May
21
0

Why We Do What We Do….

I just received an email from a fellow Mad Cow racer that Steve Larsen, an avid cyclist, runner and triathlete, died of a heart attack while out on a run.  Some of you ‘glass is half-empty’ people will look at this and say, “See!  Exercise can kill you!  That’s why I take it easy so nothing happens to me.  I’d rather play it safe.”  Most of you ‘glass is half-full’ people will look at this and say, “Wow!  That’s unreal!  But at least he went out doing something he enjoyed.  He didn’t let anything stop him from accomplishing what he set out to do.”  I side with the half-full crowd.

This is proof, once again, that you never, NEVER know when your time on this planet is done.  I highly doubt Steve went out for his training run thinking, “Well, today’s the day!”   How did you wake up this morning?  Did you wake up and think, “Ugh!  Somebody tell those birds to shut up!” Or did you think, “Wow!  I could not have asked for a more beautiful morning!”  There’s the difference.  I’m not saying (typing?) that every morning you should prance around doing your best “Rise and Shine” boogie.  What I am trying to convey is that you can grab life by both horns and charge ahead or you can hang back and wait for it to come to you.  You have a choice.

So for those of you who like to shake your finger and lecture us do’ers, this is fodder for your camp.  And for those of us who are on the receiving end of that finger I say to tell ‘em,  “KEEP ON SHAKING!”  In fact, why don’t you stop shaking for one minute and just think.  Think about what your life would be like if you stopped worrying about what MIGHT happen if you traveled abroad or rode a motorcycle or even ventured out beyond your 30 mile radius.  Think about how much better you’d feel if you walked longer than the distance from the fridge to the computer.  Think about how much better you’d feel if you reached for the bag of carrots instead of the free samples at Costco. Think.  Live, don’t exist.

And for the record, I’m 39 and I just came back from a long run.  Think I need to stop?  I think not.

For more on Steve Larsen, please visit
http://www.velonews.com/article/92239/pro-racer-steve-larsen-dies-of-heart-attack-during-running

May
20
0

You’re Kidding, Right??

It’s never a good thing when you pull up to the house 10 days before you get the hell outta dodge and your husband in furiously searching his motorcycle for something.  No sir, not good.  The theory?  The seam had given way.

Jack and I got out of the Mini and I cautiously asked Terry what was up.  “I have a gas leak somewhere.”  You have a WHAT?!?  No, no, no, no, no!  Still standing in a state of “oh shit”, Terry had to remind me to grab the camera.  In situations such as these, I know to take some pics, offer help and STAY AS FAR AWAY AS POSSIBLE!  You see, this oh so shitty dilemma could cost us our 2-week trip.  Not cool.  Now we start running our options.

Terry was quickly on the horn with A&S BMW in Roseville.  No, they don’t stock tanks for a 1150 GS Adventure.  Could Terry run it up there so they could check it out and see what’s what, maybe come up with a solution.  Come on up!  They, too, don’t want to see us have to postpone our Canada ride.  And we have a photo shoot on Monday!  Shit!  So Terry loaded up the seeping tank into the Yukon and headed out into rush hour, Friday afternoon traffic, braving the 45 minute in the name of “wanting to get this handled ASAP”.  But we have tickets to the Rivercats game, and good seats!  He promised to meet us there.

Well, good news and bad news.  No, they don’t have a spare.  If they order one from Germany it will take a minimum of two weeks as it gets hung up in customs for 8-10 days.  No working around that one.  Thanks!  BUT, there’s a chance the inside of the tank could be sealed AND there’s tank (although pretty beat up) for sale on Adventure Rider.  Okay.  So we have options.  Better than waiting for Germany!

Terry made it in time for the game.  And while Jack and I hung by the dugout for signatures, Terry was furiously dialing and searching the internet for even more back up plans.  Options.  Always have to have more than one option, remember that.  By the time Jack and I got back to our seats, Terry had already “purchased” the dented tank from the guy in Berkeley (thanks for being so close!) and was discussing the sealer option with his mechanic, Mike.

Whoa! Look at the time!  I have to make dinner….sorry to leave ya hangin’ but I gotta go!  Will finish tomorrow…cheers!  Check out the pics!

May
12
0

Adventure Chik Gets Rehabbed

After checking over the previous owner’s repair records, Terry concluded that it was time for Adventure Chik to update some major parts, also known as “Blowing a Large Wad O’ Cash”.  But if we’re going to log 2,500 miles in 2 weeks, it will be money well spent.  A new chain, front and rear sprockets, oil change, and valve adjustment were on tap for the morning.  Thankfully, years ago Terry found a former BMW mechanic, Mike Metts, who knows BMW’s inside and out (and works for cash!)  He a great guy with a fabulous sense of humor.  Hey, he offered to show some plumber’s crack while holding a beer for the camera, just to show how “skilled” he is.  Love it!  Like a lot of us, he loved what he did but determined that working for a large corporation was draining.  Hmmmm, sounds like someone we know, doesn’t it?

It’s always nerve racking seeing your bike it pieces!  You know and trust your mechanic but man, if you happen to lose one bolt or get the chain too tight, you’re not riding as far as you thought.  Have to have faith.

Adventure Chik came out shining on the other end, literally!  The chain is waaaaaay too clean and really needs a fresh coat of Shasta dirt on it.  Not to worry, though, as we’re heading north Memorial Day weekend to test the fire roads and try our hand at more river crossings.  The ride always better when you get muddy!  Cheers to then.

Hola and welcome adventure fans to another exciting excerpt of “When Life Interferes With Living”. I’m your host, Bitchy McBitchy, here trying to figure out how the hell I’m going to ever find those FUCKING emails I lost in my attempt to convert my life from PC to Mac. Why, why, WHY do I accept these challenges? Because I have a husband that can save my ass whilst I prepare us for our next great adventure challenge. Thank god our talents are the opposite side of the brain from one another.

