Crazy Cora: My Motorcycle My Muse
My Crazy Cora motorcycle, oh, she is certainly turning into my muse. Let me introduce you to her and share with you the beginning of our journey.
What is she?
I have done some research and found that Harley Davidson did not make a trike in 1974. So, you may be asking how I have a Harley Davidson trike with matching numbers on both the frame and the motor…hmmm. Well, Harley Davidson stopped the production of the Servi-Car in 1973, but it is my understanding that this bike was part of a contract Harley Davidson had with a police department for an order of servi-car/trikes. They completed the order in 1974, therefore, stamping a 1974 VIN on both the frame and the motor. Kinda cool, huh? Now, this is from my own research and I have reached out to Harley Davidson for a more in-depth history but I am still waiting for someone to get back to me. I will be sure to share any new information that I come across with you as I find it.
When I Found Her
All during 2017, I had been saving up for a bike but was not quite sure what I wanted. Being my 1st bike, I wanted a certain look, a certain feel, and most of all, a certain ride and function. I did not get in a hurry and it took me a little while to find it, but it was one of those instances where you just know that you know.
It was mid-September of 2017, hubby and I were riding, no particular destination, just tooling around in our local area. We got wind of a Bike Night happening at one of the local bike shops and decided to pay them a visit. To learn more of what the shop has to offer, click here. This place has now become one of my favorite places! Great people! There is still some business that focuses on being honest and excellent customer service.
Hubby and I walked around the parking lot for a bit, saying hello, grabbing a bite to eat from the food truck, and looking at the other bikes. September in Texas, so, still a little warm out. We finally made our way to the front door, stepping into the air conditioning, and I remember it like it was yesterday, my husband turned and said, “let’s check it out, who knows there may be something in there we can’t live without.” Little did I know.
Where did she come from?
I bought Crazy Cora from an old school biker who just loves his shovelhead motorcycles. He had her on consignment at the Scooter Shed. One of those old school bikers that still believe in dignity and respect. One whose word is their bond and says what they mean, and means what they say. I have to say he is one of the best guys around and a great mentor at that! Have lots to learn from him.
He had found Cora in a barn in Oklahoma in 2016, brought her back to Texas and begin to get her running good. She has a Shovelhead with a 4-speed transmission with a suicide shift. Absolutely love it. Still, use points, you should have seen me resetting those the first time…lol. Now I know how and trust that I could do it again if needed. Cora also has a kicker, which is a nice alternative if you need it. In the future some of the mechanics may change, may go to a 5-speed, electronic ignition, but one thing is for sure the suicide shift and the kicker are staying.
Inspiration Behind Her Name
Have you ever watched Quigley Down Under? If you haven’t, it is worth watching! My husband uses to joke and call me Crazy Cora all the time. I am still not sure why….lol, but for some reason he did. The more I watched the movie the more I was drawn to the character. By the end of the movie you realize she may not be as crazy as you thought, a little eccentric, but not crazy.
You can’t tell me that when watching this movie, no matter how crazy she is, you notice Cora has a special way about her, a special spirit, and just makes you laugh. Not because you find her stupid, or crazy, as she is called but, because there is pureness about her. Positive and real! Existing in her own little world, with all the heartache she has suffered, she is real. Emotional baggage and, she still found a way to love…to find peace with herself. I believe that she also knew that there was a bigger picture, things happen and even though she didn’t know why she stayed positive. No one could rock her tenacity. Staying patient and following her journey. She pressed on.
“Just because the road is rocky, doesn’t mean your spirit should be rocky too!”—Crazy Cora
Earning Her Name
There is a quote that Quigley makes to Cora about three-quarters of the way through the movie. This is after he has learned everything she had been through and where her “crazy” comes from. He couldn’t have been more right when he told her, “You have every right to your happiness, Cora.”
This is what my “Crazy Cora” does for me. Exercising my right to happiness. She, in my little world, represents the peace I have found in my struggles. Letting no one or thing have control over my peace of mind. Always moving forward.
She does things her way. Crazy Cora has the experience of life, being an older motorcycle, but the excitement of knowing there is more road to travel ahead of her. She just needed someone to give her a chance. Her name was earned proudly.
She has that eccentric personality, but once you learn to speak her language, she will move you with grace as you both glide through the breeze on an exclusive winding road with no destination in sight. Free from the worries and struggles in life. Content with where she has been, what she has learned, and where she is going.
My Intentions
Doing Something New
Fear is just an illusion that you have been able to see through. You have found what is true. That part of you that has always been there, but was buried beneath piles of life’s problems, worry, and uncertainty. You have been to hell and back but, are better for it. You have learned to stay true to who you are and trust your instincts.
You know the moment I am talking about. That moment you realize you are strong and confident and ready to take on the world.
Part of taking on the world is seeing through the fear and trying something new. Something you’ve never done before, and frankly with my history, no one thought I would ever do. That, in itself, makes it exciting.
In 2008, I was in a horrible motorcycle wreck. Injuries consisted of road rash, broken bones, and a traumatic brain injury, with several bleeds and swelling. Five days in a coma and another 2 of rehab and recovery. I was a passenger at the time and no one ever thought I would ever ride on a motorcycle again much less ride solo, even if it is a trike.
Some will say, “Oh, it’s just a trike, not a real bike,” but that is ok. I know my limitations and due to injuries, I know that I, on a trike, is really close to an uninjured person on two wheels. So, I am ok with that.
This is me conquering my fear and I will ride until I can not ride anymore. Expanding my experiences and creating my own adventures. Not afraid of change and not afraid to try something new.
Learning to Ride
Yeah, a little nervous, but never looked back. I remember the first run around the parking lot doing figure-8’s until I was comfortable with the shifting. Quite comical, to say the least. The video below provided for your amusement. I know I spent about an hour in the parking lot and going over all the important stuff with the owner and the shop. Then it was on to the open road. Hubby was sure I would be extremely cautious and putter myself home. Yeah, it didn’t happen that way. I was ready and was craving to open her up and hear that glorious sound roaring down the highway.
For the next year, I would just focus on getting comfortable. Placing myself in different traffic situations. Learn to be aware of everything around me. Learning the etiquette and practice, practice, and practice some more. I will say, it has all gotten better with time and practice. Not as anxious, much more relaxed. If you are just starting out, have faith in yourself, if I can do this, you can too.
Part of the Leaning Process-The Mechanics
I was adamant that I would not be one of those girls who rode but knew nothing about their bike. I want to know everything. Within the first couple of weeks, I had learned to reset the points, I had to bleed the brakes, replaced the throw-out bearing and slinger, and reset the timing. Not bad for the first year. That is not even counting the normal maintenance requirements…lol.
My goal is to share with you Cora’s story. Every experience we have, everything I learn, from the mechanic to the fun cosmetic upgrades, all part of her story for you to enjoy and follow along with. Maybe in doing so, it will be an inspiration and motivation for you to tackle something that you have wanted to do but never trusted yourself or had the courage to try.
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Disclosure: This post contains external links. At the moment, Ros Alainn will not receive compensation from any of the companies associated with these links.
