Under Control

When you literally can't stand to look at yourself in the mirror FULLY CLOTHED, you know it's time to take control.  It was 5 years ago today almost to the day that I began this blog, chronicling my journey to lose nearly 50 lbs.  I've put every lb and probably then some back on.  This whole having a baby after 35 thing has kicked my a$$.  When I have a free second, literally ALL I want to do is sleep.  Sunday, I took a 3 hour nap.  Makes it EXTREMELY hard to get up and work out.  And working out for me is key.  No, I'm not going to try and out-exercise a bad diet, but I can NOT rely solely on eating alone to lose weight.  I LIKE to eat.  I will NOT low carb/no sugar myself into losing that 50 lbs again.  I didn't do that 5 years ago, and I won't do it this time.  But here's the thing; I HAVE to do something.  I make myself sick to my stomach to look at me.  So TODAY, I started what I did 5 years ago.

I logged all my food into myfitnesspal.com.  Very enlightening!  What I ate yesterday, it theorized I'd gain 5 lbs in 5 weeks.  Wow.  I was almost 1100 calories over my "goal".  What I ate TODAY it said I'd lose 12 lbs in 5 weeks.  Hey, I'll take that!  I also "doubled up" a bit.  I did T-25 this morning; about 1/2 modified and 1/2 not.  When I put the baby to bed, I did Couch to 5k, week one ... again.  My legs felt like lead, but it was a nice, sweaty workout.  My neighborhood is exactly 2 1/4 miles around, so that works out to have a little bit left over to walk once the workout is over.  I can't bring myself to take pics again of the whole sports bra/shorts getup again.  Maybe 6 months in.  For now, I have a cute nightie that I'd like to wear with confidence that looks HORRIBLE on me right now that I'll take the monthly pics with.

I have to quantify my earlier statement about what I won't do with what I WILL do.  I WILL get back to calorie counting and being conscious of portion size.  I've become desensitized to the correct serving size, and have been eating WAY too big of a serving.  Basically, when I go to bed, I feel full.  Today, I've felt somewhat empty all day, which isn't necessarily good for me.  If I'm hungry, that's when I'm more likely to make bad choices and snack on something junky.  I did well and drank my 48 oz bottle of water, and I have 16 more to go before bed; if and when I feel hungry, I will grab the bottle and drink away.  I will do as before, and make lower calorie substitutions, or remove a piece of bread, or do SOMETHING to cut the calorie content of what I'm eating.  But I hate to have a "list" of foods I can or can't eat, and right now my finances won't allow expensive foods low in carbs/sugars, so I have to make do with the 'normal' stuff.  I don't want to take a pill, or wrap up in a majikal wrap that will melt all the fat away.  I don't want to drink a secret shake that will slim me up in no time flat.  I just have to get back to making good, sensible choices that are the proper serving sizes, and STOP eating "dessert" after every meal.  I also have to decide to GET UP and exercise.  Stop hitting the snooze button 6 times, and drag my lazy rumpus out of bed!  Without further ado, here's the yucky pics :(

2,623

Scenic overlook before you get good and going on the Dragon's Tail

That's how many miles Khaleesi has on her.  And 2,520 of those are all mine!  Did 260 miles today.  We have been VERY blessed to have averaged one good day a month logging mileage of 200+ since we got the Vulcan in February.

Deal's Gap for breakfast

During that time, I have used quite a bit of the "tips" I've read from my facebook motorcycle boards.  Seems like every other day, someone asks, "What tips can you give a beginner rider?"  And every other day, pretty much the same advice is offered over and over!  I decided I'd give it a try.

Hot Springs, NC for lunch

1. Look where you're going.  This should seem like a no brainer, but what it translates to is look up the road approximately 7-8 car lengths.  Apparently, there are people that constantly drop their bikes every time they stop or try to turn, and it's because they're looking literally at the ground in front of the tire.  The ONLY time I look at the road in front of my tire is if I'm trying to find the balk line at a stop sign or light.

Adding memories

2.  Downshift as you slow down/stop.  This has saved my bacon several times!  I don't like to look or feel like a fool on the road, and if you slow down to 20 mph but you're still in 5th gear, you look like a dumba$$!  If I'm coming to a light that's red, I usually pull in my clutch, use front and rear brake together, and downshift according to my mph.  40 4th, 30 3rd, etc.  Makes for a smooth takeoff every time!

Finally got my photo op!

3.  The whole looking thing ... if you're making a hair pin turn, literally TURN your head and keep searching out 7 or 8 car lengths ahead.  This is what I do on a horse, and after 30 years of riding, it comes as natural as breathing.  On the bike, it's really easy for me to do that too, but it's a challenge to really LIFT your eyes and head and not look into either on coming cars, or ditches.

Gatlinburg overlook

4.  Through tight turns, counter steer.  I equate counter steering to using your outside rein through a turn to maintain your line.  Once you've started the curve, "step out" with your body and slightly weight the outside handle bar and you'll maintain your trajectory.

3rd traverse on the Dragon's Tail, and no parts in the Tree of Shame!

