Ride It To Work (Every) Day

[Cliffy777]

Just a note to encourage all my beemer brethren and sistren to ride your bikes to work EVERY day, not just once a year (whenever it was).
I co-own a small jewelry store/art gallery and therefore work six days a week, so if I am going to get the most out of my scoot, then Ride It To Work Everyday (RITWE) is the way to go.
I have three routes I can take to get here. Shortest is 10 miles, longest is 17 (along a nice winding road).
Yup, there are a lot of hassles like helmet hair (we do have running water to deal with that), changing clothes, etc. etc. but the pay-off is worth it.
This year I vowed to ride every ding-dang day. When the starter quit in my box back in late May it forced the issue. Haven't fixed the car yet and am on the bike 7 days a week. It helps me arrive with a great attitude - especially if I leave a few minutes early and take the longer, twisty way in. And it helps me get home with a smile.
If we want folks to take bikes seriously as TRANSPORTATION, then we have to use them as such. Don't JUST use yer bike as an RV, take it to work with you - you will both be happier. I wish I had the time and money to do a two month tour of the country, but for now I have to rack the miles up one day at a time.
RIDE IT TO WORK EVERYDAY. Or RITWE.
okay - will someone help me off this soapbox......

[KBasa]

In.

I just lane split through 10 miles of stopped up traffic here in Marin.

I'd still be 8 miles away in the car......

http://www.ridetowork.org/logo-color.gif

[fish]

I ride everyday, except when I'm stuck in concalls from 6am to 7pm :cry

In fact, I just mounted the Garmin 176 on my RT so I have something to play with as I'm splitting traffic through San Jose :p

It's been so bloody hot here the past couple of days that I finally got around to swapping out the Cee Bailey #2 for the BMW tall screen to get a little more air on my arms.

When I have to do a lot of urban street warfare (Santa Clara), I take the GS, so I can just ride over obstacles. When I have to do some distance (Newark over the Dunbarton Bridge), the RT is the mount of choice.

It's all good :clap

[fish]

Originally posted by Eric Blume
I have been riding to work all my life.

wow...even when you were in 4th grade? :bliss

[jdiaz]

Originally posted by Eric Blume
Their requirement is that it has to be sunny and in the upper 80's before they get their bike out. I guess if they didn't live in Seattle they would ride more often.
Helped you with an edit there Eric. :bliss

[MarkF]

Whenever it's over 50 deg and not raining I ride. I could ride if it's colder or wet but hate getting to work pre-miserable.

MarkF

[SCDorman]

I've ridden to work everyday since March this year unless I had to transport people or critters around during the day (I know, I know, get a sidecar rig!). I figure I personally can ride daily in Iowa for about 9-10 mos. of the year, unless we have some serious T-storms going on. We had an unseasonably warm December last year, so that helped, but usually Dec. - Feb. is pretty inhospitable. At least the wind chill has never reached 100 below here (we got to -90 in 1993).

[snoone]

As long as its over 45 degrees and not storming I ride the 100 mile round trip to NYC every day. It clears my head in the AM and gives me something to look forward to in the PM. The therepy is better than a psychiatrist.

[1969 R90/2 US]

RITWE is not an option for me, which is a shame. I am a sales manager with 18 employees spread over Maryland, DC, and Northern Virginia. I put on a lot of miles in a typical day and would often love to do them on my bike. The largest thing I need to transport (besides me) is a hand-held computer.

Some miles are over great twisty roads, others are in infamous DC Beltway lane-splitable traffic. However, a couple of years ago a counterpart in another state was traveling in the course of his employment on his Harley and was t-boned and lost a leg. The company quickly ammended policy and I received an addendum to sign that forbids the use of motorcycles on company business.

The addendum was forced when our insurance carrier decided they would not cover the company for damages incurred through motorcycle accidents.

[Cliffy777]

Wonder if anyone insured by that company has ever lost a leg while in a car accident?
At first glance it almost seemed like a "reasonable" response, but the more I think on it the less sense it makes. One accident means they refuse to insure motorcycles? Faulty logic if you ask me Captain Kirk.

