It's Christmas Eve--And Beyond

[Diego]

I know what the calendar says, but it's wrong. This is Christmas Eve, with all the anticipation that goes along with it.

Following a phone call of unexpected timing this afternoon (that is, with barely enough time to get to the dealer before they closed at sunset) and a resulting trek of 200 miles, my long awaited "present" is nestled under the carport tonight, rather than a Christmas tree... still on the trailer, and "wrapped" in a Triumph dust cover against the anticipated heavy dew tonight.

At daybreak, I shall leap out of bed, rush outside and unwrap her... move the trailer out in the open to unload her... and then begin the process of getting some proper pictures prior to a first ride.

Wish I had some cookies and milk to leave out for myself tonight, since I had to be my own Father Christmas on this deal. But I'll definitely be seven years old again for a while in the morning!

"And to all, a good night!" . . . .

[bigskynyc]

Congratulations!!!

I really look forward to your impressions, John.

--
Don

[Upstart]

Good things come to those who wait.
Bet you wake up with a smile on your face in the morning. Have fun and enjoy your early christmas present.

[spiki-spikester]

Great news Diego. But it's been nearly 12 hours & still no pics !!!!

[Shaunlee]

I was in El Dorado yesterday. Was hoping he would have a demo, yours was the only one so had to be satisfied with staring at it. Very nice bike, I think the white looks better on it than it does the S3.

[Diego]

Well, there was no Star in the East last night, just Comet Holmes and a piece of space junk re-entering the atmosphere. No carolers, and no evidence of any wise men anywhere in the vicinity either. But it's still just like Christmas.

At this point, we are still mainly circling town, wearing some of the slickness off the tires and waiting for the predicted parting of the clouds in order to get some better photo opportunities. If this wind doesn't remove ALL the leaves from the trees first, I'm hoping for some very nice shots. Then it'll be off to find some lunch and put a few real miles on the clock.

Alas, the only redeeming quality I can offer for the photo above is that it manages to display some of the subtleties of fusion white on the tank. Shaunlee observes: "I think the white looks better on it than it does the S3." Me too, although I can't place my finger on exactly why. White Speeds and white Tigers certainly look fine, but somehow the lines of the Street are better emphasized by the color in some way.

But I'm blathering when I should be riding. More later.

[Diego]

I rushed home, got a preliminary shot that I have since moved to the post-your-pictures thread. Then I went riding some more so I can bring you the requested first impressions. Oh, the sacrifices I make for you people!

[JEnfield]

Massive Kewl Diego thanks for the family photo. Congrats now what is the bill going to add up to from the shrink. When you drive yourself nuts on the first nice warm spring day trying to figure which one your going to ride over and over again.

Jimmy

[Will]

You have an excellent stable as well as a fine new bike. You must be living right!

Is it a school across the street from your house? We also live across from a school, and it is a real source of entertainment sometimes. The kids sure have a lot of positive energy.

[Diego]

Not a school, Will, just several small businesses in some 1910-era buildings at the end of the commercial district. Our schools are much, much fancier. (Given the tax rate, they ought to have solid gold siding.)

This is actually a pretty nice spot when the local law enforcement puts a little effort into patrolling the street on Friday and Saturday nights. Otherwise, the drag racers take over. That's about the only youthful energy we see on this corner.

JEnfield asks: "Congrats now what is the bill going to add up to from the shrink. When you drive yourself nuts on the first nice warm spring day trying to figure which one your going to ride over and over again."

Not to worry. Unless there is a specific purpose to the ride that suggests a particular one would be a better choice (example: a trip to the grocery store would normally involve the Tiger) the choice of bike is usually determined by a rotation schedule to keep them all exercised regularly. Mira will receive more attention for a while during running-in, but afterward they will all take turns pretty equally. Bonnie and Diego have always been good about sharing my attention with stablemates.

Alas, this will probably be the last shot at a family portrait until Spring. However, by then, a former member of the family may return to the flock... Grace, the Rocket III. That portrait will require some planning to fit everyone in!