10,000km...who would have ever thought....
Posted: Mon Oct 10, 2005 12:06 pm
October 10, 2005
I was invited to head to Merrit on Saturday to join a ride to Kamloops. From there we would meet up with some Kamloops riders for a ride led by the BCNS president. I planned on joining them and staying over night to come back home on Sunday. Friday night as I was putting away all my gear from the day, I discovered that I had the bus keys from work in my pocket.
Insert bad language here.
There went my plans to ride to Merrit. I would have to return the keys to work in the morning or I would be in deep doo doo. So, I sent a text message to dr_bar inquiring if he would like to go for a short cruise the next day. I then posted a message on the BCNS forum to inform them I would not be able to make it. My big solo adventure would have to wait until Spring.
Saturday morning I was up early and went out to the garage with my cleaning supplies. I looked at the dirt that had accumulated and then saw the “clean streak” on the black painted frame. I was then reminded of the man who had pulled his car in beside me while I was getting ready to leave Metrotown the evening before. He got out of his car and asked me, “Is that your Harley?”
I couldn’t be bothered with the conversation or comments that usually followed so I simply said, “Yes”.
I figured that would suffice, but, oh, no-o-o-o, he was oh, so chatty. Sigh……After several minutes of conversation and the usual dumb questions like, “Isn’t that kind of big for a woman?”
“No, it’s only a 650.”
“It looks bigger.”
“No, it’s really just a 650.”
“Is it hard to ride?”
….and so on and so forth…..
He then suddenly bent down and asked as he pointed to the part of the frame that the wheel is mounted, “What’s that?”
I replied, “It’s dirt….from riding in the rain.”
“No”, he said, “That?” as he swiped his fingers across the paint leaving a big smear in the dirt and possible many scratches, too. Groan.
I told him it’s the frame. If I had said swing arm I’m sure that would have sparked another round of inane questions.
He could see that I was ready to leave now, so he said, “Good bye, be careful out there.”
“Yes, I sure will.”
“Good bye.”
Picture me with rolling eyes here.
I would never consider touching another persons bike so I never expect that someone will suddenly swipe their fingers across mine. It happens so quickly that I don’t have time to tell them please don’t touch.
Back in my garage….I rinsed the bike with the hose and sprayed it all over with the S-100 bike cleaner. I got most of the grit and grime off and a quick protective spray before I went inside to gear up for today’s ride.
Dr_bar arrived a few minutes after I was outside and together we took care of the first order of business. I had to go to my workplace to return my bus keys. After taking care of that task we then headed to the Knight Street Bridge for the trip to Richmond.
Looking in my mirror I saw that dr_bar was up close and personal to a car beside him. I thought maybe he had pulled in close to thank the driver for letting him in. I was to find out later that the car driver had in fact tried to cut him off and that dr_bar was simply “flipping” him the bird. Personally, I feel too vulnerable to be doing that while I am riding.
We went to Pacific Yamaha to see one of the accessories people there. They have been trying to get me some armour to fit into my jacket, but so far no luck. I then tried on several jackets. They had just received a brand new shipment and there was very nice red one in a large. I tried it on but it was so very small.
Now…...I am not fat (as you would have seen from the Chehalis picture)…..just a little taller than average. In theory a large should fit. This jacket would have fit someone several inches shorter and probably a whole lot of pounds lighter. After trying on jacket after jacket and pants after pants none of which would fit, the sales person brought out a BMW suit. We finally found something that fit. Designed for real people….not tiny little stick shaped people. Unfortunately, after the tax was added it would have about $2,500.00 for the two pieces. Sigh……way out of my range. The sales person told me they were expecting more gear to come in, so I said I would keep looking and come back another time.
After dr_bar finished drooling over his future bike we left for our “just a ride”. The destination was eventually to a café on East Hastings that is reputed to have THEE very best cheesecake. Of course we went the circuitous route. We went over the Alex Fraser Bridge to #10 Highway and through Surrey to the Patullo Bridge. We passed through New Westminster to Cariboo Road, through Lake City in Burnaby and finally to the café on Hastings.
We had some homemade soup and cheesecake and cappuccino before heading back outside. We then made our way to Port Moody via the Barnett Highway. I had never been in to GA Checkpoint Yamaha so we though we would see if they had any gear. There was nothing suitable for me but I sure did like the 2006 100cc V-Star in the 2 tone champagne and red colour.
We then wandered up to the Harley shop where they were having demo days. Lots of fellows were taking test rides on the bikes. As for me, I’m not interested in testing anything until I am ready to actually get a new bike. I don’t even want to ask for the loaner bike when I take mine in for service. Although I have confidence in my skills for riding my own bike, I don’t want the responsibility of riding someone else’s bike.
Once we were done “window shopping” at the new bikes, we got back on our own bikes and headed up Moody Hill. This particular hill is extremely steep and snaky. I use this hill as a judge to my skill level. In the beginning, I had to stay in the curb lane and use second gear to safely maneuver the steep curves. Then I gradually could take it in third gear, but still so very cautiously. I couldn’t believe the difference on Saturday. There was a bus in the curb lane, so I change lanes and took the curves going up that hill like I had been doing it for years. My skill level has increased dramatically. For a change I wasn’t holding up traffic going up that hill. What a good feeling.
At the usual “going our separate ways” place, dr_bar honked and we waved good bye. I turned down Como Lake road and headed toward home.
I am such a slow learner. Or maybe I just think that for once I won’t be the only one who doesn’t mind going 30 in the playground zone.
I went up Cariboo and turned onto 16th. About halfway along there is a big park zone, so I slowed to a titch over 30. It didn’t take long before someone came zooming up behind me. At the end of the playground zone, I got back up to speed, but then the light ahead turned red. Just as I was approaching the red light and preparing to stop, the grey van that had been behind me, sped up and pulled up beside me on my right, basically encroaching in my lane. I kept my line and pulled up to the stop line anyway. I looked over at him and loudly asked, “Do you have a problem doing the speed limit?”
Although he would not have been able to hear me, he knew I made some comment to him, so he rolled down his window and I asked him again, although this time in a “neutral” tone of voice.
I asked him again,”Do you have a problem doing the speed limit?” “That’s a playground zone back there?”
I think he must have been spoiling for a fight because he sure got belligerent. When he started berating me I kept my head facing forward. I never even looked at him again. His comments were something like, “You should mind your own business, you garbage people.” That was followed by some colourful language. He then rolled up his window. I thought that would be the end of it, bit, oh, no….he rolled down his window again and continued with the haranguing. Finally the light turned green. He turned right and I went straight through, but I think I may have had the last word. As I pulled away from the line, I raised my left arm and my left middle finger to him. Yeah, I know, it’s not very ladylike, but hey, if that guy could sit there and make racist comments to me, then I can make that one little gesture. Although his comment about garbage people could have been about my being on a bike, or the fact that I’m a woman, it was more likely that it was because I’m white. He was one of those ethnic folk who obviously have a big chip on their shoulder. Sometime the cultures here mix like oil and water. I made my way home feeling a little disturbed about the exchange that had just happened. He may not have liked reminding about the speed limit in the playground zone, but it certainly didn’t call for the abuse I was subjected to. Ah, well, if he wants to waste so much energy on being angry, let him. If he doesn’t like it here, he can move back to where he came from.
I stopped by the video store on the way home and then by the hardware store. I was trying to get the 10,000km to turn over on the odometer but by the time I was done all my errands I really just wanted to go home. I was 4-1/2 km away from the big 10,000. It would have to wait until tomorrow.
Today, I crossed over 3 bridges and rode through 8 municipalities all in the attempt to reach 10,000km and to have that perfect piece of cheesecake.
A woman I know wanted to ride on Sunday. It seemed no-one who lived out her way (Langley) felt like riding because of the possibility of rain. She wanted to get in some more practice before her road test next week, so I offered to go out to Langley to meet her for a couple of hours. I was watching the speedo because I wanted to stop and take photo of where I was when it turned over 10,000. It was ironic that it happened at a place where I could not stop. Oh, well, I know where I was. Given that a year ago I was in complete despair because of the instructor at the motorcycle school, having ridden 10,000km in the short time I have been riding was quite a feat for me.
