Yeah, people have been asking me "What's your sudden obsession with the Cubs this year"? Or "Why do you like sports all of a sudden?" To clarify, I've always been a cub's fan. Never really been to any games, but I did watch a few in the past years. I kept up with the big spots. I've been distracted though with work, school, and girlfriends.
I first became a Cub's fan in 2003. Not really a fan of baseball, the Cub's had a playoff run that year. Everyone in my class was rooting for the cubs, including my teachers. Sadly, we all know the story that year. Ever since then I've been a cubs fan.
Almost a decade later, I practically watched every Cub's game this year and scheduled my schedules around watching the games. The excitement of seeing the rookies, new players, as of the veterans that are still there from the 2003 team. The biggest reason I got so into the year, was because I didn't have anything else. School was school, my bestfriend was slipping out of my hands, and I really didn't have anything else. Opening day was that year, so I decided to watch, and get ready. I figured out the new roster and fell in love with them.
It also was a way to get closer to my family. Aside from my mom, I was able to get my dad and my brother to keep up with every game. We watched a lot of them together and It was a nice way to connect since i don't spend a lot of time with my dad.
Unfortunately, this year was another bad Cubs season. It started with Dempster getting a loss, and ended with dempster getting a loss.
See you next season cubbies.
Currently listening: Freiheit - Keeping the dream alive
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Scootaz and goodbye V
Been quite busy getting this whole scooter thing for Derek figured out. In reality it seems like the heavens didn't want Derek to have a scooter. He was side lined from buying it and getting his license this week. Didn't stop him though. After waiting a few days, putting a deposit down so we can hold it, and some money borrowed from me, it's finally in our garage.
Original plan was for me to drive it home from Des Plaines Honda, but I felt like I'd be a better navigator home in the car, and plus he had more experience on a scooter than I did. I was a bit afraid I'd hit the rear break like it was a clutch. Anyway, after the pouring rain that he rode through, we made it to North Ave where the sun was shining. Of course two hours after we got home, the sun would shine until night fell. It's all good, he got the experience of riding in the rain.
Our parents knew we kinda we gonna get bikes, and surprisingly after huge "NO"'s the past 5 years, they were okay with it. Just got the normal "Be very careful" blah stuff. Of course we will be. We don't want our bodies ending up in 5 different places on the road.
Aside from the scooter, and going off topic, my Dad sold my Gibson Flying V at a guitar show. We never played it, not something that really fits into my tone. Plus, the neck had warped from being in the basement for so long. We actually broke even on the sale. Which is good. I did a "Last play" on the guitar and it ended up cutting into one of my blisters. Good riddance.
Derek and I drove the the DMV today to practice on their course. Well, for him to practice since I have my license already. He did fine. I just gave him some pointers that my riding coach had given me. It's a really fun little toy, but I can't wait to get a motorcycle. Soon. Hopefully next spring I can be riding on my own bike.
Sigh, schools getting harder, and workers getting more annoying. Gotta live though.
Current song: Third Eye Blind - How's is going to be
After we put the deposit down
After we brought it home
Me on the scooter at the dealership(It's a kymco people 200s btw)
Derek practicing at the DMV
Original plan was for me to drive it home from Des Plaines Honda, but I felt like I'd be a better navigator home in the car, and plus he had more experience on a scooter than I did. I was a bit afraid I'd hit the rear break like it was a clutch. Anyway, after the pouring rain that he rode through, we made it to North Ave where the sun was shining. Of course two hours after we got home, the sun would shine until night fell. It's all good, he got the experience of riding in the rain.
Our parents knew we kinda we gonna get bikes, and surprisingly after huge "NO"'s the past 5 years, they were okay with it. Just got the normal "Be very careful" blah stuff. Of course we will be. We don't want our bodies ending up in 5 different places on the road.
Aside from the scooter, and going off topic, my Dad sold my Gibson Flying V at a guitar show. We never played it, not something that really fits into my tone. Plus, the neck had warped from being in the basement for so long. We actually broke even on the sale. Which is good. I did a "Last play" on the guitar and it ended up cutting into one of my blisters. Good riddance.
Derek and I drove the the DMV today to practice on their course. Well, for him to practice since I have my license already. He did fine. I just gave him some pointers that my riding coach had given me. It's a really fun little toy, but I can't wait to get a motorcycle. Soon. Hopefully next spring I can be riding on my own bike.
Sigh, schools getting harder, and workers getting more annoying. Gotta live though.
Current song: Third Eye Blind - How's is going to be
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Finally!
I've been coming up with plans to get a motorcycle for the past couple of years. From renting storage so I can keep it from my parents, to moving out so they can't say anything. It's something I've wanted very bad. Of course, before ever thinking of buying one, I had to get my M license first.
My parents are pretty overly protective. You know how parents are, but they are super protective. To this day, I'm not allowed to cross the street. Not joking. I have a $2500.00 road bike, which they don't even know I ride on the rode on. Whenever I brought up a motorcycle, it's always been "No". I'm 21, I'm paying, it's mine.
I actually have been sneaking around taking my motorcycle class. I'm glad I did do it though. I originally was just gonna rent a 200cc scooter, practice and take the test. I probably would have died if I didn't take a safety class. Anyway, after a few days of class, I took my state test today.
I woke up super early today. My coach said to get to Wild Fire Harley around 730am so I can practice. Out of all the days to be stuck in traffic. I was. This wasn't you know, high traffic, I was stuck on Boughton Road. So at route 53, I turned around, got on Briarcliff and went all the way to Janes Avenue to 355 North, and of course I get their right when the traffic starts there. Basically about to shit my pants, I'm racing, trying to calm my nerves. I know the last thing that I wanted to be was nervous when I got there. I hadn't even put on any of my gear yet. I got there about 10 minutes after 8am, which is when we were supposed to be there. Basically everyone was there. I didn't get a chance to practice because I was late, so I was a bit insecure. After watching the first couple take the test, i just said to myself "I gotta do it sometime", so I stepped up and said "I'll go". Since I didn't get a practice run on the bike, as I was on deck, I was feathering the clutch, trying to get used to it and just trying to get a feel for the bike in general. It came my turn, and I believe it did well. There was one point, where I let go of the clutch a bit too much, but I recovered and went on.
My other classmates in my class had gone before me so I got a big hand clap from them once I finished. It was really awesome that we all passed. I went to the DMV afterwards and didn't have to pay anything to get the endorsement. 10 minutes later, my new license came out.
Current Song: Balance of Traveling Sounds - Something about us (Daft Punk Cover)
My parents are pretty overly protective. You know how parents are, but they are super protective. To this day, I'm not allowed to cross the street. Not joking. I have a $2500.00 road bike, which they don't even know I ride on the rode on. Whenever I brought up a motorcycle, it's always been "No". I'm 21, I'm paying, it's mine.
I actually have been sneaking around taking my motorcycle class. I'm glad I did do it though. I originally was just gonna rent a 200cc scooter, practice and take the test. I probably would have died if I didn't take a safety class. Anyway, after a few days of class, I took my state test today.
I woke up super early today. My coach said to get to Wild Fire Harley around 730am so I can practice. Out of all the days to be stuck in traffic. I was. This wasn't you know, high traffic, I was stuck on Boughton Road. So at route 53, I turned around, got on Briarcliff and went all the way to Janes Avenue to 355 North, and of course I get their right when the traffic starts there. Basically about to shit my pants, I'm racing, trying to calm my nerves. I know the last thing that I wanted to be was nervous when I got there. I hadn't even put on any of my gear yet. I got there about 10 minutes after 8am, which is when we were supposed to be there. Basically everyone was there. I didn't get a chance to practice because I was late, so I was a bit insecure. After watching the first couple take the test, i just said to myself "I gotta do it sometime", so I stepped up and said "I'll go". Since I didn't get a practice run on the bike, as I was on deck, I was feathering the clutch, trying to get used to it and just trying to get a feel for the bike in general. It came my turn, and I believe it did well. There was one point, where I let go of the clutch a bit too much, but I recovered and went on.
My other classmates in my class had gone before me so I got a big hand clap from them once I finished. It was really awesome that we all passed. I went to the DMV afterwards and didn't have to pay anything to get the endorsement. 10 minutes later, my new license came out.
I'm pretty set on a CBR250r. Sorry mark
Current Song: Balance of Traveling Sounds - Something about us (Daft Punk Cover)
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
I live a boring life
Today was a normal day for me. In fact, yesterday and today were both boring. My normal day consists of the following; I wake up early, not by choice, but my body just kind of gets up by itself. I go on the computer or go through phone updates for about an hour till I feel my morning poop coming. Once the poop is finished, I go get some coffee or a Red Bull, anything with caffeine basically. Once I'm done dilly dallying, I work for about half an hour. I get ready for school, go to school, get home, and usually watch the Cub's game.
Not even joking, that's how most days go. Today, I found some time to clean my room. My dad had the house redone with hardwood floors instead of carpet. Awful idea in my opinion. It collects so must dust and whenever I clean my allergies get really bad. That's what's going on with me right now I guess. I also did get a good chance today to play guitar. It's been days since I sat down and jammed. It felt good.
That Gretsch is pretty much the start of MY personal collection. I do have a few others but this is the one I take the most pride in.
I guess the only thing I get really going on now is this whole motorcycle thing. I know basically every post is about it, but it's something that is kinda big in my life. So...My test is on Thursday. My coach told me before I left that I should go there with a huge belly of confidence and just be cool. So I'm hoping everything works out! So cross your fingers for me.
Hoping everything goes well, I'm down to a couple of choices on bikes.
This is a Honda CBR250. Statistics show that sport bikes are actually the safest. Most people that die on a motorcycle are people on cruisers. This would be a great starter bike for me. Plus with all the technology, it'd be awhile till I out grew it. I don't know where I'll be long term with a motorcycle, so this seems ideal. Mark would probably kill me if I bought it. 250cc's is a pretty small engine for a motorcycle. This bike though, is just plain sick though, I love everything about it. Plus, it'd be brand new and I'm already approved for great credit for one.
This right here, is a 1984 Honda Nighthawk CB750. Pretty sweet right? This would be the bike I'd buy if I waited till next springs. That's if I can find one in good condition of course. One came across on craigslist for 2500 with just about 3500k on it. I'd just be afraid of things going wrong, you know..being 30 years old and all. Sometimes Modern technology just has to come through.
We'll see.
Currently Listeing: M. Ward - Poison Cup
Not even joking, that's how most days go. Today, I found some time to clean my room. My dad had the house redone with hardwood floors instead of carpet. Awful idea in my opinion. It collects so must dust and whenever I clean my allergies get really bad. That's what's going on with me right now I guess. I also did get a good chance today to play guitar. It's been days since I sat down and jammed. It felt good.
I guess the only thing I get really going on now is this whole motorcycle thing. I know basically every post is about it, but it's something that is kinda big in my life. So...My test is on Thursday. My coach told me before I left that I should go there with a huge belly of confidence and just be cool. So I'm hoping everything works out! So cross your fingers for me.
Hoping everything goes well, I'm down to a couple of choices on bikes.
We'll see.
Currently Listeing: M. Ward - Poison Cup
Sunday, September 11, 2011
I can ride a motorcycle?
Alright, so as the weekend went, it was the first time I've ever rode a motorcycle.
Coming into a motorcycle class, I had a lot of benefits. I already knew how to drive stick, and although Mark told me to throw all my bicycle skills out the window, my riding coach is actually a bicycle rider as well, and gave me a lot of things to transfer into motorcycle riding ffrom cycling. The similarities were great.
The first day(Saturday), I woke up bright at early. It was about 6am, very foggy, and I believed I was late. Coach told me to come early, around 730am instead of 8am. So I used my "Get ready quick but relax" thing I do. Which basically not rushing and chilling so I don't get overworked for the day. Turns out, GPS told me to take things crazy roads out of the way. I ended up just taking 355. Long story short, I was early but needed to poop. So I found a forest reserve with a porta potty. Not my finest 10 minutes, but it had to be done.
Aside from that part of my morning, I go to the range in Villa Park and I see my classmate and two new classmates. They split the range into two; One of the class at Wild Fire Harley, and one for my class at Illinois Harley. Sandy(My classmate) and I were joined by two girls that didn't finish a couple of a weeks ago due to heat, or dropping the bike and not finishing. The girl that did not finish actually in that time, bought a Harley and had been practicing.
I had no idea how this was going to go down. I was the only one without ANY motorcycle experience, and don't you hate when you're THAT guy that everyone is waiting on? I didn't know what to expect but who cares. I payed for the class, I better finish the class. My coach was really good when we got frustrated or tense. He would just come up to us and smile and say "Hey, relax, smile, and what's Fonzie?" and of course we would smile and say "Cool".
Starting out that day, we mounted and got to turn our motorcycles on for the first time. You have no idea the sense of happiness I found after watching so many videos of bikes on want, to actually start one and here it. It was great. We started out just finding the friction zone on the bike, and power walking it across the lot. He said after a few times, we would go across it in first gear with our legs up on the legs. Not really sure why, but it scared the crap out of me. Once I lifted though, I maintained my balance and everything was cool. Well not really, nothing really clicked yet, it was just a reflex.
After a few more exercises I began to get a lot more comfortable with the bike, but I also started on a lot of bad habits, like not keeping my head up, covering the breaks and clutch, and not looking through turns. This of course was very close watched by my coach who was quick to tell me what I was doing wrong. Usually after the 2nd or 3rd try of an exercise, I started getting a lot more comfortable with what I was doing. After a half day on the range, it was time for my classmate, Sandy, and I to go back to the classroom and finish up the rest of the book. After much talking and review, Sandy and I only got two questions wrong on the written test.
After the first day, I was beat. I didn't get home till 730pm and I felt like I just worked out. Well, my legs at least. After a few hours, I just knocked out. Ready for the next day, I set my alarm and was dreaming of getting back on the bike.
The next day was a bit more nerving. The way my coach put it made it seem very tough. We had a few more exercises to do and also had our evaluation. The day started with a quick warm-up with going around in circles around the track, which was actually pretty fun. Of course, we'd get right into the figure 8 turns. I believe I was only able to do one full figure 8 out of maybe 5 or 6 tries. Coach says it was more of a fines skill to turn right and during the test, we'd only have to turn left, which all of us were able to do each time. Unfortunately, I believe one of my classmates got pretty frustrated because she couldn't get the bike to go and kept stalling in first gear. Throughout the day the rest of us felt bad that we didn't try and help her because she basically just left. I hope she comes back and does the course again and is able to get it.
The next exercise was my favorite. It was basically swerving in a higher speed, and swerving at a higher speed through cones. I got a little bit excited on this one and might have been going a bit too fast XD. Motorcycles are fun, what can I say?
After a few more, we got ready for our practice evaluation. Here is where we basically had no demos, and had minimal coaching through the exercises we'd have already done. With all the done, of course was the course evaluation. I honestly thought I choked in every exercise. I actually slumped my shoulders down after each one because I thought I really messed up. I talked to my classmates in-between and they told me they didn't even notice me messing up. Still didn't make me feel better.
Once that was over, we got one on one evaluations. My coach told me he was super proud of me because I was the only one to get 0 points on the evaluation. Which in this case is good. It's kinda like golf, the more points, the worse. I was shocked. I was the only one out of all of us to get a perfect score, and I've never even ridden before.
In all, I passed the safety course. Thursday is the state test when we do the test where it's decided that I can get my M-License. My coach walked us over the whole thing. I hope I don't choke like I did today. Which even though I choked, somehow had a perfect score.
The Riders Edge, Harley Davidson course was great for me. I've never rode a motorcycle in my life, not even on the back. The only idea I had of riding one was through youtube videos. This honestly is a very friendly course to take. My class especially for being so small, they were able to spend a lot of one on one time with us and none of us felt rushed. The class next two us had 12 people. I think I'd be a whole lot more nervous in that class. I saw 3 people drop out of that class throughout the weekend. I Thank God that I was able to go through it. Also, none of us dropped the bike. My coach was fantastic. He knew when we were frustrated or upset and was quick to calm us down and keep the vibe an easy one.
For the record, I type these posts as I think them. I apologize for grammar mistakes or anything that sounds off. I'm not writing to be graded, I'm just writing to inform. =D
Some of the range we were riding on. You can see the Buell Blast's in the background.
My coaches Honda CBR1000rr. Mmm.
Coach Smed!
Coach and I after the course in front of Wild Fire Harley Davidson. Lookin gross, 5 hours of sweat.
I swear, this just happened like this.
My Riders Edge diploma, complete with me on the only Harley I'd ever want.
A patch I got for being the only one in the class with a perfect score. I'm gonna put it on just for cool points.
I know it's not the best of drinks, but it's nice to drink one after working very hard during a weekend and forgetting I had homework due friday at midnight and getting an F on that.
I aint even mad.
Coming into a motorcycle class, I had a lot of benefits. I already knew how to drive stick, and although Mark told me to throw all my bicycle skills out the window, my riding coach is actually a bicycle rider as well, and gave me a lot of things to transfer into motorcycle riding ffrom cycling. The similarities were great.
The first day(Saturday), I woke up bright at early. It was about 6am, very foggy, and I believed I was late. Coach told me to come early, around 730am instead of 8am. So I used my "Get ready quick but relax" thing I do. Which basically not rushing and chilling so I don't get overworked for the day. Turns out, GPS told me to take things crazy roads out of the way. I ended up just taking 355. Long story short, I was early but needed to poop. So I found a forest reserve with a porta potty. Not my finest 10 minutes, but it had to be done.
Aside from that part of my morning, I go to the range in Villa Park and I see my classmate and two new classmates. They split the range into two; One of the class at Wild Fire Harley, and one for my class at Illinois Harley. Sandy(My classmate) and I were joined by two girls that didn't finish a couple of a weeks ago due to heat, or dropping the bike and not finishing. The girl that did not finish actually in that time, bought a Harley and had been practicing.
I had no idea how this was going to go down. I was the only one without ANY motorcycle experience, and don't you hate when you're THAT guy that everyone is waiting on? I didn't know what to expect but who cares. I payed for the class, I better finish the class. My coach was really good when we got frustrated or tense. He would just come up to us and smile and say "Hey, relax, smile, and what's Fonzie?" and of course we would smile and say "Cool".
Starting out that day, we mounted and got to turn our motorcycles on for the first time. You have no idea the sense of happiness I found after watching so many videos of bikes on want, to actually start one and here it. It was great. We started out just finding the friction zone on the bike, and power walking it across the lot. He said after a few times, we would go across it in first gear with our legs up on the legs. Not really sure why, but it scared the crap out of me. Once I lifted though, I maintained my balance and everything was cool. Well not really, nothing really clicked yet, it was just a reflex.
After a few more exercises I began to get a lot more comfortable with the bike, but I also started on a lot of bad habits, like not keeping my head up, covering the breaks and clutch, and not looking through turns. This of course was very close watched by my coach who was quick to tell me what I was doing wrong. Usually after the 2nd or 3rd try of an exercise, I started getting a lot more comfortable with what I was doing. After a half day on the range, it was time for my classmate, Sandy, and I to go back to the classroom and finish up the rest of the book. After much talking and review, Sandy and I only got two questions wrong on the written test.
After the first day, I was beat. I didn't get home till 730pm and I felt like I just worked out. Well, my legs at least. After a few hours, I just knocked out. Ready for the next day, I set my alarm and was dreaming of getting back on the bike.
The next day was a bit more nerving. The way my coach put it made it seem very tough. We had a few more exercises to do and also had our evaluation. The day started with a quick warm-up with going around in circles around the track, which was actually pretty fun. Of course, we'd get right into the figure 8 turns. I believe I was only able to do one full figure 8 out of maybe 5 or 6 tries. Coach says it was more of a fines skill to turn right and during the test, we'd only have to turn left, which all of us were able to do each time. Unfortunately, I believe one of my classmates got pretty frustrated because she couldn't get the bike to go and kept stalling in first gear. Throughout the day the rest of us felt bad that we didn't try and help her because she basically just left. I hope she comes back and does the course again and is able to get it.
The next exercise was my favorite. It was basically swerving in a higher speed, and swerving at a higher speed through cones. I got a little bit excited on this one and might have been going a bit too fast XD. Motorcycles are fun, what can I say?
After a few more, we got ready for our practice evaluation. Here is where we basically had no demos, and had minimal coaching through the exercises we'd have already done. With all the done, of course was the course evaluation. I honestly thought I choked in every exercise. I actually slumped my shoulders down after each one because I thought I really messed up. I talked to my classmates in-between and they told me they didn't even notice me messing up. Still didn't make me feel better.
Once that was over, we got one on one evaluations. My coach told me he was super proud of me because I was the only one to get 0 points on the evaluation. Which in this case is good. It's kinda like golf, the more points, the worse. I was shocked. I was the only one out of all of us to get a perfect score, and I've never even ridden before.
In all, I passed the safety course. Thursday is the state test when we do the test where it's decided that I can get my M-License. My coach walked us over the whole thing. I hope I don't choke like I did today. Which even though I choked, somehow had a perfect score.
The Riders Edge, Harley Davidson course was great for me. I've never rode a motorcycle in my life, not even on the back. The only idea I had of riding one was through youtube videos. This honestly is a very friendly course to take. My class especially for being so small, they were able to spend a lot of one on one time with us and none of us felt rushed. The class next two us had 12 people. I think I'd be a whole lot more nervous in that class. I saw 3 people drop out of that class throughout the weekend. I Thank God that I was able to go through it. Also, none of us dropped the bike. My coach was fantastic. He knew when we were frustrated or upset and was quick to calm us down and keep the vibe an easy one.
For the record, I type these posts as I think them. I apologize for grammar mistakes or anything that sounds off. I'm not writing to be graded, I'm just writing to inform. =D
I aint even mad.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
First Day of Motorcycle Class
Now, being my natural self, things out of the ordinary in life scare the crap out of me. They usually send me into panic attacks or just make my stomach turn into knots. I try and not do things alone, even if it's going to a friends party alone. I always likes someone there with me to go through any awkward moments that would come into play.
Unfortunately, no one wanted to take the motorcycle class with me. Well, I'm sure people did but it didn't work out with their schedule. Actually, it barely works out with mine, but it's something I want to do. I don't know why I'm so into it. I've always wanted to ride but I'm still looking for the reason behind it.
So I went into this class alone. Harley Davidson didn't make it any easier on me with their lack of information. The website was useless. I tried getting as much information as possible, but being me, I didn't want to call and think I was bothering them and being "That guy". I know what it's like from the other side and making fun of "That guy". Stupid retail.
We all know Harley Riders as those guys with the cut off T-shirts, drinking, bandanas and overly obnoxious motorcycles. I can't stand the riders, but the workers are too friendly. They are fantastic, it's really great to have their company, no lie. But all the customers were seriously sporting chains, black shirts, tight pants and boots. I walk in with a flannel t shirt, a hoodie, tighter pants and my chrome shoes. I'm thinking they are gonna eat me alive.
This is where I use my "I dont give a fuck" attitude. I've been trying to use this because it's seems people that use this are getting by in life just fine. I like to think I go with the flow, but I really don't. I plan ahead to avoid awkward situations. It usually works out, but I've grown tired of the preparation.
I called ahead to make sure I had to be there at 5:00pm, and guess what. I got their at 4:30 just to be a little early, and then class didn't start till 5:30. So I walked over to the classroom building and promptly waited outside texting people, and watching baseball replays. The first student came up at about 5:20. His name is Sandy, and he's probably in his late 50's or early 60's. We talk about where we're from, how much riding experience we have, and about music. Everyone loves music, it's the easiest to talk about. He hasn't ridden in decades and he is taking the class so he can start renting bikes and do tours after he retires. We shoot the shit till about 5:45 when we realize there is no one to be found. He goes back to the dealership to ask, and they tell him that our teacher is running late.
About 5 minutes later he shows up. Not what I expected. In a good way. I expected an old, grey haired, harley pirate. What showed up was this buff, tall, and bald black guy. Who is I believe from Jamaica. He is awesome. He knows all about bicycles because he races and has been racing since he was a teenager. The best thing about him is that his main bike is a Honda. We talk about ourselves and learn the first part about the class and how things are going to go down. He was not what I was expecting but I was relieved it was something I wasn't expecting. He served us coke-a-cola and chex mix. Awesome.
