Look! Up in the sky!

 

It's a bird!  It's a plane!  It's SpaceX!

Day 2 of the Can Am class is complete.  This was different from the study, question & answer routine, yesterday.

This training center is supposedly closed on Saturday and Sunday... you wouldn't know that.  Lots of cars parked out on the street, because their main parking lot was full.  I was there early (as usual), so I looked around a bit: on one side of the property is their dirt bike training area...

 Looking another direction, you can see the "wall of tires" built up around an asphalt track (on the other side of the tires)...

Out front, a Intro to Motorcycling class is underway...

Our class started inside once again.  After some discussion, the instructor said, "And now, we'll have a 'Celebration of Knowledge' "... his way of saying we'd be taking a test.  It was 25 questions... most of it general motorcycle knowledge and riding situations, some were specific to 3-wheelers.  I was done first and scored 100% - the instructor laid the grading "key" over my answer sheet, looked up at me, and said, "Showoff."  Hey, we had specifically discussed some of the questions... I was ready to get on with the riding.

I was under the impression that this test was a "sample" to see how we were progressing.  A couple students were sent back to their table to "retake" some questions.  When all were finished, he announced, "Contgratulations - you all passed your written portion of the class."  So, another test tomorrow won't be happening.  Still not heading out to the bikes - more riding situations discussed.

Then, finally - out to the bikes...

Are they considered "bikes" if they have 3 wheels?  I guess "trikes" or "reverse trikes" would be more appropriate.  We started with the basics: sit on the Rykers and learn where all the controls are located, then go through the starting procedure - it is different from any other bike I've ridden.

The first problem: two of the Rykers were brand spanking new.  I started up one of the new ones and it came to life.  This is not one-bike-per-person like the 2-wheel classes; two people have to share a Ryker.  So, you will spend half the range time watching, instead of all riding; I knew that ahead of time.  The problem: the next guy to start that new Ryker couldn't get it started.  The instructor took over the bike, and... couldn't get it started.  It lit up when you pressed the button - just wouldn't start.  Apparently, there are no back-up Rykers, so we now have 3 bikes for 8 people; it means even more time just watching.  No other alternative, we all dealt with it.

We had 4 hours of riding drills, starting with a bunch of stop and go, progressing to riding some through-the-cones slalom drills.  Controlled hard stops.  Some "fast" cornering.  I have "fast" in quotes because these bikes are "student governed" - I found the bike hit the rev limiter at 26 mph.  I found I was really enjoying the bike and the drills.  This is definitely a good way to get comfortable with a ride that is completely different from a typical motorcycle or scooter.

Most of the riding was under the lights, as it was close to sunset when we got started with the hands-on portion.  At one point, looking to the west, I saw this...

I said, "Hey - look!  It's a SpaceX launch!"  I was surprised that most of the class wasn't aware that SpaceX launches their Falcon 9 rockets out of Vandenberg Space Force Base in California to put Starlink satellites in orbit.  There have been two of these launched in the past month that pass over the southwest side of the Phoenix area.  We missed one launch (didn't know it was happening), then followed along as another launch got delayed several times due to weather.  And when it did launch, there was a solid overcast in our area, so we didn't see it.

I took a moment to give Joan and call, because I knew she'd want to go outside and see it pass over.  She took photos and videos as well.

And as you can see from the photo above and this one below, we are doing some of this riding in the dark...

It is an impressive plume as the rocket passes over.  Class continued.  And ran long - it was supposed to be over by 10:00 pm, we finished up at 10:30.  I was pleased to have some hands-on time with these bikes; it is a different, but interesting riding experience.

One more class this afternoon and evening.  It has been interesting seeing how the other students have done through the class study and riding... 2 of the 3 women (all who have a Can Am) have been quite tentative; but you can see the confidence growing.  The guy who has one, and ran it off the road (with less than 100 miles on it, and says he has "decades of riding experience") is the only one who hit some cones and failed to stop where he was supposed to.  He may be a threat to himself and others when he gets the bike back; he is here because his fiance' thought they could use this class.  He definitely should not be teaching her.  The younger couple who recently bought one of these are both doing well.  The 30ish guy who has never ridden anything bike before is enthused and doing great.  And the teenager, who I haven't seen smile, was beaming when he got off the bike at the end of the evening.  And me?  I am confident riding.  This may be a different kind of conveyance (more like a blend of a bike and a sporty car), but much of the road handling transfers.  It would be easy for a motorcyclist to hop on one of these and feel like a fish out of water, or dismiss them as "weird."  Having done the classroom work, then structured riding exercises is a better way to get a proper introduction.  From my perspective, this has been much better than going to a dealer and taking a demo ride to learn about the bikes... um, trikes... er, reverse trikes.

