Today being Friday, the week is almost at an end. I did not ride further due to being sick. As “hard core” as I am, I know there is a level of respect for the bike that must be maintained. I know I cannot just ride when I’m feeling under the 50% mark. I was very sick the past few days and barely making it into work. But I did manage to get something accomplished and survived from a financial & efficient standpoint. However, to ride in, that was risking more than I was willing.

As much as I am in love with the bike, I respect it as well. And to ride in such a state that I put myself or others at risk due to my lack of ability, well, there are other ways to take out oneself or others.

So, I am very much ready for another ride. I’m hoping for the weekend. There is a charity ride on Sunday for a fellow cyclist who died from cancer. We’ll be doing that (requiring myself driving us to the ride start), but it’s well worth it. The weekend after, we’re opening our shop to the local rotary & bike club. We’ll have about 100 – 150 bikes come through the shop for repair. They will be donated to local families needing bicycles. Hopefully, we’ll have as successful a year as year’s past.

Cheers to feeling better and changing the world (more on that topic later). Ride safe!!

~ 2 wheels

Today was a pretty typical Monday, once it actually got started. If nothing else, I at least rode the faster of the bikes this morning. Though chilly, it helped me swallow my morning frog – mammogram Monday. Today’s lovely experience was in follow-up of my biopsy six months ago. All good news today – the “clip” is exactly where it is supposed to be (whew!!) and nothing new to report. So, I mark time until my check-up in April. All going well, I may actually make 40 before my next one. Realistically, that’s not happening, but one can hope…

So, though chilly, I rode the BMW in to work. It was tuned up last week due to a couple of stalls while down-shifting. They also adjusted the clutch – it was nice to know that getting from 4th to 5th wasn’t all my problem. The bike was really not shifting fully up. Now, though, it’s shifting up & down with NO problems and I even got to play with a little speed this afternoon.

I’ve been on a motorcycle for 1 1/2 years. My first bike was a great starter bike, but I quickly reached the bike’s limits. I set my sights on the BMW F800ST. I considered the Sport version over the Sport Touring, but at the time, with gas prices as they were, I was really trying to ride as much as possible. That means transporting work & lunch. And after a year of backpacking it, I wanted a carrying case! I got exactly what I wanted, though it was a little delayed… As I saved up money for my new bike, problems started in the form of new lumps. It took 3 months and multiple medical trips, but I finally got the good news late on a Tuesday afternoon – no cancer!! The next morning, at 8:00 AM sharp, I called up the local BMW shop and ordered my bike. Within 2 weeks, I rode in to the dealership with a Buell Blast and out with a new BMW. It was paid for in three months, with less than $100 in interest.

She was well worth the wait! She rides like a dream and offers me a little escape each day. Even if I’m just going into work, riding in on the bike gives me that little bit of break. There is nothing else in the world – just me, the bike & the road. There are no distractions, no music or cell phones or anything else. No one can reach me and nothing is more important that the ride. As much effort & concentration as it takes, it gives back in simplicity and peace.

Ride safe & ride often!

~ 2 wheels

I have a simple belief – the world is a better place on two wheels. I give full credit for my vision to the one who helped me see & learn. Whether by bicycle or motorcycle, two wheels is the way to go. I dedicate this site to all who just get it. It’s my hope to create and encourage a community to get it in gear!

~ 2 wheels