I rode into work this morning

[jdmetzger]

That's right, I rode into work this morning. I woke up at 6:30am - it was dark, and right around 32 degrees. By 7:15am I had gotten showered, fed the dog, donned my TCX boots, Firstgear pants (with liner), Olympia AST jacket (with liner), BMW heated vest, helmet/baclava, gloves, and I was outside getting the GSPD out of the garage. It took a few cranks but the bike fired up and into work I rode. It was still dark, and still about 32 degrees. Traffic was heavy - lots of cars, lots of semi's. I was on the slab almost the whole time. Sometimes we would slow for no reason, and I was constantly watching for someone to change lanes into me suddenly. After getting off the slab I had to watch to make sure no idiot rear-ended me. Finally, 15 minutes later, I pulled into my "front row" parking spot at work and got all of my gear off, grabbed my laptop from the sadllebag, and came in.

It was really a fantastic ride and I'm now in a great mood! :clap

... of course, I may have enjoyed such a ride because I haven't been on a bike since the Monday after "Color in the Catskills" (just over *3* weeks ago). After some medical issues I'm back in the saddle, and it feels great. Don't take the ability to ride (and the ability to get your bike off the centerstand) for granted. Suddenly I have this incredible urge to take a late season "long weekend" trip. Hmmm...

Just felt the need to tell someone. I don't think my non-riding coworkers would appreciate it as much as everyone here. I have already been asked if "I'm crazy" for riding in the "cold". :brad

:)

[KGT1200]

That's right, I rode into work this morning. I woke up at 6:30am - it was dark, and right around 32 degrees. By 7:15am I had gotten showered, fed the dog, donned my TCX boots, Firstgear pants (with liner), Olympia AST jacket (with liner), BMW heated vest, helmet/baclava, gloves, and I was outside getting the GSPD out of the garage. It took a few cranks but the bike fired up and into work I rode. It was still dark, and still about 32 degrees. Traffic was heavy - lots of cars, lots of semi's. I was on the slab almost the whole time. Sometimes we would slow for no reason, and I was constantly watching for someone to change lanes into me suddenly. After getting off the slab I had to watch to make sure no idiot rear-ended me. Finally, 15 minutes later, I pulled into my "front row" parking spot at work and got all of my gear off, grabbed my laptop from the sadllebag, and came in.

It was really a fantastic ride and I'm now in a great mood! :clap

... of course, I may have enjoyed such a ride because I haven't been on a bike since the Monday after "Color in the Catskills" (just over *3* weeks ago). After some medical issues I'm back in the saddle, and it feels great. Don't take the ability to ride (and the ability to get your bike off the centerstand) for granted. Suddenly I have this incredible urge to take a late season "long weekend" trip. Hmmm...

Just felt the need to tell someone. I don't think my non-riding coworkers would appreciate it as much as everyone here. I have already been asked if "I'm crazy" for riding in the "cold". :brad

:)

:thumb I rode too, and will do so until the bridges get real icy! I love what I perceive as ënhanced performance" of the bike! She ssems to run WAY hotter than on a warm summer morning. Admittedly, the deer scare the hell out of me! I take off at 5:45 on country roads, and it's black as some of the yuppie stout ale youall drink!:) The tires are stiff, so the turn and leans take some shift of perception, and my thumb is always on/near the horn in these early morning hours which do require some freeway (35W) miles. I average about 400 miles weekly if I don't go anywhere but to and from work. No idiot cages to report today, other than watching them tail each other which I thinkis a Minnesota trait. I rode many years up the front range from Loveland to Denver on I-25, and have NEVER seen tailgating like here in the land of freezing and cold. Whats with that huh?

But it's fun, and adds adventure to what is normally a sucky sort of stressful day. The ride home for us should be GREAT! I know Brad Dog also rides every day in my neck of the woods...

Who else rode to their jobs today?

