Motorcycle
March 27, 2008 / Thursday
Motorcycle Commute Suckage
Rode the motorcycle into work today. I did this because (1) the motorcycle needs riding and (2) I need to be home in time for my golf lesson tonight, and rush hour traffic is unpredictable. Why does the motorcycle need riding, you ask? Because I have a big long freeway commute now, and I hate riding the Monster on the freeway. Still, I hate being late for things more, so motorcycle it was.
My ride into work was, in a word, SUCKAGE. Absolute suckage. I fully, wholly, and completely loathe getting blasted with wind on a boring road teeming with giant speeding vehicles for the good part of an hour.
I used to arrive at work on my motorcycle with a grin. Right now, I want to run down the halls with my terrible-ride scowl yelling "SUCK!!!" over and over.
It appears that I have a problem. I have a long freeway commute and a non-freeway bike. I quite enjoy my non-freeway bike, and don't have any plans to replace it. I also don't have any plans to buy a second bike. Phoo, and SUCK!!!
SUCK!!!
11:01 AM | Motorcycle| Comments (3)
November 18, 2007 / Sunday
CWIMS 2007
It's been a few years since my last visit to the Cycle World International Motorcycle Show, and it appears that my legs have grown a couple inches since that visit. Either that, or I'm simply more comfortable on a bike now. Or maybe seat heights got lower. I dunno. In any case, I'm no longer sitting on bikes to see how much of my feet can reach the ground, but rather, how comfortable I feel on the bike overall.
Other things have changed, too. My favoritest bike evarrr used to be the R6, but after a round and a half of ~600cc sportbike sits I've decided that I don't like the new R6 setup very much. Sadness. Here are my new ~600cc sportbike rankings, based on want after my 2008 model sits:
1. Honda CBR600RR
2. Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R
3. Yamaha YZF-R6
4. Suzuki GSX-R600
Another surprise: I got to check out the Ducati Hypermotard, and I no longer want one. It simply didn't feel right. The Ducati booth was not for naught, though, as they had a pimped out Monster on display which led me to decide that I need to replace the ugly orange turn indicators on Mike Wazowski with these. Yes, that's right, need.
Finally got to sit on a bunch of KTMs, and hated every moment of it. KTM, not for me.
Finally got to sit on an MV Agusta Brutale. It ain't bad, but I can now cross it off my list. Good.
Visited my beloved Tuono and stumbled upon the new Shiver. It's pretty hot, and considerably more affordable than the Tuono. I'm adding it to the list!
I'm also adding the Kawasaki Z1000 to the list. It looks a bit like the Brutale, but feels way better, and is cheaper, to boot.
Cheaper? As if motorcycles were about frugality and practicality? Hah!
12:41 AM | Motorcycle| Comments (3)
August 03, 2007 / Friday
I Took A Really Circuitous Route Into Work Today
I've missed my motorcycle.
Vroom.
10:44 AM | Motorcycle| Comments (0)
July 03, 2007 / Tuesday
Consider It Engine Braking?
I really hate when I'm waiting at a stoplight on my motorcycle and I decide to switch braking from my hand to my foot and I release the lever in my right hand and push down with my left foot.
10:10 AM | Motorcycle| Comments (4)
March 13, 2007 / Tuesday
Doubly Sucky
People who park their motorcycles in outlined spaces wide enough to fit one and a half cars suck.
People who rant about where people park their motorcycles in lots that don't provide motorcycle spaces also suck.
I am teh uber sux today.
10:01 AM | Motorcycle:Rant/Whine| Comments (0)
February 12, 2007 / Monday
Ode To Lanesplitting
Front of every stoplight queue.
40 MPH stop-and-go.
<3!
Dixon Landing Road.
237.
You're no match for Mike Wazowski.
09:43 AM | Motorcycle| Comments (0)
January 22, 2007 / Monday
Off-Camber Commuting
When I ride my motorcycle to work, I like to head north on Fair Oaks and take a right onto Kifer. The approach to that junction is a downhill off the Caltrain overpass, and the curve from Fair Oaks onto Kifer is tight and off-camber. It's not fun, but I like that it's a bit of a challenge to do it right.
Thanks to the weather and my schedule, I hadn't been on my motorcycle in almost two months. Needless to say, I was excited to be riding to work this morning. I went into the Kifer curve a little hot, leaned the bike more than usual, and scraped the toe of my boot on the pavement. No, my feet weren't pointing sideways.
Okay, I definitely didn't do that right. And I don't like surprise scrapings.
But maybe next time I can wear my leathers and drag a knee. Yeah, it's cheating, but it'll be our (Hello, internet!) little secret. ;)
10:27 AM | Motorcycle| Comments (2)
November 26, 2006 / Sunday
An Excellent Idea
I suggested to Carolyn that we go for a Saturday ride. She suggested that we ride to someplace that served root beer floats. An excellent idea, we all thought, and she, Peter, and I took off for Alice's.
As it turns out, root beer floats was an excellent idea, until we reached the hills. By the time we arrived at Alice's, we were ready for some hot chocolate instead.
One of Carolyn's coworkers came over to say hello when we pulled into the lot. When she introduced him to me, he said, "We've met," and went on to describe exactly where I should know him from. This confused me greatly; I couldn't figure out when I was there with both Carolyn and him. He and Carolyn walked toward his bike, and I said to Peter, "I've been [there] with a Chris, but it can't be that Chris!" As it turns out, that was the same Chris, slightly modded. I'm not sure whether to file this under "Small World" or "Everyone Knows Bluepoof".
The four of us settled into Alice's for a bite to eat and some much needed hot chocolate. Chatted some, caught up some, then headed back out into the cold (yeah, I can hear you people back home laughing again). I was shivering by the time I had all my gear on. Next cold weather ride I go on, if I can't fit a few more layers into my leathers, I'm stuffing myself into the Aerostich with 6 layers of fleece underneath.
All in all, a fun ride, and I thawed out pretty quickly after returning home, thanks mostly to Aaron, who returned from his (human-powered, a.k.a. not a lazy ass like I am) ride before me, turned on the heater, and had the place nice and toasty before I got back. :)
07:59 PM | Motorcycle| Comments (0)
November 20, 2006 / Monday
When I See Carnage, I Think Of You
I know you motorcyclists get this all the time ...
I walked into school this evening, saw that one of my favorite faculty members was in his office, and stopped to say hello. "Vivian!" he said, "I thought of you today!" I asked why, and he went on to describe a horrific traffic jam, motorcycle bits strewn about, and a crowd gathered around a downed rider on the side of the road. "I was hoping that wasn't you!" he finished cheerily. I assume he was cheery because it wasn't me.
The cheeriness was much appreciated. I'm also cheery that it wasn't me.
11:26 PM | Motorcycle| Comments (0)
October 24, 2006 / Tuesday
Tuesday Haiku
bar end adapters
that's all i really needed
and, uh, leathers too
Oopsies.
02:59 PM | Haikus:Mike Wazowski:Motorcycle| Comments (1)
July 25, 2006 / Tuesday
Squid Menace
The Gym Squid's bike was parked out front after my workout today, and it looks like he's made some additions, namely three flamey stickers front and rear that read "Street Menace".
They're certainly not horsepower stickers, so maybe they're supposed to be hotness stickers. That would explain the flames. Perhaps I should tell him that all the flame stickers in the world aren't enough to make up for the dumbass points accrued by riding around in gym clothes.
04:51 PM | Motorcycle| Comments (2)
July 12, 2006 / Wednesday
Gym Squid
As I pulled into the parking lot at the gym this afternoon, I saw a guy tentatively ride up on a new used 929 (it still had a dealer plate) wearing nothing but shorts, a tank top, sneakers, and a helmet. He parked by the door, and as I approached he was dismounting and getting his wallet out of the rear seat. He kept looking at me with an expression that screamed, "Acknowledge me and my cool guy sportbike, pleeeeease!" At first, I purposely didn't, because I think n00bs riding liter bikes with no gear are big fat stupidos (he kinda looked like one anyway), but then I felt bad for him and gave him a smile, which resulted in a glowingly happy look of, "Oh my god I'm so cool she loves me and my bike yesssss!" But then he wouldn't stop staring at me in the gym, which kind of made me ew, so maybe I should frown instead of smile at icky squids from now on.
04:53 PM | Gym:Motorcycle| Comments (2)
June 13, 2006 / Tuesday
Roethlisberger Robot
How did Roethlisberger manage do this to his 'Busa with no helmet on and escape with only facial injuries?
Maybe he's really a robot.
09:55 AM | Motorcycle| Comments (2)
June 06, 2006 / Tuesday
Hooray For Lane Splitting
Went to register the Monster at the San Jose DMV around 9 AM. The roads back to the office were packed with traffic. I'm so glad I don't have to deal with that stuff every morning. And evening.
Good thing I rode today. :)
11:04 AM | Motorcycle| Comments (0)
March 25, 2006 / Saturday
My R1/R6 Obsession Returns
I've been enamored with the new Kawasaki 650R since I saw one at Femmoto last year. Bluepoof said they had one at Grand Prix, so we went this afternoon to check it out.
The verdict: Eh, it's okay.
Only okay, you ask? Yup, only okay. No 650R for me.
