#23 #29in29 Vixen

I lucked out today in my moto rambling!!!  I found this sign above a hair salon on Wharf Street in Victoria.  Bob found a Scarlet sign for my lovely Shadow Scarlet.  Today was my other moto loves turn, my scooter Vixen.

#23 #29in29 moto challenge by Fuzzy Galore

#22 #29in29 Signs of Moto Spring

                          Sure sign of spring, little blossoms and snow drops!

Few things make the heart of a motorcyclist and scooterist happier than anything is  sunshine and twisties.  Spring is rapidly drawing closer and this Moto Diva is eagerly, anxiously and happy anticipating spring's arrival.  I am dreaming of tearing up the twisties, going for long rides where I don't have to hermetically seal myself from the elements.  We are all tired of the drudge of winter with either rain or snow and I think I can say for my fellow West Coasters we are tired of grey skies and rain.  Its funny last night I was sitting at a meeting and a few people commented on how nice winter has been, I replied, "It's only mild and lovely when you are sitting in a  warm car commuting on a cold wet rainy day." Sometimes the grass is greener on the other side of the commuting coin.

                                           Snowdrops.

#22 #29in29 Check out Fuzzy Galore's moto blog the originator of this challenge.

#20 #29in29 Rain Shadow?!

RAIN, RAIN, GO AWAY!!! THIS MOTO DIVA NO LONGER WANTS TOO PLAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!


#20 blog challenge #29in29 Click here to see Fuzzy Galore's blog creator of the moto photo challenge

#19 #29in29 ~ A Moto Diva is born!!!!

Today was the best day out of the weekend, it didn't rain and we actually had some sunshine so we took to 2 wheels.  Motorcycle Man doesn't have anything insured so I happily gave up Scarlet to him and Motorcycle Daughter.  We rode over to the practice parking lot and Motorcycle Man asked if Motorcycle Daughter wanted to have a go at learning to ride Vixen.  She was a little hesitant at first, but he is such a good and patient teacher.  They started out by pushing the scoot sans engine.  She was balancing Vixen perfectly!  She is a natural.  After awhile he had her turn the engine on and they putted around the parkinglot at ultra low speed.  Motorcycle Man had her applying the brakes and touching her feet down.  After awhile she was doing figure 8's, circles and stopping right on the line.  We practiced going in circles & turning.  She had all of this within an hour.  I was pretty impressed with Moto Diva Jr!
She ROCKS!!!

Now for a little game of follow the leader!  Jr was following me around the parkinglot.  She gets the concepts really quickly and what impressed me most was she was shoulder checking!!!!  Yeah Baby!!

 We both came to a graceful stop.  Notice how much longer her legs are, if only I could have a few of those inches life would be so good!!  I am really impressed with my girl and that she was riding & gliding smoothly.  I think Motorcycle Man should think about being an instructor, he is so patient and just has an ease about him when he is showing you how to do it.  He actually said that Jr had the concepts much faster than her momma.  Hey I'm an old dog and she is a young pup.  While Jr was riding around the lot under dad's watchful eye I went took the opportunity to practice emergency stops and work on the friction zone a bit and figure 8's etc.  You can never have enough practice as far as I am concerned.  It was such a great fun afternoon and we topped it off with a nice latte and headed home.

                                     I am the luckiest girl in the world!

#19 29in29 Check out Fuzzy Galore's blog, she is the originator of the #29in29 challenge.

#15 #29in29

Here is a lovely picture taken by Bob when he was out and about with his camera.  He saw this and KNEW I would love it!  Thank you Bob for thinking of me and snapping this!  For those of you who don't know why 'Scarlet' is significant to me it is the name of my beautiful scarlet red Honda Shadow VT500c. 

Just wanted to share a small story, I thought this was so charming and warmed my heart.  Today while at work an elderly lady asked me who rode the bike in the office? I told her it was me and a big smile came across her face and she then started telling me of her girlhood in the UK.  She used to ride pillion on her beau's bike.  She said they would be all dolled up in skirts to go to dances and they used to wrap the skirts around their knees and then tootle off to the dance.  She said her mother was scandalised by her daughter's behaviour!  I asked her if she had driven the bike and she said she tried once and that was the only time.  She scared herself because she ended up having to do a u-turn and the bike unfortunately got away from her and it slid.  She said though she went to many a dance by bike.  She said she wished she had conquered the fear.  The look on her face as she was telling me her story was one of pure delight. 

#15 #29in29 photo blog challenge.  click here for the link to Fuzzy Galore's blog the creator challenge

#14 #29in29 HOW DO I LOVE THEE?????

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

HOW DO I LOVE THEE? Let me count the ways.

I love thee to the depth and breadth and height 

My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight

For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.

I love thee to the level of everyday's 

Most quiet need, by sun and candlelight.

I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;

I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.

I love thee with a passion put to use

In my old griefs, and with my childhood faith.

