Time for a tune up!

Well we made it!  Winter is officially over.  Spring has arrived...finally.  Warmer temperatures are finally on the way.  For motorcycles owners, that means it's time to get your bike ready to hit the roads, highways and byways.  Of course, that also means we have to make sure our cruisers are ready to go.  Most of us in cold weather climates have had their bikes sitting in their garages or storage units for months.  The batteries must be charged, the fluids checked, and the tires inspected.  In some cases, like mine, I even had to get the bike state inspected because my license plate tags were due to expire.  I also discovered it was time for a new front tire.  But now I'm ready.  Ready to head out and hit the open road!  Smell the fresh air and feel the breeze rush past your face.  There's nothing quite like the experience of a motorcycle ride.  So good riddance winter.  You will not be missed.  It's riding season now!

When will it end?

After suffering through another snow storm yesterday, many people including myself are asking the question:  How long will this winter last?  Now of course winter is the same length every year, but this year it feels longer.  By all accounts we have endured more snow and bitter cold temperatures than have been seen in decades.  Sub-zero temperatures are not the norm in the midwest.  Yes, we like to say we get all four seasons and can experience the full range of temperatures from 0 to 100 degrees, but we haven't experienced below zero temperatures in over 15 years in Missouri.  Add to that, the repeated snow events and it starts to take it's toll on one's fortitude and demeanor.  Most schools in the area have had so many snow days that this year's school year won't end until sometime in June.  Well past the pre-Memorial day finish that they have gravitated to over the years.  So now we are into February and the countdown for spring has begun.  While Punxsutanwney Phil has predicted another six weeks of winter, the calendar says 43 days to be exact.  But wait, pitchers and catchers report to spring training in just a few days.  Warmer weather must be just around the corner!  We can only hope.  For those who long to get out on the highways and byways on their motorcycles, the wait can be excruciating.  Come on Old Man Winter...give us a break!  We want the Heat Miser to bring us warmth.  Dear Mother Nature, have pity on us, we are ready for spring now.  We don't mind if it comes early this year.  How will it all play out?  Only time will tell. But for now, I'm in Storm Mode.  The kids are off from school today, and it's time to shovel the driveway.  My dreams of warmer weather have been dashed...

Wintertime Blues

Winterized

For most motorcyclists, this is the time of the year that we all dread...fall and winter. The end of the summer riding season. Depending on what part of the country you live in, your season could end in September or October, or maybe extend into November if you're in a warmer climate. For those lucky enough to be in Florida, Arizona or southern California, you don't have this problem, but for people who experience all four seasons, there will be a time when you have to garage your bike. When you get to December, that time is now. Some people in extreme cold climates may decide to winterize their motorcycles, meaning they drain the fluids and disconnect the battery, to keep their bike in good condition through the winter. In this case, you really are done for the season. For those in the Midwest or climates where the weather can be fickle, taking a chance against winterizing may mean you'll get a ride in every now and then if the weather cooperates. I have lived in Missouri for the past 32 years and can remember times when we saw temperatures in the 70's in January! So if you watch the weather trends and see a nice warm spell coming, get out the tender and charge that battery up...you might get a ride in! In the meantime, you may have to pass the time talking up past rides and rallies with your biker buddies at the shop or dealership, or diner. Heck, you could even check out an upgrade for next year. This is the time of the year for deals on new wheels!

Caught in the Rain?

TIPS FOR RIDING SAFELY ON WET ROADSTip #116 from the pages of The Total Motorcycling ManuelGuest Post By Mark Lindemann of Cycle World

We’ve talked elsewhere about how to stay dry on a bike. Now we’re going to talk about how to ride more safely when the road is wet.

Your biggest issue is reduced traction. Painted lines, manhole covers, and metal bridge gratings are real danger zones. Puddles may seem benign, but they can hide deep, sharp-edged potholes. If you see standing water on the road, pay attention.

Gentle control inputs are the key. You needn’t ride significantly slower in the rain, but you won’t be able to lean as far, or as suddenly. Easy on and off the throttle; ditto for the brakes. Take conservative lines—this is no time to dive for the apex. Try to be smooth, like you’re giving your grandmother a nice ride on the back. Keep your brakes dry—this means you’ll have to drag them lightly every 3 or 4 miles (5–6 km), in order to heat them up and drive the water out.

It’s smart to short-shift the bike (shift earlier to keep the engine revs lower) on the street, but do just the opposite (let the bike rev higher) on the freeway. Short-shifting helps keep the wheel from spinning at low speeds and lessens the torque multiplication at the rear wheel so the bike doesn’t step out on paint stripes or manholes. Letting it rev higher on the freeway lets you use compression braking to gently slow the bike without depending on sudden brake inputs.

Finally, wear a full-face helmet. At speed, even small raindrops feel like bullets.

For more tips on motorcycle safety, check out Cycle World.

What happened to Thanksgiving?

Now that Veterans Day has past, the next big holiday of the year is Christmas. What, you ask? What about Thanksgiving? Oh sure, there will be a Thanksgiving holiday. Most Americans will take that Thursday and possibly the following Friday off to be with their family and eat turkey and watch the Detroit Lions lose to whoever they will be playing that day. Wait, the Lions aren't that bad of a team anymore.  Anyway, Thanksgiving is a holiday that is going by the wayside. I have already seen houses and businesses with Christmas decorations up. Bell ringers are already stationed at the local grocery stores to beg for your loose change. I even flipped through the radio dial last night and heard a station playing Christmas music already! Yes, I still listen to the radio...what's wrong with that?  Now I'm no Scrooge. I love Christmas and what it means to Christians around the world. I love seeing my kids get excited about what they hope Santa will bring them this year. But I think Thanksgiving deserves a little more recognition than just a day to get off work and eat some turkey and pie with your friends and family. We should reflect on what we as a nation are thankful for. Freedom of religion. Freedom of speech. Freedom to vote for whomever we choose to represent us in government. Let's wait until after Thanksgiving to hang the decorations and do our Christmas shopping. Now stores are even open for business on Thanksgiving day!  Christmas will be here before we know it anyway.

Exploring fall colors