Why risk riding outside a reasonably normal riding season? [Archive]

Asphalt

02-15-2006, 07:23 AM

I used to ride throughout the winter and in the cold only because a 450 Nighthawk was all I could afford to own from the age of 16 to 22. I rode in the winter to get to work as long as there was no snow on the road while going to University. Once I finally saved enough to get my first car (Colt/Mitsubishi turbo) I vowed to never ride in those conditions again.

Now I see posts with riders crashing their beatuful ST's, looking for electrically traced gear, and seemingly extending their riding season IMHO beyond a reasonably normal riding season...and I don't get it and ask for explanations why do it?

- Vehicle drivers barely look out for bikes during the peak riding season and seldom if ever during off season times,
- Salt and sand is crippling to a bike...mine was a rust bucket after a couple of years,
- Tires don't grip in cold weather,
- No way anyone could be as alert riding in the cold plus with all that gear as they might otherwise be. (Kind of like diving in cold water with full gear vs diving in the Caribbean with just a shorty).

In Toronto area, my buddies consider the riding season to typically be mid-May to mid-October. (Perhaps start late-April only if all the sand/salt has washed away and rarely end into early November...but the season is definately done after the first sand or salt hits the road)

Ken

02-15-2006, 07:51 AM

I'm with you Asphalt. I'm not far from you, in a similar climate. I love to ride. But I don't confess to be a cold weather fan. I don't ski, ice fish, or snowmobile. Heck, I don't even shovel my driveway :) I admire the diehards that invest in cold weather gear and brave the elements. But I have no desire to join them. For me, I'm satisfied with riding from April - October.

Wahrsuul

02-15-2006, 08:18 AM

What's a "reasonably normal riding season"? I'm way far away from ya'll. I rode in this morning with 34 temp and as near as I can tell, cagers don't look any more or less during the winter here. But I also don't need as much cold weather gear either. My brother has a heated jacket liner on his 'Wing-a-bago and even he won't ride in the temps I do. Its a prefernce; I'd rather ride any time than drive. The only thing I avoid is cold AND wet at the same time.

Bones

02-15-2006, 08:21 AM

An "off season" doesn't mean you have to remove yourself from motorcycles. I hooked up with a bunch of ST dudes from the Northeast at the Cycle World show in NYC, and I hooked up with my local riding crew last weekend for dinner and a movie ("Word's Fastest Indian").

Some years we ride into January before a big snow cuts things off. Some years we start riding in early March. You can't control the weather.

SpEd

02-15-2006, 08:55 AM

I guess I'm one fo the fortunate ones. Living in South Texas allows me to ride year round pretty much as long as I'm not too lazy to put on the gear. I rode yesterday with no electrics, but it was around 32 degres with stints around 30 or so according to my ST. It was plenty cold enough for me, but I survived with long johns and my Tourmaster Cortech Advanced and Polar gloves. It's only 20 or so miles.

By contrast, when I rode home in the afternoon it was 72 degrees. Its difficult to pack the required clothing some days. Where else can the temps vary 40 degrees in a day? Crazy! LOL:D

CrashTestDanny

02-15-2006, 09:05 AM

Where else can the temps vary 40 degrees in a day? Crazy! LOL:D

Tucson, AZ,
(nearly anywhere in AZ for that matter)
Death Valley, CA,
The Sahara desert,
probably a few other spots... :D

dannyk

02-15-2006, 09:45 AM

I would love to be able to ride 365, unfortunatly the salt/sand/ice/snow kinda limits my ability to do so. Living in a climate that would allow winter riding would be to hot for me in the summer,must be the thicker northern bloodso I am stuck here in the land of snow and ice for another couple of months, besides I have to clean off some of Heikki's handywork from the roof that he has been leaving behind, snow load becomes a problem around this time of year,:biker:

Kempo-STer

02-15-2006, 09:59 AM

1st of all...What IS normal and how do you define it....Very subjective term..

Yes I ride when its cold and it has snowed ( a couple of days earlier) and sand is present.