Will I run out and buy one of these?  Probably not.  It is interesting, but not as much fun and free-feeling as my bikes.  I'm looking forward to tonight's class, and the "Celebration of Performance."  (The riding portion testing.)

Class...

 

"Yes, you are a classy guy, Jim."  Aw, shucks, you're making me blush.  Oh, that's not what you were thinking?  Yeah, me, too.

Last night was the first of 3 sessions for the Team Arizona Motorcycle Training Center class for Can Am 3-wheelers...

"That's doesn't look like a typical motorcycle."  That's an understatement.  These are made by BRP, the company that makes SeaDoo, SkiDoo, and Rotax engines.  That makes sense, as (to me) it kinda looks like a snowmobile or jetski on wheels.  These are also not a typical "trike," as those generally have one front wheel and two rear wheels... and aren't as stable as these "reverse trikes."

"Are you going to get one of these?"  Thanks for asking - no plan to, but I am curious about them.  Years ago, I thought scooters were for people who couldn't handle a real motorcycle... I quickly learned that isn't the case, after we got those first scooters 11 years ago.  11 years ago?  Time flies when you don't know what you're doing.  But, I digress.  I've read about and watched videos regarding these Can Ams, and they are a different ride from a 2-wheel motorcycle.  I've also read that people going from 2 wheels to 3 can have problems with the transition... thus, the reason for taking this class: it will give me some hands-on with the bike, along with instruction by a knowledgeable trained instructor.

This class is being run by a guy named Jim - I like him already.  He is close to my age and experience, and has been good on giving the class good info on how to ride these, as well as pointing out the differences between these and motorcycles, and how to deal with those differences.

Last night was 4 hours of in-class instruction and discussion.  There are 8 people in the class, and it is a varied group.  There is one guy in the group about my age, with some motorcycle experience, and recently bought a Can Am... and ran it off the road.  Yeah, he should have taken the class first.  With him is his younger girlfriend, who thought this class would be a good idea.  A young couple who bought a 600cc Ryker (the smallest Can Am) two months ago and have been practicing with it in their neighborhood (without having a license for it).  A woman in her 60s who also recently bought a Spyder (the bigger 1300cc Can Am) and is here to get the license for it.  A guy in his 30s who wants to eventually get a motorcycle and thinks this would be a good step in that direction.  A 17 year old high school guy whose Dad rides a Harley and said, "My Dad will buy me one of these 'Pan Ams' if I pass the class."  His Dad is going to buy him an airline??  I kept my mouth shut.  And me.  So 5 of the people in this class already have a Can Am; two of us who are reverse-trike curious, and the youngster.

Today, there will be a bit more class time, a written "sample test," then time on the Rykers on a closed course on their property.  The facility seems to be set up for this, and the 3 instructors I met (I was there early) all seem friendly, enthusiastic, and well-trained.

Last night, we went through about 40 pages of written instruction, mostly "intro to motorcycling" adapted for reverse trikes.  The instructor, Jim, has a conversational way of teaching, asking questions to get the class involved.  It is clear that I have the most experience of those in the class, and Jim would often call on me to give an answer if no one else volunteered.

Arizona has a "3-wheel license" - it does not qualify you for riding a 2-wheel motorcycle.  But, a motorcycle license does qualify you for a 3-wheeler.  From my perspective, regardless of your experience, getting training specific for these vehicles is worthwhile.  In some states, your regular drivers license is good for these 3-wheelers... most states require a motorcycle license or, as in Arizona, a "restricted" motorcycle license for trikes.

So far, so good.

You'll Never Walk Alone...

 

If you said, " 'You'll Never Walk Alone' is a show tune from the 1945 Rodgers and Hammerstein musical Carousel," you get 30 bonus points.  If you said, "It has been covered by Frank Sinatra, Gerry and the Pacemakers, Elvis, and others," you get an additional 10 bonus points.

If you asked, "Is this post going to have anything to do with 'walking alone'," you get no bonus points, but you are on the mark.  There isn't a song for "you'll never go to the bathroom alone."