[ian408]

Originally posted by fish
It's been so bloody hot here the past couple of days

I usually ride daily. It affords me a spot not many others can
have...a covered spot right next to the door :)

Ian

[lorazepam]

I ride to work every day, rain or shine, I wont ride on snow though, I do have a limit (tires). There are 3 folks at work who ride most every day, snow on the roads or errands that require use of a larger vehicle. I have used my bike for a couple company trips, and it sure makes the drudgery of travelling a bit more fun.

[MarkF]

Originally posted by lorazepam
There are 3 folks at work who ride most every day.

Just wondering, what do they ride (make/model) ?

MarkF

[Weasel]

Yup, that's the way to do it, ride to work. That's always been the case with me, here in Virginia, or up in Detroit. On rainy days in Detroit, the only people to ride to work was a fella on his '47 Indian Chief, and me on my R60/6. We gained a great respect for each other and our machines. That began a great relationship!

When I bought my bike back in '75, I had one thing in mind...basic transportation. Here was a machine that you could ship anywhere in the world and always have your basic transportation taken care of.

I bought my bike because I never wanted to have to worry about basic transpo for the rest of my life, and the machine has been true coming through thick and thin!

Of course there have been many adventures, like hitting a LARGE wooden pallette dead on (I decided it was the best approach) at 70 mph, flying through the air and landing with such force that the headlight lens came out and smashed on the front fender (the lens smashing thing has happened 3-4 times hitting different things). Those who don't ride to work are missing quite a bit. I've always been blessed with a 35 to 40 mile ride to work, no matter where I've lived.

[ian408]

Originally posted by oilhed
Just wondering, what do they ride (make/model) ?

MarkF

We have an Aprillia (Capo) and Harely (Sportster) rider, a
Ducati pilot and one other BMW rider (K75).

In order, I'd say I probably ride most every day, the K bike
is next but maybe once or twice a month (he's a bicycle
commuter so I cut him some slack :)). The other two rarely
ride to work. In fact, I'd have to say it's been twice in the
last two years for the other two.

Ian

[The_Veg]

Riding to work was not possible in my last job because I served a four-state territory (including TX) and had to haul a luggage-cart full of gear with me. But I'm planning on RITWE for my next job, once I get a runner again.

[GlobalRider]

Originally posted by Cliffy777
Just a note to encourage all to ride your bikes to work EVERY day, not just once a year (whenever it was).

Riding to work in traffic is too boring. I'd sooner use my bike for quality riding such as local backroads and touring. But to each their own. They bought it so they can do as they please with it.


Originally posted by Cliffy777 If we want folks to take bikes seriously as TRANSPORTATION, then we have to use them as such.

Actually I'd like all folks to take driving seriously, but that would take a change in attitude.

[sgborgstrom]

A few years ago I finally bought a car reliable enough to be "real" transportation and my RTW ratio slipped from 100% to 60/40 (bike/car). Next week we are moving to an island, the ferry system loads the bikes on first, no waiting in line so I figure I'll be back up to 100% real fast.

It's also a great excuse to go shopping for a sidecar...

[jdiaz]

Which island are you moving to Steve? Whidbey or Vashon? Say hey to Sue from us.....we miss you out here.

[sgborgstrom]

Bainbridge

There is quite a community of moto/ferry commuters out here, my current route of travel crosses paths with a dozen or so riders who arrive from Vashon at West Seattle at about 0645. Dozens more are parked every day under the viaduct along the waterfront. I figure to build another Airhead rig like the one I sold before coming out here but with a leading link or other sidecar type front end, it'll be easier to haul my bunking gear around that way.

Looking forward to catching up with my Chicago Region friends in Spokane next summer. Might even get Susan to join in.

[KBasa]

Cliffy knows what's up. :thumb

[bobs98]

But every day possible.

After many years of having to carry around a trunkload and car full of "sales stuff" and samples, I am now pleased to come to an actual office on a daily basis. I arrive with a smile and look forward to the ride home every day. 20 miles each way, as long as the roads are clear and there is no ice. Usually draw the line at 30 degrees, but have ridden as low as 19.

Lovin' life, and the ride!

[OfficerImpersonator]

In the past 11 months since I've started riding again, I have kept the bike in the garage and still gone to work exactly three times, all due to snow and/or ice on the roads. If it's really bad, I'll stay home. A day at work isn't worth a trip to the body shop. But if no snow/ice on the road, I'm on the bike.

