Ride Vickie Ride

July 23, 2008
Fort Collins, CO

Here we are out for our morning riding tour of the high school parking lot. Ha! I felt better about the riding today. Better starts and stops. Of course, all lefts but better speed (25 mph) in between turns and better braking. Tomorrow is more lefts, some rights and hopefully shifting.

I get it DAD -- I figured out how you know you've been having fun -- you don't realize you have helmet head (or crazy whiskers, Dad) until you get home and look in the mirror.

Harley Day 4 and Other Musings

July 21, 2008
Fort Collins, CO

I had to share this: I read my horoscope darn near every day. I've done so since I was a kid. I've always said any sort of divination is nothing more than putting a voice to what already exists in your head. Sometimes my horoscope simply makes me think about things that otherwise may not have crossed my mind that day. Sometimes it is mostly a bunch of hooey. Occasionally though it rings true in a way that's hard to ignore...

This is my horoscope for today: You may feel as if one portion of your life is passing away -- and you aren't entirely sad to see it go. If you have been floating along this summer, waiting for what's next, here it comes. It's like expecting visitors, yet you don't know who they are or when they will arrive. Still, there is much to do before the party begins, so get busy.

I think this Harley is what's next!

Harley Day 4: It was one cup of coffee and off to the parking lot at the high school again. Today found me making left hand circles again, starting and stopping. Still in first gear. I was a little sore and wobbly from my tumble yesterday, but not enough to keep me from doing what I need to do.

There is a little more work involved in riding a motorcycle than what it first appears. There are lots of things to think about that are all happening simultaneously, but it is interesting and fun and a great challenge. Before you know it I'll be out on the streets.

For now, I'm content to ride in a parking lot with great advice and suggestions from Dad over the phone and under Tim's watchful eye. I'm looking forward to tomorrow. Here's a couple of pics Tim took today.

Helmet Head

July 19, 2008
Fort Collins, CO

Harley Day 2 & 3

Day 1: It was Tim's birthday so we didn't have riding 101 until the heat of the afternoon. I went budin-budin in the garage for a few minutes, then we took it out on the street. Oh man - I told Dad, I rode really badly up the cul de sac and back and that may be an understatement. Ha!

Day 2: I actually rode my bike today! We went to the parking lot at the high school this morning while it was still cool. I followed Tim in the Tahoe. We won't be doing that very long but since we have to cross a major intersection - it's safer for now. I made the first couple of woogity woogity rounds, with feet dangling, then I got my feet up on the pegs and things went a little smoother. I went straight then left straight then left, and so on -- start and stop (still working on a smooth stop and managing the throttle). Still having to think my way through things but it was definitely an improvement over yesterday. Keep in mind I'm traveling in first gear at the lightning speed of 10-12 mph. Ha!

Then, I got a little feisty and decided I'd do some right turns... made a couple of those OK but I fall down and go boom on the third one. I got wide in the turn, too much throttle, then not enough, then I braked a little too hard, wheels weren't straight and down we went. Yep, I got up saying I know exactly what I did wrong. I knew but didn't have enough experience yet to correct it. No excuses. It was my Boo-Boo. Now that I have that out of my system -- I don't have to do that again. Not to worry, I have an itty-bitty ding on my elbow and the bike has a couple of minor scuffs. Fortunately, my butt mostly broke the fall.

I stopped for a few minutes, got a drink of water and got right back on it. No pics today - we forgot the camera this morning. I am having a blast. I'm tired and a little stiff but strangely exhilarated.

I am a Harley Girl Now says Mom

July 18, 2008
Fort Collins, CO

Mother-Mine says so...

