New Years Resolution #6, Sort of just got checked off the list

At the beginning of the year I had mentioned that I wanted to buy a house in another state. That was my number 6 new years resolution. You can view my list on that blog I wrote back in Jan by following this link. That said, I did not "buy" a new house, however I have moved out of state. So, I will sort of check that resolution off the list for now.

For those of you that do not know by now, my husband and I relocated to New York state, in an area called Broome County. It is known as the southern tier. It is a very different place than the Philadelphia area that I moved from. We are basically in an area where rural meets rural-suburbia (if that's a thing). For reference, the Philly area was more urban and/or urban-suburbia (if you will). As you can see, that means I have gone country.

Now "going country" is not a bad thing at all. It will just require some adjusting. I have been discovering that Uber doesn't exist here. I can't order Peapod or Amazon Fresh for home delivery. There is no railway system to take me to Binghamton or Ithaca or even Syracuse from where I live. Also, there are no reasonably priced flights to anywhere without selling your kidney first. In addition, there are General Dollar stores everywhere. Seriously, I mean everywhere. If you find you are in the middle of no mans land, don't worry, you are soon to see a General Dollar store.

This might sound like a terrible place to live to you. A place that is far out of touch with society. An area that perhaps is stuck in time compared to larger more progressive areas of this country. Well, there are some positives.

They have a lot of free WiFi hot spots, whether entering into a small village or town, or shopping at any one of your favorite retail giants. Traffic! Well that does not exist here. I was living in gridlock in Chester and Delaware counties in Pennsylvania. Going 3 miles took 15 minutes there or more. Now I just breeze through town without any blockades. Life is simple. There is no feel of the hustle and bustle that the larger city areas create. I feel like I can breathe again. Oh and that is another thing, fresh mountain air. No more allergies, or asthma issues. I consider that I huge win towards a better lifestyle.

Also, the roads! There are no pot holes! It's a miracle to say the least. Pennsylvania was like driving on the moons surface. You can see local tax dollars better spent in Broome County NY. In addition, the roads are beautiful for motorcycle riding or even just taking that Sunday drive in your car or truck.

Along the Susquehanna River in Owego, NY.

There are also tons of lakes for water activities. Some of the most popular are located in what is called the Finger Lakes region. That is located just north of where we moved. My husband and I love fishing and can't wait for the season to start next year. 

We visited Cayuga Lake, part of the Finger Lakes. This view point was in Ithaca, NY.

Now watching the sunrise over the mountains to our south, has seriously been the most amazing thing so far!

Sigh!

Not to mention the breweries and wineries that exist in this area. There are so many, that there are bus tours offered to both. Yes, you can't get around transit wise from city to city, besides the local public bus system, but you can get from brewery to brewery or winery to winery. How ironic right? I'm not complaining! There is a website called "New York Craft Beer". It is your starting point for what they call the "New York State Beer Trail". Who knew there were that many breweries in this area. Step aside Colorado! 

My visit to Ithaca Brewing Company. I loved their selection of craft beers!

As for wineries, there is a website set up called "New York Wines". Everything you need to know about the local wineries, where to find them, what events they are hosting and what awards they won. I have yet to go to any of them. However, this site has allowed me to map out the ones in my new backyard.

What ever the future holds for us here in New York, we at least welcome the new adventure. 

Cheers for now my friends! 

First Ride on the CSC RX3 Zongshen Cyclone

After about 2 weeks of waiting on the DMV in Pennsylvania to send me tags I finally got them in order to ride the bike. For those that have not been following along on my social media rants, PA refused to give me temporary plates at time of registration. Stating that some "special ops" unit in Harrisburg had to review for approval. Whatever! Considering that 2 other RX3 owners in PA walked in to register their bikes and walked out with tags. Another example of inconsistent policies. Okay, enough about that because I feel like that is all I have talked about. I have been dying to ride this damn bike that I have been staring at in the garage and yesterday I finally got my chance! Here is how it went.

First I had to get gas. The bike shipped with "some" gas in it. I do have a one and half liter Biltwell fuel bottle that I did fill up in order to add a bit more fuel. The gas station was a further away than the gas in the tank would have been able to accommodate. Don't worry, I bought a center tank protector to replace the silly warning stickers.

