A Moment's Rest

The RFTW leg from Santa Fe to Anglefire is where we are. I'm looking forward to this part; there is a bit of twisties to ride! Last year, I didn't ride in formation due to not being able to join the group until Anglefire so this year a new treat.

For the most part, things are pretty calm. Nothing is amiss. Of course, I'm oblivious to the radio chatter since I don't have a radio. I'm happy to be tuned into The Phantom of the Opera while I'm riding. Even more thrilled to look forward to the twisties at Taos.

While we are on the last section of road before entering the twisties, our Platoon Leader pulls out. No one knows what is going on, but my friend Screamer steps up to the plate and leads on. In this situation, the wing then moves over into the lead position; the remainder of the group moves up in line to fill the gap. Suddenly, I find myself riding wing position. No biggie, since I've ridden a good many miles here. What becomes a challenge is that I don't have a radio and can't hear what is going on nor am I familiar of the rules of the Platoon Leaders and Asst. Platoon Leaders--I've always ridden in the pack.

No worries, we get through the twisties without incident. I'm concerned about the Platoon Leader--I hope that he's well and that he does not have mechanicial issues.

However, the coolest part is the ride up to the memorial. It's a ride up a hill and the motorcyclists waiting the join the Run are lined up the roads. It's pretty cool--two chicks leading a platoon in. At least it's cool in my book.

We park and dismount; the ride is done for the day. Come to find out, our Platoon Leader was having difficulty dealing with the crash. I can completely understand. Even though he had nothing to do with the crash I think it was just because it happened under his watch. I know I would have taken it hard too.

We were in early and it was nice to get out and visit. Dinner was hosted by Thunderbird Harley Davidson and filled out bellies. The folks at the David Westphall Veteran's Foundation are working to put together a program for servicemembers to help treat post traumatic stress. One Navy servicemember through out the challenge to the other branches to help raise money for the program. Navy, Army, Air Force and the Coast Guard all stepped up to a bit of good natured fund raising. It was a particular humorous moment when the Boy Scouts even threw in a bid!! In a very short moment over $1,500 was raised. It was quite touching to see the support of the service members for their fellow brother.

With dinner over, it was time to call it a night. My friends and I chatted a bit and then it was time to get some shut eye. 5:00 am rings very early!

The next leg: Angelfire to Burlington.

Keep The Shiny Side Up!

~The Rainbow Wahine

To Anglefire....In Formation

It's pretty amazing how much time gets lost when one gets sidetracked. That would be many many days for me!

The alarm goes off at 5:00 am. Not too bad, of course, I'm used to it. Of course, my typical morning starts with my kiddo, so I'm used to having to dodge people. I'm not sure which is "better"....one six year old or three grownups. I don't have to yell at the grownups, but I do get to snuggle with my six year old.

We get packed up and head out. Pack, stick the stuff on the bike, go grab some grub and coffee and then head out to the meetup site. I find my platoon leader and line up. I'm somewhere in the middle.

Interstate riding is interesting. Usually at speed limit and we ride side by side. I don't mind riding on either side of the lane. I prefer to ride in the left lane with the RFTW. When I group ride, I typically like riding in the right side of the lane. That's because when riding with RFTW, the left hand rider is the "lead". That means that rider set the pace--of course taking into consideration of the rider in front--and the rider in the right lane rides about a half foot behind. So it's truly not side by side riding...but it's close enough. It works well if the left hand lane rider holds pace fairly consistently. Terrible if not.

No matter which lane I'm in, I will hold a constant pace. And I'm in the group pretty tight. One to one and a half seconds behind the rider in front. Yes, I know it's close, but really....RFTW is not about a joy ride jaunt over America the Beautiful. It's like the military marching....those service personnel take that stuff seriously....trust me. For some reason,when I'm in the right lane, the rider rubber bands much more than if I were in the left.

It is an exhausting way to ride. Definitely a mental challenge. And of course, this year there more than 50% FNGs. So even more exhausting.

Gallup to Albuquerque is pretty non eventful. Our gas stop is before we enter the city. We pull through the gas stop and line back up into formation. However, there is a FNG in our group that has been creating all kinds of problems. He just doesn't get the formation riding. Rubbing banding, getting too much distance between him and the rider he's following. It may be fine with a small group riding down the highway. However, in this situation, there are 200 motorcycles already. It can create a traffic nightmare.

The Platoon Leader and his team talk, and decide the best way to handle this rider is to put him in the front behind the Platoon Leader's bike. The person behind him...gets to be me. Something about consistent speed. Oh boy.

It really wasn't a problem. He was pretty much boxed in and couldn't create much confusion and delay (as Sir Topham Hatt says).

One cool thing about doing the New Mexico leg is the support from the state. RFTW has a motorcycle police escort. They close the section of highway that the bikes are on.....either by not allowing any new traffic on the highway and pulling existing traffic over. Boy, I guess the folks that get pulled over are freaked out initially!!

When we did get into the city, there is an interchange we have to take while on the interstate. Unfortunately, one of the riders in my platoon went down. I don't have a radio, so I was unaware of the commotion going on.

