Rode into work today with just a hoodie and my vest on. I sure as shit don’t want to be sitting at a desk today.
Showing posts with label ride to work. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ride to work. Show all posts
Rode to work
Got my first ride to work today. Still a bit nippley at 4C (39F), but it was very much needed. There are too many other personal issues going on right now and this riding season can't start soon enough.
Here we go again
Well, we're back to the chilly weather again, summer is mostly a memory and I feel like starting up a hibernation cycle. The last couple of days have been our typical fall weather...windy and rainy. Neither of which makes for a very enjoyable ride.
Seeing blue skies and sun this morning made for a mixed bag of feelings due to the frost warning we've had in effect for the last two nights. But it made for a nice ride to work regardless. The old thermometer read 2C (35F) so I found myself going back to an old routine...layers. All in all it wasn't too bad, the sun kept me warm for the most part and it was an invigorating ride because of the chill.
I both enjoy and hate this time of the season. It's beautiful and at no other time do you see colours of this sort in nature. The cool crisp mornings have a "new" feel to them and each day seems like a new adventure. The hate part? Essentially, summer is dying and soon we'll be covered in a monochrome blanket that makes even thinking about going outside a chore.
Hopefully the winter will be a short and mild one and at most I'll be off the bike for a mere three months. There, that's a pleasant thought to hold onto.
Seeing blue skies and sun this morning made for a mixed bag of feelings due to the frost warning we've had in effect for the last two nights. But it made for a nice ride to work regardless. The old thermometer read 2C (35F) so I found myself going back to an old routine...layers. All in all it wasn't too bad, the sun kept me warm for the most part and it was an invigorating ride because of the chill.
I both enjoy and hate this time of the season. It's beautiful and at no other time do you see colours of this sort in nature. The cool crisp mornings have a "new" feel to them and each day seems like a new adventure. The hate part? Essentially, summer is dying and soon we'll be covered in a monochrome blanket that makes even thinking about going outside a chore.
Hopefully the winter will be a short and mild one and at most I'll be off the bike for a mere three months. There, that's a pleasant thought to hold onto.
Today was the day
Looking out the window this morning, I was greeted with everything covered in frost, but the roads were bone dry. It was a balmy -6C (21F), which accounted for the frost, but there was no wind. How could I resist?
I grabbed my gear, suited up and blissfully enjoyed my ride to work. I think I may have enjoyed it a little too much though...I was 11 minutes late.
I even managed to get out for a while yesterday. It was much colder, but a quick stop at a Tim Horton's for an extra large warmed me up. I got to hook up with one of my Officers from the club as well. After coffee we went for a little spin and I put in the first tank of gas for the season.
Before I headed out for that ride though, I put one of my Xmas gifts from Joey to use.
I grabbed my gear, suited up and blissfully enjoyed my ride to work. I think I may have enjoyed it a little too much though...I was 11 minutes late.
I even managed to get out for a while yesterday. It was much colder, but a quick stop at a Tim Horton's for an extra large warmed me up. I got to hook up with one of my Officers from the club as well. After coffee we went for a little spin and I put in the first tank of gas for the season.
Before I headed out for that ride though, I put one of my Xmas gifts from Joey to use.
Excuse the crappy dark pic, but I only had my cell phone on me at the time. That's my ride bell with a Canadian flag on it. Love it.
That's it for now. Check back later for a write up on how you save 300+ dollars on maintenance for your bike.
That's it for now. Check back later for a write up on how you save 300+ dollars on maintenance for your bike.
Ah yes…
It’s 4C (39F) with high percentages of sand and water on the roads, but I got out for a ride today. Selene got a little dirty, but not quite as bad as I expected. I put on around 20km (12mi) or so, just far enough to take Joey to work, get me home and get my hands cold.
The roads are in ridiculous shape. I didn’t realize how bad they were until I could actually look down and see them. Some places aren’t even pavement anymore. It’s so chewed up it may as well be dirt. It will be interesting to see if they actually have a budget to fix them after the horrible winter we’ve had.
