Old Man Winter

[Moedad]

Whew! You can tell winter's just around the corner. For the second time in as many weeks, I've chosen to wear my non-mesh jacket. Might have to put the liner in it by year's end if this keeps up.

Me --> :poke2: <--Everybody who lives some place where they have real winters.

[dentheman]

Here in W. Texas we do get below freezing at night during winter and every 2-3 years get a couple inches of snow with ice on the road. That is a sign for many to drive faster than they usually do, especially SUV and 4WD drivers who think their brakes work better on ice than 2WD vehicles.

[Water Warrior 2]

Here in W. Texas we do get below freezing at night during winter and every 2-3 years get a couple inches of snow with ice on the road. That is a sign for many to drive faster than they usually do, especially SUV and 4WD drivers who think their brakes work better on ice than 2WD vehicles.
From experience and observation I can say a 4x4 just gets you going faster so you can hit the ditch at higher speed. Years ago on the recommendation of a co-worker I bought 4 Good Year ice radials for my 2 wheel drive Ranger. It was a real dream compared to a big Bronco in 4x4 mode with all season tires.

[dentheman]

When we do get the icing I drive down the road and about 8 out of 10 in the ditch will be SUV and/or 4WD.

When I was stationed in Florida there were often winter days when I would wear shorts and a T shirt while the locals were bundled up. They thought I was nuts, I just told them I was raised in Wisconsin.

[bonehead]

Winter in central TX is usually jacket in the morning and shorts in the afternoon.

[Water Warrior 2]

Winter has arrived here in Squamish, actually the entire west coast. Temps right now are below freezing with a fair wind blowing. This is a fine test for a cheap apartment built by the lowest bidder. Balcony curtains are moving around because there is such a poor fit and finish to the sliding glass doors. Baseboard electric heater is inadequate, hence the electric heater in the living room. Snow is on the way.
Still better than Southern Alberts yesterday. A friend called and said it was -17 C and falling. So I won't complain much, just mumble a little now and again. Glad I'm not a prairie boy anymore.

[alantf]

And we're moaning because the temperature has dropped below 70ºf !!!!!!!!!!!! :cry: :)

[mrlmd1]

I feel bad for you guys up North (I used to live there too) but it's been 75 here for the past week, nice and sunny, supposed to be mid 70's-80 all this week. Perfect for riding, no winter gear on yet.

[Water Warrior 2]

I feel bad for you guys up North (I used to live there too) but it's been 75 here for the past week, nice and sunny, supposed to be mid 70's-80 all this week. Perfect for riding, no winter gear on yet.
If I had those temps for the week I can think of a few reasons to not to be at home for a week.

[Water Warrior 2]

So it is snowing like crazy here right now. Snow plows have been out since last night and this town is almost shut down compared to the normal everyday routine. Went out for a coffee and realized I didn't have any foot wear except for my sneakers. On with the riding boots. Warm, waterproof and good to walk in. Not nearly as big and clumsy as some snow boots I saw people wearing today. Hmm...................riding boots for walking in snow, does that make me a cross dresser ?

[dhgeyer]

I put my bikes away for the season on October 10th this year. Did all the prep, went for a short ride to work the stabilized fuel and fresh oil through the systems, and felt good about putting them up.

I lasted about a month. In the last couple of weeks I've put another 500 miles on the Beemer. So, it looks like I'm going to be a "Rounder" again this year. Today is Sunny and will hit 42 or so. On with the Winter riding gear, and out for a ride. Thank God and Gerbings for electric clothes! After I bought the bike last January I did 100 mile trips where it never got up to freezing with no problems. The roads just have to be clear. Typically, after a snowstorm, it takes about 3 days or so for the remnants after plowing to disappear, unless it snows again. In any case, there aren't all that many days when I just can't ride.

All in all I'd rather deal with cold than temps over 90. Cold can be dressed for. Heat is just heat, especially for ATGATT folk.

[dentheman]

Thursday (Thanksgiving day), my HUGE tree in the front had all of its leaves. That night when I went out I would occassionally hear a leaf drop. The next morning when I went to walk my dog, all of the leaves had fallen off the tree and I had a thick coat of leaves on my lawn. I have raked up about half of them which filled my dumpster, so I don't have anywhere to dispose of the rest until the trash is picked up.

[alanmcorcoran]

Well, it's about as "wintry" as it's gonna get out here today. I haven't been riding much lately, partly due to being out of town and partly because I've been spending most of my free time practicing Christmas carols, but I did get in about 50 miles on the geezer tonight - quick run to the tennis courts (!) and back. Wore some ski underlayer, tennis togs, my sweats, and my mesh jacket with the liner in it. Wore the full face helmet and the Max-it Gator and some thick gloves. I was pretty comfortable on the way out at 5:30pm. By the time I came back it was in the high 40's in the hills (low for tonight is supposed to be 40.) A little nippy on the face and my ankles.

