So last night I went for a ride.
As most of you know I'm not only a newer rider, I'm also recently divorced. In fact, the ex- (as well as most of my family) do NOT know about my bike. They know I frequent moto boards and have the license endorsement, but they don't know about the Monster.
My ex- lives in a house with my 2 sons near Princeton, NJ. Yes, there's a train that runs back and forth to that area all day long, but sometimes I'd really rather NOT deal with the mass of humanity on public transportation.
Sometimes I need to just get down to the area to pick something up or drop something off. Since I can't just ride the bike up to the house, the process to ride is a little more complex than just blasting around town.
I need to think about a few things - 1) what image do I want to project if I see the ex- at the house? Do I want her to see me in gear? Do I want her to see me in moto boots? No, of course not. If it's the middle of July, I'd probably be wearing shorts and sandals. Can I wear that from NYC to NJ? Sure, but I'm not a squid.
OK, that's the house, now, what do I wear for the ride? Last night was easy.
I dress for the arrival at the house (shorts and a polo shirt), but over that I wear a pair of Roadgear overpants (nylon with CE knee armor and bits of reflective-ness.) I pack my sandals in my handy tailbag, and put on socks and boots for the ride. Normally I'd wear a leather jacket of some sort, but with the humidity last night, I decided to try out my Roadgear jacket - the one I wore this winter. I pull out the lining and open all the vents, and give it a go.
First up, a 3/4 length jacket is not cool, no matter HOW you slice it. Secondly, the vents don't line up - whatever breeze comes in turns the jacket into a parachute. NOT the thing to help out when you're trying to keep pace on the NJ Turnpike.
Also, as many of you know, I'm desirous of a fully faired sportbike of some sort. I'm tired of getting the crap beat out of me on the highway, and last night sealed the deal for me. If I'm keeping the Monster for any extended time, I'm installing clip-ons. Lying on the tank and having one's arms in the position to start a pushup is NOT conducive to total control of the bike.
Now, you may have asked the question - Tom, how do you actually get to the house? Well, I ride the bike to where I park my car (the daily driver). I park next to the car, throw the jacket, helmet, gloves, tailbag and keys in the trunk, and change out of BikeWear into CasualDad wear. I drive my car to the house, take care of business, then drive back to the bike. Reverse the process, then figure out a fun way to get back to the Turnpike.
One major benefit of Usual Suspect rides is skill building on unfamiliar roads. Back in the Princeton / Plainsboro area, I found myself riding roads in the dark at close to 65 and 70mph when the posted limits were 35 and 45. I have driven those roads literally HUNDREDS of times, and I always thought they'd be tricky on a bike. Pfft - I FLEW!!! I now know I have developed some good riding skills. I need some trackday work AND a Lee Parks clinic or two, but for just regular riding progress, I've come a long, long way in less than 2 years.
Will my family learn about the bike someday. Yes, they will at some point. Not now.
Anyway - it was lonely, riding the NJ Turnpike isn't much fun, but it was good to get a ride in and to clear my head. I needed it
