What an eventful time it’s been lately!
Man, I am so grateful, too.
I started with a shorter, 3-hour one-way trip to North Georgia on my motorcycle while my family drove separately. We had a great time visiting with our former pastor and catching up. It really helped me see what I needed to do to be comfortable on longer motorcycle trips. During America’s 250th weekend, I took a considerably longer trip to see family and friends. I spent a lot of time in my helmet without anything but directions. I took backroads and some highway, rarely interstate driving. Beautiful scenery. Seeing sites on the motorcycle is way better! I rode by the Jack Daniels Distillery, and it is very impressive! Tennessee State Route One had some beautiful spots as well. It was awesome seeing all the small towns really decorate and prepare for the 4th. North Georgia is incredibly beautiful; however, straight roads were a rarity. Some like that a lot (Dragon). I prefer slow, winding, meandering kind of riding myself.
I definitely learned some things!
I do not need to push it! On the 4th, I rode a lot of places over the course of the day after many hours on the bike the day previously. In my rushing around, I made a very careless mistake of thinking my kickstand was down (it was not!). I laid in the restaurant’s parking lot with the bike on my leg, giggling at my Griswold-ness. This is how humility works for me. I made some other mistakes along the journey like missing a turn or two, mis-shifting, etc. I rode in my first heat wave and first downpour. I learned I could do it. Heat, I’ve handled before, but it was particularly hot that day. On the return home, the rain was heavy. I managed pretty well, though. I did not rush. I gave plenty of space. I tried to communicate as best I can using signals and being visible. At one point after the rain, I even got cold riding! My gear was designed more for hot weather, not wet weather. When I got home, I had a wet lower half and squishy socks.
I also learned some things I need to do to my bike to make it more comfortable. I have no extra cushion in my tush, so I’m constantly trying things and seeing what helps. I realized driving for long periods takes some different things to maintain rider comfort. My plan is to make some more modifications and perform some maintenance (oil change, brake fluid change, tire change, new center stand for some of the maintenance tasks, and adjustable levers) soon but waiting on money like most of the world!
My wife and I were able to attend a conference together. Honestly, she did this for me; she wasn’t really interested in the topic. It was fun to see people I’ve watched on YouTube or listened to their podcasts or watched on TV. It’s also an opportunity to express thanks for what they do. By the reactions we got when we did that, it does not happen enough.
Life’s full of moving parts. It’s important to take care and maintain them accordingly. Otherwise, we find ourselves depleted, making mistakes like dumping your bike in the parking lot. The things you say yes to, make sure they give you some energy back. Take care of the maintenance tasks. You’ll enjoy yourself more and have much more pleasant memories for it. When you’re faced with sketchy or nerve-wracking tasks, you will be able to look back on them and appreciate what you overcame.
#Jesus #growth #challenges #mistakes #motorcycles #adjustments #refill #energy #travel #scenicroute
dr. jason newcomb 
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