Delayed Motorcycle Trip!

Friday, October 01, 2010

Had my trip all planned and could already taste the In-N-Out burger in Redding CA. I decided to do my bike a favor and change its oil before leaving. Long story short is when I put the drain plug in it cracked my oil pan. I guess I don't know my own strength. So I got to visit my mechanic again!! He is a nice guy but I would rather it be a social call and not a "have-to" call. The "have-to's" always cost me money$$$$. The weather would have cooperated also. Beautiful here in Oregon. Hopefully when I get my bike back the weather-gods will be nice.
I still want that In-N-Out Burger, a couple of Double-Doubles, no fries this time. I have to watch my figure.

By the way the picture was taken last May and about 30 lbs heavier..

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SCOOTERXS 10/2/2010 1:17PM

Your delay may work in your favor, it's been unseasonably warm this year. Wishing you nice temperatures for your adventures in Redding! Report Inappropriate Comment

KEAKMAN 10/2/2010 8:29AM

Safe travels Chuck! And enjoy your Report Inappropriate Comment

DUFFYDYER 10/2/2010 7:49AM

Enjoy your trip! My daughter's boyfriend does that all the time (tightens things too far...doesn't know his own strength) We tease him about not making it 'Jon-tight' when he's working on something! So now you have to be careful about 'Chuck-tight'! It must be all that working out! Report Inappropriate Comment

GAYEMC 10/2/2010 5:39AM

Sorry you missed your ride with this beautiful weather! Hope you get it soon. I've had a huge hankering for a great burger. Might go to Skyline or Mikes later today. Report Inappropriate Comment

Getting Over The Negatives

Thursday, September 30, 2010

It has been a tough year for losing friends in motorcycle accidents. In the last 4 mos. I have lost 6 friends. I have been riding motorcycles for over 35 years, and all of a sudden 6 friends gone. Four from the Patriot Guard Riders (PGR), 1 from my Rose City motorcycle club (Portland Oregon), and 1 from the Star Touring & Riding Chapter in Vancouver, WA. Three members from PGR this month alone. Two of the accidents happened when vehicles turned left in front of the motorcyclist. It seems to be epidemic.
I have personally had 5 close calls over the past year, 2 were cell phone related and 1 texting while driving. Two drivers just pulled out in front of me. My motorcycle has 3 bright lights in front. A person would have to be blind or just not looking to miss the fact that I was coming down the road.
Bottom line drivers with 4 wheels need to take extra precaution and share the road with motorcyclist and bicyclist. The 2 wheel transportation modes are growing exponentially.

With all that being said I think I need to get away and take a short motorcycle road trip with my friends who have passed away.
I need more positive thoughts and stress release. I will be careful.


By the way.....I could change my mind in the morning.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

ALICE2003 9/30/2010 1:54PM

I'm really sorry to hear about your friends. I actually had a friend die less than a week ago while riding a motorcycle. Same thing as you said, a big van turned left infront of him.. and that was that. It's really hard, especially since he was only 27. I agree with you. People just don't pay attention at all sometimes and that makes it really dangerous.. not only for bikes, but for everyone else on the road. Report Inappropriate Comment

CBAILEYC 9/30/2010 12:24PM

I hope you have a good ride. I bet your friends would want you to keep going, be strong, and make them proud. Hang in there. C~ Report Inappropriate Comment

GAYEMC 9/30/2010 12:09PM

I hope you have a nice ride Chuck, it's a beautiful day. BTW, those 4 wheelers need to pay more attention to walkers also. I don't know how many times I've been in the middle of a crosswalk and a car just speeds by. Report Inappropriate Comment

KEAKMAN 9/30/2010 8:12AM

If the day turns out to be a nice one, I say go ride with your friends! What a great way to relax and remember. And have you noticed that folks are back to using their cell phones while driving a LOT here in Oregon? I have had several close calls in my car all due to folk on phones who aren't paying attention! I wish I was a cop..... Take care my friend! Report Inappropriate Comment

POPPY213 9/30/2010 7:08AM

To love and to have lost them so close together is very tough. I wish you all the love and good thoughts in honoring these friendships you have enjoyed so much! You are blessed. Maybe on this new day you will think about all the good ways you have touched each others lives with all you have shared? I hope it brings a smile and a few good laughs. So many people in this world live a lifetime with no good friends at all.... Report Inappropriate Comment

FINDING_LOUISA 9/30/2010 2:54AM

Good luck. It sounds like a good idea to go for the ride with your friends. Perhaps it will help you renew and re-energize. I'm sorry to hear about the passing of your friends. Be careful of those crazy car drivers while you're out and about. Sending good thoughts/vibes your way. Report Inappropriate Comment

Inspiration Needed? Then This is a Must See.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Found this very inspirational Video clip about one person journey. I guess you could say he reached his "Ah-Hah" moment and pulled himself up. I have met so many Sparkers over the past 9 months who have done the same thing. I have been so inspired by many people. When I feel unmotivated/uninspired I head for SparkPeople to help me get motivated/inspired. This is one of those mornings that I needed inspiration and SparkPeople came through again.
Here is the Video:
www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=ins
pirational_video_running_down_120_pounds

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

VICKI-N-FLA 9/25/2010 5:17PM

That was terrific. I think we all have it in us to do what's needed, but sometimes it takes a little push to get us more focused. Thanks for sharing. Report Inappropriate Comment

LOVEMYLAPTOP 9/25/2010 3:18AM

This is what happened to LIL-ANGEL-WINGS with walking. Visit her page. Report Inappropriate Comment

GAYEMC 9/23/2010 8:51PM

What a great story! Took me a few days to get to it but maybe that's because I really needed it today. I'm saving it for those bad 'pitty me' days. Thanx Chuck! Report Inappropriate Comment

LIZZIECA55 9/22/2010 1:28PM

I love this video and story. It is so inspirational. Thank you so much for sharing. Report Inappropriate Comment

Ego Buster!!!