I took the opportunity to sit on a bunch of other sportbikes while I was there, though, most notably the 2005 R1 and R6. I was surprised to find that they fit me very well.
Very, VERY well, actually. They were light, the handlebars weren't ridiculously low like on the 636 (I loved the bike on the track, but didn't want one for regular riding), and I could almost get both feet down flat.
Not to mention, the Raven color scheme is very, VERY hot (the Flames scheme doesn't suck either). I've drooled over R1s and R6s since well before I could ride, but now I'm past drooling. I'm hugging. Yes, I hugged the R1 at the dealership. I couldn't help myself.
I must have one.
05:55 PM | Motorcycle| Comments (12)
February 13, 2006 / Monday
Hypothetically Speaking ...
bluepoof: so, if HYPOTHETICALLY i were to put together a four-day bachelorette party ride for later this year or early spring, would you be interested? :D
SoopahViv: early spring, probably not
SoopahViv: later this year, depends on what bike i have
SoopahViv: hypothetically, it's an excuse for me to buy a 650r
A short motorcycle daydream later ...
SoopahViv: hypothetically, a 4-day would be even more fun on a tuono
SoopahViv: provided i don't have to stop
SoopahViv: and try to put my feet down
bluepoof: *snort*
bluepoof: "there went viv!"
SoopahViv: hahaha
bluepoof: we'd have to do in-flight refueling
SoopahViv: yeah, and hand out drinks, like they do in marathons
bluepoof: totally
bluepoof: "catch!" *thunk* bounces off the Shoei
SoopahViv: hrmm ...
SoopahViv: this will take some thought
01:35 PM | Motorcycle| Comments (2)
January 07, 2006 / Saturday
Why, Sky, Why?
Well, the ride definitely did not go as planned. First, Weeble wouldn't start. Carolyn checked the fuses, then the battery. I'm still not sure what exactly was wrong (loose connection, maybe?), but everything magically worked again after reassembly. We headed up 280, and it started raining on us. We stopped for lunch, and the sun came out. We got back on the road, and the sun disappeared. Now I'm back in Sunnyvale, and it's fluffy clouds and blue skies.
Despite the uncooperative sky, it was good to get out. Plus, Carolyn discovered Weeble's toolkit (I suppose I should have checked for it when I got the bike), which, I must say, is ten times more useful than the rusty wrench that came with Flopsie.
03:29 PM | Motorcycle:Weeble| Comments (0)
January 06, 2006 / Friday
Weekend of Things I Haven't Done in a While
Thing I Haven't Done in a While 1
Hockey, after a 3 week hiatus. This was exciting, until ...
Thing I Haven't Done in a While 2
Goalie, after a 5 month hiatus. This is exciting, and a little scary, but not as much as ...
Thing I Haven't Done in a While 3
A real motorcycle ride, after what I believe is a ~2 year (?!) hiatus. This is very exciting, and more than just a little scary.
I'm totally looking forward to all of it. I'll be back on the ice, playing with friends, trying to be a wall, and riding with Bluepoof ... and her shiny new bike.
04:26 PM | Goalie:Hockey:Motorcycle| Comments (5)
December 13, 2005 / Tuesday
Almost Perfect
An excerpt from a Monster (the bike, not the job site) ad:
tank is dented, clutch cover is scratched, right mirror is cracked.
other than that its almost perfect.
Perhaps I should have sold Flopsie with the following:
I dropped (flopped, ha!) it a few times and bent the handlebar, but that got bent back into place with a 6-foot steel pole, and aside from the scratches on the fairings, it's almost perfect. If you replace all the scratched parts and give it a new paint job it'll be totally perfect.
Why buy an almost perfect bike when you can buy an almost totally perfect one?
11:12 AM | Motorcycle| Comments (0)
November 10, 2005 / Thursday
Go Little Ninja Go!
The 2006 Ninja 250 comes with flame decals.
That must add at least 10 horsepower.
I should put some on my GS.
01:53 PM | Motorcycle| Comments (4)
October 27, 2005 / Thursday
I Made It Onto The Speed Channel!
The Speed Channel did a Two Wheel Tuesday segment on Femmoto, which I attended earlier this month with Bluepoof, who had a nice "little" (19 MB little) clip of the segment available for download. (Thanks, Bluepoof!)
So I'm watching the video, and a beautiful red Tuono flys by. I rewind. The beautiful red Tuono has someone that looks kind of like me on it. I rewind. I rewind again.
Holy crap, that's me! On my most favoritest bike of the day! On a racetrack!
ON THE SPEED CHANNEL!
... for a whopping 2 seconds. (Actually, it was more like 1 second.)
I must share it with the world: Viv on the Speed Channel
Don't blink, or you'll miss it. ;)
And yes, it IS really comfortable to ride.
• • •
I couldn't resist ...
The Speed Channel logo on the right makes me smile. :)
02:25 PM | Motorcycle| Comments (15)
October 24, 2005 / Monday
One-Click Motorcycle
Since you can't test ride new motorcycles anyway, why can't you just order one online and have it delivered to your door?
I'd like a 2006 Kawasaki Ninja 650r in black, please.
12:35 AM | Motorcycle| Comments (6)
October 04, 2005 / Tuesday
Femmoto 2005
Where to start? It's Sunday morning and I'm sitting in a casino restaurant, waiting for breakfast to arrive. Carolyn is sitting across from me, being geeky on her laptop too.
First off, to answer what I'm sure you're all wondering: I'm intact! Woot! I didn't crash, and didn't tip anything over. Huzzah!
Friday Night: Registration and bike signup.
We all went to the track to check out the demo bikes and sign up to ride them the next day. we had a choice of various bikes (and scooters) from Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Buell, Kawasaki, and Kymco. We got there pretty early, which turned out to be a very good idea, 'cause all the cool bikes went fast.
I signed up for the following bikes, listed by session, signup order in ( ):
Session 1: Buell Blast (5)
Session 2: Aprilia Tuono (3)
Session 3: Buell Lightning XB12Scg (1)
Session 4: Buell Firebolt XB9R (2)
Session 5: Kawasaki ZX-6R 636 (4)
You may be surprised to see that I signed up for a couple Buells before the Aprilia and the Kawasaki. What can I say? I really liked the way the Buells looked. Those things have character! I definitely wanted to ride the Lightning, and I figured the Firebolt would be good for comparison.
Of the Aprilias, the only one that didn't feel too big for me was the Tuono. I signed up for that and headed over to Kawasaki.
By then it was getting late, and Kawasaki was starting to run low on bikes. I managed to get a slot for the 636 though. 636! Woot!
I had one more slot open, so I decided to try out the Blast. I'd considered buying one when I downgraded from my Zx-6e (a.k.a. ZZR-600), so this was a nice chance to finally get to take it on a test ride. Plus, I figured it would be a nice mellow way to ease myself into the day.
Okay, now it's Sunday afternoon and I'm sitting by the pool being a geek.
Saturday: Time to ride!
Session 1: The Buell Blast. I wanted mellow, and I got it ... a little too much of it, actually. Full throttle, no go. I also had trouble cornering. Scraaape! I guess I could have hung off the bike more, but it's strange hanging off something so small. The verdict: not as much of a blast as I had hoped. Oh well.
Session 2: The Aprilia Tuono. Mmm, the Tuono. Yum, the Tuono. I loooved the Tuono. It sounded mean, accelerated at will, and pretty much went anywhere I wanted it to. This bike was awesome. I want one, or, rather, a slightly smaller version of one.
Session 3: The Buell Lightning XB12Scg. I had looked forward to this session, since this was the #1 bike on the list of bikes I really wanted to like. It was a much better ride than the Blast, but, unfortunately, still unresponsive on the corners. Was it the height? Was it me? Why couldn't it corner like the Tuono? I was sad. Siiigh.
Session 4: The Aprilia Tuono again. I had signed up to ride the Buell Firebolt XB9R, but after the Blast and the Lightning, the possibility of another disappointing session made me reconsider. I figured it'd be nice to use this session to learn the Kawasaki track (the LVMS road course was divided in two for our event) for my 636 finale. Unfortunately, Kawasaki had no extra bikes available. I headed over to the Aprilia folks to see if I could get another ride on the Tuono. Lucky me, they had one just-opened slot! I was all over it, and came off the track grinning from ear to ear.
Session 5: The Kawasaki ZX-6R 636. I had thoroughly enjoyed my sessions on the Tuono, but boy was it nice to be on a 4 cylinder. So smooth! The Kawis were on a separate track, though, so I had to take it easy while I learned the lines. On the upside, I let a bunch of riders pass me on my first 2 laps, and had no one anywhere near me for the final 4 laps. It turned out to be an excellent session: an awesome track bike on a great track.
Expectations
People kept asking me all weekend what my expectations were, and whether those were met, so here's a section on the topic.
My number one expectation was to have fun, and not just fun, but feel-good supportive fun in an all-women environment. That it was, most definitely. By the end of the day, there were smiles all around.
On top of that, there were demo bikes, and a *very* reasonable price tag. Where else can you try out a bunch of cool bikes *and* ride on a track all day for just over a hundred bucks? I couldn't turn it down, and I'm glad I didn't.