[JanMiller]

That's right, I rode into work this morning. I woke up at 6:30am - it was dark, and right around 32 degrees. By 7:15am I had gotten showered, fed the dog, donned my TCX boots, Firstgear pants (with liner), Olympia AST jacket (with liner), BMW heated vest, helmet/baclava, gloves, and I was outside getting the GSPD out of the garage. It took a few cranks but the bike fired up and into work I rode. It was still dark, and still about 32 degrees. Traffic was heavy - lots of cars, lots of semi's. I was on the slab almost the whole time. Sometimes we would slow for no reason, and I was constantly watching for someone to change lanes into me suddenly. After getting off the slab I had to watch to make sure no idiot rear-ended me. Finally, 15 minutes later, I pulled into my "front row" parking spot at work and got all of my gear off, grabbed my laptop from the sadllebag, and came in.

It was really a fantastic ride and I'm now in a great mood! :clap

... of course, I may have enjoyed such a ride because I haven't been on a bike since the Monday after "Color in the Catskills" (just over *3* weeks ago). After some medical issues I'm back in the saddle, and it feels great. Don't take the ability to ride (and the ability to get your bike off the centerstand) for granted. Suddenly I have this incredible urge to take a late season "long weekend" trip. Hmmm...

Just felt the need to tell someone. I don't think my non-riding coworkers would appreciate it as much as everyone here. I have already been asked if "I'm crazy" for riding in the "cold". :brad

:)

Ah, a 'rider' as opposed to an owner, as most BMW riders are! I 'was' going to, shamed to say I didn't, but.. 22 degrees and possibility of snow, didn't want to get trapped at work... But, tomorrow, oddly, forecast at as high as 58 degrees, 60's 'away from the lake (Superior)'. I took tomorrow off!

[Holly]

Good to hear you are back in the saddle, Josh. The nasty s--- work is in our forecast. I have already added the Stabil to the gas, but hope to sneak in some more riding. I was a bit too optimistic last year at this time and the bikes didn't get winterized so I'm being more careful this year. Now I really MUST get around to draining the pipes to the outside taps today!

Holly

[cayuse60]

Know how you feel. My commute is 70 miles round trip either on slab or secondary road (they run parralel).
It starts the day better if I ride to work, especially now with winter just around the corner. Each day I am riding is cherrished.

[crazydrummerdude]

I rode my bicycle to school today.

:hide

It was dark when I left, and pretty damn cold.

[hlothery]

Who else rode to their jobs today?[/QUOTE]


I didn't......................it was too damn cold!:dunno

[unigobill]

Who else rode to their jobs today?


I didn't......................it was too damn cold!:dunno[/QUOTE]

I ride most everyday! But it's not far 15 miles, and we don't get snow or ice here in North Texas...Tuesday was 32 in the morning but 65 at quitting time... Well you know$2.00/gallon an excuse, $4.00/gallon a necessity.

[jacintheis]

i rise unless i KNOW there is going to be snow. experience tells em that we rarley get whats forcast, so unless they are already closing shools and roads i ride. My commute is short though, so i dont worry too much. I do get tirerd of the constant "you rode today?!" comments. at first it was a compliment, now it just bothers me as thay all know, yes i ride everyday. drives the cruiser guys at work crazy, they just dont understand. Cheers to those that GET to ride, sorry to those of you whos job or kids limit your ride time.

[wezul]

I am not allowed to ride a motorcycle in the house. :mad :heh

[88bmwJeff]

Who else rode to their jobs today?


I didn't......................it was too damn cold!:dunno

No can do. Riding to work is out of the question for the time being. On the plus side, I get to drop my son off at daycare, which I could not do if I were riding.

[ragtoplvr]

Ir was a balmy 33F at the house when I left but upper 60's forecast for this afternoon. No need for electrics, yet.

Did not meet a bike.

12 mile, mostly secondary roads, never got into 6th.

[jcridge]

I rode this morning, then again...I ride every morning.

This morning was 30 degrees and snowing here in New York State.


Gotta love heated gear and a dependable K....:thumb

[Peter_Krynicki]

I drove my car to work yesterday becausse it was raining then snowing. It was the first time I've driven to work this month and the car battery probably needed a bit of a charge anyway.

Maybe 40 degrees this a.m. with some wind but the R1100s hummed along nicely. Flannel-lined jeans, boots, BMW Savannah jacket & liner, Olympia gloves, and Shuberth flip-up.