It all goes back to risks and reward and where your particular line is. Hell the same thing can be asked why ride at all, etc...

If you want my thought process about whether to ride on a particularly cold morning (lets use 23 degrees as an example because its below freezing) ride to understand here goes...
In the morning before I go to work , I'll listen to the weather, temperatures, humidities, are the roads wet, is the sun out, what will the temperature be when I leave work etc...I'll pay attention to road conditions in my car if I did not take the bike the day before..

Cold weather does not bother me even without electric gear..can't say I won't be looking at electric glove liners next year but that's a topic for another day..

I can deal with sand. It is not unpredecitable, you can see it coming up in a turn and can slow way down accordingly. Cars also push sand out of the way and create patterns which can be easily seen.

BTW..car drivers don't turn off the look out for motorcycle switch in thier head just because its winter. Thats bull..they don't look period. The good drivers are doing the same thing and watching out for anything whether its winter or not. a-holes in the summer will be a-holes in the winter...

One thing I do not mess with is ice...It there is ice in my driveway usually menas there is ice in the road, the bike stays in.

I hope this helps you understand..You won't ever 'get it' because you have made your own decision. I have made mine..
If your interested in a philisohical discussion then I will not engage in it...
Its just like trying to 'get' a reason for purchasing a harley..They have their reasons and it usually is not data related..

Reiner Kappenberger

02-15-2006, 10:33 AM

I love to ride. And due to that Winter is just a different season to extend that passion.

Using the proper gear I ride anytime of year as long as there is no ice on the road.

Last year we went in March from Denver to Las Vegas through the high country. It was down to 16 degrees but nice and cosy due to the heated gear we have. It was fantastic looking at the expression of the cagers and truck drivers as we rode the dry streets of Northern Colorado.

Ice or snow on the street and the bike keeps being parked in the garage.

The most important aspect of winter riding is to keep a much closer watch on road conditions. Sand, etc is going to be present everywhere. Plus our riding attitude is always that the only purpose of any cager/truck/etc is to kill you. Learning to read the traffic is the most important aspect - but the same holds true in Summer.

Reiner

tricky_micky

02-15-2006, 10:38 AM

I have no choice!

I ride bikes for a living so I go out in all weathers. Mind, I would draw the line to riding a bike when there is snow on the roads :eek:

Mick

EagleSix

02-15-2006, 10:40 AM

I agree Asphalt, I'll never let those hardcore snow belt riders con me into riding in temps below 40* or above 120*!!!! Here in Phoenix it's rough finding good riding conditions....between the monsoon rains and dust bowl sand storms, it's hard to find more than 365 days out of the year to ride!!!! Just a little fun teasing there.

Course I don't look for excuses not to ride, and get a little aggrevated if a day goes by I don't ride, because there are very, very few days here I can't ride.

Best Regards....George

February 15th, 2206, 10:41 AM - - Phoenix Weather - Current temperature 63*, Party Cloudy, High 76*, Tonights Low 46*

ccryder

02-15-2006, 10:59 AM

If it is dry and above 32deg I'll ride. I have tried to ride with frost on the ground but, THAT IS NO FUN! Other than that, I like to start off in the dry, especially for work, and will just turn up my Gerbings if I'm too cool.

YRMV but, I'm off to ride and get some lunch.

Neil S.

jbim

02-15-2006, 11:01 AM

You think riding in the cold is extreme. How would you like to paddle lake Ontario for a few hours at minus five in a kayak. I came back the boat was frozen stiff. I think it's just a matter of choice. We do what we like as much as we can. Some don't mind extreme conditions. Others prefer to be active when all conditions are perfect. Golf is similar. Some people will never play in the rain. Others believe in never rains on a golf course.

