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For what it's worth , here is my 2¢ . I think that if anyone deserves to keep riding it's you . After working as hard as you have to accomplish this goal it would really be a shame to give it all up now simply because of some egotistical , no cojones , group of males who are obviously insecure and whose opinions don't amount to a hill of beans anyway .
In the words of my favorite troubador ;
"Now for the best and later for the garbage ."
Life is far too short to try to live it by anyone else's standards my friend .

Kindest regards, Wizzard

Thank you Wizzard.

Part 2 of Riding With the Big Boys.

After recovering from the retched smell of the honey wagon, I got a whiff of some new mown grass. Now that smelled very nice. It’s a regular cornucopia of fragrances out in the Fraser Valley. Following behind Antonio I had no idea where I was most of the time. Antonio sure knew the area well, though.
We went through downtown Chilliwack and just on the outskirts Antonio pulled into a Harley Davidson dealership.
“I didn’t know you guys were going to take me shopping!” I said.
That produced a laugh out them. I then tried to open the door of the shop and when it wouldn’t open I jokingly said “I have a Yamaha. They won’t let me in!”
The manager happened to be outside and laughed along with me and said that everyone was welcome.
Antonio needed a brace for the forks on his bike. Ray explained why. It had to do with the fact that Antonio’s bike doesn’t have triple tree.
After perusing the bikes and saddle bags that I will never be able to afford, it was time to mount up and head to our next refreshment stop. (As an aside…the silver V-Rod is stunning)
Back on the road and riding through the countryside, Antonio led us to Duke’s. It appears to be a popular biker bar judging by the huge lineup of bikes parked there. As we rode in, you could see and feel all the eyes checking out the newcomers. We parked away from the building and as we got off our bikes, I said "It takes way from your hardcore look having me along in my bright yellow".
They laughed and Ray said “Well, guys being guys we’re not that concerned about safety”.
Before we went inside Ray told me I rode very well. He said I was doing fine and was having no trouble keeping up. (If only he knew…I bet there’s no carbon buildup on my sparkplugs after today)
After a walk by of all the bikes outside…there must have been close to 20 Harley’s and 1 filthy dirty V-Star. Shame on him. It looked like that bike had not been washed since it was new. Couldn’t even see through the windshield.
We went inside for a drink. I had ginger ale, Vince drank iced tea and the other three had only one beer.
Vince was explaining how the Southern Cruisers came about and how they decided to start their own chapter in Langley. We talked about the lunch ride to Merritt next weekend. They asked if I was going to go. I said I would go, weather permitting. At this time of year, the Coquihalla can get snow, so I will go only if it’s clear skies. They also invited me to come along on the ride to Anacortes the next day, but I declined. They were going on the annual “Oyster Run” as it’s called. Over 5,000 bikers usually show up.

We left Duke’s (which appears to be in the middle of nowhere) and headed to Whatcom road to go over Sumas Mountain Road. Ray left us at this point to go home because he lived nearby. The 4 of us left were heading back to Mission to drop off Antonio and fuel up. We made what felt like a 240 degree uphill turn to get onto the Sumas Mountain Road and from there it was twist after twisty after twisty. Either my skills have improved dramatically or these twisties weren’t too difficult because I was managing these curves almost as well as the guys. If I could describe the feeling I would have to say it was like I was dancing. The movements were fluid. A little push on the handlebars and I was making the turns with ease. I was keeping up with no trouble. Alas, it was soon over and we were back to the highway. At the red light Gary rolled up beside me and asked how I liked that. For the first time in a while, I actually felt a smile. I told him it was great.
We headed into Mission and made our way back to the original gas station where we had picked up Antonio. After fuelling we pulled out of the way and parked. Gary told me I had ridden very well. He said since he was behind me he could observe. He was impressed with how well I had managed the mountain road. Then Vince said he had been keeping an eye on me in his mirrors. He too told me how well I had done. I thanked them both very much. (My bruised and battered ego sure did need a lift). I hadn’t told them anything of the trials and tribulations I have been having. The only thing they knew was that I had only been licensed since February and that I had never gone on a group ride. Vince did have to educate me about something Gary should have told us in the morning about group rides.
“You threw us off though when you kept stopping at the stop signs”.
I said, “I always stop at stop signs.”
Antonio then said, “Yes, I noticed your foot came down at every stop sign.”
I repeated, “When I see a stop sign I stop.”
So they explained how it works in a group situation. When the lead rider goes, we can all go as if we were one big car. They said that if we were a really big group, the tail gunner would ride up and block the road so that the whole group can get through and then he would fall in behind the group.
I apologized and said I hadn’t known and that I would know better next time. I started to make a motion like I was going to leave and Gary and Vince said they would ride back to the ferry with me. We would part ways there as they were heading to Langley and I would go through Maple Ridge and Coquitlam to make my way home.
At the turn off, we waved and beeped goodbye and I carried on to make my way home. By the time I was at the Pitt River Bridge, I could feel fatigue creeping in. I was sore in between my shoulder blades from the nervous start to my day and the long day of riding.
I made it home 9-1/2 hours and 270km after I left that morning. A cup of tea and a hot soak in the tub would soon be my reward for a good day of riding.

