It's been hot, I've been focused on work and teaching (2 weekends in a row). So here I am in the middle of our summer with no trips planned... My better half is off on an adventure 2 weekends from now... I'm on kiddie duty.
The great thing is however I have reached the 100 day mark. What is that you ask? I have ridden 100 days this year. A lot of people (even ones around here) think we do not ride much in the nations capital, you hear things like "we have a short riding season" or "winter lasts too long to ride much". But I'm hear to tell you no way, we have a great riding season, you just have to get out and enjoy.
I have only one 'rule' when it comes to riding. When riding to work, I will not ride if it is raining when I need to leave. Working in a office it is not good to be wet all day but, on the way home, who cares, you can dry off and get a change of clothes when you get there. This has meant that I commute most days, and I'll also start riding as soon as the salt is off the roads... layers people, you can still ride!
I'm a little behind last years mark, on this day last year I had 102 days of riding in. But I still have might sights set on beating last years 195 days riding...
So tell me this, if you added it up (yes I actually do keep track), how many days do you ride in a year???
Sorry gotta go ride now and add to those days....
Paws
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Monday, July 4, 2011
Happy Birthday
A special treat for living in the nations capital is being able to enjoy Canada Day (July 1st) with about 300,000 of your closest friends. My daughter especially likes this day and being able to go downtown, wonder around, see the sites and take in the people (she also must see the fireworks at night over the Parliament buildings...). It becomes a real zoo of people, but hey it is only for one day, so why not enjoy and just go with it.
We tried to leave early... that didn't work too well as we moved outside the neighbours were gathering, you see the night before we had been awakened by a phone call, one of our neighbours was going into labour, she had asked my wife to go over and watch their daughter if/when the time came... and the time had come. So there had not been much sleep for my wife either, the call at 12:30, their daughter up at 5:30... now all the folks had to have the scoop... as it turned out, they were already back from the hospital, new baby boy in tow... that kid will always have a party on his birthday.
We finally got going, we had decided this year to bike up to the hill, this would be a first but we thought this way no waiting for buses and we could leave when we wanted. We took a route along the river and the bike paths to downtown.
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Once we got downtown we spotted a parking lot they had set up just for bikes, this was a few blocks away from the hill but it also had security, so no need for locks, and also the cost was only a donation to one of the local bike clubs... good deal I thought as one of the worries in the back of our heads was how do we make sure our bikes are still there when we want to leave. As we came out and started towards the hill we were hit with the reality, the 'royal watchers' were out... you see last year the Queen was in town, and really that was not too bad, but this year Will & Kate were in town, and the crowds were on hand and growing.
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We had to move around the hill, we actually had to go down 2 blocks before we could move freely. and worked our way around the crowds to Major's Hill Park, having to cross the roads were the royals would come by. We thought this was a good plan as everyone would be watching there, we could look around at the tent with less crowds. At the park every year there are displays from the provinces, and major retailers giving away product, we got ice cream and coffee even some soft drinks, and of course squeaky cheese ...
It was a very hot day and the kids were looking tired, so we decided we would head home... unfortunately the royals were now done and wanted to go home ( to Rideau Hall ) which meant that everyone had to wait for them to pass, not really a big deal but because of where we were it was like we were on a island and had to wait for them to pass. So we waited, a good 1/2 hour in the sun... this was not helping the kids any. But we did see the royals, well Will anyway through an open window, if you look really hard you can see him...
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We finally made it back to our bikes and headed home, everyone was tired, and hot but eventually we made it back along the river... the boy stayed outside to play with the twins next door, he later said it was a great day. The wife headed off for a nap... being a good neighbour and mother is tough at times. the daughter had a cold bath, tried to cool down and did make it to see the fireworks (a last minute car ride to a viewing spot and she was happy). And myself, well that is how we make this still about bikes...
I headed off to the yearly trip many from Ontario make on Canada day, you see... our province sells beer in special stores, this being a holiday those stores were closed. But across the river... ahhhh the dapanneur's sell beer any day of the week... So a ride across the bridge to la belle province and we had cold beer for after the nap, a good day all around.
Happy Canada Day to All
Paws
We tried to leave early... that didn't work too well as we moved outside the neighbours were gathering, you see the night before we had been awakened by a phone call, one of our neighbours was going into labour, she had asked my wife to go over and watch their daughter if/when the time came... and the time had come. So there had not been much sleep for my wife either, the call at 12:30, their daughter up at 5:30... now all the folks had to have the scoop... as it turned out, they were already back from the hospital, new baby boy in tow... that kid will always have a party on his birthday.
