Where did 2017 go?

For some odd reason… I didn’t get out for a ride on New Year’s Day.
So my riding for the year began on January 21. And the temps were in the upper 50’s!?!?!?! Met up with Wayne and Phil in Toledo. Rode around lower, lower Michigan, went to Brandon’s, and Don’s, picked up ½ used tires. Wet, filthy, foggy, and happy!!!


A whole weekend of riding in January- 500 miles!! Say what?!?!

Oh, and somewhere on that ride I proceeded to roll over 70k miles on the bike. Doing good for a 2012.

January 28- Progressive IMShow in Cleveland. Dad and daughter bonding time again…

And, surprisingly, dreaming of 3 wheels.


First week of February has me with a slight case of cabin fever and PMS. And when a trip to a craft store takes place… I walk out of there with an arm full of material and a mind full of ideas. So I decided to make a slinky seat cover. It’s AWESOME!!! It then got test ridden the next day. In 23* temps.


Valentine's Day... spending time with the ones you love. Am I doing this right? I think I am...


Mid-February, and able to take a whole weekend to spend time on the motorcycle with friends? That’s unheard of in Ohio!!! But we did it! Wayne rode down, and we met up with Joe, and David, and Justin at Iron Pony. Then onto lunch- Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill, just east of Columbus.


Then onto the AMA Museum and Hall of Fame.

And then shopping. Lots of shopping can take place in the Columbus area, FYI.

The next day, I was able to intercept my parents on their leisurely ride and we headed to the ski slope. Checked out the hill and the new lodge that was built the past summer.


First week of March- I got the bike out for a jaunt. Decided to ride topless. That was a different feeling!! Okay, okay, calm down. I meant the bike was topless. Goodness, boys.
Didn’t have any plans other than to ride. Found my sweet-spot, and rode it for the next 260 miles.


I worked a bit more in March. The “season” is beginning- therefore getting busier. April comes around and I find a day or two to enjoy the cool weather.





Somewhere in there, I decided to upgrade my brain bucket. Had been wearing a Scorpion modular for the past 3 years… and I was starting to notice pain and an annoying uncomfortableness. Well, I went with the Shoei Neotec. Hot diggity dog that is nice!!


End of April- Wayne decides to head north for some dual sporting and lunch. I decide to head north for lunch. But I stayed on the pavement.


Riding 400 miles of interstate alone… gotta make it interesting!!


Next up is the SEOhio Ramble at the beginning of May.


Thanks to riding with Wayne, and other riders… I have gotten more comfortable at finding unique places to dine. I used to be a person who would stop at chain fast food joints. Now we search for local dining options. And in Chesterhill, OH… we found The Triple Nickel Diner. Delicious food sourced from the locals. Bison and beef from the farms in the area. Veggies and produce from the locals. And pies made from the ladies in the town. If you are in the area- stop in and give them a try. Beautiful local place. Next time I’ll try to remember to get a picture of the food. Lol.


I feel this pic does a good job of summarizing the weekend. Rain over there, blue skies over here, curvy road, green grass and trees, and the FJR. What this pic doesn’t show is my smile.


Oh, and there was plenty of socializing.


The ride home consisted of slabbing it northwest.


And then I detoured to the ice cream joint…


Work, work, work. Where did the month of May go?!?!?!
For those who might not know what a farrier is… this is what I do.


I also work on a farm… a horse “baby making” farm…


And with all of that, I still manage to find time to ride! I often ride to the farrier supply store, and I stop for food on the way there or back. Famous bologna in Waldo, OH!


End of May, riding north- again. This time to drop off a pillion seat to a friend. With some modifications that I am doing to the bike… I won’t be needing the Russell pillion seat. And on the ride home that night, I rolled over 75,000 miles on the FJR.


