I have finally negotiated with The Spouse to get some Harley saddle time, both on one weekend day as well as during the week. What were the basis of these negotiations and why? How did I win? (That is, convince The Spouse to reduce demand of the unending honey-do list of Spring chores and also let me begin commuting to work?)

I applied logic. Pure and simple.

If I am going to ride about 1,100 miles in five days in Utah with my buddy S, I had better be physically capable to operate a motorcycle for many hours per day and about 150 – 300 miles (240 – 480km) per day in arid desert heat and intense sun.

To some guys, that is a lunch ride. For others of us, especially those of us who have not been riding much due to occupation with with other distractions and duties, a daily ride that long requires stamina and strength developed through practice.

The Spouse understood my concerns. I have not been riding. I am out of practice. I am concerned about deterioration of my skill level. In order to be safe and to survive this long-anticipated and lengthy ride, he gets it that I need to build back my riding endurance and skill level.

I now can carve out some time on weekends to ride. That has not been easy to negotiate because The Spouse has been very concerned about all sorts of home repairs that are required due to weather deterioration over the past cold and wet winter. But I got most of that done… operative term “most.”

After I get back from the visit to MIL’s in Pittsburgh this coming weekend, I will begin an intense work-out plan for my body and my bike. I will also change my work hours a little bit so I will commute in daylight, rather than at oh-dark-30. It is never daylight, even at the summer solstice, when I arrive at work. This will change, at least temporarily, as I build up toward my Great Adventure.

So this past weekend saw me booted up in Chippewa Hi-Shines, tan police breeches, and my Langlitz Crescent jacket. It was great to get out again, even though I was darn sore for a day following. 🙂