ECBDRs: PRE-RAMBLE: THE DEFINITION OF INSANITY

PRE-RAMBLE: THE DEFINITION OF INSANITY

We all know the famous quote by good ole’ Albert E. “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.” I’m not insane. But it looks like I’m doing the same thing over again by riding a 125cc glorified moped thousands and thousands of miles over weeks and weeks. But I don’t expect results that are any different. This is what’s happening, so I’m adjusting to it. I’m rationalizing to pretend that this is what I planned all along. I’m concentrating on the pros and ignoring the cons. The pros are that I freaking love riding Little Ugly (right up until my Ass becomes a finely tuned highly effective torture device). I’m looking forward to all of the gas station conversations the bike will start. I’m looking forward the weird sense of accomplishment and unimpeachable proof of endurance you get from riding a small bike big miles. I’m looking forward to Little Ugly’s lightness and my ability to get out of trouble fairly easily on her. The cons? Too many to list. And like I said, I’m ignoring them.

The Himalayan won’t be ready on time. And quite honestly even if it would be, my confidence in taking her on a long trip has plummeted to nothing. If I got it back in time and took it, I’d always imagine feeling something that was off. A little sputter. A weird gear change noise. The bike would be in my head from the moment I left. I could definitely spew some vitriol about Motorcycles of Charlotte here, but what good is that going to do me? At some point - I’m posting the entire text thread between myself and the service manager. It’s entertaining and depressing in equal measure. (They did finally check the valves… 21 days later. They were out of spec. Was that the problem? I haven’t received a response from them in four days so I don’t know. Dealing with them is pretty exausting.)

So Little Ugly Homery it is. Another small bike adventure to add to my resume. I have no idea if she’s ready. I haven’t had time to take her on an overnight shakedown ride, which I feel is a grave error. And there’s no time before I leave. The time I jad left before I leave has been all about delivering kids to college and move in days and a good bit of driving around in a minivan. I think I’m going to just have to rely on a slogan my wife and I use for all of our business endeavors. “Lets hope for the best.”
And here’s how things are going so far. Got the brand new Shinkos on. Went for a ride. And….

So all of my old fears came back. If you didn’t follow the TAT trip, let’s just say that I had a rather interesting couple of days where four flats in rapid succession were my reality. And all but one was a tear at the stem, just like this. I know everyone has a theory on why this happens and I’m up for any suggestions anyone has. But what I can tell you is that this shakes my confidence. So I changed out the tube again, made sure not to tighten down the nut on the stem too much, and I’m hoping for the best. Why motorcycle gods?! Why!?
I’m going to assume that everything is going to be fine. I just need to wrap my head around the goofy ass bike I’m again going to take on a long trip.
Let’s say you’re out in the middle of the ocean on your yacht (yes, when I imagine you, you have a yacth) and suddenly you see something approaching in the distance. As it gets closer, you see that it’s a duck paddle boat. You know, one of those little gimmicky boats that you find at tourist attractions. And there’s an angry Pirate at the helm.

Now my question to you is this. Do you underestimate the Pirate because he’s sailing toward you in a duck paddleboat? Or are you scared shitless because… what kind of a deranged and sick Pirate would set sail on a plundering expedition in a duck paddleboat? If you’re wondering, I’m the Pirate and Little Ugly is the Duck Paddleboat. And a plundering we will go.