Wow, do I have some stuff to share with ya today. It's been an interesting two weeks, to say the least. Where to start? Ok, I'll start with last weekend.

Saturday our internet went down. Was down till Thursday. That blew. Didn't go on any fun rides or anything. Jennifer had to work all weekend, so I was kinda grounded.

The next fun came on Tuesday night. I knew I needed gas but hadn't yet switched to reserve. My normal stop on my way to work is five miles down I-94, so on the on ramp, I went ahead and switched to reserve with full confidence I'd have plenty of gas to get there. And I should have. Somehow, there was no reserve. Whether I was riding in reserve the whole time or if there is a mechanical problem with the fuel selector valve, I don't know, but a mile later I ran out of gas. To make it worse, I had to pull on to the left shoulder of the freeway.

In an effort to make it safer for my babydoll, who was going to bring me gas, I wanted to get to the other side where the shoulder is wider. As soon as I saw a nice opening in traffic I pushed my bike off the shoulder and started across. As soon as I went down the shoulder, my bike bounced a bit and bounced my helmet, which was hanging on my mirror, right off my bike. It bounced and landed right in the middle of the first lane. I then had to fight to get the bike back up the shoulder. I finally did and got the kickstand down just in time to wave down the first car, a truck actually, who slowed and went around it, and the second car, something small, did the same. The third car evidently thought that the two cars in front of them emergency braked and swerved for the hell of it, even if there was a big pink and yellow warning sign on the side of the freeway, and proceeded to come through at full speed. Big pop, and loud scraping noise later, they finally pulled over, backed off the helmet, and left. Here is what's left.







Well, Jennifer was kind enough to go ahead and bring my other helmet that I used last year along with the gas. As soon as I put it on, I realized how lucky I was when I went down last year that I didn't crack my dome worse than I did. This helmet is WAY to big for me. I will definitely be having to get another one soon. Until then, there is a great guy on the DSB forum that is lending me a helmet that will fit me. Thanks Marc!

That brings me to the weekend. There was a memorial ride for a rider who died last year after making a very poor decision while on his bike. His family has turned this tragic event around and now is putting a positive message that all riders could and should listen too. Any ticket, whether it cost you $100 or $1000, is not worth losing your life over. It isn't fair to your loved ones that you leave behind. Man up, pull over and except the consequences of your actions. The riders in the area are really backing them up with a show of support and I had hoped to show mine also, but family plans caused a change in plans for this year. Here are a few pics from the event.

Knowing on Saturday night that I wouldn't be able to make the Memorial ride, I set the alarm for a very early 6:30 am. My babydoll was also sweet enough to make sure I didn't just roll over and ignore the alarm, and I was up outta bed and getting ready by 6:50. Unfortunately I can't keep my bike at my apartment, so now I had to spend additional drive time to go get my bike, but was on the road by 7:30, anyway.

Planning on just a comfortable laid back ride, I headed up Romeo Plank to 23. Next time, I'll jump on Shelby road after 59, save alot of straight lining on 23 mile rd. From there jumped up Dequinder to Parkdale. From this point on was basically the DSB Memphis ride. It runs up Rochester Rd. through Lakeville, past Leanord to Dryden. From there, you gotta head over to Capac rd. where you can jump on Belle River Rd., which is a decent motorcycling road, and will take you right into Memphis, MI. That early in the morning, traffic wasn't bad at all either. Those roads through Lakeville are getting rough and really had my front end hopping though. Not very confidence inspiring. Here is a picture of my bike in Memphis. Loved the look of the oldness feel of the building and just thought it would look like a cool pic.







Well, from there, I headed east out of town over to Dolan then Rattle Run Road. Took Rattle Run to Wadhams where I headed south. Wadhams changes to Indian Trail after you cross Belle River. Jumped off Indian Trail Rd at Marine City hwy, east to Marsh rd. Ran down Marsh into Algonac. Rattle Run and Marsh are a couple of pretty nice motorcycling roads. Check them out some time if you haven't yet. In Algonac, I jumped on 29 and followed the shoreline back home to Jefferson, around to North river road, South River rd and Jefferson again. You know I love the water and was happy to snap a pic of the fizzer in that setting. Yes, it's a shame that Michigan wasn't this nice most of the year.







It was a beautiful morning, 50 degrees when I left out. Great day for a ride. Yes, life does start before 10:00 am on a Sunday, and a good ride is a great way to go find it. Ride safe y'all, but have fun doing it!!!!