Life: Predicted

This is a two part post discussing my two major events this week. The first is a purchase of my very first motorcycle, a Triumph Bonneville T100. I have yet to take any pictures of it yet, so just as a frame of reference I've included a photograph of someone else's Bonneville T100.

I've been looking at motorcycles for a couple of months, and toyed with the longest time about buying a Honda 919. And while early purchase had presented itself several times, there was just enough hesitancy to keep that from happening. And I think its paid off. My path to the Bonneville was a little circumspect. It started off with interest in a Triumph Scrambler...which led to interest in the Triumph Thruxton...which led to the Bonneville...which led to the Bonneville T100.

I genuinely heart my T100. Besides being just a damn pretty bike, it is super comfy. Okay, its super comfy for me, which is really all that matters. The most I've spent on the bike is an hour and a half, and that has left my back and behind feeling just fine. And since my comfort was the number one factor when choosing a motorcycle, I'd say I've made the right choice. But comfort wasn't my only reason for going for this particular bike. After all, the 919 was comfortable too. I really love the retro feel to the T100. And, as if this shouldn't be obvious from someone that also rides around in a fairly new Wrangler...I love new toys that are made to look like old toys. All the nostalgia my little heart can handle, but without the worry of maintenance.

But it hasn't been all rainbows with the new motorcycle. There's actually been some disappointment, verging on frustration. Not with my bike, but with myself. As per usual Jen form, I'm impatient with my progress. I'm a noob to riding, and there are certain things I'm having trouble mastering. Like sharp right hand turns are kicking my ass at the moment. I haven't dropped the bike, haven't even come close actually...but without fail, every single time I take a sharp right turn from a stop I end up on the wrong side of the street. Grrrr. And I'm having a hard time with starting on an incline. I'm getting bored with riding around the 'hood, dodging UPS guys and kids on bicycles, but I told myself that I cannot get out on the Big Girl Streets until I conquer these two issues. But I'm working on it.

Another frustration, since I've mentioned it a little already, is my neighborhood. It is essentially a giant circle with two points of exit. One is on an incline and the other requires a sharp right turn (I could go left, but that would require a 3/4 mile jaunt on Ft. Campbell Blvd...aka The Road of Death). So, really, I *have* to get these two things down just to leave the neighborhood. Grump, grump, grump.

Anyway, I love my bike, but I hate having to be patient with the learning curve.