Nonetheless, once leaving the gas station my first journey officially began and WOW was I blown away. I have a 600+ pound Harley Davidson Dyna, and this RX3 was just so light and nimble. The clutch was so smooth, and the exhausted just rumbled in my ears. I may need to wear ear plugs. Since it is higher sitting on this bike than my Harley exhaust is on my Dyna, I feel that it is just louder. It was also crazy getting use to the front end fairing not moving when turning the front wheel. On my Dyna the whole front end moves with each turn. It was just a different thing to get use to. The seat sucks, just like I have been reading on the forums. I confirmed that only 20 miles into my ride. 

                     

 

After enjoying some twisties and a bit of light gravel, I had to make my way to show off the bike to my family. Of course everyone asked to sit on it, my nieces and nephews loved it. Although one of my nieces says she still likes the Harley more. Here and I spent lots of saddle time on the Harley together, so I don't blame her for her comment. Hopefully this bike will just allow her to realize that liking different bikes makes motorcycling more fun.

Another positive thing that came with this bike, is my husbands new interest in riding. He has recently passed his permit test and is signing up for an MSF class. In addition, I've picked him up some safety gear to get him started. This bike just changed my life. Even if he's riding it and I'm on my Harley, it is a win win. I look forward to looking at my right flank position and seeing my husband right by my side. Now that friends is a great beginning to a new moto chapter.

Ride safe friends, and ride far!

Update: New Years Moto Resolution #7 - Check!

If you read my New Years Moto Resolution blog that I posted back in January, then you know #7 on my list for 2016 was to buy some type of Dual Sport or Adventure bike. Well, I am happy to report that I did it! I just pre-ordered an RX3 Cyclone Zongshen motorcycle. Wahoo!

A CSC photo

If you are not familiar with the RX3, then you must be living under a rock or just don't read a lot of motorcycle news/blogs. These bikes are like the best bang for your buck motorcycle, that is finally now being imported to the USA by CSC Motorcycles located out of sunny Azusa, CA, a suburb of LA.

The Zongshen ZS250GY-3 (RX3) however, has been around in southeast Asia for a few years. Zongshen Motorsports or as public traded, Chongqing Zongshen Power Machinery Company, has been around since 1992. It was founded by Zuo Zongshen from Chongqing, China. Just like most overseas motorcycle or scooter manufactures, they focus on small displacement bikes. The RX3 has been one of the more popular bikes in their lineup, which seems to be the reason they were put on the radar of many in the western hemisphere.

This bike might be a 250cc bike, but it has an upgraded stator to run a full set of heated gear, auxillary lights, and even electronics (cell phone, gps charging port). Not only that, but it comes with engine guards, luggage guards, and a skid plate for protection. And the icing on the cake, it comes with a full set of panniers! No joke! This is stock! So, for $3800 bucks you get more on this little puppy than you do spending $16k on a new BMW. Granted, you are probably laughing about my comparison, but at the end of the day, I have a full ADV bike for a fraction of the price and weight of the big boys. I can't wait.

Well now that I got all that out of the way, I'll close by giving you the specs and features as listed on CSC's site.

• ENGINE: NC250
• ENGINE TYPE: Single Cylinder, 4 Stroke, 4 Valve Water Cooled, Overhead Cam with Balance Shaft.
• MAXIMUM POWER: 24.8 hp
• MAXIMUM TORQUE: 16.6 ft. lbs
• PISTON SWEPT VOLUME: 250cc
• COMPRESSION RATIO: 11.5:1
• IGNITION SYSTEM: US Delphi EFI Electronic Ignition
• CHAIN: Racing Type Oil Seal Chain
• FRONT SUSPENSION: Dual Lubricating Inverted Forks
• REAR SUSPENSION: Adjustable Central Rear Shock Absorber
• HEADLIGHT: 3D Anti-Fog Fish Eye Headlamp
• FRONT BRAKE: SINGLE PISTON CALIPER, SINGLE DISC, 262mm (10.31")
• REAR BRAKE: SINGLE PISTON CALIPER, SINGLE DISC, 258mm (10.15")
• SEAT HEIGHT: 31.3"
• GROUND CLEARANCE: 8.3"


