The best modifications cannot be seen from the outside...

Ok.

Given how much riding is on my mind (maybe it's the rain, or the snow, or whatever the weather feels like being). All I'm thinking about at work in between projects is when is the weather going to flipping get straight? Cause I'll learn to ride in the rain, but first I need to learn how to ride in the flipping sun.


Tonight I registered my bike and signed up online to the DMV to get my permit/Driver's License.

I go Saturday to retake the written test after flunking today. Yeah, I'm 'fessing up I flunked. Didn't study thinking, "These are all common sense questions...I'll get it must be the same as the class right?" Well yeah..kinda. But what I didn't anticipate was my test anxiety. Or the fact that the question were asking about things that weren't super focused on in class. Or that every time I second guessed myself I failed a question whereas if I didn't think and went with my instinct...no problem. But I freaked a little.

Generally I'm good at tests I like the pressure. Forces me to focus and be straight. But today..besides being unprepared...or perhaps not as savvy as I think about driving laws I was also antsy. And tired. Excuses or not I'm going to try again in a week. At least I don't need an appointment I just go and show up.

But the bike is recognized by the state of California as mine. Soon I'll have my license officially to ride around on. Called for insurance tonight. Then I grabbed my guy and we rode for practice, just around the neighborhood to dusk. I was again a bit shaky for the first 2 min, just over-doing the throttle in my rush to get going. But then I was fine. We rode up and down blocks, practiced stops, turns, curves, swerves.

At some point the ride was just fun. My jacket kept me super warm. My helmet secure. And my control - while I probably lack a hell of a lot of grace, was less burdensome to maintain. I loved it. When we came in for the night I was beaming. So fun to ride, to feel the sense of accomplishment from just being able to coordinate it all. I drive a manual car so perhaps that does help me think of how to approach it all a bit better, but still I love when everything synchs and the shifting is seamless. The purr of my motor. The feel of the road. The laughter.

Tee-hee. My motor. My bike. The terminiology...boggles my mind...and it's veracity even more.

It's fun.

***
There was a show on last night that talked about Ridley Motorcyles - automatic motorcycles. None of that shifting stuff just get on, turn it on and go, brake and slow down when you want to stop. The custom jobs (some lovely some ...wow what is that?) and the fact they can hit about 700 to 750 horsepower using a belt and not a chain is pretty impressive. And from the show the roar or purr was pretty healthy. It's a cool option for someone who isn't sure they want to ride at all (like I was) but still..

I told my man, "Honestly babe, I'm glad I took the course and am learning the hard way.I do have a feeling of accomplishment satisfaction as I improve slowly but surely."

He grinned and said he was proud of me. Shocked and proud.

And the cool part is I meant it too. I really do. I am nervous a bit still, and I do still get frustrated at parts, but I'm learning. It's coming together. I'm proud of me too.

****
Fantasies are coming into mind of days off work early morning rides to orchards, through wine country, along beach coasts and mountains. Rides to deserts and forest settings. Through mud and dirt.

Nothing has changed about me in a sense. I'm still allergic to everything. Nature is still trying to kill me. But I want to ride. I want to see more. Want to feel the wind and just enjoy it. Share it with friends and my guy. Or even alone.

This is not me. Normally I want to read. I want to play video games. Be social. Hang out with family. Hang out with my guy. Entertain at our place. I want to be inside, warm.

All I can think of right now is going to destinations and just enjoying the getting there as much if not more then the arrival. Or picking a direction and riding it someday.

***

I drive to work and I see someone on a bike riding by me (experienced more than I, I presume since the bi-polar weather is too much for me to work out yet) and I'm so hyper aware of them. What are they wearing for the weather conditions? What are they riding? How are they riding?

When I drive I'm looking at the road with my driver's experience, but I'm also using my "motorcycle eyes" too. Seeing it as if I was riding. What third of the lane would I be in...oh that twerp cut me off, now on my bike...would I have been able to anticipate or stop in time?

Wild.

**
Did I mention I bought new gloves, black leather cruiser gloves as gear? Along with my KICK ASS motorcycle leather jacket that I feel NO cold over my torso when I wear ( and has removeable liner for summer). I'm complimented by the fit how it tapers to my frame in a postive way which...doesn't hurt the ego. Now I just have to decide if I want chaps or leather pants or some kevlar lined Draggin Jeans to wear. OR...perhaps just get some padded undies or some under armor for under regular clothes. I don't want to dress in some certain stero type style, I hate to fit into any stereotye....I just wanna be me and want to ride well, safely.

I can see where my money is going to go for a time...*sigh*

I should read a while and get ready for another very busy work day.


**
I have to prepare, next week I'm going to a work conference for the week and then the following weekend have commitments for friends, hang out time. I am willing to bet cash that it stops raining and is perfect weather..right up until I return..

Optimistic about that, before you think me pessimistic :D

Ah well... summer has to begin officially sooner or later...right?

Alright off to read and rest.