Crunch

So, the first damage to the bike happened this week. I had just gotten through a busy Monday and was getting ready to leave the office when my phone rang. It was a woman from an office on the floor above me. She was calling to tell me that she believed she hit my motorcycle as she was backing out of a parking space. I felt my stomach tighten. She said she had already called her insurance agent to file a claim, and that I should inspect the bike and let her agent know if I found anything. I thanked her for calling, got the information, then headed out nervously to see what might have happened.
Right away, I noticed the right floorboard. It had been bent and curled under. It also appeared that the right highway peg had been flipped up and scraped. It didn't look good. I snapped a few photos with my camera phone. I went back into the office, called the woman and let her know I found some damage. I then called her insurance agent and left him a message, since it was after 5.
It looked like the bike was still in drivable condition, so I got on and headed home. As soon as I put my foot on the floorboard, it felt even worse. It now seemed like the floorboard was not only bent, but the support bolting it to the frame felt bent, too. My heel felt much closer to the pipes, so I'm sure there is a problem there.
About halfway home, I noticed there was more damage than I realized. I looked down at the head lamps and realized the right lamp assembly had been bent and twisted, too. The driving lamp and the turn signal were turned out, and the turn lamp Fat Boy logo visor I had added was bent, too. So, when I got home, I took some more photos in the driveway.
So, for the past few days, Kacee and I have been calling insurance agents and the Harley shop. It looks like the claim is going to be 100 percent covered by the other driver (I can't imagine why it would not have been; my motorcycle was parked well within the boundaries of the motorcycle parking space, and she must have really been tearing out of the adjacent space to bang up the bike like she did). Now, we're waiting for an adjuster to come look at the bike, then take it to the shop for an estimate. It's been quite an annoyance. And, to top it all off, the weather has been beautiful this week and everywhere I turn people are on their bikes and enjoying it. I, on the other hand, am cooped up in the old Jeep Cherokee until the bike is fixed.
All in all, I guess I shouldn't complain too much. It could have been a lot worse. I could have been on the bike at the time, someone could have been injured, it could have been my fault, the bike could have fallen on the ground, the bike could have fallen on the other bike next to it, the other driver could have been uninsured, the other driver could have made it a hit-and-run, and so on and so forth. At any rate, I'm hopeful it all turns out OK and maybe I'll even end up with a bit nicer stuff than I had before. Since all the items were damaged on the right side only, and I suspect the parts will have to be purchased in pairs, maybe I'll end up with some spare parts.
So, I probably won't post again until I get an estimate and a check from the insurance company. I'll be sure to post photos when all the repairs are done, too. In the meantime, I'll openly wish for the strange rain and, yes, snow storms the weathermen are predicting in the 10-day forecast. Maybe then I won't have to feel too bad about not being able to ride my bike.

Easter Weekend

I thought I'd put up some photos from the day before Easter, when I took my mother-in-law, sister-in-law and son for a few quick rides. There's a photo of me and my sister-in-law, Robyn, and a couple of me and Isaac, my son.

Spring Fever

So, it's been a while since my last post. My first ride of the year was just before Valentine's Day; Kacee (my wife) gave me a great gift: a full service and rear tire replacement. Nothing says "I love you" more than motorcycle parts and maintenance.
I've been riding to work every day, and I've taken a few short day trips, but nothing serious yet so far. I've taken the Arbon loop a couple of times. I live in the Indian Hills area, so I head south and through Caribou National Forest, then through the rural areas around Arbon and American Falls before joining up with I-86 and heading east back to Pocatello. I took it first by myself, then with Kacee, then with my neighbor two doors down, Ian Johnson, who rides a Sporty.
The ride with Ian was fun. I'd like to go on a few longer rides with him, so we'll have to plan something. We swapped bikes for the last few miles home, and it was a real adjustment to get on the Sportster. No floorboards, a higher center of gravity, tighter handlebar -- it was a real adjustment. Still, it's always good to experience different bikes.
I had ordered Kacee a jacket for her birthday (October 30), and it finally arrived sometime in February. It was worth the wait, since it fits her well and looks good. She's happy with it, and she's pretty much completely outfitted now. She could use her own goggles and gloves, but sunglasses and a pair of my old gloves seem to suit her pretty well for the time being.
My dad and I have only taken one ride so far this year. We went north on Highway 20 from Idaho Falls to Rexburg, then west on Highway 33 through Terreton and Mud Lake down to Howe. We then came south near Butte City, and headed east again through the Arco Desert on Highway 20 back to Idaho Falls. If we'd had more time, we would have kept heading west toward Arco. Still, it was a good ride.
We're planning a day trip for Saturday, April 28, with Kacee and my mom. It ought to be fun. It will be the first time we all go together.