Back in the Saddle Again

I've gone a few years (several?) without a Dual Sport motorcycle.  My last was a KLR 650 and Nikki wouldn't ride on it so I decided a BMW GS would be a better choice.  I let the KLR go using that as an excuse.

One of the things I missed the most was being able to go blow off a little steam at lunch.  Sure I could ride the Harley, but it really wasn't a terribly fun bike to ride.  You'd feel more exhausted after a ride than before (and not in a good way.)

Next came and went a couple other bikes, and finally I got a taste of BMW.  Oh.My.Goodness!  Motorcycling became fun again!  But, it wasn't a GS.  I went to look at them and Nikki saw the luxurious trappings of the BMW K1200LT so we demoed one and now we own one.

We love that bike but I kept looking at those dirt roads each time I passed one remembering past adventures.  Then it finally happened and we welcomed a BMW GS into the stable *FINALLY*!

The new-to-us GS

This means those lunchtime adventures have returned.  And, since today was a horribly terrible Monday, it was as good of a day as any to head up to Bloomer Hill. 

Bloomer Hill used to fit in at just about an hour from out the door to back into the door when the KLR was around so I was down for it.  Nevermind the storm clouds, I'm gonna DO THIS!  And despite the construction delay, I did it and here is the proof...

Bald Rock in the distance

Looking down at what I waited so long for

The view that melts away stress

The bike is a lot heavier than a KLR, and while I could have softened the suspension behavior a little, I didn't want to have to retweak it again.  Heading up the hill left me with screaming knees and forearms that felt on fire, but that's just pain leaving the body, right?

As I got there I probably should have turned around to stay under my hour (hope no bosses are reading this, but in my defense, I put in overtime and will be working later tonight!)  But, I had to climb the tower and so glad I did.

I could see the storm I was about to get a taste of, the poor lake at record low levels, and the lush forest around me.  As I sat there all I could hear was the wind through the tower and trees.  Well, a couple random gunshots too, but just about three or four.  The tower gently swayed in the fierce winds but this thing has been there for 89 years without falling and I'm not narcissistic enough to think I'm gonna bring it down.  It's almost comforting in a way just sitting up there gently moving as it has for so long.  

But every good thing must come to an end and I climbed back down, posted a quick Instagram, and texted my honey back as the rain started to drip.

While I hadn't seen a soul on the way up the Jeep road, the Encina Grande way was well traveled by the growers and their characteristic Toyota 4x4s. Luckily the rain was keeping the dust down to I could put some speed on it.  About half way down the rain turned into a downpour and the new Shoei performed well.

When I got home I was nearly 20 minutes late, but I worked 40 minutes over and will put in more time tonight so I don't feel bad.  I definitely felt much better after a little lunchtime adventure though and got to feel out the bike a little bit.  The bike performed well on its first off-road run.  I also discovered the hand guards I ordered will be appreciated but at the same time I discovered the right hand grip warmer isn't working.  But, still extremely happy and thankful to finally be back on a dual sport, especially a BMW GS.

War is a Racket

“There are only two reasons why you should ever be asked to give your youngsters. One is defense of our homes. The other is the defense of our Bill of Rights and particularly the right to worship God as we see fit. Every other reason advanced for the murder of young men is a racket, pure and simple.” 
― Smedley D. Butler


If you are not familiar with General Butler (whom the current USMC mascot bulldog is named after,) educate yourself:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smedley_Butler

Coolest cover of "Where Is My Mind?"

99 Days of Freedom

I am participating in a little experiment called "99 Days of Freedom".  You can see the official site here:  http://99daysoffreedom.com/

Basically, you take 99 days off of Facebook.  You don't do *anything* with it.  No logging in, no status updates, no nothing!  At this time I'm about 35-36 days "clean" so far.  My official countdown is at the following link:  http://99daysoffreedom.com/tim-provencio

It's amazing how much better you feel staying away from it.  I had come to the conclusion that I don't have over 500 friends in real life, so why do I need to be constantly affected by them online?  I invited all the people that expected so much of me on FB that would message me constantly, etc., to e-mail me and provided my e-mail, or if needed even give me a call.

Guess what?  Not a single e-mail and only one valid call where a friend said he saw I was going off line and had some health concerns and he wanted to make sure everything was good with me.

As for the benefits?  Well, how does a better emotional state of mind, less stress, more focus, better sleep, and more attention paid to those around me sound?  I've spent more time reading the Bible and books, more time talking with family, more time doing meaningful things, and just all together more time on things that really matter (no, Facebook doesn't matter.)

I'm thinking when I go back, I'll either drop down to close friends and family only, or I'll just cancel the account all together.  I do miss seeing pictures others share of my Grandson though.

Now if I could just stay away from Twitter, Instagram, and Vine!

One of the Best Songs EVER!

Great imagery, great movement, and tasty Telecaster pickin'!

The Confession of Man and the Compassion of God

"Non-Christian, we invite you to notice the difference here [between Christianity and all other world religions]. There is no prescription for what must be done to make cleansing and forgiveness possible. Pray this many times. Read this many holy passages. Recite this mantra this many times. Spin this many prayer wheels. Fast, take this trip, go to this building, perform this ritual . . . none of that. It’s honest, humble, 'I can’t do it . . . I need you to make me clean, O God.' And when we come before him like this—non-Christian and Christian alike—when we come before him, either for the first time in our lives or on a daily basis in our lives, and we say, 'I need you to cleanse me and forgive me,' then we find that God is gracious. First John 1:9 says, 'If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all righteousness.' Oh, what good news . . . the greatest news in all the world. You can be made right with God! And it’s not by doing a list of good works to try to cover up the evil and uncleanness in your heart. It’s by trusting in divine grace . . . by casting yourself before him in confession of your need for him." - David Platt in a sermon on Psalm 51: The Confession of Man and the Compassion of God


See this sermon here...

1984-85 Fashion

Reminds me so much of high school...