But rain - why not ride in the rain? It's only H2O! It sustains us, cleans us (and our bikes), and nourishes all that lives on this planet. It's certainly not an evil force to be avoided. Plus, I get to entertain my co-workers with the inevitable wet spot on my jeans from the leak in the 'Stich :)

[rocketman]

Not only do I ride to work much more often than not, I once rode FOR work! For three years in downtown city traffic on a old early 60's /2 in DC. Pretty much rode in any kind of weather you can think of. In many ways it was the koolest job I ever had.

RM

[Mudbug]

I ride to work every day, except in thunder storms. I have an aversion to lightning strikes. I save a lot of money on gas and it starts and ends the day just right.

[Crow18]

I ride to work about 90% of the time. Freeways in the morning, because I'm usually running a little late, and then surface streets and some twisties and a nice bit of dirt road if I feel like it in the afternoon. I have about 8 different ways of getting home.

If I drive the car to work, I have to park about 10 blocks away and walk through a sketchy part of Oregon City (redundant, I know). If I ride the bike in, I get to park in the sketchy part of Oregon City right out front of my office. My bike is the one with the cover and the steering lock and the disc lock.

This morning, I had to dodge what looked like a small pile of vomit right next to where I usually park. Then I noticed that it was right next to a partially-crushed Campbell's Soup can. Then I realized that in O.C., that doesn't mean it's not still vomit.

[The_Veg]

You can't exactly dust for vomit.

[jdmetzger]

You can't exactly dust for vomit.

I'm going to have to find a way to slip that into a conversation, this weekend. It's a perfect quote. Inspiring, and so true. :ha

[mtfrench]

I ride my R1150R to work every day (15-20 miles) and use my R1200GSA for weekend rides and touring. I agree with all the great reasons for doing this that were mentioned previously. But for me, preferred covered parking right in front of my office has to be right near the top. Most people know how difficult it is to find any legal parking on a college campus. The motorcycle only section of one parking garage is just a few steps from my office, I can always find a spot no matter what time of the day, and my bike is protected from the elements. All of my colleagues are envious of my parking situation, but not enough to get a moto of their own.:rolleyes

[Mongo]

I ride to work often but not every day. It is 100 miles round trip. My work gives me a car so I have to use it from time to time or the bosses might decide I don't need it and take it away. I leave in the dark this time of year and soon will be going home in the dark. I just don't care for riding in the rain at night so the bike stays home then for sure.

[ultracyclist]

If you do not mind me asking:

How do you learn the safe techniques for lane splitting? (not allowed here in WI)

How do you midwesterners handle inclement (snow, sleet, pestilence, vermin, dead horses) weather? What mods have you made to your bikes to handle these things?

Regarding weather, what is the deal breaker for the "ride/no ride" decision?

[Mongo]

If you do not mind me asking:

How do you learn the safe techniques for lane splitting? (not allowed here in WI)

How do you midwesterners handle inclement (snow, sleet, pestilence, vermin, dead horses) weather? What mods have you made to your bikes to handle these things?

Regarding weather, what is the deal breaker for the "ride/no ride" decision?

IMO There are no safe techniques for lane splitting. You either do it or you don't. I prefer not to. Lane splitting is illegal here in NE too. If I need to get by a mess I hit the breakdown lane and pass there. I find it much safer (but also illegal). Mostly I sit in traffic like the rest of the lemmings.

I don't ride in sleet/snow or rain at night. Although I've been caught in flurries that didn't "stick" a few times and found that quite enjoyable. Otherwise game on. The only mods I've made to the bike are to accomodate electric clothing. I use a scorpion helmet for the good anti-fog shield they have, Gerbing Union Ridge pants, gloves, socks and a warmnsafe jacket liner. I'm good to 0 degrees F. I actually prefer to ride in the 20sF versus 30sF because I know any spots in the road I see are ice and not maybe ice / maybe puddle.

[Burnszilla]

Everyday.

[mtfrench]

The riding season in South Florida never ends, so the elements don't prevent me from riding to work every day. The only 2 exceptions are tropical storms/hurricanes :help and when the heat/humidity threshold surpasses 90/90. :cry

[Cliffy777]

If you do not mind me asking:

How do you learn the safe techniques for lane splitting? (not allowed here in WI)

How do you midwesterners handle inclement (snow, sleet, pestilence, vermin, dead horses) weather? What mods have you made to your bikes to handle these things?

