Saturday, January 3, 2009

Random Reflections and Ramblings

OK, I want to try to catch up a little on things I should have posted already.

First off. I made a comment in This Post about attending a casting session for Harley's 2009 motorcycle Catalog. I was eventually chosen and went on the shoot. I have been waiting to write a post in part on getting permission from Harley to post Photos from the shoot and to post some straight out of the catalog.
I've gotten that taken care of and I'm now working on writing it up. It's taking a while because it's been a while & I want to make sure I remember correctly and write it up fairly thoroughly.

Second, although I live in an area that has a perpetual riding season, depending on the rider, and I like to think I'm more than an average rider, I also don't feel a need to prove myself. My job & work schedule has me starting well before the sun begins to warm us up, and I usually work outdoors. So If it's below 60 when I leave my house I'm probably going to drive my truck.

Third, I received an invitation from Harley-Davidson to attend the premiere of the Bikes, Camera, Action winning film on Dec. 11. I did go & had an absolute blast, however, I live 100 miles south of Hollywood and had to work the day of the premiere. By the time I left my house traffic had already began on the 5 and it took me well more than the hour & 45 minutes that Mapquest told me to expect. We left the house almost 3 hours before the premiere began & were still over an hour late getting there. When we finally did arrive, We were in such a hurry to get in that we forgot the camera in the car.
I'll be writing that up more completely at another time. I'm still waiting to see if I get pics that were taken by a friend I ran into there.
And finally...
Is your first ride of the year EVER long enough? My wife & I went out on the bike on New Years Day (It's becoming a tradition) but due to the weather we only went to the mall & a couple of stores. It was all together about 30 minutes on the road & my wife was already ready to go home. I suppose I could have dropped her & went alone, but I've been in the doghouse enough lately, so...
All I can think about is going out & riding. I don't usually ride with other people, I like to go where I want and I have a tendency to change destinations in the middle of a ride, but I'm starting to wish I had someone to ride with. I have a couple of friends back East that would be more than game if they were around, but the commute is just not reasonable. I think it may be time to start looking for sponsored rides again.
A friend of mine, Bill Davis, Is working with/leading a charity called, "Ride for the Heart". I posted their schedule last year and will again this year. I just received it by email, but their website isn't current yet. I'll post it when the link will get you to a current page... Anyway... I'd love to go on their rides, but they're almost always longer than I can get away for and they usually go farther than my wife will even consider. However if you have the time, and the will and can make the trip, check them out. Every thing they do is with the greatest intentions and for a wonderful cause.
well, I guess that's enough random rambling for one day. I hope you're all having a good weekend I'm gonna go watch the rain.
Ride safe & I'll catch you on the road...

11 comments:

"Joker" said...

Well, well, well...now I can say I know a bonafide movie star! Happy New Year and congrats; it sounds like a blast.

Back when I started my blog, I wrote all about my early days of riding alone and how it ended up making me feel like I was 'all dressed up with no place to go.' I feel like I know just what you mean, as even though all my old friends are here and not across the country, none of them ride.

I don't know what's out there for HOG Chapters or other clubs, but you ought to at least look into them. Some people say they don't like clubs because of the cliqueyness, politics, etc. I think that's a lot of crap, and I'll tell you why - my opinion anyway.

No matter where you go in this world, a workplace, a church, an m/c or an r/a, there's always going to be jackasses. They're with us always, like bad weather. There was a time I used to let people like that keep me away. No more. I truly believe if you are a good person and a capable rider, you will be accepted and find friends in any group out there, despite the occasional assholes.

This won't ruin your independent spirit - it simply gives you another option. Once you get established in the group, you can show up as frequently or infrequently as you like, but you always have a place to go ride with people when it's convenient for you. I have plenty of time to ride during the week by myself, and I look forward to riding with the Chapter on the weekends.

Still, there've been times when some of us don't want to go on the Chapter ride, and will take off by ourselves in a small group someplace else. I hope you can find something like this out where you're at. Believe me, once you have it, you can never imagine not having been a part of it.

Nice to hear from you Cam. Good luck finding some soul riders, and keep us informed.

Anonymous said...

Looking forward to hearing about the catalog shoot and the premiere! How COOL is that?!? =)

I haven't taken mine out yet in 2009 (been too cold & rainy in my curve of the riding country) ....

