Winter's Here...And it Sucks

 

It happened. Snow fell and it doesn't look like it's going anywhere anytime soon. As sad as I am, I really have to admit that it was a pretty good riding season. So, as my tears fall and freeze before they hit the ground, let me recap this riding season.

Before the snow melted in the spring, I received an awesome rainsuit and a heated vest, courtesy of my gorgeous, intelligent, and very supportive wife. This basically removed any excuse from riding in any condition beside ice and snow. Riding in less than perfect weather added fun and adventure to my riding season!

I sold both of my old bikes, a 1999 Ducati Monster and a 1993 Harley Davidson Low Rider. I used the money to invest in a brand new Ducati Monster. So far I'm totally satisfied with this decision. As much as I miss the other bikes, I absolutely love the new one. Also, I'm really happy I had the rainsuit and heated vest, since my attitude was that if I'm going to spend the money to get a brand new bike, I'd better ride the son of a bitch as much as possible!

I had a lot of good rides and really got to enjoy my new motorcycle. I did a couple of longer rides, but with having other responsibilities (job, kids, etc), I had to limit most of my riding to commuting and short local rides. I did get to ride the local twisty roads at least a couple of times every month, usually enjoying them with some great friends, so I have no complaints.

Overall it was a good season, so now I wait for this winter to be over. As soon as this white shit melts, I'll be back on two wheels! I just hope it doesn't take too long. Or, I could get a dirt bike with a snow conversion kit. I hear those are really expensive though...damn it!
"Winter is coming." - George R.R. Martin



Weights and Music

When I was around 16 years old, I wasn't into motorcycling that much. I had sold my duel sport, a 1986 Yamaha XT 600, and I was focused on other things. Lifting weights and music took up way more of my free time than motorcycles. Honestly, most of my friends at this time just weren't into bikes.

I'm not trying to say that I didn't like motorcycles. I still thought that they were awesome, but at that age it seems that you follow your friends. Weight training was a huge focus for me and my other friends who played football. My non-football friends were mostly musicians, so I also focused on playing the guitar.

My parents owned a gas station/grocery store and we lived next door to it. One of my favorite ways to pass time was to sit on the porch and watch people pull up to the gas pumps (really exciting, I know). One day, a guy who lived down the road pulled up on his new bike (new to him). He was about four years older than me and it seemed that he was always getting new toys. It was an early '90's Honda CBR with a terrible custom paint job. He looked over at me and asked if I wanted to take it for a ride. Of course I took him up on his offer!

This was my first sportbike ride and I loved it! I had never experienced that kind of acceleration before. Instantly, my other hobbies took a backseat to motorcycling once again. I needed to get another bike soon!

So, if you ever feel yourself losing your desire to ride, find a shop doing demo days or one that allows test rides. Take a new bike for a ride and watch your passion come back with a vengeance! Keep riding, my friends.

“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What a Ride!”― Hunter S. Thompson

How to Check your Motorcycle Tires

 

Tires are one of the easiest and most important parts of a motorcycle you should be checking. Tires that are in good condition with the proper amount of tread and air pressure will help keep you from tumbling down the pavement along with giving better fuel mileage.

Tire Condition - If you can get your motorcycle off of the ground it is easier to spin and inspect, or you can just roll it around and keep checking. Look for any punctures, cuts, dry rotting, and abnormal wear. Be sure to also check the sidewall. If you see any damage or anything that may be abnormal, it would be best to have a professional check it out.

Air Pressure - Check your manufacturer's recommended air pressure and adjust accordingly (Some tire brands recommend a different pressure than the motorcycle manufacturer). Proper air pressure also makes your tires last longer and we all know tires are not cheap!

Tread - Tread depth is measured in 32nd's of an inch. You should have a minimum of 2/32" tread left. There are tire tread depth gauges available at any tool store or car care center, although you can also use a penny. If you stick the penny into the tread groove and all of Lincoln's head is showing, you have less than 2/32" and need a new tire.

 

All of this can be done fairly quickly to make sure you spend and much time as you want on the road. Have fun and keep the rubber side down!

"I may be a living legend, but that sure don't help when I've got a flat tire." - Roy Orbison

Uncool Biker Nerd

 

 

Have you ever tried to be cool in front of a bunch of people by revving the hell out of your bike when you take off, but instead shifting into second, you shift into neutral, redline it, and look like an idiot? Or, how about riding a mile with your blinker flashing? I've done both of these multiple times and I've come to realize something, I'm not cool.

That's right; you read correctly, I am not cool. Take this for instance; motorcycling is probably one of the coolest hobbies that you can take up, right? Well, I took a cool thing like motorcycling and did an uncool thing with it, blogging! Almost everyone thinks that they are way cooler than their parents, but I know I’m not. I’m the nerdy kid to a really cool dad. He is a biker to his core and isn’t into any of the nerd shit that I am.

I love sci-fi and comics! I'm a movie freak and find myself all amped up for the new Star Wars coming out in December(I didn't go as far as preordering tickets, but I'm definitely stoked). Hell, I even enjoy math!!!! I really am one gigantic nerd! But, at least I can admit it and that's kinda cool. So, maybe I’m a kinda cool biker nerd.  





If you know about this guy and think this picture is awesome, you might be a nerd like me!

 

"I'd rather be dead and cool, than alive and uncool." - Mickey Rourke from Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man