Regarding weather, what is the deal breaker for the "ride/no ride" decision?

What is lane splitting? (haha - just kidding - live in MI so it doesn't work here.)

Bad weather? I commute every day (just 12-15 miles one way on back roads). Well, if it is sleeting or snaining (snow + rain = snain) then I back waay off the throttle, especially in corners. I do not purposely ride in snow or snain, if I think those conditions are likely and I still want to ride, then I will do so aboard my 1982 Yamaha XT550 - lightweight, knobbies and less than $1k invested so if I fall down go boom my wallet won't get too hurt.

I got caught by snow and had to ride the Rockster home after I owned it for two weeks, so it would have been Jan 2005. Wet snow and I dumped the bike at slow speed in the slush. DANG!

Deal breaker for me on my unfaired Rockster or the Yammy is below 20 degrees. I can handle the commute from 20 and above okay.

Like Mongo, I have a Scorpion helmet for the no-fog reason. Got a nice pair of winter gloves last year from ....dang, I can't remeber the brand! I have heated grips on the Rockster which helps alot.

if you like riding all year check out www.yearroundriders.com

[rkasal]

My office is a few steps from my bedroom but when I go grocery shopping, go for coffee, or go to lunch, it's on a bike. :nyah

I really feel sorry for people who drive a vehicle to work and have a long commute.

Regards,


Randy Kasal

[henzilla]

Twenty two miles to work everyday somehow turns into 30-50+ on way home unless the weather turns brutal....such as...lightning or an icestorm(luckily very rare). I have not driven my truck to work but once since January! The deal breaker is lightning nearby at time of garage opening, which timing wise has not happened but once this year. Carry raingear on all bikes...usually:doh
As stated earlier, it starts and ends my workday with a great ride. I will miss the commute in two months as I CAN retire. Guess I will just have to go ride anyways!!

[wsteinborn]

I ride except when icey - hit black ice in December of 2005. Oops.

Oh, and intense lightning, too.

Other than that I am on 2 wheels.

Saturday my car suffered a computer meltdown (115,000 miles). Don't know what it will cost - the dealership had to go buy mmore adding machine tape to tot it all up I guess.

If it gets too high I'll let them buy the car, and I'll ride the bus on icey days.

[godzilla]

I have ridden to work every day since May. I am terribly depressed because I won't ride tomorrow. My dear old 85 K100 has a headlight problem somewhere in the wiring. (see the post in the K-Bike section.) This will be the first day I haven't ridden to work since May. The reason I parked it for a few days in May, was, well the same very intermiitant headlight problem and I was working 16-hours days, ocming home late at night.

I'd risk it tomorrow, but it is suppsed to rain and I don't feel safe without the headlight announcing my presence to unsuspcting cage drivers.

Other than when the bike is down (very rarely), I ride every day (17 miles each way) unless the roads are icy. I know I could defeat the cold with more clothing or electrics, but I don't like that feeling of the bike fishtailing on Black Ice.

Tomorrow I take my 87 Chevy Sprint and make an appointment to have the electrical system fixed on the K.

I am so sad.

[Cliffy777]

I have ridden to work every day since May. I am terribly depressed because I won't ride tomorrow. My dear old 85 K100 has a headlight problem somewhere in the wiring. (see the post in the K-Bike section.) This will be the first day I haven't ridden to work since May. The reason I parked it for a few days in May, was, well the same very intermiitant headlight problem and I was working 16-hours days, ocming home late at night.

I'd risk it tomorrow, but it is suppsed to rain and I don't feel safe without the headlight announcing my presence to unsuspcting cage drivers.

Other than when the bike is down (very rarely), I ride every day (17 miles each way) unless the roads are icy. I know I could defeat the cold with more clothing or electrics, but I don't like that feeling of the bike fishtailing on Black Ice.

Tomorrow I take my 87 Chevy Sprint and make an appointment to have the electrical system fixed on the K.

I am so sad.

Our survey says: Headlights are important! Suffer a couple days in your Chevy, a small price to pay for illumination Grasshopper.

