Riding to warm up

[the Ferret]

Was 30 degrees when I took off on this morning's ride but the roads were dry and clear. About 15 miles into my ride I came across one of those photographable "milestone" moments Ptero talks about ..(look at the odometer)



Anyhow I was riding over to one of the local State Parks to sit by the lake and drink a cup of tea. It's one of my favorite rides. 60 miles round trip, with several of my favorite curvy roads and one giant downhill (or uphill depending on direction riding) sweeper curve. There is a picnic table by the lake I like to sit at, and depending on time of year you get to see waterfowl, swimmers or ..nothing. Today it would be nothing.

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As I sat there drinking my tea, it started snowing pretty hard.

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It takes me about 20 mins to drink a thermos of tea. In that time the heat from my electric jacket liner and heated grips had worn off and I was starting to feel the cold. I thought I need to get back on the bike and ride so I can warm up . Sounds crazy right? lol Made me laugh.

Good gear makes all the difference for riding in this kind of weather. Here's the cockpit of the ST. Little square controller on the right sticking out of mitt controls the heated grips. Controller for heated jacket liner is in right pocket of tank bag. Snowmobile mitts keep the wind off, creates a pocket of warmth with the heated grips which allows the use of thin gloves. Fairing and windshield block the cold wind.

So, started the bike, punched the heated grips button for 40% power and let them start heating up, placed the empty thermos in the tank bag. Plugged my two wires for the jacket liner in and turned it to about 75% power climbed on and took off. Before I made it a mile I was toasty warm for the ride home.

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The snow flurries weren't sticking to the road and the roads were still fine. By the time I got home it had started to accumulate on the deck, but still not on the driveway or sidewalk. Don't imagine it's going to amount to much.

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[quietguy_imp]

GREAT photos and story telling, Mr F!

I had a 2007 FJR 1300 several years ago, which your bike reminds me of. It was smooth, quiet and a fun bike to ride. That was, without question, the smoothest running motorcycle I've been on. Sadly, the riding position just didn't work for me so sold it less than a year after my purchase.

Nice lake, area... I'm glad you got out, and got back safely!

 

[Cormanus]

Good one, Ferret. You and that ST must be pretty good friends by now.

 

[redbirds_imp]

Like the wintry pictures Micky. I can't imagine riding in such conditions on purpose but glad you enjoy it.

 

[LongRanger_imp]

Great photos Ferret. My road is finally clear enough to sneak a bike out (first time in two months), but it's only 20 degrees outside today. I'd need to ride the K1200RS to have sufficient amperage to power all my electrically-heated goodies, but the wind protection on that bike is nowhere as ample as on your ST, so I'd still freeze. The bikes sit.

 

[Pterodactyl_imp]

Good photos. Now I know why you use that helmet. Drinking tea through a straw with a full face on should be possible, but...... Maybe a heated, insulated, Camelbak might be the go.

And that is one scary milestone! Hope you checked for lurking Rottweilers before you stopped.

Cheers

 

[the Ferret]

Certainly one of the advantages to a modular lol.

The ST and I have bonded pretty well. Like the CB the power is just where I want it, down low. Never seems like it's working hard. Great wind protection, handles well, stops well. Just heavy as all get out.

Tomorrows ride will be nippy. Going down in single digits tonight, 7 I think, high of 16 tomorrow.

Birds with the gear it's like any other day of riding. I enjoy these days as much as any when I'm riding actually.

qg, the FJR is a great bike. A little tall and top heavy for me though. I almost bought one in 06.

 

[curlyjoe]

Too cold for me! Thanks for sharing ferret.

I'm "riding" my other 2 wheeler these days. It's a honda too.

 

[quietguy_imp]

I heard rumors that Honda may be resurrecting the ST1300.

A year ago when I bought my CTX700, I was very interested in the CTX1300, seemed like a very nice bike. But the price was too high for me. And sitting on it, it felt very "wide". Just a first impression was all.

 

[the Ferret]

LOL just got in from my coldest ride of the year so far..42 miles @ 14 degrees

 

[quietguy_imp]

Good heavens, Mr F... way too cold for this old man. But glad you got some seat time in.

 

[emptysea]

Nice...I was inexplicably tempted to venture forth on my CB on this sunny 7 degree day..but common sense got the better of me.

 

[4 Paws_imp]

Dang I miss my ST.

Drove down the hill from the Blue Ridge today and saw 2 motorcycles out. It was 7 in my driveway and 11 when the first went by. Gotta love heated gear.

 

[the Ferret]

yep heated gear makes things bearable

Virtual heat wave today at 19 degrees when I took off. 52 miles today

Winter weather advisory for snow tomorrow and Friday. Might be stuck inside for a few days uggg

 

[Cormanus]

Dang that's cold.

 

[emptysea]

50 miles at 19 is cold even with heated gear. Snow flurries today, plus I have to work. I may ride to the little bike maintenance seminar at Des Plaines Honda tomorrow if the streets relatively clear. (high of 30 predicted).