motomac

02-15-2006, 11:15 AM

I started riding motorcycles in 1958. I owned my first one in 1964. I bought it because it was cheaper than any used car I could find. I rode the wheels off of it and bought a new 1967 Triumph Bonneville. I still didn't own a cage. If I had not married in 1969, I probably would not have bought a cage then. Anyhow, after many years of riding two wheeled motorized vehicles, I have found that I am much more comfortable negotiating traffic and the various roads in the US on a motorcycle. Since I discovered heated clothing about six years ago, I ride whenever there is no ice and snow on the roads. I live just below the snow belt here in NE Ohio. The salt dust is not that hard to clean off the bikes after I return home. I bought my '06 ST two weeks and two days ago and it has over 1150 miles on it. I have enjoyed every one of them. I feel bad for the '06 Wing that I bought in Oct, because I haven't ridden it since I got the ST Jan 30. I guess since I have to go to the library to pick up a book, I'll take the Wing out or a warm up. It is over 50 F today!!!:06biker: :D

EagleSix

02-15-2006, 11:16 AM

"ditto" jbim....you said it all....

mishkee

02-15-2006, 11:44 AM

if the roads are dry and ice free. I have all the heated stuff and yes this morning in Minnesota was perty chilly. I usually go in a little later on mornings I ride so I can see the road conditions better. The salt and the sand are pretty much moved out of the way til you get to an intersection anyway. Just something I need to do, I feel SO much better getting it out of my system, and I'm in a great mood. The (gerbing) heated gear is the best thing since sliced bread. I constantly have to mess with opening/closing the helmet shield if I'm not above 55-60. It's about a 20 min ride, and it was 7 this morning. Too each there own as they say...

STratus

02-15-2006, 11:59 AM

Living in South Texas allows me to ride year round pretty much as long as I'm not too lazy to put on the gear.

Agreed... I have a tougher time in the summers. Nothing like waiting at a stop light in 105°F. Mesh jackets do nothing but give the sunburn a speckled texture.:nuke1:

Bones

02-15-2006, 12:32 PM

I think 60 is ideal riding temperature -- cool enough that your full gear keeps you comfortable, warm enough that you don't need to turn on the electrics.

For what it's worth, I'd rather ride when it's very cold than when it's very hot. It's more effective to add heat to your body when it's 35 than it is to shed unwanted heat when it's 95.

jackpine savage

02-15-2006, 12:58 PM

I used to ride all year long with my CL175 back when I was 15 or so. It's surprising how well you can travel on packed snowmobile trails when it's cold and you have semi-knobby tires. I don't do it anymore, I quickly learned what salt brine does to polished aluminum cases (on the VERY few times I would sneak out on the highways :) ).
David

JReviere

02-15-2006, 01:23 PM

Answer to why? It varies with the person and circumstances. I don't. COLD or WET conditions are "leave it parked" conditions for me. I've been riding over 60 years. I've learned to ride when it's enjoyable not a chore (to me).

Someone mentioned all the cold weather gear.... I hate "GEAR"... I wear a helmet, but don't like it. Getting all bundled up like the Michelin Man takes the pleasure away. I don't don't like clothes with "armor"... Yeah, I know all the doom sayer comments and the war stories people tell.

I find, and it's purely subconscious, I ride much more aggressively when I'm wearing an exoskeleton (armor). I take more risks without even thinking about it.

When I ride unarmored, I am much more aware and much much much more cautious... and I enjoy that ride more.

It's just me, I suppose, but I ride my ride. I live my life. With upwards of 5,000 hours of military flying, I know... and this applies to motorcycle riders... THERE ARE NO OLD BOLD PILOTS. If you aren't careful, you don't live long.

I find when I ride with no armor, I am many times more cautious and aware... So, generally, I ride with boots, jeans, leather jacket, gloves, helmet... a mid-range compromise between a full suit of exoskeletal armor and just skin... Works for me.

You ride your ride and make miles of smiles....armored if that's your thing....naked if you're at heart a nudist...

Wet is one thing. COLD is another thing. Both these are BAD. But WET and COLD are 2 things squared... REALLY BAD...

But, like SpecEd says, I live where I can ride comfortably all year round... I'm about 50 mi from where he lives....

