My first long ride - Earplugs!
My first 2 hour ride from Philly to New York. It was pretty uneventful except for the fact that I brought way too much stuff and had to carry a huge backpack while my cat sat in the tankbag. My back hurt after a while. But it was a great feeling after I got on the freeway. With about 85mph average speed, I didn't feel the heat at all. After about an hour of riding, my butt started hurting. Coupled with the soreness in my arms, shoulders, and back from the heavy backpack, it was pretty miserable, yet at the same time exhilarating.
So finally I got to my apartment in Jersey City. Good thing I didn't have to ride into Manhattan. I got off the seat and immediately had a pounding headache and ringing in my ears. Apparently when the rpms get really high, the engine hum is so high that it becomes a blurry indistinct sound that you don't really notice. It's only when I'm going at a low speed that I hear the engine more distinctly. Anyway, I guess after 2 hours of that high pitched whine in my ears and head, I got a huge headache. Off to RiteAid down the street to buy earplugs!
It was about a 100 mile ride on 2 gallons of gas which I filled up for about $6. 50mpg, pretty awesome.
chivalry
I was carrying a huuuge box onto the subway today and some guy offered me his seat. Chivalry isn't quite dead yet.
biker chicks
I saw two bikes on the freeway yesterday on the way to the airport. Going about 75-80 mph in the carpool lane. As they pass by I see the first biker with a ponytail flapping in the wind...the second biker had a pink helmet and purple jacket. Thumbs up, chicas!
the loves of my life
While vacationing here in beautiful Southern California, I realize that I have become a much different person over the past four years. I see a lot of my old self in my old friends who have led the life of luxury here in lovely ol Cali, who have never found the need to step outside their comfort zones. They're the same good old friends with the same good old passions and worries. I always find myself trying to discuss the bigger picture in life with them. It's interesting to hear different perspectives. And life always makes for good conversation and insight. Unless of course, you are the typical Wall Streeter I meet in NY who has nothing better to talk about except work, booze, and sex (or lack thereof). Next, please!
Love #1: I attribute my changes to my headstrong and aggressive, yet playful and laid-back personality. I have gained much more confidence over the past couple years and now I don't take society's opinions at face value so much. All that matters is that I am happy, really truly happy, and if that pisses off society, so be it. I love my self-love. This is the first step to happiness.
Love #2: I attribute the possibility of changes to my partner in crime, who is supportive of any and every decision I make. Life is difficult living alone, especially while living outside of your comfort zone.
Love #3: My family, of course. They will always be there. Blood is thick. It's a good feeling to know someone will back you up even if no one else does.
Love #4: My darling Sadie cat. Unconditional love and a happy meow when I walk in the door. A warm snuggle in my bed so I don't have to sleep alone :) Can't ask for anything more than her affection and loyalty.
Love #5: My motorcycle, still unnamed. Will be named after I ride her around a bit more. I am currently suffering withdrawal symptoms of not riding. Good news is, I have all my gear and I am ready to tear up the road in 3 days!
Love #6: All the good people with good hearts in the world. They make the world go round. They stand defiantly flashing their happiness in the face of our chaotic and corrupt society. Happiness breeds good people. Unfortunately, so many people are masochists and revel in their own boredom and/or depression. Even more unfortunately is that they are too busy being masochists and don't realize they are being just so.
upcoming post: "it's a wonderful life" - influencing other people's lives