5.  ATGATT.  All the gear, all the time.  I know a few close family members that like to ride in T-shirts and half helmets during the summer.  Doesn't bother ME at all, but they always come home sunburned/windburned!  We literally rode today from 7:30 am to 7:30 pm and not a DROP of either on any of the 3 of us!  I alternate either my mesh jacket or a light weight clima cool 1/4 zip pull over.  When you're driving down the road, you feel even cooler than in a tank top because the blazing sun is kept off your skin.  Yes, the full face helmet gets a little hot, but it's worth it to me!

Damn, can she get any sexier??

6.  For a tight turn from a stop, I turn my handlebars before I put power to the rear wheel.  Was unsure about this technique, but watched a video from a gentleman called MC rider, and I decided to try it.  I have never crossed the center line making my turns!

The Rattler is a pretty awesome little jaunt

7.  Remember to drag your rear brake and give a little more throttle when you're making slow, 1st gear maneuvers.  My Scout's power band is a little more powerful than the H-D Street, so I tend to pull my clutch in and forget about the throttle.  The throttle and the rear brake is what keeps you steady.  You have to find your friction zone by hitting that sweet spot of letting the clutch out before power fully engages to the rear wheel.  I was in the friction zone at a stop light b/c it had turned and I didn't want to fully stop, and I was weaving all over the place b/c it felt unsteady.  Once I applied the rear brake, the bike stabilized and all was good!

This whole property is cool as heck!

8.  Be hyper vigilant about your entry for a curve.  Left side for a right curve, right side for a left.  It is AMAZING how much more control you have over your line and trajectory when you approach correctly, ESPECIALLY if you come in just a little too hot.

Not sure why he was wearing his helmet, lol!

9.  Don't let your bike get away from your on a curvy road!  Slow, Look, Press, and Roll works EVERY time.  If you're looking your 7-8 car lengths, you'll see the tighter curves coming up.  If you need to downshift, do it on the approach.  Let off the throttle, and if you HAVE to brake, do it BEFORE the start of the curve.  Set yourself up opposite the direction of the curve, lift your chin and look up and through the curve, press that handgrip in the direction of travel, keep you core in the middle of the bike, and roll on the throttle smoothly through, and out of the curve.  Stay focused and ride your ride.

Slayed!

10.  Look at the cars in front of the cars in front of you.  Look at the wheels of the cars sitting and waiting to pull out.  Ride like you assume they're going to pull out.  David and I got into this habit of watching motorcycle crashes on youtube, and I swear that half of them could have been AVOIDED if the cyclist had approached the situation ASSUMING that there was someone trying to pull out in front of them.  Instead, I saw bikes approaching intersections and heavy traffic full throttle and just DARING a car to come around, and come around they did!  Right into the motorcycle!  A little easing off the throttle never hurt anyone!

Hot Springs, NC.  Apparently it's a "home town" of the AT

11.  Sometimes riding a motorcycle is like patting your head and rubbing your stomach at the same time!  Using the right hand to pull in the front brake while using your left had to pull in and release the clutch to downshift at the same time can be interesting!  Keeping your brain focused on what you're doing is crucial.  That way you don't end up slamming on your brakes, and starting a curve while the clutch is still being held in!  Or grabbing the clutch instead of the brake.  Oops, lol.

A Rattler Road pic

12.  Have fun and don't be a doo doo head.  I read this long, contentious thread on the Indian motorcycles board about how some people don't wave to H-D riders, or some don't wave to Spyders, and NONE of them wave to Slingshots.  Look people, we got the "biker wave" from a BICYCLIST and a dude in a POS car on the Foothills Pkwy yesterday.  Acknowledge the respect, and respect them back! I've gotten pretty decent at being deep in a curve and being able to lift my hand off the bars and wave.  TN is a motorcycle state, and plus, you never know who you're going to encounter!

Love this angle!

13.  I've hit gravel SEVERAL times now, and have always followed the advice of minimize the angle/lean of the bike, don't make any sudden moves, and don't use front brake.  Haven't had an issue yet.  I don't LIKE it, because I CAN feel the loss of traction, but by taking it easy and following the above, I've done just fine :)

Helmet hair, don't care!

14.  Take EVERY opportunity you can to be together!  The teenager is getting older and doesn't go with us every time, but we're SO thankful to have the 2nd bike so now he has the passenger seat ANY time he wants it.  It's truly a great time having him spending time without his phone and without him sleeping in the back seat.  I'm so glad that David and I have finally found an activity that we can both enjoy TOGETHER on the weekends.  He pushes me and supports me and teaches me every day.  Can't wait for our next bigger mileage ride!!

Ride recap

I want to detail a few rides before I FORGET already!  So far, I have not been a multi state driver, but we have done a lot of our east Tennessee paradise.  I will say that David pushes me.  He doesn't let the excuse, "I'm just a beginner" hold ANY water.  When we were cruising through Knoxville uphill on a 55 mph 2 lane with traffic and curves, and I fell behind enough to let a car cut between us, he had to have a 'conversation' with me about staying up close enough.  I argued that I didn't feel comfortable and he said to push through it or I would never GET comfortable.  And he's right!  In subsequent rides, I have realized that I'm not thinking as hard/holding my jaw as tight/feeling tight thorough my neck from tension any more.  I sit up straight, keep my hands relaxed, and let the bike float through the turns.

