Pony Rides and Monkey Pictures: August 2008

My Motorcycle

It has been brought to my attention that I have neglected to blog about my new pastime, motorcycle riding. Back in July I went to motorcycle school where I learned how to safely operate a motorcycle. It was a very rigorous 16 hour course, most of which was conducted on the bike. You jump right in to the riding, no dallying around in the classroom. Some people quit the first day, and a couple did not return the next day. Those of us who stuck it out had a great time and graduated with MSF certification. As we left after the final class, the instructor reminded us that we now know how to ride a small bike at 20 mph in an open parking lot, and to not go out and get wild just yet.

Heeding this advice, I puttered around on Dave's bike in the parking lot of the River Road Kingfish a couple of times. I found his bike to be hard to handle because of its weight and width, and I couldn't comfortably use the foot controls on the cruiser style bike. During class, I rode a standard bike, which has the foot controls directly under you, as opposed to cruiser style controls which are about a foot forward towards the handlebars. I liked the standard style a lot, so we decided to hit craigslist to get a bike just for me.

We ended up buying a lovely 1982 Honda CB750 for a song. This bike was the fastest bike in production in its day. This is actually a picture of the 1980 model, but mine looks the same.

The pictures make it look deceptively small. This bike is actually so tall that even Dave has a hard time getting both feet flat on the ground. I have to tippy toe to hold the bike up. This weekend I took it out for my first real ride, amongst actual traffic. I did okay, but my right turns need to tighten up, and I need more practice with the throttle so the engine doesn't die when I take off from a complete stop. Other than those issues, I am thrilled, excited, exhilarated, and utterly terrified to ride. Hopefully it stays that way. :)

"We shall be glad to have you, and I know you'd like it."

Some folks like to refer to the angel and devil atop their shoulders for a bit of advice. I have always preferred a dose of reality. My right shoulder has had a japanese phoenix on it for a few years now. It is a tattoo that reminds me of all the things I love about life. Last night, I balanced things out by getting a tattoo on the left shoulder that represents death - the thing that gives life its momentum and purpose. I chose the black rabbit for this symbol, because I always liked how dignified and ultimately, essentially natural death was portrayed in Watership Down.

Here it is:

Courtesy of MoveOn.org

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Thanks!

Dear Bush Administration,

Thanks for reigniting the Cold War, you arrogant fucks.

xxx - Alisha

Leaving Las Vegas

Unlike Nick Cage, I left Vegas with my hair and career intact. I also left with some great info and ideas from the New Media Expo, and some new memories with old friends.

Here is a quick pictorial of the trip:

Here's a quick shot from the room, which was decorated like an elaborately wrapped box of chocolate.

The disco party bathroom had a tv built into the mirror, a Bose sound system, and a neon pink night light that did bizarre things to my tattoos.

Here I am playing slots with The Gambler himself. I loved the random Kenny affirmations, like "You're doing great!" and "You sure know when to hold 'em!"