Summer is on its way!

[emptysea]

In the northern hemisphere, today is the Winter Solstice and the shortest day of the year. From here on, our days grow longer and longer and we inch closer and closer to the blooming of another riding season.

Anyone go on a all-day ride to commemorate this? I went to a Chrismas brunch were I may have had more than my fair share of Bloody Marys, so I'm recliner bound for the remainder of the daylight hours, but I'd love to read about others who were able to get out.

[Cormanus]

Of course, here, down under, yesterday was the Summer Solstice which means, in GRR Martin's immortal words, "Winter is coming."

Sorry, ES, didn't get on the bike on the solstice. We've family here for Christmas which means beaches and beer (not necessarily together) and no time for riding.

Even though its early-ish in the morning here, the recliner sounds very appealing.

[metallyguitarded_imp]

I took a short ride along the harbor. It was a bit chilly but I know better than to complain about our weather. A zippered sweater under my unlined leather jacket and my three season gloves were more than adequate. I could feel the coolness through my jeans though. It's going to be a (relatively) cold evening. As I rode past the bay, I noticed lots of families setting up chairs and picnics at the shoreline. Tonight will be the annual Parade of Lights on the water. Hundreds of boats, decorated for the holidays, travel the circumference of the bay. Often times Christmas music will be blaring from the boats and people will be out on deck waving at the crowds. It's actually really nice.

Merry Winter Solstice!

[the Ferret]

I got out for about an hour/33 miles.. Didn't feel anything like summer was coming here lol. Coldest 34 degrees I've experienced in awhile.

I'll be out about 150 miles worth tomorrow, riding up to Bellbrook Ohio to have lunch with an ex client. I'm sure I will enjoy the summer heat lol

[Offroad]

I went out for a short ride, got up to low 40's here. The only only cold spot was the neck/chin area....what do you guys wear to protect that area?

[the Ferret]

Balaclava! Invaluable in this weather and comfortable up to 60 degrees. I never go anywhere without at least one in my tank bag.

http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/corte...-balaclava

Just be sure you remove it before you walk into a bank or 7-11

[emptysea]

A 1/4 zip fleece pullover with a merino wool balaclava and sometimes a Buff wrap. I'm sure there's a better wind barrier solution for the neck, but having these three layers plus the wind proof liner in my jacket zipped all the way up usually works.

[the_undecider_imp]

It was cloudy and in the low 50s all day which is great riding weather. Not a lot of people were out riding. I took the little KLX250 Supermoto for about a 75 mile ride through the hills by the lake and then down into Austin. It was run railing corners on a light bike. I recently rejetted and installed a pipe and it runs nice. The CB was out yesterday, but just a short 45 minute ride since I had a lot going on. Weather is looking nice for Christmas and I plan to get one of the bikes out for a ride.

[nhawk7504_imp]

I was telling someone today that this was the shortest day of the year. So we get six months to watch the days get longer. It's something to stop and enjoy. You get to June, right when the weather is best and the days start getting shorter. I think we need to move to the equator. Anyone up for an Equator round the world trip?

[Cormanus]

as things have evolved, ES, I was wrong. The team decided on a swim and, as it was either 2 cars or 1 car and me on the bike, I made the sacrifice. 25-30 kms to Noosa, said to be one of Australia's best resorts, along good, quick rural roads. It was warm—high 20s °C—and I was hot in my jeans and mesh jacket. I was naughty and wore sandals. A swim in the glorious Pacific Ocean cooled me off for a cup of coffee and a pleasant ride home along the same roads.

I know we miss the romance and tradition of a 'white' christmas here in the Antipodes, but I'll take the summer any day.