I love thee with a love I seemed to lose

With my lost saints, -- I love thee with the breath,

Smiles, tears, of all my life! --- and, if God choose,

I shall but love thee better than death. 

By:  Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806-1861)


#14 #29in29 fuzzygalore

Flower delivery

The people I love and am most thankful for in the entire world.  

They are my smile, my soul, and my heart.

#11 #29in29 Moto photo

I was finally feeling better today!  I went for a quick jaunt to meet up with Kiwi Deb for a a very short ride.  I need to blow out the cob webs from the cold.  It wasn't a long ride, in fact just a quick one.  We decided to go to the Cook Street Village and either go to Moka house (this is where riders hang out) or Starbucks.  We pulled up as cool as two old ladies can be and parked our bikes in front of Moka House and then walked over to Starbucks.  The counter dude was pretty impressed that we were riding motorcycles, he sheepishly told us he rides a 50cc Vespa, I don't think he was expecting our response we both told him you have to start somewhere in your moto adventure.  I asked him if he wears gear, he said he did which gives him extra ** in my book. He asked for a name to put on the lattes and then he said "Naw I will call you the Moto Mamas"   Too funny they called out Moto Mamas when the lattes were ready.  We took them outside to chill and chat on the patio.  It was nice just to be outside and enjoying some fresh air.  Deb and I had a quick visit and then it was time to roll, I had pizza to make & get Moto Daughter & friend off to see the Hedley concert.  I snapped some pics as we were sitting on the patio.  

                           Deb & I drinking our Moto Mama Lattes

Some sporty little numbers that pulled up, of course they do a better park job than us.  Parking the bike is still a bit of a challenge.  Getting better at it though now that I am getting familiar with Scarlett's weight and finding her easier to manoeuvre.  All I can think is "Please don't let me dump the bike in front of all these people."  You don't want to look like a bike dork.  The cool factor does come into play just for the fact that I'm a mature woman who just started biking, I think thats pretty cool.  On the way home I was waiting at the light and a young dude in an SUV rolled down his window and told me I have a nice bike.  How cool is that?  I still get a kick out of the biker wave and don't think I will ever tire of this.  I actually even give a nod to folks on scoots too, because you just never know what else they may ride.

    Everybody spins through Cook Street Village on the weekend.  

#11 #29in29 blog challenge.  Check out Fuzzy Galore's blog, she is the creator of the moto photo challenge.

#8 #29in29 Caution Don't feed the animals......

      CAUTION DON'T FEED THE ANIMALS......


This is where Scarlett and Vixen reside while I am up being a productive human and earning money to pay for them.


#29in29   FuzzyGalore a girlie motorcycle blog!

#5 in #29in29

Scarlett in front of Big Blue - Does this pic remind you of another?

I am starting to grow accustomed to my new ride, I have been feeling a little tentative on her.  I am still a new rider and still getting my proverbial motorcycle boots wet.  Yesterday was the first time in two months since I have ridden anything bigger than 50cc and my shifting is a little rusty, but I know it will smooth out with continued riding and more time in the saddle.  It was pretty cool yesterday when I was out riding and pulled up to a light and a girl in a truck beside me leaned way over to look at my bike and then she gave me a thumbs up.  I wonder what the dudes are thinking when they look at me on my bike? Maybe it's; "Hey thats a girl riding that bike, see honey you could do that too."  I remember hearing those very same words out of Motorcycle Man's mouth.  In looking back on it, I think I just didn't feel ready to do it and maybe there was a bit of fear mixed in there.  Actually a whole lot of fear.  It's one thing to be the passenger, but it's a whole different story when you are the one piloting the rocket ship.  

Today I picked up my new riding friend Cindy and we went to visit Kiwi Deb.  It was a beautiful afternoon for a ride and it was very scenic because she lives out in the country.  We had a lovely girlie afternoon sipping Chai Tea and eating goodies. The nicest thing about motorcycling is that you meet the nicest people on 2 wheels.  It is a very friendly community and all are welcome no matter what you ride.  As we were tootling along we passed several other motorcyclists and I have to say giving 'the wave' still gives me a little kick.  I was still feeling a little antsy riding Scarlett and particularly when I am riding with someone, because I still feel like a bike imposter.  I wonder if other new motorcyclists feel the same? I am pretty certain that this feeling will go away at some point.  There are usually two things running through my mind as I am riding 1)  I still can't believe I am doing this!  2)  Holy Hannah is this bike mine?!  I'm still feeling surprised over this gift.  

