Yeah, yeah...I know...Beer, Bacon and Boobies.

[Shoganai]

Also known as...



So let me just get that out of the way.











Hi there!



I’ve been riding since an early spring day in 1999 when I was filling up my 1985 Dodge Caravan with fuel. I kinda threw a fit at the pump. See, I thought it cost a lot of money to fill up. I said out loud, “I’m going to buy a motorcycle!”


I drove straight to the Honda shop, walked in and when the salesman asked, “Can I help you?” I said “I want to buy a motorcycle”. Even as the words fell out of my mouth, I couldn’t believe I was the one speaking them.


The look on his face when I answered his questions was priceless, “No, I’ve never even sat on one. No, I have no idea what kind of bike I want. No, I’ve not taken any motorcycle classes. Yes, I’m sure I want to buy a motorcycle”


To his credit he did the right thing in my opinion. He sold me a used Honda Rebel and helped me pick out my first riding gear, a helmet, Joe Rocket jacket and gloves. Of course I had to wait for them to deliver the bike the following week, so I went to the DMV for my endorsement. A week later it arrived. The delivery guy took an hour showing and explaining to me where the gas goes, all the controls, how to adjust the chain and some general safety tips like don’t break in turns and what to do if I get a flat tire.


Then it hit me! Holy ****! I bought a motorcycle!!!


I walked past it for a week to drive my van to work, still thinking ‘What the hell were you thinking Gwen’. I was scared shitless to tell my parents. How silly is that, I was 37 years old. But I knew they are NOT going to like it and have never had issues with expressing their thoughts. Don’t get me wrong, they love me and only want what’s best for me.


Well, the weekend had arrived and it was time to go to work. In the midafternoon, I walked around the bike like I was dancing with a cobra, afraid to touch it yet fascinated by it. So beautiful, so deadly. Like the old folks used to say, ‘you need to poop or get off the pot’. So I donned my riding gear for the first time, and all the while feeling like an astronaut suiting up to head into the unknown. The metaphor was not wasted on me.


I sat on the bike for the first time and studied the controls as I ran my fingers over them and softly spoke their names under my breath, “throttle”, “clutch”, “front break” “lights”.
My right hand grasped the key and turned it to ‘on’ and ………….. I pushed the start button.


Oh my God! That was so cool! I thought. The bike purred and something sleeping in my soul stirred. I felt it move, and a broad smile broke like the morning sun across my face. The thing inside me blinked and looked around.


At the time, I lived on 60 acres with a mile to the first pavement and that concerned me, but there was nothing I could do about it, so I gently rolled on the throttle and eased out on the clutch and the bike rolled forward.


I made it to the pavement without dropping it and felt damn lucky though it never behaved like I was going to. I then rode up and down the blacktop until I was sure I could make it go, stop and turn. I figured that’s all I needed to know. (Boy, was I naïve, but that’s for another time) I rode back home, found an old backpack, and stuffed my nursing uniform, shoes, comb and lunch in it.


Upon closing the door to leave for work that night, I knew my life had changed, though to what degree I was oblivious. I rode 60+ miles to work on 55mph roads doing 45mph and waving all the traffic behind around me because I was too frightened to go faster. (I got over that to within one point of losing my license)


By the time I arrived at work and parked the bike, the once sleeping entity was fully awakened. It was excited, impassioned and most of all joyful. It was ebullient! And I reflected that feeling in my smile and my pounding heart.


That was 1999 and since that day I never looked back. I rode over 20,000 miles that year and rode my first 100,000 completely alone. Learned how to deal with the weather, the road and traffic. I have since been through the Honda Rebel, a Honda Shadow 600, a Honda 1300 VTXc and (2) 2005 BMW R1200ST’s.


I currently have a 1993 K1100RS completely disassembled.

http://shoganai.smugmug.com/Motorcyc...1315&k=jP5vMgq


And a 1994 K1100RS set up for LD riding.

http://shoganai.smugmug.com/Motorcyc...3249&k=22NG2Qf





And just got a Ninja 250 for Christmas. (A gift of my husband)

I like playing in bike guts.

http://shoganai.smugmug.com/Motorcyc...IMG_8419-L.jpg

I like tweaking anything that will improve my LD riding

http://shoganai.smugmug.com/Motorcyc...7968&k=ps3qrSb



I love trying to convince my K11's that all bikes are dirt bikes, some are just better at than others. They just need more practice.









