Pushed over the edge

Sunday was an iffy day. The skies looked threatening on the verge of rain but I got an early start and hopped on my bike around 9am and headed East towards Langley. I was looking forward to a relaxing ride without having to worry about whether my chores were done or not. I can't relax when I know there are things to be done. I decided to take the fast route taking the freeway (Hwy99 and Hwy10). It takes about an hour to get to the business district on Fraser Highway and I find my reserved spot, empty just waiting for me & my 'Strom



Lately I have not found the need for speed. All the way while I was riding I was content to just go with the flow. I keep an eye on my rear view mirrors as the traffic approaches and pass. I find another vehicle travelling around the speed limit and I just tag behind, following at a modest distance. I eventually catch up to another car which had a mattress on its roof tied with two wraps of rope. The mattress is fluttering in the wind and doesn't appear to be that secured but I stay behind as we are approaching my exit. I don't know why drivers' can be so stupid as to take the freeway when they should take a slower surface route.



I came to Langley to attend the monthly meeting of the Canadian Route 66 Association. I have been a member since inception but I have been absent from meetings for a while. It is a breakfast meeting and today we have a garage tour to see a special collection. If you are a member of a car club you will know what a garage tour is.

Many people have collections. Usually they are motorized vehicles such as; hot rods, muscle cars, performance cars, motorcycles. They can also be Trucks, electric trains, dolls, antiques and so on. As these are private collections, they are not usually open to the public and also you have to respect their privacy as to location and what they may own. Not anyone can be invited to their homes so someone would contact them as ask if we may see their collection, and most are happy to show you what they have. It is easier if you are part of a recognized club.

Anyway here is a teaser photo, further details will be revealed on a future post . . .



By the time I finished our Garage Tour and rode home it was close to 3pm. Something had been on my mind for a long time. As you know V-stroms are not meant to be clean, and rain is the preferred method of washing.

But every time I look at my bike, my eyes see this



It's the caked-on crude that is caused by flinging chain lube coming into contact with dirt. My whole chain looks like this, as well as the sprocket. I took a bit of kerosene to reveal a section to show what it looks like



I know kerosene isn't kind to your hands so I put on some protective gloves and keep working away at the grime



I have also taken a kerosene soaked rag and cleaned my chain. It's not easy to clean between the links and my fingers are getting tired. I also decided to drag out my hose, washing supplies and give my bike a much needed bath. I got to run my hands over every inch of its sensuous body, feeling its contoured tank, caressing my chamois into every possible crevice trying to get it clean



While it wasn't as clean as the first day I bought it, it is 85%+ better than what it was and I would have to work with a toothbrush to get at the more confined areas. I also spent some time trying to clean the black rims



I must have spent 3 hours cleaning my bike and when I finished putting all my cleaning supplies away, I re-lubed the chain. It's amazing how much time it takes but it makes me feel good to know I have a clean machine. I'm almost positive that it will go faster now