I can’t say I’ve ever had an issue with riding a motorcycle with a lot of dirt around. Hell, I learned how to ride my first street bike on the dirt back roads of my home town. You just have to keep your wits about you and not enter turns fast or on a steep angle. Selene took it all like a champ and it was nice to be able to completely dodge the pot holes littering the streets.
One other thing I kept in mind was to increase my follow distance with cars. Not only did this have the benefit of keeping them from spraying me with dirty/salty water, but it also allowed me to watch for the pot holes obscured by the car. Keeping the distance to two/two and half car lengths seemed good for the amount of water on the roads.
I have to say, it was great. Even with all the obstacles to avoid, it was a great little ride. It’s great to be back on two wheels.
Cold Weather
By now, everyone knows that I'm a cold weather rider. I will push the season as far as I possibly (and safely) can. I've always got my eye out for anything that would make my rides more comfortable and possibly safer.
Before I go into the more comfortable part of this post, I want to address the "safer" part of it. You see, I have a set route to work in the mornings. It gets me to work in a decent time, avoids most traffic and gives me the best chance at green lights (goggles fog up faster when you stop...go figure). Part of my regular route has suddenly become a life threatening situation. There is a section of the road on the opposite side of a rise that (I can only guess) has a broken water pipe under it. That means that it is always covered in water, day or night. Add to that the fact that morning temperatures are always around 0 C (32 F) and you have a situation that becomes deadly.
I didn't know about the water and I also couldn't see it in time as I approached the rise. By the time I saw it, it was too late to swerve or stop. As soon as I hit the water I knew it wasn't liquid anymore and any attempt to control Selene had gone out the window. The rear wheel broke loose immediately and the entire bike started to wobble. My only saving grace was the fact that the ice patch was only small. When rubber met actual pavement again, Selene straightened up and we were flying straight once more.
I tell ya...I was quite awake after that experience and I learned that motorcycles should not be taken on ice without some extra precautions. Like outriggers or spiked tires.
So now I have a different route for work until they fix that portion of the street.
On the issue of comfort... Recently I've been turned onto Mark's Work Wearhouse and the fantastic things they have. I purchased new jeans that were fully put to the test today. These jeans are painter style with thick jean material lined with felt. In zero degree weather my legs barely got cold. It was amazing and I may have to buy a couple more pairs. This place may actually be my new clothes store.
The only thing I'm having an issue with now is my gloves. The previous "cold weather" ones I purchased now equal crap. My hands are numb by the time I get to work and that is just unacceptable. Cold is one thing, but painful is another. Looks like I have some shopping to do.
Before I go into the more comfortable part of this post, I want to address the "safer" part of it. You see, I have a set route to work in the mornings. It gets me to work in a decent time, avoids most traffic and gives me the best chance at green lights (goggles fog up faster when you stop...go figure). Part of my regular route has suddenly become a life threatening situation. There is a section of the road on the opposite side of a rise that (I can only guess) has a broken water pipe under it. That means that it is always covered in water, day or night. Add to that the fact that morning temperatures are always around 0 C (32 F) and you have a situation that becomes deadly.
I didn't know about the water and I also couldn't see it in time as I approached the rise. By the time I saw it, it was too late to swerve or stop. As soon as I hit the water I knew it wasn't liquid anymore and any attempt to control Selene had gone out the window. The rear wheel broke loose immediately and the entire bike started to wobble. My only saving grace was the fact that the ice patch was only small. When rubber met actual pavement again, Selene straightened up and we were flying straight once more.
I tell ya...I was quite awake after that experience and I learned that motorcycles should not be taken on ice without some extra precautions. Like outriggers or spiked tires.
So now I have a different route for work until they fix that portion of the street.
On the issue of comfort... Recently I've been turned onto Mark's Work Wearhouse and the fantastic things they have. I purchased new jeans that were fully put to the test today. These jeans are painter style with thick jean material lined with felt. In zero degree weather my legs barely got cold. It was amazing and I may have to buy a couple more pairs. This place may actually be my new clothes store.