I didn't spare my R-bikes either











They said all people are mechanics, some are just better at it than others and I just need more practice. (Even if I'm 2500 miles from home)



http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=142933


Every year after 1999 I rode 30,000 to 40,000 miles and in 2006 I rode 60,300 miles. My total now is a little over 450,000. In time, I eventually took the MSF courses. I have had 8 crashes and walked away from them all by the grace of God and wearing all the gear didn’t hurt. All totaled I broke right collar bones once, the left twice and all in separate crashes, broke my sternal-clavicle joint with cardiac contusion, 3 ribs, ACL and MCL right knee, concussion (lost 9 days), burst fracture T6, fracture T7, and fractures of T5 through T10 left lateral spinus processes and lastly an open fracture of my left thumb.

I’ve hit a car, a dog and deer, a guardrail and the road. I’ve known the exquisite pain of frozen hands and exalted in beat-to-death exhaustion from a 1500-mile day. I’ve known the love of strangers that helped this wayward traveler with a tank of gas, directions, a warm, safe bed to rest my road-weary bones and helping hands with open hearts that helped me do a trannyectony / clutchectomy on my K1100RS while broke down in High Level, Alberta while on a solo 20,000 Alaska trip. I’ve known the joy of shared stories of the road with other riders that “get it” and feel the acceptance of my fellow riders around a crackling fire. I’ve slept on the road by or on my bike and felt she was watching over me. I’ve posed her with signs and flowers and mountains and at times when she was naked on the lift getting some maintenance or a new toy.




Here's a couple of LD ride reports.


This is called Stupid is as Stupid Does.

http://k11og.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12139

A Non-Ride Report; or How to Spend Thousands Without Riding

http://k11og.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12237


Next is a story of my record setting cross country ride.
This is raw, NC-17 version with all the back story, emotions and people that the trip so awesome. It has lots of pictures and details that simply would not fit in the magazine.

http://k11og.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12076






So why am I here?

In short I’ve been riding at such an intense level for so long, I told my husband I needed a way to make riding fun again. I said I wanted a beater in a pretty dress, something lighter than the Flying Brick and the Ninja just fit the bill.

Christmas morning



Christmas evening
(I’m not a fan of sticker much anymore unless I make them and they mean something to me personally).



I’m also not a fan of loud, so that exhaust must go as soon as I can find a stock exhaust.



Thank you and I look forward to branching out in this new direction and hope I may add something of worth to the site.


- Shogs

[c-dog]

Welcome to the forum! Congratulations on the new 250. They are great bikes. Looks like you know your way around bikes and have some nice ones.

[NevadaWolf]

*scans new threads*

Wait... i know that name...

Shogs? is it really? WHOA IT'S REALLY HER!!

*enthusiastic newb happy bounce* Hi Shogs!! to Ninjette!

We've not yet met in person, but I enjoy your posts on LDRider, reading your adventures, and the marveling at the mods you've done. Glad to have you onboard!



@LittleRedNinjette, you still have the stock exhaust I left you or someone pick that up?

[Snake]

Hello and welcome.

[LittleRedNinjette]

No, the stock can went bye bye a long time ago... Ebay had some really cheap last time I looked.

Someone would probably jump on a trade for the Two Brothers you have there.

[snot]

Welcome, I look forward to reading all your ride reports.

[ForceofWill]

Welcome! More friends for Teri lol.

[verboten1]

Welcome, I'd give an ADV salute....but they don't like that here

All bikes ARE. Dirt bikes !

I have a stock can, I'd be interested in working a trade, if you are.

[crazymadbastard]

Hello and welcome!

[csmith12]

Welcome Shogs!

Hell of a first post!

[Shoganai]

Thank you for the welcome.

I have an appointment, so I can't reply as fully as I wish, but I'll BBL to do so.

O' Great Forbidden ONE, yes, I'm sure we could arrange a equitable trade.


.

[JB0418]

Originally Posted by LittleRedNinjette

Someone would probably jump on a trade for the Two Brothers you have there.

I know i sure would. Ive got one if your interested.

[Shoganai]

Wow, I've received two offers to trade exhaust, one in forum and one in PM.

Being new to this community and not knowing the protocols, what is the expected course of action?

Thank you.

[alex.s]

this is like the best intro thread ever

im curious though .... shoganai... nihongo wo hanasemasu ka? shogakunai janai ka?... "expert"? like jouzu daka?

