This year I’ve been having a lot of fun with the dirt bike.  I’ve been on quite a few really great rides, plus I got the WR450F this spring.  I’ve wanted to get a steering stabilizer for a long time now, and I decided to ask for one for my birthday.   We encouraged anyone who wanted to to get a present to contribute cash towards the purchase.  The prize for the most creative way to give cash definitely goes to Kathryn’s siblings.  They got a paper treasure chest and packet it full of $1 bills and the max number of quarters you can take to the bank without having to pay a wrapping fee (we have a banker in the family).

December has been uncharacteristically warm this year, and I took advantage of a really nice short sleeve Saturday to install the stabilizer on my bike.  It was a good size job and took a couple hours.  With the stabilizer installed, I really wanted to get out on a ride and try it out.  After a couple of people had to change their plans and couldn’t make it, I was worried the ride wasn’t going to happen.  However, we made a last minute audible and decided that Kathryn would come down with me.  Should’ve thought of that a lot sooner!  Bethany was awesome and came and watched the girls.  We packed the atv and the bike on the trailer.  Together, they took up 100% of the space on the trailer, but they fit and that’s the important thing.   Then we headed down to the dunes.  It was such a nice afternoon down there.  So peaceful and quiet, and we just had a blast.

The steering stabilizer worked great.  I can’t wait to take it out one some more rides, especially those rocky trails up in the mountains.  Thanks to everyone who pitched in for the present.  This was a great birthday all around.