This weekend I took Lady Luck out for a couple of long(ish) rides. All in all, she probably got 80 miles in on the back of the VX. That's not bad for someone who hasn't developed the crucial everyday rider motorcycle-butt-resilience needed for maximum long distance comfort (and for anyone stuck on the back of the VX). Personally, I can go a couple hundred miles before my butt gets sore. But, like a runner training for a marathon, I put on at least 40 miles every day which keeps me in top form for long hauls.
Anyway, Lady Luck enjoys riding with me enough that she wants to ride a lot more. The VX isn't really intended for continuous two-up riding though. Well, unless you're the co-editors of "Vegan Boy" magazine, but let's get back to my story. Lady Luck and I stopped to get some breakfast, and she said the words every biker wants to hear "We should get you a new, bigger bike."
I tried to keep my poker face on, but it didn't work and I spent a few minutes doing the happy dance in the middle of a bewildered crowd of bagel-noshing suburbanites.
Well, if you'll excuse me, I've got to go start trying to decide what kind of bike to get.
Monday, October 31, 2005
Friday, October 28, 2005
Checking the oil is a good idea
Yesterday as I was on my way to lunch, I noticed my oil pressure and temp lights coming on when I braked moderately hard. At first I thought it must be an electrical gremlin, but I figured I'd better be safe and check the oil level.
I got to Auto Zone and checked the level. It was, shall we say, low. So, I went inside and bought a quart of oil, went out to the bike, realized I needed a funnel, went back in to see if they had a paper funnel, or just a funnel I could borrow. Nope. I bought a cheap funnel and went back out to the bike and started adding oil, keeping an eye on the oil-level window so I didn't over fill it. I kept adding oil, and adding oil, and adding oil..... and finally wound up adding more than a quart of oil.
Yikes.
So, I made a mental note to check my oil level much more frequently. The good news is I don't have a gremlin in my idiot lights (there's just an idiot sitting behind them most of the time).
I got to Auto Zone and checked the level. It was, shall we say, low. So, I went inside and bought a quart of oil, went out to the bike, realized I needed a funnel, went back in to see if they had a paper funnel, or just a funnel I could borrow. Nope. I bought a cheap funnel and went back out to the bike and started adding oil, keeping an eye on the oil-level window so I didn't over fill it. I kept adding oil, and adding oil, and adding oil..... and finally wound up adding more than a quart of oil.
Yikes.
So, I made a mental note to check my oil level much more frequently. The good news is I don't have a gremlin in my idiot lights (there's just an idiot sitting behind them most of the time).
Thursday, October 27, 2005
Finally.
I stumbled across this link on another site (www.somethingawful.com) this morning. It appears work-safe, but I'm not 100% sure on that. I only looked at the front page.
Some people might think it's a boring fetish (and they're probably right), but who cares because it involves smashing cell phones. What do you call 100 smashed cell phones? A good start.
http://www.smashmyphone.com/home.html
Some people might think it's a boring fetish (and they're probably right), but who cares because it involves smashing cell phones. What do you call 100 smashed cell phones? A good start.
http://www.smashmyphone.com/home.html
Cell-free Self-Reliance
I despise cell phones with a passion that borders on mania. In fact, I hate them almost as much as I hate SUVs. I think that cell phones breed insecurity. I don't mean a lack of self-esteem, I mean they increase people's fear of.... everything. Afraid you might get lost? Bring a cell phone. Afraid you could run out of gas or have some other roadside emergency? Bring a cell phone. Afraid you'll witness a group of terrorists harassing an old lady? That's why you have a cell phone.
Before I get too far into this, I should admit that I have a cell phone. It was given to me by my employer and is in all actuality a leash. I hate it. When I get a new job, the cell phone is history.
Back to my rant. Last night as I was riding home, I saw a dude crouched next to his bike on the side of the freeway. I pulled over to see if he needed help/tools/whatever. Then I noticed he was talking on his cellphone. He finally noticed I was there, and came over and told me he thought his tank was in the reserve, and he wasn't sure which way to turn the petcock to get it into the reserve.
Say WHAT? Now, I admit that if the valve wasn't marked (I've seen some aftermarket bits that don't have "ON" or "RES" markings), it could be a little confusing. But you've got a 50/50 chance of getting it right, bud. Turn the petcock and see what happens.
I wished him luck, and tried to send some good vibes his way (just because he's not too bright doesn't mean he doesn't deserve some compassion.) as I rode off again.
I believe that if he hadn't had a cell phone, he most likely would have made damn sure he knew how to operate this vital part of his bike. And that's the problem, having a cell phone seems to absolve you of needing to know ANYTHING. Instead of using your personal knowledge, you can just call someone to come rescue you.
Now, this is a big one to wrap your head around, but it's a simple concept: There is no security. Nothing is permanent, and anything can change at any time. You need to be able to take care of yourself. In fact, that's the only true security. And once you can take care of yourself, you'll realize that a cell phone is just another gadget that really does very little to improve the quality of your life.
