Motorcyclist Apologizes

Anyone who knows me knows that I, along with most other motorcyclists, feel that there is a special place in Hell for people who drive carelessly, recklessly, or aggressively. Here's a funny column about a very not funny reality.

Motorcyclist offers apology and restitution to members of DUMB

An apology is in order, so, please, forgive me. It was not until this morning on my ride to work that I fully understood I was in error.

Yes, I've noticed that there are many very busy and important people on the roads. You all are hard to miss with the cell phones, laptops, breakfast bars, coffee, cigarettes and all, but until now, I didn't realize I was causing so much trouble for you busy, multitasking drivers.

I figured it out this morning, thanks to the nice lady working on the laptop who needed the lane I was in.

First, ma'am, let me say that when I honked at you from the shoulder, I didn't mean to startle you. My intent was just to give you a little beep to let you know the lane was all yours. But I was braking so hard, I couldn't lift my thumb off the horn button. My bad.

I surely didn't mean to cause you to nearly hit the guy talking on the cell phone. You know, he was smoking and talking as he moved his SUV right into the space you had just left.

Anyway, the good news is, that's when I realized all of you multitasking drivers must be texting each other about intended lane changes and running traffic lights and stop signs and such. I'm sorry - I'm still using old-fashioned blinkers. I didn't realize you needed some time to e-notify that guy that you needed the lane back. I really messed it up for both of you!

I can only say that the guard rail was a little distracting, and I was only thinking about myself. I'll try harder next time.

Like I said, I didn't know that was how you multitasking drivers were communicating. It must have been in an e-mail, but my laptop fell off my tank and I haven't replaced it.

However, I have a solution.

I know many of you are so busy and important that you have no choice - you have to eat, work, talk, read and do lots of other really important things as you drive.

Those of us who use the road only for traveling would be happy to stay out of your way; we just need to know you're coming.

A little visual clue would help - I was thinking of a bumper sticker. That way, everyone could identify you as Drivers Utilizing Multiple Behaviors.

Of course, that's a little long, so we'd cut it down to an acronym - DUMB.

If you'd place stickers on the front, back and maybe the sides of your car, the rest of us would know not to interfere with you on the road.

I think it's such a good idea, I'll pay for the bumper stickers and even put them on for you. Deal?

Again, I'm sorry I got in your way. I'll try harder to see you coming from now on.

I promise!

Larry Supina is an Amarillo resident. He works as a safety manager at Pantex.

[Click on it to read the full sized version]

Hey you!

Yeah, you! Leave a comment and say hey! ;)

Her Name was Louise...

I saw this on Two Wheel Females and thought I'd share it here, it had me laughing out loud!

As a joke, my brother used to hang a pair of panty hose over his fireplace before Christmas. He said all he wanted was for Santa to fill them. What they say about Santa checking the list twice must be true because every Christmas morning, although Jay's kids' stockings were overflowing, his poor pantyhose hung sadly empty.

One year I decided to make his dream come true. I put on sunglasses and went in search of an inflatable love doll. They don't sell those things at Wal-Mart. I had to go to an adult bookstore downtown.

If you've never been in an X-rated store, don't go. You'll only confuse yourself. I was there an hour saying things like, "What does this do? You're kidding me! Who would buy that?" Finally, I made it to the inflatable doll section.

I wanted to buy a standard, uncomplicated doll that could also substitute as a passenger in my truck so I could use the car pool lane during rush hour.

Finding what I wanted was difficult. Love Dolls come in many different models. The top of the line, according to the side of the box, could do things I'd only seen in a book on animal husbandry. I settled for Lovable Louise. She was at the bottom of the price scale. To call Louise a doll took a huge leap of imagination.

On Christmas Eve and with the help of an old bicycle pump, Louise came to life.

My sister-in-law was in on the plan and let me in during the wee morning hours. Long after Santa had come and gone, I filled the dangling pantyhose with Louise's pliant legs and bottom. I also ate some cookies and drank what remained of a glass of milk on a nearby tray. I went home, and giggled for a couple of hours.

The next morning my brother called to say that Santa had been to his house and left a present that had made him VERY happy but had left the dog confused. She would bark, start to walk away, then come back and bark some more.

We all agreed that Louise should remain in her panty hose so the rest of the family could admire her when they came over for the traditional Christmas dinner.

My grandmother noticed Louise the moment she walked in the door. "What the hell is that?" she asked.

My brother quickly explained, "It's a doll." "Who would play with something like that?" Granny snapped.

I had several candidates in mind, but kept my mouth shut.

"Where are her clothes?" Granny continued.

"Boy, that turkey sure smells nice Gran" Jay said, to steer her into the dining room.

But Granny was relentless. "Why doesn't she have any teeth?"

Again, I could have answered, but why would I? It was Christmas and no one wanted to ride in the back of the ambulance saying, "Hang on Granny, hang on!"

