The Wintertime Blues

Among all the bickering and political turmoil is us riders.  Most of us could care less about who is saying what about whom.  All we care about is that one adds on or of the improvement we want before the spring riding season begins.  Some of us have our bikes in pieces doing a good inspection, while others have theirs in the garage hooked up to the battery maintainer.  With all that is going on one thing is most pressing on my mind, and that is Winter and the lack of riding days.

It happens every year and it seems I'd be used to it by now, but it only seems to get worse.  Worse as in harder to deal with.  Sure I can take a nice spin when the sun is out and the roads are dry, but the cold keeps me from truly enjoying the experience.  So like many of us I try to use the winter months for maintenance and customizing, hoping that the changes I make will suit me come Spring.  

I have 3 good bikes, and one would think that would keep me busy, but over the years I have become efficient. And now 3 take up as much time as one used to in the winter.  My CCW Heist is most pressing.  It still needs a proper throttle cable and a good test ride and carb tune.  That will have to wait.  The holidays tend to eat up the bike parts fund.  I did however get my center stand in the mail from Australia for the Triumph.  It’s all installed and works great.  I am a huge advocate for center stands. They make life much easier for maintenance on the road and in general.  If you have a chain or belt drive bike, and you don’t have a center stand and can get one - do it.  Yes, Harley does make center stands for their bikes.  As does Triumph.  Why bikes don’t come with them much these days is beyond me.  

Winter is also a time for reflection and preparation for the riding season ahead.  Most of us have at least one annual ride, and we do everything we can to be there.  For me its the 2 week trip on the Triumph and the CCW Homecoming.  These things require planning and money, so now is the time to get into the saving money mode.  This year will be just the second annual CCW Homecoming and my first long trip on the Bonneville.  I’m not worried about the Bonneville, it’s been thoroughly tested over the past several months and will do quite well on a long trip.  I’ve made a few modifications as I felt necassary.  I installed handle bar risers, the center stand and of course a device charger.  So it should be all set except for the large luggage box I have yet to order.  I must say my America has surpassed my expectations for comfort, power and highway speed traveling. 

August is the month for the CCW Homecoming.  August seems like a long way off but it will be here quicker than I think.  The CCW Homecoming is hands down my favorite group get together.  Last year was awesome and then some.  How many motorcycle companies invite the customers to come hang out and ride at the company factory?  Well CCW does, and it's well worth the time and effort to get there.  So if you couldn’t make it last year - try to be there this year.  

So I do have a few things left that need to be completed, but I’ll get them done.  I'll day-dream of long rides and burger stops, and do what tinkering needs to be done until the 2016 riding season begins.  With all that said, take the time to do the maintenance on your ride.  It’s as important as the gear you wear.  Here’s to the successful 2015 riding season and an even better 2016 riding season.  Maybe I’ll see you out there.  Come on, spring! ​