June. Oh June. What a lovely month. Lol. Finally had the motivation to tear the bike apart, and get an auxiliary tank installed. Joe2lmaker is a fabulous designer!!! Thank you for making another run on these tanks that are a work of art! Luckily, I had a busy week of clients, so I wasn’t going to have time to ride. So, my father and I took the bike apart one weekend. Took the stock tank to the shop during the week to get a port welded in, and by the next weekend- we had the bike back together and running!


And then came the project of getting a “tank bag” for the auxiliary tank. Ended up finding some Oxford “fanny packs” on sale at Iron Pony, and 2 of those buckled together fits the tank wonderfully! A little bit of stitching to ensure it won’t fly off, and a little bit of custom decorations… and the unit was complete!!


Middle of June- birthday time! Had 2 days to ride, and I decided I needed some milk… So off I go to Pennsylvania. 625 miles for milk, for all-you-can-eat wings, and amazing friendship from a past coworker.




End of June. A weekend. 2 days. Decided to meet a guy for lunch in Chattanooga, TN on Saturday. Back story- while at SFO last fall, I met a BMW riding guy from Louisiana. While talking about Iron Butt rides and how crazy we are- we both mention that we want to do a 50cc. So over the winter, we continue chatting about the 50cc. And we pin down a time to do it. September 2017. We then realize that maybe we should meet each other again before the big ride. Which brings us to an RTE in Tennessee- it’s about halfway between us. And it’s close to the hills. So we meet for lunch. 500 miles to get there- all before lunch!


Pulled pork, fried Okra, and delicious sweet tea!!


We then take off and head east. Hit the Cherohala. Then make our way to the Dragon, by way of this really cool overlook!!!


Ohio meets Louisiana in Tennessee and they ride to North Carolina…


Quick run on the Dragon, and then we split with the low sun, and each head our own way homeward.



July 4th. It’s a holiday that I usually am able to get off of work. And it just so lined up nicely with my mid-week weekend! So I take another ride back down to the hills of Tennessee and North Carolina.

Read about that fun trip here Slaying It RR


4 years and 73,000 miles…


Sunday, July 9- slight backstory- when I was overnighting in Robbinsville, NC on July 4th, Tyler had mentioned that Festar was in the same area as I. We happened to be about an hour away from each other, and headed different directions the next morning. I noticed that he would be coming near my home eventually- so I made it a point to try and meet up with him. Even just for a handshake and a howdy. So, this day, he says he is traveling from West Virginia to Michigan. Well heck, I’m right on the way!
Thinking I would be able to intercept Festar somewhere in Michigan, I decide to ride up to MI and visit Wayne.


As I watch his spot tracker… I notice he is going to have a late arrival in Michigan. I make my way back home- still planning on meeting him. Sure enough- we get to Findlay about the same time and meet up for dinner!


I GOT TO MEET FESTAR!!!!!

End of July. You know what that brings? It’s time for my 2 week motorcycle vacation! Doing some bike pre-trip maintenance. And farkle prep.

And then it was time for the trip. Day by day ride report is posted here Here I Go Again RR
Million Dollar Highway

Pikes Peak

Gunnison Gorge

Loveland Pass with some rain hanging

Riding with Tim and Lynette

Berthoud Pass

Mt Evans, finally!

Rocky Mountain National Park

Partial group from SW-FOG

Track from the trip

What a trip that I enjoyed immensely!!!!

Labor Day weekend gave me 1 day to ride up and visit with Wayne. Went for a ride around the area and then ended in the driveway and chatted, grilled food, and ate. It was great.


And then I partook in the biggest ride I think I had ever taken.
This was the week that Nate and I had planned on doing the 50cc on the way to EOM. But a couple weeks ago, I was finally given the all-clear to close on a house that I had made an offer on back in March. Things had hit a snag (on the sellers part) and the process had been delayed month by month through the summer. So when I am told I can finally buy the house, and move in… I decided to cancel the 50cc plans.
So I left my old home, that I had had for 5 years…

And rode the 3.4 miles to the new place.

Bike has a parking spot!!

And so does the suit!


And then it was time for EOM! Headed to Wytheville, VA. Blueridge Parkway on Friday was nice.