[The_Veg]

Just saw my post from 2003 in this thread. I'm still unable to ride to work due to equipment I must carry, and also due to wearing a uniform that I wouldn't want to crash in (too many hard or sharp bits attached to it- very similar to firefighter or paramedic attire), even in a heavy riding-suit.

But maybe the next job...

[Cliffy777]

[QUOTE=The_Veg;248976]Just saw my post from 2003 in this thread. QUOTE]

My oh my how the time do fly!

[Klay]

I never drive a car to work in the summer. The winters are too severe with snow and ice here in Minnesota in the winter to ride, so I switch to a car. I think that makes me about a 60/40 bike/car commuter. Maybe 2% of the time I ride a bicycle. I'm glad to be free of the car most of the time. Some people like to save the bike for recreation, but I never seem to burn out on riding.

[westofone]

I had this horrendous 25 mi (each way!)— commute up and down the Silverado Trail to Calistoga. That's 250 mikes a week! Well— it IS sort of beautiful ( do you catch the sarcasm??)— the only thing that bothered me was the cold, dark mornings. I was on a naked Triumph, so the first thing I got was a "fog shield"— a thing that velcros into your full-face helmet between your nose and mouth. It worked!— kept breath from fogging up the shield. Next, went to the nearest BMW dealer to buy electric socks and gloves. Now I'm feeling pretty cozy on those dark mornings. But— I kept thinking about that RT I saw at the dealer. On my next free day I went for a test ride. I'm sold! I've never been on a BMW before, but, I like the feeling! Havn't needed the fog shield, electric gloves or socks since!

[mtfrench]

Last week I decided to push the envelope a bit on "commuting to work." I had two work events to attend in the Southeast: Athens, GA at the beginning of the week and Chapel Hill, NC at the end. Given the hassles of trying to coordinate flights and rental cars, I decided to pack up the GSA, leave Miami Beach on Saturday, and do both trips on the bike. Packing business clothes for a week in the cases was a little challenging, but my wife folded everything just right. :heart The weather was fantastic and, go figure, both events seemed a whole lot more enjoyable. When word started spreading that I arrived on a motorcycle, half the people were shocked/appalled and the other half were envious. For me, it was all good!:bikes

[Mongo]

Some days my commute is better than others. It is 100 miles round trip.

Sorry 'bout the Harley pic. I had to include it.:stick It's a good pic. :D

Monday's ride home

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e163/MONGO65/foliagecommute1.jpg

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e163/MONGO65/foliagecommute2.jpg

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e163/MONGO65/foliagecommute3.jpg

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e163/MONGO65/foliagecommute4.jpg

[Cliffy777]

Last week I decided to push the envelope a bit on "commuting to work." I had two work events to attend in the Southeast: Athens, GA at the beginning of the week and Chapel Hill, NC at the end. Given the hassles of trying to coordinate flights and rental cars, I decided to pack up the GSA, leave Miami Beach on Saturday, and do both trips on the bike. Packing business clothes for a week in the cases was a little challenging, but my wife folded everything just right. :heart The weather was fantastic and, go figure, both events seemed a whole lot more enjoyable. When word started spreading that I arrived on a motorcycle, half the people were shocked/appalled and the other half were envious. For me, it was all good!:bikes

Great story.
(Hey Mongo - I cain't see any pitchers on your post.....????)

[RebeccaV]

http://home.comcast.net/~kevin.g.grant/foliagecommute4.jpg
OOOOoooo! The sunset picture is a dandy. Nice fall colors you've got.

[Crow18]

Today I not only rode to work, I used my bike to deliver 50 lbs of quince to one of our prestigious Pacific Northwest restaurants, where a friend from college is a pastry chef.

Turns out I can fit about 30 lbs of quince in each Caribou case.

And then, with a nice check in my pocket, I rode Skyline home.

http://homepage.mac.com/ericgibbs/rides/delivery/DSCN0019.jpg

[AirForce]

Been doing it since I started my new job in March. 12,000 miles on the GS this year, so far, and only 2000 on the truck.

[OfficerImpersonator]

20 miles each way = 40 miles/day round-trip
5 days a week = 200 miles/week
200 miles/week = 800 miles/month
800 miles/month = 9600 miles/year

It adds up fast!

[Cliffy777]

Today I not only rode to work, I used my bike to deliver 50 lbs of quince to one of our prestigious Pacific Northwest restaurants, where a friend from college is a pastry chef.

