Last Ride of 2016

Today was 40 degrees outside and 20 MPH wind.  But it was the last day of the year and I couldn't resist getting in one final 2016 ride.  Plus rolling over past 900 miles to 905.7 miles.

Riding When Its "Raining Cats and Dogs"

Day after Xmas, it was warmest it has been a long time, with a high of low 60s.  But, over 10+ mph and heavy rain and some thunder storms.  What do you do on a day like that?

Well, here's what I did.  I watched the forecast for when the thunderstorm would be past, looked at the radar to see what else is coming.  I didn't want to be out in the lightning, but I figured rain and wind would be good practice.

After the thunderstorms moved through, I went out.  Initially I was thinking I'll go out for a short trip.  I've mainly been driving around in town, giving the cold, so that I could get back home quickly.  But a little bit down the road, the rain starts and the wind blows strong.  That helps me decide - around town some more.

Xmas Eve Riding

I expected temperatures to plunge and my riding season to be over.  But turns out, I've got a few more days this month.  First, I'm somewhat concerned on the salt on the road ruining the bike.  But, we've only had one mild snow.  Since then, we've had a good amount of rain.  In fact, we had more rain coming up to eve of xmas eve.  Xmas eve itself it was a balmy 42 degrees.  Mostly sunny and calm winds.  These later two points make all the difference.

Thus, Xmas eve, I was out on my bike driving.  It had been a few weeks, or maybe just 2 or 3 weeks, since I'd been out last.  At first, I had to get the feel back.  Man, it'd really suck to go 2 or 3 months, I'd really be rusty.  But in no time, I was out cruising on path of mainly 4 lane roads not far from my house.

Then I was coming down a 45 MPH road.  In front of me, is one of the worst planned intersections.  Railroad tracks with wood at 45 degree angle.  Though in all the times past, those tracks have never given me grief.  And two intersecting side roads.  Each of the side roads has a stop sign, but the main road, what I was on, has a continuous straight through.

Even Colder Weather Riding

Temperatures keep dropping.  I keep upping my cold weather riding gear.  But I suppose I too I keep getting more used to cold temperatures.  I remember a while back, 50 felt cold, now I'm happy if it hits above freezing.

My latest upgrade are some serious winter gloves: REV'IT! Taurus GTX Gloves.  These are nice.  Besides winter, they actually feel like they are protecting my hands.  My Harley feel like they offer slightly more protection than gardening gloves, but not like these.  I don't think I'll ever buy Harley gloves again.  This spring I'll look at Rev'it and some of the other brands and check out what they have to offer.

My hands started to feel warm indoors.  They are bit bulky.  I had to move my mirrors on the bike so I wouldn't hit them with the gloves.  I think part of it too is the break in.  After 20 or so minutes, feels fine.  I still felt comfortable quickly adjusting operating my hand controls.

55 MPH Highway + 90 degree turn + U-turn Car

One of the roads I take often is an unfinished 55 MPH highway.  It comes to a spacious ending zone with a 90 degree sharp turn to a regular temporary road.  The turn is sharp, but there's plenty of road all around at this ending.  It is a good turn to practice on.  In fact, it is down right friendly - most of the time.  But this time, I'm coming down the road and looking through the curve.  I see a truck pulled over on the side of the road, about three car lengths down from the turn.  This is a proper highway road.  There aren't any drive ways or side roads.  The whole area cuts through a farmer's field with deep ditches on the sides.  No reason to pull over.  I don't know why they are pulled over.  I don't know if they are going to go straight, do a U-turn, stay still, or just finishing out what I'm sure must have been a fascinating Facebook post.

Cold Weather Riding in the 40s

Thanksgiving weekend.  In one corner, we have the cold weather: Thursday too cold to attempt, Friday 40, Saturday 45, Sunday 49.  On the other, I have my usual riding gear, plus new additions:  glove liners, heavy weight thermal underwear, and a balaklava.

Like I said, my chaps, jacket, and boots keep all those parts warm enough.  It is the rest of me.  I'll take each part.