Adventure is out there!

I am back from my whirlwind, motorcycling adventure! I woke up this morning and immediately wanted to get on my bike and ride. For four mornings in a row I got up, got ready, and headed out with my dad for the day's adventure.

We traveled from my apartment in Bellingham, WA to Princeton, BC, then to Kamloops the second day, Pemberton the third and back home on the fourth day.

I wasn't nervous until the last second (per usual) before we left and then I was petrified, why you ask, because I had to get on the freeway for the first time to begin our trip. UGH.

Before I get into trip specifics a word on what I packed: lots of socks, extra shoes (never wore), extra pants (didn't wear), lots of Mojo pretzel & peanut butter bars (ate a few), layers layers layers (wore all of them, all the time. I packed a sweater to wear, and on my bike I was wearing: t-shirt, sweatshirt, a jacket-liner that broke the wind, and my leather jacket, I wore thick tights under my jeans with socks and boots. I also wore a neck warmer thing, earplugs, sunglasses or my glasses, and my helmet. Lots of stuff but it kept me warm (mostly, more on that in a minute). I also brought my 2 liter Platypus bag aka my Platy and some lemon/lime Mio stuff to put in the horrible tasting Canadian water.

We also packed out minions in our tank bags! Dad had a small version of Stuart and I had a poofy version of Dave. They didn't stay under the plastic because that would be cruel but they were fun travel companions and you will see more of them in a minute!

When we left my main issues on my bike were cornering and downshifting. To get on/off the freeway successfully you have to turn a sharp left and then speed up quickly and enter traffic. Then to exit you obviously have to slow down which on a bike means downshifting quickly in order to stop. Let's just say that part didn't go so hot. I didn't crash but I hadn't quite mastered the art of giving the bike a little blip of gas right before I shifted down.

Once we got through the border, without so much as taking off our full-face helmets, we started making our way to Princeton. We were on highways most of the day and go up to so crazy high elevations above some bodies of water and valleys. We made a small detour to Harrison Hot Springs where my friend Wendy and I spent a wonderful weekend last year. I even took a photo in the same place I had Wendy take my photo a year ago!

I can't remember much of the rest of the ride because I was busy trying not to freeze to death. Temperatures dipped down to 50º which if you've ever ridden a bike with no windshield going 120km/p (~75mph) you know that's really really cold. I was wearing just about everything I brought with me including my stupid thicker gloves that made my hands feel like I had oven mitts on them.

We arrived in Princeton and I thawed myself by a space heater in our strange little motel room. We had a great Greek dinner and I got in some quality trash TV time after dinner. 

The next day we took Dave and Stuart out for a nice breakfast at a great bakery in Princeton before heading out for the day.

My biggest annoyance on the trip was the lack of rest stops. Apparently Canadians don't believe in rest stops or pull outs or anywhere to stop and drink water and stretch my crab-claw hands. I had to stop way more than my dad probably would have liked but too bad, it was nice to get out and stretch and take some photos and drink some water. We also averaged about 200 miles or less a day so there was no reason to be in a huge hustle.

Once we arrived in Kamloops we made our way to a large waterfront park filled with kids and water-fowl. Including our lunchtime pals these ducks. I needed some time to relax and decompress as the temperature had risen significantly and we had maneuvered through some busier streets than I had expected.

Kamloops was surprisingly beautiful and the view from our hotel was pretty epic. We had a beer and took a nap and went out for some amazing ramen at Tiger Ramen  and then slept some more.

The next day was our most incredible leg, en route to Pemberton BC which is close to Whistler. Lots of high mountain roads winding through the hills. I kept up with everything fairly well and even went through some gravel (AHHHH!!) and narrow one-lane bridges.

We also finally got a photo with the two of us 

in it thanks to some nice German tourists!

We had dinner in Pemberton (we stayed a little bit outside of the main town) and then went to a small recreation center to eat a killer espresso brownie and watch a water show courtesy of the kids fountains and jets that I had to turn on, because why not. The views were nothing to sneeze at:

oh! I brought my Kindle, Agnes, and read a lot of Harry Potter.

The last day we had breakfast at another cool bakery, this time in Pemberton, and made our way towards Whistler. Unfortunately the entire highway between Whistler and Vancouver was reduced speeds and lanes due to a ginormous, distracting, slow bicycle race. Why someone would want to ride a bicycle from Vancouver to Whistler I may never know. 

We ended up stopping a fair amount because I had a hard time focusing on all the SPEED UP slow way down STOP watch out for people and cones and bicycles and people running around everywhere.

