Saturday, June 05, 2010

A Singing Heart and a Permagrin - IHG and Sadie

Sitting here drinking some coffee and watching it rain yet again. Glad I took a little putt on Sadie last night. Sadie you ask...how is it going with that?? Well I'm the type of person that if I haven't mastered something I start getting down about it. I've taken her on a few short trips. Nothing too extreme yet. Not sure why I had it in my head that I'd be riding cross country by now. Thank goodness for some pep talks from Di Green and LadyR. It's good to hear from women on riding their own and what they went through to get to superstar biker status. I've always had respect for bikers but now that I'm actually working on this riding my own thing that respect has grown a million percent. I can see why people like riding out in the middle of nowhere with no other traffic. Cage drivers that don't ride are poopstains!

There have been moments as I've been riding that have made my heart sing and have given me permagrin. The first was when I was shifting gears and getting out of 1st for the first time. FUN!!! I kept saying to myself...you are shifting gears woman...go...go...go! The second was my first biker wave. Dan said he laughed out loud when he saw me drop the wave to a fellow biker. He told me that he instantly thought...My chicks a biker now! I know, I know...don't write comments that I'm not a biker yet...that I need many more miles in the saddle. It is my philosophy that being a biker is in your soul. It's not something that you can just get. If I have to explain...blah, blah, blah.

So that's the latest on me and my pretty chrome horse, Sadie.

27 comments:

Hogman said...

Instead of the slogan"Ride it like you stole it!" you should consider a new one. "Ride it like you borrowed it" comes to mind. Be careful out there.

Rob said...

There is something about the biker wave that I love. There are always a few folks that don't return the wave but they will go to biker purgatory in the after life.....

Never Too Busy said...

I totally agree with your philosophy that being a biker is in your soul. I love bikes, everything about them, even though I've never ridden one (which will hopefully change soon).

Learning to Golf said...

All good things come in time. You were already a Biker Chick and now you're just making the transition to being a rider. Don't be in a rush and it will all fall into place.

Kathleen Jennette said...

LOL... you brought me back to my first memory of my first biker wave. I was so excited to do my first real wave....I threw my hand out after getting on the road to Cooks Corners and my hand went back like a kite on a string. Jeezzz....I was so embarrassed, I got the embarrass giggles and laughed all the way. I swear I almost pee'd my pants. I laugh now just thinking about it.
Just remember, take your time and you will find that each time you get on the bike it will be easier and come to you more natural as you progess. Just a little mommy here too from me--- do the biker wave only when you know you can take that hand off the handlebars safely. I don't always return my waves, I only do it when I feel safe.
Well little Momma! You are doing it!! Yaaayyyy!!!

Canajun said...

Take your time and it will come. Learning to ride (really ride - not just the mechanics of it) is NOT something you want to do through the school of hard knocks!
Good luck and enjoy the trip.

IHG said...

Hogman...that's a good motto for right now. I think my stole it days are a little ways ahead.

Rob...biker purgatory love it.

NTB...I hope you can realize your dream!

AHD...wow thanks on the Biker Chick comment! Thanks for the words of encouragement.

KT DID...I have so much respect for you and your words mean tons to me. Thanks for the momma advice and encouragement.

Canajun...thank you too for the encouragement. It really means a lot having seasoned riders give me advice.

Lady R (Di) said...

Being a biker is definitely in your soul... whether your riding up front or in the pillion position.

The passion for riding is either there or it isn't, and for you... your passion is going to get you past this learning curve. Being nervous just means you respect your machine and you know the risks involved. Smart.

Before you know it... you'll be a waving fool with a smile as wide as the Mississippi! Ride on sista!

Lady R (Di) said...

BTW... I love that you think I have superstar status. Your the only one! LOL!

Willy D said...

It’s all a state of mind. Get the mind right, the body will follow.

Ken said...

My girlfriend has been a passenger on my bike, but lately, she's been wanting to learn to ride.

Janet/Corn Dog said...

Steph! As others have said, you were a biker long before you owned your own bike :) Remember, every time you practice, that's a ride - you are RIDING, and whatever mistakes you think you might have made can be learned from and corrected the next time you go out. If we get a nice day soon, I would love to go out and about with you! I'll send you a text message so we can connect.

