MAKE A WISH... AND BLOW!

Remember these? 
 
While doing some yard work recently, I noticed this lone standing dandelion and it actually stopped me in my tracks.  I stood there and looked down at it and wondered... just where did you really come from?

When I was a kid, these fuzzy white dandelions were a resource for many of my childhood wishes. Besides blowing out my birthday candles, I could blow on a dandelion and know, as the hundreds of tiny white parachutes floated away across the yard, my wishes would come true. It was just a matter of time.  Little did I know I was contributing to the migration and inundation of... weeds!!

If anyone has tried to rid their yard of dandelions, I'm sure you'll agree that it's more fun to think of these pesky plants as wish makers.  I looked down at this little guy, trying to decide if I was going to do it or not.  I know I'm grown, but some things you just don't outgrow.  I looked around to see where Harley was.  He must've taken a wheel barrel load out to the street, because he wasn't anywhere around.  I looked down at it again... and pondered.  With a quick movement of determination, I swooped down,  plucked that bad boy up, closed my eyes and blew...

The wishes of my childhood differ greatly from the wishes I wished for that day.  Gone are the pleas for new puppies and cute kittens, a Ken for my Barbie, or even a school year full of snow days.

My wishes today would be of sunny skies and warm temperatures, no traffic and good restaurants.

Bridges over rivers...


Long and winding roads...


... and my soul mate to share it with.
 
It's funny how we change.  What about you? 

What do you wish for?  phfooooooooooooooo...

Have a great week everybody!

Lady R

COMPETITION - COOL PLACES TO PARK A MOTORCYCLE

I realize that I'm a little late on joining this competition, but the deadline isn't until Monday... so here goes.

Gary over at Flies in your teeth started this and has asked fellow riders to post a picture of their motorcycle parked in a really cool place. While looking through my stash to see which pic I would use, I decided I liked this one with the Ol' Girl.

The Ol' Girl in front of Teasley's Mill on Hwy 231, Montgomery County

This was during the Fall, a couple years ago. Auburn was playing a game that day as I was flying my fan flag.

I'm really enjoy the "Boy" now, but I'd be lying if I told you I didn't really miss my Ol' Girl.  She and I rode through a lot of stuff together, but I still think of her often and hope she's doing well under her new master.

I would also like to take this time to plug Gary's awesome new book, "France In America".  Here's his video about it...

I'm very blessed to have received one of these amazing books and I want to encourage you all to seek one out for yourself.  I enjoyed following Gary on his adventure while he was here in the states, and it's extra cool to look at the book and relive his journey with him again.

Hope you have a nice weekend... get out and ride!

Lady R

SPRING RIDING

Hey folks! I think I'm going to fire up the ol' blog again. It's been a nice riding season already (and it's only April!) and I'd feel selfish if I didn't share it with all of you.

I'll be honest, life's been good, and I wish I could spin out some really fascinating tale of kidnappings and top secret espionage but... that's not gonna happen. Sorry. The truth is, I didn't realize just how bad this blog was going to suffer when I set some New Year's resolutions way back in January. Geesh!

None the less, I'm back and I hope to rekindle your interest in my drivel.  There have been several birdies in my ear letting me know that I've been missed, so with that being said, let's go!

Scenic ride through Horseshoe Bend

 I've been enjoying the Boy while logging the miles... one breathless landscape at a time.  That's one thing that has not stopped!  In fact, this past Saturday, somewhere along the Talledega Scenic Highway, Harley and I noticed this busy little bee during one of our rest stops.

Buzzzzzz...

 He was big!

We saw several other riders out and about, so it was a very wavy day.

Fellow riders on Mt. Cheaha

We logged about 280 miles on the bikes while riding on Mt. Cheaha Saturday.  With the temps lingering in the low 70's by lunch time, it was a wonderful way to spend my day... taking notice of the beautiful playground my Creator made for me. 

Beautiful Cherry Tree near Logan Martin Lake

The Boy

 Life is Good!

Have a great week everybody!

Lady R

THUNDER THERAPY

Once upon a time... in a land not so far away was a lady rider who was under lots and lots of stress. She was under so much stress, that she was seeing cows when she should have been seeing dolphins! (not really, but I thought it would be funny to tie-in to my Friday post!)  She knew she had to get herself back on track, so she loaded up the Boy, and headed south to Panama City Beach to get some therapy... Thunder Beach Therapy.

 
No appointment necessary... the doctor is always in! The lady rider was so happy to have a really cool place to hang out and listen to the rumbling thunder.  Having been here many times before, it's beginning to be one of her favorite hideaways.

 
As the beautiful weekend unfolded, blue skies and sunshine accompanied the smiles and miles that brought several other stressed out riders together.  Slow cooked meats, ice cold beverages, and toe tapping music was flowing abundantly.  Rejuvenation was imminent!

 
Chillin' and relaxin'... the order of the day.

The lady rider was having such  a good time during her therapy session, she decided to treat herself to a new look.

Yes, the jury is still out on this one, but no fairy tale is complete without the color purple and some butterflies! Tee hee!

After a long day of therapy, the lady rider and all the other riders would seek out their shelters and reminisce over the days events.  What a better way to do that, than with something like this...


Ahhhhhhh... beautiful!

The lady rider and all her riding friends really enjoyed some great thunder therapy, and since Thunder Beach comes around twice a year... they will all live happily ever after. 

