May 25th -- Oil Change & Riding Day

We decided it was time for an oil and filter change for my bike today. It needed a little warm-up first, and rather than just running it here, I took the bike out for a little solo ride. I headed out to a local school parking lot, did a few slow maneuvering exercises, and then headed home, but I found that the Little Hussy wasn't ready to enter our own driveway (you'd think she had a mind of her own), and she just blasted on by. So I rode on for a just a little bit, found another parking lot, did a nice little circle there, and then headed home. And then the fun began.

Why on earth was everything on the Hussy so tight? I'd have been really happy if I could have managed the removal of the old filter on my own, but that just wasn't how this worked out. We'd raised her up a little on a ramp, so that we could slide the oil pan under, but even so, we just couldn't get the old filter out. So I suggested we gently lay her on her side on the lawn, and that gave us better access. I admit it took a man to unscrew the sucker. I did replace it with the new filter, and of course once that was all set, I filled the baby with fresh oil.

Later on in the day, we headed out to Genoa Bay with Stephen and his friends Steve and Dawn. Steve got himself a big Honda Shadow (I think it's an 1100cc bike). It sure was a gorgeous ride until some stinging got to me. I felt frantic with the intensity of a burning stinging sensation and tried to rid myself of this nasty horror while riding, but it just felt like it was getting worse... darned near felt like my neck was in contact with stinging nettles. I had to signal and pull over to the side of the road. Stephen was ahead and since the road has many winding turns, he didn't realize I wasn't behind him anymore until he saw a truck coming up behind him. Vic, Steve and Dawn, all riding behind me, pulled over when I did, and they saw what flew out of my collar: a fracking bee. Geesh, the little pricker sure took a chunk. I'm awful happy that the folks at the delightful restaurant on the water were good enough to supply me with vinegar and a bunch of serviettes to get some of the sting down. Vic and Stephen are both extremely allergic to bee stings, and we didn't have any benadryl or epi pens with us, so I was glad I took the sting and not them. And of course we learned a good lesson: bring benadryl on the bikes!

Despite the sting, it was a glorious ride, especially on the way home. It's actually delightful to know I have to be home before dark; it affords me the opportunity to enjoy the most incredible sunset rides! We have some pictures, and I'll get them up later. For now, I just want to keep track of my rides. Sure love my bike!

May 24th -- Malahat Mountain Mixer

We couldn't get away for the whole weekend, but we managed a wonderful greet & meet afternoon and early evening. The MMM was held at the Osborne Bay Resort and Campground, overlooking the Georgia Strait as it narrows between Vancouver Island and Saltspring Island. It's incredibly beautiful! But the best part for me was meeting some of the women I've been talking to on our forums: Vancouver Island Lady Riders and the Women Who Ride.

The picture I've included here first, in front of my precious little Hussy, is of Willi, me and Jenn the Dragon! What a great couple of women, as terrific in person as they've been on the internet. Harley Davidsons were certainly in the majority at this event, but we also spotted some other really beautiful bikes. I couldn't help but think about Everett and his Virago when we spotted one of those with an incredibly pretty paint job.

Just check out the gold finish highlighting the chrome on this pretty baby. But there were many other gorgeous bikes, including a very gorgeous Yamaha, and plenty of delightful little HD Sportsters owned by some of the women.

Dinner was fantastic. We had a wonderful roast, three different salads, and buns and chili. There was quite a bit left over too, so some of the single guys took home doggie bags.

I've gotta say that it was pretty scary for me riding down into this campground... a long gravel driveway descending to a parking lot near the water. I slowed at the top of the hill, looked at it, felt like I was getting queasy and then thought: "just go for it girl." And that's what I did. Man, I was pumped, so proud... and so grateful that I didn't drop the Hussy.

We had such a great time, and thoroughly enjoyed Willi and Big Daddy. Sure want to get together with these friends again. Big Daddy (Bill) has quite a great mustache!

It was over too soon for me. However, I had a fantastic ride home. The sunset began as we hit the highway, and the colors were absolutely magnificent! I got to wear the chaps my friend Lynette loaned me and that made the ride feel even better... no cold wind blasting my knees! Yippee. I can hardly wait to get out again.

My next learning curve will involve an oil change on my bike.... I'll let ya know how it goes.

May 21 -- Ride to Work and Healing Burns

I never thought I'd be riding the bike to The Pottery Store, but did that today. Mind you, Vic accompanied me on his bike and returned at the end of the day to ride home with me again.

I quickly took the lead though, I just wanted to make sure we didn't head straight home. Gotta tell you... I'm sooooo hooked.

I also want to report on my burns. They're healed! I have never had a burn heal so quickly in my life. For 2nd and 3rd degree burns to be completely healed in a week? I'm still amazed. I was able to take a nice hot bath one week after my little accident, without bandages. I'd pulled them off, realized that the burn was no longer draining or seeping, and decided it was time to immerse the leg (with a little trepidation). No pain!

I have to attribute this incredible healing to my sister, Patricia, a reiki master! She's been working on me every day since it happened, and I'm here to tell you, if you're not a believer in this meditative healing technique, well, it's time to open your mind up and give it a try. I have a little pink skin, no scars... though it sure looked like I would have them when the skin around the burn was puckering and pulling just a few days ago. I've been using vitamin E capsules, breaking them open and rubbing that in, and I am delighted. Not that it's a lovely picture, but this is how it's looking now. I won't even be able to brag about surviving these burns in a few more days, because I won't have any proof anymore.

Thanks Patricia, you are one of my idols, and I'm so lucky to have you as my one and only precious sister.

May 18th -- A ride on Vic's tractor

What a gorgeous day! We just had to finish it with a ride... but since we were heading out for an evening ride, I knew I couldn't take the Hussy. I don't have that class 6 licence yet, can only ride between dawn and dusk. Anyway, I thought it was time to pay attention to Vic's approach to everything from lane position to changing gears and turning corners.

He's been on his own lately, and found it rather different having a passenger again. But it was a great experience for both of us. We toodled up to Parksville, partly on the highway, and then enjoying some of the beautiful back roads.

Mom took a few pictures before we started out, and since it was so warm out, I didn't need to wear a turtleneck or anything and decided to go for the 3/4 helmet instead of the full-face job. That felt so delicious. Even on the way home, when it was decidedly cooler, I still wasn't cold.

The temperature is dropping again though and rain is in the forecast. We'll have to have a quick morning run and then may not get back out on the bikes until Wednesday when the forecast improves.

I think my mom would like nothing better than to be out riding again... but she hasn't been on a bike (other than as a passenger) since the late 50's or early 60's. Still, the longing is there. I sure understand!

May 17th... Cedar-Yellowpoint Ride

As soon as the studio closed at 5:00 pm, we got ready for a ride. It was so hot. My bike's been sitting in the sun all day, sans cover, and the seat is hot. So this turned into a lesson for me! I got a rash on my keester from being toooooooooo warm! Found myself squirming on my seat with discomfort. Fancy undies are not meant for a bike ride... gotta make sure I stick with cotton. Wonder if I should warn Flo.... Nah, she's been riding for three years. Good old polysporin and I'm all better this morning. Anyway, discomfort meant a shorter ride than I'd been thinking about all day.



It does feel delicious getting some of that warm wind in my face, leaving the visor up and wearing sunglasses. My mom rode an Indian in Australia when I was just a little girl. She wore shorts, a sleeveless shirt knotted under her breasts... and I thought sandals, but just learned that she'd go barefoot. What delicious rides she must have enjoyed. But I can't help but wonder how the heck she'd kick-start with her little bare feet. And she liked her speed, and they wanted her to race professionally. She scared the crap out of my dad, and he finally convinced her that she could not race because she had two little girls to raise. I think she still wishes she'd done it though. She's getting up there in years, but plans to be a passenger on a few rides this summer. The picture of her here is with our oldest son, Everett, on his Virago just a couple of years ago.