We finally got going, we had decided this year to bike up to the hill, this would be a first but we thought this way no waiting for buses and we could leave when we wanted. We took a route along the river and the bike paths to downtown.
Once we got downtown we spotted a parking lot they had set up just for bikes, this was a few blocks away from the hill but it also had security, so no need for locks, and also the cost was only a donation to one of the local bike clubs... good deal I thought as one of the worries in the back of our heads was how do we make sure our bikes are still there when we want to leave. As we came out and started towards the hill we were hit with the reality, the 'royal watchers' were out... you see last year the Queen was in town, and really that was not too bad, but this year Will & Kate were in town, and the crowds were on hand and growing.
We had to move around the hill, we actually had to go down 2 blocks before we could move freely. and worked our way around the crowds to Major's Hill Park, having to cross the roads were the royals would come by. We thought this was a good plan as everyone would be watching there, we could look around at the tent with less crowds. At the park every year there are displays from the provinces, and major retailers giving away product, we got ice cream and coffee even some soft drinks, and of course squeaky cheese ...
It was a very hot day and the kids were looking tired, so we decided we would head home... unfortunately the royals were now done and wanted to go home ( to Rideau Hall ) which meant that everyone had to wait for them to pass, not really a big deal but because of where we were it was like we were on a island and had to wait for them to pass. So we waited, a good 1/2 hour in the sun... this was not helping the kids any. But we did see the royals, well Will anyway through an open window, if you look really hard you can see him...
We finally made it back to our bikes and headed home, everyone was tired, and hot but eventually we made it back along the river... the boy stayed outside to play with the twins next door, he later said it was a great day. The wife headed off for a nap... being a good neighbour and mother is tough at times. the daughter had a cold bath, tried to cool down and did make it to see the fireworks (a last minute car ride to a viewing spot and she was happy). And myself, well that is how we make this still about bikes...
I headed off to the yearly trip many from Ontario make on Canada day, you see... our province sells beer in special stores, this being a holiday those stores were closed. But across the river... ahhhh the dapanneur's sell beer any day of the week... So a ride across the bridge to la belle province and we had cold beer for after the nap, a good day all around.
Happy Canada Day to All
Paws
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Laconiawesome (wet weekend)
Day ONE - 436 kms:
My better half decided to see us off so we headed out to breakfast a little late (we had to make sure the kiddies were on the bus) and met up with most of the group a little after 8:00 am, we would meet up with 2 more in Kempville after we ate. We rode off to meet up with the other 2 and that is when our adventure started just after 10:00 am. My wife stayed behind as we rode off, she went for coffee and a person in line looked at her strangely... she told him how she had to watch the kids... he thought we had left her behind.
The boarder crossing into the US was not an issue and we started our ride into NY state. It started off as any country ride but after we hit the sign that said Adirondack State Park it got a whole lot more fun. Up and down hills and lots of long drawn out curves all along Hwy 3 through the park, at the 210 km mark we arrived at Tupper Lake for our first fuel up.
By 2:00 pm we were back on the road, on our way along Hwy 30 then 28 through the Adirondack's, past Long Lake, watching the creeks, rivers and lakes pass by as we snaked our way on to Lake George. Just before Lake George we started see many bikes passing us by in the opposite direction, I assumed they were coming from Americade. As we made another turn we came into a small town with bikes lining the street, Warrensburg Bike Week was on, we should have pulled over and taken a look but our group got separated by some cars so it was just not meant to be. But of course the silver lining is that will just be part of the next trip to Laconia!
We started to see signs that Lake George was just 5 miles.
This however was not our final stop that day, we traveled another 45 mins. down Hwy 87 into Cliffton Park where we would spend the night before heading back up to Lake George to take in Americade.
Observations for the day...
Awesome roads... great trip so far other than waking up to rain... not a big fan of rain (oh no....)
Great weather, fabulous roads, good friends...
Awesome ride down, Hot and Sunny, Great Scenery.
Great route, pushing bikes is fun!! Lesson - always wear sun screen
Day TWO - 351 kms:
Well we awoke to a light rain that appeared to be stopping.... that's not too bad. We had a few hours before we were going to leave the hotel, the rain did not stop, then our bike that needed to be push started most of the day yesterday would just not start. We tried to figure it out, there was nothing obvious so, we managed to push it to get going and we were off to Lake George.
I can't really say I enjoyed Americade, it was just too spread out for me. I like to be able to park my bike and explore most of what is going on. There was one bike that appeared to be home made that everyone stopped and took a picture of, we were parked near it and watched all the attention it drew. The light rain continued and just did not seem to want to stop.