On Sunday there was an email message telling me a message had been left in the forums. So I clicked on the link to see. There were three separate messages about the ride on Saturday. They hoped I would come on another ride. Ray said he would ride with me anytime. He said it looked like I had riding “nailed”. I think I had tears in my eyes when I read what they wrote. After so much negative input from so many sources, these guys who were strangers to me, made me feel like a million bucks.
A big thanks to the Southern Cruisers for making me laugh and letting me ride my ride.

Sunday, September 26, 2005. This morning I am tired. I'm glad I declined the ride to Anacortes. Instead I make some coffee and breakfast and putter in the garden for a bit. My friend in Port Coquitlam called and asked what I was up to. She asked if I would like to come by later so we could walk on the trail and then have some supper together.
In the meantime I walked to the local grocery store to stock up for the week and by the time I got back it was time to get ready to leave.

I rode out to Poco along a route I usually avoid for the simple reason that there is a playground zone. Everytime I go that way, someone speeds by me on my right. It sure is hard to be legal.
It was a nice ride to my friend's place. We had a good walk and talk and a delicious dinner at a local Italian restaurant.

I went home as soon as dinner was over because of the hour. I had to get up early for work and I still had a few things to do at home.
It was already dark outside and it had cooled off a lot. I had brought along a down jacket to wear under biking jacket. Wow! It was cozy inside.

I'm not crazy about riding at night, but I've ridden this route so many times now, I'm ok with it. Most of the way, has decent lighting and the streets are in good enough shape. Nevertheless, I put even more focus than usual on staying safe...because in the dark, it's harder for cagers to see. Although I do have my usual contingent of reflective gear and my bright yellow jacket, extra caution is needed to get home safe.

I arrived home and reflected on all the riding I did this weekend and other trips as well....and all the feedback and support from you folks here.

I won't give up on it just yet.

From my recent backpacking trip and to show my appreciation for the support shown by the members of this website. http://photobucket.com/albums/b334/blue ... 005029.jpg

Do you think BuzZz will like the tree I picked to hug?
http://photobucket.com/albums/b334/blue ... 005038.jpg
Sorry about it being sideways.

From my recent ride with the Southern Cruisers.
Duke's Biker Bar...Do you think there are any 1%'ers in there?
http://photobucket.com/albums/b334/blue ... 005041.jpg

I must go write about the Toy Run today then I will post a few pics.

blues2cruise wrote:
Do you think BuzZz will like the tree I picked to hug?
http://photobucket.com/albums/b334/blue ... 005038.jpg
Sorry about it being sideways.

That's how people get embarassing slivers, ya know....

BuzZz,you mean from being sideways?



The Vancouver Toy Run 2005

I found my smile again today. It has been a difficult several weeks due to various circumstances, including dealing with clinical depression. With the help of my doctor and some medication, I have begun the climb out of my black hole.
Although I had continued to ride, my smile was gone. I was going through the motions.

Then I met The Southern Cruisers. The first ride with them left me feeling a lot more positive because they were very respectful and treated me kindly. Although I still hadn’t found my smile, the second ride with them yesterday was also a positive experience.

Friday night after work, I went toy shopping. Since I bought my bike I have been waiting for this…..The Vancouver Toy Run. So, last night, I placed all the stuff I had bought into a large clear plastic garden bag because the forecast was for rain. I managed to get it balanced into my blue basket that I would cargo net to the bike. I placed everything by the door to be ready for morning. Good thing I did, because I set my alarm wrong and woke up 15 minutes before I was to leave.

I had a big red ribbon around the top of the bag, a red stocking on the basket, a blinking red light and Rudolph antlers on my helmet. These coordinated so well with my yellow raincoat….ha-ha
It was fun seeing the reactions of drivers on the road when they saw the Rudolph ears and blinking light on my helmet.
I met up with dr_bar at the local coffee shop so we could make our way together to Coquitlam Centre Mall. We arrived early but there were already a couple of hundred bikes in line. The red antlers on the helmet sure did make people smile.