[Moedad]

We got in late last night from spending 8 days in northern Idaho. DANG, it was cold! It snowed almost every day we were up there. Down in the minus teens one night. We were staying near Gamlin Lake south of Sandpoint and one day we drove around the lake and took pictures and stuff. Next day the whole lake was frozen over. I saw a couple of motorcycles parked here and there, but nobody riding. I was very happy to be in my little AWD Subaru Legacy rental.

[Water Warrior 2]

Oh we have nice weather here now. Lots of rain, snow if no rain. Slightly above or below freezing. The roads are wet, slushy, icy, black ice or a combo of everything depending on the elevation which varies just enough to make it interesting. I forgot the fog. Had to drive to Vancouver today and what do I see a few blocks from home ?????? My neighbors bike pulled over by the LEOs. What was he thinking ?? It is hard enough walking let alone riding 2 wheelers around.

[Moedad]

I've been spending most of my free time practicing Christmas carols...

Hey Alan, what dates are you playing besides the 11th?

Also, have you ever read any of Max Brooks (Mel's son) zombie books, specifically Worl War Z?

[alanmcorcoran]

18, 19, 24, 25, 26 (assuming I don't get fired sooner [this is not a joke - I'm borderline at best and there are some days when I flat out suck. Hopefully if the suckies strike during the run they'll be at the end not the beginning.])

I don't read much about zombies. I didn't even play the Resident Evil games (probably would suck at those too.) I do have a perverse fascination with Milla J. in her prime. I also equate the mob behavior that comes with civil unrest in overpopulated places (like Southern California) as the pretty much the same thing as zombies, except the mobs tend to move faster and will eat stuff other than brains. Mindless, though. Persistent. Plentiful. Hard to escape.

We've already had a taste after the Rodney King verdict. Not sure what will trigger the next one, but I'd like some options if I find myself trapped in the LA Basin.

Having a duosport bike and some firepower gives you a sporting chance whether it's an angry mob or actual zombies.

[cayuse]

"a perverse fascination with Milla J. in her prime"
Come on, there's nothing perverse about that.... unless your fascination involves something perverse, in which case: share, please! :popcorn:

[Water Warrior 2]

Getting less and less impressed with Mother Nature. It should be the start of Spring here and sounds of Robins flying by. All I hear is snow plows. The temp is hovering above or below freezing depending on the humor of Mother Nature. Rain, snow, rain, snow. Put on your water proof boots, snow shoes and carry an umbrella. 12 to 14 inches of snow predicted in the next 24 hours. End of rant. I feel better now.

[blaine]

Getting less and less impressed with Mother Nature. It should be the start of Spring here and sounds of Robins flying by. All I hear is snow plows. The temp is hovering above or below freezing depending on the humor of Mother Nature. Rain, snow, rain, snow. Put on your water proof boots, snow shoes and carry an umbrella. 12 to 14 inches of snow predicted in the next 24 hours. End of rant. I feel better now.

Me too.Minus 20 here.Seven storms since the 20Th of Feb.I've definitely had my fill. :cry: :mad: :cuss:

[alanmcorcoran]

rain and snow in chicago - but at least it's not 7 degrees anymore.

[Water Warrior 2]

Mother Nature was entertaining this morning. Was standing at the window watching the rain try to wash away snow and ice. Had a 10 minute intermission in the form of a white out of hard white pellets coming down.

[bonehead]

Sunny and a high of 75 today. :neener:

[mrlmd1]

It's warming up nicely down here, mid 70s - 80. but very FOGGY where I live because of the difference in water and air temperature, In my mind that's too dangerous to ride - can't see the road and others can't see me. But 10-15 miles away, it's sunny and clear.

[Dupo]

Screw you southerners!

[blaine]

Screw you southerners!
:plus1: :tongue: :)

[alanmcorcoran]

Super nice in Anaheim today. Had to go into the office and put another 13 miles round trip on the Geezer.

[BusyWeb]

Super nice in Anaheim today. Had to go into the office and put another 13 miles round trip on the Geezer.
Ha ha ha, Mr. Alan...
I'm with you.......... ha ha ha

[mrlmd1]

The weather is perfect here now down in Florida where I live - 70-80, sunny, still can go ATGATT without sweating your brains off like will happen in another 2-3 months.

Hey, BusyWeb - you made me do it, I got a TW200 also after seeing yours and doing a lot of research, and I even saw you on the TW200 forum. It's a nice little bike. Do you still have the GZ? Ever ride that anymore?

