I have a very bad feeling about this!

From time to time I like to take humorous pot shots at all you Harley Dudes and Dudettes, and for the most part, you get the joke!  Today, I turn my attention some of those pretentious pricks who ride BMW’s and don’t wave back when greeted by other riders.  Although I ride a BMW R1100RT, and enjoy it immensely, I find it hard to stomach the amount of arrogance I sometimes see from my BMW family.  If you happen to pass a BMW rider on the road and they refuse to wave back, here’s a list of possible reasons…

Top 10 Reasons BWM Riders Don’t Wave Back
10 - New Aerostitch suit too stiff
9 - Removing hands from bars is considered “Bad Form”
8 - Shoulder is too stiff from camping on the ground the night before
7 - Too sore from an 800 mile day on a stock “Comfort” seat
6 - Too busy programming the GPS, monitoring radar, listening to IPOD, XM or talking on cell phone
5 - He’s an Iron Butt rider and you’re not
4 - Wires from the Gerbings are too short
3 - You’re not riding the right kind of BMW
2 - You haven’t been properly introduced
1 - Afraid it might be mistaken as a friendly gesture

Departure Time:  8:30 a.m.

Destination:  Richmond, Indiana

Purpose:  Breakfast at any Greasy Spoon 

With temperatures forecasted for the 70’s today, I headed to Indiana in search of the biggest, greasiest, most unhealthy breakfast I could find.  I began the ride heading west on Interstate 70, eventually heading north in order to pick up the Old National Road, then follow it into Richmond. 

The scenery was dotted with freshly harvested corn fields, dilapidated barns, hundreds of cows, and many small towns sporting names such as; Clayton, Lewisburg, Shiloh, Eldorado, and Braffetsville.

Entering one of these small towns, I noticed a diner with a crowded parking lot, that can only mean one thing!  Great food!  (If the locals like it, you know it’s good!)  I pulled in and began taking off my gear, when I was warmly greeting by a few good ole boys on their way out.  The place was full of friends and neighbors, discussing everything from log splitters, Aunt Edna’s arthritis, to that “Damn Obama”.

I quickly perused the hand written menu and decided on the “Ultimate Breakfast”…

• 3 eggs
• Bacon and Sausage
• Fried taters
• Biscuits and sausage gravy
• Strong black coffee

I enjoyed the conversation and the delicious food, but soon it was time to continue on.  I moved to the cashier and handed her my debit card, “Oh we don’t have one of them machines here” she replied.  Stunned, I looked in my wallet and realized I only had three, one dollar bills!  “I better get the owner Sir” she retorted.  Soon the owner came over, and to make a long story short; I will be putting a check in the mail on Monday for $7.83.  Folks, this is why I ride!

here’s a few more pics of the day…

Tags: breakfast, touring

A bartender at our neighborhood Pub was told by management she would not be able to move up in the company due to her tattoos.  She is an articulate woman, with a tastefully done tribal bracelet on her left wrist.  The markings are in no way gaudy or offensive.  I was surprised to hear that she would not be considered for any promotion based on her markings.  I work in sales and understand the importance of presentation when dealing with the public, but perhaps the Tattoo Nazis should look at this on a case by case basis instead of a blanket legislation.  What’s your take on tattoos in the workplace?

Here’s a USA Today article pertaining to this issue.

Tags: tattoos

While reading a forum today, I ran across this unusual story posted at CNN.com .  It states more Marines have died on motorcycles this year than on the battlefield in Iraq.

When stopped at a traffic light, do you put your bike in neutral, or do you leave it in first gear?

A bone chilling cold front moved into Springfield this week, acompannied by a chilling drizzle.  Making residents turn their furnaces on, and build their first fires of the season.  Many of my riding buddies have stabilized the fuel in their bikes, given them a good wax, and put them to bed for the winter.  Too bad really, there’s still a lot of great riding to do.

I realize many of you like to get your Christmas shopping completed early, so here’s a few things on my list.  Cash is also appreciated.

BMW Watch $199 (a bargain)

Coolmax hood  $22 (a great value)
Cup holder $153 (a freakin’ rip off)

Oh and I almost forgot!

By the way; have I mentioned that your site is my all time favorite!

I am the only motorcyclist in the world without a GPS?

The past three summers have found me traveling extensively without the aid of a Garmin, or TomTom, and I really didn’t miss it, but then again, how would I know if I missed it or not, having never owned one?  I regress.

Let me say right out of the shoot; I am not against technology in the slightest, I embrace gadgets!  It’s just I have never felt the need to use GPS.  I know it would make some situations easier, but sometimes I enjoy finding my own way. 

For me, one of the pleasures of touring is stopping for lunch at a local watering hole with my trusty map and engaging the locals about points of interest in their area.  This is not to say I will never purchase a GPS.  I’m just not certain they are for me.  

I would welcome any comments about why I need one, their benefits to you, and which GPS you recommend.

Tags: , Garmin, GPS, TomTom