What's Your Passion?

Had you asked me 20 years ago what I would be doing for fun "when I grew up", I would have never imagined my reply would be "riding motorcycles". 

It's hard to put the allure and thrill of motorcycling into words. They just don't exist. Exhilarating. Unbelievable. It's more than that, to me anyway.

Lots of folks just smile politely and nod when I go on about my two-wheel addiction. That's alright. I'm sure their zeal for golf will always escape me, too. I respect that. (For the record, for me golf is only fun if it involves gnomes, windmills, and waterfalls.)

All I know is that I'm in good company with lots of people who get motorcycling. Whether you ride a Harley or a Honda, tour the backroads or drag a knee at the track, pilot your own ride or prefer a passenger seat perch, it's a sport that gets in your blood and never leaves. Know what I'm talking about? 

WHAT'S YOUR PASSION? To start you off, here are some pics from a recent trip with my fellow Motorcycle Addicts. Enjoy!

I'm Like a Kid Waiting for Christmas Eve!

What is it about a grown-up vacation that makes you feel like a kid again? In a few short days, that will seem like a lifetime, we'll be leaving on a trip to ride motorcycles with great friends.

My husband has the bikes prepped and the trailer is good to go. We're both so excited about our road trip to Grattan Raceway next week that it's hard to sleep. We'll spend three days track-riding and hanging out with club friends. Nothing like great camaraderie and genuinely good people to renew your faith. 

And, as my track announcer friend Charles says, there's something very unique about the bond between people who participate in dangerous activities. 

The best part is that everyone is there to have a good time. No trophies, no racing, just a lot of fun and good sportsmanship. BONUS: I get to spend five days with my husband, doing something we both really enjoy. I'll miss they kids, but they'll be in good hands (and up their ears in craft projects) with grandma.

I promise to post many pictures (and hopefully some video). What are you doing this summer?

Riding on the Range

Doesn't seem like it's been that long, but I've been riding motorcycles for fifteen years. My husband gave me my first bike, handed me the key and said "get on and ride". Fun! I've had Honda streetbikes and Kawasaki sportbikes, but I really had no idea how to ride correctly. Sure, I knew how to shift and corner and stop and not fall over at a stop light, but safety-wise, I was NOT in control of my destiny.

So I wised up and recently took the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's Basic Rider Course. Several groups provide the classes, but be aware they book quickly. I think the insurance discount is quite the incentive.

I took the class at Kansas City Community College with Dale, Wendy, Bob and Roger. The instructors were great and really knew how to ride! They made it fun and I learned A LOT. Plus, the people in the class came from all backgrounds. Some had never ridden; some, like me, had been riding and had lots of bad habits to overcome. I highly recommend the class and it's follow-up course for more experienced riders.

Thanks to all and can't wait to see on the streets :)

MSF Class Pics

Some pics from my MSF class at KCKCC. And yes, we rode in the rain, not nearly as bad as you might think. Rain gear rocks!

The bikes we rode (I rode the yellow Buell Blast - little bike but boy was it fun!), Instructor Wendy, rain!, two of my fellow classmates Brandon & Brad.