Lil' Red

Team GU got back from vacation and were up for some motorcycle adventures this weekend. I found an ad on Craigslist that was the small, starter bike I wanted and fit in my budget. I emailed Don and luckily she (the bike) was still available. But she was down in Findlay, IL (near Lake Shelbyville and south of Decatur). We road tripped down Saturday afternoon and hit rain, hard rain, near Springfield. We decided to detour into Decatur to the bike shop and hope the rain passed. I tried on some helmets and jackets as I still have no riding gear. Decided I like the modular helmets that are full-faced, but with a click the chin snaps up and it becomes a 3/4 helmet. Maybe a little less safe because it it's not solid all the way around, but very nice to not be taking it on/off all the time. No purchase though, just considering styles and sizes. I seem to have a large head :). Also tried some jackets. Will probably order one of those as the stores don't carry much variety in stock.

We headed on and arrived in the little farm town of Findlay. What a difference a few hours makes. I just kept commenting on how much taller the corn was as compared to up north. Across from the post office in town is Don's Resale Shop. If you're ever near Lake Shelbyville, stop in and say hi. Don and his wife were so nice! He closed shop and we went around back to look at the bike that has been dubbed Lil' Red (who will be rooming with Big Red at Team GU's garage, as pictured). 

She started right up and Bill took her for a spin. So thankful Bill could be there to help as I really didn't know much other than "it looks nice". Don has taken good care of her and he invited us inside to get the title assigned, sign the bill of sale and most importantly hand over the cash. After that, Bill suited up in his high-vis green rain suit and we headed out. So glad he changed because not to long after we started the rain started and didn't let up the whole 100+ miles back to Peoria. I felt so bad for Bill in the rain and owe him big time :). I do think he had a little fun on the little bike though. 

Since it was raining when we got to Peoria, we headed to dinner and I stayed the night. Next morning Bill and I went to a nearby parking lot so I could do some practice laps. I'm still too nervous for the road and it's been two and a half months since I was on the bike last. Each lap was a little better. Didn't drop the bike. Only killed it once. Got to third gear a few times. Overall a success :)! Bill shot some video from my first lap - very slow and steady. And here are some more pics.