YOU ARE TRULY YOUR DAD'S HARLEY GIRL...
LET ME TELL YOU GIRL YOU LOOK LIKE A REAL HARLEY GIRL. SITTING UPON THAT HARLEY THAT IS BLACK AND SHINY IS A GRAY HEADED GIRL THAT IS RARING TO GO PLACES AND DO THINGS. YOU TRULY LOOK REALLY GOOD ON YOUR NEW BIKE. NOW THAT YOUR DREAM IS A REALITY THERE IS NO LIMIT TO WHAT YOU CAN LEARN OR NO FENCES TO FENCE YOU IN. YOU ARE A WANDERER AND NOW YOU HAVE THE WHEELS AND THE MOTIVATION TO DO JUST WHAT EVER YOUR HEART DESIRES. YOU KNOW YOU LOVE ALL THINGS SMALL AND BEAUTIFUL AND THE VAST WILDERNESS THAT LAYS AHEAD OF YOU. YOU HAVE ONLY JUST BEGUN TO EXPLORE NATURE AND MOTHER NATURE. THE FLOWERS, ANIMALS, CLOUDS, TREES, MOUNTAINS AND THE UNKNOWN HI WAY THAT CAN TAKE YOU PLACES AND LET YOU FEEL THE REAL WIND IN YOUR FACE AND THE SUNSHINE BEAMING DOWN UPON YOU. WE LOVE YOU OUR HARLEY GIRL SO DREAM, RIDE AND HAVE FUN NOW THAT YOUR WILDEST DREAM HAS COME TRUE... MAY THE LORD RIDE WITH YOU EVERY MILE AND PROTECT YOU FROM ALL THE DANGERS AND THINGS THAT LAY IN YOUR PATH. RIDE MY VICKIE RIDE. BE JUST LIKE YOUR DAD AND ENJOY THE FREEDOM OF BEING OUTSIDE AND ENJOY ALL THE FREEDOM YOU SO RICHLY DESERVE.
LOVE YOU
MOM

Sitting on a Harley now

July 18, 2008
Fort Collins, CO

But earlier today I was/we were sitting on pins and needles waiting for it to get here. I've been waiting three weeks for the work to come together on it. The dealership drug their feet making it happen but in the end they made it right.

My Harley arrived just before 3 pm.

The guy who delivered it said, Look what I found sittin' around in Colorado Springs - it needs a home - can you take it in?

Did I say WooHoo! It's a sweet little 883 XL Sportster, Vivid Black, no fluff. I bought it stock, changed the handlebar rack and lowered the suspension front and back, added a windshield and a luggage rack.

I sat on it for the first time today since I had it lowered and my feet do touch the ground. Amazing! I started it, and what a thrill! I didn't ride it today. No time for instruction. Tim took off work for the delivery so he couldn't stick around much longer than that.

Of course, the delivery of it drew a crowd. I guess it's one thing for a guy like Tim to get a Harley like he did last month (guys do that all the time - right?). It's quite another thing for the fifty something, gray-haired, cookie-baking, gardening lady down the street to get one, too.

I've been holding court out on the street and in the garage most of the afternoon and evening. Everyone wanted to see it up close.

I've never owned a new vehicle. I don't think I realized how much I wanted a Harley to have that honor.

Stay tuned folks... this is gonna be fun.

It's here!

July 18, 2008
Fort Collins, CO

Happy Harley Day

July 18, 2008
Fort Collins CO

Vik's New Harley ETA 3:00 pm Today

A note from the folks...

VICKIE LYNN DOWNING IS NOW OUR HARLEY GIRL AND WE ARE SO PROUD FOR HER. BABY GIRL RIDE WITH THE WIND BLOWING GENTLY IN YOUR FACE AND KEEP YOUR BEAUTIFUL BROWN EYES ON THE ROAD. REMEMBER NEVER RIDE FASTER THAN YOUR ANGEL CAN FLY. THOSE ANGELS ARE YOUR DAD AND I. OUR SPECIAL HARLEY GIRL IS ABOUT TO BECOME A HARLEY CHICK AS YOUR DAD WOULD SAY.

HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY AND AN EXPERIENCE THAT YOU WILL NEVER FORGET. REMEMBER WHERE YOU CAME FROM AND REMEMBER THE PEOPLE THAT LOVE YOU SO MUCH.

HAVE A HAPPY HARLEY DAY
OUR DAUGHTER
LOVE
MOM AND DAD
JULY 18TH, 2008

Making Room for Harleys

July 6, 2008
Fort Collins, CO

There's nothing like a little motivation to get things done. Tim's garage is a nightmare most of the time. He's a huge packrat - of ratfink proportions. Having had a vehicle disappear right out of our driveway, neither of us were comfortable letting the Tahoe sit outside. So, we've made what we hope is room for the Tahoe and both Harleys... It's an amazing transformation that took three days and two truckloads of stuff (I did not call it junk, Tim) to the dump.