Before I get too far into this, I should admit that I have a cell phone. It was given to me by my employer and is in all actuality a leash. I hate it. When I get a new job, the cell phone is history.
Back to my rant. Last night as I was riding home, I saw a dude crouched next to his bike on the side of the freeway. I pulled over to see if he needed help/tools/whatever. Then I noticed he was talking on his cellphone. He finally noticed I was there, and came over and told me he thought his tank was in the reserve, and he wasn't sure which way to turn the petcock to get it into the reserve.
Say WHAT? Now, I admit that if the valve wasn't marked (I've seen some aftermarket bits that don't have "ON" or "RES" markings), it could be a little confusing. But you've got a 50/50 chance of getting it right, bud. Turn the petcock and see what happens.
I wished him luck, and tried to send some good vibes his way (just because he's not too bright doesn't mean he doesn't deserve some compassion.) as I rode off again.
I believe that if he hadn't had a cell phone, he most likely would have made damn sure he knew how to operate this vital part of his bike. And that's the problem, having a cell phone seems to absolve you of needing to know ANYTHING. Instead of using your personal knowledge, you can just call someone to come rescue you.
Now, this is a big one to wrap your head around, but it's a simple concept: There is no security. Nothing is permanent, and anything can change at any time. You need to be able to take care of yourself. In fact, that's the only true security. And once you can take care of yourself, you'll realize that a cell phone is just another gadget that really does very little to improve the quality of your life.
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Things that stink.
One of the quips I frequently make to people talking about air-freshening materials (something that happens to me more often than most people could bear) is that if you don't like the way things smell on your bike, just wait a second and it'll change.
Except, of course, when it doesn't.
Powerful odors emanate from cars frequently. For example, all the potheads who somehow think no one will notice them smoking pot in their car WITH THEIR WINDOWS DOWN. Dumbasses.
But doobies, bad catalytic converters, burning rubber, burning oil, burning clutches, none of these odors hold a highly-scented candle to the hell I endured on my ride home last night.
Last night, I got cut off by a mini-van. That's infuriating enough, but then it hit me. The person (I think it was a woman) driving was wearing enough perfume to make me gag over the smell of other people's cars. Think about that for a second. I was going 50+ miles per hour, in the open-air, and the cloying stench of bad-driver was overwhelming me.
Think about how powerfully perfumed this individual must be in person. I felt bad for the passenger in the van. It's like something you would threaten your kids with. You know, "If you little shits don't behave, I'm going to make you hug auntie Hyacinth."
I nearly pulled over and stuck my nose in the gas tank to clear my palate, so to speak.
So thanks, stank-lady, for effectively demonstrating how personal aroma can be used to get ahead in the world. Now kindly remove yourself from my roadways.
Except, of course, when it doesn't.
Powerful odors emanate from cars frequently. For example, all the potheads who somehow think no one will notice them smoking pot in their car WITH THEIR WINDOWS DOWN. Dumbasses.
But doobies, bad catalytic converters, burning rubber, burning oil, burning clutches, none of these odors hold a highly-scented candle to the hell I endured on my ride home last night.
Last night, I got cut off by a mini-van. That's infuriating enough, but then it hit me. The person (I think it was a woman) driving was wearing enough perfume to make me gag over the smell of other people's cars. Think about that for a second. I was going 50+ miles per hour, in the open-air, and the cloying stench of bad-driver was overwhelming me.
Think about how powerfully perfumed this individual must be in person. I felt bad for the passenger in the van. It's like something you would threaten your kids with. You know, "If you little shits don't behave, I'm going to make you hug auntie Hyacinth."
I nearly pulled over and stuck my nose in the gas tank to clear my palate, so to speak.
So thanks, stank-lady, for effectively demonstrating how personal aroma can be used to get ahead in the world. Now kindly remove yourself from my roadways.
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Umbrella Girls for Everyone!
My vast mind was wandering yesterday, and I wound up thinking about the abundance of old-school motorcycle loyalists out there. I'm all for denim, leather and the multitude of opportunities presented by the color black as well as the tasty looks of old-school bobbers and flat-trackers, but that combination of clothing and vehicle tends to be a little warm.
You'd think with all the denim, leather, and black steel around that umbrella girls would be prevalent at any given motorcycle event. Sure, sure, there are always scantily-clad spokesmodels, hooters-girls and other eye candy, but frankly they don't help out a whole lot with keeping your average leather-clad rider comfortable at each stop on the poker run, or at bikini bike washes. Instead, our intrepid biker-type is left to stand and sweat in clothes intended for high-velocity use.
How did the motorcycle community overlook something so important? It's time to rise up, and demand umbrella girls at every motorcycle event, every intersection and every parking lot. Write to the owners of your favorite motorcycle shop and implore them to add this vital service to their business. Call the organizers of the next poker run and make sure they understand the importance of staying cool.
The riding season may be winding down for many people, but heat stroke is no laughing matter. Do your part, and support your local umbrella girl.