As for the bikes, I expected to come away either wanting a Buell or confirming that I want a sportbike (e.g. the 636). Nay on the Buell, although I'll probably revisit and reconsider periodically. As much as I loved the 636, nay on the sportbikes too, which came as a bit of a surprise, given that I was adamant about riding something sporty just a couple years back. I very much prefer a comfy-yet-reponsive upright ride. Something a lot like the Aprilia Tuono, but a little lower (although if the Tuono fairy came by and dropped one off at my doorstep, I'd most certainly give it a wonderful home).
I Learned A Little, Too
Actually, I learned a lot, but to keep this long post short, I'll just mention a couple things. Thing one: I enter turns too early. I realized this after a couple excellent sighting laps behind a very patient instructor. Thing two: I fixate on the outer edge of a way too early exit when I turn left. I didn't figure that out until after my last session, but at least now I understand why I had trouble in some of those corners. Looking at the edge of the track thinking, "Ack, don't go there!" is not the way!
Streaking Rider
At the end of the day, one of the ladies decided to buzz around the paddocks buck naked. We cheered wildly for her and took pictures. She returned to her canopy, stalled the bike, and very gracefully fell over. We took a picture of that, too.
Wrap-up
Woohoo! That was fun! :-D
10:55 AM | Motorcycle| Comments (3)
October 03, 2005 / Monday
Hello? Car? Are You Awake?
When I returned to my car this afternoon, I wondered what was wrong with it. Why won't it go? Vroom, I say, vroom!
Oh, wait, everything's fine. The only thing wrong with it is that it's not a motorcycle.
More on that motorcycle thing later.
02:29 PM | Motorcycle| Comments (0)
September 30, 2005 / Friday
LVMS, Here I Come!
I'm off to Vegas in a couple hours. This time tomorrow, I will be riding around a track on other people's motorcycles at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. My first motorcycle track day! I've been too busy lately to really think about it, but when I woke up this morning, I was totally excited. Every time a motorcycle buzzed by me on my way to work, I bounced in my seat. VroOOOooM!
10:28 AM | Motorcycle:Trips| Comments (1)
August 15, 2005 / Monday
Paper Vroom
I'm totally tempted to spend my upcoming week off building myself an R1.
11:26 AM | Motorcycle| Comments (0)
April 03, 2005 / Sunday
I Want A Lighter Bike
Spent a couple hours teaching one of Doug's friends how to ride today. She didn't want to ride her motorcycle in traffic to the practice lot, so she drove while I followed on her EX-500. I quite like that bike! It's waaay easier to handle than mine. Less powerful, but really, I don't need all that power. Don't don't don't need it. More handling, yes, I need it. Need need need need it.
Oh, and a tip for those of you who don't ride: if there's someone on a motorcycle following you and the light you're approaching turns yellow, go ahead and run it. They can most likely keep up, and if not, they can stop. Whatever you do, don't slam on your brakes. Pleeease.
That is all.
12:59 AM | Flopsie:Motorcycle| Comments (11)
March 26, 2005 / Saturday
Vrooooom!
I don't have a day to go play in the snow this weekend, but I did find an hour to get out on my motorcycle. I finally checked out Guadalupe Canyon Parkway. Nothing difficult; just a fun sweepingly curvy ride with little traffic. I generally don't like to backtrack, but I did for this road:
It's not labelled, but I think you can figure out which one I'm talking about.
I almost flopped Flopsie again today. I was at a 3-way intersection, saw a pretty GTI, didn't realize the car in front of me was hesitating instead of going, and had to grab brake to avoid rolling into it. The approach to the stop sign was a bit of a curve, and sudden stops while in a turn are bad, bad, bad ...
But I didn't flop. Phew!
04:11 PM | Motorcycle| Comments (0)
March 16, 2005 / Wednesday
Oh How I've Missed Flopsie!
Rode into work today. It was too beautiful not to. Amazingly, my bike started on the 3rd try. Hooray for warm dry weather! Also amazing is that I felt comfy on it, despite not having ridden in over a month. Hooray for having finally spent enough hours riding that I don't regress when I don't do it for a while.
Also of note: When I don't ride for long periods of time, I wonder why I'm wasting insurance and registration money on something that just takes up space in my garage. Maybe I should just sell it, I think. I commute in my car most of the time anyway.
A short ride later, I realize there's no way I'd give up riding. I love it way too much.
Proof: I've had a smile on my face all morning. :)
10:25 AM | Motorcycle| Comments (0)
February 09, 2005 / Wednesday
Yay! Vroom!
Despite my bum neck, shoulder, and wrists, I can still ride my motorcycle.
Huzzah!
10:20 AM | Motorcycle| Comments (2)
February 02, 2005 / Wednesday
It Fits!
WhoO! My Aerostich suit fits!
The two-piece is a *tad* more difficult (okay, more like, less easy) to put on than the one-piece, but it's still a notable improvement over my old pants and jacket ... mainly 'cause the old pants don't zip open all the way.
No more bunched up inner pant legs! Yeah!
11:07 PM | Motorcycle| Comments (0)
January 23, 2005 / Sunday
The Only Reason I Came Back Is 'Cause I Have Hockey Soon
Rode to the gym today and took a very convoluted route back. At one point, I came to John Daly Blvd. Usually, this is where I'd head west and go home. Instead, I went east and just kept going "straight" (i.e. no turns at intersections). John Daly turned into Hillside, which extended for miles to the south, taking me through residential homes followed by cemeteries followed by a wide open and much newer residential area.
And then Hillside turned into Oyster Point Blvd., and I found myself at work. Well, a few blocks from work.
That wasn't the intent, but at least I now have a bypass for days when there are crazy accidents blocking my usual routes.
03:30 PM | Motorcycle| Comments (2)
Two-Wheelin' Lardball
My motorcycle pants feel ... tight.
*#$(&)@(*$!!!
12:36 PM | Motorcycle| Comments (4)
November 29, 2004 / Monday
Brrr!
It was so cold on my ride into work this morning that I developed an ice cream cough on the freeway. I haven't had one of those since I was a kid!
My hands hurt. Maybe I should go run them under some hot water.
09:42 AM | Motorcycle| Comments (4)
November 03, 2004 / Wednesday
Home In One Piece!
Made it home intact through wet roads and crazy traffic.
Unexpected rain is a great way to force myself to learn to hang off my bike again.
I feel kind of like a monkey when I do that.
*scratches head and armpits*
I think I'll go eat a banana before I head to the gym.
06:15 PM | Motorcycle| Comments (0)
October 09, 2004 / Saturday
Maybe I Just Need To Ride More
While I was standing there a couple hours ago thinking about whether I wanted to put my wheels on after washing my car, my across the street neighbor came out and rode off with what appears to be his bitch-on-the-back of the week (I'm not trying to be rude; that's just to help you visualize the bike). I decided it was time to get back on my bike. I rolled it out and tried to start it. Crank-crank-crank-crank-crank ... no luck. This wasn't new; I've taken several month-plus breaks off my bike since I bought it. A few more crank-crank-cranks and it started making loud noises and spewing smoke. Woop!
I checked the tire pressure, put my gear on, and headed out. 5 minutes later I was on Skyline with a huuuge grin on my face, woohooing in my helmet. I stopped briefly at Fort Funston, which I've driven by many times thinking, "I should check that out sometime." I'm glad I did. They have an observation deck there that overlooks the ocean (and gives you a good view of handgliders), and a trail that runs, hey, past my house! How about that, I'm a block from the Pacific Coast Trail (yeah, duh).
I rode some more, finally felt comfortable again riding, and headed home happy. Icing on the cake: I walked back into my house just in time to watch Cal score their first touchdown of the day.
01:58 PM | Motorcycle| Comments (0)
August 20, 2004 / Friday
Har Har Har
Andrea linked me but didn't post it, so I will, 'cause it's a mighty fine story. My motorcycle riding readers will especially like it.
So, now, after reading that story, I'm thinking, wouldn't it have been great (even greater, that is) if the owner of the bike had been a girl?
• • •
8/21 Addendum: I just saw a Harley commercial just like that ... and the bike owner who showed was a girl!
Actually, a hot chick. Even better.
05:01 PM | Motorcycle| Comments (0)
August 07, 2004 / Saturday
Vroom!
Went out for my first twisties ride since my last flop. My butt is sore (it's been a while since I've ridden this much), but at least I didn't die! My bike didn't either. Hooray for a flop free day!
We actually stopped and ate at Alice's today. The bathroom over on that side of the street, waaay nicer than the porta-potties outside the convenience store. Good to know for future rides.
It was hot down there! I was wishing for all white perforated leathers. We headed toward the coast and then up to Pacifica, at which point I started wishing I'd had my vents closed and my liner on. It's amazing how quickly and drastically the weather changes from one part of the bay area to another.
I was mellow for most of the day. I got a little carried away at one point and might have touched the double yellow on a right at the end of a long string of turns. That got me to mellow out again for the rest of the day.
I still keep forgetting to keep my weight off the handlebars. The turns in which I remember to do this all feel smooth. The ones in which I don't are a little nervewracking. I think forcing myself to keep off the handlebars forces the rest of my body to relax a bit, too. Aaah.
