Have you Tinkled Today?

Me with my awesome new Honda VTX1300!  I liked my Shadow, I ADORE this bike!

There’s still a few goodies I want to add to it.  Chrome fender tips, a tank bra, a rear luggage trunk large enough to hold my camera bag, and nicer hand grips.  But it’s mostly the way I want it already, having put a Memphis Shade windscreen on, replaced the factory seat with a Mustang, and added windshield bag and LeatherLyke saddles bags.

It’s a long way from the 50cc scooter Jim started me off on 2 years ago.  From there I went to a Honda Shadow Spirit 750.  I only put 1300 miles on it before trading up to the VTX1300.  It may seem like an odd choice for a short stocky girl  but the bike fits me like it was made for me.  No more stretching!

I completed the Motorcycle Safety Course in 2006, and plan to take the advanced class when I feel ready for it.  Jim and I highly endorse the “Ride Like A Pro” series of DVD’s and I for one intend to master those manuevers!

Life has a funny way of taking us down paths we never expected to traverse.  I had a passionate dislike of motorcycles, even though Jim rode.  Being his “pillion” was NOT my idea of fun!  But I’m married to a sneaky man, who knew a scooter wouldn’t intimidate a fly, and would be so much fun to ride that I’d soon be begging for more.

I probably spent 2 weeks riding my Shadow around in circles in the campground before I got the nerve to take it on the road.  It’s gravel, so I never left 1st gear.   Then Jim rode it down to the nuke plant on a weekend for me, and I made it all the way up to 3rd gear!  Boy that was a blast, I couldn’t wait to try it on the road then.

There’s nothing like learning on the twisty roads of Arkansas.  The hills are full of curves with 10mph speed limits!  I’ve become fairly comfortable with the twisties, and now I’m working on my city driving skills.