THE END!

PIC OF THE WEEK - MEDICINE FOR THE SOUL

Today's Pic speaks for itself...

MEDICINE FOR THE SOUL

Millerville Highway, south of Sylacauga, AL

This picture was taken a couple summers ago, but it's a road that Harley and I travel often. This past Saturday we were riding along this very spot... and got drenched! 

Oh well... I didn't melt and "the boy" got a good rinsing. Happy day!

Have a great week everybody.

Lady R

PIC OF THE WEEK - SUNSET ON SUMMER

Today is Labor Day. Not only does it give us an extra day off... for me it marks the end of summer.

Labor Day was always the holiday that meant school was back in session, football starts, and your days are definitely shorter.  While playing around the mountains this summer, I took a couple of pics during the sunset hour and I think this one reflects my mood perfectly.  It's time to say goodnight to long, sunny days and sizzling hot temperatures.  It's time to enjoy the sunset on summer.

SUNSET ON SUMMER

Lady R's Fat Boy... summer sunset in the Smokey Mountains

 Don't be sad.  Just because summer is over doesn't mean it's time to park your bike. In fact... when you live in the south, autumn and winter are the best times to ride!

Have a great week everybody and... HAPPY LABOR DAY!

Lady R

WHO NEEDS ROADS?

During one of our rest stops while riding on the Blue Ridge Parkway, I was in the right place at the right time when a fellow rider cruised passed us.  I heard him before I saw him, so I got my camera ready, thinking I would try to get a shot of him as he rode by. This is what I ended up with.  Hmmm...

WHO NEEDS ROADS?

What the... ??

OH... THAT ROAD.

As you can see... there really was a road there, but I had fun thinking this dude decided to abandon the asphalt to play in the grass. That was one of the nice attributes of riding on the Parkway.  There were many curvy surprises that delivered the illusion and split second thought that you were going to ride right off the side of the mountain out into the open air. What a rush!

I hope you all had a great weekend!

Lady R

PIC OF THE WEEK - SENECA ROCKS

"Seneca Rocks is a large crag and local landmark in Pendleton County in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, USA. It is easily visible and accessible along West Virginia Route 28 near U.S. Route 33 in the Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area of the Monongahela National Forest. One of the best-known scenic attractions in West Virginia, the sheer rock faces of Seneca Rocks are a popular challenge for rock climbers." (copied from Wikipedia)

SENECA ROCKS

Seneca Rocks, WV

Gorgeous view!

We got to this area on our third day of travel during the Reunion Ride. The view was awesome, but everybody who lived around there was without power and had been for three days as a result from a terrible storm. We were very fortunate to be able to buy gas!

Have a great week everybody!

Lady R

PIC OF THE WEEK - BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS

I have lots of pics to sort through after our week long adventure, and I'm going to start the week with a couple of my favorite shots.

THE BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS

North Carolina

Virginia

Virginia

Riding in mountains like these are a riders dream!  One minute you're climbing and reaching until you feel like you're on top of the world, the next you know, you're cruising and coasting down, down, down, into Mother Nature's beautiful bosom. All the while, trying to keep your eyes on the road! There is so much to enjoy!

Looking out over the horizon, I kept thinking how blue everything looked. Ya think that's why they call them... the Blue Ridge Mountains?

Have a great week everybody!

Lady R

PIC OF THE WEEK - THE DRAGON SLAYER (re-run)

While I'm out on my "Reunion Ride", I thought I'd schedule a couple of old posts to re-run to keep you all entertained until my return.  I hope by the time you read this, I'll be in the clouds and twisting the day away! (I love riding in the mountains!)

THE DRAGON SLAYER

Lady R - August '08

The first time I experienced this road, I was on the Glide.  You can read about my experience here. This time it's me and the Boy!  Hugging, twisting, throttle up, throttle down... I can't wait... Woo Hoo!!

Have a great week everybody!

Lady R

MEET DOG

Saw this video and just HAD to share it on my blog. I would love to meet Dog someday. He's one cool canine!  Check this out...


Pretty cool, huh?  The only thing I would suggest, is Dog have his own helmet too! Ride on guys!

Hope you enjoyed it! Have a great day today!

Lady R (Di)

FRIDAY FUNNY - LONG RIDE

I'm sorry if you've already seen this, but it's worth sharing... again.

So?

Have a great weekend everybody!

Lady R (Di)

PIC OF THE WEEK - CRIMSON AND CLOVER

Harley and I took off Saturday morning and headed north up to Mt. Cheaha. I love going there and riding the curvy ribbon of highway up to the top of this small mountain. Our roads were full of other riders blowing off the cobwebs of winter and airing out their machines. I hate to brag to all your northerners, but... we saw 87 degrees this weekend!

CRIMSON AND CLOVER
I'm glad we finally found a safe spot to pull off and let me get a great picture of all the amazing clover that's everywhere along our highways. Mother Nature's palate of vibrant red and bright white are lined all along our roads and brings a lot of bright color to your peripheral vision, making it very hard to stay focused on what's in front of you.

There's something very rewarding about topping a large curvy hill just to see a blanket of crimson clover covering a large pasture. Ahhhhhh...

Ah, my mind's such a sweet thing.
I want to do everything.
What a beautiful feeling.
Crimson and clover. Over and over.
Crimson and clover, over and over, Crimson and clover, over and over...

Have a nice week everybody!

Lady R