The last few days have had me thinking. A lot. Which will make several people who know me well cringe; according to them, I already think too much and that's what makes me bat-shit crazy. But sometimes it's necessary. Sometimes, when you're facing a life change, a challenge, a new adventure or recovering from a defeat, you have to take stock. You have to examine your life, your goals and dreams, and yeah, your bad habits. Shut up, I know I have 'em.
So last night, when I should have been sleeping, I started thinking about my Bucket List. There's a lot of stuff on there that I have nooooo business considering. They got marked off. There's a lot on there that's, realistically, never ever going to happen. They got marked off. So I was left with about 10 good solid, must-do items.
Like #2. I've never been to Vegas. I want to go at least once. I've never gambled, not even a lottery ticket which will probably change this weekend. Powerball is $330+ million, that's a buttload of freedom, y'all.
#4, learn to drive a stick. Actually, this could be more of a practical issue in the Coming Storm, and something I'm looking to rectify this year.
#7, I want to go to Miami. There are a couple of attractions there I really want to see.
#10, tummy tuck and boob job. Because.
Now I have a #11. Learn to ride a motorcycle. I've never been on one, not even as a passenger. I was at the local convenience store getting the lunch equivalent of swallowing grenades, and there were about 6 couples on Harleys. Women riding their own, confident and strong. Not riding behind the guys. I know how impractical this is, but that's why it's on my Bucket List and not my To Do List. I'll never be able to take the girls on long trips, and there will always be that mom voice in the back of my head saying, "Oh my God! You're gonna die! Who'll take care of your babies?!" But I want that feeling, that freedom. Just once.
So, are there any ladies out there who ride? Any advice? Let me also state that I don't ride bicycles because I can't balance them.
My wife learned to drive a motorcycle when she was a kid, but had to hide the fact from her Mom who was a nurse who had seen the accident victims and prevented anyone in their family from riding. But after MIL had passed away, she bought small learner motorcycle, a 250cc Yamaha Virago, then a 750 Honda Ace, and then a Harley Davidson 883 Sportster. Shes considering adding a Honda Gold Wing now - never let it be said that addictions don't come with a price.
ReplyDeleteShe loves the feeling of riding and now sees why dogs love to stick their heads outside the window when passenger, lol. She's been on some 400 mile one way trips and admits its tough on her nearly 50 year old body, but wtf - live to ride!
She does admit there have been a few close calls, mainly drivers who don't see them and get in the motorcycles way. She dropped her motorcycle on her leg once when turning in a gravel driveway. Hurt like a mofo (shoulda seen the bruise - 600 pounds of bike fallin on your inner thigh and dragging yourself from under it will do that to you. And this was a simple an accident as possible, nobody behind her to run her over and moving less than 5 mph.)
My advice - be the passenger and see if you like it. Some folks become addicted right there and then, others are scared from outside traffic now being RIGHT FREAKING THERE. City traffic sucks, but the open road is fun, especially the Blue Highway 2 laners.
I'm pretty sure my now 12 year old daughter is becoming interested in tagging along when she is of age (Whats Momma going to say now?) That thought terrifies me to be honest. I've already told her of if she's in accident and body gets all F'd up, I'm sticking pencils in her nose and ears and sticking her in a jar of water, growing her back like a potato, lol.
I do agree - live while you can and experience all that you can.
Good luck.
Oh oh. Mid life crisis.
ReplyDeleteWith a fucking vengeance, cranky.
ReplyDeleteI feel ya.
ReplyDeleteGood list.
ReplyDeleteGet busy living or, well you know the rest. I've done all those except #10. Wrong equipment and all, y'know.
I agree with anon up there, be a passenger first. With someone you trust not to try to scare you. That's how I got hooked on bikes. Been riding now for 40 years.
Is there a Motorcycle Safety Foundation in your area? It's a great organization for beginners.
