I'm the one on the left. 

Riding either my own bike or on the back, the last few days. Rode to Underwood family farsm, Ojai (about 150 miles round trip), and around town to run errands. Last weekend, rode from Arizona to California on the back. It's been 80-90 degrees. Today, "cooler" at 76*. I am so grateful living where I live!

My best friend hit a deer on his bike about 7 years ago... his body is held together by rods, pins, plates. And, he's in constant discomfort 7 yrs later. He wishes they didn't revive him. So, riding country roads is not something I would intentionally do. Yet, riding in the city around here is no picnic either. Too many cars that don't see you. To add to that... my night vision sucks! 1/2 of why I ride is to enjoy and soak in my surroundings. If I can't see my surroundings to well, there goes 1/2 the reason for riding for me!

Riding my own bike, I'm too focused and concentrating. Too many cage drivers to be defensive around, things in the road to dodge, intersections to keep my mind on.... But riding on the back of a bike, I don't have to focus as much. My focus is on feeling, thinking. And I think I definitely feel! Especially when I tilt my pelvis back (sticking my ass out) and lean forward. That gives me direct contact of the vibrations on the ... uh .... button!! :D But then.... just hearing loud pipes gets me going GAGA!

Heavy duty

It won't be long before winter is over and cyclefish friends across the country can once again ride!

SIDETRACK: You are an admirable woman! Yes, what doesn't kill us makes us stronger. Our wants may be off track, and our needs are met. Despite our protests and fist pounding, things turn out the way they should, and we are right where we're supposed to be. I've learned to "Let go and let God." I was married to a man for 21 years who abused me mentally, verbally, emotionally, and spiritually. He called me names, "brainwashed" me into thinking I was stupid, worthless, and unable to survive on my own. I was scolded, controlled, micromanaged, and manipulated. I wasn't "allowed" to go out with my friends for an evening, let alone for a weekend away. I worked full time and raised our 2 kids 99.9% (he at least gave me credit for that!) on my own. Needless to say, I snuck behind his back and put myself on the back of my friend's bike for some therapy on wheels. I finally divorced him in 2005 and it was legally finalized in 2007. I broke off the shackles and spread my wings. I learned to ride my own bike in 2008. When my family met my b/f who is a 1%er, I was rejected and banned from joining the family as long as I was with him. Unfortunately, my daughter rejected me too. My son "tolerates" my lifestyle, but does not accept it. Anxiety: Yup! When I was married, I had absolutely no money worries! He makes 3.5x more than I do, and still tries to manipulate me, telling me I should pay for this and that for our kids, that he is hurting and sacrificing!!! Meanwhile he takes 4 vacations per year (he'll be going to New Zealand this June!!), attends 16-20 Dodger games per year in seats that cost $380 per game, and just finished remodeling his kitchen and bathrooms. Meanwhile, I haven't had a raise since the early 1990s, got a 9% cut in pay back in the 90s, looking at a 2% cut in pay between now and May, and being threatened with a 12% cut starting in September! I bought a house that I love after I got my 1/4 of the estate after divorcing (he's a CPA and manipulated the numbers till I ended up with only 1/4), but can't afford heating, air conditioning, drapes, or to make repairs, and I haven't been on a vacation since I was married. Despite my situation, I am eternally grateful for what I have! I have a home filled with positive energy, I am no longer (nor will I ever be, ever again) in an abusive relationship, I have a b/f that adores and respects me, I have my bike and a luxurious car, I am surrounded by people who love me, I have a job during this recession, and the list goes on!!! Sidetrack, I'm with you! Blessings and love to you, "Brat"

I am particularly careful on my own bike since going down on the back of one.We were going 90 mph, the tire blew out, slowed it to 50 mph before the 800 lb Ultra Classic flipped up in the air, threw us down, flipped over us, and I bounced 3x on the freeway before sliding on my butt, shoulders, face, arms, thighs down the fast lane. NOT embarrassing since I almost lost my life. I suffered broken bones and road rash on 20-% of my body. Because of my over-cautiousness (still not 100% over my PTSD/fears from the accident), I decided to brake on a curve. DUH! Didn't lay the bike down, but I went on a fish-tail ride for what seemed forever. First on my mind when I came to a stop: "Did anyone see that?" My embarrassment far exceeded my fear!

Favorable rides come in many different forms and on many kinds of bikes!

I recall a dude that was crucified ... he had long hair and looked pretty scraggly! I tend toward the spiritual side and avoid organized religions. I find that it helps me avoid the prejudicial, judgmental, hating, finger-pointing folks who are more apt to be into the "I'm right and you're wrong" philosophy. Unfortunately, by making my statement here, I am making myself susceptible to finger-pointing. As I have learned: I am only repsonsible for MY words, actions and reactions. I can't change anyone nor do I attempt to. Nor do I take things personally. Before I act, speak, or react in any situation, I ask myself, "If everyone in the world was going to do/say what I'm about to do/say, would this be a kind/loving/happy world to live in?" Cuz we are all connected to each other and affect each other. Blessings, love, serenity and joy to all my riding brothers and sisters!