We're on the uphill swing!

[dave]

The shortest day of the year has passed. From now 'til June 21, more daylight. I mentally celebrate December 21st as the very early start of a new riding season. Of course, that's weeks out, but we're on the path ...... we've started once again!

Bob

I moved out of the north east to San Diego because of my love for riding, so I don't even think of things like this anymore.

[ohiorider_imp]

The shortest day of the year has passed. From now 'til June 21, more daylight. I mentally celebrate December 21st as the very early start of a new riding season. Of course, that's weeks out, but we're on the path ...... we've started once again!

Bob

I moved out of the north east to San Diego because of my love for riding, so I don't even think of things like this anymore.

I moved out of the north east to San Diego because of my love for riding, so I don't even think of things like this anymore. My late brother lived in DelMar, CA for several years. Beautiful country.

Before I retired, the company I worked for often attended or sponsored automation trade shows in SoCal. I rented from Dubbelju in San Francisco in 1995 (R100 Mystic with bags) rode a nice stretch of the PCH, then went inland and rode as far south as Ventura. The road was so nice, I took much of it on my way back. Wolfgang, at Dubbelju, had given me good advice on where to ride.

2nd time in 1997, another BMW (R1100R) from California Rentals in SanDiego. Off to the hills once again (Palomar, Julian, etc) and a BMW rally in Pauma Valley,

3rd time - rented again from Ca Rentals in SD, met husband and wife friends riding rental HD in Barstow, and from there we went for several pleasant days riding around the Death Valley area. On my ride to Barstow, a diversion to Palomar observatory. This was December, so there was a light dusting of snow near top of mountain. Must admit, it got a bit cool riding Route 395 on the return ride to San Diego. Heated grips and e-vest and it was all good.

Three wonderful rides. And you, lucky dog, can do this any time you choose!

Bob

[LongRanger_imp]

I spent 15 years in San Diego and rode about 25000 miles a year (those are Ferret numbers). By the time I left, however, I was done with the constant traffic and crowds. Still, there is some wonderful year-round riding in the mountains and desert east of town, and trips into Baja are easy. Everything else decent is at least a day's ride away (Sierra's, Utah, Rockies, etc.)

[the Ferret]

After visiting LA/San Fran/So Cal in 2014 and again in 2016, I think I'd rather live where I live and bundle up a bit to take my rides when it gets cold. If you offered me a free home in LA or San Fran (with the requirement that I had to live in it) I'm afraid I would have to turn it down. Weather is nice, but the crowded roads, sky high prices for everything, and all those people jammed together are more than I could take I'm afraid.

[Cormanus]

I suspect nothing in Australia compares with the crowded areas of the US—California, for example—but, even here, having to battle city traffic is a big disincentive to riding. If I have to run errands to the city, I take the train and I find I no longer go for a ride in the afternoon just because I can as I can't be doing with the traffic on the way in and out of the city.

[redbirds_imp]

Some of the best riding of the year is now until summer here in south Georgia and the doc says no driving or riding for at least another 4 weeks. I keep wandering out to the garage to look at our CB's. They're connected to the Battery Tenders and ready to go. Feeling a bit frustrated.

[Offroad]

Heading out in the morning for a 160 mile round trip to Cave in the Rock, IL. Temps starting at 35 ending at 55.

Right now I'm so lucky to have a group of guys that like to ride in anything above freezing.

They've told me don't ride with "sand or salt" on the road.

The weekend routine is about 2 hour trip to eat lunch somewhere, then 2 hour trip back home....makes for a good day!

[GoldOxide_imp]

Sadly, you don't need to be anywhere near southern Cal to get crappy commuter rides.

In fact, I'd rather cruise the tri-state area of NYC during riding season, versus the north-north-west shore of Lake Ontario.

Population ain't stoppin'. Two cars for every driver. When is the next pandemic?

[the Ferret]

Oh I know .... there are lots of places I wouldnt want to live/ride a motorcycle. NYC, Chicago, Atlanta, Miami to name a few.

[Nortoon_imp]

Ottawa has become a very busy city since I retired. I never ride my bike in city traffic, except to my Honda shop for maintenance or an errand to the mall. I also book any appointments between 10AM and 1PM so I don't have to drive my car in the rush hours.

When I returned to motorcycling 5 years ago I went on a charity run with hundreds of other bikers. I quickly realized being jammed in double lines of strangers of unknown riding ability was very uncomfortable and not much fun.

There are rural roads surrounded by farms 5 minutes from my home. They have little traffic and 80 KPH speed limits. So I can get out of town quickly and safely. Most of my jumping off terminals are small towns 1 hour from my home.

My playground is the Ottawa Valley. It has lots of roads twisting around rivers, lakes and hills in cottage country. As most people only use their cottages on the weekends, I have the roads all to myself. Unlike the weekends, the bikers I encounter at rest stops are retirees with decades of motorcycling experience. They ride safely and are willing to exchange motorcycle stories no matter what you or they ride.

For me the real enjoyment of motorcycling is the freedom to ride when and where I like, at what ever speed I find most suitable or fun on any particular day.