Motorcycling

Great Lakes Regional Chili Cookoff

Keith — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 13:05:54 GMT

Today is the Great Lakes Regional Chili Cookoff and I'm goin'. We're riding our bikes and it's gonna be cold. There was frost on the grass the last two mornings but we're not leaving until around 11:30 so hopefully it will warm up a litte by then. Right now as I'm writing this it's a cold 44 degrees but at least the sun is shining and that should help. But still, we're only looking at the mid 50's by noon and a high of only 60 or so for the whole day. I put the windshield on my bike so hopefully that will block some wind and warm things up a bit..
Should be a good day though. We're starting our ride by going the opposite direction and heading in to New Boston for a beer at McNasty's. The Apple Fest is going on down there this weekend also so there should be a good crowd. After that we'll head back to Plymouth for the Chili Cookoff. There's also a big bike show going on there too. Maybe I'll throw my camera in one of the saddle bags. Good idea Keith.

I'm hooked

Keith — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 00:57:34 GMT

I went for a ride on my bike tonight. Nothing big, just around town here a bit and then stopped by my mother-in-laws for a quick beer and off again. I have to say that I. Am. Hooked. I've gotten to a point where I can really enjoy myself while I'm riding. I'm getting comfortable, but not too comfortable. I still look everywhere and will obviously continue to do so. But the funny thing is, the closer I get to my house, the more turns I make in the opposite direction! I just don't want to get off this thing once I'm on it! Riding is so much, well, fun! I love it! In fact, it takes me a good hour after I get home to come down. Amazing. I'm actually kind of...giddy!

I am getting tired of riding around town though. There are too many traffic lights and stop signs. I'm ready for longer trip down some winding back roads. Maybe I can find some time this weekend.

A Ride to Hell Hamburg and Back

Keith — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 15:34:09 GMT

Step 1. Wheel that bad boy out from the garage and park it in the driveway.
Step 2. Put a shine on all the chrome and then shine it some more.
Step 3. Get the camera and snap some pictures.
Step 4. Get on an ride!

I went on a ride with a 7 of my buddies yesterday from Livonia to Hamburg Michigan. We were going to go through the town of Hell Michigan but we decided not to.

It was a great time. All the roads were pretty much two-lane, curvy back roads and it was a really good experince for me. The guys I went with are all experienced riders and gave me a lot of good advice. All in all, I logged about 100 miles on the day. The bad thing is, I took my camera with me but never took it out of the saddle bag. Damn. Next time for sure.

Um, there's a Harley-Davidson in my garage

Keith — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 02:24:55 GMT

Picked up the bike tonight. Awesome. Awesome. Awesome.

I didn't ride it home from the dealer. I went with a friend and he rode it home for me. We went by the local high school so I could test the waters and get used to the bike without any traffic. I drove around the school a couple of times and I was ready to go. I drove the bike back to my house which wasn't too far.

It was unbelievable! We stood around the bike for a while in the driveway and shot the shit a little. My neighbor across the street came over to check things out. He has a bike too, a 2000 Road King. So of course we went over to his house and checked it out. Nice bike with lots of customization.

After that, I could stand around no more! I went over to my mother-in-laws to show her and my sister-in-law the bike. It's less than a mile ride so not too bad. While I was over there, my buddy Scott called and off I went to his house.

Pretty cool stuff. I need a lot of practice but I was a little more comfortable everytime I rode it.

This is gonna be a fun ride!

Got it!

Keith — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 20:57:11 GMT

Is that my name on that sold sign??? Oh yeah it is!

I should get it on Tuesday. Somewhere, my mom and dad are probably very nervous.

Searching for a bike

Keith — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 13:22:54 GMT

I went to Motor City Harley-Davidson on Thursday to check out the bikes. I don't really want to buy a new one because they're so expensive so I mostly looked at their used bikes.

This is a 2002 Heritage Softail Classic. Nice bike and in good shape. I wasn't sure about the colors when I was there but the more I look at these pictures, I've probably looked at them at least 100 time since then, the more I like the colors.

The bike needs a new back tire and we asked the salesperson what his best price would be with a warranty and a new tire. He hasn't gotten back to me yet! Very disappointing. I was ready to sign papers last night! He says he has to talk to his manager about the tire and his manager has been off for the last two days. Give me a break! This happens with cars too. Why don't they give these sales people the authority to make a deal?

Supposedly his manager will be back in the store today. We'll see. I had to call the sales guy yesterday to see what was up! He didn't even call me and tell me his manager wasn't going to be in! WTF?? I'm not calling him today. He better call me and let me know what's going on. If not? Oh well, there are other bikes out there and he won't be getting my money.

2000 Harley-Davidson Fatboy

Keith — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 19:40:19 GMT

I'm goin' to take a look at this tonight...

http://www.motorcityharley.com/Bikes/Photos/582.jpg

I've been looking like crazy but I keep coming back to that one. Must be fate? We'll see.

Also, while I'm there, I might as well buy my first Harley-Davidson tee shirt.. I've always said, "I can afford the bike. It's all the Harley clothes you have to buy afterward that'll break you!".

I hate the Secretary of State

Keith — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 19:33:38 GMT

Not the person. The office.

Hate it. Hate it. Hate it.

Yesterday I flew out of work and raced over to the Secretary of State to get my motorcycle endorsement. I walked in the door at 4:35 PM. They close at 5:00 PM. They have a little information desk and the woman behind it asked me what I was there for. I told her I was there for the endorsement.

She looked at me like I was crazy. "We're not allowed to give the test out after 4:30." she said.

What?! Are you kidding me??? Give me a break. There are at least 100 people in here right now! God forbid they have to stay two or three minutes past 5:00. Lazy $%@#$%! I mean come on! It's only a 10 question test that takes about 10 minutes to take! And they're always so rude too.

Hate it. Hate it. Hate it.

I thought about bitchin' and making a scene but then I figured I'd better not. I would just look like an ass and still wouldn't have been able to take the test. What a pain. I should write the state a letter and complain but I'm sure it would be a waste of time.

So, off I go again today to try and get it.

Hate it. Hate it. Hate it.

Motorcycle Safety Class Graduate

Keith — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 12:16:28 GMT

I passed the tests! Sweet! Now it's off to the Secretary of State to take their little test and get my motorcycle endorsement. I'll probably do that either tomorrow or Wednesday since I have golf tonight.

Uh oh. Now comes the hard part. I guess I gotta buy a bike.

Another NON Crisis Update

Keith — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 10:48:18 GMT

I'm up early doin' some dba stuff for work and thought I'd post a little update on the motorcycle safety classes.

All in all, I think yesterday went very well for me especially since I have never driven a motorcycle before. The only thing I had a little problem with was making a figure eight inside a box drawn on the pavement. You're supposed to do the turns without putting your feet down and you have to stay within the lines of the box. Give me a break. Can someone please tell me the "real world" application of this task? Anyone? If, in the real world, I find myself in need to maneuver a motorcycle in a space as tight as this, I will move it with my feet on the ground or get off the damn thing and move it. The bad thing is, this is on the test and could be a problem. Hopefully we will be able to practice it some more today.

I have to say, I've really enjoyed this so far. If I pass, hopefully I will, I don't know what I'm going to do next. The logical thing would be to buy a motorcyle but I'm not sure I'm ready for that. I definitely need more practice but how can I practice if I don't have a motorcycle. Hmmm, the dreaded catch 22.