Dreams do come true

It has been eleven months since I retired, even longer for Jim, and about eight months since I blogged. I said I started the blog so everyone could keep up with our exploits and then I didn't feel like we were having any exploits. But, Tiffany and Marty and Jim have reminded me -everyday is an exploit - so I am going to try to catch up on our missing months. I have to start with the present and then I'll go back in time.

Dreams do come true: I have wanted a motorcycle for as long as I can remember. Jim had a bike when he was younger, I had a dirt bike way back when and even rode bikes belonging to others. It was always, one day I'll get me a bike - well, one day is HERE!!! We took delivery on our 2009 Harley Davidson Tri-Glide on June 25, 2009. As we aged (especially me) I thought my best bet was to go with a three wheel model. Safer, more stable, so I wouldn't have to worry about the weight etc. I wanted a Harley but figured I'd wind up with a Honda Gold Wing because they are factory built three wheelers, not after market conversions. Then last year I heard Harley was going to produce their first ever three wheel from the factory. I wanted one of those! 2009 is the premier year for the Harley three wheeler from the factory, not after market conversion as in past years. When we went to the dealer we found out most dealerships were given a quota of four per dealership and unlike car dealerships they weren't allowed to swap them around. We purchased in Clermont at Stormy Hill Harley Davidson - their last one for 2009. It took almost two months for it to be delivered from the factory but it was well worth the wait.

I know, this is not proper riding attire! We own the boots, the helmets, the gloves, the long sleeves, etc. We just haven't gotten the riding suits yet. This was just a photo op.

We went the first part of June to take the two day safety course which also qualified us for our motorcycle endorsement. Florida has an approved three wheel and side car safety course which is the one we completed. Interestingly enough, if you complete the two wheel course you also qualify for the three wheel endorsement even though there is nothing three wheel covered in the course. But if you only complete the three wheel course you cannot get a two wheel endorsement and believe me there is a major difference in operating the three wheeler compared to the two wheeler. So go figure, the State of Florida seems to have it backwards again. We both passed our classroom and course work. It was at the school that my brain finally kicked in. You see I had this image of taking delivery of the bike, jumping on and riding off into the sunset. Then, reality set in, it has been over 30 years since I have been on a bike and I was going to have a lot of practice to do before I hit the open road. We now have 400 practice miles on the odometer. We have also ridden in the rain, without rain suits, and survived. We are not rushing it, just enjoying the learning process.

Future exploits in the planning process: A visit to Holland in the fall with Jim's sister and brother-in-law; an extended trip to California; an extended motorcycle trip; Israel; Alaska, roller coaster rides...