[Shoganai]

Thank you kindly NevadaWolf.

Originally Posted by NevadaWolf

*scans new threads*

Wait... i know that name...

Shogs? is it really? WHOA IT'S REALLY HER!!

*enthusiastic newb happy bounce* Hi Shogs!! to Ninjette!

We've not yet met in person, but I enjoy your posts on LDRider, reading your adventures, and the marveling at the mods you've done. Glad to have you onboard!

Thank you. Yes I would be interested...see my post about protocol.

Is this ok?




.

Originally Posted by verboten1

Welcome, I'd give an ADV salute....but they don't like that here

All bikes ARE. Dirt bikes !

I have a stock can, I'd be interested in working a trade, if you are.

[Shoganai]

Kinda...


In 2000 after my third crash in two years a fellow rider and friend said, "Maybe motorcycling is not for you." His statement was from the heart and I spent the next two days pondering his words.

I came to understand that I couldn't help but ride.

I told my friend, "If I were given the choice of living to 100 years old in perfect health or at some point I was going to die riding, I go out and buy the fastest motorcycle and ride it like I stole it."

That is shoganai.

(taken from the internet)

Yet, shoganai needs more detailed explanation. Ellipted from "shiyoo-ga nai" , it literally means "there is no way." But no way to do what? This question leads to the many usages of the expression.

Shoganai is "I cannot help it," when used to describe an irresistible urge one is feeling. チョコレートが食べたくてしょうがない。 chokoreeto-ga tabetakute shooganai. I am craving to eat chocolate.

It can mean, "There is no use in doing something." いまから書いてもしょうがない。締め切りは昨日だった。 ima-kara kaitemo shooganai. shimekiri-wa kinoo datta. There is no use in [start to]writing from now. The dead line was yesterday.

What seems to be derived from this sense is, "really." 夏は蚊がうるさくてしょうがない。 natsu-wa ka-ga urusakute shooganai. In summer mosquitos are really annoying.

Finally, if uttered by itself, shooganai is an expression of resignation, "I cannot complain."



Shoganai, I cannot help but ride, I cannot complain, no matter the fractures and totaled bikes, it's all shoganai.

Originally Posted by alex.s

this is like the best intro thread ever

im curious though .... shoganai... nihongo wo hanasemasu ka? shogakunai janai ka?... "expert"? like jouzu daka?

[allanoue]

Shogs

[alex.s]

sugoi ne! sono namai wa tottemo omoshiroi desu. hajimemashite shogs. yoroshiku.

[NevadaWolf]

(attempts to use Google translate)

Well that ain't right! LOL I think I typed something wrong.

[LittleRedNinjette]

[allanoue]

I amazing! I roast the raw It is very interesting. Nice to meet cane gs. Best regards.

[JohnnyBravo]

:Welcome:
Protocol for buying, selling, trading? Pretty much whatever you like as long as its beneficial and nobody gets screwed over.

You have quite the story, may the wind forever be in your favor, and the stories keep coming

[allanoue]

Selling area you need a certain number of days and posts but to buy you will need to ask @Alex

[Shoganai]

domo arigato

I don't speak the language, but I respect and admire the culture.

I have read the works and life of Miyamoto Musashi who, IMHO, was one of the most fascinating men to have ever lived.

Originally Posted by alex.s

sugoi ne! sono namai wa tottemo omoshiroi desu. hajimemashite shogs. yoroshiku.

[NevadaWolf]

Originally Posted by Shoganai

Wow, I've received two offers to trade exhaust, one in forum and one in PM.

Being new to this community and not knowing the protocols, what is the expected course of action?

Thank you.

Uh, I would say first come first serve. Since this is an unofficial transaction (outside the Marketplace), I believe it's really up to you and whomever is offering the trade.

You could be creative, since you have the desired exhaust, and see who can sweeten the pot the best for you.

Personally, I've seen the "dibs!" method work here before and it goes down the line if the first person is unable to deliver. The rest wait their turn.

[Shoganai]

Thank you. I've always used the "Dibs" method regardless of format.

I'm just looking for an exhaust, so simple win-win is enough.

I'll take this to PM's from here.

Again, thank you.

Originally Posted by NevadaWolf

Uh, I would say first come first serve. Since this is an unofficial transaction (outside the Marketplace), I believe it's really up to you and whomever is offering the trade.