Turns out I can fit about 30 lbs of quince in each Caribou case.

And then, with a nice check in my pocket, I rode Skyline home.

http://homepage.mac.com/ericgibbs/rides/delivery/DSCN0019.jpg

What is the going rate for a pound of quince?

[henzilla]

20 miles each way = 40 miles/day round-trip
5 days a week = 200 miles/week
200 miles/week = 800 miles/month
800 miles/month = 9600 miles/year

It adds up fast!

mine is about the same, 22 miles each leg...except for the 5-10 miles of lunchtime riding...sometimes to eat, sometimes to just ride some more and run by the bike shop to "browse":D

[Crow18]

What is the going rate for a pound of quince?

$2

...so I basically earned enough to pay for one of my new boots.

[DeeG]

I ride to work as long as there is no snow/ice on the ground. I average about 8K a year. I'd ride longer, but its difficult to get a 2WD bike up a steep dirt driveway with 4" of compact snow/ice on it............. Tried it once on my little Rebel, fell over less than 3' from the garage. Hmmm......perhaps some slightly more aggressive tires on the GS??? Studded?

[Cliffy777]

I ride to work as long as there is no snow/ice on the ground. I average about 8K a year. I'd ride longer, but its difficult to get a 2WD bike up a steep dirt driveway with 4" of compact snow/ice on it............. Tried it once on my little Rebel, fell over less than 3' from the garage. Hmmm......perhaps some slightly more aggressive tires on the GS??? Studded?

Aerostich has some gnarly looking self-tapping carbide studs. 100 of them for $87 (supposed to put 50 in each tar). I am giving some thought to decorating the tires on my XT.
What would the cops do if they caught one with studded tires???

[dancogan]

...What would the cops do if they caught one with studded tires???
The question to ask is what would the girls do when you find out you're (a) stud(ded)? :nyah

[BobMielke]

I'm commonly known as a Rounder, a rider who rides year round. Each day that I must work my R1200RT is my vehicle of choice. On the less sunny days there are always 3 of us that can be found in the bike parking area, an old BMW K75, a naked Triumph Triple & me with my BMW R1200RT. Living in the Pacific Northwest, with its 7 months of rain, makes it more of a challenge. Having the right gear makes all the difference in the world. If you're dry, warm and on a comfortable bike the outside conditions mean less and are certainly no longer an excuse not to ride. With my 12 hour shift I ride both ways to work in the dark but have a second helmet outfitted with a clear visor.

On my days off I use the bike for grocery shopping, doctor's appointments and general errands. I manage to average right at 20,000 miles a year and have done so for the past 27 years. What's not to love about motorcycling?

[brinkjm]

Coming up on my second winter here in S.E. Michigan - quite a change for this native Southern Californian who once fought to keep the beach sand out of my garage. Didn't ride AT ALL last winter...I didn't know what to expect, but started up again last March. I got caught in the snow a few times, but the roads were always clear by going home time. I've ridden almost every day since then (except when I have test vehicles to drive for work) and frequently, my RT is by itself in our bike-specific parking area. I used to get the looks from co-workers (and even witnessed a co-worker paying off a bet that I wouldn't ride in on a particular day) but now, they just know I'll likely ride in, whether it is 95 degrees or 25 degrees (F). I do still get razzed by a few friends, as to whether I'll choose studs or chains to mount on the RTs rear tire :nyah

I did order a car this year though...my wife admitted that she worries about me riding in really nasty weather. So, instead of winterizing the bike this year, I'll leave it ready to ride in on those days that dawn bright and sunny, and keep the cage around for the nasty, slushy days.

[rkasal]

Coming up on my second winter here in S.E. Michigan - quite a change for this native Southern Californian who once fought to keep the beach sand out of my garage. Didn't ride AT ALL last winter...I didn't know what to expect, but started up again last March. I got caught in the snow a few times, but the roads were always clear by going home time. I've ridden almost every day since then (except when I have test vehicles to drive for work) and frequently, my RT is by itself in our bike-specific parking area. I used to get the looks from co-workers (and even witnessed a co-worker paying off a bet that I wouldn't ride in on a particular day) but now, they just know I'll likely ride in, whether it is 95 degrees or 25 degrees (F). I do still get razzed by a few friends, as to whether I'll choose studs or chains to mount on the RTs rear tire :nyah

I did order a car this year though...my wife admitted that she worries about me riding in really nasty weather. So, instead of winterizing the bike this year, I'll leave it ready to ride in on those days that dawn bright and sunny, and keep the cage around for the nasty, slushy days.


