It's all about the links, no bobble.

On another note I did a modification to my bike, I put lowering links on The Duchess. 

Since last May when I got her I have struggled with her 32 inch seat height and have been seriously questioning my purchase. The reality for me is that I am vertically challenged which poses challenges in some riding situations and bike choices. Most bikes on the market right now are clocking in at a 32 inch seat height and it is a struggle for a lot of female riders of average height.

Riding it was never the issue, but stopping on off camber road surfaces and manoeuvring into parking spaces was precarious at best. I was ballerina toeing the bike and it has resulted in some near misses with the weight/height imbalances. Just call me Tippy.

We ordered the links from UK based Lust Racing and they links lowered the bike by 1.5 inches. 

This has been the best thing I have done for me motorcycle Farkle wise. I can now get a solid left foot plant when stopping and I can get the balls of both of my feet on the ground when backing up to park. No more ballerina toeing! Have to say it's pretty exciting to get Farkles in the mail! 

Two Wheeled Therapy - stress decompressor

The Duchess is waiting for me in her daytime Moto lair. 

Today was a 'survival day' at work, technical difficulties with electronic challenges and other client needs, which meant no breaks and I worked OT. At the end of the day I was sufficiently wound up & more than a little stressed. It was a beautiful sunny day, the kind of day that you dresm of being out on the bike and carving some beautiful twisties, oh to dream. Any way after I was done I beetled down the stairs to my two wheeled love and I was gone.  

Of course it was in the thick of rush hour so my impatience was getting the better of me. So finally I made my way through traffic found some twisties and felt the stress draining away. 

I ended up in Esquimalt Lagoon, parked and sat on a bench and just relaxed. As I was riding through the rural forest part ifvthe road the smells were amazing, you could smell summer. It was the sweet tang of pine, spruce, and soil with a hint of raspberry. I love the sensory aspect of riding, I always feel so in touch with the environment.  I could literally feel the stress melting away and it cleared my head space. You know what they say - you never see a motorcycle parked in front of a psychiatry office, I love two wheeled therapy.

Happy stress free face. All it took was about 90 minutes of moto wandering and all was right in my world.

It was such a beautiful day very summer-like, so much so that people were out on jet skis. 

It was a good way to wrap up a dismal Monday.  Here's hoping the rest of the week gets better!

 

Day in the dirt - Princess Mud Puddle rides again

Friday was a cloudy warm spring day and  it was motoX day. We were shooting a segment for Farkle Garage at West Shore MotoX.  It rained during the night so I was gleefully hoping for mud and puddles. After all they say mud is good for the skin. 

I was riding a Honda CRF 150, I love how light and easy to manoeuvre this bike is and I can honestly say I probably wouldn't get a huge monster bike if I decided to do more of this. 

Jeff at West Shore MotoX  (far left) was awesome! He kitted us out and had bikes for us to ride and gave us a brief lesson.  This is a perfect family activity and you don't need bikes and gear they have it all there.  The Farkle Garage crew had a blast ripping it up in the mud. 

Co-host Steve on the left was having a blast! It was a good day in the dirt. I had a ton and f fun, even stood up on the pegs, but today I am definitely feeling the ouch, but at least I was having fun!

Brave Bold Blogger Challenge #13

Today's post in the challenge is a pic of your bike or car. The Duchess is patiently waiting for me to bring her out of hibernation mode, but I'm still waiting for monsoon season to stop or at least let-up. I really don't mind riding on the rain, I've got all the gear so I am fairly hermetically sealed from the elements, but for me it's the other drivers who aren't at their best in winter weather and not expecting me out on the road. But I have been riding out at my riding school & prepping for the upcoming novice teaching season. 

Brave Bold Blogger Challenge #12 'What event are you most looking forward to?'

What I am most looking forward is teaching my first novice motorcycle class on the long weekend in May.  It is going to be three full days of moto immersion, normally this would be over two weekends. I am stoked because my partner instructor is amazing and I am going to learn a lot! i also get to ride this ultra cool Honda CRF250 with supermoto tires, I love riding this little beast!

Thankful -Brave Bold Blogger Challenge #11

The two people beside me in this picture are what I am most thankful for, my husband and beautiful daughter. They ARE my world. 

I am very thankful for where I live as well, because I am fortunate that Canada believes in rights and freedoms for their citizens. I don't take that for granted ever because there are many places that routinely treat their citizens harshly and abuse and neglect civil rights. 

So I am a pretty lucky human and it is only a twist of fate that allows most of to be born in good countries or bad ones.

Tell a story - Brave Bold Blogger Challenge #10

Well it is story day here on the blog.  

This is a poignant sweet story, I am feeling a little melancholy on this rainy grey winter day and I am missing my furriest little friend Muggins. 

So you may want to grab a tissue, I know I needed one.  

The link to her story is in blue, I have to say this was written at a time of profound sadness for me, but the happy memories far outweigh those feelings now 

Story link here ---->             The Story of Muggins

I miss you little girl, I can see your bright shining eyes and still feel the touch of your fur and your snuggliness.