We caught the last bit of Stage Road between La Honda and Highway 1. I knew going into it that I'd finally get to reride the turn that did me in last December. Again, it caught me off guard (you can't tell what it's going to be going into it!), but this time, I was being cautious, and was going slow enough to round the corner withough incident.
Here's the turn:
Anyway, my bike has now hit 15,000 miles. I'm supposed to do a valve adjustment on it (and probably a bunch of other regular maintenance). I'm feeling poor, and wholly unequipped to do my own 15,000 mile service. I'm tempted to say screw it, I'll upgrade to a cooler bike soon anyway, but really, I know I won't. What to do?
04:35 PM | Motorcycle| Comments (0)
July 22, 2004 / Thursday
Too Tired To Ride
I must be getting old or something. I was too worn out from hockey (then more hockey in goalie gear) last night, and woke up this morning feeling like a ton of bricks. I was going to ride my motorcycle to work, but that didn't happen. So much for saving gas.
On the upside, this makes it easier for me to go to the gym later. It's been way too long since my last workout. Hockey keeps getting in the way.
10:19 AM | Hockey:Motorcycle| Comments (0)
July 20, 2004 / Tuesday
A Simple Little Sticker! Is That So Much To Ask?
I want a sticker for my motorcycle helmet. Specifically, I want a small sticker for the back of my helmet that says in a simple all lower case or all caps down-to-business black font on a white background (or vice versa), "GIRLS KICK ASS". Why? 'Cause there aren't enough girls on motorcycles out there. Someone's gotta represent!
So I did a search, for a girls kick ass sticker. I figured that'd be simple enough, but nooo, apparently all "girls kick ass" stickers come with a rainbow. WTF? What about straight girls who kick ass, huh?! Am I not allowed to kick ass? Sheesh!
Dear "girls kick ass" sticker manufacturers, I want a hottie motorcycle boy, not a kick ass motorcycle girl. Please print me some black and white stickers.
10:36 PM | Motorcycle| Comments (0)
July 19, 2004 / Monday
Riding My Brakes At 90 MPH
Okay, I wasn't really riding my brakes on the freeway, but to anyone behind me (and my motorcycle) it probably looked that way. At some point between when I replaced my rearset and now, the spring adjustment for my rear brake tightened enough that my brake light got tugged into constant on mode. I noticed it when I got home tonight. Good thing I had a 6 PM database migration today! You see, I usually ride only during the day, which is why the taillight turned really bright constant brakelight never caught my eye. Thank you, pesky database that's finally been migrated, you may well have saved me from a very unhappy fate.
On the other hand, that probably explains why cars behind me have given me so much distance the last few weeks. Ha!
And, for the record, I do 90 MPH for only brief periods at a time. The wind's no fun at those speeds. I'm much happier between 70 and 80.
Yes, that means I drive faster than I ride.
08:40 PM | Motorcycle| Comments (0)
June 18, 2004 / Friday
MotoBlurb 1: Pricey Gloves That Don't Fit
After 3 or 4 outings with my new way-too-pricey GP Tech gloves, I've decided I don't like them. I'm okay with their rigidity; that's just a matter of breaking them in. I'm okay with the ring and pinky fingers that are just a little too long for me; it's not that big a deal. I'm not, however, okay with the thumbs that are too short. After about 10 minutes of riding my thumbs start to feel sore from being pushed on. Apparently these gloves were designed for people with blocky hands. I guess it's time to hit eBay.
MotoBlurb 2: Bumpy Curve Re-Epiphany
The two curves heading northwest on Lake Merced Loop just before the Sunset split are in pretty poor pavement condition. I always slow down to car speed (and then some) when I ride through them. Today, I had a moment of, hey, what if I keep my weight off the front suspension? Just like that, the curves felt smoooooth! Okay, not smoooooth, but smooth, at least compared to the hairraising bends they were the last few times I took them.
The times before that, well, I used to ride more, and apparently knew to keep my weight off the handlebars and let my bike do its thing. I guess I just forgot.
MotoBlurb 3: No, I Don't Want To Race You!
Open letter to stupid people on the roads: My being on a bike does not mean I want to go really fast all the time. I don't want a ticket, but if you're going to blow by me I sure hope you get one. The only reason I roll up next to you at a stoplight and take off when it turns green is so I can get as far away from you as possible. Leave me alone!
04:49 PM | Motorcycle| Comments (0)
June 01, 2004 / Tuesday
Hooray For Bicycle Pumps!
I decided it'd be a good idea to check the tire pressure on my motorcycle before taking it out again. Sure enough, the tires needed some more air. I had no compressor, and really didn't feel like going to the gas station. Then, out of nowhere, I remembered seeing a guy on Doug's street pumping up his car tires with a bicycle pump. I also remembered thinking he was silly. Oh well, silly schmilly, I figured it was worth a shot.
Holy moly, it works!
11:36 PM | Motorcycle| Comments (0)
May 31, 2004 / Monday
Vroom Spike Vroom
Went for a short ride just now to ensure that (1) the new gloves fit, (2) the bike still runs, and (3) I still remember how to ride.
(1) The gloves fit, for the most part. They're a little on the long ring and pinky finger side, and a lot on the stiff side. They could definitely use some more breaking in.
(2) The bike still runs. It took me only 20 tries to start it. I made sure to give it plenty of time to warm up and run smoothly before trying to ride it this time.
(3) I managed to tool around without flopping, so I guess I still remember how to make it go. I'm ridiculously slow in the corners now. I have to relearn this looking through the corner thing. The few times I did do it the turns felt great.
My right hand and forearm are tired. Need to recondition those muscles.
As an added bonus, I pulled into my driveway, spotted what I thought was wet concrete, stopped short in a lean (downhill on the sloped part of the driveway, no less!), and managed to keep my bike upright with my right leg. Hooah!
Passed by Doug on my way home, and he decided to track me down and make me stop so he could see my new 'do. All I could offer him were helmethead spikes, i.e. sideways and crunched.
Speaking of Doug, he starts his new job tomorrow. He's gonna be developing these things:
That definitely doesn't suck.
07:05 PM | Motorcycle| Comments (0)
May 19, 2004 / Wednesday
Whoosh!
It's a little breezy out this week ...
Next week, too ...
Will it ever end? I hate riding in the wind. Not that I've been riding. 
Speaking of riding, and riding gear, I think I might buy an $800 suit to go with my $200-something dollar gloves.
Either that, or I could return my $200-something dollar gloves and get coilovers for my car.
Or, I could get none of the above and be responsible and save for a house ... but that's no fun. Houses don't vroom.
09:21 AM | Motorcycle| Comments (0)
May 16, 2004 / Sunday
Sunday Sunday Sunday!
A few blurbs about what I did today ...
Boogaloos
Doug and I felt breakfastey, so we headed over to the Mission to try a place called Boogaloos. On their menu they claim that they will charge $1 per indoor cell phone use offense. I wonder if they ever do. I'd like to see a charge for that on my bill. That'd be classic.
I had a couple cornmeal pancakes for breakfast. Me, eat pancakes?! Where's the protein?! I justified my blatant consumption of carbs with the fact that I had a hockey game in the early afternoon. Hooray for excuses.
A-Team II Game: Ice Monkeys (My Excuse For Eating Pancakes)
I'm not going to number my A-Team II Game posts anymore, since I don't play every A-Team II game. I've lost track! Anyway, we played the Ice Monkeys this afternoon at 12:15. So early! My body was definitely not in hockey mode, and didn't get into hockey mode until well into the 2nd period. I scored my first A-Team II goal today! Must have been 'cause I finally got my jersey. It's got my name on the back: SOOPAHVIV. Yeah!
We lost, 1-3, but we had fun, so it's cool. I got to play wing and had a great center, which made life very wonderful.
Yummy Food. Go Sharks!
Had lunch with some of the A-Team II crew at Aqui. Cool restaurant, great food! Got to watch the oh-so-exciting 2nd period of the Sharks game, too. BuRp! WhoO! YeaH!
$$$ Motorcycle Gloves
I've been feeling a little uneasy about my motorcycle gloves since my last flop. I didn't even really slide on the pavement, and yet my right glove was starting to look worn down and slightly unstitched. I had doubts about whether it would hold up enough to save the skin on my hand in the even of a slide. I asked Doug about it, and he agreed that I should get better ones.
Tried on a bunch of gloves at Cycle Gear and Road Rider this afternoon. In the end, I debated between a pair of Alpinestars GP Plus gloves and Alpinestars GP Tech gloves. The GP Plus were $160, the GP Tech were $216. The difference was the GP Tech had an armored gauntlet and this extra material (I later found out it was Kevlar) right where you'd slide on your hand. What to do? I imagined sliding down feet after feet of pavement and decided I wanted the GP Tech gloves. Bye bye, money. Hello, skin on my hands, glad you're still there.
More Hockey!
I got to sub for Red Fury tonight. I even played center for the first time in longer than I can remember. This time, I didn't screw it up! Yeah!
I did pick up my first penalty in over a year, though. Tripping, the ref said. She also said she could easily have called roughing. I was puzzled, but there was no point in protesting. From my point of view, I was going for a puck along the boards, and I was travelling at the boards. The other player was going for the same puck, and she was coming up the boards. We got there at the same time. We collided. She fell. I didn't.
