10K Miles. A milestone I wasn't sure I'd make.

[EjGlows]

I'm so very happy.  Just last week I hit 10K miles on my s2r800.  More specifically, 10,300.  For some, that may seem like an average summer, but for me it's something I wasn't sure I would actually attain...

On a sunny day in March of 2008 I walked into a Ducati dealership having seen the most beautiful bike I had ever laid eyes on, a previously owned red and white 2005 s2r800 with only 300 miles on it.  It was in pristine condition having been a garage queen and was fairly priced.  I wrote a check about 15 minutes later.  I had grown up riding dirtbikes, and tons of small displacement bikes all over Asia, and had a little ninja250 for my commute within the city, but I had to have this.  Of course, fully knowing that I would have major shoulder surgery a month later and I wouldn't be able to ride for 6-9 months.  I rode every weekend and even took days off of work and could only put a dent into that odometer. 

Fast forward 7 months...back on the bike just before my Birthday in October and almost 8 months after I had purchased her.  Francesca.  My biggest impulse buy.  Ever.  I hit the 4,000 mile mark just before December.  That's when I was taken out by a woman in a tank of a Mercedes who blew through a stop sign and directly into my path.  I emergency swerved just enough to catapult over her trunk.  The shattered thumb took me well into 2009 and it wasn't until Feb I could ride again.  The front end was wrecked (front forks, triples, brakes, etc), the bike technically totalled (steering lock bent - no biggie), but I took the insurance money and invested back into making her whole...and better.  This was my dream bike and I was/am not prepared to let her go. 

Insert another 7 months for more shoulder surgery...

I was back riding again early fall of 2009 and have been on since.  Even more so now that I'm Funemployed  

I have one more shoulder surgery to go but I'm holding off as long as I can.  I've probably been able to ride the bike about a year since I've purchased it.  I would really enjoy a little more time to wear through another set of tires.  This has been an amazing 10K and I wasn't sure I'd make it.  Now, I'm ready for many more miles and will run this little beast into the ground.  I'm keeping her forever.  Even if I have to turn her into a planter in her golden years.

Just thought I'd share my happiness.  Riding is easily the one of life's greatest pleasures and I can't imagine who I'd be without my love of being on two wheels. [moto]

Ride safe and perhaps see you out in the NorCal hills 

erin

[booger]

Awesome! I feel ya on the two wheels thing. I'd rather ride my bike than do just about anything else.

[Sewanhaka]

Awesome little anecdote! Well, all except for the part with the Mercedes. But I like your word - "funemployed."  When I was out of work, I completely looked at it that way and it was great. I know that some people can't look at it that way when they have bills to pay, but the fact that you can is great. Take advantage of it and ride the hell out of your bike!

By the way, why are you getting so many shoulder surgeries?

[gh0stie]

By the way, why are you getting so many shoulder surgeries?

I imagine it's a combination of dirtbike + mercedes driving assasins

Congrats on your milestone OP

[r_ciao]

Congrats on the milestone.
I'm not there yet as "Bella" is strictly for pleasure, i.e. no commuting.
Good luck with the surgery.
Where in NorCal?  You should check out the NorCal Ducati bike nights.
Maybe I'll see you at one.  I've been down to San Jose, but usually just go to Lafayette.

Ciao!   [moto]

[M1100]

Congrats 

Keep it up!

[the_Journeyman]

Congrats.  I've got 33,000 miles on my M750 and 15,000 on my 900SS.  Keep it maintained and you'll be just fine!

JM

[somegirl]

Congrats E!

[Grappa]

Congrats on the mileage!  I am curious too about the shoulder surgeries.  I believe I may have a labrum tear in my right shoulder, but nobody knows for sure.  Had an MRI, but they can't see an actual tear, just a fluid cyst that indicates a possible tear.  Trying PT but doesn't seem to be making much progress.  I want to ride my moto again!!!

[WetDuc]

That's a sweet deal.  The mileage is cool, but your attitude about it is very cool.