A change in plans?

Give up?

After the trials and tribulations of my last trip, I began seriously considering not taking the bike.  Lucille is so comfortable and fun to drive, and so easy when she’s moving.  But, when she is barely moving, she is a handful.  She’s huge, heavy and tall, and I honestly wondered if it would be a mistake for me to take her to places I didn’t know, into things that could get me in trouble.  Should I sell her and get something smaller?  Should I take the car?  Should I just give up the whole idea?

A lot of this went through my mind at night in my tent at my campsite, and once I got home, I shared my fears with my BFG.  He reminded me that Lucille is big for anyone, even someone big.  We started to talk about getting a different bike, or even taking my trip in a car.  This was a disappointment to me, as I really enjoy Lucille and she’s light as a feather when she’s moving.  Truthfully though, I will need help with her if anything happens.

Practice

The thing I can do, is practice.  I can practice riding her in new places, something that always give me stress.  I can work on riding her up and down and stopping on steep hills, another trigger.  I can practice doing tight turns on her and working the friction zone near home, so if I drop her, my BFG will be able to help me lift her.  Dropping her, or getting her stuck, where I will need someone else’s help makes me feel helpless.  That fear interferes with my riding ability.  It is only something I can work on, practice as much as I can and get better.

Another look

While a smaller, lighter, adventure type bike is in my future, it will not be before this trip.  And, Lucille is who I want to travel with.  I am re-looking at roads and campgrounds.  Everywhere I take her will have to have pavement.  If a campground has only gravel or dirt roads, it probably won’t be suitable.  If I try to stay somewhere like that, I’ll need to park Lucille and walk in to ensure I can drive her in, back her up and turn her around.  If I can’t do any of those things, I’ll need to keep looking.  This might mean a few hotel stays, but that’s okay too.  A hot shower is always welcome!

My BFG has said he’ll ride with me, so there will be some practice rides in my future.  And, if I am absolutely uncomfortable when it’s time to go, the car might be making the trip with me.