Riding in the U.K.

Bout time I remembered my dang password!  So here's the story - ended up doing a shit load of travel over the past 12 months but man I got some good stories.  Now that I am back to writing I wasn't sure if I wanted to do a travel blog or what so I am going to mix in some stories about motorcycling etc. in different countries, stuff I have picked up along the way and generally what's going on in other places.  Don't get me wrong, San Anto is my heart and soul.  But there is a lot going on out in the great big world. 


I'll give you an example and this one is about cultures in the United Kingdom.  Yeah, that's basically England and Scotland (for now).  Everyone has to wear a helmet but there is only one exception.  First of all when I say everyone I mean even the mopeds.  And there a ton of them.  Probably more mopeds and scooters than motorcycles.  But it's crazy because you see these guys on the mopeds all decked out in helmets, riding boots, jackets.  It's kinda funny. 


Anyway like I said there is only one exception to the helmet law.  The only people who are not required to wear helmets are the sihks.  Those are the guys with the turbins.  No shit!  If you are part of that religion you are the only ones who don't have to wear a helmet.  I don't know man, sounds crazy to me. 


Can you imagine if was the case back in the US.  I don't know, maybe it is in some states, I wonder about that.  I know in TX we are choice friendly which means if you don't want to wear one you don't.  But if you get pulled over for speeding and are not wearing a helmet they can give you a ticket for both.  Didn't know that?  Should have gone to motorcycle riding school clown!


Interesting article here about the very topic from Canada. They said tough shit to these guys:
http://www.mississauga.com/news-story/4766711-no-helmet-exemption-for-sikhs-in-ontario/


Man, it's good to be back posting.  Hope someone reads this.  If not, well I'm gonna just keep writing anyway. 

For a 1200...It's Got A Lot Of Goodies

So I'm sitting at this coffee place getting ready to post this pic and I look up and make direct eye contact with this blonde breast feeding her kid.  Man, that is one super awkward moment.  I smiled.  What an idiot. 

Anyway, check out the piggy back shocks, supertrapp 2 into 1 exhaust and the custom paint.  Screamin Eagle starter and carb, K&N air filter.  Believe it or not she's a 1998.  Yup, you can tell by the double gages between the bars its an oldie but a goodie.  This one is the Sportster Sport.  You can tell the "Sport" edition by the disc rear wheel and the front mag.  Bored out too so more like a 1250.  Fast and clean just like her old man.  Well...fast at least.  Rev it up homes!

I Popped My Guitar's Cherry - Laugh or Cry?

And it sucks!  I got this sweeeeet travel guitar cuz I spend a lot of time on the road.  Cool thing is that from the top of the strings all the way down to the nut (guitar players know that ain't no joke) it's the exact same size as a full size guitar.  It plays exactly the same.  Built in amp, earphone jack and just look at that thing.  It really is a work of art and among my 4 guitars it's the most expensive.  You got to treat yourself to some of the finer things in life every now and then.  

So I'm taking it on my first out of town travel today.  Giving people the stink eye that think they're going to put their computer bag on it in the overhead.  "Excuse me buddy but you're gonna have to  put your computer bag under that or find another spot."  He says, "there's not much room anywhere else."  I gave him the old DILLIGAF look.  Didn't want to blurt it out being on an airplane and all but if that's what it was going to come to I'm all in.

So I get to the hotel, plug in and jam out.  Hit dinner.  Back at the hotel start f'ing with the built in tuner.  I figure it could use a little tweaking.  Get down to the G string.  The next sounds you hear are:  POP-  F*cking SH*T!!!!

Well, it's happened now to all my guitars and sometimes within hours of buying a new set of strings.  I think I'll take it as a sign of luck and a rite of passage for the newest member of the family. 

When stuff like that happens we always have a choice:  you can laugh or you can cry.  I'll just keep laughing through it thank you very much.  Rock on, ride on and just keep thinking about the good stuff. 

"Chould I pay heem back por de Aquanet?"