The only thing I'm having an issue with now is my gloves. The previous "cold weather" ones I purchased now equal crap. My hands are numb by the time I get to work and that is just unacceptable. Cold is one thing, but painful is another. Looks like I have some shopping to do.
Mother Nature...bully
I wake up this morning and go about my usual "get ready for work" routine. I check the weather network for the temperature and then look out the patio window. It's 7 C (44 F) outside, sunny and the wind is at 9 kph (5.5 mph). I figure it should be a good ride to work.
Not a half hour later the wind has ramped up to 37 kph (22.9 mph) gusts and leaves are flying everywhere.
I can handle rain, snow and cold...I've been on two wheels in all of it. The one thing that will put me in a bad mood while riding is strong gusty winds. It's like Mother Nature herself is trying to bully me off the road.
I guess it comes down to a loss of control. When you have the wind blowing you all over the place, it's really hard to the bike straight and there is not much you can do to stop it other then parking your butt. Oh, did I mention I was stubborn? If it's nice out, I'm not parking my butt for anything short of a tornado. So instead, I end up in a bad mood after cursing out Mother Nature for however long I'm out on two wheels.
Oh, before I forget...Happy Thanksgiving to all my fellow Canadians out there!
Not a half hour later the wind has ramped up to 37 kph (22.9 mph) gusts and leaves are flying everywhere.
I can handle rain, snow and cold...I've been on two wheels in all of it. The one thing that will put me in a bad mood while riding is strong gusty winds. It's like Mother Nature herself is trying to bully me off the road.
I guess it comes down to a loss of control. When you have the wind blowing you all over the place, it's really hard to the bike straight and there is not much you can do to stop it other then parking your butt. Oh, did I mention I was stubborn? If it's nice out, I'm not parking my butt for anything short of a tornado. So instead, I end up in a bad mood after cursing out Mother Nature for however long I'm out on two wheels.
Oh, before I forget...Happy Thanksgiving to all my fellow Canadians out there!
That's familiar
It's back to the routine of bundling up like some kid going out in a snow storm. It was 1 C (33.8 F) this morning so I was fully decked out in my usual "keep the cold at bay" gear. At least I wasn't the only one out there. I saw a dual sport and a Harley buzzing off to work as well. Let's see if they are still up to it when the temperature drops below the big doughnut.
What is it
There are days that I have to wonder what the draw is to me. Days that I wake up, look out the window and a sudden debate starts up inside me. One side of me says "ride!", the other says "that car would be really warm."
That was this morning in a nutshell.
I booted up my computer and started up my internet browser. One of my home pages happens to be the local weather. -3C (26F) and a quick look out the window shows a layer of frost on everything. Add to that the fact that we are supposed to get another snow storm overnight (I work until 9pm) and you've got a perfect recipe for an internal debate.
I could see that it was getting sunny and it's supposed to hit 8C (46F) today. Not that I would be able to enjoy the warmth with me having to work 12 hours, but at least I knew there was some hope for the day.
So I putter around the house, slowly getting ready for work, while my mind goes into a steady debate over the pros and cons: it might be icy, but it's fun, it's going to be cold, but it's fun... On and on it goes.
I don't want to give you the impression that I'm crazy...well, at least not certifiably crazy. The whole time I'm thinking this, I already know what side will win, I already know what form of transportation I will be taking. There is only one resounding thought that blankets it all: if I have a chance to ride, I'll ride.
Summer is too short, life is too short. Do what you enjoy, do what you love to do. Experience everything you can. When I left this morning, I could feel myself getting colder, but it didn't matter. It was something I could easily deal with and it would soon pass. The fact that I could ride was all that mattered. It didn't matter that I was going to work because this would make my work day all the more bearable, knowing that Selene is in the parking garage waiting for the ride home.
