The other day a friend posted this on my Facebook timeline. I got a giggle out of it and we started nattering back and forth. Another friend chimed in and the conversation took an interesting turn. It seems I talk about motorcycles, well, alot. In person, on Facebook and in my blogs. Enough so that some people notice.
The good natured teasing I was subjected to by my friends about this didn't bother me, I am an adult after all, but it did cause me to reflect a bit. Do I go on too much about my passion for riding motorcycles? I have been riding for over 40 years and even work in the industry. Bikes are a big part of my life. But do people think I'm a one trick pony? Is there nothing else of note in my life worthy of writing about? Well, of course there is.
Quantum physics, for example. Very interesting stuff. Part of the universe in which I reside and, therefore, worthy of note. Duly noted then. Happy now guys?
Having now established that I truly am a well rounded person with a multitude of interests we can now move forward.
I have often made fun of the goofy things customers say or do when they come into the store. Am I better than these folks? Smarter? More knowledgeable? Nope. And to prove it here is a little tale of what happened to me a couple of years ago.
I was getting the bike ready for the first ride of the year by doing an oil change. I knew the battery was old and needed replacing as well and that would have to be done first. Off to my dealer I went and purchased a new fully charged battery. After completing the arduous (and knuckle busting) task of swapping old for new I fired the old girl up, warmed it, checked all the lights and signals, shut her down and got the oil changed.
Yippee...ready to ride. Grabbed all my gear, hopped on the bike, turned on the ignition and hit the start button. Nothin'. She wouldn't even turn over. What the hell? Took off all my gear and stared at the bike for a bit wondering what might be wrong. Better recheck the battery connections. God, I hate taking that battery out. Okay, more bloody knuckles later and all connections are good. Put it back together, hop on, turn the key, push start...nothin'.
As I'm not exactly electrically inclined I admit defeat. I have reached the end of my diagnostic abilities and need expert advice. Off to the dealer I go for help. It's busy so I wait patiently in line for my turn. Once at the counter the following conversation ensues:
Me: My bike wont start. New battery, All the lights turn on but it won't turn over at all.
Him: What's the bike?
Me: 2004 Suzuki 1500 Intruder.
Him: There is an engine kill switch in the kickstand. The kickstand needs to be up for the bike to start. Did you lift the kickstand?
Me: (embarrassed silence then whispering) I actually know that and...well...thank you for not laughing at me.
Him: Dude, you ain't even the first one with this situation today.
Customer behind me: Been there, done that.
Back at home, gear up, hop on, turn the key, LIFT KICKSTAND and push start...Vroom....life is good.
The moral of this story? Quantum physics is interesting and somebody should write something about it.
The good natured teasing I was subjected to by my friends about this didn't bother me, I am an adult after all, but it did cause me to reflect a bit. Do I go on too much about my passion for riding motorcycles? I have been riding for over 40 years and even work in the industry. Bikes are a big part of my life. But do people think I'm a one trick pony? Is there nothing else of note in my life worthy of writing about? Well, of course there is.
Quantum physics, for example. Very interesting stuff. Part of the universe in which I reside and, therefore, worthy of note. Duly noted then. Happy now guys?
Having now established that I truly am a well rounded person with a multitude of interests we can now move forward.
I have often made fun of the goofy things customers say or do when they come into the store. Am I better than these folks? Smarter? More knowledgeable? Nope. And to prove it here is a little tale of what happened to me a couple of years ago.
I was getting the bike ready for the first ride of the year by doing an oil change. I knew the battery was old and needed replacing as well and that would have to be done first. Off to my dealer I went and purchased a new fully charged battery. After completing the arduous (and knuckle busting) task of swapping old for new I fired the old girl up, warmed it, checked all the lights and signals, shut her down and got the oil changed.
Yippee...ready to ride. Grabbed all my gear, hopped on the bike, turned on the ignition and hit the start button. Nothin'. She wouldn't even turn over. What the hell? Took off all my gear and stared at the bike for a bit wondering what might be wrong. Better recheck the battery connections. God, I hate taking that battery out. Okay, more bloody knuckles later and all connections are good. Put it back together, hop on, turn the key, push start...nothin'.
As I'm not exactly electrically inclined I admit defeat. I have reached the end of my diagnostic abilities and need expert advice. Off to the dealer I go for help. It's busy so I wait patiently in line for my turn. Once at the counter the following conversation ensues:
Me: My bike wont start. New battery, All the lights turn on but it won't turn over at all.
Him: What's the bike?
Me: 2004 Suzuki 1500 Intruder.
Him: There is an engine kill switch in the kickstand. The kickstand needs to be up for the bike to start. Did you lift the kickstand?
Me: (embarrassed silence then whispering) I actually know that and...well...thank you for not laughing at me.
Him: Dude, you ain't even the first one with this situation today.
Customer behind me: Been there, done that.
Back at home, gear up, hop on, turn the key, LIFT KICKSTAND and push start...Vroom....life is good.
The moral of this story? Quantum physics is interesting and somebody should write something about it.