We left Lake George just after 1:00 pm and took Hwy 9L to hook up with Hwy 4, if you ever get the chance make sure you ride these 2 road, they are tree covered, up and down, sweeping curves that just bring a smile to your face. The sun might not have been shining but it just didn't matter. We then headed along Hwy 7 to hook up with Hwy 89, and then we had issues...
At around 2:00pm we stopped for a quick drink, the one bike would just not start, we tried boosting it with a car but it would not keep an idle. We was decided that a new battery was in order, but where to get it. I took off in search, found a garage that knew were a bike shop was, Puppy showed up with the battery, just in case I needed it for size. After calling the shop they said we could get a battery but they were closing in 15mins... who closes a bike shop on a Saturday a 3:00pm!!! Puppy headed off to get the battery and I went back to the group to update them on our progress. The battery came, the bike started, the rain started to come down hard, and we were off.
We hooked up to the 89 and the rain was bad, up and down these valley's the temperature can change a lot, we were getting cold, we decided better safe than sorry (we were only about 30 miles away from our stop) to pull over and warm up. That was a very good decision, peoples hands were shaking from the cold trying to drink coffee... there are times that you just know you should stop, I'm glad we had the common sense to do it, we were back on the road and came into Concord, NH
Observations for the day...
Awesome ride??? Yeah, not so much! Rain, Rain, Rain!!! But, a new battery, a warm room and a shower, the memories??? PRICELESS
Awesome Roads but not so nice weather. Weather was cold but the route we took to NH was amazing
Yet another fantastic route, fantastic architecture, we freaked some old guy when asking for a boost, Ahhh the Joy!
SPECIAL NOTE: A new hand gesture is born this day, a tribute to Squirrel ;o)
Day THREE - 254 kms:
It looked like it was going to clear up, but a light sprinkling would not stop, it did not matter we headed off up the back road to Laconia on Hwy 106. No helmet laws in NH. I took advantage of the opportunity, the state motto 'Live Free or Die' I think this is how they lose bikers....
We arrived coming in the back roads and parked right at the beach at the foot of the sign to Weir's Beach.
We walked around, I got the patch, got the T-shirt, saw some special bikes, too many to post here other than a favourite I saw.
We rejoined the group and got the proof of our goal accomplished. (and a salute to Squirrel ;o)
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Out of Laconia at about 2:00pm on Hwy 3 which lead up to the 25 along lakes and rivers, looking up into the mountains and the clouds. I'll have to come back along this way again, I had ridden the 3 in the past but never the 25, I need to take it and stop more to take in this beautiful part of the country. The rain never really stopped, it was constant all afternoon but was not as bad as the afternoon before.
A short hop onto the 89 north and then down Hwy 100 we pulled into the White Horse Inn in Waitsfield around 5:30pm. We went off to a little place down the road called the Easy Street Cafe which served us up a great meal with beer from the state of Vermont. Back at the Inn we congregated in the great room where we enjoyed a fire and good conversation, what a great way to end the day!
Observations for the day...
The ride to Vermont was Spectacular! Saw a dog pee on another dog - very funny!
Rainy day again, Laconia was awesome, got me some new boots. In the middle of the wilderness right now at an inn in Vermont, thinking of the Newhart show.
What can I say but more freakn' rain! Beautiful ride into Vermont.
Day FOUR - 443 kms:
Homeward bound...
We woke up early, and had a great breakfast prepared by our hosts at the inn then it was time to hit the road, first up Hwy 17 up and down a mountain, this is the road I was waiting for, unfortunately we were once again faced with wet road, and this road being a challenge we did not want it wet. Once we were onto the road, wet won out... better to be safe and go slow then faster and crash coming home. I will however need to come back and ride that route a number of times, once will not be enough.
We continued on our way, through many curves and bends until finally the Sky's looked clear, everyone stopped and took off their rain gear, and talked about the road we had been on so far that day. Back to more riding and when Vermont ended... a little ferry ride over to NY was in order. Somewhere along the line rain suits had to come back on also, that was going to be the cycle this day, on and off rain suits.
Observations for the day...
A Great adventure had by all. Thanks for the wet roads, the fine scenery and the companionship of just riding... not a care in the world. We may get wet but it is better than working. Curves, that's why we ride.
Paws
My better half decided to see us off so we headed out to breakfast a little late (we had to make sure the kiddies were on the bus) and met up with most of the group a little after 8:00 am, we would meet up with 2 more in Kempville after we ate. We rode off to meet up with the other 2 and that is when our adventure started just after 10:00 am. My wife stayed behind as we rode off, she went for coffee and a person in line looked at her strangely... she told him how she had to watch the kids... he thought we had left her behind.
