Now I'm a real biker...

[inspiron]

My riding partner and I had been talking about going for a ride on Easter Thursday for about two weeks now.

She and I are both volunteer fire fighters, and we were assigned to take the truck out for it's weekly inspection this week, so we agreed we would first take the truck for a spin, then, when we got back, we would hop on our bikes and go for a ride.

The inspection run with the fire truck went fine, it just took a bit longer than usual because we had to replace a light bulb in the emergency beacon (what do you call those rotating blue lights on top of the truck?). Just as we got back to the station, it started to rain lightly.

Not to be deterred, we agreed to meet about 15 minutes later with our bikes. I suited up in my all-weather gear, and pulled the bike out of the garage. By now, the rain is getting a bit heavier, but I head up to her place to pick her up.

She just bought brand new gear, so she was also well prepared for rain. We took off and headed up toward Basel and into Germany, looking for a restaurant to have some lunch. After passing about a dozen places that were all closed (most restaurants here close between 2:30pm and 5:00pm), we finally parked in the city center and went into a department store where they have a restaurant that is open all day.

After lunch, it was still raining, so we decided to have some fun, and headed over to the next town to do some indoor go-carting.

Now, I haven't driven a go-cart for about 3 years. In the past 3 years, I've taken several safety trainings and other motorcycle trainings - including an all-day "curve techniques" class. In the "old" days, I was always last when riding go-carts. I would loose valuable seconds, which I assumed were due to my height (about 6' 2") and weight (about 240lbs).

Well, during yesterday's rounds, I saw the blue flag twice, and both times, it was for the guy I was trying to pass, and not for me! Woohoo! Using the techniques I've learned for motorcycling, especially braking before the turn, then accelerating through it, actually compensated quite nicely for my size. At the end of the race, I was 3rd from a field of 6! (Daniela, my riding partner, was 2nd - but she is about 5' 2" and weights about 120 lbs dripping wet).

We then got back on our bikes and headed home.

My GSX is muddy, my gear is hanging out to dry, and I feel like I am finally a real biker. We didn't let a little rain stop us from having a nice ride. Sure, there were a couple of "pucker" seconds, like when my rear tire hit the wet tram track and slid to the side, or when there was water flowing across the road and I felt the whole bike "shimmy" as I rode through it at 60mph, but we both made it home without any damage (and big smiles on our faces).

[Atlas68]

Great story Jim. Good for you both for not letting the wet weather sour your plans. We get our fair share of rain in these parts too and our riding season would be significantly shorter if we didn't brave the rain.
I commute to work and my challenge is fighting fatigue after night shifts. Throw wet conditions into the mix...have had a few occasions to 'pucker' as well.
Sounds like you had a great day all around. Today go karts...tomorrow, F1!

[Clint]

That's what I'm talking about. I intend to head up to Dad's lake place after work this afternoon, rain or shine! (The forcast is for 74 and sunny. )

[D_Klein]

Good ride.

I have some lunch plans today, and despite the low front moving in that is supposed to bring heavy winds (which also means dust), I'm probably going to take the bike anyway.

[tlwisner]

I'd say "Real Motorcyclist" but that's just my own definitions, and not an insult at all. Biker probably has a little different meaning in the EU though.

Either way, it sounds like you had a good time! I'm taking my kids karting here next weekend: http://www.gokartkountry.com/

[Rickster]

I could tell by your posts that you weren't a real biker, just another poser on two wheels trying to fit in with the cool guys & gals.







Just kidding. Good story, glad to hear your finally getting out this year.

[KatanaBob]

I fear rain in a car none the less on a bike lols. That has to do with a stigmatisim though haha. Either way sounds like a great ride, I am the only one so far I know that rides so I only get highway people to ride with, I definatly wish I had a riding partner.

[dragbar]

I know what you mean katana"kurt"bob haha. I flipped a geo years ago in the rain..still kinda get nervous driving in it, but not riding in it.

[Atlas68]

Originally Posted by dragbar

I know what you mean katana"kurt"bob haha. I flipped a geo years ago in the rain..still kinda get nervous driving in it, but not riding in it.

Kurtanabob...Whadya think Dragbar? he,he.

[Jonathan]

Good story...glad you didn't let the rain spoil your fun.

[dragbar]

Definately has a ring to it Atlas