Monday, September 20, 2010

For all my motorcycle (Bike) friends and future bikers. If you, bikers, deny this has ever happened to you, you may not be telling the truth or your time is coming. If you own a motorcycle long enough your day will come. In my case it has came 3 times over 10 years.

Just put on another set of Metzler ME880's, expensive tires for you non-motorcyclist, on my bike. I went to the motorcycle shop to pick up my bike with my NEW tires! I was excited to get them out on the rode and get them "scrubbed in" before I get to aggressive on the corners and wet weather. (New tires are slippery until they get ruffed up a bit), I pay for the install and the Owner/Manager's last words, before I left the store, to me was, "be careful with those new tires, they are slick" and I said "I know I will be careful". I get to my bike, jumped on, and in a single motion pulled the bike upright (more that upright, see last few words), put my foot down to stop the vigorous swift motion to upright position, promptly lost footing, teaches me a lesson to put on proper shoes next time, on my right foot, bike promptly falls over, I think I had to much inertia going???!!! So much for my high school physic's. I go rolling on ground, female in huge 4X4 looking down at me, I am frantically trying to save my fragile ego (not working),.......and all that before I move 1" to wear in my new tires!!! I could only say, "boy these new tires are really round!!" I then thank everyone in the store, it emptied out, who ran out to my rescue help pull my 900 lb bike up, the audience in front of the store showing sympathy, I know some had to have their mouth open in dismay.....I start-up the bike and ride "slink" off into the sunset . Think I could list this all under Strength Exercise?

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

LOVEMYLAPTOP 9/20/2010 11:20PM

My son has permanent damage from only 500# falling on his ankle via a transformer. I am so glad your leg/body is okay. Report Inappropriate Comment

GAYEMC 9/20/2010 8:07PM

Reading the blog, I could see it all happening before my eyes. Glad you wern't hurt. Kate said it all! Report Inappropriate Comment

KEAKMAN 9/20/2010 6:53PM

thanks for the laugh...I know, it's rude to laugh at someone's misfortune, but since you weren't hurt..... I would have wanted to crawl under that huge 4x4 and stay there! Report Inappropriate Comment

VAPERCHICK 9/20/2010 5:53PM

Ow. Glad it was more bruised ego than anything else! Report Inappropriate Comment

TINKER-BELL 9/20/2010 5:47PM

I'm glad you are okay and you weren't rounding a bend when this happened. I haven't had to get new tires yet on my bike but i'm sure i will probably need them next year and i will keep your story in mind. Report Inappropriate Comment

More Wind in my sails today...

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

I think I have reconciled my feelings and emotions. My feelings and emotions over the past 5 days have been like a "E Ticket" ride on a roller-coaster. It has been a tough 5 days since I lost my friend, Fred, in a motorcycle accident on Sept. 10, 2010. Tomorrow Fred will be placed at his final resting place. I have been on 2 PGR missions with my fellow members, visited with Freds daughter. It has been a healing process for us all to be with each other and console each other.

Even with the sadness and lack of motivation I managed to get in my exercise. It is really hard to workout without motivation. Much of the motivation I could muster-up came from my SparkFriends and logging in everyday. It helps keep me in focus on my fitness and weight-loss goals.
Thank you SparkFriends for your support, it has helped more than you know. For my motorcyclist friends out there please be careful. Ride as though you are invisible and keep scanning for any potential disasters. My motto is to "Dress for a crash" in order to minimize any damage to myself.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

BANKER-CHUCK 9/23/2012 6:20PM

AS of Sept. 10 2012 was the 2nd anniversary of Freds passing. Many of us met at Freds grave-site. Fred is gone but he is always riding with me. Report Inappropriate Comment

REDEMILY 9/18/2010 9:35PM

Hi there. I am sorry to hear about your loss... Thinking of you. Report Inappropriate Comment

JEANLECUY 9/16/2010 12:35PM

So sorry for your loss. Congratulations on caring for yourself while you are grieving for a friend. Jeanne Report Inappropriate Comment

RUNNINGWILD 9/16/2010 1:19AM

Chuck, this is one of those times that I truly wish I couldn't say "I know exactly how you feel". I, too, lost a friend in a motorcycle accident. My friend Todd passed on the day that I landed in OR. He and his son were out just having a fun ride when the bike slid ... Todd died instantly. His son lived but his leg was broken. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of him at least for a few seconds. I just hope there is a Heaven.. and that they're allowed to have motorcycles. Report Inappropriate Comment

KEAKMAN 9/15/2010 11:38PM

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DUFFYDYER 9/15/2010 10:04PM

I'm glad our sparkfriends were there for you. Report Inappropriate Comment

MYUTMOST4HIM 9/15/2010 2:55PM

I am so sorry for your loss!!! These words seem so little - exercising though through this does help your body through the grieving process too. Take care!!! Report Inappropriate Comment