I was getting my Nu2Me BMW ready for next season and I think all I need is some RAM mounts, spline lube, rear drive flush and new rain gear. I'm still thinking about a new GPS. I have already purchased a new riding jacket, new full face modular helmet which is just waiting for my Sena to be installed . I have already upgraded my sleeping bag and self inflating pad since last year .
Saturday was the best day for me to see the show but I wasn't feeling that great and with no one to keep me company I just didn't feel like driving the 1-1/2 hours each way (3 hours total), pay the $6. parking and just walk around looking at stuff that I didn't need so I came home and took a nap
After my nap I was feeling a bit better so I went shopping to pick up stuff for dinner. By the time I got home with my grocery supplies it was time to get dinner started
Sometimes I wished that I had someone to share my riding with. Those of you who have built-in riding partners are lucky. There is no one I know that lives near me . I don't have a regular riding buddy and with our tailgating and aggressive drivers I found it just easier to take the car to work. I did much less commuting to work during 2012 than in previous years but most of it was due to our construction project and difficulty of getting my bike "out". Then when Mrs Skoot broke her wrist I had to chauffeur her home from work every day as she was not allowed to drive.
We seem to get our worse weather during January-March so we are still in the grip of Winter. I normally don't ride when it is below 4°c due to frost or fog so we still have a few months to go before our riding season begins but it is a good time to be staring at maps and dream . . . of what 2013 will bring
Bob,
ReplyDeleteThat's what winter should look like. Not bare trees and wet leaves in the streets. Good to see you get to experience what a lot of us have to deal with on a daily basis. Now you just need some -25°C temps, and you'll have a real winter. :)
I know what you mean about a riding buddy. Mine lives 3 and a half hours away. All my rides are solo, unless it's going to be a LONG ride!
Erik:
DeleteSnow looks better than bare trees, I agree but we seldom get snow and it usually disappears in a day or so. I don't need -25° to tell me that is cold, I can imagine what it feels like.
If you ever get a chance to ride here you will understand why it is so hard to get to the good roads which are two hours away and having to ride a killer highway to get there. At least you have good roads right outside your front driveway.
I didn't make it to the motorcycle show this year. I'm not really in the market for anything new. I could use a new pair of gloves this season.
DeleteI've done a couple of 3,000-5,000 mile solo trips. I enjoyed the ability to make my own plans, set my own speed, and eat when I wanted.
I'm very lucky to have a great riding buddy. We're very compatible on a long trip. We think a like and almost don't even need to talk to each other...
Winter sux, doesn't it?
ReplyDeleteRiding solo all the time sux too!
Spring is coming!
Deb:
DeleteI am not a fan of Winter. I like the warmer months. I find that most of the riders on our local bike forum ride too fast for me. I like "scenic" speeds and the ability to stop for photos at every viewpoint. Every time I had gone on a group ride I was just riding by myself anyway so I just stopped going. I am usually part of the group until the first corner, then they are "gone".
To be able to share new roads, scenery with some one else would be great but as I know no one else that shares my passion for riding to scenic areas and taking photos I am forced to ride solo. The 2nd problem I have is when I go somewhere new, I have to duplicate my trip a separate time in the car so Mrs Skoot can also see where I had been. It hasn't been a problem in past years as I was always going to places we had already been, but 2013 will be different . . .
You're right, Spring is nearly here
See, that is exactly the kind of rider I am too. Even at my slow speeds compared to yours.
DeleteI have "invited" others to ride along with me locally and no takers. Everyone is in a big hurry to zoom from point A to point B. No takers.
I don't see the point of riding like that unless it's just pure transportation as in commuting or going to the grocery.
And I have even taken my partner in the car to places that I have found on the scoot! How interesting that you've done that too!
There are limits to doing that, however...
I still find it more stressful to ride with others, I guess I'm weird or something. Nice snow photos, I especially like the new snow on the chain link.
ReplyDeleteI was thinking the same thing about motorcycle shows. It would be nice to see one but all this eye catching stuff that I don't need. I thought about that when I was in Philly last October. Revzilla was only a few miles from the hotel and they have the C3 helmet...
Richard:
DeleteNot knowing how another rider, rides can be a problem. I would like to observe before I make a commitment. Group rides can be scary with everyone so close that's why I tend to hang back a few seconds from the rider in front, if you noticed on our iMBC2012 last year. The only problem is having to catch up fast when the "leader" wants to pass.
I was on a group ride to Squamish last June and on the straight stretches everyone was going so fast, until the helicopter was spotted then I had a chance to catch up, when the others slowed down. They patrol the Sea-to-Sky highway with Chopper1.