We had a nice ride through Langley, Surrey and then White Rock where we stopped in for a bit of lunch. I couldn’t believe the remarkable difference in her riding from just a month ago. I don’t think she will have any trouble passing her road test.
After I got home and cleaned up I then headed to a friend’s place for Thanksgiving dinner. What a great meal and it was nice to be with good friends. The man of this couple is a long time rider of Indians and Harley’s. I think the novelty of riding has long worn off for him. The bike he has mostly sits in the garage these days.
I lucked out for going home. Although the roads were wet, the rain had stopped. Like I had mentioned in a previous entry, I’m starting to get used to night riding. I just pick a suitable route for travel. I headed south on Cambie and then east on 41st all the way to Kingsway. There were plenty of street lights along these roads and I had on all my usual lights and reflective gear, so I was confident I would be seen. I made my way home without incident and reflected on what a good day it had been.
After I parked my bike, I also reflected on the fact that my insurance expires in one week and that after the Fraser Valley toy run next week I would be parking my bike for awhile. I think I’ve actually had enough riding for a little bit.
Given that my whole riding career has been with a sore hand, I have done exceptionally well. When I first started I was dealing with arthritis in the thumb joint of my throttle hand. On March 30, 2005, I had surgery on my hand and was not able to ride for 2 months. After I was given clearance by the doctor to ride again, I started off with very short rides to build up the strength and endurance. It took about a month to build up to longer rides, but my hand has never stopped hurting yet. According to the doctor it could take several more months before my hand quits hurting. Apparently this is normal when the bones are cut. I think if I give my hand a rest it will speed up the healing process. If there is an exceptionally bright sunny day and I feel compelled to go for a ride, I can get a day permit. I suspect there will be a few of those days over the winter. In the meantime, I will winterize my bike just to be on the safe side.
I must go buy a toy now……….
I was invited to head to Merrit on Saturday to join a ride to Kamloops. From there we would meet up with some Kamloops riders for a ride led by the BCNS president. I planned on joining them and staying over night to come back home on Sunday. Friday night as I was putting away all my gear from the day, I discovered that I had the bus keys from work in my pocket.
Insert bad language here.
There went my plans to ride to Merrit. I would have to return the keys to work in the morning or I would be in deep doo doo. So, I sent a text message to dr_bar inquiring if he would like to go for a short cruise the next day. I then posted a message on the BCNS forum to inform them I would not be able to make it. My big solo adventure would have to wait until Spring.
Saturday morning I was up early and went out to the garage with my cleaning supplies. I looked at the dirt that had accumulated and then saw the “clean streak” on the black painted frame. I was then reminded of the man who had pulled his car in beside me while I was getting ready to leave Metrotown the evening before. He got out of his car and asked me, “Is that your Harley?”
I couldn’t be bothered with the conversation or comments that usually followed so I simply said, “Yes”.
I figured that would suffice, but, oh, no-o-o-o, he was oh, so chatty. Sigh……After several minutes of conversation and the usual dumb questions like, “Isn’t that kind of big for a woman?”
“No, it’s only a 650.”
“It looks bigger.”
“No, it’s really just a 650.”
“Is it hard to ride?”
….and so on and so forth…..
He then suddenly bent down and asked as he pointed to the part of the frame that the wheel is mounted, “What’s that?”
I replied, “It’s dirt….from riding in the rain.”
“No”, he said, “That?” as he swiped his fingers across the paint leaving a big smear in the dirt and possible many scratches, too. Groan.
I told him it’s the frame. If I had said swing arm I’m sure that would have sparked another round of inane questions.
He could see that I was ready to leave now, so he said, “Good bye, be careful out there.”
“Yes, I sure will.”
“Good bye.”
Picture me with rolling eyes here.
I would never consider touching another persons bike so I never expect that someone will suddenly swipe their fingers across mine. It happens so quickly that I don’t have time to tell them please don’t touch.
Back in my garage….I rinsed the bike with the hose and sprayed it all over with the S-100 bike cleaner. I got most of the grit and grime off and a quick protective spray before I went inside to gear up for today’s ride.
Dr_bar arrived a few minutes after I was outside and together we took care of the first order of business. I had to go to my workplace to return my bus keys. After taking care of that task we then headed to the Knight Street Bridge for the trip to Richmond.