You'd think with all the denim, leather, and black steel around that umbrella girls would be prevalent at any given motorcycle event. Sure, sure, there are always scantily-clad spokesmodels, hooters-girls and other eye candy, but frankly they don't help out a whole lot with keeping your average leather-clad rider comfortable at each stop on the poker run, or at bikini bike washes. Instead, our intrepid biker-type is left to stand and sweat in clothes intended for high-velocity use.
How did the motorcycle community overlook something so important? It's time to rise up, and demand umbrella girls at every motorcycle event, every intersection and every parking lot. Write to the owners of your favorite motorcycle shop and implore them to add this vital service to their business. Call the organizers of the next poker run and make sure they understand the importance of staying cool.
The riding season may be winding down for many people, but heat stroke is no laughing matter. Do your part, and support your local umbrella girl.
Monday, October 24, 2005
Another Weekend Down...
This weekend I was successful in my quest to get pizza, but I didn't get to go anywhere new. I also got about 70 miles of riding in when I went across Phoenix for an auction. I didn't buy anything, but I had a pretty good time talking to the people there. And any excuse to ride at high speeds for a long time is a good one. I rode another 40 miles with Lady Luck on Sunday night.
Apparently she doesn't like going as fast on the freeways as I do. Oops!
So, I don't have much else to tell you today. Instead, I'd like to draw attention to a couple of blogs who are kind enough to link here.
Gymi's Place - Motorcycles and Motorcycle Painting. Nice!
Still Life with Cranston Richie - Like me, this guy has too many projects. And some pretty pictures of motorcycles.
General Discontent - This is a new blog, and I'm keeping an eye on it to see how it'll turn out. Der General has a pretty slick bike.
Caractacus rides again - What the heck? Not a single mention of motorcycles? Another new blog. Will it use it's powers for good? Time will tell.
Positive Ape Index - Take a peek inside the mind of Coop! His updates are always entertaining. Buy some of his stuff.
Apparently she doesn't like going as fast on the freeways as I do. Oops!
So, I don't have much else to tell you today. Instead, I'd like to draw attention to a couple of blogs who are kind enough to link here.
Gymi's Place - Motorcycles and Motorcycle Painting. Nice!
Still Life with Cranston Richie - Like me, this guy has too many projects. And some pretty pictures of motorcycles.
General Discontent - This is a new blog, and I'm keeping an eye on it to see how it'll turn out. Der General has a pretty slick bike.
Caractacus rides again - What the heck? Not a single mention of motorcycles? Another new blog. Will it use it's powers for good? Time will tell.
Positive Ape Index - Take a peek inside the mind of Coop! His updates are always entertaining. Buy some of his stuff.
Friday, October 21, 2005
Smoked!
I know what you've been thinking lately: "Hey, Lucky, less of the motivation, more of the funny stories!!" Here's an amusing anecdote for you.
On my way home last night I was stopped at a stoplight, noticing that I seemed to be in a less-affluent neighborhood. That doesn't bother me, because I'm far from wealthy. Anyways, I start paying more attention than I probably should have to the people who appeared to live in the area. They weren't up to much, but they were a lot more interesting than the red light and the squat, old buildings. Just before the light turned green, I noticed a dude on his bicycle riding by on my right. I was like "right on, bicycle-commuter-man!"
The light turned green and ***FLASH*** a black streak making minimal noise zipped by me, in my lane, on my right. It took me a second to realize that I had just been smoked by a SCOOTER. My first thought was "You dick!" My next thought was "You glorious, sneaky BASTARD!"
When we got to the next stoplight, I pulled over into the left lane, and left some room for scooter-kid to get in. Apparently he was turning right, so he didn't come over. And that's when I heard all this Star-Wars-Robot-like booping, whistling and wooping coming from the lane next to me. At first I thought it was a car alarm being turned off or something (lots of parking lots nearby). Nope, as he turned the corner, I realized it was the scooter kid. He was looking back and apparently really trying to get my attention.
Did he recognize me as the man behind The Great Motorcycle Pizza Tour somehow, or did he just want to talk smack? Well, if you're out there, scooter-kid on University in Mesa, I am thoroughly amused. I laughed the whole way home about getting outrun by some punk on a scooter.
On my way home last night I was stopped at a stoplight, noticing that I seemed to be in a less-affluent neighborhood. That doesn't bother me, because I'm far from wealthy. Anyways, I start paying more attention than I probably should have to the people who appeared to live in the area. They weren't up to much, but they were a lot more interesting than the red light and the squat, old buildings. Just before the light turned green, I noticed a dude on his bicycle riding by on my right. I was like "right on, bicycle-commuter-man!"
The light turned green and ***FLASH*** a black streak making minimal noise zipped by me, in my lane, on my right. It took me a second to realize that I had just been smoked by a SCOOTER. My first thought was "You dick!" My next thought was "You glorious, sneaky BASTARD!"