Nonetheless, since she fell and they called a penalty on me, I made sure she was okay when she got up. She was fine. No harm done, and we killed the penalty without a giving up a goal. Woop.
Still, we lost 0-2. Bummer.
Trying To Get The Hair Just Right
I can't figure out what product to use to make my hair stand up and be spiky. I had spiking pomade, but it flopped over. I think tomorrow I'll try either ridiculous amounds of the pomade or my new gravity-defying spiking gel. I'll get my hair to spike yet!
11:46 PM | A-Team II:Food:Hair:Hockey:Motorcycle| Comments (0)
May 05, 2004 / Wednesday
Can't Ride! Aurgh!
I decided I'd try to ride my bike more this week. So much for that. My injured left hand says, "No pushing on the handlebar and no squeezing the clutch lever." I suppose I could just pull on the right handlebar and force the gear changes, but that wouldn't be very fun, or safe, or good for the bike. Siiigh ...
09:23 AM | Motorcycle| Comments (0)
May 03, 2004 / Monday
Riding Gear Decoration
My black Timbuk2 strap pad, not even 3 riding hours new, is now decorated with dead bug splatter. The funny part is, when I was cleaning off my helmet earlier, I looked at a white splat that ended at the edge of the helmet and thought, "Hrmm, I wonder where the rest of that bug landed." Looks like I found out.
09:54 PM | Motorcycle| Comments (0)
Vroom!
Took my bike to work today. I think it's been 3 weeks since I last rode. I had a couple moments of "I say go, bike says no" trying to get off my block. Revved it some, let it warm up some more, and I was okay.
Weather in SF was crappy this morning. Enough fog to simulate rain on my sunglasses and visor. Made for nasty traffic, too. I was hoping for an easy ride into work, and instead I ended up lane splitting the entire way down 280. Phew!
It's sunny here in SSF. Yay.
08:45 AM | Motorcycle| Comments (0)
April 14, 2004 / Wednesday
Can't Lift, Can't Ride
My shoulder hurts. I can't go to the gym (in theory). That means I should ride my motorcycle to work, since the only reason I don't is because it's a pain to take it to the gym. Well, I can't ride my motorcycle because my shoulder hurts. That sucks.
09:31 AM | Injuries:Motorcycle| Comments (0)
April 08, 2004 / Thursday
An Unexpected Vroom
I hadn't planned to take my motorcycle to work today. I was going to take my car with my hockey gear in the back for tonight's clinic. But then, silly me, I stayed up late, and couldn't get out of bed when my alarm went off this morning. When I finally got up, I looked at the clock and realized I had a meeting in 50 minutes. Even worse, it was one that I had called. What if there was traffic? Aurgh!
Up I bounced, and into my Darth Vivo suit I got. Got here just in time to desuit and find the conference room, which was, quite inconveniently, hidden away in that maze of a building next door.
It's weird getting back on my bike after almost three weeks.
Not that I'm complaining. It's nice that I can ride it again!
10:39 AM | Motorcycle| Comments (0)
March 19, 2004 / Friday
To Those Of You Who Think I'm A Little Vehicle Crazy ...
I may not be so crazy after all. I like my bike. I love my car. When I feel a little off, however, I drive my car, even though it means I'm choosing to mess up my car over my bike. See, I do have an ounce of sanity left in me!
09:03 AM | GTI:Motorcycle| Comments (0)
March 11, 2004 / Thursday
Vroom? Hooah? Vroom? Hooah? Vroom!
I like to work on hockey and motorcycling skills off ice/bike, but I'm realizing this week that I can't do both at the same time. I want to be telling myself, "Two hands on the stick!". Instead, my brain is busy repeating, "Weight off the handlebars!" Hockey will have to wait. Missing a puck isn't going to toss me into traffic. Besides, I'm between seasons right now. No better time to slack a bit on the hockey front!
03:30 PM | Hockey:Motorcycle| Comments (0)
March 10, 2004 / Wednesday
Quote of the Day
There's nothing sexier than a woman on a motorcycle.
So said the guy at the gym when I pulled up today. Nice.
07:48 PM | Motorcycle:Quote| Comments (0)
March 08, 2004 / Monday
Lane Splitting Is Great
I got into work in 25 minutes during morning rush hour traffic. This was on my motorcycle. If I were in my car it would probably have taken 40 to 45 minutes. Hooray for an expedited and non-boring commute.
Strangely, in the back of my mind I feel I am accumulating bad karma from all the drivers who are pissed about the fact that I can just zip by them while they wallow (slowly) in traffic.
But then I pass them and I'm over it.
08:08 AM | Motorcycle| Comments (0)
March 06, 2004 / Saturday
It's A Beautiful Day To Vroom!
Went for my first twisty ride since my day after Christmas flop. Doug and I went up to Marin, and took a route that we had taken my first time up there. That first time I remember feeling very uncomfortable on the turns. Today, those same turns were fairly easy. Coooool.
I am definitely more tentative on right turns since my flop, especially because there was a fair amount of traffic today. I'm also less comfortable on twisties than I was toward the end of last year. I'm just rusty, I think.
I also think I push a little more than I should, and wind up making myself eek a little at times. I have to consciously tell myself to push less. It's that whole thing about not being able to learn past 7/10 of your ability. Well, I think it's 7/10.
Slow down, focus, work on things one at a time, and keep your weight off your handlebars!
03:21 PM | Motorcycle| Comments (0)
March 04, 2004 / Thursday
So THAT'S Why They Call It A Crotch Rocket!
Took Doug's GSX-R out to dinner last night. Hrmm, that sounds funny. We had salad and mussels and pasta and the bike had some 91 octane. Hahaha.
Anyway, I got my first ride on the back of that bike. A few thoughts:
1. It's not a very comfy passenger bike. I know, duh. I had to brace myself against the tank the whole time. I'm surpised my arms aren't sore today.
2. I experienced my first official wheelie.
3. 0-94 MPH in a few seconds going up a hill in second gear just blew me away. Almost quite literally. No, just kidding. I did, however, think to myself during those few seconds, "Wow, I feel like I'm strapped to the side of a rocket blasting off into space."
That bike is coooool.
I think I just made Doug out to be a hooligan rider, which, for the record, is far from the truth ... most days. That said, exceptions must be made for new toys. Vroom.
08:52 AM | Motorcycle| Comments (0)
March 03, 2004 / Wednesday
Endless Loop At The Self-Checkout
The guy in front of me at the Albertson's self-checkout had a hell of a time this morning. "Unexpected item," the machine said, "Please remove." So he did. It then followed with, "Place item in bagging area." So he did. And then, "Unexpected item." And then, "Place item in bagging area." He must have done this five or six times before the self-checkout helper came by to rescue him.
Motorcycle Stuff
The self-checkout bug was dumb, but not as dumb as I was when I forgot how to operate the choke lever on my bike. Doug had to come and point out that my bike was dying 'cause I didn't have the choke open. I guess the coffee hadn't kicked in yet.
Speaking of Doug and my motorcycle, his few hours of work on it earlier this week did wonders. I don't think it's run this smoothly since I've owned it. Thank you sweet (and mechanically inclined) boyfriend.
Speaking of Doug and motorcycles, he bought a GSX-R 750 yesterday. Wow. Cool. I don't quite know what else I can add to that.
Wow. Cool.
More Dumb Stuff
Two days into my new job, and I lock myself out of my computer.
I was having trouble getting onto my home network and in a moment of stupidity I reconfigured my network settings and took myself off my company's domain. I hit "OK", and as my computer was churning its way through the new setting, I thought, "Uh-oh." Too late. There was no way to restore things to the way they were. Once I logged out, it was all over. I had to walk my laptop over to IT this morning and explain to them what an idiot I was. They were nice about it, and got me back up and running in no time.
Speaking Of IT ...
IT sure is different at larger companies. Instead of walking over to the IT guy, you send a message out into the great beyond through the internal website (unless, of course, you've locked yourself out of your computer). You get a ticket number, and then someone either takes care of it or contacts you. It's the same for equipment. You send a message, and your requested items magically appear. I think I kinda dig it.
10:14 AM | Motorcycle| Comments (0)
February 23, 2004 / Monday
I'm Moving Into A Crappy Neighborhood
Good thing I'll be saving money on rent, because my car and motorcycle insurance is going up $600 a year at my new place. That's silly, given that I'll have an enclosed parking space for both of them after my move. Ugh, feeling poor ...
01:37 PM | Money $ink:Motorcycle| Comments (0)
February 09, 2004 / Monday
Public Service Announcement / Note To Self
If you are sick and thus prone to coughing fits, perhaps you should consider commuting in your car instead of on your motorcycle, since it really sucks to have to cough in your helmet when you're zooming down the freeway.
11:11 AM | Motorcycle:PSA/NTS| Comments (0)
December 15, 2003 / Monday
Thank You Mother Nature The Sun Is A Fine Burfday Present!
It's sunny, and not too terribly wet out today. Guess who finally got to ride into work? Whee!
10:36 AM | Motorcycle| Comments (0)
December 07, 2003 / Sunday
What Gives, Mr. Weatherman?
Look, I didn't ride all week because it was wet. What was this about rain ending Saturday night and staying clear until Tuesday? I had it all planned out: Let the roads dry for most of the day, and take my bike out to catch the last hour of sun. So off I go on my little two-wheeled outing, and what happens? It rains on me!! You lied to me!! Again!!