The boarder crossing into the US was not an issue and we started our ride into NY state. It started off as any country ride but after we hit the sign that said Adirondack State Park it got a whole lot more fun. Up and down hills and lots of long drawn out curves all along Hwy 3 through the park, at the 210 km mark we arrived at Tupper Lake for our first fuel up.
By 2:00 pm we were back on the road, on our way along Hwy 30 then 28 through the Adirondack's, past Long Lake, watching the creeks, rivers and lakes pass by as we snaked our way on to Lake George. Just before Lake George we started see many bikes passing us by in the opposite direction, I assumed they were coming from Americade. As we made another turn we came into a small town with bikes lining the street, Warrensburg Bike Week was on, we should have pulled over and taken a look but our group got separated by some cars so it was just not meant to be. But of course the silver lining is that will just be part of the next trip to Laconia!
We started to see signs that Lake George was just 5 miles.
Observations for the day...
Awesome roads... great trip so far other than waking up to rain... not a big fan of rain (oh no....)
Great weather, fabulous roads, good friends...
Awesome ride down, Hot and Sunny, Great Scenery.
Great route, pushing bikes is fun!! Lesson - always wear sun screen
Day TWO - 351 kms:
Well we awoke to a light rain that appeared to be stopping.... that's not too bad. We had a few hours before we were going to leave the hotel, the rain did not stop, then our bike that needed to be push started most of the day yesterday would just not start. We tried to figure it out, there was nothing obvious so, we managed to push it to get going and we were off to Lake George.
I can't really say I enjoyed Americade, it was just too spread out for me. I like to be able to park my bike and explore most of what is going on. There was one bike that appeared to be home made that everyone stopped and took a picture of, we were parked near it and watched all the attention it drew. The light rain continued and just did not seem to want to stop.
We left Lake George just after 1:00 pm and took Hwy 9L to hook up with Hwy 4, if you ever get the chance make sure you ride these 2 road, they are tree covered, up and down, sweeping curves that just bring a smile to your face. The sun might not have been shining but it just didn't matter. We then headed along Hwy 7 to hook up with Hwy 89, and then we had issues...
At around 2:00pm we stopped for a quick drink, the one bike would just not start, we tried boosting it with a car but it would not keep an idle. We was decided that a new battery was in order, but where to get it. I took off in search, found a garage that knew were a bike shop was, Puppy showed up with the battery, just in case I needed it for size. After calling the shop they said we could get a battery but they were closing in 15mins... who closes a bike shop on a Saturday a 3:00pm!!! Puppy headed off to get the battery and I went back to the group to update them on our progress. The battery came, the bike started, the rain started to come down hard, and we were off.
We hooked up to the 89 and the rain was bad, up and down these valley's the temperature can change a lot, we were getting cold, we decided better safe than sorry (we were only about 30 miles away from our stop) to pull over and warm up. That was a very good decision, peoples hands were shaking from the cold trying to drink coffee... there are times that you just know you should stop, I'm glad we had the common sense to do it, we were back on the road and came into Concord, NH
Awesome ride??? Yeah, not so much! Rain, Rain, Rain!!! But, a new battery, a warm room and a shower, the memories??? PRICELESS
Awesome Roads but not so nice weather. Weather was cold but the route we took to NH was amazing
Yet another fantastic route, fantastic architecture, we freaked some old guy when asking for a boost, Ahhh the Joy!
SPECIAL NOTE: A new hand gesture is born this day, a tribute to Squirrel ;o)
Day THREE - 254 kms:
It looked like it was going to clear up, but a light sprinkling would not stop, it did not matter we headed off up the back road to Laconia on Hwy 106. No helmet laws in NH. I took advantage of the opportunity, the state motto 'Live Free or Die' I think this is how they lose bikers....
We arrived coming in the back roads and parked right at the beach at the foot of the sign to Weir's Beach.
We walked around, I got the patch, got the T-shirt, saw some special bikes, too many to post here other than a favourite I saw.
We rejoined the group and got the proof of our goal accomplished. (and a salute to Squirrel ;o)
Out of Laconia at about 2:00pm on Hwy 3 which lead up to the 25 along lakes and rivers, looking up into the mountains and the clouds. I'll have to come back along this way again, I had ridden the 3 in the past but never the 25, I need to take it and stop more to take in this beautiful part of the country. The rain never really stopped, it was constant all afternoon but was not as bad as the afternoon before.