Tomorrow is going to be a long day. I have work at 8am till 4pm and have to be at the dealership at 530pm-830pm. My bestfriend Jory is having a party in Chicago. I probably wont be able to attend because I'll be so tired. Plus I have class the next morning at 8am. Finally the riding portion. I hope I don't choke.
Current Song: Jon Brion - Hook, Line, and Sinker
Unfortunately, no one wanted to take the motorcycle class with me. Well, I'm sure people did but it didn't work out with their schedule. Actually, it barely works out with mine, but it's something I want to do. I don't know why I'm so into it. I've always wanted to ride but I'm still looking for the reason behind it.
So I went into this class alone. Harley Davidson didn't make it any easier on me with their lack of information. The website was useless. I tried getting as much information as possible, but being me, I didn't want to call and think I was bothering them and being "That guy". I know what it's like from the other side and making fun of "That guy". Stupid retail.
We all know Harley Riders as those guys with the cut off T-shirts, drinking, bandanas and overly obnoxious motorcycles. I can't stand the riders, but the workers are too friendly. They are fantastic, it's really great to have their company, no lie. But all the customers were seriously sporting chains, black shirts, tight pants and boots. I walk in with a flannel t shirt, a hoodie, tighter pants and my chrome shoes. I'm thinking they are gonna eat me alive.
This is where I use my "I dont give a fuck" attitude. I've been trying to use this because it's seems people that use this are getting by in life just fine. I like to think I go with the flow, but I really don't. I plan ahead to avoid awkward situations. It usually works out, but I've grown tired of the preparation.
I called ahead to make sure I had to be there at 5:00pm, and guess what. I got their at 4:30 just to be a little early, and then class didn't start till 5:30. So I walked over to the classroom building and promptly waited outside texting people, and watching baseball replays. The first student came up at about 5:20. His name is Sandy, and he's probably in his late 50's or early 60's. We talk about where we're from, how much riding experience we have, and about music. Everyone loves music, it's the easiest to talk about. He hasn't ridden in decades and he is taking the class so he can start renting bikes and do tours after he retires. We shoot the shit till about 5:45 when we realize there is no one to be found. He goes back to the dealership to ask, and they tell him that our teacher is running late.
About 5 minutes later he shows up. Not what I expected. In a good way. I expected an old, grey haired, harley pirate. What showed up was this buff, tall, and bald black guy. Who is I believe from Jamaica. He is awesome. He knows all about bicycles because he races and has been racing since he was a teenager. The best thing about him is that his main bike is a Honda. We talk about ourselves and learn the first part about the class and how things are going to go down. He was not what I was expecting but I was relieved it was something I wasn't expecting. He served us coke-a-cola and chex mix. Awesome.
Tomorrow is going to be a long day. I have work at 8am till 4pm and have to be at the dealership at 530pm-830pm. My bestfriend Jory is having a party in Chicago. I probably wont be able to attend because I'll be so tired. Plus I have class the next morning at 8am. Finally the riding portion. I hope I don't choke.
Current Song: Jon Brion - Hook, Line, and Sinker
Not their main sign, but the one I could get a shot of from where I was standing.
Door to the riders edge class room.
Waiting?
Harlem sucks.
The bad boy I'll be learning on. A 500cc Buell Blast.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Tomorrow
I've wanted a motorcycle ever since my best friend Mark got me into them all those years ago. No offense to him, but he's always been the safer guy between him and I. Probably because my parents were easier on me than his parents on his but we all get along. His Dad is a avid motorcycle rider, and has been riding since he was 22. Mark got his motorcycle(A Honda CX500) I believe, and rebuilt it. I on the other hand have very strict parents when it comes to anything out of the ordinary or unsafe. It took forever for me to convince them that it was okay to own a skateboard when I was in 6th grade. Also, till this day, they still don't wanting me crossing the street.
My big brother Derek kinda of got me in the mood. Derek and I have shared 3 jobs together and currently work at Work Right Occupational Health Services. Although he is much more responsible than I am, I've recently been able to stow away from depending on my parents for gas money, food money, etc. That's a big thing when you've been spoiled for so many years(I'm not afraid to admit it).