And while I'm on the subject, how did early weekend "rain and sleet" at Kirkwood all of a sudden turn into 18 inches of new snow? I could've gone snowboarding today! Hrmph!
05:10 PM | Motorcycle:Snow| Comments (0)
December 06, 2003 / Saturday
GG Cycles Blurb 1: Tank Bag!
I finally have my very own tank bag. No more running riding off with Doug's every time I need one. Wasn't ridiculously expensive, either. Woop.
GG Cycles Blurb 2: GGC Sales Dude
After my tank bag purchase we did a loop around the bike area. As usual, a GG sales guy followed us around. Instead of trying to sell us something, though, he said, "Hey, did you take the MSF course recently? This summer? In South San Francisco? You were in my class!" Huh, small world.
04:12 PM | Motorcycle| Comments (0)
November 28, 2003 / Friday
My First Rainy Ride
Went for a ride today. We thought it would be nice to get out before the rain tomorrow. Well, the rain arrived today. I got to experience my first skid, while slowing and taking a slightly unexpected left turn at an intersection. I didn't flop, so all is good. I was actually pretty stoked afterward, since it could have been worse and I managed to get out of it without incident. I didn't even get nervous!
Aside from that, not much trouble with the wet roads. I've been trying to stay off my bike when it's wet out, but it really wasn't that bad. I'm definitely not so irrationally fearful of wet roads after today, although I'm also more aware of this whole decrease in traction business, having experienced it firsthand.
Overall, the roads we took were decent, but what's with all these slow cars? I managed to ditch the cruisers today but I guess they're in cahoots with the cages. Drats.
And my highlight of the day: On our way home, I totally smoked a brand spankin' new (no plates!) Porsche Carrera 4S who was trying to get ahead of me from behind on a merge onto the freeway. He cut left and pulled ahead of me just before the two lanes merged. I decided uh-uh and gave the throttle a good twist. So long, shiny $100,000 Porsche with the 320 horsies under the hood. He didn't look too happy afterward. I wouldn't be, either, if I'd just been blown away by a vehicle that cost 1/40 as much. I was grinning from ear to ear in my helmet for a good five minutes after that one. 
And yes, I was very loud and obnoxious as I smoked on by.
03:57 PM | Motorcycle| Comments (0)
November 23, 2003 / Sunday
Looking Through Turns
You know how they always say you should look through turns? I'd never been able to do it my car, both on the road and on the track. Well, not anymore! I'm happy to say that I can now look through most turns while in my car. I can actually feel the difference, too. It's definitely more smooth and controlled.
And why? Because of my motorcycle, of all things! Since I've started riding, I've had to learn to look through turns. In a car you don't realize it if you're a little jerky. On a bike, it's scary as hell! I remember on my first couple rides in the twisties I had a lot of trouble on what would now be fairly comfortable turns, and all because I was looking at the road just in front of me. Once I figured out what I was doing wrong, I fixed it in a hurry. It's amazing how your bike goes where you look, and all of that road in between your body knows to stitch together.
Better driving through riding! Imagine that.
11:26 PM | Motorcycle:Vroom!| Comments (0)
Berkeley Bike Blurb 1: Hillseses
Rode up Marin to get to the top of Grizzly Peak today. Those of you who have gone up Marin will know that it's ridiculously super steep and has stop signs all the way up. Hooray for finally being able to do hill starts. I didn't overrev all that much, either. Whoo.
Berkeley Bike Blurb 2: RSF Motorcycle Parking
When I was a student at Cal I'd go to the RSF (Recreational Sports Facility) everyday and look at all the bikes parked along the long stretch of motorcycle parking just outside and wish that I had a vehicle to park there.
Well, today I parked there.
Berkeley Bike Blurb 3: University Ave Traffic
There was the usual congestion going down University Ave toward the freeway this afternoon. Guess who didn't have to sit in it? Hooray for lane splitting!
10:48 PM | Motorcycle| Comments (0)
It's A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood
A beautiful day to go vroom, vroom vroom!
Except that we started late and didn't ride very fast or far.
Stopped for lunch in Berkeley. It's always nice to visit Berkeley. The group ate at Cafe Intermezzo, but since I'm on a liquid diet for the afternoon (hockey soon) I had to sit out. Had a mini black raspberry at Yogurt Park instead. Even better, in my book!
Note to self: If you're going to ride in a group of sportbikes and cruisers, don't put the cruisers up front! Those are just two different types of machines. It's hard to get into a groove when you're always slowing down for the bike in front of you.
I dragged a toe on my right boot this time. There was a sharp hairpin and I shifted off the bike, leaned over, and rolled through it. Felt good! Even the toe drag, because that's still novel to me. Perhaps in another year or so I'll be upset when I do it. New boots are expensive, after all.
Another note to self: Pull your feet up more!
It's supposed to be sunny for the next week. Another ride next weekend? I'd like to trade a few of those cruisers for a silver SV650S, hint hint.
03:00 PM | Motorcycle:PSA/NTS| Comments (0)
November 16, 2003 / Sunday
Hooray For Sun!
I had a couple hours to spare after cleaning all the road gunk from Tahoe off my car, so I took my bike out for a spin. Rode down to Pacifica and journalled a bit at a Starbucks. It was good to get on the bike again.
There is a fun (for me) but easy (for other people) road that connects Hwy 1 and Skyline right around those parts. Sharp Park Road. It's 2 lanes each way with a center divider, so no getting stuck behind cars and no hitting them head on. I practiced hanging off my bike on the curves. It was a bit scary but felt pretty good. I think I really was able to take corners at speed (my speed) without having to lean the bike over as much. I think there's more hanging and more throttle twisting to be had for me on that road. One step at a time, though.
Of course, now I have more questions than before about how I'm really supposed to do it.
To the guy on the GSX-R who didn't have a free hand coming off the stop sign and decided to say "Hello" with a wheelie instead: That was cool, but I don't think I'm supposed to say that, because there were cars all around you. Oh look, I just said it. Yeah, that was cool. Don't expect a wheelie in return, though.
Anyway, it's time for me to go to hockey. Hockey! It's been waaay too long since I was last on the ice. I'm out of practice, I have newly sharpened skates, and I'm sore as hell from snowboarding yesterday. This should be fun.
02:48 PM | Motorcycle| Comments (0)
November 09, 2003 / Sunday
Motorcycle Show!
Went to the Cycle World International Motorcycle Show in San Mateo last night. Got there, got soaked walking from the car to the show entrance, waited a while to meet up with some people, met a long of other random motorcycle people Doug knew, and, once I'd dried off and was plopping myself on every sportbike in site, had a good time.
So this plopping myself on every sportbike thing, not a good idea. My bike is HEAVY! Okay, I knew that already, but now I'm even more aware of it. I should just treat that as a good thing. When I finally do upgrade I'll feel a big difference. I'm quite wanting a new R1 now, though. It was definitely my favorite out of all the ones I plopped on.
Plopping good, flopping bad. They rhyme, but don't confuse them!
So Doug found out last night that he has become a bit of a brochure celeb. He's somehow managed to get himself into the latest Helimot brochure. The guy looking like a circus monkey in the leather racing suit on the inside flap, that's Doug. Later, he noticed himself on the front of the Keigwins at the Track brochure. He thought he looked dorky in that one, too. I thought it was too small a picture to tell.
Walked half a block to Prince of Wales for dinner. They're supposed to have the hottest habanero burger out there. Doug, being the spicy food junkie, wanted to try it, after hearing last week that it made someone cry. The folks at PoW made him sign a waiver before they'd give him the burger. He signed, they served, he ate, he didn't cry or die or explode, and I don't think he took a sip of his drink until he was done. Strange.
I dabbed the tip of my pinky into a little bit of the oil that dripped off the burger, dabbed a little bit of that oil on my tongue, and thought my tongue was going to swell up and choke me. I did this partway into my burger, so I have to say, even though my burger was good, I tasted only the first half of it. I believe this is the reaction normal people have to habaneros, so I think there's something seriously wrong with Doug.
Maybe he's an alien. A crab person, even. *click click click*
At PoW I found out that Doug is a bit of an internet celeb, too. A group of people at the table behind us were talking about some clip of an AFM race start where this guy just does this ridiculous rotating wheelie. Turns out it was Doug's first ever race, and he's in the video as the guy who almost T-bones the wheelie rider and ends up shooting the gap between rider and bike after separation. Nothing like a little starting grid excitement to kick off your racing career.
We finished off the night with a screening of Faster, which was just awesome. 200 MPH! Wow! Lots of spectacular crash clips, a bit of humor (so I thought) over rider rivalries, and lots of VrooM!
Anyway, I think that about captures the night. I'm off to the gym now. Gotta work off the burger and fries and onion rings from last night. Doug's running a 10k this morning and I have to do something so I don't fall behind in our little six-pack competition.
08:10 AM | Motorcycle| Comments (0)
November 02, 2003 / Sunday
My Longest Ride Yet
Had a nice (but cold) outing on the motorcycle today. Made it down to Davenport. My longest ride yet! I'm feeling turns more, and am less afraid to push my way through them. Touched the double yellow once, but didn't cross it. Not sure why I touched it. I think my mind wandered for a moment. I know, bad Viv. Anyway, that got my mind back on track in a hurry.
