Why The Star and The Harley

Someone posed this question to me the other day: Why do I have a V-Star and a Fatboy and why two cruisers?

Good question.

Since I had only had my V-Star only a few months before I purchased my Fatboy, it makes no sense when someone looks at the end result. Both bikes are cruisers and basically the same ‘class’ of motorcycle.

I started on cool Honda CR250R—yowza—a hot machine of the 1980’s in my junior year of High School. A pretty bad crash about ended it all for me but thankfully it did not. I putzed around years after on other machines off and on through the years, but the fever never really took hold. I’d ride on occasion on the back of my now ex-husband’s motorcycles, but it was never a big deal to get out on my own.

One day I decided I needed a new hobby. I wanted to do something that would allow me to do alone or as a group. I knew that the Springs had a women’s riding group so I was intrigued to have found an outlet that was fun and social. Of course, I knew I needed a motorcycle so I started researching what I wanted in a bike.

I also knew that my divorce was not final and figured with the timing, it would have been finalized around mid-July so that’s when I knew I was going to pull the trigger and get my bike. It also gave me time to do the necessary research and talk to as many bike owners as I could.

The biggest concern I had was what size motorcycle to buy. The largest I had ridden before I purchased my V-Star was a 750cc Honda Shadow ACE. I didn’t particularly like the way it fit me, but I had no issues with the bike since it wasn’t mine. I had at one time ridden a Heritage Softail, but I don’t count that since I think I rode it some 300 hundred feet. I was more afraid of dropping it and how awful I would feel so I didn’t stay long in the saddle.

Since I was familiar with the Honda motorcycles and was not too crazy about the fit, I knew it wasn’t going to be a Honda. I liked the Suzuki and the Yamaha so I looked at both. However, in looks, I think the Yamaha has a bit of an edge over the other brands, so I knew I was more partial to the V-Stars. However, that brought an entirely different issue to the table since I knew I would be limited to either the 650cc or the 1100 cc version. Upon research of highway speeds, I found that the biggest complaint was at 75-80 mph. Most owners find there’s not much left after 80 mph. In Colorado, interstate speed limits are already 75 mph and I knew I wanted a bit more after that since most interstate drivers use the speed limit as a minimum rather than a limit.

That left the 1100. Yes, I could have looked at the Boulevard or Vulcan—both were 800 cc motorcycles and would have done the job very nicely. After sitting on both, I just wasn’t comfortable with either so back I went to the V-Star. Difference in weight between the 650 and 1100 is less than 60 pounds. So why not go for it??

I was happy with my purchase then and still feel that way today. Was I afraid when I rode it off the lot?? Absolutely!! My neighbor who drove me up to the dealership still thinks I’m crazy to this day!!

So why did I get my Fatboy three months later? How about a deal that was too good to pass up. I’ve always loved the styling of the Fatboy and think it’s a really cool motorcycle. I also knew that I was no where ready to ride something that big. In all honesty, I was content to ride my Star for a couple of years then trade up to the Fatboy.

That was the deal until one of my friends finds me a purple Fatboy! I love purple and would love to have a purple bike. I guess my friends got tired of me crying about it so they solved the problem. It was a private sale and was a good deal so one my girlfriends and I decided to ride down and take a look-see.

It wasn’t purple any longer. Evidently the owner had been trouble trying to sell it because of the color so decided to change the tank set on the motorcycle. I was about a week too late! I was disappointed, but after purple, I love red so it was entirely possible that I could change my mind. We talked dollars and as a result, the deal was sealed.

I know that this isn’t the only Fatboy (or motorcycle) I’ll fall in love with. But knowing myself, it was such a good deal that had I walked away from it, I’d be kicking myself to this day. Do I regret my purchase? Absolutely not! Do I regret the fact that I have two motorcycles? Nope.

I did learn my lesson, however. I quit griping about that purple motorcycle. Someone would just solve that problem for me…which I already know I don’t need another bike. Well, I don’t ‘need’ two but when it comes down to need versus want…well….I know myself well enough to understand that logic doesn’t figure in a love affair!!!

As I firmly walked away from that gorgeous yellow Road King…I’d be in serious trouble if I found a purple Road King Custom. It was bad enough to resist the purple Victory I know is sitting on the showroom floor at Rocky Mountain Cycle Plaza! I was fortunate to actually ride one of those machines and yes…..must…..resist…..motorcycle.

Gee…don’t you wish you had my problems??? LOL…

Keep the Shiny Side Up!!

~The Rainbow Wahine

Riding Upon a Star

It was a gorgeous day outside today so I couldn’t resist taking my V-Star out.  I had decided against riding since the wind was a bit chilly for my liking and it was clouding up.  

Then I got most of my work done and decided that I could get out a bit.  Besides, I need a disc lock so a run to the local motorcycle shop was in order.  Riding my bike down solved three problems:  1.  getting my riding itch scratched, 2.  getting the disc lock I need for Saturday’s ride, and 3.  riding my V-Star.  

Problem solved!!  Since I didn’t have to choose between riding my Fatboy and riding the Yamaha (the Fatboy is still in the shop), it was a no-brainer to get out on the Star since it’s the only motorized two wheel contraption in my garage.  Sigh, I have a bicycle, but no way am I pedaling when I can twist the throttle.  Besides, I torture myself enough running.

The wind was very cool but the sun was shining, so it was a nice ride.  Okay, I admit it, riding the Star is a totally different animal and I can ride the fire out of corners!  Guess who did exactly that??  LOL!  Of course, it’s so much quicker off the line so who was burning off precious miles per gallon?  Me, me, me!!

So I get down to the bike shop and get my disc lock….gee they cost a lot!!!!   I ride the long way home.  I get in the house, and lo and behold—a message from the Harley shop that my bike is ready!  I call my fellow girlfriend rider and she hauls me down to the dealer and drops me off.

After the bill is settled and the usual chit-chat about riding is completed, they roll my Fatboy out.  My motorcycle has gotten a bike wash and is SHINY!!  Of course, what should I do??  Get it dirty taking it for a ride *grin*!

I head out and rode until I am out of daylight.  Yes, I’ll admit that riding my Star is a great deal of fun, but I was happy to have Mr. Chubbs back.  Besides, the service writer at the Harley shop said it all:  “you gotta love a woman that rides her Harley wearing a red boa”.  Yup…exactly.  It matches the bike!!

I parked in the garage and everything once again felt “normal”.  My garage didn’t feel quite right this morning when I opened the door and saw the one bike.

All is well in my world right now.  At least it is where the motorcycles are!

Keep the Shiny Side Up!

~The Rainbow Wahine

And I Need A Rear Tire

On top of the 7,500 mile service on my bike I need:  a new rear tire and rear brakes.  