[BusyWeb]

The weather is perfect here now down in Florida where I live - 70-80, sunny, still can go ATGATT without sweating your brains off like will happen in another 2-3 months.

Hey, BusyWeb - you made me do it, I got a TW200 also after seeing yours and doing a lot of research, and I even saw you on the TW200 forum. It's a nice little bike. Do you still have the GZ? Ever ride that anymore?

Wow.. that's nice.
TW200 is a pretty economical (and off-road noob likes me) bike to enjoy the dirt in my opinion.
No, I don't have GZ anymore, but I got permission to be here by the other riders... ha ha ha
This forum is my first bike forum and like home for me. ^^;

[mrlmd1]

Don't go away, we need the videos of your rides. Just jealous we don't have that scenery down here, too flat.

[Water Warrior 2]

I find it a good sign when somebody moves on to another bike but still hangs around here. Firstly, we still have that person's experience to draw upon. Second, we get to see what they move up to and find out why that particular bike was chosen. I never had a GZ. I was here to represent Lynda and her GZ. Got great tips and ideas for the bike from the more knowledgeable members and saved a lot of headaches. Lynda has moved on to a M-50 and now I can relate to others my experiences with both the GZ and the "M". This is a great forum and tutoring new riders is fun and hopefully keeps them safe and out of trouble.

[blaine]

When I sold my G.Z and bought my 454 I joined a couple of other forums.This forum is by far the best,and still my favorite one,and my most visited. :cool: :) :2tup:

[mrlmd1]

It has become a much more relaxed friendly place where we have become friends across space and distance. We can have any type of conversation, even about motorcycles, the thing that binds up together, Kudos to all of us. :2tup: :2tup:

[music man]

Agreed, I got rid of My GZ, got a different bike, found and signed up to a forum for that bike, made exactly one post to introduce myself, and really haven't been back on there much since, even to read other peoples posts.

This forum is the best out there, I like it because a more diverse group of people seem to get all Geezered up compared to other bikes.

[cayuse]

I couldn't resist it anymore! We got the first hint of spring in these parts this weekend, so I changed the oil, topped up the tires, backed her out of the garage and fired her up! Mounted a new Bad Boy horn a few weeks ago and tried it out today; that thing is ear-splitting! The riding season is not far away! :biggrin:

[alanmcorcoran]

Got a little cocky out here in Endless Summer Land... rode off to the courts in my tennis sweats/sneakers and the mesh jacket. Forecast: Partly Cloudy.

Part of the cloudy starting coming down halfway through the first set and by the end of the second, it was pretty much partly raining. Got to test out the mesh jacket with the liner in, in the rain on the way home. My visibility wasn't the greatest and I wasnt exactly comfy with my face and ears getting all wet, but the jacket kept the torso dry. Between the windshield, the flip up on the 3/4 and my glasses, there's a lot of droplets to look through. Pretty much have to flip it up and look over the shield to see anything. So you get to experience the wind and water rushing through your face...

If I had to go more than 25 miles or so, my tennis shoes would have soaked through, but I made it into the garage before I was too soaked.

[Moedad]

The drizzle was to balance out the spectacular day on Saturday.

Got a little cocky out here in Endless Summer Land... rode off to the courts in my tennis sweats/sneakers and the mesh jacket. Forecast: Partly Cloudy.

Part of the cloudy starting coming down halfway through the first set and by the end of the second, it was pretty much partly raining. Got to test out the mesh jacket with the liner in, in the rain on the way home. My visibility wasn't the greatest and I wasnt exactly comfy with my face and ears getting all wet, but the jacket kept the torso dry. Between the windshield, the flip up on the 3/4 and my glasses, there's a lot of droplets to look through. Pretty much have to flip it up and look over the shield to see anything. So you get to experience the wind and water rushing through your face...

If I had to go more than 25 miles or so, my tennis shoes would have soaked through, but I made it into the garage before I was too soaked.

[alanmcorcoran]

Moedad - we have to hookup with our new 650's. The rain has effed up Cleveland pretty good - maybe we could just go down to Cook's and on to Dana Point or something. Or maybe explore some more of Malibu...

[Water Warrior 2]

Today was a nice day and I probably could have dug up enough energy to unleash the bike but other plans got in the way. Was actually not raining, sunshine was evident(WOW) and temps were above freezing. A few riders were out in my neck of the woods looking for a hot coffee. Me, I was caging it. Went to the big city to find some decent footwear. Size 12 and a 4E width is not too common in a smaller community like Squamish. I can't imagine going shopping for shoes in riding gear with all the added weight and bulk. Proud to be a Wimp.

[mrlmd1]

Better to be a Wimp so you can live to ride another day.

[Moedad]

Moedad - we have to hookup with our new 650's. The rain has effed up Cleveland pretty good - maybe we could just go down to Cook's and on to Dana Point or something. Or maybe explore some more of Malibu...

