Statistics

There are three statistics about motorcycle riding. 

1. Most accidents happen within 5 miles of home.

2. Most accidents happen to riders who've been riding less than 6 months.

3. There are two types of motorcycle riders. Those that have had an accident and those that will.

Well actually that last one is more of a saying than a statistic, but it seems to hold true in most cases.

So today I fulfilled all three of them. I had a motorcycle accident.

It started back in September when my darling husband bought me this cool motorcycle. We were still so incredibly busy with the house and our business. So my practice sessions were few and far between. I was finally able to get the knowledge test in October. But since they don't issue permits in Tennessee, I couldn't bring the motorcycle to the test place myself. Jon was out of town most of November and then it was Thanksgiving. So today was the first day that Jon was able to get away from work to bring the bike and meet me there.

I woke up this morning to find temps in the low 30s. I KNEW that it was too cold for me to ride. But I was really afraid that my written part of the test would expire (Turns out it didn't expire for 1 yr.) and I'd have to start all over again. Let me tell you, the dmv is not a place you want to go unless you absolutely have to.

So I went. And I passed with no problem at all. 

And then I had to drive home.

I haven't been that cold ever. It wasn't long before my hands, feet, and lower face were completely numb. I got within 2 miles of my house and went around a corner. I noticed a bunch of gravel in the road up ahead. So I braked so that I wouldn't be going as fast when I got to it. Small problem. My hands were so numb that I didn't actually touch the brakes at all. At least that was my thought as I found myself lying on the ground. 

I got up quickly and shook everything out. Nothing seemed to be broken or overly painful. There had been a car behind me and the lady came running up just as I got the bike picked up. Turns out she was my neighbor and I think was more rattled than I was. My back was beginning to twinge a bit, but I made it home safely. By the time I'd parked the bike and was pulling my helmet off, I knew I was in trouble though.

I have a broken toe, some very sore ribs, and a very strained and painful back. 

I learned a few things today.

1. Never ride when the weather is that cold. I'm not designed for freezing temperatures.

2. Never, never pick up the bike wrong. Really, don't do it.

3. Falling off the bike isn't nearly as painful as picking it back up again.

4. I have some really sweet and caring friends. (Even the ones who found humor in the irony of having an accident on the same day that I passed my test.)

And so now that I've completed the statistics I should be good to go. =)

Surprise!

Last week Jon and I spent a glorious long weekend riding the motorcycle at the riders retreat. We had a blast and made plans to meet up with some new friends later this fall if we have time. It was a much needed break from our incredibly stressful life.

But it really, really made me want my own motorcycle. I've been wanting my own for quite some time. But when I went into the dealership right before the retreat to buy new gloves, I saw a beautiful Honda. I might have fallen in love just a bit. 

We spent most of the time on the back of the bike. It was the perfect combination of weather and roads. So there are very few pictures. Most of them are of Jon. =)

 

We returned to piles and piles of work and stress.

Today I was so overwhelmed I cried. I made sure no one was around. I'm not feeling sorry for myself. I have an incredible life. I am blessed beyond measure. But I'm just barely treading water with everything going on right now. And just it hit me. So I prayed and spent some time with my Bible study ladies. 

This evening Jon came home and wanted to leave immediately to pick up some stuff at Lowes. His urgency was a bit out of the norm, but I figured he wanted to get started on the tile since he'll be in Chattanooga the rest of the week.

I walked out to this!

My amazingly sweet husband spent his bonus on me.

Words cannot describe how excited I am. 

I have my very own motorcycle!

 I will probably still steal rides on the back of his bike. I really enjoy riding with him. But now I get to ride by myself too.

Biker Retreat

Jon and I headed out this last week for our 2nd annual biker retreat. Jon's parents graciously agreed to watch our kids so we could head over and join some other family members for a long weekend of motorcycles.