I intend to LIVE LONG AND PROSPER... mostly by not taking stupid chances when I don't have to do so.
JR
STOC 394
03ST1300A
Lake Livingston, TX

Kempo-STer

02-15-2006, 02:25 PM

Some of you would change your mindset if you lived somewhere where there were 'seasons'.

Easy for some of you to sit there and say you won't do it when the temp hit below 50 which for some of you is during an artic blast...:rolleyes:

Again this is getting philosophical waste to discuss...I resent it being called stupid...pretty harsh.

Some of the comments thats are being thrown out make absolutley NO sense..
Kayaking in freezing water???? Bundled up like michelin man??? (Ever hear of a windproof motorcyle jacket with a liner and sweatshirt)
c'mon guys just to help your own viewpoint...MAN that is tiresome....

Ride your ride...the post original post asked "why"
Enter the 4 season sun dudes saying why NOT....Then here we go...

Ride you own ride..if its TOO cold for you stay in...I'll beep as I go by.

Fastraveller

02-15-2006, 03:01 PM

I wouldn't live anywhere that I couldn't ride practically year round. As far as braving the elements on a motorcycle, you simply need to properly dress for it. Clothing makes all the difference in the world. A major factor for me is how long am I going to be riding in low temps (30's and 40's). An hour or so isn't bad at all, whereas, all day can be a real grind. I use no heated clothing and I'm quite comfortable in temps well into the 40's farenheit. I may invest in some heated clothing if I decide to take a couple of spring time trips to Colorado or New Mexico this year.

David

Fastraveller

02-15-2006, 03:04 PM

georgeorge

02-15-2006, 05:11 PM

Why???.......because when we can't ride we all know what happens!

http://www.motocrossgiant.com/product_p/dia_express.htm

dond

02-15-2006, 05:16 PM

ReSTored

02-15-2006, 06:12 PM

I'm one of the Northern non-riders (Mississauga, ON) from end of October or early Nov. to end of April, beginning of May. I don't enjoy riding in cold weather and I buy into the cold tire thing in terms of reduced traction as well. Both cars go Michelin X-Ice tires when temps go to 0 C so why would I ride a bike in those climes?

PS

bcst1300

02-15-2006, 07:32 PM

Is how long I insure my bike. But I have ridden in 1C weather in September so I needed warm clothes. It was 20 C by the end of the ride so I had to turn the heat off. If you ever ride over a mountain pass in BC you can easily be confronted with very cold temps in june and July.

Montreal Police rode their Harleys all winter and if you have ever seen a cop on a motorcycle in a foot of snow you have seen a lot. They had side cars and full skirting to keep warm and dry.

I avoid road salt as it is destructive. If I am on a trip and the weather goes bad I don't sit at the motel wishing for better weather. Just dress and go. The clothes and the heat make it comfortable. Nothing makes Motorcycling safe but a cage isn't all that much safer either.

JReviere

02-15-2006, 08:00 PM

It appears, regrettably, I tread on some thinly clad toes by expressing the opinions I expressed. I meant to offend no one. Therefore, if someone took offense, it's their problem. My opinions remain unchanged.

I know I'm fortunate to have survived 60+ years in the saddle and out of it. I know I am fortunate to live where I can ride all year when I WANT TO RIDE and don't have to endure what I consider to be harsh conditions. For 10yrs, I lived in Albuquerque, NM..... and I rode there all year...even when the WX was cold so long as the streets were clear of snow. I won't do that any more. I don't have to deal with those conditions any more. I don't know if I would our would not at my age.

JR
394
Lake Livingston, TX

OldWingit

02-15-2006, 08:43 PM

DonD Yes it's like a Harley thing ,I wouldn't understand. By the way I lived 20 miles from you for thirty years and you don't have a lot of bad weather in TOaks. Trafic? thats another story! The nearest trafic light to me is 45 miles away.

I have never considered a bike transportation and have always riden for fun and sport. Being retired for sixteen years I can choose my best riding weather.