I also need to replace the clutch handle bracket too.  I was aware of that problem.  I broke it when I dropped the Fatboy and have the part.  I just never got around to replacing the darn thing.

Rear brakes I can do, tire I cannot, so I just told them to take care of it so I don’t have to worry with it.  I knew the tire issue was coming up; I eye the tire every time I look at the bike.  

It’s spring time and although I’ve ridden year round, I know there are folks out there that store their bikes for the winter.  It’s time to get the cover off and take a peek on what needs to be done to get your motorcycle ready for riding.  

My friend Sandy had a good point—now is the time to get the bikes in the shop for maintenance since they are fairly slow.  I made my appointment this past Monday and brought it in yesterday, so the wait wasn’t too long.  It will be ready this afternoon and I’ll pick it up in the morning.  

It was a bit strange pulling up in my garage last night and not seeing the Fatboy parked in his spot.  I’m guessing my V-Star isn’t lonely…ha ha ha.  

I’ll be glad to get Mr. Chubbs back tomorrow!!

Keep The Shiny Side Up!

~The Rainbow Wahine

Mountain Shadow Riders Ride Contest ‘06

Starts on Saturday!!! Whoooo hoooo!!! I’m particularly excited about it because I put it together. Our ride contest this year is a Scavenger Hunt that covers the state of Colorado. There are some well-known (and not so well-known) landmarks and just some downright crazy stuff that our members have to get a shot of their bikes with the item in question. Now, how do I mount my tripod on my Fatboy to carry it?? Hmmmmm.....

The list has some 350+ items on it! There are challenges for different skill levels so it’ll be fun to see what everyone comes up with. I wish I had an edge to finding all the items on the list—I don’t. I put it together in a couple of days and didn’t really have time to do a lot of research so I’m pretty much in the dark as well as everyone else!!

I’ll post some of the images here to share the adventure of finding some of this stuff. The whole list is 10 or 12 pages long (I can’t remember) and will be a heck of a wild time!! The timeframe runs from April 1 to October 31, so there will be plenty of time for everyone to participate.

I know that Karla will be a tough competitor to beat as well as some of the other hard-core riders! Sandy, Julie, and a couple other riders have new bikes to break in—and my V-Star is still new since it only has some 2,200 miles on it!

Plus Wendy will be getting her new trike so I imagine she’ll be burning up the roads as well. How could she not? That is one screaming red trike she has!!! And a helmet to match!!

Did I mention that I’ll be pulling out for a ride at 7:30 am on Saturday morning??? Hmmm…does it have anything to do with the ride contest?? LOL…you’ll have to just wait and see(!!!

Keep The Shiny Side Up!

~The Rainbow Wahine

Solid Disc Wheels—A Big Deal?

I’ve had several comments over the months regarding the solid disc wheels on my Fatboy. Most of the questions and comments I receive are due to the rumor that the solid discs will act like sails if there is a heavy crosswind.

I can say with certainty that I have not been sailing on my Fatboy….ever. I’ve ridden in some pretty poor conditions—cold temps, rain, sleet, snow, hail and heavy winds—and I have never had a situation that felt like sailing.

As a matter of fact, I had the opportunity to get out and ride this past Sunday afternoon and had pretty heavy wind gusts. I was out on my V-Star and did some in town riding then got out on the highway. I discovered that sitting at a traffic light was more of a challenge to stay upright than riding down the highway. I did experience occurrences of being blown around the lane, but I found the wind to be more problematic at a stop. My V-Star has spoked wheels so there’s plenty of opportunity for flow through.

The weather had turned for the worse, so I ended my short ride and headed home. As typical Colorado weather is the sky cleared a few hours later so I decided to get out again; this time on my Fatboy.

It had cleared and warmed up, but was still quite windy. Sitting still was still a challenge, but I didn’t have as much issue with the bike wanting to go over. I was more comfortable rolling down the highway as well. I felt I had better control and actually stayed in my lane better than I did with my V-Star.

The weight difference is only about 60 pounds between the two bikes. I do feel that the additional weight of the Fatboy did help, but at the same time, if the issue with the solid discs were truly there, it would have been harder to control the bike in a crosswind. However, I didn’t find it to be a problem.


If you are in the market to purchase a new bike, then please take all suggestions with a grain of salt. When I took my motorcycle safety course, my instructor (who is a lifetime rider) even commented on the problem I “might” have with the solid disc wheels. He couldn’t speak from experience since he had never ridden a Fatboy. You need to find what fits you and what you are comfortable with. Certainly, your riding buddies will have suggestions and recommendations but you alone know what fits you the best.

If it doesn’t fit you well, then you won’t be happy riding. I have a friend who purchased a motorcycle on the recommendation from her friends. She hates her bike and is afraid of riding it. It’s not a big motorcycle, but it does not fit her well. She was almost lost to the sport of motorcycling because of this.

One of the reasons I wanted a Fatboy is because of the solid disc wheels. It fits me fine and I still love the bike. It’s a good day in Christine’s motorcycle world!

Keep the Shiny Side Up!

~The Rainbow Wahine

Is $35 A Good Deal???

I made my way down to the local Harley Davidson shop yesterday afternoon to order a new set of keys.  If you didn’t know…I lost my key riding down Powers Boulevard on Saturday.  

I found it Sunday afternoon, but it had been run over by the sixty two bazillion cars that use Powers.  It was pretty much squashed flat.

So I take my title down to the Harley shop.  They require “official” paperwork for security reasons.  They punch in the number and look up the key code and shazaam they order my keys.  Keys meaning plural since I can’t order one key only.  I have to order two.  Keys were $16 a pop.

I whip out my handy dandy credit card and do the deed since I need keys.  The parts desk person looks at me and says “don’t you have two keys with your bike?”  I’m thinking….Well, if I did, would I be ordering more keys?   I didn’t say anything because it was a rather stupid question to ask.  

We did chit-chat about how long I have been riding and talked a bit about my V-Star and why I have two bikes.  Nothing really in depth.  Hey, he’s making small talk while punching up my info.

While I was signing my credit card receipt, Mr. Parts Man comments, “Hey, $35 dollars isn’t too bad”.

HUH???

For TWO keys??  I could get two keys made down at my local Home Depot for way less than that.  So how does he figure it’s a good deal??  Grrrrrrrr.   Yeah, I’d be getting a good deal for a set of Vance and Hines slash downs or some chrome thingamabob.  But for two keys??  

He can live in his fantasy world, I’ll live in mine.

When I get those two darn keys, I’ll be sure to have my local locksmith cut me a couple extra ones.  Yes, I’ll admit, I have a tendency to lose my keys.  Mostly in my house, nonetheless, since my son thinks it’s cool to hide my stuff.  That’s where my other key is, BTW.

