March, in like a lamb?

I downloaded a countdown app for my iPhone so I could see how long before I get my motorcycle out of storage. The problem is that I don't know when that actually will be. It all depends on the weather. As a result I used the LAST accessible day I can get it out of storage. I think the last allowable day without incurring further storage fees is the following Monday, but May 12th is my birthday and a Saturday making the 150 km trip to the storage facility an interesting birthday present.

Two months... how dreadful. Now I know for a fact there are folks on the road a lot sooner than my birthday so this is what has been bouncing around in my head as I grow more desperate to have my bike back. I don't just need warmish weather, I need ALL the salt rinsed off of the roads. The last thing I need is to accelerate any kind of rusting. Snowstorms in early to mid April are not all that uncommon but we have had several mild winters in a row. Apparently springtime is the time for flooding, not just April showers. Heather's family cottage was almost flooded out around April 20th last year... and we live on an island, that really only sinks in when the water levels rise.

I have watched the same comprehensive video review for the 2017 Softail Slim about six times now, just to hear the bike growl and see it on a road. I wish the reviewer had used one in my colour. Black may be almost passé, but it well and truly is the best colour (or lack thereof) to show off the lines of this beautiful beast. I find the balance between black and chrome to be perfect. Because the frame, no matter what colour the bike, remains Vivid Black - it seems the natural choice. The more popular matte black option looks a bit funny with the shiny black frame showing through.

Judging by a quick scan of my old phone pictures, the snow seems to be gone by mid April, with the possibility of a late snowstorm (or not). I may not have the full 60 days to wait, but I have some more time do spend without my two wheeled friend. Seeing as this is occurring to me as I type, I should share. How strange is it that I have not named my bike, nor do I consistently refer to it as "she"? Maybe I should cast about and see what others think my bike should be called - other than Bikey McBikeface. If anyone is reading this and wants to drop a line with a name suggestion, I will be sure to address it in a future blog post. Mark, I'm counting on you.

The anticipation is bearable, but not a lot of fun. I can't wait to ride again.

Comments

The bike is back from winter storage

I was all geared up to pick up the bike last Saturday but rain and plus 3 degrees celsius convinced me otherwise. I got to pick it up last night. No rain, warm enough, and just enough gas to get me home without the low fuel warning light illuminating. Of course there is NO shortage of rain today, also some planned for Sunday, what will be my first H.O.G. (Harley Owner's Group) get together. When I was in my late teens/early twenties - there was NO weather I wouldn't motorcycle in, including snow. I am much more picky nowadays. I am not keen on rain. So - wish me luck on Sunday. I would really like to putter around on the Quebec side with a bunch of Harley enthusiasts. It sounds like fun, and the breakfast at the river club looks good too. Good food & good company ... all I need is some luck with the weather. With the recent leap in fuel prices, I don't think I'll have any trouble putting over $20 in the tank. My bike requires premium fuel. We will see just...

And another season begins...

Spring brought cold temperatures and flooding. May was not a good month for riding The nights are getting warmer and inviting. Summer is not far away and the road is waiting. This picture is taken at Davidson QC. This run was taken after a health scare. Interesting fact, riding with the windshield off and a Buff over my face acts as a breathing aid. The world is my CPAP machine. Enough with the grim humour, this ride was a last minute decision made after I filled up with gas, not before I left home. Even if I knew I was going to be driving in the dark, would I have remembered to bring my clear lensed glasses? I’m not certain. As it was the sunglasses worked much better than I was hoping. Quite well, I’m sure they cost me detail on the periphery or something but I am comfortable repeating the experience. This is a third of the way through my ride and about fifteen minutes from darkness. The air didn’t cool too extremely. The colors were especially enjoyable but the shades m...

5000 km

Just rolled past that milestone while driving by the "Big Stop" Irving gas station on Hwy 17 @ Hwy 41. Speaking of gas... I located a gas station that sells 93 octane gas... first fill up - just before Houston got hit by a tropical storm it was 1.33/L, bumped for the labour day long weekend. 3 days later... $1.43/L - my first $20 fill up (and the low gas light wasn't on yet.) For all of thet the bike just purrs with this fuel in the tank. I did take note of how quickly the tank depletes when one is hammering on the throttle. I think this octane gives the bike a boost. My takeaway lesson this week - Fog = wet. Who knew? Drove into work this morning in pretty thick fog. Serious issues seeing through the windscreen & legs soaked from the knees down. Don't imagine I have many biking days left this year. unsmiley

Born to be mild

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