Commuting

The weather settled down a bit this past week. I enjoyed this quite a bit because it was neither quite as hot not as rainy as it had been. Given the problematic weather we have had so far this late spring, I had not been able to ride my motorcycle as much. This week gave me an opportunity to do just that.

I’ve ridden motorcycles off and on since I was approximately 6. I learned to ride a bicycle and shortly rode a Kawasaki Minitrail. Years later, my parents got me a Honda Aero 125 scooter. Back then, I was too young and naïve to be aware of road rules and such. I didn’t have a license let alone motorcycle license then. Living in rural Mississippi, I was fortunate that it did not cause me issues. A few years ago, my son and I completed the MSF course, which I highly recommend even if you do not ride motorcycles or plan to ride them. It made me a better driver let alone rider.

I have been working on ways to pack things for my commute. This let me do a shakedown run to see how my systems were working, what needed attention, what could be tweaked, etc. I worked on making a support rack for some luggage. I have some dry bags. Riding the motorcycle to work takes preparation, probably more than I’m willing to admit liking! I had to leave some things off I normally take. I had to dress appropriately (ATGATT, for those keeping score at home), so that meant I had to take work shoes and clothes in my bag. I had to make sure things were secured to the bike. While the weather is cooler, it still was warm. Because of all the prep and roadwork plus taking a different, less crowded route, the first day caused me a delay. The second day was a bit better. The third and fourth were fine. I even managed to get a CFA chicken biscuit and stick loosely in my jacket before work one day. All told, I averaged about 76 miles per gallon, which is consistent with my recent numbers. I spent less than 9 bucks for the week of riding. Riding also gave me a chance see God’s beauty and to pray. So much appreciation!

Commutes are not my favorite thing. Sometimes, I’ve used the time to learn. Others, I listen to music even public radio. I know. I still like it, especially our rock station in town. Oz in the afternoons does a great job spinning tunes, managing the station, and supporting local businesses and live music.

I wear earplugs as I ride and recommend it as part of ATGATT. I tried different setups, as I mentioned earlier, and part of that was riding gear, headset, navigation, etc. As the week progressed, I found a route that is quite enjoyable. I found a way to enjoy the radio. I also practiced different things riding. I’m still not as smooth as I’d like to be, but each ride gives me an opportunity to practice something and learn things as well.

Even after the ride, I learned some things. I was able to tweak my clutch freeplay–something I wanted to do. I also tried a brake hack that honestly seemed to help. I can’t really say it’s a placebo effect because the brakes were definitely smoother. (If you’re curious about the hack, let me know.) I’ve mentioned not being mechanically inclined, so every little thing I’ve done has given me more confidence and more opportunities to learn (I can say this now because I’m not struggling right now!). I also washed my bike. A week of riding asphalt got it pretty dirty (good cleaner recommendation if you want as well).

Perspective is everything, isn’t it!?

This week, my commute will be back in my car for possibly the whole week. Things are ramping up at work, which means meetings and things. Weather doesn’t appear as nice, either. My routes will be a little different at least one day, and I think that helps. Switching up the routine makes things a little more interesting–this coming from someone that enjoys comfort and routine.

What about you? With your commutes, what do you do? What do you look forward to during them? How do you handle the routine of it all?

Regardless, we’re nearing September, which is unbelievable to me. I’m looking forward to cooler weather. I hope life is treating you well. Peace be with you.

#commuting #perspective #learning #motorcycles #moto #monotony #routine #change #God #beauty #prayer #Jesus