When we got to the next stoplight, I pulled over into the left lane, and left some room for scooter-kid to get in. Apparently he was turning right, so he didn't come over. And that's when I heard all this Star-Wars-Robot-like booping, whistling and wooping coming from the lane next to me. At first I thought it was a car alarm being turned off or something (lots of parking lots nearby). Nope, as he turned the corner, I realized it was the scooter kid. He was looking back and apparently really trying to get my attention.
Did he recognize me as the man behind The Great Motorcycle Pizza Tour somehow, or did he just want to talk smack? Well, if you're out there, scooter-kid on University in Mesa, I am thoroughly amused. I laughed the whole way home about getting outrun by some punk on a scooter.
Thursday, October 20, 2005
Little Kids Get It.
I should preface this by stating that kids scare the hell out of me.
I always end up chuckling when I hear little kids yelling some variant of "Look mom, a motorcycle!" And I usually end up laughing out loud when their mom says something like "Yeah, great."
Little kids seem to be the best at appreciating how things that are out of the ordinary are good. Open wonder and curiosity should be reinforced and encouraged as kids grow up, but somehow it gets drilled out of most people.
There's a lot more to life than going to work, watching TV, and buying the latest thing that's getting hyped right now. Go out and learn something just for the shit crazy joy of knowing something you didn't know before. You never know what might happen. These guys made their own Austin Healy engines, that ran, after learning how to cast aluminum.
Anyway, I'll probably always have a soft spot for kids who get excited when they see a motorcycle. Probably because I'm usually only a breath away from yelling "Look, a motorcycle!" every time I see one.
I always end up chuckling when I hear little kids yelling some variant of "Look mom, a motorcycle!" And I usually end up laughing out loud when their mom says something like "Yeah, great."
Little kids seem to be the best at appreciating how things that are out of the ordinary are good. Open wonder and curiosity should be reinforced and encouraged as kids grow up, but somehow it gets drilled out of most people.
There's a lot more to life than going to work, watching TV, and buying the latest thing that's getting hyped right now. Go out and learn something just for the shit crazy joy of knowing something you didn't know before. You never know what might happen. These guys made their own Austin Healy engines, that ran, after learning how to cast aluminum.
Anyway, I'll probably always have a soft spot for kids who get excited when they see a motorcycle. Probably because I'm usually only a breath away from yelling "Look, a motorcycle!" every time I see one.
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Still going
So, my bike still hasn't broken down. What the hell?
I found myself checking out an ad on Craigslist for a 1971 Yamaha HT1 for $100. No spark, but supposedly good compression and low mileage. Mmmm, unusual, old and in need of repair. I bet it would look great as a cafe racer...
I had to turn away from the computer and repeat "I do not need another project" to myself about 100 times before I calmed down.
So, instead of doing that, I guess I'll focus on giving the VX a full tune-up and making sure there aren't any other idiotic problems hiding somewhere waiting to bite me. I hear changing the sparkplugs on the VX is a special joy. I wonder if it'll be worse than the time I changed the sparkplugs on the Nissan 200sx I used to own. That was one of those "one hour job turns into all day ordeal" kind of projects.
At least there are only two plugs on the VX. There were 8 on the Nissan.
I found myself checking out an ad on Craigslist for a 1971 Yamaha HT1 for $100. No spark, but supposedly good compression and low mileage. Mmmm, unusual, old and in need of repair. I bet it would look great as a cafe racer...
I had to turn away from the computer and repeat "I do not need another project" to myself about 100 times before I calmed down.
So, instead of doing that, I guess I'll focus on giving the VX a full tune-up and making sure there aren't any other idiotic problems hiding somewhere waiting to bite me. I hear changing the sparkplugs on the VX is a special joy. I wonder if it'll be worse than the time I changed the sparkplugs on the Nissan 200sx I used to own. That was one of those "one hour job turns into all day ordeal" kind of projects.
At least there are only two plugs on the VX. There were 8 on the Nissan.
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
It's not that hard...
Hey, I got to ride through some inclement weather on my way home last night. That was awesome!
For some forgotten (but very, very dumb) reason, I decided to take the surface roads home instead of the freeway. I started to get a little nervous after the THIRD consecutive intersection where I heard someone skidding as they tried to stop.
Ok, now, I understand that rain is odd in the desert, and I understand that most people on the road are about as sharp as a bowling ball. But here's the deal: when the road is wet, start slowing down sooner. It's pretty easy.
What pains me is knowing that the people who probably need to read that, don't read this blog.
For some forgotten (but very, very dumb) reason, I decided to take the surface roads home instead of the freeway. I started to get a little nervous after the THIRD consecutive intersection where I heard someone skidding as they tried to stop.
Ok, now, I understand that rain is odd in the desert, and I understand that most people on the road are about as sharp as a bowling ball. But here's the deal: when the road is wet, start slowing down sooner. It's pretty easy.
What pains me is knowing that the people who probably need to read that, don't read this blog.
