Snow, Seventies, and Motorcycles

I miss riding and the season has only begun! Today was in the seventies, sunny, and the windows were open. The sound of motorcycles filled the air.

Only in Minnesota do you have snow, seventies and motorcycles!

Sony did it again!

Have you seen this video yet? It is to advertise their Sony 4K. It is so creative and made me smile. Check it out!

Here’s a look at behind the scene.

This one was done a few years ago – Sony Bravia – check that one out too!

What a creative company! Well done Sony.

Profile of a Female Motorcyclist: Meet Cellina

Serendipity. It means a “fortuitous happenstance” or “pleasant surprise”.  That is how I “met” my next guest, Cellina from  Los Angeles, CA. She also blogs at Motorcycle House.

Cellina on her ride!

How long have you been riding a motorcycle? I have been riding motorcycle since I was 14.

How did you learn to ride? From my father.

What was your first motorcycle? Harley Sportster 1200

 How many have you owned? I have owned 3 bikes.

1)      Harley Sportser 1200

2)      Honda Shadow 750 spirit.

3)      Honda Vtx 1300 C

Why did you want to ride a motorcycle? At first I loved to see the roads from passenger seat but later I felt I should behind the bars.

Tell us about your riding.  I had my first trip as adventure motorcycling when I was teenager. Blue smoke and rarely made it out of third. I did not care that combination of freezing northern wind on my face, the smell of burning two-stroke and the realization that I am on my bike I could go anywhere started a love affair with motorcycles that continues to the day. That was my happiest day of my life.

What advice do you have for women who ride or want to ride a motorcycle? Just ride slowly and carefully. You must have four eyes while riding a bike.

What is the longest trip that you’ve taken on your cycle? Last year when I had gone with my mother to the hill station. That was my longest trip.

Do you belong to any motorcycle groups? Yes

Do you have a favorite riding story? Yes. I have many travelling riding stories.

What do you do when you’re not riding? I write an article related to motorcycle ride and equipment.

Thank you Cellina for sharing! If you would like to share your story in my Profiles of a Female Motorcyclist email me at pamela(d0t)court(at)gmail(dot)com!

Skully Helmets

If I’m allowed back on a motorcycle – with the approval of my neurologist of course – this helmet looks awesome. I want one! Have you heard about it?

Skully Helmets

Manifesto. Do you have one?

Here’s a great place to start!

 

‘Tis the Season

Well Minnesota is starting to defrost after a long, cold, snowy winter … did I mention it has been a long, cold, snowy winter?! Seriously, it was one for the record books with so many days below zero. 53 to be exact.

This past week the thermometer was creeping up to 40 F (4.4 C) and that meant motorcycles were hitting the streets. Many potholes, some wet, others salt and sand covered streets. Just this week I looked out my front window to see a man on a motorcycle with a woman riding pillion. Bundled up, but they got a ride in!

It is also a time to remind ALL drivers/riders to pay attention to the road and what and who is around them. It is not a time to text or do anything else that would distract you from driving. A friend shared this video on Facebook and the story moved me to share it with you.

In this story someone lost a son, husband, grandfather, friend, coworker and more just because they had to text. Another was left seriously injured. Let’s promise each other we will not text or do any other distracting thing while driving and encourage others to do the same.

I promise. Do you?

Happy International Women’s Day

Ladies you’ve been such a pleasure to meet and feature here on my blog! Today is our day, International Women’s Day. I hope you take time to celebrate what a special creation we are.

P.S. I’d still like to profile female motorcyclists! If you are interested in sharing your story drop me an email at pamela(dot)court(at)gmail(dot)com and I’ll send over the questions! xoxo

What’s Wrong With This Picture?

Dissected Vertebral Artery

I’ll tell you! There’s a few centimeters of my vertebral artery missing! I ended up with some images from the initial MRA when I went into the ER with a migraine that show the dissected vertebral artery. Our brains usually have a some-what mirrored image of itself … except for mine … at least for now.

Things are going okay for me, I still have a headache on and off most days. I end up doing things I’m not suppose to and then pay for it with a headache. Sometimes it is easy to figure out what I did to cause it and other times I’m clueless.

I’m off all drugs (narcotics and the like), but I still take Warfarin (anticoagulant) to prevent clots and to stave off having a stroke. Still on the 90 day count down which they say is the most vulnerable time for me, but I’ll continue taking it until I see the neurologist in July.

I go in weekly to have my INR levels checked. The goal is to keep it between two and three. Me? I fluctuate between 1.6 and 3.7 with no change in my diet or meds. My poor nurse is up in arms on why I’m not stable. Goes to show she doesn’t know me. LOL

My poor hubby has been run ragged trying to do all the snow removal, heavy lifting, and so much more. What a guy. I love him very much.

And then there is my sister in the mist of her fight against ovarian cancer. There is still a way to go to defeat the cancer in her body. I’m so thankful for all the family and friends that have given, but there’s still a bit to go. Check out my GoFundMe page I started for her. Every little bit helps.

P.S. Ladies, I’m still taking stories for Profile of a Female Motorcyclist. Email me at pamela(dot)court(at)gmail(dot)com and I’ll sent over the questions!

Things aren’t always what they seem!

Most people have seen the before and after of photos that have been touched up. Have you seen the Hungarian singer who shows the digital work in real time as she sings. Wow.

Here is a Vimeo link to the same video.

Hanging up my Helmet

Hey there friends! Hope all is well with you. My life has been like a roller coaster ride. Last week due to severe head pain I ended up back in the ER and had another MRA. Thankfully, no new issues were found. The doctors put me on some heavy duty IV meds and eventually sent me home with the encouragement to get to my neurologist appointment the following week.

This week I had my follow-up appointment with the vascular neurology specialist. When I found his picture online my first thought was, “I’m going to see Doogie Howser!” I was hoping it was an old photo but the truth is I’m getting to the age when everyone looks young!

What I found out is that the vertebral artery dissection is about 1 1/2 inches long and “should” eventually heal (think six months or so), but with a guarded future. Again, these doctors are surprised I haven’t had a stroke or anything else because of this dissection. They are also dumbfounded as to the cause. There is nothing physically (no trauma) or family medical history that can point to a reason for this happening to me.

I’ll save you from all the details but the bottom line is my motorcycling days are over. Both doctors I saw that day answered with a resounding, “Absolutely not!” when asked about getting back on a motorcycle. They went on to paint a very clear picture of the risk I face if I decide to ride again … even ATGATT. So with tears in my eyes I’m hanging up my helmet and selling my bike in the Spring.

Not sure what the next adventure will be, something safe by the sounds of my neurologist! It has been a fun ride. Thank you to all for sharing and commenting on my blog. It has been a pleasure meeting so many other motorcyclists. Be well and ride safe!

P.S. Here’s what’s happening with my sister http://www.gofundme.com/5dum0o