A short hop onto the 89 north and then down Hwy 100 we pulled into the White Horse Inn in Waitsfield around 5:30pm. We went off to a little place down the road called the Easy Street Cafe which served us up a great meal with beer from the state of Vermont. Back at the Inn we congregated in the great room where we enjoyed a fire and good conversation, what a great way to end the day!
Observations for the day...
The ride to Vermont was Spectacular! Saw a dog pee on another dog - very funny!
Rainy day again, Laconia was awesome, got me some new boots. In the middle of the wilderness right now at an inn in Vermont, thinking of the Newhart show.
What can I say but more freakn' rain! Beautiful ride into Vermont.
Day FOUR - 443 kms:
Homeward bound...
We woke up early, and had a great breakfast prepared by our hosts at the inn then it was time to hit the road, first up Hwy 17 up and down a mountain, this is the road I was waiting for, unfortunately we were once again faced with wet road, and this road being a challenge we did not want it wet. Once we were onto the road, wet won out... better to be safe and go slow then faster and crash coming home. I will however need to come back and ride that route a number of times, once will not be enough.
We continued on our way, through many curves and bends until finally the Sky's looked clear, everyone stopped and took off their rain gear, and talked about the road we had been on so far that day. Back to more riding and when Vermont ended... a little ferry ride over to NY was in order. Somewhere along the line rain suits had to come back on also, that was going to be the cycle this day, on and off rain suits.
Once in NY we again carried on with the twisty roads and beautiful scenery along Hwy 22 and 9N. We went by Lake Placid on Hwy 86 and then stopped for Lunch at the 'Tail of the Pup' a strange little place in the Adirondack's... BBQ and seafood mix, the rain had stopped for a little while but the sky's were very Black and we would hit more rain.
Back on the road and heading to Malone and Hwy 37, the last fun filled road on our adventure. People were starting to get tired, it was a long day and at the Boarder we made plans to hit the highway and get home asap. More rain hit us on Hwy 416 on the last part of our ride and then home safe and sound.
Observations for the day...
A Great adventure had by all. Thanks for the wet roads, the fine scenery and the companionship of just riding... not a care in the world. We may get wet but it is better than working. Curves, that's why we ride.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Motorcycle Ride For Dad
First Saturday in June... the kids are off at the grandparents, we have a early start. 6:30am we are on our way to meet for breakfast before the parade, we are suppose to be getting into the top group of riders, those with special permission to run up front. We need to get there early to make sure this happens, if it doesn't we'll need to go to general population ;o).
We meet up with everyone, we were over 20, I was thinking there is no way they will let this many people in, our escort a retired RCMP officer said no problem. Breakfast went very late, we had only 1/2 hour till start time when the parade left, I was thinking this better work. Guess what, it did, as we rode up to the start there was an enormous Canadian flag between 2 ladder trucks from the fire department there to ride through to start the parade.
We meet up with everyone, we were over 20, I was thinking there is no way they will let this many people in, our escort a retired RCMP officer said no problem. Breakfast went very late, we had only 1/2 hour till start time when the parade left, I was thinking this better work. Guess what, it did, as we rode up to the start there was an enormous Canadian flag between 2 ladder trucks from the fire department there to ride through to start the parade.
Being at the start of the parade is different. The big advantage is that you don't have to stop and start during the parade route, it is a constant flow straight through. One thing I missed was there is a point in the route that you crest a hill and normally we would only see a constant stream of motorcycles in front of us leading the way, well with only about 100 bikes in front we only saw the lead police bikes ahead and empty road... different but still a great experience. Now a HUGE plus is that you are the first bikes into the stops of the poker run also which means you are some of the first out also... Poker stops look like this, a confusion of bikes, coming in and going out.
We had great weather the entire day, a little overcast but great to ride in. Another post I now need to get up for the enjoyment of others is how to move a large group through traffic. For most of the ride I was back in the pack, we were getting separated a lot at lights, stop signs, and yields... I sure don't like that but the people up front, didn't seem to see any issues, well after lunch and a gas stop, I thought enough is enough. I got to the front and from that point on, the pack did not stop. I blocked at traffic circles, stop signs and lights, when I was finished (the pack was through) I would speed up to the front to do it all again (remember we had a retired police officer riding with us, and at times I thought, once a cop, always a cop, this may not turn out well...) this moved the group pretty well, some members had not seen this happen before so it was a little hairy for me to come back up around.
We made it to the last stop with the group still intacted and way quicker than expected. And guess what, the first person to come up to me after was our friend the officer. Here I am thinking... lecture time. Out comes a hand and a big thanks for getting the group through so well, he says it was nice knowing they could keep moving, then his wife and others start saying the same thing... It's nice to know at heart, we just care about each other and the ride...