Like.

[alantf]

Can't ride today! This is the rainy season. Don't mean that it's coming down like ordinary rain - it's monsoon type rain, & has been for the last 24 hours. Can hardly hear myself think, the rain's bouncing so heavily off the roof. :cry:

[Water Warrior 2]

I can relate to the monsoon comment. We are getting a lot of the rain we didn't get earlier in the winter. At least the snow is being washed away.

[cayuse]

Spring officially starts tomorrow, but it started a day early for me!
We finally got a break from the rain today so I took her around the neighbourhood for a shakedown cruise.
Tried out the new 16-tooth gear and I like it! It really seems to calm down the bottom gears.

Riding season '11 has arrived! :biggrin:

[Water Warrior 2]

Considering a little Spring spin myself. The weather seems to be cooperating. It is 3 AM right now so all I need is sunshine and warmer temps. Now where is my riding gear ?

[Water Warrior 2]

Finally did it. It really was a nice day for a first ride of the season. Tried out my new camera mount system.................bah humbug...............back to the drawing board. What did I expect for a $5 investment in bits and pieces.

[alantf]

What did I say about the rainy season! Today a calima rolled in. That's the HOT, dry, sandy wind from the Sahara. Shorts & an old straw hat. Sat on the patio for dinner. It's spicy roast chicken, salad, & cool red wine weather. :yes: :yes: :yes:

[Water Warrior 2]

How long is that likely to last ?

[alantf]

Perhaps a day - perhaps 2 or 3 - Still, every day's a bonus. I'm lapping it up! :)

Still out on the patio. A jug of wine on the table, & an old Wilbur Smith novel on my lap! That's what it's all about! :) :) :)

[Water Warrior 2]

And being retired makes it all that much nicer. Put your feet up and enjoy.

[Water Warrior 2]

Had the best of intentions yesterday as it was a nice pleasant day. Hey, I know, do something healthy like pedal your butt around town. Yup. Topped up the tires, rev up the pedals and off I go. Heading south across town is ever so slightly downhill and there was a wee bit of a breeze. Felt good and the exercise can't hurt.......RIGHT ?
Had a coffee with another old guy and enjoyed the company while basking in the pleasant weather.
Time to leave and yipes, my front tire is nearly flat. No damage visible so I walk it across the street to an available air source. Hoping it is a really slow leak and I will make it home. The race is on, me pedalling as fast as is comfortable without a heart attack and remembering the slight breeze and uphill slope. Half way home and the tire is almost on the rim but there is a tire shop and air source. Aired up and go like the dickens. Made it home at a cost though. Old guys should not work that hard right out of the box sort of thing. Needed a 4 hour nap to recover but luckily nothing hurts so I am grateful.
Now I get to play with a flat tire. Maybe stick to motorcycles in the future as they go against the wind better.

[mrlmd1]

Much easier to replace a tube on a bicycle compared to a motorcycle. Just make sure you get the right size, not only diameter of the wheel, but the circular diameter of the tube, as too small a tube in the tire will burst and leak when it's inflated or you go over a bump (ask me how I know that).

[bonehead]

I think you need a couple of days off, relax.

[Water Warrior 2]

Plan for the day is hunting for a tube. Easy job on my part. If Walmart doesn't have the right size we have bike shops in the land of outdoor recreation. For the life of me though I can't see paying as much for a bike as a good car. Of course I won't shell out more for a motorcycle than a car either. My bike was $150 new and I got it for the price of a $100 lottery ticket. OMG I just realized that was over 10 years ago. Hmm, they say the memory is the first to go. :whistle:

[alantf]

Plan for the day is hunting for a tube.

No old packets of inner tube patches lying around on the garage shelf? Mind you, the glue will have probably gone hard. :cry:

[mrlmd1]

That's usually rubber cement.

[Water Warrior 2]

Haven't actually patched a tube in 45 years. Was looking for a patch kit when I spied a new tube for $5. A simple R/R and I'm back on the pedals again. A good job for the weekend as I don't want to get to worn out doing everything in one day :lol: :lol:

[BillInGA]

It hasn't happened yet this spring, but I'm sure to bet a knock on the door one of these weekends from a neighborhood looking for some bike maintenance. I guess the word has gone out that I have a bicycle pump and a patch kit.

Too bad we're expecting rain this weekend. Now I'm not going to go riding - or clean out my gutters. :2tup:

[Water Warrior 2]

It is so nice to be needed.

[Water Warrior 2]

So today is another day and I actually did replace the tube on my mountain bike. When I was 20 I could do a car tire and tube in minutes. Not gonna mention how long this little job took but I wasn't working under the best of conditions. Time for a nap.