Hey, can I borrow your bike sometime?

That was the first sentence out of the mouth of a co-worker this morning as I arrived at work.  I quickly informed him "you'll be ok when you wake up."  "No, seriously, man"  OK, this is getting good.  "I love riding but I can't afford a bike and I want to ride so bad.  Can't you just let me borrow it for a day?"

Given that this kid drives a variety of pieced together mid 90's pickup trucks (whichever one of them happens to be running that day), and none of them have all the same color doors and panels,  I'm not letting this kid anywhere near my bike.


He gave me the most puzzling look ever when I responded with, "Sure, you can borrow my bike anytime you want to."

"Really, I'll hook up with you when the weather gets better.  I really appreciate it man"

"Just remember to bring a cashier's check for $7,000, a plate and insurance.  I'll sign the title and hand you the keys"

"I don't want to buy it, I can't afford it.  I just want to ride it, you just said I could"

"I don't let people ride my bike.  You want to ride it, you buy it"

Helmet Laws Suck

I live in a helmet-law state so I don't have a choice.  I have to wear a helmet most of the time I'm on the bike.   Not that I'm in any way opposed to strapping on a helmet, but I just don't feel it's anyone's business but me and my family.

The theory that a rider not wearing a helmet is in some way a "public safety" issue holds less water than a pasta strainer.   I'm interested to know how my choice to not wear a helmet, where it's legal to make such a choice, impacts anyone other than me.

Theory: If I crash while not wearing a helmet, I'll become a burden on the tax paying public to pay my medical bills.
Fact:  I have health insurance which pays my medical bills. 

Theory:  I'm much more likely to die in a crash if I'm not wearing a helmet (or seat belt, for that matter) 
Fact: I'm willing to accept that responsibility.  Why does the government care? They don't.  They just want another reason to be able to steal my money in the form of tickets. 

Please feel free to comment if you disagree. Meanwhile, I'll be searching for good enough weather to hit up the Keystone State.

Spring Fever

Wow, it's been a while since I've posted. Over a year, in fact. Rest assured, that won't happen again.

I got my X out of storage yesterday and brought her home. I have to do a valve adjustment and oil change before she's ready for the road, but I'll knock those out this week so she's ready when it's time to get her out.

After looking her over when I got her home, I've determined I'll need a new rear tire before inspection. This one might pass, but 16,000 miles on a cheap-ass car tire is probably enough. I've ordered a cast rim off of an R model so I won't have to use a tube to mount my new car tire, a Michelin Hydroedge 205/70R15. Total was about $540. Not bad considering I put the current tire on in August of 2007, have 16,000 miles on it, and will probably get considerably more than that out of the HE.

I'll put up pics once I get it here and mounted.

Later,
Chris

Test

This is just a test.  Seeing if this post by email really works.