At the end of the day a few more than 2300 people had registered (not sure how that translates to bikes) and over $400,000 raised for a very good cause. There are rides all over Canada currently and I know interest to bring the ride to other countries, if you can, ride the ride and support it, as a male... I'll say thanks for doing it right now, and if you are male, you might want to thank those that ride the MRFD! 1 in 6 of us will get prostate cancer... Think about it!
Paws
Thursday, June 2, 2011
First Toolbag.... I've come a long way. Still a long way to go...
So, this is the first bag that I ever made,I thought it turned out pretty well but, I've learned a lot since then...
I'm planning on doing a tutorial soon so wait for that in the near future.
First - you have to get your pattern onto the leather and tool and stamp it as desired:
This one I did a celtic scorpion with some backgrounding where the cross overs are, I also did all the hole punching for stitching up (I actually dry fit each time).
Dying needs to be handled in a few steps remember lighter colours first....
You won't be able to use a mallet once the sides are on...
I do a different stitch now with the sides, as I mentioned this was a first run...
I promise a tutorial with way too many steps before the summer is done.... I promise ;o)
Paws
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Leather Work
I got a new bike at the end of last year, a 2007 Kawasaki Mean Streak:
I also did a fender bib to cover over where the old pilon seat was:
So now I have been adding leather to it (the pick in my title was my Drifter, I had done enough so it was time to move on. I'll do a new titlebar photo soon). I did a seat over the winter which changed the look a bit as well as the backrest.
I have a toolbag ready for it also, but I need to relocate the rectifier (done while getting photo's ready ;):
I also did a fender bib to cover over where the old pilon seat was:
My latest work is a little bag for the bars. I had a lot of ideas bouncing around but decided to go simple, and quick as I don't plan to have it on all the time. No photo yet, Once it is done I'll get one up.
But she is starting to look a bit different...
Leatherwork lets me relax when I can't ride.... with the rain lately that has been often this season...
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Port Dover, Friday 13th
Day 1:
I left the Capital at about 8:30, it was overcast but no rain in sight, I got going, and got Gas... boy it was going to cost a lot to get down even on my bike. I ran into 2 others about 3/4 hrs in at a pit stop, one of them was on their first trip to Dover, the other was on a trip back after 6 years away. The bugs were bad, I was glad to be wearing my full face helmet. I rode hwy 7 down to 37 then the 401 through to hwy 5 and rode into Waterdown around 2:30pm, no issues in TO or anywhere along the road, it was a good quick trip down.
Day 2:
We had to get the kids gone, that took until 9:30, and then we went to breaky with another rider friend of my riding buddies... this was going to be the latest arrival ever in Dover... what happened to no plans. On the was in we passed 342 bikes leaving, really before noon!! At a Timmie's outside Dover I ran into a person leaving, they said it was packed, no parking LOL, we'll see about that, I know a few spots over my years going.
Hot and Humid, I guess that is what you get for being near the water. It was busier than I had expected but, it was a smaller crowd than in recent years. Some new bikes that I had not seen before and a beautiful old Indian... I still love those bikes.
We walked around for a few hours, got the shirt, and the patch and then hit the road.
137 pasted bikes going into Dover, the place was going to be packed well into the night.
Day 3:
Time to go, had to get home, as much as I like taking off on the bike, I still wish my better half could be on the road with me. So I left, thick fog, not good to ride in, I stopped about 1/2 hrs in just to get a coffee and phone home that I was on my way. So the fog left around TO, but then the rain started, glad I had on the rain suit (I put that on when I stopped for the fog). The rain did not stop, the entire ride, somewhere, after about 2 hrs, that was it, my rain suit on the bottom was leaking... great, boots full of water, but full of water, I didn't want to take off my gloves, good luck getting them back on. I had to stop outside of Smith Falls, a rest station on the side of the road, time to switch the gloves, no way I was getting them back on. I then went full tilt to get home, a little faster than the posted limits.... I just wanted to get there after 3 hrs in the rain. 1:30pm I pulled into the driveway. Cold wet and worn out...
What A Great getaway... I needed that, now a few days off and then back to the grind... I need to work on doing this full time!
I left the Capital at about 8:30, it was overcast but no rain in sight, I got going, and got Gas... boy it was going to cost a lot to get down even on my bike. I ran into 2 others about 3/4 hrs in at a pit stop, one of them was on their first trip to Dover, the other was on a trip back after 6 years away. The bugs were bad, I was glad to be wearing my full face helmet. I rode hwy 7 down to 37 then the 401 through to hwy 5 and rode into Waterdown around 2:30pm, no issues in TO or anywhere along the road, it was a good quick trip down.
