I went for an M-Cycle ride today. Weather was amazing....Picture perfect. Big puffy clouds, and blue sky....
Anyway, while waiting at a light, at an intersection near the downtown exhibition center, somebody took my picture.
Bizarre.
So in Washington you have to have your motorcycle endorsement. I don't, so I chose to take a class to get it. Basically it was 1 day (8 hours) of instruction, and about 12+ hours of ride on the range time.
This was a novice (beginners) class, but several people already had motorcycles, and only two of 18 had never been on a motorcycle to any great degree. Needless to say, most everybody did alright.
Yours truly got a 98% on the written exam (I missed one question that was worded funky) and a 99% on the riding range exam (missed the standard braking test by one foot. Needed to brake in 13 feet, I did it in 14. However the hardest part of the test was making a "S" in a painted box. I think of the 11 riders, only 2-3 made out with out going over the lines, or putting their foot down. Somehow I was able to squeek through.
So now I can go to the DMV and get my endorsement so I can ride legally. According to this class, only 15% of Washington riders have their endorsement. Hmmmm. Clearly this whole "endorsement process" is a rubber stamp for someone's benefit.
I think I will take a track riding class down @ SIR. That would help my riding, much more than riding in a painted box in a parking lot!
So my vanson showed up...Shit I totally look like BILLY BAD ASS. Pix later. Feels good to ride in more solid gear...Kinda like riding without a helmet. Just feels funny and exposed.
Do you believe I've had the bike 3 weeks and NEVER gone over 70 mph? Neither do I, but it's true! I've not had it in 6th gear yet.
So I'm thinking I want to go out for dinner, but go somewhere cheap and funky! Where do I end up? Pig Kitchen in Bellevue!!! That place is awesome.
So as I'm finishing up my dinner I notice folks had come from across the street @ the Bistro, and were admiring my bike. As I walk up the said "Oh this is yours..It is a very nice bike." Interestingly enough the woman was very well versed in Ducati. I learned her hubby had a 900.
She asked if I would start it up and I happily responded. As I hit the throttle, she let out this gasping screetch, like she's just shot her wad. Wow...
Then, as I ride around the block and back over to 8th street, I notice while @ the light, a guy totally staring at the bike....I finally look over and he says..."Nice bike." I give him a wave, and off I go.
Went to look at boots and gloves @ Eastside Motorsports. Got a decent deal on both and didn't even need to ask for it. Young guy helped me....Nice. Saved me a little more than our damned 8.9% tax rate. Shit everytime I buy something more than a hundred bucks, I get pissed, since almost 10 more goes to the state. Bastards.
So I bought Sidi boots (what else?) and Held gloves.
I seem to have done a US/Italy thing, lately.
I think it's kinda fitting of the nuevo retro thing. Best of breed, but classic.
As we get near Easter, it is easy to remind myself my "born again" status. My 3 year anniversary is June 10th. Wow, how blessed am I? If I think about it, I will cry.
Today, I took the beast for a little cruise....Wow...What a smile I had on my face! Been a while and I had complete forgotten how damned fun a motorcycle is. Excellent.
