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Dekabrist - Printable Version

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Dekabrist - emptysea - 12-14-2014

Believe it or not, most motorcyclists in the Chicago area have their bikes tucked away for their long winter's nap. Oh sure, we all see posts on social media from folks in colder climes who ride year-around, but we need to remember that only the most passionate of us take time to chronicle our rides and we are also the ones most likely to keep our bikes in a ready-to-go state. The vast majority of riders are fair-weather riders. The rest of us who ride in December are, I suppose, rebels..."Decembrists", if you will. (December 14, 1825 is the date of a Russian uprising against Czar Nicholas. The insurgents were referred to as "Decembrists" or "Dekabrist".)

Now, today was not a particularly cold day here, but it was misty and overcast. My bike was ready to go with its new exhaust and heated grips, so I layered up and headed to the lake.

I really need to learn how to plot a map and then post it here, but it's hard to do on an iPad, I think. So, for those who like to follow such things, I worked my way to the Skokie Lagoons, then north to Tower Road in the affluent suburb of Winnetka. East on Tower until I ran out of road and stopped for a picture or two at the lake. After that, it was north on Sheridan Rd. through The Ravines, and further north through Glencoe, Highland Park, Highwood, and finally turning west on IL176 in Lake Forest. West through some less affluent areas then back south along a neat little stretch named St. Mary's Rd.

About 65 miles round trip. Stopped on the way back to check on the status of snowblower repairs (it'll be ready next week), fueled up and packed the CB1100 in the garage with my two other bikes and still had room for the Jeep. Not bad. Not bad at all.

I love the new exhaust. I love the sound and maybe it's just wishful thinking, but the CB1100 feels quicker off the line. The roads were a little slick due to the combination of temperature and humidity so I could not really push it through the curvy parts, but it sure felt good to be out. Even though it was around 50 degrees, my hands would have eventually got too cold to have fun were it not for the Heat Demons. I just have to remember to turn them back on after shutting the bike off.

Here's hoping that we soon get another weekend this warm so I can go out and be "rebellious" again. LOL

Lake Michigan from Tower Road Beach
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Ravinia Park is the home of a wonderful outdoor music festival each summer. Folks come by train and automobile and bring often elaborate picnic dinners to hear some of the best musical artists in the world. It is the summer home for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Maybe someday I'll be riding through these gates to see my son perform here -- never know. (A passing bicyclist stopped and asked if I wanted my picture taken and then proceeded to regale me with questions about my motorcycle, calling me "dude" at least three times. I don't think he would have stopped if it weren't for the good looks of the CB1100, but maybe he just wanted an excuse to rest.)
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Some of you may recognize this as one of the streets Joel Goodson raced down in his father's Porsche 928 while being chased by Guido The Killer Pimp in "Risky Business". CB1100--There IS no substitute.
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I haven't been at this pizza place since I was a kid. I'm planning on having a winter dinner with all the folks in the area with whom I've ridden this year and I'm thinking that this may be the spot.
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This could possibly become my favorite picture of my CB1100.
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One car garage containing three Hondas with room left for a Jeep. OK, so I'm not Hondahoarder, but still...
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RE: Dekabrist - Short Timer_imp - 12-14-2014

You found the perfect backdrop with that Forest Preserve! Clap

Dekabrist - Cormanus - 12-14-2014

Great post, MTC. Glad you get the odd opportunity to get out in the winter and are ready to take it.

Like the pics too!

RE: Dekabrist - the Ferret - 12-14-2014

Cool beans. I don't think some motorcyclists realize how liberating it is to get out when conditions are not ideal, when other motorcyclists are driving around in their cages, or worse stuck in their houses. The roads and curves belong to you and you alone, you are not sharing them with anyone..you are flying "solo" so to speak.

It feels good to be a Dekabrist!

Good report ES.

RE: Dekabrist - Rocky_imp - 12-14-2014

Good for you! Nice report Thumbs Up Thumbs Up
It's been unusually mild here, and there have been days I could ride, but as you said, my bikes are "tucked away" for the winter Big Grin

RE: Dekabrist - CIP57_imp - 12-14-2014

Its great to get out in the winter, feels like your cheating when you see no one out on bikes, i did come across a fellow biker the other day. Today is getting up into the mid 40's, hoping to take a short ride for lunch.

Amazing how you can put a new exhaust on a bike and the ECU just compensates and runs perfect. You could never do that with the old carbs.

RE: Dekabrist - redbirds_imp - 12-14-2014

Wonderful that you were able to get out for a ride. Thumbs Up

RE: Dekabrist - the Ferret - 12-15-2014

I'm retired... it's 43 out (headed for 48)... I'm going Dekabristing... see you guys in a couple hours lol

RE: Dekabrist - Django - 12-15-2014

Did 27 km this morning on my CB to work at 8°C, but roads are completely wet. Too warm for current season.

Looking forward to my way home. However, then it's dark outside.

RE: Dekabrist - metallyguitarded_imp - 12-15-2014

Great report! Love the "Old School" sign behind the CB. Haha.