Monday, October 17, 2005
And the new week begins...
Well, this morning I was feeling well enough to ride again, and was getting my gear on when I heard it start raining. That seemed familiar.
Naturally, I still rode in to work. True to form, the rain stopped seconds after it started.
Alas, I was too busy being sick this weekend to come up with any clever motorcycling thoughts for today. I was also too busy being sick to eat pizza, which was a drag. On the other hand, I DID get to sleep all day on Saturday.
I need to be more careful what I wish for.
Naturally, I still rode in to work. True to form, the rain stopped seconds after it started.
Alas, I was too busy being sick this weekend to come up with any clever motorcycling thoughts for today. I was also too busy being sick to eat pizza, which was a drag. On the other hand, I DID get to sleep all day on Saturday.
I need to be more careful what I wish for.
Saturday, October 15, 2005
No, this week will never end.
I came down with the goddamn stomach flu. Apart from doing horrible things you don't want to hear about approximately once an hour, I feel great. Which means I'm free to sit around and think "Gosh, today would be a nice day for a ride." And "Why do I always get sick on WEEKENDS?"
Friday, October 14, 2005
Will this week ever end?
Tomorrow, I am planning on sleeping in until 4 or 5 o'clock in the afternoon. Then, I would like to get up, have a slice or two of cold pizza, and go straight back to bed.
I think I might have come across a little more harshly than I intended yesterday. Obviously, I don't expect everyone to be insane like me and ride through a Phoenix summer. No, the people who really bug me are the ones who won't ride if the bike is dirty, if the weather isn't 100%, if they don't have their fringed "lifestyle wear", and if no one is going to see them.
I'm sure there are one or two really great, down-to-earth folks who only ride every so often, and happen to enjoy looking like they stepped out of a Judas Priest video while they're doing it. I sincerely hope that I get to meet someone like that eventually, because Judas Priest rocks. Both literally, and in the ironic hipster "it's funny because they're cheesy" sense. Hey, Rob Halford lives in Phoenix, doesn't he? Maybe I'll bump into him.
In other news, Baldy-Beard and Bo are having a baby. Like, today. You may send your well-wishes for them to me, I'll pass them on.
Baldy-Beard met Bo at the hospital last night, and he asked me if I'd take the scooter home for him. So, I've got his scooter in my garage again. I wonder if the Vino and the VX were comparing notes last night.....
I think I might have come across a little more harshly than I intended yesterday. Obviously, I don't expect everyone to be insane like me and ride through a Phoenix summer. No, the people who really bug me are the ones who won't ride if the bike is dirty, if the weather isn't 100%, if they don't have their fringed "lifestyle wear", and if no one is going to see them.
I'm sure there are one or two really great, down-to-earth folks who only ride every so often, and happen to enjoy looking like they stepped out of a Judas Priest video while they're doing it. I sincerely hope that I get to meet someone like that eventually, because Judas Priest rocks. Both literally, and in the ironic hipster "it's funny because they're cheesy" sense. Hey, Rob Halford lives in Phoenix, doesn't he? Maybe I'll bump into him.
In other news, Baldy-Beard and Bo are having a baby. Like, today. You may send your well-wishes for them to me, I'll pass them on.
Baldy-Beard met Bo at the hospital last night, and he asked me if I'd take the scooter home for him. So, I've got his scooter in my garage again. I wonder if the Vino and the VX were comparing notes last night.....
Thursday, October 13, 2005
Get offa my road!
Now that the weather is nice, there's a whole lot of bikes out on the road. Where were all these people this summer? I'll tell ya where: driving in their air conditioned, leather seated, pristine SUVs. They don't wave, they wear fringed jackets and those stupid shorty helmets that no one except a scooter kid should ever wear and they piss me off.
The whole POINT of riding is that you're out in the weather (that, and getting your knee down is awfully fun sometimes). It follows that you would ride whatever the weather. The Norwegians (or Swedes, or Danes, or one of those nordic peoples) have a saying along the lines of "There is no bad weather, only bad clothing."
I think they were talking about fringed gauntlet riding gloves that match your saddlebags.
In other news, this morning I saw another hot air balloon. It had a HUGE advertisement for a fast food chain on it. See? I told you they were insidious and to be feared.
The whole POINT of riding is that you're out in the weather (that, and getting your knee down is awfully fun sometimes). It follows that you would ride whatever the weather. The Norwegians (or Swedes, or Danes, or one of those nordic peoples) have a saying along the lines of "There is no bad weather, only bad clothing."
I think they were talking about fringed gauntlet riding gloves that match your saddlebags.
In other news, this morning I saw another hot air balloon. It had a HUGE advertisement for a fast food chain on it. See? I told you they were insidious and to be feared.
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Nifty idea!
These guys bake the pizza as they're delivering it to you. I wonder if the pizza is any good.
Getting Chilly!
It's starting to be cold in the morning. Not COLD cold, but cold enough for me to decide it's time to haul out one of my flannel shirts for the ride to work tomorrow. I guess the time has come to start shopping for a decent leather jacket to wear this winter.