I don't know what got Derek in the place to want to buy a scooter, but he did. One day in Chicago we went to a scooter shop and checked a couple out. The guy was super helpful and told us how to get our license and everything.
Scooters are mainly 50cc to 200cc. If I was going to get an M-License, I'd want to buy a motorcycle. So I took the scooters out of the picture, with hopes that I'd soon be riding with my bestfriend on motorcycles together. I did all of this kind of on impulse and dropping hints to my parents that I'm getting into this.
After signing up for the class, they require a few things. A DOT full face helmet, gloves, a jacket, and over the ankle shoes or boots. I haven't really done the shoes thing yet but we'll see what happens. I set on a journey today to find a helmet. Mark recommended me to a place called JC Whitney which is a mail order company but the warehouse is over in La Salle. I went to their website and wrote on the helmets I wanted to try on. From Bolingbrook to La Salle is about an hour and a half away. Finally I get there and they don't have any of the helmets in stock. On the way to La Salle, I saw a Harley Dealership that was having a 25% off sale. Going against my best friends wishes, I bought Harley products. A helmet that was originally $180.00 I got for $120.00 and gloves that were $60.00 I got for $30.00. Bite me.
$600 dollars later, I'm signed up for a class, I have a helmet, gloves, and I'm prepared to take my first class. Class starts tomorrow at Harley Davidson in Berwyn. I chose the Berwyn location because it's the closet to where I work.
Hoping everything works out, I hope I do well, pass the tests, and riding within a month. A big goal because of school and work getting in the way, but we have to make goals to complete them.
Current Song: A Fine Frenzy - Come on, Come out
-Andrew
My big brother Derek kinda of got me in the mood. Derek and I have shared 3 jobs together and currently work at Work Right Occupational Health Services. Although he is much more responsible than I am, I've recently been able to stow away from depending on my parents for gas money, food money, etc. That's a big thing when you've been spoiled for so many years(I'm not afraid to admit it).
I don't know what got Derek in the place to want to buy a scooter, but he did. One day in Chicago we went to a scooter shop and checked a couple out. The guy was super helpful and told us how to get our license and everything.
Scooters are mainly 50cc to 200cc. If I was going to get an M-License, I'd want to buy a motorcycle. So I took the scooters out of the picture, with hopes that I'd soon be riding with my bestfriend on motorcycles together. I did all of this kind of on impulse and dropping hints to my parents that I'm getting into this.
After signing up for the class, they require a few things. A DOT full face helmet, gloves, a jacket, and over the ankle shoes or boots. I haven't really done the shoes thing yet but we'll see what happens. I set on a journey today to find a helmet. Mark recommended me to a place called JC Whitney which is a mail order company but the warehouse is over in La Salle. I went to their website and wrote on the helmets I wanted to try on. From Bolingbrook to La Salle is about an hour and a half away. Finally I get there and they don't have any of the helmets in stock. On the way to La Salle, I saw a Harley Dealership that was having a 25% off sale. Going against my best friends wishes, I bought Harley products. A helmet that was originally $180.00 I got for $120.00 and gloves that were $60.00 I got for $30.00. Bite me.
$600 dollars later, I'm signed up for a class, I have a helmet, gloves, and I'm prepared to take my first class. Class starts tomorrow at Harley Davidson in Berwyn. I chose the Berwyn location because it's the closet to where I work.
Hoping everything works out, I hope I do well, pass the tests, and riding within a month. A big goal because of school and work getting in the way, but we have to make goals to complete them.
Current Song: A Fine Frenzy - Come on, Come out
-Andrew
First Post
Hey everyone!
As you know, this is my daily blog. I'll try to post everyday about my average life. Nothing so much is really going on except work at school. But for the people that care, I hope will find it interesting.
Current Song: She & Him - Riding in my car
-Andrew
As you know, this is my daily blog. I'll try to post everyday about my average life. Nothing so much is really going on except work at school. But for the people that care, I hope will find it interesting.
Current Song: She & Him - Riding in my car
-Andrew
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