Well, I knew it was coming a while back, but the time is finally here. 10 days from now, my oldest daughter will most likely become the 3rd driver in the house. Though I do not tell her enough, she is as ready as she is going to be. She still does not have the skills I would want as a parent, she has reached the point where the only thing that can increase the skills is time in the seat. I am not ready for her to have that independence, but as a parent, sometimes we have to do that which is hardest for us; let go.
This has a pretty straightforward impact on me though. For the last 18 months, she and I have shared a car. If the weather has been iffy, I take the car. Since she has needed another driver with her to drive it, it hasn't been an issue. With school out, and her summer job schedule getting busy, it is time for me to give up that 'security blanket'. Starting today, I have gone full-time as a rider, rather than the 'most of the time' I have been for the last 3 years. The transition itself is not all that hard, but there are a few things I will have to adjust to.
One of those is that I find myself looking to acquire another pair of riding boots. My feet sweat, alot. I don't like wearing the same boots every day. In the past, I would supplement my riding boots with a pair of hiking boots. I just don't feel comfortable doing that, so now it is time to start thinking about an additional pair.
There are some other gear items on the list, and some tweaks to the bike that I would like to make over the coming months.
So, now I get to start the 4 year old bike refit. New top case to replace the not so great one that Piaggio offered with a Givi 470 (bigger is better right ?). Run a power socket to the front of the bike for a GPS hard mount. The last items are all mechanical. Replace the exhaust with a Leo Vince to shef a few pounds. Put the bead rider back on the seat, and find another cover to throw over the bike while it's parked at the office.
While my wife has reservations about this arrangement, I find that I don't. I find myself excited at the prospect. I enjoy riding, and I feel that if I get used to the idea of always riding, I will find quickly that those 'don't feel like riding because I don't feel like wearing the gear' will quickly fade. My bigger concern is that the already present desire to add a larger 'touring' bike to the stable will only get stronger :-).
On a sad note though, a fine gentleman and great resource for those of us riding maxi-scooters is going away this summer. Matt C of the ScooterTrap.com is planning to close up shop as his inventory sells out over the summer. Personal reasons, and a small shop feeling the pinch of the economy sees another small business closing up shop. I hate seeing this, but I wish only the best for Matt C in the future. In the meantime, I need to go place an order for some parts to help him wrap things up the right way.