Sunday Drive on New Harley

July 6, 2008
Fort Collins, CO

Since getting the new Harley, Tim has driven all over the streets in and around our neighborhood, but it's hard to get up to highway speed driving in town. He got his learner's permit last week so Sunday I followed him in the Tahoe (to sort of observe the legalities) to Loveland where he filled the motorcycle up for the first time. Total $12.74. Gas is usually 10 cents less per gallon in Loveland which is about 7 miles from Fort Collins. The morning was cloudy. We ran into sprinkles on the way over and drove on wet highway on the way back. Once back in our neck of the woods, we stopped for LaMar's Donuts, then I followed Tim again as he drove for over an hour in Fort Collins and LaPorte. I say he's lookin' pretty good.

Vickie's New Harley

July 1, 2008
Fort Collins, CO

Colorado Springs, Colorado, Pikes Peak Harley Davidson --

Thunder Mountain HD did well selling Tim a new Harley straight off the showroom floor and we still say it was an awesome experience for him. He loves his Heritage. However, they didn't do so well trying to locate the elusive 883 Low in Vivid Black which is the motorcyle I wanted. I was specific about that from the get-go. They didn't look very hard for it and could not score a trade for it even though I know it was out there. Worse, I found out they likely knew it was out there, couldn't seal the deal for it and didn't bother telling me it was out there. I'm all for competition among dealers but there is Customer Satisfaction to consider as well.

It took Dad and a salesman, Jim at Red River Harley Davidson in Wichita Falls, Texas (some 750 miles away) to get me going in the right direction. Actually, RRHD had the bike in a crate Saturday morning and it sold just a matter of minutes before I laid a claim to it. This bike also proved elusive at several dealerships in Colorado. Finally, after a tip from Jim at RRHD, I called Pikes Peak Harley Davidson in Colorado Springs. They did not have the 883 Low but they did have an 883 XL (standard) sitting on the show room floor.

I told my salesman, Mark to consider it SOLD and Now, what do we have to do to lower it? Dad had already covered those bases with RRHD so I knew basically what I'd need to have done. We talked about it, I put a deposit down on the bike and told them we'd see them in the morning.

That was all yesterday...

It was a beautiful morning. Bright and clear. You could still see snow glistening on Pike's Peak. We arrived at PPHD just as they were opening the doors. My salesman, Mark knew me on sight (I guess I was the only squatty body in the place at the time - ha!). He introduced himself and we got busy. First, he showed me the motorcycle while Finance got busy with the documents. I sat on the bike, and, as we suspected, it was not low enough. So, I sat on a lowered 1200 Sportster which was still a little tall. We determined the best way to figure out the height issue was for me to put on a pair of motorcycle boots and see if that helped. It did. Just barely.

Next, I got to pick out my accessories. Lacie, was the young lady's name who helped with that. In addition to the lowering kit for the shocks, I ordered a small luggage rack and a windshield.

While, we were waiting on Nick in Finance to get the documents in order, I decided to buy the boots I had tried on. Then I tried out the helmets. I found a nice HD helmet but it was a little pricey so I decided to wait on that.

Once the Financing was complete, I got to ring the bell to signify the purchase of a motorcycle. Nick took our picture. As I was ringing the bell, this thought came into my head: Every time a bell rings, a rider gets a Harley.

Mark knew I wanted pictures to show Mom and Dad so he was kind enough to wheel the bike outside. He took a picture of me and Tim, then Tim took a few pics and I took a few. Mark gave me a general overview of the bike and instructed me on the starting procedure. Finally, he said, "Let's start her up!" I did. I can't tell you what a thrill that was for me but I think the grin I have on my face at the end of the slide show pretty much says it all.

In case it's escaped your attention -- The crew at Pike's Peak Harley Davidson are a class act.

Here are a few pics...