I have a service appointment on Thursday for my 7,500 mile checkup.  That ought to be quite entertaining, I’m thinking!!

Mountain Shadow Riders Open House

Wow what a beautiful day it was!!! If I couldn’t be out riding, then the next best thing to do is to hang out with a bunch of great friends! The day opens up sun shiny and gorgeous and I ride down to Rocky Mountain Cycle Plaza on a squeaky clean red Fatboy.

On the way down, my Harley key blows out of my pocket so I’m keyless. I discover this when I get down to RMCP and go to lock my bike. My key is somewhere on Powers boulevard. Great. Just what I need.

So I pull the bike in the pack with the others and quit worrying about it. I’ll deal with the issue later.

Jeanne, Josh, Travis and Taunya have the grill fired up and are cooking up a storm. The smell of brats on the grill wafting around a bunch of hot women sets the stage for a fun day. The amount of baked goods is incredible…..I love to bake, but these women all put me to shame. Errr…I have to give kudos to Sweet Cheeks as well. Seems Paul is quite gifted in the baking department. I talked to his better half about renting him and she’s still debating on what to charge me. I’m thinking I won’t be able to afford it if she has to think that long *sigh*.

The Gang at the grill station

Travis, Josh and Nicole

Barb has her table set up for Women in Motorcycling Conference set for August. She’s loaded down and is charming all the ladies that stop by her table. She’s cute with all the membership rockers she’s got attached to her hat. I love talking to Barb. She has so much rich motorcycle history in the Springs. I didn’t know her shop was one of the first women-owned motorcycle shops here in Colorado Springs! She is just a neat lady to know and just as genuine and down to earth as they come. Her husband Jerry is a hoot too!

Barb and Cyndi

Kelly, Jeanne andBarb

We took the opportunity to “try” on the new motorcycles on display. Doesn’t Josh look suave on this Victory? No offense, Josh, I think I’m a better looking accessory *smile*. I was particularly drawn to the purple Victory on the showroom floor, but that means I’ll have to get new chaps!!

Josh and his cool pose on the Victory

I think I look better :-)

Karla and other members are working the Mountain Shadow Riders/Women on Wheels® table. One thing about Karla is that she can sell ice to an Eskimo. She is such a great Director for our Chapter and spends an incredible amount of time behind the scenes doing great work. A lot of people don’t realize exactly how much work she does, but I’ve had the honor of working with her so I’m aware that she’s always thinking to improve the chapter and working towards supporting and encouraging our new members and riders to grow.

The Eagle 103.9 was out doing a live broadcast and kindly extended a moment of airtime to help promote the Mountain Shadow Riders. Now, Karla would have been the ideal for this job, but she politely declined to opportunity to talk about the Mountain Shadow Riders. Kelly, Paul, Jeanne, Travis, Taunya and Lisa didn’t politely decline. They basically said (*^$#^ no!! Gee, thanks guys. I don’t mind doing it, but I know that the opportunity to say something inappropriate might crop up. Where’s Sandy when I need her?? So blurbed about the MSR all the while my cohorts are making faces at me and trying to get me to laugh. That’s okay, I may be ditzy, but I have a pretty good memory when I set my mind to it……

Doing the MSR blurb

Dynamo Dorothy shows up and literally refuses to let anyone pass by without a donation to the Breast Cancer fund or buying food. I know this is her cause and she champions it. I know Dorothy is in her six or seventh decade, but his lady is an active and vital woman. I hope that I’m going as strong as she is when I’m her age. She is such a funny woman and I was caught in her crossfire a time or two. Seems she can give way better than I thought I could. Ouch.

Pitchman Dorothy looking for her next 'victim'

Various members floated in and out all day and we all talked to anyone who would listen about women in motorcycling, our organization the various activities we do and the fun we have doing them. There was a lot of trash talking as well. After all, who can resist cat-calling Sweet Cheeks just to see him blush?? Not any of us, that’s for sure. Of course, we still see him every month at all our functions, so I’m thinking he likes it. Nahhh…we all know it’s because Scooter Gurl makes him!!! HA HA HA.

It was a great day—we talked to a good many people, sold a lot of food, signed people up to WOW and our chapter, and added a couple of people to our Yahoo Group so they can keep up with our activities. Overall, the Open House exceeded all our expectations.

Sandy, JoLynn and Her hubby talking about MSR

I’d like to give thanks to all that worked to support this drive (in no particular order): Kelly, Paul, Travis, Taunya, Sonya, Josh, Karla, Jo Lynn, BJ, Kim P, Pete, Julie, Christine E., Wendy, Dorothy, Barb, Nicole, Loree, Jim, Shari, Sandy, Lori F., Betty, Mr. Betty (Bill), Marie, Cyndi, Bucky, Dale, Kathy, Lisa, and Don

I’d also like to give thanks to our Chapter Secretary, Carolee, for all her behind the scenes work and for the new banner design.

And lastly, I want to especially give thanks to Jeanne for leading and organizing this Open House. Jeanne did an exceptional job of pulling us together and keeping us on track in spite of the insanity of her life.

Good work, everyone, I had a blast and am honored to be a member of this incredibly dynamic and exceptionally strong, vital women!!! My hat is off to you!!

We are having another Open House April 22 at Rocky Mountain Cycle Plaza. For those of you who missed it, please come down and see us. It’ll be fun!!

Oh, and for the record…I did find my Harley key on Powers. I still need to have another made, but I did the loop Sunday and found it. Yay to me!!

Sandy’s Got a New Boyfriend

It’s been a busy new bike season already. The amount of traffic at Rocky Mountain Cycle Plaza was unbelievable!!

Sandy gets to the Open House later in the day. As she is walking up to our group, she starts yelling at me “Christine, come here”! Of course, in my usual clueless self, I’m going “what, what”. She finally drags me out to of the group and shows me a new motorcycle—a beautiful bronze Honda Shadow 1100!!

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

Sandy has a new motorcycle after all!!! Ha ha ha. All the talk about waiting until Spring. She waited until spring—just this spring not next!!

What a great looking bike with smoke flames! We oooohed and aahhhhed over it like a bunch of excited little girls!! Name is to be determined at this point.

Is there something wrong when we ho-hum over a new boyfriend but get all crazy over a new motorcycle!?!?!?!

I’m thrilled for her! Her new scoot has a windshield too!!

Sigh, new motorcycles all around! Karla had a couple of new ladies interested in her bike!! I did look up the MSRP on a certain yellow Road King yesterday. Yes, it’s the same bike I fell in love on Friday…not knowing that the bike had already caused Karla’s heart to stop beating. I really think the bike is wonderful and the yellow is gorgeous. Karla’s favorite color is yellow so I’m breaking off the yellow motorcycle seduction in the hopes that there might be a new love affair between the two.