Features


• 2 YEAR WARRANTY: 2 years parts and 1 year service
• LENGTH/WIDTH/HEIGHT: 83.8" x 34.2" x 49.6". 
• WHEELBASE: 55.1".
• FUEL CAPACITY: 4.2 Gallons. 
• WEIGHT: 385 lbs. 
• MAXIMUM LOAD: 330 lbs. 
• MAXIMUM SPEED: 84 mph. 
• TRANSMISSION: 6 Speed, Internal Gear Shift. 
• BRAKE SYSTEM: Disc, Front & Rear. 
• FRONT TIRE/WHEEL: 100-90-18. 
• REAR TIRE/WHEEL: 130-90-17. 
• MUFFLER: Stainless Steel Waterproof Design. 
• INSTRUMENTATION: Siemens Chip LCD Smart Speedometer.
• IGNITION SYSTEM: US Delphi EFI Electronic Ignition

Good Moto Books to Cure the Winter Blues

For many of us that time is year is either creeping up or already here. The winter blues! For those of you in the warmer climates that might not really understand what winter truly means, it is days of endless snow or rain that freezes to ice and then leads to more snow build up. Yeah, that’s what we have to deal with. So for those days when you can’t see your trash can any longer due to the amount of snow covering it, you want to sit down, grab a book and nice warm brew and chill.

Funny thing, I typically ride in the winter, but the first sight of unmanageable snow and ice keeps me on 4 wheels instead 2. There are few good books that I have enjoyed over the years during those particular days. Some of these books take you on journeys around the world, some inspire you to do more than you think you can do, while some teach you how to think a different way about what you might already be comfortable doing.

One book I read a few years back was written by a friend, motorcycle journalist, and self-publishing guru, Carla King. The title of the book is “American Borders” and it is set back in 1995. It takes you through the trials and tribulations of Carla’s trip around the USA on a Russian Ural motorcycle. She was lucky enough to be a part of an R&D test that Ural was hosting at the time to prep its world renown sidecar bike for the American market. Her trip lasted about 4 months as she zigzagged in and out of Canada and Mexico during her circumnavigation around the United States. Well this trip sure as hell was not an easy one. From chapter to chapter there were many surprises and even romance along the way. This book has it all!

Another one of my favorites that you could probably finish in a day if the snow isn’t that bad, is “Going Small - A Guide to Lightweight Motorcycle Touring” by author, friend and public speaker Andrew Pain. What intrigued me the most about this book is that most people do argue that “bigger is better”. Andrew is out to prove that that is not true. That “Going Small” has far more benefits and he explains why.The book is jam packed with tips on saving weight, by breaking down packing techniques, cooking techniques and even making camping more simple. For those of you reading this thinking he's crazy, and you got it all figured out already, then I suggest you read “Going Small”. It might introduce you to something that you had never thought of before. It is a book you might want to hang on to, because it will come in handy as you read through some of my other suggestions. Oh and now keep an eye out for "Going Small 2.0".

Check out Amazon.com to buy- photo shared from Amazon

One day I hope to meet this next author and his traveling partner. We have been chatting over social media for a few years and have been intrigued with their travels for longer. This dynamic duo is Ara and his dog Spirit. They travel on a BMW GS1200/ Ural Sidecar rig and their adventures just never seem to end. Pick up a copy of “Freedom on Both Ends of the Leash: A Dog, His Man, Their Journey”, written by Ara Gureghian. Ara explains how the loss of his only son one day and his adaption of Spirit (the dog) a few days later changed his life forever. The book shares all their camping stories around the USA as they get lost in back country while soul searching their way across the horizon on a motorcycle. A great read that would get you through the winter and inspire you for a soul search of your own in the spring.

For those of you that seek adventure that you never want to come to an end, you may want to read an all time classic, called “Jupiter's Travels: Four Years Around the World on a Triumph” by the man Ted Simon. This really is one book most folks have on their shelves or might even be a community book among friends. The book takes you along with Ted as he travels around the world through 45 countries and spends 4 years doing it. He experiences hardships, adventure, and meets all sorts of people along the way. His story takes place in the 1970's during wars and even revolutions. You might want to grab a blanket, a book light and larger cup filled with your favorite drink, because you will find yourself sinking deeper into your reading chair. This book is all inspiring to say the least and you will find yourself getting nothing else done for days on end, until you read it all the way through.