My grandfather, a delightful old man with poor eyesight, sidled up to me and said, "Hey, who's the naked gal by the fireplace?"

I told him she was Jay's friend.

A few minutes later I noticed Grandpa by the mantel, talking to Louise. Not just talking, but actually flirting. It was then that we realized this might be Grandpa's last Christmas at home.

The dinner went well. We made the usual small talk about who had died, who was dying, and who should be killed, when suddenly Louise made a noise like my father in the bathroom in the morning. Then she lurched from the panty hose, flew around the room twice, and fell in a heap in front of the sofa.

The cat screamed. I passed cranberry sauce through my nose, and Grandpa ran across the room, fell to his knees, and began administering mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. My brother fell back over his chair and wet his pants.

Granny threw down her napkin, stomped out of the room, and sat in the car.

It was indeed a Christmas to treasure and remember.

Later, in my brother's garage, we conducted a thorough examination to decide the cause of Louise's collapse. We discovered that Louise had suffered from a hot ember to the back of her right thigh.

The Big Trip

Last August when I was at the SMSA conference in Buffalo, I found out that this year's conference would be in Billings, MT. While there I had met a really nice guy named Ken who is from Montana and is president of the Montana BMW Riders. He is the one who originally told me about the Beartooth Pass (which I mentioned in a previous post), and spoke with a genuine passion about it and some other places he's ridden to. As we sipped our Scotch whisky, I began toying with the idea of riding to the 2008 conference in Billings. This is no small undertaking - from my town in Maryland to Billings is just over 2000 miles one-way. I've never taken a motorcycle trip of this magnitude.

It was like a seed had been planted in my brain. When I got home, I started looking at my bike a little differently. Thinking about what I would need to do and pack to make a journey like this successful. I started looking into camping gear, with an eye to what could be carried on a bike. What would I need? I've never been much of a camper, but to me that would be a big part of the trip and is probably also a necessity to make it economically feasible. I see pictures of motorcycles and tents on the internet, and they inspire me (from my nice dry, warm seat at the computer =P).



So the dream of The Big Trip was born. I've begun gathering some basic camping gear - a decent tent, sleeping gear, campstove, etc. I wouldn't say I'm obsessed with it by any means, not yet anyway, but it's always in the back of my mind. Last week I went to see a live band play. It was enjoyable, but as I sat there, I found myself wishing I had a map of the US spread out on the table so I could plan my route :). As I look at maps I see more places I'd like to visit, and have started putting together a google map of "Great Destinations". Google is a wonderful thing.


View Larger Map

It's going to take an effort to protect that timeframe and make it actually happen. That's always a very busy time of year, and this year will be no exception especially with Katie heading off to college. If you know of anyplace I "must" go to between here and there, let me know!

CMW Cheerleaders go to State Finals!

Well, here's the long-overdue update on the girls' competition: they placed second at States! Being as it was Coach Ali's last competition with the squad, all the girls felt a tremendous amount of pressure to perform well for her. They basically just left it all out there, not holding anything back. It was a fantastic performance, among a competition full of fantastic performances, so it was a thrill for all of us to see them do so well! Congratulations to all the girls and the coaches, with a special THANKS, again, to Coach Ali.

On a disappointing note, there was a team there who, before the results were announced, were bragging that they were so good they were going to win first and second place. They were not pleased when they finished fourth, and felt that CMW must have paid the judges. Good grief. Competition definitely has it's ugly side.

Funny Stuff - Cats and Dogs

Saw this on a forum recently and thought I'd share it here:


The Dog’s Diary
8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!

9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!

9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!

10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!

12:00 pm - Milk bones! My favorite thing!

1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!

3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!

5:00 pm - Dinner! My favorite thing!

7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!

8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with my people! My favorite thing!

11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

The Cat’s Diary
Day 983 of my captivity.

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects.

They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.

The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates my capabilities. However, they merely made condescending comments about
what a “good little hunter” I am. Bastards!

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food.. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of “allergies.” I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow, but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released, and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.

The bird must be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now…

Destination Roads - Beartooth Pass

Beartooth Highway

I WILL be going here!





Region: Southern Montana and Northern Wyoming east of Yellowstone National Park
Length: 64 miles
Endpoints:Red Lodge, MT & Cooke City, MT
Features: A huge plateau above 10,000 feet with alpine lakes, glaciar-carved cirques and fragile tundra
Side Activities: Hiking, fishing, 4-wheeling

Here's a website with more pictures of the area.

Destination Roads - Chief Joseph Highway

Chief Joseph Highway



East of Yellowstone in Wyoming.

Regional Champions!

Tonight the C. Milton Wright Varsity Cheerleaders won first place in the Northern Regional Championships! A big CONGRATULATIONS to them! Next stop is the State Finals, on November 13th. Good luck girls!

The team and coaches holding their championship plaque!