At precisely 10am, there was the thundering sound of hundreds and hundreds of bikes as we all made our slow progress out of the parking lot. Once on the road, the speed picked and everyone basically got into staggered position. There were people lining the streets and waving at us. I noticed people pointing at me because of the red antlers. It made them smile. Little kids would point and laugh. People were snapping pics and shooting videos.
Suddenly I felt something I hadn’t felt for a while. My eyes started to tear up and I could feel the smile return to myself. I was part of something big here. It felt good to be here.
I was so glad I made the choice to still participate because people treated me like I belonged.
Many thanks need to go to the cities of Coquitlam, Port Moody and Burnaby for closing off streets and allowing the Toy run to progress uninterrupted to Vancouver. Once we got to the PNE grounds, the ride circled the grounds to enter off Cassiar. We wove our way through the grounds to where we could get parked and bring in all the toys for collection. Everyone who donated got a commemorative pin. I bought a t-shirt, too. The underprivileged kids will once again be getting some toys under their Christmas trees, due to the generosity of motorcycle riders once again.
This ride helped me find my spirit again.

pics to come shortly.

Some pics.

Mr. and Mrs. Claus greet the riders.http://photobucket.com/albums/b334/blue ... 005023.jpg

Bikes collectinghttp://photobucket.com/albums/b334/blue ... 005028.jpg

More bikes getting readyhttp://photobucket.com/albums/b334/blue ... 005037.jpg

Riding coming in to get a space in line.http://photobucket.com/albums/b334/blue ... 005042.jpg

I snapped a pic ahead of me while I was in motionhttp://photobucket.com/albums/b334/blue ... 005043.jpg

And a lucky shot behind me. http://photobucket.com/albums/b334/blue ... 005044.jpg

Me with antlers. I sure do look bundled up. Call it insurance. It didn't rain until the toy run was over.
http://photobucket.com/albums/b334/blue ... 005045.jpg

Bikes at our destination.http://photobucket.com/albums/b334/blue ... 005048.jpg

Inside at the t-shirt table http://photobucket.com/albums/b334/blue ... 005049.jpg The red tops are worn by the folks who are working there. It was mostly a sea of black. I was easy to find today because of my bright yellow. Some acquaintances were able to find me because of it.

A last look at the bikes as we head out to go home.http://photobucket.com/albums/b334/blue ... 005050.jpg

You name it, it was there. From the Honda Rune, to a 1948 Indian. Victory Hammers, Triumphs, BMW, Valkeyrie, V-Max, Vulcans, V-Stoms, and on and on and on....there was even a contingent of scooter enthusiasts today.
Trikes and trailers and custom bikes to stock Harley's. It was a very impressive sight to behold.
I think there may have even been a few 1%'ers. Just goes to show even they care about the kids.

blues2cruise wrote:BuzZz,you mean from being sideways?

Whoa... hey now..... what you do in the privacy of the woods is your own business....

.... remember, that's where bears do thier business too.....

Glad your feeling better.

October 9, 2005

After my bit of a breakdown I started making attempts to find the enjoyment in my riding again. Going on a couple of rides with the SCRC was a good first step. Taking part in the Toy Run helped immensely. I found my first smile in a long time while on the toy run on October 2.
Last week I decided to ride to work a couple of times. I had been avoiding some of the folks at work because they have been a large part of my mental deterioration. I figured that now that my mind was somewhat calmer I could ride instead of taking the bus.

On Wednesday morning, October 5, I rode even though it was raining. As I was heading west along Kent, I noticed that the high rises in the distance were glowing golden. It seemed out of place on a grey rainy morning. I looked in my rear view mirror and I could see that the eastern sky had cleared up to reveal a brilliant orange sunrise. That explained the golden reflections ahead of me.
My eyes were then drawn upward to the sky where I saw a big, beautiful full colour rainbow. My spirits were lifted instantly. I smiled again for the second time in a week. I would have missed seeing the rainbow if I had been on the bus.
I pulled in to the lot at work and parked my bike without any interference from the guys at work. I think they have figured out I need them to leave me alone.
What a relief.
When the pipes had cooled a bit, I put a plastic tablecloth over my bike to protect it from rain and debris. I really must go buy a proper cover. The plastic tablecloth may look peculiar attached by elastic bands, but it does the job. I now realize that the black goop that smelled and was smoking came from some crud the trucks working next door must have dropped.

Thursday was too risky to ride. It was raining far too hard to be safe so I left the bike at home and took the bus. Friday was a different matter though. Although cloudy, it was dry and light. I had to go to Brentwood after the “Friday” after work “meeting”, so I rode. I am glad I did. After a quick bite to eat, I headed down to Brentwood. Rush hour was winding down and the ride was quite enjoyable. After arranging for my new glasses I headed home in the dark. Unlike when I was first licensed where I was very uncomfortable night riding, I am getting to be ok with it. I have learned which routes are suitable and I find that by using these that riding at night can be quite pleasant.

I parked my bike and took a serious look at how dirty it was. When my enthusiasm had waned, I let slide my care for it. It was filthy from riding in the rain. I resolved to clean and polish it first thing in the morning. I couldn’t ride to the bike shop with a dirty bike, after all.



By the way, thanks, BuzZz.