As soon as we got to the car, I called Mom and Dad and told them all about it. The only thing that could have made the day better is if they were here to share it with me. It was about 11:30 am. Tim and I had skipped breakfast and were famished. Colorado Springs has every kind of restaurant you could think of, but we decided on an old favorite... The Mason Jar near Old Colorado City. The chicken fried steak is as good as it ever was.

After a great lunch, we made the trip back to Fort Collins as storms began to build over the mountains.

I uploaded the pictures to a slide show immediately and shared them via email with the folks. Both Dad and Mom love my bike. But, Dad pointed out a couple of issues. First, when I told him about the lowering kit, he said the front forks needed to be lowered as well so the bike would be level. None of us thought of that. Next, he pointed out that my arms were over-extended just to reach the ends of the handlebars... which will make steering properly a problem. I'll be calling the dealership in the morning to cover those issues.

Footnote: July 2, 2008 - I ordered the extra parts for my motorcycle (the lowering kit for the front forks and a new handlebar). The handlebars are just like the ones on the low 1200 Sportster I sat on yesterday when we were trying to determine my seat height. I commented at that time that they had the right feel... They are not chrome. They are polished aluminum but that really doesn't make much of a difference to me. The bike has minimal chrome and I like it that way.

Mark, the salesman said it was a good thing I had someone like Dad looking after me because he and Tim missed it (or dismissed it) when I said the handlebars were still a reach for me. I told him, That's my Dad...and I know I'm lucky in that department.

Stay tuned... Delivery will be next week sometime. I can hardly wait!

Did I say... WOO-HOOOOOOOOOOO!

Tim Logs 65 miles on new Harley

July 1, 2008
Fort Collins, CO

No, not trouble -- just Buddy Al

who says he has a severe case

of Harley-Envy and although it isn't --

that really should be a crime.

The Biker

This sums up many of the challenges bikers experience.

---

I saw you, hug your purse closer to you in the grocery store line. But, you didn't see me, put an extra $10.00 in the collection plate last Sunday.

I saw you, pull your child closer when we passed each other on the sidewalk. But, you didn't see me, playing Santa at the local mall.

I saw you, change your mind about going into the restaurant. But, you didn't see me, attending a meeting to raise more money for the hurricane relief.

I saw you, roll up your window and shake your head when I rode by. But, you didn't see me, riding behind you when you flicked your cigarette butt out the car window.

I saw you, frown at me when I smiled at your children. But, you didn't see me, when I took time off from work to run toys to the homeless.

I saw you, stare at my long hair. But, you didn't see me, and my friends cut ten inches off for Locks of Love.

I saw you, roll your eyes at our leather jackets and gloves. But, you didn't see me, and my brothers donate our old ones to those that had none.

I saw you, look in fright at my tattoos. But, you didn't see me, cry as my children were born and have their name written over and in my heart.

I saw you, change lanes while rushing off to go somewhere. But, you didn't see me, going home to be with my family.

I saw you, complain about how loud and noisy our bikes can be. But, you didn't see me, when you were changing the CD and drifted into my lane.

I saw you, yelling at your kids in the car. But, you didn't see me, pat my child's hands, knowing he was safe behind me.

I saw you, reading the newspaper or map as you drove down the road. But, you didn't see me, squeeze my wife's leg when she told me to take the next turn.

I saw you, race down the road in the rain... But, you didn't see me, get soaked to the skin so my son could have the car to go on his date.

I saw you, run the yellow light just to save a few minutes of time. But, you didn't see me, trying to turn right.

I saw you, cut me off because you needed to be in the lane I was in. But, you didn't see me, leave the road.

I saw you, waiting impatiently for my friends to pass. But, you didn't see me. I wasn't there.

I saw you, go home to your family. But, you didn't see me. Because, I died that day you cut me off.

I was just a biker. A person with friends and a family. But, you didn't see me.

---

Passing it on... in hopes that people will better understand the biker community.

I hope you never lose someone that rides.

EVEN IF YOU DON'T LIKE US, RESPECT OUR RIGHTS TO RIDE WHAT WE CHOOSE, AND PLEASE TAKE A FEW EXTRA SECONDS TO BE SURE WE'RE NOT IN YOUR WAY.

Source: http://www.dallasmotorcycleparking.blogspot.com/