Alas my Rebel, I Barley Knew You.

It is time to prepare a farewell to my friend. We have seen and been through a lot together. She was not only a new mode of transport, but opened a life changing door.

Without the two of us meeting, it is quite likely most of the people I now know, would not even have crossed my path. Without her, the family I am now part of, would be forever beyond the horizon.

Without her I would never have met fellow bloggers and riders like Ms M, WooleyBugger, Iowa Harley Girl, Big Al, Biker Dietitian, Chessie, NormaJean, Bolty, Doug, Lady Ridesalot, Balisada and many more. It is no great understatement that my little Honda Rebel has been the catalyst for change in my life.

However, she is not happy. She sits in my garage, only coming out once or twice a month for a little ride around the neighborhood. A motorcycle isn't meant to sit idle. My little Honda Rebel needs an owner who will rider her. Hopefully I can find one.

Them Wheels are Spinnin'

Several years ago, a rather astute and relatively close work associate made an observation, "You really spin your wheels a lot, don't you?"

It's true. Some days I catch myself spinning badly. Perhaps it is human nature.

Starting a new project is far easier than following through with a difficult or stalled project. Creating new projects becomes it's own reward. Completion yields nothing; the number of things started is what matters. For better or worse, my brain is filled with things such as these.

My Suzuki VX800 project is stalled due to problems with my front carburetor. Farkling & equipping my Harley Sportster into a touring machine, is going no where because I am still paying for the bike. Learning to fly is stalled due to lack of funds and time. The operating system I started writing in 2004 is still only a few hundred lines long due to lack of time. The dozen or so stories I have floating in my mind are still floating, also due to lack of time.

These are all excuses and I know it. T'is far easier to leave obstacles in place and start over. T'is far more rewarding to obliterate the obstacles and keep moving.

Now, That's the Spot

Yes, there is is. As life proceeded, with its ups and downs, opportunities and adversities, lonely roads and groups, something hibernated. Reading of Ms M's recent Iron Butt accomplishment gave that little hibernating critter a nudge.

Over the last few months I have had the opportunity to buy a few things and pay off a few debts. The feeling of paying off a credit card was fantastic. Next up is paying off one of my bikes and taking care of another little debt. It's good.

As I sat here in my garage a few weekends ago, my little Suzuki just looked at me. She has been taking low priority for quite a while and understandably wanted attention. Within minutes the seat, tank and front air filter were on a little work table. 30 minutes later the front carb was apart and in pieces. Timing is not always my forte. I forgot something that had been scheduled for weeks. So, bike, parts and tools were pushed to the side... Pushed to the side like this little sleeping critter.

While shopping around for a light bar for my Sporty and a small scope for my pistol, the little critter rumbled. And, as normally happens, I ended up browsing over to ADVRiders. If you are not familiar with this site and are a motorcycle rider, just grab your favorite beverage and give it a visit.

At any rate, the critter seems to be wide awake now. Rather than looking at light bars and pistol scopes, motorcycle tires and tents and riding gear seems to be filling up my screen. It's time to get that Suzuki running 100%, buy some long distance riding gear, get some luggage and a tent, schedule some time off and get out of here.

Maybe the Northern California Wine Country... Maybe Canada... Maybe a few thousand miles of lonely two lane roads. Maybe ghost towning with a buddy. Anyone want to go for a ride?

Curious Times

Yes 'curious.'

So I meet a new female friend on line. We start e-mailing back and forth. I send her a picture of myself in full leathers, sitting on my bike. Also tell her that I work from home.

She says that I would likely scare her kids and she wants to know if I am paralyzed or something.

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot? Seriously. Addressing any single item here would be a disservice to the overall WTF...

Why is it, people of the fairer sex that I would honestly like to spend time with are 500 or more miles away? Ah, well. I have plenty to keep me occupied, and my cold medicine to keep me warm. Perhaps poor substitutes for companionship but will suffice for now.