Aside from general "Yay, I'm getting better!" happiness, my other great source of joy was the Yoshimura slip-ons that got slipped back on. My bike is LOUD again! Yeah! I'm more willing to be obnoxious now that I don't stall and go flop every other block.
Got out of bed a bit late today and Doug didn't get to have his Krispy Kreme and Peet's. Had to settle for a messed up Starbucks drink order and dry lemon pound cake instead. All was not lost, though. We stopped at Krispy Kreme on the way back, and Doug finally got to try the new Pumpkin Spice Cake donut. I had half, and I must say, 'tis yummy! As a bonus Doug got to try some cranberry creation and I got to have my usual Boston Kreme. Okay, it wasn't really a Boston Kreme (this wasn't a Dunkie's, after all). Still, 'twas a yummy chocolate covered custard filled snack.
Okay, enough about donuts. This was supposed to be a motorcycle post. In other bike happiness, my handlebar and brake lever are finally straight again! Huzzah! That makes me pretty darned happy, too. Let's hope I don't drop my bike and bend them again. Costs too much to fix!
Yelcome-ower. 
• • •
Also finally (not to be confused with "Also, finally", since we've already had a "finally" in this post), title in hand! It's nice to know that the DMV finally (not "also also finally" because it's not a "finally" used in the context of this post) recognizes that I officially own my bike. WhoohoohoohoohoohoohOO!
06:42 PM | Motorcycle| Comments (0)
October 29, 2003 / Wednesday
Wind! Aie!
Holy crap it's even windier than it was this morning! It's strange when you have to push really hard on the handlebars just to stay in your lane. And then the wind stops gusting and all of a sudden your handlebar pushing is steering you into adjacent cars. Not fun, not fun. Someone remind me to stay off my bike the next time it's crazy windy like that.
07:34 PM | Motorcycle| Comments (0)
Evening Motorcycle Blurb 1: Brrr!
It's COLD out! I'm gonna put my neck warmer thingy on before I get back out there.
Evening Motorcycle Blurb 2: Whoops!
I stalled on my way into my carport. Uphill right turn, just like my 2nd little flop. Fortunately I was prepared for a stall and also now better able to hold my bike up. Phew.
Evening Motorcycle Blurb 3: New Plate!
Yay! My new license plate is here! Quite happy about that.
05:49 PM | Motorcycle| Comments (0)
Where'd My Glasses Go?
Today before I left for work I decided to bring my clear lens glasses with me and try them out on my ride home. I thought they were in my trunk. No luck. On my front seat with the rest of the things I wanted to take with me? Nope. On my bike? Nope. On the dryer, next to the clothes I was pulling items from this morning? Nope. With my stuff upstairs? Nope. On the kitchen counter? Nope. By the computer? Nope. Finally I gave up and continued to get ready, sans clear lens glasses.
Then I went to get my helmet. Someone had apparently had the same thought about trying them out when she was pulling stuff out of her trunk before her run and put them on top of her helmet so she wouldn't forget them. Huh.
• • •
Drat, I did it again! No wonder people think I live in the city! It's like I freakin' think so too! Aaack!
11:33 AM | Motorcycle| Comments (0)
Motorcycle Blurb 1: Whoosh!
That's "Whoosh!", not "Vroom!". It's windy out today! I was getting blown left, then right, then left and right a few more times going down 280. Straight piece of road and my bike's leaning from side to side. Scary.
Motorcycle Blurb 2: Key$
It's expensive to copy motorcycle keys! I assume it's equally expensive to copy car keys. Well, at least now I can lose my keys and still have another set.
I keep finding new pockets in my gear. It's kinda fun, except that it probably means I'll put something in a pocket one day and spend 10 minutes going through all my other pockets looking for it.
10:21 AM | Motorcycle| Comments (0)
October 28, 2003 / Tuesday
My Glasses Arrived ... But They Don't Fit
My clear lens glasses came in today, and they definitely were not made for my face. I should know better than to buy wearables online. They never ever ever fit! At least they were cheap.
Does anyone want a pair of clear lens glasses? The front is mirrored so if they fit your face you'll look badass. I'm giving them away. Come on, I know I've got a few rider readers out there. Say the word and they're yours.
02:01 PM | Motorcycle| Comments (0)
October 25, 2003 / Saturday
Carport! Yeah!
Oh oh! I got my bike into my carport last night with falling over!
I'm not saying it was easy, though. I'm just saying I didn't fall over.
Huzzah!
04:09 PM | Motorcycle| Comments (0)
October 24, 2003 / Friday
Hot Ridin'
Just got back from a "little" errand run on my bike. It was supposed to last just under two hours, but I think it's been more like three or four. Some notes:
Full motorcycle gear in hot weather: not cool.
Traffic: not cool either.
Following someone on your bike who happens be on their bike and quite confused about where exactly the two of you are and are going: not as cool as it's rumored to be.
Carload of cute boys showering attention on me: cool.
Carload of cute boys asking me to do a wheelie for them: not cool.
Newbie wheelie: also not cool.
Newbie wheelie in traffic: totally not cool.
Arriving back at the office soaked in sweat: feels cool but isn't.
• • •
My cool readers will notice that I started and ended with puns.
05:20 PM | Motorcycle| Comments (0)
October 19, 2003 / Sunday
Vroom! Hooah!
It seems to me that half the women I play hockey with either ride or have ridden motorcycles in the past. It's surprising, yet not. Don't know where I'm going with this post. I just felt like blabbing, I guess.
Blab blab blab.
08:14 PM | Hockey:Motorcycle| Comments (0)
October 18, 2003 / Saturday
Hi. It's Saturday. I'm drinking
Hi. It's Saturday. I'm drinking a Dos Equis.
Holy crap, a beer?! Yeah, I'll explain later.
Went for a 7 hour ride today. It was most awesome.
I dragged a toe. Cool because that means I turned pretty hard (for me). Not cool because I don't turn that hard yet and it just means I need to pull my feet back a bit on my footpegs.
I also somehow crossed the double yellow by a foot or so on a right turn. It was weird. Felt like the road disappeared for a moment. My guess is it was off camber, but that patch of road is long gone now so I dunno. Good news is, no cars, so my bike and I are intact.
Stopped for coffee, then lunch with coffee, then coffee again. Doug was well caffeinated today. I was too, I guess, but I don't really feel the effects of caffeine so maybe that doesn't count.
I'm feeling this beer, though. More on that later.
Got home and made turkey burgers using Ted's awesome beef burger recipe. Threw in some of Doug's awesome grill spice mix, too. They came out really well. Rad.
Okay, about the beer. After dinner I looked in the fridge and saw a bunch of beer left over from Doug's barbeque a few months back. Beer in Doug's fridge just sits there because neither of us drink. I saw a Tequiza and wondered aloud what it tasted like. Doug said, "You tried one last time, took two swigs, and said it was terrible." I didn't remember, so I pulled out a bottle, took three swigs, and once again declared it terrible.
I decided that since I was beer sampling I'd try the other stuff in the fridge too. Out came a bottle of Dos Equis, a bottle of Heineken, and a bottle of Anchor Steam. I took a few swigs of each of those, too.
And the verdicts. Heineken tastes like horse piss. Beer in general tastes like piss to me, but the Heineken was especially bad. Worse than the terrible Tequiza. The Anchor Steam was tolerable, but a bit too bitter for me. The Dos Equis, well, it was a lot like the Anchor Steam, but less bitter, and so I took the bottle with me to the computer.
And that's why I'm drinking a beer. I'm on sip number twenty and working on my fifth shade of red. 'Tis amusing.
07:45 PM | Drinks:Motorcycle| Comments (0)
October 12, 2003 / Sunday
Weekend Recap
Okay, now that my hockey game post is out of the way, time to do the weekend review. I feel like I did a lot, not even counting the hockey game. Here goes.
Friday night, I installed my white cold cathodes. All the interior lighting in my car is pure white now. LEDs in the cabin and two glowing tubes of crisp white light in the trunk. I'll take a picture sometime soon and post it so you guys can compare with the red ones.
I am now a solder queen. Mainly because I kept running into technical difficulties and had to reroute a whole bunch of stuff. Yes, I know there's something grammatically wrong with that last sentence.
Post install, Doug and I went to see Kill Bill. It sucked.
Saturday I went to Doug's friend's wedding. It was at a church. It was at a Catholic church. There was a lot of prayer. I couldn't help but think about how cultlike it all was. I took notes on what not to do at my wedding. No chanting, no prayer.
Saturday night, bowling! My right forearm is sore today. It lasted me about 2 games, and then I started bowling nothing but gutterballs. Bowled well enough to win dessert, though. Black Forest Dream in a waffle bowl. Yeah! It was probably about 3,000 calories. Not good for the six-pack, but Doug had a big thing of ice cream, too, so that wasn't too much of a setback.
Went for a ride down to Pescadero today. 'Twas fun! No super eek moments, thank goodness. Ran out of gas on my bike on the way down. That was certainly interesting. The stupid fuel switch is way too hard to turn on my bike. Had to pull over to switch to reserve. I'm gonna have to see if I can fix that. That and about 5 other things on my bike. So much to do!