I didn't find out until Santa Fe--the lunch stop. Our Platoon Leader was shaken up by the news--of course, it was one of his guys and he felt responsible. That military code of watching over your charges......even if the accident was no fault of his.

The rider suffered a few broken ribs. He was banged up, but would recover. His ride for the year was over, though. I hope he has a speedy recovery!!

Lunch was terrific--it included shopping at the Harley Davidson dealer in Santa Fe. Found a col hat and gore-tex gloves on sale!!! That only makes 25 pairs of gloves for me :).

We pull out, waving to the folks that were seeing us out....this time, I'm riding behind the wing with Rubber Band Man beside me. I'm happy because my dear friend Screamer is the wing and she's a great rider!!! Whooohoooo...I get to relax for a minute.

Or so I think! Well, I do get to relax for a MINUTE!!

Until tomorrow....

Keep the shiny side up!

~The Rainbow Wahine

RFTW--Gallup

The arrival into Gallup was great. Screamer found fellow RFTWers at the gas station and we rode in together. It was good riding in a small group--especially at highway speeds!

We were about 45 minutes ahead of the RFTW group so we checked into our digs for the night and then rounded up to head downtown. There were quite a few motorcycles in the area already--so we parked and waited. It was quite the emotional time for my dear friend. This year marked many changes for her and not doing the full run and not being in a Road Guard were two of those things. Needless to say, when her friends pulled in, I watched her be happy and sad and everything in between. I think it will be safe to say that she will commit to doing the full run next year!

And boy, did the bikes pull in! As they pulled in, the crowds of people were lined up waving and calling out. As I'm watching everyone, I have a short thought of my friends Brett and Nicki and wonder if they are riding this year. Brett and Nicki were my neighbors--in my old neighborhood. I haven't seen them since I moved last year. Then, like fate, I saw them! What is even cooler is that Nicki spotted ME in the crowds of people. A mad wave and then they were gone.

Once everyone is in and parked (and it happens rather quickly or so it seems), we go off to watch the ceremony. Gallup and the RFTW have a close relationship. Both have quite the affection and respect for each other . I think it is due to the sacrifices of both in their service for this country. It is an amazing tribute to watch. I have never been so close seeing the history of the Indian Nations and the military and being in Gallup allowed me to see the two groups together as they recognized and acknowledged each other.

After the celebration, I found my friends Brett and Nicki. It was good to catch up with them. They are riding in a different platoon and another friend of theirs is riding too. I know my Platoon Leader, Papa Bear, is looking for a tail gunner (sweep) for his group and I know that Brett would love to officially contribute...so I mention it. He's a terrific rider to boot--one that I trust enough to let my kiddo sit on the back of his bike! The idea is hatched and the offer is proposed. No answer at the moment....

Evening over and back to our lodging for the night. I think it was pizza for the night since no one wanted to go out. Rather, no one was particularly motivated to put all the riding gear on (and especially my MIA until the day before riding boots that hurt my feet) so staying in was the choice. We enjoyed our dinner and rehashed the day and caught up on the happenings of the group since leaving Ontario, CA.

Screamer did have to leave the room (and why I can't remember). She came back with one lone sock. Evidently another rider was doing his/her laundry and the sock was left behind. Someone else found it and gave it to my friend. I guess she looks like the keeper of single socks! You know, there's only about 250 or so riders at this point so finding the owner of a single white athletic sock is.......you can do the math. I guess getting a clean sock is better than getting a dirty one.

Needless to say, we all had a good laugh about it and then called it a night. 5:30 am comes too soon so we all turned in pretty early to ensure plenty of rest.

We would need it for the Gallup-Anglefire leg....

Keeping the shiny side up...so far....

~The Rainbow Wahine

Riding For A Cause

And sometimes the only reason is...'cause I can.

Two weekends ago, I once again got on the road to attempt a ride out to Gallup, NM to join The Run For The Wall. I will say that it was a decision that I did not make lightly; the trip last year was difficult and I was finding little enthusiasm to attempt it again. I had a self-argument going back and forth until the day before I left. Fortunately, someone impartially listened and laid it out and I made my decision.

She was right, I did have a good time.

Instead of attempting the ride to Gallup in one afternoon, I left on Wednesday. The weather was a little blustery, but nothing unmanageable. I was riding along with my good friend Screamer and our trip would take us to Las Vegas, NM for the night.

Once out on the highway, the headwind was tough. I'm having Deja Vu all over again! No! No! No! I don't want a repeat of last year! I do not want to deal with yukky interstate riding!!

Fortunately, it was not. Again, the only battle was headwind and the ride to Las Vegas was uneventful. Screamer and I even managed a quick evening walk to stretch out the legs!

The next morning we headed out to Gallup! A short ride of a hundred plus miles--piece of cake, no? LOL....

Leaving Las Vegas (maybe that should be the title)--was chilly. Like 40 something degrees chilly. It is not sunny bright, but sunny sorta bright. Riding in the sun, it is really terrific. Riding under cloud cover, not so much! And there is more cloud cover than sunshine.