As with Sandy, one never knows what will happen next.

Stay tuned for more details!

Keep the Shiny Side Up!

~The Rainbow Wahine

Lil’ Bit and Her New Ride

The Mountain Shadow Riders had our open house yesterday and it was a blast!!!!!! I won’t write about it yet…I’ll put it in later tonight after I get home from RIDING!!!

It’s 8:20 AM and the temp is 48 degrees…what a lovely day!

We have a new rider—well; she’s a rider in training! Jeanne, my hot blonde Dyna riding girlfriend has a 16-year old daughter (Sonya) who is a new scooter rider!! Whoooooo Hooooooo! Jeanne initially wanted to get her a motorcycle to scoot around town but come to find out that a minor can’t hold a full motorcycle endorsement until the age of 18. She can get a minor’s endorsement which allows her to ride….accompanied by an adult rider. She can’t ride alone which defeats the purpose of economical transportation.

She can, however, ride a vehicle that’s under 50cc’s without an endorsement…so guess who’s the owner of a shiny, bright red Beamer scooter??

Here she is test driving a scoot. Mind you, Jeanne's out there being the mom....even up to the point of Sonya riding away....and Jeanne's saying "I can't look, I can't look".

Sonya’s just so very proud of her little scoot and guess what mom and daughter are doing today?? Having mini scooter school!

I can see The Blonde Smoothie Scooter School class of '06...they'll kill each other--ha ha ha!

We were talking nicknames and Sonya said “I’m a Biker-In-Training”. In a flash, I put the initials together: “B-I-T”. I was going to try and spin the initials with a C-H into it, but Sonya is just a sweet young lady. No way would that ever work oh her. Then I realized that “bit” was a word and worked out to be Lil’ Bit for Little Biker-In-Training.

I gave her a ride bell to put on her scoot (we were at the bike shop, so how easy can that be?) so it’s on her bike and she’s good to go. Karla was kind enough to offer to haul the scoot home in the back of her trucklet so it’s tucked away safe in sound right next to mom’s big honkin’ Harley.

So Sonya is a Biker In Training on a Wanna Be Bike!!!

She is going to take the motorcycle safety course in May and she’ll ride a regular motorcycle. She’ll carry the endorsement and am sure she will ride with mom. Especially if the evil girls of the Mountain Shadow Riders can find a beater bike to stick in the garage……

Congrats on your new scoot, Lil’ Bit!! A girl after my own heart—she’s on a red scoot to boot!!

Keep the Shiny Side Up!!

~The Rainbow Wahine

Has a Motorcycle Ever Made You Cry??

From a broken heart?

I was down at Pike’s Peak Harley Davidson trying to get a new headlight for the Fatboy. Seems the low beam blew last week during the poker run.

Why on earth would I run down to my friendly Harley Davidson shop to get a light bulb when I could run down to my friendly Auto Zone when it would probably cost me less to do so? Because I decided to be lazy. It was a matter of taking the darn thing apart and taking the bulb down the Auto Zone or just walking into the HD store getting the bulb and then taking care of business.

Wouldn’t you know that Pike’s Peak Harley was out of stock on light bulbs? At both stores, mind you. Sigh. So I ended up doing what I didn’t want to do and wasting more time that I didn’t have!

Enough to make a girl cry?? Not really. More of an annoyance.

While I’m in the dealership waiting for stock availability, I’m walking around the showroom floor looking at all the new bikes. Back in the corner there’s a beautiful yellow custom Road King.

Sigh.

Of course, I *had* to sit on it. Actually, I wanted to put my feet up on the engine guards to see how I fit on them. After I sat on the bike, engine guards were forgotten. Now I’m thinking I could see myself riding this sweet ride down the road.

I’m also thinking I need three motorcycles like I need a man. Nice to have, but quite unnecessary!! LOL.

I entertained the thought of actually thinking how I could swing another bike. Then reality kicked in and the sensible brain cells took control back. Sigh, it was a beautiful bike and yes, I really really really liked it but………………

Alas, it was not meant to be.

I gave a wistful last glace at the bike, then went back to give the parts guy a hard time of not having a head light in stock. Such is life.

Funny, I was talking to my girlfriend Karla about this same bike and after I got the words “yellow Road King” out of my mouth she knew exactly what I was talking about. Seems he had seduced her as well. I thought I was the first to find love with a yellow motorcycle. I was wrong. I was one in a long list of many………………….

Now that’s enough to make a girl cry *smile*.

Open House Mania

The first 2006 open house of the Mountain Shadow riders is just around the corner. The open house is this Saturday, March 25 at Rocky Mountain Cycle Plaza on Chelton Avenue.

This will be my first open house and I’ll be there early to help set up. We’ll be hanging out, getting the word out about the Mountain Shadow Riders and women in motorcycling. We’ll be barbequing brats and hotdogs and of course have home-made baked goods (after all we are women and love to bake—ha ha ha).

We “officially” start at 10:00 AM. So if you have a spot of time Saturday come on down and visit with me and the rest of this crazy group of women I claim as my friends. If you know of a woman who is interested in motorcycling and has questions, send her down to us and we’ll do our best to brainwash…errrr…educate her! I’ll be around until 2:00 PM but the rest of the gang will be there until 4ish.

Rocky Mountain Cycle Plaza has a great selection of bikes as well. I always enjoy getting down and looking at all the cool Victories, Star, Honda, Suzuki and other motorcycles they have. I avoid the dirt bikes like the plague, however. They call to me every time I go in and for the moment, have resisted the call to go off-roading.

It’s bad enough that I found the local women’s Roller Derby team….

Must…..resist..….Roller……Derby…..should…..not….play…….

Yes, I’m kicking it around but won’t probably do it—exactly when do I have time??

At any rate, if Saturday is a beautiful day and you are out riding, stop by and rub in the fact that I’m working the open house instead of riding!! LOL………

I suppose now I need to go wash my bike.

Bike wash anyone?? I have a red Harley in need of a bath!

Keep The Shiny Side Up and Have A Great Day!

~The Rainbow Wahine

A Question to Ponder

Why is it that when I’m at home and the indoor temperature is 65 degrees I’m freezing?  Yet when I’m on my motorcycle and its 40 degrees and I’m riding and “it’s not too bad”?

Insanity has its privileges, I suppose!!!

Keep the Shiny Side Up!

~The Rainbow Wahine

Deja Vu

Saturday I was riding back from chorus practice to meet up with Karla to go to a stamping party. Stamping party you say? Yes, this motorcycle rider in red has been known to stamp on occasion!