Day 2:
We had to get the kids gone, that took until 9:30, and then we went to breaky with another rider friend of my riding buddies... this was going to be the latest arrival ever in Dover... what happened to no plans. On the was in we passed 342 bikes leaving, really before noon!! At a Timmie's outside Dover I ran into a person leaving, they said it was packed, no parking LOL, we'll see about that, I know a few spots over my years going.
Hot and Humid, I guess that is what you get for being near the water. It was busier than I had expected but, it was a smaller crowd than in recent years. Some new bikes that I had not seen before and a beautiful old Indian... I still love those bikes.
137 pasted bikes going into Dover, the place was going to be packed well into the night.
Day 3:
Time to go, had to get home, as much as I like taking off on the bike, I still wish my better half could be on the road with me. So I left, thick fog, not good to ride in, I stopped about 1/2 hrs in just to get a coffee and phone home that I was on my way. So the fog left around TO, but then the rain started, glad I had on the rain suit (I put that on when I stopped for the fog). The rain did not stop, the entire ride, somewhere, after about 2 hrs, that was it, my rain suit on the bottom was leaking... great, boots full of water, but full of water, I didn't want to take off my gloves, good luck getting them back on. I had to stop outside of Smith Falls, a rest station on the side of the road, time to switch the gloves, no way I was getting them back on. I then went full tilt to get home, a little faster than the posted limits.... I just wanted to get there after 3 hrs in the rain. 1:30pm I pulled into the driveway. Cold wet and worn out...
What A Great getaway... I needed that, now a few days off and then back to the grind... I need to work on doing this full time!
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Newbies
Wow first weekend down. You have to realize, a normal first weekend is wet, cold and dark, your lucky if it does not snow. I was asked to cover the first weekend for a fellow instructor that had a death in the family... what can you say, I decided to help even though I'm doing something every other weekend in May, this was suppose to be my one together with the family.
We (we always teach in pairs) got out there bright and early 7am on the saturday and were faced with 10 students, only 2 of which had ridden before but all had bikes at home already (or on order to pick up on the Monday following the course). My worse fear was coming true, a bunch that wanted to ride so bad over the winter they could taste it...
It started off slow as it always seems to with the new riders. balance issues, clutch issues, shifting issues, we can go on and on. but by the end of the first day it was all coming together for them. Only a few dropped motorcycle while waiting in line... note to self 'remind students that the motorcycles still need to be held up while they wait for thier turn behind someone'.
By the end of the second day we thought most were ready for the evaluation, we though some might not make it but we would give them all a chance. 9/9 passed.... (Oh I know what your thinking, I said 10 before... well we lost one at lunch on the first day, never came back. I don't think they realized how physical riding is, they passed out, and we heard later mild heart attack, not at the site with us but over lunch, last I heard they were doing well, resting and waiting to go home).
And then there was the weather... wait for it.... 18~20 c with sun on Saturday, and clouds on Sunday... you could not ask for better weather. Now lets hope for more of the same this weekend and maybe... a couple more intermediate students.
only 11 days till PD13!
later
Paws
We (we always teach in pairs) got out there bright and early 7am on the saturday and were faced with 10 students, only 2 of which had ridden before but all had bikes at home already (or on order to pick up on the Monday following the course). My worse fear was coming true, a bunch that wanted to ride so bad over the winter they could taste it...
It started off slow as it always seems to with the new riders. balance issues, clutch issues, shifting issues, we can go on and on. but by the end of the first day it was all coming together for them. Only a few dropped motorcycle while waiting in line... note to self 'remind students that the motorcycles still need to be held up while they wait for thier turn behind someone'.
By the end of the second day we thought most were ready for the evaluation, we though some might not make it but we would give them all a chance. 9/9 passed.... (Oh I know what your thinking, I said 10 before... well we lost one at lunch on the first day, never came back. I don't think they realized how physical riding is, they passed out, and we heard later mild heart attack, not at the site with us but over lunch, last I heard they were doing well, resting and waiting to go home).
And then there was the weather... wait for it.... 18~20 c with sun on Saturday, and clouds on Sunday... you could not ask for better weather. Now lets hope for more of the same this weekend and maybe... a couple more intermediate students.
only 11 days till PD13!
later
Paws
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Wet, wet, wet but planning
The season is starting off wet here in the captial of the great white north. Record rain for April, and no let up in site. So what else to do but plan some rides.
