whether someone should or should not wear a helmet or if it should or shouldn't be a law. This is just simply an observation on my part and well, my choice.

The past few months it seems that there has been quite a few motorcycle fatalaties here in the Colorado Springs area. Death is always tragic no matter how it occurs. One incident that stuck in my mind was a few weeks ago when a woman, riding her Harley, was killed on Interstate 25. She was not wearing her helmet. Honestly, had she been wearing a helmet, she would not have survived. It was my understanding that she was cut off in traffic and tried to avoid a collision. In doing so, she hit the guardrail and was more or less decapitated.

I think the saddest thing was the reaction from the readership from the on-line newspaper article. There were quite a few heartless comments left regarding this woman not wearing her helmet. Things like "she got what she deserved" and "I don't feel bad since she chose not to wear a helmet". With no information available to the readers about how she was killed. Harumph.

Again, death is tragic no matter how it happens, especially when it is unexpected. My heart goes out to the family for their loss.

As a rider, I am guilty of not wearing my headgear. Most times that I do decide to put it on, I normally wear my half-helmet--which doesn't really offer a great deal of protection to my face. Ask my friend Lucy in Florida--she can tell you about her crash that required reconstructive face surgery. I do have a full-faced helmet and wear it occasionally.

It is my choice--unless the law tells me otherwise. Of course, I say this from the side of never having a serious accident, and I hope that I or any other motorcyclist never has one.

My point is that when tragedy strikes, we should all be compassionate. Death is never easy and losing a wife, mother, husband, father, sister, brother or child is traumatic. My heart goes out to the family for their loss. I know that the rider, on that day, did not intend on this accident--but died doing something she loved--riding.

That's all I've got to say about that.

Keep the Shiny Side Up!

~The Rainbow Wahine

How to Crash...or So I Think!

2010-06-25T00:29:00.000-06:00

Looking at my archive history, I had over 200 posts in my first year. 2010 has exactly six posts. I need to get crackin'. With less than 200 days left in the year, I doubt I'll get any where close to that number but we shall see.

As everyone knows, the best way to gain experience in riding is to ride. And practice. And ride. Slow skills. Picking up a dropped motorcycle. Practice practice practice. P.S....riding fast in a straight line is not practice. Unless you want to work on your braking skills.

Unfortunately, an important skill to have is also crashing. However, this is one area that is rather difficult to practice. At least I hope for the average bear.....

When I was growing up and lived life on 8 wheels (yeah, I skated on 'quads'), I got several lessons on crashing and learned how to fall down. It's saved my bacon a time or few. I also had the luck of having a terrific boyfriend at the time that believed in teaching reactionary skills so not only did I learn how to fall down on skates, I learned how to countersteer on ice (a feat accomplished in north Louisiana, no less) and how to handle skids, dirt, gravel, and other hazards in a car and on a motorcycle.

Interestingly enough, I've found that mountain biking has been a great contributor to my education of controlled riding and well, crashing. Riding trails that are quite technical will certainly take one though a OJT course of how to and how not to ride. I think it's pretty amazing to watch those mountain bikers that are leap years beyond my skill level and how they manage to get over rocks, rivers, skid, corner and everything else they do.

At this part, I'm far away from being 'expert' in mountain biking--as a matter of fact, I can state that every ride I've done has had my bicycle has had at least one crash resulting in something being bent. I've gotten good at getting off and watching my bike crash...which I'm not sure if a good thing, but hey, it's easier to repair (and less expensive) the bicycle than to repair Christine--especially if something gets "bent" so I let go of the bike and watch it crash without me. I don't know what I will do if it goes over a cliff. Buy another bicycle, I suppose.

Granted, translating the laws of physical science from a bicycle to a 700 pound motorcycle is different, however, the skidding is pretty much the same. Rather do it on a bike since the speeds are slower (although while it's all unfolding on the bicycle it does not appear to be so) than Mr. Chubbs.

I think I would get some odd looks riding Rampart Reservoir on the Harley. Not to mention the impossibility of getting it over some of the really technical parts. Although there is something to be said about twisting the throttle while climbing up a hill which is when I'm usually muttering under my breath for it to somehow magically appear.