Looking in my mirror I saw that dr_bar was up close and personal to a car beside him. I thought maybe he had pulled in close to thank the driver for letting him in. I was to find out later that the car driver had in fact tried to cut him off and that dr_bar was simply “flipping” him the bird. Personally, I feel too vulnerable to be doing that while I am riding.
We went to Pacific Yamaha to see one of the accessories people there. They have been trying to get me some armour to fit into my jacket, but so far no luck. I then tried on several jackets. They had just received a brand new shipment and there was very nice red one in a large. I tried it on but it was so very small.
Now…...I am not fat (as you would have seen from the Chehalis picture)…..just a little taller than average. In theory a large should fit. This jacket would have fit someone several inches shorter and probably a whole lot of pounds lighter. After trying on jacket after jacket and pants after pants none of which would fit, the sales person brought out a BMW suit. We finally found something that fit. Designed for real people….not tiny little stick shaped people. Unfortunately, after the tax was added it would have about $2,500.00 for the two pieces. Sigh……way out of my range. The sales person told me they were expecting more gear to come in, so I said I would keep looking and come back another time.
After dr_bar finished drooling over his future bike we left for our “just a ride”. The destination was eventually to a café on East Hastings that is reputed to have THEE very best cheesecake. Of course we went the circuitous route. We went over the Alex Fraser Bridge to #10 Highway and through Surrey to the Patullo Bridge. We passed through New Westminster to Cariboo Road, through Lake City in Burnaby and finally to the café on Hastings.
We had some homemade soup and cheesecake and cappuccino before heading back outside. We then made our way to Port Moody via the Barnett Highway. I had never been in to GA Checkpoint Yamaha so we though we would see if they had any gear. There was nothing suitable for me but I sure did like the 2006 100cc V-Star in the 2 tone champagne and red colour.
We then wandered up to the Harley shop where they were having demo days. Lots of fellows were taking test rides on the bikes. As for me, I’m not interested in testing anything until I am ready to actually get a new bike. I don’t even want to ask for the loaner bike when I take mine in for service. Although I have confidence in my skills for riding my own bike, I don’t want the responsibility of riding someone else’s bike.
Once we were done “window shopping” at the new bikes, we got back on our own bikes and headed up Moody Hill. This particular hill is extremely steep and snaky. I use this hill as a judge to my skill level. In the beginning, I had to stay in the curb lane and use second gear to safely maneuver the steep curves. Then I gradually could take it in third gear, but still so very cautiously. I couldn’t believe the difference on Saturday. There was a bus in the curb lane, so I change lanes and took the curves going up that hill like I had been doing it for years. My skill level has increased dramatically. For a change I wasn’t holding up traffic going up that hill. What a good feeling.
At the usual “going our separate ways” place, dr_bar honked and we waved good bye. I turned down Como Lake road and headed toward home.
I am such a slow learner. Or maybe I just think that for once I won’t be the only one who doesn’t mind going 30 in the playground zone.
I went up Cariboo and turned onto 16th. About halfway along there is a big park zone, so I slowed to a titch over 30. It didn’t take long before someone came zooming up behind me. At the end of the playground zone, I got back up to speed, but then the light ahead turned red. Just as I was approaching the red light and preparing to stop, the grey van that had been behind me, sped up and pulled up beside me on my right, basically encroaching in my lane. I kept my line and pulled up to the stop line anyway. I looked over at him and loudly asked, “Do you have a problem doing the speed limit?”
Although he would not have been able to hear me, he knew I made some comment to him, so he rolled down his window and I asked him again, although this time in a “neutral” tone of voice.
I asked him again,”Do you have a problem doing the speed limit?” “That’s a playground zone back there?”
