The Unforgettable Forgetful Weekend

The following happens between 2 pm Friday, May 22 and 2 pm Tuesday, May 26

24 fans might think that as funny, but anyhoo...


It was a slow start to the weekend. Friday after broadcasting my show live from Merle Norman in Medicine Hat Mall for Bras For a Cause, we went to Bourban Street for dinner. I wasn't feeling well so Ray stayed in town to watch hockey with the boys and came home and cleaned and puttered around the house before being in bed before midnight.

Saturday Ray had to work, and since the house was already clean, I headed into town for shopping, with my dog in tow. Ray takes his dog Maggie most days to work, so I thought Jake and I would spend the day together. Wrong! I FORGOT you should never take a farm dog off the farm. We didn't even make it to the #3 Highway before he was stressing out in the back seat. Last time I took him in the car, past the Shnee's farm where he used to live, but would keep coming to our farm, (They were going to get rid of him but I said I would take him since he is always over here) but he would keep going back there, and I would keep dragging him back) I left him at my daughter's house in town for more than a month. (can't wander off the farm from there eh?) Was he having flashbacks? He wouldn't settle down and I wasn't about to leave him in my son's new car with leather interior while I shopped for him to possibly paw and claw and tear apart! Thankfully it was Lisa and Kobe to the rescue, who where finished their shopping when I arrived, and took him off my hands so I was able to shop without worry. On the way home he just curled up in the back seat and slept. Must have known he was headed back home to the farm!


I was 3/4 the way home when I found out Ray was already in town...at the Harley Shop! You know what that means... expensive! He was told by his nephew that he could punch a hole in his muffler to get louder pipes, but Shane FORGOT to tell him to punch it only half way. So after punching it ALL the way through and piercing a hole out the end, $880 and a new set of pipes later, Ray's bike is back on the road. His mother always said, "Live and Learn" but I wish she was a dyslexic like me and said "Learn and Live". Either that or "Research first and learn!" A costly lesson, but he loves his new and louder pipes!

Since he was already in the Hat, I ventured on my bike alone to meet him in Seven Persons (first time riding since my dumping) but still didn't make it off the farm without tipping it over and his son Derek having to pick it up for me (farm terrain is so not conducive to street bikes). Soon I was cruising down the highway, feeling free as a bird. No one behind me to stress out, therefore I wasn't stressed out at all. Went to the Boar's Nest first then Monika and I went to Premium Sausage and we all headed out to Irvine for a BBQ. There were a lot of bikes on the road headed to the Hat so when we arrived there was no one else there (was it something we said?) But we had a great time and even better, was the fact that I found my Harley Headwear I had FORGOT there the year before. First time going to Tuesday night Bike Night and I lose my brand new attire! doh! We even went back that night to try to find it in the dark. We went back the next day and looked in the cook house. Nothing. This year, I searched for it on the first bike night and still couldn't find it. Then sitting around the campfire I look over to the tree with the Tasmanian Devil Doll perched in it...someone had slid my headgear on a the branch below the stuffed animal and even though weathered and worn from the elements, not from use, it was there!! I was stunned! But so glad to get it back. Honour among bikers is immense!

After Irvine we stopped in to see Lisa again and then before heading home, we washed my bike. It was noted earlier it was pretty filthy and how could I ride it in such as state! Apparently the dirt must have been holding it together! After the wash, it wouldn't run properly. No,... just got it wet where it shouldn't have and it crapped out on the College overpass. Ray got on and took it down the hill to the Paradise Valley Par 3, and ended up having to push it half way up the hill back. Then he had to push it to the Bohan's who lived down the block. A very frustrating day for both of us, but in the end, a great day with friends who can laugh both with and AT us!


Sunday, Ray had to work, so we missed out on the H.O.G Poker Run. It was overcast and drizzle so I spent the morning prepping, taping and painting the hallway. Then we went into town with the truck and trailer to bring back my bike. If it had dried out, Ray was going to ride it back, but I FORGOT the key in my leather jacket pocket, and had brought my work jacket instead! It was back to the Boar's Nest for dinner with our Poker Run Pals, and then home. There's a message on the phone when we arrive.. I FORGOT my Lounge jacket at the pub with cellphone and car keys in my pockets. Me forgetting my phone is nothing new (usually on the kitchen counter at home) but thankfully I had a spare key for the car, just had to knock at work to be let in (Thanks Christy!)