As I was riding north on Powers Boulevard, I was thinking about a safety tip that had been given at one of the Mountain Shadow Riders meeting. The safety blurb covered the horn location. Yes, I know it’s on the left hand signal cluster, but I also know that I’m not as familiar with the location as I am with the turn signal indicator.

Why was I thinking about this particular thing at that particular moment? I have no idea. I suppose it might have had to do with the amount of cage traffic on Powers that morning. However, that normally causes me to pay extra attention to the traffic around, not think of the stuff that went on at the MSR meeting.

As “luck” would have it, I glanced down to my left signal cluster and made mental note to work on knowing exactly where the horn button is. I even made the point to put my thumb on the button.

With that mental exercise over, I refocused my complete attention back on the traffic around me. It was no more than five seconds later that a huge red Dooley decided to change lanes—crossing over three lanes of traffic to my lane—an opportunity to squash my beloved self and Harley into a skid mark on the ground.

Fortunately, I had completed my little horn exercise and was able to react appropriately—honk at the offending vehicle while taking the necessary defensive measures to get out of his way. He did hear me and stopped his multi-lane changing exercise so all ended well.

Why I chose to do that particular exercise at that moment is beyond me. Not that I would have not found my horn button if need be; normally when I have reason to use my horn, I also manage to turn on my high beam as well. It’s not a big deal; however, it tells me that I need to work on indicator placement a bit more.

Which leads into reminding me that I need to look into relocating my horn to a different position on the Fatboy. My inner thigh rests on top of the horn and the only time I ever think to relocate is when I honk….which produces a nice jolt on the inside of my leg. The jolt is not necessarily a bad thing, but I know that my leg placement muffles the horn which is not a good thing.

Does everyone know where their horn button is located? Can you find it without looking or having to think about it??

Keep The Shiny Side Up!

~The Rainbow Wahine

Cold To The Bone…….

Yes, it was! I met Sandy at Einstein’s Bagels this not-so-bright and un-shiny morning. The temp when I left was a nice and toasty 36 degrees and misty. Brrrrrrrrrrrr. I had on enough clothes to dress three people!

Ate a spot of breakfast, grabbed coffee and headed out to Pike’s Peak Harley Davidson for The Cold To the Bone Poker Run. Sandy and I thought we might have a better chance of winning a prize today since the weather was not very nice. I guess the 50 or so other people that showed up thought so too!!!

We got registered and I drew my first card—a lovely four of diamonds. I’m thinking that this is not going to be a good hand at all…..

I met up with Phil and Steve rode up at the last minute, so we all decided to ride out together. Heading out was a bit cold, fortunately, the sun peeked out and it warmed up. Of course, I’m wishing I wasn’t wearing enough clothes for three people at this point!

Our ride took us around town and the various stops we would draw another card. I was drawing diamonds so it was looking pretty good for me. At least I was until I got to Dairy Queen and drew a spade. So much for that…I’m in the hunting for the worst hand except I know that Phil’s hand is much worse than mine!

We get to the end point—Frankie’s Too and the weather is not looking very good. As a matter of fact, it looks downright awful!! As the brave troopers we are, we get inside, get our cards drawn and wouldn’t you know it…Phil manages to have the worst hand and Steve has the best hand—with three queens.

After the awarding of the prizes and raffles, we decided to head out--the weather is really starting to look bad. Sandy does not have a windshield on her bike so she really wants to get home! As we were gearing up, a gentleman comes across the parking lot and advises to stay put for a bit—it’s hailing between where we are and where we want to go. Yikes!! It’s going to be a fun ride home.

As soon as we get out of the parking lot, it starts to snow. I’m glad I have enough clothes for three people at this point! Sandy, on the other hand, has warm gear, but is not prepared for wet riding. Not only that, she didn’t bring her helmet. She's going to have a miserable ride back.

The ride home wasn’t too terribly bad; I was prepared. I knew Sandy was cold; her hair was wet. I’m thinking that we got in pretty good…the weather was starting to really get ugly and we more or less beat it out.

I get parked in the garage and did a walk-around the bike.

Note to self: get oil and new headlight bulb. Steve noticed that I blew my low-beam.

I get inside, get cleaned up and make it back downstairs. Wouldn’t you know it…..the sun is shining.....

Just my luck, eh??

Keep the Shiny Side Up (and make sure you buy the frost-free version. It may cost a bit more, but it is well worth it *wink*).

~The Rainbow Wahine

A Beautiful Day To Ride

Saturday was a really great day today so what did I do?

Ride my motorcycle, of course!

I left my house around 9:30 this morning…down to chorus practice.  It was a clear day and certainly warmer than anything I had ridden in for quite a while.  

I had a chance to ride after chorus practice as well.  It was really nice until 3:00—then the fog came down off Pike’s Peak.  

We are expecting Blizzard ’06 to start today.  At last check, we were expecting a foot of snow.  Here in the Springs, that’s major.  We normally don’t get a lot of accumulation and if we do, then it doesn’t stay on the ground for long.  This storm has a different feel to it altogether.

It’s 32 degrees outside at the moment and I am supposed to meet Sandy at Einstein’s Bagels in about 45 minutes.  Gosh, it’s going to be cold!!!

Cold weather riding has its challenges.  I do not like being cold at all!  However, in light of either wanting to ride versus not riding at all…well, I’m riding.  I’m not sure if that makes me hard-core or just crazy.  Or both.  

At any rate, it’s time to start getting dressed…..

I think they were right in calling this the Cold To The Bone Run *smile*.  !

Keep The Shiny Side Up!

~The Rainbow Wahine

It's Spring Break!!!

It’s 3:30 am and this term is OVER!!!  YAY!!

Doesn’t have much to do with motorcycling, but I submitted my  last paper of my last class just a little while ago!!!  Bonus points because I looked at my schedule and I’m on SPRING BREAK until April 2!!!!  Whoooo hoooooo!!!

After this term, I think I need the break….it will probably take the whole time to get my brain undiscombobulated and back to ‘normal’.  

My ex unknowingly did me a favor earlier this evening by picking up my son a day early so I could work uninterrupted.  So tomorrow I have a free day to goof off!

I know I won’t waste the whole day, but I do know I will get out and ride for a bit tomorrow even if it means just going to the gym.  Knowing me, I’ll get out for a longer ride unless the weather is terribly disagreeable.

I started leafing my engine guards yesterday and continued to work on them today.  I wasn’t sure I would like them and I’m still not sure I’ll like them on the Harley, but since I got most of the metal up I’m beginning to like the look!  Shiny red, gold, and silver metal looks decidedly tacky in its bright, unconventional weird way.  Yep, right up my alley!!!

I reserve the right to change my mind if I don’t like the look, however.