You could be creative, since you have the desired exhaust, and see who can sweeten the pot the best for you.

Personally, I've seen the "dibs!" method work here before and it goes down the line if the first person is unable to deliver. The rest wait their turn.

[ally99]

! Awesome first post, I gotta give you props!

[Sirref]

welcome! and congratulations for the best first post anyone on this forum has ever had by far

Great read, full of emotion and it really told your story quite well. I have mad respect for riders like you and nevadawolf who do a lot of distance riding and touring since that is the most difficult kind of riding for me to do. I think you'll love the 250 as a fun bike that does everything way better than you expect it to

I know the feeling of liking to take bikes offroad, I remember trying to do that on my pregen and it was hilariously fun. I get too nervous with my 300 offroad though I'm at the point where I kinda want to do it, but I can also just go out and get a 125cc dirt bike instead.

[KJohnson21]

[cadd]

Such a great storyteller!

Subscribed!

[NDspd]

An amazing woman and rider full of heart and the will to ride. Such an inspiration!!

I have only 34,000 miles to speak of for my first 4 years of riding.

[250rr]

Welcome. And I love your blue-footed boobie.

[fry1024]

Welcome aboard!

[greenaero]

Welcome Shogs!! Great intro!

[Ghostt]

Welcome, and you had me at BACON!

[Shoganai]

There is an invisible line between simply sharing one’s passion and experiences and being boastful.

I strive to share my passion and I pray I never come across as the latter. If I do, please feel free to pop me on the nose with a rolled up newspaper and say, “Bad dog!!” I have no ego to burse. I’m 52 years old and at my age I can’t be bothered with stressing if people like me or not but I do want to get along if at all possible.

That said, I strive to be kind, respectful and generous.

I try to follow this teaching.
“Before you speak, (post) think -Is it necessary? Is it true? Is it kind? Will it hurt anyone? Will it improve on the silence?”- Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Will I peg off from time to time, hell yes. Will I apologize from time to time, most defiantly.

I respect that for the most part, no one knows who the hell I am and I will lurk more and post less. ***walks in, sits at small table in a darkish corner, orders a bottle of Ouzo and an empty glass and keeps mouth shut***

Linked - contains 'the finger" - http://shoganai.smugmug.com/Motorcyc...DSC01182-L.jpg

Re:Intro
Sirref, alex.s, greenaero, ally99 and csmith12
Thank you.


Re-boobies
250rr
Here’s one just for you.


Ghostt - Welcome, and you had me at BACON!
If you need a moment, we’ll understand.




NDspd - I have only 34,000 miles to speak of for my first 4 years of riding.

At some point a few years ago, I came to realize that keeping track of the number of miles I ride is just another form of dick measuring. I asked myself, who really cares? And why?
Well, I don’t care unless it’s for documenting an IBA ride.
If someone else cares, then they are trying to use a number to judge me as a rider without riding with me, or dick measuring. In either case, my internal response is “talk to the hand”.
So I stopped. The numbers I posted are the last ones I’m aware of. I really don’t have any idea what my actual mileage numbers are.


cadd, LittleRedNinjette, Snake and ForceofWill - Thank you.




Snake – Thank you. Have you met my hiking buddy?



c-dog – Thank you. I have been blessed.
If you mean I know how to break, total, misuse, abuse, mistreat and otherwise push them and myself beyond normal wear and tear, then yeah…

JohnnyBravo – Thank you.


allanoueI – “amazing! I roast the raw It is very interesting.”

Does that mean I avoided the no0b bashing?

Originally Posted by JB0418

I know I sure would. Ive got one if your interested.

Check your PM’s

[csmith12]

Originally Posted by Shoganai

There is an invisible line between simply sharing one’s passion and experiences and being boastful.

Wanna know a secret? Count the number of times "I" is in the comment. Too many may come across as pompous.

[Shoganai]

Thank you.
Did this poster come across as such?

This rider is here to learn and contribute. My Father says, 'the person who knows it all, knows all they'll ever know'.

Originally Posted by csmith12

Wanna know a secret? Count the number of times "I" is in the comment. Too many may come across as pompous.

[csmith12]

Originally Posted by Shoganai

Thank you.
Did this poster come across as such?

This rider is here to learn and contribute. My Father says, 'the person who knows it all, knows all they'll ever know'.

Not at all...

It's just something a few of us struggle with.

[liberpolly]

Nice boobs, and welcome to the forum!