Obsession

Its pretty common these days for folks to joke about being OCD. I don't really believe I'm compulsive. I am, however, fairly obsessive. When something gets into the forefront of my brain, I have a tough time letting go. Perhaps this is why I'm list maker. Keeps me moving.

Well, regardless of how I obsess, somethings just make you feel a certain way. I do different things for a different feeling. I'm being honest when I say I can't stand going to the gym. The problem is I often like the way I feel afterwards, and I like the results for sure. The way I keep myself going is to tell myself that it'll help my biking. I think I'd really like to be a great bicyclist. Maybe great is too strong, but really good, certainly better than now.

Another thing I smell coming is the motorcycle obsession. The brief history is I got a minibike in 3rd grade. I got a bigger one in 5th. I rode that thing for hours. And hours. And hours at a time. It was great.

When my grandfather made the logging trail into a trail for me, it was awesome. I had a few places I could get some air, some washes to dig through, and throw in some black snakes to avoid. I ended up too big for it, but I still rode it.

I always wanted to get one, but you know. The closest I came was out of college when my car was getting close to death. Bike was a cheaper option. Never happened. Rode a friends, and it was like before.

For whatever mid-life reason I bought the bike last spring. I spent a lot of time getting it into shape, and then the obligitory modifications. Got stuck in the shop during the best month. I rode to work today. Went out at lunch. That feeling comes back. The main difference is that on the road I can't allow my mind to drift. The feeling, however, is the same. There really isn't anything for me to compare it to. I feel free. And, I'll admit it, I feel cool. People look. Its fun.

I don't see this going away.

She's Back

I retrieved my newest wheeled implement last night, a 2000 Suzuki SV650. I got it in the Spring and went through the MSF beginner class to get my license. This is my first street bike.

I rode dirtbikes forever as a kid. Never had one with a ton of power, just beat it around on trails. I loved it. I always wanted a street bike, but it was never really a good time. I'm really a car guy, so I always opted for a car as a toy.

Fast forward to a couple of years ago and the gentle onset of the midlife crisis. Last year I got a tattoo. I am planning some more as I loved the experience. Won't be going overboard but, I will do it again. Then, the end of last year I decided to get my motorcycle license. I signed up for class and came home and announced my decision.

The plan was to borrow my friends bike and ride around, see how I like it. Well, anyone that knows me well will understand that that lasted all of 2 days. I decided the bike I wanted (a friend has one) and I went off to Craigslist. Seems that anything older than about 3 days on Craigslist is probably gone. No one cleans up. In the end I really only found one. Of course I bought it. And, naturally I paid too much.

About a grand later I got it home. I rode and I loved it. Even though I have to watch out for traffic, it is like I remember it. You feel free. You fly. I can just go and go. While illegal, the advent of the iPOD allows me to jam while I'm riding. The only downside is that riding fast comes easy, and riding faster while listening to Slipknot is even easier.

Its hard to find time to ride, but I do it when I can. My bike was in the shop for about the last month. I've had a terrible time with screws and rear tires. So, I had bought a new one and took it to be mounted. They told me it needed a chain, so I forked out the cash for that. Well, seems there was a run on SV chains at the chain store and it was hard to find one. So, I brought it back home last night and took it to work today. Soooo much fun riding.

When I ride I feel.....cool. Everyone looks at you. I guess I like the attention.

Tomorrow a ride. And since all the Tri-girls are tri-ing, I get to ride at 8:15!

Thanks Richard!