Going to Motorcycle Shows in a group is more about being social than buying stuff. I thought that going by myself would be a chore I didn't need to do, besides, I wasn't looking for anything special and certainly didn't need another bike.
I was warned by others about B.C. making heavy use of helicopters looking for speeders ESPECIALLY motorcycles (caps provided by the others).
DeleteI figure that there probably won't be much at a regular motorcycle show that would fit my bike anyway and it only gets me thinking of trading for something else. I don't know how many times I almost picked up a F650GS thumper due to the improved suspension and features like ABS. But now it's almost like I have a new bike and challenge now...
Richard:
Deletewe have an antique Motorcycle Swap meet here in the Spring. Lots of vintage stuff for sale "K" bikes, airheads, lots of parts.
http://www.classicbikeswapmeet.com/ April 28th, 2013
also lots of bikes for sale. Mark your calendar and come on down
Bob,
ReplyDeleteSpline lub? Have you been worrying yourself silly by looking at too many online forums?
Also, to avoid repetition you should arrange for real time video feed so that Mrs B can monitor every second of your journey to Garmisch in July......we'll see you there! Mrs N has agreed to ride with me for the 90th BMW celebration.
Byebye for now, N
Nikos:
DeleteHow did you know I was worried silly over the spline lube ? It has to be done for peace of mind. You're going to have a great time at the BMW Party, be sure to take lots of photos. Maybe you should be giving us access to "your" live video feed
Bob: It is my understanding that the best spline lube available is put out by Honda. When I had my RT I got the splines done once a year and never had to worry about it.
DeleteIt's easy to forget that even though you can look out the window at mountains the great riding roads can still be hours away - fighting Vancouver drivers all the way. (Who are, imo, even worse than Toronto drivers.) But it's nice to see you got some of the white stuff, even without -25 temps.
ReplyDeleteCanajun:
DeleteOur best Roads are West of Hope and north of Whistler and Hwy 6 which is East of Vernon. So it is 2 hours to get north of Whistler and to Hope. Kelowna is just over 4 hours away. Eastern WA down in Palouse County is good for long sweepers but it is a hassle to cross the border. We don't have any local scenic mountain roads near the city.
Our Hwy 1 is also patrolled by helicopter
Bob - Sorry I didn't make it over for the show this year. It has been kind of hard here lately with everyone in different states of flu. I also figured not too much would change over a year about what is 'hot motorcycle' stuff and what is just repeat. I wish I lived closer and the ferry wasn't such an issue, it just adds another layer of complications for getting to events or even go riding. The ferry costs are crazy. Sorry you are a sad panda! Your pictures are pretty though.
ReplyDeleteDar:
DeleteAll you had to do was "Say the Word". I would have picked you up at the ferry terminal and dropped you back there and you could have been a walk-on passenger. Triumph were introducing their new Daytona 675R, and all manufacturers were going to be there.
The next big event is the Classic Motorcycle swap meet on April 28th in Tsawwassen. Lots of bikes for sale and vintage parts. You have to be there to believe it
Group riding is over rated :-) One or two buddies to ride is the ideal. I went to the motorcycle show in NY, it was crazy, you could move inside with so many people, I don't think I will be going again.
ReplyDeleteGeorge:
DeleteIf only I had two riding buddies. During our iMBC2012 last year we had 8 of us. It was probably on the high side of our group but we split up in Hell's Canyon and it seemed okay when we were in the Mountains. If our group was any larger then we could have split into 2 smaller groups. Four to six would seem to be ideal.
Ah Bob - sounds like you've a bit of the Blue Monday blues... You know there is something very peaceful about riding alone. Knowing you, you are not alone for much on any ride. You will meet many new friends on every journey all the while having Mrs. Skoot there at the end of each journey (lucky you!) Has she thought about a little trip to Halifax, lots to see and do.
ReplyDeleteKaren:
DeleteYou know that I am not a loner, but I can endure for a few days until I get where I am going but I need "people" at the other end, or perhaps meet others along the way.
Mrs Skoot is near the top of the list for her hip replacement surgery. We had to pass on it last month because of her broken wrist they wouldn't do it. This is the only "snag" in our 2013 plans as I have to be home during the first week or so, and burn up vacation days which I was trying to save. It just means more unpaid time off . . . Too early to plan the Halifax portion, have to see how she heals first
Bob,
ReplyDeleteI never take our area's roads for granted but it is nice then and again to be reminded of how nice we have it around here, fully appreciating that everyone's idea of "good" is different.