Keep the shiny side up!  Or maybe down in this circumstance!

~The Rainbow Wahine

So Many Remotes, Not Enough Space

Jeanne has this cool item on her bike. Flash the high beam on her Harley and her garage door opens. Flash again, and the garage door closes.

I’m intrigued.

I hear it now—I can go down to the local Home Depot and buy a mini transmitter and carry it with my motorcycle key………….

Except it’s pretty cool.

Handy too. Not to mention that it means one less item to lose. I like operating on the KISS theory as much as possible, especially when riding.

I don’t even carry a garage door opener on me when I ride. I usually have my car keys and I’ll ride up, unlock my van and use the Homelink in my Ody. Except this past Saturday, I forgot my keys. See? Something to remember and keep track of!

I checked out Jeanne’s solution: The Official Harley Davidson Thingamabob. At $126.95, I’m thinking there’s got to be a cheaper workaround. Not that it’s overly expensive compared to any chrome item (or any item branded with the Harley Davidson logo for that matter), but I’m thinking more in the terms of frugality. I can get a mini-remote transmitter from Amazon for twenty bucks!

Sigh, the old HD saying is into play….it doesn’t mean Harley Davidson, it means Hundred Dollars!

And the fact that it only fixes the problem for one bike. It’s another $65.95 to equip my V-Star with another transmitter.

Installation is not a problem; I’ll put the darn things on myself. It’s just justifying spending $200 to open my garage door….especially when I already have a working solution!

Enter the Internet! With a few keystrokes up pops Flash2Pass. It’s the same technology with out the Hundred Dollar Logo on it and retails for $79.95. An additional transmitter costs $34.95.

So I’m out a little over a hundred bucks instead of two hundred. Still, that’s money to reinvent the wheel--just so I can not get off my bike.

I did find another solution from Jollytec. It’s basically a remote transmitter with a pushbutton on a wire. The pushbutton is mounted on the motorcycle—either by attaching it to the handlebars or drilling a hole and mounting. Cost is $39.95 for the pushbutton or $47.95 for the handlebar bracket version. I’m not crazy about having to drill a ¼” hole in my bike to mount this button either….

This is getting to be down my alley as far as pricing. Except I still have two bikes to equip!

If you haven’t figured it out, I’m all about cheap! And I know that the mini-remotes are $20—half the price of the Jollytech solution. I could just get the mini-remote, put it in a skin and mount the thing under my motorcycle seat.


Then again, I do have a full sized remote that has a broken housing, so I may tinker around and see if I can wire the switch to my high beam switch. Knowing me and my simple projects that morph into an unbelievable complex problem, I’m not sure I’ll want to start this one. If it’s a matter of putting a couple of resistors on the circuit, then it won’t be a problem. Somehow, I’m thinking it won’t be that easy……….because it never is………..

I’m going to kick all options around and see what I come up with.

Keep The Shiny Side Up!

~The Rainbow Wahine

Women In Motorcycling Conference

Whew, have a few minutes to think for a change! Wrapping up the last week of school for this term—then it all starts again.

Monday night was the March meeting of the Cripple Creek Women in Motorcycling Conference. I almost decided against going since I’m buried in homework, but I figured that a couple of hours wasn’t going to kill me. I was right—it didn’t.

Looks like there has been substantial headway made—we have several keynote speakers and a panel of women riders put together. We also threw around ideas on short workshops that might work within the timetable we have established. We discussed pins, the timeline, parking issues, and a whole lot of other stuff that goes on behind the scenes.

One of the topics discussed was new riding gear. Kim, the Director for Women in the Wind, was telling us about some of the cool gear available for motorcycle riders. One item was the Thigh Pack II by Sabergear™. This pack can carry some serious gear! As women, you know we have to carry the kitchen sink! Well, most of us anyway. The Thigh Pack II was of interest because with the additional bladder, it becomes a one-liter hydration pack. All this and still tons of storage space!

Kim also brought along a mesh jacket from First Gear. Of course, it’s not time for warm weather gear, but it will be soon enough. Or at least I hope it will be soon enough. I got to try hers on and really liked it! She had the men’s version on, but I’m eyeing that red/silver or white jacket. We’ll see.

We got a good deal discussed and made forward progress. I don’t feel like I really contributed much to the group because I’m new and have never done this type of thing.

No worries, I figured if anything, I can always lick envelopes *smile*.

The conference is going to be in August 16th and 17th in Cripple Creek Colorado. As the details become available, I’ll post them.

Let me get back to my homework.

Keep the Shiny Side Up

~The Rainbow Wahine

If Its Sandy, Its a Boy

Rumor has it that a new member has a new V-Star Silverado…..

Only details are is that the member is a “she”, has been at the last couple of meetings, is a new Mountain Shadow Rider and the bike came from Apex . Using a highly scientific evaluation method, I’m guessing it’s Sandy.

She had mentioned she was looking, rides a Virago, and just had her bike serviced at Apex. Just had it painted too…but when does having service and a new paint job ever stop anyone from getting a new bike?? Especially someone that I think is crazier than me.

If it is Sandy, I wonder what she is going to name her new motorcycle. Her Virago is named BOB (for Battery Operated Boyfriend…you go girl). So hmmm…BOB Jr or BOB 2???? Ha ha ha.

And I’m praying for 60 feet of snow. Heck this woman rode out last month with snow on the ground to show off her new paint job…she’s ride in 60 feet of snow to show off the new addition!

Not really, Sandy, I hope you have a clear weekend.....

If it’s not Sandy, could you please show your face???

Keep the Shiny Side Up!

~The Rainbow Wahine

I'm a Motorcycle Junkie

Miss KayBee, The Rainbow Wahine and The Blonde Smoothie

Can you call this sickness anything else?? Because that’s all it can be if you are out today on two wheels as Jeanne, Karla and I were. It’s only 32 degrees outside. The "haze" in the background is not fog...it's snow!!!

The Motorcycle Safety Course Class of 3/12/06
Today was Mickey’s last day of the Motorcycle Safety Class so Jeanne, Karla and I decided to ride down to cheer her on. Like me, Mickey learned to ride on dirt bikes when she was a teen and decided to get back into it—of course she does, we are all cool biker chicks!

Mickey on her MSC bike

You could not have asked for a more rotten day. It was cloudy, gray overcast day that felt like snow. Did that stop us? Heck no!!! The threat of snow and 32 degree temps was not going to keep us from riding down to cheer Mickey on.

That didn’t stop the other two from griping about it, though!!! He he he…I think Karla held the glove record…I think she had 16 pairs of gloves on!! Not, really, it was more like three.