Hugs to you, hon, YOU CAN DO IT - you ARE doing it! Just enjoy!

Janet

Gary France said...

Take your time and enjoy it. Its far better to do it at your own pace that you feel comfortable with. Soon the waving will be second nature.

the rider said...

You are already a biker! Anyone who is involved in the lifestyle, our lifestyle, whether it be on the front saddle or the pillion is a biker and is already a special kind of person. Now that you are riding your own bike you will be enhancing your experience, go for it!

IHG said...

LadyR - Thanks, Thanks, and more Thanks!!! And you are a Superstar for more reasons then just riding your own scoot! :)

WillyD - Good advice there you ole road dog you!

Ken - You seem on the fence about her moving to the front. You'd probably miss those hugs you get when she rides back there. :)


Janet - I keep trying to tell myself that. Give me a shout, I'd love to get some pointers from you. You have Superstar Status just like LadyR!

Gary - Thanks for stopping by and for the advice. Best of luck on your journey through America!

The Rider - Ahhhhh shucks...thanks..are you still coming over next year for Sturgis?

boomer64 said...

When I bought my Heritage a couple years ago, there was a song playing on the radio..."Its a Great Day To be Alive" by Travis Tritt. Thats when I knew getting my Harley was right. The BIKER is always in you, you are just letting her out now that you have your own ride. Ride On and STAY SAFE!!

B.B. said...

Steph, I know this is late, but I just wanted to send you a big hug! I'm so happy for you. And girl, you were a biker long before you started to ride!

Kissy Lovestuff said...

...if anyone leaves a comment for you that says that you "are not a biker yet", please send them my way and i will deliver the slap they so badly deserve.

Helmetorheels said...

Perfect post for me to read today! I'm a newbie and thought that I would be riding the interstate by now. Lo and behold, not so! Thanks for sharing your story.

IHG said...

Boomer64 - Thanks for the words! And DUDE...you are in CR. How freaking cool!! A NATIVE!!! Hopefully we will meet on the road one of these days!

B.B. - Hugs back Sister! I've enjoyed your journey on Patience. You inspire me and I'm so happy that I met you through this wacky blogging group we have!

Kissy - It's a deal girl! Thanks for stopping by!!!

Helmetorheels - I hear you! I really thought I'd be a pro by now but dammit...it's been a slow going experience. I need my MOJO back!

boomer64 said...

Hey you never know where I will be on my Heritage, so stay tuned. I have my own goal of getting to the Canadien Rockies in the next few years, but its been a while since I rode. Just remember anything is possible if you have a positive attitude and put your mind to it. I sometimes ride over by DM anyways so you never ever know! Just Stay Safe and Ride on!!!

Eve said...

Hi Stephanie!
Welcome to being a rider! How exciting. I've been riding for 16 years but just got my first Harley this Feburary. I'm in LOVE! I'll be sure to keep track of your adventures. My blog isn't all about motorcycling but I'm going to try to do more...I do have a MY 883 IRON label on the side and my older bike My Katana is there too.
Great to meet you!

WooleyBugger said...

We all started out the same way Stephanie, some sooner some later but the results are just the same. Like the first time you took your solo ride on a bicycle without training wheels, it was awesome top of the world feeling you can't shake.

Karen's big bike dream blog said...

Hey Biker Sista! Your comments about traveling cross country and the biker wave cracked me up. Last summer at my MSF class, we were asked why we were there. I said that I wanted to ride to Yellowstone Park and back, by myself, before September. Haha, dead silence ensued. Yeah. This summer, I'll go with a group of women riders (Conga 3) and I won't be too exuberant with my wave. Come join us in Cheyenne 7/7-10... it would be great to meet you!

Unknown said...

Hey there, Stephanie! Keep it up, chica! You can totally do this, and its better that you take your time and be comfortable! I remember my first biker wave, too - think I got a little misty even! By the way, you and Sadie look great together! Keep on ridin'! ~Angie

IHG said...

Hi Angie...so great to hear from you. Thanks for the comment of encouragement. Hope you are having a great summer and are riding lots! :)

Mr. Motorcycle said...

In my mind you are a biker chick.