One last book to consider, that you might want to read hand and hand with “Jupiter's Travels”, is the “Adventure Motorcycling Handbook: A Route & Planning Guide”- Chris Scott. You do not have to have an adventure bike to read this. Just a sense for adventure. Chris details his riding journey through many parts of the world. He breaks down what to do and who to look for at borders, where you can find medical help, how to ship your bike to and from. Seriously, this book is packed with endless tips and tricks for travel that he found made his circumnavigation trips much more simple. Of course, there are critics out there that disagree with a lot of what Chris breaks down, but you have to take everything with a grain of salt. In the end, his guide is simply that, a guide. You may want to keep a pen and paper handy or perhaps a highlighter. This book will have you going back to it over and over again, just like Andrew Pain’s book “Going Small”.

Well my friends, I hope this collection of "Good Moto Books to Cure the Winter Blues" gets you through the winter in your neck of the woods. For those of you that never see the snow, I hope you can take the time from all those sunny days to slow down a bit and enjoy them as well. Cheers everyone! Ride safe and ride far!

Life After Wedding Planning

For those of you reading this blog, yes, I survived wedding planning. First off, I have to say, cheers to other ladies that made it through. Heck, big cheers to the fellas as well, because we all know "mom's" like to take over. Cool and thoughtful of them, but damn right stressful.

I honestly have to say, after you sit down and reflect on the experience it really was one of the most anxiety driven experiences of my life. None of it brought on by myself or my partner. All of it brought on by others. We understood is was all in good nature, but honestly it was a nightmare. People are freaking crazy about wedding planning and it does not need to be so crazy.

Many nights I sat with my fiance questioning the idea of marriage and how nothing but stress has come of this. Many nights he and I spoke of how we need to try to stay positive and how this may just be another test from the powers that be. Many nights he just wanted to call the whole thing off, just because of the level of stress it was on both of us. Sure we could have eloped, but think about that for a minute. A wedding day with no one to party with. I could not imagine that one bit, even though I am the type of person that will make friends anywhere and everywhere. The wedding went on as planned, even though jumping off a bridge was more attractive than planning this event.

From people laughing at you because you choose not to have Bridesmaids or Groomsmen. To folks asking about center pieces, that one ever really pays attention to. To wasting money on flowers that do nothing but make people sneeze. To invites and thank you cards that people just open up and then through away in the trash. I am an earth day born child. Waste is not in my vocabulary. Sitting through listening to people laughing at the ideas I had really was a stressful thing to do. In the end, I was getting married not them. Somehow, the roles change and you get bumped off the curb. Standing your ground seems to make tension, however, it was the best thing I did. I was just sick of it all and so was my fiance.

Fast forward to the wedding day, which turned out to be the most amazing day of my life. Not something this car wrenching, bike wrenching chic would say. At the end of the whole ordeal, we had many of guests thank us for having such a relaxed and chill wedding. A wedding that did not require them to wear suits/fancy dresses, a wedding that did not have assigned sitting, a wedding that more of a house party and forced you to talk to people you have never seen before in your life. Well that was the type of day it was and that in the end was what my husband and I were trying to accomplish.

When they say the person you are going to marry creeps up on you and love smacks you in the face when you least expect it, they are not joking. Luke and I met a friends BBQ, however I was so intoxicated I do not recall ever saying much to him. Our first date however, was one of the nicest days I can remember. From that day on EVERYTHING changed.

Once you wake up the next morning, married, you think to yourself "holy shit, yesterday went by so so so fast"! Your then fiance, now "husband", try saying that ten times fast half hung over, boy is it an eye opener. Trust me I tried it! I think I got right after a gallon of coffee and 4 Advil! He was pretty much doing the same thing, all I could hear is "wifey", I have a "wifey". Those words never sounded so good. So to wrap this up, Cheers! to the couples that survived wedding planning. Life after it, is pretty damn good! Minus the damn thank you cards, "ain't nobody got time for that!"

Pure Zen

Waking up this morning was a little different than waking up previous mornings. I actually feel good. I feel like I slept well and ready for the world. I thought to myself, why am I feeling like this? Hump day? Nah! Well after going through the morning routine, brushing my teeth and hair, I walk in the kitchen to brew up some coffee. The kitchen window was glistening with the morning sun. Beautiful, warm and as I look out I see its warmth melting the frost still left on the grass from last night.  As well as a bunny out to sun bathe. When my coffee was complete I had to go outside and drink it. The sun drew me to it like a dog that couldn't get it's eyes off the bone. As I sit in the sun, drinking my coffee, I realize this is pure zen. There is only one thing left to do, GO FOR A MOTORCYCLE RIDE!

Be safe today my friends. May you all find your zen in the power of the sun while on your motorcycle.

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