Like you, I've mostly given up on any group riding. There are a couple of friends that I do go out with but we both find ourselves compromising to do so and a group of 3 is as large as they ever get. I never mind just going alone and for the most part prefer it for just the reasons you've stated.
Attending my first brand rally a few years ago was something I did with caution since my understanding of a group that size just didn't fit me very well. However, now that I understand them, I'm enjoying the rallies I attend immensely. Up in the morning, join the folks for breakfast on-site or in the nearest town and then I take off all day on my own. Meet up for dinner nearby or at the rally site, then sit around the campfire with a beer or two with good friends is hard to beat. Mixing in weekends on my own between rally events is about as good as it will get for me. I've been attending BMW and Guzzi events in the Midwest without owning either brand.
I make an exception at our Wildcat Rally over Labor Day weekend. The last couple of years I've been leading a Slow Ride on either Saturday or Sunday. We take the smallest lanes and farm roads, all paved, though this year might be different :) Averaging 35mph, we take most of the day to go 100-120 miles. Often our bikes are small but that certainly isn't a requisite. Historic sites, scenic overlooks, my goal is always to share roads and locations that mostly go unnoticed since they aren't on the main thoroughfares. It's fun, unhurried and relaxing even though some of the roads can be technically demanding.
Coop:
DeleteI used to be very active in our scooter community. I have had several scooters but they only like to ride locally and not tour. Urban riding is more dangerous than the open highway.
There are usually lots of rides posted during riding season and I often meet up for breakfast but most of them like to ride without stopping so when I lag behind I don't know which way they are going.
I had the most fun riding in our interior. The best roads are East of Kelowna, and Kelowna is just over 4 hours away on our Coquihalla mountain highway. If you ever decide to come out this way we could take the back route up Duffey Lake Road into Lillooet. The Canyon is spectacular in that area.
Bob - you are a sweetie! If I didnt feel so dragged out from the flu/cold I would have been there. April 28th sounds interesting.
ReplyDeleteDar:
DeletePerhaps you could visit with your Delta relatives. I think you would be amazed as to what shows up at that swap meet. You would most certainly find your "new to you" bike there, or badly needed parts.
. . . or, I could pick you and motorcycle man at the ferry terminal and you could spend the day over here before I drop you back. No use to spend the $150. for the car
Dear Bob Skoot:
ReplyDeleteI used to be so envious of those long lines of Harley riders, exuding the power of their marque and sounding like the hammers of hell. I once put together a BMW ride of 20 bikes and headed off to Gettysburg, about 90 miles distant. We rode in staggered formation for about 40 miles. More effort was spent in maintaining position than was left for enjoying the view. After a bit, I said, "Shit on this," and left the line with pal Dick Bregstein 10 feet behind me. Every other two or three riders did the same. I never tried that again.
I suspect you'd hate riding with me. I love to get on a picturesque interstate, and let the horses run. The BMW is made for speeds around 100mph, and hitting them, on occasion, refreshes the soul.
You have the BMW bug bad. You need to join a BMW riding club. There must be one in Vancouver. Join the MOA, buzz the local dealer, and you should have a list of candidates shortly. Don't expect to meet he equivalent of Dick Bregstein, however. He is rare even among Teutonic circles.
Stop worry about the spline lube. I assume you are talking about the final drive splines? Get them lubed whenever you change the back tire. (Why not, the wheel is already off.) The splines get about 30¢ worth of Honda Molly. Make sure it is the Honda product, as the German brand has a lot less molly in it. If you join a club, you will undoubtedly meet a dozen guys who can show you how to do this in about 25 minutes.
Fondest regards,
Jack Riepe
Twisted Roads
Jack:
Deleteon group rides I don't bother to stop for photos but it kills me not to. Often times I backtrack but then the moment is gone, the light is wrong, it is never as good as the photo that was "lost"
With a smaller group you are able plan the next meet point, whether it be lunch or a snack and we decide on the same route and we use the 20 minute rule and when there is a "branch" in the road, then that is where the first group waits. They wait for 20 minutes. If no one shows up then one or two will back track, on the same route, to try and find the lost soul who may have had a "break down". Who knows what may have happened.
I was doing a bit of reading regarding ABS failures and Spline Lube failures. While there is no problem with my model or year I would rather pay the few bucks to have piece of mind. The ABS failures were mainly caused by impurities in the brake fluid which would contaminate the pump and cause it to fail. So I had that done. The splines are supposed to be lubed every two years and I don't know the history of my NU2ME bike so I would rather just have it done.
