HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

I'm excited today is the last day of 2009.  Had a fantastic year full of fun and VERY different things to do in filmmaking - plus my idea was born to take my Because I Can World Tour!!!

This is why I am excited, because tomorrow is 2010.  An even bigger year of discovery, change, adventure and fun!!  There is so much planning going on as we speak, and then the adventure itself will have a heap full of an even more exciting unknown.  What life changing experiences will I bring back with me?  Who will I meet? What amazing place will I discover - EVERY DAY!!!

Until next year - stay cool!!

Which bike?

Off again today to look at a couple more bikes: KTM and Aprilia.  I don't know much about the later, but I am feeling good about KTM because it seems more light weight and manageable.  They all say I will get used to the heavier bike, but after watching some advice yesterday on a documentary, it was a common comment to acknowledge that a smaller bike would have been better.  And some of those people were riding 650's!  I am looking at that size now, because I know there is no perfect answer for everyone.  But I think that to go lower would limit me too much.  I do want to be comfortable on the trip, so 600 cc range will be better on the road.  However, smaller will be more flexible in those odd situations, as well as if I have to roll the bike into a hotel for the night.

Anyway, research continues.  Christmas has slowed me down a bit, but now I am back on track.  Getting paperwork organized is my January goal.  But first things first - I want a bike!!!

Crashed and Burned

Not a great test run today!!!

Crashed at a big intersection just before returning the bike to the dealer.  BUMMER!!!!  What does that mean??  Bike to big?? or Pilot Error??  I was test driving a BMW F800gs.  Previously interested in the BMW 650gs, but so many adventurer riders recommend the 800.  I can see why, it was lovely to ride - sits up high, very comfortable and powerful!  I'm 5'9" and my toes touched the ground, but not flat feet.

My leg somewhat protected the bike in the fall, however the bike lost a turn signal and is very scraped up on the side.  

My leg is quite swollen and bruised, doesn't want to bend much.  And it hurts!!!   Shook me up a bit, I'll tell ya.  But I got back on the horse and finished.

Ugh, now what??  Well I did try helmets on today, and found one I liked, but not the color, so I ordered the same helmet from the US for less than half what it costs here and in the Matte Black I wanted!

That must mean I am still on my way, just a bit torn as to what bike I will take.  Salesman said before I got on the 800 that the 650 is better for me.  He wasn't even upset I crashed his bike, but he took me over to the 650 and said here, sit on this again.  What a nice man!!

But then there is the adventure bike in Melbourne I am supposed to go see tomorrow. It's the 800 again, however it is completely set up with everything I need and ready to go!

My leg is big and throbbing, and usually the 2nd and 3rd day are worse.  

It's not the end of the world, and I just remembered that young Jessica Watson crashed her yacht into a cargo ship on her test run.  Not the same, I know but if it makes me feel a little better..

Oh well, that's enough for poor poor pitiful me.  But thought you'd enjoy the update.  Until then...