Got out for a bit

the Ferret · Dec 28, 2013

These last two days. On the ST, not the CB. 115 miles yesterday, 56 miles today. Yesterday was colder but it gave me the opportunity to test the electric glove liners I got for Christmas. Nice and toasty when plugged into their own controller, not so much when plugged into the jacket liner and run on same controller.

Today I was only able to get out for a little over an hour. Today I wanted to test the new point and shoot camera my wife got me. Took me awhile to work the new smaller buttons... Learn how to hold it...And to get my fat fingers out of the way of the new lens

But I eventually figured it out

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On my way home I stopped for a pic op on Main St in the little town I live in along the Ohio River. 2 1/2 hours upriver in the direction my bike is facing lies the border of West Virginia, directly across the river is Kentucky ( the wooded hillside on the right in the picture) and an hour behind the bike is Indiana. All great states to ride in.

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Anyhow, rain comes tonight after midnight, and all day tomorrow. At least it will wash some of that dang salt off the road. Then again they are predicting snow again Thursday. Looks like I will get to ride New Years Day as is a custom of my brother and I ( weather permitting) as they are predicting mostly cloudy with a high of 31. Electrics will be welcomed then!

emptysea · Dec 28, 2013

Great that you can get out as often as you do. I got to ride today for a bit, but snow and cold will likely keep the bike in the garage for at least a couple of weeks....Countdown to Spring begins in earnest in four days.

Blockhead_imp · Dec 28, 2013

Good stuff there ferret. I too was able to ride about 40 miles today, first ride in several weeks and it was great. Got the bike home and did the 600 mile service in the garage while sipping a cold one. Everything went as planned, filter came off with little effort, chain needed tightened a half turn....life is good.

Happy New Year all!

CB1100dan_imp · Dec 28, 2013

79 degrees today, partly cloudy and no wind... 501's, redwings 971's and a HJC 3/4 helmet. I even stopped at in n out for a double double. Living the dream for real...

the Ferret · Dec 29, 2013

Dan 79 wow... I am so jealous! Not sure what an in and out and a double double is though... Burger and choc malt?

Blockhead..yes, life is good

Empty Sea .. You have to really like riding to ride in this weather, but I retired early so I could ride more, and I do whenever I get the opportunity.

CB1100dan_imp · Dec 29, 2013

In_n_out is a California based burger joint with a almost mythical following, a double double is a double meat double cheese burger that all socals would have trouble living without... Lol sorry, I forget the rest of the states haven't heard of our junk food. Lol.

davidsargee_imp · Dec 29, 2013

Like the pics, Ferret, that shot on the river reminds me of my hometown in Louisiana.

They recently opened an In n out not far from where I live, I rode past it yesterday, need to check it out sometime. It was 57 degrees and sunny, but the wind was blowing pretty hard, moved me around the freeway on a couple of overpasses. Rode for a couple of hours, stopped at the local "Goodys" store for Martini fixin's, went home, cleaned up the CB, and had a martini.

Life is good, yep

flynrider · Dec 29, 2013

Prime riding season here in the desert. It got up to 70 degrees this afternoon. I had a big "to do" list, so I spent the morning running around on the CB750 and the afternoon on the CB11. Got home in time to do a quick oil and filter change, chain adjustment and general cleanup on the CB750. I'll probably do the same for the CB11 next weekend.

Cormanus · Dec 29, 2013

I'm not sure about adding to this thread. I feel a bit guilty writing about Christmas in Australia.

On Christmas Day, my wife and I climbed aboard the CB1100 and drove the 30 km to the coast where we swam in the Pacific Ocean. The temperature was around 30°C (86°F). It looked like this.

And we met this critter as we left the beach. It was eating bait fish someone had abandoned and I had to help it get the last ones out of the plastic bag you can see near the end of its tail.

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Yesterday, with a forecast maximum of 37°C (98.6°F) we again headed out on the CB1100. it's not a lot of fun all kitted up in protective gear in that temperature, even in ventilator jackets which let in lots of air. We had a lovely time on Noosa Main Beach with a few other people ...

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While we were out, the kids told us the temperature reached 42°C (107.6°F) at home, as hot as I've ever known it to get here. I'd not want it to get there again. By the time we rode home at around 5pm it was still so hot that even riding at speed was like riding through a warm bath.

Is it heresy to admit that, on days like these, an air conditioned car has some appeal?

the Ferret · Dec 30, 2013

I don't think its ever gotten that high here were I live. A hundred is really rare. We've had summers where we've only gotten into the 90s on 4 days, but we have as many as 19 days in the 90s in a year. That was a miserable summer. Roda mostly early in the morning and late in the evening.

On the other hand below zero is really rare as well. Mostly between 32 and 90

rboe · Dec 30, 2013

Had the GRiso out yesterday. 40 degrees F. so the electrics were turned on. Didn't really need them and it was in the high 60's when we left the coffee house so most of my gear was stowed (thank goodness for large tank bags).

Doing the Tortilla Flat run on Wednesday. I plan on riding the Griso out there (couple years ago I froze so I'll be kitted up with electrics and the Griso has the poop to feed them all) while a buddy will ride my CB1100. Plan is to swap for the ride home.

Not all that keen on the ride this time; too many guys wanting to show off on a very poorly maintained road and in general just too many people. I prefer solo rides if we're riding. But there is some very interesting iron that shows up there so I'm very keen on seeing some interesting bikes. Then getting the hell out of there.

Two years ago when I was there last I picked up a hunk of metal on the Apache Trail about 6 miles from the road. Did not get home until 2 in the morning. Long day - no tire repair kit - left it at home.

the Ferret · Dec 30, 2013

Got in about 75 miles today. Temp hovered around 28 degrees.

Dusting of snow last night, but the streets were clear, especially the freeway. I may have figured out how to keep glove out of lens, but my mittens, not so much lol

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Electrics came in handy today. My dual controller in the pocket of my tank bag where I can see and adjust heat..red for jacket liner, yellow for glove liners

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Need 59 miles to turn over 37,000 on the ST. Will try and get that in tomorrow..New Years Eve.

Looks like I will end up just under 14,000 for the year.

Wednesday, New Years Day, accumulating mileage for the year starts all over again.

Cormanus · Dec 30, 2013

Great photos Ferret. I did my early riding in Tasmania—Australia's island state to the south of the mainland—and I miss the marked change of seasons you get. But riding in sub-zero temperatures requires real commitment.

It's a pity the CB1100 doesn't have the temperature gauge. I'm sure I once rode a CB400 (as a loaner when my Shadow was being serviced) that had one. It was really handy.

flynrider · Dec 30, 2013

Ferret, you are one hard core rider :worship:. While some people think I'm nuts riding in the summer when temps exceed 110F, you wouldn't catch me out on the bike when it's below freezing. Brrrr!

Back in my younger days my only transportation was a motorcycle , so I rode in whatever Mother Nature handed me (coldest ride I remember was around 12F). Even with a full snowmobile suit and Hippo Hands, I did not enjoy it.