[jpberens43639]

Yup, had to ride, gotta ride, was 32 degrees on the thermometer in Hales Corners, WI.
Secondary roads with a brief 10 mile spint on the divided highway. Hands cold, the rest AOK. Electric jacket liner arrives soon, may need to add gloves after that.
I've only taken the truck out on Sunday's since May of this year, all bike, all the time.:dance
Going to ride till frost sets in and I can't trust the traction on the pavement anymore.
Mid 60's by the weekend, can't wait, may have to just up & run out of work claiming anal glaucoma.:dunno :dance

[BubbaZanetti]

I rode my bicycle to school today.

:hide

It was dark when I left, and pretty damn cold.

i too, rode my bicycle to the subway today, not super cold, around 40ish

i get my bike back this week AFTER 7+ weeks in the shop!!!:thumb

[jdmetzger]

Good to hear you are back in the saddle, Josh. The nasty s--- work is in our forecast. I have already added the Stabil to the gas, but hope to sneak in some more riding. I was a bit too optimistic last year at this time and the bikes didn't get winterized so I'm being more careful this year. Now I really MUST get around to draining the pipes to the outside taps today!

Holly

I actually held off riding the past two days because of wet conditions and the temperature being around the freezing mark. I wasn't going to temp fate on some of the overpasses. Finally things are "clear", and it's looking to be warming up the rest of the week.

Still, riding in the cold is good practice for when I join the "ITF". ;)

[pecsok]

I ride every day it's dry. Been down to the mid 30's here in the AM, but the PM's are super. Crisp, cool, smoke from the chimney's smell, fall leaves....
My favorite time of year!

[darcym]

I ride to work all year, but then in San Diego I may only need heated gear for a a few weeks at most. :thumb

I had to leave the mesh jacket at home this morning and take something beefier, a chilly 53 at 6:30 am for my ride to work. I'll pay for it this eveing though, because it's still warming up to the 80's today. Clear and dry, too.

sorry icelanders .... it isn't the World's Finest City for nothing.
:usa

[Holly]

The average winter temperature in Reykjavik is higher than in New York. Just bring good rain gear and extra lights.

Holly

[Gilly]

Yeah I rode the GT to work today, probably will til Friday by the sounds of it. I have about a 20 mile country ride so have to watch for deer. When i leave town there is a swampy area to go through and usually my lowest temps are there, got down to 25 in that section, but mostly was showing about 32. This afternoon was fine, almost 50.
At work, twice now i have spotted a red newer GS on Rockport Rd in Janesville WI, anyone here? Would have been about 515-530am.
The GT seat heater is confounding. In the low or "auto" temp I never feel it, in "high" it'll burn yer bisquits eventually. Need thicker pants maybe, but I have to wear work pants. Might need to get some cold riding pants that I can slip over my work pants. Any suggestions? Other than that it's a cozy enough ride, my legs do get a little cold. Nothing like my old K75 was though, i can stand this for 20 miles.
Cheesewhiz, you riding?
Gilly

(What I mean by "til Friday" is the forecast sounds good that far out. When the temps get down to about 20 or lower at night I'll probably not ride, or of course when the roads might be slick. Hopefully the snow stays away long enough that I can still ride in Decemberrrrrr)

[LSkrabut]

I did my normal daily morning ride to work. It is rather short, 60 miles each way;)

I start in the dark hours, 04:35am and arrive before the sun is up 1 hour later in Utah. This past week, it has been above normal morning temps, mid 30's to mid 40's. 52 miles of interstate slab at 70mph+, mostly alone at that time in the morning.

Still after 40-50 minutes at high speed, cold soak does tend to saturate in the body somewhat. Nothing really bad like I remember riding back in the 70's doing the same thing without today quality of outerwear.

I will probably park the wheels once wet roads or freezing roads are at hand. Black Ice is not my friend at all.

[jforgo]

Rode my 1980RT in today - have been switching between that and the 1982. Pretty much ride in every day - unless there is snow, or, more usually, melted off and refrozen runoff. But as long as it is dry I can ride. Bikes will start in the teens.
Don't need no stinkin heated clothing...
Only right around freezing in the morning this time of year.
Riding in always puts me in a better mood...

