Added some crash bars to my Softail Slim! I love the style and plan on adding some to the back as well :) Felt much better hopping on knowing I had a little bit extra umph in case I drop my bike. I decided to head out to Payson, AZ which is about a 2 hour ride from my house. I’ve done the drive dozens of times in my car and it’s mostly just a straight shot there so I figured it was a good route & destination for my first long ride. Not to mention it’s absolutely beautiful on the way there hehe.
Something my dad had told me was to always pack a bottle of water with you and I’m so glad I kept that in mind because I didn’t realize how much I needed it until I took a sip! Haha
I took a small break to get adjusted and double check my route. I’ll have to get used to remembering directions or maybe wearing some headphones for GPS 😅 I knew where I was going but sometimes ya know you’re like damn.. did I pass that road already or is it coming up? 😂
Was a beautiful ride up!! Made it after the 2 hours, maybe a little more hehe, and stopped at a gas station. Filled up a bit and headed out to my chill spot to relax for awhile. I’ve been to this spot a bunch and it’s my favorite but even so I was a little unsure of the roads to get down there. I should have listened to my gut because I had a few oopsies once I got down the path ):
The path down was really bumpy, which was fine I made it through okay and definitely gave me a lesson on clutch & speed control. However, when I stopped to park I realized I did so in a bad spot as the ground was uneven and a bit loose. My kickstand was already sinking so I figured I’d move to another spot to not risk anything. When I started my bike and moved, the tires shifted all the sand and rocks from beneath me and I fell over! ): There was a couple guys there who jumped to help me up and I ended up stumbling again when they moved me to the road because I was on an incline and it just didn’t go well. *sigh*
Was just so thankful I didn’t hurt myself although I was a bit embarrassed :/ I road down a bit farther to turn my bike around and stopped to make sure everything was okay. Sure enough.. learned another lesson - sand does NOT like motorcycles 😭 I got stuck in a little sand pit and couldn’t get my bike out.
After frustration and help from others wouldn’t you guess it.. I dropped my damn bike AGAIN at a stop sign after riding the rocky road out of that dreadful area. I came up too fast after coming down the hill and stopped too soon before my bike was straight, on a curved incline and *BOOM* went straight down.
Was really discouraged but it all would have been avoided if I would have trusted my gut and not let my risk level out weigh my experience ): Something I knew and ignored.. so I learned my lesson for sure lol.
Found a spot to relax, smoke a joint and rest before riding back.
I was really stressed and was thinking a bunch about my bike. Talked to a bunch of my followers online after going live on Instagram and felt much better! Everyone was very supportive and reminding me everyone drops their bike and it’s nothing to be embarrassed about.
Learned to drive in windy conditions, through hills and on tough roads. Learned dogs like to chase motorcycles and drove at night for the first time. Learned what type of ground to avoid parking on lol and what roads to go around or use more precaution on. Did a bunch of city driving as well so got some extra practice with clutch control and maneuvering the streets with other cars.
So yes a bit bum I dropped it and that it was difficult for me to pick back up alone. My body is extremely sore from the long drive and I’m sure from fallin over and catching myself too. But I learned a bunch of things and it was a nice lesson day on my bike. I still had a great time and loved the views & the experience.
Just gotta get some muscle and some extra customizations for my bike to help fit me better and accommodate my size hehe.