Once we made it through all the Whistler shenanigans we wanted to stop for lunch so dad exited in West Vancouver (hey dad, I figured out where we were!) and unbeknownst to him dropped us off at the biggest hill I've ever seen in my life and immediately put my stomach in my throat. Hills, on a motorcycle, no thank you. I don't like heights and as mentioned before shifting down wasn't my strong suit at the beginning of the trip — luckily for me I had gotten a lot better and while I was about to die the whole time I made it down the hills without much trouble. This Google Map photo does not do it justice but just imagine that going to the bay is STRAIGHT DOWN.

We got back to Bellingham early Saturday afternoon after an exhausting day. It ended up being about 89º on our way back which was much warmer than I have ever ridden in and was disgusting. Waiting in line at the border, idling and moving really slowly was no fun but we made it back in with little fanfare and after a brief sojourn to Blaine to get lost we made it back to my apartment and better tasting water.

I learned so much on this trip I don't even know where to begin. I was thrilled each day to gear up and get going and spending that time with my dad was incredible. I am forever thankful for all his help, guidance, encouragement, and navigational skills.

Now I have 4 days off the beginning of October and want to begin planning my next adventure! 

lazy day films!

This should really be titled Everyday of my Life Films because if I had it my way I would watch films all day erryday.

Never the less here is a top 10 list of films on Netflix that are the best of the best for this Labor Day off!

Beware of Mr. Baker

photo from here

This movie is absolutely ridiculous. Know that it's not safe for children and involves: drugs, alcohol, prostitutes, and a lot of cursing. But, it's an incredible story of one of the world's best drummers.

So Much So Fast

photo from here

The story of Steve Ascher, who at 29 was diagnosed with ALS and decides to live as well as possible with the time he has left. With all the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge non-sense this seems a poignant tale to watch.

Fargo

photo from here

If you haven't seen this film today is the day! One of the best films of the '90s/ever, this film tells a tale of mystery! deceit! murderrrr! And of course my hair-inspiration, pictured left.

Bernie

photo from here

This film, by Boyhood director Richard Linklater, tells the true tale of Bernie Tiede. I won't spoil the fun but let's just say once you finish the film you need to read this article about a HUGE real-life plot twist in this story that cracks me up.

The Intouchables

photo from here

This film is soo goood. I saw it in theaters and have seen it about three times since. Which, if you know me, I watch hundreds of films a year so if I re-watch something besides Bob's Burgers episodes you know it's good.

Hey Bartender

photo from here

This is a recent addition to my top picks on Netflix. The story of bartenders working in the top spots for drinks around the US. Kind of a jumbled tale it's interesting and fun and boozy. I found it inspiring to my own bartending endeavors.

A Royal Affair

photo from here

Ugh this movie. I'm sure I've blogged about this before but it seriously will not leave my head years later. Mads Mikkelsen is probably my favorite actor, he can do no wrong (see: Flame & Citron, After the Wedding, Casino Royale, The Hunt). This story is sad, dramatic, romantic, and true (kind of).

The Mighty Ducks

photo from here

A more light-hearted film, this is one of my favorite films from childhood that I can watch over and over and over again. I actually own all THREE films on VHS because I'm just that cool.

What Maisie Knew

photo from here

If I could go on a date with a living celebrity, it would be Alexander Skarsgård, because good god he is so handsome (a foot taller than me, CHA-CHING). Anyway, this film is dark and brooding and interesting and stars Skarsgård and a cute kid.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

photo from here

This is definitely a weird children's movie. I still watch it a lot because of how weird it is and I can't believe my lunatic parents let me watch this when I was little. Pictured above is the villain of the film, the Child Catcher, who ya know run arounds capturing children in a town that hates children.


Happy Labor Day everyone! Have fun with a few of these movies if you so choose.

Or just watch Bob's Burgers all day, like me

and so it begins

It's been a week since I picked up my motorcycle and I've gone through quite a whirlwind of emotions and events.

I've now surpassed the miles my dad put on the bike on the way home, meaning most of the miles are now all mine!

I'm slowly but surely mastering shifting (up is great, down is so-so), braking, hazard avoidance, and having fun! The last part has been the hardest — the more I ride the more frustrated I was becoming with my skills and flub-ups. I went on a ride earlier, however, with what I would consider no real mishaps and enjoyed myself immensely. It's all in learning to pace myself and appreciate the scenery (while still looking a few seconds and several seconds ahead, duh).

Today was my first opportunity to avoid a crash. I've done the same ride now four times and each time I've been incredibly careful throughout the whole ride but one intersection has garnered more of my attention than any other because it's fairly uncontrolled with limited visibility and a lot of idiots. Today I saw someone waiting to turn left, in front of me, and while I didn't have to stop I slowed way down because something told me this person was going to pull right out in front of me — and she did just that! I flipped her off in a fit of rage (sorry grandma!) as she waved at me apologizing profusely. I honestly was more excited I had judged the situation correctly than mad at her making that mistake. It encourages me to know that I'm learning from my experiences what to watch for and making judgement calls accordingly.

