9.10.2007

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.

4 comments:

Stacey said...

congratulations! glad you are finding the confidence and having fun at the same time. the picture is a bit dark, so I can't wait to see it in person. Now you have something to wear to the holiday party!

belsum said...

Chaps! My dad just bought his first pair of chaps at Sturgis this year. He's over the moon about them, too.

Mummy Grabill said...

Very nice! Glad you've got some warmer gear now that the weather is getting cooler.

Laura F. said...

I LOVE the chaps!!!