I have done a lot of Group riding in the past, but lately not so much. I am learning to be a loner. Can't wait to meet up with you next year "on the road"
I think riding buddies make your riding expeditions more fun. My cousin recently had race thing with his friends,seemed pretty intense and fun at the same time.Well fun, as i had the chance to listen in to their conversations, thanks to helmet coms :-)..cool dirt bike accessory..that one
ReplyDeleteAudrey:
DeleteRiding with or without a group, has advantages either way. I am insecure, I cannot fix my bike if it breaks so I like the security of a group but it is also nice to have your own timetable and not have to comprise on key elements of any trip, where to eat and where to spend the night.
Brrrrr! I missed the motorcycle show in Minnesota. Bummed, but I'm catching pictures on some blogs. Today it is -9F (-22C) with a wind chill making it feel like -26F. I miss my motorcycle.
ReplyDeletePam:
Deleteso sorry for your cold temperatures. The main reason to attend a show is to meet up with others, keep in touch, chat and to share a meal or two. After a few months of non-riding, your first ride of the Season will be like you had never ridden before and the sensation of freedom would be "priceless". Hope your Spring comes early
Thanks bob! I hope Spring comes early too.
DeletePam:
DeleteI know you are missing "riding your bike", but Spring is just around the corner. Look at some maps and make some plans . . .
This are nice photos of the winter weather. Glad to know you are taking precautions on riding when its snowing. Its quit cold and slippery.
ReplyDeleteI tend to write about winter tires at Pirelli Motorcycle Tires get to learn more.
Hey, charity, obviously not your name, why don't you go fill your profile? And while you are at it, write about your damn pirelli tires somewhere else. I doubt it I will ever buy pirelli so not sure what you accomplished here.
DeleteI recently purchased Michellin Pilot Road 2's and I think I will be very happy with them. I love Michellin and have them on my car too. I also have Michellin on my Vstrom and they are great. No point in changing brands anytime soon
DeleteBob, this is the typical spam, I get them on my blog once in a while but I delete them. I was expecting you to delete both my comment and charity's.
DeleteThis type of comment with links for you to buy stuff is annoying.
If you look at their profiles you never see any info and have always been created recently, because as soon as google finds out they delete the account. Sorry for intervening on your blog but I think I know a little about this crap ;-)
George:
DeleteI know, but I don't get a lot of spam so I was just playing along. I would have felt bad putting you into the "delete" basket. You didn't mention but I hope the job hunting is getting some results . . .
I'll bet if you found a local Goldwing or metric cruiser forum rather than a sportbike forum you'd find riders more interested in scenery than speed. I rode with the local Goldwing chapter here and they are very welcoming no matter what you ride, they're great to ride with and love to stop and chat, take photos and ride to eat. A local BMW forum might be another one to try or a scooter forum. Also, he who posts a ride, leads the ride therefore sets the pace.
ReplyDeleteYou should have sent us a note about the MC show, we forgot all about it until we read your blog post.
Troubadour:
DeleteI have met the prev President of the local Goldwing Club on the way to Whistler one summer afternoon. He told me where they meet and I also have another friend who belongs to the Goldwing Club and they go away for weekends. He told me that all bikes are welcome.
I also know the local cruiser club but they meet in Langley on Sundays. Langley is about an hour East of where we live, but their rides always go EAST and then I have a couple of hours to get home.
I would have gone to the MC show if I had company. Abbotsford is nearly 1-1/2 hours away and I just didn't feel like fighting traffic by myself. With you here it would have been different. Our room is not quite ready yet. Our new Construction should be done by Spring, then we can get a new "welcome" mat. Also secure bike parking (hint)
Snow pics are pretty. I skipped the show, too, and just ordered my helmet on-line. I didn't have anyone to go with -- Hubby was busy -- and had better things to do anyway. I do like having a riding buddy. Maybe you'll meet a fun local?
ReplyDeleteKathy:
DeleteI too purchased a new modular helmet for next riding season. Most of the time Mrs Skoot keeps me company but she was working and we had things to do on Sunday. I do need a few more things but I will just pay the regular price when I need them
I am a motorcycle enthusiast and i am really impressed by the accessories you purchased. Top quality motorcycle tires are my greatest concern. i must say that your pictures are amazing too.
DeleteI own a street motorcycle that is installed with top quality Street Bike Accessories. However, reading your article has got me thinking how important it would be if i bought myself a full face helmet.
As exciting as having a bike riding partner it is not as exciting to ride in the frost and snow at freezing temperatures especially if you don't have the right tires with the scooping trends to handle the snow and you can hardly trend on it.Quality tires from top brands like Shinko Motorcycle Tires could also be one of the accessories to look at to make your riding experience worth while.
ReplyDelete