Its true that when it comes to some things like never having to work on my bike I am very spoiled. My father being a mechanic, and a little shall we say "old fashioned" never made me work on my bikes growing up. My job was always to buy the groceries and get the motor home ready while him and my brother got the bikes and trailer ready. When I was about 13 once I washed my own bike but forgot to get under the fenders and did such a poor job my dad had to redo it. I haven't had to wash my bike since.
Now being spoiled is fun while it lasts but lets face it my dad cant be every where with me and its not always possible to sucker other guys into doing bike work. When I used to stay in Georgia I would bake brownies and cookies in exchange for an air filter (the worst job on earth!). But this morning I had to take my suspension off to take to Enzo and there wasn't any body around to bake for. Now suspension is a pretty easy job. I have actually taken off a few sets in my day, but today was just not going my way. First I found out that the head of Suzuki bolts are more shallow than on a Yamaha's. My favorite tool in the world is a T-handle because its about the only one I know how to use. But every time I would try to use one it would fall off threatening to strip the bolt. Not to mention I think whoever put my bike together used a gallon of lock tight and a torque wrench on every bolt. I had to use a wrench and hit it with a hammer to get every last one loose. Its funny I have so much patience for certain things and usually keep my cool very well. But bike work is not one of those things. I would rather pick up a pitch fork and shovel out my horse barns than pick up a tool. It took me nearly two hours today just to take my suspension off, and I never would have finished if I hadn't of asked my next door neighbor who was just standing outside in his yard smoking a cigarette. I actually didn't even expect him to help me considering my roommate shot his kids pet bunny with her bow and arrow. That's how desperate I was! Luckily he agreed and after struggling for almost five minutes he finally got it loose. At least I never have to worry about losing a bolt on this bike!
I know I sound ridiculous right now, I always say that girls can do anything boys can do. And its still true, I bet there are tons of girls who make awesome mechanics, I am just not one of them. A garage to me is just like a kitchen I just don't belong there, no matter what David Knight tells me. He joked this weekend saying I should enter the last man standing, and the only way I would finish is if they put a sink at the end of each lap so I could be the first one back to do the dishes! Too bad if I do too many dishes it softens up my callouses. I guess I'm just going to have to stick the one place I do belong, the track. Now I just need to find a man who doesn't mind cooking and working on bikes...
8 comments:
The other day I was driving my truck across the highways and byways of our great country and I felt a strange disturbance in the force. This explains it! I never thought I'd see you on anything but a Yamaha! Good luck with it.
Also, my condolences to Terry and the family.
Kim
now you know if yousd bake for me id hook you up. i dont know if u remember but im slightly handy with a wrench.
Always enjoyed your RacerX column (my favorite actually), and this blog seems excellent too. Good luck with the Suzuki. I suck in the garage too (my dad's fault too), and I'm a man!... or maybe,... not? :-)
Good luck on the zook. Sorry about your Grandma. I am so jealous.....
you get to go ride where it's warm while I have to ride here in the Michigan cold. don't know if you ever tried it but studding the tires and riding in the snow is a blast.
Hi Sarah
Check us out at www.decosterskids.com if you like to work and do something for kids later contact us at suzukidrtm@aol.com.. Thanks Have a great day. Bob
HI! Remember me? Franky? You won't recognize me when you get home. I'm 6 hands high (remember how to convert hands to inches?) and weigh about 60 pounds and still gaining about a pound a day. I am working really hard to learn manners and sleep all night nearly all the time now. Hurry home so we can play!!!
Franky
Sarah,
I've enjoyed your RacerX column. Read part of your blog tonight linked from the RacerX online article about you switching to Suzuki.
If I can learn to cook anyone can so keep working at it - doubles were not mastered in a day ...
This recipe was given to me by my cousin, a girl, and it's yummy even if you don't like sweet potatoes. It's not dificult, give it a try. I did it right the very first time.
I can cook and work on bikes .... but I have children your age, sorry.
All For Jesus, Mark
Sweet Potato Casserole
1 1/2 lb. sweet potatoes
1/2 c sugar
1/2 c milk
1 egg
3 T butter, cubed
1 t vanilla
1/2 c packed brown sugar
1/3 c flour
2 T butter
1/2 c pecan pieces
pecan halves (optional)
Cook peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in boiling water for 25-35 minutes or until tender. Drain. Combine hot sweet potatoes, sugar, milk, egg, 3 T butter and vanilla. With a wooden spoon, stir to break up potatoes, but not completely mash them. Put mixture into a greased 2-quart baking dish. Combine brown sugar and flour; cut in 2 T butter till mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in pecan pieces and sprinkle crumb mixture on top of potatoes. Bake, uncovered, at 350 about 25 minutes or till set. Garnish with pecans halves, if desired.
Tell old T.C. to work on your bike for you, Sarah. Tell him one of his MN MMI buddies said it's the right thing to do.
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