Motorcycling Weekend

Well, what a weekend.
On Saturday, I went to a party in Ft. Collins that some good friends of mine had. The main focus was a Mixed Martial Arts fight, but I really went to hang out with friends and family. A few family members weren't able to be there, which was disappointing, but I'm sure I'll get to see them soon. We had some yummy burgers and chili and a delicious fruit torte and pudding for dessert. Anyway, the point of this story is that I drove up to Ft. Collins on my bike. It's now the longest trip I've ever taken. I went up on I-25, no problems with the traffic and the bike's top speed of 75 (although I've gotten up to 80 in the right conditions) is perfectly sufficient (I wouldn't mind a little extra horsepower though). It seemed like a long trip and my butt was a little numb when I got up there. It was pretty windy too, which I had never really dealt with before. I left the party before I got too tired, though it was after dark (also a fairly new experience). I had to stop on the way back to switch the gas take to the "reserve" position (apparently I use gas much faster when going faster) and then I stopped for gas, just in case. It was nice that I had no trouble evaluating the problem, manuvering through traffic, and starting and stopping on the shoulder safely. There was a bit of rain that gave me pause for a few minutes, but it dried up and went away before I had any issues. The biggest realization I came to was that I really needed to get a warmer (and sturdier) jacket for riding. It was burrrrrr cold that night!
Sunday, I went up to Broomfield, again on the motorcycle, to have lunch with a good friend. While I was doing that, FS (former squeeze) called to see if I wanted to go on a ride. After I was done with lunch, I headed down to Lakewood to meet up with him. It was starting to look a bit threatening, and FS made the same observation about me needing another jacket, so we went to Colorado Mills and found a leather store. We found a jacket that combines the look I wanted, plus heavier leather, some extra patches of leather at the shoulders and elbows, a removable quilted inner liner, AND zippered vents for driving in warmer weather. Because the jacket is a short style, FS suggested I get chaps as well and because I've always wanted chaps, I was easy to convince. I love them -- they make me feel like a cowboy. :) (See above for photographic evidence.)
After the shopping excursion, FS and I went to our respective homes to switch to rain proof cars before we met up again to go to 3:10 to Yuma. I had been really looking forward to it because I really enjoy the work of both Russell Crowe and Christian Bale. It was a good movie, with great "Western" cinematography and the acting was superb. There were a few peculiar plot points, but for the most part, it was a showcase of two very good actors doing what they do best.

ETA: I just saw this article about Harley wooing women riders. I won't be buying a Harley, but it's an interesting article.