Now for some fun stuff. As those who know me will understand buying and sorting out my gear has been one of my favorite parts of becoming a real rider. While I already had the basics from scootering/the motorcycle safety course I have now collected a great set of gear with some surprising items that have made an immediate and immense difference in my riding.

1. My helmet. I've been using an hand-me-down black Arai helmet for the last... who knows how long. It was becoming loose which is not something a helmet should be and my dad was kind enough to give me another extra helmet from their collection. Being that I am a lunatic I bought reflective tape and put my own personal touch on it. Wu Tang Clan comin' atcha.

2. This was huge for me, getting my bike in front of my car and near a latticed parking area to avoid being doored. I don't want to be doored. To say that safety off my bike is as big a concern as when I'm riding it would be about fair. I don't live in the best area and with college students/their drunk friends plowing in and out of our parking lot at break-neck speeds I wanted to ensure my bike is in a fairly protected area where it's difficult to hit. Right now the only people who could possibly hit it are me (hah!) and if someone parks on the left. I purchased a middle-of-the-road u-lock at REI that I'm using a frame/disc lock. I also made myself a lock-out tag that says "DON'T FORGET YA LOCK" on a magnet so I don't, ya know, roll forward and break everything.  I also, of course, have a cover.

 







3. Would it shock you to know they don't make affordable, attractive women's motorcycle gear? Because they don't really. I mean sure if you can afford a Dainese jacket at $500 you can get something sleek and saucy (ahem, Christmas anyone?), but if you're on a budget you're kind of out of luck.

I went with a very reasonably priced leather jacket with some vents. It doesn't have armor, something I will eventually want, but for $170 and without it fitting like I was a linebacker I was thrilled. I also bought myself a turtle fur neck warmer thing, which while hideous does the trick and keeps my chicken neck from getting hives. I also bought myself a 3-pack of earplugs on STRINGS because I lose things, and am forgetful (see: aforementioned lock-out tag). They have already made a great difference in that I don't go deaf from wind or think I hear music all the time because that's kind of creepy and distracting when you know there isn't music playing.

4. The actually most helpful thing has been this Platypus water thing. I can successfully drink while my helmet is on (which looks ridiculous but I do not care) and it's kind of fun so I am more excited about hydrating. It also looks like some sort of IV bag when I lug it around while I'm taking a break. The biggest lesson from my first longer ride (hahaha 20 miles long ride hahah) was I didn't actually put the kickstand down and walk around for a minute in the middle of it so by the end I had crab-claws for hands and was really jumpy. Gotta relax! Gotta enjoy the nice Bellingham summer weather man.

5. The last thing is books my dad sent me about sport riding technique and smooooth riding. Both things I'm trying to work on quite a bit. He even put helpful stickie notes all over them including instructions to wait a week before attempting a stopie — THANKS SO MUCH DAD!





Overall buying gear and figuring out what I need has been a wondrous adventure. I enjoy suiting up and preparing for my ride, filling my weird bladder with water and packing myself a snack and hitting the trail, err road.

I would like to mention, as a fairly small (5'3" size 6ish) female rider it's been hard to find gear that isn't: a) overall too huge, b) clearly cut for a man but smaller, c) uggggly. Granted I've only been in three shops looking for gear and each of them wasn't super large. I understand some shops will have more options than others but in general it has sucked to be faced with choices of white and hot pink everything or too short/too long sleeves and too wide shoulders. If anyone has interest in starting a female-focused gear company with affordable, well-fitting, appropriate stuff you let me know. I would be all over it. #Idon'tlikepink

biker babe: how I learned to ride & purchased a motorcycle in 35 days

To say this was a momentous weekend for me would be an incredible understatement. Even now, as I'm home relaxing and watching Rooney Mara rock it on her motorcycle in The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, I'm choking back tears because I DID IT.

This weekend my dad rode over from Spokane and helped me pick up the motorcycle I bought on Thursday night from Everett. Today we went tooling around a high school parking lot to get my "sea legs" under me and then on a quick ride down to Lake Samish and back.

I wrote all about how I learned to ride through a 3 day motorcycle safety course on a separate blog entry here. I began with a Kickstarter course the end of June and took my 3-day course the beginning of July. Meaning it's only been 35 day since I first used a clutch.

Last weekend I bartended a wedding for a dear friend down in Skagit county and on my way down on Chuckanut drive I decided to quit being wishy-washy and find myself a bike. I quickly settled on a few options: a Honda CBR250, CBR500, and my favorite, the CB500F. My dad (and mom) tried to convince me to find a smaller, older, cheaper bike to start with and upgrade in a year or two once I was more comfortable with everything that goes along with a motorcycle instead of a scooter. Being the obnoxious independent child that I am I decided that I would throw caution to the wind and buy myself a brand new bike.

