Half A$$ Winterization

As the cooler weather begins to settle in over the Midwest, I started to think about winterizing my bike. Over the years I have read many opinions about how this winterization process should actually be accomplished. Here's an article on the subject that is right up my alley. It is entitled, "Half A$$ Winterization".

A Sunday Ride

My wife, Michelle, and my son, Jonathan, joined me on an afternoon ride. We spent some time riding around our home taking in the Fall scenery. Here's a few photos...

No Destination, Just Discovery!

It is a beautiful Sunday, and I plan to take advantage of it. I am going to grab my camera, jump on the bike, and explore some old country roads. It will be a lazy ride, one for the sole purpose of finding that perfect shot! No destination, just discovery. I will let you know how it turns out! have a great day!

Honestly!

Honestly, is there anything better than an all day ride on a beautiful Sunday?

Ever had one of those days?

Ever had one of those days when you are out on the road and things don't feel right? You can't put your finger on it, but you have this sense that you need to be extra careful today. That was how I felt on Sunday. As I started my ride I felt as if I needed to particularly alert to what was happening around me, and I am glad I heeded that feeling. More later..

Toy Run

On Sunday I participated in the 29th "Highway Hikers" Toy Run. A special charity event to help the Salvation Army kick off their annual Christmas Drive. This year was the largest turnout ever, with approximately 1200 bikers participating! The weather was sunny and mid 80's, simply a spectacular day. It was great fun to roll in to Springfield, and see the faces of the parents and children, who had lined the streets to watch this colorful parade of toys and stuffed animals, affixed to 1200 roaring motorcycles. A beautiful day and a beautiful cause!

What's A Dad To Do?

The time: 11:45 p.m.
The place: My warm bed.

My wife and I had been in bed for a few minutes and I was at the crossroads of reality and dreamland, when my phone went off! "Damn it"! I knew it had to be Jonathan, my oldest son. He had been on campus all evening doing some studying (right!) I answer the phone; "What?" Dad, my bike won't run! Jonathan says, I asked him what it was doing, then diagnosed the problem as NO FUEL! The kid ran it dry. It is midnight, he's in a bad part of town, I was in bed, and now I have to take him fuel. I pull on my pants, grab a flashlight, and head to the shed for the gas can, mumbling loudly the entire time. I jump in my wife's car, because I don't want mine smelling of gas, and I am off to meet him. I arrived at his location in a matter of minutes, I added the juice, and the bike fired immediately, and we are headed back to the house. As I followed my twenty year son back home, my mind raced with what lecture I should give him, as several would be fitting for this occasion. But once inside our warm and safe abode, I decided not to say much, I was glad he was home, and after all isn't that what a dads for?

Cool Weather Riding

Cooler weather has finally arrived in Springfield, and it serves as a reminder to clean out my bags and organize my cool weather gear. Here's the checklist..

Long johns
Chaps
Gloves with thinsulate
Neck warmer
Full face helmet.
Chapstick.
Rain gear.

Why We Ride

Robert Pirsig wrote in his book Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance...

"You see things vacationing on a motorcycle in a way that is completely different from any other. In a car you’re always in a compartment, and because you’re used to it you don’t realize that through that car window everything you see is just more TV. You’re a passive observer and it is all moving by you boringly in a frame.

“On a cycle the frame is gone. You’re completely in contact with it all. You’re in the scene, not just watching it anymore, and the sense of presence is overwhelming. That concrete whizzing by 5 inches below your foot is the real thing, the same stuff you walk on, it’s right there, so blurred you can’t focus on it, yet you can put your foot down and touch it anytime, and the whole thing, the whole experience, is never removed from immediate consciousness."


St. Augustine (354-430 AD) wrote, “The world is a book and those who do not travel, read only a page.”

Motorcycle Stats

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, recently released a study finding riders of "crotch rockets", are killed nearly 4 times as often as the riders of "cruiser" bikes. The death rate of the supersport riders was 22.5% in 2005, compared to 5.7% of cruiser riders. Ride Safe!

And What A Show It Was!

I was heading west on St. Rt. 40, just before dusk. The skies were a vivid blue, and clear; except for an island of clouds that veiled the setting sun. As I watched the formation before me, I was enveloped by a familiar feeling. It is the feeling one gets while sitting in the theater waiting for a play to begin, the audience is a buzz, making certain the purse, jacket, and playbill, are all in their proper places, and courtesously greeting those seated next to them. As you glance to the front, shadows of stagehands making final preparations seep from under the immense velveteen curtain, the orchestra finishes tuning, and a strange quiet hovers over the auditorium; The Show is about to begin! Such is the emotion I had last night. The sun seemed like a nervous school boy ready to deliver his opening lines, and with just the hum of my motorcycle, and the breeze in my face, It was Show Time! For the next 3-5 minutes, I witnessed one of the most spectacular performances anyone could imagine. The sun was brilliant as the leading man, and the sky, a magnificent leading lady! I was moved! I look forward

Rune Baby Rune!