Monday after work, we headed to 40 Mile Park with the boys to help Ed and Monika put in their dock. I met Ray in Bow Island but FORGOT to put my leathers in my car so I couldn't ride to the Park on the back of his bike. Oh well, just means I get to go home via the short cut on the dirt roads in 20 minutes rather than the hour drive home through Bow Island. The wind was calm and the water was warmer (than last weekend but not by much) but I FORGOT to pack extra clothes so I was only able to watch and take pictures from the top of the hill in my heels and dress clothes. (How convenient eh?) 4 hours later, the job was done. Just in time before the wind picked up and a storm looked to be blowing in, so they quickly loaded the boat back onto the trailer and we sat in the warmth of the RV for beans, sausage and pulled pork sandwiches. My stomach became upset shortly after we arrived, but I figured eating something would make it feel better! FORGET that! It just made it worse.

After a rough and painful night, I sit here nauseous (tmi?) and tired and in no mood to finish painting the trim in the hallway. It's Ray's birthday today and instead of having fun celebrating with him, I will be on the couch or in bed for the rest of the day. He did however, like is birthday present I got him that had been sitting on the fireplace mantle tempting him for 4 days. The Harley watch is a big hit! I FORGOT to get him a card. If the first thing to go when you get old is your memory, then I am living proof!

May Long Gone

Still recuperating from my dumping but am having a good laugh reminiscing brutal bruisings of past, like when my Dad dropped a trailer hitch on his groin. Okay, it wasn't funny at the time, but every time I tell the story, the women laugh and the men cringe... and he still went on to have another daughter! I thought getting hit in the thigh with a softball was big and bad (it was the same size as the sattelite remote) but now I can laugh at my latest one... kinda the same colour as a granite counter top, but I digress, on with the weekend!

As per usual, Ray's long weekend started long before mine. Wednesday night we were going to camp at Cottonwood Golf Club, but with the extra trailer of bikes behind the 5th wheel, it was far easier just to go to Walmart. Nothing like free camping in the parking lot. $220 and two hours later, we were settled. (Takes a long time to shop when visiting with so many friends is involved, from my boss Jeff and family to my friend Rosalyn http://www.cmt.ca/castingcall/SemifinalistRosalyn.aspx who i would just love for you to vote) It's a good thing Walmart is open 24/7 so we could buy batteries for my electric tooth brush that was dead or I wouldn't have been able to brush my teeth! ha ha! After getting my butt whooped in crib, it was off to bed and then enjoy the 5 minute drive to work in the morning rather than 50. I didn't even over sleep like last time, probably much to my boss' surprise!

Thursday after work, it was off to Centenial Park in Bow Island where Ray had moved the RV. Loading up on hot dogs and potato salad before heading to Ray's nephew's graduation ceremony at Senator Gershaw School, it was a touching and entertaining evening of slide shows, pet peeves and goals. Then I got my butt beat in crib again (don't tell Ray I let him win because I wanted to go to bed early) and it was back to the 50 minute commute in the morning.

Friday after my remote broadcast at Medicine Hat Motosports, and collecting donations for "Bras For A Cause", it was burgers in the trailer before the Grand March and celebration at the Voeller's. I bailed early since I had another remote broadcast at Windmill Garden Center at 9 the next morn.

Saturday, after buying begonias at the greenhouse (boss says that's why they request me for remotes... I am always shopping) it was back to the farm to feed the dogs and off to 40 Mile Park to party with my friend Monika, who's birthday was the next day. There was enough food for an army (with Ed's family and all us friends, it WAS a small army) and homemade wine by the jug. The campers in tent city across the lake made enough noise to wake the dead and for most of the night it sounded like a cattle pen, but after police and ambulance were called, they shut it down before our fire was even out. It was quite the obstacle around folding chairs back to our beds, but thankfully no one fell into the fire or backwards off the bench, so entertainment was just the conversation itself. Boy did we laugh all night (Lori is just too cute when she's had one, or two... or five!)