Ed

Drew

02-15-2006, 09:36 PM

I perfer riding at 40 deg than 90 anyday. I don't ride without gear, so throwing on an electric liner to stay comfy is no big deal. If the roads are clear, ice free and mostly salt free, I try and ride at least once or twice a week.

If you go six months without riding, every year you're a first year novice. Skills will deteriorate significantly increasing your summer risk factors.

Drew

Wahrsuul

02-16-2006, 06:44 AM

I guess maybe I just assumed that explaining why I ride was pretty much superfluous. We're riders here so I figure we all know why we ride. From my POV, I'd ask "why do you stop riding?"

Why ride in the cold/winter is like asking why people live up north. I've done it and with luck I'll never do it again. Then again, riding in 100+ doesn't bother me as long as the bike doesn't overheat.

Everybody has a way to be.

Kempo-STer

02-16-2006, 07:01 AM

Asphalt

02-16-2006, 07:34 AM

I think there are some great comments here...

I have heard the comment before that the start of every new riding season is like starting as a new biker...I have seen total and utter stupidity from all sorts of bikers the first few days of the season. I wonder if the cops or ambulance/hospitals have stats on motorcycle related accidents during the course of the riding season.

Also, I definately have NOT travelled enough throughout the USA to experience the daily temp ranges mentioned. (I've really only been to Hattaras, the Carolinas and Orlando. I have been to Seattle and Tulsa too.)
That is neat to start the day in the 40's with peaks in the 60-70's and during the winter...I bet summers in those geographic regions (Texas & Arizona) must be brutally hot for any of us thick blooded northerners!

Still riding in temp much below 60 even on dry roads that don't see any salt or sand seems unpleasant. During the start of the riding season I can't wait for the weather to warm up enough where I don't need to worry about wearing a dickie.

Drew

02-16-2006, 10:15 PM

I think there are some great comments here...

Also, I definitely have NOT traveled enough throughout the USA to experience the daily temp ranges mentioned. (I've really only been to Hattaras, the Carolinas and Orlando. I have been to Seattle and Tulsa too.).....

Still riding in temp much below 60 even on dry roads that don't see any salt or sand seems unpleasant. During the start of the riding season I can't wait for the weather to warm up enough where I don't need to worry about wearing a dickie.

If you ride cross country you will have to deal with wildly differing weather conditions. For me. it's part of the riding experience, If I never wanted to be inconvenienced or challenged, I would be driving a car.

Last June on my Seattle to Alaska to NYC trip I experience everything from fog, torrential rains, pouring hail with cloud to ground lightning (kinda scary) snow showers, beautiful clear 70 degree days and 100 degree prairie. It's all good (but I'm probably not the poster child for the terminally sane :D ) I'm already planning this years trip!

Drew

LandRover

02-17-2006, 04:52 AM

OK, OK, I realize I now live in Orlando, but that hasn't always been the case. I was born and raised in eastern MA.

I lived my days outdoors; all four seasons. I rode trail-bikes and three-wheelers throughout the winter, and when I got older, I rode street bikes. The temps aren't my concern; road conditions are. I used to (try) to ride a Maico 450 on the frozen rivers and lakes. Even with home-made studded tyres, this activity was a bit of a challenge .... :D

I ended up in Orlando after my stint with Uncle Sams Sailing Club because of my wife. I like the fact that I can ride year-round in comfort. The only time I get concerned is when the high winds and torrential rains of a hurricane passing close by make things a wee bit more interesting. But, I still ride. I believe I have the skills to do so safely, and 23 years in the saddle help support that belief.

The wife and I are contemplating a move to the Mid-West; I'll continue to ride year round, as road conditions allow. I have to ride; bad things happen to my mood if I go more than a few days without the wind carressing my soul. I know it sounds, uh, weird, but it's the truth. I cannot go very long before I get really cranky, and become a miserable SOB. Ask the wife; she'll say the same thing ... ;)

Yes, I have other interests and hobbies, but none of them are to me as enjoyable, and as liberating as my bike. I don't own a car, never have, and hope to be like JR as I get older. I dread the day that I have to put my helmet on the shelf ........