It has been said, "If you get a cat, you'll never go to the bathroom alone."  Each of our cats has been different about this, but it is mostly true in some fashion.  Smoke would wander in.  Molly was mostly indifferent about anyone making a trip to the bathroom.  Izzy took it as a play opportunity, extending her leg and paw under the door.  Rufus "stood guard" at the bathroom door: his back to the bathroom, he was going to make sure you were not attacked while doing your business in there.  And it worked - not one reported attack while taking care of our bathroom business while Rufus was on duty.  Murphy, on the other hand, would allow anyone in to kill you... but he likes to be in there, mostly asking questions, "What are you doing?  Why don't you use a box like I do?" and trying to get his tail in the pee stream when I am standing at the toilet.  TMI?  I'm happy to announce that, to date, I have managed to dodge around his flicking tail.  No, that is not a typo - I meant "flicking."

On the walking side, I did take Murph for a walk this morning.  He doesn't ask so many questions when we're out walking.

When Murphy jumps up on the counter (not allowed, but he does it anyway) more than once, Joan puts him in "time out."  That would be: in our bedroom.  I told her, "You know he is rubbing his ass on your pillow."  (He probably isn't.)  I haven't used the "time out" technique until this morning... after telling him 4 times "No! Get down!"  It was more of a whisper, because Joan was still in bed.  I picked Murph up and put him in the bedroom.  And quietly closed the door.

Apparently, putting a cat in time out in the same room where someone is sleeping isn't a good thing.  I was told this by a half-asleep Blonde who came shuffling out of the aforementioned bedroom.

I'm guessing I will be in "time out."

"Murphy, are you pulling that placemat off the counter?"

 

"Me?  No, I wouldn't do something like that."

I am told he will grow out of this kitten stage.  Probably some time in the next 5 or 6 years.  Probably. 

Update the photo...

 

Out for a ride this morning, on the Burgman.  Besides enjoying all the curves, I stopped to get a photo at the convenient, large saguaro cactus where I took photos not long after getting the bike...

 

 

 Good looking cactus, right next to the road, and an easy place to pull the bike off the road for a couple quick photos.  On most of the roads in this stretch, there is no place to pull off; this happens to be at an intersection.  The new seat doesn't show much from these angles.

It was good to get out relatively early - the high today will be around 89º, the highest we've seen here this year.  Yeah, I know it is early in the year.  But, it was comfortably cool in the mid-70s when I got out.

I stopped to top off the gas tank on the way home; gas prices here went up 30¢ in the last few days.  The reason being told on the local news: bad weather has made for some difficulty getting fuel delivered.  Do you think the price will come down after the bad weather passes?  Me, neither.  Gas went from $3.89 at most stations to $4.19.  All the stations at the same time, because obviously, they all get bulk fuel deliveries at the same time.  Or, not.  On the bright side, the B200 got 86.4 mpg on this tank... most of which was at 45 mph or less.

On the even brighter side: Oregano's for a late lunch... that sounds better than an "early bird" supper.  :-)

Together Again, Again...

 

We spent some time on the patio this morning...

 We are really appreciating the shade from the patio umbrellas; the big one covers a good area, the smaller one is on wheels, so we can move it around as the sun moves.  Murphy got in a couple walks, I made breakfast on the griddle, and we enjoyed that breakfast at that gray and white table and chairs set.

Then, my favorite part of the day: it is an absolutely gorgeous day here in the desert and my Honey wanted to take the scoots out for a ride.  "Let's go!"  Joan gearing up in the driveway...

I was more than anxious to get out for a good ride where I could put the Burgman 200 through some "sporty" riding, and see how it is with the new seat.  And the backrest.  Spoiler Alert: it is great!

Joan hasn't been out on her scoot in a while, and as we started up the mountain roads, she said, "You go on ahead and ride it the way you want - I'll be looking at the scenery and getting a feel for the bike again."  No, I didn't go blasting ahead of her... well, I did push it through some of the really fun curves.  But, if we get out of "line of sight," our helmet communicators get a little crackly... and it is easy to get out of sight of each other through some of those tight curves.  But, so much fun!

When we got to the top of the mountain, we stopped to enjoy the view and give me the chance to get a few photos (I didn't take any 360 cameras along today).  Joan with the scoots...

And a nice view of the Gila River Valley behind her.  A couple photos she took of me...

I know what you're thinking: "Damn, Jim, that is a good looking seat on your scoot!"  I have to agree with you.  Even better: with less than 100 miles on it, it is WAY better than the stock seat; and the backrest does add to the comfort on the road...

 

We stopped at another overlook and got off the scoots...

Proof that we were out together today...

