Since my return to the motorcycling and being a Concourian again I had an event change my way of thinking about motorcycling in general.
I volunteered to be part of the motorcycle team for traffic control at this years Weekend to end women's Cancer
http://www.endcancer.ca/ . I usually walk the 60 km weekend walk but took a break this year. Still wanted to part of the event so this was my contribution. The first day was awesome weather but Sunday was marred by the tail end of Irene. I stood and rode in a torrential downpour most of the day. I rode home at the end of the day and it was raining, I mean RAINING and HIGH WINDS.
When I got home I thought about my day and despite the god awful weather not once did think "what a crapy day and crapy weather". The truth I had an awesome day and in a really funny way embraced the rain! Since that day I have ridden my Connie EVERY day to work (1 hour one way) rain or shine, hot or cold.
A sick side affect of this new found love for rain and riding is I really don't care what my bike looks like! yes like everyone I love a clean bike, but if i balk at riding for fear my bike gets dirty I don't get to enjoy the smells of the "after rain". You know what I'm talking about, those smells that emanate from along the roadside whether forest or fields.
Bottom line, I am once again what I call a "real" rider and I'm glad to return to such a status!
Oh and anycleavers I like to ride alone, easier to "manage".