I think he must have been spoiling for a fight because he sure got belligerent. When he started berating me I kept my head facing forward. I never even looked at him again. His comments were something like, “You should mind your own business, you garbage people.” That was followed by some colourful language. He then rolled up his window. I thought that would be the end of it, bit, oh, no….he rolled down his window again and continued with the haranguing. Finally the light turned green. He turned right and I went straight through, but I think I may have had the last word. As I pulled away from the line, I raised my left arm and my left middle finger to him. Yeah, I know, it’s not very ladylike, but hey, if that guy could sit there and make racist comments to me, then I can make that one little gesture. Although his comment about garbage people could have been about my being on a bike, or the fact that I’m a woman, it was more likely that it was because I’m white. He was one of those ethnic folk who obviously have a big chip on their shoulder. Sometime the cultures here mix like oil and water. I made my way home feeling a little disturbed about the exchange that had just happened. He may not have liked reminding about the speed limit in the playground zone, but it certainly didn’t call for the abuse I was subjected to. Ah, well, if he wants to waste so much energy on being angry, let him. If he doesn’t like it here, he can move back to where he came from.
I stopped by the video store on the way home and then by the hardware store. I was trying to get the 10,000km to turn over on the odometer but by the time I was done all my errands I really just wanted to go home. I was 4-1/2 km away from the big 10,000. It would have to wait until tomorrow.
Today, I crossed over 3 bridges and rode through 8 municipalities all in the attempt to reach 10,000km and to have that perfect piece of cheesecake.
A woman I know wanted to ride on Sunday. It seemed no-one who lived out her way (Langley) felt like riding because of the possibility of rain. She wanted to get in some more practice before her road test next week, so I offered to go out to Langley to meet her for a couple of hours. I was watching the speedo because I wanted to stop and take photo of where I was when it turned over 10,000. It was ironic that it happened at a place where I could not stop. Oh, well, I know where I was. Given that a year ago I was in complete despair because of the instructor at the motorcycle school, having ridden 10,000km in the short time I have been riding was quite a feat for me.
We had a nice ride through Langley, Surrey and then White Rock where we stopped in for a bit of lunch. I couldn’t believe the remarkable difference in her riding from just a month ago. I don’t think she will have any trouble passing her road test.
After I got home and cleaned up I then headed to a friend’s place for Thanksgiving dinner. What a great meal and it was nice to be with good friends. The man of this couple is a long time rider of Indians and Harley’s. I think the novelty of riding has long worn off for him. The bike he has mostly sits in the garage these days.
I lucked out for going home. Although the roads were wet, the rain had stopped. Like I had mentioned in a previous entry, I’m starting to get used to night riding. I just pick a suitable route for travel. I headed south on Cambie and then east on 41st all the way to Kingsway. There were plenty of street lights along these roads and I had on all my usual lights and reflective gear, so I was confident I would be seen. I made my way home without incident and reflected on what a good day it had been.
After I parked my bike, I also reflected on the fact that my insurance expires in one week and that after the Fraser Valley toy run next week I would be parking my bike for awhile. I think I’ve actually had enough riding for a little bit.
Given that my whole riding career has been with a sore hand, I have done exceptionally well. When I first started I was dealing with arthritis in the thumb joint of my throttle hand. On March 30, 2005, I had surgery on my hand and was not able to ride for 2 months. After I was given clearance by the doctor to ride again, I started off with very short rides to build up the strength and endurance. It took about a month to build up to longer rides, but my hand has never stopped hurting yet. According to the doctor it could take several more months before my hand quits hurting. Apparently this is normal when the bones are cut. I think if I give my hand a rest it will speed up the healing process. If there is an exceptionally bright sunny day and I feel compelled to go for a ride, I can get a day permit. I suspect there will be a few of those days over the winter. In the meantime, I will winterize my bike just to be on the safe side.
I must go buy a toy now……….
momentarily stunned to see the never ending line of cars. It was only 6:30am for crying out loud and the morning commute was in full swing. I groaned to myself thinking that I would never make the ferry on time if I had to be in that traffic. Then I remembered the HOV lane. Wahoo-o-o-o-o. 
I just needed to get to it first. 
I made a couple of turns and after a few blocks I was turning right onto Boundary. I was actually enjoying myself finding alternate routes to get home. I didn’t care that it was a bit convoluted. I was making good time at it was better than the “walking speed” pace of being stuck in traffic. (The one good thing I learned from the “blankety blank” motorcycle school was “How slow can you go?” I can crawl along at a snail’s pace if I have to, but why would I? Then I was reminded of the first 20 minute road ride with that school. It was in the rain, in the dark, but we had been given no instruction about wet weather riding.))