From the mountain, we rode around town a bit, stopped for a late lunch, then made our way home.  Before getting home, I got a call from the guy at Team Arizona Motorcycle Training where I am scheduled to take a weekend class on the Can-Am reverse trike.  I thought it was just another reminder (I've been getting texts from them most days this past week)... nope - the class has been cancelled.  Seems that the City of Peoria has shut down the parking lot at the stadium there for construction - and that's where they hold the riding portion of the training.

That sucks.  He said, "There are some options..."  I told him I'd call him back when we got home.

There is a longer story to it, but to cut to the chase (OMG, Jim, you never cut to the chase): the same class is being offered in another part of town, they have an opening, but it is 3 afternoon/evenings instead of 2 full days.  After some discussion, and encouragement from Joan to "Just do it!" (that would make a great slogan, but I digress), I am signed up for that class this weekend.

But, did I mention how good the new seat is?  :-)

 

NGD...

 

Regular readers here will know the meaning of that title: yes, New Guitar Day!

No, not for me.  The guys were gathered at Mark's today to make some music - right in the middle of it, Mark heard a delivery truck pull up (we were in his garage).  Yep...

 

Yes, there will be a photo of the new guitar - I just wanted to capture the smile on his face to start.  The guitar...  

It is another Reverend guitar - he had one a while back.  Mark enjoys buying and trying new guitars... some stay around, some get moved on.  He has a Paul Reed Smith electric that will be up for sale to make room for this one.

And, yes - he played it the rest of the afternoon.  Sounds good!

Murphy has really calmed down...

 

Like flipping a switch - I guess he decided to leave those kitten crazies behind.  He comes when I call him, snuggles up on my lap, and doesn't jump up on the kitchen counter anymore.  It's a complete turn-round.

Yeah... April Fools.

We chased him off the kitchen counter about a dozen times this morning.  He will look you right in the eye after jumping down, look all innocent, and say, "What?  I couldn't help it - the Devil made me do it."  That was a cute excuse the first 30 or 40 times.

In between the rainfall, I took him outside this morning.  He did stop to visit Steph and Dan's boys...

 

That is Alfie in the front and Tango in the back.  Murphy would like to get together with Tango, but we are giving them a couple days apart... Murph's mouth has some scuffs on the outside of it, probably from Tango kicking him in the face... yes, in self-defense.  Murphy generally starts things, but Tango is not shy about retaliating.

Murph did several laps around the yards.  Then, back inside before the rain started again.

Yes, I kinda wanted to get out on the scoot today to put some miles on the new seat.  But, that doesn't bother me at all... yeah, April Fools, again.

Joan asked me if I wanted to go to PetSmart and Walmart with her... "Oh, I don't know..."

She said, "I was thinking of HamburgerMart for lunch."

"Huh?"

"Five Guys.  Get it?  To go with PetSmart and Walmart?"

"Yeah, I'm in!"

It rained on us on the way there, but stopped by the time we stopped for lunch.  And stayed decent while we shopped.  I had to run the wipers once on the way home, but it wasn't raining while we unloaded.  Mother Nature's way of saying, "April Fools"?

While the rain started up again, I spent some time in my music room.  Deciding which guitar and amp to take tomorrow for music with the guys.

I did go sit on my new scooter seat in the garage.  Like a kid who gets a new bike at Christmas and it is snowing outside.  But, I'm fine.  Really.

--------

I Couldn't Take It...

By 4:30, the clouds were beginning to break - bits of blue sky appearing.  I fed Murphy a few minutes early and took the scoot out for a ride.  Joan offered to break down the box the new seat came in while I was out in the garage, gearing up.  I mentioned that there was a backrest from the Corbin seat on the CTX in that overhead storage.  And I was off.

I rode far enough to get to some highway speeds.  Yeah, the new seat is good!  I stopped to take a couple photos...

 Gray clouds over the mountains to the southwest above, a nice 3/4 view of the bike below...

 When I got back, Joan had put away the old seat and had the backrest out for me to try...

No, it isn't an exact match, since it was made by Corbin for the CTX... but, it fits since the mounting for the backrest is the same for both seats, and it has the same stitch pattern.  I gave it a "test sit" in the garage to see if the fit was good... seems so... but another ride would verify that.  So, after the half hour or so I rode before, I added another 15 minutes, focusing on the backrest.  To get the most out of it, I have to slide back in the seat - that will be decent for highway riding, but I like to sit forward a bit more in town or in the twisties.  I can't use the backrest on the CTX because it would be in the way of throwing a leg over - that isn't an issue with the B200 since it has that step-through area.  Corbin gets an extra $345 for that backrest, so it's good to have a use for it.

I got a ride in, and that ain't no April Fools!