Summers are for relaxing

Except for the whole "heat" thing, summer is awesome.  For the most part.  I used to look forward to summer for a variety of reasons.  That was until I was old enough to work, then summers became less of break and more of a different sort of prison (in a manner of speaking).  Then, once I graduated from college and entered what some people call "the real world," summers became oppressive, not only for the humidity and temperature, but also because work stifles everything in man that is good and decent.

This summer, to keep my sanity and reduce the chances that I'll remove someone's head for asking the wrong question at the wrong time (adaequatio rei et intellectus), I will be changing things up a little.

Since I purchased a motorcycle, and one of my goals is to become proficient enough at riding that I can take longer trips on it, I have decided that my summer will have a series of long weekends (not every week, and not every other week, either) in order to get a chance to decompress a little more, and to give me a chance to explore the great state of Massachusetts (and New Hampshire, and Rhode Island, and Connecticut) while getting in as much motorcycle time as I can.

Some places I intend to visit:

1. Fall River and Battleship Cove (Once I get good enough to ride with someone; Sam would kill me otherwise)
2. Quabbin Reservoir (see note above)
3. Gloucester, Salem, North Shore area
4. Laconia Motorcycle Rally (not all of it, just one weekend of it)
5. Mount Greylock (via Rt. 2)
6. Wachusett Reservoir (Particularly the old Stone Church)
7. General Riding (Cambridge Reservoir in Waltham is rather pretty)

This list is likely to grow as summer gets closer and I really start to get excited.  Ideas are also welcome.

If there is any limitation to these trips, it will be the fact that I don't own a decent digital SLR camera.  That would make things even more awesome.  Throw some clothes in one saddlebag, supplies in the other, and a good camera in the "trunk" bag (the one that sits attached behind the sissy bar).

Which reminds me: I have yet to post pictures of the bike.  Primarily because when I saw it last weekend, it wasn't in a "showroom shine" mood (it needed a trip through their service department, so I didn't want to take any disappointing pictures).  Still, it had some nice extras on it that I now don't have to think about.  Last time I mentioned that it had a pre-installed sissy bar, aftermarket saddle, tri-headlight configuration, and a windscreen.  What I didn't know was that it also has a Vance & Hines Classic II exhaust system (retails for ~$400).  Bonus!  Once I get it delivered, though, I will make sure to post some nice pictures of it.  Preferably after I have given it a good shine.

I think this summer is going to be all right.  ;)