My sister and brother have no real interest in riding... I guess I'm the only one that got that gene and it took me 57 years to figure it out. Better late than never!

I'm really happy about my calm riding in the face of a dog charging me as I rode by. I'd seen him and veered a little more to the left, giving myself more room if needed to avoid him. When he charged, I just gave the bike a little more juice and ignored him. His snarling and barking mouth notwithstanding, I somehow knew that there was little chance of him getting a chunk of me. I am an animal lover, and dogs, well I'm crazy about them. But if they want to charge me while I'm riding, well, it's me or them and guess who I'm protecting. That makes twice I've had a critter obstacle to contend with, and me and my Hussy have done well and I'm proud. It builds confidence to successfully cope with these kinds of scarey obstacles. The fact that I'm not freaking out just makes me so happy.

Flo's Conga Ride from Florida to Canada

I'm delighted with the forums I belong to: Women Who Ride and Vancouver Island Lady Riders (Delphi Forums). I've been given the greatest encouragement here, as well as some extremely great advice from the women who ride. I found it difficult to relate to Vic and Stephen, though I rely on them hugely for instruction and protection when we ride. Both learned to ride as young men. As a grandmother, learning at this stage, I wanted some female role models. I found them. I want to celebrate them here too.

Let me introduce you to Flo. She started riding three years ago, and she's now 53 years young. She's picking up the new love of her life in Florida, and she will be riding her "La Reina Queen" all the way to Campbell River on Vancouver Island. But alone? Not really. She's going to have company almost every step of the way, and she's starting her ride with the best of the best: The Palladinos of Ride Like A Pro fame. Women from the forum (and some of their male partners too) will join her along the route, provide spare beds along the way, and generally help to make this an adventure of a lifetime with more support (thanks to the internet) than she could have dreamed. I'll be waiting for her with a lot of other island riders. WE LOVE YA FLO.

She arrived in Florida yesterday, and I just have to include a couple of pics. In the first, you see her with Donna Palladino at the airport. The next one is Flo meeting her queen. Does she look happy or what? Anyway, she has a blog too, so you can check that out if you like.

http://goinwitheflo.blogspot.com/

She should be arriving on Vancouver Island sometime between the 5th and 7th (personally, I hope it will be on the 6th). She's also going to take part in the Vancouver Island Ride for Breast Cancer. What a way to come home. We're all with her in spirit, and she, and Donna Palladino, and Willi, and Jenn the Dragon... they're the best role models I could hope for, and I'm lucky to be one of their number now. Yippee for me.

May 16th -- Genoa Bay with Janice, Vic and Steppie

Wooooohooooo.... I got to meet Janice this morning. She came over to ride with us. We had a wonderful warm weather ride to Genoa Bay. And the picture here is taken there... we had to stop for a coffee.

I notice that I'm a little stiff when I start out. Maybe partly because we had not been out for a while. But once I warm up and relax, things are just soooooo much smoother.

At one point as we were negotiating our way through wonderful winding sections of road, I suddenly thought, "gotta be careful in case of deer." Wouldn't you know about a second later a beautiful doe jumped out and ran across the road in front of me. I'd already slowed instinctively when I had the aforementioned thought. The pleasure I felt in not being surprised, and being able to brake further without panic and simply ride on... ah, how do I express this... it was sheer delight. Stephen was riding lead and didn't see her at all, but Janice and Vic did, and Vic was so thrilled with my riding. Me too.

This is the first warm weather ride I've enjoyed on my bike. I love the windscreen... it sure cuts down on that buffeting that I had on my chest before... even seems to cut the buffeting of my head. I suppose the wind is directed up over me somehow, even though the windscreen is only shielding my body, not my head. The warm air felt so wonderful. Gotta admit, though, that stopping means instant overheating and I can't be fast enough getting the helmet and gloves off. Ah, the things we do for fun! I love my bike. I am nuts about my bike.