                                                                             Deb 'Kiwi Deb' Adventure Kiwi blog

After Cindy I parted company, I meant to meander home, but didn't feel quite ready to put Scarlett away.  It was gorgeous and sunny and I was feeling the groove.  I took a quick little side step to down town and down Dallas Road my familiar comfort route.  It's a great route to take because it's 30km/h most of the way.  There are some great sharp turns and lots of stop signs, which gets me used to learning the feel of Scarlett's brakes and how she handles.  You don't always have to be going mach 1 to learn how to handle and manoeuvre your bike. In fact I think if you can master the elementary skills at slow speed and use the friction zone you will be that much better at higher speeds.  I can see plenty of practice in the parking lot coming up and really developing a strong skill set.  I have been mulling over where motorcycling might take me and I think once I get some more experience under my belt I might like to be an instructor.  I actually feel part of the responsibility in riding is sharing your knowledge and role modeling good skills.  So I think my journey may be more than what I had thought in the beginning, which was just a mode of transportation to work, I think it is to share and encourage others to be proficient and artfully skilled riders.  But for now I am content with learning what I need to do and riding in the sunshine with my friends and Motorcycle Man.  BTW did I say how much I like my new bike?!!!  Thanks Motorcycle Man & Moto Daughter for giving me the best present ever !

                                                   Inner Harbour Victoria, BC 

#29in29 picture blog challenge FuzzyGalore.com

#Four #29in29

Scarlett - Our first real ride!

It's February 4th, and a beautifully sunny day.  It was the perfect day for a ride, only thing was I had to get out and get insurance for my beauty.  Most of you know that I was spoiled rotten by Santa and the Elfette.  They bought this gorgeous Honda Shadow VT500C for Christmas.  I only had an hour to ride her when they gave her to me because there was only temporary insurance and it expired on Midnight Christmas Eve.  I did take her for a short rip, but was a little nervous because I wasn't familiar with her and it was dark when we were getting acquainted.  I was a little tentative because I was worried about black ice and other drivers.  We went for a lovely short ride.  I felt extremely sad when I had to put her to bed for the night and until I figured out what I wanted to do about the insurance.  I felt very much like Cinderella leaving her glass slipper at the ball at the stroke of midnight, only my glass slipper was my motorcycle boot.  Santa also gave me a new pair of those too!  

Today was the day, I made up my mind that I was going to insure Scarlett.  After that was accomplished it was time to do a practice session in the parking lot to get acquainted with my new ride.  My insurance for a year with my safe driving discount $868 - ouch.  Motorcycle Man who has been in on my journey from the beginning accompanied me to the lot and helped me go through the paces.  After a little while he said "Come on lets go ride down the highway and I will follow behind you."  He always helps my confidence level soar and makes me feel protected, he is an awesome sweep rider, but today he was following along in the car because he has caught the beastly cold that is going around.  This bike is all that and then some!  She glides down the highway with little effort and her ride is as smooth as silk.  I had her up into 6th gear and IT WAS FRICKEN AMAZING!!!! I have been feeling a little blue this past 2 weeks and I can't tell you how much this lifted my spirits and is the best 'drug' for a sad motorcyclist.  I think if more people rode a motorcycle or scooter there would be more happiness in the world! 

     PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE - You get a little rusty after not riding for awhile.  New bike & New Boots!

PS:  I know I cheated by adding 2 pictures.

If you don't know about FuzzyGalore's picture challenge check out her blog FuzzyGalore.com  It is an awesome girlie motorcycle blog!

    

Scarlett Vixen - First week into the New Year.

Scarlett Vixen

We are week into the New Year and I still haven't ridden the newest edition to my moto family.  Miss Scarlett (Vixen).  Like most I returned to work on Tuesday and hit the ground running.  I haven't really looked back because it has been just too darn busy.  My Christmas tree is still up and that is because today January 7, 2012 is Orthodox Christmas on the Gregorian calendar.  Part of my heritage came from Eastern Europe.  We don't really do anything fussy or prepare elaborate meals - I tried to make cabbage rolls this week and had just mild success.  But Motorcycle Man who is in love with cabbage rolls ate them and said they tasted good.  Bless his little full face helmet!  You know you have someone who loves you because he has eaten what I have cooked from day one and I can say some of the offerings have been less than stellar.  Remind me to tell you about bricksagna one day.  I have been meaning to post a picture of this lovely bottle of wine that Dave who is a friend of mine gave me for Christmas ~ Motorcycle Mama Wine.  He is a graphic artist and came up with this wonderfully unique label and gave it to me for Christmas.  It is from the Darlin Darlene Estate Vineyards.  I just happen to think this is a wonderful gift.  He truly is a talented artist and has given us many memorable hand painted Christmas cards.  

Now if I only looked this hot.......

Motorcycle Man and Scooterpie Jr have been hinting since before Christmas that there was going to be a late present.  I came home on Tuesday and there was a small parcel in the mail that Scooterpie Jr quickly snatched out of the box before I could get it.  When Motorcycle Man came home and we were relaxing in the livingroom. Scooterpie Jr presented me the box.  When I opened it inside was a sterling silver motorcycle charm from my Pandora bracelet.  WOW!!!  It truly was a very Motorcycle Christmas.  It is so cute and looks fabulous with the rest of my wee charms.