Anyway, the important thing is for me to remember that even though my ride can get chilly, at least I don't live somewhere frozen where I can't ride all winter. And now, if you'll excuse me, I have to plan out all the photos of my motorcycle and my t-shirted self that I'm going to have to take this winter and post for the benefit of my nordic friends.
Yes, I'm a dick.
Anyway, the important thing is for me to remember that even though my ride can get chilly, at least I don't live somewhere frozen where I can't ride all winter. And now, if you'll excuse me, I have to plan out all the photos of my motorcycle and my t-shirted self that I'm going to have to take this winter and post for the benefit of my nordic friends.
Yes, I'm a dick.
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
A bit more about The Great Motorcycle Pizza Tour
I’ve been thinking about how I can pull off a tour around the
One of the places that has been suggested to me is “Outback Pizza” in
I’ve had a couple other places recommended to me in
Of course, there's always the possibility of a quick weekend jaunt to So-Cal. Decisions, decisions...
Monday, October 10, 2005
Concerning Gangs of Hot Air Balloonists
I had a post all worked out for this morning, but something more important came up. As I was riding in this morning, I spotted 4 hot air balloons flying over head. I thought to myself, "Why are people so afraid of groups of motorcycles and not afraid of groups of hot air balloons?"
Personally, I'd be more worried about a gang of hot air balloons. Think about it, if it's night time and you're out in a remote area, you'd never know if there was a group of black hot air balloons tracking you. At least you can hear a group of motorcycles coming. Hot air balloons are like the ninjas of the sky. One could drop down in front of you, block the road off, and before you had time to understand what you were seeing there'd be a hoard of unruly hot air balloonists dropping out of the sky, robbing you blind, beating your wife and children, and molesting your golden retriever. And then when they are done with you, they're off and back up in the sky.
Think about that the next time you see a group of hot air balloons and start to smile, thinking of an inspirational poster you once saw. Maybe you should write to Successories and tell them you want to see more motorcycles, and fewer hot air balloons.
Personally, I'd be more worried about a gang of hot air balloons. Think about it, if it's night time and you're out in a remote area, you'd never know if there was a group of black hot air balloons tracking you. At least you can hear a group of motorcycles coming. Hot air balloons are like the ninjas of the sky. One could drop down in front of you, block the road off, and before you had time to understand what you were seeing there'd be a hoard of unruly hot air balloonists dropping out of the sky, robbing you blind, beating your wife and children, and molesting your golden retriever. And then when they are done with you, they're off and back up in the sky.
Think about that the next time you see a group of hot air balloons and start to smile, thinking of an inspirational poster you once saw. Maybe you should write to Successories and tell them you want to see more motorcycles, and fewer hot air balloons.
Friday, October 07, 2005
YOWCH!
My ride to work involves going through road construction. A lot of it. Thanks to the brilliance of the city's planning team, there isn't a single route I can take without construction on it.
Anyway, the road is pretty beat up, and has been down to 2 lanes (from 4) for a while. Now it's mostly open again, which means free and easy riding. Except, some how they managed to include a great big bump in the middle of one of the intersections. It's sudden, and it's fairly big.
At lunch yesterday, I hit it at around 55 mph, and discovered that my kidneys taste kind of funny. I learn pretty quick, so I stood up a bit in that intersection when I was going home from work. Apparently, I didn't stand up enough and KERR-POW!!! The seat of the VX smacked straight into my nuts. If it had hit me much harder I probably would have dumped it, curled up in the road and waited for some moron in an SUV to put me out of my misery.
Note to self - slow down in that intersection.
On to more important topics, I've gotten a couple suggestions for pizza places. Keep them coming! Don't be shy!
Anyway, the road is pretty beat up, and has been down to 2 lanes (from 4) for a while. Now it's mostly open again, which means free and easy riding. Except, some how they managed to include a great big bump in the middle of one of the intersections. It's sudden, and it's fairly big.
At lunch yesterday, I hit it at around 55 mph, and discovered that my kidneys taste kind of funny. I learn pretty quick, so I stood up a bit in that intersection when I was going home from work. Apparently, I didn't stand up enough and KERR-POW!!! The seat of the VX smacked straight into my nuts. If it had hit me much harder I probably would have dumped it, curled up in the road and waited for some moron in an SUV to put me out of my misery.
Note to self - slow down in that intersection.
On to more important topics, I've gotten a couple suggestions for pizza places. Keep them coming! Don't be shy!
Thursday, October 06, 2005
The planning begins
Well, I've got a running motorcycle, and a guide to motorcycle touring, which means it's time to get in way over my head. It's time to start putting more emphasis on "tour" (and "pizza," don't worry) in The Great Motorcycle Pizza Tour.
That means I've got to start planning where the hell I'm going to go. As much fun as merely wandering the country would be, I think that it would be good to have a general agenda of where I'm going. After all, I don't want to continually eat crap pizza on my tour.