And I know what you're thinking, Emily, you will drop this on the ground and it will lose value and you will be mad, etc. etc. — you're probably correct, but for now, this is the only thing in the world I really want.

Last Wednesday I traveled from Bellingham to Marysville to try and sit on all three models of bikes (since they're such different styles and sizes the differences were very noticeable). I struck out at my first shop for sitting on the CBR250 and decided to continue south on the I-5 corridor and try my luck in Everett. They too had just sold their last CBR250 so I couldn't sit on it there either. Before you write me off as a total idiot because hey, I went to two bike shops without verifying their online in-stock models were actually in the store, I did call the last shop before driving to Woodinville.

The third try was indeed the charm and at the last shop I found a nice salesman to show me all three bikes. Immediately sitting on the 250 felt too small and that I would quickly outgrow it. I then sat on the CB and CRB500 models and began an internal debate of what kind of riding style I would be most comfortable with. The CB500F has a straight handlebar which allows for more "straight" riding style, while the CBR500 has handlebars that are more street bike style and force you to hunch over to hold them.

I decided that for my riding, and my style, the CB500F was the way to go. I called my dad and we began plotting insurance, maintenance schedules, dealership fees, etc.

Thursday I called four motorcycle dealerships along the I-5 corridor who listed CB500Fs on their websites to find the best pricing and nicest salesperson.

My first call, to Everett Powersports, turned out to be the right one. I was paired with a great salesperson who immediately gave me a quote and promised to match anything else if someone underbid him. After gathering the other quotes, which were much higher (how is the same bike priced over $800 differently from one shop to another in the same area I do not know) and with much pushier salesmen I called him back and began the process of reserving my bike and teeing up my financing options for my arrival after work Thursday night.

I also had to settle between State Farm, Safeco, and Progressive insurance. I went with Progressive, as their rates closely matched State Farm and the agent I worked with (if you're in B'ham and want her name and number she is amazing) was awesome. Because of my age (under 25) and because this is a fairly large, new, speedy motorcycle my rates are substantial but they will decrease once I turn 25 and gain some standing with Progressive.

The process of making all the calls, haggling over the phone and asking my poor dad about 25925 questions all paid off when I arrived in Everett Thursday night and saw this beauty.

My bike, whom I have named Trixie, is incredible. Being the aesthetic snob that I am I knew if I went with an older, uglier bike I would be displeased and that would translate to all sorts of not-so-great things. This sleek, black, modern bike is just what I need to get going as a real biker.

My dad rode partway to B'ham Friday night and the rest of the way Saturday morning to drive down with me and pick up the bike. After mulling over choices of: 1) me riding it (hah), 2) borrowing/renting a truck to pick it up in (ugh), and 3) someone else riding it I went with option #3 so long as it was my dad doing the riding. We drove down to Everett in my car and as we approached the exit it began to rain so hard it felt and looked like hail, to which I said, ahhh hail nah. Pulling up to the dealership it was POURING and was making me very anxious and my dad angry he left his rain gear in my 80º apartment.

We poked around the shop for a bit, I found a leather jacket (finnnnally) and we picked up oil to do the first oil change (done quickly after purchase to remove metal particulates from circling around gumming up things) and then it was time for the big trip. The rain cleared as we were preparing to head out and we made it back to Bellingham without incident and without me having a heart attack watching my dad follow me on the bike.

Today I rode around a high school parking lot for a bit, herking and jerking as I got a feel for the clutch and throttle. The weight was new and different but I didn't feel out of control at any point. We came back to my apartment for a breather and I decided I wanted to ride a bit more in a controlled environment and then perhaps go on a quick ride.

Getting out of my parking lot proved to be the biggest challenge of the day, I hadn't taken off from a stop on an upward slope before and managing the clutch, throttle, and front brake (to keep from rolling backwards) simultaneously caused me much difficulty.

We successfully got up to the high school and I quickly decided a longer ride might shake out some of my jitters about being out on the open road. I chose a jaunt down to Lake Samish and that went without a hitch, errr any hitches I feel like mentioning.

The feeling of riding on the open road, on a brand new bike that I navigated the purchase of almost completely on my own, was one of the most amazing feelings of my life. I hope I never forget what it was like to take the first ride.

I am so grateful my dad was able to come over and help me through this new beginning of my journey. Having someone to high five when we got to a good stopping point by the lake was priceless. Thanks dad!

So what's next? Now I try to figure out how the heck to 1) park it in my crappy parking lot, 2) secure it so 4 burly dudes don't come pick it up and take it, 3) start riding on an uphill slope! After that the world is my riding oyster!