I've seen quite a few posts by the bikers among us. I was new to the biking world last year when I got my 06 1200 Low Sportster. This year it's new to the band world. I'd like to know from my fellow riders out there if they have any tips on how to handle roadtrips, rallies, etc. I'm looking forward to participating more with weekend trips and want to be prepared with my new stomach. Thanks! :shade:

Hey Carol, yes, we're getting some great weather. I spent 4 hours washing and polishing on the Harley today. I've still got to get it waxed. I neglected it for a while and the poor girl was covered in pollen. I figure if I can get it waxed good tomorrow, I might not have to do it again until sometime in June. I'm here to tell you, that baby is SHININ'. Joy (my wife) came in from work and after all this time, made the comment that that is one nice lookin' bike. I have to admit, I agree with her.

My Babee is definately due for a bath. Ran through some puddles the last few days and Sunday too. I'm enjoying riding to work again though. Today looked like a little bit of a crap shoot but I went for it anyway. Afternoon was a bit breezy and the temp is dipping. I hope it will be nice for next weekend though. The River City Bikefest is coming up. It's not huge but it has some of the 'names' that come hang out for a couple of days. Only 6 more weeks until the big ride to Amarillo. That should be a blast. It will be my longest trip. :shade:

:peace:

It's been awfully quiet here in biker land. I hope it's because everyone's out riding in the beautiful weather. I've been back on the bike to work everyday again. It's a great way to get there. I'm four weeks away from my longest trip yet. About 500 miles from San Antonio to Amarillo...and yes, for those of you who don't live in Texas, that doesn't even get me out of the state...lol I'm really excited though! Just need to make sure to stay hydrated during the ride.

Hope everyone's doing well!

:peace:

Just wanted to say hello... I live in Highland Village Texas and just got a bike.... I am looking forward to the bike trips...

She is a V-star 650... and fully dressed....... Cant wait:)

Congratulations on your new bike! I know I've had mine for a year now and I love it. Just got back from riding around tonight. Perfect night for it! I hope you have as much fun with yours! :shade:

My next bike. They're only 14,999....mmmmm.

New toys are fun! Will it be a purchase any time soon or just a 'want to' at this point?

I had a first on my bike this Saturday and I'm embarassed to even admit it. :rolleyes Ran out of gas on the bike....yep, sure did....lol And I had just said to myself, I should stop and get gas. That's when my bike backed me up, agreed and stopped. Had to push it off the main street and call the calvary to come and save me. I just couldn't believe I had been that careless. Oh well, guess I can check that off of my 'things to do or not do' list.

Hope everyone else had a better riding weekend. :shade:

:peace:

This is my new baby... but wont park it in my garage until the end of May...

It'll be in the garage by the end of the year, possibly by the end of the summer.

<p>Carol, LMAO, it's a biatch, ain't it??? I did it once with my Honda, reached down to put it on the reserve and guess what??? It was already ON reserve! Well d@mn! Fortunately, I was at the top of the hill and the gas station was at the bottom. Still had to push that sucker quite a bit, but I got there. Thank goodness for fuel injection and warning lights. That light comes on at a quarter tank and I start lookin' for a service station. </p> <p> </p> <p>Going to ride with the Patriot Guard Riders tomorrow for the funeral of a good friend. One of our local police offiers that lost his lifelong battle with cancer. We had a benefit ride for him two years ago and he's been living on borrowed time, ever since. </p> <p> </p> <p>Ride it like you stole it! Slide in at the Pearly Gates and tell Saint Peter, "Hell yeah, what a ride!" Keep your knees in the wind...!</p>

Randy, sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. I'm sure it will be a tough day but hopefully also full of great memories.

As for the gas thing....I was never so embarrassed. Made me feel like sucha a rookie, which technically, I still am. But I'm okay with that little lesson. At least I got it before a long ride. I got my registration card for the Amarillo trip. Should be a lot of fun!! Only 3 more weeks to go!

:peace:

Thanks Carol. Yeah, it was a bit of a weepy day. We had about 35 bikes show up from the Patriot Guard Riders (www.patriotguard.org) They put out a big display of flags and escorted my friend out of town on his "last ride". The preacher got a little long winded for a funeral (IMHO). The weather was fantastic. I had a good ride after to blow the cobwebs out of my head. And I didn't run out of gas, either.

Come on 3 weeks!!!

I took my first solo trip today. :shade: The guys from work I ride with don't take it as seriously as I do so today I decided I would just take off on my own. I headed off for the hill country, with my new ipod playing music to ride by. I had a great day! The weather was just perfect. Partly cloudy and a slight coolness to the air. By the time I got home it was 4 1/2 hours later and 197 miles. They have free engraving on ipods ordered from apple. My quote "Life is a highway. I'm gonna ride it" certainly fit me today. I consider this a warmup for Amarillo. That will be 500 miles in a day so I did almost half of that trip today. May go do it again tomorrow. :peace:

If any bandsters are planning on coming to the national HOG rally in August in Knoxville, I would love to meet up with you! We live in Maryville which is about 20 minutes away. I was banded in Mexico by Dr. Ortiz on Oct. 9th 2006 and I have lost 41 lbs. I was 226 at 5'3" and had terrible health problems. I am now so much better and went for a ride yesterday for the first time since my surgery! It was awesome not having to have my husband help me put on my leathers and it was much more comfortable for me in the long run. Please e-mail me and let me know if anyone will be there.

Mmmmmm, Maryville! Right at the bottom of the Dragon's Tail. Been there, done that, would love to do it again.