Meet Lady Icis

I am usually a very organized person. I received a registration renewal for my Lady Icis a couple of months ago. I put the form on top of the pile with my other bills. Well I can't find it. I am not going to blame anyone (hubby) but I know I had it sitting with them. I only remembered to renew it because my insurance cards came in with the new dates and it jogged my memory. So it's done and it's another 2 years before the next one. I'm sure by now you have seen the picture and realized I am speaking of my motorcycle. It's a 2005 Honda F4i 600 cc, silver in color. Let me tell you the history.



As long as I can remember, I have had this insane fascination with motorcycles. Sport bikes more so. I can appreciate a good cruiser but that's only a new appreciation. I would see the fellas ride their bikes with all their gear and coordinating helmets. Not to mention the speed. I am not a speed demon but I enjoy a little speed. I dated a few guys in the past that had bikes but the relationships weren't of that magnitude where I would have them teach me. Many years later I became involved with my now hubby. A year into the relationship he bought a used Sport Cruiser from a fellow officer. I was so excited for him. You would have thought it was mine. It's a Honda ST1100 black. It's big. If you look closely you can see it behind mine. It's heavy and intimidating if you are a novice rider. Off we go to buy gear. Jackets, helmet, gloves and communicating devices so that we can talk to each other on rides. Our first long ride was to a friend's house. I trusted him. I didn't have a second thought to it which is very reassuring. No worries and wasn't afraid of the speed. That was the ride that convinced me that I should have my own to ride. No more admiring other riders.

I didn't purchase the bike based on any information other than the size and the make. I knew I wanted Honda so we could have his and hers. I knew I wanted silver because that was the color of my helmet. Finally, I knew I wanted a 600 because that's the safest bike I could get for my money. That's it! No comparisons, no pricing, no testimonials from others. I went online, looked, found and bought. It was purchased in December of 05' so I was offered a discount. Bikes don't sell that fast in the cold so they make offers. My honey went and picked up the bike. He rode it home while I followed. It was a cold day but we didn't have to go far. That next week the husband took me out to learn. Gotta love a man who can teach you to ride. After I learned the basics, practiced and dropped it a few times, I went and took the exam for the learner's permit. It was time to register for Motorcycle Safety classes. Paid the fee, took the class 4 months later, passed the course and rushed to the MVA to get my "M" added to my license. I am now ready to practice in the warm weather.

I did good and enjoyed the exhilarating moments I had on Icis. It's 2007 now and I had been planning our wedding. I managed to get on Icis a few times and put a bit more miles on it but nothing substantial. I have an embarrassing 490 miles on my 2 year old bike. I should be well into the thousands but I am not. I haven't even had my first maintenance. Pitiful. These facts led me to decide to sell her. I just figured I would never have the time. Then the registration came in and I snapped out of it. I am going to get on her 2008 riding season and put some miles on her. I think I would have regretted selling her because then I would miraculously have the desire and time to ride. Then I won't have one. I WILL NOT SELL ICIS. And that's that!

If you haven't been on one, there's nothing like it. When I first get on it my adrenaline is pumping and I'm anxious and nervous at the same time. My biggest worry is a vehicle striking me. Not me taking a spill on my own. You get all geared up with your protection and your ready to go. I get on it and battle with becoming proficient in getting out of 1st gear. Remember I only 490 miles of practice. You reach a straight away and get that baby into 4th gear and just sit back and enjoy. It's my quiet time. I clear my head. I take in the scenery and release all that adrenaline and anxiety. I miss it and I am looking forward to the upcoming season. I don't have to wait for classes or plan a wedding so there isn't any excuse to put some miles on Lady Icis. I'm not set on putting miles on it only but the more miles, the more experience and that's what is important. I get to ride with my hubby and no longer drool over the biker boys motorcycles. Huh. A sista rides her own ride now.