Her first oil change

Saturday was a big day for both the bike and me. I have never changed the oil in anything myself. Add it - yes. Change it - no. But I just knew in my bones that "Lizzy" (the bike's temporary name) hadn't been given too much attention in recent years. Armed with my Clymer service manual (Honda 100-350 OHC Singles 1969-1982) I felt confident. Sort of.

First things first. Lizzy had to get warm and up to operating temperature. I wanted all that crap that is in the oil to be in suspension when drained out - not just chillin' in the bottom of the crankcase ready to foul up the next quart. So I had to get her started. My right leg is a *bit* sore now.

Rolf was came down to visit for the weekend and between him, my chubby hubby, and myself we finally got her going. Rolf and Gabe (hubby) quickly rode down the street on bicycles scouting for cops and called me when the coast was clear (no plate yet!!). I went down the street a bit and played around in a parking lot and then went back home. I got to 4th gear! And... this is the most exciting part....

On the way back home, I passed two Harley's going in the opposite direction and I freaking did the biker wave! My first one! The dude wasn't as excited as I was but he returned the gesture! I am in like Flynn.

Anyway I came back and quickly changed the oil and cleaned the oil pump filter screen. It wasn't as bad as the Exxon Valdez disaster but let's just say I kind of kicked over the oil pan (a little). Yeah so there was some lessons learned. Next time I doing this over a tarp. Lizzy's rockin' the good synthetic stuff now.

I must say I was a little distressed looking at the drain pan. It shouldn't bring back memories of panning for gold... there were a few small metal chunks in the extremely black and hot goo at the bottom. Poor girl. As for where the chunks came from - I dunno. But she is in more loving hands now.

We meet at last

Yeah, I ditched work on Friday. I just couldn't wait any longer to see my beautiful baby. My friend Meryl was kind/crazy enough to loan me her truck and her time to make the two hour trip north and back to pick up the bike. On the way up, we stopped by Krissy's house - and this is where I dropped the greatest idea of all time. Really. Since Krissy, Meryl and I took the NH bike class together last year and got our motorcycle licenses - I thought it would be awesome for our chick biker gang to show up at motorcycle week this year in Laconia. Can you believe I got resistance!!! Unbelievable. I think this is an epic idea. There is still time, and I am great at wearing people down. Just ask my husband.

Opening those garage doors and seeing my little green bike for the first time was wonderous. Meryl videoed my resulting squeals and squeaks. My other friend Rolf (who was gracious enough to put the bike in his garage) ditched work for a bit to come by and help me start her up for the first time. Now, I have never seen a kick-starter before. So I couldn't help myself from giggling like a tween who just got Rob Pattinson's autograph when I kicked down and the bike sputtered for the first time.

Something like 50 kicks later and a lot of sweat, I got it going. I went down the road and back, getting into second gear! I stalled out because the little girl doesn't idle all that well. We will work on that. In fact, the list for new projects is a bit daunting. But all I have to do is say four little words and I feel all better...

I own a motorcycle!

Hot damn.

Let the insanity begin

April 20, 2010 will go down in history - in my history at least - as the day I purchased my first motorcycle. Its a 1973 Honda CB125S . Yeah its old - and small - and well, old. But it is perfect. At least I think it is perfect. I haven't actually met her yet, because I jumped into this insanity sight-unseen with nothing but ridiculous anticipation. All I can give you at this moment is one grainy little photo I swiped off the posting. Tomorrow, I am taking off work and collecting my baby and starting off on an adventure that will hopefully teach me to ride well and become reasonably adept with small engine repair. I am starting small - and livin' large.