Confessions of a biker; I’m afraid to ride my bike

Well let me start from the beginning. I’ve been riding passenger with my dad since I was 4. I’ve always been into motorcycles, even when people thought I was weird and everything in high school.

Well my junior year of high school my dad bought me a motorcycle, a Kawasaki 454 ltd. I didn’t have my permit yet, so he found it, test rode it and bought it. I pretty much didn’t have any say in it what so ever.

So a few months later, after I got my permit, my dad tried to teach me how to ride my bike. Let’s just say it didn’t go to well. I wasn’t comfortable on it and could barely touch the ground, even with leaning the bike over a bit.

Ever since then I’ve been nervous getting back on it. I was even nervous when taking my rider education class in Orlando, FL and I was on a Kawasaki 250 Eliminator. But after a day of riding it in the rain, I actually got used to it.

Then a day or two ago I find out that my dad finally admitted that he got the bike more for him than me. And that he finally realized that “my bike” is a little too big for me right now.

So yes, I am afraid to ride my bike. But, since my husband is going to auctions for our shop, he’s going to get me a 250 Eliminator and I know I won’t be afraid to ride that.

“Never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly.”

My bike (AKA Kawasaki 454 LTD)

This is a Kawasaki 250 Eliminator (I want this one) :)

A motorcycle helmet can save your life.

Four years ago today my friend Dee got into an extremely bad motorcycle accident. She was a passenger with a guy who was taking her for a ride. He was speeding and not paying attention and rear ended a truck. He ended up with a broken leg and some bad bruises and scratches. Dee on the other hand, well, she went flying and ended up going head first into a telephone pole. She was in a coma and the doctors said she may not make or would end up a vegetable. Well a week or so later she woke up. It was a long road of recovery but she’s doing a whole lot better now. (She’s even got a super cute little baby girl.)

The doctor said that her wearing a helmet was the thing that saved her life. And I just happened to be the one to make her wear it. I made her promise to keep it on and even tightened it up so it was on properly. Well after the crash she called me (and still does) her angel. (I still find that a bit weird) I just believe that it was the helmet; I’m a big advocate for wearing a helmet. It’s the one thing that will be between your head and the pavement if you go down.

Now, I’m telling you this story for two reasons. One; because I just can’t believe it’s been four years already and even though Dee went through that, she’s living a normal, healthy life. And two; if you’re going to ride a motorcycle, please, please always wear a helmet. Because it can be the sole thing that will save your life and it only takes a few moments to put one on.

Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution Season 2

So Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution Season 2 starts Tuesday, April 12 at 8pm (Eastern time) and I’m so happy it’s back but so incredibly pissed because it’s on the same time as NCIS. Damn ABC had to move it, last year it was on Friday, so hopefully I can get it on demand.

Anyway, if you haven’t heard of Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution you really need to check out his website, here.

He’s trying to get better food in public schools and if you have a child in a public school you should really get involved. I got involved last season because even though I don’t have kids, I think the kids need better food and someday I may have kids in public school. Plus I remember how bad and nasty the food in my school was and trust me, it hasn’t gotten any better.

What he’s all about is basically to get all the processed food out and bring in fresh veggies, fruits and low-fat milk.

At this point you might be thinking, why milk? I’ll tell you why, flavored milk that they give to kids has just as much, if not more sugar than soda! I almost fell on the floor when I found that out. It’s crazy and that’s why he’s going for better options, like low-fat milk.

So I ask you to join Jamie Olvier’s Food Revolution (with over 640,000 other people) , because even if you don’t have kids yourself, you might have a niece or nephew, grandchild, godchild or just have a friend who has kids, and they all deserve better school food.