And has been for sometime now. I finally inquired with the superintendant and moved her over to building 2's underground garage. She is quite safe and secure over there and I can visit anytime I wish.
As a matter of fact, I was over just last week to give her a bath and make sure everything was okay. She got multiple compliments and even a offer from someone to keep an eye on her. The only problem I have is that she was out in the bad weather for a little too long. The new signal lights that I bought for her need to be replaced. It didn't take long for them to get corroded and pitted. I'm guessing they don't make those to survive snow and salt. Oh well, at least they weren't that expensive and should be quite easy to replace.
4 reasons I hate 4 wheels...
1. Extreme loss of maneuverability.
There are times (and they are many) that I know I could handle the current traffic situation much better if I was on two wheels. The ability to process incoming visual information and transfer it to moving the bike seems to work at a much faster rate while on two wheels. I'm sure that comes from the fact that one is "more aware" when riding a motorcycle.
2. Feeling of being caged in.
The "cager" name obviously comes from somewhere and you feel it when driving a car. There is too much temptation when driving to be lulled into a "I'm the only one here" frame of mind and there are too many things to distract you from what you really need to be doing. I miss the lack of feedback from the world while being sealed up in a car.
3. Rage demon rears it's head too much.
Have you ever seen the Disney cartoon with Goofy called "Motor Mania"? It came out in 1950 and is classic Goofy. It's also exactly how I see practically anyone who gets behind the wheel of a car. It's like a Jekyll and Hyde transformation and all it takes is one little thing to set someone off. It happens with me as well and I don't like it. I have taken chances that have brought me way too close to an expensive meeting of metal. On bike, I'm calm and much more centered. I may glare at people who act like I'm not there, but my chances of freaking out are slim to none.
4. Lack of visibility
In my mind, motorcycles give you 360 degree vision. At a point in time I can see anything around me with a quick glance. Nothing of my vehicle gets in my way. In a car, the car actually gets in the way of being able to see. There are just way too many blind spots when compared to a bike and when you have passengers...well, stationary blind spots are bad enough...ones that move around and babble are worse.
Actually, hate is a little strong. I really do enjoy driving the car, but as we all know it doesn't even compare to riding bike
There are times (and they are many) that I know I could handle the current traffic situation much better if I was on two wheels. The ability to process incoming visual information and transfer it to moving the bike seems to work at a much faster rate while on two wheels. I'm sure that comes from the fact that one is "more aware" when riding a motorcycle.
2. Feeling of being caged in.
The "cager" name obviously comes from somewhere and you feel it when driving a car. There is too much temptation when driving to be lulled into a "I'm the only one here" frame of mind and there are too many things to distract you from what you really need to be doing. I miss the lack of feedback from the world while being sealed up in a car.
3. Rage demon rears it's head too much.
Have you ever seen the Disney cartoon with Goofy called "Motor Mania"? It came out in 1950 and is classic Goofy. It's also exactly how I see practically anyone who gets behind the wheel of a car. It's like a Jekyll and Hyde transformation and all it takes is one little thing to set someone off. It happens with me as well and I don't like it. I have taken chances that have brought me way too close to an expensive meeting of metal. On bike, I'm calm and much more centered. I may glare at people who act like I'm not there, but my chances of freaking out are slim to none.
4. Lack of visibility
In my mind, motorcycles give you 360 degree vision. At a point in time I can see anything around me with a quick glance. Nothing of my vehicle gets in my way. In a car, the car actually gets in the way of being able to see. There are just way too many blind spots when compared to a bike and when you have passengers...well, stationary blind spots are bad enough...ones that move around and babble are worse.
Actually, hate is a little strong. I really do enjoy driving the car, but as we all know it doesn't even compare to riding bike
Hanging up the keys
Well, I think I'm done. We have had snow for the last few days and all temperatures have been well below zero.
It kills me to say that my riding season is over, but Mother Nature has the upper hand here and she is playing all her cards. It's damn cold, there is a good foot of snow and a wacky amount of ice. I'm still holding out for a few nice days, but it looks like winter is here to stay.
Currently, Selene is under the veranda covered up with the battery removed. Snow has touched her twice this year due to unexpected storms and the other day I had to shovel out snow that was around her. The only problem is that I can't afford storage yet. With Xmas only a heart beat away, we just don't have the money. The only chance I have is an offer from the superintendant of our building. He mentioned the possibility of storing her in the garage of building one (we are in building two). But that was months ago and I haven't been able to talk with him since. I hope that pans out...it will save us a ton of money and it will keep Selene very close by.
Have I mentioned that I hate winter?
It kills me to say that my riding season is over, but Mother Nature has the upper hand here and she is playing all her cards. It's damn cold, there is a good foot of snow and a wacky amount of ice. I'm still holding out for a few nice days, but it looks like winter is here to stay.
Currently, Selene is under the veranda covered up with the battery removed. Snow has touched her twice this year due to unexpected storms and the other day I had to shovel out snow that was around her. The only problem is that I can't afford storage yet. With Xmas only a heart beat away, we just don't have the money. The only chance I have is an offer from the superintendant of our building. He mentioned the possibility of storing her in the garage of building one (we are in building two). But that was months ago and I haven't been able to talk with him since. I hope that pans out...it will save us a ton of money and it will keep Selene very close by.
Have I mentioned that I hate winter?
Coldest yet
Okay, the ride home was my coldest ride thus far. -8 C (17.6 F) and that was without the wind. With the wind I was looking at -14 C (6.8 F). Needless to say, it was even colder once I was moving. Thing is, the only thing that got cold was my hands...and I mean cold. It took a dip in cold water to get them back to temperature and to hold off most of the pain. I may have to consider those Widder Lectrics...
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.