May ride will be PD13 http://www.pd13.com/, if you are around lake Erie at all (or close enough like I am) then on any Friday the 13th throughout the year you should ride down to Port Dover, Ontario. The first time I ever went was a May 13th, so this will be a nice anniversary. When it isn't super hot you get the best people showing up... no drive in > bused to downtown types... people that really want to be there.
June ride is going to be a loop. This summer is going to be another busy one at big blue so I can afford only short hops out and about and this one will be great... and word is spreading to riding buddies and I think we are up to 10 ~12 bikes now. It's going to be a 4 dayt trip, first off to Lake George NY for Americade http://www.americade.com/. this will be a first for me, never been, so we'll have to see. The next stop in the leg will be Laconia http://www.laconiamcweek.com/. Now I have been to Laconia twice before, once with a buddy (we met up with his dad and a friend) and also once by myself (sort of how this all started, I was going no matter what this year). I am really looking forward to this ride, there are a lot of nice roads down there and with a group it should be a blast. Then it will be time to go off back to the home base, the capital... well after a few twisties in Vermont!
So that is what the short term plans are of this season... I also have 5 courses signed up to teach. And a bunch of weekends that need some riding and family time.
Did I mention MRFD? no... check it out, that is first on the list! http://www.motorcycleridefordad.org/
Paws
May ride will be PD13 http://www.pd13.com/, if you are around lake Erie at all (or close enough like I am) then on any Friday the 13th throughout the year you should ride down to Port Dover, Ontario. The first time I ever went was a May 13th, so this will be a nice anniversary. When it isn't super hot you get the best people showing up... no drive in > bused to downtown types... people that really want to be there.
June ride is going to be a loop. This summer is going to be another busy one at big blue so I can afford only short hops out and about and this one will be great... and word is spreading to riding buddies and I think we are up to 10 ~12 bikes now. It's going to be a 4 dayt trip, first off to Lake George NY for Americade http://www.americade.com/. this will be a first for me, never been, so we'll have to see. The next stop in the leg will be Laconia http://www.laconiamcweek.com/. Now I have been to Laconia twice before, once with a buddy (we met up with his dad and a friend) and also once by myself (sort of how this all started, I was going no matter what this year). I am really looking forward to this ride, there are a lot of nice roads down there and with a group it should be a blast. Then it will be time to go off back to the home base, the capital... well after a few twisties in Vermont!
So that is what the short term plans are of this season... I also have 5 courses signed up to teach. And a bunch of weekends that need some riding and family time.
Did I mention MRFD? no... check it out, that is first on the list! http://www.motorcycleridefordad.org/
Paws
Monday, April 25, 2011
Why, where to begin...
A lot of us are there, in a job that we do well but can not be called (by any stretch of the imagination) FUN. We do them well, people rely on us and they give us mostly what we want financially but we just know something is missing. We want to spend more time doing those things that are fulfilling, be it family, or some hobby or passion that you enjoy.
Now I know some out there love their jobs, and it truly does not feel like work... sorry not I. I work now to reach that dream of mine, this blog will watch my progress to get there and keep me on track... to get out and ride, whenever I want, rain or shine, destination or not, with no work that must be done.
Now the hitch, the catch, why am I not doing it now. Well... as we progress through life we make many choices, good and bad... but that is life right? I don't want you to get the wrong idea, I love where I am outside of work I a great wife, she's been with me through some fun times. Two kids that make us laugh at times and impress us with just what their thinking... but also they are kids and we do love them....
So this is my journey, through work, riding, and custom leather work... Let's see how I get there and what happens along the way. I'll talk about trips, projects, teaching (yea, I'm a motorcycle instructor for newbie's also...) and the ups and down getting there. And the trips that happen when I (we) do get there, because if I didn't mention it my wife rides also!
Paws
Now I know some out there love their jobs, and it truly does not feel like work... sorry not I. I work now to reach that dream of mine, this blog will watch my progress to get there and keep me on track... to get out and ride, whenever I want, rain or shine, destination or not, with no work that must be done.
Now the hitch, the catch, why am I not doing it now. Well... as we progress through life we make many choices, good and bad... but that is life right? I don't want you to get the wrong idea, I love where I am outside of work I a great wife, she's been with me through some fun times. Two kids that make us laugh at times and impress us with just what their thinking... but also they are kids and we do love them....
So this is my journey, through work, riding, and custom leather work... Let's see how I get there and what happens along the way. I'll talk about trips, projects, teaching (yea, I'm a motorcycle instructor for newbie's also...) and the ups and down getting there. And the trips that happen when I (we) do get there, because if I didn't mention it my wife rides also!
Paws
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