Internet funnies with a man I had never met…. But I kept up my end of the deal and I showed up with an umbrella- so I was his GP umbrella girl!


Saturday’s ride had me leading a group around some nice roads!




And helmet selfie time with Dave!


I don’t think I got the bike out of the garage for much of the month of October between EOM and SFO.
So end of October puts me on my way to SFO. Read all about it here Take A Little Trip RR
Headed south to Alabama. Stopped by the Little River Canyon National Preserve.


Then stopped at Barber Motorcycle Museum.


Friday morning gather at the hotel.


Riding through the Talladega National Forest.


We were definitely fed well!!!


And entertained immensely.


Into November, the year presses on. It’s the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. And to procrastinate making pies a little bit longer… I get the bike out and go for a ride. Needed to do a little shopping, too.


And then I headed out away from the towns, and into the state park. Did a little photo shoot with the bike.



100 miles later, I finally went home and made pies. Old family recipe that’s been passed down- peanut butter custard, with merengue, and peanut butter crumbles.


Saturday after Thanksgiving, I had an appointment in Toledo. Weather was decent, so I took the bike.
Not sure if David’s Bridal gets many customers pulling up on motorcycles…

And no, I was not there to get a wedding dress for me. But it is for a bridesmaid dress. Lol. A lifelong friend is getting married next summer, and we went to try on and get fitted for dresses. She is totally cool with me riding the bike, so that’s good.

The next day, I went south to Columbus. To Iron Pony. Time for more shopping- and this is more my store!


December pulls into view. We had a beautiful first weekend of December. Saw a few bikes out and about and enjoying the sunshine. Did I get out for a ride? Nooooo…. I had to work the weekend! So Tuesday, the 5th, comes around. I worked the day, but I had no clients scheduled for the evening. I decided to go for a ride. It was 35* with a steady cold breeze, bringing the windchill down to 17*. I was the only bike I saw that day. Lol. But with the heated gear, I was cozy warm. I went for a ride in search of festive Christmas lights. Our town’s tree was brightly lit.


Oh, and I had also decided to add some festive seasonal decorations to the bike. Figured if I can get at least 1 person to smile… it’s worth it.


Couple weeks later, it’s cold. I’ve been working a lot. And I’ve been trying to shop for gifts. Haven’t ridden. But the heated gear has been used.
I had another heated gear cord that I affixed onto alligator clips. I then layer the heated gear under my farm Carhartts, clip the cable to the tractor battery, turn up the temp remote, and start hauling manure! Warm & Safe for the win!

At the end of the first day, Boss wonders why I am so happy and cheery. First off, I love driving the tractor. Secondly, I’m nice and toasty!!

We got our first measurable snowfall on December 14. I’m so happy to be in the house!! Love to shovel the short driveway and sidewalks. Part that I really like? I won’t have to shovel the yard anymore to get the bike onto the road!! Or have to worry about the ground being too soft and getting the bike stuck!!


And by December 20, the snow had melted and the sun warmed everything back up. Well, warmed to about 36*. I had the day off, so I decided to ride to Columbus and try to get the last few gifts gathered.


Yes, Iron Pony is just that amazing!! And yes, the bike wore the antlers and nose for the entire 200 mile ride.


After spending a bit of time and money at Iron Pony, I went up the road to the Cabela’s Outfitter store. It’s not one of the large stores, but it has enough to satisfy me for the most part.

Saw a few people do a double take at the bike. And a few thumbs up were given to me. And I think I saw a person take a picture of the bike in the Cabela’s parking lot. I hope those who saw it smiled. It’s just such a cheerful time of year!

Christmas arrives in a flurry. Quite literally. This is the first white Christmas we have had in a multitude of years.


