When the first snow of this winter fell, Kenny went out to see what it felt like to ride in it. Being that neither of our DRZs have studs in their tires, it was just a quick run around the neighborhood. You know – for scientific purposes.
As an observer there was something beautiful about seeing the orange glow of his headlight slowly making it’s way through the whirling snowflakes. While the snow started to accumulate the world outside had a very flat, muffled sound. There was no noise except for the gentle thump of his engine.
He would be the first to admit that riding on the snow without studs is, well.. probably not a great idea. Your mileage may vary.
ADVrider has a winter riding picture thread you should check out. There are some great photos of motorcycles in the snow. Enjoy!
I’m always walking around with my iPhone in my pocket. Truth be told, one of the only reasons I got the iPhone was for it’s camera apps. I couldn’t care less about actually talking on the phone. Getting me to voluntarily do that is nothing short of pulling teeth.
My favorite camera app is Hipstamatic. With it’s funky framed films, light streaking and curious coloring, the app puts a kitschy spin on your (square) pictures that I happen to love.
Here are some holiday time Hipstamatic pics from Chez Galore and our little world: Read more
The Stony Brook Village Center works very hard at keeping a small town, community feel alive. During the winter season they hold an event called the Promenade of Trees where the walkway is lined with small Christmas trees that are decorated by families, scout troops and organizations. It’s fun to stroll along and admire the hard work that kids put in to coming up with a tree theme and creating the decorations for them.
This year, when my daughter and I walked along looking at each of them I was surprised to see this tree covered in motorcycle themed ornaments!
On the Road Again is a local motorcycle training school. They cater to those that are looking to learn to ride as well as riders who are looking to brush up on their skills a bit.
Though my daughter’s tree was my favorite, the On the Road tree with it’s curvy road sign topper was a close second. I hope someone walking by will see it and be inspired to finally take the leap and learn to ride!
Sunday was cool but sunny. I didn’t stray very far on the bike. Kenny and I monkeyed around on the DRZs for a few minutes but I wasn’t feeling social and went off to do my own thing. I ended up at one of my favorite spots on the harbor to just sit and watch the world go by.
While I sat quietly on the waters edge a single swan began to paddle it’s way closer to me. It moved cautiously, slowly; clearly trying to figure me out. I just sat watching it bob against the current. It probably sounds crazy but it seemed like it was just looking for company. Once it decided I posed no threat it didn’t swim away. It stayed in the same basic spot treading water.
After 15 minutes or so, we were joined by another adult swan and two nearly grown babies. The young birds’ feathers were a dirty gray and nowhere near as pristine and white as their parent’s feathers. I smiled to myself thinking that those “ugly ducklings” would one day soon grow to be beautiful swans.
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In semi-related news, I was chit-chatting with one of my Twitter-buddies Ronman on Monday. We were discussing how the combination of me being a clumsy oaf and wearing a pair of nearly treadless Converse Chuck Taylor sneakers is a recipe for disaster. I have slipped and fallen in my office lobby several times.
Though I’m sure it’s quite funny to watch it happen - picking up all of my things that go skittering across the tile is getting old. I’m thinking of retiring my act.
I mentioned to him that one day I would grow up to be a graceful swan. I guess my feathered friend left an impression on me.
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I confess: I was a little skeptical at first but have found it to be a great source of information and entertainment. Look me up. Let’s Tweet!
It’s that time of year again; the dark months. The chill of winter is muscling it’s way in to everyday life and we’re biding our time until the days start getting longer again. It will be months before the warm weather starts to show it’s face more regularly. Each year it’s kind of sad to see the fall fade in to winter but somehow we manage to muddle through.
Kenny and I don’t store our bikes for the winter. With the sweet, snuggly warmth of electric gear, we can ride all year round. That being said, my riding seems to kind of go in to maintenance mode. Short days and quickly changing weather conditions keep my rides relatively close to home. I find myself happy to just to get out. If I’ve been off the bike for a while, any ride will do.
While we aren’t quite in throes of winter just yet, when I tiptoed out the door this morning it was only in the mid 30′s. One might assume I would have taken one of the bikes that is wired for heat, but one would be wrong. I hit the road old-skool style this morning; relying only on the quilted liner of my Rev’it jacket. It was chilly but the kind of cold that makes you feel alive. There is something I love about riding this time of year.
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