Ride well, Friends, and be safe .......

dond

02-17-2006, 05:37 AM

Regarding "mildly" differing weather conditions on a x country trip:
I headed for IL one late may and the firST day I saw 115F in UT. The second day it STarted raining and turned to snow with a low that day of 27F. The 3rd day................ :-)

All part of the motorcyling experience and will make for good rocking chair memories one day.

motomac

02-17-2006, 05:52 AM

Asphalt, I have ridden in every Province of your country with the exception of New Foundland. I have ridden in every state down here except Hawaii. Notice each of those areas are reached by non-existing bridges. Last May I visited the eastern Provinces of Canada and the temperature never got above 55. When I crossed the bridge into PEI, it was so foggy I couldn't see the Island until I was on it!!! I went to Alaska in July and again the temperatures never got above 55 and it rained every day except two.(Granted it wasn't all day gully washing rain, but it was wet and the roads were wet) That was a three week trip. I've been to Inuvik NWT on a Gold Wing. There are not a whole lot of Canadians that have been there, let alone on a motorcycle. I love to ride and if I had the attitude that I wasn't going to ride in anything below 60 or 70 or 50, look at all the fun I would not have had.

Horst

02-17-2006, 10:03 AM

I'll give you another CA.N.A.D.I.A.N perspective ! ... :)

I live on the Wet Coast .... I ride 9-10 months ... some people here ride year round, but the reason I sit out December and January is .... RAIN !!!!

Piles of it ... sure I could ride with proper gear (which I have) but WHY ? .... so I ride Feb-Nov and am very happy.

Rode in to work this morning ! ... sunny, gorgeous ... and -1C ... think about it, MINUS ONE ... but it was too nice a day not to. Later it will be 10C.

So, even in Canada you could ride 365 ... but I ride 299 .... :D

(no salt, no sand ... except on our west coast beaches ... see avatar :))

NewsMag

02-17-2006, 10:45 AM

Why?

Simple... I am a very cranky person when I don't ride.:mad:

I am a better person after I get my dose of motorcyclene.:)

Hi, I'm Steve - I'm a motorcyclene addict.
I am not ashamed. When I need a fix, I GO RIDE. :04biker:

Kempo-STer

02-17-2006, 10:55 AM

I wouldn't live anywhere that I couldn't ride practically year round. David

The reality for me is with 2 kids, Quality of schools, work pay scales, other family...

Riding year round falls a little short on the priorities...
I can imagine how this conversation would end..
"Honey, we are moving because I can't ride year round...":confused: :eek:

sherob

02-17-2006, 11:29 AM

The reality for me is with 2 kids, Quality of schools, work pay scales, other family...

Riding year round falls a little short on the priorities...
I can imagine how this conversation would end..
"Honey, we are moving because I can't ride year round...":confused: :eek:

But Todd... I have all of that AND year round riding... :D It just comes down to where you settled, how comfortable you are riding in the elements in your area ;) If you don't feel good riding in a certain type of weather, don't push it... just like not pushing it when riding with others, you know in your stomach when your hitting your limit ;)

Mike

02-17-2006, 11:37 AM

Because I can!, Besides I live where year round riding is possible as long as you are willing to deal with the high desert temp. swings, wind storms that become dust storms,micro burst showers and the occassional snow storm.

I used to ride regardless but now if there is a chance of snow or ice on the roads I take the cage.

I live to ride and it's my stress relief.

dbst1300

02-17-2006, 02:11 PM

I just rode 75 miles in 32 degree weather............great weather to ride in!! The ST1300 combined with my First Gear Killimanjaro jacket, First Gear HT overpants, Gerbings jacket liner/gloves, Alpinestar boots, and the Kymtec heated grip liners made everything toasty. I ride a lot in the winter and if the winter weather co-operates even more than in the hot, humid, muggy St Louis, Mo. summers. Good gear and faired bikes extend the riding season for sure.

Dennis

motomac

02-17-2006, 02:16 PM

And another thing about riding in cooler weather, you don't have to scrape all those bugs off the windshield!!!