I don't have any riding buddies either and have always done it solo -- Being that lone gunman who's also a gal, I'm a lil intimidated by the Chapter rides or all the rides for causes that I see because there are soooooo many bikes participating!

But, I hear ya -- to have a few close riding buddies would be very cool! I'd go out for a spin with ya, if I were closer. ;)

Ann said...

We have a few close friends that we ride with, and we also enjoy riding alone. Then we started supporting BACA (Bikers Against Child Abuse) and going on their organized rides. We've met some great people and are supporting a great cause. Whatever it is you're looking for, I hope you find it.

And Joker couldn't be more right: there are jackasses everywhere, but it's possible to either avoid them or just rise above it. :)

Biker Betty said...

Congratulations on the Harley shoot. I was able to get my New Year ride in on Jan 2nd. Nice little jaunt all by myself.

During the winter I leave for work in the dark at 6:15am and it tends to be too cold for me at 40something degrees. I have been leaving the bike at home. At this time of the season we also have to worry about unexpected snow during the day. I've been caught once and I don't care to repeat it. I work in a school and the kids love it when I do get a chance to ride.

Happy New Year

TRT said...

Sounds like some great experiences. I got out on New Years day, it was great 70 degrees and sunny. Can't ask for more. Only about 60 miles or so, but I got hear the engine rumble and feel the wind in my face so it was good day.

Saphira said...

Well my friend, you know I would be more than happy to ride with you any day of the week but as you pointed out, it would take at least 3 days to get there! I am jealous of of the warm weather you have out there, the most I have done in months is start her up the other day .............. she is so sad sitting in the garage alone ........... SIGH

Anonymous said...
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Camron said...

Hey Ya'all... I'm working this weekend again, Saturday anyway. If the weather holds out I'm gonna ride on Sunday, so it will be a while before I can write a new post... I hope you all get to ride, too!
Joker: A Movie Star? I Wish!
No, I have done some acting, but nothing commercial... Although someone on KT's Blog said I looked like a rock-star...lol
I know a lot of the members of the local chapter. I'm just really not into big group rides. I just want one or two people to ride with that can relax & have a good time following the road. I'm sure I'll find a way to work it out.
Thanks for The Advice, though

Motor Mama: Yep, THe shoot was a blast, The premiere was... different. It was cool, but a unique experience all around.
Now, Get that bike out soon... You can bring it here & ride with me if you want!

Ann: That's exactly what I mean. I guess I'm just missing my riding Buddies back home.
And Believe me, I know all about Jackasses... I'm related to several. They don't bother me, I just don't feel a need to be around them when I can avoid it.
Like Grandpa always said, "Never marry a woman with big Hands..." wait that one doesn't really apply... How about "Fuck'em if they can't take a joke"

Betty: Welcome to my Circus!
I'm really not as much of a wimp as I sound like. I just learned the hard way to be careful how & where I ride here due to the quick changing "Micro-climates" I can ride through Mountains canyons, woodlands, deserts & coast roads all on the same day, and I've made the mistake of misjudging the weather before (See "55 Degrees of seperation" 4-19-2008).
I got the chance to ride in your state this summer. It was BEAUTIFUL... But Snow in July? That's so wrong...
Thanks for stopping by, come back any time!

TRT: Good times all around! Every little ride is it's own memory... I'll take every one I can get! I just don't want to pay for it with Tested Frosticles, ya know?

Saphira:hehehe Kate has only ever been in a Garage once... for a few days, Remember?
I'll get to that part of my trip soon enough.
You & your husband need to send the bikes out here before your trip... I could show you some places, then!

And Last, but not least, a simple reminder... If you want to plug some benign website or something, do it somewhere else... This blog is where I post things that I can support. If you have a service or product that you want mentioned here, get a hold of me. we'll arrange for me to check it out & if it's worth it, I'll mention it here. I will not put up with Spam in my comment box!!!

Biker Betty said...

Hope when you were here in Colorado this last summer you got a chance to ride up in the mountains. It's gorgeous up there. My husband and I rode thru Rocky Mountain National Park and was that breath taking and fun.

Lisa said...

Congrats on the shoot. Sounds like things are going well for you. Kris talked Chad and I into starting blogs, did you get an invite? I lose track. Anyway, just wanted to touch base since we haven't talked in a while.

TheBikeNut said...

Very good article! Keep it up