Finally got tickets and made reservations for CES in January. Gonna catch the naked Cirque du Soleil show while we're there, too. Okay, not naked ... but close. Near-naked people doing cool stuff. Whoo.
09:24 PM | GTI:Mods:Motorcycle| Comments (0)
October 08, 2003 / Wednesday
Cookies, Coffee, and Vroom
Oh man, super sweet butter soaked cookies and brownies from the office manager are not good for a stomach working on wake up.
That plus my first solo ride plus strong office coffee ...
((((( S H A K E )))))
10:06 AM | Drinks:Food:Motorcycle| Comments (0)
October 05, 2003 / Sunday
To Infineon And Back!
Rode up to Infineon with Teddio today. 'Twas lots of fun. Some impatient dork tried to mow me down at a stop sign and my left hand was good and grabbed the clutch lever so I didn't stall and fall over trying to avoid being roadkill. The guy waved a mea culpa and then kept going. Poopiehead!
Got back into my car afterward and was briefly puzzled about why my car had no kick. Dammit.
The other puzzling thing is I'm now leaning into my turns ... in the driver's seat of my car.
06:49 PM | Motorcycle| Comments (0)
September 29, 2003 / Monday
Biker Boyz
On Timbo's recommendation I watched Biker Boyz, because, as he said, "It's like The Fast and the Furious, only with motorcycles and black guys." Well, he was right. The bikes were beautiful and the movie was terrible.
On a side note, Laurence Fishburne gets to play characters with cool names. Morpheus in the Matrix, Smoke in Biker Boyz. He got to ride around in a phat purple Hayabusa (mit NOS!), too.
On a not-so-side note, Tyson Beckford in spandex! WhoO!
10:18 PM | Motorcycle| Comments (0)
September 11, 2003 / Thursday
The Insurance Industry Is Screwed Up
Remember that car insurance craziness from earlier this year? Well, here's some more craziness, this time for my motorcycle insurance.
Progressive, who is my car insurance company, quoted me $3720 for one year of motorcycle coverage. Divide by two, that's $1860 for 6 months. The guy who did my quote laughed. I could buy myself a second motorcycle for that amount.
On to State Farm. They quoted me $162.43 for 6 months. Needless to say, I went with them instead. I showed up at their office to finish up paperwork. Upon running a record check, I was told they would have to charge me more because of my little speeding violation / license suspension from three years ago. But then ... I got a good driver discount (!) and my final bill came down to $150.40.
Yes! $150.40 for 6 months of insurance! Does that rock or what?
Strangely, their car quote was higher than what I'm currently paying Progressive.
I just don't get this whole insurance thing.
03:16 PM | Money $ink:Motorcycle| Comments (0)
August 14, 2003 / Thursday
It Runs! It Runs! Kinda.
WhoO! My bike runs. Doug rode it down the street.
Small problem. It doesn't start. Not on its own, at least.
I have to say, it was quite amusing watching Doug run down the street trying to get it to start. At some point I heard the motor and soon after that realized he was finally on the bike instead of pushing along beside it.
I wish I had it on video.
11:18 PM | Motorcycle| Comments (0)
July 27, 2003 / Sunday
Yay! I Got My Motorcycle!
Now I just have to fix it up so it runs. That and get my license. La la la. Whoo.
Also installed new bulbs for my headlights today. Philips Vision Plus H7's. Supposed to be super white and super bright. Will update when I get some night driving time in with 'em.
One more comment before hockey. Power Gel is gross.
02:11 PM | Mods:Motorcycle| Comments (0)
July 20, 2003 / Sunday
MSF Course Completed!
Yay! I passed my motorcycle safety course. In a week or so I'll go take the DMV written test and have my license.
No, I still don't have a bike yet. One thing at a time!
We got to go faster and do fun drills today. We got to weave and skid and swerve and braaake. Whee.
Quote of the Day
We need to get you on a track!
Yes, Ms. Instructor, ma'am. Sure thing.
Or maybe it should have been, "What? You mean I was only supposed to go 15 miles per hour in that drill? But it's so much more fun doing it at 30!"
Vrooooom!
02:09 PM | Motorcycle:Quote| Comments (0)
July 16, 2003 / Wednesday
My First Ride!
Since we're on the topic of motorcycles, I got my first ever ride on the back of one last night, and I absolutely loooved it. I can't believe that it took me so long to finally get on. Man, I've been missing out.
Actually, I can believe that it took me so long. Gear is expensive! I'm glad I'm finally equipped. Now I can go vroom.
10:15 PM | Motorcycle| Comments (0)
Written Test Passed!
Okay, written test for motorcycle safety course out of the way. It was fun getting to take a test again. I felt like I was back in college. I got to feel that satisfying first-person-done feeling again. I don't know why I like it so much. I used to think it was because finishing first was the payoff for all my hard work, but I didn't study for this test. I barely read the book. I think I just liked knowing I was psyching out the annoying woman in the back of the room. Which annoying woman? This one, from last week.
Following my own advice, I aimed to answer every damned question correctly (yes, I just made a grammar correction of my own post from last week). I got one wrong. Dammit. I forgot to find out which one it was. Double dammit.
I get to learn to skid on Sunday. Whee.
10:07 PM | Motorcycle| Comments (0)
July 13, 2003 / Sunday
Out On The MSF Range
Just got back from motorcycle class. Got to tool around in a parking lot on a Nighthawk all morning. Some thoughts ...
Thought one: Damn, that was fun!
Thought two: I could really damage myself on one of those.
Thought three: Ow, my shoulder (aggravation of prior injury).
Thought four: Why can't I turn right?
Thought five: What's wrong with my car? I got back into my car afterward and I thought the engine was broken. Nope, my car was running just fine. I am, however, a tiny bit upset that a little Nighthawk feels that much faster than my car.
Put-put-put >> Vroom! ?!
12:32 PM | GTI:Motorcycle| Comments (0)
July 11, 2003 / Friday
Fully Geared!
All right! I'm now fully geared to ride. $1200+ worth of gear for $650. Hooray for coupons and sales. Now all I need is a motorcycle ...
01:45 PM | Motorcycle| Comments (0)
July 10, 2003 / Thursday
I Don't Get It (Ha! My Title's A Pun!)
Lady in motorcycle safety class last night:
You mean we're going to be tested on the WHOLE book?!
Lady, the book's not even 50 pages, it's 2 columns of 12-point font per page with wide margins, there are pictures and diagrams everywhere, and the instructor is purposely reading word-for-word all relevant parts of the book out loud twice to prepare you for the damned test. Plus, all you need is 80% to pass. Besides, you need to know this stuff so you don't become roadkill when you start riding. You shouldn't be aiming simply to pass; you should be aiming to get every damned question correct.
Why are people so afraid of tests? Tests are fun!
04:02 PM | Motorcycle| Comments (0)
May 15, 2003 / Thursday
Duc Duc Vroom
Duc duc duc duc duc duc duc duc ... vrooom!
11:07 PM | Motorcycle| Comments (0)
November 11, 2002 / Monday
No Room For A Motorcycle!
Okay, so my red VW GTI VR6 with the leather seats and sunroof and Monsoon sound system thing got my mind off wanting a bike for a while. CBRs, GSX-Rs, R1s, R6s, even Ducatis ... eh. But then yesterday I had to go and visit this site. That, especially in Gold-Orange Metallic (yellow!), is a pret-ty pret-ty bike. Droooool ...
Good thing my carport can't hold both. A great excuse not to buy!
10:28 PM | GTI:Motorcycle| Comments (0)
August 14, 2002 / Wednesday
What A Teaser!
Last night I dreamt I had a motorcycle.
Then I took a good look at it and realized it was fugly. 
Doggammit! 
01:38 PM | Dreams:Motorcycle| Comments (0)
August 08, 2002 / Thursday
No, I'm Not On Drugs
Slaaaayer: did you take drugs today?
Slaaaayer: or did you forget to take your drugs today?
SoopahViv: why?
SoopahViv: 'cause i want a fucking motorcycle?
Slaaaayer: well... halucinations about God... and doG... and such...
SoopahViv: yeah, doG, like, barks at me and stuff
Slaaaayer: did you drink a lot of soda today or something?
SoopahViv: doggammit!
07:45 PM | Motorcycle| Comments (0)
Maybe This Will Work ...
If I bang my head really hard against the wall enough times do you think maybe doG will poof me a fucking motorcycle?
05:35 PM | Motorcycle| Comments (0)
Stupid doG
I felt a tickle on my elbow just now. I looked down after a couple seconds and saw a schpydah schpeedily making its way up my arm ... bookin' it for the opening to my sleeve! I went to flick it off and now I can't find it. I think maybe it was doG and he's messing with me because I keep demanding that he poof me a fucking motorcycle. I ain't backing off that easily. Come on, poof me one, doggammit!
05:14 PM | Motorcycle| Comments (0)
JFC! IWAFM!
Dear Lord, I'm not sure that you really exist, but please please please ignore what I'm about to say ...
JESUS FUCKING CHRIST !!
Dear Lord, I'm not sure that you really exist, but please please please give me what I want ...
I WANT A FUCKING MOTORCYCLE !!
• • •
Now available in lyrical form!