We were afraid they were going to call the class because of the weather. As we were riding down to Pikes’ Peak Community College, it started snowing. We pulled over, had a debate on whether it would be a good idea to turn around and go home or press on. Are you kidding? We are dressed and ready to go…let’s keep going!

We get up to the training lot and see the class going through the exam. Ahhh, the memories of taking the Motorcycle Safety Course……except mine was in the middle of summer and it was sweltering!!

The riders were doing the Figure 8 segment and it was going pretty well. This particular segment requires the rider to enter one end of a ‘box’ drawn on the pavement, make a figure 8 then exit out the other end of the box. After exiting the box, you ride down to the other end of the lot, enter another lane, swerve and then brake.

One of the ladies did the box, exited and as she came to the swerve/stop portion, locked her front brake up which results in a drop. She took a pretty hard fall too. She wasn’t thrown, but she did get hurt.

A drop is an automatic fail. It was hard to watch as we all know that a drop is something that happens at one point or another. Of course, seeing a motorcyclist taking a fall is never pleasant.

There was another drop at the accelerate/brake/downshift exercise. It’s a straight line exercise that requires accelerating to third gear then stopping when you pass a cone. You have a certain distance to stop. Also, while you are braking, you are required to downshift. When you put your feet down, you have to be in first gear.

Of course, another rider dropped her bike as well. Grabbing that front brake!

Mickey passed and we all went down to Southside Johnny’s for a drink to warm up and lunch. So cheeseburgers and green tea were in order for our celebration!!! Of course, talk was about bikes and all the silly stuff girls talk about. I think the gentlemen sitting behind us were entertained, at least!!

Mickey’s dream bike is the Honda Aero. It’s a good looking bike—and of course comes in purple!!! LOL….we’ll see what she’s going to get. In the meantime, Karla made her an offer on her bike since Miss KayBee wants a Victory King Pin. You go girl!!!

Mickey trying out Miss Kaybee's Suzuki 800
We headed out, but not before we snapped the ride pics. The Blonde Smoothie, Miss KayBee and The Rainbow Wahine all brain frozen from our ride!! It was fun and while I’m not particularly fond of being cold, it was worth turning out to support our new rider.

Johnny was behind the bar and stopped by to give us a shout out. He said he didn’t think he was going to get any riding customers today. He told us that he was glad that he did have some riders come by …girls at that!!

The Blonde Smoothie on her Dyna Super Glide Custom
We geared up and got out on the road. By that time it was snowing pretty well and we had some accumulation on the bikes. Yes, it was time to go home!!! Brrrrr…

The Rainbow Wahine and her Fatboy
I can’t wait until warmer weather comes along!!!

Keep The Shiny Side Up!

~The Rainbow Wahine

Saturday: A Cold Motorcycle Day

I awoke to temps in the mid 20’s and as I was debating on riding down to our Mountain Shadow Riders' meeting, my friend Karla calls me and wants to know if I’m riding.  Snap decision:  yes!  She groans and says she’s gearing up!  Yes, it was cold, but it was only 10 or so miles.  We had three riders:  Karla, Sandy and I were the only ones crazy/stupid to get out in the cold!!!

I’ll say it again:  yes it was cold but I was sooo happy to be back in the saddle again!  Especially my saddle!   It was a great feeling to be zooming down Powers on the back of my not so shiny Harley.  It seems that my resident cat, Shadow decided to leave ‘pussy prints’ all over my bike.  Yes, that can be an offense that the death penalty is the end result, but he means no harm and it’s easily cleaned.    Not to mention the fact that I’ve already done damage enough when I dropped the V-Star and the Harley last summer.  So how can I be mad at a cat that walks on my bike?

Besides, if it’s that big of a deal, then I need to just put a motorcycle cover on the Harley and/or the V-Star.  Problem solved.

We settled down to order and worked on the various issues concerning our little group.   One was voting on our riding contest for the year.  We had several great ideas that ranged from riding the peaks, historical markers, bodies of water in Colorado and lastly the Scavenger Hunt.  I was particularly partial to the Scavenger Hunt since I was the one that put it together.  We have a huge list of items that we have to hunt down. Some are native to Colorado only, but some are just wacky things.  With over 300 items on the list, it’ll be fun to see what people come up with.

We voted and the Scavenger Hunt is the ride contest for ’06!  Since we are required to have a photo of the item in question and our bike (and ourselves if we can manage it), I’ll post them as I accumulate them.   Now, who has a purple corvette???

Another activity that was brought up and discussed was the idea of a blood run.  In short, we will put together a short ride and the end point will be at the blood mobile.  After all, if there’s an accident involving a motorcyclist, chances are there will be blood on the pavement.  So as motorcyclists, we thought it was a good idea to do something that would give to the medical community.  

The state of Colorado does not allow donors to bank blood for a specific cause, but if the chance that we could help one rider is there, then it’s worth looking at.  Even such, if our donated blood goes to help save a life, then I’m all for making the donation!  So we’ll ride down, have lunch, and give blood.  My peers agreed that it was a good idea so we voted to put in on the calendar as an activity in August.  Anyone nearby that would be interested in participating, let me know.   Of if you are too far away and like the idea, put it into play in your neck of the woods.

On another note, my friend Mickey is taking the Motorcycle Safety Course this weekend.  She’s earned my respect since it’s 33 degrees out there!!!  Karla, Jeanne and I are going to ride down to the site later today and cheer her on!!   Is there a better way to show support for a future biker chick than to have a gang of girl riders show up on their bikes?   I think not!!!  

Interestingly enough, there are six females in her class.  Two are scooter riders!!  I think it’s great!!!  I was the only female in my class and I took mine in July so I was riding in full gear in 90+ temps.  

Still, I’d rather be hot than freeze.

Keep the Shiny Side Up!

~The Rainbow Wahine

Saturday Ride--Brrrrr

At the moment it's almost 1 AM, so no, I'm not headed out just yet...

I'm just distracting myself from my pressing homework. Sigh. I just can't get into Union Negotiations....zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

At any rate, the MSR is having their monthly meeting and I'm riding!!! The highs for tomorrow is supposed to be a whole 46 degrees...yes FORTY SIX DEGREES!!! When I leave my house tomorrow morning at 8:30 AM, trust me, it won't be 46. More like 36 if I'm lucky.

Who am I foolin'...I'm riding if it's clear. My Harley dislikes the cold; he's just like his momma.

I'll have some pics as I will remember to pack my cam and it's charged.

Until then--Keep the Shiny Side Up (and stay warm).

~The Rainbow Wahine

Walter's Bike...What a Hottie!!

Walter’s dad (aka MadDog) sent me a better photo of Walter and his bike!

Wow…a ‘49 Indian? This dude has got my eye, that’s for sure!!! This photo shows Sam Memmolo of Speed Vision TV giving Walter a trophy!

