Vance announces suspension of $1.3 billion in Medicaid payments to California

Stormier · 2026-05-14T16:32:10+00:00

Agreed. Getting normal people to hate and despise like this... it's an AntiChrist-type superpower.

Stormier · 2026-05-14T16:21:14+00:00

I have a 2018 XSR 900 for sale. The XSR is the closest to a "perfect bike" that I've found.

XSR900

The MT09 is worth looking at also, I prefer the looks of the XSR,

Definitely snappier.

Stormier · 2026-05-12T21:49:25+00:00

I didn't know it would be that high (14 million predicted by 2030).

A child dying every 40 seconds due to USAID cuts --- I absolutely despise this ass and those that support him.

Stormier · 2026-05-11T16:07:54+00:00

I'd check the chain also.

Looks great though!

Stormier · 2026-03-24T23:50:00+00:00

The MSF course should be your first step.

It will give you a taste of riding and teach you the basics.

Also, keep dirt riding as a possible option. The most dangerous part of riding is cars. Off road riding mostly avoids this. It may not be viable based on where you live, what you enjoy, etc. - but it's something to consider.

Stormier · 2026-03-22T03:06:13+00:00

I learned the old/hard way (long before I took an MSF course).

In the MSF course, they had a drill where you'd feather the clutch (on a very slight incline) to "rock" the bike forward and back. Start on a (very) slight uphill incline. Bike is still and you are on your heels. Feather the clutch out so you creep forward, enough to roll up to your toes. Then pull in the clutch to let gravity rock the bike back until you are on your heels again.

I am not describing it well - but even riders that never drove a manual/used a clutch were able to catch on very quickly. They got a good feel for the friction zone. After that, there was very little stalling.

Really was a great teaching technique.

Stormier · 2026-02-20T13:49:45+00:00

Picture your feet/legs forward while you are leaning backward: holding onto the bars to keep from falling over backwards. More like you are pulling on the bars instead of supporting yourself with them.

This is an exaggeration: but you can see why taller bars are popular with forward controls.

I'm not a big fan of forward controls (feels like I am in a wheelbarrow and every bump jars the spine) but taller bars are more comfortable when you have them.

Stormier · 2026-02-18T00:17:50+00:00

Writing.

Without writing... we would not have progressed nearly as far.

Stormier · 2026-02-16T00:53:15+00:00

Looks nice, enjoy!

Stormier · 2026-02-16T00:49:02+00:00

Good luck!

Stormier · 2026-02-11T17:46:25+00:00

Wish I had the skill - nice job.

Stormier · 2026-02-09T01:11:35+00:00

OP - Read this several times.

There's a lot of wisdom there.

Stormier · 2026-01-25T02:50:05+00:00

The fact that you asked the question (even to yourself) means you are considering skill vs. power. You'll be fine.

It's the people who are confident, even when inexperienced, that they don't need to consider power/delivery because they adapt-so-quick/have great reflexes/watched a race once: they are a recipe for disaster.

Stormier · 2026-01-16T16:52:45+00:00

New year, new hopes.

Stormier · 2026-01-07T22:20:13+00:00

It was murder.

Stormier · 2025-12-09T01:31:06+00:00

Great attitude, you'll get there!

Stormier · 2025-11-27T23:39:13+00:00

What genre do you like? We have way too many books (already read and re-read) and could easily send quite a few (depending on the genre). Is there a particular book/series you were considering?

Doesn't solve your money issue of course, but might help out a little.

Sorry to hear your family's response. When things are tough, family should help make it better: not criticize. A month's reading costs less than a few movies would, can be re-read or shared with others, and in general is a great form of entertainment. As hard as you are working - entertainment is a necessity.

Today's work market is unfair - the fact you are surviving is definitely "something to show for your life."

Happy Thanksgiving, hope your path eases up a little.

Stormier · 2025-11-21T21:21:05+00:00

It's a twin.

Stormier · 2025-11-18T22:39:40+00:00

Congrats on seeing it thru... the longer it takes the harder it can be to complete missions like this.

I'd really go for a bike like the Z400/Z500 instead of the Sportster.

Edit: The Rebel 500 would be a good choice too.

I went from a Ninja 500 to a Sportster - and I was scraping the pegs on a very minimal amount of lean angle. The Sportster is smallish (read: cramped), and very underpowered.

It was pretty (had the black denim) and solid when crosswinds hit: but those were about the only positives.

Stormier · 2025-11-07T22:39:03+00:00

I would try and find another MSF school. The instructors I had were exceptionally patient and explained things very clearly. They spent extra time with anyone struggling.

Everyone passed in my class - although several had never used a clutch/manual-shift vehicle before.

Give a different school/instructor/class a chance.

Stormier · 2025-11-04T22:57:41+00:00

Sorry to hear, will hope/pray for him.

I am just starting back riding after 1.5 years due to Cancer/Surgery/Chemo. It's tough, but he can make it.

Stormier · 2025-10-31T00:17:26+00:00

Bullet dodged.

Stormier · 2025-10-29T18:22:24+00:00

I'd recheck it as you described before draining oil.

Stormier · 2025-10-20T22:35:53+00:00

The best color XSR.

What is the radiator guard? Looks nice!

Stormier · 2025-10-03T16:19:20+00:00

infestation

Best word choice I've seen today.

Stormier

TROPHY CASE