Our next town would be Santa Fe. As we ride in, it's a little early for lunch, but we look anyhow. I'm thinking that I need a fruit stop. I've gotten in the habit of eating an apple for snack and I've missed those apples...so I'm on the lookout for a grocery store. Riding down the interstate, I see a sign "Whole Foods". I'm thinking that would be a good place to stop!

I don't get overly excited about stopping since I'm not leading. However, I know my friend Screamer well enough that it is an attractive stop for her as well....so I'm happy when the turn signal lights and we exit.

I guess it's a good thing that we aren't on a tight time schedule. More dollars, more merchandise than "just" apples and an hour later...we are back on the road. Jeez, you'd think we are hermits that never see the merchandise inside Whole Foods!!

Once back on the road, we lallygag until Albuquerque. There's a lot of traffic in a suburb outside of Albuquerque. Traffic and police. Hmmmmm....

Oh, that's right, President Obama is visiting a local high school for a town hall meeting. I think I used up my "meet the President points" last December when I "ran into him" at the Honolulu Zoo.

At any rate, we pull into Gallup about 45 minutes before the RFTW pull in. I've never done the Gallup stop, but many of my friends tell me it is their favorite of the whole Central Route. I'm about to find out why.....

And you'll find out about it tomorrow!!

Keep the shiny side up!

~Rainbow Wahine

Why Do We Do That?

Well, it's March already and almost the end. Time does indeed fly...

I'm driving home from work early last week and pulled up to a traffic signal. I'm behind a beautiful chartruse Harley Davidson Softail Standard. The rider was female--either that or it was a very shapely man with long blonde hair flowing from the helmet! Really, it was a female.

The light turned green and traffic starting flowing through the intersection. As the traffic gets up to speed, I notice that the rider has chosen to ride in the middle of the lane. I think it's a bit odd, but the road has a few twists and turns, so I figure that's what the problem is. As we go into a straight away, the rider remains in the middle of the lane.

Riding in the center of the lane is not a good idea. Simply, the deposit of oil and vehicle fluids tends to accumulate in the center of the lane. This may or may not be much of an issue when the lanes are dry. However, if it rains......

With incoming rain, riders are even more at peril. Cars, pedistrians; the activity of riding becomes more complicated with rain. Visibility is limited due to water on the helmet screen or on eyewear and the roads get slick. The habits of riding become really important at this time because having to deal with the added factors of riding. One habit to not have is riding in the middle of the lane where all the vehicular fluids are deposited and the rain begins.

It could be very slick indeed.

I did get caught in the rain riding home from work on Friday. I did have a fleeting thought of the rider on the chartruse Harley and hoped that this was another day of safe riding for her.

Me, I'm riding in the left third of the lane.

Keep the Shiny Side Up!

~The Rainbow Wahine

Happy February!

Time flies when you are having fun, eh? Sigh, unfortunately, it's not been all fun and games and January contained zero riding days.

Good thing, however, since the day was nice enough that I was planning on rolling the bike out of the garage and do a bit of "pre" spring cleaning. Turn on the ignition....and nothing.

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, my lovely motorcycle had a dead battery. Oh, I know, I should have a battery tender...and yes, I do have one...but yes, Christine, it should be attached. The coldness of Colorado winters will kill a battery in a heart beat.

I wasn't particularly motivated to put the bike on the tender since I knew it was time to replace the battery. It has been troublesome this past year when I did ride and since I didn't ride that much to begin with, I figured that I would be replacing it anyway.

However, for those of you who have never purchased a motorcycle battery....they are as costly as an automobile battery. I've never priced them out at the dealership, but I do know that they run a bit north of one hundred dollars at Sears.

I suppose it was a good thing I decided to flip the ignition on before I rolled the bike out of the garage. Otherwise, I'd be parking Mr. Chubbs out on the curb since my driveway is steep. Steep enough that I can't make it in the garage in my van if the drive hasn't been shoveled. No way would I have been able to get the motorcycle back up into the garage with a dead battery.

Well, that's the blurb for the month and a lesson to everyone.....put the bike on a tender or start it occasionally. Me, the Harley has been sitting since November.

Harrumph.

Keep the Shiny Side Up!

~The Rainbow Wahine

Happy New Year!

Aloha! Hau'oli Makahiki Hou or Happy New Year!

The holidays find me in sunny (or should I say rainy Hawaii), so a Hawaiian New Year's Greeting should be in order. No, I'm not riding, rather my son and I are celebrating the holidays with some of my lifelong friends. I stare wistfully at the motorcycles all around, but no worries, riding time will be soon enough. Right now it is time for my family and friends.

I hope that each of you had a wonderful holiday season. I open the paper and am assaulted with bad news after bad news after bad news. Still, amongst the difficult times, there are moments of good times--those brilliant diamond shining moments that take our breaths away and serve as reminders of what is really important.

I will be back in regular ol' winter season tomorrow....we leave the islands tonight. The weather holds promise--it will be in the mid 50s tomorrow and a little cooler for the weekend. If I am greeted with dry roads, I may have to get out for a short scoot to ring in the new year.

Here's to a year that has more riding than last! I hope that everyone found something shiny and chrome'y' under the tree or even a new motorcycle.

Keep the shiny side up!

~The Rainbow Wahine