I have now driven on the Cherohala Skyway as a driver, and it is AWESOME.  The only bad thing is I can't enjoy the views any more!  I just have to see them out of my peripheral.  We have done several long rides; on the last one I referenced in my blog, we drove west towards Cookeville.  Cookeville is halfway between Knoxville and Nashville.  We had 'way points' of McCloud Mountain, Burgess Falls, Cummins Falls, and Fall Creek Falls.  We drove through the Big South Fork recreation area, and that was an unexpected treasure!  Nice and cool in the shade, lots of cliffs and sheer rock walls, and 10 mph hair pin curves.  Those are challenging!  I could see how people can lay a bike down if you don't get in the friction zone.  It was a LONG day that ended up HOT.  We hit Cummins Falls first, and didn't realize it was going to be a several mile hike down/up hill and along a creek bed to get to the falls.  We simply were not dressed for that.  I was wearing jeans, my paddock boots, and my half chaps.  By the time we gave up getting all the way to the base of the falls and turned around to just take the trail up to the top, I was working on some gnarly blisters.  We finally made it back out to the bikes and began working our way towards Burgess.  That one was better, but what was a leetle bit disappointing is that the "big" falls was a 3/4 mile strenuous hike.  The boys were tired, and my feet were killing me, so we just took in the 'small' and the 'medium' falls, which were still drop dead gorgeous!  We didn't make it to the 3rd park.

Cummins Falls

We've gone into Gatlinburg and and Pigeon Forge, of course.  We've now gone through Foothills Parkway twice, and today we did it half way, then turned down a side road that ended up being the most challenging road to date for me!  Even moreso than the Dragon.  Even moreso than Big South Fork.  It was a road that was so narrow it didn't have a yellow line, it had a pronounced "crown" in the middle of it, and it had gnarly curves on a dramatic downhill grade.  To complicate matters, there was quite a bit of loose gravel and washed out leaf piles from the recent storms we've had. The cherry on top was the stop sign on a steep, cantilevered uphill!

Burgess Falls

A fun ride we did with the inlaws and family friend was south towards Chattanooga, where we ate breakfast at a cute cafe in Tellico Junction.  We continued to Ocoee, which is rafting central.  We turned down Hwy 64, which is the Ocoee River Scenic Byway.  That was so neat, we had to go back the following week with the baby and the car!

Speaking of ... I have to vent for a second.  I'm a sharer.  I share this blog, and I like to post in 'forums'.  After the COTH debacle with one of my ex bestfriends, I no longer even read COTH.  Lost interest in the whole "pack mentality" of perceived online wrongs.  Since becoming interested in motorcycles, I've joined a few facebook motorcycle boards and I post on both fairly regularly.  Nothing controversial; in fact, I don't even READ political posts that my friends and family post so I'm not even tempted to insert my opinion.  I'm allergic to drama, lol!  Last week at the Ocoee dam, there was a HUGE open and empty parking lot where we ate a picnic lunch.  We had finished eating, and was getting ready to head out.  Colton has sat on David's bike QUITE a few times at home just going forward and back; he LOVES it.  His whole BODY lights up when he hears them running.  When we're outside and he hears one going down the road, he practically breaks his neck trying to look.  We KNEW he would do just fine sitting on the tank for a loop around the parking lot.  David was fully dressed in his jeans/boots/long sleeved shirt/full faced helmet because WE WERE RIDING ALL DAY.  Colton was wearing shorts and no helmet because he doesn't have one; he can't reach the foot pegs which means he CAN'T RIDE ON THE HIGHWAY.  Yes, y'all know where this is going.  My dumb ass posted the 30 second, 5 mph ride in the parking lot.  David was going so slow the Subway bag SITTING on the back of the bike didn't even MOVE.  Much to my surprise, I got jumped on by a bunch of internet strangers telling me someone should call CPS because I was endangering my baby's life (one of the biggest issues seemed to be the fact that David was wearing full gear and Colton was not).  GIVE ME A BREAK.  He was in NO danger of falling off; he weighs 25 lbs, is in full control of his muscles, and was sticky with sweat.  David is one of the most protective fathers I know, he would NEVER, EVER put either boy in any sort of danger.  Fun?  Yes.  I am so sick of people thinking they have all the information in any given situation, and thinking it's ok just to jump people's ass on the internet. And by the way, the baby's CRAZY OVERPROTECTIVE GRAND PARENTS WERE WATCHING/FILMING/ AND CHEERING FOR HIM. Once again, I have been reminded that by sharing my life/opinions/observations, I leave myself vulnerable to virtual attacks.  It's pathetic.  Ok, rant over!  Thanks for the vent :D

Tomorrow (or Sunday) I will post about tips and tricks I have learned that actually work and actually help me as a novice rider.  Stay safe and ride free!

The controversial baby

Cruisin' down Hwy 411

Lake in the Sky

The view from Look Rock

Khaleesi and Cheyenne

Can't believe I'm 20 minutes from this view!

My soul mate.  Can you believe our 18 year wedding anniversary is this month??