End of Winter Riding?

Don't let the snowfall fool you. It was 65F two days ago.

Why is the bike outside? Why did I ride in freezing temps this week?

The Saturn had an intake gasket vacuum leak that kept the rpm's in the 4000's. We had to put it in the shop. That put me riding at sunrise and sunset. The first couple mornings were right at freezing. The chaps work well. I still believe that a scarf is the most warming piece of riding gear. All wrapped up, freezing really is comfortable.


Despite my recent "mid" winter ride, the Bev didn't want to start up. Thanks to Jose for turning me on to a trickle charger. Worked like a charm, after I stopped in to Vespa to ask how to find the battery.

So why aren't we parked here?


Well, I busted the garage door. There was a 1/2" gap on one side that I tried to repair with weatherstripping. This raised the other side a 1/2". I thought I could loosen the door cables to level it all out. It did.

Then I decided I could replace the frayed cable on the opposite side. Loosening this cable released the spring tension.

I was surprised that it's impossible to lift a 16' wooden door without power assist. Too bad the vehicles were still in the garage. I spent six hours using blocks and a car jack raising the door. Just before the door was high enough to clear the truck I tried to move the truck into place.

The truck got away from me and smashed the bottom wooden panel. Now it wouldn't go up or down. I had to disassemble the door mid-raise. A week later, the wife and re-assembled the door in the down position to keep heat and our possessions in the garage.

A new door is ordered. Until then, the vehicles are parked outside, snow and all...

Mid-Winter Ride

I know, it's been a long time since I posted. It's winter and I've had the Bev garaged. Despite having a ravaging ice storm a week ago, we saw temps in the mid-60's today. A buddy in Bella Vista wanted me to swing by so I took the opportunity to take the cover off the 250 and fire it up.

It started right up and I let it run for about ten minutes. I took it slow through the neighborhood, wearing helmet, jacket, and gloves. Completely comfortable. When I got to the highway, a simple twist of the wrist got me up to 55 like it was nothing. That's when a rush of memory reminded me why I ride.

I guess it's a good thing I bought some new chaps yesterday. They're made from real buffalo, so you know it's good. I still have my "armor" pants, but they smell like smoke from the fire, I "aired" them out through a rain spell or two, and when I wear them to work I have to take them off in front of everyone. It's like, "please continue with your business meeting while I remove my pants and shoes in front of you." Granted, I have khaki's on underneath, but it's still awkward.

What better solution than to stroll in wearing black leather, ass-less chaps! They zip right off quickly without having to remove my shoes or "change" in front of folks. I got them at the "Motorcyle Enthusiast" shop in Gateway for an even $100. They don't have knee pads, but they will reduce the wind on my legs, stretching my riding season on both ends. Man, do I miss it.

The sun rise/set is slowly inching it's way to providing light for my work commute. January has NWA's historically coldest temps so we're on the upswing.