The First 5,000 miles

Outside of 100 miles in Colorado, the first 5,000 miles I have logged on a motorcycle have been since the commencement of my journey. Along the way I have seen sleet, rain, and sun; Downtown Metropolis and lonely gravel road. So I think it is about time to take a look back at what lessons I have been taught.

• When you replace a nut or bolt on a Harley, use Loctite. Otherwise your shift levers will fall off and you will have to pick them up off the highway and hold them in place with your foot for 60 miles until you make it to the next Harley Dealer for a new pinch bolt.
• Sand really sucks
• The proper technique to slow in a corner is to first get the bike upright and then brake in a straight line, rather than braking in the curve.

• When you go over a bump, it can hurt quite a bit. Especially these rhythm section things- they really hurt the balls. Besides protective clothing, There are two ways to keep the jewels shining:
  1. Lean way back to get them off the seat. Use natures shock absorber. Not great for control though.
  2. Squeeze those thighs together and lean forward; sandwich those puppies in like you are packing the Queen's fine china for transport via the Dakar Rally.
• Motorcycles are frickin' expensive. The savings in fuel economy don't even begin to offset the cost of parts and labor; I even did the math.
• Cold is cold, wind is wind, but rain means I ain't going nowhere.

• Admit that it is cold and don't be too stubborn to put on the correct attire.
• It's really hard to remember all the words to the song when there is no accompanyment.
• The cows don't seem to mind if you sing at the top of your lungs.
• My top four favorite sing along bands for the road are as follows:
1. Frank Sinatra
2. Bob Seger
3. Cake
4. Jimmy Buffet
5. Honorable mention to the scenery inspired sing alongs. For example; a sign to Clarksville would prompt me to sing The Monkeys; Wilson Picket would be the obvious choice upon seeing a fine woman in a Mustang.
• The biker wave is fun
• Wearing chaps is an automatic conversation starter. Try it sometime.
• I think about really wacked out stuff on a long ride.
• ... And last but definitely not least: I have a lot more to learn