I love things like this

I love the fact that since we bought my wife her own motorcycle (1981 Yamaha Virago XV750) she has become the best passenger in the world. I never really realized how it would affect her as a passenger. Considering the last time I was a passenger on a motorcycle was when I was about 3, I really have no experience in this matter.
It brings me to a point where I have also realized she has become a much better driver also, more aware, and more careful.

People ask weird questions.

So, I have the most random questions asked of me whenever I am preparing to leave anywhere on my bike.
Since it is summer the most common one is, "aren't you hot with that helmet, leather pants, and jacket on?" My most common response tends to be, "well yes, but it is better than a really bad sunburn, roadrash, and brain damage."
The most interesting thing is that the questions that are thrown at me in the winter and/or when it is raining are basically the same, but with a slight twist. Mostly, "aren't you cold." "you know it is raining, right?"
I don't understand people, do they think motorcycles melt in the rain?
I mean seriously, I go skiing when it is below freezing, what makes you think 35 degrees on a motorcycle really makes much of a difference?
Overall it just comes down to ignorance. They just don't know any better.
Kind of like how non skiers don't understand the huge grin on your face when it is snowing in the city.
They just don't get it.

Yeah, it's still hot

Another weird thing about SLC. It has this huge potential to be an awesome ski town, actually it is an awesome ski town, just without the ski town.
I mean, it has some of the greatest skiing on earth, the license plate does not lie.
The longest I drove this season was 45 minutes, the shortest about 25.
The powder was deep, and light. Storm after storm kept coming in and puking more snow on these beautiful rocky mountains. There are nine ski resorts within 45 minutes of this city.
The only thing missing is the laid back ski town mentality.
Salt Lake City is too generic. It might as well be a suburb of Los Angeles. It really doesn't have it's own identity, except for the fact that the LDS church basically owns it. Which in itself, is a bit off putting if you are not LDS.
Most people always seem to drive like they are an hour late for their wedding. Which, comically, is a common place thing in this city.
Most people are always in some kind of hurry, running red lights, illegal u-turns, practically running down pedestrians in the crosswalk. They really need to chill out, get off their cell phone, and pay attention to life.

I never blog here do I...

I just realized my last blog was over a year ago. I am horrible. Well whatever, life is what it is.
So in the past year Sarah and I have moved to SLC Utah, had an amazing ski season, bought Sarah her own motorcycle, and decided to move back to Portland OR next May. My job is good, Sarah is enjoying massage, but also has a job at the local plasma donation center. She decided to get this job mostly because the economy is tanking. This way she has more stable income.

Regarding motorcycles, I currently ride a '90 Yamaha Virago XV1100, and we recently bought Sarah a '81 Virago XV750.
Sarah is slowly regaining her confidence on the road. Her first experience on the interstate was last Friday, she did fine, just isn't used to the speed yet.

Overall Utah isn't a horrible state to live in, it's just too hot. The biggest thing is it is just not Portland. We miss great beer, good live music, rain, green landscapes, and clean water and air.
The air quality here in SLC is horrible. I walked the dog today, and actually had trouble breathing.