New Ride, New Challenges!

I'm finding out all kinds of new challenges in owning the Ultra. I've even discovered some muscle groups that have apparently lain dormant for several years(decades?). I'm reacquainting myself with how hard it is to push anything on gravel and I'm REALLY rediscovering that trying to move 800 plus pounds up the slightest incline can lead to a really good sweat!

The new Ultra is everything that I dreamed of and expected when moving more than 5 miles per hour. Below that speed has proven to be more exhausting than I anticipated. Comparing it to trying to move the old Custom is, well, useless. There is no comparison! I used to be able to overcome that pebble in the way but, NO WAY NO MORE! It is amazing how a tiny, tiny pebble can be such a resistant force. I've dismounted the Ultra more than once to try and find the boulder that was keeping me from backing up.

I've certainly reminded myself of the importance of stopping and surveying parking areas before I go pulling into places. I've also retaught myself about the bad relationship between the front brake, gravel, and having the handlebars turned ever so slightly to one side or the other.

So, if you're out riding in the near future and you see a 2005 UltraClassic turned upside down and just two legs showing, please "honk your horn". It's only me practicing again...

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