Last year we went with one of the groups that was already organized. It was great fun, but we would have enjoyed speeding up a bit more. So this year Uncle Bucky asked Jon to lead his own group. Due to some changes in the format of the retreat we were about the only "young" people there this year. Then the introduction to Jon's ride included some references to his laying the bike over in an accident. =) So we didn't get very many takers. And because of some bike issues we lost a few of the riders before the ride had even started. But this didn't seem to put a damper on it. When riding motorcycles at the pace my husband enjoys the saying "the more the merrier" is NOT true.

Our group the first day (for most of it any way)

Jon, Uncle Ken, Uncle Tom & Rod.

Some of our riders have caught up with us again.

The views were outstanding on Cherohala Skyway. This is one of our favorite roads to ride on. We enjoy it so much that we included it on every ride.

One of the riders in our group - love his bike.

On Friday night we learned that 4 of the people at the retreat had gone down and one of the guys was at the hospital having surgery on his leg. So Sabbath morning we all got up and rode (around 100 bikes) together to the hospital. It was interesting to have a trail of bikes that long going through the Tail of the Dragon. 

We stood in the hallway waiting on him to come out of one of the rooms where he was having some tests done. We signed his one remaining boot to show our support.

Some of the bikes in the hospital parking lot.

Then we headed back into the mountains for some more riding. The weather was gorgeous and while I had a very numb bum, it was incredibly breathtaking and worth every sore spot.

 Biker clothes aren't always the most flattering. =)

These pictures are taken in front of a fantastic bakery. If you are ever in Tellico Plains, TN check out this little place downtown. Worth the drive!

Stopping at the falls for some pictures.

A few of the Murrell Men

 This guy Rodney rode with us on Sabbath. Hilarious guy from Australia. 

 I might be slightly biased, but we are a very nice looking group. =)

 The falls without all people blocking the view. =)

 This guy is so awesome. I know it's harder to ride w/ me tagging along on the back. But he's so sweet about it and never complains. Hopefully someday I'll have my own bike and won't be dragging him down.

 Uncle Tom, Aunt Sue, Bonnie, and Uncle Bucky! 

Most of our housemates. Love these people.

I didn't take very many pictures. About the only downfall to flying going faster is that you aren't stopping at every fire hydrant to pee or at every overlook to take pictures. So I didn't get as many pictures this year, but I had an amazing time. Can't wait to go again next year!

Photo A Day Challenge Day 18

Street

Pants for the street bike!

My motorcycle pants came in a couple of days ago. Super excited that I was able to find some girly pants that fit really well.

And I finally found some boots too. So now I'm ready for Fontana!

Ready to hit the streets!

Biker Weekend

Several years ago I saw an article about Tail of the Dragon. I might have made the comment that if Jon wanted to ride it he would have to ride it alone.

Fast forward several years and Jon's uncle helped to start a biker's retreat in NC. Jon wasn't able to go the first two years, but we made plans to go this year. I had no idea what the details were. Jon took care of registration and travel details and I took care of child and pet care.

We got a later start than planned and it was after dark when we stopped for a break that I realized that I was heading into the Tail of the Dragon at 10pm at night. I was going to go through 318 curves in 11 miles IN THE DARK!

I drove the car in and then rode on the bike with Jon the whole weekend.

Very blurry picture. But this is where I realized where we were headed.
The dragon kind of clued me in.

Let me tell you - It was the most fun I've had in ages. Remind me next time I make a declaration that I should probably leave things open to change. Because I can't believe what I was missing this whole time.

Jon outside the chapel right before our ride.

I am married to the most amazing man, just in case I forgot to mention that.

I was taking pictures for people when I looked up and noticed Jon taking my picture.

Proof that I actually went on the ride since I'm usually behind the camera.

Also proof that I'm a bit goofy. =)

Uncle Tom and Aunt Sue.

Some of us stopped for a break and took some pictures.

After riding through the Dragon we stopped at Deals Gap for a break and to discuss where to go from there.

While riding Jon felt a bug hit his glasses and slide by his face. He had his face shield up.

When we stopped he mentioned to someone that his worst nightmare was having a bumblebee come into his helmet. We got back to the cabin and Jon took off his helmet to find this little guy.

He was still very much alive.

More pictures to follow.