[bobs98]

Suddenly I have this incredible urge to take a late season "long weekend" trip. Hmmm...
:)

Come on over Josh! I've got another cold Yeungling waiting for you!

I had to slab it down I-95 to MD for a meeting today and the weather was still crappy this morning, so I took the cage. But, I'll be back on the bike tomorrow!

Tonight- Go Phillies!

[Bob1100RTC]

My job is less than a mile from my house. I ride when its not too cold (above freezing) but today they were calling for snow so the RT stayed in the garage.

[Rich]

My job is less than a mile from my house. I ride when its not too cold (above freezing) but today they were calling for snow so the RT stayed in the garage.

Maybe it's just me, but I would not start a BMW to ride one mile to work. Especially in cold weather. Condensation is your enemy.

[DPeakMD]

I haven't driven the car to work since August 15! I'll probably still be riding until there's freezing precip or salt on the roads.

[mfifer]

I almost always ride to work. 50 mile round trip and the highlight of my day!
Howenver , I learned a valuable lesson today. I have had an on-going problem with kidney stones and today I had a yearly checkup for the issue. No problem (I thought) . In and out right? Well as I got up to leave it was suggested I have a prostate check as long as I was there (and I did and all is well) but NEVER and I mean NEVER ride the bike to one!
Just friendly advice!! :bolt

Mike

[JohnTena]

I ride every day it's dry.

Same here. I took the R90S to work this morning. It's a delight. I'd guess I ride the RT about three fourths of the time. Once in a while I take the R69S, too, but I need to carry a laptop and other stuff and that bike has no bags.

I have no no thermometer on the R90S so I don't know the temperature. But I'm real glad I put a 400w alternator on the bike so I can use my Gerbings! :heart

[KGT1200]

I leave in about 30 minutes, and get to ride to one of our buildings in burnsville, sort of a humdrum route,, but then I get to ride a much more exciting route later in the morning. I woke up thinking about it, since tody's weather is going to be good.

From Burnsville just south of the "twinnies", I get to go to Hastings, right along the mighty Mississippi, for a meeting, then my plan is to head up the western bank of the great river into St. Paul to our offices.

The weather is really weird for Minneapolis weather this time of the year, with green grass still standing up straight, and bushes around the edges of buildings still green..

I hope to pop a few pictures today of my route, and for those of you who ride today, maybe we can all get a few shots, then bring them back to the forum to breathe some life into this place...too much cold wind blowing around here concerning board meetings and minutes and such...What are we all here for? Not to argue about how we pick on the volunteers, to be sure! I read to hear about..motorcycles

Have a good day, and for those who ride today, have a GREAT ride..I know I will!

Red

[nhbmw]

I am not allowed to ride a motorcycle in the house. :mad :heh


Our "tree", decorated for Christmas 2007. :thumb

[brprider679]

Way to go! I am starting a little late today but I am going to be on the bike as well. Actually mine will be for fun a little later.

[jdmetzger]

Come on over Josh! I've got another cold Yeungling waiting for you!


It's currently 24.8 degrees outside, but I may be able to tough out the cold for some beer! :drink :)

I have had an on-going problem with kidney stones and today I had a yearly checkup for the issue. No problem (I thought) . In and out right? Well as I got up to leave it was suggested I have a prostate check as long as I was there (and I did and all is well) but NEVER and I mean NEVER ride the bike to one!
Just friendly advice!! :bolt

Mike

I find this interesting since a 5mm kidney stone (requiring surgery and the subsequent stent) was the reason I was "down" from riding. 4 nights in a hospital on pain meds and not eating is enough to really take the strength out of a guy. It was my first stone, and hopefully my last. I have a bunch of testing to be done to try to narrow down why it may have happened (We have some ideas). It will all be worthwhile if I can avoid another one of those things. I'm still a bit young for the prostate check, but I'll remember your suggestion. :heh

[Rpbump]

My commute is only 12.2 miles each way so with temps in the high 30's>low 40's at night ( I work the eve shift) no special heated gear is needed. I'm more comfortable in this weather than the 90deg/90% humidity normal for summers in this area. Ride Safe :usa

[Brettendress]

Only a little snow on the roof tops. Altoona PA 29 degrees what a beautiful morning after a few days of wind and blowing snow. Probably with luck another six weeks and the time changes Sunday so technically I'll be leaving an hour later which helps.

Brett Endress
Altoona pa

r1150gs
70 /5
Honda VFR
71 Honda Scrambler
Kaw Vulcan

[bobs98]

It was a beautiful ride in this morning to the City of Brotherly Love, Home of the Philadelphia "World Series 2008 Champion" Phillies! Parade tomorrow!

Woo Hoo !!!

[Belquar]

I ride every day its dry also. Don't see many other riders this time of year. I go into work at 1400 and usually leave work about 2330. 52 mile commute 1 way. Once in a blue moon I will see another BMW on the road. Very Rarely though. I know there are several that live right here in Forked River, NJ or very close by, but I don't see them very often.

[hlothery]

OK, OK, OK!!!

You all made me feel so ashamed, that I rode in today.





Of course, it warmed up to 56 degrees this morning.......................but that was not the reason.:nyah


Already hating winter:banghead

[Bob1100RTC]

I get flamed all the time for changing my oil every 3000 instead of 6000 but the short trips everyday are the reason. Doesn't matter if it's warm or cold, the short trips kill oil. I like to ride so I take the bike to work as often as I can.

[henzilla]

I miss riding in, didn't miss but one day last year...but have been riding early a few times a week anyways since I am trying this retirement thing still. Do not miss the deer in the dark this time of year!

Stopped to put on some long cuff gloves the other morning with temps in the 30's I had carefully put in sidecase only to find I have two right hands:scratch :whistle

[KGT1200]

8:00 PM. Heres a few of todays pics. Just my old phone camera, so if you're looking for a job as a photo judge, dont look here! These are just photos to share...Hope somebody out there likes em!

6:00 Start from Home...looks cold out there!

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa30/redclfco/DSC02723.jpg

I went to a meeting at 10:00 am...The GS found a friend!

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa30/redclfco/img046.jpg

Heading to Hastings, MN

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa30/redclfco/img058.jpg

Stopping to "adjust"

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa30/redclfco/img056.jpg

Crossing the Mighty Mississippi

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa30/redclfco/img052.jpg

then it was on to Saint Paul..

I had a GREAT Day!

[SAMKARI]

Fortunatly in central NC we are able to ride almost every day. I have one son in college and the other is a senior in high school so the drive the cars. My wife drives her car, that leaves me with my bike. (not such a bad deal). The temp has been in the mid 30s when I leave and in the mid 50s on the way home. I was suprised to see 3 other bikes in the parking deck. I'll admit though that I do plug in the gloves though..Cheers

[jdmetzger]

It's that confusing time of year. I think most of us here are familiar with it:

Earlier this week, morning commute: 25 degrees
Today, morning commute: 45 degrees
Today, ride home: 70 degrees.

It's that "install and remove insulated liners and zip/unzip vents" time of year. At least it's looking like it will stay in the 45-70 range for the next week or so. :thumb

[Gilly]

Rode again today, but hell, it was pretty much a "gimmee"

Gilly

[bubbagazoo]

I ride to work everyday that there is no ice on the roads. Lowest temperature going into work (30 km from home to office) has been -6C according to Environment Canada. My last ride of 2007 was on 16 November. I'm hoping to go deeper into the year this year.

[enfoman]

29 deg.F on way out. first day with my Girbings and let me tell ya,......SWEEET! only went 2mi for morn commute but as the day went by and the temps rose, I cranked an another 50 or so miles for the day. hoping to enjoy MaxBMW cookout tommorow, Sat.

Bob

[nhbmw]

29 deg.F on way out. first day with my Girbings and let me tell ya,......SWEEET! only went 2mi for morn commute but as the day went by and the temps rose, I cranked an another 50 or so miles for the day. hoping to enjoy MaxBMW cookout tommorow, Sat.

Bob

Max's NY store did a great cookout a couple of weeks ago, and I expect this one will be as good. If you ride by VT Rt 9 and NH Rt 101, you'll find lots of improved pavement, and incidentally go right past the end of my street.