At the dealer on Saturday, I encountered a gentleman who was just awarded the BMW 900,000 mile award. He rides 40,000 to 50,000 miles a year. Among his many Beamers, he keeps dedicated wheels and tires mounted for his main bikes to include touring tires, sport/touring tires, and snow tires.

This guy just had to put the bug in my head to have snow tires. Curses!

When I left for the dealer Saturday morning, the temp was about 36F. Lots of looks from all of the fans going the same way to "the game" given the temp. I've riden at 22F and so far, at 95F. So many people here limit it to about 65F to 90F and anything outside those boundaries just isn't "cricket."

Good luck to you in your riding and being an inspiration to your peers.

Regards,


Randy Kasal

[einnar]

Aerostich has some gnarly looking self-tapping carbide studs. 100 of them for $87 (supposed to put 50 in each tar). I am giving some thought to decorating the tires on my XT.
What would the cops do if they caught one with studded tires???

Don't know the penalty in MI, but here is an interesting research article on studs..

http://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/555/2/33652.0001.001.pdf


And here's the MI vehicle code on it:
http://www.michiganlegislature.org/mileg.asp?page=getobject&objname=mcl-257-709&relation=next

[Oznay]

Well kids,it's 0215,temp's 34 degrees,am just gettin'ready for my 70 mile one way ride to work..:bikes

[Cliffy777]

Don't know the penalty in MI, but here is an interesting research article on studs..

http://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/555/2/33652.0001.001.pdf


And here's the MI vehicle code on it:
http://www.michiganlegislature.org/mileg.asp?page=getobject&objname=mcl-257-709&relation=next

RE: research - the link did not work for me.
RE: the law - hmmmmm, so if I deliver a couple pieces of mail on the way to and from the store, then maybe I could get by with studs??????

[einnar]

It appears that link is correct, but is not working right now. I'd say "try again later"?
Too bad, because it's an interesting, albeit dry read.

[Rebgen]

I've been riding regularly this fall and have experienced beautiful weather. This week high temps will be in the 60's. My low temp on the way to work so far this year has only been 31F. My Aerostich Darien jacket is my absolute favorite piece of gear in the 30's to 50's.

I just wish I lived more than 10 miles to work!

[grant]

Temp at 7:00 AM was exactly 32 degrees F. Started my S.O.'s car to let it warm up so she wouldn't have to scrape the ice off the windshield, then hopped on my bike for an invigorating 30 mile ride to work. Thank God for Gerbing vests and heated grips!:thumb

[TGA57589]

Just bought an '07 R1200RT trading in a'96 RT wishing I could have kept the old one too just for the sake of having it and still not losing the love for it. I ride everyday with exception to the ice and potential there of. I short hop everywhere with my machine and work a swing shift so I have days off during the week for getting lost. I'm so very happy with my '07 RT that the wife even likes to see my perma grin when I get on it.

[co_g30]

In fact, did some research today, and:

Since 21JUL07, have put 8843 miles on the motorcycle and only 31 miles on the car. I really do need to exercise the car more I'm afraid, otherwise the seals and such are going to dry out on me!

I switched jobs in August and have not driven the car to the new jobsite yet!

More details in the blog. Note that less than half of the above miles on the bike were for work commuting, the rest was for pleasure riding.

And yet, after calculating the costs had I driven the car, I still came out ahead by using the motorcycle, even including all the gas spent on pleasure riding!

[Cliffy777]

[QUOTE=co_g30;254691]In fact, did some research today, and:

Since 21JUL07, have put 8843 miles on the motorcycle and only 31 miles on the car. I really do need to exercise the car more I'm afraid, otherwise the seals and such are going to dry out on me!
QUOTE]

I hear that - the solution for my old pickup is a system where it gets about 18 miles a week on it. Every Sunday morning we make a run for the grocery store - otherwise it would sit and freeze up waiting for snow and ice. I take a route where I can get it up to 55-60 mph to get everything warm.