Finding time to ride

Now that it is officially spring, getting out for a ride doesn't depend as much on the weather as it does in the fall and winter. Of course one must be aware of spot thunderstorms popping up unexpectedly. So with the warmer weather, the desire to hit the open roads comes more frequently. The trouble for some is, fitting it in to their schedule. If you're like me, your schedule can quickly fill up with family activities and social functions. Baseball practices and games on the weekends, school and church events. Projects and Honey-do lists that require your free time. The list goes on and on. For some, riding to work is an option. While it doesn't let you go on a long ride, at least you're on your bike and smelling the fresh air. If you don't mind riding alone, take advantage of small windows of opportunity that may pop up unexpectedly. Maybe an event gets cancelled or rescheduled for some reason. If you have an hour or two on the weekend and the weather is nice, hit the road for a solo ride on your favorite stretch of road. What may be necessary for others though, is to put it on your calendar. Mark it down so everyone knows. You've got a day scheduled to ride with some friends and make it happen. You can plan a group ride with your buddies or check with your local dealership to see if there is a group ride planned. While group rides require more planning and preparation, you can't beat the thrill of riding with others who share your passion for motorcycles and the freedom of the open road! So what are you waiting for? Start planning your next ride before your calendar fills up.

Riding season!

So now it's spring? It feels like summer!

Now that it is officially spring, many people have begun wondering, "if winter was this mild, how hot is it going to be this summer?" That's a fair question. Yesterday, not only did I ride my motorcycle to work, I had to mow the grass when I got home. I can't remember mowing the lawn this early in the year. With temperatures in the 80's in March, records are being set everyday around the country. Not too many people are complaining mind you...yet. Most people I know are happy it's spring. The grass is growing, trees and bushes are in bloom. Flowers are budding. Kids are playing outside. It's great! But times may change if the temps keep rising. Sure it's great when it's 80 degrees and you can wear short sleeves and short in March. But hey, this is America, people like to complain. The gas prices are too high! Will we have to turn the air conditioners on in April? What will happen to our electric bills? Well, I'm not going to worry about it yet. As a motorcyclist, I'm just happy that winter's over and it's warm enough to ride to work. And yes, it doesn't hurt that I get better gas mileage on my bike than in my car. Besides that, my team is still in the NCAA tournament and baseball season is set to start in less than two weeks! Welcome spring!

Reflections

Let's Ride!

Now that we're into March, the official countdown has begun to spring. By my calendar it looks like only 13 more days. Of course, mother nature could cooperate and give us some warmer days before then, so motorcycle riders, commuters, and weekend warriors will check the weather every day for the temperatures and conditions that look right for them to hit the open road and feel the fresh air in their face. Bikers throughout most of the country have suffered through winter and with warmer weather coming, the urge to get out and ride becomes greater and greater! If they haven't done so already, it's time to charge the batteries, check the oil, and fill up the gas tank. The highways and byways beckon our call for the rush and freedom that can only be experienced on a motorcycle! So if you are driving in your car or pickup, be sure to watch out for motorcycles and give us a little room. The roads are there for everyone to share and share alike. Let the new riding season begin!

Wordless Wednesday

Spring Fever

So far, the winter of 2011-2012 has been a mild one. A couple of light snow events here and there, and enough cold weather to let you know that it really was winter, but for most, it has been unseasonable warm. Yet there are still reminders that it is still winter after all: morning frost on the ground, no leaves on the trees, and lots of brown grass or perhaps a better way to put it, an absence of green. As we make our way through February it is unavoidable to begin thinking about spring! Spring training baseball has begun in Florida and Arizona, and that always gets people talking about spring break, warmer weather, golf, beaches and yes, even motorcycle riding. For the motorcyclist, winter is the worst season of the year. Too cold to ride for most, except the hardiest of souls, and even if one does venture out for a ride on a rare mild day, you still need to bundle up to avoid being chilled to the bone. No one knows the real meaning of wind chill factors more than motorcyclists! Yes, as enjoyable as it might be to take a ride on a warm 55 to 60 degree day, it still doesn't compare to a 75 to 85 degree day. So come on spring, get a move on! Let the grass begin growing again and the leaves and flowers can start budding. There are folks who want to hit the road on their bikes and smell the fresh air. Let's ride!