Memorial Day

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Got Screwed on My Ride Today

I picked up a screw on my ride today. There is no telling when I picked it up, or where, but I discovered it about 50 miles from home.

I was with my buddy, Brad, and decided I could get it home, and he decided to follow me. I started to ride, and it felt fine, at first. But, as I continued, it just felt a little "squishy" in the back, like the tire wasn't making good contact. It was misting out, but I have ridden in the rain and it felt different, so I decided to stop. Fortunately, Brad had a patch kit, and for the low, low price of a half-gallon of diet iced tea, I was up and running like it never happened.

Then, we were off and riding, again, trying to beat the worst of the rain. But, if there's one thing I know about riding with Brad, it's that it's going to rain and we're going to get wet. Every. Single. Time.

Barrick's Oliver Museum

Took a run out to Barrick's Oliver Museum in Newville, PA. It's an interesting museum/graveyard for some pretty cool stuff.

BullHawg Sammiches & Dirt Roads

Went for a ride with my buddy, Brad, to get a Bullhawg Sammich from the Frontier Barbeque in Fairfield, PA. It's old-school Barbeque and they start making it early, so that by the time we got there, it's just an all out OM NOM NOM Fest.

If you go, bring cash (they don't take plastic) and know it's also okay to bring a firearm.

On the way home, find some dirt!

Susquehanna Spring

I took a ride along the Susquehanna River. It's beautiful this time of year, with Spring just beginning. I started by heading up to the Carsonville Hotel. Carsonville is a bit of a misnomer because it's really just the hotel/inn and about ten houses. Still, there are some great roads up that way.

There's a pretty park in Millersburg, PA. It's always a good place to stop and stretch, and also get a couple of snaps. There is also a ferry to cross the river there, but it will have to wait for next time.

I got home, let the bike cool off, then gave it a bath and lubed the chain. Good times.

Rener Gracie Seminar

I went to a Rener Gracie seminar in Baltimore last night at Baltimore City Gracie Jiu Jitsu. I rode down with my coaches, Dave and Monica from my school, Harrisburg Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as well as fellow students, Holly and Rick. Not knowing what to expect, it was good to be able to ask them what it might be like, and what to look for as the seminar unfolded.

Rener taught us moves from the guard, and it was, in a word, incredible. I am only a one-stripe white belt, so I REALLY wish I had a broader range of knowledge to build on what he was teaching. A large part of it focused on transitioning from "obvious" moves to surprising the opponent when they react to defend based on that assumption. I really liked the way he taught the technique, but also explained the theory behind the moves. Rener's passion for Jiu Jitsu clearly shines through, and he took time with every single person in the gym. And, he gave us tools that we can carry forward for the rest of our Jiu Jitsu journey.

The entire experience, like Jiu Jitsu itself, is its own koan: "I learned so much. I have so much to learn."

Top 10 Signs You Might Be Getting Better at Jiu Jitsu - A New White Belt's Guide

10. There is an area of your house designated for drying your gear. It looks like something out of West Side Story.

9. You've used the phrase, "This one time, at Jiu Jitsu camp..."

8. You used to wonder "What the hell just happened" every time someone passed your guard and now you wonder "How the hell did he/she do that" every time. And, you know there is a difference between these two sentences.

7. Coach knows your name. Kidding. That doesn't happen until blue belt.

6. You have a move. And, this one time, when you were rolling, it worked!

5. North-south used to inspire a Luke-and-Leia-in-the-trash-compactor-OHMYGODWEAREGONNADIE-like-panic, and now you find that the tiny pinpoint of light as the darkness closes in is a sign you can still breathe.

4. You know a kimura is not a Japanese robe. You don't yet know what it is, but you know what it isn't.

3. Your belt wraps around a little farther, now. And your other belts are one notch smaller, too. Yet, for some reason, that caribou you ate for lunch didn't fill you up.

2. They call someone with the same name as you to come get your first stripe, then you wonder why everyone in the class is looking at you, then you realize that name IS your name.

1. Instead of your body being one gigantic bruise, it's now an interconnected network of medium-sized bruises.

Ready to Ride?

Let's just say It's been a rough motorcycling off-season. I broke my hand in jiu jitsu, which, apparently, really hampers the clutch action (probably could have ridden if it was my right hand - who needs brakes, anyway?).

It used to be they'd put a full cast on, or even think about surgery for a break like this, but now they put you in a relatively simple brace and just let it heal naturally for 4-5 weeks.

And, while the weather in Pennsylvania has been relatively mild, it did drop off a bit just as I was getting some mobility in my hand.

Still, as sure as the sun comes up, the weather begins to warm, if ever so slightly, the snow begins to melt, and riding season approaches. Get on your bikes and ride...

Uncovered Ride - Look What I Found

I was going through some pictures from last year and found these snaps from a ride I took at the end of Fall. It was a great ride, but then they all are.

I took an old bicycling route down through Boiling Springs, PA, one of my favorite places in the state of Pennsylvania.

Boiling Springs is a charming town with a great restaurant, coffee shop, duck pond, and fly fishing shop, set on a naturally spring-fed lake. It holds trout and ducks, and is nice place to just walk around.

I rode down to Michaux State Forest, outside of Mt. Holly Springs, PA.

I found some dirt roads and decided to check them out. FUN!

There is so much beauty in this state.

I AM smiling!

Winter Riding

Twenty-five degrees for one hour might be the limit of my endurance for cold weather riding. I enjoyed how crisp and clear everything was, but unfortunately came back to fork seal fluid all over my front tire and left boot. Before I bought the bike, it sat for three and a half years, getting only 1800 miles of use. I am guessing that sort of thing tends to dry out parts that should be more elastic.

I ended up needing pretty much every jacket in the packet. 

Ruh-Roh! I Think We Have a Problem

I noticed a strong gas smell when I walked into the garage last night. My first thought was that it was coming from the Ducati. A quick sniff-test and closer inspection revealed what I feared. There was gasoline on the side of the bike, and it appeared it was dripping down from behind the fairing onto the frame.

Now, I am no expert, but I know enough to know that leaking fuel on a motorcycle engine (or any engine, really) is NOT a good thing. Let's just say we'd like to avoid any infernal entanglements. 

I took the seats off and it appears the culprit appears to be where this hose goes into the fuel tank. 

Again, not being a mechanic, I went to the trusty, rusty Intarwebz and found that this is the fuel sensor. And, apparently, this leak is a not-uncommon problem for the Multistrada

Now, it's off to the Intarwebz to see what's to be done...

Exploration

One of my favorite things about riding is the lack of agenda it usually has. I see roads that, when I've been in the car, I've asked myself, "I wonder where that road goes?" When I am riding, I get to answer that question. It just never seems worth it to explore in the cage in the same that it does on two wheels.

Similarly, I stop to take a look at things a lot when I am riding. I never even think to do that when I am in the car, much less do it.

Autumnal Joy

Sometimes, you just have to get out and ride...

...and ride...

...and ride.

Know what I mean, jellybean?

Shoei - New Helmet & Visor

A couple of months ago, I was looking for a part for my helmet, and was surprised when the dealership from whom I bought it informed me the helmet was more than 5 years old. Apparently, the common guideline is to pick up a new one every five years because riding, dinging, sun, and general use lead to a breakdown that, after the half-decade mark, renders the melon shield less protective than the day you buy it.

So, off I went to try on lids. I bought a new helmet after trying on dozens of brands and styles. I ended up going with a Shoei because, for me, the crown fit properly in a large, and it expands outward to accomodate my broader (read as: fat) face. They also have a reputation for being quieter helmets, which is a huge plus, especially on the Multistrada, which has an equal reputation for being LOUD!

Riding with the helmet, I found it was much quieter than my HJC composite. I do miss the ability to flip it up and chat at red lights and stop signs, but it's a minor inconvenience. I love pinlock, a feature that allows me to insert a clear shield inside the visor that prevents/reduces fogging. I still get minor fogging because I ride with my glasses on, but it only happens in very cool weather at a standstill, and clears up immediately once I start rolling. This is due to the EXCELLENT ventilation of the helmet, a feature I had not considered fully when I was buying, but really came to appreciate at the end of this summer.

I also just installed a gold visor. This shield reduces the glare from really bright areas and enhances the areas in shade.

I took a ride along the Susquehanna River and through some roads I know to be challenging for the shadows that fall on them, just to see how much better this shield was, and the difference was remarkable. Riding on sun-dappled roads, which are very common in Pennsylvania due to trees overhanging and lining our roads, this visor is absolutely fantastic. It has the effect of leveling out the light and dark contrasting areas, so I can see it all much more clearly.

It has already made me a much more confident rider because my vision is so much better. This setup is not cheap, but for me it was worth it.