took a ride


Bridge to St. Martins 01
Originally uploaded by giest.
yesterday i had a wonderful drive up to visit my dad. he's doing pretty good and the urologist is saying he is not only on track, but may be a bit ahead of schedule, recovery wise.

the move is almost over with and there is only a few more things to grab from the other apartment along with some cleaning. now we have a ton of boxes to wade through...oh well. so, as a treat, i zipped up to Sussex to see my dad. took the long way, of course, down around the coast. beautiful drive with minimal traffic and lots of twisties. it was kind of chilly, but that's to be expected around the coastal areas. i can't describe how wonderful it is to see trees in full bloom now. with every turn, i was riding through a sea of green with smells that i have long since missed.

while visiting, we chatted, had a snack, and chatted some more while i cleaned Selene. actually it was more like i ran around in circles "trying" to clean Selene while the black flies and mosquitoes chased me. still it was fun, and she desperately needed a cleaning.

took a different route back, more inland, so that it would be warmer, and had a wonderful view of the sunset. also had a wonderful view of every bug smacking my visor. at the end of the ride, my helmet looked fuzzy...due to all the bug wings sticking off it. oh well, doing my part for lower the mosquito population.

it was exhausting, but i'm getting used to riding the distances now and that's something i need to do. i have a 12 hour drive coming up in august and i have to be well prepared for it.

12 comments:

Biker Betty said...

Glad to hear your dad is doing better than expected. Sounds like a nice visit and great ride. Who can ask for more?

Giest said...

agreed...who could ask for more. :)

Sniper said...

Thanks for the comments on the photos. The shoot was done in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. It's a little too dangerous to get shots like that over the boarder in Detroit.

Stay Safe!

Sniper

Vinod said...

would love to see more pictures of your rides.

Giest said...

vinod: the only problem with that is that i keep forgetting my camera...lol. i have it permanently stuffed in my backpack now though, so it should be easier. ;)

Biker Betty said...

I used to forget my camera all the time and now my husband wishes I still did (lol). I've got a fairly new digital camera and I'm having so much fun with it. All the shots (except for three, the waterfall, daisy's & butterfly)on my other blog (link on my page) have been been taken with my new camera. It has a zoom that I am having so much fun playing with. I look forward to more photos.

Macrobe said...

I am envious of your closeness to the ocean. That is one goal on my trip: ride along all the oceans touching this continent.

You might consider a tank bag for your bike. I know they are mostly thought of as 'sport bike' gear but they are so handy for stashing stuff in front of you; so easily accessible. I put my camera in it; it's out and back lickety-split. Mine adheres with a magnetic base and has a handle; I an snap it off and take inside any place I go on the bike.

Giest said...

to be honest, i've thought about a tank bag, something low to hold a map and a small amout of gear. you said you had a magnetic one, does it scratch the tank at all?

unforunate thing about being near the ocean...the insane amount of rain. been raining for four days straight now.

Macrobe said...

My tank bag has a neoprene bottom which actually feels quite velvety. (nice thing to sit and rub on at a very long red light.... ;) That protects the tank from the magnets. Mine is a small Cortech with a detachable map holder. (I'll have to get a bigger one for Whee.) If you can, stop in at the bike shops on your bike; many places will let you take a bag or two out to try on your tank to assure fit.

In Oregon, it rained nearly every day, all winter long, every year.........

Biker Betty said...

Sounds like Macrobe & I have the same tank bag. I also have the small Cortech. You can see it in some of my adventures. I took a pic of a gold mine (current post), just outside of Victor, and if you click on the photo you can see it. I, also, use it to hold my camera and other odds and ends. I've had it since Christmas and it has never scratched my tank.

Kathleen Jennette said...

I think the bugs are hitting us everywhere.. I have a windshield and its splattered. I am too, gearing up for a good ride to No. California...solo...first time. But I am leaving my windshield on & mask and hope thats good. I can't wear a full face helmet, too closed in. Hoping for a camcorder for my bd!! Dropped the last one--arrghghg! Need it for the helmet cam. Maybe you should divide the 12 hour up so you can relax...enjoy the ride more, but then again, once on...well-need I say more.

Giest said...

macrobe, biker betty: i think i may have to invest in one of those bags. sounds like it would be great to have on Selene's tank. keep all the useful stuff really close...like snacks...hehe.

kt did: i was thinking about splitting it up, but i think i would rather just get there. i don't find 12 hours to be that much of a big deal, but then again...i'll be riding without a windshield. if i go alone, i'll leave early in case i have to make a stop. if i'm with other riders, i'll stick it out.