Kawi Shoutout

I would like to give a shoutout to Kawasaki for their awesomeness, both bike and the company. September 25, when the one year warranty on my bike had expired. Before that I reached out to them about an issue with one of the plastic fairing.

Ealier this summer, I had taken my bike to Ridenow Powersports Concord, to have them install the plastic protector on the back. They did an OK job. It was only later when washing my bike, I found wires hanging between the protector and the fairing on the back. So, I took the whole thing apart to put the wires back in place and a little screw section under the passanger seat of the fairing broke. According to Team Charlotte Motorsports, I had over tighten the screw and broke that section in the process. They didn't think Kawi would replace the fairing, but they promised to give it a try.

Next day I got a call from Ben at their service department. He said, Kawi came through and agreed to replace it. Kawi said, 'well mistakes happen. Let's take care of him.' Amazing. I took the bike over the week after and got a new fairing at no charge.

Thank you so so so much Kawasaki. Thank you. This nice gesture means a lot to me.

With that I also wanted to give a shout out to the bike itself, Elanor. She is a saver. Last night I went riding to pick up 'Iron Man 3.' If you haven't seen it, don't. I couldn't wait for that damn movie to end. During the whole time, the only entertainment was cuddling with my wife. On my way from, making a left turn at the signal. As I am cornering, I realize too many things going through my head at once. I am calculating the distance of the on-coming car, looking for gravels on the road, it is super dark and I am also trying to find my focus point for a smooth cornering. It was dark, urban living dark and as I am cornering fast I lock my eyes right in front of me, nope wrong place. And then between the cars on the other side and the road I try to find the spot. And Elanor responded to my each moves and she was smooth.

This morning I am coming up to a signal light fast and at the last moment it turns red from green. This is one of those time when I don't have enough time to speed up and just go and the distance is not long enough either for smooth breaking. I had to pull the brakes with all my grips. And she came to a nice beautiful stop just where I needed to.

Love you Elanor.

One Morning Commute

On my way to work I am feeling pretty good. Riding a good speed on Harris Blvd. Traffic is light, just a perfect day. And that’s when I notice it bouncing.

You see I USED to tie my badge to my bike. I’d tie the neck wrap around the left mirror and then just stuck the badge in between the speedometer and the windshield. Usually I would do that after I get home from work, park my bike and made sure it was tight. I guess that particular night I forgot to do the last part.

Anyway, as I am traveling 60mph on Harris enjoying the morning coolness, I notice the badge holder starting to bounce. Immediately I check my mirror to see if there’s any car behind me. If there is I won’t attempt to save it. In a matter of second going 60mph the badge starts flying, hits the plastic fairing, the holder breaks and my badge flies off. Ughhh….

I put on the signal and pull over to the side. Park my bike. Have a pretty good idea where it could be based on my speed and wind direction. I start walking. See the bike right across the street. Check for traffic. Yup oncoming cars, however still a bit far. I walk over, trying to pick it up. Hear an engine roar. Another bike pulled over to a parking lot to make sure if I am doing ok. I give him the thumbs up and so does he. Again trying to pick up my badge and I can’t pick it up with the gloves on. And cars are coming fast. So, I kick the badge to the side. Move over and then pick it up. 

Pushing the limit and Riding at Night

Over the long weekend, Labor Day weekend, we decided to go camping on a very short notice. We made the decision so sudden and then after that tryint to get everyone to agree was even a bigger chanllenge.

By the time, we had a large enough group, most sites were booked out. We were primarily looking at Kings Mountain. Desperate I booked a Primitive Group Camp site at the Crowders Moutain. The site was a mile hike from the parking lot. And it was a test of our endurance both mental and physical, it was also a test of our friendship.

Overall, we hiked about 10 miles in two days and there wasn't a singles mile we were empty handed. We all had heavy loads on us and despite that we cared for each other, showed kindness to each other.

It was awesome.

Went riding during night the other day. I can relate to the coolness of riding at night. It felt cool and awesome. You do have to be more cautious at night making sure a SMIDSY doesn't happen.