Overachieving

08/11/2007

It all started simple enough: ride out to a new art installation/white table cloth restaurant for a quick day ride and be back early afternoon.


You start a little to early and travel a little to efficiently... you arrive at your destination over two hours prior to lunch time. You pass a sign, only 130 or so miles to Mobile. More than you planned...but what the Hell.



Now in Mobile, you think...well we're only an hour from Gulf shores. Never mind being lost beyond all hope in Mobile for an hour.



Oh we are in Gulf Shores...have to eat at Lambert's.



Get back on the bikes and ride out...in the rain.
Well if we are in Gulf Shores we might as well go home through Pensacola...after we stop at the Florabama for beers.



Of course I'm serious.
Leave the bar at around 5pm with around 6 hours of riding to do. Hmm...how did it come to this.



100 miles at a stretch doing 80 plus rolling 6 deep, smallest tank dictating stops. We pushed on the interstate through dark, tired and sore. The last gas stop was over half an hour. Did we not want to get back on or not want it to end?

I miss rides like this.

Run-ins with the law...

Talking on Facebook with a friend brought this story out and I thought it fit to be shared here.
The spark that ignited this retelling was a conversation about my experience this past summer with NYPD and my error in taking for granted the ease I have in carrying a large pocket knife in the state of Alabama. The New York story will have to wait. For now, to my California road trip...

My only other brush with the law was coming out of Utah into Colorado a couple years back. It had been a great trip, had a great night in a hotel getting a great night of rest and a needed shower. I had my iPod on and was riding at sunrise and lost track of speed and must have been doing a solid 15 over.
Got lit up and pulled over. The officer was real patient while I got all my gear off and I made the sign for and mouthed that I had music on, the whole bit. He asked if I had ridden all the way out there from Al. which I told him I had. He asked what I was listening too and we discussed music for a minute. When asked if I knew why I had been pulled over, I was honest and told him I knew I was speeding but added it was such an awesome morning that I got a little lost in it. He inquired about warrants which I assured him I did not have (and I didn't). He told me to have all the fun I wanted, just to do it a little slower. We both got a kick out of it and talked for several more minutes. He left me with a solid, knowing handshake and I was on my way. Balanced with that experience, in terms of law enforcement encounters and riding, I'd say the inconvenience level of my hassles is a wash.

Old Ride Pics

Came across these today. They are dated 10/01/06. One of many rides with Brandon, Whitey, and Dale. One of a couple with Wes and first and last with George.
Long day. Birmingham, Centerville, Mount Cheaha and a lot of backroads in between. The only photos I found were of a gas stop.

Pre-Riding Season Bike To-do's

Service
Tooled Seat and Grips
New Shift Linkage
Fix tank hose leak
Resolve/Remedy hatred of clunky Speedo
Shave and polish/paint fork legs
Tool kit

That is all that comes to mind...not too bad.

Movie Bike

The Gent's Flyrite from "Hell Ride"

Sprung, crazy aped, rigid frame, kickstart shovel. Great bike and fun film.
Check it out if you haven't already.