My first ride today

[orangelion03]

Big day today folks!  T'was my first ride on my bike as my very own.  When I test rode it, it was still technically the seller's bike.

I rode the bike in to work:  a few miles of gentle canyon turns, a rural highway, a short shot on the freeway, then surface streets.  Took it very easy as I started to get the feel of it.  First impression was I LOVE THE TORQUE!!  Second impression was that I need to install the bar risers I got yesterday (I'm 53 and not as bendy as I once was).  So, between MSF classes this weekend, I'll be installing a new chain and sproxs, sliders, rear brake pads, fluids change.

It's actually a much bigger day today as it was also my first time on my own moto since 1990.  For some reason, I woke up with Aerosmith on my mind...

Im baaaaack!
I'm baaack in the saddle again!

Cheers!!!

Robs

PS:  Big props to Nick at VDS!  Thanks for tuning it up for me!!

[Slide Panda]

Feels good doesn't it?

Congrats on being back on.

[yotogi]

Congrats! They did tell you that you bought the fast color, both in bike and wheels, right?

Welcome back, and enjoy!

[lagerman72]

Welcome back to riding and have fun!   BTW, bike looks great

[dusty]

That's Awesome!!  Be safe out there and have a blast!!!  Congrats!!!   [moto]

[Stella]

So glad you clarified which part of the Aerosmith song â€" NOT the "...dude looks lahk a lay-day..."  line   
But now I have that song in my head, thank you.

Congratulations!!!    [moto]

[orangelion03]

It just got better...

I work half day on Fridays, and it's hotter that whatever-is-really-really-hot here. 
Yesterday, I received a coupon for 50% off Chase-Harper products from that most awesome fellow DMFer, Magnus and it so happens that C-H is located in Ventura, about 40 miles west and 30° cooler from where I live and work.  Called them up and they said come on out and try  a few tank bags on for size.  So I did.  There are two ways to get to Ventura from my place, the most direct being highway 126...a very pleasant 4 lane rural highway for most of  the way.  The other is the not-so-direct way...a series of delightfully curvy, well paved, and lightly patrolled roads that wind from Piru to Santa Paula. These have been favorites since I last rode and I often used them for stress relief when I had my Miata.  That's the way I chose to go.  And come back with my new tank bag.  The roads wind through some of the last big orange groves in So Cal, and the air was filled with the scent of orange blossoms and at one spot, mint!  I now crave a mojito.  Anyway, it all came back to me.  Not the skills, as I have been away too long and need to work back up to a proficient state.  The feeling of riding came back.  The sheer joy of it.  It's like connecting with an old friend.  I am happy.

[mitt]

congrats and be careful.

mitt

[Sterling]

Congrats!  My red one will be here Monday!  I can't wait!!!

Red sure is the fastest color... just ask all the cops!

[red baron]

Congrats

[somegirl]

Very nice, congrats!

[tango59]

Thats the way it felt when the 1st wife became the EX wife.  [moto]

[orangelion03]

Thats the way it felt when the 1st wife became the EX wife.  [moto]

[vampire]

6 months was too long for me! but almost 20 years!!! that must be forever
enjoy and ride safe

[Duki09]

After I had a bike stolen I figured I wouldn't want to spend anymore money on motorcycles and never ride again.

Just a few months past and I dug deep into my wallet because I couldn't stand not riding anymore, especially where I live where it is riding weather all year around.

It's always sweet to get back in the saddle.  It's even sweeter when you get to put that saddle on a Ducati.