Bucket of KFC, backwards helmet and helmet hair.  We'll take them one by one:

Holy chicken wing.  I guess if you live in a liberal helmet law state like I do (thank God) you can pretty much get away with putting whatever you want on your head.  This dude said screw it, first I'm gonna eat it.  Then I'm gonna wear it.  More power to you man.  The good thing is he probably gave his helmet to his buddy although it looks like that's more of a batter's helmet.  Bicycle helmet on the handle bars?  This guy cuts his own path through life.  I respect that.



 

Now here's a gal that has all the right intentions but seems to have her priorities mixed up.  Deep thoughts:  If you wear a helmet backwards and fart in the wind do you crop dust yourself? 

 

 

We'll end on the topic of choice.  Yes, here in Texas we call it choice friendly.  When I took my MSF class they said that we do have a helmet law but it is not enforced unless you get a ticket.  Then they will give you the ticket and site you for no helmet as well.  Fair enough I guess.  Ah, but I think I have found a loophole for those looking for one.  Behold...the best of both worlds.  Famous last words:  "Chould I pay heem back por de Aquanet?"

Live your life to the fullest and cut your own path.  Bucket, backwards or hairy.  It's all good.

Best Riding Songs Playlist

For me music is a big part of riding.  Of course there are the standards like Born To Be Wild and anything Lynyrd Skynyrd.  AC/DC and Iron Maiden.  But here are  few that rarely make the standard lists.

These songs either mention bikes, just have a really good riding feel about them or somehow remind me of all the best things in life.

By the way, if you have access to the playstore, get the app called Music Paradise.  You can download all of these free. And no, thats not a plug just a really cool app.

Share your tops and I'll add them to the list.  Some of my favorite tracks:

Harley Davidson - Diesel Dahl Friends
Rock Candy - Sammy Haggar
The Rocker - Thin Lizzy
Cisco Kid - War
Harley Girl - The Charles
Harley Davidson Blues - Canned Heat
The Bomber - James Gang
Cold Shot - Stevie Ray Vaughn (include all SRV)
Can I Play With Madness - Iron Maiden
Drop Dead Legs - Van Halen
Mississippi Queen - Mountain
Calling Dr. Love - KISS

Rock on everybody.

How To Be A Real Biker

If you want to be corny as hell, I will do a blog about that later.  But first, here are what I have found to be universal truths to being a real biker:

#1 - Ride your damn bike.  I called a buddy to ride.  He said, "Naw man.  I haven't ridden that thing in months.  Not sure how long it would take to get it moving.  Still paying it off though."  Last time I called his ass.

#2 - Be in it for the ride, not the look.  Way too many corny motherfuckers out there trying to look what they consider to be the part yet they can't even change their own oil.  Always in the Dealership to buy clothes, never parts. 

#3 - Be an individual and respect individuality.  I took my bike to a family gathering.  I ride a stripped down bike.  Hell, its so stripped I even removed the chain guard.  (the only added weight are my piggy back shocks). My aunt was there with her new man and she says, "It's so skinny!  Look at that tiny tank.  You need some saddle bags and a windscreen at least.  The one Billy rides has all the bells and whistles."  Well then fuck Billy!  I got 1250 CCs on a bored out 400 pound bike.  Of course some would say, "I can ride across the country in one shot on my couch bike."  Good brother I can respect that.  See you at the next light.

My Big Black Friends

My big black friends are dirty as hell and that's how I like em.  They have saved my life more than once and have helped me out of some tricky situations.  I've relied on them to right a couple wrongs as well - they always get the job done.

Sometimes my big black friends smell REAL bad.  Like shit even.  But I still take them everywhere with me.  They are protection in a lot of ways.  My ol lady even wanted me to replace them once but there is no way in hell.  Man, it took a long time to get my big black friends to be just the way I wanted them.

Loyal?  Hell, they've been known to carry my knife or whatever else I don't want clunking around in my pockets.  They are down to ride with me every time I call.  Wherever and whenever.  Others have come and gone but these old friends have stood the test of time. 

I've had some funny looks walking into family gatherings with my big black friends.  If they only knew our history everyone would understand but some things are better left unsaid.  Quite frankly others don't want to know the full history of all the shit we've been through together.  Oh the things they have seen.  I bet you have some too.  And even though they are not very fancy,  they are always there when I need em.  Raise a toast to our big black friends.  Long live their loyalty, protection and spirit of adventure.