Sunday we got up at the crack of 10 (oh how I miss those days) to bacon, eggs, sausage, waffles, you name it for breakfast. Now if only the head would cooperate with the awesomeness of the day ahead! It was a wonderful do nothing day of lazing in chairs enjoying the sun. Oh but the wind! Did Lethbridge leave the back door open? Even with all the man power we couldn't help Ed put the dock or boat in but we did help put a dent in their wine cellar! Another awesome dinner, we took shelter in our RV but it was early to bed for most except the die hard cribbers, at least it wasn't me this time getting my butt kicked!

Monday morning we woke to the neighbour cutting wood, but it was almost 10 AM so no biggie. Egg Sandwiches in the drizzle and cold and we were packed up before noon. I took the back roads home (20 minutes) and Ray took the highway (1 hour) and the bikes are back in the shed, the trailer parked and unloaded, and the smell of campfire laundered away. Now 9 more days til we can do it all over again. Next time in Taber, or Cremona, or where ever the wind takes us, because one thing is for sure, as long as the wind shall blow and the rivers shall flow, Razor and Corona will be there!

Marvelous Mother's Day Ride

Another gorgeous weekend to chalk up to fun fun fun! It was debatable to ride to the Hat on Mother's Day because Ray's daugher Chelsey needed a ride into town and packages, purses and presents in tow. After rearranging and repacking, we loaded every thing up and I jumped on the back of Ray's bike to let the lass who lent her bike to me last summer, ride my own into town (the little speed demon!) One thing i do enjoy about riding on the back of Ray's Road King is that I can take pictures (like the one to the right) can chat and can gawk and NOT have to concentrate on the task at hand.

After a quick visit with Mum and Dad Voeller, Chels rode to her Mother's and Ray and I went in pursuit of a suitable Mother's Day Dinner. Even though I am not Ray's mother (his usual excuse) I am still a MOM so it was my choice! (crap, Phoa Dao is closed on Sundays) So off to Superstore for chicken, riblets and coconut shrimp. Add on pototo, pasta and tossed salad and we are set. Feast fit for a feline! The men barbequed and the women visited. The guys even did dishes! However, I still don't know how I ended up on the receiving end of the towel fight! Boys will be boys!

After dinner, it was back on the bikes. Oh how I love the fact that I get to lead since I am the rookie. It was off to Medicine Hat College where the parking lot is marked for motorcycle classes so Ray followed me around and around and around as I tested all the marking... they mean absolutely nothing to me without the pylons... but it was still fun.

Then it was off to visit Lisa in Riverside, who sat in her red flannel PJ's on her front porch while her boys slept in the 5th wheel (ha ha - you're so busted) When it was time to leave, we didn't made it very far. The neighbours across the way were familiar from bike rallies and poker runs so we had to stop, check out their bikes and compare stories even though I was itching to get on the road again.

It was so wonderful to actually enjoy riding in Medicine Hat. Each day I become more and more confident, and with the idle reset, I don't fear stalling at stop signs. So now I don't fear the city!! It was over to Ray's son's Brad, then over the Darrin and Tracey's and THEN we filled up and headed home. Okay, I still am not comfy riding in the dark, but I do it... and the heated vest certainly helps. I am going to have to learn to cut the ride shorter and to head out sooner if I want a COMPLETELY comfortable experience but it truly was the BEST RIDE SO FAR! I think I am getting the hang of it!

PS
after note - we parked the bike behind the house rather than in the shed when we got back. Tonight after work, (Tuesday) I asked Ray if we could move the bikes to shelter before the storm hits. Choke on. Idling high. Ray takes off and I try to ease the bike around. Clutch in, Clutch out. Clutch in. Clutch out. Rev is too high. Spin out on damp grass.. KATHUMP! I dump the bike and I am tangled and break the windshield! F&^%$##&!!!K!!! With a bruised and battered left leg I am typing this. At least it wasn't 60 miles an hour.. I still need more time to get the hang of it! lol!

12741.4 - 11875.3 = 866.1

I must have changed my mind at least 3 times this weekend. Ride our bikes - it will be fun. Take the car - it will be more comfortable. Just ride Ray's bike - it will save on gas. But I would have been so dissappointed in myself had I not made the effort, so ride we did.

