Christmas Ride

Who says you can't ride Motorcycles in Maine in December? Not me. In fact here's a picture that proves I was riding, and that it was near Christmas. Look very close at the background and you will see Christmas decorations in the windows. This was taken on Center Street in Bangor. OK, it may not hold up in court, but why would I lie about something this important?

Seriously, it was a great day. When I got up around 6 it was already over 40 degrees out. There was a lot of frost, and it was windy, but I knew it would be a great day for a ride.

I don't think the temp went much above 45, but with the wind the roads thawed and dryed up well before noon. I knew around 1 would be my best shot. So at one, off I went to Stevi's new house and visited with them. That reminds me, I can't wait to take Isabel for a motorcycle ride! (After her Dad takes her of course). So , I visited with Stevi and David for a few minutes then took off downtown. I was hoping Stevi would come downtown and take a picture of me riding by the Christmas tree, but she was very busy moving. Hopefully there will be a few more warm days before they take the tree down. Can you guess want I want to do for next years Christmas Card?

When all is said and done, I stole a little extra riding time in Maine. People always say "it's to cold to ride a motorcycle". And I always reply, you wouldn't hesitate to ride a snowmobile in weather like this? Snowmobilers have no problem dressing up and taking off for an entire day in much colder temperatures. As long as the roads are clear whats the problem? You do have to remember that riding in the cold weather is much different then riding in warm weather. Most noteably traction. Cold tires on cold pavement don't offer anywhere near the traction they do when it's warm. You have to be extra careful. Drop your speed a little and be very delicate with your cornering, starting and stopping.

The wind, thats another thing people talk about a lot. I often hear "Isn't it to windy to ride?". Here's what I have to say about that. If you hop on a motorcycle on a day when there is no wind, beofore you know it you are heading down the interstate with a 70 mile an hour wind hitting you right square in the face! Thats what it's all about! "In the Wind". So, if the wind is blowing a 40 mikes an hour (a pretty stiff wind), and you go with the wind at 70 miles an hour, then you are only getting hit with a 30 mile an hour wind. Of course if you go the other way it's 100, but let's not go there! Just turn around.

Have a nice day everyone.