So, here's what I need from you: Tell me where to go. Here are my rules for determining the fitness of a particular pizza place.
What I need to know is the Pizza Place, City, and the entertaining route to get to it (if you have one. Otherwise, I'll just figure out my own.). Colorful descriptions of why I should go there are appreciated.
Tell your friends in other cities to come here and recommend a pizza place. Tell me about places that you remember being awesome (esp. if they're still in business). Tell me about the local place that rocks. You can leave a comment, or email me directly using the link on the left.
I'll keep you all updated on how my plan is progressing.
That means I've got to start planning where the hell I'm going to go. As much fun as merely wandering the country would be, I think that it would be good to have a general agenda of where I'm going. After all, I don't want to continually eat crap pizza on my tour.
So, here's what I need from you: Tell me where to go. Here are my rules for determining the fitness of a particular pizza place.
What I need to know is the Pizza Place, City, and the entertaining route to get to it (if you have one. Otherwise, I'll just figure out my own.). Colorful descriptions of why I should go there are appreciated.
Tell your friends in other cities to come here and recommend a pizza place. Tell me about places that you remember being awesome (esp. if they're still in business). Tell me about the local place that rocks. You can leave a comment, or email me directly using the link on the left.
I'll keep you all updated on how my plan is progressing.
Pretty Pictures
Lady Luck and I went to Sedona on Monday. Photos never do the red rocks justice, but they're nice all the same.
There is a lot of good riding in this area. If you ride through, be sure to stop and take a look around now and then. Ignore the tourist crap (unless you like tourist crap), go out and hike for a while.
There is a lot of good riding in this area. If you ride through, be sure to stop and take a look around now and then. Ignore the tourist crap (unless you like tourist crap), go out and hike for a while.
Cathedral Rock
Oak Creek
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
Sticks and Stones
Last night as I was riding home a rather large rock hurled itself into my leg. I was hoping I'd get a cool bruise, but no such luck. I don't know how fast the rock was moving towards me (too fast to dodge), but I know that I smacked into it going around 70 mph.
That totally sucked.
It left me wondering what the problem is with people who ride in shorts and flip flops. Do they just love being in pain? Has life been so gentle to them that they need some scars? Perhaps they just want to inflict their poor fashion sense on other motorists.
When I was in high school, I rode a motorcycle in shorts once. It lasted about 5 minutes before I noticed that the motor was kicking off a lot of heat, and that I didn't really like having rocks, bugs and whatever else was in my vicinity crashing into my legs. After that, I wore jeans just because they were more comfortable.
Really, it amazes me the lengths people will go to in order to pose.
That totally sucked.
It left me wondering what the problem is with people who ride in shorts and flip flops. Do they just love being in pain? Has life been so gentle to them that they need some scars? Perhaps they just want to inflict their poor fashion sense on other motorists.
When I was in high school, I rode a motorcycle in shorts once. It lasted about 5 minutes before I noticed that the motor was kicking off a lot of heat, and that I didn't really like having rocks, bugs and whatever else was in my vicinity crashing into my legs. After that, I wore jeans just because they were more comfortable.
Really, it amazes me the lengths people will go to in order to pose.
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
Just my two cents
See if you can spot the problem.
If you guessed that the problem is that a Domino's pizza got rave reviews, you'd be right! Also, real men don't ruin a perfectly good steak by putting it on a pizza, nor (stay with me) do real men ruin a perfectly good (ignoring the fact that it's DOMINO'S) pizza by putting steak on it.
Is everybody dumb?
***UPDATE 10/7 - Well, I'm an idiot. There were no rave reviews in there. I misread something. My only excuse is that I was tired. I got all worked up over nothing. ***
On to the next topic, I'd like to meet this guy.
Imagine getting this news if it was your favorite pizza place.
Another guy I'd like to meet.
And for something different, this sounds retarded. I can't wait to see it.
If you guessed that the problem is that a Domino's pizza got rave reviews, you'd be right! Also, real men don't ruin a perfectly good steak by putting it on a pizza, nor (stay with me) do real men ruin a perfectly good (ignoring the fact that it's DOMINO'S) pizza by putting steak on it.
Is everybody dumb?
***UPDATE 10/7 - Well, I'm an idiot. There were no rave reviews in there. I misread something. My only excuse is that I was tired. I got all worked up over nothing. ***
On to the next topic, I'd like to meet this guy.
Imagine getting this news if it was your favorite pizza place.
Another guy I'd like to meet.
And for something different, this sounds retarded. I can't wait to see it.
Monday, October 03, 2005
Pier 49 Pizza semi-official review
So I tried a new pizza place yseterday. It turns out that they're a franchise, but they're not a big one (at least, outside of Utah...). Sorry, no pictures today. Imagine a brand new strip mall, complete with a not-yet-functional fountain out front that has a road cone in it, instead of water.
Anyway, the place was Pier 49 Pizza.
