Doug D.
"Tin Man"
It’s the middle of January in the Mid West. Temperatures are warmer than average, with lows in the forties and highs expected in the fifties. There’s not a cloud in the sky and while weather like this in January usually brings rain, there’s no chance predicted until late the next night. Perfect…
I stepped out this morning to a temp of 42 degrees, and while it’s most definitely not summer, it’s a damn sight warmer than the brutal bone chilling cold of the last several weeks. There in the garage sits that gleaming machine I bought late last year, barely ridden since then and covered with a light patina of dust. I’ve waited for a day like this, a day to get in the sun and feel the wind, even if it’s just long enough to get the oils moving and shake out the cob webs.
Warmer than average or not, bonus days still call for the right gear. At sixty miles an hour, those fifty and sixty temps can feel like thirty, especially in lower lying areas. So, out come the chaps, heavy leather jacket and cold weather gloves, a bandana for the face, helmet skirt for the ears, and so on. Check the oil, air up the tires and we’re ready.
Seems like a lot of hassle for what might end up being just a short ride. More trouble than it’s worth, right? Maybe to most, but to a rider, days like these truly are a gift. They’re a rare chance to scratch that interminable itch that plagues us between the seasons, a chance to soothe a restless soul and get some relief from that burning hunger for the open road and the wind, if even for a short time. Just a few miles sometimes, is all it takes. Just a few miles and I’m good until the next chance to get out, which could be weeks or even months. Given that, I’ll take every bonus day I can get.
So enough of this. Go wipe her down, gear up and get out there. Go find yourself a little peace…
See ya out there!
I stepped out this morning to a temp of 42 degrees, and while it’s most definitely not summer, it’s a damn sight warmer than the brutal bone chilling cold of the last several weeks. There in the garage sits that gleaming machine I bought late last year, barely ridden since then and covered with a light patina of dust. I’ve waited for a day like this, a day to get in the sun and feel the wind, even if it’s just long enough to get the oils moving and shake out the cob webs.
Warmer than average or not, bonus days still call for the right gear. At sixty miles an hour, those fifty and sixty temps can feel like thirty, especially in lower lying areas. So, out come the chaps, heavy leather jacket and cold weather gloves, a bandana for the face, helmet skirt for the ears, and so on. Check the oil, air up the tires and we’re ready.
Seems like a lot of hassle for what might end up being just a short ride. More trouble than it’s worth, right? Maybe to most, but to a rider, days like these truly are a gift. They’re a rare chance to scratch that interminable itch that plagues us between the seasons, a chance to soothe a restless soul and get some relief from that burning hunger for the open road and the wind, if even for a short time. Just a few miles sometimes, is all it takes. Just a few miles and I’m good until the next chance to get out, which could be weeks or even months. Given that, I’ll take every bonus day I can get.
So enough of this. Go wipe her down, gear up and get out there. Go find yourself a little peace…
See ya out there!
Have a great ride, look out fot black ice and slush
Got thru about 1/4 of my wood splitting, will continue tomorrow and hopefully finish b4 the next chill sets in . The more I get done now the more time to play later :scooter:If it wasn’t for this dam splitting detail, I’d be on the lake ice fishing as this is the peeeerfect weather :fishing: However the chores must get done first.
. Gota sell my 37 Ford b4 I even think of another. Then all bets ar off and the ranch will get refinanced for another turn key. :clapping:
