Miami Trip

Day 1:
After finding a parking space, I began to set out on foot for a hotel within the price range of <$100. This was not an easy task for someone not knowing how Miami works. Basically there are some quality chain hotels such as Hilton and Marriot, these are mad expensive. Then along the road nearest to the beach there are outdoor restaurants which have taken over the sidewalk on the side heading inland. These restaurants are at the base of hotels, a fact I did not know my first few hours there. The hotels here range in price, from $99 (the cheapest I found) to $160 (most expensive I found). After asking around for a bit (couple hours) I located a hostel for $35. Luckily I was able to get a room. From the other travelers and staff I learned it is a hostel for international travelers. Henceforth I met people from Italy, Australia, France, and Holland. Meals were served at the hostel and it was during this time I learned that the travelers that would stay here would pretty much have a massive party the whole time they were here. Exclusive passes to clubs and concerts were passed out for free. While eating dinner, a girl about my age came and sat next to me on the steps. We talked for a bit and decided to meet up later and head to the beach. I headed off to find an indoor place to park my bike before meeting up with her. This task is not as simple as it sounds. Despite at least 4-5 parking garages in North Miami Beach there is only 2 that take motorcycles! I found that out the next day....anyways I met Julie back at the hostel just as dark came. I went into my room and met two of my roommates, a girl from Australia and a man from a Northern European country near Finland, unfortunately I have forgotten the name. He had a hangover and had been partying soo much that he really didn't know what day it was or when he was leaving, poor guy. Both of them had been traveling the US and seeing the big attractions in the states. We got on well together and they were very friendly and had much to talk about. Quite funny too. At night the hostel looks like a lounge/club. Couches and leather seating fixtures that were unassuming during the day were now illuminated by colored lights strobing from the ceiling. Beats pumped and thumped out over the pearl tile floor. The mirrors on the sides of the walls enhanced the mood, not to mention at least 50 well dressed young people relaxing with mixed drinks and ......laptops. Technologic. So Julie and I headed out to the beach. It was real soothing and quiet out here. Ah, one fact I should mention before I go on, the temperature was 70 degrees at the coldest part of the night. We talked at length about traveling, languages, and direct future plans. She also taught me how to climb a palm tree:). After the beach got a tad cold we walked into the city and explored downtown. Our adventure took us all the way to the other side of Miami Beach where we overlooked the bay and Miami. Well worth all the walking it surely was. Upon reaching the hostel, I planned to meet Julie the next day for volleyball at 3pm on the beach. Night.

Miami Trip

2nd leg:
Continued on I-95 taking breaks every 70-100 miles. It was now about 85 degrees outside with a slight wind, good riding weather. Only one close call to an accident, a driver decided to change into my lane without having a thorough look. Being the fastest thing on the road I simply revved past him. Mighty close though, if I was a car there might have been some trouble. I reached Miami....then Miami Beach. It felt pretty good being welcomed to Miami by a Ferrari and a custom Hayabusa, just two of plenty of nice autos on the beach. I then did some joyriding around looking for a parking space near the beach, not an easy task for a newcomer. Despite it just being March the beachfront was packed. Again not with just any old cars.....porsche, Maserati, Audi, Lamborghini, Ducati, Hayabusa, custom choppers, custom trikes, classic muscle cars...e t c!

 

Miami

Pre-trip:
I asked a friend where she wanted to see in Florida......"a beach"....which beach?......."Miami"........ok!
2 hours later I decided: Adventure!
I got to sleep around midnight and woke around 4am and left.

1st leg:
Needed a bit more clothes for the early morning chill, but I managed. The road seemed as though it was a thin line cutting through miles of trees. Smoke and fog hung directly overhead for a bit, then smoke thick enough to hide vision of more then 10 ft, followed by a thin sheet overhead. My bike's mpg was getting about 50 going 70-80. I rode on til I reached I95 just past Daytona.

To be continued.

First off, I really should be keeping up with this blog. Much has happened since I last blogged.  In chronological order:

• Applied for summer residential camp to be a counselor/teacher.
• Got the job at the summer camp!
• Began seriously looking at bikes to buy.
• Really started enjoying my time with a certain someone.
• Slowly losing interest in current job, but still keeping up a positive appearance and attitude.
• Found out I could get an online loan.
• Got an online loan!
• Bought a 2004 Buell XB12R
• Joy rides for the past couple days.
• Rode down to Miami Beach for kicks :)
  

1. Summer job: I applied to a summer boys residential camp and got the job. After looking through many different jobs for the summer, I decided on one. Filled out the application, partially, and saved to do it later. Got an email from the coordinator saying to please finish, my application looks very promising. Finished. Received a phone interview followed by a reference check. Got the job! My excitement for this job and all the possibilities is torrential downpour, just doesn't stop. I am 100% confident I can do a good job there. 
2. 2004 Buell XB12R: Bought for $3900. Clean. Tasteful mods all done well, mainly for cooling the bike down and increasing air flow. Not to mention security system and spare parts. Bike is fast and has enough power to keep me happy for a while. It rides smooth, shifts easily and has a great sound. I don't think I will ride anything but a Buell for a while.

My next post will cover the story of the Miami Beach Trip.


Enjoying Life,
Art

Bloggin'

Due to lack of blogging the past few weeks I will briefly summarize events.

Firstly, I sold my Black Stalleone. His carbs are definitely bad, but I am positive the motorcycle tech students that bought him will take care of his problems and enjoy the ride. I also met a girl working at walmart. I convinced her to buy a printer and she convinced me to give her my number. She is honest, a rich supply of great memories, and fun to be around. My co-workers are easy to talk to and have some similar interests to mine. Encouraged by boredom and memories of past experiences I am writing a series of 'post it poems'. Basically short 8 line poetry about a single object, dream, place. Got a library card so have been reading a good amount while on breaks at work. Also have been working out each morning I can (taking a little break at the moment due to fever.) Riding to work each day also helps me keep in good shape.


Now to the present...
Last week I attempted to get a loan for a new motorcycle, but because I have only been at my job for a month it is proving a challenge. I learned from a banker that each time your credit score is pulled up, a few points are knocked off, so my decision is to wait til I have enough saved up to pay in full. I cannot see a way how, but hopefully by late February, so that I can go to bike week in Daytona Beach (March 4th-13th.) The last couple days fever has got me down. Sleep has been difficult even though I spent most of my time in bed. Yesterday I finally got some, but am still tired. The fever and headache are now mostly gone, just a sore throat and tons of flem remain. Hopefully by Thursday at the latest I will be back to 100%.

Needing a good night's sleep,
Art

Ghost town Gainesville and westward dreams

Christmas here in Gainesville was a perfect ghost town. Not a single person in sight as I walked with my room mate's dog to the field for fetch. When I was younger, I would talk about an island where I would be the only one on it. My mother and good friend Bryan may remember. Anyways, Gainesville on Christmas day was like that imaginary island. I played fetch for a while and ran a couple laps with the dog(Jupiter) following me all the way. After dropping off Jupiter at the apartment I went to Winn-Dixie and got my Christmas Dinner.

• Fudge 2x
• Fish
• Turkey drumsticks
• Mac n Cheese

Work has been going much better then before. The learning process is more organized and smooth. The co-workers and friendly and willing to help. 

Financially I will be doing well as of mid January. Breaking even point will be my first paycheck.

My Black Stalleone has major carb problems and leaked half a tank of gas while turned off, then went into hydro-lock. I am in the process of selling and looking for a new bike. I have been looking at honda shadow bobbers, possibly turning it into more like a chopper.

Lastly, I want to live in the country. City life does not suit me. I will just have to strive for that on my journey.

Lowrider

Lowrider is a song by War and talk-boxed by Fingazz that makes you feel outrageously cool when riding in an El Camino on a summer day with the windows down. It is styled for Chicano's that drive in old cars with big rims, slick tires, hydraulics, loud and heavy audio equipment, and fresh paint. Chrome is also a biggie. You "don't drive too fast" because of your massive coolness. Even though my El Camino did not have much of that, I still identify with the song as a cherished memory. Other songs that go well are Chromeo's Tenderoni and Bonafied Lovin.

Lowrider talk-boxed by Fingazz is my song to represent 'making it big'.

No, unfortunately I have not made it big yet. However, rays of hope are shining though the cracks in my life. Financially, there is light at the end of a month long tunnel. Socially, taking baby steps...still. Physically, getting a lot of exercise. In sports and hobbies interests, much I would like to accomplish. 


Wishlist:

Long drive in the El Camino.
Stay up all night playing Kingdom Hearts with a good friend.
The secret recipe for chocolate solami.
Maymont with a good friend.
To build a snowman with someone I have not seen in a while.
Fire in my fire pit with my good friends. Meat aplently, slingshots, and soda, just once having room in my stomach for smores.
Go to DC Zoo with a friend, riding in the El Camino.
Discussing plans to travel and bicycling along the coast with a good friend.
Random trip to beach at midnight.
Design Christmas cards for family.
Final Fantasy 8 with brother.




At Wal-mart I am riding the 40hr/wk Christmas rush at the moment. That and the rebirth of my Ebay business will pay my rent for January. I am still looking for a place I can do some learning on motorcycles in my spare time. Recently I have become obsessed with bobber motorcycles and really want to make my own. Fat 240 in the back, a matte black paint job, shiny black wheels, simple straight handlebar, short straight pipes, and I can deal with a 600cc or 750cc.




Enjoying 70 degree weather,
Art