The Posse was Lady Luck and me.
The pie was the Ghiradelli, which is Pineapple and Canadian Bacon. You'd think a "Ghiradelli" pizza would be more of a dessert item, but you'd be horribly horribly wrong.
Lady Luck noticed this place recently, and demanded that I take her. Never one to let opportunity slide by, we hopped on the VX and departed immediately. The ride was pretty cool. We took Rio Salado Pkwy to Priest Drive. Rio Salado and Priest, in the area I was riding in, are two of the "fun roads" I was talking about recently. They're curvy, they're hilly, and they're close to home.
Now, to the pizza -
The Crust - Damn good. Probably the best part of the pizza, which should be expected since Pier 49 advertises their "Sourdough Pizza." A solid 4 Crying Luckies.
The Sauce - Also pretty damn good. Very herby. Oregano was the prominent herb, but I swear I could taste sage and thyme in there as well. Needed pepper, in my opinion, but a very respectable sauce all the same. 3.5 Crying Luckies.
The Toppings - Yep, they were good. Smoky canadian bacon, big ol' pineapple chunks, respectable cheese. I wished the cheese had been browned a bit more, but it was still mighty fine. 3 Crying Luckies.
The Ambience - Best Described as Strip Mall Whimsical. Obviously, they wanted it to look like San Francisco, but in a totally non-threatening, homogenized way. There were no visible tattoos, mohawks or GWAR fans present. On the other hand, the staff was nice without being annoying. 3 Crying Luckies.
Overall, this is the kind of place I'd take co-workers who are deathly afraid of mom-n-pop restaurants. It's promises good food in an entirely unintimidating package. The pizza was good enough that I could look past the cheesy decorating, and the ride was very fun compared to the usual Phoenix grind.
Anyway, the place was Pier 49 Pizza.
The Posse was Lady Luck and me.
The pie was the Ghiradelli, which is Pineapple and Canadian Bacon. You'd think a "Ghiradelli" pizza would be more of a dessert item, but you'd be horribly horribly wrong.
Lady Luck noticed this place recently, and demanded that I take her. Never one to let opportunity slide by, we hopped on the VX and departed immediately. The ride was pretty cool. We took Rio Salado Pkwy to Priest Drive. Rio Salado and Priest, in the area I was riding in, are two of the "fun roads" I was talking about recently. They're curvy, they're hilly, and they're close to home.
Now, to the pizza -
The Crust - Damn good. Probably the best part of the pizza, which should be expected since Pier 49 advertises their "Sourdough Pizza." A solid 4 Crying Luckies.
The Sauce - Also pretty damn good. Very herby. Oregano was the prominent herb, but I swear I could taste sage and thyme in there as well. Needed pepper, in my opinion, but a very respectable sauce all the same. 3.5 Crying Luckies.
The Toppings - Yep, they were good. Smoky canadian bacon, big ol' pineapple chunks, respectable cheese. I wished the cheese had been browned a bit more, but it was still mighty fine. 3 Crying Luckies.
The Ambience - Best Described as Strip Mall Whimsical. Obviously, they wanted it to look like San Francisco, but in a totally non-threatening, homogenized way. There were no visible tattoos, mohawks or GWAR fans present. On the other hand, the staff was nice without being annoying. 3 Crying Luckies.
Overall, this is the kind of place I'd take co-workers who are deathly afraid of mom-n-pop restaurants. It's promises good food in an entirely unintimidating package. The pizza was good enough that I could look past the cheesy decorating, and the ride was very fun compared to the usual Phoenix grind.
Sunday, October 02, 2005
Favorite Blocks
I think every rider in Phoenix has a few favorite local roads tucked away in the deeper corners of their brain, saved for emergencies. Overall, the roads in Phoenix are boring as hell. A perfect grid makes for easy navigation, but minimal wahoo.
There are a few roads, sprinkled here and there, that are kind of interesting. It's usually a block or less but for five seconds you can get a little road carving in, which can spice an otherwise dull ride up.
Near my humble abode, there is a hotel/convention center kind of place that has the most delightfully twisty road through it. It's only a block long, tops, but if you can get in there when no cars are around (surprisingly often) you'll have a huge grin by the time you get to the stop sign at the end.
Today, I discovered a new road near where I work that has two long curves in it. Again, it's less than half a mile, but desert rats can't be picky about where they get their thrills.
Anyone have a favorite block they want to share?
There are a few roads, sprinkled here and there, that are kind of interesting. It's usually a block or less but for five seconds you can get a little road carving in, which can spice an otherwise dull ride up.
Near my humble abode, there is a hotel/convention center kind of place that has the most delightfully twisty road through it. It's only a block long, tops, but if you can get in there when no cars are around (surprisingly often) you'll have a huge grin by the time you get to the stop sign at the end.
Today, I discovered a new road near where I work that has two long curves in it. Again, it's less than half a mile, but desert rats can't be picky about where they get their thrills.
Anyone have a favorite block they want to share?
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