Riding more than 20,000 miles a year brings a great deal of enjoyment, but is also requires a great deal of maintenance.  I’m certain none of those riders are complaining mind you, but when putting that many miles on a motorcycle a cyclist needs to have total confidence  the bike will not let him/her down.  That’s why most long distance riders, maintain their cycles so meticulously.  For instance,

 OIL CHANGES

 I use Mobile 1 synthetic oil in the RT and typically change it every 5000 miles.  That means in a typical year I change the oil 4 times. 

TIRES

The Continental Attacks I put on in August 2008 are now shot.  One can figure a set of tires will last 6,000 to 8,000 miles (give or take a 1000) depending on maintenance and riding habits.  So in a typical riding season one can easily go through 2 sets of tires. 

These are just two examples of how riding great distances demands a rigid and fairly comprehensive maintenance schedule.   Below is my list of items I need to address over the next few weeks.

·         Renewing the brake fluid

·         Adjusting valve clearances

·         Replacing the Poly Belt

·         New brakes front and rear.

Riding a motorcycle can be one of the most enjoyable experiences ever, but breaking down on some deserted road in the middle of “Georgia “Ain’t no fun”!

So with Spring only 48 days away.  I hope you will make certain your bike is in the best condition possible for a season of care free riding.                           

eep The Rubber Side Down!

These days will come again!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnGi9ywoHQg

This article paints a very gloomy picture.

I first met Roger over coffee, he was a friend of a friend.  A man of tall stature, and slight build, in his early 60’s.  Roger was wearing jeans, a flannel shirt, and a red leather cap embossed with the famous BMW logo.  After the initial courtesies; our conversation rapidly turned to the well worn BMW lid.  Turns out this new acquaintance is a life-long BMW motorcycle owner and rider. Roger is a serious cyclist, with a current stable of seven airheads, all of which he has meticulously maintained and safely housed in a large pole building built for that single purpose. Roger and his bride, have toured every state in America, save one.  I have to admit, I was more than a little envious.   

Over the next thirty minutes, Roger enthusiastically spoke of his many adventures; the places he has seen, and the wonderful folks he has met over his many years of touring. I was listening to every word like a small child being told his favorite story at bed time.

After several intriguing tales, Roger paused to take a sip his of coffee, it was then I noticed the tremors in his right hand. “Parkinson’s”, he whispered, as his voice quivered and his countenance fell. “I am so sorry” I said, “nothing I can do about it” was his retort. For the next few moments Roger spoke of his debilitating illness, and how it continues to rob him of his greatest passion, motorcycling!  He can no longer ride, no longer tour, no longer maintain the bikes he has called friends for so long, in fact, Roger can barely walk unassisted.

Before me is a man who has experienced the breeze in his hair, the camaraderie of riding buddies swapping stories, riding in the rain, a campfire deep in the forest, and the Christmas-like anticipation of what lies around the next curve. 

No longer able to ride, or much of anything else, Roger is struggling to come to terms with his new lot in life.  He’s not bitter, simply, sad!  With the coffee cups now empty, and Roger drained of strength, it was time to say good bye, but before I left, Roger gave me one final piece of advice… “Don’t just talk about riding, RIDE!  I realized this was less about cycling, and more about living!   Thanks for the lesson Roger!

Last week was fantastic for riding!  By Thursday the roads were free of snow and ice, leaving a clean surface for the RT to do her thing.  It was my privilege to waste a great deal of time wandering the back-roads of Clark, Miami, and Champaign counties, stopping frequently to snap photos of frozen streams, oddly shaped snow drifts, and cows enjoying an afternoon meal of hay.  While riding along I was reminded that even the most familiar scenery appears so different against a winter back drop.  Simple things really are quite beautiful  if we take the time to notice.

I will say, anytime I can go through a couple tanks of fuel in the middle of January, I consider myself one lucky fellow! 

Keep The Rubber Side Down!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmgMPTsREik

Motorcycling in any season is worthy of ones full attention.  Riding in the winter demands even greater raptness!    Here’s a few reasons why…

•  Cagers are far less attentive to cyclist (They simply don’t expect you to be out).
•   Additional clothing limits riders mobility.
•   Increased Wind (Especially Interstate riding).
•   Cold temperatures slow reflexes.
•   Road conditions (constantly changing).

Here’s 4 road conditions you should be especially aware of…

1.  Snow and ice falling from vehicles in front of you (Especially from wheels wells).

2.  Water dripping from overpasses then refreezing on roadway (Particularly on Interstates).

3.  Urban areas where tall buildings shade the roads.

4.  Road salt and sand.  (Especially at intersections).

Year round riding has it’s demands for sure, but it also has some incredible rewards!  I hope you will give it a try sometime. 



Any winter riding tips you can share?

Racing legends Scott Parker and Jay Springsteen will be the guests of honor at the 21st Annual Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum “Friendraising” Breakfast on Friday, March 6, in Daytona Beach, Florida. The flat track champions will share stories with celebrated Harley-Davidson tuner Bill Werner, whose skills helped Parker and Springsteen to a number of their AMA Grand National Championships.

The Museum breakfast, a Daytona Bike Week tradition, allows attendees to mix and        mingle with motorcycling’s biggest names, as well as receive rare inside look at their lives and careers. The event is open the public and tickets are $49 per person. All proceeds support the non-profit Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum and its mission of telling the exciting stories and preserving the history of American motorcycling.

Many of you know I work in the auto industry, and recently “Automotive News”  reported the 2008 automobile/truck sales statistics.  Here are some winners and losers…

Winners

• Mini + 28%
• Subaru + 0.3%

The only brands to show an increase over 2007 numbers.

Losers (Top 5)

• Hummer -50.9%
• Land Rover -39.75
• Chrysler -38.3%
• Saab -34.7%
• Volvo -31.2%

10 Best Sellers in 2008

1. Ford F Series             515,513
2. Chevrolet Silverado  465,065
3. Toyota Camry           436,617
4. Honda Accord            372,789
5. Toyota Corolla           351,007
6. Honda Civic                339,289
7. Nissan Altima            269,668
8. Chevrolet Impala      265,840
9. Dodge Ram                245,840
10. Honda CR-V             197,279

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYis9tMMfAg

Anaheim California was the place to be this weekend!  Not only because it was a balmy 80 something degrees and sunny, but because it’s where the AMA Supercross event was held.   Chad Reed took the lead in the overall points standings with a second place finish in the final race, and what a race it turned out to be!  The Australian born Reed, found himself in 13th place after colliding with another rider in turn one and falling to the ground.  He continue to move up the field throughout the race managing to pass Kevin Windham, in the last turn of lap 20, to take second place.  Amazing racing to be sure.

Any of you Supercross fans?