After a few (5?) inches of snow fell on Christmas Eve and into Christmas morning… were my dad and I going to let that stop our Christmas tradition? We have been riding the bikes on Christmas day for the past 7 years. Am I going to let a little snow break the streak we have going? Noooooo…


So we saddled up the dual sports. 1989 Honda NX 125. Ventured out and did our usual loop. Went downtown, so mom could capture us on the webcam. And then we went to the city Christmas tree.


On the way home, we had some fun playing on the bikes in the snow. I don’t mind the feeling of the back tire of the NX slipping away. It’s actually quite fun! When the FJR does that- nope, no fun!



And with that the year is almost over. And it’s time for a New Year and more memories!! Looking forward to the adventures of 2018! The years just keep getting better and better!!

Recap:
Did I ride as many miles as I have the past couple years? Nope.
Did I ride in any new states? Nope.
Did I accomplish any new IBA rides? Nope.
So why am I still viewing this as a fantastic year? Because I spent more time riding with friends, less time counting miles, bought a garage/house, and realized that I am living a life that many dream of, and few go out and tackle. And because the smile on my face and in my heart is absolutely wonderful.


Number stats for the year:
Bike odometer- 88,239
Miles for 2017- 18,475 (I didn’t even crack 20k this year?!?!?!)
Total states gathered- 35
States ridden in 2017- 19
New states this year- 0
New farkles- a few…. lol
New stickers- oh so many!!!
Memories- UNLIMITED!!!




I want to thank each and every one of you for making this year memorable.
Whether I met you in person or just through the power of the internet- thank you! And here’s to more!



“I am brave, I am bruised
I am who I'm meant to be, this is me
Look out 'cause here I come
And I'm marching on to the beat I drum
I'm not scared to be seen
I make no apologies, this is me”

“Won't let them break me down to dust
I know that there’s a place for us
For we are glorious”

Nice traveling with you this last year.

Quite the year Julie!

Congrats on home ownership and thanks for sharing your adventure(s) with us!

--G

Brilliant, woman!! :wub:

Awesome year, Julie! Thanks for taking us along!

Very nice recap Julie. Congratulations on the house. I instantly pictured eye lashes on the head lights to complete the rein deer ensemble. Merry Christmas and Happy new year

That was fun read, Thanks!

That was awesome!!

Wonderful years recap, I enjoyed the whole bit. I especially liked your traditional Christmas Day ride with your dad. It made me think about the rides I had with my dad long ago. Cherish those moments!



Brodie

Thanks everybody!

Poolboytoo said:

... I instantly pictured eye lashes on the head lights to complete the rein deer ensemble....

Click to expand...

Good idea!!! I will have to looking into getting a set of those for next year..... Lol!

Outstanding! Thanks, this re-motivates me to get back out and ride!

So why am I still viewing this as a fantastic year? Because I spent more time riding with friends, less time counting miles, bought a garage/house, and realized that I am living a life that many dream of, and few go out and tackle. And because the smile on my face and in my heart is absolutely wonderful

I loved the whole report,but those few lines really put a smile on my face!I couldn't agree more!!!Best wishes on many,many more

adventures.

Great RR!! Has the 50cc been re-scheduled yet?

deang said:

Great RR!! Has the 50cc been re-scheduled yet?

Click to expand...

As of right now- nothing scheduled. Not sure if it will happen in 2018- I have quite a few other adventures I would rather do. But ya never know....

I just went through the whole thread again. Just a great thread. I decided I needed to plan a 50CC. Then I decided that a BBG was probably a reasonable prerequisite.

My follow-up question is:
Where did 2018 go?

I got a PM today asking about my tanks, which always makes me wonder "Where did someone hear about my tanks?"
...a couple of searches later, I found this thread.
Very nice!
wow. Time does fly...

Joe2Lmaker said:

My follow-up question is:Where did 2018 go?

I got a PM today asking about my tanks, which always makes me wonder "Where did someone hear about my tanks?"

...a couple of searches later, I found this thread.

Very nice!

wow. Time does fly...

Click to expand...

Dude, I speak of your tank quite often!! Its a wonderful farkle that I am so happy I added to the bike!!!