So I guess that's it. That's the draw. That's why I will ride every time I get a chance. That's why I'm glued to weather reports. That's why I'll get miffed every time it snows. That's why the internal debate will only go in one direction...
Let's ride.
That was this morning in a nutshell.
I booted up my computer and started up my internet browser. One of my home pages happens to be the local weather. -3C (26F) and a quick look out the window shows a layer of frost on everything. Add to that the fact that we are supposed to get another snow storm overnight (I work until 9pm) and you've got a perfect recipe for an internal debate.
I could see that it was getting sunny and it's supposed to hit 8C (46F) today. Not that I would be able to enjoy the warmth with me having to work 12 hours, but at least I knew there was some hope for the day.
So I putter around the house, slowly getting ready for work, while my mind goes into a steady debate over the pros and cons: it might be icy, but it's fun, it's going to be cold, but it's fun... On and on it goes.
I don't want to give you the impression that I'm crazy...well, at least not certifiably crazy. The whole time I'm thinking this, I already know what side will win, I already know what form of transportation I will be taking. There is only one resounding thought that blankets it all: if I have a chance to ride, I'll ride.
Summer is too short, life is too short. Do what you enjoy, do what you love to do. Experience everything you can. When I left this morning, I could feel myself getting colder, but it didn't matter. It was something I could easily deal with and it would soon pass. The fact that I could ride was all that mattered. It didn't matter that I was going to work because this would make my work day all the more bearable, knowing that Selene is in the parking garage waiting for the ride home.
So I guess that's it. That's the draw. That's why I will ride every time I get a chance. That's why I'm glued to weather reports. That's why I'll get miffed every time it snows. That's why the internal debate will only go in one direction...
Let's ride.
well
if i can't store her away, you can be darn well sure i'm going to ride. yesterdays snow melted (due to heavy afternoon rains) and this morning the roads were pretty much dry...well, aside from the ice. ice can be considered dry...right? it was 2 C (35 F) this morning with 33 km/h (20.5 mph) winds...it took me a little longer then usual to decide to ride. i finally opened the veranda doors to see just how chilly it would be. seconds later...i was gearing up.
the only problem with riding today was the wind. it seemed to be a perfect day for transport trucks to transform into massive wind monsters. everytime one passed, i was hit with a wall of wind. it usually doesn't bother me, but during this part of the season the wind is mixed with rather copius amounts of dirt. thankfully i was fully covered.
it's supposed to snow tonight and tomorrow morning, so i'm guessing it'll be another few days before i can ride again. i can't complain, this winter has been treating me really well. i'm just hoping for clear skies and roads for friday.
the only problem with riding today was the wind. it seemed to be a perfect day for transport trucks to transform into massive wind monsters. everytime one passed, i was hit with a wall of wind. it usually doesn't bother me, but during this part of the season the wind is mixed with rather copius amounts of dirt. thankfully i was fully covered.
it's supposed to snow tonight and tomorrow morning, so i'm guessing it'll be another few days before i can ride again. i can't complain, this winter has been treating me really well. i'm just hoping for clear skies and roads for friday.
wow
it's january the fourth and i was able to ride my bike to work. this morning i uncovered Selene and got her ready while the thermometer read a cool 0 C (32 F). the unfortunate thing about it is i work for 12 hours and it's currently 8 C (46 F) out. i'd kill to go out for a ride, but a half hour just won't cut it. besides...i do get hungry.
on the plus side...this weekend promises to hit the double digit temperatures! i may actually be able to get out for an extended ride! i can't wait! i'll probably use the time to clean her up and get her ready for storage though. so far we've had a non-winter, but i don't want to push it. i could wake up some morning and find Selene buried under four feet of snow.
on the plus side...this weekend promises to hit the double digit temperatures! i may actually be able to get out for an extended ride! i can't wait! i'll probably use the time to clean her up and get her ready for storage though. so far we've had a non-winter, but i don't want to push it. i could wake up some morning and find Selene buried under four feet of snow.