I keep trying to get myself to import photos from the end of 2008, but so much LIFE keeps interfering that my time in front of old files is limited these days. So instead of trekking upon old ground, let’s dive right in to the first beautiful ride of the spring training season, shall we?

On a gorgeous Northern California Saturday (last weekend) we headed to Doran Beach in Bodega Bay. Terry rode out on his 1150 GS Adventure – a grand 2 1/2 hour ride from home through sweeping redwood tree-lined turns and lush green hillsides. I took the marital high road and insisted that he ride and I follow in the Yukon with Jack and all our gear. Aren’t I a fabulous spouse? No, just one who knows when her husband needs some alone time without the bother of phone or noise.

We stayed the weekend at Fernando’s Bed and Breakfast. Haven’t been there before? Just know that you have to go. Don’t like B&B’s? Us either! But this is an anti-B&B. Fernando, his wife, Marivone and daughter, Sammy, make you a part of their family. Every morning you are welcomed with a latte, an omelet made with eggs from his hens, maybe even some french toast. Don’t want to go into town for a crappy, expensive meal? He’ll make one for you, costing only a mere fraction of the touristy restaurants. The wine flows freely, the conversation is never forced and the amenities supersede your expectations. Check them out, www.fernandosbedandbreakfast.com. Tell them the adventure motorcycle family sent ya…just don’t take my room! Anywho, where was I…oh ya…

So, all work and no play makes Jane a very dull girl. Jane gotta get out da hood and NOW! Suburbia’s makin’ her crazy! So yesterday, off I went for a 220 mile getaway. West. I wanted the valleys, the mustard fields, 15 mile/hour turns. And so I rode with my camera and burning determination. I was going to ride “home”. I wanted to see and smell all that I have missed while living in this flat, mountainless plain. First to Pope Valley, via Terry’s recommendation from his ride a week earlier. It was stunning, but I craved more. A quick stop in Calistoga at Buster’s BBQ for some grub and I was rejuvinated. Haven’t been to Buster’s? What?!? And you call yourself a local…

Now, be honest, aren’t you a little teary eyed? Yup, I thought so. I couldn’t get enough of it. I could’ve laid in the field and made a mustard angel it was that spectacular. I never appreciated the natural beauty of this area until I moved away. Funny how that happens, isn’t it? Seems to happen to most of us when we leave our comfort zone in search of a new home. No matter what, your roots begin to call you back, if only just for a few hours. I can’t help but well up as I type this.

Eventually, though, we must all fly the nest yet again and return to our new home. But no one said I had to take the easy way back. Along Silverado Trail I meandered, not once getting stuck behind a tourist or wine snob. Up and over Deer Park, swaying from side to side as the road carved it’s way through the mountain range. Had to stop in Angwin for a fuel, but not to worry. It wasn’t a Sunday so the gas station was open for business. (Seriously, have you ever rolled through Angwin on a Sunday? It’s a latter day saints town. I bet you any amount of money that on a Sunday you won’t find an open store or a live person ANYWHERE on the streets. They’re all in church for their weekly brain freeze.) Down Howell Mountain Road, through the back side of Pope Valley, to the northern part of Lake Berryessa and on to home.

And one more thing…if you’re ever rolling along Highway 28 through Calistoga, you MUST stop at Buster’s for a plate of BBQ.  The outside grill is always going with fresh meats ready to be topped with mild or hot sauce.  If you like having nasal passages in tact, I suggest the mild BBQ sauce.  A side of beans and a cold Sierra Nevada make this the perfect road meal.

And just how perfect of a ride was it? I got to be in my head for over 5 hours; every car pulled over to let me by; and the CHP near Berryessa didn’t even pull me over for speeding. He just waved at me to slow down for which I did, giving him a ‘thank you’ wave for being, well, human. Maybe he knows what it’s like to have to flee the usual and check out for a few hours.

Away I will go again very soon. And I promise to take you with me…

 

Mar
10
0

First Water Crossing of 2009

Hey Adventure Trio Fans!

I know, I know, I’m a little in getting in a story about a March event.  Hey, things have been busy!

Having been stuck in some murky situations, Terry and I wanted to wait until at least March before tackling some of the more technical roads as the mud and deep rivers can REALLY get you stuck in a pretty heinous position. And having done a Superman off the front of my bike while trying to maneuver a hairpin turn AND going downhill AND while sliding in the mud & rocks makes me just a wee bit hesitant.  Call me crazy (Crazy!) but I’m just not up for landing rib-cage first in the rocks…again.

The roads proved to be quite tame for the season (bummer).  Honestly, I really was looking forward to sliding the back end around a bit.  Hey, the only way I’m going to improve as a rider is to forge ahead in difficulty, one mile at a time.  Just wasn’t ready for the challenges the winter months can bring, and I don’t mean just the cold.  That I can handle.  Rushing waters and deep mud, not so much.  But I’m working on it..

The smells of spring never disappoint.  Soft breezes brought in smells of cheery blossoms mixed with fields of sweet peas with a hint of licorice wafting in ever so often.  The flowering bushes were abundant, never disappointing in their awakening dance, welcoming the warmth of the sun.  We could’ve pitched a tent and stayed for days but, alas, we are parents and have to be somewhat responsible.  Somewhat.

So back we went to reality.  Hmmph.  But it’s okay as we know that with every turn of the throttle, there will always be something new down those lonely dirt trails just waiting to be experienced.  Even traveling only 20 miles from home brings a new adventure every time.  Cheers to all.

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