There was so much talent there - ALL of the teams were amazing! There were ten schools represented at the competition. The tumbling was fantastic, the dance routines were fun, and the stunts were very impressive! If you haven't seen a cheerleading competition, you might not realize what athletes these cheerleaders are.

I was very glad that I didn't have to be one of the judges and decide who won. There is a whole lot that goes into the scoring of a routine. The number and difficulty of various stunts and tumbling routines is a very big part of it. And there are deductions for all kinds of things, many of them safety related. Dangerous stunts result in big points losses, for obvious reasons. If a cheerleader steps off the mat during the routine, more points deducted. Of course they are also judged on how well they perform something, and a wobble or a dropped stunt costs points. But even things like losing a hair ribbon or bobbie pins on the mat, or wearing jewelry of any kind can mean deductions. In order to be successful, you need a big routine that's worth a lot of points, performed well, with no points lost over the stupid things like forgetting to take off your rings or wristband.

We have been VERY fortunate in coaching we've had, with a special shoutout going to Coach Ali. She has that rare combination of knowledge, experience, creativity, passion, and an incredible ability to relate to and motivate a bunch of teenage girls to work together as a cohesive unit. She truly has been an amazing coach! THANK YOU, COACH ALI!!!

April and her coach Ali




Getting ready!


A big stunt during their routine

April and Krystal afterwards


April and Dad

Seussical the Musical

This past weekend Katie was in her high school's musical production, Seussical the Musical. What a great show! I knew it would be enjoyable, but I had no idea just how talented these young people are! It was very impressive.

Seussical is a compilation of several different Seuss stories, narrated by the Cat in the Hat and focused around Horton the Elephant and the Whos from Whoville. If you ever get a chance to see it in your local community, you should check it out.

Katie in her element!

photo by Dan Sakamoto

Hey cool, look at that!

photo by Dan Sakamoto

Dancing AND being on stage - what could be better??


She's always been so shy...


After the show with some friends


Oh yeah, there were some other kids in the show, too... =]
Here's one of the whole cast during their final bow. What a talented group of performers!

photo by Dan Sakamoto

Shameless plug for Dan Sakamoto, a very passionate and gifted young photographer who took some of the photos above. Check out his website!

Things You Can Learn From a Dog

Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:

1. When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
2. Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
3. Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
4. Take naps.
5. Stretch before rising.
6. Run, romp, and play daily.
7. Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
8. Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
9. On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
10. On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
11. When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
12. Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
13. Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.
14. Stop when you have had enough.
15. Be loyal.
16. Never pretend to be something you're not.
17. If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
18. When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.
19. Be always grateful for each new day.

Live simply. Love generously.
Care deeply. Speak kindly.

New puppy in the family!

Last night we brought home Bailey, a six-week old Chihuahua-Toy Fox Terrier mix (we think). We figured we really didn't have enough animals already... :P





Next to Lula, who is a fairly small dog herself

County Champs, again!

A big CONGRATS to the C. Milton Wright cheerleaders for winning their 23rd CONSECUTIVE Harford County Championships!! That's quite an accomplishment and we're all immensely proud of the hard work and dedication that got them to the top.

The Varsity squad at a recent game


Putting up a stunt at the competition


The next step for them is Regionals, which will be held on November 8th. Good luck, ladies!

Moto Photos

Various cool pics of motorcycles and motorcycle related things. I'll add to this one as I find images I like.

Cool kid, cool dad :)


GREAT light in this shot! I wish I could take pictures like this!


That's a hell of a way to wash your bike! Also known as being bitten by the Dragon :)


Now THAT'S a burnout!






Knee sliders?? Heck, this guy needs elbow sliders!


Home sweet home on the road


Don't try this at home


With winter coming, I thought I'd post these: who says you can't ride in the snow??


I can't decide which I like best, so I posted them both.


Check out this pint-sized racer! You know what they say about the size of the dog in the fight...


If you love your bike, let it go. If it comes back to you, you just highsided...




The road is calling you...

ps - if you know where I can find roads like this - send me a message!

Clicky to watch the animation. One more for the "Stupid Hurts" category!


From advrider.com, they have the coolest photos...


Suzanne, as seen from Ranger's rear view mirror (svrider.com) Nice pic, Ranger!


Photoshopped, but still cool


Oops!


Sparkies!


Click on it to see the full sized version


Here's one I took at Conowingo Dam near where I live. There are TWO of these signs in the Dam park area!



Ah, the coolness of this picture... [must get mirrored visor for photo ops!]


Check out this guy. This could be titled "How not to do a wheelie" or "When wheelies go bad!" That's gonna leave a mark...


Which brings me to the next picture (sort of)


Mad skillz, yo! Ruben Xaus, backin' it in on a Ducati Hypermotard!


This guy's ON FIYA!


This one's for you (and you know who you are!)


Oh, snap!