Every time I don't want to do something, I always remember the book "Feel the Fear and Do it's Anyways." So I got on my bike and rode to Chestermere anyways. It was my friend Lana's birthday and for the past week I had been in cahoots with her hubby via text. Saturday morning at 10:38 I text him to to say we have packed the bikes and are headed to Bow Island to fuel up.

After a quick visit with Rob and Tellisa, who didn't even recognize us, I texted Evert to say we were leaving (11:35) and headed west. Cool! Bow Island now has a traffic light! Then it was north onto Hwy 879 and over the river (ew, being afraid of heights and crossing the bridge sent my stomach into my throat) and travelled past all the kids on highway cleanup of the ditches (slowing every time we encountered a group, who waved in appreciation) and we met a couple of other bikers at Hwy 524 and stopped for a quick visit before heading west again until Hwy 36 and turned north. We always stop at the Oasis outside Ranier for a bite to eat and today was no different, other than the fact that we needed to. My bike will only go about 100 miles before running out of gas. After lunch and catching the tail end of the Boston/Carolina game, I text Evert (1:30ish) and it was back on the road to the #1, then westward ho! 110 Km speed limit. I kick her up to 120.

Now I'm never one to be intentionally rude, but I refrained from waving to oncoming bikers. I mean, they are across a divided hiway, 2 lanes away. Don't expect me to release the tight grip on my handle bar while going 75 mph! I've asked Ray the rules of the road when it comes to that. Do Harleys just wave at other Harleys? Is it okay for me to wave when I am on a Yamaha? Ray's explanation was; Bikers wave at Bikers. Truckers wave at Truckers. Farmers wave at Everybody! I only wave when I am comfortable to do so, which is becoming more and more often than not!

After a quick stop on a roadside turnout to adjust my helmet (darm pony tail holder felt like a knife in my head under my helmet) we fueled up in Strathmore (3:15ish) and pulled into the birthday girls driveway just before 4 and beeped Happy Birthday in unison with our horns, then sang along for a second verse! No one in the house had an idea what the racket was (what are you tone deaf Beierbach's?) but apparently the neighbours were impressed. It was a first for them! and Ray and I are definitely all about firsts. (That and killing two birds with one stone)

So after more family arriving, dinner, hockey (Chicago/Vancouver) and crib, we were all tuckered out, but more so our hosts who partied into the wee hours of the morning the night before! After a good nights rest, it was brekky, then Seven Persons Sausage for lunch, more crib (at least I let the birthday girl win. lol) and it was back on the road again.

Just as we were heading out their gate, Ray informed me we were taking a different route home, and going through Lethbridge. I didn't think anything of it. That is until we got to Vulcan to refuel. I was already looking for an escape route. The windiest city in Alberta and you are taking me there? It's like searching for the eye of a hurricane! Driving towards a Twister! And to find out right then that his daughter had to work and going through Lethbridge wasn't even necessary? I grin and bore it. I was cursing him under my breath all the way south as I leaned to the right as it became windier and windier and it kept trying to push me into the oncoming lane. (Now I have practice in wind gusts from either side! Last trip it kept trying to push me into the ditch!) But I made it through Lethbridge (with my crib face on) and with the wind at my back on the #3 we stopped in Taber to refuel, then to Bow Island to visit Ray's brother and sister-in-law, top up the tanks and I was almost home.

NOW I can start to relax, and I start to be daring. I slide my glove off my left hand (can't release the throttle with my right), tucked it under my crotch (tmi?), grab my cell phone from my pocket and capture a picture I thought I could only get from the back of Ray's bike. But I did and now I never have to do it again. But I DID it again down the Etzikom highway, with the sun at my side and my man at my back, and my second trip under my belt. 866.1 Miles since it was registered just 20 days ago and at least 406 just this weekend.

The farthest I've been and the most confident I've felt, other than the 50 miles in wind that makes biking so not fun, and me so not happy. How would 50 DAYS of no fun and no happy sound to you mr razor?!? KIDDING, KIDDING! Just check the weather forecast before you take me anywhere. I can be a fairweather biker if I want to! Can't wait to get my licence so I can ride my bike to work. On the warm, sunny, calm days that end in Y!