It has never happened. However, I notice an improvement of reactions when I do get on the motorcycle, so I've learned something. Riding with control. Braking with control....and crashing with control. I hope I never have to test the last theory, but hopefully the muscle memory will stick with me if I ever need to call it home.

Keep the Shiny Side Up!

~The Rainbow Wahine

Who's Still Out In Blogosphere?

2010-06-16T02:10:00.000-06:00

I blinked three times and three years have somehow passed. That's it--I'm keeping my eyes open!

Seriously, at one point I was involved with the huge online biker community and then made a left turn called life. I see my fellow compadres do a drive by and visit--and see them out doing their thing and writing about their passions.

Hmmmm...just a thought.

How To Take A Bath on a Harley...

2010-06-16T02:03:00.000-06:00

One afternoon a couple of weeks ago I'm riding around in a small group of two. Typical for Colorado weather--afternoon thundershowers to cool the day down. In my area of town, there was the 20 minutes torrential downpour resulting in flash flooding and big pools of standing water.

Note 'big pools of standing water'. On northbound Austin Bluffs, before Rangewood, the left lane typically gathers water. Lots of water. As I'm riding wing, I realize that the water is probably there and I should be proactive to 1). not ride in said pool of water since I need new tires, and 2). I do not want the water to be thrown at me resulting in the inevitable drenching that renders my vision absolutely useless. Check traffic for a clear lane--I signal and move over.

Unfortunately, the leader isn't paying much attention nor realizes that the hazard is ahead. No problem, I'm out of the way and I know that said leader is fully capable of handing said pool 'o water.

Or so I think.

Said Harley Davidson Road King hits water about 45 miles per hour. The arc of water it creates is of absolute beauty! The fearless leader said he glanced in his rearview mirror to see if I was okay, only to find that I was not there. No, I'm in the right hand side of the next lane watching a beautiful arc of water racing towards me.

There's not much I can do except do a distance check to make sure there is no one too close, take a deep breath and shut my mouth.

There was so much water that I was momentarily unable to see through my windshield. Needless to say, I was soaked through and through--and in places that normally do not get wet while riding in a rainstorm.

Well, next time I will just have to be in the very far right lane.

Either that or lead!

I think that bath earned me a dinner and a bike wash. Okay, fair enough.

Until the next time~

Keep the Shiny Side Up!

~The Rainbow Wahine

It's A Time Warp...Sneaking in a Ride

2010-06-14T21:49:00.000-06:00

Its pretty amazing how quickly time flies. A few weekends ago found me at the 20th Annual United Run...the first ride I've done in a very long time. Glad to see a good many of my friends...and most were surprised to see me. Happy, but surprised. Sigh. Work, graduate school and just a whole boatload of other excuses :).

The ride was a mystery ride--only the stops are known. The order of the stops and the time are the categories. Each motorcyclist guesses at the route and then rides it. It is fun and of course, getting out for wind therapy is always great! I should do it more often!

I invited myself to ride along with a few wonderful friends and we had a great time. Well, except the fact that I do need new tires. It's been something that I've been ignoring for much too long. Of course, I'm trying to beat my good friend Dozer's record of getting down to cords, but I'm finding that I'm unsuccessful. Actually, I could probably get down to that, but from a safe and sensible perspective, I think that I will blink in this unscheduled game of chicken and get 'er done.

Until then, the bike is parked in the garage and will sit. I have "fond" memories of riding in the rain on slick tires. Even cautiously riding and braking resulted in a sideways drift on wet pavement. Riding with control has never been a problem and countersteering is a great skill to have. I've forgotten all the bumps and bruises that earned that skill--mostly on dirt and never on pavement. Keeping it that way is the smart thing to do to honor these old bones!

Sunday found me in a sideways skid because of stopping too fast. On dry pavement, nonetheless. I want a new motorcycle--just not like this!

Note to riders...the contact area of a motorcycle tire on the ground is about the size of an average person's palm. It is critical to have proper tire inflation and tread! With other hazards such as chemicals on pavement, gravel, dirt, water, animals (okay I will stop there)...tires are important.

Bike should be in the shop in the next week or two, so I'm heeding my own advice!

It was good to get out and ride...and my fellow Mountain Shadow Riders took first and second in the United Run. Kudos for them!!!

Keep the Shiny Side Up!

~The Rainbow Wahine