I'll check and see if there's one, close by. I don't know anyone with a bike, let alone anyone I trust not to scare me. This is completely virgin waters for me.
ReplyDeleteHubby had one a few years back, but he would never take me when I asked.
Bucket List #11a: Find someone with a motorcycle.
I used to ride all the time but two things cured me. I love to ride as long as it's a lonely country road or state highway in a near empty Midwest state. But, again, first I had two beautiful kids and two, ramming the side a of a car that ran a stop sign in San Diego cured me. Fucking knees still crack and I was 22 when it happened.
ReplyDeletePassengering and RIDING are two very differant things. I cannot stand riding behind as a passenger.Look around for a "Motorcycle Safety Foundation" course near you. They will start you out on a wee little bike, and train and shepard through getting a motorcycle endorsement on your license. I know a few folks who went that route, and they are all still riding, and doing OK
ReplyDeleteDon't make the Big Mistake of buying a big bike first, get yourself a dirt bike or a 350-550cc bike and ride for a few years. Get yourself some good leathers , CAUSE ROADRASH IS A BITCH, and you WILL fall down. SAME SAME a brain bucket. Jesse is right ;take the class.-- I don't know what went wrong this week but, hang on -HUGS ---Ray
ReplyDeleteI used to want a Harley. Then I got a Jeep with a rag top. One day, I took off all the doors and took the top off. I was cruising along at 55 mph with my combat boot resting on my rocker rails, tunes blairing, air passing by and I thought, "I dont need a fucking Harley when I have the next best thing. A vehicle with a roll bar, 4 tires and still allows me to float with the breeze and smell the world around me as I cruise along." So yeah, I may miss the speed of my Challenger, but damn do I love the open world of my Jeep.
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ReplyDeleteSorry to be a wet sock. I have seen to many people die and get maimed for life on those Fucking death rockets. If you want to feel the wind in your face I suggest a convertable. Trust me. You don't feel alive with four broken limbs and road rash.
ReplyDeleteHey Angel, I will show you around Vegas and do #10 with ya... :) a big NO on the motorcycle for me. I like the jeep idea tho.
ReplyDeleteStart small on the bike Angel...and don't forget to buckle up lol. Can I suggest the scooter from the above post lol? A little camo paint will help...just a little.
ReplyDeleteI've been riding since 64, started racing off-road in 70. Did that till 84. Still ride daily. I've owned lil dirt bikes and large cruisers.
ReplyDeleteBest advise I can give is to start very small, and learn to ride off road so that you can learn how to crash ! Cuz you will ! Wear a helmet and protective clothes at all times !
Then consider going on public highways and getting something larger.
43 years of riding has taught me it dangerous on two wheels. Still, I ride every day. Why? Because it is dangerous.
ReplyDeleteYou owe it to yourself to give it a try. MSF or a Harley dealer offer a class for about $250 that puts you on a small bike to try it out for a weekend. End of the day on Sunday you will know if you want to buy one and continue to ride or put a checkmark on the bucket list.
It isn't all about long trips, but you can get a sidecar rig and take the girls along. Just to put that out there.
#10 - do it, you'll love it. Imagine, the "girls" perky and full, above the plane of a flat and firm stomach ... Be still my heart.
ReplyDeleteAs for motorcycles, I do not give anyone advice. I started riding young, started with dirt bikes and finally progressed up to my '58 Panhead chopper. Haven't ridden for years.
ReplyDeleteI will not again......had a bad experience a couple of years ago, A couple on a Harley were cruising down the road ahead of me. They came up to a curve in the road that was posted 35 mph. As they started around the curve, the dumbass put his foot down on the road, BAD mistake. Did it twice more and lost control. Piled it up right in front of me. I was the first one on scene. He died, under the bike and she was torn up so bad they had to life flight her out of there.
I am haunted by the scene every time I go past that spot, which is about 4 times a week.
For that reason, I do not feel that I have any more business on a motor cycle.
Bob
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