Day 1: A slow beginning and a fine ending in Charlottesville

Living in DC, my body acclimated to the relentless traffic noise of Wisconsin Ave. How else to explain sleeping in until 10:30 this morning while various people worked with power tools outside my open window?

Despite the sluggish start, things ramped up quickly from there. I think I actually packed everything except a long sleeve shirt, but I can live without that for now. I did have to bail on bringing the tent and sleeping bag as they took up way too much space to justify a few nights of camping.

It turned out to be a beautiful day for a ride -- a little warm, but the breeze was nice. On my way to Charlottesville, I had a quick visit with my friend and former co-worker Megan Mink. She just got back from riding the Dragon in North Carolina with her husband Joey. Isn't that sweet? He's a lucky guy, but he knows that.


The ride went very smoothly after fighting past the traffic lights on Route 29. One of the cool sights was a seeing a biplane cruising around overhead (as opposed to faceplanting in the corn field.) After meeting up with my friend Tim Gallagher, we joined his friend Tate at the UVA baseball game. Like the Flyers game I attended, the team I was rooting for lost. Damn the Tribe of William and Mary! Who names their team the "Tribe" anyway? What does it have to do with William and Mary? We drowned our sorrows at the Court Square Tavern where I enjoyed a Young's Double Chocolate Stout.


Next up are my friends Craig and Alicia in North Carolina!

Trip's On!

The hand is about 80% of normal and getting stronger every day, so the trip is on! I went for a ride in today's beautiful weather, and my mood and excitement level are both through the roof. Thursday I take the blue beauty (the color is really called Sinus, which is just ick) to Bob's BMW in Maryland. It's a ride and a half in early rush hour traffic, but it should be a good warm up for the real deal next Wednesday.

What to do?

So it appears I have skier's thumb making my trip unlikely as it has been planned. Apparently, braking is a good thing. I hope to see a doctor soon, but it's weak enough that I doubt it will be better in two weeks. Given this expectation, I've added a poll to the right. Should I wait or go by car?

Pro Car:

• Hauling stuff is much easier.
• Less chance of
  
• Weather isn't an issue.
• More miles covered per day when there's nothing worth stopping for.

Pro Motorcycle:

• It's just way cooler.
• Bragging rights.
• More in tune with the surroundings: the best part about riding.
• Better gas mileage.
• Selling the bike in Cali is much better than having to drive back East.

The last pro-motorcycle point pretty much answers the question for me. What are your thoughts?