ROT Rally

WOW !!! Just got back last night from the ROT...let me just say,,,,a good time was had by all. There is just something about that many bikes and bikers in one place at the same time. Quite by accident, I got caught in the parade,,,,what a mistake,,,a fun one but a mistake nonetheless!! Moving along at very slow speeds with bikes a foot away from you on all sides and trying to keep that Wing up??,,,,,,but I made it and had a great time. So many people lined the streets waving and welcoming bikers to Austin. I met a lot of nice people and it was fun at the hotel to see bikes lined up and all the commradarie amongst such a diverse group of people. I will definately be going back next year!! The picture is me on a friends bike,,,you couldn't pay me enough to ride that beast....

Gone for too long

I can't believe it's been almost a year since I last wrote in this blog. The older I get the quicker time seems to fly. But I'm still riding! It's never as much as I'd like but if nothing else, I ride in the evenings when I get home from work. If anybody is still out there?,,,,,,,,give me a shout.

The Tires Dilemma

When exactly do you change the tires? With 10,000 miles on my tires and what appears to be a lot of good tread left, I opted to have new tires put on. I attempted to do my research and enlist the advice of many veteran riders who all had different opinions. Some say it depends on the type of tire, the type of riding and on and on. There doesn't seem to be any definitive answers. Unlike car tires that you ride on until the tread is worn, I didn't want to take that chance. Riding on just two wheels is risky in and of itself. I keep hearing about car tires on the rear? If anyone out there has some advice,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,please share!!

Organizing a Ride

This is an all points bulletin!!!

I have been appointed to organize a charity ride for the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation here in Houston and I don't have a clue where to begin. If anyone out there can offer some assistance, please email me. I am completely open to ideas and suggestions.................thanks ya'll.

Where DOES The Fear of Riding Come From?

I just keep hearing "I'm too afraid to ride a motorcycle". But you aren't too afraid to drive your car in traffic or eat fast food that elevates your cholesterol or fly on an airplane that you have no control over or smoke or drink and drive or or or,,,,,,? Get where I'm going with this?

Unless you have personally been in a motorcycle accident or know someone that has, your fears could be unfounded. Fear is a funny emotion. My fears are more centered around living until I'm 100 and not having any money and a huge fear of snakes! Fear, even if perceived is real enough to hold us back from doing things we would otherwise love to do.

I don't ever remember being afraid to ride. At 10 when I got my first dirt bike, I was all over it! That was just the best. As I have aged and my fears have aged along with me, riding a motorcycle just doesn't seem to be one of them. I have seen the aftermath of a few motorcycle accidents and it's not pretty. I have also seen car wrecks that have left people dead. Have you ever seen a woman with breast cancer who has lost all her hair to the chemotherapy and she is frightened by the potential outcome of death? These are all visions of someones greatest fears.

For those of you that believe in fate, you are going to die the way you are destined to die. If that is the case, then you should be fearless. You have accepted that when your time comes, no matter what you are doing, you have no control, but this is a conversation for another time and forum.

If you have EVER, even for a split second, wondered how much fun it would be to ride either your own or on the back of someone else's motorcycle, then you owe it to yourself to put your fear to the side and give it a shot. If you determine that it just isn't for you, then no harm done. On the other hand, if you find that it was a good experience and that just MAYBE you would like to do it again,,,,,,,,,,,,,all the better! I promise that if you allow yourself, you will feel empowered and free.

Now, can anybody out there help me with my fear of snakes????

Key West in 2009

Riding down to Key West has long been a dream of mine. I'm looking for other riders, male and or female to help me plan the ride. Let's go and have some fun! I would ideally like to make it a two week trip but am open to ideas and suggestions. If anyone is interested, please contact me and let's get this party started!

Summer Riding in Texas

It has begun! The Texas heat can be relentless. If you are new to riding here, there are some things to remember:

1. Bottled Water - Riding in the countryside may not offer too many places to stop and get something to drink. It's important to stay hydrated. There are coolers that you can purchase and keep in your saddlebags.


2. Keep some snacks with you. I keep sunflower seeds and light munchies in my trunk.


3. DO NOT forget the sunblock!


4. I also have a doo rag that you soak in water for about twenty minutes to activate the beads. This will help keep you cool as well.


5. Cell Phone - But I guess this goes without saying since they are attached to our bodies anyway.


6. Take a GPS with you if you have one or you can do as I did for a long time,,,,,,,call my husband and ask him to get on the Internet to find out where the heck I am!


7. Ensure that your motorcycle is ready for the road. It is not fun getting stuck out in no man's land in the heat with a broken down bike.


8. Rain gear, just in case,,,,this is Texas after all and the weather can change in a New York minute.


9. I personally never leave home without my IPod. I mean, Jammaw has to jam afterall.


10. Stop often if at all possible. The sun and heat can wear you down before you know it. It's good to stop and refresh and re-group.

So there you have my 10 points of non-expert opinion on preparing to ride in the Texas heat. I'm sure there are many more and if you will share them with me, I will put together a checklist and keep it posted.

Happy riding Ya'll and keep the rubber down!