Last post

This is probably my last new post for this blog. I finally have my new motorcycle and I'm riding again! I've enjoyed doing this and am thinking about starting a new site.

A few more pics...

Success!

It was cold and rainy yesterday, but I made it home on my new motorcycle in one piece. I have to either tip-toe it at a stop or just put one foot down, but it handles great and the seating position is perfect. Have to get back in the habit of cancelling my own turn signals--caught myself more than once (dangerous). Now I need some nice weather and lonely roads to practice my rusty skills.

Guess I'll have to start a new blog...I got my motorcycle!

Elation!

My wife asked if I could take next Wednesday off and we could go look into a loan. It's finally happening! You will be mine...

Disappointment...

Might have to set my sights lower. Might not be able to swing it at all. The prospect of another bikeless summer is depressing...

I've got a feeling...

...it isn't going to be too much longer. Hopefully my next post will have an actual digital photo of my own bike!

What's wrong with this picture?

That's not me on the motorcycle!

I should be riding

These gorgeous days without a motorcycle are killing me! I hope I won't be waiting too much longer. I'm still thinking the Suzuki DR650 is the way I want to go, although the Kawasaki KLR650 and Triumph Bonneville are still possibilities. I also kind of like Kawasaki's 900 Vulcan Custom and Classic. Why haven't I won the lottery...?

Very soon...

Another beautiful day out today. Can't wait to finally pull the trigger...

Getting closer...

The weather's getting nicer and the desire to get a motorcycle is stronger than ever. Rider magazine recently did a comparison of the DR650SE, KLR650 and XR650L--very unusual, considering none of these bikes have seen any major change since the mid-90's (too bad they couldn't get their hands on one of the updated '08 Kawasakis).

Day tripper

For commuting and day trips I will need to carry certain items like a camera, a rain suit, lunch. Wolfman offers these tank panniers and a waterproof Expedition version. For longer rides I would probably opt for the good old duffle bag and bungie cord solution.

verlenelson.com

Check out http://verlenelson.com/DR650/ to read about how this guy got back into motorcycling at age 60 and turned a couple of my favorite Suzuki into long-range adventure bikes. He also compares from personal experience the DR vs. the KLR and explains why this is the way he decided to go.

Chloe

This is Chloe (my wife and I are fans of 24). She is an 8-week-old Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Our last 3 dogs have been dachshunds, but we decided to try a different breed this time. I had to wait for her to wear herself out before I could snap a clear photo...

Ghost Rider

C'mon...you know it looks cool as hell! Don't know that I'd sell my soul for it, though. I'll be going to see this movie--like a lot of people who like motorcycles and superheroes.

Nothing new

Just wanted to get a picture of some bikes back to the top of the page...after all, this blog isn't called "I Want a Cell Phone"!

LG AX490

Ended up getting this phone with Alltel's prepaid U by-the-minute plan. I really like the FasTap keypad that makes text messaging a lot faster and easier. Didn't really care for the default, NASCAR-inspired display and sounds and had to change those right away. Since it's a tri-mode phone it will pick up analog signals when digital isn't available--a real plus when you're out in the boonies.

Pantech PN-218

Cellular phones were huge (and by "huge" I mean too big to carry) when I was riding in the 80's and early 90's. I wouldn't ride without one these days. I've been carrying a pre-paid Virgin Mobile phone, but the Sprint all-digital network it uses doesn't always get a signal around these parts. My wife and son have switched over to Alltel and are getting good reception off their tri-mode phones, so I'm planning on switching too at the end of the month. Think I'll probably get one of these like my wife's.

Memories...

The paint scheme on this bike reminds me of my old Sporty--it was Bright Cobalt Candy Blue and Brilliant Silver two-tone with red pinstripes. IMHO the most beautiful motorcycle in town! It would have broke my heart if I'd ever laid it down or otherwise got a scratch on it and fortunately I never did. My next bike needs to be something I'll ride more than polish...