It’s no secret that I totally heart Triumph motorcycles. SuckerPunch Sally’s Fender Thruxton is no exception. The aged cream colored paint, Union Jack and wrapped exhaust give it a deliciously retro rockin’ look. I wish I could have heard it start up. What do you think – sweet or not so much?

For More Information: SuckerPunch Sallys

This post is nothing without you: What were your favorite riding moments of 2009?

It’s that time of year when many of us start reflecting on the past 12 months that are coming to a close.

In 2009:

1. I’ve learned a thing or two
2. I went to Kentucky
3. I found out why Pimmie is so awesome
4. I said Goodbye to an old friend
5. I Introduced Duc748 to a new one
6. I like it better when you don’t think you know everything
7. I further fortified the idea that you can find friendship in unexpected places
8. I’ve unlearned a thing or two
9. I was still working out my group riding demons
10. I found out that your friends will still try to rope you into doing “dumb” things
11. I have come to terms with my un-technical side, I can’t fix anything and don’t care to
12. I didn’t wash my bike
13. I found out that waterproof boots are what I’ve been searching for my entire life
14. I began excitedly hatching a plan for a fall trip in 2010
15. I got a new bike that made me really appreciate the Triumph
16. I didn’t ride nearly as much as my imagination wanted me to
17. I was happy to have Novos here
18. I have been really happy for other people
19. I saw some pretty excellent giant fiberglass vegetables, crustaceans, men and other assorted foods and animals
20. I have loved that you’re still here reading and I thank you
    

What comes next?

I can’t wait to see what is in store for 2010. Will it be a year of big changes, lots of road trips and good times with friends? I sure hope so.

This post is nothing without you:

• What are your riding plans for 2010?
  New bike? Big trip?
  Let’s hear it!

“All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost; the old that is strong does not wither, deep roots are not reached by the frost. From the ashes a fire shall be woken, a light from the shadows shall spring; renewed shall be the blade that was broken, the crownless again shall be king.”  -J.R.R Tolkien

My first introduction to using handlebar muffs was back when I did the Crotona Midnight Run in 2007. My dear friend Bill lent me his muffs to use that night. He has again imparted them on me for this winter.

Muff Mama

Because I don’t have heated gloves, I’m left to monkey around with winter gloves and heated grips on the Speed Triple. When I wear my winter gloves, I can’t feel the heated grips very well. I also find that my feel on the bars and levers is a bit more vague. Using the muffs allows me to use my heated grips and wear my regular leather riding gloves.

The Parts Unlimited muffs I am using do a good job of providing an extra layer of wind protection even at highway speeds. And they remind me of giant ovenmitts which ups the silly factor

Caveat:

• Depending on the material used to construct your muffs, while moving – the wind can collapse the body of the muff. This can make it difficult to get your hand back into the opening if you took it out.

I have brushguards on the triple that help to keep the muff a little more rigid upfront. In my previous go-round with the muffs, I used them with the brushguards on the outside. I think the guards make it easier to get my hands back in while in motion. Your mileage may vary depending on how rigid your muffs  happens to be.

So, until I spring for some Gerbing gloves, muffs it is.

Triple Muffy

[edit - 12/21/09]
A few people have asked – The model I am using are Parts Unlimited Snow Paws from their ATV catalog.