Walter evidently is a serious rider. He has over 100K miles on a bike…YOWZA!

I love meeting all the people that have integrated motorcycling into their lifestyle. Even the four-legged ones!

I wonder who else out there brings their four-legged family members with them?

Keep the Shiny Side Up!

~The Rainbow Wahine

A Ride Invite From Walter

I got a really cool ride invite by the Georgia Misfits riding group. Check out their website, I think it’s really great.

My response was that I’d look them up when my travels take me to Georgia. As typical of most riders, they normally send me a pic of themselves and their ride and Walter was no exception. You can’t make out much of his motorcycle, but his friends certainly make up for it!!

I’m honored to have garnered an invite from Walter! I hope I get the honor of riding in with him and his group. He looks mighty hot in his riding gear…check him at the Georgia Misfits site!!! The picture up top doesn’t do him justice at all!!

Keep the Shiny Side Up!

~The Rainbow Wahine

Just Another Saturday Afternoon Spin

I was fortunate to spend the weekend in San Diego and ride!

It was a typical Christine trip. My mishaps started in Denver when I missed my flight by six minutes. Yes, SIX minutes! I was there on time; I had to wait forever for the shuttle bus to take me to the terminal. Ahh, well, there was another flight out so I got to fly through Las Vegas instead of Phoenix and get to San Diego at 1 AM and immediately to bed. I have to give props to Marty for his patience in the scheduling snafu.

Up and out early the next morning and down to the bike shop to pick up the bike I’m riding. It’s a gorgeous day—a little cool for my liking, however, in comparison to riding in March in Colorado, it's a perfect day! I get an idea of the coolness while I’m on the back of Marty’s Fatboy—yes you did read that right—I rode on the back to get down to the shop.

While it’s fun to ride two-up, I’m thinking the whole time that I need to be the number one rider, LOL. It’s just not the same.

We make our way down to the bike shop and I get to meet the machinery that will accompany me on my journey of the California roads--….a beautiful ’05 Fatboy—a chrome and black motorcycle that shouts out its message in its typical bad boy way! Yes, I am a happy girl indeed!

Get all the necessary paperwork done and the two minute go over on the bike; I gear up and off we go. I missed my windshield—screaming up I-5 without a windshield was an exercise in upper body strength. I noted that I again am reminded why I ride with my shield on, but hey, I was happy—I am riding my own so it’s a minor inconvenience.

We set off northbound and ride up the coastline highway. It’s a beautiful ride and really not too much traffic to worry about. We stopped at a beach park for a rest stop and photo opportunity only to discover that I didn’t have a charge on my camera…..so no photos on this trip for me. Oh well…next time!

Don’t ask me where I went…I am the lost girl so I have no idea where we rode. I believe our end point on the coast was Oceanside and then we headed east and rode the hills. Now THAT was fun!! Not as big as the twisters in the Rockies, but fun nonetheless!!

Rode out the daylight and got in at the beginning of evening.

Parked the bike; got cleaned up for dinner and headed out to the Harrah’s for dinner and some card playing.

What a great night! I lost my allocated cash; I should have gotten out when I was ahead, but I was having way too much fun! Such is life.

Southern California is indeed a beautiful place to ride and I hope that I get to ride it again in the near future. Of course, there are other roads that I’d like to see, but I don’t think I got a full taste of what’s out West….just a teaser. I’ll take it…gotta keep the rider in red coming back, eh?

Keep the shiny side up!

~The Rainbow Wahine

Meeting Friends Everywhere

The Great Derby Cover Experiment is about to begin!

Alright, I’ll admit it, I’m addicted to rhinestones! While I like my leafing job on my derby cover, I’ve been racking my brains on how to put rhinestones on. I know I’ll need a high-temperature glue on…and I know that it exists.

NASA has to keep those shuttle tiles on somehow, eh??

So I picked up a nused derby cover off e-Bay and am waiting for it to make its way to my house. The seller asked me yesterday if I rode a Harley Davidson. Come to find out, he has a group of riders doing a state ride this summer and asked if I want to ride in with them.

Cool! Get me the details and I’ll round up my friends and we’ll get out for a spin!

I think it’s great that I’m making friends and not even riding!

Keep the shiny side up!

~The Rainbow Wahine

What’s In Your Saddlebags, Part II…“Just In Case”?

When I posted my list of things that I carry in my saddlebags a few days ago, I was surprised at the comments regarding “just in case” stuff.

What is just in case stuff and how far are we supposed to anticipate things to happen? Hmmm…

When I lived in Austin, Texas, I worked for the corporate office of a major home furnishings retailer. My job function required 80 % travel time so I was always gone. In short, I had to haul around several suits (and shoes), clothes to work in the warehouse racks (and shoes), workout gear (and shoes), and loafing clothes (and shoes). Not to mention my toiletries and all the other ‘woman’ gear. Add my laptop, my briefcase, and my purse.

Oh, I hated schlepping all that gear.

I learned really quickly how to consolidate my gear and what was REALLY necessary. Yes, I still continued to haul around four or five pairs of shoes and the necessary clothing, but cutting out the ‘what if’ stuff really helped reduce the amount of what I carried.

Where do you draw the line at “what if”? Everything in my saddlebag I use. If it’s in there and I haven’t used it ever then out it goes. I can’t ever think of a time that I really needed something I didn’t bring along and it caused a negative experience in a ride.

In my riding circle, I’m known as the Lost Girl. Not only does that apply with my innate ability to get lost going half a block, I tend to lose stuff too. So if I don’t bring extra stuff, I have less stuff to keep track of and/or lose. Or have stolen.

Besides, I need one saddlebag to be partly empty. For all the stuff I buy during the ride :-). There’s nothing worse to going somewhere fully packed out and not being able to find room to bring anything back.

Keep the shiny side up!

~The Rainbow Wahine

Which Motorcycles Do Thieves Want?

Continuing on yesterday’s comments on the top and bottom cities for crashes and thefts, I found this article from Progressive regarding the top and bottom five models of motorcycles stolen and crashed.

Interestingly enough, the top five motorcycles to be stolen are sport motorcycles or crotch rockets. The bottom five are cruisers.

Only one Harley makes the list and it’s in the bottom five to be crashed. While my V-Star is least “likely” to be stolen, my Fatboy makes it higher on the list…but not at the top.

I'd like to find the full list just to see where I rank.

At any rate, the same common sense things apply…do all you can do to discourage thieves. If they want it bad enough, they’ll get it. You’ll just want to give as much of a fight as you can. This isn’t about a piece of machinery; it’s an extension of our personalities!

Keep the shiny side up!

~The Rainbow Wahine