4/30 - Eulogy to The Heartbeat and Rhode Island

2007-2014

Before I learned to drive, I’d always ridden passenger in the bubble of a car and blasted through RI on the interstate. Even after I was licensed at the relatively ripe age of 24, I had little interest in driving. I was an urbanite and a walker and, to me, if my two feet plus public transit couldn’t effectively get there, it wasn’t worth going anyway. It wasn’t until I finally caved to RIPTA’s shortcomings and picked up my 50cc Buddy that I found another way to explore.

4/22 - Purgatory Chasm

Since the weather has been cautiously cooperative and we're touring RI, I heard that you could jump Purgatory Chasm, in Middletown.

4/21 - Miller's Roast Beef

Getting our Rhode Island on! Miller's Roast Beef has been in operation since 1968, and the decor has changed very little; the East Providence location is a time portal of wood paneling, hanging plants, and wagon wheel lamps. I'm particularly charmed by the dinosaur of an AC unit lurking darkly in the corner, and the rack to hang your coat/riding jacket...in a fast food joint. Roast beef is tasty too, but pastrami and their wavy cut fries (with vinegar) was for me. If it was summer, a quick scoot down to Del's frozen lemonade could round out my RI fast food tour, and my waist. Or one could do a side-by-side comparison with Walt's Roast Beef, airport location, naturally. Yep, definitely rounding out the waist.

 

4/20 - Not Quite Dakar

4/17 - Book is done, no more delays!

Submitted final artwork for Picture Book today, what an amazing relief!

4/12 - Three kisses for good luck and safe travels

Jenn bestowed the same good luck charm on me for my first long-distance trip.
Obviously it works because I'm still on two wheels!

4/10 - Spring service for GTS

Eagerly picked up the Vespbatmobile after its spring service today. Got to throw my leg over a Honda CB350 while I was at the shop. I know those things are hot shit at the moment, but...what fun it could be. That, combined with the stupendous weather and my freshly spruced machine, and I'm full of glee!

4/9 - This haircut is going to go a long way

Less hair for helmet hair, but actually I think I like it more this way. Thanks, Alayna!

4/8 - The Roar

Bonus points if you catch the motorcycle movie reference (super bonus points if you caught the previous TV reference). And now, for a more personal expansion on the topic:

4/4 - Dreaming and Drawing

3/29 - From last week, breaking in scoots for CORSette

Happy rider, till I ran out of gas. Oops.

Rainy today, so just wanted to share a photo from a happy Saturday last weekend spent with Boston scooterists, breaking in a couple smallframes for CORSette with Jeskaboston. This classy cut-down belongs to Kyle, who I still feel terrible about running it dry and making him late for work. We were so close to making it back, sorry!

3/28 - Onboard Technology FTW part 2

3/27 - Onboard Technology FTW

Just tested out custom audio cables for my Nolan N-43 helmet and iPhone. I'm far too excited at the prospect of possibly conversing or commanding Siri around while I'm riding. Thanks so much to Matt for intricate wire soldering skills, and then sealing up the jack ends all neat. Receiving these doctored cables in the mail just made my day. Click on for nitty gritty.

3/18 - Scooter Christmas

I was paid recently, and apparently I'm having trouble controlling myself based on the number of trip-related packages arriving weekly at the door. Whoops.

3/13 - Dwellings And Doubts

Just sayin', my bed arrangement is pretty sweet. With this lingering winter cold, it's all down comforter and flannel linens.

The Plan(s)

It's snowing outside, and difficult to keep my thoughts from drifting to ride planning. It feels like there are so many moving parts to manage before embarking, but in truth I think I just can't resist tossing and turning ideas over in my head. Riding across country has been on the To Do list for a couple years, but I resisted mentioning it aloud (in case it scared it away, obviously). It's weird to finally break the silence. I just quietly busied myself collecting experience points with shorter journeys, acquiring relevant skills (like 'Camping' and 'Sneaky Parking', still working on the 'Weather Sorcery' skill though), and equipping appropriate gear.

The main obstacle for my proposed departure date of April 22 is the possibility that work on a picture book runs overtime. Read on for the breakdown.