Kempo-STer

02-17-2006, 06:31 PM

But Todd... I have all of that AND year round riding... :D It just comes down to where you settled, how comfortable you are riding in the elements in your area ;) If you don't feel good riding in a certain type of weather, don't push it... just like not pushing it when riding with others, you know in your stomach when your hitting your limit ;)

Nope I don't feel I push it..
And you are exactly right about being whre I settled..was born and raised here..(except for a stint in Canada when I was 6 and 7)..
I really don't mind it here..There is tons of diversity of terrain, urban, rural, coastline..Close to MA,NY,NH, VT (some great riding), right between Boston and NYC..I enjoy the change of seasons tremendously.(fall in New England is tought to beat)..It is a bit expensive to live here though on a negative note..
No, I don't feel I push it at all.
As an example last 3 days here have been close to or over 60 degrees..BUT the roads are a complete mess from the Blizzard on Sunday absolutley plastered with sand..They announced on TV yesterday morning to watch out for black ice..
This morning 60 mph wind gusts...too many factors

So the bike has stayed home all week...:(
Like Newsmag said..It is therapy and in a car I COMMUTE to work which sucks, but on the bike I Ride to work, which of course does not.

sherob

02-17-2006, 07:01 PM

Nope I don't feel I push it..
And you are exactly right about being whre I settled..was born and raised here..(except for a stint in Canada when I was 6 and 7)..
I really don't mind it here..There is tons of diversity of terrain, urban, rural, coastline..Close to MA,NY,NH, VT (some great riding), right between Boston and NYC..I enjoy the change of seasons tremendously.(fall in New England is tought to beat)..It is a bit expensive to live here though on a negative note..
No, I don't feel I push it at all.
As an example last 3 days here have been close to or over 60 degrees..BUT the roads are a complete mess from the Blizzard on Sunday absolutley plastered with sand..They announced on TV yesterday morning to watch out for black ice..
This morning 60 mph wind gusts...too many factors

So the bike has stayed home all week...:(
Like Newsmag said..It is therapy and in a car I COMMUTE to work which sucks, but on the bike I Ride to work, which of course does not.

I wasn't pointing the finger at you pushing it... the guys commenting about not riding in cold and such ;) Just commenting about pushing it past their limit :)

SteveST1300

02-17-2006, 07:27 PM

I try to ride every Sunday Weather permitting! The temperature is not a concern unless there may be ice. There is quite a large segment of Polar Bear riders. I just started this year but its great fun. You can meat great people from all kinds of places. My first Polar Bear ride this year was to a small bar/restaurant in Hopewell NJ. I met a guy who rode down from NH for the day!!! There are all types of bikes and all types of bikers. As I said its great fun and I don't have to winterize my bike.:03biker:

ShinySideUpAZ

02-17-2006, 07:43 PM

I got to tell you. I love living here in Phoenix. As an example I took delivery of my ST1300 on December 31st. Today on the way home from work I pasted the 3,500 mile mark. I'm actually looking forward to the first time I have to ride in the rain. My other ride is a Suzuki Savage http://www.bikepics.com/members/mgarula/ I would ride it in the monsoons and get totally drenched. I'm curious what to expect on the ST?

I've already ridden in some heavy wind, and still feel more in control than on my savage. Myself I don't mind the heat, I've ridden in 120s, but without my grip heaters installed yet, and my fairing deflectors still in the boxes, when It gets below 40, I'm cold and thinking about my gas guzzling Xterra.

ligito

02-17-2006, 07:53 PM

I love to ride.
I love to ride, when I want to ride, not when someone else tells me I should be riding.
I've ridden year round, when I had to.

Now, I don't have to/want to.

I used to jump in the Washougal River every January 1st but no longer do.

I've found that riding when I feel like riding, is much safer and rewarding, than trying to push my luck and challenge fate.

I have heated gear for when I want to ride.

This January was one of the first times in years, that I didn't ride because of the weather and the fact that I was farkling.