Top Five List from the Ambassador Trip

[FaranH]

Whew! Now that I've had a day or two to get work back under control, I thought I'd jump on here and share a few thoughts and photos from the Spyder Ambassador trip to LA last weekend.



Here are my top 5 words to describe how I feel about this incredible trip (with apologies for the small pictures. I didn't have time to figure out how to make them bigger):

1. Thrilled: from my very first sit on the Spyder to the last goodbye, this was a trip of a lifetime. It was surreal to be treated a bit like a celebrity when two Saturdays before I’d been at home cleaning the house.
   
2. Surprised: I had no idea that we would be the subject of a rather intense photo shoot complete with make-up artists, hair stylists and wardrobe assistants. It thrilled the girl inside me (you ladies may understand that) and annoyed the heck out of a few of our other Ambassadors (ahem—you know who you are ). I think you’ll be seeing the results of that shoot on the Spyder blog soon.
   View attachment 12396
3. Impressed: I really had no idea what the people from BRP, their PR firm or even the other ambassadors would be like. You can only discern so much about a person from their web-presence or emails, even as great as everyone seemed ahead of time. I brought my daughter Zoe and mom with me and hoped that it would be a family-friendly bunch. To a person, I was impressed with everyone’s friendliness, concern for my family's well-being, happiness at having them with me, etc. Everyone of these guys are the real deal and I've made lifetime friends.
   View attachment 12397
4. Confident: As a new rider, I was a little nervous about my very first rides being on the streets of LA and then on I-10, Mulholland Hwy and Topanga Canyon. But this machine handled like a dream. Fred and Lamont both were outstanding coaches, giving feedback and encouragement when needed. I had assumed I wouldn’t feel ready for some urban rides for a month or so. WRONG! If I can handle LA, I can handle Little Rock and Memphis!:doorag:
   View attachment 12399
   
5. Energized: I feel like I have a little more pep in my step. Riding my Spyder, meeting these great people, and anticipating the next 6 months has invigorated me. You may remember from my video that I am an adrenaline-junkie from waaaay back. With the beloved responsibilities of being a mom, I’ve put some of my “fixes” on hold for a while. The Spyder has given me the rush I crave with the security of 3-wheels that I appreciate. I am ready for more!

I know I’ll be blogging about this in the next few weeks, but wanted to give you guys a quick note about the weekend. Thanks again for the encouragement. I’m finally one of you!!

 

[SpyderAnn01]

:2thumbs: you go girl!

 

[BikerDoc]

Sounds to me like you have the classic symptoms of "Spyder Fever".. :congrats:

 

[Spyder Cat]

Again :welcome: :congrats:
Thanks for the post! We're all eager to hear all your thoughts and feelings about your new ryde!
And get used to the RockStar treatment (except from a few select 2-wheel motorcyclists who don't know any better :sour: )

 

[Big Arm]

FaranH, Thanks for posting your first impressions of the Spyder. :clap: Sounds like you had a great week-end. Good luck to you in the future, and we'll be waiting to hear more from you.opcorn:

 

[Lamonster]

I must admit I was really nervous about you and Mickey having to brave the streets of LA on your first ride and then having to merge into traffic on the 405. You guys did really good and I'm not just saying that, I'm not sure I would have done as well.

It was great to meet your mom and daughter and I hope they both had a good time. I didn't expect to see them but it tells a lot about you and your commitment to family. :thumbup:

As far as the hair and makeup thing goes, all I can say is I'm glad that's over, that was wigging me out to the max. :yikes:nojoke

 

[DynamoBT]

Glad you have officially had your induction to the hive!! You will be assimilated. Resistance is futile!!

 

[MarkLawson]

Sounds like you had a wonderful introduction to the Spyder. Seems to me that they should treat us ALL that way!

Welcome and God bless!

 

[NancysToy]

They can do all kinds of things with makeup, but they can't fake that smile. That's the real deal! You are right, you are one of us! Better than me, that's for sure. Mulholland would have made me catatonic, and I've been riding a long time. Ask the guys how close I came to passing up the Owners Event in Chicago, just because of the traffic. I am impressed beyond words with both of you. You are credits to the Spyder community. :thumbup:

 

[dltang]

Thanks for the update on your experience so far Faran. Can't wait to watch your continued progress and growth both as a Spyder Rider and a SpyderLover.

 

[Firefly]

:congrats:
Cool pics and write-ups. Love the color of that bike!

Does your makeup crew get to follow you all around the country?----

Glad you were able to brave the heavy traffic without problems. I'm sure your confidence in riding will just continue to grow the more you ride - just never get too comfortable-- as that is when something can happen.

Can't wait to me you guys at Maggie Valley.

 

[Paula(Butch2025)]

hyea:It's great to hear your first impressions of the Spyder. Isn't it a great feeling zipping down the roads on such a cool machine?!? I look forward to meeting you some day at one of the Spyder events.
--Paula (Butcha2025's wife)

 

[TicketBait]

Thrilled, Surprised, Impressed, Confident & Energized

Faran

One big happy family!

 

[FaranH]

They can do all kinds of things with makeup, but they can't fake that smile. That's the real deal! You are right, you are one of us! Better than me, that's for sure. Mulholland would have made me catatonic, and I've been riding a long time. Ask the guys how close I came to passing up the Owners Event in Chicago, just because of the traffic. I am impressed beyond words with both of you. You are credits to the Spyder community. :thumbup:

Well, it may have just been beginner's luck so I'm trying not to make too much of it. I'm sure I'll encounter some stomach churning places along the way. But it was incredibly thrilling. And I'm pretty sure the smile is there to stay for awhile :2thumbs:

 

[FaranH]

Glad you were able to brave the heavy traffic without problems. I'm sure your confidence in riding will just continue to grow the more you ride - just never get too comfortable-- as that is when something can happen.

I really appreciate the reminder. Even though my beginning rides went well, I sure need to remember that every ride has its own risks.

 

[Bootie]

Makeup

As far as the hair and makeup thing goes, all I can say is I'm glad that's over, that was wigging me out to the max. :yikes:nojoke

Did Lamont and Fred have to endure the makeup thing. They look pretty much the same as they always did I haven't seen you in person but you looked great both before and after the makeup session.:clap:
You coming to Maggie Valley?

 

[Phil]

Faran-
We need more estrogen on this board! My bride is an LPC (licensed professional counselor) and of course her favorite question is "so how does that make you feel". We have loads of 'here's how you..' and 'where do I find...'. BUT, you start right out with- 'here are my emotions...'

I LOVE IT!
blessings....

 

[dancogan]

Thrilled, Surprised, Impressed, Confident & Energized

Faran

One big happy family!

+1 :thumbup: to what he said. Great post and it's wonderful to hear your enthusiasm for ryding. Someone said it before but it's worth repeating - that smile can't be faked! :welcome:

 

[FANG]

Glad you had such a positive experience - thanks for sharing. Look forward to your future post.

Now take the :spyder2: out and ryde like the wind.

 

[bruiser]

Great post. And IMHO, you didn't need the makeup/hair done. :2thumbs: