January 7, 2008 As most of you know, today was nice out after work!! On the way home, I saw some old guy riding a Vespa scooter and thought to myself, "okay, if that guy is out, then I need to go for a ride." I got home, changed into my riding gear (they're even tighter due to the holiday feasts I've been chowing down on) and hit the road for a short ride. The roads were still pretty messy, but definitely doable! My thermometer at 3:35pm read 47F degrees, so ice was melting making the roads a little wet, but I wasn't going to let that hold me back I decided on riding mostly main roads from home in Holden to the Old Stone Church and Wachusett Reservoir first for a couple of photos. From the Old Stone Church, I figured I would try a little local "Res Run" up 140 to 70, but as I saw a new KLR650 turn South on 70 instead of North, I decided to head towards South with him towards Worcester. The KLR turned towards the jail and I was again alone, but decided to head towards Wagner to see the new 848. When I got there I was the only bike in the lot. (Probably because they're closed on Mondays) I looked across the parking lot and the temp said 54F!! What a day! Next I pointed the fender towards one of Worcester's most intriguing locations to me... The old abandoned Worcester State Hospital. I love the looks of the old buildings and especially the clock tower. Hmmm... where to next? How 'bout a trip up Rt 9 to Performance to see what's going on? Lots of peoples there were looking at snowmobiles. One female employee asked, "are you riding today?" When I said, "oh yeah", she said "well good for you!" As the sky began to darken, I decided to head home after one more spot, Ward Hill in Shrewsbury, MA. After the December we have had, this warm up was a welcome break. Jan 8, 2008. Got to ride the bike to work today. It is filthy with sand and salt from the melting snow alongside the road, however. It's been a nice break to PMS.
Awesome pics of a January ride. I especially like the picture of the ski area. Kudos to you for going out! If my bike was together right now, I'd be riding it around. Right now in Burlington, Vermont, as I type this, it's 54 degrees and sunny, although it feels warmer than that. Maybe I'll get it running and toodle around the block this evening, hopefully the battery is all charged up!
Hopefully you get the chance to get out today, but as a warning.... your bike is going to be filthy after all of the sand and salt gets all over it. Mine is enough to make me :faint2:
RIDE #1/ 08 today...... 64 degees non-VFR, '86 Yamaha Radian winter "beater bike." THE ROADS ARE SLICK, EVEN WHEN DRY!
It was nice and toasty here in NC today as well. I think it hit around 70 or perhaps a little higher! Sadly I was at work all day but I did enjoy the ride to and from work. Even though it's dark now, the temp is still good and I'm thinking about getting on the saddle again.
Yesterday and today were my first commutes in the new Aerostich. Sweet! Lots of bikes commuting - and a definite lack of squids weaving in-and-out. These have been the best rides of the year for me :wink: I'm headed to the DC convention center first thing Sat. morning and staying to see this season's BOSS show, then back south. PM me if you're planning to be around the show and we can say "hi".
